Snow Off-White at Pottsgrove

Snow White's Friends End up in the Dungeon. From left, Olive Hernandez, Jake Deska, Hannah Windrim, Madison Batzel

Blogger's Note: The following is a press release from Pottsgrove High School.
On Thursday, Nov. 21 at 7 pm in the high school auditorium, Pottsgrove High School will present the kid-friendly, rock musical, Snow Off-White. 

 This slightly over one-hour production is a humorous twist on the classic fairy tale with a tom-boyish Snow White and 7 crazy fairy godmothers in the place of dwarves.

Snow White (Rebecca Smith) is shocked when her father the King (Josh Crocetto) returns to the kingdom with his new fiancée Vilenity (Hailee Tyson). 

Vilenity and her henchman, from left,

  Nick Wolfe, Rebekah Schueck, Dan Weand, Hailee Tyson, 

Charlotte Kennedy, Michael Thornton

Vilenity and her bumbling henchmen have a plan to rule the kingdom, but that involves getting rid of Snow White. Dirk (Nick Wolfe) takes Snow into the forest to dispose of her, but she escapes and finds refuge in the cottage of 7 rather odd godmothers. 

Also mixed up in the story are Rosamond, Sleeping Beauty (Emma Burrus) and her Prince Philip (Justin Hernandez). Strange match-ups and alliances lead to a hilarious conclusion.

Featured as the fairy godmothers are Tayler Nofer, Emily Weaver, Mollie Marko, MJ Bird, Kristi Schultz, Brianna Beitler, and Nicole Raimondi. 

Other characters include Madison Batzel, Danielle Buchanan, Jake Deska, Olive Hernandez, Charlotte Kennedy, Chris McKelvey, Rebekah Schueck, Michael Thornton, Dan Weand, and Hannah Windrim.

The musical has several lively songs: “Welcome to Our World,” “It Doesn’t Suit Me,” “Voodoo Hoodoo Woman,” “Not the Way the Story Goes,” “Happily Never After” and others.

The show is directed and produced by faculty members Todd Kelly and Holli Artim. Allison Wentzel is the student director. Elizabeth Rodenbaugh and Cindy Wozniak cover the costuming demands while Gwyn Thomas and Cindy Scherer serve as the art directors. Stacy Couch is the production’s choreographer.

Like many contemporary fairy tale spoofs, the production is well suited for both the young and the young at heart. Children 12 and under are admitted free while general admission is $3. Tickets are available at the door.

Snow White and her allied Prince Philip and Princess Rosamond, from left Rebecca Smith, Justin Hernandez, Emma Burrus

Senior Center on the Move -- Twice

Volunteers from Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on Maugers Mille Road, gathered by Eagle Scout Brian J. Frampton, recently helped trim brush and clean-up the grounds around the future home of the Pottstown Area Senior Center on Moser Road. 

The Pottstown Area Senior Center will be on the move next month, but it won’t be the last time.

Fundraising and development plans for the center’s new building — the former Pottstown Health Club  at 288 Moser Road — have taken longer than expected and the center’s lease at the YWCA on North Adams Street expired in August, said Executive Director Brad Fuller.

As a result, the center will have to move to an interim location while the work on the Moser Road property gets underway.

Pictured in front of the new building last November are the capital 

campaign committee, from left, center director Brad Fuller, 

Hanna Hartman, Lillie Foster, Heather Chandler, Mary Highland 

and Ronald Barrett. (The Mercury/Kevin Hoffman)

Happily, that location is extremely well-suited to the center’s needs, said Fuller. It is the Berean Bible Church,  2675 E. High Street in Lower Pottsgrove.

Fuller said when he realized the center would not be able to move into the new facility before over-staying their welcome at the YMCA, “I went to the (Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities) and asked for their help. We have some very specific needs. It had to be handicapped accessible, be on a bus route, have off-street parking, that kind of thing and a number of churches offered to host us,” Fuller said.

In the end, it turned out that Berean Bible Church “had everything we needed,” Fuller said. “It has a health department-certified kitchen, a separate entrance, it’s all on one floor and it has a big gymnasium.”

Cleaning up around the future home of the 

Pottstown Area Senior Center was 

an Eagle Scout project for Brian J. 

Frampton, pictured here with 

the center’s executive director, Brad Fuller.

Seniors may get most of their programming at the church for as long as a year, Fuller said.

Although it took 10 months to get borough approvals for the renovations, Fuller said he is pleased to be expecting a temporary occupancy permit that will allow the center’s furniture and the administrative offices to be moved into the Moser Road property while the construction and renovation commences.

However, in a kind of “chicken-or-the-egg” conundrum, the center is also waiting on financing, financing which is going slowly because so far, the center’s capital campaign has raised only $425,000 of the $1.2 million needed.

That fundraising has been slow, Fuller believes, in part because people do not see progress with the building, something it will be difficult to do without the financing.

As the time to complete the project stretches out, Fuller noted that the irony is the actual construction work can be done in eight to 14 weeks.

Nevertheless, Fuller said he, the staff and many of the center’s members are happy to have such an appropriate facility at Berean Bible Church available for them to use during the transition.
“It really is a very impressive facility,” he said.

Berean Bible Church in Lower Pottsgrove

The move to that impressive facility begins next month.

Although the center’s programs and activities will be moving to the church starting Dec. 2; there will be no activities there on Dec. 11; Dec. 16 through Dec. 20 as well as Dec. 24 and Dec. 25.
The senior center offices in the YMCA will be open from Dec. through Dec. 13. After which, according to the plan, those offices will be moved to the Moser Road building on Dec. 19 or Dec. 20.

“The facility will allow us to do everything we currently offer, except for swimming, shuffleboard, (poker and BINGO),” Fuller wrote in an announcement to the members. The new temporary location also has air hockey, billiards, foosball and, “eventually, pickle ball.”

Those seniors who take TransNet to the center can still take it to Berean Bible Church and Fuller said “we are trying to arrange for a PART bus stop to be installed in a location close to the church.

 

Pottstown Recognizes Award-Winning Seniors

Photo by Evan Brandt

Pottstown High School seniors Nate Fuerman, inside left, and Trent Kancianic are congratulated by School Board President Judyth Zanhora, left, and Superintendent Jeff Sparagana.

Two Pottstown High School seniors were recognized at the most recent school board meeting with two awards.

Nathan Fuerman was presented with the Union League of Philadelphia's Good Citizen Award at a ceremony in Philadelphia on Oct. 3.

And Trent Kancianic received a letter of commendation from the National Merit Corporation as one of roughly 50,000 high scorers on the PSAT test.

According to the Union League, winners of the Good citizenship Award, given out since 1946, participate in workshops and presentations that focus on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

Over the past six decades, the awards has been presented to more than 13,500 young people, many of whom have gone on to become leaders in their profession and/or their community.

Nathan is the president of student government, involved in the National Honor Society, participates in JROTC, the Rocket Club, Drill Team and is a peer mediator. He also participates in track, cross country, marching band, concert band and is a student ambassador as well as an Eagle scout and a volunteer with the Sanatoga Volunteer Fire Company and the Sons of the American Legion.

Trent is the captain of the cross country team, a cadet in JROTC, and participates in volunteer work around the community, including the Carousel of Flavor and Pottstown Day.

He currently takes calculus and intro to western civilization courses at the Pottstown campus of Montgomery County Community College and is enrolled in Advance Placement computer and environmental science at the high school.

He has also taken AP calculus, US government, politics, chemistry and biology at the high school. Trent plans to major in engineering.

He became a "commended student" in recognition of his "outstanding academic promise."

The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955.

Students enter by taking the Preliminary SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) or PSAT, which examines critical reading, mathematics reasoning and writing skills.

Thank You Veterans

Blogger's Note: The following is courtesy of Michael Wagman, director of technology and communication for the Pottsgrove School District.

Students in Jennifer Thompson’s fourth grade class at Lower Pottsgrove Elementary School honored nine veterans Tuesday by singing a song called "Thank You Soldiers" and creating a special video.

(Despite heroic efforts by Mr. Wagman, we were unable to embed the video,  but Here is a link to the video.)

At the end of this special Veterans Day presentation, the students broke into partners and spoke with a veteran to learn more about what it was like to be in the military. This Veterans Day program helped the students understand the importance of Veterans Day.

Robert Gardner, Army & Marines

John Murray, Air Force Reserve & Air National Guard

Eileen Murray, Air Force Reserve

Louis Vernon, Navy

Edward Vernon, Navy

Vanessa Miller, Air Force

Michael J. Heimberger, Jr., Navy

Dustin Dattilo, Marines

Jim Mazeski, Navy

Pottstown Middle School in the Vanguard

The Vanguard volunteers outside the school they helped to paint.

Blogger's Note: The following information and photos are thanks to the untiring efforts of Pottstown Schools Information Guru, John Armato.

The Pottstown School District and community taxpayers benefited from the teamwork which was the result of a partnership of volunteers from the Vanguard Investment Corporation, United Way, and the Pottstown School District.

Vanguard employees (referred to as crew members) along with family members and representatives of the Pottstown School District participated in the annual “Day of Caring” sponsored by United Way of Southeast Pennsylvania. 

Both young and old gave up the pleasure of sleeping in late on a Saturday morning for the satisfaction that comes from working side-by-side with others for a worthy cause. 

This year’s projects included the painting of several of the middle school stairwells and repainting of the stadium press box. 

Vanguard Project Leader and Pottstown High School graduate Lisa Baglivio said, “Vanguard crew members believe that we have a responsibility to give back to our community. It is personally rewarding to me to be able to come back home and show my gratitude for the quality educational opportunities I received by lending a hand to make sure that our schools have first rate facilities.”

Brian Donadio of Vanguard said, “The Vanguard Corporation’s philosophy includes a strong component of community involvement and commitment. Our crew members are dedicated to making a positive difference in the community. I am particularly proud of the fact that many of our crew members bring their younger children along so that the seeds of community service are sown early.”

The day’s project goals were accomplished quickly because, as always, the Vanguard crew comes with enthusiasm, organization, and focus. 

Working side-by-side with Vanguard volunteers were Middle School Principal Gail Cooper and Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds Bob Kripplebauer. 

Cooper said, “It is exciting to see so many people willing to give of their personal time to make a difference in our community.” Mr. Kripplebauer, who was responsible for the onsite organization of materials and work crews, said, “This is an exciting experience for me. Being new to the Pottstown community, I am quickly learning that there is a great deal of support for our educational mission.”

Also assisting from the district representing the Athletic Department was Matt Blute. Nick Yonas from the Buildings and Grounds crew was instrumental in preparing all of the supplies needed for the day’s activities.

John Armato, Director of Community Relations, who took part in the day’s events said, “Partnerships, such as these, help to save valuable taxpayer dollars while completing much needed school district projects. The adults and young people today served as role models and have done their part to ensure that our community moves forward in a positive fashion. Today’s events are just another reason for us to say, Proud to be from Pottstown.”

Pomp and Circumstance

GED graduates stand with faculty, staff and community supporters.

Blogger's Note: The following news cam via a press release from Montgomery County Community College. 

Forty-six students earned their General Education Diplomas (GED) during Montgomery County Community College’s semi-annual graduation ceremony on Oct. 16 at the West Campus in Pottstown.

The graduates were part of MCCC’s rigorous five-week program that is among the most accelerated in the state. 

Vanessa Perry of Pottstown speaks to the students.

According to GED Program Coordinator /Instructor Raymond Ricketts, 828 students have completed the program since its inception in 2006 – an 84 percent graduation rate.

The Montgomery County Workforce Investment Board (WIB) funds the program, which is free to Montgomery County residents. The fee for out-of-county students is $100 and includes the course and GED exam.

During the ceremony, MCCC alumnus and Alumni Hall of Fame inductee Scott Rau, Pottstown, provided the keynote address. 

He encouraged graduates to “make a commitment to self,” ask for help when needed, and give back, noting that “the most valuable resource you can give is your time.”

“You don’t have to stop. Everything is a milestone; everything is a step forward,” said Rau, who is senior vice president and director of mobile payments with Chase, and is also a member of the college’s Foundation Board of Directors.

Providing the student address, graduate Vanessa Perry, Pottstown, explained how a “fighting spirit” helped her to persist through the program in spite of obstacles that included her husband’s death.

“I’ve been trying to earn my GED since 2002,” shared Perry, who is already enrolled in MCCC classes  this semester. “No matter what people say and what challenges come your way, only you can change your future.”

Marisol Lezcano, executive director of the Montgomery County WIB and deputy director of commerce, closed the ceremony by challenging graduates to “be daring” and go after their dreams.

“Success always comes when preparation meets opportunity,” she said.

To learn more about the GED program or GED testing services, visit mc3.edu/adm-fin-aid/ged.

Holiday Drive Kicks off 26th Year

Submitted photo

Toy donations are collected at the Dana plant in Pottstown for the annual holiday drive.

Organizers are gearing up for the 26th annual holiday toy and food drive to benefit under-priviledged families and donations of toys, food and funds are being sought.

Organizer Jim Frymoyer, who began the tradition as a member of the Moose Lodge and is now continuing it with the help of the Manatawny Association and the Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 626, said last year’s drive helped 59 families and the goal this year is to help 65.

“Overall, we’re hoping to touch the lives of 332 people,” he said.

Frymoyer stopped by The Mercury last week.

The effort has several moving parts, with some families getting a food basket with a ham, a turkey, eggs, milk, potatoes and more as well as toys for the children; some families just receiving toys for the children and a holiday part at the Norco Firehouse on Dec. 21; and two scholarships being given out, one in honor of Frymoyer’s son, who died this year of pneumonia.

There are also numerous sponsors as well as numerous ways and places the community can lend a hand.

One of the more visible are the “Angel Trees” set up at 15 different locations in the wider community where either food, or toys or both can be donated.

Each tree has angels, each representing a boy or girl of a specified age and those who take an angel off the tree attach it to a toy to be donated.

Angel trees are located at the following locations. All locations will accept toys and food donations unless otherwise noted:

• Dana Holding Corp.: 1040 Center Ave., Pottstown;

• Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 626: 924 South St., Pottstown;

• Ivy Inn, 7 Brookline Blvd, Havertown;

• Manatawny Association, 20 King St., Pottstown;

• Piazza Honda, 629 N. Lewis Road, Limerick;

• Piazza Hyundai, 84 Auto Park Blvd., Limerick;

• Sea Star Solutions, 640 Lewis Road, Limerick;

• Sign Krafters, 1392 Ben Franklin Highway, Douglassville (food only);

• T & N Hair Salon, 1220 N. Hanover St., Pottstown (food only);

• Tim’s Ugly Mug Bar & Grill, 1281 E. Main St., Douglassville (toys only);

• Traffic Planning & Design, 2500 E. High St., No. 650, Pottstown;

• Tri-County Toyota, 15 D & L Drive, Limerick (toys only);

• U.S. Axle, Inc., 275 Shoemaker Road, Pottstown;

• Vito’s NY Style Pizza and Grill, 569 W. High St., Pottstown (food only);

• Spring-Ford Diner, 55 E. Bridge St., Spring City (toys only).

Monetary donations can be mailed to James Frymoyer, project coordinator, at 422 Upland St., G-1, Pottstown, PA 19464 and those donations earmarked for toys, food or the scholarship should be noted as such. Those who wish to volunteer should call 484-363-0638.

A pile of freshly wrapped presents made many children happy last year.

Frymoyer said the families who benefit are selected by children and youth agencies in all three counties, as well as by some of the businesses which sponsor the drive and by organizations such as Pottstown Memorial Medical Center, The Cluster of Religious Communities and VNA Hospice.

Former district judge John Durkin helped Frymoyer get connected with the children and youth agencies, Frymoyer said, adding he gets a lot of help from prime sponsors like both Piazza car dealerships, Tri-County Honda, and those who help anyway they can, such the United Auto Workers No. 644, with whom Frymoyer worked for many years at Dana, and Diamond Credit Union, which last year gift wrapped the 750 to 800 toys that were given away.

“I’ve had people come up to me and donated a toy, telling me that their son or daughter wanted one of their Christmas presents to go to a needy child, it can be really heart-wrenching,” Frymoyer said.

Equally as heart-wrenching is the death of a child, something Frymoyer underwent this year with the passing of his son, James Frymoyer Jr., a 1997 graduate of Pottsgrove High School.

It is in his name that one of the two scholarships will be given to a Pottsgrove High School football player. The other will be given to a Perkiomen Valley High School football player chosen by coach Scott Reed, whose cousin, the late Shawn Reed, played football at the former St. Pius X High School, graduating in 2000.

Submitted Photo

Jim Frymoyer with some of the food baskets packed up for delivery at the Manatawny Association last year.

The scholarship fund will give out $6,500 from money that was collected last year.

The money collected this year will go to a scholarship for a Spring-Ford High School athlete in the name of former Mercury Sports Editor Don Seeley, a Spring-Ford alum who died this year shortly after retiring more than 30 years covering sports in the Pottstown area.

“When my son was sick, Don called me every day to check on him,” Frymoyer said.

The holiday effort will culminate late in the year when the food baskets are distributed from the Manatawny Association on Dec. 20 and the holiday party is held for 150 children and their families on Dec. 21.

“We’ve got balloons, face-painting, country singer Stephanie Grace is going to sing, a magician, hot dogs, pizza, soda, cup cakes and ice cream — and of course, Santa,” Frymoyer said.

“They’re just doing great work,” Pottstown Mayor Bonnie Heath said Wednesday of the undertaking and the party, which she and Borough Council President Stephen Toroney attended last year.

“It’s a great thing they’re doing,” echoed Council Vice President Jeff Chomnuk.