A group that I founded called the Apron Activists is holding a 2nd mostly vegan bake sale this Sunday, January 24 at Siren Records Doylestown. A story was already ran about the last bake sale. We would like any press coverage you can give this event in order for us to raise the most money possible for Haitian relief efforts. Thank you, Jennifer Wise
Blue Bell, PA — On New Year’s Eve, a few members of Saint Miriam gathered to clean and ready for New Year’s Day. Included in the gathering were noted and renowned artists, Raymond Leight and David Romeo. Mr. Romeo and his wife, Pam, are two of the finest framers and owners of Romeo’s Fine Arts in Lansdale, Pennsylvania. They all walked into Saint Miriam together to accomplish one goal — the installation of Mr. Leight’s latest, original masterpiece entitled, “Jesus and the Little Children.” This large, beautiful and inspiring work was completed for Saint Miriam as a gift from Mr. Leight. Mr. Leight also donated 14 other original childrens pieces for the children’s education room. Dave and Pam Romeo gifted the framing and hanging, as well.
Mr. Leight met Father Jim quite by happenstance at Dave and Pam’s store and gallery in Lansdale. The Romeos were helping Father prepare the finishes for the collection of Stations of the Cross that hang in the main Sanctuary. Mr. Leight was present on his own business and the two men met, thanks to Dave and Pam. The rest, as they say, is history.
Mr. Leight began to paint this masterpiece and as he did, he puts it best, “The Holy Spirit came to me and held my hand…the great Comforter told me what and how to paint…” This work is the result and Mr. Leight claims proudly, “It is one of my best pieces!”
The work of Mr. Leight’s is in many major collections throughout the world in both private and corporate exhibits. He has displayed his impressive collection of painting, sculpture, and cartoon illustration from California, Florida, Pennsylvania, to The Hollywood Art and Culture Center, just to name a few. His work has been featured at The Center for the Arts, Vero Beach and The Brevard Art Center and Museum. And, a Museum is now being built in New York to house his vast collection!
Born in small West Point, Pennsylvania in 1931, Mr. Leight is a true, natural born artist without formal training. He has painted and sculpted many works since childhood, is a published cartoonist, draftsman and illustrator for the Ford Motor Company, award-winning graphic designer, an author and illustrator of children’s books, founder of a successful toy company and noted and accomplished artist to many generations.
Mr. Leight’s work lend themselves to the simplest of analysis; often using colorful collages of materials and ideas suggest that their stories are below the surface, waiting for interpretation by the viewer and revealed by further study. His work is nothing short of magnificent and his genuineness is genuinely displayed in this latest piece for Saint Miriam.
The Saint Miriam Board of Directors, along with the Parish Council, decided to honor Mr. Leight by honoring his love and gift to us with the naming of the CCD and Education Room after him. On April 11 2010, when the parish is formally consecrated by our bishops, the CCD room will officially become, “The Ray Leight Children’s Education Room” and will feature other works of his made with children in mind!
To further honor Dave and Pam Romeo for all of their dedication to us, and to thank them for their love of Mr. Leight and Saint Miriam, the large floor to ceiling window within this Children’s Room will be dubbed, “A Window onto the World for our Children, a gift of Pam and David Romeo”.
There would be many ways to illustrate Mr. Leights love of children, but none more apropos than Ray’s own rendition of a passage of Scripture… “Children are important,” Jesus said. “No one in the world is greater than the smallest of these. No one is closer to God, for Guardian Angels are watching over them always. And remember this: anyone who is cruel to a little child would be better off at the bottom of the sea. But the person who loves a child, and tells her the truth, and helps her to be good, is loved by God forever. Never forget: when you help a little child, you are helping me.”
Saint Miriam has two main services each week, Thursday at 6:30PM and Sundays at 10:30 AM. They also honor a Rosary on Wednesdays at 6:30PM and a monthly Charismatic Mass. The services are Catholic, but inclusive and inspiring with a mix of music from old and new, modern touches and incense smoke that finally warms the heart, as well as the senses!
Please contact Father Jim St. George for more information or visit www.mySaintMiriam.org.
Maple Glenn, PA — Resident Begins Peace Corps Service in Thailand
Joel Gerstman, 23, of Maple Glen, Penn., has been accepted into the Peace Corps.
Gerstman will be departing for Thailand on Jan. 19, 2010 to begin pre-service training as a community development Peace Corps volunteer. Upon graduation from volunteer training in April, Gerstman will be addressing community needs through work within local subdistrict administrative offices.
Gerstman is the son of Ira and Jody Gerstman, and a graduate of Upper Dublin High School in Fort Washington, Penn. He then attended Drexel University in Philadelphia, Penn., where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration, graduating in 2009. Gerstman previously worked at Sealord LLC, Susquehanna International Group and Mufson Howe Hunter & Co.
“I was motivated by the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives, travel abroad, and grow as a person,” Gerstman said about his decision to join the Peace Corps.
During the first three months of his service, Gerstman will live with a host family in Thailand to become fully immersed in the country’s language and culture. After acquiring the language and cultural skills necessary to assist his community, Gerstman will serve for two years in Thailand, living in a manner similar to people in his host country.
Gerstman joins the 294 Pennsylvania residents currently serving in the Peace Corps. More than 7,237 Pennsylvania residents have served in the Peace Corps since 1961.
Over 4,863 Peace Corps volunteers have served in Thailand since the program was established in 1962. Volunteers in this Southeast Asian nation work in the areas of education and community development. In addition to their primary assignments, Peace Corps volunteers in Thailand also focus on HIV/AIDS education in their host communities. Currently, 98 volunteers are serving in Thailand.
As Peace Corps approaches its 50th anniversary, its service legacy continues to promote peace and friendship around the world with over 7,600 volunteers serving in 75 host countries. Historically, nearly 200,000 Americans have served with the Peace Corps to promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of 139 host countries. Peace Corps Volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment. To learn more about the Peace Corps, please visit our website: www.peacecorps.gov.
Saturday Jan. 9th and – Sunday Jan. 10th 2010
at The Valley Forge Convention Center in King of Prussia, PA
The Philadelphia Sports Extravaganza and Wellness Expo is filled with free medical screenings, health services, and personal trainer certifications CEC. You can purchase sports and fitness equipment from Fundamental Fitness Products, related clothing, supplements, as well as games and competitions. The Sports Extravaganza will give audiences a taste of high caliber Arm Wresting, Model Search, Strong Man Competition, Martial Arts, and Physique Competitions. The Wellness Expo is Free with Free Parking both Days. The Sports Extravaganza is only $10.00 for adults. Kids and Seniors are free.
NORRISTOWN, PA — The Montgomery County Commissioners adopted a 407.7 million budget with no tax increase for 2010.
The owner of a home assessed at $168,788, the county average, will continue to pay $454.88 for the county portion of their real estate taxes next year.
The tax rate for the County portion of residents’ real estate taxes will remain 2.695 mills. A mill is $1 per $1,000 of assessed value.
The Commissioners voted 2-1 to approve the spending plan. Commissioners Chairman Jim Matthews and Vice Chairman Joseph Hoeffel voted in favor. Commissioner Bruce L. Castor, Jr. voted against.
The budget includes a number of austerity measures taken to close a large gap caused by declining revenue and increased expenses. Those measures included no pay increase for County employees and having employees pay 5 percent of the cost of their health insurance premiums.
The budget was also reduced by outsourcing day care services for the children of County employees at two locations, enhanced energy efficiencies and extending the term of open space borrowings.
The budget is funded in part through a $10 million fund balance appropriation. The fund balance is essentially an emergency reserve fund that, through careful monitoring of spending and cost cutting, the Commissioners will maintain at $35.5 million in 2010.
“Meeting Notice”
Library Board of Trustees meetings 2010
2nd Wednesday of each month except July and August
Upper Moreland Free Public Library Community Room 7:30pm
January 13
February 10
March 10
April 14
May 12
June 9
September 8
October 13
November 10
December 8
The meetings are open to the public.
Margie Peters, Director
Upper Moreland Free Public Library
NORRISTOWN – County employees looking to recycle the soda can they just emptied or the cardboard box that a delivery just came in will no longer have to go looking for a way to do it starting next week.
Employees who work in the Court House, One Montgomery Plaza and the Human Services center will begin using a single desk-side container for all recycling beginning December 1, 2009.
Through a contract with Waste Management, Montgomery County buildings will now be offered a ‘Single Stream’ recycling collection method.
This method will allow the employee to throw aluminum and tin cans, plastic narrow necked bottles #1-7, glass food and beverage containers, newsprint, paperboard, office paper, junk mail and cardboard all in the same bin.
Single Stream recycling will help the County workforce recycle more which in turn will have a positive effect on the environment and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
“We want to have 100 percent participation,” Montgomery County Commissioners Chairman Jim Matthews said.
“In these economic times, we’re struggling to keep our costs flat and recycling is one of the easiest things employees can do,” Matthews said. “Recycling means less waste, lower tipping fees and, hopefully, a small return on the materials.”
Society as a whole benefits as well, said Chris Kaasmann, Montgomery County’s Recycling Coordinator.
“The energy it takes for 1 aluminum soda can to be recycled is approximately 95% less than what it would take to make a can from virgin materials,” Kaasmann said.
Employees are being asked to sign a pledge to reuse and recycle as much as they can at all times in the work place.
“By signing the pledge each employee becomes accountable for the waste they produce. Hopefully, this will make them think twice about where that water bottle or piece of paper goes after it leaves their hand,” Kaasmann said.
A new educational recycling campaign is underway. It includes new stickers on all bins, educational posters and a team of County employees dubbed ‘Recycling Liaisons.’
These liaisons will work with all County employees and encourage them to do the right thing by recycling correctly.
Those visiting County buildings such as the Courthouse will also be able to take advantage of the ‘Single Stream’ recycling method. Bins located in break rooms, common areas and kitchens will contain recycling bins for the public. Bins in these areas were provided by a grant through the Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania (PROP) and ALCOA Aluminum. For more information on this program and other recycling inquiries, please contact the Montgomery County Recycling Hotline at (610) 278-3618.
Philadelphia, PA — At barely 2 years of age, the Catholic Parish of Saint Miriam, in the Roxborough neighborhood of Philadelphia, is growing strong and will be moving to its own church facility in Blue Bell, PA effective December 23rd 2009.
The panorama of stories from their existing members is deeply inspiring and their personal stories would be impressive by any measure. Now, with their own modern church, they hope to continue their growth by attracting others who are seeking and inclusive Catholic community.
The Parish Board of Saint Miriam, along with the Pastor of Saint Miriam, (The Reverend) Father James St. George, in union with the Ordinary of the Diocese and with the blessing of their Presiding Bishop, are pleased to announce that Saint Miriams new home will be at 475 Norristown Road in the Blue Bell suburb of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in Whitpain Township.
The Site Committee, working closely with our pastor and board, surveyed more than 100 properties and narrowed its selections to two locations. After much prayer and deliberation, with many hours of negotiations with the building owners, they reached an agreement during the last week of September 2009. The build out is underway and their new service schedule is announced.
Saint Miriam will feature a new, state-of-the-art facility with a 2,000+ square foot sanctuary, full audio/visual capability, additional space for CCD/Children’s education, administrative and library space, a full sacristy, a fellowship hall with indoor and outdoor seating areas, a kitchen, and fully accessible ADA-compliant restrooms. The property also enjoys parking for 200+ cars, an acre of green frontage and a modern aesthetic that fits well with the Saint Miriam ethos.
Formed in 1957, the Catholic Church of Antioch traces its line of bishops back to the first apostles and says its priests and bishops – male and female – are “valid” Catholic clergy. The Roman Catholic Church does not view such offshoots as being “in union” with it, however they are considered valid and sufficient. In other words, this is a Catholic Church, just not a Roman Catholic Church. This allows this vibrant and unique community to open its hearts and all sacraments, including Holy Communion, to everyone.
In such a short amount of time, they have healed many souls already. They boast families with children along with many gay, lesbian, and straight singles and couples. Even a few former Roman Catholic nuns and a priest make up their diverse population. They also have already achieved several new seminarians in formation to serve Gods church. All of this as they grow to include everyone without reservation.
Saint Miriam has two main services each week, Thursday at 6:30PM and Sundays at 10:30 AM. They also will add a Rosary on Wednesdays at 6:30PM and a monthly Charismatic Mass. The services are Catholic, but inclusive and inspiring with a mix of music from old and new, modern touches and incense smoke that finally warms the heart, as well as the senses!
Saint Miriam will launch its new church with its beautiful Christmas Eve service dubbed Christmas Eve Midnight Mass at Ten . It begins with food and fellowship at 8PM, followed by Carols singing at 9PM and then the Mass at 10 PM. Christmas Day Mass will take place at 11AM.
Please contact Father Jim St. George for more information or visit www.mySaintMiriam.org. For a complete list of service times, please see Services from the homepage.
On December 4, 2009 the President visits Allentown, Pennsylvania, as part of a commitment to visit communities across the country over the next several months, where he speaks with workers and shares ideas for continued economic recovery.
First Thursdays — The first Thursday of every month, come enjoy a taste of the town at participating restaurants and catch a film at the Ambler Theater. Buy your tickets at ConeHeads or Ambler Flower Shop or call 215-646-6500.
First Fridays — Come out and shop in Ambler while merchants offer Friday only special deals! Bring the kids along on First Friday and drop them at the Mermaid Art Studio to make an art project or the Ambler Flower Shop to make a flower arrangement & craft project.
Saturday December 5th
Ambler Holiday Parade starts at 1pm on Butler Avenue.
Act2 Playhouse – On Golden Pond through 12/13
Ambler Theater – Fantastic Mr Fox, An Education, A Serious Man, Coco Before Chanel
Sunday 12/6 – Holiday Storefront Contest Judgment Day!
Sunday 12/6 – Opera at the Ambler Theater La Forza del Destino
Tuesday 12/8 – Come make a flower arrangement at the Ambler Flower Shop
Wednesdaya 12/9- Live Jazz at the Ambler Theater
The Eric Mintel Quartet A Jazz Holiday
Merchant and Restaurant Specials throughout the town.
Tuesday December 15 Holiday Sing-Along
Join the Ambler Symphony for Ambler’s Annual Sing-Along at 6:30PM inside the beautiful Ambler Theater, followed by a movie at 7:30PM. Tickets are $10 and are available beginning today at the Theater’s Box Office.
Thursday December 17 Santa By Train!
Gather at Trax Café at the Ambler train station to cheer Santas arrival. Then it’s off light the holiday tree in front of the beautiful Ambler Borough Hall (122 E. Butler Ave). Santa will visit with children inside borough hall after the tree lighting.
Friday December 18th Through Thursday December 24th – Ambler Merchants welcome you to help with all your final holiday purchases.
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