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Willow Grove 300

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Veterans Monument Gets Off the Ground in Willow Grove

Dedication of flagpoles begins the physical realization of monument seven years after planning began.

Over 80 community members came out on a hot Memorial Day morning to attend a ceremony of remembrance and dedication. Veterans who served and gave all were honored in Veterans Memorial Park.  A the same time, the in-progress Veterans Monument was dedicated with the raising of three flags on new flagpoles, the beginnings of a larger Veterans Monument. “We must not forget the sacrifices these comrades have made,” said VFW Post 3612 Cmdr. Harry Lynd. The memorial ceremony included laying flowers and a flag before the current memorial plaques in the parks and gun salute to honor those who gave their lives in military service. The new flagpoles were then dedicated by raising the American, Pennsylvania, and M.I.A.-P.O.W. flags. In the future, the…

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Davisville Road Block Party A Success

A sunny afternoon drew residents out for a fun-filled event, and both organizers and participants agreed things went well.

Block parties aren't just for Philadelphians — on Saturday, May 21, Willow Grove hosted the Davisville Road Block Party as part of the Willow Grove 300 celebration. Throughout the afternoon, local organizations lined Davisville Road, which was closed to traffic for several blocks, offering information, free samples of a variety of foods, and activities for children. Attendees could pick up a "Block Party Passport," where they could get stamps at various booths to keep track of where they visited. Beautiful weather and a sizable turnout marked the day. "It's going great," said Burt Ludin, of Willow Grove, from Thunderbird Lanes, about the block party. "People are very friendly, and they're asking lots of good questions." To go along with …

Bob19006

9:22 pm on Wednesday, May 25, 2011

The Uptown String Band, a top-10 mummers band and the only one located in the nearby suburbs performed with their chef themed costumes, and a 4 piece combo called the Mummers All-Stars, also from the nearby suburbs also strolled up and down the street. I'm a local Byberry Road /Lower Moreland resident and long time member of both local groups. Support your local mummers! uptownstringband.com   more ›

Friday, May 20, 2011

Bloc[k] Party — A Weekend in the CIty

Willow Grove holds its block party Saturday on Davisville Road.

Willow Grove is planning a block party that’s been 300 years in the making—and, everyone’s invited. The event is called the “Davisville Block Party,” as it will take place along Davisville Road in Willow Grove, on May 21 from 1 to 5 p.m. The block party is being held to celebrate the Willow Grove Tri-Centennial, and will feature nearly 50 community organizations and local businesses. “I hope that everybody comes out and enjoys their neighbors,” Renee Bates, event organizer, said. Bates, the operations captain of Second Alarmers Rescue Squad (SARS), which is located along Davisville Road, is also a member of the Willow Grove 300 Steering Committee. SARS is one of the oldest participating community organizations in the Willow Grove 300 …

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Jessica White

8:51 pm on Friday, May 20, 2011

I'm Jess White, and I approve of this headline :-D   more ›

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Willow Grove Residents Forego Yard Work, Celebrate Community

Thousands of community members came out to enjoy the outdoor event in spite of dreary skies.

Despite weather that wasn't exactly conducive to an outdoor festival, Willow Grove's Community Day went on Saturday. "Obviously, we'd like to have better weather," said Willow Grove Tri-Centennial Committee Chairman Dick Sayer. "Considering the weather, it's not too bad." According to Community Day Co-Chair Pat Stasio, approximately 2,000 people braved foreboding skies and attended the event throughout the afternoon. The rain held off long enough for several hours' worth of activities, including outdoor performances by bands from the intermediate and middle schools, along with a performance from Beatlemania Again.  Other family-friendly entertainment included a performance of "The Legend of Finn McCool" by Family Stages, a karate …

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Willow Grove Music Students ... Certified!

Settlement Music School awards the achievements of its talented musicians this weekend.

The Willow Grove branch of the Settlement Music School opened its doors Sunday to community members, who joined to mark a milestone in the music careers of local budding musicians. The school, one of six Settlement branches throughout the region, held its annual Certification Awards and Recital to recognize the progress of its students.  The Willow Grove branch is home to about 600 students, about 200 of whom participated in the certification program. “It’s a way of monitoring progress for students,” explained branch director Marsha Hogan, noting that while the tangible certificate is a nice motivator for the students, a certification allows the students to advance from level to level, such as Piano Level I-A or Cello Level II-B, as they …

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

'The Mystery of Masons Mill' Along Pennypack Creek

Last Saturday, families and individuals of all ages enjoyed a walk along Pennypack Creek as part of the Willow Grove Tri-Centennial Celebration.

Last Saturday, over 30 walkers of all ages enjoyed the spring sunshine and rippling sound of the Pennypack Creek as they walked an easy four miles along the Pennypack Preserve's trails with tour guide David Robertson, Ph.D., executive director of Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust. The walkers enjoyed hearing about the history and geology of the area. They saw a northern water snake resting on a rock in the creek and a flock of wild turkeys that live on the property. It was a beautiful day for families to hike together and for those who just wanted to enjoy the beautiful spring weather out in the woods. The 800-acre preserve features 10 miles of woodland, meadow and creek side trails. To enhance your hike through the ever-changing …

Ruth Z. Deming

8:03 pm on Tuesday, May 24, 2011

great write-up laura. i meant to go on this walk but i put the wrong time on my calendar (afternoon instead of morning) so i'm glad to have found your story. even tho i missed the commentary by the one and only david robertson, my boyfriend and i went for a great walk, climbing up the huge hill and seeing the great vista on top.   more ›

Monday, May 2, 2011

Neighboring Communities Need a Greeting Card for Willow Grove's 300th

The Willow Grove community comes together to celebrate its 300th anniversary.

After the April 28 heavy rains dissipated, many regarded a rainbow that appeared over the Huntingdon Valley Country Club as a sure sign. “It’s a sign that the celebration will go well,” Renee Bates said with a smile. “And, there will be no rain during any of the Willow Grove 300 events.” Bates, who is the captain of operations at Second Alarmers Rescue Squad, is also a member of a 21-person committee tasked by Upper Moreland Township to organize the Willow Grove Tri-Centennial Celebration. She, along with members of the steering committee, politicians and local business leaders, gathered at the country club in an evening social event to recognize and thank the many supporters of the tri-centennial celebration. The celebration, which is …

Victor B. Krievins

5:12 pm on Monday, May 2, 2011

This entire concept is fabulous. I know the committee is working extremely hard to make a huge success from the many events. I am availing myself of the May 15th Stean Engine Train Ride to New Hope!   more ›

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Get Out—Check Out Some Weekend Events, Abington

Get Out! No really, get out. Get out and enjoy fun, exciting, educational and fundraising community events and happenings in your neighborhood and beyond!

Musicians for Combat Comfort Where/When: North Penn VFW 676, 2519 Jenkintown Road, Glenside; April 29, 7 to 11 p.m. Why go: The event benefits the Adam Conboy Memorial Fund Operation Bedding campaign. Pricing: $25 -- Mystery of Masons Mill Walk Where/When: Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust, 2955 Edge Hill Road, Huntingdon Valley; April 30, 10 a.m. to noon Why go: If you hated studying geography in school, this walk is for you! Willow Grove straddles two tremendous divisions of the earth’s crust, having visible effects on the human and natural inhabitants of the Pennypack Valley. Most of the vigorous four-mile hike is on easy dirt trails, but walkers will have to climb one long, steep hill at the end. Reservations are recommended. Call…

Heather Rutledge

1:02 pm on Thursday, April 28, 2011

Sunday should be beautiful for a walk in the Sculpture Park. Better than what is outside my window right now!   more ›

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

'Loyalty' Returns to Willow Grove After a 10-Year Hiatus

Willow Grove's 300th birthday celebration kicks off

The Willow Grove Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) will hold two events that celebrate both our nation’s military and the Willow Grove Tri-Centennial. Both taking place May 1, the Willow Grove VFW’s Freedom Steps and Loyalty Day Parade have drawn many spectators and participants in the past, and many are anticipating their return. Freedom Steps Freedom Steps is a 5K walk/run event held to help raise awareness and supplies for American troops overseas. This year’s Freedom Steps event will take place at Masons Mill Park, with registration starting at 9 a.m. (See bottom of page for event details) The event started in 2008 as a result of a Pennsylvania state grant to the Willow Grove VFW, Post 3612. “They wanted to do something to help active and…

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