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?

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

Juan Carlos now open for Sunday brunch!

Juan Carlos is now officially open for Sunday brunch, every Sunday from 9am to 1pm! Their breakfast menu – a special blend of the classic, the Hispanic, and a few of our own creations – features 12 delicious items, made fresh to order. Stop in and try:


-the decadent Breakfast Chili Relleno: the classic poblano pepper stuffed with scrambled eggs, chorizo, and mixed cheeses, and served with a side of home fries.

Triple Berry Toast: a favorite for anyone with a sweet tooth! This dish showcases warm ciabatta bread sandwiching Nutella-cream cheese filling, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries, and topped with our homemade icing.

-the ever-popular Vegetable Frittata: featuring mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, onions and jalapeños, and served with a side of home fries.

But keep in mind, folks, that this is only a sample of what they have to offer! Stop in this Sunday – and every Sunday afterwards! Juan Carlos Fine Mexican Restaurant is located at 235 E. High Street, Pottstown, PA 19464. Their number is 484-624-4931.

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.

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 HighWeitzenkorn’sFine 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!

Triple chocolate souffle absolutely divine at Juan Carlos in Pottstown

This past Tuesday night I found myself briefly transported to heaven. One minute I was sitting at a table in Juan Carlos Fine Mexican Cuisine at 235 E. High Street in downtown Pottstown, the next I was experiencing a form of transcendence. I had finished my chicken fajitas, chef Ron Garza’s mouth-watering combination of seared chicken and smoky, slightly spicy grilled onions and peppers. I’ve been to Juan Carlos many times, but for some reason, this was the first time I’d had the fajitas and they were outstanding.

I was, however, really looking forward to one of the dessert specials – the Triple Chocolate Souffle. I hadn’t indulged in a decadent dessert in quite some time, but when Casey, my friendly and attentive server, described it, I couldn’t resist.  Chef Garza needs about twenty minutes’ notice to make this dessert, and I placed my order for it when I ordered my food.

When the souffle arrived it looked like this: chocolate ice cream on the left, a dollop of whipped cream in the middle, and a small, round chocolate cake on the right. All of it was drizzled with chocolate sauce. After my first small bite of the cake, I thought, “Okay….” and let the flavors blossom. It is best to take one’s time – to live in the present – when one is on the verge of the miraculous.

Then the second bite… when the dark chocolate center started oozing out, I had what I can only describe as a dessert flashback to a very similar-looking chocolate souffle I once had in a hotel restaurant in Montreal more than a decade earlier. That second bite consisted  of the chocolate lava and the cake, and my heart leapt with hope. Could it be? Yes, it was! It was even more wondrous than that distant memory. Time lost all meaning then as I greedily prepared one spoonful after another of different combinations of the lava, the cake, the whipped cream, and the ice cream. It saddens me deeply to report that I left a few bites on my plate; I was so completely stuffed that it would have been unwise to finish. And yet… and yet I am still filled with regret two days later.

If you have any affection for chocolate, I urge you to call ahead to Juan Carlos Fine Mexican at 484-624-4931, find out if the Triple Chocolate Souffle is available, and then hustle over there, settle in and get set for your own trip to heaven, before it’s too late. 

Family fun in Pottstown this afternoon

This afternoon at 3 pm is your last chance to take the family to A CHRISTMAS STORY at the Tri-County Performing Arts Center, 254 E. High St., Pottstown. This is a classic holiday tale of the mischievous, be-speckled young boy, Ralphie, who dreams of getting a BB-gun for Christmas. In the weeks before the big holiday, Ralphie and his friends and family get into all kinds of sticky situations – including a bully with yellow eyes, a tongue stuck to a lamp post, a bar of soap in the mouth, a garish major award, and a Chinese Christmas dinner. Based on the humorist Jean Shepherd’s novel “In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash”, A CHRISTMAS STORY is the perfect holiday treat for the whole family! Tickets are $21 for adults, $19 for seniors and students, and $15 for children 12 & under.

And Twelfth Night Tours at Pottsgrove Manor are running through Sun., Jan. 8 during regular museum hours, which are Tues.-Sat. 10 am to 4 pm and Sun. 1 to 4 pm. Learn about traditional colonial celebrations of Twelfth Night. Pottsgrove Manor is at 100 W. King Street, near Route 100 in Pottstown. There is a $2/person suggested donation.

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