Non-stop entertainment abounds at Sunnybrook

Did you know that there’s something going on at the historic Sunnybrook Ballroom every weekend? And that the weekend actually begins on Thursday night?? Check out the events below, then make your plans to be there!

Every Thursday night

Karaoke at Chummys
With Denny McConnell
Chummy’s Lounge at the Sunnybrook Restaurant
9pm to Midnight

Have a blast singing your favorite tunes. Be a rock star at Chummy’s. Drink Specials and plenty of fun!

Sunday Brunch

Every Sunday at 10:30 am. Mark your calendar and make your reservations now!

Call 484-624-5187

http://www.facebook.com/events/359903357355607/

Jimmy Beaumont and the Skyliners

February 11th, 7:30-11pm

http://www.facebook.com/events/304798532904184/

Friday Night Dance Party with Denny McConnell

February 24th, 8-11 pm

http://www.facebook.com/events/330701543636775/

Bridal Expo

The Bridal Expo returns to Sunnybrook on February 26th, 1 pm to 4 pm. Check the website for more info and vendor details.

Colonial Cooking Workshop with CHOCOLATE at Pottsgrove Manor

Pottsgrove Manor will be hosting a colonial cooking workshop, entitled “Chocolate in the Very Best Manner,” on Saturday, February 11th from 10:00am to 3:00pm.

Have a hand in preparing—and eating—colonial chocolate dishes in this hands-on workshop. Foodways historian Deborah Peterson of Deborah Peterson’s Pantry will teach participants how to prepare authentic chocolate “receipts” in Pottsgrove Manor’s reconstructed 18th-century kitchen. Participants will receive a booklet of all the recipes prepared during the workshop.

The workshop is open to participants ages 12 and up. There is a $50 fee per person. Spaces are limited, and registration and payment are required by February 7th. Workshop attendees should wear comfortable clothing and bring an apron and a sack lunch. In case of inclement weather, the workshop will be held Saturday, February 18th. A printable registration form is available at http://historicsites.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor. Call the site at 610.326.4014 to register or for more information.

Pottsgrove Manor, home of John Potts, colonial ironmaster and founder of Pottstown, is located at 100 West King Street near the intersection of King Street and Route 100, just off Route 422, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania.  Pottsgrove Manor is operated by Montgomery County under the direction of the Parks and Heritage Services Department.

Regular museum hours are: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. & Sunday, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Tours are given on the hour; last tour of the day begins as 3:00 p.m. Groups of 10 or more should pre-register by calling 610.326.4014.

For more information and a full calendar of events, visit us on the web at http://historicsites.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor.

The Gallery on High is collecting recyclables for spring art show!

In preparation for their spring recycled art show, The Gallery on High is collecting recyclables. Here’s what they’re looking for:

Sunday newspaper coupon inserts (can be expired)
Gallon and half gallon plastic milk jugs
Plastic liquid laundry detergent bottles 
2 liter plastic soda bottles
Plastic shopping bags (colored bags preferred, i.e. blue, yellow, green)
Soda can and soup can pop tabs
Paper towel and toilet paper tubes
Old board games, especially Scrabble (missing pieces OK)
Old/broken/unwanted jewelry
Old t-shirts (all colors and sizes) 

You can drop off these items during their regular business hours: Tues-Friday from 10am to 4:30pm and Saturday from 10am to 3pm.

*Please make sure each item is rinsed and cleaned of its original contents. 

Thank you!

 

“Love Letters,” a play and benefit for Pottstown Elks

When the news of this play came through, I pulled my copy off the shelf and re-read it, and it is such a delight and tragic at the same time. There are two characters – Melissa and Andy – and the entire course of their relationship is told in letters that they write to one another over the years, beginning in childhood. The letters are meant to be read from one character to the other, and the set is simple. This is an excellent choice by John and Nancy Dolan for Valentine’s Day! Why not plan to make a date night of it and support the Elks at the same time?
THE BENEVOLENT AND PROTECTIVE ORDER OF ELKS
presents
A. R. GURNEY’S
Love Letters
with
John and Nancy Dolan
to benefit
61 High Street
Pottstown
Saturday  –  February 11, 2012  –  8:00 p.m.  –  $22.00
Reservations:  610-326-3258
Complimentary coffee and dessert at Intermission
 Produced by special arrangement with
Dramitists Play Service, Inc. 

Great Classes Scheduled to Start at The Gallery School in February

The Gallery School of Pottstown has some great classes scheduled to start at the beginning of February – that’s next week! (Where is time flying to??)

Check out the details below on the classes. Students can register online at www.galleryonhigh.org, over the phone at 610-326-2506, or in person at 254 E. High St. Remember classes must meet minimum enrollments in order to run. Don’t miss out—register today!

CRAFTY KIDS (ages 7-12) with Julie Tonnessen
Students will explore the three-dimensional and crafty arts in this fun 12 week class. We will work with a wide variety of mediums including mosaics, glass fusing, paper crafting, beads and more. Minimum 4 students. All supplies included. WINTER/SPRING SESSION begins Wednesday, February 1 and runs from 4:30-6pm for 12 weeks.  $150 (members), $165 (non-members).

DRAW & PAINT STUDIO with Mary Ellen Christ
Beginner through advanced students will work in various media to develop their skills in drawing and painting. Each week students will work from various studio still-life arrangements. Students are encouraged to apply different painting techniques ranging from short studies to a finished painting. Students will need to bring their own supplies. Supplies can also be purchased the first day of class. WINTER/SPRING SESSION begins February 7. Class runs Tuesdays from 9:30am-noon for 10 weeks.  $150 (members), $170 (non-members).

WEEKEND ADULT POTTERY with Justin Sloan
Students will learn the basics of wedging, centering, raising and shaping as well as slab-rolling and hand-building. Students will receive individual instruction based on their skill level. This class is limited to 10 students. Cost includes: 25lb bag of white clay, 1 bisque firing and 1 glaze firing, and all glazes. WINTER/SPRING SESSION begins February 4. Class runs Saturdays from 1-3pm for 8 weeks  $180 (member), $200 (non-member).

MOSAICS with Amy Bruckner
Learn the indirect method of creating beautiful mosaics with vitreous glass.  Make an 8 inch by 10 inch mosaic suitable for framing in a standard size frame.  This class is good for beginners and for those with some experience as well. There is a $10 materials fee, payable to your instructor at the first class.  On class days that run from 10am-3pm, we will take a  half hour lunch break. Minimum 4 students. WINTER/SPRING SESSION  Class runs Saturday, February 11 and 18 from 10am-3pm and Saturday, February 25 from 10am-1pm. $110 + supply fee (member), $120 + supply fee (non-member).

INTRODUCTION TO FUSED GLASS JEWELRY with Jeff Margraf
Students will learn the basics of making fused glass jewelry. We will make three dichroic glass pendants using three different fusing processes. This is a great class for jewelry makers who want to enhance their design with one-of-a-kind pendants. It is also a great introduction to the fun world of fused glass. There is a $40 fee for supplies and firing, payable to the instructor. WINTER/SPRING SESSION Thursday, February 16 from 6-9pm. $55 + supply fee (member), $60 + supply fee (non-member).

 The Gallery School of Pottstown

@ Gallery on High

254 E High Street

Pottstown PA 19464

610-326-2506

www.galleryonhigh.org

Where creativity is sparked, self-confidence built and friendships made

 

Goldilocks and the Down Home Bears at Tri-PAC this weekend only!

Some bears hibernate for the winter, but not the bears at the Tri-County Performing Arts Center, 245 E. High Street, Pottstown!  They’re singin’ and dancin’ in the foot-stomping musical GOLDILOCKS AND THE DOWN HOME BEARS!  There are only three performances of this musical, Saturday January 28th and Sunday January 29th, so get your tickets now while there is still time!

Come down to the holler to meet Goldie (Goldilocks) who is just about to celebrate the birthday that will make her a teenager. And what does she do? She runs away from her home and her strict parents, only to find the country cottage of the most fun lovin’, partyin’ three bears you ever did see.  A down home musical for the entire family (especially for ages 5 – 12), GOLDILOCKS AND THE DOWNHOME BEARS celebrates family and friendships, and the joys and challenges of growing up for both kids AND parents!

The book and music was written by Neal and Karen Newman.  The cast includes Maddie Aicher, Joseph Ciresi, Rachel Julian, Lindsay Lohr, Deedee Mann, Allen Puy, AJ Sermarini, Jordan Shoemaker, Rebecca Shoemaker, Eric Thompson, and Paulina Wozniak.

This production is available for school groups and organizations at the Tri-PAC or off-site from February through May.  It is a great way to bring a fun, educational offering to your school or club.  Contact Education Director Steve Reazor at steve@villageproductions.org for more information on how take advantage of this show.

There will matinee performances on Saturday, January 28th at 11 AM and 3 PM, and again on Sunday, January 29th at 3 PM only.  Tickets are $17 for adults, $15 for students and seniors, and $13 for children 12 and under.  Tickets may be purchased at www.tripac.org, or at the door the night of the show if available.  As always, there are discounts for groups of 10 or more.  Check our website, or call the theater at 610-970-1199 for more information.

There is plenty of excitement ahead, with “Ain’t Misbehavin”, “Toys In The Attic”, “Farragut North”, performances by the Melange Contemporary Dance Company and the Senior Follies, all leading up to our June musical “Hairspray”.  There’s something for everyone at the Tri-County Performing Arts Center!

Village Productions is a dynamic performing arts organization founded in 2001 by a dedicated team of performing artists, arts educators, and area residents who dreamed of creating new and highly accessible performing arts opportunities for the community.  Village Productions seeks to strengthen community, inspire creative exploration, educate, and entertain, through the presentation of quality performing arts events and educational opportunities geared toward a diverse audience.  You may contact Village Productions through their website at www.tripac.org, or by telephone at 610-970-1199.

PDIDA holding meeting tonight for downtown merchants – please attend, if you can!

AGENDA for Merchant Meeting

January 24, 2012

6 pm

Borough Hall

INTRODUCTION – Sheila Dugan PDIDA Chairman

Board Members – Steve Bamford – Council Members – Jason Bobst – Each Merchant – Visitors

Sheila Dugan – Recap 2011

  • Board Reorganization
  • Super Sundays – Small successes – change of day was suggested
  • Hometown Holidays – Small but profitable – Ads – Stores staying OPEN – Flash Mob Shoppers
  • Goals for 2012 – Bigger Events / Not necessarily More Events That will bring people downtown

*Meeting with Jason , Parks N Rec, PACA, Carousel to join in this mission

  • Cleaner Downtown
  • Targeting New Businesses for the Downtown
  • More Marketing of the Downtown as well as Events

*All of this requires help – Please join in the efforts!

Susan Storb – Financials

  • We have reduced administrative costs by more than 50%
  • More Assessment revenues for Events and Marketing
  • Timely Payments are important – there are still a couple of outstanding invoices for the coloring book

Andrew Monastra – Façade Loans and Assessment Payments

Cindy Brower – Events / Committees Formed

Motorcycles – Gospel Riders – April 28th looking for Rain date on 29th – A Sunday

Creating a yearly calendar of events – We need your ideas

Car Shows

Holidays

John Armato  – Communications

Monthly PDIDA Corner – both in the Mercury and On Line

Ben Moscia – Clean Up – Our Responsability

County Community Service People

Snow Removal

Littering Laws

 Merchant Discussion

What are your issues and concerns?

What are your suggestions going forward?

How would you like to get involved?

Mosaic Community Land Trust holding Open Mic tomorrow night

Mosaic Community Land Trust is holding an Open Mic Night tomorrow, Saturday, January 21 from 7-11 pm at their office and gallery at 10 South Hanover Street, Pottstown, PA.

I expect to be reading a memoir/essay that involves Funky Lil Kitchen, Princess Di, a dust rag, and the first love of my life. Oh, yes. I will do it. Come watch the magic unfold or, better yet, sign up to pull off your own magic.

If you’re planning to perform music, read, or recite poetry, please arrive at 6:30 pm to register. Each performer will have 20 minutes. Any questions, contact Alan Sellers at 267-244-3195 or e-n3vxy@comcast.net.

 


WBZH getting ready to launch Phase 3

Yesterday I had the chance to catch up with Dave Devlin, Program Director for The Buzz, WBZH 1370 AM. The Buzz is the Pottstown area’s only local radio station and it’s poised to launch Phase 3 of their plan to bring back and expand community radio in a big way for the tri-county region.

Phase 1 involved getting the station back on the air just over a year ago, after 1370 went silent for about a year.

Phase 2 involved a name and identity change from WPAZ to WBZH, The Buzz.

And now, Phase 3 –  which I actually can’t specify just yet! – will soon position the station to serve the community in a way that’s totally unique for a radio/TV station anywhere.

On February 7th The Buzz will hold a press conference, including local bloggers, to announce their new campaign, and on February 9th it will swing into action. Stay tuned here and online at wbzh.net or on the radio at 1370 AM. Catch The Buzz!

 

Gallery School Partners With Operation Backpack

The Gallery School of Pottstown is proud to partner once again with Operation Backpack to host a food drive for the month of January.  Operation Backpack provides local hungry students with much needed food for the weekend. There are many homeless and chronically hungry students in our area, and together we can help them succeed by addressing their hunger.

True to Life Ministries (TTLM) of Gilbertsville runs Operation Backpack and works with individuals and organizations like GSP to gather donated food and supplies. Volunteers use these items to fill backpacks distributed to qualifying students at the end of each week. The backpacks protect the students’ confidentiality, and they are discretely returned on Mondays so the process can start over. For more information on TTLM, please call them at 484-300-0280 or visit their website at
www.ttlm.org.

Donations can be dropped off at 254 E. High St. during normal business hours
(Tuesday-Friday 10am-4:30pm and Saturday 10am-3pm). GSP will have a collection
box available until the end of January. Please visit the TTLM website for a list
for approved items.

Adding to the impact of the food drive, Gallery glass artist Tari Zarka will donate 20% of her jewelry sales during the month of January to Operation Backpack. Tari creates gorgeous lampworked pendants, earrings, pins and cufflinks. Stop by the Gallery to see her work.

The Gallery School of Pottstown is a 501c3 non-profit community art school and
gallery. The School offers day, evening and weekend classes to all ages. The goal
of these classes is to help students develop their creative skills through
self-expression and independence. The Gallery on High hosts rotating shows
featuring local artists. The Gallery also sells handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gift
items.  The Gallery on High is open Tuesday through Friday from 10am-4:30pm and
Saturday 10am-3pm. The Gallery is closed Sunday and Monday.

The Gallery School of Pottstown
@Gallery on High
254 E. High St.
Pottstown, PA  19464
610-326-2506
www.galleryonhigh.org

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