King of Prussia News Summer 2023

This publication is an effort to keep the community informed with what is actually happening in your area. For future editions, I welcome your thoughts on topics that affect the community. I'd be happy to publish your opinions on any relevant topics.

Do you have an event that you'd like to publicize? Let me know, and I'll do my best to incorporate your event into the newsletter.

This is your community. This is your home. Use this publication to share your thoughts and ideas with your neighbors. Are you ready to get involved in your community?

David Amsterdam franklinmaps@aol.com

TOWNSHIP DIRECTORY

Township Administration Building

175 W. Valley Forge Road

King of Prussia, PA 19406

Phone: 610-265-2600

Fax: 610-265-0482

www.umtownship.org

Mon - Fri 8:15 am to 5 pm

Township Police

175 W. Valley Forge Road

King of Prussia, PA 19406

Emergency and Call for Service: 9-1-1

Phone: 610-265-3232

Anonymous Tip Line: 484-636-3888

Animal Control ...610-265-3232

Courthouse .........610-278-3000

Library................610-265-4805

Parks & Rec.........610-265-1071

Public Works.......610-265-2606

Safety & Codes....610-265-2608

Fire and Ambulance

Emergency Phone: 9-1-1

King of Prussia Volunteer

Fire Company

170 Allendale Road

King of Prussia, PA 19406

Non-Emergency Ph: 610-265-1063

www.kpvfc.com

Swedeland Fire Co. 609 A Street

King of Prussia, PA 19406

Non-Emergency Ph: 610-275-0177

www.swedelandfire.org

Swedesburg Volunteer Fire Company

310 Jefferson St. Bridgeport, PA 19405

Non-Emergency Ph: 610-272-9853

www.swedesburgfire.com

Upper Merion Area School District

435 Crossfield Road

King of Prussia, PA 19406

Phone: 610-205-6400

Fax: 610-205-6433

www.umasd.org

Upper Merion Community Cetner

431 West Valley Forge Road King of Prussia, PA 19406

Phone: 610-265-1071

www.umtownship.org/departme

nts/parks-recreation/ community-center

Upper Merion Senior Service Center

431 W. VALLEY FORGE ROAD (in the Community Center Bldg.)

Phone: 610-265-4715

www.umssc.o

LOCAL HISTORY

A Quiet Crossroads — Transformed

The historic transformation of Upper Merion is inextricably bound to the decision to make King of Prussia the meeting point of several major thoroughfares: The Pennsylvania Turnpike, the Schuylkill Expressway, Route 202, and Gulph Road.

itself) and the only original structure remaining of the village sits at the very edge of Route 202 South and the entrance to the Turnpike. Over the years, the building at 826 W. DeKalb Pike has had a number of businesses including a marijuana dispensary, the Tilted Kilt, Kildare's Irish Pub, a Pizzeria Uno and Mr Ron's Public House. For many years before that it was the Peacock Gardens: the place to go on a nice date or special occasion,

Construction of the turnpike, and demolition of much of the village, began in the late 1940s. In November 1950, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission threw open the gates on its new 100 mile extension from Carlisle to Philadelphia with the eastern terminus at the Valley Forge Interchange. The Schuylkill Expressway opened in 1958, then in 1964 the section of the turnpike from Valley Forge to the New Jersey border opened. The Upper Merion Police department at the time proudly wore an arm patch touting the new nickname of the town as the “Hub of the East.”

The roads and the post World War II boom brought people and industries to the area. Modest homes for returning

Prior to the construction of these major roads and highways, the village of King of Prussia was just the quiet crossroads of DeKalb Pike (Route 202) and Gulph Road. th At the turn of the 20 century, the village proper had 10 stone buildings; six stone barns, five stables, and 11 frame buildings including an inn, a school and a combination general store/post office conducted by Allen C. Pugh. Surrounding the village were large farms of about fifty to 100 acres each, and a number of peach and apple orchards.

Originally located in the center of all of these roads, the King of Prussia Inn was

where peacocks would roam among the outdoor diners when weather permitted. Built in 1747, it was a private residence until 1835 when Dr. Henry DeWitt Pawling came to Upper Merion. Dr. Pawling served the area for miles around until his death in 1893. Dr. Pawling made house calls in his specially made one seat buggy so he didn't have to give rides to folks while he was making his rounds.

veterans and families were built in new developments at Brandywine Village and Valley Forge Homes. General Electric opened a brand new 900,000 square foot industrial complex, and the King of Prussia Plaza opened in 1963 as a modest open-air shopping mall anchored by larger stores J.C. Penney's, E.J. Korvette's, and the Acme. With the never ceasing changes, and especially with the zoning changes and explosive growth over the last 10-15 years, it's more important now than ever, to remember our past and to preserve just a little for future generations.

POLITICAL

TOPIC

It's About Time!

In spite of our best efforts, we can't beat the clock! However, legislators at the state and national level are doing their best to throw a monkey wrench into our daily lives. The confusion, surrounding this issue, is illustrated by the below cartoon drawn by Wolverton from the Los Angeles Daily News.

timekeeping has moved from sundials to digital watches, our bodies do not adjust to the switching of numerals or the turning of hands. Jet lag attests to this truism.

Time zones are based primarily on fixed lines of longitude drawn relative to the earth's rotation. This is reflected in the sun rising earlier in Maine than in Pittsburgh. Latitude, determined by the distance north

medicine at Stanford University's School of Medicine.“The time change causes misalignment between the body's daily rhythm and the clock, making it harder to fall asleep at night, disrupting sleep quality, and leading to sleep loss which can negatively impact health and safety. DST results in more darkness in the morning hours and more daylight in the evening hours.”

Many of us love summertime, when the living is easy. We can eat dinner outside, take an evening stroll, play golf after work, or go shopping before dark. Advocates for permanent DST — particularly those with business interests connected with restaurants, tourism, or outdoor recreation — have capitalized on this idea. However, in the 1970s, when the United States experimented with maintaining DST throughout the year, the data failed to confirm expected economic gains. After the first winter, public support declined. The actual sunlight, rather than the clock, is critical in prompting our moods and behavior.

It all has to do with eliminating the switching of our clocks twice a year. Falling back in November and jumping forward each spring have been shown to be disruptive and dangerous. Data has shown that accidents increase and medical issues multiply concurrently with the time shift. Logistical challenges occur as schedules and time-keeping devices need to be adjusted.

If we don't want to seasonally alter our clocks, we have two options — Standard Time or Daylight Saving Time (DST). To make an educated choice, we all need to become better informed.

Many School Districts have changed school start times to accommodate the biological needs of high school students. In response to growing evidence of sleep scientists, many other districts have also adopted healthy hours with secondary schools beginning instruction at 8:30 or later. Such changes have been correlated with improved mental health and better performance both in academic and athletic endeavors.

Although most of us are not subject to the same internal rhythm that puts high school students at risk from waking up too early, we can't fool Mother Nature. Throughout time, our bodies have been in tune the sun — with morning light most important to setting our internal clocks. While

or south from the equator, determines the amount of daily sunlight. This changes with the seasonal position of the Earth in relation to the sun as well as its axis tilt. In Pennsylvania, we get significantly more daylight in June than we do in December Locations south of us experience less variation in sunlight than those to the north. Florida is the Sunshine State and Alaska is the Land of the Midnight Sun!

In spite of our personal, economic, or political desires, our inability to alter the earth's rotation and revolution around the sun makes switching clocks and time zones problematic. For example, permanent DST would delay sunrise in Philadelphia past 8:00 a.m. for nearly two-and-a-half months — 2.4 to be exact. While the sunrise would be as late as 8:22 a.m. in Wayne, it would be as late as 8:43 a.m. in Pittsburgh. There dawn would be past 8 a.m. for 3.5 months! Because of the intrinsic connection between the sun and our bodies, permanent DST is a health and safety risk. While you may worry about your children waiting for school buses in the dark, everyone is at risk.

“Daylight saving time increases our morning exposure to darkness and evening exposure to sunlight, the most powerful timing cue for the human body clock,” said Dr. Shannon Sullivan, chair of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine Public Safety Committee and clinical professor of sleep

On the other hand, those advocating for permanent Standard Time point to data that indicates this schedule promotes greater productivity, higher student achievement, fewer absences, and even a reduction in auto accidents. Perhaps this is why more than sixty percent (60%) of the world, including our neighbors in Mexico, Hawaii, our U.S. territories, and most of Arizona, operate on Standard Time all year.

Time is measured by more than a clock. Your body tells you its impact. To find more about how your life may alter under permanent DST or Standard Time, check out some websites for additional resources. A good place to begin is one hosted by the Regional Adolescent Sleep Needs Coalition. It can be found at Start School Later - Southeastern Pennsylvania. The site includes links to the latest legislation, related websites, YouTube videos, and publications on the topic. Save Standard Time features a wealth of credible resources complete with charts, graphs, and photographs.

Although the League of Women Voters does not have a stand on this important issue, the topic of time would be ideal for a local, state, and/or national study. Through such a process, different perspectives are reviewed and discussed until a consensus among members is reached. As a result, a position is developed from which advocacy for political action is launched. Time is of the essence. It's up to you to stop, look, and act. The clock is ticking.

AUTO MAINTENANCE & DRIVING SAFETY

Travel Safely This Summer

CJ's Tire & Automotive wants to remind drivers that checking and maintaining their tires will keep them safer on the road this summer

A recent survey of U.S. drivers revealed more than half of Americans plan to travel exclusively by car this summer to reach their vacation destinations, while nearly one-third said they plan to travel more than 500 miles by car.

With that in mind, CJ's is reminding drivers that tire safety is as simple as three words Inflation, Rotation, and Inspection: I

ROTATION

Routine tire rotation helps prevent uneven tire wear and maximizes tire tread life. Tires should be rotated, and alignment checked every 4,000 to 5,000 miles and tires should be re-balanced and aligned according to the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations or whenever the driver feels any vibration or sees signs of irregular wear.

If you find that you do need new tires, it's always best to buy tires in sets of four for the best balance of grip and handling. That said if you only need two new tires, be sure to place the new tires in the rear to help maintain the best traction and control on wet roads.

According to CJ's Vice President, Bill Bainbridge, “We, along with the United States Tire Manufacturers Association advocate safe, sustainable, mobility for consumers. Today's modern tire is a highly engineered marvel that maximizes safety, performance, handling, durability, fuel economy, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Vehicles equipped with tire pressure monitoring systems help but are not fail safe in preventing tire related problems. Tires are a significant investment and following these easy steps will offer benefits to both the consumer's wallet and to our environment.”

Tire pressure should be checked monthly, as well as before long trips or when carrying an extra load using a tire pressure gauge. Proper tire inflation pressure helps maximize vehicle performance and fuel economy, avoid irregular tire wear, and extend overall mileage and tire tread life. Drivers can find the correct tire inflation information for their vehicle in the vehicle owner's manual or on the tire information placard located on the driver side door panel.

INSPECTION

Drivers should visually inspect the sidewalls for any signs of damage from curbs, potholes, etc. and the tread blocks for signs of irregular wear. They also need to make sure their tires have enough tread to grip the road, especially on wet roads. All it takes to check tread depth is a quarter. Turn the quarter upside down and dip it into the tread groove. If Washington's head is fully visible, the tires have 4/32” or less of tread depth left. That is a sign that new tires are needed sooner rather than later. As tires wear down and the grooves become shallower, tires will simply have less grip when accelerating, cornering, and braking when driving in adverse weather conditions.

Headquartered in Birdsboro, CJ's Tire & Automotive is family-owned and operated with 17 retail locations including King of Prussia, West Chester, Limerick, and Lansdale. For more than 50 years, CJ's has been southeastern Pennsylvania's “Better, Faster, and More Affordable” choice for tires and complete car care. For more information, visit us at cjtire.com

SUMMER TRAVEL TIPS Beat The Heat Behind The Wheel

by Judie Nuskey, Advanced Driver Training Services

The weather may be milder now, and mild weather still poses risks, but summer is on the way. Follow these tips for safer travels during the warmer months.

Prep your vehicle.

Improve your safety and reduce your odds of breaking down this summer by having major vehicle components checked during regular maintenance visits. Warmer temperatures are especially tough on your battery, so an older battery might need replacing. Make sure coolant, water, and other fluids are at the proper levels.

Beware the sun.

Sunglare can cause you to miss a stop sign, fail to see a pedestrian crossing the road, or have difficulty telling the color of a traffic light. Avoid being blinded by the sun by wearing quality sun glasses whenever you drive, using your sun visor as needed, and keeping your windshield clean inside and out. It's also good to have a spare pair of sunglasses in your vehicle.

Expect delays.

Summer is prime time for two things that can slow down your drive: road work and vacation travel. If you're ready for both you can take steps to stay on schedule. Check

your intended route in advance and make adjustments where possible to avoid work zones and to keep from becoming rushed, impatient, or aggressive. Allow extra time on weekends and when driving near tourist destinations, beaches, resorts, campgrounds, amusement parks, sports facilities and other venues that attract vacationers.

Stay rested.

Longer days make us more prone to stay up later, and that can lead to drowsy driving. Traveling long distances to a vacation destination also can make you sleepy behind the wheel. Keep alert by getting a good night's sleep on a regular basis and especially when long drives are in your plans. Make it a habit to stop every two hours for a break or more often if you need it. Taking a few minutes to stretch your legs and rest your eyes can help you regain your focus and minimize drowsiness.

Avoid impairment.

Picnics, barbeques, golf outings, weddings and other summer activities often involve drinking, and if you don't have a plan in advance you could end up driving while impaired. Line up a designated driver, arrange to have the host call a taxi, or simply plan not to drink if you must drive home from events like these.

Pack smart.

An overloaded vehicle stresses your tires and makes them more prone to failure. And if luggage or other cargo is blocking windows or the rear windshield, you won't have the full visibility you require to see your entire driving environment. Pack only what you need and store it securely so it doesn't become airborne in a crash and cause injury.

Judie Nuskey is the Director of Operations at Advanced Driver Training Services and assists corporations in creating custom driver training programs to lower (or keep low) their crash rates.

HEALTH & WELLNESS Cancer prevention starts with you:

5 tips to reduce your cancer risk. In the past few hundred years, the health care world has made huge strides in understanding cancer. And while a lot of advancements have been made in treating the disease, much of the progress is in reducing your risk of developing it in the first place.

The best way to fight cancer is to take steps to prevent it. Fortunately, many cancer prevention measures are simple. By making small efforts to prevent cancer, you can make big impacts on your health.

1. Eat healthy.

Every day, you make decisions that impact your risk of developing cancer, starting with what and how much you eat.

"Eating healthy improves your overall health, reduces your risk of obesity (another cancer risk factor) and reduces your chances of developing cancer," says Aarti L. Shevade, MD, an oncologist at Main Line Health.

2. Get moving.

Physical activity has a wide range of benefits. It's a known way to control your weight, improve your hormone levels, support your immune system and reduce your risk of cancer.

Aim to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (like walking, biking, gardening or housework) or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity (exercise that increases your heart rate, uses your muscles and makes you sweat) each week. Or, you can do a combination of the two.

"No matter what your activity level is now, adding just a little bit of exercise each day can go a long way in keeping you healthy and cancer-free," say Dr Shevade.

3. Don't smoke.

All kinds of tobacco products contain thousands of chemicals—70 of which are known to cause cancer (called carcinogens).

“From nicotine and formaldehyde to arsenic and ammonia, these are just a few of the carcinogens that you inhale with every puff of a cigarette, cigar or pipe,” says Dr. Shevade. “As for e-cigarettes, while they're marketed to be safer, they contain addictive nicotine, flavorings and other chemicals known to cause cancer.”

The best way to protect your health is to quit smoking. And it's never too late to stop. Every day you don't smoke, your health improves, and your risk of cancer decreases.

While HPV isn't treatable, it is preventable—starting with the HPV vaccine. It's most effective when given to children between the ages of 9 and 12, but it can be given up to age 45.

Detecting early signs of cancer

While these steps to reduce your risk of cancer are crucial, it's also important to use cancer screenings to detect any signs of cancer as early as possible. Cancer screening tests are used to find cancer even if you don't have symptoms. The earlier cancer is found, the easier it is to treat.

You can also determine your cancer risk based on your genetics. Main Line Health's Genetics and Risk Assessment Program offers consultations for cancer genetics as well as cardiovascular genetics and prenatal genetics. This knowledge can help you and your health care provider make a plan to reduce your risk of developing cancer

With advanced tools and knowledge, cancer prevention, early diagnosis and effective treatment are not only possible but are a reliable aspect of health care as we know it.

Main Line Health Cancer Care provides compassionate care through all stages of cancer treatment, from diagnosis through survivorship, for patients throughout the Philadelphia region and beyond.

To schedule an appointment with a Main Line Health cancer specialist, call 1.866.CALL.MLH (225.5654) or visit mainlinehealth.org

A healthy diet includes:

Plenty of fruits and vegetables

Whole grains, such as in bread and pasta, and brown rice

Fiber-rich foods, like beans and peas

Healthy meat options, like fish and poultry

Foods that are not excessively high in calories

A healthy diet limits:

Red meats, such as pork, lamb and beef

Processed meats, such as sausage, bacon, deli meats and hot dogs

Sugary drinks, such as soft drinks and fruit drinks

Highly processed foods and refined grain products, such as white bread and white rice

Alcohol

Following a healthy diet may require some planning, but it's well worth the effort when it comes to cancer prevention.

For help with quitting, Main Line Health's Tobacco Dependency Treatment Program offers free personal sessions to help you stop smoking.

4. Wear sunscreen.

The warmth of the sun on your skin may feel great, but without sunscreen it can be harmful. Most skin cancers are caused by excess sun exposure, particularly ultraviolet (UV) rays. These rays cause damage to your skin cells, which can lead to cancer

Protecting yourself from the sun starts with sunscreen. Before heading outside (in both the summer and winter months), put on a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Make sure to reapply every two hours or after you swim, sweat or use a towel to dry off.

5. Protect against HPV. HPV—or human papillomavirus—is common. In fact, eight out of 10 people will get HPV at some point in their lives. And HPV can go on to cause six different types of cancer.

PET HEALTH & WELL-BEING How to Avoid Heat Stroke in Pets

Just like us, our pets are affected by high temperatures and on extremely hot days animals can experience heat stroke. This is when animals overheat and their cooling mechanisms no longer function properly. In this event your pet will need to be

How do you treat a heat stroke?

Hospitalization of patients with heat stroke is imperative. Most animals require intensive care and monitoring for a couple of days. Initial treatment involves cooling the patient relatively aggressively, oxygen support and IV fluids. Some patients with severe upper respiratory compromise require a tube placed in the trachea to breathe through. Sedation may be necessary to keep very anxious or hyperactive animals quiet and cool. Broadspectrum IV antibiotics and GI protectants are indicated in most cases. Other specific medications will be used based on the signs/sequella that arise (i.e. antiseizure medications, antiarrhythmics). Blood pressure, ECG and urine output monitoring is important.

Above all the most important thing for owners to understand about heat stroke is that it's an emergency situation. The animal should be taken to a veterinarian as soon as possible for treatment.

What is a heat stroke in animals?

Heat stroke is hyperthermia (high body temperature) that develops when the body's normal cooling mechanisms (mainly panting) are overcome by heat. The body temperatures in these animals are often 106° F and above.

What are some signs of a heat stroke?

Excessive panting and signs of discomfort indicate overheating in dogs. A dog overheating may also be unable or unwilling to move around. Other signs of heatstroke in dogs include drooling, reddened gums, vomiting, diarrhea, mental dullness or loss of consciousness, uncoordinated movement, and collapse.

How long does a heat stroke last?

While heat stroke can happen quickly, there is often a progression from mild heat stress to the more moderate heat exhaustion before reaching the most severe condition of heat stroke.

Cooling during transport with air conditioning and wet towels is a good idea, but delay in getting the animal to the hospital for cooling at home is not recommended. Aggressive care at a veterinary facility will give the best chance of full recovery, but owners must be aware of the possibility of complications and the guarded prognosis from the beginning.

How can heat strokes be best prevented?

To protect your dog from a heat stroke, take the time to learn the signs and symptoms of heat stroke in dogs. Always ensure that your dog has access to water and shade in hot temperatures, and never leave your dog in

a hot car even if it is only for “a few minutes”. When temperatures rise beyond what are average, give your dog greater respite from the heat. Modify your dogs exercise routine in hot weather, forego rigorous exercise during heat waves.

Are certain animals more susceptible to heat stroke?

Obese animals and those with thick hair coats are at an increased risk. The brachycephalic (short-nosed) dog breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, etc. are especially predisposed due to breed related upper airway conformation. Dogs with laryngeal paralysis are also at risk. Animals shut in cars without the windows down can suffer from heat stroke even on a cool day.

VALLEY FORGE PARK ALLIANCE

Valley Forge Park Realignment Permit and Promise Act Passes Congress

With this new construction, Valley Forge Park will be linked to Chester Valley Trail, King Of Prussia Town Center, and Schuylkill River Trail

Melissa Jacobs, Valley Forge Park Alliance Board Secretary

Valley Forge Park Alliance is thrilled to announce approval of construction that will enhance visitors' use of Valley Forge National Historical Park (VFNHP). When completed, a new segment of a transformative, multi-use trail will link the Chester Valley Trail through the King of Prussia Town Center along North Gulph Road through the Park to the Schuylkill River Trail. Also in the works: Enhancements to the Park entrance at North Gulph Road. The two new improvements came to fruition thanks to Park champions U.S. House Reps. Madeleine Dean, Chrissy Houlahan and Brian Fitzpatrick, U.S. Senator Bob Casey, and former U.S. Senator Pat Toomey, who sponsored crucial legislation surrounding the projects.

The North Gulph Road Relocation Project is the last of a four-phase overhaul of Route 422 traffic flow around VFNHP. This final phase is highly beneficial to the Park, as it will reconnect approximately eight acres of Park lands by moving the road to the Park boundary, create an appropriate and scenic main Park gateway entrance, and relocate the large traffic intersection away from the Park. Once relocated, the eastern section of the former roadbed will be regraded and paved as a family-friendly, multi-use trail.

“Valley Forge National Historical Park is a treasure in our region, and the Valley Forge Park Realignment Permit and Promise Act will help move their Park improvements forward,” said Dean. “This bipartisan legislation is a commonsense way to ensure Park renovations are completed without further delay. I'm grateful to the Park planners and the Valley Forge Park Alliance for bringing this to our attention and happy to contribute to the connectivity and aesthetic of such a valuable resource.”

In 2017, the Alliance sponsored a feasibility study for the North Gulph Road Trail. When the road moves to its new location, the trail will be constructed in the location of the old road, providing car-free Park access to thousands of residents and employees. When fully constructed, the trail will connect the Schuylkill River Trail to the Chester Valley Trail.

“The segments of North Gulph Road Connector Trail when completed will directly connect the Schuylkill River Trail and the Chester Valley Trail to one of the region's leading cultural and recreational sites — Valley Forge National Historical Park and to King of Prussia and the Village at Valley Forge, a booming mixed-use node of residential, entertainment, office and commercial uses,” said Chris Linn, AICP Manager, Office of Climate and Environment Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission.

“This key multi-use trail will enable safe and efficient active transportation options between these destinations, thereby transforming transportation and recreation opportunities for the tens of thousands of individuals who live, work and visit this unique area.”

Schuylkill River Trail

Photo by Jason Chan

Map by Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission

GOLF & ETIQUETTE

Sore!? by Terri McCarthy

Got an aching back, pain in the neck, sprained wrist? Oh…you may be a golfer!

over and over, for four or five hours. That excessive, repetitive stress on the back can be a bit much after a winter hiatus.”

Shoulder injuries are very common as well, and can result from poor swing technique or overuse. Any or all of the four stabilizing muscles in the shoulder's rotator cuff (the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and teres minor) can swell and pinch when injured. If you rough them up, you'll definitely feel it on the back nine.

Golf is a spectacular sport. However, thousands of people who haven't held a club (or exercised) in months get so excited to go outside and play 18 holes, they start swinging without even a few good stretches that would loosen them up and get that sleepy blood flowing.

Baseball pitchers never walk up to the mound before warming up in a bullpen. But golfers getting some mobility into their shoulders, backs, and hips with pre-game exercises? — That would be weird.

According to Devon Anasiewicz, Devon.Anasiewicz@ivyrehab.com a licensed physical therapist (PT, DPT, CSCS),* the #1 golf injury she sees is lumbar strain. She elaborated: “Golf swings generate a lot of torque, and if golfers' hips are tight, their backs must take all the load,

And then of course, elbow, wrist, and hand injuries are par for the course. Anyone who has had a misshit and struck the ground or a tree root knows the jarring amount of force that comes right up through your club into your arm. If your pinky and ring finger start tingling after that, that's your ulnar nerve talking.

The good news is that if you get good medical advice right away, and you haven't torn anything, you can generally recover from most sports injuries without surgery.

Physical therapists can develop highly customized treatment plans for you that incorporate resistance training with bands, dumbbells, kettlebells, balls, sleds, and more. They can also address any mobility deficits to prevent further injury. And by assiduously following the programs, you can usually get your strength back in 4 to 6 weeks.

And when you do, join a great group of golfers with the Golf Tour of Greater Philadelphia! Information about our tours and tournaments is available at www.golftourphilly.org

LANDSCAPING & GARDENING

The Journey to ReWilding

by Alex Morrison

Landscaping with locally native plants has been growing in popularity, and for good reason! Putting native species back where they belong promotes biodiversity, supports stormwater management, and improves soil health. Even longrunning initiatives like “leaving the leaves” and “No Mow May” have been on the rise. And to keep the neighbors happy, customizable lawn signs like these from No Mow May | Xerces Society — let everyone know what you're doing!

Fortunately, the more mainstream this information becomes, the more urgency that responsible neighbors feel about restoring and rewilding our spaces. Because as it turns out, it took a long time for once-untouched landscapes to become urbanized and invaded, and despite what some blogs would have you think, it will take an equally long time to turn back the clock. A minimum

of seven years is required for new meadows to stabilize and become self-sufficient! Clearly, rewilding our spaces is a priceless commitment, so here are a few things to remember when restoring your backyard to its natural habitat:

Save money!

It can be tempting to go “all in” once the native bug bites us, but a much more sustainable way is to do sections at a time. Choose a single area on your property to start with, and spend time removing weeds, selecting just the right species, and keeping the herbivores at a distance while the plants establish. The land will tell you what plants are working and where, and that will keep your costs with trial and error down.

Be lazy!

Why should you do all the work when the plants can do it for you? When correct native species are sited properly, they'll do the heavy lifting. If you need help reclaiming a grassy or weedy area, go for rhizomatous or stoloniferous

species. These types of plants will spread underground to stabilize the soil and increase the footprint of your native landscape over time. Try species like Packeraaurea (Golden ragwort) or Pycnanthemumincanum (Hoary mountain mint) and watch them take over

Enjoy the journey!

Rewilding your property is not about asserting dominance over the landscape, it's about listening to your piece of the planet and helping it on its way back to optimal health.

So, take the time to rehabilitate sections at a time, watch what your plants are doing (or not doing) in their new homes, and grow your landscape sustainably for good!

Along the way, you can rely on tried and true resources, like the Native Plant Trust and Go Botany for species information, the USDA's PLANTS database for native ranges and habitat information, and Soil Web from the NRCS and UC Davis for soil data.

See you on the links!

The Golf Tour of Greater Philadelphia (GTGP) is a locallyoperated golf league for amateur golfers. Our classification as a nonprofit helps keep costs down, and our club organization ensures all members have input in club operations. The result is competitive golf in a collegial atmosphere at a great price! GTGP is also an associate club of the Golf Association of Philadelphia. Members are eligible to play in GAP Member Play Days at private clubs in the area.

*PT, DPT, CSCS stand for Physical Therapist, Doctor of Physical Therapy, and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist

And for everything else, there's WildLawn, an ecological restoration company! For more information, and to learn how you can restore beauty and ecological function in your landscape, reach out to ecologists at WildLawn wildlawn.com, (844)326-7334, or contact@wildlawn.com

OFGREATER PHILADELPHIA OFGREATER PHILADELPHIA

ART & CREATIVITY Museum Quality at Greater Norristown Art League (GNAL) Small Footprint Substantial Impact

It's hard to believe that the first half of 2023 is almost over. We have lots happening this summer, but before we get into that, let's reflect a bit on the first half, because it has been stellar. We have a solid group of dedicated, and passionate instructors and members who believe in the value of art education. Our recent election for 2023-2025 saw familiar faces staying on the board with returning Treasurer Carolyn Silverthorn, Managing Directors, Michael Wrigley and Liz Pesch, and new board members with Secretary Nikki Barr and Managing Director Andrew Campbell.

Next, we kick off the summer in style with Beachy Keen Bingo on June 10 with adult classes starting on June 12. This summer our art camp starts the week of June 19. Coming up on July 9, we have our next artist talk with Anna Boothe, an independent glass artist. Our artist talks are free and open to the public. Please

make a plan to join and bring a friend. Our first artist talk with zentangle instructor Sue Trembeth was so popular that she will be instructing a summer session this year on Fridays. What a relaxing and fun way to end the week!

Following, in August we will be featuring a Children's mural art exhibition at Braemer Medical Arts Building on Germantown Pike. It's amazing what the kids create each year, and we always look forward to seeing the bright and beautiful murals in the hallways at Braemer

Our instructors are artists themselves and are working towards the next gold ring in the Art industry. We are pleased and privileged to have such esteemed artists as our instructors at GNAL.

In fact, Jim Green and Betz Green are husband and wife artists who instruct live art classes at Greater Norristown Art League. Both were recently accepted into the Bucks County Artists' Data Base through the Michener Art Museum. This resource includes 400 artists, past and present, from all disciplines who live, work, or have close artistic associations to the New Hope, Bucks County area.

Jim Green is known for his colorful impressionistic style of oil painting which is, in part, influenced by the palettes of the New Hope Impressionists. His regional landscapes reflect how he feels about his subjects rather than what can be strictly observed.

Betz Green creates drawings and paintings in several mediums including silverpoint, charcoal, and oil. She uses shadow and light with strong shapes to depict regional historic subjects, along with some humorous, very detailed still life portrayals. For more information, go to Bucksco.michenerartmuseum.org

To contact GNAL: gnartleague@gmail.com Website: gnal800west.org

Greater Norristown Art League is a local non-profit art education organization, located at 800 West Germantown Pike, East Norriton, PA 19403

Please check out our website at or our FB page @GNAL800West.org

gnal800west.org

Katherine Bampfield

Kdesign.gallery

Betz Green, mixed media

Jim Green, Cape Elizabeth