Pottsgrove Senior Wins $10,000 Arts Scholarship

Scholarship winner Jaid Mark with her work, "Her Flaws."

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by ArtFusion 19464.

On Saturday, May 31, the Greater Pottstown Foundation awarded a $10,000 scholarship to Jaid Mark, a Pottsgrove High School senior.

"Selfless" by Jaid Mark.

Jaid is the 2014 winner of The Greater Pottstown Foundation Scholarship for the Arts, which is designed to financially assist a local high school senior in obtaining a degree from accredited academic institutions of higher learning for study in the arts.

Jaid will be attending Philadelphia University this fall to pursue a degree in art therapy. 

Cynthia Scherer, her high school art teacher, said “this young lady has a wonderful work ethic, a motivational spirit that influences others and creativity which will help her to excel in her college endeavor.”

The scholarship was awarded based on an essay and on artwork that Jaid created for a show currently on display at ArtFusion 19464. 

"Siblings" by Jaid Mark.

The three pieces she entered into the competition will become part of the foundation’s permanent collection. This is the fourth year that ArtFusion has partnered with the foundation to present this scholarship.

The show will be on display at ArtFusion through June 14 and can be seen any time during normal gallery hours: Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

ArtFusion is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

ArtFusion 19464 is a 501(c)3 non-profit community art center located at 254 E. High St. in downtown Pottstown. 

The school offers day, evening and weekend classes to all ages. The goal of these classes is to help students develop their creative skills through self-expression and independence. 

ArtFusion’s gallery hosts rotating shows featuring local artists. The gallery also sells handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gift items. 

A Valedictory Message from The Shire

Mercury Photo by John Strickler

Pottstown High School's 2014 Valedictorian Nicole Grassi gives her speech.

Blogger's Note: Wednesday night was Pottstown High School's graduation ceremony. What follows here is the speech given by the 2014 Valedictorian, Nicole Grassi.

I want to speak to you today about a man -- but he isn’t a man, really; he’s a relative of man in a smaller package. I hope at least some of you know who I’m talking about. 

His name is Bilbo Baggins, and for those who don't know, he is a hobbit with adventure in his blood who accepts the opportunity to join a group of dwarves on a quest to reclaim their treasure from a dragon.

In the beginning, Gandalf, the wizard, says: "I am looking for someone to share in an adventure that I am arranging, and it's very difficult to find anyone." 

Graduates, don’t be just another person afraid to say ‘yes’ to adventure. Had Bilbo refused to go as he was so inclined to do, he may have lived in comfort, just like everyone else, but he wouldn’t have done anything. 

He would have been an average hobbit with hobbit friends and a normal hobbit life.

But Bilbo said yes. 

Bilbo said yes to the adventure and he gained friends because of it. He gained friends, he gained wealth, and upon returning, he was much happier. 

So graduates, say yes when adventure knocks on your door. You don’t have to settle for being average.

Dust jacket from the first edition of The Hobbit.

While on their quest, Thorin, leader of the dwarves, tells the young dwarves: “There is nothing like looking, if you want to find something.” 

Not every adventure and opportunity will knock on your front door; sometimes, you need to find them yourself. 

If you want scholarships, look for them. 

If you want a job, look for one. 

If you want happiness or love or more friends, you need to get off your couch and look. 

None of these things are going to come to you without any effort on your part.

When their quest finally leads them to Lonely mountain where the dragon resides, Bilbo creeps down into the mountain and talks to Smaug, the dragon. 

It was at the end of this conversation, as he ran back up the slope inside the mountain with flames chasing him, that Bilbo said: “Never laugh at live dragons, Bilbo, you fool!” 

So graduates, don’t laugh at live dragons, either. Danger is danger, and it’s best not to underestimate it. 

Be safe and be wise on your adventures.

Towards the end of the book, Thorin said to Bilbo: "If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world." 

He, of course, refers to the dwarves’ greed and Bilbo’s immunity to that greed. Greed led them to war, while all Bilbow anted to do was settle the conflict amicably. 

We could all take a lesson from Bilbo here: money isn’t everything. 

The dwarves went on a quest because of money; they went to war because of money (and a troll invasion); and people, elves, dwarves, and others died because of money.

And why? Life isn’t supposed to be about how much money you have. It’s supposed to be about what makes you happy. 

Why spend so much of your life motivated by money and wealth that you forget to actually enjoy yourself? Why can’t beings learn to just be happy?

Mercury Photo by John Strickler

Among the teenagers receiving their diplomas Wednesday was one of

the biggest teenagers I know, John Armato, who received an 

honorary diploma, an honor well-deserved and 

one which I know
he appreciates deeply. Congratulations Mr. Armato.

Gandalf once said to Bilbo, “Home is now behind you; the world is ahead!”

Pottstown High School has become our home over these four years, but with this ceremony and our diplomas, we will be stepping out of our front door into our next adventure. The world is truly ahead of us, whether it’s in the form of college, the workforce, or the armed services.

I would like to leave you with one last quote from Mr. Bilbo Baggins that I hope we will all take to heart tonight: “‘Go back?’ he thought. ‘No good at all! 

Go sideways? Impossible!

Go forward? Only thing to do! On we go!’" 

As students, we cannot go back; we cannot go sideways; we can only move forward into our future, and that begins tonight.

(If you would like to see a slide show of more than 150 photos from Wednesday night's graduation, click here for photos by Mercury Photographer (and PHS alum) John Strickler.)

The Grass is Always Greener

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

The Borough of Pottstown is pleased to announce the grand opening of Manatawny Green, Pottstown’s own miniature golf course, located at 71 West High Street, on Friday, June 13.

Manatawny Green offers 18 holes and is ADA accessible.

The facility will be open seasonally, Tuesday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

Check out our concession stand for snacks and beverages, featuring Nelson’s Ice Cream and Berks Hot Dogs. 

Plenty of parking is available on both King and West and High Streets.

Manatawny Green has transformed a formerly vacant industrial property into a green gateway, providing a vital link between multiple recreation and cultural amenities in the Borough of Pottstown.

Situated along the banks of the Manatawny Creek, Manatawny Green is a pedestrian and bicycle-friendly destination. 

Visitors can bike the Schuylkill River Trail north to Manatawny Green, play a round of mini golf, and enjoy the nearby Pottsgrove Manor, Memorial Park, and downtown Pottstown.

Michael Lenhart, Director of Parks and Recreation, describes Manatawny Green as a “fun-filled family friendly experience offering a unique recreational opportunity showcasing the best that Pottstown has to offer.”

Borough Manager Mark Flanders said “this has been a long journey from concept to reality,” and added that he is “excited that the efforts of many have come together.” 

“Manatawny Green has finally come to fruition,” he said.

The project was made possible through the generous support of Montgomery County’s Open Space Program, the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation, and the PECO Green Region Program.

Refusing to Live in Fear, A Valuable Lesson

Photo by Evan Brandt

Kids made up a sizable portion of the marchers during Tuesday's anti-violence march.

Feeling safe.

In the end, that's a basic need we all crave, but it is being denied to people who live in the central core of Pottstown and not because of anything they've done.

It is no accident that so many of those who marched in the humidity against violence Tuesday were children.

For in many ways, they are the ones most at risk, and not just physically.

To be sure, there is physical risk, as there is in just walking out your front door every morning.

But not too many of us have to worry about being hit, or our children being hit, by a stray bullet.

And even if no child gets hit this summer (from my keyboard to God's ears), those children will still have been hurt.

Their sense of security, so vital to the growth of a healthy psyche, will have been undermined.

They can't feel safe going out their back door and play in the yard; they can't feel safe going to the playground and, perhaps worst of all, they can't feel safe walking to school.

How can we expect this next generation to deal with the mountain of problems we're leaving them if we can't even give them a feeling of safety in their childhoods?

For what its worth, I'm glad these adults got together and got their children involved with marching; showed them that you can refuse to accept a life, or even a summer, of gnawing fear.

Do I think marching will stop crime?

No, although I hope it curtails it somewhat.

Does that mean its not worth doing?

No.

If for no other reason, its worth doing to show your children how you stand up to fear, face it head on and take what action what you can.


Kenya Edwards gets it.

No sooner had I typed the sentence above then I checked The Mercury's too-often volatile Facebook page to see if any of the commenters were getting out of hand under the story I posted after the march.

This is what she wrote in reply to one of them:

"Those kids were taught that they matter and their voice is worth being heard. I pray when they grow up they look at this march, and know that they can Ace that Test, they can get into that college that they may have thought was so far out of their reach, and they will not stand by and let ANYONE tell them their dreams are unreachable."

Below are the Tweets and Tout from our live coverage of Tuesday's march.

Crime and Protest

Photo by Evan Brandt and his trusty iPhone

Protesters hold signs calling for the ouster of Pottstown Council President 

Stephen Toroney prior to Monday's council meeting. Toroney declined their inviation.

Blogger's Note: What follows are Tweets and Touts (and one YouTube video) from last night's borough council meeting and the protest (vigil if you will) that proceeded it.

Rather than put it all chronologically, I have grouped the first set of items, about the crime and the protest, all together to make it easier to follow.

Other council business appears at the end.

As always, click the blue bar at the bottom to make sure you get it all:

Gateway to College

Eight students recently graduated from high school through Montgomery County Community College’s Gateway to College program. Pictured are (first row, from left) College President Dr. Karen A. Stout; Gateway Director Keima Sheriff; graduates Ne’Cole Casalena, Erika Knappenberger, Meghan Benson and Rachel Voltz; Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Dr. Kathrine Swanson; (second row, from left) Resource Specialist Lori Davidson; graduates Justin Leamy, Carlas Rich and James Hanible; and Resource Specialist Esau Collins. Photo by Sandi Yanisko

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by Montgomery County Community College.

Eight students from Montgomery County Community College’s (MCCC) Gateway to College Program earned their high school diplomas this spring after completing the requirements necessary to graduate from their respective school districts.

Gateway to College is a national network designed for young adults ages 16-21 who are at risk for not completing high school. One of only 43 Gateway to College programs in the country, MCCC partners locally with 16 area school districts and the Montgomery County Workforce Investment Board (WIB) to help increase high school—and ultimately college—graduation rates.

Spring 2014 graduates include Meghan Benson, Wissahickon; Ne’Cole Casalena, Phoenixville; James Hanible, Pottsgrove; Erika Knappenberger, Souderton; Justin Leamy, Pottsgrove; Jose Ortiz Rivera, Hatboro-Horsham; Carlas Rich, Phoenixville; and Rachel Voltz, Upper Merion. All of the graduates plan to pursue post-secondary education, and at least six will attend MCCC in the fall.

One of those graduates, Ne’Cole Casalena, Phoenixville High School, described her journey in rhyming lyrics, speaking as class valedictorian.

“And I want to thank everyone but me, cause without you, I don’t know where I would be. Where I am, as a person, they are life lessons, not a burden…If I could, I wouldn’t change a thing, cause out of 18 years, this was the best spring,” she recited.

In only its first year at MCCC, the Gateway to College program has grown from 21 students in the fall to 52 this spring. At full capacity, the program will serve up to 150 students annually.

“My Gateway students are some of the most resilient and capable young people I have had the pleasure of supporting on their academic journey,” shared Keima Sheriff, who is MCCC’s Gateway to College program director. “Many are faced with incredibly difficult life circumstances, yet they consistently attend school, participate in a rigorous learning environment and meet the expectations of the program. My students prove that if given the opportunity to excel, they can and will rise to the occasion.”

Fifteen of MCCC’s students were recognized as Gateway Achievers by the Gateway to College National Network. Students include: Jose Ortiz Rivera from Hatboro-Horsham; Gustavo Ascencion from Norristown; Ne’Cole Casalena and Laura Krueger from Phoenixville; Brianna Gagliardi, Marcus Gordon and Anthony Romano from Pottsgrove; James Hanible from Upper Merion; Christopher Anderson, Shane Bowman, Jelani Crosby and William Dobnak from Upper Moreland; Shaquilla Anderson from WIB; and Meghan Benson and Emahnie Holmes from Wissahickon.

MCCC also recognized spring Gateway students for their achievements.

William Dobnak, Upper Moreland, and Laura Krueger, Phoenixville, were recognized as Foundation (first term) Students of the Semester. They also earned the highest GPA among MCCC Gateway students along with Jelani Crosby, Upper Moreland.

Marcus Gordon, Pottsgrove, and Rachel Voltz, Upper Merion, were recognized as Transitioned (second term through completion) Students of the Semester.

Perfect Attendance went to Shane Bowman, Upper Moreland; Anthony Romano, Pottsgrove; and Thomas Rosa, of Plymouth Meeting. Rosa was also recognized as Most Courageous, along with Paige Trump, Pottsgrove. Romano was recognized for Change of Heart, along with Jose Ortiz Rivera, Hatboro-Horsham.

Brianna Gagliardi, Pottsgrove, and Julian Richardson, WIB, earned Most Improved, while Amber Keyes, Norristown, and Faith Owens, Pottsgrove, earned Rising Star awards.

Additional awards included Perseverance, given to Nicole Snyder, Upper Moreland, and Dejah McMillan, Pottsgrove; and Most Determined, given to Gustavo Ascencion, Norristown, and Keara Hyden, Phoenixville.

Students begin the Gateway to College program with a Foundation semester, during which they take classes in reading, writing, math, and college skills as part of small learning communities. 

After successfully completing the Foundation term, participants transition into one of MCCC’s academic programs, earning college credits while completing high school requirements. Throughout the program, students are advised and mentored by Gateway resource specialists Lori Davidson and Esau Collins. They also actively engage in college and community service.

Partnering school districts include Boyertown, Cheltenham, Daniel Boone, Hatboro-Horsham, Norristown, Perkiomen Valley, Phoenixville, Pottsgrove, Pottstown, Souderton, Spring Ford, Upper Dublin, Upper Merion, Upper Moreland, Upper Perkiomen, Wissahickon and the Montgomery County Workforce Investment Board.

To learn more about the Gateway to College Network, visit gatewaytocollege.org.