Best remedy for troubling times in positive energy
Summer is supposed to be a time of relaxation, vacation, enjoying the warm weather and fun activities. While people continue to check off those items on their summer todo list, they are being forced to do so under a hailstorm of troubling news.
The region has been rocked lately by multiple shootings, the murder of teenagers, road rage that escalated to homicide and stories of government corruption. Plus, there is the national political climate – an embarrassment of dysfunctional hate. And don’t forget about the ongoing daily threat of terrorism … anywhere.
More than once the comment has been heard, “I can’t even turn on the television news anymore because it sends me spiraling into depression.”
What is the answer to this distressing situation? Is there an antidote for all that ails our society?
Some may go the pharmaceutical route. It would not be surprising to see a rise in the prescription of mood-lifting or antianxiety drugs such as Xanex, Ativan and Valium.
Although I am not a licensed physician, I did sleep at a Holiday Inn Express lately. And I know that the best treatment for people – mentally, emotionally and even spiritually is a healthy dose of good news.
With that in mind, the information highway (of every variety … even the gossip circuit) has been thoroughly scoured in an effort to provide any upbeat messages that might elevate the general mood of the populace. A list has been prepared to provide a heavy dose of good news.
Although results may vary from patient to patient – and side effects such as dry mouth, dizziness and even uncontrollable euphoria could be present – the prescription is a relatively safe one. Feel free to read this list -- one, two, three times a day – as needed.
•The Columbus Monument at Elmwood Park is getting a facelift. Thanks to the newly formed Columbus Monument Committee there has been a flurry of activity – everything from merely clearing the area of trash, to planting flowers, trimming the hedges and returning the fountain to working condition. The Elmwood Park Zoo has pitched in with $5,000 to repair and level the concrete slabs inside the monument. All of this is in preparation for the 25th anniversary of the “Hello Columbus” effort that resulted in the opening of the monument in 1992.
•The East Norriton Police Department has embarked on a month-long campaign against aggressive driving. While speed
ing through the township is always an issue, patrols have been instructed to be increasingly vigilant against aggressive driving, running red lights, rolling through stop signs, tailgating and even failing to use turn signals. A tip of the cap to Chief Karyl Kates for this initiative.
•The Phillies went four days last week without losing a baseball game. Of course the “Negative Nellies” in the area will point to the fact that it was the All Star break … and no games were played for four days. But don’t go down that route. The downtrodden Phillies fans need any
ray of sunshine they can find.
•The outdoor dining scene in the area continues to grow. New restaurants all seem to be equipped with elaborate outdoor dining venues. The new Town Center in King of Prussia and the about-to-open center in Blue Bell (Routes 202 and 73) are prime examples. Also, established restaurants are adding large outdoor dining areas. Panache, in Blue Bell, will be debuting its new patio soon.
•Going hand-in-hand with the outdoor dining scene is the outdoor music scene. The local municipalities have done a good job of bringing quality entertainment to the region – for free! A few of
the upcoming highlights include: the very popular Sofa Kings at Plymouth Community Center Amphitheater on July 23; Wentz Park in Whitpain features Digital Getdown on July 27 and the always entertaining Amish Outlaws on August 10; for the 32nd year Lansdale Borough presents free concerts at White’s Road Park with highlights such as AM Radio on August 8 and the Mighty Manatees on August 22; and the Summer Concert Series at the Elmwood Park Bandshell in Norristown presents a wide range of music, everything from country with Southern Edge on July 19, to classic rock with Flower Power on August 2, to Italian favorites with the Verdi Band on
August 30. And of course, there is always the Sounds of Sinatra with Yours Truly appearing at the Farm House Restaurant at Skippack GC on August 9 and joining jazz saxophonist Frankie Ewing for a special Sunday with Sinatra in the new Beer Garden at the Elmwood Park Zoo on Sunday, September 10. Let the music soothe your soul.
•Harry “Gags” Lasorda, brother of Tommy Lasorda, reports that the former Los Angeles Dodger manager is recovering very well after surgery to implant a pacemaker. In fact, he is planning a big party to celebrate his 90th birthday on September 22 in LA. A number of the Lasorda clan are planning to make the trip
west for the celebration.
•The “Feast” season began over the weekend with the annual Grande Festa of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in the Black Horse section of Plymouth Township. The Holy Saviour Feast gets under way for three days on August 4, followed by the MSS Feast on August 13. The smell of roast pork is in the air.
•The Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board marketing staff was recognized as industry leaders. Vice President of Marketing and Communications Ed Harris was named to the Philadelphia Business Journal’s prestigious 40 Under 40 list. The board’s Creative Director Joe Tacynec was named to the 30 Under
30 list by the Destination Marketing Association International. It’s good to have the best touting the region.
Now, if all of that good news doesn’t lift the spirits and elevate the mood … maybe it is time for pharmaceutical help. But, remember, none of the previously listed “feel good” items come with any harmful side effects.