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Act 79

Act 79 – Security for Victims of Abuse in Pennsylvania

Act 79 - Security for Victims of Abuse in PennsylvaniaOn October 12, 2018, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolfe signed in to law Act 79 which amends Pennsylvania’s Protection from Abuse Act (23 Pa.C.S.A. 6107). The changes modify some of the provisions that deal with the possession of guns and firearm by an
abuser and should provide enhanced security for victims.

The changes enacted by Governor Wolfe requires those convicted of misdemeanor
crimes of domestic violence or subject to protective orders to immediately (within twenty­
four hours) relinquish guns and firearms. The current law provides that such weapons be relinquished within 60 days of the entry of such orders.

Another section of Act 79 addresses the individuals to whom weapons can be relin­quished. Under Act 79, weapons can be turned over to the police, a gun dealer, or to a lawyer. Weapons may no longer be relinquished to a “third party”( as permitted in the prior Act) for safekeeping. The practice of permitting friends and family to hold an abusers guns is no longer acceptable or permitted.

Under the new provisions, it is required that service is made by the sheriff or authorized deputy sheriff unless the plaintiff specifically chooses or agrees to another method of service. Act 79 takes effect in approximately six months and is viewed by many as a great step forward in Pennsylvania gun safety regulation. Similar laws exist in Arizona, Hawaii, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, Utah, and Washington.

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National Doughnut Day Celebration

National Doughnut Day

The first Friday of June is annually celebrated as National Doughnut Day in the United States. National Doughnut Day, however, is about more than just honoring those tasty treats.

National Doughnut DayDuring WWI, the Salvation Army dispatched over 250 women (the “Lassies”) to prepare and deliver food to soldiers on the front lines in Europe. These volunteers made home cooked meals and provided a morale boost our troops needed. Two of the Salvation Army Lassies, Margaret Sheldon, and Helen Purviance, came up with the idea of providing doughnuts to the soldiers. The Lassies were quite a creative group as they found that placing oil in the metal helmets of our soldiers was a great way to cook these treats. In this way, National Doughnut Day honors the Salvation Army “Lassies” of WWI.

Later, National Doughnut Day became a way to raise awareness about the war and to raise funds for the Salvation Army’s activities on the battlefield. In many parts of the country, the tradition of serving donuts to raise funds for the Salvation Army still exits.

This Friday, celebrate the spirit of charity by volunteering at your local Salvation Army or other non-profit organization that works with the armed forces. Then visit your local Donut Shop to enjoy the tasty treat.

If you find yourself in need of assistance, on or off the battlefield, contact Melissa L. Van Eck, Esquire at (717) 724-9821.