(psst… it's all good… pass it on…)
You’ve probably seen those massive video displays at concerts, sporting events, and other large-scale events.
Did you know that Upstage Video, with offices in California and Colorado, is also located in Pottstown? They have recently expanded and acquired over 27,000 square feet at 212 Shoemaker Road. Check out the news, brought to you by Pottstown Area Industrial Development, Inc., otherwise known as PAID.
Keep up the good work, Steve Bamford, PAID’s Executive Director!
DON’T FORGET:
There’s a happy hour this Friday, February 22nd from 5-7 at the historic Elks Lodge #814, 61 E. High Street, Pottstown, PA.
Shake off those winter blues and join us for February fun!
Meet new people, network, connect!
The Elks are taking care of the appetizers, wine, and beer on tap for $5!
Mixed drinks available at cash bar. (Cash bar only after 7 pm.)
RSVP now to positivelypottstown@gmail.com.
Hope to see you there!
Thanks to Karen Konnick of Family Services of Montgomery County for passing this along.
Family Services, the Montgomery County Asset Building Coalition and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) are offering free income tax preparation to low-to-moderate income individuals and families (who earn less than $51,000) through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
The IRS trains and certifies all VITA volunteers to prepare and electronically file income tax forms. VITA volunteers are trained to assist clients in claiming special credits and refunds, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit. The mission of the program is to help working families improve their finances and increase their self-sufficiency.
“We can help put money back in your pocket,” said Kathy Cael, VITA site coordinator. “By filing your taxes through a VITA site, not only will you save money in filing fees, but you’ll also receive your tax refund quickly. In most cases, tax refunds are deposited directly into your bank account within 7-to-10 days.”
Family Services is offering VITA appointments at two locations in Montgomery County:
Appointments are required for all VITA sites. To schedule an appointment at the sites listed above, please call Family Services at 610-326-1610.
Individuals must bring the following documents to their VITA appointment:
For a complete list of VITA tax preparation sites in Montgomery County, please visit www.mcassetbuilding.org.
Would you prefer to file your taxes in the comfort of your own home? Now you can – for free! Individuals or families with a combined income under $57,000 may prepare and file their own federal and state taxes online at www.myfreetaxes.com/fsmontco.org. This website is powered by H&R Block and sponsored by Walmart and the United Way.
Since 1900, Family Services has been caring for children, seniors and families in Montgomery County who face everyday emotional difficulties or physical hardships. The agency’s innovative social service programs make a positive difference in the lives of 16,000 county residents each year. For more information, contact Family Services’ Pottstown Office at 610-326-1610 or visit www.fsmontco.org.
I apologize for being kind of quiet these days. I’m working on a book called “Legendary Locals of Pottstown, PA” for Arcadia Publishing, and my deadline is looming… But I just had to share this news about Weitzenkorn’s “Buy 1 Get 1 Free Sale.”
Weitzenkorn’s is a fine menswear store with a Big & Tall section at 145 E. High Street in downtown Pottstown. It’s been there since 1864. That’s when Abraham Lincoln was president. Run by the same family. They know their stuff. They can help fit you, or help you pick the right fit for whoever you’re shopping for. They are, quite simply, a real class act. And they are most certainly Legendary Locals.
A deal like this can’t be beat: Buy one item and get any other item of equal or lesser value for free. It doesn’t have to be two of the same item. So get over there on your lunch break or take off work early to see what they’ve got and snatch up some really fine duds for you or the special man – or men! – in your life.
Hours
Monday 9:30-7:00
Tue,Wed,Thur 9:30-5:30
Friday 9:30-9:00
Saturday 9:30-5:30
Call
1-855-259-7270
610-323-8810
Many people often overlook Internet security until word of a new virus or email “worm” hits the headlines. Even then, it’s easy to assume that existing firewalls and virus software are enough to safeguard computers and precious data.
The fact is that as the Internet has grown in sophistication, so too have the threats to the security of the people who use it. One technology firm that screens emails for spam and viruses on behalf of small business customers estimates that 3.6 percent of messages contain a virus. Even if you strive to be alert for suspicious emails, a distraction or familiar-sounding sender is all it takes for one to slip through.
As a business owner, you must be prepared to protect your IT hardware, software, and data resources. The first step is to educate everyone at your business about the dangers and set policies for using the Internet and opening email attachments. For example, don’t let employees use file sharing Web sites and prohibit downloading applications from unknown sites.
All your computers, networks, and email servers should have antivirus software and other security features. Use a firewall to block incoming traffic that is not needed for your business. And, update all operating systems, software, and security measures on a regular basis. Older versions are more vulnerable to attack. If you discover a PC is infected, take it off your network so that fixes can be installed.
Symantec.com offers a full range of anti-virus, anti-spam and computer problem solving solutions for small business. The Small Business Center portion of the firm’s Web site has dozens of articles on computer security and maintenance, such as downloadable publications on protecting Windows operating environments, managing risk, and other timely security topics.
Another helpful information source for computer security is smallbusinesscomputing.com, which provides news, discussion forums, tips for evaluating system security needs, and a buyer’s guide for various security products. The Security section of Microsoft’s Small Business Center at www.microsoft.com/smallbusiness also provides information to help familiarize yourself with various Internet threats and how to ensure your small business IT resources are fully protected.
To learn more about technology issues facing your small business, contact SCORE “Counselors to America’s Small Business.” SCORE is a nonprofit organization of more than 10,500 volunteer business counselors who provide free, confidential business counseling and training workshops to small business owners. Call 610-327-2673 for the Pottstown SCORE office, or go online at www.pottstownscore.org.
Not too far from St. Peter’s Village, Frogtowne Artisan Creations just celebrated its first anniversary. This new venture is managed by Colin Macy, a 2009 graduate of the Oregon College of Art & Craft. Colin is not only a furniture maker, but a businessman promoting and selling the work of other local artists in a wide open store/gallery located at 1190 Ridge Road in North Coventry. There are lots of choices for holiday gifts and extended hours to help you find a unique gift for everyone on your list.
Regular Store Hours are:
This week they are also open Tuesday and Wednesday, 4pm – 8pm 
Virtually all the artists whose work appears in the Frogtowne gallery are from Chester and Montgomery counties. Shown here are handmade soaps created from all-natural products by Susan McCafferty of Canterbury Naturals. Also shown is a bench by Colin Macy and a wood sculpture by Michael Gilligan of Kimberton.
I just loved browsing through the vintage black and white photos produce by The Vintage Image Shop of Pottstown. Owners Erik and Jennifer Maximenko find old images in the public domain, many with recognizable, famous people, and they restore, print and mat them; some are framed. If I ever ran my own art gallery, it would probably be strictly a photographic gallery. If you’re in a nostalgic mood, or want some vintage images to decorate your home or office, check them out.
These are just some of the nearly 40 artists whose work is displayed and available for purchase at Frogtowne. There are also paintings by Joseph Hoover of Pughtown, pottery by Ruth Hayes of Harmonyville, jewelry by Heather Lampron of Oley, and furniture by Colin’s dad, Brad Macy. Frogtowne is, in fact, something of a family affair. Colin first learned the art of woodcraft from his father, who in turn had learned from his mother. Read this beautiful blog post by Brad’s brother Chris to get a sense of how a love of wood and its possibilities was passed from generation to generation. And then make Frogtowne a stop on your shopping rounds this week. You’re sure to find something that will surprise and delight someone close to you.
Frogtown Artisan Creations 
1990 Ridge Road
Pottstown, Pa 19465
(484) 985 – 9835
info@frogtowne.com
www.frogtowne.com
Oh, the weather outside may be frightful but there’s a full slate of holiday fun in downtown Pottstown today from 4-8 pm. These and similar activities will also be taking place next Friday and Saturday, December 14 & 15.
Check out the Pottstown Downtown Improvement Authority website here for all the details!
• SANTA’S VILLAGE is open with Santa, kids’ crafts, reindeer food-making & coloring contest. Location: 139 E. High Street (TANGO MARKETING)
• Photos with Santa ($7)
• Music
• Horse-drawn wagon/wagonette rides from 5-7 pm ($7)
• Story Time at The Babysitter’s Clubhouse (333 HIGH ST), every hour starting at 4:30 and last story at 7:30pm
• FREE Trolley Rides from 4:30-8PM
• DISCOUNTED BABYSITTING at The Babysitter’s Clubhouse at 133 E HIGH ST
Contact: The Sitter’s Clubhouse – by phone 610.326.7600 – by email thesittersclubhouse@gmail.com
• ROASTED CHESTNUTS AND MORE from Empire Hook & Ladder Fire Company (300 block of E. High Street.)
Come out for some good, old-fashioned family holiday fun!
Christmas tree season is upon us, and Pine Hill Choose-N-Cut Christmas Tree Farm on Sheep Hill Road in North Coventry has a bumper crop of trees ready in the fields. The basic price is still $25 – as has been the case for over 20 years. They do have some larger and more perfect specimens individually priced higher. But they still have loads of trees at $25.
You can do all that at the Pine Hill Choose-N-Cut Christmas Tree Farm on Sheep Hill Road in North Coventry. Pine Hill has been run by the Sally and Dick Heylmun family for 50 years. And for the past 21 years, they have held their prices steady at $25 a tree.
Pine Hill is just 2 miles from downtown Pottstown, yet has that full country atmosphere. Mrs. Heylmun still mows around the trees, shears them, and generally oversees the care of the farm, keeping the place like a lawn. Having raised 5 boys on a teacher’s pay, the Heylmuns know what it costs to raise a family, and they have refused to raise prices.
The Pine Hill website provides nice photos and descriptions of the various trees and their needles, so you can decide ahead of time what kind of tree you’re interested in.
Local arts and historic organizations and businesses, along with the Pottstown Downtown Improvement Distric Authority, otherwise known as PDIDA (puh-dee-da), iarebringing a host of Hometown Holiday events to downtown Pottstown on the weekends leading up to Christmas.
Events kick off this Saturday, Dec. 1st when Santa and his elves arrive at 5 p.m., making a healthy, heart-warming entrance at High and Evans Street, before heading down High Street to Smith Plaza for the lighting of the Christmas tree there. Smith Plaza itself will be all lit up, too!
At the Plaza, visitors can enjoy holiday music, free trolley rides from 4:40 to 8 p.m., and horse-drawn wagon rides from 5 to 7 p.m., for just $10.
Santa’s Village will be open with Santa himself, kids’ crafts, reindeer food making, and a coloring contest at Tango Marketing, 139 E. High Street, just across the street from Smith Plaza.
In the 300 block of High Street, the Empire Hook & Ladder Fire Company will provide roasted chestnuts and other treats. Additional events, including children’s story hours, open houses and activities for children, will be held Fridays, Dec. 7, 14 and 21 and on Saturday, Dec. 8 and 15.
Throughout the holiday season, beginning next Thursday, Dec. 6th, Steel River Playhouse’s “Annie” will be performed and run through Dec. 22. You can also stop in at ArtFusion 19464 at 254 E. High Street for their winter show, “The Secret Life of Trees”, and to pick up unique gifts.
On Sunday, Dec. 9, the Candlelight Tour of Pottsgrove Manor runs from 2 to 8 p.m., while the Pottstown Holiday Historic House Tour will be from 1 to 6 p.m. A $12 ticket includes a Victorian Tea presented by the Doe Club at the Pottstown Elks from 12noon-2pm. All homes and buildings on the tour are open from 1pm-6pm. Free trolley transportation and refreshments for all ticket holders. Tickets are available after Thanksgiving at Carter’s Locksmith Shop, 137 N Hanover Street. $12 in advance, $14 day of tour. For more information contact Sue Krause at (610) 323-2229.
All of these events are sponsored by the Pottstown Downtown Improvement District Authority, Historic Pottstown Neighborhood Association, Pottgrove Manor, Steel River Playhouse, ArtFusion 19464, and individual businesses. BUY LOCAL, PLAY LOCAL, AND CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS LOCAL!
Did you know that shopping at small, local businesses keeps more of your money circulating in the local economy and helps keep those businesses in business? Every purchase means something to those entrepreneurs. Plus, it’s nice just getting to know the folks who have invested in your town for many years or have taken a chance starting a new business more recently. The holidays are a perfect time to show that you care about sustaining the economic health of your own community by BUYING LOCAL. Below are a few ways you can “Buy Local,” have some fun, and feel part of a growing community of intentional shoppers.
1) This Saturday is National Small Business Day, and there will be a Cash Mob unfolding in downtown Pottstown. Here’s how you can take part…
VISIT the Pottstown Visitor Center located at 17 N. Hanover Street, before you begin your downtown shopping, any time from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
PICK UP your “Shop Local” cash mob sticker, a map of the Downtown Pottstown Shopping District and detailed instructions on how to play the “Where In The World is Captain Buy Local and Small Biz” game while you shop throughout downtown Pottstown. (Yes, there is actually a superhero called Caption Buy Local and his sidekick Small Biz. Hey, this is Pottstown, and we have superheroes.)
PICK UP special offers and holiday treats that will be offered to Cash Mob participants throughout the day by various merchants.
RETURN your game entry with the approximate amount of money spent by you and your family during the Cash Mob to either the Visitor Center office, or Grumpy’s Hand-Carved Sandwiches, 137 E. High Street, when you are finished with your Cash Mob shopping. The BUY LOCAL organizers want to tally how much is spent in the downtown this Saturday. Remember, the School District spent $55,000 this past spring with their BUY LOCAL challenge; these efforts literally pay off for our merchants!
2) The Pottstown Downtown Improvement District Authority is running a holiday 5 for $25 Raffle. This is another way to Buy Local, only you can win some big bucks for yourself. Here’s how this works:
BUY a $25 Raffle Ticket at the Visitors’ Center at 17 N. Hanover Street or at Cole’s Tobacc0 or call Sheila at 610-323-5400 c/ 484-948-6061
SPEND $25 at each of 4 different, participating downtown merchants who are listed on the ticket.
SAVE your receipts.
BRING YOUR RECEIPTS AND TICKET to the Visitors’ Center, Cole’s or Grumpy’s or a participating merchant when you are done shopping. You have until December 22nd at 5 pm to do your shopping and turn in your ticket & receipts!
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