admin – Page 117 – PhilaNet.com

Matties Grand Ole Hoo Hoo Hootenany

Posted on November 5, 2013 by admin

PHILADELPHIA, PA — When I first volunteered for the “Matties Grand ‘Ol Hoo Hoo Hootenany” benefit, I had no idea as to the purpose. It was the line-up of top Southeastern Pennsylvania bands that caught my attention: The Whiskeyhickon Boys, Native Maze, Philadelphia Funk Hustle (PFH), Montoj, Catullus and The Happy Dog featuring Bernie Worrel.

So, I set off on assignment for Headspace magazine to the World Cafe Live in University City, Philadelphia. There I was greeted by not only the best local musicians, but also many of the major concert promoters from Montgomery County, including Who Hill, Opple Topple and Stir Fry.

Part of the assignment was to interview the bands about the benefit for Mattie Cassady. “What is this benefit about?” Much to my surprise, there was a reluctance from many of the artists to talk “on the record”… until I explained my dilemma to Jesse Wagner of The Happy Dog. “I’ll talk to you,” said Jesse. “We’re living 20 years in the past. It’s time we moved up to at least only 5 years.”

Thinking to myself, “Isn’t that the truth,” I headed back in to listen to the music. It was like having the best festival bands of 2013 at your own private concert — mind blowing. Then, I started to notice that quite a few of the song selections were the bands way of getting the message across. Many of the song titles and lyrics had been chosen to help the musicians communicate Mattie’s plight. What a way to give proof to the proverb “When words fail, music speaks.”

That is when it hit me. If it’s difficult to talk about a taboo subject, find a way to express yourself. Then, it hit me again. How ironic to have a Halloween Hootenany for the benefit. What other time of the year are you allowed to dress-up and be whatever you want to be?

Pictures

Deer Hunt at the Norristown Farm Park

Posted on November 1, 2013 by admin

The Montgomery County Division of Parks, Trails and Historic Sites will conduct a one day,
controlled, antlerless deer hunt at the Norristown Farm Park on Wednesday, January 22, 2014 between the hours of 7:00am and 3:00pm.

This year’s hunt is a continuation of a wildlife management program that began in 2005. The goal of the program was, and is, to contain a burgeoning deer population, thus allowing the park’s varied habitat to regenerate for the benefit of both the park’s resident and transient wildlife. In 2005 the park’s deer herd was estimated at 300-500 animals. Since the inception of the hunt nearly eight years ago, significant strides have been made toward reducing the number of deer/vehicle accidents on the roadways surrounding the park. The park’s varied ecosystems have begun to regenerate and damage to neighboring, private landscapes and agricultural commodities has decreased slightly. In addition, the program seeks to control the spread of Lyme disease-carrying ticks and limit the potential for animal starvation resulting from diminished and/or inadequate winter food supplies.

The herd is currently estimated to contain some 150-200 animals. While much improved, the number of deer on the property remains well above that which the land can adequately support.

Prohibition Protest at the 1st Amendment Monument

Posted on October 27, 2013October 27, 2013 by admin

PHILADELPHIA, PA — On a monthly basis, the Panic Hour and Philly Norml hold a protest at the Liberty Bell in Old City Philadelphia. Each time there is a varying degree of police presence with agencies, such as, the US Park Service, Fish and Wildlife, the Philadelphia Police Department, SEPTA Police, Homeland Security and ICE.

At the most recent protest, a disturbing development was observed — US Park Service Rangers wearing video and audio recording devices to surreptitiously monitor protesters.