Flea Market, Concerts, and National Night(s) Out

Looks like this last heat wave is finally cooling off. I'll be at the Selma Mansion Flea Market on Saturday. Stop by and say hello. AND this Tuesday is not only the National Night Out party on Willow, but Norristown Police set up 2 more community events: Safety Day on Wednesday and Water Ice With A Cop on Thursday. Details below.

Friday, July 29, 10-11 am, Facebook Chat with Municipal Administrator. You are invited to chat live with Municipal Administrator Crandall Jones on The Norristown Project's Facebook Page. This platform will give residents a chance to ask questions about our town, up-coming projects and municipal services.

Also Friday, between 11:30 and 1:30 pm, student art will decorate the storm drain at the corner of Main and Swede (photo above). Storm drain? What kind of art gallery is that, you ask? The project is to bring awareness to the litter and toxic chemicals going down our storm drains and directly into the Schuylkill. If you want clean water, come support the student who's working to educate the community through art.

Saturday, 9 am-3 pm, Flea Market at Selma Mansion (1301 W Airy). Books, Crafts, Attic Treasures, Games, Food and Drink. Professional Vendors. FREE admission. For information, contact Dee 484-860-2533. Come out and support the vendors who are, in turn, supporting the restoration of Selma Mansion.

Saturday from 7-11 pm, Five Saints Distilling (Main and Green) will host musician Brian Horoho.

Sunday, 7 pm at the Elmwood Park Bandshell, Sunday concerts in the Park continues. This week, The Whiskey Boys are featured. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. The snack stand will be open.

Tuesday, 5:30-8:30 pm, 1300 block of Willow St., a Community Block Party for the National Night Out. Free Food, Fun, Games, Giveaways, Music, etc. And meet our new K9 Officer, Nero. Bring your own table and chairs.

Wednesday, 6-8 pm, Crawford Park (W Main and Water St) and Riverfront Park (1 Haws Avenue). Safety Day, with the NPD, NFD, and local rescue and emergency services. K9 Officer Nero will be on hand. Demos of Police bikes, cycles, fire safety etc.

Wednesday, 7:30 pm at Municipal Hall. Council Meeting. It's Wednesday this week instead of Tuesday because of the National Night Out. No agenda listed yet.

Thursday, 6-8 pm, 600 block of Green, Water Ice With A Cop. The officers who patrol your streets will be serving up water ice for kids and adults.

Thursday from 11 am-2:30 pm, Main st. between Swede and Dekalb. Farmers market. Produce from Lone Wolf Farms. For more info, call CADCOM at 610-277-6363

Next Friday, August 5, starting at 5 pm, Norristown Festa Italiana will begin at the Holy Saviour Club at 436 E Main. Walk down the drive to the back lot (park across the street in Holy Saviour's church lot). Italian food, live music, rides and games, bocce, souvenirs, beer and birch beer on tap. The feast continues Saturday from 4-11 pm and Sunday from about 1-9 pm. (I highly recommend the pork sandwiches and fried dough).

Next Saturday, 10-11:30 am at Pauline's Deli (36 E Main), Breakfast With Brendan. Light meal and discussion of current issues with Congressman Brendan Boyle. For info or to RSVP: Shae.Ashe@mail.house.gov or call 610-270-8081.

Five Saints Opens! Concerts and More...

This weekend will be even hotter than the last. Some of the cooler places in Norristown, like Centre Theater and Municipal Hall, have events this week. Don't miss the opening of Five Saints Distilling downtown.

Saturday, 11 am-11 pm. The Grand Opening of Five Saints Distilling and International Spirits, LLC (E Main and Green Sts, in the old Humane firehouse). Music, Food Truck, Distillery and Firehouse Tours and of course Great Cocktails. Bring friends, make new ones and prepare to “Share the Spirits!” with Five Saints.

Saturday at 8 pm, Drive-In Movie Night at Elmwood Park Zoo. Kung-Fu Panda 3. Drive into the zoo's lower parking lot. Guests may bring their own snacks or purchase concessions. Gates to the parking lot will open at 8 and the movie will start promptly at 9. To purchase tickets, visit http://bit.ly/1Qbz6CD. $20/car for non-members $15/car for zoo members. Guests should purchase tickets in advance due to high demand. Guests who wish to purchase tickets at the gate the night of the movie run the risk of the showing being sold out.

Saturday at 8:30 pm at Centre Theater (208 Dekalb), Lenny Martelli: Norristown to Nashville Benefit Concert. Benefit concert to support Norristown native Lenny Martelli as he embarks on a journey to Nashville. Tickets support Martelli to travel to Nashville, TN to pursue his career in country music. Tickets are $20 presale, $30 at the door. For information, call 484-809-4216.

Sunday, 7 pm at the Elmwood Park bandshell, Sunday concerts in the Park continues. British Invasion is the featured act. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. The snack stand will be open.

Tuesday, 7 pm, Zoning Board Hearing at Municipal Hall. The agenda can be found at this link.

Wednesday from 9-11 am at Marshall Street Elementary School. Families can receive a bag of fresh, organic vegetables FREE to the first 75 Norristown families who show up each week. FREE bag of produce courtesy of Greener Partners, Longview Farm of Collegeville. Program continues through October.

Wednesday, 7 pm, Municipal Hall. Historical Architecture Review Board (HARB) meeting.

Thursday from 11 am-2:30 pm, Main st. between Swede and Dekalb. Farmers market. Produce from Lone Wolf Farms. For more info, call CADCOM at 610-277-6363

Next Friday, July 29, 10-11 am, Facebook Chat with Municipal Administrator. You are invited to chat live with Municipal Administrator Crandall Jones on The Norristown Project's Facebook Page. This platform will give residents a chance to ask questions about our town, up-coming projects and municipal services. Please submit questions in advance to NorristownProject@montcooic.org (even if you can't attend).

Next Saturday, July 30, 9 am-3 pm, Flea Market at Selma Mansion (1301 W Airy). Books, Crafts, Attic Treasures, Games, Food and Drink. Professional Vendors. FREE admission (funds will be raised from sale of vendor spaces). For information or to reserve a vendor space (only $10, reserve before July 24), contact Dee 484-860-2533 and leave message.

Escalating Noise

Lately, from what I've heard on Nextdoor.com and from talking to other residents the past few weeks, noise is getting out of hand all over town. Two years ago, I posted an entry to the Diary about Norristown's noise ordinance. You can read it at this link. We not only need a refresher course on the noise ordinance, we need to make sure it's being enforced.

Here's my own experience since the summer has begun: A neighbor with a boom box on his back porch, who cranked it up every day between 4 and 7 pm, so loud that, as one neighbor put it, it made her windows rattle--and her house is across and up the street, 150 feet away. A neighbor who has wired the horn of one of his cars to sound like a train bearing down on you--who sometimes gets the urge to blare this horn late at night (this past Saturday, 3 am). A neighbor who revs engines sometimes all day long and into the night. A neighbor who rides around the block for hours on a motorcycle, only pausing to adjust it so it'll be louder next time (last Friday night at midnight). Dogs barking shrilly sometimes all night long. Ice cream trucks parking and playing their music after 8 pm (which is against the transient merchant law).

On July 4th, we had a boom box war between 2 neighbors. I'm not talking simply competing tunes. I'm talking music so loud you feel like you can't breathe.

Noise this loud is a public health hazard. Any noise so loud that you can physically feel the vibration of it (about 85 decibels) does damage your hearing over the long term. Your basic gas powered lawn mower is 90 decibels. A rock concert is usually around 100. If the noise is so loud it hurts, it's topped 120 decibels and will definitely cause damage to your hearing. The noise in my neighborhood isn't just annoying, it's dangerous.

I've politely asked my neighbors to hold the noise down which only worked once. I've knocked on doors late at night to ask that they bring their loud dog inside. No one answers.

The police have been called by multiple neighbors several times over the last 2 months, but I don't think any citations have been issued as of yet. The cops come out, give a warning and drive away. Fifteen minutes later, the neighborhood is noisy again.

From what I've learned by talking to other residents, this sort of thing is happening all over town. The police don't seem to be issuing noise citations anywhere. According to Crimemapping.com, the NPD reported only 7 instances of Disturbing the Peace over the last month, and all were marked "Disorderly Conduct" (which I think is different from a noise complaint). Okay, I can see giving someone a warning or even two for excessive noise, but by the second or third occurrence, the violator needs to start paying fines.

Tempers are starting to fray in my neighborhood, and I'm guessing that's true elsewhere. At some point, someone's bound to take matters into their own hands. If the police can prevent a more serious crime by issuing noise citations in the first place, why aren't they doing it?

Cool Stuff To Do On Hot Days

The summer heat waves have begun. There are lots of cool places around town if you need them--the library, restaurants, churches, SAAC, even Municipal Hall. Stay hydrated, and check on elderly neighbors and those with health problems. But also, enjoy the slew of FREE concerts in town this week.

Friday from 2:30-3 pm, Intersection of Lafayette St and Diamond Ave (enter from Ford St). The Montgomery County Commissioners and PA Secretary of Transportation Leslie Richards will hold a press conference to announce the funding update for building the new interchange for the Turnpike that will feed into Lafayette St. (Good luck standing out in the heat for a half hour.)

Saturday, 4-7 pm at the Elmwood Park Fire Chiefs' Memorial. Gospel Concert.

Saturday, 6-8 pm (doors open at 5), The First Annual Peace & Love Festival begins at Centre Theater (208 Dekalb). Action-packed two-day festival will be full of art, music, food, games/activities and much more. The purpose of this festival is to spread Peace and Love throughout Montgomery County by uniting the community through music, art, and family-oriented activities. This festival will help raise awareness to gun violence, while raising money for the Norristown Fire Department, and to help support those who suffer from Lupus. Sunday's activities will be at Stanbridge Park at 6 pm. Festival is FREE. https://www.facebook.com/peaceandlovefestival2016/

Sunday, 7 pm at the Elmwood Park bandshell, Sunday concerts in the Park continues. Big Uncle is the featured act. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. The snack stand will be open.

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

Tuesday, at 7:30 pm. Full Moon wine & cheese paddle at Riverfront Park, 1 Haws Ave. Join the Dragon Boat Club for a relaxing evening on the river. RSVP: rparker@dragonboatclub.org

Wednesday, 8-10 am, Coffee With A Cop at the McDonalds on West Main and Markley  Coffee courtesy of the NPD. Get to meet the officers patrolling your neighborhood.

EVERY WEDNESDAY from now until October 2016 at 9 to 11 am at Marshall Street Elementary School. Families can receive a bag of fresh, organic vegetables FREE to the first 75 Norristown families who show up each week. FREE bag of produce courtesy of Greener Partners, Longview Farm of Collegeville. (Note from Elena: I go to Longview's pick-you-own events--their veggies are really fresh and sweet, and the people are super nice.)

Thursday from 11 am-2:30 pm, Main st. between Swede and Dekalb. Farmers market. Produce from Lone Wolf Farms. For more info, call CADCOM at 610-277-6363

Thursday, 7-9 pm at Elmwood Park Bandshell, Summer Sunset Jazz Concert Series. FREE night of Jazz featuring The Barbara Walker Story. Bring a chair or blanket. Presented by Norristown Recreation and Crying Sam Entertainment.

Next Saturday, July 23 at 8 pm, Drive-In Movie Night at Elmwood Park Zoo. Kung-Fu Panda 3. Drive into the zoo's lower parking lot. Guests may bring their own snacks or purchase concessions. Gates to the parking lot will open at 8 and the movie will start promptly at 9. To purchase tickets, visit http://bit.ly/1Qbz6CD. $20/car for non-members, $15/car for zoo members. Guests should purchase tickets in advance due to high demand. Guests who wish to purchase tickets at the gate the night of the movie run the risk of the showing being sold out.

Vendors wanted for the Flea Market at Selma Mansion on July 30 from 9 am-3 pm. Vendor spaces are available for $10 each (which will go toward the restoration of Selma). Bring your own table. Register by July 24th, pay up front, non-refundable. Contact Dee 484-860-2533 and leave message.

Flea Market, FREE Theater, Fireworks and More

St. Pat's parking lot. 

One note before I list the events for the week. If you're going on vacation, you can ask the Norristown Police Department to check on your property while you're away. Just go to this link and download the form. It doesn't say what to do with it, but I assume you just bring it down to the police station at 235 E Airy (rear)

Saturday, 9 am to 2 pm at St. Patrick's Church parking lot (Dekalb and Oak). Yard Sale to benefit St. Pat's. More than 2 dozen vendors. Yard sale bargains, hotdogs, Mexican food, snacks and drinks.

Sunday at 2:30 pm and 4 pm, Theatre Horizon (401 Dekalb) will host a FREE show for kids called HERO SCHOOL. The show is 45 minutes long and is best enjoyed by kids 3-8 years old (though parents may bring others--a baby carrier is recommended for the very young). They only have room for 30 people for each performance, so RSVP to erin@theatrehorizon.org, with your preferred showtime and how many kids and grown-ups in your party.

Sunday, 7 pm at the Elmwood Park bandshell, Sunday concerts in the Park continues. This week, Skitty Show is the featured act. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. The snack stand will be open.

Sunday in Elmwood Park, right after the concert, Fireworks! (since they were rained-out last Monday). If you park on surrounding streets, please be considerate of the neighborhood. Don't leave litter, don't block driveways, hydrants or alleys, and don't park where there are no parking signs.

Monday at 9 am, PAL Tennis Camp begins at the Eisenhower courts at Coolidge and Harding. Registrations being accepted now. For ages 7-11. Goes 5 weeks. Balls, racquets and t-shirts provided. $125 per child or $150 per family. Contact PAL at 610-278-8040.


Monday, 7-9 pm at Montgomery County Human Services, 1430 Dekalb. Understanding Credit workshop. Free class sponsored by Genesis Housing on understanding credit and credit scores. Obtain a Free Credit Report from Major Credit Bureaus with Scores. Learn How to Improve Your Credit Score. Register online at www.genesishousing.org

Tuesday at 7 pm at Municipal Hall. Zoning Board Hearing. On the agenda is someone who wants to build a convenience store where the gas station is on W. Main between Markley and Barbadoes. This is a rescheduled meeting from June 28. The regular Planning Commission meeting is also scheduled the same night, though there's no agenda yet.
   
EVERY WEDNESDAY from now until October 2016 at 9 to 11 am at Marshall Street Elementary School. Families can receive a bag of fresh, organic vegetables FREE to the first 75 Norristown families who show up each week. FREE bag of produce courtesy of Greener Partners, Longview Farm of Collegeville. (Note from Elena: I go to Longview's pick-you-own events--their veggies are really fresh and sweet, and the people are super nice.)

Thursday from 11 am-2:30 pm, Main st. between Swede and Dekalb. Farmers market. Produce from Lone Wolf Farms. For more info, call CADCOM at 610-277-6363

Vendors wanted for the Flea Market at Selma Mansion on July 30 from 9 am-3 pm. Vendor spaces are available for $10 each (which will go toward the restoration of Selma). Bring your own table. Register by July 24th, pay up front, non-refundable. Contact Dee 484-860-2533 and leave message.

Celebrate Independence In N-Town

Celebrate the Fourth in Norristown. Go to the Zoo for free Sunday afternoon, then a concert at Christ Church Sunday night. Run the 5K Monday morning or watch the Parade, then a full afternoon of activities in Elmwood Park followed by fireworks. But please remember, if you insist on shooting off your own fireworks, it was dry the last few weeks and the little bit of rain we had didn't help much. It won't take much to start a fire. Take precautions.

Sunday from 2-5 pm at Elmwood Park Zoo. Free admission for Norristown residents. Must show proof of address (photo ID).

Sunday, 6:30 pm at Christ United Church of Christ's parking lot (1003 W Marshall, near Noble). FREE Independence Eve Concert featuring The Song Sheets (folk music and kids' songs) and The Christian Network Outreach Gospel Choir. Also free: hot dogs, snacks and drinks (donations accepted). Bring a lawn chair. Park on the surrounding streets. If it rains, the concert will be inside the church.

No Sunday night concert at Elmwood Park this week.

Monday starting at 9 am at Coffee Talk (507 W Marshall). Potluck and Parade Viewing. Bring a dish or donate $7.

Monday, July 4 schedule:
8:30 am - Celebration 5K Run (Norristown Area High School / Farm Park)
10 am - Parade begins at Dekalb and Airy Sts. and wends its way up Airy to Astor to W Marshall to Standbridge to Sterigere to Elmwood Park. Pick a spot along the way to view it.
10 am - Elmwood Park Zoo $4 admission all day
12 pm  - Food trucks and Beer Garden (Elmwood Park)
12:30 pm - Old School Band, 4th of July Norristown Concert (Bandshell)
1 pm - Free Children’s Activities - Moon bounce, train rides, face painting, Frisbee spin art (Elmwood Park)
2 pm - David C. Perry Creative Entertainment (Elmwood Park)
6 pm - Wildflower Band (Bandshell)
Dusk - Fireworks display
All events weather permitting. Questions, call 610-270-0429.

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

Thursday, 11 am-2:30 pm, on Main Street between Swede and Dekalb. Farmer's Market -- Produce from Lone Wolf Farm. Will continue each Thursday through Oct 28. For info, phone CADCOM at 610-277-6363 x132.

Next Friday night, July 8, the Elmwood Park Zoo will be hosting a Zoo Snooze campout for families. $34.95 zoo member, $49.95 non-member, kids under 3 are FREE. Price includes admission, pizza dinner, a craft or activity, live animal show, flashlight tour of the zoo, s'mores by the campfire, a movie and popcorn under the stars, and continental breakfast. Go to this link to register. For more information, visit contact Guest Services at 610.277.3825 x 222 or email guestservices@elmwoodparkzoo.org.

Next Saturday, 9 am to 2 pm at St. Patrick's Church parking lot (Dekalb and Oak). Yard Sale to benefit St. Pat's. Yard sale bargains, hotdogs, Mexican food, snacks and drinks.

Norristown Preservation Society will host a flea market at Selma Mansion on July 30. Vendor spaces are available for $10 each (which will go toward the restoration of Selma). Bring your own table. Register by July 24th, pay up front, non-refundable. Contact Dee 484-860-2533 and leave message.

Have a happy and safe Independence Weekend.