Tooting My Own Horn

I am using this post to take a short break in my narrative about decline, subsidized housing and related subjects to promote a much older, more basic, form of communication.  I will in future posts return to these subjects, and introduce others, so stay tuned.  Meanwhile:

I will be returning to the Norristown area for a number of events during the week of June 16 – 23.  I would love to see you who are in the area at any of them.  I will be discussing my book, and thus history.  However, as I have begun to employ both history and this blog to link together individuals and community groups in municipalities in the Schuylkill Valley, I will be speaking about the past, but always with an eye on bettering the future.

Here’s the schedule:

Tuesday, June 18, 7:30 PM:  Norristown Municipal Building, 235 East Airy Street, Norristown.

Norristown’s “Ambassador,” Hank Cisco, will perform a reversal of his usual function by introducing me to the members of the Norristown Municipal Council.  I will present a signed copy of my book What Killed Downtown? Norristown, Pennsylvania From Main Street to the Malls to each member of Council, and to the Municipal Administrator and Solicitor.  I will then (briefly) pitch my mantra that “knowledge of the past better equips us to live in the present and plan for the future.”  The individuals who will hear me that night are central to that future.

Thursday, June 20:  At noon I will address the Norristown Rotary Club.  Sorry, but this one is “members only.”  The fact that I will be addressing Norristown businessmen at their regular venue in West Norriton Towship pretty much says it all, don't you think?

Saturday, June 22;  Selma Mansion, 1301 West Airy Street, Norristown. 

The Norristown Preservation Society is presenting its annual “History Day” event at the historic Selma Mansion.  Doors open at 11:00 AM.

I will speak not just about What Killed Downtown?, but about the decline of Norristown in general.  Unfortunately, the exact time has not been determined as this newsletter is being prepared.  The day will include fashion shows as well as displays by local history and preservation organizations, and will definitely offer a good time for all!  I will be present for the entire event, available to sell and sign my book.

Saturday, June 22, 7:00 PM: Coffee Talk Artists Co-Op, 507 West Marshall Street, Norristown.

“Meet Author Michael Tolle” 

The plan here is not to speak, but to just talk (and maybe sell my book, of course).  The folks at Coffee Talk are leaders in the effort for a better Norristown, and their efforts deserve to be supported.  So stop by, and let’s learn from each other.

Sunday, June 23, 1:00 – 2:30 PM:  Towne Book Center & Café, 220 Plaza Drive, Providence Town Center, Collegeville (at the intersection of Rt. 422 and Rt. 29).

I will speak and be available to sign copies of my book.  The Towne Book Center is one of the independent bookstores leading the fight against Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and the like.  You can buy my book at any of those familiar sites, but here would be my first choice.  If you live anywhere near Collegeville, you should patronize this store; if you don’t, you should patronize an independent bookstore near you (and ask for my book, if you haven’t already).

It is going to be a very interesting week!  In between events, I will be researching possible future subjects for my Schuylkill Valley-centered blog, “The More Things Change…” (themorethingschange.michaeltolle.com).  In the following weeks, my travels on the east coast may also produce subjects for my wide-ranging blog “…”The More They Stay The Same” (themoretheystaythesame.michaeltolle.com).  Become a follower of both!