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E-Update from Souderton & Telford Main Streets
Newsletter Subtitle
August 5, 2009
In This Issue
Our Votes are Increasing!
Univest Grand Prix Invitation!
More Excitement at the IVFM
No Roundtable...in August
One More Concert Left This Summer
Music At Main Street Java
Indian Valley Public Library Never Sleeps
Get Help Now, Pennsylvania.
Montgomery Theater's Young Actor's Workshops for 2009
Energy Grants for Nonprofits, Municipalities
One Life One Chance On September 19
Dear Reader,
Where has the summer gone? As we head into the last month of the summer, there are still plenty of community activities for you and your family.

Pull up your calendar and start reading!
 
Pam Coleman
Main Streets Manager
Our Votes are Increasing!
We have more than doubled the votes and the great comments about the market! We are up to 37 votes. Last month we only had 18.

Please vote to help our favorite farmers market win $5,000 in the "Love Your Farmers Market" online contest, sponsored by Care2.com and LocalHarvest.org. Every vote helps promote local food, family farms and sustainable agriculture.

Please help our Indian Valley Farmers' Market win by voting today.
Univest Grand Prix Invitation!
We are still encouraging everyone to participate in the wonderful community festival that is grand prix 09part of the annual Univest Grand Prix in Souderton.

This is your chance to present your business or community group to the happy crowds that congregate for the race.

Everything you need to register for a booth is available on our home page.

When every advertising dollar has to count...here's your chance to have a four-color, three-dimensional, interactive ad at the race. How cool is that?
More Excitement at the IVFM
On any given Saturday, you can see dogs on leashes enjoying the Indian Valley Farmers' Market. This Saturday, the Telford Veterinary Hospital will be presenting Pet Care tips.  As with any presentation or promotion at the Market, the fun begins about 10 am.

This Saturday, we have a brand-new Telford business making its public debut at the Indian Valley Farmers' Market. Kathy Glenn at "ConnecKApup" will be displaying and selling her handmade leashes for dogs. Practical and stylish!

Don't forget that August is very busy with fun activities at the Market.
August 15: Woody Poles will be performing. Dance your way through the market vendors!
August 22: History Day will feature presentations and information on the history of Souderton and Telford.
veggie raceAugust 29: Veggie Races. Pick a veggie and race it on a a wooden track. Decorating your racing veggie is part of the fun! We are stealing this great idea from our friends at the Easton Farmers' Market. Check out the photos of their race!
September 5: Recipe Day. Free recipes for everyone-bring one/take one.

Don't forget that you can also get all the best in fruit, produce, baked goodies, coffee, cheese and wine for your weekend revelries. The selection at the market this year is stellar.
No Roundtable in August
empty plateThe Business Roundtable will not be held until September 8. Attendance in August is always a challenge so we will skip the regularly scheduled August Meeting.

If you think you are going to miss your opportunity to network in August, may we make a suggestion?

The Indian Valley Business Networking Group meets on every Wednesday at 11:30 am at the Reliance Inn. The group has a diverse mix of businesses represented with a majority from small, sole proprietorships.

They have a fast paced, fun hour of networking and a delicious lunch. Check them out!
We have been Nominated at a Classic Town!
The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission developed a program to assist smaller towns, neighborhoods and inner ring suburbs to market themselves. Here is how they describe it on the website for the program: "Throughout the region, there are communities that have preserved their history, their character, and their main street charm. Each is unique, yet all are wonderful places to live, work, and play."

Souderton and Telford, as one community, has been nominated to participate in this program. Telford Borough Council has passed a resolution in support this past Monday. Souderton Borough Council will take action on the same resolution in September.

At the Main Street office, we are working on the 21 probing questions needed to create the marketing material, brochures, press releases and website to support the Souderton Telford participation in the Classic Town promotion.

Look at the first class of participating communities:
* Ambler
* Bristol
* Collingswood
* Doylestown
* Haddon Heights
* Lansdowne
* Manayunkgold gift box
* Media
* Overbrook Farms
* Riverton
* West Chester

Watch the www.classictown.org website for our inclusion on October 1, 2009. We will be able to unwrap the beautiful logo at that time.
One More Concert Left This Summer
You know the summer is nearly finished when there is only one Concert in the Park left.

Red Hill Band LogoThe Red Hill Band is closing out the concert season on Sunday, August 9. The Red Hill Band was formed on December 6, 1900, at the Red Hill Hotel in the town of Red Hill, Montgomery County, PA, in the tradition of community bands in semi-rural communities. The intent was to provide enjoyable entertainment to families in the community, sharing the musical talents of the twenty founding members. To pay for a director and teacher, each member of the Band was assessed ten cents per rehearsal. Compensation for the Band's services was quite low in those days.

Their artistic mission is to do everything possible to continue the tradition of band concerts in parks and at civic and social events, playing marches, show tunes, and other traditional concert band music. Opening each concert with our National Anthem and closing each concert with The Stars and Stripes Forever is a tradition that must never be lost on any generation of children, nor any group of veterans or senior citizens who treasure the memories and inspiration provided by uplifting and patriotic concert band music. The fifty members of The Red Hill Band are committed to providing their volunteer musical talents to the preservation of this vital national treasure.
Music At Main Street Java
guitar on floorCoffee is not the only thing hot at Main Street Java in Souderton. Jesse sent over his schedule of musical performances for the month of August.

"Michael Kracht" Friday, August 7, 7:00-9:00pm
Michael Kracht is a local singer/songwriter. He has performed at area arts festivals, community days and can be heard here in Souderton on Sundays at Zwingli UCC.  In addition to his own material, he will be performing a variety of covers including songs from Cat Stevens, Nanci Griffith and James Taylor.

"James Lauchmen" Friday, August 14, 7:00-9:00pm
Come hear this local musician who will entertain you with a variety of old favorites.  He performs an assortment of music including cover pieces by: James Taylor, Tom Petty, The Eagles, Eric Clapton, Cat Stevens and many more!  Jim plays at Main Street Java the 2nd Friday of EVERY month!

"Nick Stumpo" Friday, August 21, 7:00-9:00pm
Nick is a local musician from Hatfield, PA and a student at Penn State University. In addition to his solo career he is part of "The Other Brothers Band" which tours locally and in the Penn State Area. This acoustic show will include covers by: Dave Matthews, John Mayer, Martin Sexton & many others.  Come join us for a great night of music!

To hear some of Nick's music please visit: www.myspace.com/nickstumpo

"Jubilee" Friday, August 28, 7:00-9:00pm
This band was a HUGE hit last time they performed at Main Street Java...Check out this lively local trio as they play your favorite classic soul and R&B hits!  You won't want to miss this evening enjoying inspirational smooth jazz originals. 

Most of these performers can be found on Facebook and.or myspace. Check them out.
Indian Valley Public Library Never Sleeps
overscheduledLinda Beck, the head librarian at the Indian Valley Public Library, sent out her regular email newsletter with all the upcoming programs, events and activities at the library. I don't think anyone there has time to sleep. They are amazing.

We usually pull out the adult activities to highlight. Her latest list of adult activities is longer than this newsletter. So if you are interested in anything from genealogy to movies to audiobooks or craft projects, go to the Indian Valley Public Library's website for details.
Get Help Now, Pennsylvania
get helpFrom the Governor's Newsletter: The national recession - the longest since World War II - has taken a toll on Pennsylvanians. Many people are having trouble paying their monthly bills at the same time uncertain financial, employment and housing markets have raised worries about long-term economic security.

If you or someone you know is facing financial problems as a result of the recession, Get Help Now, Pennsylvania can help.

Every Tuesday and Thursday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., volunteer attorneys, banking and mortgage professionals, and financial analysts are working on help desks in many of the county bar association offices. Find a location near you by calling the Pennsylvania Bar Association, toll-free, at 1-888-799-4557 or clicking here.

Since First Lady Judge Marjorie O. Rendell opened Get Help Now, Pennsylvania on July 7, dozens of consumers have come forward for help.
Montgomery Theater's Young Actor's Workshops for 2009
The YAW classes are an amazing way for your children to express themselves, make new friends, and grow in our community of artists! The Montgomery Theater professionals are building a true path for our students to follow starting with our Acting I and Musical Theater I classes, and leading right up to the Young Actors Acting and Apprentice Program.

 "We want to thank all of you who have been such an important part of our family, and we hope to bring some new friends into the fold...so spread the word and let your friends know what is happening here!" said Megan Hoffman, director of education.

FALL SESSION CLASSES! REGISTER TODAY!trapeze
 
Acting I: Focus on characterization, scene work, movement. Taught by professional actors, your child will learn what it takes to go from script to stage! Tuesdays, September 22nd to December 8 from 4:00 to 5:30pm.

Musical Theater I: Voice, acting and dance will come together in this class for your Broadway bound child! Thursdays, September 24th to December 10 from 4:00 to 5:30pm.
 
Cost $225 per student, per session.  No Classes for Week of November 23
Questions? Call 215.723.9984 x10

Energy Grants for Nonprofits, Municipalities
Governor Edward G. Rendell  announced a new grant program for local government and non-profit entities seeking to conserve or reduce energy use. PA Conservation Works! will provide up to $250,000 for individual projects and $500,000 for joint projects designed to increase energy efficiency, reduce energy consumption and reduce energy costs by at least 25 percent.
green house
"Many smaller, local government and non-profit groups are interested in reducing their energy use and saving money. They have shovel-ready projects, but may be hampered by a lack of funding because of the economy," said Governor Rendell. "Through President Obama's Recovery Act we can infuse up to $250,000 to help make these projects a reality.

Additionally, a 25 percent reduction in energy-related costs means local governments and communities will have more money to dedicate to other projects."Program guidelines and additional information are available at www.recovery.pa.gov. Applications will be accepted beginning July 17 and must be submitted through the Environmental eGrants system at www.grants.dcnr.state.pa.us.
The application deadline is August 14.

One Life One Chance On September 19
When tragedy happens, some people succumb to the grief; others find unexpected strength. Justina McIntyre is a mother who is determined that other families will not face the loss of a child in the way she lost her son.

One Life One Chance Souderton/Telford, the Fight for Our Children Against Prescription and OTC Drug Abuse is her crusade to educate parents and students about the dangers that are available everyday. She has been blessed with a team who share her mission. drugs

On Saturday, September 19, Justina and a group of dedicated parents, friends and family are hosting an event from 10 am to 2 pm in the Souderton Community Park. They will  lead a walk through Souderton and Telford to make people aware of the magnitude of the problem.  They will then have booths for organizations and speakers that can offer help to students facing issues out of their control.

If you want to help, email Justina and she can explain what kind of help they need to  make the day a success.

This is a deadly epidemic that is quietly affecting our community. Justina and her team are dedicated to shining a light on this issue to educate students and parents so we don't lose more kids to this killer.
State Budget Frustration
The state budget is still in limbo.  Yesterday, a budget was sent to the Governor so he could pare away everything except payroll and critical needs. A full budget still needs to be passed that will cover everything else, including New Communities where the Main Street funds are located.

I have heard speculation by reporters who are covering this issue that we may not see a budget until late September or mid-October!

Borad Theater beforeWhat does this mean to us locally? Our Anchor Building Grant application is ready to be approved-if there is enough funding available. For those of you that have been following this topic for the past four months, you remember that this grant to Souderton Telford Main Streets will be loaned as gap financing for the Broad Theater.

For everyone who wants the Broad Theater renovations to get started, I recommend that you call or email our state representatives. Tell them to make sure that the New Communities program is funded! We want our theater open!

Reward for Readers
For everyone who has waded through all the news in this email, we have a reward.

Melodia Grill is offering 10% of your check if you mention this email.

They have an all new lunch menu with new items and affordable prices. Treat yourself to a break from your brown bag or drive-through lunch.

apple pieThey also have a free Melodia house desert with a dinner entree purchase on Mondays in August. Just mention this email.

Many thanks to Melodia Grill for supporting Souderton Telford Main Streets and the 482 readers of this email with this generous offer.
Stop by and learn for yourself why they keep winning so many readers' choice awards!
row houses
I hope you found at least one article useful in this newsletter. Please send us your news so we can share it!
Pam Coleman
Souderton-Telford Main Streets