Turning a page ... and looking forward
Closing the Notebook after a week when Donald Trump finally became President of the United States of America … At least that’s what a number of people are saying after his “changed tone” address to Congress. There are those who accepted him wholeheartedly after victory on that first Tuesday of November … and those who accepted him after last Tuesday’s speech … and those who never will accept him, no matter what he does. That is a sad commentary on the divisive culture in America today. Need a break from all of the political acrimony? King of Prussia has the answer. It’s King of Prussia Restaurant Week – now through March 12. Great dining deals are available at a number of restaurants in the area.
And, if you have trouble deciding which restaurant to visit, the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board can help. Just go to www.valleyforge.org and click on the restaurant tab. Descriptions of dozens of restaurants, along with maps and tips, await. Too late to catch this show in Philly – it was a one-night engagement – but “An Evening with Groucho” at the Walnut Street Theatre was a thoroughly enjoyable bit of nostalgia. Californian Frank Ferrante gave a memorable performance as “the one, the only, Groucho.”
Ferrante has performed the role of one of America’s most iconic entertainers more than 2,500 times in 400 cities. Needless to say, he has it perfected. And he will be doing the show many times, in many cities, throughout the rest of the year. His schedule can be found at www.eveningwithgroucho.com. Construction of the new clubhouse, in place of the one destroyed by fire, is underway at LuLu Country Club in the eastern section of Montgomery County. Charged with making this new clubhouse successful is new general manager Mike Creeden, who held the same post at nearby Sandy Run Country Club since 1999. Philadelphia was in the news a lot about one month ago due to the protests that clogged the streets, disrupted traffic and adversely affected many of the businesses. The protests were all over the emotional landscape, mostly protesting vaguely defined ideas – e.g. “we’re protesting for women’s rights.”
Just, exactly, what rights do women not have in America?
If they really wanted a concrete subject to protest, they should look toward poverty in Philadelphia. According to cbsnews.com, among the 17 cities in America with a population of more than 750,000 people, Philadelphia ranks dead last on the
poverty scale. Incredible. There was a lot of buzz about the recent auction of the 9-hole Worcester Golf Course. Many feared new owners would turn it into a housing development. Apparently the golf course has been saved with the sale to a neighbor of the course for a reported $925,000 – a good neighbor who will continue to maintain it as a golf course. Many beginners learned to play the game at Worcester. A tip o’ the cap to the Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade along Fayette Street in Conshohocken (2 p.m. March 11). They have wisely selected Norristown Fire Chief Tom O’Donnell as Grand Marshall of this year’s parade.
They couldn’t have found a more fitting character to lead the parade, if they had gone to Ireland and brought in the Mayor of Dublin. Looking ahead to some special events in April,
the first week of that month figures to be a festive one.
On Wednesday, April 5 a legion of former players and friends will get together at Pepper’s Italian Restaurant in King of Prussia to salute Sal Rotondo … on the 50th anniversary of leading Stewart Junior High to an unbeaten baseball season. No tickets needed. Just show up and salute Sal.
The MSS Lodge will honor Bob Butera at its annual “Bracciole Night” on Thursday, April 6 at Presidential Caterers in East Norriton. The former
Republican leader of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and former president of both the Philadelphia Flyers and New Jersey Devils is one of Norristown’s most accomplished natives. But that venerable status won’t be enough to gain universal respect at this traditionally demeaning roast. Tickets are available by calling Dave Carpani at 610-733-8962 or Jim Catagnus at 610-7337181.
On Saturday, April 8 the Montgomery County Amateur Championship holds its annual kickoff party at the Empress Room (St. Helena’s Church in Blue Bell). The area’s top party band, Where’s Pete, will provide the entertainment — along with some guest singers. More than a dozen restaurants and food purveyors will take part in the Taste of Montgomery County. Winners of the annual Harry Mirabile Memorial Scholarships — Greg Welsh and Caitlin Mahon – will be presented. Tickets are available at 610-279-9220. PARTING SHOT – We have an infinite number
of politicians telling us how they are going to make the world a better place. Noah could have done the same thing, thousands of years ago, just by swatting those two mosquitos.