Candidates for Magisterial District Judge

I've started checking out the ballots for next Tuesday's primary election. You can view a sample at this link--just choose Norristown from the list and click "submit," then choose where you vote. But I warn you, you'll have to zoom in to read it. It's huge this time around.

Today, I'm going to take a look at the Magisterial District Judge Candidates for the new district court opening in Norristown. These candidates ONLY appear on the ballots for all of ward 3 and 2-2. If you're in ward 1 or 2-1, you'll see the incumbent, Fran Lawrence, running unopposed on your ballot (though, remember, you can always write in a candidate if you want. Instructions in the second to last paragraph below). For ward 4 and 2-3, you won't see the office on your ballots at all.

I checked the candidates' websites and Facebook pages, looking specifically for this information: relationship to Norristown, college degrees, experience directly related to law, courts, criminals, etc. Here's what I found.

Valerie Scott Cooper is listed on the Democratic Primary Ballot only.
- Born and raised in Norristown. Graduated from Norristown High School.
- B.A. in Organizational Management.
- MBA with concentration in HR Management.
- Member Norristown Town Watch.
- On her list of positions and volunteer posts (on her Facebook page), I could find no direct law or judge-related experience. 

Bernard Murray is listed on both the Republican and Democratic Primary Ballot.
- Has made Norristown his home for the last 23 years.
- No college degrees listed on his website or Facebook page that I could find.
- Received his certification from the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania for the position of Magisterial District Judge (I assume this means he took the Board Class and Exam, though he didn't say so).
- Attended the Jurist Academy at Widener University Law School. Jurist Academy is a 2 week, tuition-free law-school prep seminar. (The way it was worded on Murray's website, it sounded as if he'd attended Widener Law School. He didn't as far as I could tell--Just the Jurist Academy.)

Greg Scott is listed on both the Republican and Democratic Primary Ballot.
- Norristown homeowner and lifelong resident.
- Bachelors degree in Business Communications.
- Masters of Science in Psychology.
- Served on various commissions and committees with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.
- Intern in the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas.
- Clerk with the Magisterial District Judge.
- Took the Minor Judiciary Education Board Class and Examination, and received his certification from the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania for the position of Magisterial District Judge.

It should be pointed out that anyone elected to the position MUST take the above mentioned exam before they can serve as district judge. Only two of the candidates seem to have done that so far. Should the third candidate win, she'll have to take the exam and pass before being allowed to serve.

WRITE-IN INSTRUCTIONS:  You can, of course, add a write-in of your own by clicking the box next to WRITE-IN and typing the name on the keyboard at the bottom. The person must live within the district and be a voter in good standing. Spell the name correctly or it may not count. (This procedure goes for any office on the ballot.) If you're still not sure how to do it, you can ask the machine operator how.

To meet these and candidates for Municipal Council and NASD School Board, come to the Human Services Building (Dekalb and Fornance) on Thursday from 6-7:30 pm.

Free Skin Cancer Screenings

This Friday, Mercy Cancer Center (2701 Dekalb Pike--Mercy Hospital in East Norriton) will offer FREE skin cancer screenings from 8:30 to 11:30 am.

Pre-registration is REQUIRED. You can call 610-278-2504 to make an appointment.

The screenings will be done by Dr. Harold Milstein, who is a board-certified dermatologist, in partnership with the American Academy of Dermatology..

Recycle and Earn Discounts

I think everyone's received their trash and recycling bins by now. What at least half of you probably didn't receive was a mailing from Mascaro with the new instructions for trash and recycling collection.

They're addressed to the homeowner, which is great if you own and live in your home, but 59% of Norristown residents rent. My brother's one of them and he didn't get a mailing. His likely went to his landlord. Even if you rent and your landlord is living nearby, and conscientious enough to pass on the mailing to you, well, if you have more than one apartment in the house you live in, your landlord will need to be extra conscientious and make copies for all of his tenants. I don't see that happening in most cases. So Mascaro get's a "D-minus" in disseminating information.

If you didn't get a mailing, call 1-800-432-1616 and request one be delivered to you.

Now, let me take a moment to report on the one thing I LIKE about the new program--the recycling part.

The mailing lists all the things we should be recycling, and it's a much longer list than before. Besides, the usual glass, aluminum and tin cans, plastic bottles, cardboard, etc., they're now taking all plastics #1-7, phonebooks, aluminum pie plates,  trays and foil, plastic plant pots, paper bags, paper and plastic cups, newspaper, junk mail, magazines, over-the-counter pill bottles, loose plastic lids over 3 inches wide, milk and juice cartons, plastic takeout containers, and bagged plastic bags.

By "bagged bags" they mean don't put them in the recycling container loose. They'll just blow around town on collection days. Stuff your plastic bags into one bag. When it's full, tie the handles together and throw it in the bin that way. But DON'T bag anything else (such as soda cans, paper, etc.). They get sorted at the facility and they want them loose and separate to make that easier. They won't take recycles in bags.

You still have to flatten cardboard cartons. Smaller boxes like cereal boxes are shown whole, so I guess it's okay to put them in that way. Loose lids need to be wider than 3 inches, but I think smaller lids are okay if they're attached to bottles and jars.

Also, be careful of personal information that's on any papers you recycle. Things like bank statements should be put aside for shredding (assuming Montgomery County ever has another shredding event near Norristown. They have plenty out in the 'burbs, but none near us for years). UPDATE: This just in--Representative Bradford is having a shredding event at his office on May 30th. I'll post more next week.

The items listed on the mailing and those on Mascaro's website aren't the same, so who knows if they'll really recycle everything they say they will. I'm putting it all out anyway.

The thing I like best is that Mascaro has an incentive program to encourage residents to recycle. Residents can sign up at their website (http://cleanandgreenrewards.com/index.php) and earn points which can be redeemed at local businesses listed at this link.

Points are determined by community-wide recycling. That is, they weigh the TOTAL amount Norristown recycles, then somehow determine how many points to give participating households. I suspect they'll divide the total amount by number of residences, so I doubt we'll get more than 5 points a week unless most of N-town really meets the challenge and starts filling those recycling bins.

To get your share of the points, go to http://cleanandgreenrewards.com/register.php and sign up. You need to use a valid email address for a username. Then step up your recycling and encourage your neighbors to do the same.

I have to say, I think our Council reps need to take a hand in telling their constituents about the recycling program. Or maybe people working outside at the polls next Tuesday could hand out copies of Mascaro's mailing along with all their election literature (which hopefully will end up in our recycling bins instead of our trash).

Please do your part and share this blog with your Norristown friends. Thanks.

Entertain Mom, then Get To Know Your Candidates

It really feels like summer out there now, and there's lots to do in town. Take Mom out this weekend to Theatre Horizon, or the Zoo Brunch or Carnival, or for jazz at August Moon.

Tonight, 5-10 pm at Elmwood Park Zoo, 1661 Harding Blvd, don't miss their Season Kickoff Carnival. Games, food and fun in the zoo's lower parking lot. The carnival continues Saturday, noon-10 pm and Sunday, noon-5 pm. Mother's Day Special: Mom's ride for FREE on Sunday. For more information, contact Guest Services at 610-277-3825 x 222 or email guestservices@elmwoodparkzoo.org

Only 3 more performances for Theatre Horizon's IN THE BLOOD: Tonight at 8 pm and tomorrow at 2 and 8 pm. Tickets and information at this link.

Saturday from 11 am to about 4 pm, the Norristown Preservation Society will host a cleaning day at Selma Mansion (1301 W Airy) to get the house ready for History Day in the summer. Volunteers are needed and so are donations of cleaning supplies. You don't have to stay the whole day. Come when you can. 

Saturday at 11 am and Sunday at 11 am and 1 pm, Elmwood Park Zoo is hosting a Mother's Day Brunch. Bring the whole family to the Zoo for a delicious all-you-can-eat brunch buffet, complimentary family photos, card making and more!  Tickets - Adult: $30.95, Member Adult: $25.95, Moms: $19.95, Child (age 3 - 12): $19.95, Baby (under 3): FREE. You can purchase tickets and get more information at this link, or contact Guest Services at 610-277-3825 x222 or email guestservices@elmwoodparkzoo.org.

Also Saturday, 8-10 pm at August Moon (300 E Main), Crying Sam presents Pre-Mothers' Day Crooning with Steve Beskrone (Bass), Jim Holton (Piano), Harry Butch Reed (Drums), Kevin L. Valentine (Vocals). Entertainment Fee: $10, 2 Drink Minimum. Info at www.cryingsam.com

Tuesday at 6 pm, Town Watch Meeting at Montgomery Hose Fire Co, West Freedley St. All residents are welcome to attend.

Tuesday at 7 pm, Carver Center Community Meeting at the Center at 249 East Jacoby. On the agenda: Summer aquatics program, finance update, summer science program (my favorite), and the Grand Opening Anniversary Celebration. All community members are urged to attend. For information, call 610-272-7480.

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

Thursday, 6-7:30 pm, come meet the Norristown candidates for Municipal Council, Magistrate District Judge, NASD School Board at the Human Services Building (Dekalb and Fornance) Receive voter information and be informed before the May Primary (on May 19th).

Thursday, from 5-7:30 pm at Elmwood Park Zoo's Canopy Garden Pavilion. Montogomery County Chamber of Commerce will hold their 10th Annual Zoopendous Business Expo. Food, fun, prizes and plenty of local businesses.

Thursday, 6-8 pm, "Art Saves Me" at Theatre Horizon (401 DeKalb).  An Art showcase featuring Artwork from Norristown Youth. Art, poetry/spoken work, fun. Artwork will be for sale from $5-$30. For more information, please contact Justeix Collins-Cropper at 610-630-2111 ext 218 or Viviann Schorle at 610-630-2111 ext 257.

A symposium on Urban/Suburban Education is being planned for July 11, cosponsored by the Norristown Men of Excellence, One Love Club, and Catalyst Education & Mentoring. The deadline for the call for presenters is next Friday, May 15th (but will most likely be extended through the 29th). Anyone interested should contact Xaras Collins at 610-390-7279. More information at www.edu19401.com.

Next Saturday (May 16) is the Norristown Men of Excellence 2nd Annual Excellence Ball, 8 pm-midnight at Theatre Horizon (410 Dekalb). Tickets $50 per person, $90 per couple. All proceeds benefit the NMOE Scholarship Fund.  Contact kberry@nmoe19401.org or call 484-601-2828. Info at www.nmoe19401.org

Have a Happy Mother's Day.

News About Norristown's Great Food

I just wanted to catch everyone up on the good new things that are happening with Norristown restaurants.

First, Sessano's Cafe & Deli opened at their second location yesterday--downtown at Airy and Swede, where Courthouse Grill used to be. You can still find them in their original location, in Logan Square, on Markley to the right of Impact. I highly recommend their award-winning roast pork sandwiches. They specialize in Italian sandwiches (pork, meatball, sausage and their "special") and also have other hot and cold sandwiches, salads, wraps, soups, etc. In their new location, they'll be participating in Fourth Fridays Downtown this month. Join me in wishing them good luck in the new place. You can view their menu at this link.

Zachary's BBQ, on Markley Street next to Astor Plaza, partnered with Feed The Burbs landscaping company over the winter. They planted an herb garden in front of the restaurant, doing community gardening workshops through the process. The herb garden is now in and Chef Keith Taylor invites everyone to come, check it out and learn a little about how food gets from the garden to the table. Zachary's is also planning an expansion of their shop--stay tuned. They specialize in soul food and barbecue, and even smoke their own meats out back. What do I recommend? Just about everything, but I'm particularly fond of their pulled pork, their baked beans (made with pineapple), and their hoppin' john (black-eyed peas with rice and peppers). See their menu at this link.

Diva's Kitchen is in the process of moving to 9 W. Main Street--into the old McDivitt's Pharmacy building, next to the big bank building at Main and Swede. They were in the North End at Johnson Highway and Pine. They should be in their new place in June (hopefully in time to participate in Fourth Friday), but in the meantime, this month they were serving up their fried chicken, fish and soul food sides at the Public Square last Fourth Friday from noon to two (and hopefully will be doing the same this month on May 22nd). They offer a wide range of entrees--chicken, seafood, pork chops, turkey wings, burgers, etc., as well as salads and a few different soul food sides than you'll find at Zachary's. They also have salads, soups and sandwiches. I especially like their cabbage, but their sweet potatoes are my hands down favorite--best in Norristown. You can check out their menu at this link.

Yesterday I had amazing pineapple ice cream. Where from? Banh Mi Bar & Bistro at 31 W. Main. This month until May 25, they're giving away FREE ice cream in waffle cones when you come in and dine between 6 and 8 pm. The ice cream is fresh and local, from Tanner Bros. Diary in Richboro, PA. Banh Mi has started offering different giveaways and specials almost nightly, which you can find on their Facebook page. Banh Mi specializes in Vietnamese cuisine, particularly in the sandwich that gives the restaurant its name. Banh Mi is the Vietnamese word for bread, specifically the baguette. Wait, that's French, right? The French colonized what is now Vietnam and greatly influenced the cooking. So the Banh Mi is sort of like a hoagie, served on a baguette, with meat or fish, but garnished with fresh vegetables. You can also get the stuffings served as sliders or tacos. Other offerings include pho soup (I LOVE their chicken pho), rice or noodle bowls, and some unique items like quail and waffles, whole prawns, plus banana rolls for dessert. If they do their crawfish festival again this summer, go to it. Last year I got crawfish in cheese and garlic, sort of like a scampi--it was delicious. Banh Mi also participates in Fourth Fridays. Check out their menu at this link.

So there is just some of what's going on with our restaurants. I should mention that they're all family businesses, and they all do catering as well. I just realized, it's Cinco de Mayo and I didn't mention one Mexican restaurant. Okay, I promise I'll try to post about them and other places in the coming weeks. Get out and try some of these great eateries.

But today, maybe go eat a taco.

Council's Short Agenda This Week

Not much of great importance on Council's agenda for tomorrow night. You can read the whole agenda at this link. The meeting is at 7:30 pm, Tuesday, in Municipal Hall.

They're voting on only 4 items:

1. Approval for a temporary construction easement within the Access  easement Area for the purpose of constructing the emergency access lane regarding 900 Sandy Street now known as 900 Luxor Lane. I suppose "Sandy Street" doesn't sound ritzy enough for them.

17 East Airy

2. Approval of the usual requests for handicapped parking signs and to remove ones confirmed as no longer needed.

223 East Oak

3. The most important item: acceptance of the audited financial statement for 2011 and 2012. Now we're only 2 years behind.

527 Stanbridge

4. And approval of the HARB certificates for 17 East Airy, 223 East Oak, 527 Stanbridge, and 501 Astor. The HARB board oversees changes to the facades of buildings in our historic districts to make sure they'll still look historic after renovations. It's great that these properties ARE being renovated (though hopefully not being chopped up into more apartments inside). I always loved the 2nd floor side porch on 501 Astor.

501 Astor

So that's it. Should be a short meeting.

2 Carnivals This Week and Much More

Today from noon to 1 pm, the Montgomery County Police Memorial Service will take place at Main and Swede Streets.

Tonight from 6 to 10 pm and tomorrow from 2-10 pm at St. Francis Church, Marshall and Buttonwood, Annual Carnival. Food, fun, games, rides.

Only NINE more performances for Theatre Horizon's IN THE BLOOD: Tonight and tomorrow at 8 pm, Sunday at 2 and 7:30 pm, Monday and Thursday at 7:30pm, Next Friday at 8 pm and next Saturday at 2 and 8 pm. Tickets and information at this link.

Saturday from 11 am to 7 pm at Elmwood Park Band Shell, the Crying Sam Elmwood Jam 4 The Hill. 7 bands, Times Herald’s presentation of the third annual Montco Idol Contest, Gretz Beer, food vendors. For more information go to this link. If you go, please remember that this isn't downtown, it's a residential area. Please be respectful of the neighbors and their properties.

Saturday from 1-3 pm at Jus' Java (317 Swede), book signing with Author David Child and his book "Santa Visits, Not What You Expect." Bring your children or someone else's. Free parking on weekends. Info about book at http://www.santavisits.us/ Also, don't forget Jus' Java's Sunday Live Music Series. Free live music in the afternoon on Sunday..

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

 

Thursday, 5-10 pm at Elmwood Park Zoo, 1661 Harding Blvd. Season Kickoff Carnival. Games, food and fun in the zoo's lower parking lot. Thursday is wristband night. The carnival continues next Friday at 5 pm, and next Saturday and Sunday at noon. For more information, contact Guest Services at 610-277-3825 x222 or email guestservices@elmwoodparkzoo.org

Thursday, at 7 pm at Eisenhower Middle School. Planning meeting for the Ntown Rhythm Youth Marching band. They need adult volunteer music and dance coaches. If you have an interest please attend the meeting. For info, contact Band Director Jocelyn Gooden Hadrick at jghadrick@gmail.com