Explore the New MontCo Sports Center This Sat!

Well, the weather outside may be frightful, but inside the new Montgomery County Sports Performance Center tomorrow things will be downright delightful!

Skip the mud and pollen-filled outdoors and head into the 32,000 square foot indoor sporting oasis that is the MontCo Sports Center! Why? Because tomorrow is their Open House & Sports Exhibition event from Noon until 3pm. Learn about the wide array of program offerings...and enjoy a FREE ice cream sundae! (What's better than contemplating exercise while indulging in sweets?!)

In all seriousness, I recently had the pleasure of touring the new, full-featured complex, and it truly is sparkling-clean, top-notch, and absolutely enormous! The brand new facility features basketball and volleyball courts, a turf field, batting cages, fitness center, competition spring floors, in-ground trampolines, tumble tracks, large in-ground, foam pits, birthday party rooms, dance room and a balcony from which you can view all the action. Sports training and instruction available include: cheerleading, dance, dry land diving (tricky!), fitness, gymnastics, and sports such as baseball, basketball, field hockey, soccer, volleyball, wrestling and more. They also have men’s and women’s competitive gymnastics team and...an Allstar Cheerleading squad! (Phew! I may have earned my sundae just by typing all of that!)

Add to all of that, the MontCo Sports Center has partnerships with locally-owned, yet widely-renowned organizations like Dr. Drill's Boot Camp, CAL Sports Academy, Sabo School of Irish Dance, SEPA Wrestling Club, and Infinity Volleyball Academy to name a few.

Owners Brad Davis and Kori Yancey bring over 50 years of gymnastics and sports experience to the business. Their desire is to create an atmosphere where the entire family can come and have an activity to participate in while receiving excellent coaching and keeping the sport fun. (Sounds like that will definitely be possible this Saturday!)

More information on the Montgomery County Sports Performance Center can be found on the center's website or by calling 267.932.8355. Classes are offered during the day, afternoons, evenings, and weekends. Classes, as well as, camps will be offered this summer.

A schedule of events for tomorrow's Open House & Expo is listed below for your convenience:

EXHIBITION EVENTS               SPORTS DRILL EVENTS

12:10 Pre-School Gymnastics      CAL Sports Basketball

12:20 Level 1 Gymnastics            CAL Sports Soccer

12:30 Level 2 Gymnastics            Baseball Classes

12:40 Pre-Team Gymnastics        Batting Cages

 1:00 Competitive Gymnastics      Volleyball / Volley-Tots

 2:00 Cheer Teams                      Speed / Agility / Vertical Training

 2:30 Irish Dance                         Dr. Drill Boot Camps

Couponing 4 Community: Final Tally & Thank You!!

365.

That's no longer simply the number of days in a year... Its the number of items that YOU all donated to Community Housing Services (CHS) in Lansdale this week! In one mere week, you wonderful citizens of the North Penn region donated enough items for Community Housing to fulfill a need per day...for an entire year!!

MamaCheaps founder, Devon, and I delivered the goods to CHS this morning and were greeted with smiles, "thank you"s and...a bit of shock! Volunteers efficiently stocked the shelves with the bounty of pasta, baking mixes, canned foods, and other non-perishables. The personal care items presented a bit more of a challenge. "We'll have to store some of this in someone's office," they concluded after sizing up the bag after bag of toothbrushes, soaps, razors and more. Wow!

In the words of my two-year-old's current idol, Barney, "'People helping other people is what this world's about. And the people who are helping other people we couldn't do without." Those people are YOU!

From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU, for the goodness you have spread in our community!!

We are in awe!

Phillies Raffle for Family of Skyler Kauffman

Pleased to share this information from the Lansdale MOMS Club:

Many of us were deeply affected by the recent murder of a 9-year-old little girl, Skyler Kauffman, in Souderton and felt that, as the MOMS Club of Lansdale, just a town away, we would like to do something to help this family. 

We contacted the Phillies and they graciously donated a pair of tickets to the June 7th Phillies game that we are going to raffle off!!

Tickets will be available for purchase from now until Friday, June 3rd. We will hopefully have a table at First Friday and choose the winner at that time. (Nosy editor's suggestion:  Perhaps the powers that be can provide MOMS Club a free table to help support this cause...?)

Raffle tickets are $5 each or 3 for $10 and are good for the Tuesday, June 7^th 7:05 game vs. LA Dodgers. 

Tickets can be purchased at the MOMS Club meeting at the Lansdale Public Library on Monday the 16th at 10:15 am, or by contacting MOMS club via email or Amanda at 215-859-9109. 

 

All  proceeds will be donated to the Skyler Kauffman Memorial Fund.

Drawing will be held at the Lansdale First Friday event, Friday, June 3^rd- you do NOT need to be present to win!

Couponing for Community Update

Well, Couponing for Community has come to a close. We are still totaling up the North Penn area's contribution to the drive. But, we wanted to share the exciting news that the national goal of 10,000 items was left in the dust!

Over the course of the week, 26,639 (Yes, 26,639!!!) items were collected and are being distributed to homeless shelters and food pantries across the nation. Just amazing!

For further details on the incredible success of the drive and a slideshow of some of the amazing contributions that individuals across the country have made, take a look at this post from "Cha-Ching on a Shoestring" (the awesome blog behind it all!).

We will be collecting, counting and delivering the donations made by you, North Penn Under Ten and MamaCheaps readers, to Community Housing Services tomorrow. A final tally will be announced in the days to come, but we didn't want to wait in THANKING YOU for your contributions to this awesome display of generosity!

Did You See 6ABC's Action News This Morning?

Many thanks to Amy Buckman and 6ABC for the segment on "Couponing for Community" that aired this morning!

As you know, our local "Couponing for Community" initiative is well underway. Saturday will be the final day for donations. So, act quickly and stop by the Lansdale Public Library (open Friday until 9pm and Saturday 10am to 3pm), the North Wales Area Library (open Saturday 10am to 4pm) , or the Lansdale branch of the North Penn YMCA (open Friday until 10pm and Saturday 7am to 8pm) to drop your items in the bin marked “Couponing for Community”.

We thank you for joining us in this exciting and worthwhile event! If you have any questions, feel free to contact us!

Couponing for Community - Its On!

This is it!! Couponing for Community has finally arrived! This is our chance to make a difference in our corner of the world. Bloggers nationwide have joined together to get the word out – with a goal of 10,000 items to be donated to local charities across the country!

Here in the greater Lansdale area, NorthPennUnderTen has teamed up with Mama Cheaps to encourage local participation in the national “Couponing for Community” drive Sunday, May 8th through Saturday, May 14th.

As you read in the last post, we are collecting non-perishable food items, toiletries and other household items for Community Housing Services of Lansdale for distribution to the 200+ low-to-moderate income families and individuals the charity assists each month.

Whether you are a Mama Cheaps reader and plan to donate some of the freebies or deeply discounted items you’ve scored as a result of her tips, or whether you choose to donate an item that you paid full-price for, the end result is the same: a wonderful gift will be received by a local family in need!

So, grab those donations and stop by the Lansdale Public Library, the North Wales Area Library, or the Lansdale branch of the North Penn YMCA to drop your items in the bin marked “Couponing for Community”.

Once the week has ended, North Penn Under Ten and Mama Cheaps representatives will collect, count and deliver the goods to Community Housing Services and update you on our community’s total achievement.

We thank you for joining us in this exciting and worthwhile event! If you have any questions, feel free to contact us!

PS - MamaCheaps brought up an excellent point recently: Want to participate, but don't live in the North Penn area? No problem! We encourage ALL of our readers – near and far – to use this week to drop off a few items to YOUR local charity of choice. Don’t forget – you can even participate without leaving home – 5/14 is National Stamp Out Hunger Day… leave a bag of non-perishable goods out with our mail – your postal carrier will take your donation and it will go to a local charity near you!

EXCLUSIVE Jumpin' Jack's Open House Saturday!

This JUST in:  Jumpin' Jack's Inflatable Playland and Party Center will be opening for regular hours beginning this Sunday!!!

Yes, the suspense has been rough. All those teaser photos on the Jumpin' Jack's Facebook page and website showing the beautiful, sparkly-clean new moon bounces and spacious new play and party areas tempting us for these last three and a half weeks since our first post ("Perfect Play Place Has Hatfield Hopping w/ Happiness!"). The wait is finally over!

So, this Mother's Day, Dad can give Mom what she really wants: For Dad to take the kids out of the house for a few hours...and bring them home ready to nap! (OK, maybe that's just me...)

But, what's better than knowing that the area's hottest, cleanest, newest, and BIGGEST new playland is opening in just three days?? How about being personally invited to visit in just TWO days...for FREE!!!

That's right! You, as a North Penn Under Ten reader, are cordially invited to attend the exclusive Pre-Grand Opening Party this SATURDAY from Noon to 2pm!! The celebration is open exclusively to North Penn Under Ten and Jumpin' Jack's Facebook fans. (At 2pm, admission will be offered to the community for half-off. At 4pm, Jumpin' Jack's will close for a birthday party. They will re-open and begin normal daily operating hours beginning Sunday.) So, grab the kids, hop on over this Saturday, mention that you're a North Penn Under Ten reader, and get ready for a bouncin' good time!

Hope to see you all there!!

Hey, Mom! Need a Night Out?

Isn't that a wonderful question? Well, if your answer is "Yes" (Or "YESSSSSSSS!!!"), boy are you in luck! There are a few different opportunities for a break during these next few days. Here's the lowdown:


Mom's Night Out at the Montgomery Mall
WHEN: Tonight! 4pm to 8pm
WHAT: Free food & coffee, fashion show, goody bags (who says only kids at birthday parties deserve goody bags!), raffle prizes, and more! The event is FREE. Donations to Cradles to Crayons gratefully accepted. Mall restaurant, Salsa's Mexican Grill, will be having a Cinco de Mayo celebration with a DJ, karaoke, drink specials and authentic Mexican cuisine at great prices! (I will admit to copying and pasting that description, but I will vouch for the deliciousness & bargain prices, not to mention very good customer service!) Ole!

Mother's Day Madness Party at Molly Maguire's, Main Street, Lansdale
WHEN: Tonight! 6pm to 8pm
WHAT: Discounted appetizers, $5.00 strawberry margaritas, & live music. Entrance is free. If you choose to register on-line, you can enter to win prizes.

First Friday Celebrations!
WHEN: THIS Friday evening (times vary).
WHAT: Both Lansdale and Skippack now hold First Friday celebrations and the weather...well, never mind the weather. We'll just wait and see what Mother Nature has in store for us this Friday. She's been a bit moody this year. (Perhaps Mother Nature needs a Night Out?!) Why not take the kids out for a bit, then take them home, tuck their exhausted little heads into bed, say "See ya!" to the sitter, and head on out for some grown-up time! Nothing like a Springtime stroll down Main Street (or downtown Skippack) to sooth those frazzled Mommy nerves.


Parents' Survival Night at The Little Gym, Hatfield
WHEN: This Saturday evening, 6:30 - 9:30pm
WHAT: One Saturday evening per month, The Little Gym offers a fun night for kids with some bonus(!) alone time for their parents. Gymnastics, games, crafts, snacks & fun are provided to children ages 3 to 12 years (potty trained please!). Space is limited, so be sure to call for availability. 215.631.1600.

Happy (Early) Mother's Day to all!

Couponing for Community is Coming!

Local websites, North Penn Under Ten and Mama Cheaps, are teaming up to encourage local participation in the national “Couponing for Community” drive this Sunday, May 8^th through Saturday, May 14^th. 

"What is 'Couponing for Community'?"

“Couponing for Community” is a nationwide effort designed to utilize the power of couponing and social media to make a united impact for those in need.

As you already know, North Penn Under Ten and Mama Cheaps are dedicated to improving the lives of local BucksMont families. By joining forces, we are excited to put the use of social media, our couponing muscles, and our dedication to the community to good use!

Therefore, we are encouraging you, our readers, to help us collect non-perishable food items, toiletries and other household items for Community Housing Services of Lansdale for distribution to the 200+ low-to-moderate income families and individuals the charity assists each month. 

Whether you are a Mama Cheaps reader and plan to donate some of the freebies or deeply discounted items you've scored as a result of her tips, or whether you choose to donate an item that you paid full-price for, the end result is the same: a wonderful gift will be received by a local family in need! 

MamaCheaps says, "I started gathering my own items a few weeks ago – putting several items in the box each time I come home from a couponing adventure (or get a freebie in the mail that I know I won’t use). I am up to about 55 items so far!" (This lady knows how to shop!!)

"So, how can I participate? "

First, take a peek at your pantry or a glimpse at your garage. Are there "bonus buy" packs of paper towels and "econo-packs" of canned foods? Would you really notice if you donated one of each? How about all those free samples and travel-sized goodies? Are you really going to use all of those soaps?! J (For more suggestions of needed items, look here.)

Next, beginning Sunday and continuing throughout next week, stop by the Lansdale Public Library, the North Wales Area Library, or the Lansdale branch of the North Penn YMCA to drop your items in the bin marked "Couponing for Community".

Once the week has ended, North Penn Under Ten and Mama Cheaps representatives will collect, count and deliver the goods to Community Housing Services and update you on our community's total achievement.

We thank you for joining us in this exciting and worthwhile event! If you have any questions, feel free to contact us!

Babysitters Wanted!

Are you or do you know a babysitter or mother's helper? If so, our readers have been asking for you!

We'd like to build up a list of babysitters and mother's helpers in our Marketplace section, so if you know someone who is looking for work, please let them know about this opportunity!

Simply email us your contact info and any other helpful background information, and we'll post your FREE line ad ASAP.

On behalf of busy moms and dads across North Penn, thank you for being there, babysitters!!

Its Teacher Appreciation Week!

Did you know?...

This week is Teacher Appreciation Week!

This fact actually crept up and surprised me, but if you're in the same situation, don't despair! There are a number of cute coloring pages, poems, craft ideas, and printable cards right here to inspire you and your little ones to create a little heartfelt "thank you" without breaking the bank or dragging your kiddos from store to store! 

A huge "THANK YOU" to all of our outstanding North Penn area teachers (and teachers around the world!) for all that you do!!

NPSD Seeks Your Input!

Received an intriguing invitation from the North Penn School District for its "Innovation Celebration" happening Monday night. Whether you are a parent or grandparent, a local business owner, a public official, a creative problem solver, or simply a concerned citizen, you may want to check this out! Here is the scoop in NPSD's own words:

Businesses, municipalities, school districts and individuals across the United States have been affected by today’s economic conditions and the North Penn School District is no exception. In recent months, North Penn has met with staff and community members to discuss the financial challenges the district is facing and to solicit ideas on how NPSD can decrease expenditures while increasing revenues.

The district would now like to take these suggestions and ideas even further by holding an “Innovation Celebration” on Monday, May 2 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Penndale Middle School, 400 Penn Street Lansdale.

This event will feature 40-plus displays of efforts related to cost curtailment, revenue enhancement and investments in productivity. This is an excellent opportunity for community members to see the cost saving efforts that are currently underway as well as suggestions that are under consideration that need more input. It’s a chance for business owners, public officials and others to look at North Penn’s ideas and see if they can be used in their line of work as well; it’s a sharing experience!

The district invites you to become part of the solution. See firsthand the creativity and determination of our staff members on how to save money and give feedback on how to improve upon these ideas even further.

Please see this flyer for a better understanding of how North Penn School District is thinking ahead.

For more information, please contact Bob Schoch at schochra@npenn.org or call 215-853-1010. You can also visit www.npenn.org for more information.