Saturday, August 2, 2014

An Every Day Hero at The Hill

Photo Courtesy of The Hill School
Mary Koss, center, was recently recognized for her service as a volunteer to Meals on Wheels and donated the $5,000 check she received from the Sodexo Corp. to the program. With her are her former supervisor Josh Konoza, left, and Ruth Hood, program director for the Western Montgomery Family Services' Meals on Wheels. 



Blogger's Note: The following was provided by The Hill School.

For nearly eight years Mary Koss of Pottstown has spent two hours each Monday driving to homes delivering meals to elderly Pottstown residents. 

During that same time, she has been an employee with Sodexo, the company that provides the dining services for The Hill School. 

Earlier this year, Mary’s former supervisor, Josh Konoza, nominated her for the Sodexo Foundation’s Hero of Every Day Life award for her dedicated service to Meals on Wheels.
To her surprise, Mary was selected as one of five Sodexo employees in the country to be recognized as a 2014 Hero of Every Day Life. 

In June, she was recognized at the annual Sodexo Foundation Dinner in Washington, D.C., which raised $1.8 million to support the Sodexo Foundation’s work to help combat childhood hunger.

As part of this honor, Mary received a $5,000 grant to be awarded to a charity of her choice. 

Last week, on The Hill School campus, Mary presented a check to Ruth Hood, the program director for the Western Montgomery County Family Services’ Meals on Wheels. 

The money will used to support the Meals on Wheels programs and services that benefit thousands of local residents.

In addition to her weekly Monday visits, Mary also fills in for other volunteers, happily taking on additional shifts as her schedule permits. 

Her bright smile brings cheer to those she visits, many who are homebound and may not have family in the area. Mary says she enjoys the ride and always “makes sure people are comfortable” when she brings them their meals.

A very humble Mary noted that she does not want attention for herself for this award, but rather wants others to know about the work done by the Sodexo Foundation. 

The mission of the Foundation is “to ensure that every child in the United States, especially those most at-risk, grows up with dependable access to enough nutritious food to enable them to lead a healthy, productive life.”

Learn more at http://www.sodexofoundation.org/hunger_us/default.asp.

Friday, August 1, 2014

Ward Meeting Al Fresco

Photo by Evan Brandt

A concerned resident points to a problem property across the street from the Ricketts Community center during a joint ward meeting Thursday that was held outside because the center was not left open, as it was supposed to be. Pictured listening are Pottstown Borough Manager Mark Flanders, right, seventh ward Councilman Joe Kirkland, center, and sixth ward Councilman Travis Gery, left.





Thursday, July 31, 2014

Get Ready for Kindergarten

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by Mary Rieck, coordinator for Pottstown Early Action for Kindergarten Readiness, or PEAK. 

Is your child entering Pottstown School District kindergarten in September? If so, please take a look at this great summer learning opportunity.

Seven, state-funded Summer Kindergarten Readiness Program classes will be offered through Pre-K Counts in August, free to low-income families. 

The classes will be two weeks in length (Aug. 11- 22) and focus on skills to help your child be successful in kindergarten.

To be eligible for the classes, the child must be entering Pottstown School District kindergarten in September and be income eligible. (Family income cannot exceed 300% of the federal poverty level - for a family of four that is an annual income of approximately $71,550).

The classes will be held at Montgomery Early Learning Centers, Pottstown YMCA, KinderCare Learning Center, Warwick Child Care Center in North Coventry, YWCA Tri-County Area and Pottstown School District Pre-K Counts.

A complete listing of the sites and contact information can be found on the PEAK web site at www.peakonline.org or in the illustration above. 

Contact the sites to register. 

Or for more information call Rieck at 610-970-6655.

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

A Cool Movie for a Hot Night Saturday

Genesis Housing Corporation has announced the second annual outdoor movie night will be held on Saturday, Aug. 2 at the Chestnut Street Park in Pottstown. 

This year’s movie will be Disney’s "Frozen."

Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to the Chestnut Street Park at Washington and Chestnut Streets, Pottstown starting at 8 p.m. 

The event kicks off with Tom Carroll, a free balloon performer, followed by DJ music until dusk and then Disney’s "Frozen." 

The rain date is Sunday, Aug. 3.

This Pottstown Neighborhood Program is funded by National Penn Bank through the Neighborhood Tax Credit Program. 

More information is available by calling 610-275-4357, on the Genesis website at www.genesishousing.org and/or via email at info@genesishousing.org.

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Science STEMS from Pottstown Camp

Photo by Diane Van Dyke
Pottstown Middle School students got all wet as part of the G-STEM program run by Montgomery County Community College.


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

For participating Pottstown Middle School students, Montgomery County Community College’s G-STEM — Green Science, Technology, Engineering and Math —program was the first opportunity they ever had to explore the Schuylkill River, hold crayfish or see schools of minnows swim by their legs.

By testing the water quality at various locations along the river, as well as in the Manatawny Creek tributary, students learned about what may impact the life cycle and inhabitants of this river aquarium.

“It is interesting and makes you think,” says Tyler Carter, one of the participants. “It’s a higher level of learning. We get to use what we learn in the classroom right here.”

“We learned scientific terms and concepts,” added Payton Reid, explaining that the program covers more material than what he has learned in school. “It’s good practice for college.”

Carter and Reid were two of 13 Pottstown Middle School students who participated in the one-week, academically intensive summer camp held June 23-27 at the College’s West Campus in
Photo by Diane Van Dyke
Shakeem Lynch holds up a crayfish he found in the Schuylkill River
Pottstown.

G-STEM’s objective is to improve scientific literacy, environmental stewardship and appreciation of humanity’s responsibility in sustaining the environment.

“The philosophical goal is to provide an environment where students are exposed to and use scientific methodology and in doing so experience a success in a high-intensity science program with the expectation that will translate into a desire to pursue a college career in the sciences. G-STEM provides a unique opportunity for these students to experience the career of a scientist,” MCCC Biology Associate Professor Dr. Davi Gonzales said.

In addition to the learning the basic concepts of scientific methodology, students learned about chemical concepts and data analysis. Each hands-on activity focused on environmental issues relevant to their community. At the conclusion of the program, the students displayed and shared their results using graphs, tables and Power Point programs with family, faculty and visitors.

For the past four years under the direction of Dr. Gonzales, MCCC has offered G-STEM to Pottstown area youth at no cost to the students, thanks to the generous funding of TD Charitable Foundation, the charitable giving arm of TD Bank.

Photo by  Diane Van Dyke
Students gather specimens in the Manatawny.
Participating Pottstown Middle School students included Kha’la Frazier, Tyler Carter, Lamar Green, Dazah Regusters, Rebecca Harper, Terrell Taylor-Williams, Shakayla Sergent, Shakeem Lynch, Floyd Dashieel, Payton Reid, Alexandria Olvera, Shanyia Johnson and Keirsten Hickey.

Students work directly with College faculty, including Dr. Gonzales, program director and recruiter, teacher assistant trainer and faculty; Geology Professor Robert Kuhlman; Microbiology Assistant Professor Dr. James Bretz; Chemistry Assistant Professor Dr. Janet Graden; Biology Lecturer Dr. Matt Bobiak; Biology Lecturer Dr. Adam Meacham; and Mathematics Instructor Stephanie Isaac. Teaching assistants included Kaitlyn DeJohn, Patrick Robenoet and Amy Shaw.

The TD Charitable Foundation is the charitable giving arm of TD Bank N.A., which operates as TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®, is one of the 10 largest commercial banking organizations in the United States. The Foundation's mission is to serve the individuals, families and businesses in all the communities where TD Bank operates, having made over $68.4 million in charitable donations since its inception in 2002. The efforts of the Foundation are coordinated locally through TD Bank's community relations departments and are focused on the areas of affordable housing, education and financial literacy, and the environment. More information on the TD Charitable Foundation, including an online grant application, is available atwww.TDBank.com.

The Montgomery County Community College Foundation is the designated tax-exempt, charitable arm of the College. The Foundation's purpose is to raise funds to assist the College in developing programs, facilities, and services to enhance and enrich student life and to maintain a tradition of educational excellence. For more information, visit http://www.mc3.edu/giving/about/default.aspx.

Monday, July 28, 2014

Joint Ward Meeting Thursday

This voting map from the Pottstown Borough web site shows that wards 7 and 6
comprise most of the eastern portion of the borough
.


Councilman Travis Gery and Councilman Joe Kirkland will host a joint ward meeting, for Wards 6 and 7, on Thursday, July 31, at 7:30 p.m.

The meeting, which is open to the public, will be held at the Ricketts Community Center, 658 Beech St.

"Pottstown officials will be represented from various departments," according to the flyer being circulated about the meeting.

"We are hosting these meetings to keep you informed of new developments, to talk directly to your councilman and officials, and to give you an opportunity to provide comments and suggestions and to voice your concerns," the two councilman wrote on their flyer.

If you are unsure of which ward is yours, consult the map above.

This is the first announced ward meeting held in either of these wards.

However, Councilwoman Sheryl Miller regularly holds ward meetings and ward clean-ups in Ward 3. The last one was Saturday.

She announces them at the end of every monthly council meeting.


Sunday, July 27, 2014

Very Old Kids Clothing


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

On Sundays in August, from 1 to 4 p.m., historic Pottsgrove Manor will offer a series of workshops, focusing on a different colonial textile art each week. 

Kids 8 to 12 years old can learn historical crafts and take home their creations in these fun sessions.

Aug. 3: Learn to Knit – In an era before elastic and modern stretch fabrics, knitting was the best way to create stretchy, fitted clothing and accessories. Textile artisan Zina Borys will instruct participants in the basics of knitting. Limit 5.

Aug. 10: Hand Quilting – Many textiles and items of clothing in the 18th century were quilted for warmth and fashion. Museum Educator Lynn Symborski will teach students the stitches and techniques of hand quilting. Limit 6.

Aug. 17: Bobbin Lace Snake Bookmark – Handmade lace was an expensive trim in the colonial era. Helen Seguin of the Liberty Lacers will teach the art of making bobbin lace, and students will create a fun snake-shaped bookmark. Limit 6.

Aug. 24: Tape Weaving – Woven tape had many uses in early America – from drawstrings to ties to bindings. Students will learn how to weave tape from Eleanor Bittle, “The Tape Lady.” If students want to continue at home, the cardboard tape looms they use in the workshop can be purchased afterward for an additional $15. Limit 10.

Aug. 31: Make a Leather Pouch – Prized for its durability, leather was made into items like shoes, hunting pouches, wallets, and even men’s breeches. A member of the Pottsgrove Manor staff will lead students in sewing a multipurpose leather pouch. Limit 6.

These workshops are open to children ages 8-12. 

There is a materials fee of $15 per child per workshop —or sign up for all five workshops for $65. 

Class sizes are limited; registration and payment is due one week prior to each workshop. A www.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor.
registration form can be downloaded from Pottsgrove Manor’s website:

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.” 

The exhibit can be toured during regular museum hours through Nov. 2: 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 St. 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.