Tag: Pottstown

MOSAIC Community Land Trust & Gallery on High put out call to artists

MOSAIC, The Pottstown Community Land Trust and The Gallery on High are proud to announce an open call to artists for a juried logo design competition and exhibit.  The winning design will be selected as the logo for The Pottstown Community Land Trust, and $500 will be awarded to the artist. Submissions may be in 2D or 3D in any media; all submissions must include a mosaic-styled image and must be original to the artist submitting.

Pottstown is in the midst of revitalization. Its history is tied to the river, the steel industry, Mrs. Smith’s Pies and manufacturing. Charming 18th & 19th century architecture lines its streets. The ARTS and INNOVATION are key to the sustainability of Pottstown’s renaissance. Artists’ designs should bring out the many meanings of “mosaic” for Pottstown:

  • bringing together a multi-faceted, multi-hued community;
  • putting broken shards together to create a thing of beauty;
  • and recognizing the rough-around-the-edges nature ofPottstown’s past.

In exchange for the prize of $500 and recognition in a press release, the winning artist will relinquish his/her rights to the chosen image to the Pottstown Community Land Trust for them to use as their logo in their branding and marketing efforts. The show will be exhibited the week of September 2, 2011, and the winner will be announced on September 7 at a reception being held from 7-9PM. Other important dates, deadlines and entry forms are shown below.

After the announcement of the winner, The Gallery on High will invite the public to vote on their favorite “Mosaic” image. The “People’s Favorite” will be announced at Pottstown’s OPEN DOORS EVENT on September 10 at 2PM at the Gallery on High.

MOSAIC, The Pottstown Community Land Trust is a local non-profit corporation dedicated to increasing affordable homeownership opportunities inPottstown, developing a community garden at 423 Chestnut Street, and empowering residents to participate in the improvement of their own neighborhoods. Collaboration is the key to their efforts to create long-lasting change, and they are already partnering with local businesses, volunteers, Pottstown School District, Pottstown Borough and other community organizations, such as The Gallery and Genesis Housing Corporation. For the past six months, MOSAIC has been working with a nationally-recognized expert in community land trusts, thanks to a grant from National Penn Bank. For more information, check out their website: PottstownCLT.wordpress.com

Important info for MOSAIC artists

Registration Form

Inventory Sheet

Drop off of art/entries:  Monday, August 29 from 11 AM-1 PM and from 6-8 PM

Exhibit dates: September 2 – 10 at The Gallery on High

Reception:  Wednesday, September 7 from 7-9 PM

Pick-up of art:  Monday, September 12 from 6-7:30 PM or Tuesday September 13 from 11 AM-1 PM

MCCC Begins Phase II on Riverfront Center

I recently received the following press release from Montgomery County Community College and added the photo so readers would know what building is being renovated.

140 College Drive

 

June 15, 2011, Pottstown, Pa.—As residents of Pottstown and its surrounding communities head to theSchuylkill River and its trails for recreation this summer, they will see a flurry of activity at 140 College Drive – the future home of the Riverfront Academic and Heritage Center.

Montgomery County Community College is currently in phase II of the renovation that will transform the facility, commonly referred to as “the old PECO building,” into a state-of-the-art educational center. Phase II work includes improvements to the building’s infrastructure and exterior envelope, including the installation of sustainable features that will support LEED certification.

Specifically, phase II will include replacement of the building’s aged, leaking roof with an eco-friendly green roof, along with the installation of energy efficient windows. A new entrance and handicap-accessible ramp will also be created. Phase II work is slated for completion in September.

When funding becomes available, phase III work will focus on the building’s interior, including the development of classrooms, offices and student spaces. A variety of sponsorship and funding opportunities are available to help bring the proposed Riverfront Academic and Heritage Center to fruition. To learn more, visit www.mc3.edu/giving or call the College’s Foundation at 215-641-6535.

The completed Center will provide space for four college classrooms equipped with SMART technology, a state-of-the-art laboratory that will support the College’s Environmental Science degree program, and an interpretive center that will provide educational, historic and tourist information about the Schuylkill River Heritage Area (SRHA).

In May 2010, the College completed phase I of the project by renovating the site’s parking lot. Renovations included removing contaminated soil, installing underground drainage facilities, adding clean fill, installing a blacktop cap to protect the groundwater table, and constructing three bio-retention basins to capture stormwater runoff. Installation of LED lighting and the placement of more than 130 trees, shrubs and bushes make the lot more sustainable.

The building at 140 College Drive served the Pottstown community as an electrical generating station starting in 1911.  After sitting vacant for a number of years, the building and three-acre site were purchased by the Borough of Pottstown. The College secured ownership of the site in April 2009, and enjoys a unique partnership with the SRHA, which leases office space in the building.

J.O.B. Design & Construction and Hetrick Gardens

Better late than never! Here are some photos from Positively!Pottstown’s May Happy Hour, hosted by Johnny and Pam O’Boyle of J.O.B. Design & Construction and Halo Energy. Their office is located at 64 N. Hanover Street in a beautifully renovated building that was Dr. Gaffney’s home and office for many years.

We had a wonderful time with food by Karen and Chris Foster of Positively Pasta (115 E. High Street, 484-945-1007) and tours available to see the beautiful original woodwork and craftsmanship of the renovation by John and his crews.

The colorful planters at the front door were provided by Hetrick Gardens, which is run by Matt Hetrick. His landscape and nursery center is located at 2620 Swamp Pike, Pottstown, PA. They’re on the web at www.hetrickgardens.com.

Thanks again to everyone who made this another fine gathering!!

What’s on tap in Pottstown – June 24

Bees, Butterflies, Beaches and Bridges: The Gallery On High’s Summer Member Show Is running now through August 13th. The Gallery on High is located at254 E. High Street. Their hours are: Tuesday – Friday from 10am to 4:30pm, Saturday from 10am to 3pm. They’re closed on Sunday and Monday. For more info, visit their website: www. GalleryonHigh.com.

This next event might not be right in Pottstown, but if you’re in the mood for some good, old-fashioned polka fun, oldies, country, big band music – whatever – get yourself over to the band shell at Sanatoga Park for the Bill Koss Combo, this Sunday night, June 26th, beginning at 6 pm. I have to give a shout-out to the Kosses because my dad used to play trumpet at gigs with their founder “Itchy” Koss when I was growing up. And the Positively Pottstown blog featured Sanatoga Park in last fall’s Parks & Rec Series, sponsored by the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation. Lower Pottsgrove puts on a 6-week summer concert series at Sanatoga Park with Exelon Nuclear again sponsoring this year. For the whole line-up, check out the Township’s website at www.lowerpottsgrove.org.

Next Thursday, June 30, the Pottstown Regional Public Library will host a performance of the Ill Style and Peace Dance Troupe. The event starts at 4 pm and is open to all. The Library is at500 E High St. See their website for more news about this and other summer events and programming for all ages. Their website is www.ppl.mclinc.org

When you’re ready to unwind on this Saturday night or any Saturday night, head on over to Sunnybrook Ballroom for their weekly “Hot Summer Nights” at The Tiki Hut. There are drink specials, music and dancing for the 21 and over crowd. Sunnybrook is located at 50 N. Sunnybrook Rd, Pottstown. Check out all their upcoming music and entertainment at www.sunnybrookballroom.net.

Pottstown’s weekend at a glance

Peter Pan, A Musical Adventure is in its final days at the Tri-County Peforming Arts Center! It runs through this Sunday, June 19. TriPAc is located at 245 E. High Street, Pottstown, PA 19464. This is the U.S. premier of a new version of Peter Pan, and, yes, it’s happening right here in Pottstown. Go to TrIPAC.org to order our tickets online now. You won’t want to miss it!

Get out of the gate early on Saturday, June 18 and check out the Pottstown Soap Box Derby race, sponsored by the Ambucs. It will take place on the Wilson Street hill off Farmington Avenue. Area kids will compete for the chance to run in the All-American Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio.

A Summer Solstice Celebration is happening at Smith Plaza tomorrow, June 18. It includes The Gallery School’s community yard sale and lots of live music. WPAZ will be broadcasting live from 10-noon. The Celebration also includes the 2nd Annual PottsMUTTster Dog Show from 9:00am to 2:00pm at Smith Family Plaza, right in front of Borough Hall in Pottstown, PA. Bring your pooch and compete for such honors as Best Singing Mutt and Best Mystery Mutt. REGISTRATION is from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. EVENTS take place from 11:00am to 2:00 pm. It all benefits the Montgomery County SPCA.

Also taking place tomorrow at Pottstown’s Riverfront Park is the 2nd Annual 5K/1M Race to Shelter the Homeless sponsored by Wings of Victory Outreach Corp. Riverfront Park is located at 140 College Drive.

Registration starts at 7:30am – Race starts at 8:30am. There’s a $30 registration fee – Moms & Dads with strollers are welcome!

Contact email: wings.victory@yahoo.com or visit their website at www.wingsofvictoryoutreach.org

Wings of Victory Outreach Corp. was formed to provide housing and life skills training for homeless or near homeless individuals. They offer a holistic approach and give a hand up by offering programs that develop self sufficiency through housing, employment, education, and character building. Participants gain the skills needed to function responsibly and effectively in daily life.  

And when you’re ready to unwind on Saturday night, head on over to Sunnybrook Ballroom for their weekly “Hot Summer Nights” at The Tiki Hut. There are drink specials, music and dancing for the 21 and over crowd. Sunnybrook is located at50 N. Sunnybrook Rd,Pottstown. Check out all their upcoming music and entertainment at http://www.sunnybrookballroom.net.

Another happy Happy Hour

OMG. YUM.
A huge thank you to Tom Abbott, Nancy March and The Mercury for hosting yesterday’s Happy Hour; it was one of the best. Seems their Community Media Lab was just the right size to cause about 60-70 people to literally rub elbows, meet new folks and network.

The gorgeous food shown in these pictures was provided by Chef Michael Falcone and his Funky Lil’ Kitchen… Cucumber with salmon, shots of strawberry soup with a drizzle of creme fraiche, hummus, white bean bruschetta, little dollops of goat cheese on puff pastry and more, every bite a sophisticated taste sensation.

We were also treated to a donation of beer by Sly Fox Brewery. They’re new to Pottstown, moving their brewing operation to the Circle of Progress in the Pottstown Airport Business Center. See The Mercury’s story from today’s paper here. Thank you, John Giannopoulos, and welcome to Pottstown!

I still need to confirm the location of the next Happy Hour, but the date is set: Friday, July 15 at 5 pm. Hope to see you then!

Schuylkill River Sojourn: A Day on the “Hidden River”

Tuesday night, June 14… This time last week I was collapsing in a recliner in my parents’ living room, recovering from a 13.7 mile paddle down the Schuylkill River from Gibralter to Pottstown’s Riverfront Park. And I was happy as a clam. (What makes clams so happy, anyway?)

I’d gotten up at the ungodly hour of 4:30am and was on the road by 5am from New Jersey to the launch in Birdsboro. I’d only ever done some recreational paddling a few times when visiting friends in Canada the past few summers, and just figured I’d tough it out for one day. How bad could it be?

After fortifying myself with a few pancakes provided by the Cumru Township Lions Club, catching up with Tom Carroll, my consulting partner on Pottstown’s Heritage Action Plan, and his brother Mike, and meeting Carol DeWolf, Director of the Schuylkill Highlands Conservation Landscape Intitiative, and Dennis DeMara from PA’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, it was time to get into a kayak and literally test the waters.

I immediately drifted out into a part of the river where the current was pulling me downstream. I saw all the other paddlers patiently waiting for everyone to get into their boats, while I spun in circles and paddled furiously to keep from getting too far from the group. After 10 minutes, I was ready to call it quits for the day.

But, as would happen throughout the morning, until I got a little more instinctive with my paddle and kayak, someone knowledgeable would float over to me and offer me pointers and they had an immediate impact. By mid-morning, I was moving steadily down river with Mike from Spring City, and later joined by his brother-in-law, Mark. They were doing the entire Sojourn; it was their first time. Turns out Mike just started paddling last fall, and he’s hooked. He talked about living near the river all his life and really just discovering it recently. He’s gone so far as to buy his own camping gear, kayak and paddle – I rented mine from HRO Outfitters – and he’s been known to put in at the Spring City boat launch on the spur of the moment for a cruise on the river.

It was like this all day long – meeting friendly people, many of whom were also first-timers like me. The “experts” who floated past always had a new piece of advice for ne, and I appreciated all of it. There are plenty of paddling and certified safety professionals on the Sojourn, so you’re always in very safe company. Next year I definitely want to add at least a few days. The Schuylkill River Sojourn runs for 7 days and 6 nights; participants can do one day or the whole week. They can camp by the river or find other accommodations. The food is outstanding. We had an amazing candlelit lunch of fried chicken, pasta salad, freshly cut apples and Rita’s water ice at Morlatton Village, along with a short talk about planting native species in your Pennsylvania garden. And dinner by Bause-Landry Catering in Riverfront Park was out of this world: cornbread, fresh salads, Portabella mushroom chili (as well as the meat variety), and a massive chocolate chip cookie. I think I also wolfed down a few other things that are escaping me now…

My first time in the Schuylkill River, ever, was this past January 1st for Pottstown’s Parks & Rec Polar Bear Plunge. Now that I’ve had this kayak experience – where my whole perspective on what the river has meant to this region, since way, way back has been totally awakened – I’m looking forward to getting out there more often. It is peaceful and other-worldly and right in your own backyard. But boy was I glad to come around the bend, arms acquiver,see the Hanover Street Bridge and know that I was home.

Tom Carroll and I meet up in Riverfront Park

For $1/minute, I had a brief massage under the pavilion by Angela Wagner of the Academy of Massage Therapy and Bodyworks, located at 141 High Street in Pottstown. That definitely set the right tone for my recovery over the next couple of days.

If you want to experience the Schuylkill River Trail and River in a “peddle and paddle” event, check out the program that’s taking place on June 25th, sponsored by the Schuylkill River Heritage Area. It’s filling up fast, so sign up today!

First Baptist Church

The First Baptist Church of Pottstown is fully inclusive, community friendly and mission-based.

They are affiliated with American Baptist Churches, USA

Senior Pastor: Rev. Dr. Marvin Marsh

Associate Pastor for Member Support: Rev. Mary Etta Mest

First Baptist Church
301 E. King Street (at intersection with Charlotte Street)
Pottstown, PA 19464
Phone: 610-326-2273
email: PottstownFBC@aol.com

Pottstown calendar highlights for the coming week

Peter Pan, A Musical Adventure has opened at Tri-County Peforming Arts Center. I saw the preview performance last night, and it is just spectacular! Children will be enchanted by the flying characters; P.J. Schweizer, who plays Peter Pan, is spot-on and full of mischievous energy througout; and Maddie Aicher, who plays Wendy, has got just the most angelic voice I’ve heard in a long time. The show runs Thursday through Sundays up until June 19. TriPAc is located at 245 E. High Street, Pottstown, PA 19464. This is a new version of Peter Pan and TriPaC is hosting the U. S. Premier. NY critics will be here to check it out. If it moves to Broadway, you’ll be able to say you saw it first… in Pottstown, PA! There’s be an opening night reception tonight, Friday, June 3rd.  Go to TrIPAC.org to order tickets online. Prices are always discounted for students and seniors.

 Tonight is also the opening of The Pottstown Art Show, presented by the Pottstown Area Artists Guild and The Hill School Center for the Arts. The show will be at the Hill’s Boyer Gallery until June 12. This is PAAG’s first juried show, which will raise funds for scholarships for local students who will pursue the arts in college. The PAAG is in its 51st year. See the Artists Guild website at www. Paag.info for more details.

Get a great deal on used books at the Pottstown Regional Public Library‘s Back Door Book Sale today and tomorrow! The library is at 500 E. High Street; the phone number is (610) 970-6551.

This weekend brings the American Cancer Society’s annual Relay for Life to Pottsgrove High School.  Pottstown’s relay for Life teams raise more money than any other area in Pennsylvania and is one of the top performers in the world, last year raising more than $729,000 to fight cancer. The opening ceremony is at 10 am on Saturday, followed by the Survivor and Caregiver Walk. There are other ceremonies in the evening. See Rosemary Keane’s blog post from earlier today for more details.

For the children of Pottstown, a new and exciting event is being held this Saturday from 12-3 in the new Chestnut Street Park at the corner of Chestnut and Washington Streets. It’s called Science in the Park and it promises fun hands-on activities that will get your kids learning new concepts and maybe even wanting to grow up to be a scientist or engineer!  There will be demonstrations on Kitchen Chemistry, Slime and polymers, rocks and minerals and chemical reactions.  A huge shout-out to Pottstown resident Anna Johnson for bringing this wonderful idea to life! More info can be found at vivapottstown.com.

The professional chamber ensemble CANTATICA will return to Emmanuel Lutheran Church,150 North Hanover Street, Pottstown for the final concert of its 2010-2011 concert season on Sunday, June 5, at 4:00 PM. The program, I Hear America Singing: A Celebration of the American Spirit, will feature solo voices, chamber choir and instruments (clarinet, violin, cello, bass and piano) performing early American hymns, Shaker songs, Afro-American spirituals, Appalachian folk songs and fiddle tunes, contemporary classical settings of Civil War texts, and classic jazz. Admission to I Hear America Singing: A Celebration of the American Spirit is $14 Adults, $12 Seniors, and $6 Students. Tickets may be purchased by email at info@cantatica.org, by telephone at 484-951-5113 and at the door.  

Finally, next Thursday, June 9th Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County is holding a Homeownership Orientation Session from 6:30 PM — 8:30 PM at 450 High Street  in the Sidney Pollack Building across the street from the Pottstown Library. For more info, call Jean Ford, Family Services Coordinator at Habitat for Humanity 610-278-7710.

Peter Pan previews tonight at TriPAC

PETER PAN FLIES TO POTTSTOWN!

 The U.S. Premiere of a new version of Peter Pan, A Musical Adventure previews tonight, June 2,  at the Tri-County Performing Arts Center, 245 E. High Street, Pottstown.

Sir James Barrie’s timeless tale of the boy who never grew up is reborn as a spectacular musical by Britain’s Drewe & Stiles with favorite friends Tinker Bell, Wendy, John, Michael, the Lost Boys, Tiger Lilly, and of course, Captain Hook and his band of Pirates!  

The cast includes PJ Schweizer, Madison Aicher, Rebecca Shoemaker, Joe Cieresi, AJ Giruzzi, Connor Kirk, Jason Burke, William Bell, Isabella Rota-Talarico, Emma Russek, Sam Pettine, Josiah Swensen, David Helmer, Ben Williams, AJ Sermarini, Charlie Harrison, Ben Fried, Marc Sherfield, Michael Kiesling, Matt Kiesling, Harrison Stengle, Cletus Stell, Maggie Swahl, Sami Kolb, Taylor Helmers, Patrick Shepherd, Carly Fried, Carrie Thorwarth, Karissa Smith, Sara Helmers, Philip Seader, Adele Morello, Jordan Popky, Lynn Cooper, Madison Devlin, and Al Ulozas.

Here’s what others are saying about Peter Pan: “[A] winner for both adults and children…a truly magical world come to life before our eyes.”– Reviews Gate.com. “The tunes escalate the magic…and makes the already brilliant JM Barrie story all the more sublime.”– Yorkshire Evening Post.

Peter Pan, A Musical Adventure runs June 2-19. It’s the U.S. Premiere of the new version from the creative team behind the Broadway blockbuster, Mary Poppins. Tickets are on sale now at www.tripac.org.  Ticket prices for Thursday performances are $13 for children 12 and under, $17 for students and seniors (65+), and $19 for adults.  Ticket prices for Friday, Saturday and Sunday shows are $15 for children 12 and under, $21 for students and seniors, and $23 for adults.  Groups of 10 or more receive $2 off per ticket when purchased in a single transaction.  Advance ticket sales have been brisk, so get your tickets now! 

ABOUT VILLAGE PRODUCTIONS

Village Productions (the Tri-County Performing Arts Center) is a dynamic non-profit performing arts organization founded in 2001 to make the arts highly accessible to all in the community. Established and led by dedicated team of performing artists, arts educators, business leaders, and area residents, 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. More information is available at www.tripac.org

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