Super Summer Saturday in Pottstown

July 16, 2015, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: The Legs on the Bus Go Walk Walk Walk

≪ Previous: Beauty in the Eye of the Beholder at Pottsgrove Manor

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Saturday is going to be one of those days when its hard to decide what to do around town.

As yesterday's story in Time-Out announced, it is the second of the borough's Bicentennial Community Days, this time in Riverfront Park.

In addition to the musical entertainment by county singer Stephanie Grace and party music from de Tierra Caliente, there will also be food trucks and a Sly Fox biergarten that benefits the Carousel at Pottstown.

Carousel President George Wausnock said the first 50 customers to buy tickets to the biergarten will receive a free gift from the Carousel -- either a Carousel Christmas Tree ordinance or a figure of one of the custom hand-made animals on the carousel.

Country singer Stephanie Grace, right, will perform at Riverfront Park Saturday from 12:30 to 3 p.m.

The events run from 12:30 to 8 p.m.

While you're there, you can also try your hand at using a kayak on the Schuylkill River.
Take it Outdoors Adventures will host Schuylkill River Excusions on the river departing Riverfront Park at 9:45 a.m.; 12:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m.

The cost is $20 per person on a first-come, first-serve basis and includes kayak, paddle and life preserver rental.

Kayakers must be at least 10 years old and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

The one-hour paddle will travel 2.5 miles downriver to Towpath Park in East Coventry.

Round-trip transportation is provided and no experience is necessary as a guide will lead all trips.

Saturday is also Sidewalk Sales days in downtown Pottstown, within walking distance of Riverfront Park.

For the fourth consecutive year, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., downtown businesses will open their doors and take it to the streets with their merchandise.

According to Main Street Manager Sheila Dugan, at least 50 businesses and restaurants are planning to participate in the sidewalk sale, along with about 20 to 25 outside vendors and non-profit organizations, according to The Mercury story by business editor Donna Rovins.

Downtown Pottstown's Sidewalk Sale is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday

There are a number of special activities planned, including a juggler and a roving minstrel. 

In addition, Advantage Insurance at 105 E. High St. will host an activity center for kids where they can participate in crafts and a sidewalk chalk contest.

In honor of National Ice Cream Day, which is Sunday, downtown restaurants are planning something special during the sidewalk sale.

“If you come to one of the restaurants and draw a chalk drawing in front on the sidewalk, you will receive a coupon that’s good at all of the participating restaurants,” said Main Street Manager Sheila Dugan.

The participating restaurants include: Beverly’s Pastry Shop, Grumpy’s, The Milkman Cake Shoppe, The Very Best Hot Dogs and Connections on High.

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The Legs on the Bus Go Walk Walk Walk

July 20, 2015, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Some Meetings are Like Rainbows ... Some Aren't

≪ Previous: Super Summer Saturday in Pottstown

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Yes it's July.

Yes, it's hot as blazes.

And yes, school is just around the corner.

So in addition to getting supplies, and uniforms and shoes, and back-packs, parents at Rupert Elementary School need to start thinking about getting ready to walk.

The school is looking for a dedicated corps of volunteers to help walk Rupert students to school every day as part of its Walking School Bus" program.

We are all familiar with how traditional school buses work. Walking school buses operate much the same way. Adults “drive” the walking school bus along a defined route, picking up kids at “stops” on the way. A walking school bus is convenient for busy parents, who can’t always walk with their children, and helps address safety concerns.

“It’s going to help our families that need assistance with getting their children to and from school each day,” Rupert Elementary School Principal Matt Moyer told The Mercury in March.

He said the program is also a healthy activity and will get students moving before class.

“Getting them up and getting them a good, brisk walk in the morning will prep them and get their brains ready to learn,” Moyer said.

He said the U.S. society as a whole doesn’t really have a big culture of walking and biking.

“In this country you get in a car and drive everywhere. You go to other countries, it’s not like that,” he said. “This is an opportunity to change some of that culture so people can see that a walking school bus is just as good as or potentially better than the yellow school bus.”

William Parks, the health and physical education teacher at Pottstown High School, told Michilea Patterson, The Mercury's Fit for Life reporter, that walking to school will benefit all students involved.

“Getting any physical activity in the morning raises your metabolism so it uses their energy level throughout the day,” he said.

In addition to high school volunteers, Pottstown's walking bus coordinator David Genova is looking for adults willing to help, even if its only one day a week.
Schools Superintendent Jeff Sparagana said coordinators also looking into using retired members of the communities as volunteers. He said there’s a program for retirees where they get a tax break for service.

Getting involved couldn't be easier.

But given that background checks will be necessary for the "bus" that picks up and drops off students along the "walking bus route," the sooner you sign up, the sooner you can help.

Click here to get a copy of the application form that you can print out and fill out.

Contact David Genova at 610-763-1466 or dgenova@pottstownsd.org for more information.

Some Meetings are Like Rainbows ... Some Aren't

July 21, 2015, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: School Supply Donations Sought

≪ Previous: The Legs on the Bus Go Walk Walk Walk

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Photo by Evan Brandt A rainbow appeared over Smith Family Plaza in downtown Pottstown Tuesday just as the Pottstown Borough Authority meeting was breaking up.

So ha!

Admit it. You were fooled by the rainbow.

You thought it symbolized that this post would be about something beautiful and inspiring -- like a rainbow.

Nope.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

A meeting of a group that deals with water and sewage is rarely about rainbows and this one wasn't either.

Sometimes a rainbow is just a rainbow and this one didn't last long -- just like the authority meeting.

Here are the Tweets.

School Supply Donations Sought

July 22, 2015, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: A Resounding Silence

≪ Previous: Some Meetings are Like Rainbows ... Some Aren't

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Congregation Hesed Shel Emet and Bethel Community Church of Pottstown is accepting school supplies in an effort to assist 500 students as the start of school approaches. 

All residents of the community are being asked to assist in this effort to help the students of the Pottstown School District. 

Acceptance of School Supplies will continue every Saturday from 12 Noon to 2 p.m. until Aug. 29. 

Also, the BCCP Food Pantry has resume at the church/synagogue location at 575 N. Keim St., Pottstown and new applications are being accepted. 

A Resounding Silence

July 23, 2015, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Beef & Victory Beer Benefits ArtFusion 19464

≪ Previous: School Supply Donations Sought

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If last night's commissioners meeting is any indication, the taxpayers of Lower Pottsgrove Township don't appear to be all that concerned by the fact that one of their township commissioners has not paid his taxes to the township, or to the school district, or to several other municipalities.

At least judging by last night's township commissioners meeting.

After four days of revelations in The Mercury about Commissioner Shawn Watson and the back taxes he owes to the township, to both Pottsgrove and Pottstown school districts, as well as Pottstown and Norristown boroughs, there had been rumblings that people might attend the meeting and protest.

They did not.

Toward the end of the meeting, one resident, Kelly Breslin, asked when the commissioners would be discussing it and were informed they would not be.

So much for that.

The 7 p.m. meeting began with a small audience that got smaller after Rich Yoder was honored for 39 years of service with the township sewer authority. (Congratulations to Mr. Yoder.)

Police Chief Michael Foltz received the endorsement of a policy to cover the new cameras being installed in police cars. (Look for that story in today's Mercury).

The commissioners were told about a bond re-financing the sewer authority will undertake, and which the commissioners will be asked to guarantee, that will save the authority ratepayers just over $1 million, so that sounds like good news.

And the township is looking at adopting a new animal control audience. We'll try to get more on that soon.

Here are the Tweets from last night's meeting:

Beef & Victory Beer Benefits ArtFusion 19464

July 24, 2015, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Mango Men Tonight at Sanatoga Bandshell

≪ Previous: A Resounding Silence

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Today is the last day to get a $5 discount on tickets to the Saturday, Aug. 8 fifth annual beef and beer fundraiser for ArtFusion 19464.

This year’s event will again be held at the ArtFusion facility at 254 E. High St. from 6 to 9 p.m.

Advance tickets are $20, if purchased before July 25. 

Tickets purchased after this date are $25. 

If the event has not sold out, tickets will be available at the door. 

Tickets can be bought online at artfusion19464.org, in person at ArtFusion, or over the phone by calling 610-326-2506. 

Guests can choose a beef entrée, or a vegetarian sandwich option.

Victory Brewing Company has once again generously donated their amazing beer for this event. 

The Butcher and the BBQ will be making the hot beef sandwiches and Montesano Bros. will again be creating their amazing side salads and veggie sandwiches. 

The Community Gardens in Pottstown will be donating a fresh garden salad for everyone to enjoy. 

There will be soda and water in addition to Victory beer and homemade desserts to finish off the meal.

Along with enjoying great food and great beer, guests will have the chance to win fun door prizes and try their luck at a 50/50 raffle. 

Guests could win a $50 Wegman's gift card, a gift basket from local soapmaker Scentual Gardens, a

Artwork by Barbara Tschantre

gift card from Connections coffee shop, goodies from Milkman Cake Shoppe, a “Shop Local” gift basket donated by Dolan Law Group, a basket of cheer donated by the ArtFusion Board of Directors and featuring a selection of red and white wines, and their choice of original artwork. 

Each guest will receive one door prize chance free with their paid ticket. 

Additional tickets will be one sale throughout the night. 

Proceeds benefit ArtFusion 19464’s upcoming fall educational exhibit Her Story. This show will feature artwork inspired by women’s history.

ArtFusion 19464 is a 501(c)3 non-profit community art center located at 254 E. High St. in downtown Pottstown. 

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. ArtFusion’s gallery hosts rotating shows featuring local artists. 

The gallery also sells handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gift items. The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

The gallery is closed Sunday and Monday.

Mango Men Tonight at Sanatoga Bandshell

July 25, 2015, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Living History Sundays Coming to Pottsgrove Manor

≪ Previous: Beef & Victory Beer Benefits ArtFusion 19464

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The Barbone Street Band played at the Sanatoga bandshell on July 19.

The Lower Pottsgrove Township Summer Concert Series will present "Mango Men" tonight at the bandshell in Sanatoga Park at 6 p.m.

The show is part of the township parks and recreation department's summer concert series which continues through Aug. 9.

The next show is "Kropp & Friends" on Wednesday, July 29 at 7 p.m.

"Where's Pete" will perform on Sunday, Aug. 2 at 6 p.m.

And on Sunday, Aug. 9 at 6 p.m., the Pottsgrove Community Band will close out the series.

If the weather looks nasty, check out Lower Pottsgrove's Facebook page or web site to check on the status of the concerts.

Living History Sundays Coming to Pottsgrove Manor

July 26, 2015, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Going to (Geo-Hydrology) School in New Hanover

≪ Previous: Mango Men Tonight at Sanatoga Bandshell

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Gunsmithing will be among the activities at Pottsgrove Manor during Living History Sundays in August.

Blogger's Note:The following was provided by Pottsgrove Manor

Come spend a casual summer Sunday afternoon at historic Pottsgrove Manor and enjoy the 18th century surroundings as volunteers demonstrate colonial trades and pastimes.

Horn-smithing was another colonial craft that will be demonstrated.

On August 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Pottsgrove Manor’s living history volunteers, dressed in colonial period clothing, will be living life the 18th century way.

Activities may include needlework, spinning, tape weaving, gunsmithing, hornsmithing, cooking, and more.

Visitors can watch, learn, and even join in! Activities will vary from week to week, so call ahead or check the site’s webpage at www.montcopa.org/ PottsgroveManor to find out what will be offered that day.

A donation of $2 per person is suggested for this program. Guests can also tour the manor house, see the museum’s current exhibit, “Pride of Place: The Local Legacy of the Potts Family,” and shop in the museum store on their visit.

Colonial stitching methods will also be demonstrated.

The “Pride of Place” exhibit can also be viewed during a guided tour of Pottsgrove Manor during regular museum hours now through November 8th. Regular museum hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tours are given on the hour.

The last tour of the day begins at 3:00 p.m. The site is closed Mondays and major holidays. Groups of then or more should pre-register by calling 610-326-4014.

Pottsgrove Manor is located at 100 West King Street near the intersection of King Street and Route 100, just off Route 422, in Pottstown.

Pottsgrove Manor is operated by Montgomery County under the direction of the Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites Division of the Assets and Infrastructure Department.

For more information, please call 610-326-4014, or visit the website at www.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor. Like Pottsgrove Manor on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pottsgrovemanor.

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Going to (Geo-Hydrology) School in New Hanover

July 27, 2015, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Political Kabuki and Property Tax Reform

≪ Previous: Living History Sundays Coming to Pottsgrove Manor

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First of all, allow me to wax on a bit about what a charming locale was chosen for a municipal meeting, the old historic schoolhouse in New Hanover.

It had the two things I most appreciate in a historic site -- authenticity and air conditioning.

(During a recent visit to FDR's historic home in New Hyde Park, we entered the mansion only to be told the air conditioning had broken down. It was hard to appreciate history when your glasses kept fogging up.)

Secondly, bravo to the township supervisors for saying they don't know enough about the science of  potential contamination being released by Gibraltar Rock';s quarrying. (It's not often you hear a politician say they don't know enough.)

Thirdly, a second bravo for saying they need to learn more, and then inviting someone who knows more to teach them. (They just moved from "politicians" to "concerned public officials" in my playbook.)

And fourthly, congrats to them for voting Monday night to have solicitor Paul Bauer write to the DEP and essentially ask "why aren't you doing more about this."

During last night's meeting, Bauer opined that the DEP should have stepped in when Gibraltar Rock bought 18 acres of land from the owner of the contaminated former oil site in December.

We'll see where it goes from here people.

Here are the Tweets from the meeting.

Political Kabuki and Property Tax Reform

July 28, 2015, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Changing the Borough's Rental Rules

≪ Previous: Going to (Geo-Hydrology) School in New Hanover

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Photo by Evan Brandt Gov. Tom Wolf, speaking at Phoenixville Area Middle School, stands between placards prepared by his staff espousing the benefits of his budget proposal, left, and the deficiencies of the Republican proposal, at right.

Yesterday was the second time I have covered an event featuring Pennsylvania's new governor, Tom Wolf, and I must say I continue to be impressed with his priorities.

Helping small older cities like Pottstown and his native York; funding public education at a level that gives us something less that the worst rating for the gap between rich and poor districts, and property tax reform.

He's also fairly personable and at ease with people, something his predecessor never seemed to master in the several times that I met him.

Here is some video from the beginning of his remarks:


But he is in for a tough fight on this budget.

The Republicans, who never resolved pensions, property taxes or state liquor store issues when they controlled the House, Senate and Governor's mansion for four years, now insist all those things must be dealt with in four weeks before a budget can be adopted.

I also just realized, pardon me, I'm slow, that at the same time the Republicans are slamming Wolf for a property tax proposal that hikes personal income and sales taxes this year for property tax relief next year -- their own proposal does the EXACT SAME THING.

If that isn't "political Kabuki," a phrase I heard for the first time yesterday and immediately adopted, then I don't know what is.

But there may be some light to inject into this.

After Wolf's press conference, I participated in a conference call with the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center about an analysis which suggests that there may be a path toward agreement on property tax reform, if both sides can do away with the posturing and theatrics.

You can read more about it in Sunday's Mercury .... once I write it.

In the meantime, here are the Tweets from today's event, Kabuki and all.

Changing the Borough's Rental Rules

July 29, 2015, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Getting a Jump on Kindergarten

≪ Previous: Political Kabuki and Property Tax Reform

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Photo by Evan Brandt Say what you want about Pottstown, but the folks who take care of the landscaping around borough hall are doing one hell of a job. This was my view as I walked to the meeting and I have to say it was very pleasant.

About a dozen landlords attending a meeting held Wednesday night in Pottstown Borough Hall to brief them about the changes underway in the borough's rental ordinances.

Chief among these is the switch to a new inspection schedule of every two years for rental properties.

But it will take 30 months for the borough to shift to this system, so until 2018, the borough will also (within reason, depending on the last inspection) conduct inspections when tenants change, as is currently done.

The landlords had a lot of questions, but generally seemed pleased at the effort by Licensing and Inspections Director Keith Place to reach out and explain the changes, and listen to their concerns.

Here are the Tweets from last night's meeting.

Getting a Jump on Kindergarten

July 30, 2015, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Aug. 8 Car and Bike Show to Benefit Veterans

≪ Previous: Changing the Borough's Rental Rules

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The first day of school, particularly when it's your child's FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL EVER, can take some getting used to.

But thanks to a new, free program being offered through the Pottstown School District, parents can get some help smoothing out the butterflies. 

PEAK's Summer Kindergarten Readiness Program runs from Aug. 10-21.

The state-funded program is designed to take away your child’s kindergarten jitters and get a jump start on transitioning into the new school year.

Reasons for considering the Summer Kindergarten Readiness Program include:

• Introduction to Kindergarten routines and structure
• Get into the body rhythms of school before the school year
• Fosters independence and responsibility

Whether your child has been to PreK or not, the summer readiness teachers will help make the new experience of entering school fun.

To participate in SKRP, your child must be entering a Pottstown School District Kindergarten and the family income cannot exceed 300% of federal poverty level (for a family of four, yearly income cannot exceed $72,750).

Contact the following PEAK sites to register your child:

• KinderCare Learning Center 610-326-0554
• Pottstown YMCA 610-323-7300
• YWCA Tri-County Area 610-323-1888
• Montgomery Early Learning Centers 610-326-3819
• Pottstown School District Pre-K Counts 610-970-6655

Or contact the PEAK Coordinator at 610-970-6655

Also, parents of children entering a Pottstown School District kindergarten this fall should know that registration is now done online at www.pottstownschools.org. 

Aug. 8 Car and Bike Show to Benefit Veterans

July 31, 2015, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Starfest Set for this Weekend (Weather Permitting)

≪ Previous: Getting a Jump on Kindergarten

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Attention motor-heads!

There is still time to register your vehicle for the Second Annual Car and Bike Show at the Southeast Veteran's Center at Spring City.

The event will be held Saturday, Aug. 8 (rain date Aug. 9) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the judging begins at 11 a.m.

Pre-registration is only $10, but it costs $15 to do on the day of the show, and all proceeds benefit the veterans fund.

Questions or requests for the registration form show above should be directed to Ken Schweitzer k.schweitzer@hotmail.com or to Barry Amole at blamole@comcast.net

Starfest Set for this Weekend (Weather Permitting)

August 2, 2015, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: No Resignation in L. Pottsgrove, But a Call for One

≪ Previous: Aug. 8 Car and Bike Show to Benefit Veterans

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This year's "Starfest" stargazing event will be held on Saturday, Aug. 8 (or on Sunday, Aug., 9 if it rains.)

This extremely cool event, which will be held the weekend of Aug. 15 and Aug. 16 if the weather refuses to cooperate, is brought to you by the Chesmont Astronomical Society.

It will be held at Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, which has an official address of 2 Bird Lane, Elverson, but is off Route 345.

It begins at 5:30 p.m. and will run through 11:30 p.m.

The program will feature speakers, astronomy presentations, and activities for kids. 

 Public viewing of the wonders of the Milky Way will be available through more than twenty amateur and high-end telescopes. 

 Admission and parking is free. Donations are greatly appreciated and needed to support the event.

Here is the schedule:

• 5:30 -- Gates Open
• 6 to 7 --  Kids Corner Educational Activities.
• 7 to 7:30 -- Opening Remarks from Chesmont Astronomical Society President Dan Acker
• 7:35 to 8:15 -- Darker Skies, Brighter Stars - Vacation Adventures from Dark Places, Dr. Robert Werkman, ChesMont Astronomical Society
• 8:20 to 9:15 Keynote Speaker – Peter Detterline - Boyertown Area Senior High. his talk will focus on his newly appointed position as Astronomy Ambassador to Chile.
• 9:15 -- Drawing of the Grand Prize followed by Public stargazing through Amateur Telescopes. 

After that, its time to look at the stars.

More information about the program is available by calling Hopewell at 610-582-8773, ext. 0, or visiting the Chesmont Astronomical Society website at www.chesmontastro.org.

No Resignation in L. Pottsgrove, But a Call for One

August 3, 2015, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: A Great Night to be Out Covering National Night Out

≪ Previous: Starfest Set for this Weekend (Weather Permitting)

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The Lower Pottsgrove Township Commissioners extracted themselves as much as possible from the Shawn Watson controversy Monday night by voted unanimously to call for his resignation.

They also pointed out they do not have the legal authority to remove him from office or to force him to resign.

For those who have been asleep for the past month, Watson is under fire for, among other things, his failure to pay more $55,000 in back taxes to Pottstown, Pottstown Schools, Pottsgrove Schools, Norristown, Montgomery County and, perhaps most concerning, Lower Pottsgrove Township itself.

During the July 23 meeting, the commissioners did not discuss the revelations -- reported at that point solely by The Mercury -- at all.

(Links to those stories and Monday's editorial calling on Watson to resign, are pasted among the Tweets below.)

But on Monday night, Commissioners Chairman Bruce Foltz began with an announcement and a motion calling on Watson to resign.

Here is the story I wrote for today's Mercury.

Here is video of Foltz's announcement and motion:


Under public questioning from Joe Zlomek of the Sanatoga Post, Foltz also revealed that he had called Watson that morning in an attempt to convince him to resign and to tell him what the commissioners intended to vote upon.

Foltz also said Watson indicated he has no plans to resign.

Here are the Tweets from the meeting:

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A Great Night to be Out Covering National Night Out

August 4, 2015, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: A New Police Chaplain, a New Obstacle for Fecera's

≪ Previous: No Resignation in L. Pottsgrove, But a Call for One

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There is always some nice sidewalk chalk work at the National Night Out event at Trinity Reformed United Church of Christ at King and North Charlotte streets.

Every year, it seems, the celebrations, participation and organization of National Night Out events in Pottstown gets better and better.

I had the opportunity to attend three events this year, but this year I changed the order.

Last year, when I arrived at the event at First Church of the Brethren in my neighborhood last, my Councilwoman Sheryl Miller made me feel guilty.

So this year, I was sure to arrive in plenty of time.

This year, I shot most of my video there as well:


As always, there was lots of music and food and play going on at the park at Washington and Chestnut streets.

And Fifth and York had the giant cow from Turkey Hill.

And at Trinity Reformed UCC Church across King Street from The Mercury, the newest of the celebrations continued to provide my favorite chalk work of the evening.

I had a grand old time, and a few too many hot dogs....

Here are the Tweets from the evening.

A New Police Chaplain, a New Obstacle for Fecera's

August 5, 2015, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Color me Pottstown

≪ Previous: A Great Night to be Out Covering National Night Out

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Wednesday night's borough council meeting was only about an hour long, but boy, they sure covered a lot of ground.

Among the first orders of business was the appointment of the Rev. Bishop Everett Debnam as the official chaplain for the Pottstown Police Department.

Here's the video of the swearing in.



As those of us who know him well might expect, you won't be surprised to learn, Bishop Debnam had a few words to say after his appointment.

We captured those as well:


The council also got a somewhat lengthy presentation from the Montgomery County Planning Commission regarding its sparkly new county-wide comprehensive plan.

Then we discovered collectively that although the folks working to re-develop the former Fecera's building on Beech Street have been working over-time to try to establish more off-street parking to address concerns of council the community, it still won't be enough.

Despite doubling the off-street parking provided for the project, the new zoning regulations adopted by council, now require even more.

As a result, the folks from Genesis Housing and Housing Visions will have to go to the zoning hearing board -- again -- for a variance.

And, having fought hard to get council's support for the tax credit that makes the project's finances work, they may now have to fight to convince council not to send a letter to the zoning hearing board opposing their application.

Councilman Dan Weand, whose ward extends down to the corner of Beech and Evans streets, said he wants council to oppose the application. Council President Stephen Toroney, who wavered in his support for the project initially, said the die has been cast and the project should be allowed to move forward without any more opposition.

We'll see what happens Monday.

Also, Pottstown School Board member Ron Williams told council that the school board will oppose any zoning variance sought by the Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities to expand its office operation into the 1887 mansion that borders its facility on North Franklin Street.

In the meantime, here are the Tweets from the meeting:

Color me Pottstown

August 6, 2015, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Pennsylvania's Taxation Without Representation

≪ Previous: A New Police Chaplain, a New Obstacle for Fecera's

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Photos by Evan Brandt Pottstown Public Library Director Susan Davis with her very own copy of Pottstown's Very Own Coloring Book.

Some people like to view Pottostown through rose-colored lenses.

The old library building and Pottstown Roller Mills are featured.

But now, thanks to the Friends of the Pottstown Regional Public Library, you can view Pottstown through any colored lens you want -- as long as you're willing to color it yourself.

For the third time in history, coinciding with another of Pottstown's birthdays, you can buy a coloring book that features Pottstown's (yes, I'm going to say it) colorful history.

Drawn by Gail McVicker, the book was assembled free of charge by the American Association of University Women.

Mrs. Smith's Pies is featured as well.

All the Friends of the Library had to do was pay for the publication.

They now have about 1,000 of the books that are for sale for $3 at the book sale counter in the library building.

The proceeds from the sale will -- what else? -- benefit the library operations.

Already, about $100-worth of coloring books have been sold.

Hurry down and get your copy today, and support your local library at the same time.

You can even color in a rendering of the old Ringing Rocks Trolley

Pennsylvania's Taxation Without Representation

August 8, 2015, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Colebrookdale RR to Get New Car, Steam Engine

≪ Previous: Color me Pottstown

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A U.S Appellate Court ruled last week that the restrictive a voter ID law adopted in Texas discriminates against minorities and violates the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

This comes as no surprise to those who view such laws as thinly veiled attempts to thin the ranks of potential Democratic-leaning voters.

The law was enacted in the wake of the 2013 U.S. Supreme Court decision"that blocked the voting act’s most potent enforcement tool, federal oversight of election laws in numerous states, including Texas, with histories of racial discrimination," the New York Times reported.

"The Texas ID law is one of the strictest of its kind in the country. It requires voters to bring a government-issued photo ID to the polls. Accepted forms of identification include a driver’s license, a United States passport, a concealed-handgun license and an election identification certificate issued by the State Department of Public Safety," according to the Times.

Only in Texas would a concealed-carry permit allow you to vote, but a library card would not.

It also serves as unfortunate notice that a state once regulated for its racism returned to it immediately once freed from the shackles of government oversight.

This ruling is good news; as was a judge's ruling suspending Pennsylvania's own version of voter ID, a law which boldly solved a problem that does not exist and, at the same time, handily discouraged minorities from voting.

Protesters in Harrisburg speak out against Pennsylvania's Voter ID Law.

Both rulings highlight what seem to be an admission by the Republican Party that with national demographics working against them -- Hispanics will be the majority within the next decade or so -- they are now forced to win elections by restricting voters rather than by winning them over with the inclusiveness of their policies.

In other words, scared of losing in a fair fight, they rig the rules.

Anyway, we're not here to talk about race. Heaven forbid.

But Pennsylvania has another long-standing voter restriction that has nothing to do with race, but is a truly insidious form of discrimination. It works against independent thinkers.

This particular voter discrimination goes largely un-remarked and, arguably has more negative impact on fair representation at the polls than the disreputable voter ID law.

Because Pennsylvania has a "closed primary" system, those who are not part of a registered party cannot vote in the spring primaries.

This is not unique in America and is the result of the argument that those not members of a party should not allowed to help choose its nominees. 

This seemingly rationale argument would be less harmful if not for the fact that most school board races in Pennsylvania get decided in those primary elctions.

This is due to another innocent-sounding rationale, that school board's are "non-partisan."

Those of us who attend school board meetings on a regular basis know this to be a load of horse hockey. 

There are often few places more partisan. The only difference is the partisanship on school boards is not always related to party, but to faction -- property tax hawks versus the "anything for the children" faction.

But as the result of something called "cross-filing," school board candidates are legally allowed to seek BOTH the Republican and Democratic lines on the spring ballot.

(Does anyone else find it fatuous that people not registered as Democrats or Republicans are not allowed to vote for a nominee, but the candidates themselves, can win the nomination, no matter what their party registration, if any?)

Yet another injustice, independent voters can't get one of these cool stickers during the spring primary election.

Often ignored, these primary elections, which attract the smallest percentage of voters, become the place where school board candidates, who will have sway over the largest part of your tax bill, often win the election out right by taking both ballot lines.

This leaves those who, understandably, cannot stomach the shenanigans of either party, no say in their school board representation.

They are allowed to vote in November, yes; but often the only choice they have is which party line to cast their vote for the only candidates available.

This is not democratic (small "d.")

Worse, it represents the illusion of democracy, made more egregious by the fact that few positions have more power over our pocketbooks, the value of our homes and the future of our children, than that of school board.

Only the state government has the power to change this but, since no powerful school board lobby is lining their re-election pocket, it goes unaddressed.

They're too busy arguing about where we buy our booze, as if any of us cares.

There are two easy fixes. 

The state government could, like other states, change to an "open primary" system in which registered independent voters could vote in one primary or the other.

But since this could unbalance the hegemony each party has over its ballot line, don't look for a "come to Jesus" moment from any of that pack any time soon.

The easier solution, more likely because it doesn't gore any of Harrisburg's sacred cows, is to stop allowing cross-filing. 

This simple change would mean that come November, registered voters who are not registered Democrats or Republicans would more likely have a choice in who raises their school taxes.

Sadly, it does not solve the problem of too few candidates running for school boards and other local offices, although the rigged primary probably does little to encourage fledgling candidacies.

But at least it removes the structural exclusion of independents on those occasions when an actual contest might take place.

Otherwise, for independent voters, cross-filing is truly taxation without a say in representation.

And I thought we were supposed to be opposed to that here in America.

Colebrookdale RR to Get New Car, Steam Engine

August 9, 2015, 9:00 pm

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Once a Pullman sleeping car, the 'Lake Girard' will soon be plying the tracks of the Colebrookdale Railroad.

Blogger's Note:The following was provided by the good folks at the Colebrookdale Railroad.

The volunteers and donors of the Colebrookdale Railroad will welcome two additional piece of railroad history to Boyertown this Tuesday and Wednesday.

A new open car will arrive from Duncansville, PA, and unlike the Railroad’s other coaches, will arrive not on rail but rather by truck.

Huge rubber-tired dollies will take a 174,000-lb railroad car on a journey on Pennsylvania’s highways ending at the Colebrookdale’s railyard on Third Street. The funds to move the car were donated by Robert Hart, Sr.

“We are thrilled to welcome the car into the fleet,” said Nathaniel Guest, Executive Director of the Railroad. Guest estimates the work needed to fit out the car will cost about $25,000. 

“It’s not going to require as much work as the other cars, since it’s an open car, but all the same we’d welcome donations and sponsors so we can have it in service for our busy season at the end of the year,” he said.

(You can donate on the railroad's web site by clicking here.)

The new car was originally a Pullman sleeping car built in 1924. Later in life it became part of the Pennsylvania Railroad and was assigned as number8663 the "Lake Girard". 

Like our current heavyweight, this antique car is heavy. Records show standard Pullman sleeping cars weighing 174,000 pounds. With some minor restoration work, the new car will be ready for service.

This 1942 Porter 0-6-0 engine will require much restoration before it can begin to run on the Colebrookdale.

Also arriving Wednesday, a new old steam engine making its return to its Pennsylvania birthplace.

Project 02, owners of the locomotive, will be restoring it to operation. 

A 1942 Porter 0-6-0 tank engine built by the Porter Locomotive Works in Pittsburgh, the locomotive is privately owned but will reside on the Colebrookdale Railroad. 

“We’re excited to bring it home,” said Preston McEvoy of Project 02. “It will not be operating for some time as most steam locomotive restorations take years,” McEvoy said.