Category: Revitalization

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!

 

Next Positively Pottstown Happy Hour this Friday

You are cordially invited to

come in from the cold and meet old friends and new at The Party ReduX Brand Store, a full-service party and event planning company in downtown Pottstown.

Jeffery Jackson and his team welcome you to their location at 205 E. High Street
from 5-7 pm to sample stellar hors d’oeuvres and get your weekend started!
As usual: $5 cover for appetizers; beverages complimentary.
RSVP 
ASAP
to
positivelypottstown@gmail.com

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

Still shopping? Unique gifts can be found in downtown Pottstown.

Farmers' Market, High & Charlotte

Procrastinator that I am, I got a huge amount of shopping done on  just a couple of blocks of High Street yesterday afternoon. The Gallery on High… Weitzenkorn’s… Fine Wine & Good Spirits… and The Farmers’ Market. Yes, the Farmers’ Market vendors have gift certificates so you can give the gift of fresh, local food. Stop in to see Grumpy’s Sandwiches, Freeland Market, J&H Produce, Mosteller’s Seafood, Wegman’s Deli, and Pottstown Florist. You might want to wind up your shopping at Weitzenkorn’s; they were serving wine and cheese and they provide free gift wrapping. They’ve got a beautiful selection, knowledgeable and friendly service, and some items were reduced 40%!

There are many other shopping options throughout town… Company Cakes on Charlotte Street, gift certificates to restaurants like Henry’s, Funky Lil Kitchen, the Brickhouse, and Juan Carlos Fine Mexican. How about a gift certificate from Belle Rouge or Emilie’s or something special for that special someone from Jean’s Lingerie? And don’t forget The Milkman Lunch Company & Cake Shoppe, tickets to the Tri-PAC, or lessons from High Street Music Company and The Ballroom on High!

Don’t forget to check out the websites and give a call to confirm hours today, Christmas Eve!

Busy, busy holiday weekend in Pottstown

There are so many holiday activities taking place this weekend. I’ll highlight a few here. Please check out the calendar for the details, and take a look at The Mercury’s coverage of all the happenings.

Get out this morning for the Doe Club’s annual Cookie Walk and Soup Sale being held in the lobby of the Elks Lodge, 61 High Street, from 9:00 AM to 12 noon. 

Edgewood Cemetery is holding a wreath sale at 9:30 this morning at the cemetery (High & Keim Streets).

A Cash Mob is meeting at The Farmers’ Market at 10 am. Bring $20 to spend at the downtown business of your choice. BUY LOCAL!

On the entertainment side, there’s the Coventry Singers concert, TriPAC’s “A Christmas Story,” and the Ballroom on High’s Christmas Showcase.

There’s a full schedule of events and family fun at the Carousel, Pottsgrove Manor and the Hill School on Sunday too. Check out the calendar here!

 

Pottstown Shopping & Entertainment Guide: Arts & Entertainment

The arts are thriving in Pottstown! Here are some places to check out not only for show tickets,  but also for unique, hand-crafted pottery and jewelry, musical instruments,  and gift certificates for music, dancing, and acting classes. Please let us know of additional arts-related shops and venues; we’ll add them to the line-up.

Don’t be shy: support the inner artist in your child and yourself!

Tri-CountyPerforming Arts Center (TriPAC) has a full line-up of performing arts programming, hows and classes. A Christmas Story will run Dec. 1-18. A gift certificate will let that special someone choose what they want. TriPAC is putting on a new facade; don’t be deterred by the construction fencing! You will be blown away when it’s unveiled this spring. Their building used to be J. J. Newberry’s Department Store; my mom had her first job there! TriPAC is located at 245 E. High Street, Pottstown, PA 19464. Phone: 610-970-1199

 The Gallery on High is home to local artists – paintings, glassware, pottery, jewelry, scarves handmade soaps. If you want something that’s one-of-a-kind, you must go here! There’s also a custom framing shop inside for that special photo or painting that needs just the right frame. Peace: The Annual Holiday Show is running now through Jan. 7.  They are located at 254 E. High Street, Pottstown, PA 19464. Did you know that a well-known portrait photographer from the late 19th century – Isaac Lachman – once used this building as his Pottstown studio? Hours: Tues.-Fri., 10-4:40 pm; Saturday 10-3. Phone: 610-326-2506.

The Gallery School of Pottstown offers a wide array of classes for all ages and can host your next party. (I can’t wait to teach some creative writing classes there this spring!) Maybe there’s someone in your life who would like to explore a new facet of the arts? Check out their schedule here.  They are located on the second floor of 245 E. High Street, above The Gallery on High.

Know anyone who wants to take their musical development a little further? High Street Music Company offers instruction for brass, woodwinds, strings, guitar, bass, piano and drums. Check out their family discount, holiday specials and the coupons on their website! Know anyone who wants to finally record the EP that will break their career wide open?  High Street Music also has state-of-the-art microphones and digital equipment. They’re at 135 E. High Street (next to Bistro 137 and across from Borough Hall.) Phone: 610-906-3357.

For music instrument sales and rentals, stop in at Ben’s Music within Downtown Records and Tapes at 53 N. Charlotte Street, at the intersection with King Street. They also do instrument repairs. Their hours are: Mon. – Thurs., 10am – 5:30 pm; Fri., 10 am – 8 pm; Sat., 10 am – 4 pm; closed Sunday.

For the dancer in all of us and when you just gotta move, the Ballroom on High is THE place to be! SwingKat Entertainment hosts weekly dances and gives lessons in ballroom , country, salsa, and swing. Their 300-person venue in a historic building at 310 E. High Street is also available for weddings, birthday parties, business meetings, or funeral receptions.  For sure, check it out on Dec. 9th and attend the Come As You Art Ball, hosted by MOSAIC Community Land Trust and PDIDA.

Schuylkill Valley Regional Dance Company is in 40th year, exposing kids age 7 and older to dance. This year once again they will perform The Nutcracker Ballet. The show goes on at The Hill School Center for the Arts on Dec. 3 and 4. Go to their website for more details and tickets.

For free concerts that can become part of your family’s traditions, check out the Coventry Singers in concert on Saturday, Dec. 10 ; Reading Choral Society at Emmanuel Lutheran on Sunday, Dec. 11; and the Hill School’s Lessons and Carols in Alumni Memorial Chapel on Sunday, Dec. 11. Details can be found on the Positively!Pottstown calendar.

Downtown Pottstown ready for shoppers today and Sunday!

Pottstown residents, supporters and the Pottstown Downtown Improvement District Authority (PDIDA) are encouraging shoppers throughout the region to put Pottstown’s retail, dining, and entertainment businesses on their lists this holiday season.

Today From 10 am – 1 pm, a “Holiday Shopping March” has been organized to facilitate visitors coming downtown to get some shopping done while supporting the LOCAL economy. Here’s what the organizers have to say:

Meet up at Bistro 137 – 137 E. High St. at 10:00am
Event facilitator will be available there until 11:15.

Relaxation at The Brick House, 152 E. High St,
will begin after 1:00pm.
Reservations under Shopping MeetUp

In support of your local economy and in coordination with Occupy Pottstown, We cordially invite you to join us for a Holiday Shopping March. Your day will begin at a predetermined location where you will meet the local facilitators of the event. You will be given information on the merchants in the area and details on any other events which may be occurring. You will also be asked to help us promote a positive image of Occupy Pottstown. You may, or may not, oblige by wearing a pin and/or distributing educational materials.

Then you are free to shop, browse, spread the word or simply enjoy the social aspects of the day by strolling the High Street Shopping District, solo or with others. You are invited to end your day by relaxing with the group in a noncommittal environment at a pre-selected restaurant.

It is becoming increasingly harder for small, local businesses and artisans to survive in the corporate climate of this nation. We ask for you to please put aside any bias or preconceived notions you may have and join us in the fight to bring America back to the People.
Thank you, in advance, for your consideration and cooperation.

Happy Holidays and Blessed Be to you and yours.

PDIDA is hosting another Super Sunday tomorrow, November 27th from noon-4 pm. Here’s the lowdown from PDIDA:

Downtown Pottstown will host “Super Sunday” on Sunday, November 27th.  Sheila Dugan, the Chairman of Pottstown Downtown Improvement District Authority (PDIDA), is inviting all to help celebrate National Support Small Business Day.  Many downtown merchants will have their doors open to take part in the celebration from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m.  The Farmer’s Market will host a number of crafters and special deals will be found at Grumpy’s, Freeland Meats, and J. & H. Produce.  There will be many activities for youngsters including face painting and a visit to the Santa house as it is being decorated for the upcoming holiday season.

            The Farmer’s Market will also be hosting “The Giving Tree” for Head Start.  Donations of food and clothing will be greatly appreciated.

            The Second Brigade Motorcycle Club will be displaying their bikes in the parking lot of Sovereign Bank on the 200 block of High Street.  They will be collecting food and clothing items to be donated to families of members of the military.  They will also accept gift cards to supermarkets and coupons for free turkeys.  The Second Brigade Motorcycle Club supports veterans and members of the military who every day put their life on the line to preserve our freedoms.

            Also featured will be the tree decorating contest which will have the winners’ named on December 18th.  Sponsor of the winning entry will receive $500.00 for their organization.

            Free trolley rides with stops at the  100, 200 and 300 blocks of  High Street will be available during Super Sunday.  Additional shops opened will include Lastick Furniture, Cole’s Tobacco, Tri-PAC, Memories N More, Argento’s Pizza, Laserworx, Juan Carlos, Rich Ranieri, Weitzenkorn’s, Christian Reading Room, Bistro 137, Old World Barber Shop, and the High Street Music Company.

             Super Sunday is the kickoff to events throughout December including:

  • December 2nd is a visit by Santa Claus and the traditional candy toss.
  • December 4th the Parks and Recreation Department will be sponsoring the 5K Santa Run and Bark for Life event.
  • December 9th is Mosaic and PDIDA Holiday Ball.
  • December 11th is Santa Open House.
  • December 18th is the Holiday Brunch with many local restaurants participating.

            For more information contact SheilaDugan@comcast.net.

Positively Pottstown calendar is back up!

The Positively Pottstown calendar of Christmas concerts, performances, historical events, happy hours, craft and bake sales, and much more is here to help you plan your holiday shopping and entertainment!

Fun for the whole family starts with the Twelfth Night tours, which begin today at Pottsgrove Manor and continue until January 8th during regular museum hours: Tues.-Sat. 10 am to 4 pm; Sun. 1 to 4 pm

Get your gift-buying underway with a shopping march set for downtown Pottstown tomorrow (meet at Bistro 137, 137 E. High Street.) And take advantage of Sunday shopping as Pottstown offers another “Super Sunday” this Sunday, with free, fun activities for the kids at the Farmers’ Market.

Over the next 24 hours, I’ll be putting up several posts to let you know, or remind you, of all that Pottstown’s restaurants, retailers, and arts venues have to offer this holiday season. Stay tuned!

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