Helping Adults Go Back to College

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

Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) will continue to offer its popular Career Transition Workshop for adults who may be thinking about returning to college.

The next workshop will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 5 from 10 a.m.-noon. in the South Hall Community Room at MCCC’s West Campus, 101 College Dr., Pottstown.

The workshop is open to all adults and is free of charge, although pre-registration is requested.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Denise Collins at 215-619-7313 or dcollins@mc3.edu.

During the workshop, prospective students will get an overview of the resources available to help them transition into college.

Topics include using MCCC’s website and online registration tools, financial aid, assessment of credits for prior learning, stackable credentials, career pathways and job search tools.

After the initial session, MCCC advisors will follow up with participants one-on-one to help them identify programs and pathways that are right for them.

“Our goal is help adult learners be comfortable and successful at the College. We want this to be a place where they can get back on track with their education and transition into new careers,” said Denise Collins, who manages the U.S. Department of Labor Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) grant at MCCC.

The grant is helping MCCC to develop a robust Prior Learning Assessment model and stackable credentials for adult students as part of the JobTrakPA framework—a joint initiative of Pennsylvania’s 14 community colleges to train and place underemployed and unemployed residents of the Commonwealth in high demand jobs.

The workshop also connects to MCCC’s participation in the American Association of Community Colleges’ (AACC) Plus 50 Encore Completion Program, which looks to train 10,000 baby boomers for high-demand jobs through 2015.

Rewarding Environmental Stewardship

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy.

Ensuring that community efforts to protect and improve the local environment are publicly acknowledged, The Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy is looking for a few good people, projects and organizations to recognize with an Environmental Award.

The Perkiomen Watershed appears in 

light purple in this map

 “Through commitments of time, energy and resources, individuals and organizations in the community have made a positive environmental impact at the local level. It's important that the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy acknowledge these efforts, so we're asking for your help. By nominating someone, a project or an organization, you'll let us know about work that has made a significant contribution to improving the Perkiomen Creek Watershed or protecting local water supplies," said Board member Garrett Burch.

To be eligible for the Award, nominees or nominated projects must be located within the 362 square-mile Perkiomen Creek Watershed, comprised of all or part of 57 municipalities within Montgomery, Berks, Bucks and Lehigh Counties. 

Awards will be given in several categories: Kids Making a Difference, Advocate of the Watershed, Corporate, Teaching Excellence, Preston Luitweiler Friend of the Watershed, Municipal and Land Use.

The awards will be presented at the Conservancy’s Environmental Awards Banquet and 50th Anniversary Celebration to be held October 22, 2014. 

All nominations will be judged by site visits or interviews performed by the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy Events Committee. 

Anyone may make a nomination and all entries are encouraged. 

For more details and entry form go to http://www.perkiomenwatershed.org/nominate or contact Susan in Outreach 610.287.9383 or outreach@perkiomenwatershed.org

Submissions must be made by July 31, 2014.

The Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy’s mission is to serve all who live, work and play within the Perkiomen Creek Watershed by conserving and protecting the land and water resources of its 362 square-miles in four counties – Berks, Bucks, Lehigh and Montgomery. 

Founded in 1964 to combat pollution in the Perkiomen Creek and its tributaries, today the Conservancy helps ensure quality drinking water for hundreds of local communities including Philadelphia.

A private 501 (c)3 nonprofit, the Conservancy is funded in part through grants, individual and business memberships and generous support through the Protectors of the Perkiomen program.

Pottstown Getting Sly Fox's Goat (Race)

Blogger's Note: While I am on vacation, Digital Notebook substitute blogger Frank Otto staffed Wednesday's Pottstown Borough Council meeting. 

Here is a collection of his Tweets from that meeting.

Thanks Frank.

(As always, remember to click the blue bar at the bottom to see all the Tweets.)

Bring It On Home

Photo Courtesy of John Armato

Tom Medvetz and Ryan Regensberg

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by John Armato, the tireless.

The Pottstown School District school year comes to a close with the graduates of the Class of 2014 joining the ranks of over 19,000 PHS grads who have gone on to distinguish themselves as leaders in many fields of endeavor including science, math, business, military, industrial, entertainment, writing, education, and research to name a few.

Trojan pride is strong and evident at class reunions and can be seen in the graduates who have returned to the district to serve the community. 

We salute those Trojans who have returned to the Pottstown School District and are helping to form the foundation for the success of future generations.

The district is celebrating its 175th anniversary and takes pride in being one of the oldest school districts in the country. Home Grown Trojans include:

Ø Gerauldine Alderfer – Class of 2008 – Intervention Assistant

Ø Robin Huss Anderson – Class of 1994 – Kindergarten Teacher Lincoln Elementary

Ø John J. Armato – Honorary Graduate Class of 2014 – Volunteer Director of Community Relations

Ø Dennis Arms – Class of 2005 – High School Business Education Teacher and Key Club Advisor

Ø Bridget Baldwin – Class of 2008 – Fourth Grade Learning Support Teacher – Franklin Elementary

Ø Jacob Bean – Class of 2004 – Intervention Specialist and Assistant Football and Baseball Coach

Ø Brad Bechtel – Class of 1988 – Head Wrestling Coach

Ø Calista Germany Boyer – Class of 1995 – Lincoln Elementary Principal

Ø Susan Searfoss Davis – Class of 1977 – Benefits Coordinator

Photo Courtesy of John Armato

Vicki Price Mutter, Kerry Landis Kline, Robin Germany Debnam, 

and Stephanie AR White 

Ø Karen Weary Dilliplane – Class of 1978 – School Nurse Barth Elementary

Ø Rhonda Lawler Dinnocenti – Class of 1988 – Administrative Assistant for Student Services

Ø Kathy Eagle – Class of 1993 – First grade Teacher at Barth Elementary

Ø Jan Paolucci Endy – Class of 1985 – Word Processing Specialist

Ø Todd Endy – Class of 1981 – Volunteer Assistant Baseball Coach

Ø Aliceclair Iaeger Faust – Class of 1974 – Middle School Librarian

Ø Theodore Freese – Class of 1985 – Elementary Librarian

Ø William Grim – Class of 2000 – Head Custodian Barth Elementary

Ø Amanda High – Class of 2005 – 8TH Grade Reading Teacher

Ø Diana Magliocchetti Hofmanner – Class of 1988 – First Grade Teacher Franklin Elementary

Ø Andrea Hunsberger – Class of 1980 – Intervention Specialist

Ø Michaela Johnson – Class of 1999 – Health Occupations Instructor

Ø Kerry Landis Kline – Class of 1975 – Intervention Assistant

Ø Heather Downie Kurtz – Class of 1983 – 2nd Grade Teacher Lincoln Elementary

Ø Kristin Hoffmaster Lafferty – Class of 2000 – First Grade Teacher

Ø Ian Lawrence – Class of 2006 – 7th Grade Language Arts Teacher

Ø Danielle McCoy – Class of 1982 – Director of Career and Technical Education

Ø LeeAnn McCullough – Class of 1989 – High School Special Education Teacher

Ø Tom Medvetz – Class of 1989 – Elementary Health and Physical Education Teacher

Ø Matthew Moyer – Class of 1992 – Principal Rupert Elementary

Ø Timothy I. Mutter – Class of 1968 – High School Student Proctor

Ø Vicki Price Mutter – Class of 1975 – Pottstown Middle School Paraeducator

Ø Diane Nash – Class of 1973 – Superintendent’s Secretary

Ø Jaime Parris – Class of 2008 – Long-Term Substitute

Ø Andrea Plavcan – Class of 1972 – Retired Secretary to the Superintendent

Ø Hayley Mutter Quigley – Class of 2001 – Speech and Language Pathologist

Ø Ryan Regensburg – Class of 2001 – Department Head and Middle School Health and Physical Education Teacher

Ø Valerie Pace Reifsneider – Class of 1979 – Assistant to Director of Technology

Ø Dina Rice – Class of 1989 –Speech and Language Therapist

Ø Lori Grubb Schirk – Class of 1981 – Middle School Secretary

Ø Kaylee Shumaker – Class of 2009 – Intervention Assistant at Lincoln Elementary

Ø Rhonda Levan Shumaker – Class of 1982 – Franklin Elementary Secretary

Photo Courtesy of John Armato

Tim Mutter, Vicki Price Mutter, Hayley Mutter Quigley 

Ø Andrea Poremba Skokowski – Class of 1978 – Lincoln Elementary Secretary

Ø Leslie Falicki Swartz – Class of 1989 – 2nd Grade Teacher Lincoln Elementary

Ø Bonnie Kerr Trainer – Class of 1972 – 5th Grade Teacher Pottstown Middle School

Ø Wendy Watters – Class of 1985 – One-on-One Classroom Assistant

Ø Dr. LaTanya White – Class of 1999 – Supervisor of Virtual and Alternative Learning

Ø Lisa Whitehurst – Class of 1984 – Spanish Teacher

There is a strong sense of loyalty and commitment to the mission of the Pottstown School District. Read what some of our “home grown” staff have to say about why they are proud to be a part of the Pottstown School District.

Ø Because I am now able to give back the same life principles that were given to me.

Ø As a student and as an employee, I have met many people who have inspired and encouraged me to pursue my dream. I could not think of a better place to be.

Ø I am part of a fantastic group of teachers who do more than is asked, suggested, or required; who provide hope, purpose, and direction for kids who would otherwise be lost.

Ø I am able to make a difference in the community that shaped me into the educator and adult I am today.

Ø We work together as a team to help our students learn.

Ø I am proud to work with a group of dedicated staff members in a district that looks for what is best for the students.

Ø I want to serve as a positive role model and assist our youth in achieving their goals.

Ø I had so many wonderful teachers who inspired me to pursue a career in education. I love being able to give back to my hometown.

Ø How everyone in the district works together to give our students the best education.

Ø My father graduated from Pottstown and always showed pride in his alma mater. That pride flows from generation to generation. All who work in the Pottstown School District strive to give our students an education that includes a balance of academics and the arts.

Ø Being with the children of Pottstown every day and working with their families to guide them in becoming successful adults is not just my job it is my calling and I am proud to be a part of something so important.

Ø It is an honor to give the students of Pottstown the same great education I received when I attended school. I hope to be an inspiration to students that they can grow up and do great things.

Ø I am proud of being a part of the ongoing work to provide an exceptional educational environment that will help our students succeed.

Ø I am proud to be back at Pottstown helping to make a difference by supporting our teachers and staff.

Ø It makes me proud to know that I played a small but important part in their lives by paying it forward.

Ø My whole family graduated from Pottstown and all of us have been involved in many school activities. We are Trojans and proud of it!

Ø I’m happy to give back to the community that I have grown up in and where my children are growing up. I’m very proud to be from Pottstown.

Ø I am proud because Pottstown goes above and beyond to make sure that our students stay on the cutting edge of education. We offer programming to make sure our students have an equal opportunity to compete with their peers in the work field and in post-secondary programming.

Ø I am proud to be able to help inspire students to set goals and achieve them like those educators that helped me when I was a student.

Ø I was born and raised in this district and I love seeing all of the kids in the community.

Ø I am lucky to have had dedicated teachers who helped prepare me for life. Pottstown instilled vital citizenship values that have proven to be my foundation.

Ø My academic, athletic, and social experiences within the Pottstown community influences me to become a servant leader where several positive influences once led the way for me.

Ø An awesome music program both then and now.

The Clothes On Their Back

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

Pottsgrove Manor will present “Fashioning a New World: A Symposium on Clothing and Textiles in Early America” at the West Campus of Montgomery County Community College in Pottstown on Saturday, July 19, 2014 and Sunday, July 20, 2014 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Pottsgrove Manor is pleased to offer this program of engaging lectures from experts in the study of historical costume and textiles.

Scheduled presentations include: 

• “Textiles in America: Dispelling the Myths” by Linda Eaton, Director of Collections and Senior Curator of Textiles at the Winterthur Museum; 
• “Had on When She Went Away: American Runaway Advertisements, 1750-1790” by Rebecca Fifield, Collections Manager for the Department of the Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas at the Metropolitan Museum of Art; 
• “Fit for a Child: Fashions Thought Suitable for Children in 18th Century America” by Lynn Edgar, independent researcher; 
• “With the Genteelest Taste and Newest Fashions: The Three Piece Suit 1660-1800” by Neal Hurst, Journeyman Tailor and fellow at the Winterthur Museum; 
• “Put Your Best Foot Forward: Footwear of Early America” by Brett Walker, Journeyman Boot at Shoemaker at Colonial Williamsburg.

There will be optional sewing workshops offered on Sunday afternoon. 

Attendees can sign up for one of the following workshops: 

• “Construction of an 18th Century Infant/Toddler Jacket” with Lynn Edgar; 
• “An 18th Century Embroidered Needlebook” with Lynn Symborski, Pottsgrove Manor’s
  
  museum educator; 
• “The Basics of Death Head Buttons” with Wendy Moyer, historical seamstress; or 
• “Sewing a Gentleman’s Neck Stock” with Neal Hurst.

This program is being held in conjunction with Pottsgrove Manor’s current exhibit of both reproduction and original 18th Century garments, “To the Manor Worn: Clothing the 18th Century Household,” a tour of which will be included as part of the symposium.

The cost of the symposium is $75 per person, which includes Saturday and Sunday lunches; the optional Sunday afternoon workshops require an additional materials fee of $15 per person. 

Spaces are limited. Registration and payment is required by July 11, 2014. A registration packet can be downloaded from Pottsgrove Manor’s website: www.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor.

The “To the Manor Worn” exhibit can also be toured during regular museum hours through November 2, 2014: Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

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

The site is closed Mondays and major holidays. Groups of ten or more should pre-register by calling 610-326-4014.

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

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

For more information, please call 610-326-4014, or visit the website at www.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor. Like Pottsgrove Manor on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pottsgrovemanor.

Garden Goings On

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Mosaic Community Land Trust

There's a lot of things going on in Pottstown's Community Gardens.

A Garden Work and Play Days is scheduled for Saturday, July 19th from 9 to 11 a.m.

The Garden Contest deadline has been extended.

The deadline to enter is July 11.

Judging will take place on the 20th between the hours of 4 to 6 p.m. with the awards ceremony taking place on the 26th at 6 p.m.

MOSAIC is hosting a “Get to Know the Land Trust” Garden Party on Saturday, July 19 beginning at 2 p.m.  There will be music, grilled healthy foods, and resources for better nutrition and health awareness.

MOSAIC/Genesis Housing “Movie Night” will show “Frozen” on the big screen at the Chestnut/Washington St. Park in downtown Pottstown on Saturday, Aug. 2 beginning around 830 p.m.

Learn How to Fend off Attackers

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

You can learn how to fend off an attacker for free.

Recently, YWCA Tri-County Area’s Monday night free self-defense class began.

Sifu Jose A. Knight, of Red Cloud Kung Fu, demonstrated how to recognize and appropriately respond to dangerous situations.

He taught the class how to use a Kubaton.

He also showed techniques for successfully defending against and escaping the types of attacks most often encountered by women and young girls.

There are two classes left.

They will be held Monday, July 7 and Monday, July 14 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the YWCA building at 315 King St.

RSVP at (610) 323 – 1888 ext. 201

Taking the class can help you become more aware, prepared and confident to defend yourself and defer attacks.