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Protecting Pregnant Women in the Work Place

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Blogger's Note:The following is a press release from Mark painter's office:
Mark Painter, D-146th Dist.


State Rep. Mark Painter, D-146th Dist., has introduced legislation that would establish the Pennsylvania Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.

Under Painter's bill, it would be unlawful for a covered employer to refuse reasonable accommodations related to pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions unless those accommodations would prove an undue hardship on the entity’s operations.

Painter said this year marks the 35th anniversary of the federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act. The PDA amended Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit employment discrimination due to childbirth, pregnancy, or similar related medical conditions.

"Today, unfortunately, pregnancy discrimination remains a persistent and growing problem. 

In the majority of cases, the accommodations women need are minor, such as permission to sit periodically, the ability to carry a water bottle, or help lifting heavy objects. Those women who continue working without having these medically advised accommodations risk their health and increase the likelihood of pregnancy complications," said Painter.

"Pregnancy discrimination causes significant and long-term harm to women and their families well beyond pregnancy, to include the loss of health benefits, job seniority, and wages. These losses also contribute to measurable long-term gender-based pay differences."



House Bill 1892 is part of the Pennsylvania Agenda for Women’s Health, a comprehensive legislative package to address health issues affecting Pennsylvania women. The first phase of the proposal was unveiled today during a Capitol news conference by the Women's Health Caucus, of which Painter is a member.

The caucus is a bipartisan, bicameral group of legislators partnering with interest groups and advocacy organizations seeking to develop and implement legislation and social policy that protects and respects a woman’s right to make private, personal medical decisions.

A Downtown Christmas

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Free Trolley rides will be offered in Downtown Pottstown from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday over the next two weekends.

Hey folks, the snow is supposed to be pretty bad today so why trek to the outlets or some mall when you can stick close to home, have a great time and spend your money in a way that supports your community?
'Shrek' will be playing at the Steel River Playhouse
for the next two weekends.

Remember to get your raffle ticket and win money for shopping downtown.

The first prize in this raffle is $1,000 and the second prize is $500

Here's how it works: You pay $25 for a ticket and must spend a minimum of $100 between Saturday
and Dec. 20th at midnight in stores in the downtown shopping district.

That means store on High Street between York and Evans streets, or stores with the "Buy Local" sign displayed.

Once you've spent at least $100, drop off your receipts and filled out ticket at the PDIDA Office, 17 N. Hanover St., no later than just before midnight on Dec. 20.

The winning entries will be drawn on Saturday, Dec. 21 after the holiday events, which begin at 2 p.m.

You can purchase a raffle ticket at the PDIDA office on North Hanover Street,Grumpy's Hand-carved Sandwiches, 137 E. High St. or at Cole's Tobacco, 215 E. High St.
Photo by Evan Brandt

The folks at the Community Garden are ready and eager to
help you find 
the perfect Christmas tree in the snow this weekend.

And don't forget there is still a great selection of trees at the MOSAIC Community Garden on Chestnut Street. Prices range from $20-$40.

Garden committee members are available to assist you with the purchase of your tree by appointment all weekend long. A beautiful, locally-grown tree it right at your fingertips.

Contact Laura Washington at (484) 300-2410 to arrange an appointment or to find out more!

In the meantime, here is a full slate of holiday activities in downtown Pottstown for the next two weekends:

Today, Saturday, Dec. 14

  • 1 p.m.: Tree Decoration Making at Red Cloud Kung Fu, 307 E. High St.
  • 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Photos with Santa at Smith Family Plaza.
    Photos with Santa will be taken at Smith Family Plaza from 2 to 7 p.m.
  • 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Carriage Rides along High Street. $5 per person with tickets sold at Smith Family Plaza.
  • 2 p.m.: Tea with Mrs. Claus (Free) at the Sitters Clubhouse, 333 High St.
  • 2:30/3:30 p.m. and 4:30/5:30 p.m.: Story Time with the Elves, Milkmen Lunch Co., 255 High St.
  • 2 to 4 p.m.: Free Trolley Rides on High Street.
  • 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Illusionists and Magicians Kyle and Kelly perform at Smith Family Plaza.
  • 8 p.m.: Finish out the day by buying tickets to see Shrek at the Steel River Playhouse, 245 High St.
Funky Santa 5K starts at 9 a.m.

Sunday, Dec. 15

  • 9 a.m.: Funky Santa 5K, Riverfront Park.
  • 10 a.m.: Holiday Brunch at Lily's Grill, 115 High St./ Juan Carlos, 235 High St./ Grumpy's, 137 High St. with local musicians Russell Ferrara, Bees in a Bottle and more.
  • 3 p.m.: Matinee of Shrek at Steel River Playhouse, 245 High St.

Saturday, Dec. 21

  • 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: ARTFusion, 254 High St., will host Van Gogh's Secret Studio Shopping for kids 12 and younger. Adults must be in the building, but the folks at ARTFusion will help your youngsters shop for others.
  • 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Photos with Santa at Smith Family Plaza.
  • 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Carriage Rides along High Street. $5 per person with tickets sold at Smith
    Carriage rides
    Family Plaza.
  • 2 to 4 p.m.: Free Trolley Rides on High Street.
  • 3 p.m., 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.: Story Time with the Elves, Milkmen Lunch Co., 255 High St.
  • 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Illusionists and Magicians Kyle and Kelly perform at Smith Family Plaza.
  • 5 to 7 p.m.: Free Babysitting While You Shop, 333 High St., pizza and drinks will be supplied for the kids.
  • 8 p.m.: Shrek at Steel River Playhouse, 245 High St.

Sunday, Dec. 22

Holiday Brunches
  • 10 a.m.to 1 p.m.: Holiday Brunch at Lily's Grill, 115 High St./ Juan Carlos, 235 High St./Grumpy's, 137 High St. with local musicians Russell Ferrara, Bees in a Bottle and more.
  • 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.: More Van Gogh's Secret Studio Shopping at ArtFusion, 254 High St.
  • 3 p.m.: Matinee of Shrek at Steel River Playhouse, 245 High St.

Tuesday, Dec. 24

  • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Last Minute Shopping, Van Gogh's Secret Studio Shopping at ArtFusion, 254 High St.

The Tree's the Thing

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"Fluffy" in all its (his? her?) splendor...
So my sister had this great idea for our mom, an advent calendar for the year filled with our memories
of her.

(Don't worry, it will still be a surprise, not even my mom reads this blog regularly.)

Anyway, while I was writing up my December memory, it reminded me something about my childhood Christmases, I was the one in my family who really liked to decorate.

My family is an ironic bunch and I am the chief sap in the family.

Jaded journalist? Yes.

Guy who tears up at the end of "It's a Wonderful Life" every time? Also yes.

Hell, I even get choked up watching Chevy Chase try to get his family to appreciate Christmas.

Understand, for me Christmas for me is about the sentiment.

A local ornament I bought in 2002.
The idea that we can set aside a time of year to wish everyone, no matter who they are, a merry Christmas, peace on Earth, good will toward men, I'm totally in.

I don't begrudge those who consider it a religious holiday.

More power to them, and I'm happy it gives them joy and purpose.

But history shows that Jesus was born sometime in March and the whole Christmas thing was just the Church's way of co-opting pagans into the fold

But hey, that's ancient history. Literally.

And we still carry many of those pagan traditions into our homes each year, the most central of which is the Christmas tree.

For me, the tree holds pride of place. Not because of the gifts that go under it. Frankly, I could do without the gifts and just go for the decorations, the food, and, most especially, the music. Always the music.

My grandmother made this many
years ago.
Anyway, the reason the tree is so important to me is that, being an amateur historian, the tree each year
tells the story of our family.

I have some truly God-awful ornaments that my mother's mother made for our tree that I still put up each year, even though they often go in the back.

I don't love it, but it wouldn't be our Christmas tree without it. It's where we're from.

Regular readers of this blog (yes, both of you) may recall a post I wrote in the 2011 season about a tree we accepted as a gift from a friend who had cut it down and which fell unceremoniously one morning.

The chief casualty of that mishap was an ornament my wife had inherited from her grandmother. We talk about its loss every year as we decorate.

Each year we buy a new ornament (or two) and add to our history.

This ornament is the product of one
year's 
craft project.
And, in our house, it takes days to decorate the tree.

Firstly, my son has important XBox responsibilities and my wife is already working hard to corral him into this year's craft project.

One advantage (if you choose to look at it that way) of being a poor journalist is that family gets hand-made gifts each year

My son's favorite ornament.
Understand, we long ago banned gifts for adults (much to my delight, and my banker's as well) and only buy presents for the kids. But we insist that the child at least recognize the largesse from which he benefits by donating time (if not talent) toward gifts for those making his Christmas one filled with things he actually wants.

My wife is quite clever (and talented) in this regard and gifts have ranged from birdhouse ornaments, to hand-made coasters and stuff I couldn't even begin to explain.

The Wizard of Oz lives in Fluffy.
But the end result of all this activity is that mostly, I decorate the tree while leaving certain things aside for the other two for whom a particular ornament has particular meaning.

For my son, it is a saxophone ornament, and for my wife, a Wizard of Oz set.

As for me, I don't mind doing most of it, silently remembering the trip my wife and I took to Boston when we purchased a whole host of animal ornaments, those we bought in Cape Cod, as well as the one's Dylan made as a child.

The Cape Cod ornament.
With his interest waning, I am quietly setting some of those aside. (Good thing he doesn't read this blog either....)

We use to go each year to Kutz's tree farm in North Coventry, but since that became another practice field for Owen J. Roberts High School, we have been at loose ends.

We've tried different places and this year went to buy our tree from the Mosaic Community Garden on Chestnut Street. But we have a neo-Victorian house (built in 1913) and eight-foot ceilings. The trees they had there were just too small.

(They're still selling them there and you can call ahead and order a certain height.)
They're very friendly at the community garden.

But we decided to patronize the tree farm which had supplied those trees at a reduced cost. Heylmun's Pine Hill Farm, also in North Coventry.

And, for the first time in our family history, we cut down our own tree.

My wife and I are partial to concolor, a species of spruce I believe, because they keep their needles, bu they didn't have any at Heylmun's, so we settled on a white pine.

Yes, I cut it myself!
Unlike trees from previous years, the needles of a white pine are long and soft, an advantage to the decorator, but a disadvantage to the display of the ornaments, which tend to get hidden.

Anyway, each year is a different story, which is why I tend to favor the tree decorating, it adds to the narrative.

This year's narrative will include the tree being purchased just before one snow storm hit, and finished as another was arriving.

What more perfect Christmas story could you ask for?

Merry Christmas everyone. Peace on Earth and Goodwill Toward Men (and Women.)


 

On Thin Ice

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The Hill School will host its community skating program at the school's rink from Dec. 21 through Dec. 30, although there will be no skating on Dec. 24 or Dec. 25 for obvious reasons.

The rink will be open from 12 to 4 p.m. and from 12 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 28.

The ice will be resurfaced from 2 to 23:30 and from 4:40 to 5 p.m. each day.

The cost is $3 and there are no skate rentals available.

There are a number of rules -- 11 of them to be exact.

  1. Headgear must be worn at all times on the ice
  2. There is no horseplay on the ice surface. (Who puts skates on horses and why would they be playing around? I would think they'd be terrified..)
  3. Skate in a clockwise direction only.
  4. No food or drink on the ice.
  5. No smoking.
  6. No street shoes allowed on the ice
  7. No climbing in the players' boxes.
  8. Parking is in the upper lot off Beech Street only. Cars parked in unauthorized areas will be towed.
  9. Obey the skate guards. (Skate guards? Who knew there was such a thing...)
  10. Clear the ice promptly after each session.
  11. No skating after program hours. Trespassers will be prosecuted.
So with those few rules laid down, ahem, enjoy.

Pastors and Patriots: The Story of the Muhlenbergs

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Frederick Muhlenberg
There is more to the colonial history of this area than Valley Forge and Independence Hall.

As in many places along the east coast, there is a whole secondary level of people, as important in their day as George Washington and John Adams, who helped make this country what it is today.

We talk a lot in this blog about John Potts and the Potts family, and appropriately so.

But there are others and one of those others is the Mulhlenberg family.

And what better way to learn about them than to meet the author who literally wrote the book on them?

And you can do that tonight, starting at 7 p.m., at the headquarters of the Schuylkill River Heritage Area at 140 College Drive here in Pottstown.

In the final event of the Schuylkill River Heritage Area's 2013 lecture series, author Lisa Minardi, will discuss the important role the Muhlenberg's played in the history of America. 
The Speaker's House in Trappe.

After the lecture, she will sign copies of her newly reprinted book, "Pastors and Patriots: The Muhlenberg Family of Pennsylvania."

Light refreshments will be served and the Heritage Area's new River of Revolutions Interpretive Center will be open during this event.

RSVP: There is no charge for this event, but space is limited, so please let them know you are coming by calling 484-945-0200, or emailing Cindy Kott at ckott@schuylkillriver.org
The book sells for $40 and all proceeds benefit the Speaker's House renovation.

Minardi, is president of The Speaker's House, a preservation group overseeing the restoration of Frederick Muhlenberg's home in Trappe. 

Muhlenberg was not only the first Speaker of the House of Representatives but is the first signer of the Bill of Rights.
There's his signature, right above John Adams.
The mission of The Speaker’s House is to not only celebrate and preserve the heritage and home of Frederick Muhlenberg, but also to create programs to inspire leadership and civic engagement in the timeless issues of our nation.

The house also holds events, one of which is coming up on Saturday, Dec. 21.

The Christmas Cantata, a Concert of Christmas directed by Laurie Mueller, featuring the Augustus Lutheran Church Choirs, Marimba Music by Diane Mills, Flutist Patricia Ahmad, Community Music School String Quartet, Handbells, Youth vocalists, percussion enhancements begins at 3 and ends at 5 p.m..

A social reception with light refreshments to follow.

Childcare available by request and resrvation only: call 610-489-9625 for more information.

Minardi's book, includes extensive new information about the Muhlenbergs and more than 100 color
photographs of historic paintings, furniture, silver, and other family heirlooms. 

The talk is part of the Schuylkill River Heritage Area's lecture series .

Other Upcoming Events

Feb. 22, 2014: Bringing The War of Independence to Life, an exhibit of Revolutionary War illustrations collected by Schuylkill River Heritage Area Executive Director Kurt Zwikl will open at Valley Forge National Historical Park, in the Visitors Center. 

In June the exhibit will be moved to Morristown National Historical Park.

An Ensemble Piece: Holiday Concert, Pottstown Style

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An annual holiday tradition unfolded in the Pottstown High School Auditorium Tuesday night when the district's instrumentalists took to the stage to strut their stuff.

This is a post of mostly videos, and videos whose visual perfection is extremely limited.

But that's not why we go to children's concerts is it? We go to listen, so concentrate on how the kids sound.

They sound great by the way.

Being of limited arm strength, I did not attempt to record each performance.

In fact, this year, I focused on the small ensembles.

Typically, these students have to come in extra early in the morning to practice and I thought we might reward them this year for the extra work.

The concert kicked off with an unusual treat, the Pottstown High School Jazz Band, which put together a number with very little opportunity to practice given the recent conclusion of the marching band season.

They performed a medley number  titled "A Big Band Christmas II"



I follow with the Middle School Trumpet Trio, Nick Wilson, Will Minick and Mitchell Aquino, who played a very jazzy version of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town."




Unfortunately, technical problems kept me from recording the middle school clarinet ensemble, which includes my neighbor Reilly Owens. All apologies to the Owens family.

However, I overcame those difficulties to get a portion of the Middle School Flute Ensemble and a portion of their performance of "I Have a Little Dreydl," a Hannukah song.




This was in turn followed by another middle school performance, the Middle School Brass Ensemble, which played two numbers: "Silent Night" and "Angels We Have Heard on High."




Following an intermission in which raffle prizes were given out, we returned with the High School Clarinet Ensemble, which played "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring."



They were followed by the High School Flute Ensemble, which played the Dance of the Reed Pipes from "The Nutcracker." (You'll recognize it wen you hear it.)



Finally, I recorded some of the Holiday Sing-A-Along, which is how we end holiday concerts here in Pottstown.



I hope you enjoyed the performances if not the camera work. And my apologies to the larger ensembles, but hey, a guy needs a rest.

A Smile on Christmas Morning

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Tyler Burton understands what a season of giving means
Over at The Mercury, we know a thing or two about Christmas spirit.

After all, the paper's Operation Holiday has a singularly effective and long-running tradition of helping those the most in need.

(In fact, we packed up the food for the needy families today.)

Another such successful operation is Toys for Tots, and that's who Pottstown MIddle Schooler Tyler Burton turned to when he decided the season is giving is about more than getting stuff Christmas morning.

Tyler, is a sixth grader in Ginger Angelo's home room.

According to his dad, John, "Ty wore a Santa hat to school two weeks ago and when he came home he was laughing and telling me that he and his friends wanted to start  some type of Christmas club."

"After discussing it he decided that a toy drive could be a great idea. We contacted Toys for Tots here in our local region and they said that they would be happy to partner with Ty and would bring him the drop off boxes to be placed at the middle school if everything worked out," John wrote in an e-mail. 

The school approved the plan and "Ty brainstormed about how to make it work. We contacted the Ice house restaurant  who generously donated a pizza party to the class that brings in the most donations, we also partnered with Five Below which is graciously donating 10 percent of all purchases that are accompanied with a flyer that the school has sent out digitally," Burton wrote.

"This year that 10% will go to Toys for Tots but next year Ty wants to send it to the Pottstown Cluster or  Philiabundance. We also have awards for other students from Regal Cinemas and Pizza Hut in Upland square shopping center," Burton wrote in his e-mail.  

"When I asked Tyler why he wanted to do this he said that he thinks every kid should have a reason to smile Christmas morning," wrote an obviously proud father.

"Ty also plans to seek 2 or more grants next year, he wants to see how many people he can help, and maybe get a few more smiles."

By our reckoning, Tyler has already done that. 

Re-Scheduled Downtown Events

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So we're going to give this one more try.

So far this year, every time this blog has posted about downtown holiday activities, it has snowed enough to cancel most of them, or keep people away.

This is the last weekend for activities in downtown Pottstown and here they are:

SATURDAY
  • 10 a.m. to 3 p.m – Van Gough’s Studio Open for Business at ARTFUSION19464
  • 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.  – Photos with Santa in Smith Family Plaza
  • 2 p.m. -- Tea w/ Mrs. Clause (this was rescheduled from last week!)
  • 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. – Carriage Rides 
  • 2, 3, 4 & 5 p.m. -- Story Time with the Elves at the Milkmen Lunch Company, 255 E High St.
  • 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Kyle & Kelly Illusionist / Magician at Smith Plaza
  • 5 to 7 p.m. – Free Babysitting while you shop, pizza and drinks will be supplied for the kids. (Don't' ask us where, that information was not provided.)
  • 8 p.m. -- Shrek at Steel River Playhouse.
  • Music (Don't ask us when or where, that information was not provided.)
SUNDAY
  • 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Holiday Brunch at: Lily’s Grill, Juan Carlos & Grumpy’s – Local Musicians, Russel Ferarra, Bees in a Bottle and more will be there to entertain you!
  • 12 to 3 p.m. Van Gogh’s Shopping at ARTFusion19464
  • 3 p.m.-- Shrek at Steel River Playhouse
TUESDAY
  • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Last minute shopping for children at Van Gogh’s Secret Shop – ARTFusion19464
Remember, every day through DEc. 20 is Small Business Day. Save your receipts for the raffle program, which has a $1,000 first prize and $500 second prize.
  • Raffles sold at Cole's 215 E High St, Grumpy's 137 E High St & PDIDA 17 N Hanover St. only 200 will be sold it works as follows...
  • YOU PAY $25. You must spend a minimum of another $100 between Nov 30th and Dec 20th at midnight in the DOWNTOWN DISTRICT (High Street from York to Evans) or with the BUY LOCAL Shops inside the borough.
  • RAFFLE SALES begin on Small Business Day 11/30 thru 12/20. 
  • You drop off receipts attached to your filled out ticket to The PDIDA Office (17 N Hanover St) no later than midnight on the 20th of December. 
  • Once we confirm, you are entered into the raffle which will be drawn on Dec. 21st at PDIDA after the holiday events end at 7 p.m. 
  • Any shop, restaurant, playhouse or gallery in the district is included - BUY LOCAL and win!!!
Good luck.

Cabin Car on Track to Return to PA

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Photo courtesy of Rivanna Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society
Pennsylvania Railroad Cabin Car No. 477768

Blogger's Note: Children's literature has given us a pleasant new Christmas tradition, that of "The Polar Express," forever cementing the connection in our minds between trains and Christmas time.

To be sure it was well-worn ground. 

Many a Christmas tree has been graced with a train making its circular route around the base.

But this is a different kind of Christmas train story, one that involves a real train and news that is an early Christmas present.

It involves a Pennsylvania-built caboose (or "cabin car" in the Pennsylvania tradition) and the efforts to establish a steam excursion train between Pottstown and Boyertown.

A release from the folks over at the Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust tells the story:
A trestle along the Colebrookdale Railroad

A relic from the golden age of Pennsylvania’s railroading past is coming home.

Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) cabin car (known as a “caboose” on other railroads) #477768 was built in Altoona in 1941. 

For the last six years, members of the Rivanna Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society (NRHS) have been restoring it at a location in Virginia, far from the car’s home. Now it is being donated to the non-profit Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust in Boyertown. There it will be maintained and kept in operation on tourist trains that will begin running on the eight mile track between Boyertown and Pottstown in the fall of 2014.

"We restored PRR No. 477768 from being a virtual wreck to nearly its original condition so that it could be seen and enjoyed. It does not belong on an isolated siding in central Virginia," said John Pfaltz, one of the restoration team leaders.

The old Barto station on the Colebrookdale.
The caboose has left its Red Hill, Va., siding for two brief trips: in 2010 it went to Steamtown in Scranton, where it was on display, and in 2012 it went to Harrisburg, to be displayed at the Amtrak station. 

These moves were made possible by Norfolk Southern, which picked up and delivered the caboose. This time, however, the move will be for good.

The NRHS Rivanna Chapter is planning a farewell ceremony at the caboose in Red Hill, this afternoon. 

Chapter members, friends, and families will attend the event along with dignitaries from
Boyertown, the Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust, and the NRHS national organization.

During the ceremony, the “Keys to the Cabin Car” will be handed off to the Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust.

Until the 1980's, all freight trains had the familiar red caboose at the rear end. Usually a conductor, brakeman and flagman rode there; it became their home away from home. 

The Colebrookdale has many unexpected vistas.
Consequently, this N5b caboose has a work table, bunks, ice box, sink with running water, toilet, and potbellied coal stove. 

Everything except the toilet has been restored to the way it was when No. 477768 was first built in July, 1941 in the PRR shops in Altoona.

The cabin car will find new life on the Colebrookdale Railroad, a new tourist excursion railroad running through the beautiful and forgotten “Secret Valley”— the oldest iron making corridor in the nation. 

According to a recently-completed report funded by local municipalities and businesses, the Colebrookdale will be an engine of economic renewal for the region. 

“There is a strong community commitment to making this railroad a central theme in the continuing revitalization of Boyertown and Pottstown,” said Pfaltz. 

(A video explaining the Secret Valley Line project:)


“The cabin car is part of the continuing commitment on behalf of civic and business leaders to the place they call home, said Nathaniel Guest, president of the Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust. 

“The Boyertown Rotary and Lions Clubs contributed $15,000 to the Trust to bring the car home. 

Of that contribution, $5,000 will go to the NRHS’s Heritage Grants fund (which had supported the car’s restoration with a $5,000 grant a number of years ago), and the rest will go toward the car’s shipment, inspection, maintenance, and operation,” said Guest.

The car’s arrival date in Pennsylvania has yet to be determined.

Further information can be found at www.colebrookdalerailroad.com.

Penn Grant to Benefit Schuylkill River Trail Projects

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The Schuylkill River Trail will run from Philadelphia 
to Pottsville when complete.
Blogger's Note:The following was provided by the Schuylkill River Heritage Area: 

The Schuylkill River Heritage Area has received a three-year, $394,238 grant from the Philadelphia-based William Penn Foundation to continue the development of the Schuylkill River Trail in Schuylkill County, and to develop and implement river and trail-related programs.

The money will fund watershed stewardship programs, environmental education and trail expansion.

It will also fund a one-mile loop River Walk Trail in Pottstown’s Riverfront Park, with direct connection to the Schuylkill River Trail. The loop trail, which will be located directly behind the Schuylkill River Heritage Area’s 140 College Drive offices, will incorporate five interpretive stations focused on the river and watershed protection.

The Schuylkill River Sojourn
In addition to trail building, the grant will enable the Heritage Area to provide a mentor-based watershed education program for the I-LEAD Charter School in Reading that incorporates classroom lessons and field trip elements. That program will be a continuation of an existing class introduced this year by the Schuylkill River Heritage Area.

“This grant will enable us to continue to develop the Schuylkill River Trail,” said SRHA Executive Director Kurt Zwikl. “It will also allow us to provide educational and recreational programs that connect people to the river and inspire them to protect and conserve our natural resources.”

Several river and trail-based recreation programs will also be supported by the grant, including the Schuylkill River Sojourn, an annual weeklong, 112-mile guided canoe/kayak tour that is organized by the Heritage Area.

The Pedal and Paddle
The sojourn, which is entering its 16th year in June, incorporates educational programming about the river’s history, culture and environment that are intended to promote the river as a valuable natural and recreational resource.

Another popular Heritage Area program that will benefit from the grant will be the Pedal and Paddle events held every summer. Pedal and Paddles take participants on a round-trip adventure from Pottstown to Douglassville. 

They include a bike ride along the Schuylkill River Trail, tour of Historic Morlatton Village and return trip via kayak. The program introduces people to the river and the trail, and promotes preservation and conservation.


A Comfortable Contribution

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Blogger's Note:The following was submitted by the owners of the Comfort Inn & Suites in Pottstown.

Brothers Mayur Chheda and Mital Chheda, principals of the Infinity Hotel Group, LLC (headquartered in Atco, N.J.), and owners of the Comfort Inn & Suites Pottstown/Limerick, committed their support to the 26th annual holiday toy and food drive to benefit underprivileged families in the Pottstown area.

“Since the hotel was built in 1989, the Comfort Inn & Suites in Pottstown has always been involved in the community. Since we purchased the hotel, and following its subsequent $1.5 million make-over in 2009-2010, we’ve stepped-up that commitment,” said hotel owner Mayur Chheda. 

“We understand how important it is for businesses to support their communities, so we’ve pledged 65 gallons of milk, 65 five-pound bags of potatoes, 65 loaves of bread, and 65 containers of butter,” added Mital Chheda, Mayur’s brother and business partner.

The community effort is being organized, once again, by local citizen, Jim Frymoyer. 
Jim Frymoyer

Frymoyer began the tradition as a member of the Moose Lodge, and is continuing it with the Manatawny Association, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles N0. 626. The goal is to touch the lives of over 300 people in the area this year.

The toys are delivered at a party held for the children at the Norco Fire Company.

The hotel is also organizing an ‘angel tree’ at the hotel, and encouraging their team of hospitality professionals (room attendants, guest service agents, maintenance personnel, and management) along with their guests to bring gifts to the hotel for needy children. 

Al Patel, the hotel’s General Manager, said, “we are so fortunate and so blessed, and we feel a special obligation during the winter holiday season to share our blessings with those in need – especially in making the holidays a little more special for the families and children in the area.”

Jon Ray, maintenance director at the hotel, has been working with the Manatawny Association that
Assembling the food baskets.
distributes the food and toys for a number of years, and is grateful for the generosity of the hotels ownership, management, and staff. 

“In the hospitality business, and at the Comfort Inn Pottstown, we’re all about making people happy,” he said, “and this year will be extra special. I am glad that my owners and co-workers are equally sharing in the spirit.”
Infinity Hotel Group owns and manages a collection of properties, including Comfort Inn, Pottstown, PA; Comfort Inn, Galloway, NJ; Quality Inn, Galloway, NJ; Best Western, Williamstown, NJ; Travelers Lodge, Atco, NJ. 

Four additional hotels in the Marriott and IHG brand families are also under development. www.infinityhotelgroup.com

And You Thought the Belsnickel Was Bad...

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The Krampus, forebear of Santa?

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by Montgomery County Community College.

Ever wonder why Santa Claus slides down the chimney when there are easier ways to enter a home? Or, why today’s Santa is a jolly, chubby old elf, when the historical Saint Nicholas was a thin man with a trim beard?

The answers to these and other questions about the multicultural origins of Santa Claus were recently explored by Montgomery County Community College’s Associate Professor of English Marc Schuster and discussed with students and other listeners during a lunch-time presentation.

Schuster, author of four books, admits that he has been curious about Santa Claus since he was a child when his grandfather told him that the man in the red suit was an Americanized version of Saint Nicholas. This answer only triggered more questions for Schuster, and using his curiosity—a trait he encourages his students to employ—and the Internet, he recently found some answers that led to more questions.

“I always tell my students that some of the best writing comes from trying to find answers to nagging questions,” Schuster says. “I love anything that forces us to question our assumptions and look at the world from a new angle. There’s so much we never think about, so much we accept at face value, but when we start to pick at the edges of our perceived reality, we can discover a whole new world.”

Photo by Matt Carlin
Montgomery County Community College’s Associate
Professor of English Marc Schuster recently discussed
the multicultural origins associated with our present-day
Santa Claus during a special lunch-time presentation
. 
Through his research he verified, for example, that there was a fourth-century bishop named Nicholas, who was known for his kindness and generosity. Over the centuries, tales of St. Nicholas spread through Europe and mixed with legends from other cultures to create the modern concept of Santa Claus.

Further research revealed that the reason for Santa’s chimney entrance is based on the Germanic myth of Krampus, a Grinch-like holiday demon who slithered down chimneys to stuff children who misbehaved into burlap sacks.

Schuster’s entertaining presentation also addressed why Santa winks, the connection with the name Chris Kringle and Santa’s association with Coca Cola. 

To learn more about these interesting Santa facts, visit Schuster’s blog, “Abominations—Marc Schuster’s Random Musings and Ephemera,” at http://marcschuster.wordpress.com.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

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What are you doing reading some stupid blog on Christmas Day?

Go off and be merry.

Peace on Earth and Goodwill Toward All.

Inside Folk Art

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Deanna Robles, center, with Sharon McGinley and Ed Terrell.
Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Pottsgrove School District.

Deanna Robles, Pottsgrove High School and Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center student in commercial art, sees the world differently.

And now others got a glimpse of her world at Goggleworks Center for the Arts in Reading, as their featured artist at a small reception held on Dec. 8, in Deanna’s honor.

Invited by Goggleworks board member Ed Terrell to showcase her “Inside Folk Art” work, Deanna was supported at her debut by family, friends, Goggleworks resident artist and mentor Sharon McGinley, and teachers.

Avid reader, able to play piano by ear, Deanna is autistic, yet expresses herself beautifully through her music and art.

Deanna's work on display.
Michelle MacLuckie, Pottsgrove School District’s Supervisor of Special Education notes, “Deanna is
a remarkable and talented young artist who seizes every opportunity to grow and learn.

"She is a kind individual whose unique and compassionate perspective is reflected in not only her art but in her every interaction. I am very proud to know her and can't wait to see what her future holds.”

“Deanna was very excited on her special day,” reported her father Peter Robles.

Deanna’s work is on display until Dec. 31.


The Boys and Girls of Summer

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It's that time once again, as the snow piles up outside, to turn your thoughts to the boys and girls of summer.

Early registration for Pottstown Little League Baseball and Softball must be post-marked by Dec. 31. That's saves you $10 off the $60 cost.

Send your check and registration form to Pottstown Little League and Softball, P.O. Box 1004, Pottstown, PA 19464.


For registration questions, contact Megan Miller, Registrar at 484-524-3833 or e-mail at baseballmom0928@hotmail.com

Serving Pottstown's youth for 35 Years Little League Baseball and Softball is for children residing in the Borough of Pottstown. 

Any player who will attain the age of 5 years before May 1 of the year in which he or she will play; and will not attain the age of 13 years before May 1 of that year is eligible for baseball. 

Any player who will attain the age of 5 years before Jan. 1 of the year in question and will not attain
the age of 19 before Jan.1 of the year in question is eligible for girls softball.

Walk-in registration dates are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 18th and 19th; and again on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 25th and 26th at the Pottstown School District Administration Building, (in rear) located at Beech and Penn Streets.

The challenger division registration fee is $25.

Late Registration is after Feb. 8, 2014.

Players may be placed on a waiting list depending on the number of players that have registered in that division.

Players must reside within our chartered Little League boundary, the Borough of Pottstown. Exceptions are if a candidate played in the League last year and has moved out of our boundary, a waiver may be obtained to continue to play in the Pottstown Little League.

For more information visit the website at www.pottstownlittleleague.com

The Downtown Christmas That Was

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Babystitting services were provided downtown, along with story times and other kid activities. But seriously, what kid at Christmas would not be smiling under a giant sign that says "Cake?"

They say a picture is worth a thousand words.

And so, with these pictures, I present with, who knows, maybe a million.

They are courtesy of Shelia Dugan, Pottstown's Main Street Manager and the head of the Pottstown Downtown Improvement District Authority, which scheduled this month's downtown holiday events and struggled against some truly gruesome weather.

So without further ado, here are the photos!



A Warm Feeling

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Barth students in Mrs. Wolfel's and Mrs. Blute's classes get an unexpected gift from a generous parent.



When Barth Elementary School parent Melissa Caballero found out about students who come to school cold, she decided she needed to do something about it.


According to school principal Ryan Oxenford, she organized "Operation Keep Me Warm for the Holiday" for two classes at Barth. 

She coordinated efforts using Facebook and was able to provide each student in those classes with a bundled package consisting of a hat, scarf, blanket, book, stuffed animal, and gloves or mittens. 

The students were extremely excited by this surprise gesture. 

"This idea was brewing in my head after going to a PTO meeting," Caballero told Oxenford. 

"We were talking about taking up donations for hats and gloves. And who we should donate them too. After the meeting I was talking to a teacher. She told me that for years children would come to school cold and ask if there were any hats and gloves that they could have. This made my decision final. I had to do something," Cabbalero said. 

"I sat down and talked to my husband about this and he was super supportive of my idea. And I knew that I could not just give them hats and gloves. I wanted to give more. So we thought and thought what else. Then that is how I came up with 'Keep Me Warm for The Holiday' name." 

"What else would keep them warm? Heads , hands, how about their brains (a book). How about their hearts( a teddy bear and blanket to cuddle) also went with it would be a snack bag with hot chocolate," she said.

She got an outpouring of support in this effort.

"I knew I was not financially table to pull off this idea alone. So I facebooked my friends and family," she explained.

"Each of us bought items here and there when we could. We pulled it off in three weeks; 80 children from three different schools."

And why would anyone undertake such a project during the holiday season? Precisely because it is the holiday season.  

"Pottstown is my home town. And I am willing to try to do whatever I can to make a difference in our town, our children's lives," Caballero said. 

"They are our future. I want to show them that no matter how tough life gets. There are ways to work them out. That WE Pottstown stick together we can make a difference to make our town the best place to be," she said. 

Is this the beginning of a new tradition? It could be...

"I hope I can do another project like this next year. I have a lot of my friends and family who are willing to help me again. I can't thank my husband, family and friends enough for their help and support," Caballero said.
Both Caballero and her husband, Alex, are graduates of Pottstown Schools and they have four children; Alex Jr., 13, who attends Pottstown Middle School, Mia, 8 and Jade, 5, both of whom attend Barth and Ethan, 3, who is a future Pottstown student.

Mia is in Kelli Wolfel's class and Jade has Colleen Blute.


"The kids were super surprised and super excited by the generosity of Operation Keep Me Warm," Wolfel said! "They looked great in their new hats and gloves reading their new books."

"Operation "Keep Me Warm For the Holidays" was an incredible undertaking by one person," Blute said. "She, along with other community partners, demonstrated to the children how important it is in this day and age to understand the true meaning of Christmas. The excitement on the faces of each and every child made the message clear to every person present."

As for Oxenford? He said simply, "I continue to be amazed by the spirit of people."

You're right about that Mr. Oxenford.


Hill Philanthropy Program Accepting Applications

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Members of the 2013-14 Student Philanthropy Council with

Betty and Charlie Frank, Class of 1959
Blogger's Note:The following was provided by The Hill School.

The Hill School now is accepting applications from Pottstown-area nonprofit organizations for its Student Philanthropy Council (SPC) grant program.

Interested organizations may download and submit a Request for Proposal. View and print a PDF of the Request for Proposal here. Completed applications must be submitted by Thursday, Jan. 20, 2014.

The SPC was established in 2009 through a gift to The Hill School courtesy of Charles A. Frank III, Hill ’59, and his wife, Betty. 

Hill student participants solicit and evaluate local nonprofit requests for funding, and then award a total of $10,000 in grants each year. 

Last year, through the Franks' leadership and the generosity of several other donors, The Student Philanthropy Council became an endowed program at the School with the establishment of The Student Philanthropy Council Endowment in honor of Kay and David Dougherty.

Last year, representatives of the SPC presented a total of $10,000, to four local organizations: Pottstown Downtown Improvement District Authority ($2,110); The Growing Center ($2,690); Montgomery Child Advocacy Project ($2,500); and the Pottstown Cluster of Religious Organizations ($2,700). Read more about the recipients of the 2013 grants.

The SPC is comprised of 12 students --  including co-presidents Sanobar Shaikh '14 and Omeed Alidadi '14 -- who meet once a week to study the process of philanthropy and visit the sites of various organizations. 

Amy Lehman, Hill's experiential education coordinator, is the faculty adviser to the group. SPC members are chosen based on the quality of their applications, interviews, and their sincere ability to commit time to the group.

Welcome to the West End

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Photo by Alana J. Mauger

Cutting the ribbon on the redesigned West End Cafe are (from left) President Dr. Karen A. Stout; Assistant Director of Civic and Community Engagement Jenna Klaus; West Student Government President Maggie Kanter; West Campus Vice President Dr. Steady Moono; Executive Assistant to MCCC’s Board of Trustees and name contest winner Deb Rogers; and photo contest winner Marcus Gordon. 


Blogger's Note:The following was provided by Alana Mauger at Montgomery County Community
College.

Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) student leaders unveiled the redesigned and renamed West End Cafe – the student cafeteria and lounge in South Hall at the College’s West Campus in Pottstown – on Dec. 6.

“The West Campus Student Government ranked the need for more lounge and co-curricular space among their top 10 concerns over the past two years,” said Jenna Klaus, assistant director of civic and community engagement. “Last year’s group met with designers and selected furniture, while this year’s group promoted the opening and overall awareness.”

The redesigned cafe includes smaller tables that can be easily re-arranged, booths, pool and ping pong tables, a video gamming area, a charging station for electronic devices and a projected television, as well as improved lighting and décor.

“Our goal was to enlarge the space without expanding the actual walls,” explained West Campus Vice President Dr. Steady Moono.

The cafe is also piloting the use of trash compactors to reduce the number of plastic trash bags used and space required for landfill waste as part of MCCC’s Sustainability Initiative.

The West Campus Student Government Association held a contest to name the new space, as well as a photo contest, “A View From My Classroom,” leading up to the opening. Deb Rogers, Royersford, MCCC alumna and executive assistant to the Board of Trustees, submitted the winning name, West End Cafe. Student Marcus Gordon, Pottstown, won the photo contest for his picture “Every Second Counts,” which is on display in the cafe.

And the Band Played On

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Photo by Evan Brandt
The Pottstown High School Marching Band, center, at the Ephrata Cavalcade.

Blogger's Note:So we're a little late with this one, but being as I am a band parent I wanted to avoid the appearance of too much favoritism and, as a result, lost track of this until I went to clean up my e-mail on New Year's Eve. (Yes, exciting life I have.)

So all apologies to the Band, you guys had a great season. Below was sent in by the school district.

The 2013 edition of the Pottstown High School Marching Band, under the direction of Michael Vought, opened its cavalcade season by participating in the 54th Annual Boyertown Cavalcade of Bands. 

Competing in divisions, defined by the number of band members, Pottstown took a third place in the Liberty Division (69-79 members) competing against Unionville, Pottsgrove, and Souderton. 

Here is a Tout video clip of the end of the performance at the Boyertown cavalcade:

They received a score of 77.1 and narrowly missed placing second by one point. The parent members of the “Pit Crew” received the Tractor Award recognizing them as the outstanding support group. Members include: Paul Kolbmann, John Mutter, Jay Lafferty, Shane Lafferty, Tammy Vontor, Phil Vontor, Quanzella Butler, Neil Fuerman, Joe Campbell, Lonnie Kratzer, Kevin Owens, and Portia Smith.

This year’s marching band field show was entitled “Rock Heroes” and featured hits of the rock era including: “We Will Rock You,” “I Love Rock and Roll,” “Jukebox Hero,” “Don’t Stop Believing,” “Any Way You Want It,” and “Wanted: Dead or Alive.”
Homecoming was a rainy performance.

The band officers include: President, Jake Wunderlich; Vice President, Christian Gonzalez; Secretary, Katie Kolbmann; Treasurer, Chapel Renish. Junior Representative, Marlee DeBlase; Sophomore Representative, Justin Beasley; and Freshman Representative, Austin Scavello. 

The Color Guard Captains are Julie Eckert-Cooper and Alexis Lafferty. 

Drum Majors are Randy Mercado, Hailey Shankle, and Sara Pargeon.

“Our Rock Heroes show has proven to be a favorite of our audiences and we are proud to be able to represent our school district," Vought said. 

Photo by Evan Brandt
A not-so-focused close-up of the band at the Ephrata Cavalcade.
Vought’s staff includes: Show Designer, Dennis Pringle; Drumline Instructor, Larry Marshall; Brass and Marching Instructor, Ben Hayes; Color Guard Instructor, Nancy Mest; Color Guard Designers Felicia Weinfurter and Holly Auman. 

“We are looking forward to presenting high quality entertainment at all of our football games and hope that our music helps create enthusiasm, excitement, and motivation for our football team,” added Vought.

“Our performance has improved throughout the cavalcade season as is evidenced by higher scores at each event we attended,” he said.

The band competed in the Owen J. Roberts Cavalcade and improved its score to 78.8 points, just missing third place by .35 of a point.

Here is a Tout video clip from the OJR performance featuring the tribute to Journey:



They had their best score at the Ephrata Cavalcade scoring 80.55 just missing first place by 1.5 points.

Here is a Tout video clip from the Ephrata performance:


And let's not forget that the marching band represented Pottstown to a national TV audience when they marched in the "Show Us Your Shoes" parade on the occasion of the Miss America Pageant returning to its roots in Atlantic City:


Also recall that the marching made pays tribute to Pottstown at both the July 4th and Halloween parades down High Street:


“We have a longstanding tradition of an outstanding music program at Pottstown. It is a source of pride for our school and community. The 2013 edition of the Pottstown Marching Band gives us another reason to say Proud to be from Pottstown,” said Vought.

Have a great 2014 season! 

(It's only eight months until practice resumes....)
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