More Cowbell With Your Concert Sir?

April 28, 2016, 9:00 pm

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If Christopher Walken wasn't present for this year's Pottstown High School Spring Concert, he was at least there in spirit.

To get that joke, you need to be familiar with the infamous Saturday Night Live skit in which Will Ferrell plays an over-enthusiastic cowbell player at the recording session of Blue Oyster Cult's "Don't Fear the Reaper."

No matter how over the top he gets (not including how his stomach is over the top of his pants), producer Christopher Walken wants more -- as in "I've the fever, and the prescription is more cowbell!"

And to understand why you're reading about this in a blog post about Pottstown High School's spring concert, you need to know that Director Michael Vought gave the band some freedom this year to have input into the program -- and that's what they came up with.

As the band played a medley of "Don't Fear the Reaper,""Tequila" and "Oye Como Va," some members armed with cowbells did what cowbell players do best.

The Jazz Band added a new number to their repertoire, Trombone Shorty's "Buck Jump."

But that was at the end.

Before we got to any of those shenanigans, we heard first from the Jazz Band, which added a new number to their repertoire, as well as from a spin-off of the Jazz Band, a trio who call themselves "The Gentlemen."

They are comprised of trombonist Kyle Kratzer, baritone saxophonist Casey Mest and guitarist Gary Oberholtzer. As is evident in the video below, it is definitely something different.

The Pottstown High School Flute Ensemble

Then veteran music educator Nancy Mest took the stage with her flute and clarinet ensembles, students she has taught since they were wee little musicians.

After a nice intermission, we came to the main event, which was the full concert band, which played five numbers, the last of which featured quite a bit of cowbell.

The Pottstown High School Concert Band

Another example of input from the students was the selection of the theme from
"Avengers: Age of Ultron," just in time for the release of the next Captain America movie.

For extra authenticity, some of the low brass donned masks and helmets that Tony Stark would have been proud to call his own.

Senior Awards await presenting.

Before closing out with said cowbell feature, and an impromptu and spirited rendition of the marching band anthem, "Horse" -- which had the band members spelling out "Trojans" at the top of their lungs -- there were the senior awards.

And without further ado, we present the Tweets (and some cowbell).

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The County Commissioners Are Coming to Town

April 29, 2016, 9:00 pm

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Montgomery County Commissioners, from left, Josh shapiro, Val Arkoosh and Joseph Gale.

Did you have anything you'd like to ask the Montgomery County Commissioners?

Maybe you want to know what so much county funding drives so much low-income housing to the borough.

Maybe you'd like to hear why they don't provide additional county dollars to help with the additional load those low-income families put on our police department and schools.

Or maybe you just want to know when the Schuylkill River Trail will be finished.

Well Monday night is your chance.

The commissioners are starting their goodwill tour, which they call "Conversations with Commissioners” town hall meetings right here in Pottstown.

They will be at the Montgomery County Community College West Campus South Hall Community Room located at 101 College Drive, on Monday at 7 p.m.

Maybe you should be too.

“These sessions are a very effective way to keep residents informed about what we are doing and to hear what issues are foremost on their minds” Commissioner Chair Josh Shapiro said in a prepared statement.

“These sessions are another way we use to keep residents informed about what we are doing in county government,” said Commissioner Val Arkoosh said in a press release about the series.

“We live stream our board meetings online and use social media a great deal to inform everyone about what is going on in the county," she said, "but the ‘Conversations’ provide a true, personal level of contact with our constituents.”

What the Firkin?

April 30, 2016, 9:00 pm

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The beer at Pottstown Firkin Fest was served in a commemorative glass.

Never one to turn down an opportunity to taste many beers, your humble blogger was among the hundreds who made their way to Pottstown's Memorial Park Saturday for the first-ever Pottstown Firkin Fest.

As crack Mercury reporter Marian Dennis reported in her story on the subject, a Firkin is "a type of barrel that holds cask-conditioned ale. According to the Firkin Fest website, the beer has less carbonation and, as a result of being unfiltered, is more cloudy and has a 'complex flavor and aromatic profile.' The specific type of beer allows brewers to experiment with different flavors and since all the beers available at the event were brewed specifically for the Pottstown Firkin Fest, guests got a unique opportunity to taste and admire the craft.

Mercury Editor Nancy March was one of several judges, and, as this photograph shows, she took the job seriously.

What's not to like?

Well, to be honest, I did not like all of them.

But why should I expect to? It was beer, certainly I could find a brew to suite my tastes.

Those tastes run more toward Belgian whites, lagers and pilsners, with an inexplicable fondness for Sly Fox Brewer's oatmeal stout thrown into the mix.

I'm not much inclined toward India Pale Ales, IPAs as we beer-lovers know them, so that limited my choices as many of the selections used that beer as a base for their experimenting.

But some determined searching found a number of brews I favored.

Your humble blogger conducts research.

That searching meant that I spent less time than I should have at The Mercury's table, where we gave away free pretzel necklaces, pens, tote bags and papers.

But this journalist stops at nothing to get to the bottom of a story (or a glass) .... ahem. 

Ever the odd-ball, the beer I discovered I liked best won no awards. 

And even more odd, it was a "double IPA," brewed by "Evil Genius," a name which I confess drew my both my attention and admiration immediately.

What Trevor Fitzgerald had discovered, to my delight, was that running the beer through nectarines not only gave it a fruity taste, but extracted what I find to be the overly metallic bite of an IPA's hoppy character.

It seemed from the smiles on the faces I saw that plenty of other folks found plenty to be happy (and hoppy) about as well.

Happiest among them, perhaps, were the volunteers from the Pottstown Regional Public Library whose volunteerism earned them the proceeds from Pottstown's second great beer event in six months.

And if you don't believe me, take a look at all these Tweets....

Ringing Rocks Explores Asian Art

April 30, 2016, 9:00 pm

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Photos and video by Evan Brandt This kindergarten and pre-K sculpture was created with children and, in the case of pre-K, parents each making a scale to be put on the fish.

So I'll be the first one to tell you I don't know much about art (algebra either).

Ringing Rocks Elementary art teacher Joy van Ruler.

This is a source of constant dismay for my wife Karen who, in addition to being
way smarter than I am, majored in art history in college.

But I do know what I like and what I don't like. I like Chinese and Japanese landscape paintings (because the people are to scale and so small), and I don't much care for Jackson Pollock, this despite growing up with one of his prints in our living room.

Luckily, you don't have to depend on me to guide you through the elaborate and colorful art show staged last week at Ringing Rocks Elementary School.

Ringing Rocks students created these mandalas.

That's Joy van Ruler's job.

She explained that each year, the students not only learn some of the basics of art, but also the culture that goes creates it -- one continent at a time.

This year, it's Asia's turn.

So as parents and children swelled the halls of the school, festooned with art of seemingly endless variety, van Ruler explained that there was a method to it all.

Paper lanterns on display.

By leaving out Antarctica -- whose art remains, to date, undiscovered, or at least under appreciated -- children from kindergarten through fifth grade in Pottsgrove get exposure to each continent's art.

This year students created Chinese dragon masks, paper lanterns and painted
Indian elephant festival art and mandalas.

Here she is to explain better than I can.



Of course art has some common elements no matter what continent inspired it.

Student-made Chinese landscapes.

For example, landscape painting occurs in most cultures.

So the display at Ringing Rocks included a panel explaining landscapes using on of Andrew Wyeth's more famous examples.

This was then contrasting it with the Chinese and Japanese landscape painting style.

Students then made their own.

The students also created their own Autumn landscapes that did not have to be Chinese in style.

Other basic elements of art explored in the Ringing Rocks display include shapes, as demonstrated through an exploration of Georgia O'Keefe paintings.

vanRuler used George O'Keefe to teach shapes.

And what art curriculum is worth its sale without a look at the human body, and how to draw it.

For the youngest students, that meant their hands, and, as everyone knows, the best way to draw your hand is to trace it.

The evening's events also included some music and dancing, enjoyed as much by students as by parents.

Take a look at Joe Zlomek's posts in the Sanatoga Post to see some video of how that went.

Everyone has traced their hand at least once.

But alas, the news and another municipal meeting called me away and I could not stay for more than 40 minutes.

But I left more re-assured that the next generation of leaders may be even better-equipped than mine to appreciate the importance and universality of artistic expressions.

Pottsgrove Manor Hosts Annual May Fair Saturday

May 2, 2016, 9:00 pm

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Acrobat Signora Bella will perform at the Pottsgrove Manor May Fair Saturday.

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

Celebrate spring at the Annual Colonial May Fair held at historic Pottsgrove Manor on Saturday, May 7, 2016 from 11:00am to 5:00pm.

This yearly event is a fun-filled day with activities for all ages including games, music, dancing, and crafts.

Tucker's Tales Puppet Theatre will present interactive puppet shows and will also provide festive historic music around the grounds during the event.

Signora Bella will delight audiences with her acrobatic feats.

Members of the Tapestry Historic Dance Ensemble.

Colonial conjurer Levram the Great will perform historically-themed magic shows and entertain visitors with pocket magic tricks throughout the day.

Members of the Tapestry Historic Dance Ensemble will demonstrate authentic English country dances. As always, visitors will be invited to join in and dance around the maypole to help open and close the fair!

In addition to the entertainment, a variety of early American crafters and demonstrators will be on hand to display historic skills and trades and sell their wares.

Young visitors will have the chance to meet colonial farm animals, watch a blacksmith at work, see how candles were made, play with colonial toys, try an 18th-century bat-and-ball game, dance around a child-size maypole, help churn butter, and more.

New this year, the site will also be offering free make-and-take crafts for kids.

The first floor of colonial ironmaster John Potts’ 1752 manor house will be open for self-guided tours during the fair.

Colonial crafts will also be on display.

Visitors will also be able to shop at the manor’s museum shop for colonial games, books, and unique gifts.

MMG Concessions will offer a variety of refreshments for sale, including burgers, cheesesteaks, hot dogs, sausages, sandwiches, fries, hand-rolled pretzels, and fresh-squeezed lemonade.

The fair coincides with the third annual “Pow-Wow on Manatawny Creek,” celebrating the culture and traditions of the Lenni-Lenape Native Americans.

The pow-wow will be taking place during the hours of May Fair and will be held at Memorial Park, less than a block from Pottsgrove Manor. The public is encouraged to visit both events for an experience that spans time periods and cultures.

For a schedule of the day’s activities and a list of vendors and craftspeople that will be at the fair, visit http://www.montcopa.org/1421/Annual-Colonial-May-Fair.

A donation of $2.00 per person is suggested for this event. Visitors can park for free at the Carousel at Pottstown building, 30 West King Street.

Limited overflow parking is available at the Pottstown Quality Inn across the street from the Manor.

Paid parking is also available in the “shop & park” lot at High and Hanover Streets in downtown Pottstown.

There will be free trolley rides during the fair between the carousel parking lot, the pow-wow at Memorial Park, downtown Pottstown, and Pottsgrove Manor.

Handicapped parking is available in the museum’s parking lot. Pottsgrove Manor is located at 100 West King Street near the intersection of King Street and Route 100, just off Route 422.

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

Chartwells 5K Race to Benefit Pottsgrove Foundation

May 3, 2016, 9:00 pm

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The Chartwells Annuual 5K Fun Run and Walk and Kids Fun Run and Walk (boy that's a long title!) will be held Friday, May 13 at 7 p.m.

Proceeds from the run benefit the Pottsgrove Education Foundation.

Registration for the event, which will take place at the stadium at Pottsgrove High School, is from  6 to 6:45 p.m.

The route, which is wheel-measured, will wind through neighborhoods near Pottsgrove High School.

The entry fee is $20, which includes a T-shirt for all participants.

There will be awards for overall male and female winners as well as age group medals for both sexes.

Age groups are grades K-2; grades 3-5; grades 6-8 and grades 9-12 for younger runners. There will also adult age groups of 19 to 29; 30 to 39; 40 to 49; 50 to 59 and 60-plus.

Members of our PRIDE and FALCON Fitness programs will once again be joining as their culminating event to finish a 5K.

Elementary and middle school students have been working toward this goal for the past 8 weeks and many will run their first road race that day.

For more information, contact Athletic Director Gary DeRenzo at 610-326-6376 or by email: gderenzo@pgsd.org 

Click here to register in advance.

A Quiet Night on Pottstown Council

May 4, 2016, 9:00 pm

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As my loyal Twitter followers know, both of them, I was not at Pottstown Borough Council's meeting last night.

And yet here are the Tweets from the meeting, as if by magic.

Not magic, dear reader. Technology.

That and a willing Tweeter, in this case intrepid Mercury Reporter Eric Devlin.

Convinced that the council agenda suggested a earlier night than covering a special Pottsgrove School Board meeting at which a replacement board would be chosen from among four, Devlin gamely stepped into the breach.

As I listened to the Pottsgrove candidates talk about themselves, I noticed with great delight on my Twittering device that, true to tradition, Eric was Tweeting the council meeting.

That means you, insatiable devourers of borough news, will be satisfied -- at least for today.

Without further ado, here is Eric's take on a Pottstown Borough Council meeting.

Enjoy.

Cluster Loses First Zoning Battle

May 5, 2016, 9:00 pm

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Mercury File Photo by John Strickler The Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities wants to convert 61 N. Franklin St., known as the former Wainman Mansion, into office space for its operation and housing program. The zoning hearing board will decide if that's allowed in a series of hearings.

Despite what many may say about another property off the tax rolls, the current controversy over the Cluster's application to uses this grand old Victorian as office space really has nothing to do with keeping this property on the tax rolls.

That ship sailed last fall.

The borough and the school district both opposed making it tax exempt, and they lost.

Now already declared tax exempt by the Montgomery County Board of Assessment Appeals, the matter at hand is much more specific  and technical and essentially boils down to one thing: what is a "client-based social service provider?"

That is the phrase on which zoning officer Maria Geho hung her hat when she denied the zoning application by the Cluster. The current zoning ordinance specifically forbids that type of office in the Traditional Town Neighborhood zone in which the building is located.

The Cluster's strategy to overcome that obstacle is, or at this point "was," two-fold.

First, ask the zoning board to interpret the code and decide whether Geho was right in applying that definition to what the Cluster has proposed to do.

They did and they decided she was.

Had they decided the definition didn't apply, that would have been the end of it and no variance would have need been sought by the Cluster.

Which brings us to the second fold.

Now that they have decided the definition does apply, the hearings will have to continue and the Cluster must convince the zoning board that a variance should be granted.

The next hearing during which that case will be begun will take place on Tuesday, June 14.

That's it in a nutshell.

Now, if you're a fan of zoning testimony, or want to watch videos of 1) Zoning solicitor R. Kurtz Holloway reading objection letters from borough council and the school board; 2) Kenn Picardi's opening statement on behalf of the Cluster; or 3) Cluster Executive Director Barbara Wilhelmy reading the definition in question, then by all means, proceed on the Tweets.

(Those who do will find a somewhat unusual surprise at the end ....)

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Volunteers and Vets Sought for Memorial Day Events

May 7, 2016, 9:00 pm

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Mercury Photo by John Strickler

Joint Veterans Council of Pottstown will be holding our annual Memorial Day events again this year.

On Saturday, May 21, voluntyeers with the Joint Veterans Council will be cleaning and sprucing up the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and gazebo in Memorial Park for Memorial Day services.

Mercury Photo by John Strickler Cub Scouts place flags on veteran graves in Highland Memorial.

Anyone that would like to help should meet at 8am, at the gazebo that day. Please bring a pair of gloves.

Also on Saturday, May 21, JVC will be replacing the flags on veteran’s graves at Highland Memorial Park.

Groups and individuals are welcome to help. Please meet at the cemetery at 8 a.m. Flags are provided.

Sunday, May 22, JVC will replace all the flags on veteran’s grave at St Aloysius New Cemetery on Buchert Rd.
Cemetery. There are approximately 2000 veterans buried there.

There are over 1000 veterans buried there. Starting time is 8 a.m. Flags will be provided.

The Ellis Woods Cemetery service in East Coventry will be held on Sunday May 29, at Ellis Woods beginning at 2 p.m. This service is to honor the 19 Revolutionary soldiers buried in the area.

Mercury Photo by John Strickler The Memorial Day ceremony will be held in Memorial Park Monday, May 30, after the parade.

Their grave sites are not exactly known.

The Pottstown Memorial Day parade will be held Monday May 30, beginning at High and Baily Streets. JVC (Joint Veterans Council) would like to invite every veteran and businesses, car, motorcycle, antique vehicle clubs to participate. Also boys and girls scout troops. Churches, dance groups, alumni bands and service clubs are invited.

To be part of the parade, call the VFW, Post 780 at 610-326-4711. They can put you in touch with the parade coordinator.

Immediately following the parade, there will be a Memorial Service in Pottstown’s Memorial Park.

Guest speaker this year will be Brig. Gen. Carol Eggert, US Army Retired.

The Rev. James Spears is Pottstown’s Veteran of the Year. Pottsgrove Middle School Band will provide the music. We will also read the names of the 146 area veterans that died from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 2015.

If the parade is rained out, the service will be held inside Goodwill Fire Co. building starting at 10 a.m.

For any further information, please email to cbviking@comcast.net or call 484-944-4881.

Community track Night at The Hill School

May 8, 2016, 9:00 pm

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Blogger's Note:The following was provided by the Hill School.

On Friday, May 20, The Hill School track and field teams will host the third annual Pottstown Community Track Night.

All area children between the ages of 2 and 14 are welcome to participate in the free event, which take place at The Hill School’s William West Hauser ’81 Track from 6-8 PM.

 No pre-registration is necessary; all participants will be asked to register upon arrival. The registration table will open at 5:15 PM.

There will be a total of nine events; five track events, the 40 meter dash, 100 meter dash, 200 meter dash, 400 meter dash, and 800 meter run; and four field events, the long jump, football throw (in place of the javelin), Frisbee toss (in place of the discus), and softball put (in place of the shot put).

In addition to a night of fun races, there will be refreshments on hand for all attendees to enjoy.

Event parking will be available in The Hill School’s Far Fields Parking Lot, which is accessible from Beech Street.

The entrance to the Far Fields is located 50 yards west of the Green Street and Beech Street intersection, by the old Edgewood Elementary School. The parking lot is on top of the hill that overlooks The Hill School baseball field.

Contact event organizer Jen Weissbach by email, jweissbach@thehill.org, with any questions.

Slow, Secret Progress on LERTA

May 9, 2016, 9:00 pm

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As is so often the case with council's voting meeting, they were all talked out from the Wednesday work session.

As a result Monday's meeting wasn't much more than 45 minutes and was marked a number of quick and unremarkable votes.

Of potential interest was the vote to move the borough-wide LERTA district -- or Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance -- forward.

Although the ad committee, half borough council, half school district, has made recommendations, and just endorsed them, apparently, Borough Manager Mark Flanders said I would have to file a Right to Know request to get access to it -- this despite the fact that it was discussed at the Wednesday work session.

I have already filed that request, but you will have to wait in breathless anticipation to find out what conditions members of the two boards are hoping to impose on LERTA-seekers.

In case you've lost track, LERTAs attempt to attract development by slowly stepping up the increased tax liability of improved property over a fixed period of time.

In other words, if an empty lot is improved with a $1 million building, the tax bill might be based on a $100,000 assessment the first year; $200,000 the next and so on. But the period of delay, along with lots of other conditions, are some of the things the two boards have been discussing since February.

So read your Mercury in the next few days to find out where things stand.

In the meantime, be satisfied with these Tweets, links and videos ....

Beech Street Clean-Up Set For Saturday Morning

May 10, 2016, 9:00 pm

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Mercury Photo by John Strickler A volunteer helps pick up debris during the Rock the Block clean-up last month.

Blogger's Note: The following announcement was provided by Twila Fisher, the manager of community and economic development at The Hill School and the head of the Hobart's Run revitalization effort.

This Saturday Hobart's Run will hold its second block clean up, this time right next to campus on the 700 block of Beech Street. 

The clean-up will begin at 9 a.m. and end at noon, and volunteers are welcome for whatever amount of time possible -- every bit helps.

 

As with the first block clean up, volunteers will primarily be picking up trash from sidewalks and streets, sweeping sidewalks and walkways, planting flowers where possible (including planters outside of Rickett's Center/Olivet BGC), offering LED bulbs to residents for their porch lights, and giving away flowers to residents who participate in a short survey.

There will also be a dumpster available for all Hobart's Run residents for disposal of bulk items, and a electronics recycling drop off.

A few volunteers to provide live music from the set up area in the grassy area at the corner of Beech and Sheridan streets are being sought. A sound system will be available; just contact Fisher so she can sign you up.

She can be reached at: Mobile: 610-780-6324, tel:610-906-7872, email:
tfisher@thehill.org

First Niagara Helps Senior Center Get Cooking

May 11, 2016, 9:00 pm

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Robert Rettinger, left, vice president at First Niagara Bank, presents Brian Parkes of the TriCounty Active Adult Center with a $2,500 grant from the  First Niagara Foundation.

Blogger's Note:The following was provided by the TriCounty Active Adult Center.

The TriCounty Active Adult Center (formerly the Pottstown Area Seniors’ Center) was recently awarded a $2,500 grant from the First Niagara Foundation.

The grant award will be used for the Center’s new kitchen, one part of the major renovation taking place at the former Pottstown Health Club site. 

Including this grant, First Niagara Foundation has committed $12,500 to the project.

“This is another major step forward for our capital campaign,” said Brian Parkes, executive director. 

“When the renovations are complete, the new location will attract more seniors which will strengthen the center's financial sustainability, and allow us to offer an even greater variety of programs and services. Our nutrition program, including our daily lunch, is a key component of the services we offer to help older adults stay healthy and live independently,” Parkes said.

The Center hopes to complete renovations this summer, and has been busily raising money with its recent Golden Apple Gala, Swing Dance, and upcoming Golf Outing on June 13.

The TriCounty Active Adult Center serves as a resource for older adults in obtaining services to help them stay healthy and independent. 

The Center offers a wide variety of programs and services that include healthy and nutritious meal programs, health checks and seminars, enrichment programs, educational opportunities, transportation services, financial and insurance counseling, and social and recreational activities. 

A home-away-from-home, the Center also allows older adults to escape the social isolation that often comes with advanced age.

The TriCounty Active Adult Center has more than 3,000 members residing in the tri-county area. 

 Anyone living in the tri-county area (Berks, Chester and Montgomery Counties) who is 50+ years of age is welcome to join the Center. Learn more at www.TriCountyAAC.org or call 610-323-5009.

No Tax Hike, Acting Super in Pottstown Schools

May 12, 2016, 9:00 pm

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Stephen Rodriguez

Two remarkable things happened in the most unlikely of places last night.

Decisions were made in the administration building meeting room.

(OK, that was a little snarky, but I will confess that both did take me by surprise.)

First, the Pottstown School Board's finance committee endorsed a $59.7 million budget for 2016-2017 that will not raise taxes.

I'll let that sink in for a moment.

That's two years in a row with no tax increase.

In Pottstown.

And, perhaps even more surprising, the board's personnel committee not only endorsed the idea of making Human Resources Director Stephen Rodriguez the acting superintendent of the district, it also endorsed the final pieces of the administrative re-organization that it had questioned just a two months ago.

The first was made possible primarily by an unprecedented drop, that's right I said DROP, in health insurance costs worth close to $1 million in savings.

The other piece of news is primarily a function of time.

The school board apparently has been unable to find a superintendent candidate to its liking.

As a result, with the end of the school year fast approaching (Superintendent Jeff Sparagana leaves at the end of June), the board had to put someone in charge.

Also, the board's primary objection to enacting the administrative re-organization plan which, to my understanding adds two new positions to the administration, was that they thought the new superintendent should be allowed to have input into that re-organization.

With the clock run-out on that consideration, that objection becomes moot. And now the primary supporter of the plan was its primary objector -- board member Thomas Hylton.

As a result, what the personnel committee endorsed is making Stephen Rodriguez  the acting superintendent given that he is one of the few people within the district who is eligible and hiring someone from outside the district would be expensive.

Rodriguez told the committee members he does not want, nor is he ready, to be the full-time superintendent, he just wants a guarantee of a job when a new super is finally picked.

As a result, the committee endorsed Sparagana's suggestion that a new human resources manager be hired as soon as possible and, when a new superintendent is selected, that Rodriguez be all-but guaranteed the post of "assistant to the superintendent."

"Every number one loves a number two who does not want to be number one," Rodriguez said.

With the hiring of a new Information Technology director and the shift of positions for LaTanya White, who will take on pupil services as well as her current alternative education job, the only post in Sparagana's re-organization plan left unfilled is director of special education, a post Rodriguez said he is working hard to fill.

All of this remains just a recommendation until the full board votes on it, but with the endorsement of six board members in attendance, it would seem a majority exists to put both plans into action.

That's as much as you get for today. Let's remember I was supposed to be out sick today (I did manage to cough on a few committee members).

For a deeper dive this news, you will, as always, have to read The Mercury.

Here are the Tweets from last night.

Support Sought for Free Full-Day Summer Camp

May 13, 2016, 9:00 pm

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Blogger's Note: The following information is provided by Kerriann Herdelin, Executive Director, Greater Pottstown Tennis & Learning

In years past, Pottstown School District has received large grants to run full day summer enrichment camps for six weeks for students who qualified.

Unfortunately, the School District does not have the resources this year to fund a full day program and will have to cut back to a morning only program this summer.

Nine community organizations have collaborated to continue to run a successful enrichment camp for the afternoon portion.

We have constructed a schedule that students will rotate daily to have access to each organizations offering, allowing the students to have various healthy experiences. Our camp will offer guest speakers, such as: Police Officers, Firefighters, Doctors, etc...

These community organizations below find it extremely important to keep the Pottstown students engaged in healthy activities throughout the summer and hopefully learn valuable lessons.

We hoping for local business sponsors to help with this important camp.

We have posted all this information on Greater Pottstown Tennis & Learning's Facebook page.

These are the organizations that are collaborating:

Pottstown School District
Pottstown YMCA
Community Health & Dental
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3-Month Delay For County Line Bridge Project

May 16, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Sanatoga Green Zoning Hearing Held

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The Board of Supervisors meeting Monday night may have only taken an hour, but we found out some interesting things while we were there.

Perhaps most important we found out there is an ongoing investigation by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection into groundwater contamination by tricholorethylene, or TCE, near the former Cabot Super-Metals site.

And that investigation has thrown a bureaucratic monkey wrench into the plans

The County Line Road Bridge is structurally deficient.

to replace the County Line Road bridge.

Work on that bridge replacement was supposed to begin in the June in the hopes that it could be finished before the Boyertown school buses started rolling in the fall.

But because the potential contamination comes so close to the bridge construction site, everything is on hold until some issues get resolved, said Josh Hagadorn, an engineer with Gilmore and Associates.

The easements the project needs to obtain for the project to move forward are potentially within contamination zone "and we can't get the easements until this is resolved."

He told the Board of Supervisors Monday night he had that day received notice from DEP that a review period had begun, but that takes a minimum of 90 days.

So much for replacing the bridge over the summer.

The complication is that the $475,600 grant from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission which will pay the majority of the cost, was contingent upon the money being spent by August.

Photo by Evan Brandt A map of the proposed Donnelly trace project.

But fear not, Hagadorn said the township has already alerted the DVRPC and asked for the money to be pushed back to the next grant cycle.

The other item of interest was the forward motion of the "Donnelly Tract," project which, when constructed, will add 44 homes to the township and 65 acres of open space to an adjacent township park.

That property is called the 40-acre "Libor tract" off Congo Road.

Following the recommendation of the township's planning agency, the supervisors unanimously authorized Township Solicitor Robert Brant to draw up a resolution giving the project preliminary site plan approval and several waivers the developers, Gambone Development Group, had sought.

There are still several stages to go, but the resolution is expected to be adopted at the next meeting in June.

Oh yes, and before I forget, Township Manager Peter Hiryak reports that starting next week, PennDOT will begin milling and paving on Route 100 from Moyer Road in Upper Pottsgrove, up to the County Line Road intersection.

The work will be done at night, from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. and last until June 16.

And with that final tidbit, we present: "the Tweets" and some video from last night's meeting.

Sanatoga Green Zoning Hearing Held

May 17, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: 2nd Annual Jewish Heritage Festival Set for Sunday

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Photo by Evan Brandt A plan for the lay-out of Sanatoga Green superimposed over an aerial photo.

No decisions were made,

In fact rulings on the six variances sought by developer of a massive project opposite the Limerick Outlets will probably not come until July or later.

But Tuesday night's hearing before the Lower Pottsgrove Zoning Hearing board was an important stepping stone for the project, called Sanatoga Green.

At its most basic, the mixed-use proposal on three parcels comprising 51 acres off Evergreen Road would construct a 60,000 square foot medical office building, a hotel of 100 rooms or more.

The project also calls for 166 three-bedroom townhouses, and 343 two- and three-bedroom apartments in 20 buildings, for a total of 5089 residential units, or, as audience member Charles Nippert put it, 1,184 bedrooms.

The site plan for Sanatoga Green

The variances sought were almost entirely dimensional, seeking smaller side yard and rear-yard set-backs, as well as variances from the percentage of smaller townhouses and apartments which attorney Frank Bartle argued would not be supported by market conditions.

The developers also negotiated a $100,000 donation to the township, as well as a 70-foot-wide buffer strip, in exchange for the township's support of a variance seeking permission to ignore zoning requirements for open space and recreation facilities.

The buffer strip is between the apartments and Sanatoga Park and the idea is that with a township park so close, it would be redundant to have the developers build recreation facilities. Better to provide funds to the township to improve the town park next door.

A few of the 18 audience members raised questions about stormwater, and a planned access road, but on the whole few questions were raised.

At the developer's request, the requirement for a zoning decision in 45 days was waived to allow for a map amendment to be entered into the record.

A decision is not expected before the 19 meeting of the zoning board, and perhaps after.

In the meantime, here are the Tweets:

2nd Annual Jewish Heritage Festival Set for Sunday

May 18, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: New Cop, New Commissioner in Lower Pottsgrove

≪ Previous: Sanatoga Green Zoning Hearing Held

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The themed basket raffle will return once again at this year's Jewish Heritage Festival.

Blogger's Note:The following was provided by Congregation Hesed Shel Emet.

Whether you are experiencing Jewish culture for the first time or reconnecting with your cultural roots, Congregation Hesed Shel Emet’s second annual Jewish Heritage Festival will feature an array of traditional foods and fun, as well as entertainment and education for all.

The Festival is scheduled for Sunday, May 22, from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.in Pottstown. Activities and entertainment are free.

Congregation president Amy Wolf shares, “We are so excited to present our 2nd Annual Jewish Heritage Festival. Last year, our first year, was a great success and by the end of the day, people were already asking us if there would be a Festival in 2016. Of course, we couldn’t say no!”

This year’s festival will repeat popular offerings and also add some new ones. 

"Last year we found that people were genuinely interested in learning about our customs,” says Wolf, explaining that the Rabbi's Torah Talk was very well-received, so it will be offered twice this year, at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.. 

This year, there will be two Torah study sessions.

Visitors will have an opportunity to see a Torah scroll, the ancient Jewish Written Law, consisting of the first five books of the Old Testament. Time for questions will be included. Another new Festival feature will be a 1p.m. presentation by congregation member Jack Wolf, about the 120-year history of the Jewish Community of Pottstown.

Also new this year, at 12:30 p.m., the group Music Monkey Jungle will provide an energetic, hands-on, music-based entertainment program especially for the kids. There will also be a kids’ craft table, located downstairs adjacent to one of the dining areas. “This way,” said Wolf, “kids can do some fun crafts while their parents enjoy a nosh.”

For adults, the Festival will offer more vendors this year, selling a mix of secular merchandise and Judaica. Another crowd-pleaser last year, the raffle for themed baskets is returning, giving Festival attendees an opportunity to bid on a variety of interesting items.

Favorite ethnic foods will once again tempt Festival visitors. Patrons can purchase lunch and grab dinner or desserts and breads “to go.” Choose a succulent brisket sandwich or perfectly spiced corned beef on rye or an all-beef hot dog. A vegetarian Mediterranean Platter will also be available. 

Those who prefer lighter fare can enjoy a bagel with cream cheese or throw on “the works” – lox (smoked salmon), onions, and capers. Don’t miss “the sides” – potato knishes (savory mashed potatoes and onions in a light dough), kugel (a slightly sweet “pudding” made with noodles), blintzes (thin crepes filled with slightly sweet cheese) – or enjoy them as your meal.

Home-baked goodies will be available for take-home, headlined by Mandel Brot (twice-baked

Last year's Jewish Heritage Festival attracted hundreds.

almond cookies) and Rugelach (rolled sweet pastries with filling). Other bakery items such as Challahs (braided breads that make delicious french toast or are tasty on their own), hearty rye bread, and other desserts will also be available.

For those who would like to test their cooking skills on some ethnic recipes, the congregation’s own cookbook, “Beyond Brisket and Bagels” will be on sale at a special price of $10, available on Festival day only (regular price, $20).

Ending the day on a high note is the return of the lively and entertaining Klezmer With Class, taking the stage at 3 p.m. 

Group members, most of whom are from the former Soviet Union, are under the direction of Mark Sobol, who immigrated to the United States from Odessa, Ukraine in 1989. A classically trained jazz musician, Sobol has performed at many Philadelphia area venues. 

The group describes their music, explaining, “The word Klezmer comes from two Hebrew words, clay and zimmer, meaning ‘vessel of music or song.’ The idea is that each instrument, the violin or clarinet, for example, takes on human characteristics like laughing or crying with a joyous exuberance or soulful wailing.”

Wolf summarizes the congregation’s goal for the day: “We look forward to this year’s Festival being even bigger and better than last year. It takes hard work and coordination, but we really enjoy coming together to offer this event, and to share our heritage and traditions with folks from the surrounding area.”

In keeping with Jewish dietary laws, the kosher food selections are under the supervision of the congregation’s Rabbi Ira Flax. Dairy will be served downstairs; meat and vegetarian foods will be upstairs.

Congregation Hesed Shel Emet is located at 575 N. Keim Street, Pottstown.
Call the congregation office with questions: 610-326-1717.

For more Festival information and schedule updates, visit: https://www.facebook.com/jewishheritagefestival

For more information about the congregation, please visit: http://www.hesedshelemet.org or
https://www.facebook.com/hesedshelemet

For more information about Klezmer with Class, visit: http://www.jewishmusik.com

For more information about Music Monkey Jungle, visit: https://www.musicmonkeyjungle.com

New Cop, New Commissioner in Lower Pottsgrove

May 19, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Dueling Salary Info at Pottstown School Board

≪ Previous: 2nd Annual Jewish Heritage Festival Set for Sunday

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Photo by Evan Brandt Newly appointed Lower Pottsgrove Township Commissioner Bob Mohollen with, his children, from left, Nick, 19; Samantha, 10 and Bobby, 21.

Two new faces joined the ranks of Lower Pottsgrove civic life Thursday night, although one of them has been around for a while.

The township commissioners unanimously selected Zoning Hearing Board member Bob Mohollen as the replacement for Jim Vlahos, who resigned suddenly two weeks ago.

Photo by Evan Brandt District Judge Ed Kropp, right, administers the oath of office to Lower Pottsgrove's newest commissioner, Bob Mohollen.

He was selected from among three candidates, the others being prior applicants to the board, Charles Nippert and former school board member B. Scott Fulmer.

Board Vice Chairman Stephen Klotz said unlike the last time the board replaced a commissioner -- when Shawn Watson stepped down last year under a cloud regarding unpaid taxes -- the candidates were not interviewed publicly.

He did not say why.

Solicitor Charles D. Garner Jr. said the law does not allow a member of the zoning hearing board to also serve as a township commissioner, and Mohollen said he had already tendered his resignation from the zoning board. The board voted unanimously to accept it last night.

Chairman Bruce Foltz said the township must now find a candidate for the zoning hearing board.

Photo by Evan Brandt Lower Pottsgrove Police Chief Mike Foltz, right, welcomes  David Allan McKenchie after his wife Jackie pinned on his badge.

The township already found a candidate for new police officer -- David Allan McKenchie.

He was sworn in Thursday night by District Judge Ed Kropp and his wife Jackie pinned his badge on him.

A graduate of Liberty University with a B.S. in biology and environmental science, McKenchie also graduated from Montgomery County Community College and most recently worked as a defensive combat instructor at Civillian Defense Concepts in Royersford.

He is a black belt and received perfect marksmanship scores, winning the Sgt. James Miller Marksmanship Award, at the Montgomery County Police Academy, which he graduated in April.

Here are the Tweets from the rest of the meeting.

Dueling Salary Info at Pottstown School Board

May 20, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Batdorf Leaving Pottstown for West Vincent

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Its hard to know where to start when you weren't there from the start.

Thursday was a rough day in PottstownNewsVille because there were two meetings I needed to attend at the same time.

So I did what any self-respecting self-loathing local journalist would do, I went to both.

Yesterday loyal Digital Notebook readers read about the relatively straightforward news of the appointment of a new township commissioner and new police officer in Lower Pottsgrove.

Things at the Pottstown School Board were a little less straightforward, due largely to Internet engineers.

I have been using an app on my iPhone to broadcast live video. It's called Periscope.

As is inevitable in our technologized world, engineers decided that something that worked just fine needed an update so it no longer would. (Engineers, undermining customer satisfaction one app at a time.)

End result for you dear reader? Three videos featuring impassioned speeches by members of the Federation of Pottstown teachers are now lost to the cyber-ether.

Periscope videos only live for 24 hours and the only way to preserve them for later viewing is to save them to the camera, and then upload them to YouTube; which is what I have been happily doing over the past few months.

Well, the update hid the "save to camera" option in a place where no one who is not an engineer would look for it. End result? They're gone now.

The good news is I used the mighty Internet to find out how to prevent that from happening again.

Ironically, because my iPhone was fritzing out from all the live video, the only way to record what School Board President Kim Stilwell said at the end of the meeting was to record it the old fashioned way.

As a result, it is the only video you will see in the Tweets below.

But thems the breaks of live coverage peeps.

Roll with it.

Technical problems aside, the news out of the school board boils down to the fact that after months of hearing about stagnant salaries, the administration, through Stilwell, shot back with some salary info of its own.