Batdorf Leaving Pottstown for West Vincent

May 21, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Teachers of the Year, and a Softening of Tone

≪ Previous: Dueling Salary Info at Pottstown School Board

$

0

0

Erica Batdorf

It looks like Pottstown is going to have to find a new assistant borough manager.

The crack investigative team at The Digital Notebook has confirmed that Erica Batdorf, who first took the job as Erica Weekely, is moving on to greener pastures.

How do we know?

She told us when we asked. Sometimes things work out that way.

Batdorf is taking the job of Township Manager in Chester County's West Vincent Township.

And the borough is not wasting any time. The advertisement to find her replacement is already inu circulation.

Weekely first took the past in January of 2013 after the borough had gone several years without any assistant borough manager at all.

As with her predecessor Dave Forest, her primary responsibilities had to do with transportation, overseeing operations at Pottstown Municipal Airport as well as the PART bus system.

She also spearheaded efforts to get the free bike share program Bike Pottstown n place and racist put on PART buses so the bikes could be carries along the route.

Batdorf, who got married last year, also helped the borough and Pottstown School District obtain state grants for the Safe Routes to School program that will create more bike lanes in town, as well as the "walking school bus" system now being used by Rupert Elementary School.

That expertise in transportation recently had her tapped to become a board member of Communities in Motion, a Greater Valley Forge Transportation Management Association Foundation.

Good luck Erica, we'll miss you.

---

Teachers of the Year, and a Softening of Tone

May 23, 2016, 9:45 pm

≫ Next: Money, Policy and Hard Questions in Pottsgrove

≪ Previous: Batdorf Leaving Pottstown for West Vincent

$

0

0

Photo by Evan Brandt OK, so they're not The Avengers but what they do can be just as heroic, they are Pottstown School District's Teachers of the Year. In the center is Ben Hayes, Pottstown Middle School music teacher who was named the district's teacher of the year. From left are the other nominees from their respective buildings: Deena Alexander from Barth, Eileen Basham from the high school, Michael Koman from Lincoln, Darla Stout from Franklin, Debbie Wilson, also from the middle school, and Nicole Leh from Rupert. They are congratulated by Superintendent Jeff Sparagana and School Board President Kim Stilwell.

It's that time of year.

For whatever reason, spring is award season.

So, the Pottstown School Board meeting Monday was full of them.

First and foremost was the high schools Air force JROTC program winning the Outstanding Unit Award for the 18th straight year.

The district's music department receives its award.

And then Tom Kelly from Zeswitz Music presented the district's music educators
with an award from the National Association of Music Merchants, naming them as one of only 400-plus districts in the entire country to be recognized for their music program.

State Sen. Bob Mensch presents Jeff Sparagana with a proclamation from the state Senate.

Then it was time for state Sen. Bob Mensch, R-24th Dist., who stopped by not to explain why he's done nothing to fix Pennylvania's completely skewed education funding system, but to give an award to Superintendent Jeff Sparagana who, I suspect, would rather that Mensch fixed the funding system than hand him another nice proclamation.

Then it was on to the annual Teachers of the Year ceremony.

Some of the students and teachers who went on the recent AP Government trip to Eastern Europe reviewed their travels and lessons learned.

Then the school board did some quick stuff, like adopted its second consecutive budget that will not raise taxes as well as vote to make human resources director Stephen Rodriguez the interim superintendent and guarantee him a job as assistant to the superintendent when a new superintendent is found.

Polly Weand was not happy, and said so.

But what I found interesting about last night's meeting, for what that's worth, is that everyone on the ongoing discussion about funding, salaries and teacher contracts seems to be coming closer together in terms of position, even if from different perspectives.

Let's see if it turns into anything.

Anyway, here are the Tweets:

Money, Policy and Hard Questions in Pottsgrove

May 24, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Pottsgrove Asks for 'Head's Up' on Major Projects

≪ Previous: Teachers of the Year, and a Softening of Tone

$

0

0

Tuesday night the Pottsgrove School Board covered a broad range of topics, nearly all of which can be boiled down to money, policy and some hard questions for the administration.

New (and former) board member Robert Lindgren, a lover of data, was pretty hard-charging in echoing frequent complaints by other board members that the administration is not providing enough information to make an informed decision.

"I don't have a box, I have a thin piece of paper," he snapped when Superintendent Shellie Feola described a proposal to train some staff in "Restorative Practices" methods for dealing with behavior as "thinking outside the box."

That particular proposal was tabled to gather more information. Of particular interest to other board members was experience from other districts who have used the method.

(Hint, Pottsgrove's neighbor on three sides, the Pottstown School District, has been using it for almost 10 years and saw a distinct drop in behavior problems. Shouldn't be too hard to get them to talk to you about that ....)

There were also some hard questions about change orders for the $30 million Pottsgrove High School renovation project.

Although the project remains budget and, at 84 percent complete, has only used half its contingency costs, board members wanted to know why project designers had not accounted for the need to buy a new control system for the new HVAC system being installed in the administration building.

It also looks there are some interesting policy conversations pending about having naloxone on hand, and using it, in case of an opiod over-dose in a school building, as well as facing the national conversation on schools developing policies for transgender students.

It's all below in the Tweets man, look in the Tweets.

Pottsgrove Asks for 'Head's Up' on Major Projects

May 25, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Vets, Military Ride Steam Rails Free Memorial Day

≪ Previous: Money, Policy and Hard Questions in Pottsgrove

$

0

0

Despite not being on the agenda, the potential impact the 508 homes proposed for Sanatoga Green might have on the Pottsgrove School District's bottom line was a subject of  discussion for regional planners Wednesday night.

Perhaps the most significant thing to be discussed during Wednesday night's meeting of the Pottstown Metropolitan Area Regional Planning Committee wasn't even on the agenda.

For the first time in recent memory, the agenda slot for a member of area school districts to offer comment was actually filled by an actual school district representative.

David Nester, business manager for the Pottsgrove School District, was in the audience and was ultimately drawn into a conversation about why he was there.

The answer can be expressed in two words -- Sanatoga Green.

Alarmed by headlines about the size of the project and the potential for the children living in 508 homes to swell the school rolls, Pottsgrove School Board members expressed concern during Tuesday's meeting about being more in touch housing proposals in the townships.

Tuesday night, Nester told the planners that he recognizes that decisions affecting housing proposals are often spread out over years and not always easily interpreted by educators.

Nevetheless, he said, it would be nice "as good neighbors" if municipal governments could "give us a heads up" on projects which might affect the number of children filling seats in district schools.

Also of significance, and also not on the agenda, was Pottstown Borough Council President Dan Weand's "guess" that there will probably not be enough money for any Independence Day activities in Pottstown this year.

He asked the surrounding towns to consider making contributions of either money or police personnel to help defray the costs of hosting the celebration, which he estimated at $50,000.

You'll find the rest of the news in the Tweets below:

Vets, Military Ride Steam Rails Free Memorial Day

May 27, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: A Pottstown Salute to Memorial Day

≪ Previous: Pottsgrove Asks for 'Head's Up' on Major Projects

$

0

0

This is the last weekend for some time that railroad enthusiasts can ride the Colebrookdale Railroad as it is being pulled by a real steam engine.

And for veterans and active military personnel, as well as reservists, that ride is free on Memorial Day for the 11 a.m. trip..

Locomotive 7236 will power our round trip from Boyertown to Pottstown and riders can choose from first class parlor, deluxe coach, or cafe.

Present your military ID at the gatehouse, Philadelphia Avenue, Boyertown for your free ticket.

Click here to buy tickets for the last steam ride.

A Pottstown Salute to Memorial Day

May 31, 2016, 6:56 am

≫ Next: High Street Jazz Up On The Hill

≪ Previous: Vets, Military Ride Steam Rails Free Memorial Day

$

0

0

Photo by Eric Devlin Wreaths and flags are placed at the graves of soldiers of the American Revolution in the Ellis Woods Cemetery in East Coventry Sunday. Well the rain held off long enough Monday to ensure sunny skies for the Memorial Day events in and around Pottstown. It began days earlier with scouts and volunteers putting flags at the graves of veterans in area cemeteries. On Sunday, a special service was held in East Coventry at the Ellis Woods Cemetery where a number of soldiers of the American Revolution are buried. You can read about that and see video by clicking this link. On Monday, the parade made its way down high street, with bands from Pottstown High School, Pottsgrove Middle School and Pottstown Middle School, local fire companies, veterans associations, state politicians and scouts and dancing groups. It was followed by a ceremony at Memorial Park. You can see, hear and read all about it in the Tweets and video below from Eric, myself and the ever-present John Armato:

High Street Jazz Up On The Hill

June 1, 2016, 9:03 am

≫ Next: By Any Calculation These Kids are Mathletes

≪ Previous: A Pottstown Salute to Memorial Day

$

0

0

Photo by Karen Maxfield The High Street Music Company Jazz Ensemble, from left, is Matt Asti, Gary Oberholtzer, Larry Marshall, Dylan Brandt, Liz, Haeckler, Brian Christman, Chloe Francis, Kyle Kratzer and Led by Louis Rieger.

It was a busy weekend, and hot.

With no air conditioning in my attic office, I try not to venture up there when the mercury goes too high.

That means I don't feel too bad about delaying a post that is largely a personal indulgence.

Not to belittle the accomplishments of The High Street Music Company's Jazz Ensemble, but if my son were not a member, I doubt I would have attended the spring recital Sunday at The Hill School's Center for the Arts.

That said, I can say, as objectively as a proud father can, that they're awesome and I'm glad I got to hear them.

And now you can too.

For free!

Here are the three tunes they played.

The first is called "Footprints" as arranged by Wayne Shorter:




In addition to being nearly 12 minutes long, the second is titled "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered" and is arranged by Rodgers and Hart:




The final tune is "Straight, No Chaser" by Thelonius Monk:

By Any Calculation These Kids are Mathletes

June 1, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Its A Man's World at Pottsgrove Manor June 12

≪ Previous: High Street Jazz Up On The Hill

$

0

0

The team winner of the Pottstown Math Olympiad came from Lincoln Elementary School.

Blogger's Note:The following was provided by John Armato:

On May 19, Fourth Grade students from all four Pottstown Elementary Schools competed with each other in the second annual Math Olympiad.

More than  30 students competed as individuals and as teams to complete complex mathematics problem solving questions.

Individual Pottstown Math Olympiad winner Makenna Franey.

In each timed round students were given 10 mathematical problems to solve.

Round one was an individual round, and round two a team round.

Team scores were a combination of the individual and team rounds.




The team winner was from Lincoln Elementary and consisted of Austin Sundstrom, Dominic DiPietro, Ariana Careme, Eric Strickland, Devon Smith.

Individual Winner was Makenna Franey from Franklin Elementary

The Goals of Math Olympiad:
To stimulate enthusiasm and a love for Mathematics
To introduce important Mathematical concepts
To teach major strategies for problem solving
To develop Mathematical flexibility in solving problems
To strengthen Mathematical intuition
To foster Mathematical creativity and ingenuity
To provide for the satisfaction, joy, and thrill of meeting challenges

Special Thanks To: Tri-County Federal Credit Union for sponsoring the event!

---

Its A Man's World at Pottsgrove Manor June 12

June 2, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Unity Day, Pro Basketball Combine Coming in June

≪ Previous: By Any Calculation These Kids are Mathletes

$

0

0

Angling expert Ken Reinard will give Colonial fishing tips June 12.

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

Visit historic Pottsgrove Manor on Sunday, June 12 between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. for a living history program and find out why “It’s a Man’s World.”

With Father’s Day just around the corner, Pottsgrove Manor is featuring some of the masculine pursuits of the colonial era.

See living history demonstrations and learn about colonial fishing from angling expert Ken Reinard, 18th-century firearms and hunting sports from gunsmith John Symborski, and get some colonial culinary tips from historic cook Zachary Long.

There is a suggested donation of $2 per person for this program.

During the program, visitors will also have an opportunity to take a guided tour of Pottsgrove Manor and the site’s current exhibit, “Potts and Family: Colonial Consumers” (offered on the hour until 3 p.m.) and to shop in the museum store.

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

Regular museum hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tours begin on the hour. The last tour of the day begins at 3 p.m..

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 www.facebook.com/pottsgrovemanor.

Unity Day, Pro Basketball Combine Coming in June

June 3, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Historic Walking Tour Teams Up with Mercury Mile

≪ Previous: Its A Man's World at Pottsgrove Manor June 12

$

0

0

Blogger's Note:The following was provided by iBall

“Nova Nation” frenzy is still alive and well in Pottstown, -- the place where former Nova Basketball Star Howard Brown still calls home. He’s not only planning the second annual iBall National Pro Combine with his company, International Ball Players United LLP (iBall United), for June 25 and 26 from 9 AM-8 PM ET at Pottstown Senior High School, but now he’s just revealed plans for a community–wide “Unity Day” to be held Saturday, June 11.

This unique, free event was designed by Brown and will take place at Spruce Street Park (742 Spruce St.) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will feature games, music, vendors and even a special iBall Knockout Basketball Tournament.

According to Brown, his reason for creating a community event prior to the iBall National Pro Combine was simple – he wanted the town to come together and celebrate all the great things that were occurring within the community and to learn about all of amazing non-profit organizations that were available to them.

“Our goal is to promote and connect the community and to raise awareness about the wonderful opportunities that are here right now and others that are soon to be coming to the city. Not only that, we have some really great people here in Pottstown, and I am thrilled to have the support of so many local business and for the participation of so many of our local non-profits, churches and public service agencies,” he said. “Thank you!"

Some of the non-profits that Brown is referring to include:
Pottstown Downtown Improvement District Authority (PDIDA)
Foundation for Pottstown Education
All Kings on Deck
The STRIVE Initiative
Kingdom Life Church
Pottstown Crossfit
Jehovah Jirah Musterd Seed Orphan Care Ministry

Last year, the iBall National Pro Combine raised more than a $1,000 for the community and this year Brown hopes that this amount is more substantial.

The Second Annual iBall Pro Combine

The Second Annual iBall National Pro Combine will be held June 25 and 26 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Pottstown Senior High School and will feature some of the nation’s top free agents as they compete in front of NBA, WNBA and FIBA scouts for the consideration of contracts at the U.S. and international professional basketball level.

iBall United is a full service player management, marketing and consulting firm focused on building professional careers. The company decided to create the iBall National Pro Combine for athletes as an effective yet highly efficient tool for capturing the attention of NBA, WNBA and FIBA scouts in one controlled setting.

Brown, who was a successful player at Villanova and was one of just a few players to break the 1,000 point mark, faced an uncertain future after graduation. That’s when he pursued a career overseas and became one of the most valuable players internationally. After 13 years playing abroad and winning two championships, two scoring titles and remaining one of the top 10 scorers in LEB Gold history, he decided to retire and start iBall United.

The iBall United Pro Combine Details

From action packed tournament-style games and world-class drills, to intensive speed and athletic tests, iBall National Pro Combine demonstrates what it takes to play at the professional level. The event is open to both male and female players. However they must be officially “invited” to attend after filling out an application online at www.iballunited.net and meeting the necessary requirements.

Data for all registered players is shared internationally before, during, and after iBall National Pro Combine to inform scouts on key metrics associated with professional evaluation.

These include:
▪ Athleticism.
▪ Reading Plays And Decision Making.
▪ Levels of Contribution to A Winning Team.
▪ Attitude.

To date, several local players have been confirmed, including: Deva'nar Workman - Duquense (Reading, PA), who was a WNBA Top 50 Draftboard Candidate, who will be playing for Team MaxOut, and Ciara Andrews - St Joseph's, who will play for Team Saltz Mongeluzzi Barrett & Bendesky.

On the men’s side, Luke Moyer, a Souderton native, who was ranked 7th in the nation for 3-pointers made at the NAIA level at John Brown University will lead Team Mainline Sports Management while Desi Washington, a Harrisburg native and former standout player at Saint Peter’s University, who recently starred for Ohud-Medina in the Saudi Arabia Premier League, will lead Team Cutillo’s.

About International Ball Players United

International Ball Players United, LLP (iBall) is a full service player management, marketing and consulting firm focused on building professional careers. iBall has captured a unique agency structure that marries player management and player preparation with innovative consulting and marketing technology. iBall is a proven service provider for individuals with goals of building and sustaining sports careers at the highest level of professional play. With staff throughout North America, Europe, and parts of Asia, iBall leverages first-hand knowledge and expertise of collegiate and professional sports to offer programs and services for sports enthusiasts worldwide.

For more information, visit http://iballunited.net

Historic Walking Tour Teams Up with Mercury Mile

June 4, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: $10,000 Helps Restore Colebrookdale Parlor Car

≪ Previous: Unity Day, Pro Basketball Combine Coming in June

$

0

0

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Pottstown Historical Society.


The 2016 Historical Pottstown Walking Tour will be held by the Pottstown Historical Society on Thursday, June 16,  from 6 to 8 p.m.

The Tour begins at Smith Plaza at 150 E. High Street, in front of Borough Hall. Guides will take groups along High Street from Hanover Street to Manatawny and back. The tour will describe the succession of buildings and businesses from the 1700s until the present. Learn where George Washington slept!

But if you want a tour preview, it will also be incorporated into The Mercury Mile walk this Wednesday, June 8 starting at noon and meeting at the Smith Family Plaza to start as well.

The first blocks of E. High Street in Pottstown are as deep in history as any other half-mile stretch in Pennsylvania.

The array of buildings and businesses have evolved from the 1700s through the 1800s and 1900s to the present, from feed stores, harness manufacturers and coal bins to medical supplies, higher education, and high tech printing. Some of the constants have been residential units above the store fronts, as well as restaurants and saloons. History, including the history of Pottstown, is not for the faint-of-heart.

A bonus this year will be that the traditional after-tour light refreshments will be served in the lobby of the Security Trust Building, accessible from the building’s parking lot.

The new owner of the building, Win Somboonsong, has kindly offered Tour participants a view of Pottstown from the upper floors of the building.

The date and time of the Tour has been coordinated with the new Pottstown Farm and Artisan Regional Market, FARM, sponsored by PDIDA. The overlap of the Tour and FARM on Thursday, June 16th will allow attendees to participate in both activities.

Volunteers to assist with the Tour are welcome; please contact us. No previous experience or knowledge of Pottstown is required - we will train you in a jiffy!

About the Tour

Meet at Smith Plaza, the last group will leave Smith Plaza at 7:30 pm. Parking is available on S. Hanover Street, in the “Reading Lot”, next to the railroad tracks. The event is rain or shine.

There is no-charge for the tour although, for those able, a donation of $5 is suggested, which will include an expanded program.

The Walking Tour was first held from 2000-2003, under the leadership of Peggy Whittaker and Sue Krause, who then reintroduced the tour in 2015 with a stroll along N. Hanover Street. Stay tuned for information on the future 2017 Tour!

About the Pottstown Historical Society

The Pottstown Historical Society is dedicated to collecting and preserving the documents, photographs and artifacts of the history, people, community life and character of Pottstown

The public is invited to our open house from 1-4 p.m. on the second and fourth Sunday of each month – you may want to visit for research, or for an entertaining review of the past of your house, family and local attractions.

They also hold a program at 7 p.m. on the third Monday evening of every odd-numbered month. They welcome your interest, as well as your membership.

$10,000 Helps Restore Colebrookdale Parlor Car

June 5, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Upper Pottsgrove to Hold Fish Rodeo Saturday

≪ Previous: Historic Walking Tour Teams Up with Mercury Mile

$

0

0

David Roland of BB&T, left, presents Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust Executive Director Nathaniel Guest with a $10,000 donation from National Penn Bank.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Colebrookdale Railroad

Representatives from National Penn and BB&T, presented the Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust with a $10,000 donation on May 5.

The donation will help pay for the restoration of the 100-year-old first-class parlor car.

The donation will be used to help defray the costs of restoration of the railroad’s 100-year-old first class parlor car.

“We are pleased to offer this donation to the Colebrookdale Railroad as part of National Penn’s—and BB&T’s—commitment to supporting organizations that strengthen the region,” said Scott Fainor, BB&T Group Executive.

“National Penn has a long-established tradition of boosting programs and projects that revitalize the communities we serve, and the great work the Colebrookdale volunteers are doing fits squarely within that tradition.”

Founded in Boyertown as the National Bank of Boyertown, National Penn was recently acquired by BB&T. “BB&T is no stranger to Boyertown, and our commitment to this community and the railroad will continue the good example set by National Penn,” added Fainor.

“The Colebrookdale Railroad is exceedingly thankful for this boost, as the amazing work our volunteers are doing would not be possible without it,” said Nathaniel Guest, Executive Director of the non-profit Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust.

“The railroad has brought 30,000 visitors here from every state in the country and many foreign nations, resulting in $2 million back to Boyertown. Building an attraction that brings people in like that and keeps them coming back is a costly enterprise even with the amazing volunteer support we have. This boost from National Penn helps to make it possible.” 

Upper Pottsgrove to Hold Fish Rodeo Saturday

June 6, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Prayer, Graduation and the Law in Pottsgrove

≪ Previous: $10,000 Helps Restore Colebrookdale Parlor Car

$

0

0

Prayer, Graduation and the Law in Pottsgrove

June 7, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: July 4th Events Canceled and Other Business

≪ Previous: Upper Pottsgrove to Hold Fish Rodeo Saturday

$

0

0

Photo by Evan Brandt A Pottsgrove School Board member's view of last night's special meeting on whether to continue to allow prayer at the high school graduation.

It's hard to know where to start when writing about last night's school board meeting.

Things started off pretty civilly, people quoted the Constitution, the Bible, the founding fathers; rules of conduct were set up and largely followed; three high school students were among the most well-spoken speakers of the night.

It began with embattled School Board President Rick Rabinowitz making a statement, which I've posted here:




Many other people spoke, and their comments as reproduced roughly in Tweets and some video, can be seen in the Storify down below.

But then, after nearly three hours of civil conversation, what Upper Pottsgrove Commissioner France Krazalkovich called "a marvelous civics lesson," or something to that effect, the personal attacks began.

The first came from resident Danielle Walsh, whose comments about School Board President Rick Rabinowitz's handling of this issue required interruption from the chair -- and obscene shouting from the audience.

Here is some video from that: (Be warned, there are some naughty words)



I don't have any more video, and deadline loomed.

But as it turns out, after I left things got a little dicey again, with school board member Patricia Grimm calling on Rabinowitz to resign.

I don't know much more than that, but isn't that enough for one meeting?

Anyway, here are the Tweets, helpful links and all the videos:

July 4th Events Canceled and Other Business

June 8, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: More Turmoil for Lower Pottsgrove Township

≪ Previous: Prayer, Graduation and the Law in Pottsgrove

$

0

0

What much of the Pottstown area feared came to pass Wednesday night; official word that there will be no parade, no fireworks and no Independence Day festivities in Pottstown this year.

Marcia Levengood, co-chair of Independence Day Ltd., the non-profit organization which has struggled to field events for the last three years, said almost no contributions were received as a result of fundraising efforts.

Borough Council President Dan Weand reiterated that the borough never has, and has no intention to start now, of funding the event with taxpayer dollars.

And council member Dennis Arms wondered why council is complacent enough to allow Borough Manager Mark Flanders to spend $2,500 to hire a consultant to find a replacement for the departing Assistant Borough Manager Eric Batdorf, when the borough "has an HR department charged with hiring and recruiting," but won't spend money on a July 4th parade.

And so it went. You can read and watch more about that in the Tweets below.

On to the "other business."

First of all, Vice President Sheryl Miller sketched out a way that the Pottstown Human Relations Commission could be put back up and running. Significant among the changes sought are appointment of commissioners by borough council and not the mayor, as happens now.

The PART bus system, whose $2.3 million budget will likely be approved at Monday's meeting, will have a fare increase starting July 1 after a public hearing at which no one spoke.

The LERTA tax break, or as the Digital Notebook staff calls it -- "The Never-Ending Story" -- may finally be adopted at the joint council school board meeting on June 21

And what we all hope will be the final version of plans for the land on the former Mrs. Smith's Pies site at south Hanover and Industrial Drive -- now called Hanover Square -- will be voted on Monday.

That should be enough to keep me on my toes for a couple days.

Here are the Tweets 'N More:

---

More Turmoil for Lower Pottsgrove Township

June 9, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Pottstown Trojans Celebrate for the 177th Tiime

≪ Previous: July 4th Events Canceled and Other Business

$

0

0

In a move that North Coventry resident Dave Fisher himself described as "blindsiding," he appeared before the Lower Pottsgrove Township Commissioners Thursday night and called for the resignation of constable and zoning hearing board chairman Keith Diener.

Attempts by The Mercury to reach Diener Thursday were unsuccessful.

Fisher presented documents indicating Diener has not filed "statements of financial interest" with the State Ethics Commission, as required by law, and suggested look into whether he has filed them with the township as a zoning hearing board member, also required by law.

Vice Chairman Stephen Klotz accused Fisher of having "a personal agenda against Mr. Diener" and questioned the veracity of documents Fisher himself did not file Right to Know requests to obtain.

But you can see it all in the video posted below. But before you do, you might want to invest in a neck brace.

When Periscope video failed me, I had to switch to regular video. I also tried to switch from vertical to horizontal mid-video. Note to self, bad idea.

As a result, you can hear it all on the video, but if you want to see it, well, you're going to have to crane your neck.

In other resignation-related news, long-time township secretary Michele Cappilletti's resignation was announced and very unhappily accepted by the commissioners Thursday night.

Without further ado, here is the Twitter recap:

Pottstown Trojans Celebrate for the 177th Tiime

June 10, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Revitalization Chief Has Presidential Imprimatur

≪ Previous: More Turmoil for Lower Pottsgrove Township

$

0

0

Photo by John Armato The Pottstown High School 177th graduation ceremonies get underway.

Blogger's Note:Today we welcome the efforts of Guest Blogger John Armato whose Tweets and efforts on behalf of his beloved Pottstown Trojans has produced nearly every bit on content in this blog post.

Unable to get away from the newsroom in time to see the 2016 Pottstown High School graduation, I relied on the efforts of TweetMeister John Armato, and a few of his erstwhile fellow school-centered Tweeters.

I was not disappointed.

Here are as many of his Tweets from last night as I could find.

He also managed to provide me with the text of the speech by Salutatorian Mike Stilwell, whose speech appears below.

But first: here are the Tweets:

And here is the speech given by Mike Stilwell

First I’d like to welcome everyone. Family, friends, teachers, administration, the school board and their lovely president. And of course I’d like to welcome the Pottstown Senior class of 2016! I’m glad all of you could join us for such a joyous occasion!

Seniors, I want to take the time before I truly begin to congratulate each and everyone one of you. You did it. You’ve overcome the trials of high school. Break ups, late night projects, senioritis, those dang keystones. You overcame them all. You’ve earned the right to be here. Take pride in that. Allow today to be a day where you’re proud of yourself. Don’t just be proud of the friends you’re sitting with, be proud with them. You deserve it.

Mike Stilwell at the podium

So listen to this. I found out I was Salutatorian on Wednesday, which is amazing don’t get me wrong. But I knew I would have to be writing a speech then. “No problem, I’ve got until Friday.” Then Mrs. McCoy was like , “Yeah I’m gonna need that tomorrow at 3:00”. Well that was unexpected. But if there is anything I’ve learned throughout my entire high school career. It’s how to do something in its entirety, the night before its due.

With the help of google and some wisdom from a friend I discovered that the word Salutatorian derives from the word salutation. Google defines salutation as “a gesture or utterance made as a greeting or acknowledgment of another's arrival or departure.” Seniors, I believe that we’ve arrived at the threshold of adulthood.

Don’t be fooled, the journey does not end here. We must cross this threshold, and continue the journey. Up until now, our lives have pretty much been planned. Go to school for a year, enjoy a summer, repeat. This is where that ends, now we all have to take this next exciting, and beyond terrifying, step in our lives. We don’t know what the future has in store for us. Frankly the only thing we can really be certain about is having to pay bills. Regardless we must the tackle the unknown, continuing to strive for our dreams, and daring to be happy.

But as we depart from one part of our lives into the next, I ask you to remember to thank all of those who helped you get here. Your friends, your family, your teachers. Anybody who you believe deserves it. A simple thank you, does wonders for a person.

Class of 2016, it has been an honor to serve as your salutatorian. I wish you all the best in all of your endeavors! Bodly go out into the world and prove to everyone that we’re not JUST Pottstown, WE ARE POTTSTOWN!

Thank you all for you time! I hope you all have a wonderful night!

Revitalization Chief Has Presidential Imprimatur

June 11, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Garden Contest Now Includes Boyertown Too

≪ Previous: Pottstown Trojans Celebrate for the 177th Tiime

$

0

0

Wayne Rucker is the new director of Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County's Neighborhood Revitalization Program for Pottstown and Norristown.

The man who will soon be running Habitat for Humanity's Neighborhood Revitalization efforts in Pottstown and Norristown has gone from troubled teen, to prison inmate, to being nationally recognized as a volunteer at The White House, to being hired to help Pottstown neighborhoods become vibrant again.

Wayne Rucker is 28 and was one of 62 leaders nationally honored with the President's Volunteer Service Award during a recent visit to the White House.

The award was presented as part of a White House briefing on My Brother's Keeper, which President Obama launched in 2015 to address persistent opportunity gaps faced by boys and young men of color.

He earned that award by volunteering more than 500 hours in Camden and Philadelphia.

Rucker comes to Pottstown through the AmeriCorps program. As part of the Pennsylvania affiliate’s Weatherization and Home Repair Program, he helps low-income homeowners with projects ranging from replacing roofs to insulating windows and painting porches.

AmeriCorps, in partnership with EducationWorks and the Philadelphia Youth Network, had just launched a new initiative in Philadelphia called PowerCorpsPHL, combining environmental stewardship with intensive job placement support for young adults in need of direction.

Wayne Rucker

Rucker was in the first PowerCorps class, which planted trees, revitalized green spaces and served on watershed preservation. He says he connected with nature in a way he never had before.

“It helps me get a greater perspective on life,” he said.

And now he comes here as the Neighborhood Revitalization coordinator for Habitat of Montgomery County, where he'll be collaborating with residents, government officials, community nonprofits and faith organizations to help improve families' safety and quality of life.

Rucker overcame many obstacles in his own life to get here. He was raised mostly by his grandmother, with some time spent in foster care and juvenile institutions. As a teenager, he ran away and began living on the streets.

“I always was a problem child,” he said. “I was suspended from school about 180 times.”

Between the ages of 18 and 21, Rucker was arrested several times on drug charges and other offenses. At 22, he was sentenced to five years in prison on weapons charges.

When he got out of prison in 2013, he vowed not to fall back into his old ways.

“I knew I wanted to be something better,” he says.

Photo by Evan Brandt Marianne Lynch, director of Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County at a Rock the Block project on Walnut Street in Pottstown this spring.

“When I came home from prison, I did a lot of reconstruction on myself, to get rid of the old me,” he said. “It takes a whole lot of energy and drive and determination to reconstruct yourself as a new person. But that’s what I did.” 

When Rucker finished his PowerCorps class, he went straight into the AmeriCorps program with Habitat for Humanity.

“He cares deeply about the community and he puts his whole heart into everything,” said Marianne Lynch Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County. “We know that he’ll bring the same level of commitment to Norristown and Pottstown.”

Rucker was hired recently to run Habitat Montco’s neighborhood revitalization programs in these two communities, to ensure that families receive support to improve their safety and quality of life.

Neighborhood Revitalization responds to community aspirations by taking a holistic look at needs, and empowering residents and community partners to help neighborhoods grow and thrive. 

Mercury Photo by John Strickler Volunteers paint a porch on Walnut Street during this spring's Rock the Block event.

If you're unfamiliar with this Habitat program, I have three words for you "Rock the Block."

It was under the umbrella of the Neighborhood Revitalization Program that the one-day clean-up and fix-up effort in a four-block are of Pottstown took place this spring.

The new position was created after Habitat Montco received a $100,000 capacity building grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. It is one of only 33 Habitat affiliates from around the U.S. awarded this very competitive grant.

In addition to receiving the HUD capacity-building grant, Habitat Montco will add to its capacity in construction, family services and development through AmeriCorps workers. The non-profit was selected for four AmeriCorps positions which will support new construction and critical home repairs, the Almost Home financial literacy and life skills program and the creation of an initiative to expand relationships with faith-related organizations.  

 

Garden Contest Now Includes Boyertown Too

June 12, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: July 4th Parade Postulations in Pottstown

≪ Previous: Revitalization Chief Has Presidential Imprimatur

$

0

0

An entry in the "Container Garden" category of last year's Home Garden Contest

Blogger's Note:The following was provided by the Mosaic Community Land Trust.

The MOSAIC Community Land Trust brings you the Home Garden Contest for its fourth year and you should sign up soon, because it ends on June 17.

Click here to enter. 

The contest continues to get bigger and better every year.

Last year, all of Pottstown borough was eligible to participate and this year so is all of Boyertown borough.

A combined $5,500 in cash prizes will be awarded to winners along with certificates.

This contest is for both beginner and experienced gardeners.

There are seven categories for children, adults, flowers, vegetables and more. Anyone with space can plant; homeowners and renters.

Categories are: 

Junior Garden

Calling all children and young adults aged 18 and younger, the garden can be a container garden, planted in the ground, or raised bed.

It can be a garden to enhance your property, produce food and/or flowers, or meant to attract beneficial insects.

Registration forms need to include the age/ages of the children entered.

*Grand Prize: $100; 2nd Prize: $75; 3rd Prize: $50;Honorable Mention: $25 

Pizza Garden

(Open to all ages, but primarily targeted to children and families)

Pizza Night just took on a whole new meaning!

Grow a garden that sprouts all of your favorite pizza ingredients.

This could really change the nutrition of your Friday night pizza and tone your muscles at the same time! (note: other plants may also be in the garden)

*Grand Prize: $200; 2nd Prize: $150; 3rd Prize: $100; Honorable Mention: $50

Bees & Butterflies Garden

(Specific niche type of garden, open to all ages)

Welcome new friends to your backyard.

Plant an inviting garden that attracts bees, butterflies and other critters who pollinate the plants.

*Grand Prize: $200; 2nd Prize: $150; 3rd Prize: $100; Honorable Mention: $50

"Everything But the Kitchen Sink" Garden

(Open to all ages)

Is your thumb a pale shade of green?

Spruce up your front, back, or side yard by beautifying your property and neighborhood with a garden that has decorative objects and other non-vegetative items.

*Grand Prize: $200; 2nd Prize: $150; 3rd Prize: $100; Honorable Mention: $50
 

Grocery Garden

(Open to all ages)

Clean up (healthily) on Aisle 9!

Create a garden that blossoms with delicious fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs and edible flowers.

 *Grand Prize: $200; 2nd Prize: $150; 3rd Prize: $100; Honorable Mention: $50

"A Lot with a Little" Garden

(Open to all ages)

Are you an inexperienced, new gardener and/or a renter or homeowner with limited space?

If so, get growing with a small container, planter or window box.Size doesn’t matter! It is the content, design, and care that counts.

*Grand Prize: $200; 2nd Prize: $150; 3rd Prize: $100; Honorable Mention: $50

(CLICK HERE to learn about container gardening.)

General Garden

(Open to all ages)

Beautify the world in which we live in, starting with your own property.

It can include shrubs, trees, flowers, herbs & vegetables, and container grown plants.

*Certificate of Recognition awarded.
 


Don't miss out on your chance to win this year! Applications are being accepted to enter the 2016 Home Garden Contest.

Like the MOSAIC Community Land Trust Facebook page for instant updates about the contest.

July 4th Parade Postulations in Pottstown

June 13, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: A 0% Tax Hike and A Math Fight in Pottsgrove

≪ Previous: Garden Contest Now Includes Boyertown Too

$

0

0

Just when you thought the Fourth of July Parade was canceled for the year, some people are trying a last-ditch effort to stage it.

Borough Council Vice President Sheryl Miller said she was called by Jon Corson and told he wanted to try to raise the money for the parade.

The bottom line is, no matter how wonderful their intentions, even if they could raise the $14,000 to $15,000 required, too many deadlines have passed to make it happen.

Maybe I'm wrong, but the evidence seems pretty incontrovertible. Better perhaps, to put that effort and moxy into making sure there are both a parade AND fireworks next year.

But that's just me. Godspeed.

In other news, Councilman Dennis Arms successfully tabled the scheduled vote on privitazing Pottstown's crossing guards to give them more time to provide input.

Also, council approved the final plans for Hanover Square, the former Mrs. Smith's  Pies site at Hanover and Industrial Highway.

Council also approved applying for a state grant to make improvements to Memorial Park, including replacing the play equipment near the splash park.

Also, solicitor Charles D. Garner Jr. was authorized to begin work on drafting amendments to the borough's fire ordinance which will give the paid police chief 24/7 control over all four volunteer fire companies and no longer require that the chief be a borough firefighter.

The hike in PART bus fares was approved and the audit of the borough's finances delivered with no major issues reported.

But I know you just want to zip down and see the video about the July 4th parade, so don't let me hold you up.

Enjoy.