You’re invited to show off your photography skills as part of the inaugural America250PA Montgomery County Photography Contest!

This year’s theme is Montgomery County’s Historic Sites. To be eligible for the contest, photographs must be taken at a county, state, or national historical site or marker in Montgomery County. Montco residents participating in this kick-off contest may submit one entry per household in one, two, or all three categories:

·     Youth: Montco residents ages 10-18 are encouraged to get out, explore and take a picture at a historical site to capture something they find interesting. Entries must be submitted on behalf of the young photographer by a parent or guardian.

·     Historical Elements: Capture a photo of the unique architectural, art, technology, or cultural element from a historical site. Open to ages 19 and up.

·     Natural Beauty: Photographers entering this category are encouraged to find that perfect shot of anything that captures the natural beauty found at one of the historical sites. Open to ages 19 and up.

Entries can be submitted from 12 p.m. on Thursday, July 6, 2023 until 12 p.m. on Monday, August 7, 2023 by emailing [email protected]. Submissions must include a completed entry form as well as a picture in a .jpeg format.

A panel of America250PA Montgomery County judges will convene to identify five images in each category which will then be voted on by the public to determine a winner. Winners will be recognized at a County Board of Commissioners meeting in September 2023.

Montgomery County is pleased to add a pair of distinguished leaders to key positions on our team.

First up, Christine P. Lora, Esq. has been appointed to the role of Chief of the County’s Public Defender’s Office. The hiring marks the culmination of a three-year process that brought substantive reforms to the County justice system, which ensures that every accused person in Montgomery County receives a zealous defense regardless of their ability to pay for it.

A Montgomery County native, Lora served as senior trial attorney for more than eight years for the Defender Association of Philadelphia where she represented hundreds of clients facing criminal charges. Most recently she has been handling the criminal practice at Miller, Turetsky, Rule & McLennan in Collegeville.

Also, we’d like to welcome our new Chief Human Resources Officer, Catherine (Katie) Creel Halen.

Katie brings 25 years of HR experience to our county. Her knowledge and vision will be key to helping us build an even more engaged workforce and keeping the County competitive in today’s economy.

Montgomery County Commissioners’ Chair Kenneth E Lawrence has ask Halen to explore ideas like merit pay raises and annual employee plans with targeted goals in order to improve retention and to attract the best employees.

Montgomery County is proud to announce that we have distributed more than $100 million in emergency rental and utility assistance to about 8,300 households in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Montgomery County’s Office of Housing and Community Development has administered the funds – allocated by Congress in 2021 to provide much needed assistance to renters dealing with financial challenges – through the Emergency Rent and Utilities Coalition (ERUC), a group of local nonprofits.

The aid, provided since March 2021 under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act, targeted those most in need, with 72% of households served making under 30% of the Area Median Income. The top municipalities served included Norristown, East Norriton, Pottstown, King of Prussia, Elkins Park, and Lansdale.

“These funds were crucial to stabilizing housing for people affected by COVID-19 and averting a higher wave of evictions during the pandemic” said Kayleigh Silver, Administrator for the Office of Housing and Community Development. “The pandemic has shown us that having stable and safe homes is crucial to health outcomes. The dedicated efforts by our partners to distribute these funds quickly and effectively have assisted thousands of families facing urgent need in Montgomery County.”

If you are a renter living in Montgomery County and are facing formal eviction or utility shut-off stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, you may still be eligible for help. Please contact 211 for assistance. For any questions about the program, please email [email protected].

Employers and HR professionals in Montgomery County are invited to attend MontcoWorks and the Montgomery County Commerce Department’s first annual Employer Symposium.

This event will take place on July 12, 2023 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Montgomery County Community College’s Main Campus located at 340 Dekalb Pike in Blue Bell.

It will bring together experts from the PA Department of Labor and Industry to provide invaluable information on New Hire Reporting and Unemployment Compensation – charges and appeals – and more. There will also be information available for the range of available services through the Montgomery County Commerce Department, PA CareerLink® Montgomery County and the MontcoWorks NOW program.

Join us as we engage in an enlightening conversation with author and disability rights activist Emily Ladau!

This virtual seminar will address how to:

·     appropriately think, talk, and ask about disability

·     recognize and avoid ableism

·     practice good disability etiquette

·     ensure accessibility becomes a standard practice, from everyday communication to planning

Residents of all ages are welcome to submit their very own original story to our 2023 Montco StoryWalk® contest!

Entries will be divided into two groups based on the age of the author: 17 and under and 18 and over. Winners will be selected from each group and featured at one of our three Montco StoryWalk® locations.

All submissions should revolve around physical activity, health, nature, or trails and include artwork.

The deadline to submit is August 1, 2023.

Are you an Office/Administrative Support Professional in search of a new opportunity?

We have open Support positions in multiple areas all across our County, including the following:

·     Correctional Facility

·     Adult/Juvenile Probation

·     Office of Public Health

·     Register of Wills

·     Assets and Infrastructure

·     and more!

There’s always so much to do, explore and learn at Montgomery County’s Parks, Trails and Historic Sites. Here’s what they have scheduled this month:

·     The Mystic Rituals Band. Friday, July 7 at 6 p.m. at Green Lane Park in Green Lane. The Mystic Rituals are Eastern Pennsylvania’s (Montgomery/Chester/Bucks County) premier five-piece classic rock cover band, featuring the best of the rock, funk, pop and soul from the 60s, 70s, 80s and beyond. Experience them as part of Green Lane Park’s Summer Concert Series!

·     Nature Journaling for Adults. Saturday, July 8 at 10 a.m. at Norristown Farm Park in Norristown. Looking for a way to relax and connect with nature? Take some time to discover nature journaling. Explore the best way to start your own journal that you can take outside whenever you travel. Dress for the weather. Adults only.

·     Morning Bird Walk. Tuesday, July 11 at 8 a.m. at Norristown Farm Park in Norristown. Join park staff for a morning bird walk. Come observe some amazing birds that are only stopping by. Bring binoculars if you have them. Wear sturdy shoes for hiking.

·     Little Ladybug at USVP. Friday, July 14 at 11 a.m. at Upper Schuylkill Valley Park in Royersford. Come to Upper Schuylkill Valley Park to learn about the beneficial, the beautiful, the ladybug! Visitors will learn about the life cycle of this beetle and many more interesting facts. This program will include a craft to make and take home. For children ages 3-7; suggested donation $4 per person. Weather permitting.

·     The Asbury Fever Band. Sunday, July 16 at 6 p.m. at Green Lane Park in Green Lane. Asbury Fever NJ’s Ultimate party band celebrating the music of Bruce Springsteen and the “E” Street Band, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes and other great Classic Rock from the 70s and 80s! Experience them as part of Green Lane Park’s Summer Concert Series!

·     Forest Bathing. Saturday, July 22 at 10 a.m. at Norristown Farm Park in Norristown. Forest Bathing or sometimes referred to as Forest Therapy, can be considered a type of eco-therapy that focuses on the benefits of being with nature. This session will introduce you to the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku and will consist of an overview of the practice of forest bathing, the land we are on, a sensory awareness exercise and mindful invitations for you to engage with. It is recommended to wear long pants, closed toe shoes and socks suitable for walking in the woods. Adults only.

·     Creek Critters. Saturday, July 22 at 1 p.m. at Green Lane Park in Green Lane. Join us for a close-up look at life in Perkiomen Creek. We will use nets, pans and magnifying bug boxes to investigate the animals that make their home in fast running water. Wear shorts and water shoes or old sneakers, we will be getting wet!

·     Porch Performance: Meet Theodore Roosevelt. Saturday, July 22 at 4 p.m. at Pennypacker Mills in Schwenksville. Meet the 26th President of the United States as he speaks on his personal life and his time in office. As President, he viewed himself as a “steward of the people” and felt he should take whatever action necessary for the public good. Mansion open for tours prior to the performance. Bring a chair to sit on.

Please note, many of our events require registration. Click on the links above to learn more before attending!