Category: Education

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

 

SCORE to offer Social Media workshops in March

Pottstown SCORE is currently accepting registrations for its timely workshop series, “Using Social Media to Make Your Business Grow.”  This workshop series will be held at the Tri-County Area Chamber of Commerce Conference Center, 152 E. High Street, Suite 360, Pottstown from 7-9:30 pm on four consecutive Monday evenings in March. Registration begins at 6:45 pm.

Attendees will learn that Social Media is a lot more than Facebook pages and a few Tweets. It’s about understanding the total marketing conversion strategy; the psychological hot buttons of different demographics; how to take on the challenge of integrating social media into an overall marketing strategy; and how to measure its effectiveness.

The workshop series, presented by SCORE, “Counselors to America’s Business” is not only for those who are currently in business, but also for any interested individual who would like to better understand how to use social media more effectively.

The following experts in the field of social media technology and marketing will be presenting the workshops:  Jeff Kofsky, President of Higher Vision Coaching and Consulting; Brian Dainis, President of Curotec, LLC, a web design, marketing and SEO company; Joy Sorrentino, a prominent social media consultant and blogger; Drew Griffin, Founder of Mojo Digital companies, LLC which delivers value through social media, video and mobile marketing; and David Yunghans, the regional development director for Constant Contact.

The workshop sessions are as follows:

March 5—The Secrets of Effective Internet Marketing

March 12—The Power of Social Media

March 19—MobileMarketing

March 26—eMail and Social Media—Are They Married Yet?

The price of each individual workshop is $40, and there is a special package price of $140 for the entire 4 sessions.  Additionally, there is a 50% discount for another person from the same company attending.  Since this is such a timely topic, it is anticipated that classes will fill up early.  To guarantee a seat, please pre-register online at www.pottstownscore.org or phone the SCORE office at 610-327-2673.

The SCORE workshop instructors welcome your questions and are anxious to help you get started on a successful social media marketing strategy which will grow your business.

 

 

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.

Open Hearth Dessert Demonstration at Pottsgrove Manor this Saturday – Yum!

This Saturday, January 21st from 11:00am to 3:00pm at Pottsgrove Manor, visitors can see what’s cooking in the colonial kitchen with the program “A Distillation of Desserts.”

This open-hearth cooking demonstration will feature Pottsgrove Manor’s historic cooks preparing authentic 18th century recipes for sweets and treats made with a variety of libations. This program wraps up the exhibit “Spirituous Liquors and Healthful Distillations: Alcohol in Colonial America.” Visitors can take a tour of the exhibit during their visit; this will be one of the last opportunities to see the exhibit before it closes on January 29th.

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.

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.

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

Pottstown middle school student starts career as sports announcer

Here’s a great story showing how PCTV and Pottstown School District are teaming up to provide career guidance and real-world  experience for Pottstown students.

For Immediate Release

Contact: John J. Armato, CAA, Director of Community Relations, 610-323-6274, cell #484-256-7491 or jarmato@pottstownsd.org

 

Pottstown Middle School Student Starts Career as Sports Announcer

Kyle Hendley, an eighth grade student at Pottstown Middle School, is well on his way to starting a career as a TV sports announcer.  He recently completed a semester internship in the Pottstown Middle School Career Shadowing Program.  He was partnered with PCTV Sports Announcer and Pottstown Middle School teacher Mr. Bernie Gallagher.  Kyle has expressed an interest in perhaps becoming a TV sports broadcaster.  He was able to be in the TV booth for many local football games.  He learned the ins and outs of broadcasting with Mr. Gallagher.  Some of his responsibilities included gathering statistics, assisting with the slow-motioned instant replays, and reverse angle camera shots.

Mr. Gallagher observed that “Kyle did a fabulous job helping with our crew and brought positive energy to our weekly TV shows.  He is a natural, the quintessential sports fan!”

“I think that I learned a great deal through the Career Shadowing Program and it certainly opened my eyes to what goes on behind the scenes of a TV production,” explained Hendley.

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!

 

Wellness Foundation Helps Community Garden Grow

The Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation recently awarded a grant in the amount of $30,000 to the Preservation Pottstown/Mosaic Community Land Trust to build Pottstown’s first community garden at 423 Chestnut Street. The Foundation’s grant will allow for the construction of up to 42 raised beds for planting and the installation of fencing, paths, a trellis, rain barrels, compost bins, benches, and a play area for children.

“We are honored and grateful to receive this grant from the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation, which will allow us to complete Pottstown’s first community garden this spring,” said David Jackson, President of Mosaic Community Land Trust. “The garden will greatly increase access to healthy foods and already has many supporters in Pottstown and surrounding communities.”

Community gardens are a growing trend particularly in vacant lots in urban areas. They are viewed not only as a way for people who have limited access to full-service supermarkets for fresh produce to improve their nutrition, but also as a way for neighborhood residents to reconnect. Residents pay a small annual membership fee and are given a small plot in which to grow vegetables and flowers. Educational workshops will teach members how to garden and what tasks need to be completed throughout the entire growing season. Jackson noted, “Some of the additional benefits of a community garden include: improving the quality of life for neighborhood residents, stimulating social interaction, beautification of the neighborhood, and improving opportunities for recreation, exercise, therapy, and education.”

A key to the success of a community garden is the development of partnerships. Jackson includes as Mosaic’s partners for this project: Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation, Borough of Pottstown, Pottstown School District, Genesis Housing Corporation, Susquehanna Bank, Lowes, Davey Tree Experts, Lointerhome, and many individual donors and volunteers.

The Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation enhances the health and wellness of area residents, providing education, funding and programs that motivate people to adopt healthy lifestyles. The Foundation was formed in July 2003 with the proceeds obtained from the sale of the Pottstown Memorial Medical Center. Non-profits interested in learning more about the Foundation’s grants program and application process should visit their website at www.pottstownfoundation.org. For great ideas on how to create a healthy lifestyle for you and your family, check out their online community, Mission Healthy Living, at www.missionhealthyliving.org

“Year of the Young Woman” kicks off on Jan. 21 at Pottstown YWCA

Life is generational by nature. So is the generation gap. The YWCA Tri-County Area invites women of all ages to attend “Bridging the Gap”, the first in a series of workshops provided during 2012, “Year of the Young Woman”. This series of events and opportunities will highlight the cohesion and shared promise of women reaching their full potential.

 

According to Andrea Primas, YWCA Tri-County Area Executive Director, “A girl’s passage from childhood to adulthood is often uncertain and confusing. Women face tremendous challenges today as well as numerous, unprecedented opportunities. The YWCA’s goal is to address these issues, and provide women of all ages with the means to thrive and live competent, confident, capable lives.”

 

Bridging the Gap will be an insightful panel discussion that will include both young and seasoned women. The program will facilitate cooperation and understanding between women of different ages and cultures. It will create a synergistic relationship between women as they recognize their mutual interdependence by connecting the wisdom of some, with the enthusiasm of others.

 

“Panelists will consist of multigenerational women from our local community as they share and relate their experiences and the importance of communication,” states Sharon Basile, Board President of the YWCA Tri-County Area.

 

The panel discussion and light tea will take place on Saturday, January 21, 2012 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the YWCA Tri-County Area, 315 King Street, Pottstown. Attendance is FREE, but reservations are required. To attend, call the YWCA at 610-323-1888 to register.

 

The YWCA has designated 2012 as the “Year of the Young Woman”. Future programs will focus on topics such as Journaling, Body Image, Non-Traditional Careers, Cyber Bullying and Stalking, Go Green, and Advocacy.

 

About the YWCA:  The YWCA Tri-County Area has been serving the Pottstown and surrounding communities for over 100 years. Their mission to eliminate racism and empower women is achieved through programs and services such as Child Care, Adult Literacy, Women EXCEL and their Healthy Choices program for teenage girls.

 

 About the Year of the Young Woman – 2012:  In keeping with the YWCA USA;’s focus on engaging a new generation (30 & Under), the Year of the Young Woman (12-30), sponsored by the YWCA Tri-County Area, is a series of events and opportunities to connect younger and seasoned women. The experiences will facilitate cooperation and understanding between women of different ages and cultures, and create a synergistic relationship between women as we recognize our mutual interdependence, connecting the wisdom of some to the zeal of others.

 

“No country can get ahead if it leaves half of its population behind,” International Women’s Day, 2011.

 

To be part of building a relational bridge, or for more information about the YWCA Tri-County Area, please call 610-323-1888 or visit them online at www.ywcatricountryarea.org.

 

 

Free Winter Art Program for Kids

The application deadline for the next session of free art programs for children
at The Gallery School of Pottstown is January 14.

Kids Art Academy is an arts exploration program for children ages 8-12. Students explore many mediums and techniques, from drawing and painting to mosaics and glass fusing.

Clay Academy is a ceramic arts program for the same age group. Students in this program will get experience in hand building as well as using a pottery wheel.

Both programs are funded by the Greater Pottstown Foundation and are free for the students, with the exception of a small registration fee once they are accepted into the program.  While preference is given to those students who qualify for free or reduced lunch, all students are strongly encouraged to apply.

For more information and an application, please visit the Gallery School’s website at
www.galleryonhigh.org, or visit their 254 E. High St. location. Questions can be
emailed to info@galleryonhigh.com, or asked over the phone at 610-326-2506.

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

IMPROV and OPEN HOUSE EVENTS KICK OFF 2012 AT TRI-PAC

Looking for a way to kick off the New Year by learning something new, or with an evening full of surprises, fun and creativity?   Join the excitement at the Tri-County Performing Arts Center, 245 E. High Street, Pottstown, as the  exciting winter session of classes are unveiled and  the N Crowd provides an evening of fast-paced improvisational theater!

The fun begins with an OPEN HOUSE on Saturday, January 7th from 11 AM until 5 PM.  Then visit one of Pottstown’s eateries and come back to the theater for a performance of the N Crowd at 8 PM!   Can’t make it Saturday?  The Educational OPEN HOUSE will continue on Sunday from 11 AM until 5 PM.

The N Crowd is a professional short form improvisational troupe that has been performing weekly inPhiladelphiasince 2005. Performers include Pottstown’s own BJ Ellis! At each show, the N-Crowd plays a series of games and scenes based on suggestions from the audience. There are no scripts, no props, and nowhere to run! The N Crowd was selected by Fox 29’s Hot List as the Best Comedy Club in Philadelphia in 2008 and finished 2nd place in the same category in 2009. Currently, they perform at the Actors Center in Philadelphia.

The audience is an important part of the show, providing the suggestions and cheering the cast on as they tackle a variety of topics.  Be a part of the fun TODAY, Saturday, January 7th at 8 PM.  Tickets are $17 for adults, $15 for students and seniors, and $13 for children 12 and under.  Parental guidance is suggested for this show.  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.

At the Education Open House you can register for Group Classes and Private Lessons for ages 3 through senior citizens. Group classes include acting, comedy improv, scene study, audition techniques, music, voice, storybook character play and age-based performance troupes. Private instruction includes acting, voice, piano, guitar, flute, music therapy, and monologue coaching.  Check the website, www.tripac.org, for full class descriptions and times.

Get ready for a great Winter season with the N Crowd, “Goldilocks”, “Ain’t Misbehavin”, “Toys In The Attic”, “Farragut North”, performances by the Melange Contemporary Dance Company and the Senior Follies, all leading up to a great musical in June.  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.

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