New Early Heard Start Classrooms Open at YWCA

November 18, 2016, 9:00 pm

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A young student enjoys one of the new Head Start classrooms at the YWCA in Pottstown.

Blogger's Note:The following was provided by YWCA Tri-County Area.

YWCA Tri-County Area is opening two new Early Head Start classrooms atits  Early Education Center located at 315 King St. in Pottstown. 

The Y is collaborating with Maternity Care Coalition and the Office of Child Development and Early Learning to provide Early Head Start classrooms in Pottstown. 

The renovations, which began in July involved re-purposing administrative and conference room space (now located at Y’s newest building, 300 King St.) to create the new infant and toddler rooms.

The new Early Head Start rooms will follow teaching strategies gold curriculum, which focuses on creative learning, individualized lesson plans, and family engagement. 

Ashley Faison, assistant director of early head start, said, “we recognize that the parent is the first educator, we have very high standards and look to engage the family in the child’s learning at every opportunity.” 

Sixteen children ages six weeks to three years from the current infant and toddler rooms will be

A look at one of the new Early Head Start classrooms.

enrolled in the new EHS classrooms, leaving eight vacancies in each of the existing infant and toddler rooms.

Laura Simmers, senior early education director, is currently looking to fill these vacancies. 

“Our early education center provides unique learning opportunities to children in Pottstown,” Simmers said. “We really invest in educating and empowering our team, and the parents can see the difference.” 

Childcare staff all have a CDA or higher, complete 24 hours of mandatory training, and are encouraged and supported in pursuing higher education.

At the STARS 3-rated center, infants and toddlers participate in enrichment programming such as Mighty Movers aimed at starting healthy habits early, and monthly sign language classes.

Classrooms also regularly integrate diversity programming into the day through books, music, and lessons promoting respect and acceptance. 

Unlike most centers, the Y provides catered breakfast, lunch, and snack at no extra cost as well as wipes for the children.

The Y is also expecting to open a second early education center in the Royersford United Methodist Church, pending inspection and approval by DHS. 

Families who are interested in enrolling their children in either the Pottstown or Royersford centers should contact Laura Simmers at 610-323-1888 ext. 209.

YWCA Tri-County Area has been serving women, children, and families in Montgomery, Berks, and Chester counties since 1908. To learn more visit www.ywcatricountyarea.org, or call us at 610.323.1888.

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Douglass Settles Suits With Former Supervisor

November 21, 2016, 9:00 pm

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A two-and-a-half year legal dispute between the township supervisors and a former supervisor is winding down.

Verdict? Nobody wins.

Except the lawyers. They always get paid.

Monday night, Anthony Sherr, a lawyer for the township's insurance carrier, outlined a settlement of the legal battle between Douglass and former supervisor Fred Thiel.

The supervisors sued Thiel in June of 2014, seeking nearly $37,000 in damages for the debacle of Mountain Mulch and Thiel's alleged granting of permission for the former composting operation to take debris from Superstorm Sandy.

The mulching operation and Thiel are both gone, but the lawsuits lingered.

Not one to take a challenge lying down, Thiel countersued later the same month, seeking $100,000 in damages and revealing that, former township solicitor Paul Bauer had forced him from office and tried to prevent him from ever running again.

Then, as happens with these things, there were depositions, hearings, motions, and before you know it, two years have passed, everyone is sick of it and no one but the lawyers have any money any more.

So what we know so far is that the township's insurance company will pay $18,000 of Thiel's legal fees and the township itself will pay its deductible of $2,500, said Township Manager Peter Hiryak.

Sherr also said that the settlement includes language indicating Thiel's suit was "without merit."

Although the supervisors voted unanimously for the settlement, it is not a public document until the settlement is "executed," said Township Solicitor Robert Brant.

So until that happens, we won't have any further details.

"When a settlement happens, often, not everyone is happy," said Brant. "But the supervisors are cognizant of spending the people's money and they have decided its in the best interests of the township," he said.

And now, here are the Tweets and videos from the rest of the meeting...

Pottsgrove Athletes and Boosters Help Fight Cancer

November 22, 2016, 9:00 pm

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A donation from Pottsgrove athletes and boosters was made to Jefferson Hospital Patience Cancer Center Tuesday.

Blogger's Note:The following was provided by Al Leach

The Pottsgove Soccer Club, Football Club and Athletic Booster Club presented the Jefferson Hospital Patient Cancer Center with a $2,729 donation Tuesday.

This donation was achieved by the hard work of all three groups and Pottsgrove Soccer and Football players during October's Cancer Awareness Month. 

Pottsgrove soccer players held their annual Cancer Awareness charity game; Pottsgrove football players held Pink-Out night, the Football Club and Booster Clubs worked together in selling spirit wear and collecting donations all October long.

Present for the donation was Dr. Carl Sharer, Clinical Nursery Manager Althea Leacock, and Nurse Judy Depue of Jefferson Hospital.

Present from Pottsgrove were seniors Adam Gifalfaco, Ryan Finn, Will Kaiser, Patrick O'Brian, and Nate Yuchimink. 

Also present were Pottsgrove Soccer Coaches Jay Witkowski, Kevin Grimm, Jeff Erb, Pottsgrove Football Coach Rick Pennypacker, School Board Director Patti Grimm, and Booster Club President/School Board Director Albert Leach and Vice President Danielle Leach.

The money donated by the clubs will go a long way to helping local families dealing with the most destructive disease of cancer. 

The money will help patients and family receive therapy, food, shuttle services, personal care, and so much more.

Colebrookdale Railroad Gets $10K from Mascaro, Offers Thanksgiving Message to Supporters

November 23, 2016, 9:00 pm

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The Colebrookdale Railroad makes its way through the "Secret Valley."

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

The Francesco A. Mascaro Charitable Trust recently presented the Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust with a charitable contribution of $10,000 to support the non-profit’s work to revitalize local economies through the restoration of the Civil War-era Colebrookdale Railroad. 

The funds will be used as a challenge for the Trust’s end-of-year campaign for operational funding.

“We are pleased to be a faithful supporter of the Colebrookdale’s work,” said Lindsay Mascaro Ptaszenski, who oversees the distribution from the Mascaro Charitable Trust. 

The interior of the Storm King car.

 “Our support last year helped with the restoration of the Storm King parlor car, and we are proud to say it is one of the most beautiful railroad cars in the nation,” she said.

Mascaro’s funding is part of the organization’s long-standing commitment to improving the quality of life in the communities it serves. 

“Mascaro’s support has been critical to our growth and will be critical to our continued success. Their support of our end-of-year campaign means we can continue to employ staff whose work results in over $2 million of annual economic impact to Boyertown,” said Nathaniel Guest, Executive Director of the Colebrookdale. 

“As we know, jobs are critically needed and Mascaro is helping us make that happen,” he said.

Mascaro's support comes in time for the railroad's busiest season. Santa Claus rides the trains to the delight of young and old. See colebrookdalerailroad.com for tickets.

The donation also comes at a time that Guest issued a Thanksgiving statement to its supporters, thanking them for their support over the years:

The first train we ran in 2014 signaled the rebirth of a passenger railroad through the Secret Valley. While our vision was, and for that matter still is, simple, that task was daunting. Working with local governments, and a ground swell of popular support, we continue to be determined to develop a tourist railroad that that would drive economic development in the place we call home.

Before we could make that first run, we needed to raise funds to secure and restore equipment, obtain the necessary approvals to bring our railroad into service again, rebuild 9 miles of neglected track, and recruit volunteers.

Looking back, I am grateful to the hundreds of people who have contributed to this endeavor. Our volunteers have given thousands of hours rebuilding our cars, maintaining the track, and upgrading our facilities. Our conductors and engineers, brakemen, car hosts, and dining and parlor attendants—all volunteers—have undergone countless hours of training to transport our passengers back in time. Their effort has been rewarded. Trip Advisor made us the highest-rated tourist railroad anywhere in the East! Your contributions and their work have resulted in the miracle of the Colebrookdale’s rebirth and a remarkable upswing in community and economic activity in Boyertown and beyond.

We have come a long way: 

• We hosted 20,000 riders per year from every state in the nation and many foreign countries 

• There has been a $2 million economic impact to Boyertown and Pottstown since 2015 from direct spending by the Railroad for operations 

• $6 million economic impact from visitors since 2015 

• $13 million economic impact from Railroad capital investment during implementation phases 

• Created 15 new jobs directly and, ultimately, 270 new jobs in the community 

• 13 new businesses have opened in Boyertown and have attributed their locating here due to the Railroad 

• Encouraged re-investment in real estate adjacent to the station grounds 

• Fully restored a locomotive and two of the most beautiful railroad cars in the nation

Railroad operations have enhanced community events in both communities, which have chosen to locate here because of the presence of the train (ex: Boyertown’s Anniversary Celebration, Pickfest, Pottstown’s Brewfest, Santa’s arrival, etc.).

Since the railroad has been operating, we have received the following awards:

• Preserve America Steward Designation. Awarded by Michelle Obama in 2015. The highest federal recognition for a grassroots preservation project and one of only four ever designated in Pennsylvania (along with Independence Mall National Historical Park) 

• James K. Boyer Quality of Life Award 

• 2015 Planning Award by Tri-County Area Chamber of Commerce 

• Boyertown Citizen of the Year Award 2015 

As I join my family on Thanksgiving, I want you to know how incredibly thankful I and other members of the Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust are for you and your support.

Thank you for riding, thank you for volunteering, thank you for advocating, and thank you for giving to ensure the success of the Colebrookdale Railroad – the Secret Valley Line.

Sincerely,
Nathaniel Guest

Executive Director

Pottstown High Students Do a Bloody Good Thing

November 24, 2016, 9:00 pm

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Photos Courtesy of John J. Armato Pottstown High School student and Air Force JROTC Cadet Rashad Cole does his part for the blood drive.

Blogger's Note:The following was provided by John J. Armato, director of community relations for the Pottstown School District.

Kayla Walton does not seem to mind giving blood.

Pottstown High School students and staff showed their commitment to our community last week when they took part in the Miller Keystone Blood Drive. 

Thirty-Five units of blood were collected and will be used by our local hospital. 

Each unit can be used in life saving measures for three people. 

This Thanksgiving 105 people will enjoy a happy holiday because Pottstown School District cares.

In 2014, Carol Graves, Donor Resource Representative of the Miller-Keystone Blood Center, said, “Pottstown High School is consistently one of the strongest participating schools in our donor program." 

"Of all of the schools in the nine county area that we service, Pottstown, in spite of being one of the smallest school enrollments, is second in overall number of units collected. They have played a very important role in helping to save hundreds of lives in the Pottstown area,” she said.

Library Announces Winter Reading Program

November 25, 2016, 9:00 pm

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The Pottstown Regional Public Library has announced its free winter reading program for families and children.

Here are a few highlights:

• Dec. 1-19 families may sign up to read 20 minutes for 20 days and receive a prize.
• Dec. 1-19 Kindness Quest: Write down three acts of kindness performed and receive a prize.
• Dec. 3 from 10-2 the library has invited the public to celebrate the completion of our renovation with crafts, tours, Dogs are Readers Too, and more.
• December-January Kids Helping Kids: The youth department is collecting new clothing and diapers for children in need. 

Pottsgrove Manor By Candlelight Set for Dec. 11

November 26, 2016, 9:00 pm

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Syllabub anyone?

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

Revel in the spirit of the season at historic Pottsgrove Manor with the annual “Pottsgrove Manor by Candlelight” open-house on Sunday, Dec. 11 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., and enjoy the beauty of the manor lit by candlelight and bedecked with greenery.

The public is invited to take a self-guided tour of the stately 1752 manor house, where costumed interpreters portray the colonial residents of Pottsgrove Manor.

Parlor dancing in the colonial style

A walking tour guides visitors through the household of John Potts, his wife Ruth and their 13 children. In the formal parlor, an animated gathering is underway as 18th century “guests” socialize and enjoy the latest dances to the lively music of a harpsichord, flute and harp. 

The dining room displays an elegant dessert table filled with cakes and pastries, and a “glass pyramid” loaded with delectable seasonal treats – nuts, candied fruits, and colorful marzipan.

Cooks and servants bustle about the kitchen, busy concocting authentic dishes and cooking in its eight-foot wide fireplace, but not too busy to answer a passing question about methods or ingredients. 

Following passageways through the 17 room mansion, visitors continue to the second and third floors, to view the intimate chambers of a well-to-do colonial family, and learn about preparing for the holiday season.

After exploring the house, complimentary refreshments are available at the end of the tour, and young visitors will be able to create make-and-take free seasonal crafts as a souvenir of their visit.

Guests will also want to visit Pottsgrove Manor’s museum shop for unique, historically-oriented gifts like locally-made redware pottery and ornaments, reproduction glassware, handcrafted candles and soaps, books, toys, games, and more.

Parlor music will be played.

Outside, in the manor’s courtyard, visitors will be able to enjoy historic carols sung by the Colonial Revelers singing group (performing from 2 to 5 p.m.).

This is a free event! A donation of $2 per person is suggested. The tour will be held weather permitting.

No reservations are needed. Visitors are asked to park at the Carousel at Pottstown (30 West King Street) or at Memorial Park (75 West King Street); a shuttle will transport visitors to and from Pottsgrove Manor throughout the event. Handicapped parking is available in the museum’s parking lot. 

The manor’s open house will also be featured as a stop on the Pottstown Historical House Tour that evening.

Can’t make it to the open house? Visitors can enjoy the spirit of the season at Pottsgrove Manor now through Jan. 8, 2017 with a guided tour of the mansion, decorated for the holidays. 

Tours are offered during regular museum hours, and the museum shop will also be open for holiday shopping. 

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 are given on the hour. The last tour of the day begins as 3 p.m.

Groups of 10 or more should preregister by calling 610-326-4014. The site is closed Mondays, as well as Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.

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

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

For more information, call 610-326-4014, or visit the website at www.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor. 

Like Pottsgrove Manor on Facebook here
www.facebook.com/pottsgrovemanor

Community College Hub Wins Sustainability Award

November 27, 2016, 9:00 pm

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The sustainability and Innovation Hub of Montgomery County Community College was awarded the Montgomery County Planning Commission's 2016 Montgomery County Award for Sustainable Design.

Blogger's Note:The following was provided by the Montgomery County Planning Commission.

The Sustainability and Innovation Hub of Montgomery  County Community College (MCCC), located in Pottstown  Borough, received a 2016 Montgomery Award for sustainable design, successful restoration, vision, and collaborative efforts. 

This unique adaptive reuse project transformed a former PECO energy substation and brownfield site into a state-of-the-art center for education, innovation, and conservation.

History

Pottstown Borough has always had a redevelopment vision for its riverfront. 

Located in Riverfront Park, this building was once a PECO sub-station.

Located adjacent to the borough’s 30-acre Riverfront Park and the Schuylkill River Trail, this property has long been a focus for revitalization and is highlighted in Pottstown’s redevelopment plan and the 2003 Riverfront and Memorial Parks Master Plan. 

This former three-acre brownfield site contained a PECO energy substation, built in 1911, which remained vacant for much of the 1990s until it was purchased by the borough in 1997. 

The borough began renovations to convert the north side of the building into offices with the assistance of state, county, and local governments and the Montgomery County Lands Trust. 

The Schuylkill River Heritage Area (SRHA) relocated its offices to the site in 2002. 

In 2007, the MCCC took ownership and began planning for the rehabilitation of the property and expansion of its west campus.

Design

Phase I

MCCC developed the site in three phases. Phase I began in 2010 with the construction of a 202-space green parking lot. 

The parking lot is designed to retain storm water.

The development involved site remediation and the installation of a rainwater collection system that prevents contaminants from leaching into the groundwater. 

The innovative design of this green parking lot utilized bioretention and involved the planting of over 130 native trees, shrubs, and perennials, providing an attractive and well-shaded parking area. LED lighting was also installed throughout the parking lot using an EPA grant. 

The Hub's green roof.

This well-designed parking lot, which is shared with visitors to the adjacent Riverfront Park and Schuylkill River Trail, was a major element in the transformation of the property. 

Phase II

Completed in January 2012, Phase II involved the removal of mold, lead, and asbestos from the building and the demolition and remediation of the building’s south side. 

The old roof was replaced with an eco-friendly green roof, a new entrance and handicap-accessible ramp were constructed, energy-efficient windows were installed, and water and sewer services were
updated. 

The turbines generate enough electricity to run the LED lights in the lot.

Between Phases II and III, MCCC installed four wind turbines on the property. 

The turbines produce a collective 4,000 watts of energy—enough to power the LED lighting throughout the parking lot. The turbines were designed as a demonstration project to teach students and the community about energy production.

Phase III

The final phase was completed in March 2016 and involved the construction of the Sustainability and Innovation Hub in the building’s south side. 

The hub enables MCCC to bring specialized education and workforce training to the Pottstown area. 

The aquaponics/hydroponics lab.

The first floor features an innovative Aquaponics/Hydroponics teaching laboratory, which supports the interdisciplinary environmental studies program. 

The second floor is the Engineering Design Center, which supports the engineering technology program, bringing the degree to Pottstown for the first time. 

The third floor provides flexible innovation space for mentorship, learning, and collaboration.

The grand opening of the hub took place on April 18, 2016.

Collaboration

This project is a result of extensive collaboration involving years of planning and successful partnerships with many private and public organizations including Pottstown Borough, the Montgomery County Community College, and the Schuylkill River Heritage Area. 

The engineering lab

The college partnered with the SRHA to develop the River of Revolutions Interpretive Center, which
serves as a visitor center for the Schuylkill River region and focuses on the history of the river. 

Many partners worked together to create the Pottstown RiverWalk, a 1-mile scenic trail located in Riverfront Park that meanders through the woods and along the banks of the Manatawny Creek and connects to the Schuylkill River Trail. 

It features a series of interpretive signs highlighting the ecosystem surrounding the river.

The Sustainability and Innovation Hub is an outstanding example of how vision, creative planning and design, and collaboration brought exciting new life to an existing building and created an asset for the college and community. 

The hub, an innovative and collaborative space, offers opportunities for faculty, students, and the community to learn, share information, and work together to create a healthy and sustainable environment.

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Pottstown Library Gears Up for Grand Re-Opening

November 29, 2016, 9:00 pm

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Access to the front of the library was improved under the renovation project.

Blogger's Note:The following was provided by the Pottstown Regional Public Library.

Just in time for the holiday season, the greater Pottstown area is receiving a gift of a renovated library.

To celebrate the renovation, a ribbon cutting ceremony will occur on Thursday, Dec. 1 at 11 a.m.

A public open house will be held on Saturday, December 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the library will return to full public access on Monday, Dec. 5.

This renovation was made possible by a $300,000 matching grant from The Keystone Recreation Park, and Conservation Fund.

Portions of this project were funded by Pottstown Health and Wellness Foundation, the Arcadia Foundation and private donations.

In January 2015 the Borough of Pottstown was awarded a $300,000 matching grant through the Keystone Fund to complete the following renovations at the Pottstown Regional Public Library:

The project provides:

1. Redesigned and repaired front entrance to address accessibility issues and resolve water issues and structural deterioration.
2. Reconfiguration of existing space for better management of programs, increased accessibility, and improved services to the children, families, adults, and disabled in our community

   Much of the library's interior was gutted.

3. Upgrading of library engineering systems (lighting, electric, cabling, phone, security) to meet current standards and provide a safe environment for staff and patrons.

The Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund was established by an act of the General Assembly in 1993. The Department of Education, through the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, Bureau of Library Development, administers the public library portion of this program which is funded from a portion of the realty transfer tax.

A competitive grant application process is used to award matching facilities grants to municipalities that sponsor state-aided public libraries. To be eligible, the sponsoring municipality and the board of the state-aided library must jointly submit an application developed cooperatively by both entities and signed by their governing bodies. The Keystone grant requires a dollar-for-dollar match.

The completion of this project will have the following impacts on the library and the community that it serves:

• Improved access, both outside and inside the building
• Improved energy efficiency and the cost savings that result
• Expanded, multipurpose, attractive and comfortable public spaces.
• Improved customer service.
• Improved safety for patrons and staff.
• Improved security of the buildings and grounds.

The Library is a 501(c)(3) non-profit receiving public funds from Pennsylvania, Pottstown, Lower Pottsgrove Township, Upper Pottsgrove Township and West Pottsgrove Township.

he Pottstown Regional Public Library serves a population of 43,625 from four municipalities in Montgomery County. A sizeable number of patrons are from Berks and Chester Counties.

The building houses a collection of more than 70,000 cataloged items.

In 2015 the library offered 748 programs with an attendance of over 20,000. The library offers many online resources including homework help, online job search resources, e-books, e-magazines, streaming music, and is a Funding Information Network Partner of the Foundation Center of New York.

The Pottstown Regional Public Library owns and occupies a former post office built in 1915 and converted to a library in 1961.

It consists of a main floor, mezzanine, basement and upper floor, each roughly 6,000 square feet in size.

The upper floor has not been used since the post office occupied the building.

In the early 1980s a set of major renovations made the basement level public space, replaced the south facing windows, added a wheelchair ramp, added an external stair tower, and replaced the existing elevator.

To celebrate the renewal, the Library will offer new services and programs starting in December 2016 including ROKU streaming devices and wireless hotspots for loan.

Cluster Raises $36K at Sunnybrook Dinner Concert

November 30, 2016, 9:00 pm

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The Cluster Outreach Center at the intersection of King and Franklin streets in Pottstown.

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

The Fifth Annual Open Your Heart Fundraising Dinner and Concert for the Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities raised $36,000.

According to a release from the cluster, a non-profit organization that provides for the basic food, clothing, personal care and housing needs for residents living in poverty, the event held at Sunnybrook Ballroom in September featured local artists Maggie Riker, Davie Heffner, Jason Switzer and Myra Forrest.

Through the generosity of the event sponsors: Video Ray, Cody Systems and Richard and Paula Dhein, along with many other sponsors and guests that made direct donations, bid on auction items and purchased raffle tickets, $36,000 was raised.

These funds will allow PCRC to assist Pottstown residents struggling financially to maintain adequate food and clothing for their families, receive educational services to gain greater stability, as well as providing home heating oil when the cost is more than a family can afford.

PCRC wishes to thank all those that made the event a great success. To see photos of the event please visit PCRC’s website at www.pottstowncluster.org.

PCRC’s 50th anniversary is in 2017 and the 50th Gala will be held on October 7, 2017 at Sunnybrook Ballroom.

Regional Traffic/School Impacts are Cumulative

December 1, 2016, 9:00 pm

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Photos by Evan Brandt Montgomery County Planner Donna Fabry outlines aspects of the New Hanover Town Center proposal, involving more than 200 acres and more than 750 homes, during Thursday's meeting of the Pottstown Metropolitan Area Regional Planning Committee.

Whether its the number of children packing a classroom or the number of cars jamming Route 73, the cumulative impact of impending residential development is something planners should examine regionally, not on a town by town basis.

That was the apparent consensus among regional planners Thursday as they considered not only the traffic impact of a proposal to build more than 750 new homes in New Hanover Township, but also the cumulative effect when combined with projects in neighboring towns.

A proposal to have the Montgomery County Planning Commission contact the Delaware Valley Planning Commission and consider the implementation of a regional traffic study -- as a way to gain leverage to force intersection and road improvements -- passed unanimously.

New Hanover Township Supervisors Chairman Phil Agliano outlines the specifics of the proposed Town Center plan.

And although no vote was taken Thursday night, two members of the Boyertown Area School Board -- John Landino and Clay Breece -- said the building projects proposed in New Hanover and Douglass (Mont.) townships will have an impact on the school system as well.

"Nobody wants to build a new school," Landino told this blogger. "And every parent wants their child to go to the local school."

Boyertown has held off on a re-districting proposal for elementary schools, Landinso said, but noted that all of the growth in the district -- which incorporates part of two counties -- is on the Montgomery County side.

"The Berks side is not growing," Landino said. "So we keep pushing everybody (students) west."

In addition to the impact of Boyertown schools, the traffic these new residential projects in Lower Pottsgrove, New Hanover and Douglass, "will all be funneled ultimately to Route 100 and Route 422, after turning Route 73 into more of a parking lot than it already is, the planners observed.

Which is why they agreed, once again, to pursue the idea of a regional traffic study as a way to measure and hopefully, mitigate the impact of all the residential development.

And here are the Tweets from the meeting.

House Decoration Contest Aids July 4th Funding

December 3, 2016, 9:00 pm

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Blogger's Note: The following was provided by Independence Day Ltd.

Independence Day Ltd. is sponsoring a Holiday Home Decorating Extravaganza.

This contest is open to residents residing within the boundaries of the following School Districts:

• Boyertown,
• Daniel Boone,
• Owen J. Roberts,
• Pottsgrove,
• Pottstown,
• SpringFord

Category Selections include:

1. Lighting Patriotic (Red, White and Blue Lights only)
2. Lighting (White Lights only)
3. Lighting (All colors)
4. Inflatables and Yard Décor
5. In-ground Trees and Bushes
6. Front Entrance, Front Door and/or walkway/driveway
7. Whole House 

Complete the form online at pottstown4thofjuly.org.

Payment of $25 fee is thru PayPal.

Should you prefer a paper copy of the entry form, it is available at Pottstown Regional Public Library, 500 E High St., Pottstown (or you can click the link and download and print it right here).

All mailed entry forms with payment must be received at Independence Day Ltd., PO Box 199, Pottstown PA 19464 before Dec. 15 to be eligible for judging.

Like us at: www.facebook.com/PottstownJulyfourthcelebration
Follow us on twitter: @pottstown4th
Visit us at: http://pottstown4thofjuly.org
Email us: pottstown4thofjuly@gmail.com

'Theoria,' a Capella Vocalists, Offier Free Eastern European Christmas Concert at St. John's Sunday

December 4, 2016, 9:00 pm

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Andrew Skitko III, baritone

Theoria, a quartet of four professional vocalists, will return to Pottstown to perform an a capella concert of Slavic and other Eastern European Christmas music and Western carols on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 3 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church, 301 Cherry Street, Pottstown.

This concert is free and open to the public. A free will offering will be accepted.

Theoria was founded by Andrew Skitko III, of Pottstown, who also directs the ensemble and sings baritone. Skitko performs with the Opera Philadelphia chorus, as well as the Philadelphia Symphonic Choir and The Same Stream Choir, which recently recorded a second album of new choral music.

He is the cantor at the Assumption Byzantine Ruthenian Catholic Church in Trenton, where Theoria frequently performs, and he has served as a cantor at St. John’s Church and St. Michael’s Church in Mont Clare.

Lauren Delfing, alto

In addition, Skitko performed in the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival production of “Les Miserables” and appeared as Captain Von Trapp in Pottstown’s Steel River Playhouse’s sold-out 2015 production of “The Sound of Music.” He also is a private voice instructor.

“We are very excited to return to Pottstown to share this unique music with my hometown community, support Pottstown’s growing arts presence, and again sing in the beautiful setting of St. John’s Church,” Skitko said.

“This will be our first Christmas concert in Pottstown. This space is perfect for a performance of this Slavic music, as St. John’s is known in this area for its distinctive ‘onion dome’ roof, stunning stained glass, and traditional iconography," he said.

“Theoria was so well received during our previous two concerts, both of which occurred in the spring,” Skitko continued. “We were asked to return to Pottstown after both concerts -- as many of the audience members said they had never before heard traditional Slavic choral music and they were impressed by its beauty. Now we can introduce people to Slavic Christmas music as part of our concert.”

The program will feature Carpatho-Rusyn, Ukrainian, and Russian works of composers such as Leontovych, Tchaikovsky, and Rimsky-Korsakov.

Brett Avery Lawyer, tenor

Skitko, a Hill School graduate, earned both his bachelor’s degree in vocal performance and his master’s degree in vocal performance and voice pedagogy from Westminster Choir College, Princeton, N.J.

He will be joined by vocalists and fellow Westminster Choir College graduates Lauren Delfing, alto; Brett Avery-Lawyer, tenor; and Audra Casebier, soprano.

Delfing, of Columbus, N.J., earned her bachelor’s degree in music education. An original member of Theoria, she is the music and theater arts teacher at First Philadelphia Preparatory Charter School and the associate director of Sister Cities Girlchoir.

Avery-Lawyer, also a founding Theoria member, received his degree in music education. While embracing his lifelong love for classical music, Avery-Lawyer currently works as an agent for Callaway Henderson Sotheby’s International Realty.

Casebier earned her master’s in vocal performance and pedagogy at Westminster after attaining her bachelor’s degree in performance from Kent State University.

Audra Casebier, soprano

A semi-finalist in the 2013 Classical Singer National Competition, she has performed with Opera North, Opera on The James, the New York Opera Program, and the CoOPERAtive Program at Westminster Choir College.

Westminster is a four-year music college and graduate school that prepares men and women for careers as vocalists as well as music leaders in professional music organizations, schools and universities, and churches.

Westminster choirs routinely perform in venues including the Kimmel Center, Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center, and Carnegie Hall, and various groups are professionally recorded with world-renowned symphonies and ensembles.

Convenient, free parking is available in the lot behind the church, which can be accessed via South Street.

Handicapped access to the church is available via the South Street entrance.

Traffic Talk and An Absent Supervisor/Defendant

December 5, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: DEP Took 8,000 Gallons of Pollution Off Oil Site

≪ Previous: 'Theoria,' a Capella Vocalists, Offier Free Eastern European Christmas Concert at St. John's Sunday

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Seriously? More traffic coming?

The frustration caused by the traffic -- and potential increase in traffic -- in the Boyertown/Gilbertsville area was front and center once again during Monday's Douglass (Mont.) Township Board of Supervisor's meeting.

But before we get to what was at the meeting, let us take a moment to mention what, or rather who, wasn't.

Monday was the first day of the theft trial by judge of Fred Ziegler, former police chief and current vice chairman of the board of supervisors.

This case having dragged on for more than two years, curiosity required coming to Monday night's meeting to see if he would.

He didn't.

Other than that, the subject that attracted the most interest was the last -- a move for a regional traffic study among the eight municipalities that comprise the Pottstown Metropolitan Area Regional Planning Committee.

Regular readers of this blog will know the subject was covered pretty extensively in Friday's post, as well as two subsequent Mercury stories which have been posted on the web site, but have set to see any ink.

(Links to those and more are include in the Tweets below).

What Monday's discussion offered was an opportunity to hear what non-professionals think about the current traffic situation.

In short, they hate it.

The often-outspoken Alex Brumwell said "I didn't move here to be stuck in traffic all the time."

Another resident said that Hoffmansville Road has become a speedway during rush hour, and now even Middle Creek Road is suffering the same fate.

Supervisors Chairman Anthony Kuklinski said he hopes that not only will a regional traffic study get a handle on the big picture, but that hopefully it will help convince PnnDOT and even the state legislature that it is time to update how Pennsylvania deals with traffic costs.

And now here, without further ado, are last night's Tweets.

DEP Took 8,000 Gallons of Pollution Off Oil Site

December 6, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Borough Council Faces four Budget Options

≪ Previous: Traffic Talk and An Absent Supervisor/Defendant

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Photos by Evan Brandt

Barely 30 people attended the public hearing Tuesday night regarding the state's clean-up of the former home heating oil site that was the source of contamination of many area drinking water wells.

The hearing, held at Boyertown Junior High East in New Hanover, was specific to the discovery and draining of a buried pit on the site from which more than 8,000 gallons of dangerous chemicals were removed in July.

The DEP discovered the pit as the result of a deposition given by the property's effective owner Ethan Good (legally the property is owned by trusts under Good's control) in legal proceedings in which he agreed to pay for the clean-up there.

The operation at the site along Route 663, 334 Layfield Road, was once known as Swann Oil, and then the Good Oil Co.

DEP photo of the pit at the Good Oil property

Colin Wade, the DEP official in charge of the investigation of the site, said the liquid found in the pit contained "weathered petroleum, chlorinated solvents, pesticides" and a by-product of petroleum known as poly-aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs.

Responding to a question from state Rep. Marcy Toepel, R-147th Dist., Wade said that contrary to what she had first been told, the materials taken out of the pit are "similar" to the pollutants which leached into the groundwater and poisoned area wells.

The discovery of that pollution in 2011, resulted in public water being extended to numerous homes in the area at a cost of $2 million in taxpayer dollars. (This is the money Good has agreed to pay back.)

Wade also said the estimated cost of the removal was about $150,000 and that the contaminants were incinerated off-site at a licensed disposal facility.

State Rep. Marcy Toepel asks a question.

Also, pipes that emptied into the pit, and which seemed to have come from the garage at the facility, where a truck washing operation as well as heating oil storage and sales were once housed, were also discovered.

When asked by Chris Mullaney, an attorney for the Ban the Quarry group, why it took so long to find something so many people seemed to know about, Wade said DEP interviewed former employees and longtime residents, but could not located the pit, which was buried 10-feet underground -- this despite using ground-penetrating radar.

"It's always difficult to find out where people dumped something 40 years ago," said Wade.

DEP Official Colin Wade speaks at the hearing.

Accordingly, Wade said while the discovery of the pit indicates DEP has found one location of "significant" pollution, it will continue to investigate the site and search for more potential sources of contamination.

Mullaney suggested that DEP expand its search to property Gibraltar Rock purchased from Good in December, 2014 that is adjacent to the contamination site and is currently being proposed for expanded quarry operations.

"It's unbelievable, the quantity, variety and intensity of the chemicals found on in the samples," Mullaney said. He added that the Ban the Quarry group is concerned Gibraltar's proposed quarry operation will draw more chemicals out of the ground water and into the open, posing a further threat.

The map on this map shows the area of groundwater contamination. The proposed quarry operations can be seen adjacent to the contamination area.

"We hope it doesn't happen, but we're worried," he said.

"It's frightening not to have this (Good Oil) property totally clean before they start quarrying," Bob Meyers said Tuesday.

Currently, the New Hanover Zoning Hearing Board is taking testimony about Gibraltar's proposed expanded quarry operations onto the site adjacent to the former Good Oil.

Experts for Gibraltar said the operation would not draw much if any further pollution, which an expert hired by the township maintains that is a very real possibility and that the methods proposed for treating any contamination found are inadequate.

The next hearing is scheduled for Jan. 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the township building and William "Ross" Snook, the newly appointed chairman of the township's environmental advisory council, is expected to testify.

In the meantime, here are the Tweets from Tuesday night's meeting.

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Borough Council Faces four Budget Options

December 7, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Pottsgrove Re-Organizes, OKs 2% Salary Hikes

≪ Previous: DEP Took 8,000 Gallons of Pollution Off Oil Site

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Photos by Evan Brandt

When borough council takes to the dias Monday night, its members will face a choice among four budget options.

According to Borough Manager Mark Flanders, the first option is for council to adopt the budget it advertised, which raises taxes 3.49 percent and is an annual increase of $29.68 on a property assessed at $85,000 -- the borough median.

The second choice is to vote on a budget that only raises taxes by 1.24 percent, which represents an annual increase of only $10.51 on the median tax bill. It is an option achieved by making some changes to which funds certain costs are assigned, Flanders said.

And finally, said Flanders, council can achieve a zero tax hike by not filling a soon-to-be vacant position on the police force, and eliminating an administrative position in the Human Resources department.

But Council Vice President Sheryl Miller doesn't like those options, so she presented a fourth; that a new police officer be hired but the administrative position be eliminated.

"We can't afford to reduce the police force," said Miller.

She said that would result in an annual increase of $8.86 for an assessment of $85,000, but that could not be confirmed Wednesday night by Finance Director Janice Lee.

Flanders warned against allowing the gap between revenues and expenses to continue expanding, particularly as it relates to not putting money into the borough's capital fund.

And Council President Dan Weand noted that "an organizations greatest asset is its people. Maybe you can cut back on salt or something, but once you start cutting back on people, work doesn't get done."

From left, Police Captain Robert Thomas and Chaplain Everett Debnam,  congratulate Rommell and Deavona Robinson for the award just  presented by Mayor Sharon Thomas and Police Chief Rick Drumheller.

Mayor Sharon Thomas noted that whichever budget council ultimately adopts, it pales in comparison to the 11 percent tax hike now being proposed by the Montgomery County Commissioners.

On a happier note, council also recognized Rommell and Deavona Robinson with a Civilian Service Award for saving the life of someone apparently suffering from an over-dose.

It happened in October and, according to Thomas, the victim was found not breathing and without a pulse, but the couple immediately began CPR and saved the victim's life.

"I mean we showed up when we got the call, but they are the people who saved this person's life," said Police Chief Rick Drumheller.

There were some other items of interest -- such as Miller's suggestion that Jeff Chomnuk not be re-appointed to the Pottstown Borough Authority because of how she was treated when she was late with a bill.

We all hope this has nothing to do with the two running against each other for the Third Ward seat on borough council three years ago.

That said, here are the Tweets...

Pottsgrove Re-Organizes, OKs 2% Salary Hikes

December 8, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: A New Chapter in An Old Friendship

≪ Previous: Borough Council Faces four Budget Options

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Blogger's Note:I attended a DEP hearing Tuesday in New Hanover and so did not arrive at the Pottsgrove meeting that night until it was already underway.

Before the year ends, the Pottsgrove School Board got itself ready for 2017 by choosing new officers and awarding 2 percent raises to mid-level administrators.

Rick Rabinowitz stepped down as president after one year and Matt Alexander was unanimously elected as the new board president during Tuesday’s meeting.

Al Leach was similarly unanimously elected as the board’s vice president.

Also unanimous, and without any public comment, was a vote to provide 15 mid-level administrators with 2 percent raises, adding $43,147 to the payroll and pushing salaries for those 15 officials to $1.8 million for 2017.

Highest earning among the recipients were Pottsgrove High School Principal William Ziegler, who saw his salary rise by $2,788 from $139,413 to $142,201.

Right behind him was Yolanda Williams, principal at Lower Pottsgrove Elementary School, who saw her salary increase by $2,751 from $137,567 to $140,318.

Similar increases were provided for the districts other principals as well.

• · David Ramage, Pottsgrove Middle School Principal, $122,694 to $125,147.
• · Terri Koehler, West Pottsgrove Elementary School Principal, $113,973 to $116,252.
• · Lisa Jones, Ringing Rocks Elementary School Principal, $113,141 to $115,403.

Department heads also received the 2 percent raise.

• · Daniel Vorhis, Director of Education, $130,687 to $133,300.
• · Kate Pacitto, Director of Pupil Services, 121,000 to $123,420.
• · Jeff Cardwell, Director of Facilities, $106,050 to $108,171.

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In other news, Leach reported that the school district will begin looking into offering a third language at Pottsgrove, “but not next year.”

Also, Rabinowitz and Alexander said the would like to see the district re-establish the drug task force of several years ago in light of the heroin and opioid addition crisis sweeping the nation.

Here are the Tweets from the meeting.

A New Chapter in An Old Friendship

December 10, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: When You Can Have Your Pie and Read it Too

≪ Previous: Pottsgrove Re-Organizes, OKs 2% Salary Hikes

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Photo by Evan Brandt The original electric motor for Philadelphia Toboggan Co. No. 9 has been spruced up and is now on display at the  Carousel at Pottstown building.

Blogger's Note:In honor of the first public opening of the Carousel at Pottstown today, after 16 years of effort, we present this particular reminiscence, as told to Brien Heisey. 

I would like to tell you my story. 

I came to life over a hundred years ago right here in this region. 

I became a hidden part that very few people got to see. Every day I could hear the laughter and felt the joy all around me. 

I moved around the country to places like Ohio, Kentucky, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. 

Thirty years ago part of us were split up and auctioned off. I was lost for a while. There was no joy or laughter around me and I felt abandoned. 

One day in 1999 I found my way to Pottstown. 

I was moved around always in the corner, always overlooked. I still missed the joy and the laughter of my younger years. 

I thought no one noticed me over in the corner and I overheard that I was being retired for I was no use to anyone. 

 One day I was pulled up onto the back of a truck. I thought I was  headed to be scrapped. 

To my amazement I was cleaned up, given a new coat of paint, my brass was polished with bright red trim. I was brought back to my old friend. They set me up outside the box. 

I now have a majestic view of the partner I turned for so many years. I see him in his glory that I never saw before. I again hear the laughter outside that box with people laughing and all the awe that carousels bring. 

 Come see me when you can. I stand tall looking over the building that now houses the Philadelphia Toboggan Company Carousel No. 9. 

Thank you so very much to the Pottstown Carousel Committee for thinking of me and giving me the best seat in the house.

Sincerely,
The Original Old Electric Motor of No. 9

When You Can Have Your Pie and Read it Too

December 11, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Pottstown Council 'Ties' Down Budget After 4 Votes

≪ Previous: A New Chapter in An Old Friendship

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Photos Courtesy of Pottstown School District Luna Davilia, Lincoln fourth grader, prepares to launch a pie at her principal, Calista Boyer.

Blogger's Note:The following was provided by the Pottstown School District

The students at Lincoln Elementary School understand that readers become leaders. 

Lincoln Principal Calista Boyer challenged her students to read 500 books by the end of the first marking period. 

Lincoln 4th grader Kailyn Pena is right on target with her pie.

Students not only met the goal but far exceeded it by reading 800 books during the first marking period.

All students who read at least 25 books became Lincoln Reading Stars and received a certificate along with a coupon for a free kid’s meal at Applebee’s. 

Their names were also placed in a lottery and Mrs. Boyer drew ten names of students who were designated as “pie delivery persons.” 

At a school-wide assembly, each delivery person had the opportunity to “deliver a cream pie” to Mrs. Boyer’s face.

Calista Boyer after

Calista Boyer before

The reading challenge was part of the “Books Are Your Ticket to the World" reading incentive program.” 

Lincoln students have a long history of exceeding every reading challenge they have been given.

Mrs. Boyer said, “I am more than happy to take part in any activity that encourages our students to become lifelong readers!”

Pottstown Council 'Ties' Down Budget After 4 Votes

December 12, 2016, 9:00 pm

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≪ Previous: When You Can Have Your Pie and Read it Too

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Sure, budgets are serious business.

And we'll get to it in a minute.

But it's also the holiday season and that means, it's time for holiday ties!

Borough Solicitor Charles Garner Jr., left, and Borough Manager Mark Flanders, right, are known for their once-a-year holiday attire.

Sorry, but I couldn't resist.

Anyhoo, as you may have guessed, borough council muddled its way through a budget vote Monday night, adopting a last minute option that no one had heard before tonight.

It raises taxes slightly, 0.29%, and preserves an administrative job primarily by delaying the hiring of a new police officer until later into 2017.

It took four votes to get there, but you can read all about this like it was live, by reading the live Tweets below!