Category: Revitalization

Grumpy’s Butternut Squash soup wins first prize at Carousel of Flavor; get some tomorrow!

Grumpy’s butternut squash soup won FIRST Prize at the Carousel of Flavor, Pottstown’s outstanding culinary festival that drew thousands to downtown Pottstown this past Sunday. (Speaking of food, more than 1,500 hot dogs were distributed at Pottstown Airport Day, another feather in Pottstown’s cap!) Grumpy’s is at 137 E. High Street, across from Borough Hall. Stop by or call in your order to 610-323-1232. Here’s what’s on tap at Grumpy’s this week:

TUESDAY
SOUPS: Split Pea w/ Ham & Roasted Pepper and Chicken Veloati
SANDWICHES: Pepper Crusted Eye Round w/ Caramelized onion mayo
SIDES: Greek Pasta Salad
Dessert: Sticky Bun Bread Pudding

WEDNESDAY: VEGETARIAN DAY
SOUP: Carousel WINNER! Butternut Squash & Turkey Noodle
SANDWICH: Grilled Mediterranian Wrap
SIDES: Tabbulli w/ White Beans – Trio of chili crusted potatoes

THURSDAY
SOUP:Crab Bisque & White Bean & Spinach
SANDWICH: Meatloaf / Corned Beef
SIDES: Mashed Potatoes / Roasted Beets

FRIDAY
SOUP: NE Clam Chowder – Turkey & Rice
SANDWICH: The Dagwwod / Chicken Italiano Wrap
SIDES: Mac n Cheese – Tomato / Red Onion Salad w/ Blue Cheese

SATURDAY: TBA

MCCC Opens New University Center in Downtown Pottstown

There is plenty of great news coming out of Montgomery County Community College in recent weeks. In the next few posts, I will be passing it along. There are many different reasons to check out what Montco is offering to residents of the region – education, the arts, a leg up in a job search, and major contributions to Pottstown’s revitalization. You name it, Montco is doing it.~Sue Repko

Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) celebrated the opening of its new University Center on Aug. 21, expanding its West Campus to the former AAA East Penn building at 95 South Hanover St., and building on its vision to create a thriving urban campus in downtown Pottstown.

First introduced in 2006, MCCC’s University Center offers an entrepreneurial approach to expanding higher education opportunities for residents of the Tri-County region. Through partnerships with four-year institutions – Albright College, Chestnut Hill College, Temple University and Villanova University – students can choose from eight bachelor’s degrees, two master’s degrees and one graduate certificate.

During the event, MCCC President Dr. Karen A. Stout addressed the importance of expanding access to higher education opportunities for the region.

“Before we introduced the innovative University Center model, our graduates had to travel to the greater Reading and Philadelphia areas to continue their education in baccalaureate and graduate degree programs. However, for many of our students and community members in the Tri-County region, this commute simply isn’t possible,” she said. “Therefore, the University Center becomes more than a place where our partner institutions lease space to teach their classes on our campus. It becomes part of a much larger pipeline in terms of building student access to higher education.”

Charles Roberts, alumnus of both MCCC and Albright College, shared his personal educational journey through the University Center.

“I cannot begin to tell you where I would be without having the University Center. I was able me to attend class as a working adult and as someone who could not attend class the traditional college way.  I may never have attempted a bachelor’s program unless the University Center existed,” said Roberts, who has since earned a master’s degree from Gwynedd-Mercy College and who works in MCCC’s Enrollment Services department.

Dr. Lex O. McMillan III, president of Albright College in Reading spoke about the longstanding relationship with MCCC, describing it as a “thriving, healthy partnership.”

“Montgomery County Community College has the largest onsite degree completion programs of our satellite campuses,” he told the roomful of attendees. “In the 2011-12 year, 6,135 credits were transferred from MCCC, and 130 Albright students are enrolled in the degree completion program (at the University Center).”

The University Center project is made possible through a public-private partnership and lease agreement with Vesper Property Group, the building’s owner and developer. The new 10,500 square foot facility includes six classrooms with smart and videoconference technology, a student lounge and reception area. The entire facility is secured through electronic card access, and a front desk concierge is available to greet students and answer questions.

In addition to creating a new home and identity for the University Center, the new facility frees up existing classroom space at MCCC’s North and South halls – space that is greatly needed to accommodate an unprecedented 60 percent enrollment growth at the West Campus over the past five years.

For more information about the University Center, visit here.

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Photo above provided by MCCC:  MCCC President Dr. Karen A. Stout (center) cuts the ribbon for the new University Center facility. She is joined by (from left) MCCC and Albright alumnus Charles Roberts; Representative Marcy Toepel; MCCC Board of Trustees Chairman Michael D’Aniello; Albright College President Dr. Lex O. McMillan III; Senator John Rafferty; Representative Tom Quigley; Montgomery County Commissioners Vice Chairman Leslie Richards; and Vice President of MCCC’s West Campus Dr. Steady Moono.

Let’s support our Boyertown “Buy Local” advocates!

Heidi Bostelle Bauer has been a huge advocate for Pottstown’s Cash Mob and Buy Local initiatives. She is spearheading the same kinds of activities in downtown Boyertown. If you have a chance to get over there tomorrow afternoon, go for it. Strong local businesses = strong communities!

Pottstown’s Riverfest 2013 committee forming now; meeting this Wed. at 7 pm

Hey, everyone! Come get involved, or just come out and learn about what’s going on here in Pottstown!

The Riverfest 2013 committee is forming now and meeting this Wednesday August 15th at 7pm at the new Visitors’ Center at 17 N. Hanover Street.

Sheila Dugan, Main Street Manager, will lead the meeting. Come one, come all! This is not a commitment, just a first meeting to see what ideas people have and, if you wish, you can volunteer to help out as well! Food will be served!

Call Sheila with any questions at 610-323-5400.

LointerHOME offers modern Victorian office space in downtown Pottstown

If you’ve been admiring LointerHOME’s residential renovations in Pottstown over the past year, wait until you see what they’re offering in the way of office space. Not only have they restored the charm of the Victorian era  to 424 King Street, but they have tricked it out with features that any new or expanding business expects in a state-of-the-art office building.

Features like:

  • 12 private offices, including 2 executive offices
  • All new systems including
    • Brand new 4 zone gas-fed hydronic heating system and boiler
    • 200 amp electrical service
    • pre-wired for DSL
    • pre-wired with cat 5e in each space
  • New roof
  • 2 full conference rooms
  • 3 floors
  • Full reception with separate waiting area
  • Kitchenette
  • 2 elegant bathrooms
  • 1500 gallon fountain on street side
  • 8 parking spaces in rear of structure
  • partial central air
  • Available fully furnished

Even better, LointerHOME is offering this space for just $158,000 or for lease at $1,500/month. They are also able to negotiate a lease-purchase arrangement if that is what works for you and your business.

“This would be a perfect home for an active, everyday business,” said Amanda DeSeta, principal at LointerHOME. “I hope we can find the company that will have people coming and going all the time.”

424 King Street is in the traditional town neighborhood (TTN) zone of Pottstown. It is one block north of High Street, between Franklin and Washington Streets. It sits right next door to another LointerHOME residential renovation, now occupied.

You can see more photos at the LointerHOME website and get more details by contacting info@lointerhome.com. And, perhaps best of all, you can experience this space for yourself at the next Positively Pottstown Happy Hour – a Red-White-and-Blue Independence Day Bash – to be held at 424 King Street on Friday, July 6th from 5-7 pm. RSVP to positivelypottstown@gmail.com.

 

 

Smash musical HAIRSPRAY continues at Steel River Playhouse this weekend! Community Day on Saturday!

As Hairspray continues its run at Steel River this weekend, the Playhouse will also be celebrating its new name and new facade, and the community is invited to participate tomorrow, June 16th, during a Community Day. Details below can be found at the Steel River website.

Join us for Community Day!
Saturday, June 16
at Steel River Playhouse, 245 E. High Street, Pottstown, PA 19464

Celebrate our Grand Re-Opening with free workshops, guest artists, refreshments, tours, and giveaways!  Come see our new façade and marquee, a welcoming outdoor plaza, and a renovated lobby.

Guest artists include Robb Curtis Brown, High School Musical 3, It’s Complicated, Dreamgirls, Bruce Almighty; BJ Ellis, executive director and performer for The N Crowd, and widely regarded as one of the top short-form improv specialists in Philadelphia.  John Moletress, founder of the Washington D.C. – based Factory 449: a theatre collective (2011 Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Emerging Theatre Company), and force/collision, an interdisciplinary performance ensemble.  Guest artist at Steel River Playhouse directing The Crucible, and Pippin.  Neal Newman, director of classical, Shakespeare, modern theater, musicals, and opera, including off-Broadway and Shakespeare in the Park.  Guest artist and instructor at Steel River Playhouse directing Ragtime, A Christmas Carol, Toys in the Attic.   Robert Snow, script and screenwriter and director, his first short, The Blue Die, won the Film of Highest Distinction Award at the Siouxland International Film Festival.  His thesis film, Bunny, premiered at the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival.  Bob is now a staff writer for New Girl starring Zooey Deschanel; and Lisa Waltz, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Reckless, Yours, Mine and Ours, Pet Sematary Two.  Currently, she’s working on a new series with Eric McCormack and a film about working actors.

Community Day Schedule

9:30 AM – Summer Camp Info Session – Steve Reazor, Education Dir.

10:00 AM – Music, Movement and Me with Deedee Mann (Grades K through 4); Comedy-Improv Workshop with BJ Ellis (Grades 5 through 8); Vocal Evaluations with Deborah Stimson-Snow (Grades 5 through Adult) Private 10-minute voice sessions with Artistic Director; Cold Reading and Monologue Workshop with Robb Curtis Brown (Observers – all ages, and Participants – Grades 8 – Adult pre-register with marta@steelriver.com)

11:00 AM – Exploring Drama with Steve Reazor (Grades K through 4); Acting Fun & Games with Phil Ballantine (Grades 5 through 8); Vocal Evaluations with Deborah Stimson-Snow (Grades 5 through Adult) – Private 10-minute sessions with Master Instructor; Comedy-Improv Workshop with BJ Ellis (Grades 8 through Adult); Cold Reading and Monologue Workshop with Robb Curtis Brown (see above)

12 NOON – Music, Movement and Me with Deedee Mann (Grades K – 4); Getting Ready to Sing Workshop with Margaret Curry (Grades 2 through 4); Finding your Inner Shakespeare: First Steps to Approaching the Bard with Neal Newman (Grades 5 through Adult); Surviving College Auditions: Practical Advice on School Selection, Audition Prep, Managing Expectations, and Family Bonding with Marta Kiesling and John Moletress (Grades 8 through 12, and parents)

1:00 PM – Acting Fun and Games with Steve Reazor (Grades K – 4); Inside the Directing Process with Neal Newman (Grades 5 to Adult); Out of your Mind: Movement and Visualization Workshop with John Moletress (Grades 5 to Adult)

2:00 PM – The Inside Scoop: Celebrity Stories with Lisa Waltz, Robb Curtis and Neal Newman (All Ages) Backstage chatter about working with Al Pacino, Zac Efron, Patrick Dempsey, Ashton Kutcher, Ashley Tisdale, Sylvester Stallone, Laurence Olivier, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jim Carrey, Robert Redford, Barbara Streisand, Meryl Streep, Steve Martin, Blythe Danner, Angela Lansbury, and more!

3:00 PM – From Page to Stage (and Screen!): Real Stories on How to get your New Work on its Feet with John Moletress, & SKYPE interview with Bobby Snow. (Grades 5 – Adult); Summer Camp Info Session with Steve Reazor, Education Director

LointerHOME does it again!

Check out Evan Brandt’s blog post today about the most recent sale – at full asking price – for the latest Pottstown home redeveloped by Amanda and Cristian DeSeta of LointerHOME.

Positively!Pottstown blogged about the home at 542 Chestnut Street the day it went on the market – May 25. Eight days later, the DeSetas had it under contract. Bringing the many beautiful homes of Pottstown back to life with new systems and modern kitchens and baths is all it takes. Some may say that’s too much to ask of an investor. But the DeSeta’s formula for success is no secret; you can hear Amanda talk about it here.

There are many reasons why young families, empty-nesters, retirees and young people move to any given community. An up-to-date and varied stock of housing – one that offers choices to these different types of households – is absolutely essential. Kudos to the DeSetas for showing us that it can be done!

 

LointerHOME completes another gorgeous home in Pottstown

New to the market today, 542 Chestnut Street is the latest renovation by LointerHOME, the residential construction team headed by Amanda and Cristian DeSeta. 542 Chestnut is a New American Craftsman that boasts 1,736 square  feett, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and features a jacuzzi tub, all granite counters, and stainless steel appliances.  The new gas-fired heating system provides long-term savings on heating bills, and the 2-car garage is relatively rare in Pottstown. 542 Chestnut is within a couple blocks of the Hill School, the Chestnut Street playground, MOSAIC Community Garden, and downtown Pottstown. It is listed at $125,000.

If you’ve been keeping an eye on the Pottstown real estate market, you’ll have noted that in the past year LointerHOME has successfully renovated and sold homes at 116 King Street, 467 Farmington Avenue, and 426 King Street. All of their homes are brought back to life with major systems overhauls and an attention to historic details like hardwood floors, lighting fixtures, and facades. Clean lines, cool palettes, and stainless steel appliances have brought these properties into the 21st century. (542 Chestnut includes one of my favorite materials of all time: “subway tiles.”)

Please enjoy these photos by Betsy Barron Photography. If you like what you see, check out the listing here and get in touch with realtor Lori Vanderbilt of Coldwell Banker Hearthside in Collegeville today at 610-489-7700.

Thank you to LointerHOME for recognizing the architectural gems here in Pottstown and continuing to invest in the Borough’s future!

“Buy Local” spirit is at heart of PDIDA, WBZH and this month’s Happy Hour

The “Buy Local” movement is sweeping across the country and it has arrived in Pottstown like a force from Mother Nature. So, what does it mean to “buy local?” It’s pretty simple: By shifting even a fraction of your spending to locally-owned businesses in your hometown, you are supporting the employment base, the tax base, the school system, and your neighbors and friends. And, when the word gets out that there is support for local businesses from area residents, Pottstown could become a more attractive place for those considering expanding or opening up a new business.

During the month of May, the Pottstown School District and the Pottstown Downtown Improvement District Authority, otherwise known as PDIDA (puh-dee-duh), have teamed up to help Pottstown flex its economic muscle with a “Buy Local” competition in the school district. All the schools and the administration are competing to see who can spend the most money during the month of May in the PDIDA district. PDIDA encompasses High Street from York to Evans Streets and Hanover and Charlotte Streets from Queen to King Streets. Students, staff and their families are shopping in those areas, getting a receipt, asking the merchant for a “Buy Local” sticker for the receipt and then turning it in at a School District building. In just two weeks, more than $16,000 was spent in the downtown! See Evan Brandt’s article here.

Did you know that there’s another Buy Local wave rolling through the region?

Local radio station WBZH, The Buzz (1370 AM), has been living and breathing the “buy local” philosophy 24/7 since February, when they announced that “buying local” would be the essence behind everything they do.

While their programming has always included local voices and up-to-the-minute local news and coverage, they have come up with advertising packages with customizable options that fit every business budget. They even offer free “buy local” taglines that you can record, along with your business name and location, to get the word out about the importance of supporting the people who are working and making an investment in your community.

We are bringing these two entities together for the next Positively!Pottstown Happy Hour, taking place tomorrow, Friday, May 18 from 5-7 pm at the PDIDA office at 17 N. Hanover Street. WBZH will be broadcasting the “Suki Says!” show live from 4-7 pm. Come out to network and meet local folks who are running businesses and trying to support local business, arts and culture in Pottstown every day. A $5 cover charge will get you food from Giuseppe’s, a new Italian restaurant and pizza place at 864 E. High Street; chocolate-dipped pretzels by Sugar High, a new sweet shoppe at 250 E. High Street; and complimentary beverages.

To rsvp, send an email to positivelypottstown@gmail.com; we also won’t turn anyone away at the door, so just stop by to get your weekend started right, right here at home, keeping it local.

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