The Cost of Creating

In discussions about developing Norristown as an arts community, I've heard people talk about the need to attract artists to come and settle in our community. I've heard this from lovers of the arts, speaking in a vague way, as if all we have to do is put out fishing lines with the right bait. When you ask what kind of bait they mean, you get equally vague ideas of creating work spaces for artists, or even simply that artists would just want to hang out together 24/7, and that once a few settle here, that would be enough to bring more in.

I've heard it also, from developers, who bandy around the term "artists' lofts," implying that building the right sort of nests for artists will bring them in droves. In truth, these developers could care less who forks over money for their condos and apartments. They use the term because that's what they think our politicians and planning people want to hear. Sure, maybe housing in N-town is relatively inexpensive, but that's not enough to attract artists.

I think most people, when saying the word "artist," picture visual artists, but really, it needs to cover all the creative arts: music, dance, theater, design, architecture, prose and poetry, as well as painting and sculpture. The thing is, we already have artists in all these disciplines here, you just don't see them doing art openly in town. You might have a fashion designer or a novelist living in your neighborhood--how would you know?

Our artists have begun to come out of the woodwork, thanks to venues like Jus' Java and Coffee Talk, that hosts poetry and music open mic nights, and book signings. These venues and the library are offering gallery space for visual artists to show their work. But artists can't make a living doing open mics, or selling a few bits of their creativity now and then.

The truth is, very few people have any clue about how artists make ends meet. Half the people I've ever met assume I make tons of money writing books. I remember one man once trying to convince me that I should let him be my publicity agent. I told him the reason I wouldn't hire him is that he knew so little about the business, otherwise he'd know that his percentage of my earnings per month wouldn't buy him a cheap meal.

Most artists earn nowhere near minimum wage for the hours they create. From what I've observed in the writing world in the last 2 decades, earnings have been decreasing. I just read an article about an author with 19 novels under his belt, one of which was a bestseller, yet he's facing retirement unable to make ends meet on his royalty payments alone. And he's in England where he doesn't have to pay a mint for health insurance.

A friend of mine posted the cartoon above to Facebook last week. It's true, artists in our society are often asked to give away their work for free, for "exposure." Often artists are even asked to pay a fee to display their work or perform or to have something published. That's just plain wrong.

So, if you want to attract artists, Norristown, you need to offer two things. First, part-time day jobs, where enough can be earned to at least pay the big bills, like insurance and rent. Second, paid gigs or fair commissions. If there's hope of making a living here, and of being treated like their creativity has worth, artists will come.

Council vs. The Dragon (and other diversions)

Warm weather must be coming--Norristown's calendar is filling up again. You need to be 3 people to cover all Saturday's activities. But let's start with tonight:

Two hours of happy tonight, 4:30-6:30 pm at Jus' Java. Live music, discounted food and drink specials. Followed by Acoustic Open Mic at 7 pm.

Tonight at 7-9pm, The Norristown Business Association and the Dragon Boat Club will be hosting Family Feud Game Night at Casa Bonita, 801 Dekalb St. Call 610-278-9100. Please come out to watch the Dragon Boat Club take on Norristown Council (my money's on the Dragon). They'll host game night once a month, with the defending champion taking on subsequent challengers. For more info, email info@norristownba.org or call 610-278-9100.

Also tonight at 7 pm overnight until 7:30 am Saturday is the Mid-Night Basketball League and Mentoring Program at GNPAL 340 Harding Blvd. No workshop means no jumpshot. Cost: each player must be a member of the GNPAL @ $10.00 per year. Sponsored by Buck Jones 484-751-2509, Trina Berry 484-680-6164 and OneLove Club.

This is the last weekend for Circle Mirror Transformation at Theatre Horizon. Performances Friday and Saturday at 8 pm and Sunday at 2 pm. Tickets $22-$31. Call the Box Office at 610-283-2230 or visit www.theatrehorizon.org for more information. 

Saturday morning at 9 am, Certified Enrollment Navigators from the Norristown Regional Heath Center will provide free assistance with health insurance enrollment at the Norristown Library, 1001 Powell St.  From 10am-3pm, there will also be a Health Fair at the Regional Heath Center (1401 Dekalb) to encourage enrollment. Free health screenings, refreshments.

Attention gardeners: Saturday, 11 am to noon at the Library, Pauline Myers from Penn State will discuss which bulbs add interest to a garden in all 4 seasons, whether in a garden or flower pot.

Saturday at 11 am to 1 pm, Terri Camilari will perform at Coffee Talk Artists' Co-op. For more info call 610-272-4811.

Saturday, 1 pm at Jus' Java, author Ronald James will be on hand to sign his latest book, CHOICES.

Saturday, 4-5:30 pm at Theatre Horizon, Adult Acting Class.  No experience necessary. Class is taught by acclaimed Philadelphia actress Nancy Boykin, who plays the role of "Marty" in Circle Mirror Transformation. Nancy teaches acting at Temple University, helping students open up to new and imaginative possibilities. $15. For more information or to register, visit www.theatrehorizon.org.

Also Saturday, there will be a Benefit Concert and silent auction at Fairview Village Church of the Nazarene, 3044 Germantown Pike, Eagleville to benefit the Norristown Hospitality Center. Free Admission. Bidding starts at 6pm, music starts at 7 pm, Supported by Community Churches.

Norristown Ladies Flag Football will hold sign ups for women 27 yrs or older on Saturday. No times listed with this notice, so call Ericka Wharton at 610-306-9420 to find out. $40 per player or $70 for each team sponsor.

Take a rest Sunday after a really busy Saturday (or go see Circle Mirror Transformation at 2 pm).

Monday, go to the Norristown restaurant of your choice to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.

Tuesday at 7:30 pm is the Norristown Council meeting at Municipal Hall. No agenda listed yet.

Wednesday the 19th at 6 pm, Councilwoman Linda Christian will host another Town Hall meeting in the Community Room of the Human Services Center on the subject of Montgomery Hospital. Hopefully both sides will have a chance to present facts this time. Please come and be informed.

On Thursday from 1 to 4 pm, the Norristown Small Business Assistance Center will hold its bimonthly start-up business seminar, “How To Start Your Business in Norristown,” at the Norristown Municipal Building, 235 E. Airy St. This event will discuss creating your business plan, how to test your idea, what you need to consider when starting your business, licenses and certifications and “Show Me The Money,” where and how to get financing for your business. To RSVP contact Ronald Story at 610-277-4455 or email rstory@norristown.org. FREE for Norristown residents and $25 for all others.

As always, click on The Norristown Project's calendar in the right column or check the Municipal Calendar for more listings.

Acting Out...Of Harm's Way

Warm weather is coming, and for those of us who live near a middle school, that usually means at least one spring sighting of a big mob of teens watching at least 2 kids beat up on each other. The participants' friends won't try to stop it--just the opposite--they'll be egging their side on, and so will some of the non-friends. And nowadays, a good many of the students will be filming all the action with their phones, which only serves to encourage more of the same.

Search on YouTube under "youth violence" and you get 218,000 videos on prevention. Search under "kids fighting" and you get 757,000 hits of just that. One on the 1st page of the list was marked "Extremely funny." It wasn't. It was pathetic.

I got into one of these kinds of fights in junior high. I didn't start it, but I didn't know how to get out of it. I nearly got suspended. We were never taught, in school or at home, how to handle an extreme bullyng situation. And without guidance, it's not easy for kids that age to control the onslaught of hormones that makes them lash out in tense situations, whether they are the bullies or the victims. Both sides just feel out of control.

Tonight Theatre Horizon will host its 2nd annual "Out of Harm's Way" public forum at 7 pm. The forum will use dramatic scenes to help students learn how to better handle social problems before they become violent, and to help parents and civic leaders engage one another to find solutions.

Drama-based programs such as this have been used in other communities to curb violent behavior in youth. One study done in Boston involved pre-teens in a 9-week improv program where, once a week, they acted out scenes on particular topics where they had to make pivotal decisions on the outcomes of the scenes. At the end of 27 weeks, the students were evaluated, along with a control group of kids who hadn't done the improv classes. The students who had gone through the program had better social skills, like cooperation, assertiveness, and self-control. The control group's skills decreased, and overall, they showed an increase in aggression and violent behavior as they got older.

So if you have a child who is a school student, no matter how young, bring them to Theatre Horizon tonight. Admission is FREE, however, you must RSVP by calling 610-283-2230.  The theater is located 401 DeKalb Street. Street parking is available near the theater. In addition, there is a small parking lot as well as free parking in the county parking lot.

Our Crown Jewels

In the past weeks, with all the talk of Montgomery Hospital and building preservation, I've noticed that quite a few people don't have a handle on what the National Register of Historical Places is, or even that Norristown has buildings and districts listed on it. With a listing comes a certain amount of protection for these resources.

From the NRHP website: "The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation's historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service's National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America's historic and archeological resources." Pennsylvania also has a register, administered by the PA Historic and Museum Commission. To be considered for the NRHP, a building must make the state register first. The process involves 2 applications, one to the state, then once a building is accepted, another to the National Park Service, which involves extensive research.

Some of you know we have historic districts in Norristown. This isn't just someone in town saying that these districts ought to be considered historical. They were designated historical by the National Park Service and placed on the National Register. What that basically means is that, as I said in a previous blog, we've got museum-quality collections of fine historical architectural, and they've been recognized on a national level. If you want to change the facade of a building in either historic district, or build new construction, the plans have to pass our Historical Architectural Review Board, who make sure the integrity of our historic areas are maintained and the buildings in those areas are protected. You can get a better view of a map of both the Central and West Historic Areas at http://norristown.org/uploads/building-code-enforcement/harbdistrictmap.pdf.

But many residents are surprised to hear that we've also got individual buildings listed on the National Register:

1. David Rittenhouse Junior High School (Pine and Roberts Sts) was built in 1928, the first junior high school in Norristown, named for local surveyor David Rittenhouse (1732–1796). It's Colonial Revival, red brick with limestone trim and detailing, featuring an ornate, two-story, semi-circular entrance portico, palladian window, and limestone clad tower. The school closed in June 1981, and the building was, years later, renovated into senior apartments and placed on the National Register in 1996.

2. The General Thomas J. Stewart Memorial Armory (pictured at top), on Harding Blvd., is now the home of Greater Norristown PAL. It was built in 1927-1928 to serve as an armory for our local National Guard unit, constructed of yellow brick on a concrete foundation, with decorative stonework and a parapet, in the Classical Revival style. It was named for a Norristown resident who went on to become the state adjutant general of the PA National Guard (Stewart Middle School was named for him, too). The building was added to the NRHP in 1991.

3. Globe Knitting Mills, also known as the Rambo & Regar Globe Knitting Mills, are two historic textile mill buildings located on East Main. They were built in 1898, constructed of red brick with heavy timber framing and Italianate style design elements. The main building is three-stories tall and rectangular in plan. When I first saw that this building was added to the National Register, I thought, "Really? It's just an old factory building." Then I got a closer look at it. It's been beautifully renovated into an office building, but it doesn't look like a typical office building on the inside. Much of the original timberframing, brickwork, hardwood floors, and even the old machinery is still intact. It's a history lesson in turn-of-the-20th-century milling. The building was added to the NRHP in 2003.
 

We've got other buildings listed on the PA Historic Register, for instance, the original Winfield S. Hancock Elementary School, built in 1897, and now serving as the Montgomery County OIC. As I said, the application to the NRHP requires extensive research, which can be expensive or, at least, time-consuming. If you're renovating a building, a listing on the NRHP can get you federal funding, so it's often worth it for developers to spend the money on the research (all of the above buildings received their NRHP designation while being renovated).  We've got other buildings in Norristown that ought to be listed--like the Old Prison and Selma Mansion--but it's difficult for volunteer groups to go through the process, and often governments don't want to.

Montgomery Hospital is listed on the PA Historic Register, and has been deemed eligible for the NRHP, meaning it needs only the final paperwork. It would be a shame to let it get this close to becoming one of our crown jewels, like Rittenhouse, GNPAL, and Globe Knitting Mills, only to be demolished and lost forever.

Your Chance To Get Caught Up

Last week when I was sick, I rescheduled a dental appointment to this morning, which I forgot about until late yesterday, so no blog today, unless I'm inspired by having a numb mouth later. Plenty of time to catch up on yesterday's blog if you missed it:  http://norristowndiary.blogspot.com/2014/03/maybe-its-time-for-mid-life-crisis.html

Check back tomorrow.

Maybe It's Time For a Mid-Life Crisis

1912 Centennial 

Three weeks from today, Norristown becomes a year older. Our town birthday is March 31st. Had our founders been considerate of future generations, they'd have incorporated in the summer, so we could have a big outdoor party every year. As it is, Norristown rarely celebrates its birthday except, so far, at 50 year intervals.

I was talking to a friend who had a birthday this past week. She turned 33, and was lamenting her lost youth. She felt as if she hadn't accomplished anything in life. I remembered that age, and having felt the same way. That was my first mid-life crisis. I pointed out to my friend that at 33, I hadn't had anything published yet, and was still 6 years from even beginning my first novel that would make it into print. But, easy to look back in hindsight.

I feel that Norristown's a bit like my friend. Everyone keeps saying our best years are behind us. Sure, when I think back to the 1960s, I remember factories and a bustling downtown. Logan Square was full of open stores. We had 5 full elementary schools within the town borders.

N-town at 150 years

Yet I also remember factories closing, and more homeless people, most of them either outpatients of the State Hospital or alcoholics. Many of the latter were veterans who'd never adjusted to life after World War II and Korea. I remember a whole lot more hate openly expressed between races, even between cultures and religions in town. I remember poor sections of Norristown seeming much more desperately poor than they are now. I remember Elmwood Park Zoo consisting only of a duck pond, 2 ill-kept bears, and a "monkey house" that always smelled horrible.

I also remember older people in the 1960s, saying Norristown had been better in their day. I'm guessing that in their youth, their parents and grandparents had said the same thing. Dwelling on "The Good Old Days" is one of the favorite pastimes of many of our long-time residents--a tradition passed down through generations. But we've all nostalgically sorted and rearranged those memories to be something shinier than they really were (You don't believe me? Go read old copies of the Times Herald). History ought to be something we learn from, but it only works if we're honest about the bad times.

So this birthday, let's just look back as far as the last year. Yes, crime is still a problem, though we've hired a new police chief to help remedy that. The Norristown Project has made our streets look better. Good things are happening on Arts Hill and at Riverfront Park. Several volunteer groups are working with our youth. Our business people are banding together. Restaurants and businesses have opened. And one thing I've noticed above all--there are a lot less nasty comments about Norristown on social media. We have much to celebrate this birthday. We shouldn't wait another 48 years for our Sestercentennial (250th).

Our Bicentennial

Norristown Preservation Society is inviting everyone out to Selma Mansion on March 29th from 1 to 4:30 pm for a Norristown Birthday Party. They're going to have speakers talking about Norristown's history, a Norristown Jeopardy Game and cake.  All NASD school students accompanied by an adult get in free with ID. Norristown resident adults with ID get in for only $5 (proceeds go toward restoring Selma). I'll have more info as the date approaches, but put it on your calendar now.

Are our best years behind us? I think older cities and towns would laugh at us. We're only 202 years old Paris is over 2200. At our age, she was still filled with hunters and farmers cooking over open fires. Time to stop looking behind us, Norristown, and start looking ahead.

Norristown and Team USA !

Sorry that the Diary's been intermittent this week. I've had that stomach bug that's been going around. But before I get on with the activities for the next week, I have a HUGE ANNOUNCMENT. The head coach of the Norristown Dragon Boat Club, Robin Parker, has been selected to coach Team USA's Senior C Women's Dragon Boat Team. Robin will handpick the team from women all around the US, then lead them on to victory at the World Competition in Welland, Canada in August of 2015. And even better, Norristown won't be losing her--she'll continue to be the head coach of our Dragon Boat Club. (In fact, she'll be leading her team into a different kind of competition next week. See the last item below).

A couple more announcements:

Local visual artists can have their work showcased for FREE at the Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library. If you're interested, contact Asha Verma at 610-278-5100, ext 112.

GNPAL Track Team (for ages 5-18) is kicking off its new season. I got the notice for the open house meeting too late, but if you're still interested, contact Jamaica Mitchell: jamaicamitchell@yahoo.com or at 610-278-8040. Registration ends April 10th, $125 per child, $100 for each additional child. They're looking for volunteer coaches.  Practice starts March 31st at 6 pm at GNPAL, 340 Harding Blvd.

Now, on to the calendar (for more activities, check the Norristown Project calendar in the right column or the Municipal calendar  which now seems to be up and working):

Tonight, "Circle Mirror Transformation" continues at Theatre Horizon at 8 pm. Tickets from $22 to $31. Generous discounts for groups of 8 or more. Call the Box Office at 610-283-2230 or visit www.theatrehorizon.org for more information. Additional performances Saturday 8 pm, Sunday 2 pm and Monday at 7:30 pm.

Saturday morning from 8:30 to 10:30 am, you can again Breakfast with the Animals at Elmwood Park Zoo. This week they're "Snacking with the Snakes" (just before St. Patrick comes to drive them away). Guests will enjoy a light continental breakfast buffet among the company of animals from our education collection, then watch as breakfast is prepared for the animals, plus crafts and other activities. Adult $18, children $9; discounts for members. Reservations must be made in advance. Contact the Education department at 610-277-3825, ext 235 or 236.

From 9 to noon Saturday, Certified Enrollment Navigators from the Norristown Regional Heath Center will again provide free assistance with health insurance enrollment at the Norristown Library, 1001 Powell St.

Same day, 10 am, you can get CPR/AED/First Aid Training at GNPAL, 340 Harding Blvd. If interested, call 610-278-8040. $25 per person. Any questions, please contact Ericka Wharton at 610-306-9420.

Orientation for OIC's free Pre-Apprenticeship Program begins Monday, March 10, at 4:30 pm at 1101 Arch Street, and continues Wed, Mar 12 at 10 am. New classes begin March 17th. The program is in partnership with Local Laborers Union and job placement is included!. Call 610-279-9700 for entry requirements. Space is limited. SE HABLA ESPANOL. Funded through a grant from Montgomery County Department of Commerce

On Monday evening at 7 pm, you can attend a free class on Understanding Credit at 208 DeKalb Street. This class is sponsored by Genesis Housing Corporation. Obtain a free credit report from major credit bureaus with scores. Also, learn how to improve your credit score. Registration required, at www.genesishousing.org or call 610-275-4357.

Tuesday at 7 pm is the Municipal Planning Commission Meeting and, hey!, the agenda is already posted!

Seniors looking for something to do Wednesday afternoon can attend the monthly Senior Film Festival at 1 pm at the library, Powell and Swede. This month's film is "Norma Rae,"  based on a novel by Ron Leibman. For info, contact: Mary Motta, 610-278-5100 ext 0, or at mmotta@mclinc.org

Here's an important one for the town: Thursday from 7 to 9 pm, Theatre Horizon, Dekalb and Penn, will host the OUT OF HARM'S WAY FORUM. The forum will address risk factors affecting youth in Norristown--drug use, truancy, violence and safety issues. The event will feature a dramatic presentation and forum for parents, youth and civic leaders to engage one another directly about ways our community can combat these problems together! All are welcome. This is a FREE event but you MUST reserve seats. Visit www.theatrehorizon.org or call the box office at 610-283-2230.

Friday night at 6 pm, you can catch the Spring Gospel Concert at Eisenhower Middle School (Marshall and Selma). Concert will feature the Siloam Baptist Church Praise and Worship Team, Mt. Zion AME Male Chorus, Holy Matrimony and Company, The Voices of the Main Line and vocals by Danavia Williams, Carrie Porter, Lastasha Jackson, Evangelist Wanda Richet, and Minister James Saunders. Admission, $10. For tickets, call 610-270-0467. NO TICKETS will be sold at the door.

Also Friday night, 7 to 9 pm, come to Family Feud Game Night at Casa Bonita International Cuisine (801 DeKalb St). The Norristown Business Association will host this as a monthly event. This month pits the Norristown Council against the Norristown Dragon Boat Club, for bragging rights. The champion will return next month to face the next challenging team. Does Council have enough competitive spirit to beat the Dragon Boaters? Is it even fair, now that we know Robin's Team USA material? Come out and root for your favorite team.