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.

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.

The Best Kept Secret

Back in 2011, someone made a 21-second video called "Norristown, Best Kept Secret."  On YouTube, the video got a mere 6 views, so it's safe to say even that little ad was kept secret.

Why is it so hard to get the message out that we've got restaurants, attractions and festivals that make Norristown worth the trip? The main answer is, WE DO IT OURSELVES.

When I started working for the Norristown Business Association, I looked around the internet to see how and where our businesses were promoting themselves online. Social media like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram give small businesses a free tool to reach their local community. I was surprised to learn how many of Norristown's small businesses don't use social media at all, or do it so half-heartedly, they might as well not be there.

We have nearly 60 eateries in Norristown. About half have a Facebook page. Maybe 5 of those actually post to their page regularly and do a decent job promoting their businesses. The rest apparently assume that because the page exists, people will somehow magically see it. Having a Facebook page that's not set up right and/or ignored after you set it up is like having no Facebook page at all.

So last night at Jus' Java, I led a business seminar for the Norristown Business Association called "Using Facebook to promote your business." When we posted news of it at various places online in the last few weeks, we got a great response. Everyone thought it was a great idea. Twelve people on Facebook alone said they'd come to it. In the end, 3 people showed up. And they weren't the businesses who needed it.

Meantime, I can't turn on TV without seeing McDonalds or Sonic or Dunkin Donuts ads. So people go to them instead of our family-owned restaurants, not because they have better food, but simply because people know about those chains and not about our small places. They have better promotion.

It takes maybe 5 minutes a day for our restaurants to post a photo of something on their menu. I guarantee, when I see photos of food from places like Zachary's (the cookie above is from their page), Jus' Java, La Michoacana, etc., I don't crave a pitiful burger from Mickey D's. Click on the links for those pages and tell me those photos aren't effective.

So here's the deal, pass this on to your favorite Norristown small businesses. Tell them I'll repeat this seminar at a time and place convenient to the most people. All they have to do is leave a comment here, or on Facebook or Twitter, or send an email to info@norristownba.org and say they want another Facebook seminar.

But let's not keep Norristown as the Best Kept Secret anymore. It's killing our economy. Let's get the word out.

Coming In 2015

The last 2 days I was working on the Norristown Business Association's first meeting of the year, so no Diary entries. But today, since the NBA did a public presentation yesterday, I can tell you the events planned for 2015. These are only NBA events--they'll be lots of others, too, by other organizations. Norristown's going to be an active place this year.

Within the next 2 weeks, the NBA will open a Visitor Welcome Center downtown. Jus' Java has agreed to let us have a little space for a brochure rack, which will include attraction info (Elmwood Park Zoo, Five Saints Distilling, etc.), take-out menus from local restaurants, business brochures, self-guiding walking tours, and event information. In addition, a TV screen will display a slide show of ads from businesses and event planners, plus interest photos of Norristown's architecture, arts and other amenities. The suggestion was made at the meeting to put a similar TV screen in the jurors room at the courthouse. We're going to look into it. When pricing and guidelines for the ads are posted online somewhere, I'll pass on the link.

Starting in March, on the 3rd Wednesday from 5-7 pm, the NBA will offer business seminars at a reasonable cost. The first will be March 18th at Jus' Java and the topic is Your Business on Facebook: How to Use Facebook to Promote Your Business Effectively. Details to follow.

Starting in April will be NBA's Walking Taste Tours. Last year we did one tour, which was well attended, but seemed to be too many restaurants, too much walking, took too much time and was more food than people could handle. So this year, we're doing smaller, shorter tours, and combining them with walking tours of Norristown's architecture. The first tour is tentatively scheduled for April 11.

Also starting in April and running at least through September, we plan to have Fourth Fridays Downtown. This will include a new jazz venue--Jazz on Cherry Street by Vance Community Partners at 214 Cherry--plus as the weather warms up, NBA hopes to encourage restaurants to stay open later and offer outdoor dining, music or other activities that will bring people to Norristown the 4th Friday of each month. These nights will also mark a return of NBA's Game Night--some of you remember how much fun last year's Family Feud nights were. Stay tuned.

May 2nd is the Arts Hill Festival and NBA will be there, hosting "A Taste of Norristown at the Top of The Hill." Participating restaurants will offer samples of the foods they do best, for only a dollar or 2, so festival goers can try out many different places. This will be a prelude to Restaurant Week in Norristown, which will take place the week after, May 4-10. During Restaurant Week, participating eateries will offer discounts or free menu items.

Sometime in midsummer, we hope to have a barbecue/festival at Logan Square. This would be late afternoon/evening and feature our North End restaurants.

The 3rd annual Riverfest will be September 19 at Riverfront Park. It's a joint venture of the NBA and Dragon Boat Club. Riverfest was nominated this year for Best Of Montco Family Event and when I last checked, we were winning by a lot (you can add your vote at this link.) If you haven't been to Riverfest, come for the food, music, games, and free boat rides.

The NBA hopes to make Small Business Saturday (November 28th) more of an event this year, and as always, to encourage everyone to support our small businesses all year around.

And we'll wind up the year with another Light Up The Dark Contest, encouraging our businesses to go all out with holiday light displays all around town.

The Business Association will need volunteers for these events, even if you can only spare a half hour. If you're interested, email info@norristownba.org and tell us which event(s) you want to help out with. Also, drop us a line if you want to be a participating restaurant/vendor for any of the events, or want to place an ad on the Welcome Center TV. 

Donut / Pancake Day in N-town

Most calendars have today marked as Mardi Gras, but for a lot of Norristown's residents who are immigrants or the descendants of immigrants from Italy, Mexico and parts of the Caribbean, today is Carnival or Bacchanal. So it's a great day to talk about food.

If you can get yourself dug out of the snow today, you might go looking for donuts, or as some of our earliest German settlers called them, fasnachts. Polish immigrants brought another version called paczki. Mexicans--a long ridged version called churros that just beg to be dipped in gooey chocolate.

Sure, you could just go to Dunkin' Donuts and get the generic version--there are 3 locations in N-town--but consider some of our local eateries who get their pastries from local bakeries or do the baking themselves. Here are some suggestions:

Jus' Java, 317 Swede St.(donuts at left)
Eli's Bakery Cafe, 324 W Marshall St.
Lou's (who posted the photo of the heart-shaped donuts above), 414 E Main St.





You can also find churros at Mexico Lindo, 500 W Main, and Los Potrillos, 354 W Elm.

Today is also known by some of our residents as Pancake Day and here in N-Town, we have lots of breakfast places that serve pancakes. Here are just a few:

Alfredo's, 1132 W Main (Yelp reviews give their pancakes 5 stars)
Main Street Cafe, 215 E Main (a friend of mine raves about their pancakes)
Pauline's Deli, 36 E Main
Trejo American & Mexican, 505 Swede
Norristown Diner, 234 W Johnson Hwy (I've had breakfast there a few times. I can't order the pancakes because I'm gluten intolerant, but my companions who ordered them have all liked them)
And again, Jus' Java (the pancakes in the photo).

So there are some suggestions for celebrating the day in style. Hungry yet?

Buon Carnivale!

Bike Racks, Easy Art

Last week I talked about how most of the restaurants downtown are within a half mile (6 blocks). Except for the slight climb up to Jus' Java, it's a fairly flat, walkable distance.

It's a very cyclable distance, too. Only one tenth of a mile to the south, paralleling Main Street, is the Schuylkill River Trail. Once the warm weather rolls in, we can expect something like 100,000 riders to pedal through N-town this year. So what can we do to get some of them to take a tiny tenth of a mile detour up onto Main Street to try out our restaurants?

I already mentioned signage in another blog about the trail. We can get high tech about it and include a CR code so that cyclers can use their smart phones to view the Norristown Business Assn. restaurant directory on Facebook and eventually link to the bigger searchable restaurant website that's planned.

But let's say we entice them here with signage. What else do we need to make them feel welcome? The obvious answer is BIKE RACKS.

If you go downtown on a nice summer day, you see bikes tethered to street signs. We can do better than that. Businesses can buy a simple steel bike rack, some for less than $80, and some in pretty nice colors. Check out this site.  I would hope that, if businesses wanted to make this investment that there would be no zoning/code glitches in the way of their installation.

But here's another option. Norristown can promote itself as an arts community with a few creative bike rack sculptures. Here are some examples from other parts of the country:

You can get some fairly artistic racks ready-made at links like Dero.com. They even do custom racks (picture a rack in the shape of a coffee cup in front of Jus' Java or a bourbon bottle or fire truck in front of Five Saints). Still, with the cost of shipping, ordering custom racks from Minnesota can get pricey.

Thing is, I know we have local people who work with metal. We also now have Metal Supermarkets, Inc. located in Norristown (Markley near Elm), and they can get the raw material. Keep it local and you not only save the expense of shipping a heavy steel rack, but you support Norristown's economy. Plus we end up with bike rack sculptures unique to N-town. That alone might attract some cyclers off the trail, as well as other visitors.

Maybe this can work as a partnership between the businesses and the municipality, with the municipality doing the installation curbside. Maybe organizations can sponsor racks. Maybe the borough can even spring for a rack or 2 themselves. However we do it, bike racks could go a long way towards bringing back our economy.  Let connect the dots between the potential customers using the bike trail and our downtown.

Ya Gotta Eat

Yesterday I said we have to analyze consumer spending habits to come up with a plan for revitalizing the downtown. It's a simple strategy: figure out what will bring people to spend their money in Norristown, and go away happy enough that they'll be back to spend more and recommend it to others.

Here are our competitors: malls, chain stores, the internet, and other close-by small towns like Phoenixville and Conshy.

Think about what you usually buy. Clothes? Most people buy clothes 2 ways--they either need a particular item and go back to the store where they've found that item in the right fit, style and price, or they window-shop and make impulse purchases. Purchases for needed items are being done increasingly online, though there are always buyers who want to browse all the colors and choices in person before choosing.

Window-shopping these days is done mostly at malls, where you have a wider choice of stores, styles and price-ranges. I know people who window-shop on the internet, but the drawback is that you can't feel the fabric, see the true colors or try on the clothing. Window-shopping on Main Streets that have small boutiques will attract a certain kind of customer, but usually that person is in the town for other reasons. For instance, I still remember a great sweater I bought in Doylestown years ago. I was there to do a book signing and had 20 minutes to kill before I had to be at the bookstore. Small town boutiques tend to rely on other businesses to bring them foot traffic. Doylestown, like Norristown, has a courthouse, and we might expect potential customers from there during the day, but we still need to give those folks a reason to head down to Main Street in the first place.

Most of the above can apply to other purchases. Electronics? You either need an item and go where you know you can get it, or you love to window shop for new gadgets. Again, a lot of these purchases are made online. Even more so.

One thing people don't buy online is a meal. Oh, they might order it online, but they want it to come from someplace local enough that it's fresh and hot when they sit down to it. The malls and chain stores don't have a big variety of quality food. And one thing we have in N-town is all different kinds of great food.

Downtown on Main Street alone, in the half mile from Banh Mi Bistro down to Lou's Sandwich Shop, we already have more than a dozen eateries representing the cuisines of 7 countries on 4 continents. I've heard we'll probably get at least 2 new restaurants downtown in 2015.

I looked up "International Restaurant District" on Google and got only 3 hits in all of the US. Seattle's district is only made up of Asian restaurants. Charlotte, North Carolina claims to have such a district, but the majority of the restaurants seem to be pancake houses. It's also located along a 10-mile stretch of highway--not walkable.

The only city that comes close to Norristown for variety of cuisine, quantity, and walkability of restaurants is Arlington, Virginia. They have a long city block with about 14 restaurants from different cultures. I've eaten there, and had great Greek, Thai and Italian food. What do they have that Norristown doesn't? A hotel district serving the Pentagon and various conventions. Arlington also has a mall, with an entrance right out of the lobby of my hotel. No one went to the mall to eat. Everyone walked or drove the half mile down to the restaurant district on 23rd Street.

What doesn't Arlington have? Not one single Mexican restaurant. Norristown is fast becoming known as the place to find the most authentic Mexican food outside of Mexico, and from a variety of regions. Our other strengths? We're located in the middle of a populous region where lots of people like to go out to eat, or order take-out fairly often. We offer all kinds of price range options. You can easily find food that's both cheaper and better quality than fast food. I ate at La Michoacana last week and brought home enough leftovers for 2 more meals (roughly $5 per meal). The food was excellent.

What do we need to do to market Main Street as an International Restaurant District? Clean up its appearance. Powerwash the sidewalks. Empty the public trash receptacles more often. Make businesses aware that they can apply for Community Block Grants and other incentives to improve their facades. Add flower planters and art. Make the streets look festive.

Parking is a problem on weekdays, yet most of our restaurants are only open at those times. At night and on weekends, though, we have better parking than places like Phoenixville. We need better signage to show which lots become public lots during non-workhours.

To improve security, we need to light up the darkest, emptiest stretches. Trees look nice during the day, but they make the sidewalks dark at night. We need lighting that reaches beneath the trees. Council was pretty good about adding lighting to our shopping districts last year, so hopefully they'll continue. Even so, we can at least encourage restaurants to stay open an hour or so in the summer months, when the sun sets later. 

The main thing is to get the word out. Norristown's great restaurants are our biggest secret. A website with maps of downtown, the North End, West Marshall, showing the restaurants and parking lots, with info about Restaurant Week and other town festivals and events wouldn't hurt. The Norristown Business Association has begun a Restaurant Directory on their Facebook page this month (check it out--you don't have to sign on to view it). They're planning a better searchable directory for their website. You may even have the capability to order online from your favorite N-town eateries. The NBA is also planning some downtown events for the warmer months to create more activity on Main Street.

Appearance, parking, security, marketing. Those improvements could create a new downtown, and a new attitude toward Norristown. If the restaurants we have thrive, others will follow, along with retail boutiques and other businesses. 

Starting the New Year

Only a few things again for the next week, but don't worry, more events to come mid-month. If you're looking for something to do in the meantime, start exploring Norristown's restaurants. The N-town Business Association is using that as their theme to begin 2015, and have begun a directory of our community's great restaurants on Facebook (you don't have to be signed in to view it). They'll be adding a new restaurant each workday for the next couple months (we have that many eateries). I'll be blogging about it in the near future, but if you're on Facebook, you can follow their entries by liking the NBA page.

Starting Monday from 10-11 am at the Norristown Library (Swede and Powell Sts), Gentle Yoga classes instructed by Maria Cipollini. $25 for 8 classes or $5 per class. Registration is required. Class will run through February 23. 610-278-5100.

Also starting Monday, 2-4 pm at the Norristown Library (Swede and Powell Sts), Device Advice. One-on-one tech help for those who want help with their e-readers, tablets, laptops, setting up accounts for email, Facebook or Twitter, etc. Also an intro to the library's online resources. To sign up call 610-278-5100.

Direct quote from the calendar on Norristown.org: "On the first Monday of January in each year, the Municipal Council conducts a reorganization meeting where they elect a President and Vice President of Council." No time was given, but it's at Municipal Hall. Also no agenda other than elections are listed.

Also on the town calendar, for this Tuesday, is listed a Council Reorganization meeting. Also no time nor agenda given. I'm guessing that only one of the above meetings is genuine, but I could be wrong.

Frankly, I'm going to keep declaring the new Norristown.org calendar a disaster, once a week, until they get it fixed. Or at least, use it properly. Not a great omen for beginning a new year

Wednesday at 8 pm at Centre Theater (208 Dekalb), Open Words Norristown. Poetry open mic. $5 if you pay in advance at www.poetry247.com/openwords . $10 at the door.

Don't forget -- No Electronic Recycling until further notice.

More library events can be found at http://www.eventkeeper.com/code/events.cfm?curOrg=MONTCO

The Historical Architecture Review Board (HARB) has some openings. This board recommends approval for changes to buildings within Norristown's historic districts, but it also can advise council on changes in the state law regarding historic preservation, trends regarding potential dangers for our historic structures, and potential changes to zoning that can affect preservation. The board meets monthly and the meetings can run from 2 hours or more depending on the number of cases before them. There is also a need for training which may be performed at Municipal Hall, or outside. There is no compensation for serving.If you live in the municipality and would like to be considered for appointment to this board, please contact Councilwoman Olivia Brady at obrady@norristown.org.

Saturday On Main Street

Over the weekend, I was trying to remember the last time I strolled along Main Street downtown. I mean, more than a 1 or 2-shop stop at a store or restaurant. It was probably over 40 years ago when I used to go downtown with my mom on Saturday mornings.

She'd get her hair done in a little salon on Penn, then we'd walk down to Main and go right, toward Pagel's Shoes, the New York Store and the Charming Shoppe (where she bought all my Sunday dresses). Or we'd go left to Chatlins Department Store. Sometimes we did the whole stretch. We'd end up back in the middle--lunch at Grants 5-and-10 (best hotdogs in the world, on buttered rolls, with Hires draft root beer), plus they had a public phone so we could call my dad to come get us.

When I told people I was going downtown for Small Business Saturday, most of them said, "What for? There aren't any businesses down there anymore." Still, last Saturday morning, Robin Parker (some of you know her as the head of the Dragon Boat Club) and I started at Jus' Java on Swede and walked down to Main. Our intention was to let businesses know about the Norristown Business Association and maybe get their thoughts on bringing life back to the downtown.

Let me add that I can now personally recommend Jus' Java's caramel hot cocoa and berry blend black tea. Today (Tuesday) is their grand re-opening. Discounts between 10 and noon. They're open until 5 pm. Go check out their new space.

Anyway, at Main Street, we went left to Cherry, crossed Main and came back down the street on the other side, walking almost down to Arch Street, where we crossed again and came back up to Swede. And on the way we stopped in most of the businesses who were open and didn't look too, too busy.

Yes, that's right. We DO have businesses downtown, and some--like the barber shops--had so many patrons that we didn't feel right interrupting them.

There are more businesses than I expected. Most are small eateries, and many of them Mexican cuisine, though they all seem to offer different variations. They're all brightly painted, neat and clean inside, and inviting. Their cooking aromas are all enticing. They all had a decent number of patrons (to be honest, it was the lunchtime). Ditto for the other eateries we stopped at, like Main Street Cafe. In a 4-block area, we've already got Vietnamese, Ethiopean, Mexican, Japanese, Chinese, Southern and American cuisine. We could market Main Street as our International Dining District. Then add Italian, Greek, Thai, Middle Eastern, Indian, etc. And an ice cream place.

We also stopped at old established businesses like Baer's Furniture and Zummo's Hardware. They weren't so busy. It's a shame, because they're really nice people, offer great products, and they've been faithful to Norristown for decades.

Everyone who volunteered their opinions mentioned that parking was the worst problem. For stores selling heavy things like furniture, rock salt, etc., loading trucks or cars in front of their places is difficult. I've found that business district parking isn't a problem that Municipal Hall has been willing to talk about, but it seems to be key to bringing commerce back to the community. We can't simply expect visitors to be willing to pay for parking--not when there's free parking to be had at area malls and in surrounding towns. We can't expect our businesses to thrive only on weekends, when parking is free on the streets. We're in competition with other shopping areas. We're in competition with online stores. We need to make our districts more inviting, more unique, more fun, and VERY easy to visit, EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK.

The other problem is looks. Some of the buildings, like the little cafes and Cullen & Conwell law offices have gotten facelifts and look great. Many need a little work or just some powerwashing of the dingy pavements and bricks. The borough's trash cans need to be emptied more often. Codes needs to nudge owners into fixing things like dilapidated fencing. But it was heartening to see construction permits on a couple empty buildings, with workers busy inside.

These aren't insurmountable problems. I think we just need to brainstorm a bit and find some creative solutions.

Afterwards we stopped for lunch at Casa Bonita International Cuisine on Dekalb and Oak Sts.--another gem of a restaurant that no one seems to know about. They're known for their fish tacos. I recommend the Korean kochoo chop chae (pictured). Yummy.

Certainly, Main Street wasn't thriving this year for Small Business Saturday, but it gave me hope for the future.

Getting The Word Out Is Half The Battle

Full disclosure--the Norristown Business Administration became my employer this week, but the stuff I'm about to tell you happened before that, so I can't take credit for the result.

In September, I went to Riverfest and got into a conversation with Council reps Linda Christian and Olivia Brady. I can't remember why now, but we were talking about jury duty. I think maybe we were saying how lots of jurors come into town every week and we want them to have a good experience here. We especially want them to eat in our restaurants, then go home and tell their family and friends how good the food was.

I mentioned that every time I'd been called for jury duty, I was given a little flyer with a map of eating places within a couple blocks of the Court House. The second time, I recall the cafeteria at the Court House was being remodeled, so we HAD to go out to eat and that flyer saved a lot of time. But apparently, whoever provided the flyer stopped years ago.

Linda Christian thought it was a great idea and suggested that the N-town Business Association might want to take on the project. I'm a member of the NBA, and the next week we had our September meeting, so I suggested it.

Only one month later, at our October meeting, Ed Turner, president of the NBA, came in with a full-color 5x7 postcard showing the map and description of most of the eateries between Cherry, Walnut and Oak Streets (shown above). The other side of the card shows mouth-watering photos of some of the food these restaurants dish out.

It was discovered that a few places had been forgotten, plus there's a new Mexican restaurant across from Banh Mi. They'll all be added to a later edition along with Jus' Java when they reopen (they're going to be where Caffe Galileo was, on Swede across from the Courthouse). But having to add new restaurants is a GOOD problem to have. Hopefully, more dining places will open downtown in the next year.

Meantime, that postcard will be given to jurors (and anyone else who wants them). Maybe we can make them available at Borough Hall, too, and at small downtown businesses and the restaurants themselves. The more we spread the word about the good eats to be found here in town, the better for our economy.

So kudos to the NBA for making this happen in 6 short weeks. Check out their website at www.norristownba.org and LIKE their Facebook page. We'll be posting info soon on how to become a member for 2015.

Attracting Tourists

Last week my best friend, who lives in King of Prussia, said to me, "Hey, do you know that the zoo has a zip-line?"

Of course I knew. I live in that neighborhood and drive along Harding Blvd several times a week. You can't help but see the zip-line Elmwood Park Zoo put in this summer, or if you do somehow miss it, you'll at least see the signs for it. Why hadn't I told my friend about it? Truth is, like a lot of us, I take the zoo for granted.

For a native N-towner like me, the zoo's always been a neighbor. When I was a kid, it was little more than a duck pond, two miserable bears, a stinky monkey house and a bison pen. I guess I was in junior high when they began expanding it--lions, howler monkeys, snakes, a petting zoo with farm animals, big birds. I could hear the lions and howler monkeys from my house when our windows were open. Great way to freak out overnight guests.

For the US Bicentennial in 1976, the zoo expanded up the hill by building a boardwalk and adding American animal exhibits like bighorn sheep, elk, bald eagles and my favorites, prairie dogs. They raised money by selling planks on the boardwalk (and at fairly reasonable prices--I remember everyone wanting to get their family's name on a board).

After that, the zoo really seemed to take off. More people came, so they could afford to built more and more exhibits, They started charging a fee, which discouraged locals at first, but outside visitors didn't know the difference, so the zoo kept growing. This year, Elmwood Park Zoo celebrates it's 90th anniversary, so every 1st Sunday of the month from 2 to 5 pm, the zoo is free to Norristown residents.

Outside of Philadelphia, it's one of the larger tourist attractions in southeastern PA, and is starting to be really talked about in the surrounding counties. A Bucks County friend mentioned to me not long ago, "I didn't know Norristown had a zoo. And it's so big!"  When you drive by on a nice summer weekday, you can see that the lot is fairly full. On a weekend, it's packed. Cars are parked on the grass around the entrance.

HEY FOLKS, WE'VE GOT TOURISTS COMING INTO TOWN !

But most of the residents, like me, take the zoo for granted. It's on the fringe of town, so most of us don't see the tourists. Whenever town leaders and planners envision bringing outsiders into town, they talk about things needing to happen downtown. Five Saints Distillery and Firehouse Museum hopefully WILL start bringing visitors to Main Street starting next year, but no one seems to be thinking about what to do with those tourists after they tour Five Saints. Let them simply go home? No, we should be coming up with ways to keep them in town longer, spending their money. Maybe start with something as simple as handing out coupons for the restaurants on Main and the theaters on Dekalb. And don't forget, we've got thousands of outsiders visiting Norristown every weekend via the Schuylkill River Trail. Right now, they cycle straight through without stopping.

Look at all these visitors!

At Elmwood Park, tourists visit the zoo and they go home. How can we encourage them to stay? We've got some good restaurants in the North End, like Zachary's BBQ and Sessano's. How many visitors to the zoo even know those eateries exist? We desperately need SIGNS.

Right now, the look of Logan Square encourages tourists to leave faster. The place needs a facelift--with a big bright mural on the wall facing Johnson Highway--and businesses geared to tourists. More eateries, ice cream, a bakery, a souvenir shop. AND we need another tourist attraction at Logan Square. How about something like indoor miniature golf?

Via Venuto's will be returning. The work on Markley is a pain now, but we'll have pretty new curbs, and a turning lane when PennDOT's done. Let's give tourists a reason to use that turning lane.

Anyone else have an idea for a tourist attraction, at Logan Square or anywhere else in town? What are the kinds of places you like to visit? Leave a comment below or on Facebook.

Leaders, add more signs to connect the dots between where the tourists are and where we need them to be--our restaurants and theaters, at least. Come up with ways to bring in more tourist attractions and related businesses.  Residents, tell your out-of-town friends about our zoo and other places in town you'd think they'd enjoy. We all need to start thinking of Norristown as having a tourist economy and act on it.

FOOD, Music, Carnival, and a Clean Car

Another busy weekend, plus events coming up later that you should plan for now. They're calling for summer-like weather. And remember, Sunday's Mom's Day. Take her to a Norristown restaurant, to the Zoo's carnival, bring her flowers from a Norristown flower shop or greenhouse, and buy her tickets to the upcoming play at Theatre Horizon. Pick her up in a car newly washed by NASD students. See below.

The Dragon Boat Club and Norristown Business Association are partnering to sponsor a Community Flea Market on May 24-25 from 8 am to 3 pm at Airy and Dekalb Sts. If you're interested in being a vendor, the cost per space is $20 for one day and $30 for both days. Reserve your space NOW by email info@dragonboatclub.org . Details will be forthcoming.

There are 3 days left on Restaurant Week. Remember, the participating restaurants are Almaz Cafe, Banh Mi Bar, Casa Bonita, Crispy & Juicy, Diva's Kitchen, Jus' Java, and Taqueria La Michoacana. They all have Friday and Saturday hours. The latter 3 have Sunday hours. For a complete listing of discounts and hours, go to Restaurant Week's Facebook page. You don't have to sign in to Facebook to see the information.
  
Elmwood Park Zoo's Season Kickoff Carnival is still on tonight, 5-10 pm, Saturday, noon to 10 pm, and Sunday, noon to 5 pm. Rides, games, food and fun right in the Zoo's parking lot. Admission to the carnival is FREE and separate from Zoo admission. Tickets for rides and games may be purchased at the carnival. The Zoo will be open its regularly scheduled hours of 10 am to 5 pm.

Tonight is another Family Feud Game Night: The reigning champions of the Norristown Council will take on the Norristown Men of Excellence. 7 pm at Caffe Galileo (317 Swede). The trash talk started at the Arts Hill Fest last week. Come out and see who will emerge victorious.

Saturday, 11 am - 2 pm, Car Wash at Stewart Middle School to benefit the Music Boosters. If I find out cost, I'll update this entry. Get a clean car and help keep music in our schools.

At 4 pm, Saturday, The Norristown Chorale will present its spring concert, "The Music's Always There" at Victory Church, 2650 Audubon Rd, Audubon. FREE admission--good-will offering accepted.

Saturday night from 8:30 to 1 am is Comedy Night @TheCarver, featuring Norristown's Own Comedians, NASIR, Stan Tannell. Tickets $10. Carver Center, 249 East Jacoby St.

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

Also Tuesday at 7 pm, INTRODUCTION TO GENEALOGY presented by Genealogist Rose Brown at The Historical Society of Montgomery County (1654 DeKalb Street). This begins a 4-week workshop for beginners, each Tuesday through June 3. $7.50 member/$10 non-member non-refundable materials fee. Seating is limited. For information or to reserve a space, cal: 610-272-0297 or email contact@hsmcpa.org

Wednesday from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm at the Library (Swede and Powell), the Montgomery County Health Department will have certified child car seat technicians who'll inspect child safety seats. Participants are educated on the proper way to install a car seat in their car, and to ensure their child is properly restrained in the car seat. Car seat checks are by appointment only. Call 610-278-5119 to make an appointment

On Thursday, May 15th, at 7:30 pm, HITCHCOCK'S THE 39 STEPS opens at Theatre Horizon with a "Pay What You Can" Preview. (They'd really appreciate at least a $10 donation). The play is described as "...a fast-paced whodunit...packed with nonstop laughs, over 150 zany characters (played by a ridiculously talented cast of 4), handcuffs, missing fingers and some good old-fashioned romance!" Discounted previews ($20-22) will continue on Friday (16th) and Saturday (17th) at 8 pm, and Sunday (18th) at 2 pm. The show will run through June 8th. And remember, Norristown residents can get FREE tickets through the PNC Norristown Neighbor Program. Email Ticket@TheatreHorizon.org or call 610-283-2230 for information. Or reserve regular seats online at http://www.theatrehorizon.org/shows/the39steps.html.

Remember to check the calendar links to the right of this blog for more events.

Help Bring Back the DRAGON (and don't forget Restaurant Week)

First, many of you heard that the Dragon Boat Club's boat house was caught in the flood last week and took a little swim down the Schuylkill. It's a large shipping container with a mural of a dragon (named Puff) that was painted by the kids at the ACPPA Community Arts Center on Haws Avenue.  (You can watch a video about its recent sojourn at this link.)

The club keeps apologizing about it, but honestly, no one expected the river to crest that high (21 feet!). The last time it crested over 20 feet was when I was in high school back in the Dark Ages. Even Hurricane Floyd, which was some of our worst flooding before this, wasn't this high. The local news outlets and even the National Weather Service were all predicting 3 inches of rain. I heard one say 4, but that it was a conservative estimate. We actually got more than 5 inches in 24 hours.

Another factor was the poor way riverfront development has been done in Conshohocken. All that concrete so close to the water creates a funnel effect, with anything upstream being the wide part of the funnel. And Norristown is what's upstream. Which is why we absolutely MUST be careful how we do our own river development, or we won't have a Riverfront Park, or even a rvierbank in the West End in the future. It'll all wash away.

But I digress. The point is that the Dragon Boat Club's boat house tumbled over the dam and is right now wedged against a tree in the river, right before the Dekalb Street Bridge. It's not in a spot that will make recovery easy. The boat house contains most of the club's equipment, some or all of which may need to be replaced.

Now, I shouldn't have to remind you how much the DBC has done for Norristown. They've brought Riverfront Park back to life. They've sponsored almost monthly events, especially events for our kids, Riverfest and Winter Wonderland. This year, they've gone a step further and are sponsoring other events around town with the Norristown Business Association, like the Family Feud nights, and the Flea Market at the end of this month (May 24-25) at Airy and Dekalb.

So, since the DBC has been such a good neighbor in Norristown, I'm asking you to do the neighborly thing and help them out. You can do this in few ways:

1. Donate online at http://www.dragonboatclub.org/drupal1/donate

2. Come out to support their events. The next one at Riverfront is a Food, Wine, and Beer Tasting on June 13th from 6:30 to 10:30 pm. For $20 per person (adults only) you get the tastings, hors d'oeuvres, local entertainment, a silent auction, and passport raffle. You can find a full listing of this year's events on their website.

3. Go LIKE their Facebook page. It's simple, it costs you nothing, but it's a tangible show of support. AND you'll be able to keep up on all their events.

The Dragon Boat Club has a dream of one day having a permanent community boat house at Riverfront Park. Help them make it a reality by lending a little aid now, when they need it most.

Lastly, one quick unrelated note -- don't forget that this is Restaurant Week, 5 to 10 pm every night through May 11. Go to http://norristownrestaurantweek.com/ for a list of participating restaurants. I'm planning to try 3 new-to-me restaurants this week and visit some old favorites. Maybe I'll see you there (just don't get between me and food)

ARTS, FOOD, Open Mics, and a Carnival

The big event this weekend is the Arts Hill Festival, but pace yourselves. Lots of other activities happening around town, too. And don't forget, this is Restaurant Week!

Today is the deadline for "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes" -- the International Men's March to Stop Rape, Sexual Assault, & Gender Violence. The Walk will take place on Saturday, May 10th at 9 am at the Farm Park (2500 Upper Farm Rd., West Norriton). Men: high heels will be provided the day of the walk at check-in. Ladies, bring your flats. To register for the walk go to this link. Send questions to philly.wam.girls@gmail.com

The Montgomery County Police Memorial Service will be held on Friday May 2nd starting at noon, commemorating law enforcement personnel who have been killed in the line of duty. The ceremony will take place at the Fallen Soldiers monument, located on the grounds of the Montgomery County Courthouse at the corner of Main and Swede streets. Main Street will be closed from about 10:30 am to 1:30 pm between DeKalb and Swede streets. Questions regarding the ceremony may be directed to LT Rich Clowser at rclowser@norristown.org .

Friday at 7 pm is Acoustic Open Mic Night at Jus' Java,  1601 Dekalb Street. This is a weekly event, hosted by Vanida Gail. For more details, email jusjava@gmail.com .

Saturday, of course, is the Norristown Arts Hill Festival, 10 am to 5 pm. I posted the full performance schedule and other info yesterday. Click here to see it.

Saturday night at 7 pm, Caffe Galileo (317 Swede) will host an Open Mic. No cover charge - lots of parking. As of now, they plan to continue it every Saturday.


Also Saturday, 7 to 11 pm, The Montgomery County OIC will host their Fantastic Voyage banquet at The Empress Room at St Helena's, 1489 Dekalb Pike; Blue Bell. Tickets $60 includes dinner, vendors and dancing to the sounds of Norristown's own Half Moon Band. For ticket information, contact Aariann Vaughn or Kathy Stewart at 610-279-9700. Or visit website for PayPal purchase

This Sunday (and the first Sunday of each month) Coffee Talk Artists Coop at 507 W. Marshall presents an Open Mic from 10 am to 1 pm.  Musicians, writers, poets and art lovers are welcome. $5 at the door.

Sunday is also First Sunday at Elmwood Park Zoo, meaning Norristown residents get in FREE starting at 2 pm.

Restaurant Week in Norristown begins on Monday and goes until Sunday the 11th, every night from 5 to 10 pm. Sponsored by the Norristown Business Association. For a list of participating restaurants, go to http://norristownrestaurantweek.com/restaurants.html or see the NRW facebook page. For more info, email edward@turnerconcepts.com.

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

Thursday at 5 pm, Elmwood Park Zoo kicks off their new season with a full-blown CARNIVAL! Rides, games, food and fun right in the Zoo's parking lot. The carnival will be open from 5 to 10 pm each night through Sunday the 11th.

I have on my calendar that the next Family Feud night will be Friday, May 9th at Caffe Galileo (317 Swede) at 7 pm, though I haven't seen it listed on the community calendars or Facebook. Norristown Council are the reigning champions. Not sure who the next challenger will be. If I hear more information this week, I'll let you know.

As always, remember to check the calendar links in the right column for the rest of this weeks' activities.

Norristown's Birthday Weekend!

Hey, no jokes about Norristown's age this weekend. 202 is still pretty young for a town (Paris is 2000 years old and no one says she's decrepit). Here's the list of the week's activities.

Today is the last day to register for the 6th Annual GNPAL and NMOE, 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament, which will take place Saturday April 12. Registration $100/Team. All team members must be at least 18 yrs old. Contact Doug White at nmoe19401@gmail.com or call 484-284-0851 or 610-564-2763 .

Tonight from 6-9 pm & Saturday from 1-4 pm, First Baptist Church of Norristown (445 Burnside Ave) is hosting a Free Prom Dress Giveaway.

"Buried Child" continues at Centre Theater this weekend, tonight and Saturday at 8 pm, Sunday at 2 pm. $15-22. The show has been getting rave reviews. For tickets: http://thecentretheater.ticketleap.com/buried-child/ or call 610-279-1013.

Saturday from 8-10 am, you're invited to an Applebee's Flapjack Fundraiser Breakfast to support Roosevelt Campus of the Norristown Area High School at  Applebee's, 2700 Dekalb Pike, East Norriton. $7 per person, $4.50 kids.

Still hungry? On Saturday, from 11 am to about 1:30 pm, the Norristown Business Association will conduct a Walking Taste Tour of 4 Norristown restaurants: Cafe Galileo (Columbian coffee and pastries), Casa Bonita (fish tacos, cheesesteaks, enchiladas, and Korean pepper chopped beef), Almaz Cafe (chicken stew, beef stew and sliders), and Banh Mi (appetizer, entree and dessert). $20. One would assume, if it rains, you can use your car instead of walk. Contact info@norristownba.org today for info.

Saturday from 1 to 4:30 pm, come out to Selma Mansion,  1301 W. Airy St, to celebrate  Norristown's Birthday. Costumed historical interpreters Maryann Buser, Mary Reynolds, and Elena Santangelo (yeah, me) will be on hand to tell you about Norristown's early days and famous residents, and Architect Doug Seiler will spill all he knows about Norristown's historic buildings. Listen carefully, because at around 3:30 pm, visitors can play a game of Norristown Jeopardy to test their knowledge (bragging rights for the next year). Norristown Area School students who show their ID get in FREE. Norristown residents with ID, Preservation Society members and veterans, $5. All other adults, $6. All other kids, $3. All kids under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Proceeds will go toward the restoration of Selma Mansion. Come see me in my petticoat.

Saturday night at 7pm, Comedian Matt Durkin will be featured at Caffe Galileo, Swede Street. For information, call 610-888-1980.

Council says we can all have Monday off to celebrate Norristown's actual birthday (202 years old)! Just kidding, but nothing is on either calendar that day. Relax and eat cake and ice cream.

On Tuesday, 10 am  to 3 pm, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide will be available FREE to taxpayers with low and moderate income, with special attention to those 60 and older. Norristown Public Library, Powell and Swede. Not an April Fools joke--we're only 2 weeks from Tax Day on April 15th. For additional information, visit the library website www.mc-npl.org or call 610-278-5100, Ext. 0 .

Tuesday night at 6 pm, GNPAL at 340 Harding Blvd will host "Taking It To The Next Level" -- a seminar on how to obtain a 501(c)3 non-profit classification for your organization. Organizations are encouraged to bring their event information to share, as well as any brochures, special projects and business cards. Light refreshments will be served. Sponsored by Norristown Violence Prevention Initiative. For more info, please contact Viviann Schorle, vschorle@fsmontco.org, 610-630-2111 ext 257 .

From there, you can head over to Municipal Hall for the Council Meeting at 7:30 pm Tuesday night. No agenda yet. I'll share it next week.

As always, click on The Norristown Project Calendar link in the right hand column or check the Municipal Town Calendar for more events.

Parties, Music, and M&M Pancakes

At last, we'll have a non-snowy weekend to get out and enjoy festivities before Christmas and New Year's.

On Saturday from noon to 3 pm, come to a Christmas party at Norristown PAL on Harding Blvd. Fun, food, games, give aways, and more. Hosted by One Love Club, Parents that Care and 100 WATTS.

Saturday night at 7 pm, Annabella Wood, song writer/performer, will perform at Coffee Talk Artists' Co-op, 507 W. Marshall St. $5.00 admission. For more info, call 610-272-4811.

Sunday morning from 10:30 to noon, bring your kids to Alfredo's Restaurant (corner of Main and Hamiliton Sts.) for "Breakfast with Santa."  M&M pancakes and a small drink. Kids 12 and under eat free. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

On Sunday starting at 1 pm, the Norristown Preservation Society will hold its Annual Meeting. Open to all members, and anyone who thinks they'd like to become a member in the coming year. Come hear the Society's accomplishments in regards to the Selma Mansion restoration, and what they have planned in 2014. Bring your new ideas and help preserve Norristown's history.

Also at Coffee Talk, from 1 to 4 pm on Sunday, "In the Christmas Spirit... An Afternoon With Songs Close To Our Hearts." (A carol sing and party.) $5 donation. 507 W. Marshall St. For more info, call 610-272-4811.