Council OKs $900,000 in Street Repairs for 2017

July 11, 2017, 9:00 pm

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No matter if its red, blue or green, the streets colored on this map are on the schedule to be paved. The colors simply indicate whether the paving is in concert with a water project, sewer project or straight out of the liquid fuels fund.

Pottstown has 70 miles of streets and 15 miles of alleys. Ten miles of those roads are state roads.

And between now and Oct. 30, about four miles of them are going to be paved.

At least that's what I Tweeted from Monday's council meeting.

The borough has since posted this map on its web site, indicating all the streets that will be re-paved, either as the result of a water line project, a sewer line project, or just straight paving (hence the different colors).

It looks like more than 3.95 miles to me, which is what I saw at the bottom of a list of the streets to be paved, so maybe I was looking at the wrong list.

Some of the re-paving will follow water or sewer line replacements,  like this one on High Street last year.

Anyhoo, people complain on The Mercury's Facebook page all the time about the condition of the roads in town, so it occurred to me you might be interested in the fact that some of them are going to get better.

I also Tweeted to check the borough web site for a list, but I couldn't find one, so, my bad.

If you can't make out whether your street is getting paved from the map above, you can check it out on the borough web site by clicking here, where it can be enlarged.

The bid for the overlay paving was awarded to  Joseph E. Sucher and Sons, Inc., of Eddystone, in the amount of $742,446 according to the bid, which is now linked to the on-line agenda for the council meeting (a feature I am LOVING by the way).

Council also award the bid for street painting to A-1 Traffic Control of Douglassville in the amount of $8,200.

Then there is the $83,650 bid that council awarded to Trenchless Line Co. of Bridgeport for manhole rehabilitation,

And don't forget the $63,193 bid they awarded to Cleaver Cable Construction Inc. of Glenolden for clean and televise sewer lines and you've got a grand total of $897,489 being spent to improve the streets (above and below) in this humble borough.

If you're still having trouble figuring out if the paver is coming your way, contact the borough council member in your ward. They LOVE answering questions like this.

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Be a Jack or Jill of All Trades at Pottsgrove Manor

July 14, 2017, 9:00 pm

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

Do you have what it takes to be a “Jack of All Trades” at Pottsgrove Manor? 

There will be cooking in our reproduction 18th century kitchen where you can learn the skills needed to make a Georgian meal in a hearth fireplace. 

Weavers will be working on tape looms and turning wool into yarn and thread. 

The mason, or brick/stone layer, will be illustrating the steps in stone carving by hand. 

Discover what a seamstress will be piecing together to create and hand-sew colonial garments. 

Explore what a book binder, colonial shoe maker, and broom maker are showcasing, teaching about their craft, and showing off their wares. 

Hands-on activities allow everyone to experience the noises, sights, and smells of the different 18th century careers and skills that crafted both everyday and luxury items. 

It will be held Saturday, July 22, 2017 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Colonial ironmaster John Potts’ 1752 manor house will be open for tours during the day. 

Trades were a necessary part of colonial life as friends and neighbors worked to sell and share their wares and services.  Visitors will also be able to shop at the manor’s museum shop for colonial games, books, and unique gifts.

This program welcomes all ages; suggested donation $2 per person for the event. The event will be held rain or shine.

Pottsgrove Manor is located at 100 West King Street near the intersection of King Street and Route 100, just off Route 422 near the Carousel at Potttown and Manatawny Green Miniature Golf Course, in Pottsown. 

Pottsgrove Manor is operated by the Montgomery County Division of Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites.

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

Like Pottsgrove Manor on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pottsgrovemanor.

Casanas, McDougal Appointed to YWCA Board

July 16, 2017, 9:00 pm

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Frankie Casanas

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

YWCA Tri-County Area approved two members to its board of directors at its Annual Meeting in June.

Frankie Casanas of Douglassville and Karen McDougal of Pottstown were approved to join the board of directors for three-year terms. 

Casanas, a shift manager at the John Middleton Co., is a member of National Women in Manufacturing. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Safety and Health, and currently is pursuing an MBA. 

Karen McDougal

She served in the U.S. Navy for 12 years, where she was a board member for the Aviation Boatswains Mate Association. At YWCA Tri-County Area, she has served on the Governance and Special Events committees.

McDougal has more than a decade of experience in public accounting and auditing, and two decades teaching university accounting and finance, currently at Penn State Brandywine. 

She operates a private accounting and tax practice for individuals, small businesses, and non-profit organizations, and delivers workshops and presentations in financial planning, accounting, and taxation. She works with the Pottstown chapter of SCORE to assist local businesses. 

MdDougal is a licensed Certified Public Accountant, and holds a BBA in Accounting from Temple University, an MBA in Taxation from Widener University, and a PhD in Accounting from Temple University. She serves on YWCA Tri-County Area’s Development Committee.

YWCA Tri-County Area is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. YWCA Tri-County Area is a leader in advocacy for women and girls, works to eliminate racism, and empowers women through quality affordable childcare, adult literacy, and a host of programs to support the health and vitality of women, girls, and families.

A $1.2 Million Borrowing and Fire Hall in Flux

July 17, 2017, 9:00 pm

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One of the nice things about those long summer nights, combined with Douglass supervisors meetings that rarely last more than an hour, is that you can run out after the meeting and get photos of some of the objects of discussion.

Bingo also continues to be held at the social hall on Route 73.

Chief among these last night was the fall-out from the closure of the Gilbertsville Fire Co. social hall, which came up during the solicitor's report.

The gist of it seems to be that games of chance operating at the social hall may have been a violation of the liquor license, and since the township was the de-facto property owner, that made the township liable for the violations.

The social hall was closed, except for charitable fund-raising events like Bike Night on Aug. 19 and the two-day craft show after Thanksgiving.

We'll have a little more on that in subsequent reports in The Mercury when we have a bit more information.

Also of interest was not only the pending expansion of Gilbertsville animal Hospital, which won preliminary support from the supervisors, but also a proposed use for the intersection of Route 100 and Jackson Road.

The property owners received a positive reception for their zoning variance requests from the supervisors in exchange for committing to working with them on the design of the building.

Proposed Mooney self-storage facility.

Chairman Anthony Kuklinski described the Wawa near that intersection as "rural, but not," and said "the township does not want any big yellow boxes."

Not the bury the lead or anything, but the supervisors also voted unanimously to borrow just under $1.2 to pay for the new township public works building now taking shape on Municipal drive.

The new public works building is taking shape.

Bob Dries, who is overseeing the construction, said the floor slab has been poured and walls are going up on the new facility.

He said the roof joists should be in position shortly and that some utilities have already been put in position.

The township broke ground on the new building on a rainy day in May and Dries said work is progressing quickly enough that "we should have everything under roof by winter."

That's about it for last night's meeting. Here are the Tweets.

On the (Re-Paved) Road to Higher Water Rates

July 18, 2017, 9:00 pm

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One could be forgiven for believing most matters of discussion at a water and sewer authority have to do with matters of water and sewage.

And to be sure, they do.

In that particular vein, the authority board unanimously (absent David Renn) officially approved the 14 percent hike in water and sewer rates that it tentatively approved in May.

The average household will pay about $35 more per year for water as the result of the vote.

The increase will generate additional revenues of $350,000 in 2017 and about $700,000 when the new fees have been in place for a full year by the end of 2018, according to Robert Plenderleith, the borough’s utilities administrator.

Much of that will go into the authority’s capital budget, which is being used according to a regularly updated five-year plan to repair and replace aging infrastructure in a water and sewer system now nearly 100 years old.

Repairs to that aging infrastructure -- and in particular the re-paving of the streets once that infrastructure is in place -- was of particular concern during Tuesday's authority board meeting.

Member Tom Carroll confirmed that when the authority re-paves a borough street after pipe work has been done, it is done "curb to curb."

Public Works Director Doug Yerger also said that when borough roads are re-paved from the liquid fuels fund simply because it needs it, it too is re-paved from curb to curb.

But if drivers of High Street were hoping for the same treatment, they will be disappointed. The $4 million water line re-placement that began last year and will continue on Aug. 2, when connections along Washington, Adams and Bailey streets will begin.

As engineer Tom Weld explained, because High Street is owned by the state, the curb-to-curb rule does not apply, so only the northern side of the street will be re-paved.

The final paving schedule for High Street will "hopefully" be finalized by the end of the month, according to Yerger.

As for keeping those streets clean, that's not happening any more.

Also under Carroll's questioning, Borougth (and authority) Manager Mark Flanders confirmed the last three years of annual street sweeping was paid through a $500,000 settlement with the Pottstown Landfill several years ago in exchange for treating the closed landfill's dwindling leachate run-off.

But after using some of the money to buy the trademark blue recycling containers, the rest went toward removing the 160 to 212 tons of grit off the streets each year.

"But that money is now exhausted," said Flanders. To pay for more street sweeping would require something else not being paid for.

Carroll offered the opinion that dirty streets keep "the kind of people we want to attract" from buying homes in the borough, and instead leads to residents who "don't care."

"I take pride in the upkeep of my house," said Carroll. "Seeing what's going on in other towns, if I could sell my house and get out of this town I would because I am tired of looking at the filth."

On that happy note, here are the Tweets from last night's borough authority meeting.

Rockstars Staging 'Make 'Em Bleed' Blood Drive

July 19, 2017, 9:00 pm

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Blogger's Note:The following was provided by Pottstown's Rollerderby Rockstars

Pottstown's Roller Derby Rockstars will join leagues across the country to launch a national blood drive series next week called "Make ‘Em Bleed."

The drive is organized in partnership with The American Red Cross and Brown Paper Tickets and will take place here on Wednesday, July 26 from 2 to 7 p.m. at Ringing Hill Fire Company, 815 White Pine Lane in Lower Pottsgrove. 

(If you can't make the Pottstown blood drive, another will be held in Philadelphia on Sunday, Aug. 13 when the Philly Roller Derby will be at Roxborough Memorial Hospital, 5800 Ridge Ave., from from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

Roller derby athletes will offer autographs, photo opportunities and more to attract donors, like other blood drives in the Make 'em Bleed series which are often the most popular community service events of the year in many of the cities where they are hosted. 

Make ‘Em Bleed roller derby blood drives have collected more than 900 units of blood over the past 4 years -- enough to have helped to save up to 2,700 lives.

“The Make ‘Em Bleed blood drives provide a fantastic atmosphere, with roller derby athletes skating in uniform, refreshments, giveaways and an all-around good time,” said Justin Mueller, representative for the American Red Cross.“  The summer is one of the most difficult times for the Red Cross to collect blood, so Make ‘Em Bleed has really made a difference to help ensure blood is available for patients in need.”

In 2017, the Make ‘Em Bleed roller derby blood drive series is part of World Roller Derby Week, Aug. 13-19, a series of events celebrating the 82nd birthday of the invention of the sport by Leo Seltzer in 1935. 

Roller derby is one of only three major sports invented in the United State. Currently, almost 2,000 women’s, men’s and junior leagues are skating, competing and giving back to their communities worldwide.

$375K Pledge Wins Sanatoga Green Preliminary OK

July 20, 2017, 9:00 pm

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An early version of the site plan which received preliminary approval last night from the commissioners.

With a 4-1 vote by the Lower Pottsgrove Commissioners, the $146 million proposal to build 500 homes and apartments, a hotel and large medical building near the Limerick outlets took an important step forward Thursday night.

Sanatoga Green, as the project is called, proposes a 60,000 square-foot medical building, a 108-room hotel, 17 multi-family apartment buildings with a total of 343 units and 147 townhomes, all on about 50 acres off Evergreen Road opposite the Costco.

First envisioned in 2014 and carried forward by Castle Caldecott LLC, the project received preliminary site plan approval from the township commissioners last night.

It was not easily won.

The approval was expected two weeks ago, but was delayed due to disagreements over details of the project, and over the township's desire for some kind of guarantee that the commercial elements of the plan would be built as well as the roughly 500 homes that have drawn concern from the Pottsgrove School District.

But a 90-minute meeting Monday between the developers, the township staff and Commissioners Chairman Bruce Foltz and Vice Chairman Stephen Klotz produced a compromise.

As Township Solicitor Charles D. Garner Jr. explained, one of the 38 conditions attached to the approval is an incentive for the developer to move forward with the commercial aspects of the project.

Several months ago, these were the townhouse renderings presented to the commissioners by Castle Caldecott, LLC

The developers have agreed to put up $375,000 in cash or a line of credit to ensure that after the first, townhouse phase of the project moves forward, that the second residential phase, the apartments, will not begin until building permits have been pulled for either of the two commercial elements of the plan.

Should the developers approach the commissioners about beginning the second residential phase before the commercial, "I imagine there would be some negotiation or the township might obtain the $375,000 by default," Garner said.

"It was not easy to get them to agree to that," said Foltz. "They didn't want to put up any money at all."

Both Foltz and Klotz praised the efforts on all sides.

"I think this shows the township is business friendly," said Klotz, who praised the professionalism if both the developer's staff and the township's.

The developers also presented a rendering of what the hotel on the site may look like several months ago.

But not everyone was so enthusiastic.

Commissioner Ray Lopez cast the lone dissenting vote.

He said he voted no because of how many people who live in the area where the development is proposed have contacted him and asked him to oppose it.

"They're opposed to it because of the traffic, the zoning changes, the impact on the schools, and they would like to see a different plan, one that has more commercial elements and I agree with them," Lopez said.

However, the tale is not yet fully told.

Having won preliminary site plan approval, Castle Caldecott must now go back to the planning commission and do more work to seek a recommendation for final site plan approval, which can only be granted by the township commissioners.

"They've still got a long way to go," said Klotz.

But you, dear reader, don't have far to go to find the Tweets from the very brief meeting.

Rotary Club Duck Race Winners Announced

July 22, 2017, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Grant to Improve Colebrookdale RR Station, Car

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It might not be the kind of race that sets your blood pumping, but winning is always nice -- and there were more than 70 winners in this year's Pottstown Rotary Club Duck Race, held during the GoFourth Celebration in Memorial Park.

Almost more rubber (plastic?) ducks than you can count, each with an assigned number, were placed in Manatawny Creek and those which crossed the finish line first were declared the winners.

The event raises money for dozens of local non-profits, which get to keep a portion of the proceeds from their duck sales.

Without further ado, here are the winners.

1 $1000 Cash: Ticket number 5698, held by Jennifer Isett

2 49" HDTV Television: Ticket number 2968, held by Adriane Rodenbaugh

3 Apple Smart Watch: Ticket number 3494, held by Barbara Eschbach
4 1-hr Hot Air Balloon Ride for 2: Ticket number 207 held by Frank Cebular
5 Complimentary Round of Golf (4) Gilbertsville Golf Club: Ticket number  1751, held by Jill

Bolonski
6 $50 Gift Certificate to Wawa: Ticket number 1091 held by Glenn Stefanowicz
7 1-year Dining Membership to Brookside Country Club: Ticket number 4323, held by William Pappentick
8 30-minute Intro to Flight Lesson: Ticket number 3124, held by Ross Belovich

9 $50 Gift Certificate to Wawa: Ticket number 5024, held by Kelly Taylor
10 $25 Gift Certificate to Eleanor Russel Ltd: Ticket number 5021, held by Kaitlin Doyle
11 Sea Glass Picture: Ticket number 5196, held by Dean Marks
12 $50 Gift Certificate to Wawa: Ticket number 2057, held by Marine Corp League
13 Round of Golf for 4 at Brookside Country Club: Ticket number 2507, held by Louis Ballas
14 Full Detail at Wheels in Motion: Ticket number 1714, held by Mike Sluffegtt
15 Sly Fox Growler with refill card: Ticket number 4669, held by Roger Baumann
16 $25 Gift Certificate Coventry Pub: Ticket number 2544, held by Anthony Catanzaro
17 $10 Gift Certificate to Wawa: Ticket number 165, held by Jim Leveille
18 $20 Gift Certificate to Wawa: Ticket number 1296, held by Colleen Spence
19 Bird House: Ticket number 1972, held by Marine Corp League
20 Gift Certificate for Golf Twosome at Water Gap Country Club: Ticket number 3588, held by Butsy McElroy
21 $100 Gift Certificate to Weitzenkorn's: Ticket number 1842, held by Gary Felter
22 $20 Gift Certificate Camelot Salon: Ticket number 1320, held by Jacqui Batzel
23 $25 Gift Certificate to Wawa: Ticket number 1327, held by Carol Wozonick
24 $20 Gift Certificate Camelot Salon: Ticket number 2344, held by Joan Landis
25 $25 Gift Certificate to Eleanor Russel Ltd: Ticket number 4487, held by Philip Ciofalo
26 $60 Gift Certificate to Wawa: Ticket number 4775, held by Mark Saylor
27 $50 Gift Certificate to Wawa: Ticket number 291, held by Jonathan Fietkau
28 $10 Gift Certificate to Wawa: Ticket number 1664, held by Ruth Worrell
29 $25 Gift Certificate Redner's: Ticket number 5782, held by Ronald Dinnocerti
30 Bird Feeder: Ticket number 2798, held by John Fry

31 Gift Basket "Beach" Theme: Ticket number 4241, held by Gary Chubb
32 $20 Gift Certificate to Olive Garden: Ticket number 1766, held by Don Balonski
33 $50 Gift Certificate Freed's Market: Ticket number 2020, held by Marine Corp League
34 $25 Gift Certificate to Wawa: Ticket number 1159, held by Angelo Galli
35 Gift Certificate for Golf Twosome at Water Gap Country Club: Ticket number 803, held by Stan Brown
36 $25 Gift Certificate to Sunflower Café: Ticket number 1730, held by Tina Mendel
37 $100 Gift Card to Applebee's: Ticket number 2295, held by Thomas Hudson
38 1 free Half Hour Massage - Infinity Chiropractor: Ticket number 4805, held by Ben Major
39 $25 Gift Certificate to Wawa: Ticket number 4313, held by Sara Kelly
40 $50 Gift Card to Wawa: Ticket number 3727, held by Karen H
41 $25 Debit Card and Water Bottle at Citadel Bank: Ticket number 1977, held by Marine Corp League
42 $25 Gift Certificate Giant: Ticket number 2768, held by Norman Freed
43 $20 Gift Certificate to Potts & Penn Family Diner: Ticket number 2417, held by Eugene Krasley
44 1 Oil Change M & M Lube and Automotive: Ticket number 266, held by Donna Manley
45 $25 Gift Certificate to Eleanor Russel Ltd: Ticket number 3278, held by Butch Mohn
46 $20 Gift Certificate Camelot Salon: Ticket number 6009, held by Spring-Ford Rotary
47 $25 Gift Certificate to Potts & Penn Family Diner: Ticket number 3319, held by Michael Hartman
48 1 free weekend Pet Lodging - Limerick Vet Hospital: Ticket number 3859, held by Lawson
49 $40 Gift Certificate Pottstown Roller Mills: Ticket number 3715, held by Gary Crossman
50 $25 Gift Certificate Giant: Ticket number 2279, held by Joyce Wedemeyer

51 30-minute Intro to Flight Lesson: Ticket number 4615, held by Julius Banyal
52 1 free Half Hour Massage - Infinity Chiropractor: Ticket number 2910, held by Nev Lynch
53 $25 Gift Certificate Redner's: Ticket number 1724, held by Peggy Snider
54 $50 Gift Certificate to Lilly's Grille: Ticket number 178, held by Steve Anspach
55 $10 Gift Certificate to Wawa: Ticket number 1064, held by Brandy Smale
56 $25 Gift Certificate to Wawa: Ticket number 3107, held by Linda Jacobs
57 $20 Gift Certificate Camelot Salon: Ticket number 2077, held by Marine Corp League
58 $35 Gift Certificate to Mike's Brick Oven Pizza: Ticket number 2553, held by Steven Smith
59 1 Oil Change M & M Lube and Automotive: Ticket number 5757, held by Kathleen Louden
60 $20 Gift Certificate Camelot Salon: Ticket number 2247, held by Marine Corp League
61 $20 Gift Certificate to Olive Garden: Ticket number 190, held by Kelly Taylor
62 $20 Gift Certificate to Ice House: Ticket number 2140, held by Joanne Augustine
63 $100 Chili's Gift Certificat: Ticket number 5025, held by Alison Wagner
64 $25 Gift Certificate to Downtown Records: Ticket number 3339, held by Diena and Billy Boyer
65 $20 Gift Certificate to Ice House: Ticket number 170, held by Dana Logue
66 $41 Gift Certificate to T&N Saloon: Ticket number 1705, held by David Akers
67 $41 Gift Certificate to T&N Saloon: Ticket number 169, held by Rich Graver
68 $20 Gift Certificate to Wawa: Ticket number 3659, held by David Akers
69 $20 Gift Certificate to Wawa: Ticket number 4801, held by Holly Chang
70 $50 Gift Certificate to Best Buy: Ticket number 3660, held by Anita Slobodin
71 $50 Gift Certificate Downtown Stores "Last Duck In": Ticket number 259, held by Jeff Schulbert

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Grant to Improve Colebrookdale RR Station, Car

July 23, 2017, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: No Uniform Opinion on Pottstown School Uniforms

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A volunteer prepares a historic brick for placement in the walksways being installed at the Colebrookdale Railroad's station in Boyertown.

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

The Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust announced it has received a $10, 750 grant to support its passenger car restoration and Boyertown Station area improvements.

The scenic railroad runs between downtown Boyertown and Memorial Park in Pottstown.

The grant comes from the Community Conservation Partnerships Program, under the administration of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation, in support of the Schuylkill Highlands Mini-Grant Program administered jointly by Natural Lands and the Schuylkill River Heritage Association.

The award will match other funding to continue work on the creation of an ADA-compatible railcar and to create walkways in the Boyertown rail yard using century-old paving brick.

Both projects will forward the Trust's mission of being one of the only recreational and tourist railroads in the nation to embrace, rather than merely accommodate, persons with disabilities. 

"The challenges inherent to making a century-and-a-half old railroad accessible to persons with mobility issues is technically challenging and financially overwhelming,” said Nathaniel Guest, Executive Director of the Trust. "The Mini-Grant’s support is an honor, a major help, and truly remarkable, as funding for ADA projects is sadly otherwise almost non-existent,” he said.

"The Mini-Grant program has helped dozens of projects in the Schuylkill Highlands region open up the beauty and culture of the region to a larger population, said Carol DeWolf of Natural Lands. 

"We are proud to lead partners like the Trust in making a real and measurable impact economically and in the quality of life of people in the Schuylkill Highlands and look forward to even better things to come in the future," said Tim Fenchel of the Schuylkill River Heritage Association.

The Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust has a mission to develop the best tourist railroad of the 1900-1920 era and drive economic development in the Tri-County Area. Tickets for adventures into the railroad's Secret Valley can be found at www.colebrookdalerailroad.com.

No Uniform Opinion on Pottstown School Uniforms

July 24, 2017, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: National Night Out Set for Aug. 1 at Pocket Park

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Twenty-eight people spoke on the subject of Pottstown School District's school uniform policy (or dress code) during Monday night's special meeting of the school board policy committee.

Of them, 17 spoke against them, 11 in favor and one whose opinion was hard to pin down.

Objections raised included the cost, the failure of uniforms to cut down on bullying and bad behavior, especially at the middle school, a reduction of school spirit and the suppression of individual expression.

Support argued that in fact uniforms are cheaper, make mornings easier and do reduce bullying, increase school and community spirit and make Pottstown students stand out from others.

Among the more notable opponents was Pottstown High School Principal Danielle McCoy who told the committee that school spirit (among the staff as well as the students) went up and discipline problems went down when uniforms were eliminated two years ago and that school was allowed to implement a dress code.

"We became the uniform police," McCoy said of the staff. "And how am I supposed to send a student home because he can't learn as well in a pink shirt as he can in a blue one?" she said.

By contrast, some of the parents said since the uniform requirement was lifted at the high school, student dress has become more lurid and that the policy is not implemented evenly.

Others asked for proof that the uniforms did what they were supposed to do, improve discipline.

School Board Vice President Emanuel Wilkerson, who championed the lifting of the uniform policy at the high school, said the policy committee has received data on that subject and it will be posted on the district web site shortly.

In the meantime, it seems, the discussion will go on because, as Superintendent Stephen Rodriguez noted at the start of the meeting, whatever change is made, if any, it will NOT be implemented in the 2017-2018 school year which begins next month.

The discussion was broadcast live in a Facebook video feed, which you can watch by clicking here.

If you still like to read your live coverage, here are the Tweets from the meeting.

National Night Out Set for Aug. 1 at Pocket Park

July 25, 2017, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Public Hearing on Regional Trail Plan Set for Aug. 2

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The event will again be held at the neighborhood park Washington and Chestnut streets.

Blogger's Note:The following was provided by Genesis Housing Corp.

Genesis Housing Corporation and the Victory Christian Life Center are pleased to announce that the annual National Night Out Community Block Party will be held on the first Tuesday in August, Tuesday, Aug. 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Chestnut Street Park located on Washington and Chestnut Streets, in Pottstown.

The event will promote neighborhood spirit, community partnership, law enforcement and residents for a safer Pottstown at a free community block party filled with family fun, music, games, info and food. Come out and meet your neighbors at the Chestnut Street Park. (Rain or Shine). 

The event kicks off with DJ dance music and great community information. There will be free food – hot dogs, hamburgers, nacho chips, water ice, soft drinks and more. The Phillies Fire Company is bringing a fire truck and will be providing a water spray demo.

Be a part of Pottstown’s National Night Out to learn about businesses and non-profit agencies in the area. This year’s participating groups include Art Fusion, BB&T, Genesis Housing, Grace Lutheran Church, Habitat Montco, Harris Family, Hobart’s Run, Pottstown Human Relations, Maternal and Child Health of Chester County, Maternity Care Coalition: Early Head Start, Matt Green - Glocker Realty, Mosaic Community Land Trust, Pottstown Cluster, Victory Christian Life Center, Women’s Center and YWCA Tri-County.

The National Night Out Community Block Party is funded, in part, by BB&T Bank and the Pottstown Neighborhood Partnership. 

More information is available by calling Victory Christian Life Center at 484-941-0693 or Genesis Housing Corporation at 610-275-4357.

Since 1994, Genesis Housing Corporation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has served Montgomery County as a community housing development organization (CHDO) and is dedicated to the development of affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization and the education of consumers on housing and financial issues.

For more information about Genesis Housing Corporation, our programs and housing counseling classes, please visit our website at www.genesishousing.org, email at info@genesishousing.org, visit us on Facebook or call 610-275-4357.

Public Hearing on Regional Trail Plan Set for Aug. 2

July 26, 2017, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Pottstown School Board Works on Self-Improvement

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A look at the possible trail connections throughout the greater Pottstown region as under consideration in the master trail plan that will be the subject of a public hearing Wednesday, Aug. 2 at 6 p.m. in Pottstown Borough Hall

Blogger's Note:The following was provided by the Pottstown Metropolitan Regional Planning Committee

Local residents, stakeholders, recreation enthusiasts and all others are urged to attend the public meeting to share their opinions on a planning study that examined non-motorized transportation options connecting parks, neighborhoods and business hubs to the Schuylkill River Trail. 

The purpose of this study is to consolidate municipal and county planning efforts into a unified regional trail plan addressing major obstacles to providing equitable transportation alternatives, opportunities for healthy lifestyles and economic vitality. 

The results of this study will help guide communities in determining the most feasible locations for these trails, outline a concise implementation plan to integrate local trail networks and provide a marketing vehicle to obtain implementation grants. 

The first public meeting was March 29, 2016. 

The final study outlines a plan for expanding existing public trail systems via four primary trail corridors anticipated to travel through portions of Pottstown Borough, West Pottsgrove Township, Upper Pottsgrove Township, Douglass Township (Berks County), Lower Pottsgrove Township, Douglass Township (Montgomery County), New Hanover Township, North Coventry Township and East Coventry Township.

The public meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m., Wednesday Aug. 2, 2017 in Pottstown Borough Hall, Council Chambers Room, 100 East High Stree. The meeting will begin with a presentation of the primary trail alignments before opening for Q&A from those in attendance.

Funding for this study was made possible by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) and the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. DVRPC is leading the planning study with assistance from the Pottstown Area Regional Recreation Coordinator.

For additional information please contact Michael Lane at PARRCoordinator@gmail.com or 484-945-0200

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An attempt was scheduled Wednesday night for the recreation committee to make a pitch about this study and other regional efforts to the area's elected state officials, state representatives Tom Quigley, Tim Hennessey and Marcy Toepel.

None of them showed up, although Quigley did send a representative from his office. Evidently, they were recalled to Harrisburg to work on the unfinished state budget.

No doubt we will see the results of their efforts in tomorrow's headlines.

Ahem.

Anyway, here are the Tweets of what they would have learned if they had attended the meeting put together specifically for their benefit and, ultimately, the benefit of their constituents.

Pottstown School Board Works on Self-Improvement

July 27, 2017, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Aug. is Living History Sundays at Pottsgrove Manor

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Members of the Pottstown School Board and administration look over their work in a team-building exercise on what makes a good teacher, administrator and school board member?

Just over half the membership of the Pottstown School Board got together for a "workshop" meeting Thursday night that was less focused on the school district, and more focused on themselves.

To be more specific, the workshop was geared toward how to be more effective as a board, which in turn obviously benefits the school district as well.

Although it took place in the high school library instead of a locker room, the goal was the same -- team-building.

Superintendent Stephen Rodriguez led the board through several exercises, readings and discussions all of which were aimed at being effective leaders, how to work together better as a team and specific changes that might be made to bring those goals about.

For the most part, the Tweets below tell the story. Have a look.

Aug. is Living History Sundays at Pottsgrove Manor

July 29, 2017, 9:00 pm

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

Living History is happening every Sunday in August as Pottsgrove Manor presents Living History Sundays.

Pottsgrove Manor is coming alive on August 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th for Living History Sundays. 

From 1 p.m to 4 p.m., staff and volunteers will be interpreting 18th century trades and everyday life with demonstrations and hands-on activities. 

Explore how to make butter and tape weave using box looms with period interpreters. See and smell food being prepared in the reproduction colonial kitchen. Try your hand at embroidery and needlework, and find out how to make 18th century soap. Learn about the skills needed to spin wool into yarn and more. 

In addition to the activities each week, there will be colonial games for everyone in the whole family to play with and enjoy. 

The activities will vary week by week, so be sure to check the website (www.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor) or call Pottsgrove Manor (610-326-4014) to discover what will be happening on the days you’d like to visit.

Colonial ironmaster John Potts’ 1752 manor house will also be open for tours during the day. The current exhibit, "Rise and Shine at the Manor," delves into the daily morning routines of both the Potts family and their household staff. 

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

These programs welcomes all ages; suggested donation $2 per person. The programs will be held rain or shine!

Pottsgrove Manor is located at 100 West King Street near the intersection of King Street and Route 100, just off Route 422 near the Carousel at Pottstown and Manatawny Green Miniature Golf Course. 

Pottsgrove Manor is operated by the Montgomery County Division of Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites.

Like Pottsgrove Manor on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pottsgrovemanor.

Happy Birthday Hopewell, Now Open 7 Days a Week

July 30, 2017, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Pottstown Library to Host Presentation on Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles

≪ Previous: Aug. is Living History Sundays at Pottsgrove Manor

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Blogger's Note:The following was provided by Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site.

Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site has announced it is now open seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Saturday, Oct. 14. 

In addition to offering programs daily, on Saturday, Aug. 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Hopewell Furnace will celebrate its 79th birthday with Establishment Day. 

The legislation creating Hopewell Furnace NHS was signed into law on Aug. 3, 1938.

Establishment Day provides opportunities for visitors to step back in time, experiencing facets of daily life in the 1820s and ‘30s, the heyday of the furnace. 

There will be weaving and spinning demonstrations, molding demonstrations, and demos on cooking with cast iron Dutch ovens. 

Volunteer colliers will be demonstrating the fine art of making charcoal, lighting the pile at 11 am. After a short presentation, there will be birthday cake at 2 pm.

Programs and special events will be offered throughout the summer. 

The highlight of weekends at Hopewell Furnace are molding and casting demonstrations (dependent on staffing). 

The historic Village Store will be open on a daily basis, offering 19th C games, crafts, and Hopewell charcoal for sale. There will be staff in the historic village daily, providing programs, answering questions and sharing insights of the community, its history, and the process of making iron. 

Finally, the fall is ushered in with apple picking. For over 30 years Hopewell Furnace has offered apple picking ($1 a pound) of numerous heritage varieties.

Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site preserves and interprets an early American industrial landscape and community. Showcasing an iron making community and its surrounding countryside, 

Hopewell Furnace was active from 1771 to 1883. 

The park’s facilities are currently open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Hopewell Furnace is located five miles south of Birdsboro, PA, off of Route 345. 

Admission to the park is free. For more information, stop by the park's visitor center, call 610-582-8773, or visit the park's web site at www.nps.gov/hofu

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Pottstown Library to Host Presentation on Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles

July 31, 2017, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: YWCA Offering Child Development Class

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Blogger's Note:The following wa sprovided by the Pottstown Regional Public Library.

Autumn Shaner, Curatorial Assistant, Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles, will give a presentation about the museum and its exhibits in the balcony meeting room of the Pottstown Regional Public Library on Tuesday, Aug. 15 at 7 p.m.

The Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles houses dozens of automobiles, trucks, and motorcycles that were manufactured right here in Pennsylvania while the industry was still in its infancy. 

The mission of the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles is to collect and preserve vehicles built in Pennsylvania. 

Contained in the collection are examples of motorized, horse-drawn, and man-powered road transportation — from wagons and trucks to bicycles and cars. 

Many of the manufacturers’names may be unfamiliar, but all were made right in our own backyards here in Pennsylvania. 

In addition to dozens of road vehicles, the Boyertown Museum also counts related literature and memorabilia amongst its collections.

The Pottstown Regional Public Library partners with the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles to offer free passes to the Museum. The pass is good for free admission of one adult and up to three children

YWCA Offering Child Development Class

August 1, 2017, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Hot On the Trail of a Regional Trail System

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

A 12-week course culminating in Child Development Associate credentials will be offered in
Pottstown beginning Saturday, Aug. 26. 

The course is a partnership between YWCA Tri- County Area and Dickerson Associates and Education Services.

Classes will alternate between YWCA Tri-County Area, 300 King St., and online.

Students without internet access will have opportunities to access online classes. In-person
class sessions will be from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 

The course runs through Nov. 11.

Those completing the 12-week course will earn a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education and a key stepping stone on the path to career advancement in the field. 

CDA is a National Credentialing Program that focuses on the skills of early care and educating professionals who work with young children. 

CDA meets the requirements of child care staff, home visitors, and family child care providers.

Cost for the class is $400, plus $50 for the required CPR/First Aid/AED training. Half the cost is
due at the first class.

For information or to reserve a seat, call the Education and Training Center at 610-326-7323. 

Applications may be obtained at YWCA’s Early Education Center, 315 King St., Pottstown, or YWCA’s Adult Education and Training Center, 1830 E. High St., Pottstown. 

Online applications are available at YWCA Tri-County Area’s website, www.ywcatricountyarea.org.

YWCA Tri-County Area is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. YWCA is a leader in advocacy for women and girls, works to eliminate racism, and empowers women through quality affordable childcare, adult literacy, and a host of programs to support the health and vitality of women, girls, and families.

Hot On the Trail of a Regional Trail System

August 2, 2017, 9:00 pm

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Fuzzy Photo by Evan Brandt The Pottsgrove Trail, one of four major trails proposed in the study, would stretch up Pleasantview Road from High Street, then head northwest along Buchert Road, slide along the woods at the edge of the Pottsgrove High School property, through the Brookside Restaurant property and cross North Charlotte Street there near the entrance for Sunset Park and them up to Hollenbach Park on North Hanover Street, opposite Pottsgrove Middle School.

Years in the making, and years yet to reach completion, a plan to expand and connect trails throughout the greater Pottstown area and to the ever-more popular Schuylkill River Trail took an important step last night.

A public hearing on the Tri-County Trail Study attracted about 14 people Wednesday night and also revealed details about the proposals, including their eye-popping cost.

Michael Lane, the regional recreation director, outlined the plans that include four or five primary trail systems (depending on how you count them), each of which will be completed in segements as funding becomes available, and said it may be 10 or 20 years before the trails outlined in the study are actually built.

The highlighted section shows the first priority for the Coventry Trail.

The first he revealed is the Coventry Trail, which begins out of Kenilworth Park and stretch up along the township line between North and East Coventry before heading west to eventually connect with the trail system in French Creek State Park.

When complete, it could cost between $1.2 million to $1.7 million, said Lane.

Missing is a link between Kenilworth Park and the the Schuylkill River Trail, which will cross the river back into Montgomery County on the new Route 422 bridge now being built. From there, it will proceed along Industrial Highway in Pottstown to Riverfront Park on a section of the trail now also being built.

A second, and less expensive trail, is called the West Trail. It will proceed from the Schuylkill River
Trail through West Pottsgrove up Grosstown Road to Manatawny Street, where it will connected to Murgia Park, along Manatawny Creek and across from the intersection with Sell Road.

That section is only anticipated to cost $546,845.

There, it will connect with a third primary trail called the Manatawny Trail, which will stretch along the west bank of Manatawny Creek from Memorial Park, beneath Route 100 and along the Colebrookdale Railroad line.

The outlined sections show the priority segments of the West and  Manatawny trails as proposed in the regional study.

A pedestrian bridge is planned to cross Manatawny Creek near Murgia Park as well as a smaller bridge to connect the two sides of Murgia Creek on either side of Goose Run.

The Manatawny Trail, with completed, could cost between $2.5 million and $2.7 million. The priority section of this trail would stretch from Memorial Park to under the Route 100 bridge to allow for safer pedestrian crossing of Route 100.

That section became a priority in the trail plan  after 24-year-old Donald Purnell was struck and killed while trying to cross Route 100 at Shoemaker Road as he was trying to get to his job at Wendy’s.

West trail will also have a connections to a trail through the West Pottsgrove Township Park behind the township building and into the Circle of Progress to connect with Sly Fox Brewery there. The Manatawny Trail will also connect to the Circle of Progress there.

The next trail is called the Pottsgrove Trail, and it is envisioned to stretch up Pleasantview Road from High Street, turn left near Buchert Road, after making its way through Gerald Richards Park, and reach Pottsgrove High School.

There, it will skirt the edges of the woods and make its way through the Brookside Restaurant property to emerge on North Charlotte Street near the entrance to Sunset Park in Upper Pottsgrove.

The sprawling and more conceptual Upper West Trail

The crossing of that busy road, which is also Route 663, will become safer now that PennDOT has agreed to lower the speed limit on North Charlotte Street to 25 miles per hour between Mervine Street and School Lane.

From there make its way to Hollenbach Park on North Hanover Street, opposite Pottsgrove Middle School.

This is also the point at which the Pottsgrove Trail will connect with the Walk Bike Pottstown trail
system now under construction in the borough, which will provide another connection to Riverfront Park and the Schuylkill River Trail there.

The final section is called the Upper West Trail and it is more conceptual now than the other trails, this given that it envisions a connection through New Hanover Township to the Perkiomen Trail in Green Lane.

The cost of that trail runs anywhere from $2.3 million to $4 million or $5 million depending on what kind of options are pursued, such as allowing equestrian access on certain portions.

The section of the Upper West Trail which has been prioritized

However, a small portion has been prioritized that would connect Murgia Park with the Goose Run Recreation Area in Douglass (Berks) Township. The route will depend on whether negotiations with Waste Management, which owns the Pottstown Landfill, results in allowing access through that property.

That cost is currently estimated at about $800,000.

Whenever possible, the trails use public parks, public properties and public right of ways in order to avoid private property.

Lane said that no trail would proceed through private property without those property owners first agreeing to negotiate.

A resident of North Coventry, who declined to give his name for publication, and Marc Kenline of Pottstown both said there should be more notification of private property owners who could be affected by the planned trails.

A 30-day public comment period continues through Sept. 2 and can be sent to lane in writing at Pottstown Metropolitan Regional Planning Committee, 140 College Dr., Pottstown, PA 19464.

And now what you've all been waiting for ... THE TWEETS!

Between a Rock and a Zoning Hearing Board Ruling

August 3, 2017, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Meet the Pottsgrove Principals Tuesday/Wednesday

≪ Previous: Hot On the Trail of a Regional Trail System

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The relationship between the proposed expansion of the as-yet non-operational Gibraltar Rock Quarry and groundwater contamination at the neighboring property remained the central point around which all argument revolved Thursday night as the lawyers had their final say before the Zoning Hearing Board.

Now I could try to repeat everything they said, but most of it is contained in the Tweets below.

So let me sum up:

Gibraltar Rock Quarry Attorney Stephen Harris argued that even if the water pumping at the quarry pulls in contaminants form the former Good's Oil site off North Charlotte Street, it will be treated under the conditions of the permit, so everyone should be happy.

Rowan Keenan, attorney for the Paradise Watchdogs group, said even if the contaminants that reach the quarry pits are treated, the pumping will alter the flow of water underground and may contaminate nearby wells that will not be treated with the quarry water.

In a sadly comic passage, he also told the zoning hearing board that it is "alright to vote your conscience," whereas zoning board solicitor Ed Skypala said actually, that's not the case and the zoning board only has the authority to make decisions based on the facts in evidence.

And Bob Brant, attorney for the township, said he agreed with everything Keenan said and also pointed out that while Harris is trying to convince the zoning board that the first two parts of the quarry are going to begin operations, and they were approved by the zoning board, that Gibraltar has lost in court several times.

He pointed out that when the first two quarry segments were approved by the zoning board, no one knew about the groundwater contamination and the zoners should not feel obligated to follow suit on those first two decisions.

Brant and  Keenan both argued that testimony from township and Paradise Watchdog experts gave the zoning board adequate legal standing to deny the quarry request for the third expansion, which Harris said would take at least five years to get up and running.

The zoning board will issue its decision at the next meeting on Sept. 7 In the meantime, satisfy yourself with the Tweets!

Meet the Pottsgrove Principals Tuesday/Wednesday

August 5, 2017, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Free School Supplies at Community Fun Day Aug. 13

≪ Previous: Between a Rock and a Zoning Hearing Board Ruling

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Pottsgrove High School Principal Bill Ziegler, left, and Pottsgrove Middle School Principal Matt Boyer.

The start of school may still seem like a long way off, but the principals at Pottsgrove's secondary schools want to get things off on the right foot.

So Pottsgrove Middle School Principal Matthew Boyer and Pottsgrove High School Principal. Bill Ziegler are inviting students and parents to meet them for an informal time to ask questions, get a glimpse into their child’s schedule, and talk about the upcoming school year.

The next meet and greet will be on Tuesday, Aug. 8 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Chick Fil-A in Gateway Shopping Center next to Costco in Limerick.

Another session will be held later that day from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in Rolling Hills Community Center in Lower Pottsgrove.

On Wednesday, Aug. 9, the two principals will be at Starbucks in Upland Square Shopping Center in West Pottsgrove from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

Later that evening from 7 to 8 p.m., they will be available at the Giant Supermarket in Upland Square.

If you can't make any of those dates, you can reach Boyer on his cell phone at 610-310-1140 or via email at mboyer@pgsd.org

You can reach Chris Becker, the assistant middle school principal, on his cell at 610-310-4520 or via email at cbecker@pgsd.org

Ziegler can be reached on his cell phone at 610-960-2386 or via email at wziegler@pgsd.org

Eric Daney, the assistant principal at Pottsgrove can be reached on his cell phone at 484-366-8290 or via email art edaney@pgsd.org