Norristown Local Newsmagazine - Premiere Issue

NEWS BRIEFS:

8 Municipal Role to Address Homelessness

9 Borough of Conshohocken Job Opening

10 A Tribute To Charles L Blockson

34 Faces of Norristown

COUNTY NEWS

11 Ciresi Legislation to Replace State Sone Adopted

11 Hanbidge Bill to Strengthen Menopause Education

12 Montgomery County Commissioners Name HR manager

SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT BUSINESS:

14 Colonial School District Class of 2023 Graduation

21 Recycle Read Repeat - Norristown’s Newest Used Book Store

22 Municipality of Norristown

23 Boards and Commissions Meetings

EVENTS: 28-29

SPORTS & FITNESS:

24 Wearing Eco-Friendly Footwear is an easy way to go green

HOME & GARDEN:

20 Purchasing a Portable AC? Keep These Tips in Mind

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT:

22 Centre Theater

22 Theatre Horizon

BEFOREYOU GO:

16 Publisher’s Note/Commentary

For our premiere issue we pay tribute to our own CHARLES L BLOCKSON

Municipal Role to Address Homelessness

How do we address the issue of homelessness in Norristown?

This is a question that has evolved in complexity over the years without any firm solutions to help the unhoused population.

A discussion on this topic was the highlight of the June 6, 2023 Municipal Council meeting where people addressed their sympathies, frustrations and desire to effect change as it relates to the homeless. Council President Tom Lepera said the municipality needs help to address this problem which can create potentially hazardous and dangerous situations for not only our residents, but neighbors using our open recreation areas.

The Municipality of Norristown, along with the 60 nities, has a role to play in this: What is our role?

Do we help the county to provide long from other communities in the county? Something else entirely?

We look forward to your responses and using them to give more direction to proactive policy decisions in the municipality and through-

Borough of Conshohocken accepting applications for full-time Recreation Coordinator

The Borough of Conshohocken is accepting applications for a fulltime Recreation Coordinator for the Recreation Services & Parks Department.

The successful candidate will be responsible for supervising, overseeing, and monitoring evening recreation programs, events, rentals at the Community Center, and other Borough facilities including, but not limited to athletic fields and parks.

This position requires a candidate to work cooperatively and effectively with the public and other employees. Candidate must be detail-oriented and possess the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment. Candidates must have a flexible schedule due to the nature of recreation services and be able to work evenings and weekends based on facility and event needs. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Candidates must be proficient in the use of computers, Microsoft Office, and be able to learn the recreation software that is used; have excellent communication and writing skills; and a demonstrated ability to provide exceptional customer service.

An undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university in recreation, physical education, or a closely related field, or currently working towards one is required; 2 years or more experience preferred in recreation program management or a combination of education, experience, training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to facilitate, coordinate and supervise the work of staff and/or instructors; must have and maintain acceptable background clearances; and current Red Cross or equivalent CPR, AED and First Aid Certification. Must be able to lift up to 50lbs, stand for periods of time, set up/break down tables, chairs, and other recreational apparatuses or items required for rentals and programs.

The salary range for this position: $50,000 letter, resume, and three references should be sent electronically to the Director of Recreation Services at lirizarry@conshohockenpa.gov

Job Description

L. Blockson

From the time I was a young boy from the Cherry Street neighborhood in Norristown PA I knew of ‘Charlie’ Blockson’s athletic prowess in football & track and field. I only found out in the past few years from one of his best friends Robert ‘Bob’ Butera, what kicked off Blockson’s storied career.

Bob said that ‘Charlie’s’ 4th grade teacher at Gotwals Elementary School, told him “Negroes don’t have any history”. Henceforth he went on to become a distinguished author, collector of books, artifacts, art, and other notable materials related to the history and culture of African Americans, which led him to a distinguished career in preserving history of the United States.

The renown Charles L. Blockson Temple University Collection (@ Temple & Penn State locations) showcases his celebrated career… now his beloved hometown’s Charles L. Blockson Exhibit is ‘continuing’ his story just blocks from his childhood first home.

The Exhibit was developed locally by the Elmwood Park Zoo, under the leadership of Executive Director& CEO Mr. Albert Zone Jr., a Norristown native son and civic leader.

Mr. Blockson introduced me to Norristown African American history when we were preparing to honor him at a NAACP Black History Month Celebration & Luncheon several years back. He made me aware of Frederick Douglass, Henry ‘Box’ Brown, Lucretia Mott, and William Still’s (aka Peter Freedman, the conductor of the Underground Railroad movement in the Philadelphia area) visits to Norristown. All were part of the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society founded in 1850. Meetings were hosted by the 1st Baptist Church of Norristown then located at Airy & Swede Streets and now on Burnside Avenue, West Norriton PA.

By Ernie Hadrick, Jr , M.Ed. Morgan State University ‘74

Center, has never had a street or building named after an African American. The Norristown Area School District, in collaboration with Zone and Mr. Blockson’s family, will be officially renaming Thomas J. Stewart Middle School to the Charles Blockson Middle School later this year.

Additionally, Joseph K. Gotwals Elementary School will be renamed the Alice L. Davenport Elementary School. Mrs. Davenport was an extraordinary African

American educator and community leader.

If we want to see the Exhibit prosper and continue to tell ‘unknown‘ local, regional, and national African American history, we must show our generosity to this huge leap forward in Norristown, the County Seat of Montgomery County PA.

Please take a few minutes to peruse the information linked below and learn ways in which you can extend your generosity to the Norristown’s Charles L. Blockson Exhibit!

Ciresi legislation to replace state song adopted by PA House

Aresolution (H.R. 41) sponsored by State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, to replace the state song was adopted by the House this afternoon.

“The problem is this: most Pennsylvanians don’t know we have a state song, but they’ll probably recognize the state songs of Georgia, West Virginia, or New York,” Ciresi said. “State symbols are supposed to bring us together and be part of our identity. We should have a state song that everyone knows and loves because it reflects who we are as a people, and it should work to represent and market Pennsylvania and help bring in tourism.”

In 1990, the state legislature adopted the current state song, “Pennsylvania,” by Eddie Khoury and Ronnie Bonner. State law establishes this as Pennsylvania’s official song for all public purposes, and the song is often performed at public events, such as gubernatorial inaugurations.

“I’m very glad that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle voted to pass this resolution. We need a song that we take pride in singing

because it reflects our pride in Pennsylvania, the cradle of liberty and home to today’s dynamic industries and diverse communities,” Ciresi said.

The resolution will establish an independ-

ent commission to study the history of the state song, solicit submissions from the public, and recommend changes to the state song. The legislature will then have the option of passing leg- islation to change the state song based on the commission’s

Hanbidge bill to strengthen menopause education among aging women passes House

State Rep. Liz Hanbidge’s legislation that would empower women to enter their menopausal transition more mentally and physically prepared passed the House today.

House Bill 807 would establish partnerships between the Department of Health and medical providers to educate women on the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, the biological changes behind the processes and how to talk to family and friends about the processes.

“By equipping women with knowledge about menopause, and subsequently their own, changing bodies, we honor their journey, celebrate their resilience, and unleash their potential to embrace this transformative phase with grace and confidence," Hanbidge said. “Empowering women to have conversations about menopause with medical pro-

fessionals and their loved ones can help destigmatize this natural process. Free and open dialogues are essential in any branch of health.”

Hanbidge noted the importance of this bill, as about one third of American women reported feeling there was not enough perimenopause and menopause information available to them before they underwent this natural progression. Furthermore, the annual cost of lost work days in the United States related to menopause symptoms is $1.8 billion, and the annual medical costs associated with menopause symptoms are $26.6 billion Mayo Clinic.

“When working women face unexpected medical issues, it can negatively impact their careers. However, with the knowledge of what’s going on with their

own bodies and how to address or cope with any difficulties that may come with menopause, they’re better equipped to stay in the workforce,” Hanbidge said. “Education on menopause would not only help people going through this process, but could help our economy. Women ages 45 to 54 make up 20% of our workforce, we need to ensure they’re supported every way we can.”

H.B. 807 will now head to the Senate for consideration.

Montgomery County Commissioners Name 25-Year HR

Executive Catherine Creel Halen as Chief Human Resources Officer

The Montgomery County Commissioners have hired Catherine (Katie) Halen, an executive with 25 years of human resources experience in the healthcare industry, as the County’s new Chief Human Resources Officer.

Halen had spent most of her career with Delaware-based Beebe Healthcare, an organization with 3,000 employees, similar to the Montgomery County government’s workforce size, leaving there as senior vice president, chief human resources officer.

She developed workforce recognition and retention programs at Beebe that helped reduce the employee turnover rates. In addition, Halen also led her team through a rapid onboarding initiative, resulting in a 45% increase in new hires in fiscal year 2022.

Montgomery County Commissioners’ Chair Kenneth E. Lawrence said she brings HR innovation that the County needs.

“Like many employers, we have felt the effects of the Great Resignation that happened during the pandemic. To remain competitive with private industry in recruiting and retaining the best talent, we are examining ideas like merit pay raises and annual employee plans with targeted goals and evaluations. We feel that Katie has the skill and experience to help lead those efforts to make sure we not only attract, but also engage with our employees, to keep them once they’re here,” Lawrence said. “We are quite happy to have an HR director of her caliber as part of our leadership team.”

The regional economy and jobs have been growing markedly for more than two years, making recruitment challenging. Montgomery County must compete for employees in that environment.

“There are more jobs than there are people looking for some of those jobs,” Halen said. “That makes retaining employees a priority. You do that through a competitive compensation and benefits program. But you also have to look for ways to make it simpler to complete the day-to-day work that needs to be done. Our commissioners have tasked us with developing leaders to create an even more engaged and connected workforce.”

At Beebe, Halen developed multiple training programs to improve

the talent pipeline and to provide opportunities for team members to develop and grow. She also implemented an internal training program to address the shortage in key support staff and emerging leaders.

Halen said she was attracted to Montgomery County because of the “remarkable” array of programs the County has developed for its residents. “The focus on mission here is primarily what attracted me,” she said. “In healthcare, we took care of the patients. In the County, you’re taking care of the citizens through the multiple services that are offered.”

To add to her expertise, Halen received her senior professional HR (SPHR) certification and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) certification at Cornell University and is currently completing further certification study there on labor relations.

Halen said she rediscovered over the past year, in taking certification courses, how much she loves learning. She hopes to bring that enthusiasm into the County’s workforce.

Theodore Roosevelt Returns in Historical Reenactment for Pennypacker Mills' Porch Performance Series

Pennypacker Mills will present the life and times of Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt, the youngest and 26th President of the United States, during its outdoor Porch Performance Series.

President Roosevelt viewed himself as an activist and a "steward of the people." He was known for broadly expanding the executive branch and for land conservation. Roosevelt was the first president to win a Nobel Prize and a media leader in shaping public opinion.

Learn more about his presidency and life on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at 4 p.m., at Pennypacker Mills at 5 Haldeman Road, Schwenksville, Pennsylva-

nia. Prior to the performance, the Pennypacker Mansion will be open for tours with the last tour starting at 3 p.m. Please bring a blanket or a chair to sit on during the performance. All ages are welcome, and the event is free!

Pennypacker Mills is operated by Montgomery County's Division of Parks, Trails & Historic Sites. The site is open year-round for free guided tours, seasonal events, craft workshops, special presentation, education programs, the StoryWalk® and changing exhibits. A full calendar of events is located here. For more information, contact Museum Educator Laura Foose at laura.foose@montgomerycountypa.gov or 610.287.9349. Follow Pennypacker Mills on Facebook

PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH HIGH SCHOOL’S 2023 COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY

Plymouth Whitemarsh

High School seniors are preparing to accept their diplomas during the school’s upcoming graduation ceremony, which will be held on Wednesday, June 14, at Colonial Field (football stadium) beginning at 6 p.m.

You can view the ceremony here on the district’s CITV YouTube channel

This year’s ceremony featured keynote speaker Larry Williamson Jr., a Plymouth Whitemarsh High School alumnus who was

recently inducted into the Distinguished Graduate Organization. Mr. Williamson, Class of 1973, has received numerous awards and accolades for his work as the former leader of The Ohio State University’s Frank W. Hale Cultural Center, which boasts one of the country’s highestvalue African-American art collections and is one of the largest employers of African American students in the country.

Other speakers included Olivia Bell, student; Olivia

Wellman, student poet laureate; Dr. Jason Bacani, principal; and Dr. Michael Christian, Superintendent.

Here are some interesting facts about this year’s graduating class:

• 345 students will be accepting diplomas

• 92.1% are going to fouror two-year colleges/ universities (for a map of where seniors are headed following graduation, click here)

• Four students are going into the military

• The Class of 2023 has received a one-year total of $4,430,453 in scholarship and award money, and a four-year total of $18,043,086

• The Class of 2023 included 10 National Merit Scholarship Commended students.

A Note FromThe Publisher

As the political landscape evolves, it's essential for us to stay informed and engaged. At Norristown Local we believe in fostering thoughtful discussions and sharing valuable insights.

Join us as we delve into the complexities of the local political climate, exploring its impact on our everyday lives. From our local policies to global affairs that impact us, we'll provide analysis and commentary that sheds light on key issues and encourages meaningful conversations.

Stay tuned for regular updates, expert opinions, and thoughtprovoking articles. Time to ignite the fire of informed discussions!

Let's start this journey together. Please share with us your thoughts and let us know the administrative and political topics that matter most to you. Together, we can make a difference!

Teresa Browne-Parris Publisher, Editor Teresa@MontcoMedia.com

HOME & GARDEN

Purchasing a Portable AC? Keep These Tips in Mind

With scorching summer temperatures here, a cautionary tale unfolds for those in search of a portable AC unit to beat the heat. Enticing promises and clever marketing tactics make it easy to fall prey to the pitfalls that await unsuspecting buyers. Here’s how to be a savvy shopper:

• Ratings: Be aware that a higher advertised BTU rating doesn’t always guarantee a cooler paradise. Crafty sellers may advertise more BTUs than the product’s actual performance, but buyers beware. The truth lies in making sure you are matching the Department of Energy’s (DOE) BTU rating to your room’s square footage according to the DOE guidelines. When shopping online or in -store, be sure to check the fine print for the certified DOE rated BTU level for correct coverage

and if you don’t see this information listed, stay away! A free online BTU calculator can help you choose wisely.

• Certification: Manufacturers are quick to parade their products with proclamations of excellence. Don’t let smooth talkers lure you in with mere claims and great prices. Insist on reviewing the product’s energy guide for the actual BTU rating. Also, make sure the portable AC you are interested in is authenticated by credible third-party organizations. This indicates it has met or exceeded performance standards.

• Type: Before making a decision between window ACs or portable units, determine which type best suits your needs and the room before making a purchase. As a general rule, portable units can be easier to install and more versatile.

• Noise: Whether you’re sensitive to noise or simply don’t prefer to hear the sound of a motor running, check the unit’s decibel (dB) rating. It’s one easy-to-ignore specification that can make a huge

difference. The good news? Cool interiors and ultra-quiet performance can co-exist, if you shop around.

In addition to purchasing a great portable AC unit, proper maintenance can help ensure it runs smoothly and efficiently. Periodically remove the filter from the unit and dust it, and clean debris from inside the unit with compressed air. A few lifestyle changes can also contribute to a cooler, more comfortable home. These changes include avoiding the stove and oven on super-hot days, planting shadebearing trees or bushes outside windows, and swapping out incandescent bulbs for energy efficient LEDs.

Navigating a sea of misleading product claims can be exhausting, particularly when it comes to buying the equipment you need to keep your home and family comfortable in extreme weather. However, when it comes to a cool home, you don’t have to sweat it. A bit of research can help you achieve optimal comfort this summer. (StatePoint)

“Recycle Read Repeat” -- Norristown’s Newest Used Book Store is Now Open

Agreat new way to “Recycle Read Repeat” is to visit Norristown’s newest used book store featuring that name, at 208 Cherry Street.

Kate Jaworski and Angela Smith, both former English teachers and Norristown natives, began selling book subscriptions to readers during the pandemic. They offer monthly subscriptions of gently used books, hand-picked for each

customer, wrapped in upcycled fabric, and, taking recycling seriously, shipped in reused materials.

Their venture has been so successful over the past two years that they have now expanded to open an actual bookstore in the heart of Norristown.

Their bright and cheery shop features local art, candles, and jewelry, t-shirts and tote bags,

as well as a large assortment of gently-used books of all types. Readers can browse by category through chick lit, poetry, classics, young adult, fantasy/sci -fi, cookbooks, thrillers and horror, as well as general fiction and non-fiction. Don’t miss the kids section, the Spanish table, and the expansive $1 bargain shelves.

Customers can earn points for bringing in books and reusable mailers to recycle. For books

they can use, the store makes a cash donation to the Norristown Public Library. Readers can also earn points through their loyalty program to redeem for discounts.

Hours: Tuesday-Wednesday 104; Thursday-Friday 10-6; Saturday 10-3; Sunday-Monday closed.

Jane Willig is a contributor with Norristown Local. She can be reached at jlwviz@comcast.net.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

CENTRETHEATER

Centre Theater has been serving the greater Norristown area as the anchor of Norristown Arts Hill since 1996. The facility is controlled by The Greater Norristown Society for the Arts.

Originally constructed as an Odd Fellows Hall in 1850, the building is steeped in Norristown history, and played host to America's Satirist Mark Twain when he gave a lecture in 1871.

In 2020, Centre Theater created a partnership with Elmwood Park Zoo, inviting the Zoo to take over operations and programming in the space. Two years later, Montgomery County's first dedicated museum of African American history was completed as the Charles L. Blockson Exhibition made its new home on the theater's 3rd floor.

Now with a completely renovated 4th-floor theater and under the keen purview of Artistic Director Amina Robinson, Centre Theater is poised to begin a triumphant second act to establish itself once again as the cultural locus of the community.

THEATRE HORIZON

Theatre Horizon has become a lauded contributor to the arts in Montgomery County through: a critically-acclaimed season of artistic programs; drama clubs and camps; Norristown Supplemental Theatre Education Partnerships (NSTEP), which offers ongoing free theatre arts education programs in collaboration with our community partners; and our 18-year-old Autism Drama Program that inspires imagination and social development in individuals on the autism spectrum. Autism Drama Program was the proud recipient of the 2019 Victory Foundation Award for Outstanding Theatre Education Program at the Barrymore Awards in Philadelphia. Additionally, we have become a national leader in inclusivity for individuals on the autism spectrum and with other sensitivities, receiving ArtReach’s 2019 Accessibility Award.

Director: Steven Spielberg Universal Studios (1975)

Join us for Steven Spielberg's classic 1975 horror film, based on the best selling Peter Benchley novel. When a killer shark unleashes chaos on a beach community off Cape Cod, it's up to a local sheriff, a marine biologist, and an old seafarer to hunt the beast down.

TICKETS HERE: $5

2023/24 Season Shows & Events

Sounds of Norristown: A Jazz Brunch

Saturday, September 23, 2023

Starring Elle.Morris

Featuring performances by Norristown Community Members

Theatre Horizon veteran and accomplished vocalist Elle Morris will headline a one-day only jazz brunch as part of Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board’s second annual MontCo Jazz Fest, curated by acclaimed artist Joanna Pascale. Join Elle. and featured performers from the Norristown community in this one-of-a-kind musical event. One free ticket with the purchase of any subscription!

One Book One Norristown Kickoff

Friday, September 29, 2023

Featuring New York Times Best-Selling Author, Daniel José Older

One Book One Norristown 2023 kicks off at Theatre Horizon with a special visit and book signing by The New York Times best-selling author Daniel José Older, a lead story architect for Star Wars: The High Republic. He is the author of the Young Adult urban fantasy series Outlaw Saints, the sci-fi adventure Flood City, and the monthly comic series The High Republic Adventures. A free event in partnership with One Book One Norristown.

Wearing Eco

Protecting the environment can seem like a monumental task, but committing to small, meaningful changes can lead to substantial, positive outcomes Embracing sustainability can be as simple as making earth-friendly choices when shopping for footwear.

With sustainable shoe selections for every family member, take a look at these four, fun and trendy brands actively participate in making our planet a better place.

1. Teva – Teva's iconic sandal straps are made entirely from recycled materials, giving new life to plastic bottles that would otherwise end up in landfills. With vibrant styles for men, women and children, you can step into spring and summer with an earth-friendly flair.

2. Birkenstock – Committed to using natural and renewable materials like cork, natural latex and jute, Birkenstock stays true to their eco-friendly principles. Offering a range of stylish and comfortable sandals for the family, you'll feel good about walking in their classic or modern designs.

3. adidas – The brand takes a strong stance on sustainability with their "End Plastic Waste" initiative. Their shoes are made with materials like recycled ocean plastic and natural rubber to help reduce waste and protect the environment.

4. Nike – Nike's Court Legacy low sneaker has at least 20% recy-

cled content by weight. With their Move to Zero initiative, the brand is dedicated to achieving zero carbon and zero waste, giving you a stylish and sustainable option.

Rack Room Shoes understands the importance of promoting sustainability and collaborates with these eco-minded brand partners. To make your earth-friendly shoe shopping experience even more enjoyable, they've created a dedicated page featuring shoes made with sustainable materials. Browse and shop at: rackroomshoes.com/cs/sustainablematerial.

Making small, meaningful changes towards sustainability can have a big impact on our planet. By supporting these brands and their efforts to adopt earth-friendly practices, you can feel good about taking that important first step towards a more sustainable future. You'll not only be making a fashion statement but also actively contributing to a healthier planet.

Office: 235 East Airy Street, Norristown PA 19401

Municipality of Norristown Council Meetings

Temporary Office: Logan Comerce Center, 17 Markley St. Ste. 104, Norristown PA 19404

Phone: 610-272-8080 Fax: 610-275-0687

Council Meeting 1st Tuesday of every month at 7:30 P.M. Council Workshop 3rd Tuesday of every month at 6:30 P.M. LOCATION

Due to the renovation of Municipal

council meetings will be held at the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit.

Boards and Commissions Meetings

Board & Committee Vacancies

The current vacancies include: Board of Code Appeals (3 year terms)

One open position for anyone with experience in engineering, construction, or property maintenance

Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB) (3 year terms)

Three vacant positions

Human Relations Commission (3 year terms)

Five vacant positions

Recreation Committee (5 year terms)

Multiple open positions

Shade Tree Commission (4 year terms)

Four vacant positions

Zoning Hearing Board (5 year terms)

One alternate position

Interested in Serving?

Residents interested in any of the vacant positions should submit their most recent resume and a letter of interest indicating the board(s) and/or committee(s) they are interested in serving on in order of preference by email info@norristown.org.

The Blighted Property Removal Committee has the responsibility of designating, certifying, and removing blighted property as defined by the Pennsylvania Urban Redevelopment Law (35 P.S. 1712.1). The Committee operates in conjunction and cooperation with the Montgomery County Redevelopment Authority in the acquisition, by exercise of eminent domain or otherwise, and elimination of blighted property within the Municipality.

TheBoardofCodeAppeals shall hear all appeals arising from or relating to any matter arising out of the Municipality’s enforcement of the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code, the Norristown Property Maintenance Code, and the Norristown Fire Code. Upon conclusion of the hearing, the Board shall issue a written decision within five days regarding the outcome of the appeal.

The Civil Service Commission enforces the rules and regulations pertaining to civil service employees, and certifies the eligibility of qualified applicants for positions and pro-

motions within the Norristown Police and Fire Departments. The Commission can hear the appeal of any person suspended, reduced in rank, or removed from the Norristown Police or Fire Department in accordance to the Civil Service Rules and Regulations adopted by the Municipal Council of Norristown.

The Design Review Board was established for the purpose of reviewing the design, layout, and other features of proposed developments in order to ensure that their design is in keeping with the intent and purposes set forth in Norristown’s Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 320). Municipal Council on Dec. 1, 2020 approved Ordinance 20-18: This ordinance eliminates HARB Zone B and amends the preservation criteria for HARB Zone A. You can read the full changes to the HARB by reading the ordinance here.

Norristown has two local historic districts that cover a large portion of Norristown. The HARBs job is to ensure that any changes to the built environment that can be seen from a public street are historically appropriate and consistent with the other buildings in the surrounding neighborhood of the Norristown historic districts. For example, a modern glass and steel building would not be appropriate in the context of a Victorian neighborhood. Nor would covering a brick building in stucco or siding be appropriate.

The Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB) is a public advisory body created by state and local laws. The HARB helps to protect the architectural and cultural heritage within the Norristown Local Historic District by considering the effects of proposed exterior changes to building and structures within the district and commenting on their appropriateness. HARB MAP.

The HARB reviews all proposed exterior changes to buildings and structures that are visible from a public street, sidewalk, or way within the district. The HARB reviews the proposal to determine whether it is appropriate to the individual property and the district as a whole in regard to architectural style, general design, arrangement, location, and materials. The HARB does not review any interior changes un-

less they affect the exterior appearance of the building.

The Norristown Human Relations Commission was established in 2018 for the purpose of hearing and processing public complaints on the grounds of discrimination as a means of ensuring equality and equal opportunity for all citizens, regardless of actual or perceived race, color, age, religious creed, ancestry, sex, national origin, handicap or use of guide or support animals because of blindness, deafness or physical handicap of the user or because the user is a handler or trainer of support or guide animals, or because of an individual’s sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression in all matters effecting employment, housing and commercial property and public accommodation, and to safeguard the right of all persons to remain free of discrimination or discriminatory practices in any of the foregoing aspects of their lives.

The Norristown Municipal Waste Authority was formed in 1993 for the purpose of operating the municipality's sewer system. The Authority owns and operates the wastewater treatment plant and the collection sewers of the Municipality. The wastewater treatment facility is located at 368 East Washington Street, discharging effluent to the Schuylkill River, and serves both the Municipality and the Township of West Norriton.

The Planning Commission consists of 7

July 3: Warrior Wellness Academy, 18 Colwell Lane Conshohocken wants you to Come out to see what WE are all about! Call 484-674-5688 for more info !!! Come fir the funstay for the fireworks Still accepting athletes for season6.

Sound of Freedom at Regal Theatre, Plymouth Meeting at 6:40pm

July 4th: Happy Independence America. The Annual 7/4 Municipality Parade. Parade gets underway at 10am.

July 6: Municipality Stormwater Authority. Montgomery County Intermediate, Unit 23, 2 West Lafayette Street, 1st floor, Norristown, 6:30 pm.

DC League of Super-Pets @ Elmwood Park 8:00pmree family movies are back at Elmwood Park this summer! Bring some snacks and chairs and enjoy a fun night out with the latest animated fare. All movies start at 8 p.m. on the scheduled dates.

Conshohocken Borough Summer Concert Series: The Summer Concert Series begins with the Wonton Soups in Sutcliffe Park. The Wonton Soups have a unique sound influenced by ska, funk, swing, punk and big band Opening for national touring acts, playing festivals, community events, concert series, and fundraisers, The Soups clocked in as the 9th most liked band on the Musikfest 2022 app of over 400 acts!

July 10: Scoops Night at Plymouth Country Club: Beat the summer heat and support PSC at the same time! Join us on July 10th from 5 to 10 PM at Scoops Ice Cream on 515 Fayette Street in Conshohocken. Indulge in a delicious treat, and a portion of the sales will be donated back to PSC. Ice cream never tasted so

good

July 11: Hobby Energy & Philly Basketball Parents, Coaches and trainers present a Nice basketball clinic for the youth it will be Every Tuesday starting July 11th. The 4-5 age group is filled and has a waiting list you can still sign kids up for the other age groups any questions or concerns you can contact them on Facebook @Hobby Energy

July 12: Macedonia’s Summer Bible Conference2023. MACEDONIA'S SUMMER BIBLE CONFERENCE 2023 IS HERE!

July 12th - August 30th! See the flyer on page 25 for details. Register here.

July 14: An Old Fangled Good Time at Von C Brewing. Old Fangled is excited to be returning to one of our favorite venues, Von C Brewing in Norristown!

Make the most of your weekend, spend your evening having an Old Fangled good time with music, food and brews! 6:00pm to 9:00pm.

July 15: Shred Event with Rep. Matt Bradford's office will be held on July 15th at the Norristown Area High School. LIMIT TWO BOXES PER HOUSEHOLD. ONLY PAPER. NO ELECTRONICS OR TRASH. ALL PAPER WILL BE RECYCLED.

Cardboard boxes and plastic bags will be returned after materials are shred. Paper bags can be shredded with paper. This event starts at 9AM and is scheduled to end at noon or until the trucks fill up.

CUTLOOSE STUDIO is hosting a 45-minute bodyweight, high-energy full-body workout designed for all ages and fitness levels at Von C Brewing,. Anybody with a body is welcome!

All ticket sales and donations will directly go to our SUPPLY SUCCESS

BACK TO SCHOOL EVENT!

We need your help in supplying our youth, right here in Montgomery County with the essentials to get them through the 2023-2024 school year. Last year we were able to provide 160 fully loaded backpacks to the Patrician Society in Norristown, PA. This year we are looking to collect $5,000 to provide 200 children with the supplies they need to succeed! $25 will provide a fully loaded backpack to a child in need. You are able to purchase a ticket for this workout, or purchase a fully loaded backpack that includes admission to the workout. Studies show that 95 % of educators say access to free supplies is critical to creating a more equal learning environment for students. Together, we can make a difference!

Post workout join us at vonC Brewing for a day of celebration!

Lambrada Express will be on site at 12pm serving up delicious mexican food all day long! From 1 to 5 pm Front9 minigolf will be on site with a minigolf course set up in the biergarten designed for all ages. Tickets will need to be purchased to play. Then be sure to hang around because Northern Lights band will be joining us from 6 to 9pm with amazing tunes to keep us going all night long!

Northern Lights Band invites you to Come on out and enjoy some good ol' rock 'n roll while sipping some Best of Pennsylvania 2022 Beers at von C Brewing at 6:00 pm.

July 16: National Ice Cream

Day, So to celebrate we will be offering 10% off all ice cream purchases, including novelties and Gelati's! 96 Dekalb Street, Bridgeport, PA 484-681-5486. NotaryToday hosts it’s monthly Pennsylvania Notary Brunch at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, Plymouth Meeting. Register here: www.NotaryToday.Pro/ Events. See ad on page 31.

July 17: Enjoy a fun evening playing 10 rounds of Bingo to win animal-themed prizes, including animal art, photos, and encounters among other things! Tickets will only be available ONLINE and are limited! No admission will be sold at the door.

This is an event for guests 21 years of age and older only! You will be able to purchase alcoholic beverages and light snacks from our Zoo Brew food stand. Feel free to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages with you! Outside alcohol is prohibited.

100% of the proceeds from this event will go to protecting Rhinos and the areas they inhabit in Africa through the following charities:

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy International Rhino Foundation Action for Cheetahs in Kenya. Tickets on Eventbrite $25.

July 18: Municipal Council Work Session. Montgomery County Intermediate, Unit 23, 2 West Lafayette Street, 1st floor, Norristown, 6:30 pm.

July 19: Job Fair Hosted by Black Girl Magic - Blog. Looking for employment? Join us at CADCOM, 113 E Main Street, Norristown at 11:00 am to learn more about non-CDL driving opportunity at NoirStar Logistics LLC. NoirStar Logistics LLC is an Amazon Delivery Service Partner (DSP) looking for enthu-

siastic, team players to deliver Amazon packages. DSPs are independent businesses that partner with Amazon to deliver packages.

July 20: Conshohocken Summer Concert series! The Flathead Band 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Encanto. Free family movies are back at Elmwood Park this summer! Bring some snacks and chairs and enjoy a fun night out with the latest animated fare. All movies start at 8 p.m. on the scheduled dates.

Rock Climbing 2: Electric Bogaloo at Reach Climbing and Fitness, 401 East 4th Street, Bridgeport. Beginner-friendly night to hang out and climb at Reach Climbing in Bridgeport and we can go to Taphouse 23 afterward for those interested.

Day Pass - $24

Rental Gear - $10 https://reachclimbing.com/rates/

If you’re interested in belaying, they have a belay class just before this at 5pm but it isn’t required since you can still boulder or use the autobelays without taking the class.

July 22: Caribbean Night Incense Making Party at lower level Plymouth Meeting Mall. Tickets $70.

July 25: Greater Norristown NAACP monthly membership meeting.

Www.NorristownPANAACP.co m

July 26: Intersectionality of Race and LGBTQ, a forum by Conshy Area Anti-Racism Education Grpup.

We will meet to discuss the intersection of race and LGBTQ+ Lots of content to choose from this month - feel free to watch/ listen to/read what you want and we all bring something different to the discussion. As always, all are welcome to join whether you looked at the content or not PODCAST:

Ibram X Kendi: Antiracist struggle for LGBTQ+ Justice: https://www.pushkin.fm/.../beantiracist-with-ibram-x-kendi

TO READ:

Amazing infographics by UCLA School of Law Williams Institute: https:// williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/.../ lgbt-race.../

44-page report published by Human Rights Campaign Foundation: https://hrc-prodrequests.s3 - us - west2.amazonaws.com/...

Brave Conversation Series by Lawrence Hall: The Intersection of Race, Sexuality, and Gender: https:// www.lawrencehall.org/.../braveconversations.../

From Movement Advancement Project “Groundbreaking Report from Broad Coalition Explores Barriers to Good Jobs for LGBT Workers of Color”: https:// www.lgbtmap.org/.../brokenbargain-lgbt-workers...

WEB VIDEOS: Watch the webinar (or read the transcript) “Black & LGBTQ+: At the Intersection of Race, Sexual Orientation, and Gender Identity” from the American Medical Association: https://www.amaassn.org/.../black-lgbtqintersection...

Panel discussion by Toward Racial Justice PA: https://www.witf.org/.../ intersection-of-race-and-the.../

July 29: Conshy Pop Up Market hosted by Studio 98 at 918 Fayette Street, Conshohocken 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Christmas in July hosted by the Plymouth Swim Club. Who says we can only celebrate Christmas in December? Join us on July 29th from 12 to 5 PM for a jolly good time. We've got family fun, games, raffles, and DJ Leon spinning festive tunes.

Don't miss out on the reindeer ring toss, special appearances from Santa and Frosty, and other exciting activities. And let's not forget the epic race to melt the snowman! It's a summertime celebration you won't want to miss.

PROGRAM:

12-5 PM - DJ Leon

1 PM - Reindeer Ring Toss

1:30 PM - Special appearance from Santa

2 PM - Build-a-tree

3 PM - Race the Elves

4 PM - Melt the Snowman

4:30 PM - Special Appearance from Frosty the Snowman

5 PM - Capture the Coal.

July 29: Pennsylvania Homebrew Invitational at Von C Brewing Join us on Saturday, July 29th at Von C Brewing in Norristown for a part of the second

annual Pennsylvania Homebrew Invitational! This event is part of a statewide competition to crown the best homebrewer in the state.

Guests will sample craft beer from 40 homebrewers. Enjoy unlimited samples and get in on the competition yourself. Each guest will have the chance to vote on the Peoples Choice winner from the festival.

July 30: Macedonia Baptist Church Free Community Family Cookout presents Fun FREE family afternoon outing. So much fun for the entire family to enjoy. Food, music, Bumper Cars, Train rides, Video Game Truck, free school supplies and so much more. Great BINGO prizes, midway games and family resources. EVERYTHING IS TOTALLY FREE!

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