Juan Carlos dinner specials and don’t forget Sunday brunch!

This weekend Juan Carlos is featuring some truly special dishes in addition to their regular menu. Also, don’t forget that Juan Carlos is open for Sunday Brunch between 9am and 1pm! Juan Carlos is a BYOB restaurant located at 235 E. High Street, Pottstown, PA 19464. Their number is 484/624-4931. Visit them on the web at jcmexicanfood.com.

DINNER SPECIALS

Appetizers

*Fried calamari a la Mexicana – lightly fried calamari served with a traditional ranchero sauce (mild to spicy), lime wedges and pico de gallo. $12-

*Chorizo Quesadilla– A large flour tortilla stuffed with chorizo, grilled peppers, pico de gallo and mixed Mexican cheeses. $11-

 Entrées

*Fideo de Diablo– Brazilian sausage and grilled Mexican shrimp served with an extra virgin olive oil, fresh tomato, spicy Spanish paprika, red pepper flakes, capers, olives and feta cheese; served over pasta.  $18-  (Please advise server on “Heat” preference.)

*Jalisco Style Broiled Flounder– Lightly spiced broiled flounder topped with our traditional tomatillo sauce, cilantro, lime wedge and pico de gallo.  Served with rice, Cuban style beans and corn tortillas. $16  (Typically this style of fish is eaten in a taco).

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.

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.

 


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.

Exercising on a Budget: Making an impact without making a big investment

Editor’s note: This article is another in a series from the Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation about making healthy lifestyle choices on a budget. 

EXERCISING ON A BUDGET:

MAKING AN IMPACT WITHOUT MAKING A BIG INVESTMENT

By: David Kraybill, Executive Director, Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation

Are you one of those individuals who can easily find an excuse not to exercise? I had to do this. I had to do that. I have my kids. I’m tired. It’s dark out. It’s not in my budget to join a gym or buy expensive equipment. Well, you can cross that last one off your list of excuses—you can exercise if you’re on a budget and you don’t have to join a gym or invest big bucks. In fact, there are so many low-cost or free ways to exercise, by yourself or with your family, you may start to find those other excuses are no longer necessary.

According to the guidelines from the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services, individuals should have at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity to reduce the risk of chronic diseases in adulthood. So, you may be pleasantly surprised to find out how often and affordably you can fit exercise into your day and reach your 30 minute minimum without trying too hard or changing too much of your routine.

Everyday Exercises

Start small. Did you know that you can turn almost your entire day into an exercise routine? Consider:

• Using the self-check out at stores – not only is it faster, but scanning and bagging your

own groceries is more movement than you would normally get when using the regular

check-out lane.

• Taking the steps instead of the elevator – sound familiar? That’s because it works. If

you’re on the 25th floor, start small – go up a few flights and add more flights as you

progress.

• Cleaning your house – yes, you get exercise every time you vacuum, scrub the floor,

and polish the furniture—30 minutes of housework can burn up to 215 calories!

• Doing squats or lunges while brushing your teeth or waiting for the microwave.

• Balancing on one leg while drying your hair, shaving or putting makeup on.

• Doing exercises during commercials while watching your nightly TV—ab crunches,

squats, “jump” rope, march in place.

• Mowing the lawn and weeding the garden in spring and summer, and raking the leaves

and shoveling the snow during fall and winter.

• Parking in the farthest away space so you have a longer walk to the store.

 

Free Exercises

Perhaps you are interested in more structured exercise, not just what you can fit in where you can. There are many FREE things you can do to get started. Try:

• Walking or jogging – still the best bargain there is. However, the one investment you do

want to make is in good athletic shoes.

• Putting on some music and dancing.

• Going online and finding free workouts on YouTube.com

• Finding an exercise program on TV.

• Checking out exercise DVDs from your local library.

• Hiking and biking – check out http://www.missionhealthyliving.org for local parks, bike trails

and hiking spots in our local area. (Check out local parks at the Parks & Rec page at PositivelyPtown.com, too!)

• Strength training – using just your body as resistance. Try squats, lunges, calf raises,

push ups, tricep dips and crunches. Not sure how? Look it up on YouTube.

• Scouting around in your basement or garage for old fitness equipment that you may

have purchased long ago, but forgot about. You may find a basketball, tennis racket,

Frisbee, paddle ball games, baseballs, step equipment, etc. that you can begin to use

again.

 

Low-Budget At-Home Gyms

Having an at-home gym does not mean you have to invest in a costly machine. There are many ways to build a gym at home that will not set your budget back. Consider:

• Making your own weights from full soup cans, laundry detergent bottles and water

bottles; milk or orange juice jugs filled with sand; and PVC pipes filled with sand.

• Seeking out used equipment from garage sales, relatives or friends, Craigslist,

Play it Again Sports stores and Ebay.

• Making a modest investment in versatile, but inexpensive equipment: medicine ball,

jump rope, dumbbell set, resistance tubing, exercise/stability ball, mirror, step bench.

 

Other Options

Finally, just when you think there cannot possibly be more choices to exercising on a budget—good news, there is! Consider:

• Seeking out low-cost, local fitness classes that are not associated with a gym.

A Fresh Start Fitness has a number of workout choices, and the Ballroom on High

offers Zumba classes.

• Starting a fitness class at work if you have the interest and the room—kettlebells,

Zumba, yoga, etc. There are many local trainers and teachers who may be looking to

teach extra classes. The more people you get, the less expensive it will be!

• Starting a fitness class at work, not with a trainer, but with a DVR player. Take turns

bringing in your fitness DVDs and get moving.

• Looking into low-cost gym options. Planet Fitness offers a membership for only $10

a month and the YWCA also has low-cost options.

Above all else, exercise should be fun—if it is, you are more likely to do it on a regular basis. If you need motivation, buddy up with a friend or involve your family. And now you know there are many different inexpensive and free choices for exercise that will not impact your budget, but will have a big impact on your health. Get started today!

About the Foundation – The Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation’s mission is to enhance the health and wellness of area residents, providing education, funding and programs that motivate people to adopt healthy lifestyles. Visit www.pottstownfoundation.org for more information about the Foundation. Discover Pottstown area’s online community at www.missionhealthyliving.org to learn and share great information on how to lead a healthier life!

Great Clips holding fundraiser

The owners of Great Clips of Pottstown (across from Wal-Mart) are holding a Cuts for Cancer Cut-a-thon on Sunday, February 5th from 10 am – 4 pm to raise funds for Victoria, a 5-year-old with a brain tumor.

Great Clips is located at:

 223 Shoemaker Road, # 112
Pottstown, PA 19464
610-340-2756

See the Cuts.for.Cancer.Flyer for more information on how to help Victoria and her family meet medical expenses.

You can also learn more by visiting the website Victory4Victoria.org.

Save the date for 2nd Annual Pottstown Cluster golf tournament

Save The Date!

The 2nd Annual Pottstown Cluster Charity golf tournament will take place on Thursday, May 10th with a noon tee-off!

This event features a shotgun scramble format, putting contest, prizes, lunch, reception & dinner.

Men, women, golfers and duffers are all invited to have a super time while raising funds for disadvantaged children and their families in our community. 
Remember, if you register your foursome under your church, you are eligible to compete for the “Church Challenge Cup” (won last year by Mercy &Truth Synagogue!)

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