In the Snow, With No Shoes, Uphill, Both Ways

Reflecting on our own childhoods, and the things our children may never understand

We’ve all heard it from our parents. I used to walk to school, barefoot, for 12 miles, uphill both ways. Every generation has its hallowed tales of how tough it was when they were a kid. In our family, we often talk of the things our children will think odd that we lived without as youngsters. For example, I can recall getting our first microwave. It was a really big deal to heat up food and make popcorn without a stove or oven. I remember the first computer I’d seen in a classroom wasn’t until after fifth grade. Even then, all we could manage on it was to play Word Munchers or Oregon Trail. (Man, I loved those games.) I’m sure most parents our age have identified the obvious. Our kids will wonder how we ever remotely functioned without …

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Montco Mommy

Montco Mommy Returns to Patch

After some serious surgery, Montco Mommy wants to share her stories for more reasons than one.

That’s right. I’m back in the saddle again. It’s been a long time coming, but I’m happy to announce the return of Montco Mommy. During the summer of 2012, I decided to take a break to enjoy more time with my children. They were off. We had many planned trips to the beach, to see family, camping. It was a whirlwind of a summer. It was a smart decision. My time is spread so thinly and the column seemed to be something I did largely for my own enjoyment. It hadn’t occurred to me that it would be missed. I, of course, aim to help other parents by venting my frustrations, offering my two cents and minimally showing you that nobody’s perfect and crazy things do happen all the time, to all parents! As the children went back to school (pre-K and …

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Giant and Martin's Offer Healthy Ideas for Kids

Healthy kids are happy kids!

The following was sent in by Laura E. Jacobs, Senior Account Executive of e3communications: Carlisle, PA – With the New Year brings a renewed commitment to making healthier choices. GIANT Food Stores and MARTIN’S Food Markets is committed to providing customers with a variety of choices and programs to live a healthier lifestyle, including many with a focus on healthy kids. “For many families, healthy eating choices begin at the supermarket and with childhood obesity on the rise, it’s an important issue to GIANT and MARTIN’S,” said Sarah Glunz, in-store nutritionist. “We offer kids a variety of exciting and interactive ways to learn about proper nutrition and health both in our stores and online through our websites.” GIANT/MARTIN’S …

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GALLERY: Fall Inspirations for Royersford Library

Pictures of kids doing activities at the Royersford Free Public Library

Last week it was apples and now this week, the kids at the Royersford Free Public Library played with leaves! Here are some shots of the past two weeks' activities, sent in by Nancy Niggel, children's librarian.

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REAL Life in Rofo

11:16 am on Sunday, October 16, 2011

We love the Library!   more ›

Records Fall as PECO Cuts Power To "Volunteer" Customers

As temperatures soar into triple digits, PECO customers on pace to break all-time power consumption record for second straight day.

PECO is shutting off power to selected institutional customers this afternoon as it races to cope with the highest customer demand it has ever experienced. PECO spokesperson Ben Armstrong said this afternoon that the company expected to set a new record for power usage today, just one day after breaking a record that had previously stood for almost five years. PECO customers used 8,943 megawatts of power yesterday, eclipsing the previous record of 8,932 megawatts set on August 3, 2006. "We already know customers will be setting [another] new record today, but we won't have that number until tomorrow," Armstrong said. Armstrong said that PJM Interconnection, the Lower Providence-based operator of the regional electrical grid, has called for…

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GALLERY: One World, Many Stories at the Royersford Free Public Library

Celebrating its summer reading program, Royersford Free Public Library hosts events during the week for kids.

Roars of laughter could be heard Wednesday from the Royersford Free Public Library, and that was thanks to sillyman David Perry, or as the kids know him, Mr. David of Mr. David's Drawings and Songs. Perry is an entertainer for children who performs songs, drawings and silliness by using a combination of music, pictures, puppets and props.  Every summer, Perry works with numerous different libraries to help incorporate his show in with summer reading programs. Royersford library's summer reading program for kids ages birth to fifth grade is One World, Many Stories. So, Mr. David sung a song teaching the kids how to say hello in over eight different languages. He also incorporated drawings of animals from all around the world, which he had …

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VOICES: East Vincent's Words to the Supervisors

Some of the notable quotes from Wednesday night's Board of Supervisors meeting that resulted in a 2-1 vote in favor of a commercial mixed-use overlay being added to the Jones Motor property.

The Board of Supervisors of East Vincent Township have spoken in a 2-1 vote. The Jones Motor property has added a commercial mixed-used overlay to its zoning as a result of the meeting and the vote. Wednesday night's public hearing shed light on a lot of facts and figures, but also had some opinions. Here are some notable quotes and concerns from residents: Stephanie Adrian: “I listened to a lot of things and I have an ear for probably something very different. I guess one of the things I heard was, and it concerned me, that somebody is coming in and proposing that they’re going to create community through buildings. They’re going to build community through shopping centers and houses. I don’t think that’s how we create community. I think …

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GALLERY: Sunday Summer Concert at Veterans Park

Veterans Park hosted one of its many summer concerts on Sunday. Here is a photo recap.

Veterans Park, located behind the police building on Ridge Pike in Limerick, holds concerts at night throughout the summer. Familes came out and enjoyed the tunes of O'Such Rhythm and Music Band and also had some quiet time as the children played on the playgrounds located right next to the pavilion where the bands play.

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Frugal Family

Deals on family nights out, vacations, and more.

This week, Frugal Family scoured our local sources to come up with great deals on all kinds of ways to save! Remember to check with the merchant for additional conditions:  1. SECOND FIDDLE http://uppermoreland.patch.com/listings/second-fiddle-2 Deal: Save on clothes, toys and accessories by buying at this consignment store. Good through: Year-round deals 2. GREAT AMERICAN PUB http://www.greatamericanpub.com/ Deal: Kids 10 and under eat for free on Wednesday nights. Two kids can eat per one adult entrée. Good through: Every Wednesday in Conshohocken 3. MALVERN SCHOOL http://www.malvernschool.com/ Deal: Refer a friend to the school and get $150 off of tuition.  Good through: Feb. 28, 2011 4. APPLE VACATIONS Royal Kona Resort Deal: Just $759…