Hot Dogs, Gardens, Movies and More in the Core Neighborhood

National Night Out will be celebrated tonight at the park at

Chestnut and Washington Streets from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Things are hopping in Pottstown's Core Neighborhood, thanks to the efforts of numerous organizations, including the Mosaic Community Land Trust and its Community Garden, Genesis Housing Corp., National Penn Bank and ArtFusion 19464.

-- Tonight, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., all will join forces for National Night Out, a nationwide anti-crime event designed to help neighbors get to know each other and watch out for each other.

To be held at the Chestnut Street Park, at the corner with Washington Street, the event will include free hot dogs, donated Rita's Water Ice, pretzels, popcorn, balloons, a bean bag toss, other kids games and a disc jockey providing music.

Information booths from the organizers will also be on hand.

-- This event follows on the heels of Free Movie Night Sunday, during which more than 100 people packed at Chestnut Street Park with a showing of the Dr. Seuss classic, "The Lorax."

"The day began with a balloon artist making dozens of animals, claws, hats and other neat things out of balloons. Children stood in line to get a chance at owning one of the wacky balloon items," wrote Community Garden Manager Laura Washington in the most recent newsletter.

"Then as the sun set, neighborhood families headed over to the snack table to get their treats and drink in hopes to take a seat right in front of the big screen."

-- As for the MOSAIC's Community Garden, down the block at 423 Chestnut St., not only has been chosen as a finalist for the 2013 Montgomery County Planning Commission Awards but the garden has also been nominated for an award from the Pennsylvania Horticulture Society Greening Project, Washington reports.

"The Planning Commission judges were very impressed with our garden and the PA Horticulture Society judges are planning to visit the garden in the next few week," she wrote in the garden's newsletter.

-- For those unlucky enough to miss out on getting a plot in the garden this year, fear not as work on creating a second garden at 615 Chestnut St. is underway right now.

-- An "All About Herbs" workshop will be held at the garden at 423 Chestnut St., during the Saturday, Aug. 10 "Work and Play Day."

"Tina will walk us through the many types of herbs grown in the wild and in our gardens. She will explain
culinary and medicinal uses of some of our most common herbs and lead a lesson on when and how to use them," wrote Washington.

-- On Saturday, Aug. 24 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Learn how to set up your garden in a way that best for you and your plants! Uncover tips and tricks on how to keep pesky critters out (in a safe and natural way). Discover ways to keep your garden growing in the most productive and fruitful way long beyond the typical growing season! It's a great time learn and prepare for fall planting!

-- Look out for information about the garden's Produce Stand in The Mercury in the next few weeks. 

The children of the garden will be using the stand to sell produce and other goodies from the gardens and the art program. The proceeds will be used for additional youth programs/activities.