Norristown River Update

It's been a while since I've reported on what's going on down at our riverfront. Half of Norristown is only vaguely aware that we HAVE a riverfront, or a river, for that matter. Meanwhile other communities like Conshohocken, Phoenixville and Manayunk have active groups advocating for more river recreation opportunities for their residents. Hey, Norristown, as summers get hotter, spending time down by, or on, the nice cool river is going to sound pretty inviting.

Currently, all our river recreation is centered at Riverfront Park (at the end of Haws Avenue) with events led mostly by the Dragon Boat Club of Norristown. One such event, very family-friendly, is this Saturday: RIVERFEST, from 2-6 pm. FREE event, with FREE boat rides in the dragon boats and outrigger canoes, cardboard boat judging contest and races, kids games and music. The DBC will have their grill fired up for hotdogs and other food for purchase. And lots of pirates will be wandering around. In fact, if you have an inner pirate, dress him/her up that day. Everyone is welcome. If you haven't been down to Riverfront Park, this is a great reason to visit.

One other thing, this Saturday, at 2:30 pm, a ribbon-cutting ceremony will open the new floating dock. Norristown Municipality installed this to make access to small boats easier. It's not just for the Dragon Club, but for the community--anyone with a canoe or kayak or rowboat can use it. You can fish off of it (just clean up after yourself, please--leftover fish guts and bait won't help others enjoy the river). You can just sit and dangle your toes in the cool water.

Another improvement you'll see Saturday is the Youth Dragon Boat Team. This was begun last spring. The kids trained and went on to medal in the races they attended. (In the photo above, that's GOLD medals the kids are wearing.) The Youth Team not only trains at the river, they participate in all kinds of fun activities ~ water balloon fights, tubing, etc. They do fundraisers through the year and they're currently working on a secret project which will be unveiled at Riverfest. They're always looking for new members. If you know a kid who might be interested, bring him/her along on Saturday.

One Youth Team member who turned 17 has decided to go on to train for Team USA. How cool would it be to have a native Norristonian on a USA dragon boat team at the World Championships? (It's not an Olympic sport yet, though there's been talk of including it.)

So there you have it, your river update. Come out Saturday and check it out for yourself. Bring your kids and your friends.

But also, start thinking beyond Saturday. Once the Lafayette Extension Project is completed and the section of our riverfront between Markley and Ford is opened for development, we can let developers tell us what that riverfront will look like, or we can start planning now what WE want for our riverfront. A walking path along the water? A picnic area? A fishing dock? A beach? A place to put in paddle boats? Maybe vendors for renting canoes and kayaks or selling food? A nice, inviting park the whole length of the riverfront, for our community to have and pass on to our children? And to entice visitors from communities without a river to come and spend money here?

Think about it. See you Saturday at Riverfront.

Council's New Agenda

Tonight, Council meets at 7:30 pm at Municipal Hall. You can view the agenda at this link.

First, I'd like to welcome our new Council-at-Large rep, Suanne Gardiner, who will fill the vacancy left by Marlon Millner.

At last Friday's special meeting, there was a discussion (egged on my me) about transparency in Council affairs. I actually never said the word transparency in my remarks. What I said was that they needed better communication with the public. This isn't really the same thing. But I did say that lack of communication was leading to rumors flying around that Council was being secretive. I gave agendas as an example ~ frequently they listed no explanations of the motions being voted on. If Council doesn't discuss the issue and no one asks questions, they might vote without telling even the residents present what the motion was for. Intelligent Public Comments were impossible.

I'm happy to report that this week's agenda has an explanation of each item. So thank you, Council, for making an attempt to address that problem.

Derrick Perry stated that residents should feel free to contact any of the council reps for info on any issue. So let's say you read tonight's agenda and come to the item that reads "Recommendation to Council to approve Resolution 16-144 of 2016 Requiring Council's certification of market rate - owner occupied - housing projects as necessary to be eligible for a reduced sewer system tapping fee offered by the NMWA." And you think "What's this about reduced sewer rates for owner-occupied housing? Is that for everyone, or only new housing projects? And if it isn't for everyone, why not?" You can email or call any council rep right now, and they'll give you the answer, hopefully before the meeting tonight, so you can make your views known before the vote.

You can find all the council reps' contact info (at least phone numbers, except for Suanne, who isn't on the list yet) at http://www.norristown.org/municipal-council.html. I'm not sure why only President and Vice President have email addresses. They all used to have them. It would help communication if they still did.

One last tidbit, Municipal Administrator Crandall Jones said they're installing new software that will allow for annotation of the agendas after the meetings, to explain the votes and any discussion, and also to make any documents public that pertain to the issues. Legally, though, the documents can't be made public before the meetings.

So there you have it, Council's plans for keeping us better informed. If you have trouble getting information about any issue, or understanding the agendas, or communicating with any council rep, let me know.

Special Council Meeting, Then The Fun Stuff

Tonight, Friday, September 2, 6 pm at Municipal Hall. SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING to appoint "a resident" to the at-large council seat vacated by Marlon Milner. I'm wondering why Council isn't announcing the name of the resident before the meeting, why they're doing this on the Friday evening of a holiday weekend when the seat has been vacant since August 3, and why they only gave residents one day's notice. If I find out any of these answers, I'll let you know.

Friday and Saturday, Montco Fair at Norristown High School. 6-10 pm both nights.

Saturday, 8-9 am at Five Saints Distilling (Main and Green) in the Distillery Front Tasting Room/Bar --Yoga with Instructor Regina Ramage $10 per attendee payable at the distillery on Saturday morning.  The doors open at 7:30 am to set up.

Saturday, 1-9 pm, Five Saints Distillery (Green and Main) The Curbside Cafe Food Truck will be parked right in front of Five Saints front bays for your dining pleasure.  Ryan Conroy, singer/songwriter, will perform from 7-10 pm.

Sunday, 1-4 pm, Coffee Talk (507 W Marshall), Open Mic. $5 donation.

Sunday, (raindate 9/11), NPD Thomas Barone Memorial Car Show at Norristown Maenner-chor Club , 920 Haws Ave. Breakfast 8:30 am, Registration begins at 9 am. Show is from 11 am-3 pm. Pre-registration $15, $20 day of show. Food, drinks, music, door prizes. Cars, motorcycles, trucks, tuners. Proceeds benefit the Thomas Barone Scholarship Fund. Info, contact Rich at 610-585-7115,
raceitch3@verizon.net.

Sunday, 2-5 pm, FREE admission to Elmwood Park Zoo for all residents that present a valid photo ID.

Sunday, 2-9 pm at Elmwood Park Bandshell: Labor Day Weekend Music Fest begins. 2 pm Monkeephiles, 7 pm Kicking Down Doors (Beatles). FREE Event. Bring a blanket of lawn chair. The snack stand will be open.

Monday, 6-9 pm at Elmwood Park Bandshell: Labor Day Weekend Music Fest, part 2. Wildflower performs.  FREE Event. Bring a blanket of lawn chair. The snack stand will be open.

Tuesdays in September (6-27), 6-7:30 pm, Historical Society of Montgomery County (1654 Dekalb) presents Intermediate Genealogy Workshop, presented by Genealogist Rose Brown. 4 week workshop for researchers who want to expand their skills beyond the basics. Pre-registration is required. Seating is limited; registration will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. $10 member/$40 nonmembers, non-refundable materials fee. For information or to reserve a seat: 610-272-0297 or contact@hsmcpa.org.  http://www.hsmcpa.org

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

Wednesday, 10 am, Job Corps Information Session at the Health & Human Services Building, 1430 Dekalb, Main Entrance. Career Training and Education. Job Corps is free to eligible low-income persons ages 16-24. Call 1-800-733-JOBS [5627] or go to the website www.recruiting.jobcorps.gov or facebook page www.facebook.com/doljobcorps

UPDATE: Thursday, 9-10 am, Diva’s Kitchen (9 W Main), Meet your PA State Rep, Matt Bradford for a light breakfast and hear about the issues.

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, 1:30-4:30 pm at Elmwood Park Zoo. Volunteer Open House. Are you looking for a way to meet new people, get involved in your community, and share your talents? Volunteer at the Zoo. Come to learn about the variety of ways that you can make a difference. Light refreshments will be served. This event is free to attend but please register at http://bit.ly/2bVHxmG. Then check in at the admissions window upon arrival.

Friday, September 9, 8-10 pm, another Drive-In Movie Night at Elmwood Park Zoo, featuring."Zootopia." Gates open at 8 pm. Movie starts at 9. Please purchase tickets in advance at this link. $20/car for non-members, $15/car for zoo members, $5 for lawn seats.

Next Saturday, September 10, 10 am-1 pm, ACPPA's Annual Open House, featuring many creative activities led by volunteers from Vanguard, tours of the facilities, opportunities to meet teaching staff, and the opportunity to get deep discounts on our already affordable visual and performing arts classes.

Also next Saturday from 2-8 pm at Riverfront Park (1 Haws Ave) - RIVERFEST. Pirates are returning to Riverfront. Cardboard boat races. Free instruction and rides in dragon boats, kayaks, outriggers. Breast Cancer Rose Ceremony. Live music, food for purchase.

Tickets for Theatre Horizon's first play of the new season ~ a musical titled "A New Brain" ~ are now on sale at this link  The show will run October 13 through November 6.

Unity Day, The Verdi Band, and FREE National Parks

One note before I list all the Norristown events for the week. Yesterday, August 25, the National Park Service celebrated its 100th birthday. All national parks sites are FREE this weekend, now through Sunday (the 28th). We have Valley Forge in our area, of course. Yesterday Norristown students from Stewart and Eisenhower sang there under the arch. If you haven't been inside the historic buildings at VF since the last time you had out-of-town guests, think about taking the family over for an afternoon. But there are also a few other park sites easy to get to from here. Take the train down to Philly and check out Independence National Historical Park. Drive out to Hopewell Village near French Creek Park in Chester County. Or go to this link to find park sites within a few hours' drive. We all own our National Parks. We ought to be proud of them and pass that pride down to our kids.

Meanwhile, In N-town:

Friday, August 26, 11 am-noon, New PennDot Office Grand Opening at Logan Square, Suite 30. This is the new Norristown Driver’s License Center, open for photo and driver license services.

Saturday, 8-9 am at Five Saints Distilling (Main and Green) in the Distillery Front Tasting Room/Bar ~Yoga with Instructor Regina Ramage $10 per attendee payable at the distillery on Saturday morning.  The doors open at 7:30 am to set up.

Saturday, noon-8 pm at Five Saints, Willis Bros. BBQ serving up ribs, chicken and corn. From 7-10 pm, Peggy Keller will perform.

Sunday, Noon-8 pm, Unity Day/Paula Robinson Day at MLK/Simmons Park. Live music, food and more.

Sunday, 7 pm at the Elmwood Park bandshell, Sunday concerts in the Park continues. This week, a local favorite, The Verdi Band will perform. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. The snack stand will be open.

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 Saturday, September 4 (raindate 9/11), NPD Thomas Barone Memorial Car Show at Norristown Maenner-chor Club , 920 Haws Ave. Breakfast 8:30 am, Registration begins at 9 am. Show is from 11 am-3 pm. Pre-registration $15, $20 day of show. Food, drinks, music, door prizes. Cars, motorcycles, trucks, tuners. Proceeds benefit the Thomas Barone Scholarship Fund. Info, contact Rich at 610-585-7115, raceitch3@verizon.net.

Irish Fest, Experimental Theater, Music

Another festival this weekend. Irish this time, at St. Pat's on Sunday. Plus lots of free music around town and a special event at Theatre Horizon.

Friday, August  19, 4-9 pm in front of Five Saints Distillery (Main and Green), the WOW Food Truck will serve a delicious assortment of food.

Friday and Saturday at 8 pm, Theatre Horizon (410 Dekalb). New Voices, New Viewpoints is an evening of scenes from 4 new plays that have not yet been seen in our region, which represent a diversity of voices and viewpoints. Stay after the event to share your opinions over a complimentary drink with the artists. The event will be Pay What You Decide--audience pays AFTER seeing the show, whatever they can afford or think the show was worth.

Saturday, 3-6 pm at Elmwood Park Bandshell, The Art of Worship Gospel Concert.

Saturday, 4-9 pm at Five Saints Distilling, the Wheely Wheely Good Food Truck will offer an assortment of Asian Fusion food. From 7:45-11 pm, Ken Pierson will perform.

Sunday, 10:30 am-12:30 pm, Coffee With A Cop outside of Christ UCC Church, 1003 W Marshall. Come and chat with Norristown's Finest. Ask questions, voice concerns.

Sunday, 2-6 pm at St. Patrick's Church Parish Hall (Dekalb and Chestnut--basement of church, enter from Dekalb between church and rectory) the Annual Irish Festival. Homemade food, beer (Guinness, Yuengling, Smithwick's) and other drinks, music by The Fair Trade, Dance, Irish Vendors.

Sunday, 7 pm at the Elmwood Park bandshell, Sunday concerts in the Park continues. This week, The Monkeephiles (Monkee's Tribute Band). Bring a lawn chair or blanket. The snack stand will be open.

Tuesday, 7 pm, Municipal Hall, Zoning Board Hearing. Agenda at this link

Wednesday, 7 pm, Municipal Hall, 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 Saturday, August 27, 10:30 am-1:30 pm, at Riverfront Park (1 Haws Avenue), come out to the river for a kayaking trip lead by an expert guide from Take It Outdoors. Gear, boats, and instruction are provided. Pre-registration is required - your spot is not reserved until your Eventbrite registration is completed at this link. $10-25. UPDATE: This event has been moved to Bridgeport.

Diva's Opens Downtown, Festivals, Concerts, Etc.

The exciting news is, yet another restaurant will open downtown on Saturday ~ Diva's Kitchen (soul food/seafood). Plus we have 2 festivals this weekend: Caribbean and Sicilian. If you're not into eating, there are children's programs and FREE concerts.

Friday, August  12 starting at 5:30 pm, Zoo Snooze: Summer on the Savannah at Elmwood Park Zoo. Camp out under the stars with our African animal friends, the giraffes and the zebras. Wear your spots and stripes and travel on an overnight safari filled with fun, activities and more. Zoo Snooze is suitable for both first time and experienced campers and provides a great opportunity for families to spend time outdoors in a safe and unique environment.  Pricing  $34.95 for members, $49.95 for 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. For more information or to register, visit this link http://bit.ly/1LWSxrh or contact Guest Services at 610-277-3825 x 222 or email guestservices@elmwoodparkzoo.org.

Saturday starting at 1 pm at Five Saints Distillery (129 E Main). Curbside Cafe Food Truck (seafood) and later from 7-11 pm, the musical duo "Canadian Tuxedo" will be playing.

Saturday starting at 2 pm, the Grand Opening of Diva's Kitchen at 9 W Main. Music, Raffles, Giveaways. Set menu for this event: Chicken Wings, Turkey Wings, Fish, Ribs, Mac and Cheese, Sweet Potatoes, Potato Salad, String Beans, Collard Greens. For $15, you get a choice of meat, 2 sides, cornbread and drink. For children, Chicken Nuggets, 1 side and a drink for $5.

Saturday from 4-6 pm, Mt. Zion AME Church (1312 Willow) will host a Caribbean Festival. Multicultural dinner, fashion show and gospel concert. Featuring Bro Ted Robinson & 20th Street New Testament Church of God Praise and Worship Choir. Donation $25, children (12 & under) $12. Additional information 484-213-3020.

Sunday beginning approx 1:30-6 pm, Saviour Hall, 410 E Airy, MSS Sicilian Feast. Italian food, DJ Paul Catagnus from Starlite Entertainment, and Accordion Player/Singer Jerry Trecrose.

Sunday, 7 pm at the Elmwood Park bandshell, Sunday concerts in the Park continues. This week, Mark Reno, Elvis Impersonator. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. The snack stand will be open.

Monday, 2 pm at Norristown Library (Powell and Swede) Children’s Learning Center. Summer Movie.  All ages. Drop in.

Tuesday and Thursday, 10 am-12:30 pm at the Montco Intermediate Unit, 2 W Lafayette. Early Initiative Parent and Youth FREE Summer Workshop Series. The theme is Work Readiness. Register by calling or emailing the coordinator, 484-250-4340 ext 161, stperry@pa.gov. Registration is first-come, first- served.

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

Wednesday, 10 am, Human Services Building, 1430 DeKalb, Job Corps will be conducting information sessions for young adults (16-24). To register, contact Leon Holman at 215-292-5119.

Wednesday, 5-6:30 pm at Montco OIC (1101 Arch). Join Greener Partners for a free cooking demonstration. Staff from  Longview Farm will host a cooking demo using seasonal vegetables. Participants will be able to sample the recipes as well.

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 pm, Elmwood Park Bandshell. Free night of jazz featuring Los Vagos (African, Brazilian, Caribbean and American jazz). Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Snack bar will be open.

Next Friday, Aug 19, and Saturday the 20th at 8 pm, Theatre Horizon (410 Dekalb). New Voices, New Viewpoints is an evening of scenes from 4 new plays that have not yet been seen in our region, which represent a diversity of voices and viewpoints. Stay after the event to share your opinions over a complimentary drink with the artists. The event will be Pay What You Decide ~ Audience pays AFTER seeing the show, whatever they can afford or think the show was worth.

Next Saturday, August 20, 3-6 pm at Elmwood Park Bandshell, The Art of Worship Gospel Concert.

Two Months of Festivals Begins

Come eat your way around Norristown this weekend, from The Italian Festival at Holy Saviour, special food at Five Saints Distillery, Impact's Grand Opening, or breakfast Saturday with your congressman.

Tonight, 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. (I can personally recommend the pork sandwiches and fried dough (think Italian donuts)). The feast continues Saturday from 4-11 pm and Sunday from about 1-9 pm.

Also Friday from 4-11 pm at Five Saints Distillery (129 E Main). Egg Food Truck, serving up hot food. Joe Stoudt (guitarist) will be entertaining from 7 to 11 pm.

Saturday, 9 am-5 pm at Norristown Centre (Logan Square), Impact Thrift Store will host their Grand Reopening in their new location (under the USM building, right across from what used to be the Peanut Gallery). Prizes, refreshments, entertainment and a 30% discount to customers on all items that day. ALCAMO Family Center and Montco OIC will receive 10% of the day's net proceeds.

Saturday, 10-11:30 am at Pauline's Deli, 36 E Main, Breakfast with Congressman Brendan Boyle. Enjoy a light meal and talk about political issues with your congressman. To RSVP, email ShaeAshe@mail.house.gov.

Saturday from noon-11 pm at Five Saints Distillery. Willis Brothers BBQ will be smoking up ribs, chicken and more. Also on hand will be musical DJ Shadow to spin the latest tunes for your listening pleasure.

Saturday, 7-9 pm at Centre Theater, 208 DeKalb. The Hilarious Magic of Sam Sandler. Come spend some time with one of America's premier close up magicians. Sam Sandler is also the creator of the nationally renowned school assembly show - DEAFinitely Magic. Tix: http://brownpapertickets.com/event/2558297

Sunday between 2-5 pm, FREE admission to Elmwood Park Zoo for all Norristown residents. Must show proof of address.

Sunday, 7 pm at the Elmwood Park bandshell, Sunday concerts in the Park continues. This week, Flower Power performs. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. The snack stand will be open.

Tuesday, 7 pm at Municipal Hall. Planning Commission Meeting. Only one item on the agenda, which is at this link.

Wednesday and Friday, 10 am-12:30 pm at the Montco Intermediate Unit, 2 W Lafayette. Early Initiative Parent and Youth FREE Summer Workshop Series. The theme is Work Readiness. Register by calling or emailing the coordinator, 484-250-4340 ext 161, stperry@pa.gov. Registration is first-come, first- served. If you miss this week's workshops, they will repeat on August 16th and 18th.

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 12 starting at 5:30 pm, Zoo Snooze: Summer on the Savannah at Elmwood Park Zoo. Camp out under the stars with African animal friends, the giraffes and the zebras. Wear your spots and stripes and travel on an overnight safari filled with fun, activities and more. Zoo Snooze is suitable for both first time and experienced campers and provides a great opportunity for families to spend time outdoors in a safe and unique environment.  Pricing  $34.95 for members, $49.95 for 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. For more information or to register, visit http://bit.ly/1LWSxrh or contact Guest Services at 610-277-3825 x 222 or email guestservices@elmwoodparkzoo.org.

Next Saturday from 4-6 pm, Mt. Zion AME Church (1312 Willow) will host a Caribbean Festival. Multicultural dinner, fashion show and gospel concert. Featuring Bro Ted Robinson & 20th Street New Testament Church of God Praise and Worship Choir. Donation $25, children (12 & under) $12. Additional information 484-213-3020.