How I Spent My Summer Vacation

With just over two weeks left until the school year begins, (so sorry to be the one to point that out, by the way) its time to squeeze in any of those things you were determined to do this summer with your kids.

But, don't panic! Most area pools are open until just a couple of days before the start of school and many summer concert series are still going! Take a quick peek at the North Penn Under Ten Calendar for more ways to maximize the rest of your summer.

If less structured fun is what you're after, check out this great article from Real Simple magazine on "Good Old-Fashioned Playtime" with refresher instructions for us parents on how to play games like Four Square, Hopscotch, three versions of tag and more. Then, check out the North Penn Under Ten Parks Guide and Map for a new place to have some great summer fun!

From Flapjacks to Flick 'n Floats, What the Hecklerfest Are You Doing This Weekend?

Prepare yourself...you are about to begin a weekend that will be totally free of "I'm boooooooored!" moans. And, if its not, then you must have forgotten to check out the North Penn Under Ten calendar!!

Order up a plate of flapjacks Saturday morning at Applebee's and be served a side of self-satisfaction because you'll be supporting the Marching Knights at the same time! Then, choose whether you'd like to gobble up some fresh-picked produce, pluck a gently-used book from one of two area library sales, paint your pet, or learn what the heck Hecklerfest is!

Sunday, you can cap off one of the last (sniff) weekends of (sniff) summer with a relaxing Flick 'n Float in lovely Towamencin.

Enjoy! And be sure to visit our Facebook page to tell us what you did!

Rain or Shine, There's Plenty To Do!

Its not looking like a great day for the pool, is it? Have no fear! You've found North Penn Under Ten, which means that YOU have a back-up plan!  Here are a few of our favorite picks for the week...

This week, you have your choice of six different storytimes, three free movie showings, two different used book sales to benefit local libraries, and much more! The weather is looking iffy for Wednesday and Thursday also, but A.C. Moore and Kidz Rule have you covered! Get the details by visiting our calendar.

Also, a reminder to all families with incoming Kindergartners, this Thursday is your second chance to attend "K-Day", the North Penn district's bus safety program - which is a lot of fun!  You and your kindergartner (and any siblings who are along) can meet the friendly bus drivers, take a ride on the bus, watch a short safety video, and then all children receive a goody bag! Its a great way to work out any first day anxieties and reinforce bus safety. I took my own kids last week and they loved it!

Video Coverage of Lansdale Area Achievers on the Web!

Looking for some exciting, inspiring, family-friendly videos to watch? Look no further than right here in your Internet browser! Our fellow North Penn residents have been up to some pretty awesome things lately...

The Towamencin Titans team (12yo baseball travel team), is in Cooperstown this week, participating in a 103-team tournament which includes teams from all over the country. You can view their game versus the Southern Maine Dawg Pound live on Monday at 11:00am or view Sunday's game against the Nor-Cal Storm (we won't tell you who won) under the "On Demand" games section of the Dreams Park site. Let's go Titans!

Impact Thrift Stores was recently featured in a piece by Amy Buckman on 6ABC News about throwing a creative, affordable party with a (re)purpose. The impressive creativity of Impact employees was shown in various party themes using pre-owned goods from the thrift stores. Take a peek at the video and prepare to be inspired to visit one of their three areas stores to throw your own amazing theme party all while helping them to financially support more than a dozen local charities!

Local students had the opportunity to participate in a TV production camp last week at North Penn High School's NPTV studio. Students learned all the basics of broadcasting and produced three broadcasts which will begin airing on Monday, August 9th on NPTV (time TBA, on Comcast Channel 28 or Verizion FiOS Channel 29) as well as online at www.NPTV.com. Students were visited by a videographer from Fox29 News who shared some career advice. Additionally, the camp was covered by both The Reporter and The Bucks County Courier Times.

Spring Mountain was named Pennsylvania's Best Outdoor Adventure by the site, Official Best Of. Created in 2004, Official Best Of, is a travel resource that thoroughly researches attractions in each state and identifies the very best based entirely on merit, giving even lesser known attractions the same consideration as famous ones. A fun video showing Spring Mountain's canopy tours and other awesome activities can be found on www.OfficialBestOf.com. Simply select Pennsylvania from the list of states along the bottom of the page.

Congratulations to all of our area's achievers!

Friday Night, Our Region ROCKS!

If you're an indecisive person like me, this Friday night is going to frustrate the heck out of you. Or maybe it won't...

Whether you decide to celebrate Lansdale by boppin' around at First Friday, soaking in the beauty of the formal gardens at Byer's Choice, taking a short roadtrip to Bryn Athyn for a great family show, or simply seeking solace in central air conditioning and exploring the ever-changing Montgomery Mall, you are guaranteed a rockin' good time. Here's the lowdown:

First Friday in downtown Lansdale runs from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. Musicians include students from Rock and Roll After School on the main stage, playing both original and cover songs and Rick and MC performing outside the new Molly Maguire's pub. This month's theme is "Back to School" and a North Penn bus will be parked in the Kids Zone! While you are there, you can drop off any donations for the United Way's Stuff the Bus campaign. The need in the North Penn region is even higher than normal this year at about 1,300 stuffed backpacks.

Byers' Choice, Chalfont-based manufacturer of fine collectibles, is hosting a month-long outdoor family concert series set in their breathtaking gardens. Pack a picnic dinner and dine to the sweet sounds of The Community Conservatory of Music performing Blues and Jazz selections. The show runs from 6:30pm to 8:00pm.

Billy Jonas, a favorite of the young and not-so-young in our family, will be in our area this weekend. No, Billy Jonas is not one of the Jonas Brothers. Let's get that out of the way right now. To say that Billy Jonas is "a top-notch performer who expertly involves the audience and performs music that pulls you to your feet" would be an understatement. Our appreciation for him began about four years ago when we won his "Everybody's in the Band" DVD in a contest and we've been stompin' our feet and clappin' our hands ("'cuz everybody's in the band!") ever since. There are a lot of children's musicians out there. If only more of them could be like Billy... There is no doubt that his Bryn Athyn show this Friday night at 6:30 will be well worth the short drive and suggested $10 donation per family.

But, if live acoustic rock, back-to-school shopping, and air conditioning is what you seek, check out the talented duo, The Cozmophonix, performing as part of the Rhythm and Arts series at Montgomery Mall. The show begins at 7:00pm in Macy's court.

Further details including maps and directions can be found on the North Penn Under Ten calendar. Until next time, rock on North Penn!