Halloween Events, Time Change, Election and More

Tonight, Friday, October 30, 5-7 pm at Gotwals School, and every Friday from now on, Habitat for Humanity will host a FREE Kids' Club for kids of all ages. Activities include sports, arts & crafts, movies and more. Snacks provided. Contact 610-278-7710 x107 or msampson@habitatmontco.org for info

Saturday, Halloween, at 1 pm at the Elmwood Park Bandshell, Annual Spooktacular Costume Contest. For ages 13 and under. Meet at the bandshell in costume. Judging at 1:10 pm. Each participant will receive a free hotdog, drink, and goody bag. Hosted by Norristown Recreation.

Saturday, 4-7 pm, Trunk or Treat at the Roosevelt School parking lot (Stergiere St, near Markley), coordinated by CADCOM. Bring your kids Trick or Treating in a safe place. They can make their way through a maze of cars. Local groups will be giving out candy and treats. For info, contact Heather Lewis at 610-277-6363 x166 or hlewis @cadcom.org.

Also Saturday from 4-7 pm, another Trunk or Treat in the West End at Calvary Baptist's parking lot on West Marshall and Haws Avenue. Again, trick or treating in a safe environment.

Saturday night -- Daylight Savings Time ends. SET YOUR CLOCKS BACK 1 HOUR.

Sunday starting at 10 am, Open Mic at Coffee Talk, 507 W Marshall St. Musicians, writers, poets, artisans and anyone else welcome. $5 donation.

Sunday after 2 pm at Elmwood Park Zoo, Norristown Municipality residents receive FREE Zoo admission. Valid ID is required. Children must be accompanied by an adult to receive free admission.

Monday from 5-10 pm, you can help the Norristown Youth Football and Cheerleading Teams raise funds by eating at Chaps Sports Bar, 2509 W Main, Jeffersonville. They'll receive a percentage of all food purchases, dine in or carryout. Door prizes, raffle baskets. Tell your server you're with Norristown Eagles.

Tuesday is Election Day. Polls are open from 7 am to 8 pm. GET OUT AND VOTE. Check out your sample ballot at this link.

Thursday from 6:30-7:30 pm in the Children's Dept of the Norristown Library, families are invited to learn healthy snack ideas and nutrition tips for kids, create healthy snacks, and eat what you make. Presented by PA Nutrition Education Tracks. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All ages. Registration required. Call 610-278-5100 x 205 or visit the Children’s Department to sign up. For info, contact ysprmcnpl@yahoo.com.

Remember to check out the library's full calendar. They have daily programs for readers of all ages. Click on the link in the right column.

ELECTION: School Board, Judges, Commissioners

So, maybe you read my Diary yesterday and decided you should go vote next Tuesday. Then you pulled up your sample ballot and the sheer number of decisions you'll have to make in the voting booth gave you second thoughts. Yes, it's a long ballot this time. And most of us don't know much about the candidates other than as names on pieces of junk mail or political signs or, in the cases of some judges, names in mud-slinging ads on TV.  If you're going to vote for someone simply because you recognize their name, or vote for or against them because of TV ads, you might as well stay home.

Here are some of the offices and the candidates running for them. I've listed background and experience info from their websites or that I heard directly from them if I met them in person. I included links to their websites if they have one. Just click on their names.

NASD SCHOOL BOARD (vote for 5). Some of these candidates are running under both parties.

George Kennedy - Lives in East Norriton. Only listed on the Democratic ballot. Retired teacher who has years of experience in elementary up through college level teaching. Worked for Conrail before teaching and feels that gives him experience keeping within a budget.

Louis W. Mason - From Conshohocken, now living in West Norriton. Retired teacher--36 years in education. Taught all levels and also was a principal in Chester Schools.

Michael Melnyck - Currently on School Board. Lives in East Norriton. Parent of NASD student. Works as Service Manager.

Janice Pearce - Currently on School Board. Has been on board for 12 years. Lives in Norristown. Retired school librarian. Worked in NASD schools for 34 years, 27 of which was at high school. Specialty in Special Ed. She's also a grant writer.

Sandra White - Lives in West Norriton. Has worked 35 years in the Insurance industry. Did not mention education experience at the candidates' forum last spring.

Tiffani Hendley - Lives in Norristown. Parent of NASD student. Currently enrolled as education major at Harkum College.


MONTGOMERY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS (vote for 2)

Josh Shapiro - Currently a County Commissioner. Also serves as chairman of the PA Commission on Crime & Delinquency. Previous was a State Representative. Lives in Abington Township.

Steve Tolbert, Jr. - Teaches Economics and Finance at St. Joe's University. Serves in the US Army Reserve--is a veteran of the Iraq War (2007-08). Resides in West Norriton Township.

Val Arkoosh - Currently serving as Commissioner, though appointed, not elected, filling the seat Leslie Richards vacated to serve on the PA cabinet. No information on her website other than that she's a doctor. Lives in Springfield Township.

Joseph Gale - Works as a loan specialist in the housing industry. Has worked in the County Recorder of Deeds office. Youngest candidate at 25. Lives in Lansdale.


COURT OF COMMON PLEAS JUDGE (vote for 3). These are the judges at our Courthouse who hear most criminal and civil cases.

Rise Vetri Ferman - Montgomery County District Attorney since 2008. Born in Philadelphia. Grew up in Abington and still lives there. Worked as a prosecutor the last 22 years.

Dan Clifford - Trial lawyer. Family law litigator for more than 30 years. Appeared before Common Pleas judges in 13 counties (including each of the 20 judges on the Montgomery County bench) and on appeals before the Superior Court of Pennsylvania. Lives in Springfield Township. 

Stephen Heckman - Chief Public Defender of Montgomery County for 4 years until 2012, Assistant Public Defender for 13 years before that. Currently a litigator in his own law firm. Lives in Upper Dublin.

Natasha Taylor-Smith - Trial attorney for almost 20 years. Currently representing the county in contract and real estate issues. Philadelphia native. Resident of Cheltenham.

Todd Eisenberg - Lives in Lower Moreland. Instructor of trial advocacy for Temple and the National Institute of Trial Advocacy. Works in a voluntary capacity for the Montgomery County Child Advocacy Project, representing children in PFA hearings, dependency matters and as a witness in criminal cases.

Gregory Cirillo - From Lower Merion. A lot of sentences on his Facebook bio, but "litigator of complex legal cases" and "court of Common Pleas arbitrator" were as specific as I could find. He seems to have no website so the link is for his Facebook page.

JUDGE OF SUPREME COURT OF PA (vote for 3). These judges mainly do appeals. The positions are usually filled by judges who have served on lower courts.

Anne Covey - Currently a judge on the Commonwealth Court. Office is in Doylestown.

Mike George - Currently the President Judge of the Adams County Court of Common Pleas. Lives near  Gettysburg.

Judy Olson - Superior Court Judge since 2009. From Pittsburgh area.

David Wecht - Superior Court Judge since 2012. Court of Common Pleas before that since 2003. From Pittsburgh.

Christine Donahue - Superior Court Judge since 2007. From Pittsburgh. 

Kevin Dougherty - Currently Administrative Judge in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.



Hope that helps. I'll try to list some more of the candidates here before Tuesday's election.

Every Election Counts

Why should you vote on November 3rd? Usually off-year elections are poorly attended because no one cares who ends up as, say, Register of Wills.

The two candidates running for this office are D. Bruce Hanes and Sharon Valentine-Thomas.

Hanes is the incumbent. He made national news when he issued marriage licenses to same-sex couples in 2013, arguing that "his oath to uphold the state’s constitution required him to issue the licenses given that the constitution guarantees equal treatment under the law."

Valentine-Thomas has stated that she "will not personally issue any same sex marriage licenses" if she wins the race. She stated that "she will seek court permission to allow the licenses to be issued by a subordinate." She apparently doesn't think the state constitution applies to her.

I have to wonder if she'd only limit her refusal to perform her duties to marriage licenses. If one partner in a same-sex marriage dies and the other comes in to register the estate, will Thomas refuse to sign those papers, too? And each time that estate executor/administrator comes back in for more forms (I had to go in 3 times for my dad's estate), will he or she be subject to discrimination over and over? Will Thomas refuse to sign documents for people of other religions different from hers since she seems to think her religion gives her a right not to perform her duties. What if Jews want to get married, or Muslims, or atheists?

My feeling is that if you want to be hired for ANY position, you ought to willing to perform ALL the duties of that position. If not, go look for another job. We taxpayers have enough problems with elected officials who refuse to work. For instance, the US House of Representatives.

So I'm endorsing Mr. Hanes. If Ms. Thomas DOES get elected, I'll be starting a petition to dock her pay for the work she refuses to do.

It may seem like a boring local election, but you never know who might get into office simply because voters didn't care and didn't show up. A little county job like Register of Wills might seem unimportant compared to voting for President, but when you walk into one of those County offices, you may be the one discriminated against next.

Please get out and vote next Tuesday. To find out where to vote and see your sample ballot, go to this link.

Halloween, Election, Zoning and More

More Halloween events this week--haunted house, parties, etc. Plus election day isn't far off, so think about attending the candidates forum. Unfortunately it's on the same night as the Zoning Hearing, which has a full agenda. One of the items could create major traffic headaches if it's approved, and change the look of one of the major entrances to town. It probably WILL be approved if no one shows up.

Tonight, Friday, 8 pm-midnight at Selma Mansion (1301 W Airy): The Haunted Mansion Ghost Tours. Selma will be decked out for Halloween. Zombies and ghouls will lurk in its halls. Last year's tours were voted 2nd Best Family Event in Montgomery County (2nd only to Riverfest). But this isn't a normal haunted house tour. You'll also hear about Selma's rich history and the mansion's unique ghost stories. Tours run continuously. Come anytime in the time slot. Adults $5, children 5-12, veterans and seniors, $3. All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. All proceeds benefit the restoration of the mansion.

Also Friday, 5-7 pm at Gotwals School, and every Friday from now on, Habitat for Humanity is hosting a FREE Kids' Club for kids of all ages. Activities include sports, arts & crafts, movies and more. Snacks provided. Contact 610-278-7710 x107 or msampson@habitatmontco.org for info.

Saturday from 7-9 pm, at ACPPA (506 Haws), Glow Party for tweens, teens and young adults, ages 10-22. Activities: Dancing, karaoke, neon soccer and more. FREE admission. Food and glow items available for purchase. RSVP at this link. casaglowparty.eventbrite.com

Monday, 5:30-7:30 pm at Montco OIC. Monday's FREE computer class topic will be "Learn To Blog/Publish Online."  New topics will be discussed each week featuring hands-on learning and instruction. Each class is limited to 16 attendees or you may bring your own laptop. Evening classes are held on Mondays and afternoon classes will be held on Wednesdays and Fridays. Wednesday and Friday's topic this week is "Social Media 101." To register for one or all classes, please call 610-279-9700 or email info@montcooic.org

Tuesday, 6 pm at Riverfront Park, Full Moon Wine and Cheese Paddle hosted by the Dragon Boat Club. Push off from the dock at 6:30 pm. Bring a bottle of wine or beverage and a snack to share. No intense paddling. Just paddle up river and sit, talk, laugh and look at the moon. RSVP info@dragonboatclub.org

Tuesday at 7 pm, Carver Community Center (249 Jacoby). Candidates Forum. Remember, Election Day is November 3. Come out and meet the candidates.

Tuesday, 7 pm, Municipal Hall. Zoning Board Hearing. The full agenda is up at this link. Properties include 122 W Marshall (wants to create a duplex), 637 Markley (wants to create a vehicle storage lot on a piece of property about one third the minimum allowed size), 1009 Dekalb (wants to put in 4 parking spaces where 8.5 are needed), and 1882 Markley (Dunkin Donuts at Logan Square--sounds like they want to turn it into a gas station--they want to make the sidewalk narrower to allow for a canopy over gas pumps which would be almost twice the maximum size allowed, and a bunch of other requests for non-comforming development regarding signs (too large, too tall), etc. I hope Zoning says no to this one).

Wednesday from 9 am-5 pm at the Norristown Health Center, 1221 Powell. Free Rapid HIV Testing Day. Walk-Ins and appointments welcome. Contact  610-279-6095. Online appointments at www.ppsp.org

Wednesday morning, 9:30-10:30 am at Barton Partners, 700 E Main, Suite 301. All Norristown businesses, especially those within a few blocks of the Schuylkill River Trail, are invited to participate in a workshop hosted by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council. Learn how your business can take advantage of its proximity to the trail. The Schuylkill River Trail in Norristown averages nearly 1,000 cyclists per day, doubling to 2,000 per day on the weekends, and hundreds of walkers and runners use the Trail on a daily basis--all of them potential customers. This is a FREE event, open to all interested parties.

Thursday, 6:30-7:30 pm at the Norristown Library (Swede and Powell), gardening presentation on planting fall bulbs for spring blossoms, led by Master Gardener Betsy Nutt. For info, contact Asha Verma, 610-278-5100, averma@mclinc.org

Next Saturday, Halloween, October 31, remember the 2 Trunk or Treat events for the kids--one at Roosevelt School parking lot coordinated by CADCOM, one at Calvary Baptist's parking lot on West Marshall, both 4-7 pm. CADCOM is seeking donation of candy, and volunteers. To help out, contact Heather Lewis at 610-277-6363 x166 or hlewis@cadcom.org.

Halloween Events Begin and More This Week

Saturday's busy this week but the events are staggered so you can get to all if you want. Then get in the Halloween spirit Saturday night at Selma Mansion. An interesting tour and a great cause. Restoring that beautiful old mansion will do Norristown proud.

Today, Friday, at 3 pm, "Chat With The Chief" on Facebook. Online chat with Police Chief Talbot. Go to the Norristown Police Department Facebook page at this link to join in. You must be a member of Facebook to participate, but you should be able to at least read the discussion even if you aren't.

Saturday, 8 am at the Norristown Public Library (Swede and Powell). Advocates Against Hunger Free Produce Distribution. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Norristown. If you can help out on this event, please contact Dave Beach at dbeach04@gmail.com. 

Saturday from 9 am-1 pm at Stewart Middle School (1315 W Marshall). The Stewart PFC is hosting a Flea Market. If you want to be a vendor, it's $20 a space and $25 for a space and table. Contact Becky Kinsey at 484-571-1556 or stewartpfc@gmail.com.

Saturday, 10 am to 2 pm at the Centre Theatre (208 Dekalb). The Norristown Project is looking for volunteers to assist with a clean up project indoors at the Theatre. TNP is looking for individuals to assist with clearing large/small items and general cleaning (floors, walls, windows, etc.) For more information or to RSVP, email sashe@montcooic.org

Saturday, noon-5 pm, Parking lot on Dekalb between Airy and Marshall. Save-A-Life Tour. Music by Glorify, Romans Road, Descendants of Noah. Free admission, food and beverages. Info at this link

Saturday, 7-10 pm, Candlelight Tours at Selma Mansion (1301 W Airy St). This year the Norristown Preservation Society has split their Ghost Tours into 2 events--this week, for those who aren't into Halloween Haunted Houses but who love a good ghost story, here's a tour for you. Living history guides will lead you through a quiet Selma Mansion by candlelight, telling tales of Selma's rich history, its residents, and of course, its ghosts. Tours will run continuously--just stop by anytime between 7 and 10 pm. Adults $5; children 5-12, seniors and veterans $3. Proceeds benefit the Selma Mansion restoration fund. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. (The other tour will be next week. See below.)

Sunday, 2 pm at the  Historical Society of Montgomery County (1654 Deklab).  Paul Breon presents A Hundred Necessary Rules of Conduct for Children. Light refreshments will be served at 2 pm followed by the presentation at 2:30 pm. Mr. Breon will discuss his new book which is based on an article originally written by Christopher Dock, the Mennonite schoolmaster who taught in the Skippack area. Christopher Saur of Germantown published Dock's Hundert Noethige Sitten-Regeln für Kinder – A Hundred Necessary Rules of Conduct for Children - in 1764. Information, call 610-272-0297.

Monday, 5:30-7:30 pm at Montco OIC. This week's FREE computer class topic will be "Learn To Search." New topics will be discussed each week featuring hands-on learning and instruction. Each class is limited to 16 attendees or you may bring your own laptop. Evening classes are held on Mondays and afternoon classes will be held on Wednesdays and Fridays. To register for one or all classes, please call 610-279-9700 or email info@montcooic.org

Tuesday at 6:30 pm, Council Workshop at Municipal Hall. No agenda yet.

For those who DO like Haunted Houses, don't miss the Haunted Mansion Ghost Tours at Selma Mansion next Friday, October 23, 8-midnight. Selma will be decked out for Halloween and ghouls will lurk in its halls. Last year's tours were voted 2nd Best Family Event in Montgomery County (2nd only to Riverfest). More info in next Friday's Diary.

Egyptian Fest, Car Show and More

This should be a classic autumn weekend, so enjoy the crisp weather and get out to the car show, Egyptian festival, etc.

Saturday, 9-11:30 am, Stewart Middle School, FREE Boys' Lacrosse Clinic for boys in grades 5-8. No equipment needed. Clinics will also take place Oct 17, 24 and 31. For information and to RSVP, email friendsofnorristownlax@yahoo.com

Saturday, 10 am to 3:30 pm at Main and Swede downtown, Annual Norristown Car, Truck & Bike Show hosted by Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church. Car registration 9-11 am, $15. Free to spectators. Burnout demonstration, 50/50, DJ and much more.

Also Saturday, noon to 8 pm, and Sunday, noon to 6 pm, 42nd annual Egyptian Festival at St. George Coptic Orthodox Church, 411 Dekalb. Gourmet Middle Eastern food, Mediterranean groceries, artwork, Coptic music, church tours, handmade jewelry and much more. More info please call 610-272-7615.

Saturday, 8-10 pm at August Moon, Crying Sam Second Saturday Jazz presents Drew Nugent and the Midnight Society. Take a trip back to the 1920s for speakeasy-style hot jazz with one of Philly's busiest ensembles. Seating begins 7:30. Entertainment fee $10. 2 drink minimum.

Monday, 11:45 am, Columbus Day Ceremony at the Columbus Monument in Elmwood Park.

Monday, 5:30-7 pm, Montgomery County OIC, 1101 Arch St #2. FREE computer classes for the community. This week's topic is "Intro To Email. Each class is limited to 16 attendees or you may bring your own laptop. Evening classes are held on Mondays and afternoon classes will be held on Wednesdays and Fridays. To register for one or all classes, please call 610-279-9700 or email info@montcooic.org.

Tuesday, 6-8 pm, GNPAL's annual Open House at 340 Harding Blvd. Meet coaches, tour facility, register early, get schedules and much more.

Tuesday, 7 pm Municipal Hall, Planning Commission Meeting. No agenda yet.

Next Friday at 3 pm, you're invited to join in an online Facebook chat with Police Chief Talbot. Go to the Norristown Police Department Facebook page at this link to join in. You must be a member of Facebook to participate, but even if you aren't, you should be able to at least read the discussion (just keep refreshing the page).

For Halloween this year, I've heard of 2 Trunk or Treat events for the kids--one at Roosevelt School parking lot coordinated by CADCOM, one at Calvary Baptist's parking lot on West Marshall, both 4-7 pm on the 31st. CADCOM is seeking donation of candy, and volunteers. To help out, contact Heather Lewis at 610-277-6363 x166 or hlewis@cadcom.org.

Helping the Homeless and the Library With ART (and other stuff to do)

At this point it looks like Hurricane Joaquin may go out to sea. It'll still be a rainy weekend, but probably not a total washout. Lots of things to do in town, especially Sunday.

First, though,  the Norristown Police Department is helping out Ebenezer Methodist with their annual blanket drive for the homeless. You can drop off clean new blankets at the Police Department (in back of Municipal Hall, 235 E Airy) anytime before November 13. 

Tonight, Friday, 6:30 pm at Theatre Horizon. Elijah J. Thomas and "East Meets West." In this concert, European classical music and the Middle Eastern & Far Eastern sounds of Asia intermingle with American jazz. $15 at the door, and includes a BYOB pre-reception in the lobby starting at 6:30pm. Concert begins at 8 pm. For info, email elijah.thomas@temple.edu.

Saturday from 1-4 pm, at the Norristown Library (Powell and Swede) for students grade 4 and up— Wear old clothes and be ready to make history! You will be helping to paint a mural that will be permanently attached to the outside of the library.

Sunday, 10 am, Open Mic at Coffee Talk Artists' Coop, 507 W Marshall. $5 contribution. Writers, poets, musicians welcome. For karaoke, bring your CD.

Sunday 11 am-4 pm, Elmwood Park Zoo lower parking lot. Fire Smart, free program presented by the Norristown Fire Department. Activities include a fire safety house, extinguisher simulator, show and TOUCH FIRE truck, hose demonstrations, fire fighter dress-up, fingerprinting, and much more!

Sunday, noon to 4 pm at Elmwood Park, Beats for Bella Trike-A-Thon. For kids aged 3-10. Bring your own trike or bicycle--you'll be given a short course to race. Entry $15. Proceeds benefit CHOP. For more information, contact Danielle LaSorda at 484-213-4421, dlasorda6561@gmail.com or go to the event's Facebook page.

Also, remember Sunday is FREE admission (2-5 pm) at Elmwood Park Zoo for Norristown residents. Must show proof of residency.

Monday is the deadline for voter registration if you want to vote in the November election. You can register online at this link or go downtown to One Montgomery Plaza.

Monday, 5:30 to 7 pm, Montgomery County OIC, 1101 Arch St #2. The OIC is offering FREE computer classes for the community this month. Each class is limited to 16 attendees or you may bring your own laptop. Evening classes are held on Mondays and afternoon classes will be held on Wednesdays and Fridays. To register for one or all classes, please call 610-279-9700 or email info@montcooic.org .

Tuesday from 10 am to 1 pm, Flu Shot Clinic at the Norristown Public Library (Powell and Swede). FREE flu shots for residents of the county. It's going to be a nasty strain this year, so make sure you and your family get flu shots. If you can't make this clinic, you can find a list of all county clinics this fall at this link. 

Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, 5:30-7:30 pm at ACPPA (506 Haws Avenue, behind Grace Lutheran Church), a group will be gathering to crochet plastic shopping bags into sleeping mats for the homeless. If you want to join in, they'll teach you how to crochet. They'll also take donations of plastic bags. Just drop them off anytime.

Tuesday, 7:30 pm at Municipal Hall, Municipal Council Meeting. No agenda yet.

Thursday, 9-10:30 am, Montgomery County Human Services, 1430 Dekalb St. Interagency Council of Norristown Membership Meeting. Speaker will be Michele Kristofco, Community Relations Specialist, who will speak about the laws related to reporting suspicions of child abuse and neglect. For more information, contact Viviann Schorle, 610-270-2902 or go to www.icnconnections.org