Hill School Hires First-Ever Community and Economic Development Manager

Twila Fisher

Blogger's Note: The following was posted on The Hill School web site.

The Hill School will start 2016 with a brand new employee in a brand new post whose job will be to engage with the Pottstown community.

Twila Fisher begins officially on Jan. 4 as the first-ever Manager of Community and Economic Development.

Her post is a full-time position created to advance Hill’s engagement with Pottstown and, more specifically, to support a new, collaborative neighborhood initiative to create a clean, safe, and inclusive community; strengthen residential development; and generate positive, sustainable commercial and retail development.

Fisher brings compelling experience in community organizing, economic and real estate development, non-profit collaboration, and political understanding. 

The founder of Fisher Consulting and Management Services, in Reading, Pa., Fisher previously served the ReDesign Reading Community Development Corporation as a Public Leadership and Service Fellow of the University of Pennsylvania. In this role she organized downtown revitalization projects, managed related social media, assisted with community organizing and project development, performed research, and wrote policy briefs for various economic development initiatives. She also has worked as an administrative assistant to the Mayor of Reading.

Fisher received her master’s degree in Public Administration and certificate in Economic Development from the University of Pennsylvania in December. 

She earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from Columbia University, where she served as a research assistant with the Institute for Social and Economic Research and Policy. While an undergraduate she completed internships with the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and, for three years, the Department of Community Development for the city of Reading. A recipient of the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship, Twila also is a licensed Real Estate Salesperson and a certified Spanish translator.

Fisher was a founder and licensed minister of the Hope of the Nations Christian Center in Reading, which she served from 1999-2011 in capacities that included filing for and receiving 501(c)3 status, leading community organizing-related initiatives, and creating a mentoring program for at-risk youth.

Her volunteer roles range from serving as the entertainment coordinator for Reading’s Penn Street Market and serving on the Mayor’s Task Force for Main Street Designation, to chairing the city’s Legislative Aide Committee and offering four years as an urban missions volunteer for Eastern Mennonite Missions.

“The decision by Hill’s Board of Trustees to create this position and hire an individual with Twila’s expertise demonstrates our serious commitment to The Hill’s hometown,” said Headmaster Zachary G. Lehman, referring to the Board’s unanimous endorsement of the Manager of Community and Economic Development position in October.

Lehman said the school considered numerous outstanding candidates from a range of backgrounds. “We were especially impressed by the breadth and depth of Twila’s experience as well as her striking can-do attitude and willingness to roll up her sleeves and get to know the Pottstown neighborhood,” Lehman said.

“I am thrilled to join The Hill as the school further engages with the Pottstown community through Hobart’s Run and other local revitalization efforts,” Fisher said. “The collective community vision and excitement for this initiative is particularly encouraging. I look forward to utilizing my professional experiences and my passion for neighborhood outreach and improvement.

“I also feel honored to serve alongside so many dedicated citizens, public servants, and educators who are committed to making history in Pottstown,” Fisher added.

Oops, Pottsgrove Did it Again: Title 1 Reward School

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Pottsgrove School District:

This time last year, Pottsgrove School District received the news from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) that all of Pottsgrove’s elementary schools were identified as Title I Reward Schools for their high levels of achievement. 

To be included in this category, schools must be the highest 5 percent of Title I schools (based on aggregate Mathematics and Reading proficiency for PSSA and/or Algebra I/Literature for Keystone Exams, as applicable) AND schools must meet all four annual measurable objectives including test participation, closing the achievement gap for all students, closing the achievement gap for historically under-performing students and, if applicable, graduation rates.

Again, this year, all three elementary buildings have been recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education as Title I Distinguished Schools for the 2015-2016 school year! PDE used the approved ESEA Flexibility Waiver designation of Reward: High Achievement in addition to other indicators in order to select schools. 

As a result, all buildings will be honored at the 2016 Title I Improving Schools’ Performance

Conference from Feb. 7-10 at the Sheraton Station Square in Pittsburgh.

Both Superintendent Shellie Feola and Director of Education and Assessment Daniel Vorhis point out that while the report focuses primarily on the tested subject areas, Pottsgrove has maintained a commitment to its arts, technology, and extracurricular offerings, as they continue to believe that investments in these areas enhance student engagement and advance our mission to educate the whole child to grow up to be productive, responsible citizens, and lifelong learners. 

“Nevertheless, this achievement two years running, in combination with recognition received in our secondary division this fall, provide evidence that our ongoing efforts toward continuous improvement are bearing fruit. We are proud of our students, faculty, staff, and administration” said Feola.

Dressing to Impress at Rupert Elementary School

Photos courtesy of John Armato

Some fine Rupert gentlemen with Jaime Parris.

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

On Friday, December 18, 2015, Rupert Elementary School held it's second annual Fancy Friday!

Students and staff put their uniforms aside for a donation to support Operation Backpack. 

Everyone dressed to impress, and helped support an organization that serves our children. 

The effort, organized by Kindergarten Teacher Laurie Gresko, is becoming a yearly tradition that everyone enjoys. 

The school was able to raise $220, that was presented to Lisa Heverly from Operation Backpack recently.

Principal Matthew Moyer said, "It was great to see everyone dressed up to support an outstanding cause like Operation Backpack."

Rupert ladies with Kindergarten teacher Laurie Gresko.

Pennsylvania Philharmonic Runs Away to the Circus

The circus is coming to Phoenixville ... kind of.

One of the Pennsylvania Philharmonic's more unique offerings this season is "Cirque de la Symphonie," a combination of acrobatic performers and classical music.

And you start off the New Year with their performance Friday, Jan. 1, 2016 at 2 p.m. at Phoenixville Area Middle School.

Tickets are $41 each and can be purchased on-line at http://www.paphilharmonic.org/ or by calling 610-401-3650.

Live in front of a full symphony orchestra, internationally-acclaimed Cirque de la Symphonie performers including a cast of jugglers, contortionists, strongmen, and others that will dazzle the audience.

 It was hailed by the Cincinnati Enquirer as a "crowd-pleasing hybrid of circus and fine art."

But it won't by the symphony's only performance in Phoenixville this season; or in Pottstown for that matter. 

On Sunday Feb. 21, at 2 p.m. the Pennsylvania Philharmonic will perform "Four Season of Vivaldi and Piazzolla," with Philadelphia Orchestra concertmaster David Kim performing as soloist and interpreting the iconic works of Vivaldi and Tango master Astor Piazzolla.

This performance will also be at Phoenixville Area Middle School.

On Saturday, April 9 at 7:30 p.m., the Philharmonic's movie soundtrack show, "Symphonic Soundtracks," will come to Pottstown High School. 

From the opening notes of Strauss’ Sprach Zarathustra from 2001: A Space Odyssey to Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyries from Apocalypse Now to Offenbach’s Can-can from Orpheus in The Underworld from Titanic and Moulin Rouge or Barber’s Adagio for Strings from Platoon, music makes great movies unforgettable. Music Director and Conductor Michael Butterman will share with you some of the most poignant, rousing and memorable selections from your all-time favorite feature films.

And on Friday, June 3 at 7:30 p.m. the Philharmonic's final performance of the season, "Beethoven Masterworks," will be performed at Pottstown High School.

Michael Butterman leads the Philharmonic in three of Beethoven’s finest compositions. Exuberant, powerful and triumphant only start to describe Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7. Pianist Lura Johnson along with the Pennsylvania Philharmonic Chorus under the direction of Dr. William Wright brings the brilliant Choral Fantasy to life. The exhilarating masterwork Egmont Overture opens the program.

The Symphony also offers a "Flex Pass" ticketing system.

With Flex Pass, you choose the venue and the performance. They send your Flex Passes in the mail, and you can decide how to use them right up until the day of the concert.

For example: With Flex Pass 6, a party of six can attend one concert, or three people can enjoy any two performances throughout the upcoming season. Flex Pass 4 gives you four passes for just $152.00, and provides preferred seating to two music lovers at two concerts OR, four people can choose any ONE of our concerts. You choose the venue! Flex Pass 4 holders will also have exclusive access to a Meet-the-Maestro reception with Music Director Michael Butterman. (Exact dates and locations to be determined -- watch your email for details.)

Prices are $152 for Flex Pass 4; $216 for Flex Pass 6; $272 for Flex Pass 8 or $320 for Flex Pass 10.

Visit the Symphony web site for details.

Pottsgrove Marching Band Headed to Peach Bowl

There's a good chance that as you're reading this, 47 members of the Pottsgrove High School Falcon Marching Band are on a plane headed to Atlanta.

According to an e-mail sent out by band director Victor Halladay, the band will participate in the 2015 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. 

"In addition to many sightseeing opportunities in the Atlanta area, the band will have the opportunity to perform their field show inside the Georgia Dome! 

"They will also participate in the Bowl Parade and will perform pre-game and the National Anthem as part of a 1000+ student mass band. I am hopeful that the National Anthem will be broadcast live, so please tune in on Thursday, Dec. 31 at 11:40 a.m.

"Thank you for your support and encouragement of your students’ endeavors, in and outside the classroom. We are proud to represent the Pottsgrove School District, our community, and the state of Pennsylvania in this nationally broadcast event," Halladay wrote.

"You can follow all the exciting things we will be doing in Atlanta on our Facebook Peach Bowl Trip Page https://www.facebook.com/Pottsgrove-High-School-Marching-Band-Trip-to-the-Chick-fil-A-Peach-Bowl-230613197052913/ and on Twitter @PottsgroveHSMB

Congratulations Falcons and best of luck on your performance.

Enough Celebrating. Back to Work Ladies!

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

On Saturday, Jan. 9, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. historic Pottsgrove Manor will host “Distaff Day,” showing the art of spinning fibers into thread.

From medieval times, the day after the Feast of the Epiphany was known to many Europeans as “Distaff Day.” 

The distaff, a tool used in spinning, was a symbol of female industry, and Distaff Day was traditionally when women resumed their work after the Twelve Days of Christmas. 

During this program, visitors will see demonstrations of traditional spinning techniques and learn about the natural fibers that were used to make yarn and thread for textiles. 

This event will also give guests a chance to enjoy a guided tour of the manor house for the holidays, in the final “Twelfth Night Tours” of the season.

There is a suggested donation of $2 per person for this program. 

The museum shop will also be open throughout the event and will be having a special one-day-only sale – 10% off everything in the store!

The seasonal “Twelfth Night Tours” are running now through Sunday, Jan. 10, during regular museum hours: 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 10 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, call 610-326-4014, or visit the website at www.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor. 

Like Pottsgrove Manor on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pottsgrovemanor.

Merry Christmas Pottstown

Merry Christmas everyone.

This is The Digital Notebook's Christmas gift to you, a photo from the January, 1941 edition of "Pottstown on Parade," a magazine some of you old-timers may remember.

This is Peggy Grow, age 3,  daughter of Mrs. and Mrs. Parker Grow, checking her chimney to see if Santa got stuck.

I found this photo on a blog site set up a few years ago by The Mercury called, appropriately,  http://pottstownchristmas.blogspot.com/ which had some interesting photos of old time Pottstown.

I suggest you check it out when you have some down time.

In the meantime, please accept our heartfelt wishes for a fun, safe and happy holiday.

Genesis Reports Success of Pottstown Neighborhood Partnership's Third Year

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by Genesis Housing Corp.

Genesis Housing Corporation is pleased to report the success of the third year of our Pottstown Neighborhood Partnership Program to help with the revitalization of the Washington Street neighborhood in Pottstown.

The Pottstown Neighborhood Partnership projects completed this year include:

• Created a new Community Garden at 301 Walnut Street (Walnut and Charlotte Streets). In partnership with the Mosaic Community Land Trust, a new sustainable and edible landscape garden was created on this long term vacant lot. Using permaculture techniques, layers of fresh soil and mulch were applied to the site along with biochar, a carbon product that helps rejuvenate the soil. Over 150 native and edible plants were planted. Designed by Feed the Burbs and Melissa Miles of the Permanent Future Institute, the garden emphasizes low-maintenance permaculture techniques. Over 70 volunteers joined with the professional landscapers to create the garden. Volunteers were from Pottstown High School, Owen J. Roberts High School, Pottstown Rehabilitation & Training Center, Creative Health, Mosaic garden families along with adults and children from the neighborhood. Throughout the summer, the plants provided a community green space along with edibles like blueberries and pumpkins. 
• A new Security Camera Program was created in cooperation with the Pottstown Police Department. Grants were provided to residents and organizations in selected locations to cover all the costs of installing high quality camera systems. The systems were installed on the 400 and 500 blocks of King Street, the 300 and 400 blocks of Walnut Street and the 600 block of Chestnut Street. In the first few weeks after the cameras were installed, the photos provided critical information to the Police that assisted in the arrest of an individual suspected in a serious crime. 
• Sponsored community events including National Night Out at the Chestnut Street Park (Chestnut & Washington Streets). This event provided an opportunity for neighbors to get together and to learn about local resources. Highlights from the National Night Out included Pottstown Police Officers playing Frisbee with the neighborhood children, great weather, music and dancing. Another community event was the free Movie Night. It provided a fun night for local children with a movie, music and a magician at no cost to their parents. 
• Provided free Housing Counseling classes on credit and credit scores, money management and home buyer basics at the Victory Christian Life Center in Pottstown. Additional financial management classes were provided to the residents of the Salvation Army shelter. 
• Funded Property Renovations including rehab for an owner occupied property and site work for a long term vacant property. The funds filled important gaps in the projects that were not available with other funding sources. 
• Assisted with the funding for restroom renovations at the Salvation Army to provide safe and efficient restrooms for shelter families.
• Completed planning studies including for the development of garden at 301 Walnut Street and partial funding for a new Strategic Business Plan for Genesis Housing Corporation. 

The Pottstown Neighborhood Program is funded by National Penn Bank through the PA Department of Community and Economic and Development (DCED) Neighborhood Assistance Tax Credit Program. 

An Advisory Board helps guide Genesis Housing Corporation in designing projects that meet the program requirements and would help the local community. 

The members the Advisory Board include from Genesis Housing Corporation – Judith Memberg, from Borough Council - Ryan Procsal, from National Penn Bank - Sharon McMichael, Thomas Spann and Daniel Sansary. Community Representatives include Rev. Reggie Brooks, Anna Johnson and Sue Repko. Also providing input for the Advisory Board were Laura Washington, Marie Traylor and Police Chief Drumheller.

Since 1994, Genesis Housing Corporation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has served Montgomery County as a community housing development organization (CHDO) and is dedicated to the development of affordable housing and to the education of consumers on housing and financial issues. Our activities include monthly classes and individual counseling to provide financial education, prevent foreclosures, and the rehabilitation and new construction of homes to improve and stabilize neighborhoods.

For more information about Genesis Housing Corporation and our programs, please visit our website at www.genesishousing.org and on Facebook. Genesis Housing Corporation can also be contacted by email at info@genesishousing.org, or call 610-275-4357.

Changes Coming to Human Relations Commission

Submitted Photo

From left, Carla Day, past commissioner; Ileana Ocasio, new commissioner; Pressley Day, past commissioner; Al Dunn, continuing commissioner; Della Hicks, former secretary of the Pottstown Human Relations Commission; Johnny Corson, new commissioner; Luvenia Lister, new commissioner, Rita Paez, incoming Borough Councilor for Pottstown' 6th Ward, Founder and Executive Director of the CCLU, and former Chairperson of the Pottstown Human Relations Commission; Diana Rivera O'Bryant, new head of the Pottstown Human Relations Commission.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Pottstown Human Relations Commission.

Newly elected borough councilwoman Rita Paez, who will take the oath of office next month, hosted a community celebration at the Centro Cultural Latinos Unidos (CCLU), located at 301 King St., in the basement of First Baptist Church on Saturday.

The purpose of the gathering was to renew the Human Relations Commission's commitment to the Pottstown community, introduce the new head of the Pottstown Commission, Diana Rivera O'Bryant, as well as to honor Della Hicks, a long-time staffer of the Pottstown Human Relations Commission, and a long-time committed and passionate champion of civil rights. 

Submitted Photo

Rita Paez, right, honors Della Hicks with an award
for her commitment and service to the community.
Also pictured, Deidre Tierney

Hicks will be retiring from the Pottstown HRC and plans on spending more time with her family. 

Back in September, Mayor Sharon Thomas said, "The services that Della provided to the Borough have been much appreciated and will be sincerely missed." 

The mission of the HRC is to conduct outreach and education that promotes justice and cultural understanding, and improve relationships among all citizens. 

Among other issues, the HRC deals with disabilities rights, employee grievances, harassment, discrimination, as well landlord-tenant issues. 

 O'Bryant, who is also a prolific grantwriter and trained mediator, said she is now working on "revamping borough ordinances" to give more power to the HRC in giving a voice to those whose rights may have been violated. 

"It is one of my passions to build relationships, alliances and find commonalities among diverse groups of people," O'Bryant said.  

She envisions the HRC sponsoring unifying community events and activities in Pottstown, including students, adults, businesses and organizations who have joined in the fight against discrimination and intolerance. Her message of encouragement: "Come out and support our events. We want to get to know all the other agencies in the area."

She joins forces with new Commissioners Ileana Ocasio, a Family Advocate with the Pottstown Maternity Care Colition, Johnny Corson, the Chairman of the Reorganizing Committee of the Pottstown Branch NAACP, and Luvenia Lister.

(Corrected) U. Pottsgrove to Hike Taxes 14% for 2016

Photo by Evan Brandt

Outgoing Upper Pottsgrove Township Commissioner Renee Spaide receives a proclamation and congratulations from Board of Commissioners chairman Elwood Taylor for her eight years of service on the board.

BLOGGER'S NOTE: This entry has been updated with the correct tax increase. The initial post excluded last year's fire tax, so the total millage for last year was higher to begin with than first calculated. Our thanks to Commissioners Chairman Elwood Taylor for pointing out the error.

With a 4-1 vote, the township board of commissioners Monday night raised the property tax rate by more than 14 percent for 2016.

The township's newest commissioners, France Krazalkovich, case the only vote against the budget -- which was not outlined in detail Monday but is probably in the neighborhood of $3 million.

According to the tax millage ordinance, which Krazalkovich also voted against, the millage rate went from 3.775 in 2015 to 4.3 mills for 2016.

It is the township's first property tax increase in six straight years.

The percentage increase is 13.90728476 to be exact.

The Christmas cookies put out for the public at

Monday night's meeting.

Part of that increase, .3 mills, is to be dedicated to indebtedness for capital projects, most notably a new public works garage, which Commissioners Chairman Elwood Taylor said is "sorely needed."

Another .6 mills is the fire protection tax and the 3.4 mills is the general purpose property tax.

Calling it a "nuisance tax," Krazalkovich and Commissioner Martin Schreiber also voted to eliminate the "per capita" tax, which raises about $12,000 a year, but Taylor, Herb Miller and Renee Spaide all voted against the motion.

Krazalkovich said he voted against the property tax increase because Montgomery County will be increasing taxes by more than 9 percent in 2016 and the school district may increase taxes by 3 percent or more.

However, he disputed the claims by an unhappy taxpayer in the audience who said Upper Pottsgrove's taxes were the "highest in the county."

In fact, he noted, Upper Pottsgrove's tax rate is the 21st highest of the county's 34 townships.

It is the Pottsgrove School District's tax rate, Taylor and Krazalkovich both said, that makes the tax bill so high for residents. Krazalkovich said the millage for Pottsgrove School District is the third highest in the county.

The commissioners should keep those other factors in mind when they consider raising the township taxes replied the resident, who did not identify herself.

The budget will use $57,000 from the general fund, in addition to the township's portion of the state's liquid fuels tax revenues, to repair and repave portions of North Hanover Street nearest to Mauger's Mill Road; as well as Needhammer Road, said Public Works Chief Frank Quinter.

Michelle Reddick complained that the township took money from Summer Grove developers Rouse-Chamberlin to widen Pine Ford Road, but it has not been done in six years.

"Now you're raising taxes to work on the roads and it's still not being done," she said.

Township Solicitor Charles D. Garner Jr. said when the second half of Rouse-Chamberlin's plan -- for a restricted-age facility -- fell victim to the housing crash, the developers agreed widening the road was not necessary..

Last night's meeting was also Renee Spaide's last. She did not seek reelection for a third term.

Here is some video of a proclamation made in honor of her eight years of service:

And now here are the Tweets from the meeting:

Word is, Pottsgrove High School Students Achieving

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Pottsgrove School District.

Several students representing Pottsgrove High School recently in this year's WordWright Challenge, a competition for American high school students requiring close reading and analysis of many different kinds of prose and poetry.

In the year's first meet, hold in October, sophomore Maxwell Hazel was one of the 60 highest-scoring tenth graders and senior Janine Faust one of the 38 highest scoring twelfth graders in the entire country.

Others at the school who excelled included sophomore Charles Walsh and seniors Erika Lessing and Avery Sicher.

More than 63,000 high school students from 48 states entered the meet. Pottsgrove's participation was overseen by Todd Kelly.

The premise behind the WordWright challenge is that attentive reading and sensitivity to language are among the most important skills students acquire in school.

The texts students must analyze for the challenge can range from short fiction by Eudora Welty or John Updike, to poetry as old as Shakespeare's or as recent as Margaret Atwood's, and to essays as classic as E. B. White's, or as current as James Parker's cultural commentary in The Atlantic magazine.

Thought the texts vary widely in voice, subject, tone and length, they have one thing in common: style. All use language skillfully to convey layers and shades of meaning not always apparent to students on a first or casual reading.

The questions posed by the WordWright Challenge ask students both to recognize the emotional and/or rational logic of a piece of writing and to notice the ways in which the writer's style shapes and shades meaning.

Because the WordWright Challenge is a classroom activity and not a college-entrance exam, however, it can be a learning experience, not just a high hurdle. After competing a challenge, classes are encouraged to talk about the texts and the answers to the multiple-choice questions.

The texts for the WordWright meet this year were an essay by George Orwell for ninth and tenth graders and a short story by John Updike for eleventh and twelfth graders.

The students will participate in three more meets over the coming months and medals and certificates will be awarded in June to those who achieve, and/or improve the most in the course of the year.

Trojans 4 a Cure Have the Cure for Holiday Blues

The entire Pottstown High School Trojan wrestling team turned out for a pancake breakfast hosted by Trojans for a Cure to raise money for "Keep Me Warm for the Holidays" project.

Trojans for a Cure has been busy this holiday season, hosting a pancake breakfast for more than 300 people to raise money for coats for needy and chilly children and holding a toy drive on Tuesday, Dec. 22 at the Pottstown vs. PJP basketball game in the Pottstown High School gym.

You can drop off a new, unwrapped toy between the hours of 5:30 and 9:00 p.m. We cannot accept stuffed animals or toys made of wood. Santa Trojan Man will be in attendance for free photo opportunities.

In front,  Alyssa Paules; second row from left, Olivia Perez,
Rebecca Heiser, Madison Heiser, Melissa Caballero,
Jade Caballero, Ethan Caballero; third from, from left,
Buddy the Elf (Aaron Diamond), Santa (Michael Paules),
 Jinx the Elf (Anthony Wiggins)

That is if you are done digesting all those pancakes.

The team of 75 students, sponsored by high school teacher Rebecca Heiser, organized the breakfast and even convinced Santa and his elves to take time out from his busy schedule to stop by.

Pottstown High School Culinary Arts Department prepared the breakfast which included 1,000 pancakes, 20 pounds of bacon, 20 pounds of sausage, pastries, and bagels. (they had me at 20 pounds of bacon!)

Members taking part were: Kayla Wise, Jaylen Chestnut, James Coleman, Felicity Patten, Brandon Eppler, and Dylan Raihl.

The effort raised more than $1,200.00 to support the “Keep Me Warm for the Holidays” project which is a drive sponsored by Pottstown School District employee Melissa Caballero and supplies elementary aged students with hats, gloves, and scarves for the winter.

Anyone who would like to donate to the “Keep Me Warm for the Holidays” project can contact Melissa Caballero at 484-945-3871 or caballeromelissa98@yahoo.com. 

Culinary arts students James Coleman and Jaylen Chestnut 

man the steam tables during the pancake breakfast.

The “Trojans 4 A Cure” club is no stranger to raising funds for needy causes. Over the years, their fundraising efforts have supported St. Christopher’s Children’s Research Hospital, the Wounded Warrior Project, Autism Speaks, the Bertoti Memorial Scholarship Fund, and the Relay For Life.

“It was so great to see our students working together for such a worthy cause. When I originally pitched the idea to them in September, they couldn’t wait to start planning," said Heiser.

"It was rewarding to see the community come out in such great numbers," she said. "We will definitely be making this an annual event.”

From left, Emilie Lineman, Rashell Williams, 

Gianna Kimmell and Zoe Wallace enjoy breakfast.

The Pottstown High School wrestling team showed their support with the entire team and coaches coming to breakfast immediately after their practice.


The “Trojans 4 A Cure” organization includes the following students who took direct part in organizing and participating in the event: Ashley Adams, Charaine Andrews, Mitchell Aquino, London Aquino, Cassidy Bechtel, Conor Benfield, Aaron Diamond, Ron Fausnaught, Billy Foster, Tayana Garcia, Jen Hainsey, Tiffany Hilbert, Aniya Jackson Thorpe, Emily Jerdon, Nala Johnson, Gianna Kimmell, Emilie Lineman, Katie McCoy Swinehart, Casey Mest, Will Minnick, Kelly O'Donnell, Alyssa Paules, Midori Somich, MaSofia Sosa, Zoe Wallace, Makenna Watters, Karrisa White, Anthony Wiggins, and Rashell Williams.

Photo by Melissa Caballero.

Trojan 4 A Cure officer Midori Somich, who helped sort the new coats, scarves and gloves, sits amidst the finished packages that got packed up Friday night.

Bike Programs, Community Garden Win Awards

Assistant Borough Manager Erica Batdorf demonstrates how to
put a Bike Pottstown bike on the front of a PART Bus
this summer when the Bike and Ride program was announced.

Transportation initiatives based in Pottstown, and the borough’s community garden are now award winners.

Biking projects were recently recognized with three awards from Communities in Motion, a foundation associated with the Greater Valley Forge Transportation Management Association dedicated to sustainable communities.

The “Bike and Ride” program initiated this year by Pottstown Area Rapid Transit, which allowed for bicycles to be carried by PART buses, won the only award in the “Development” category.

The “Bike Schuylkill” program developed by the Pottstown-based Schuylkill River Heritage Area was one of nine award winners in the “Park, Recreation of Open Space” project.

The Bike Schuylkill program (known as Bike Pottstown in Pottstown), managed by the Schuylkill River Heritage Area, is a completely free bike share available in three Schuylkill River Trail communities: Phoenixville, Pottstown and Hamburg.

Schuylkill River Heritage Area Executive Director 

Silas Chamberlin, left, and grants program coordinator 

Tim Fenchel with their Star Award. 

The program’s signature yellow cruisers can be borrowed at no cost to anyone aged 16 or over providing a driver’s license or valid state ID.

“We are pleased to have this very successful program recognized by our partners,” said Schuylkill River Heritage Area Executive Director Silas Chamberlin. “Bike Schuylkill and Bike Pottstown not only encourage healthy lifestyles for people who ride on the Schuylkill River Trail, it also affords an alternative means of transportation. People borrow the bikes for doctors’ appointments, shopping and even job interviews.

In the “Planning” category, the “Walk and Bike Pottstown” program — which aims to improve walkability and bikability in Pottstown with Safe Routes to Schools and added bike lanes — was one of six award winners.

Communities in Motion also recognized Pottstown Assistant Borough Manager Erica Batdorf as the first ever “Sustainability Super Star” for her ongoing significant support of multiple sustainability projects in the Borough of Pottstown and beyond, including Walk & Bike Pottstown and Pottstown Area Rapid Transit.

MOSAIC Garden Director Laura Washington, with some

young visitors.

Batdorf, who is a board member of Communities in Motion, also gave a presentation at the award ceremony on the Walk and Bike Pottstown program.

* * *

It’s not just things in motion in Pottstown that have been recognized. An award was also provided to something that is very much rooted in one place.

Mosaic Community Gardens on Chestnut took home a Blue Ribbon at in this year’s Pennsylvania Horticulture Society’s Gardening and Greening Contest.

A blue ribbon and garden sign have been awarded to the gardens for its ability to motivate people to improve the quality of life and create a sense of community through horticulture in the category of Community Combination Garden.

PSMA Puts Pottstown Closer to New Stadium Lights

Photo by Evan Brandt

Pottstown Marching Band officers, form left, Manager Casey Mest, President Connor Benfield and Vice President Chloe Francis get ready to present a $1,500 donation to the Save the Lights Campaign at Pottstown High School.

Perhaps the most newsworthy thing that happened at the school board meeting Thursday night took shape while the school board was not even in the room.

Closeted in a meeting from which the public was excluded while the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit made a presentation on why they should be hired to find Pottstown a new superintendent in what was quite possibly a violation of the Open Meetings Law, students and officials from the Pottstown music program cooled their heels outside.

And they were there to give the school district money.

The money, $1,500, was a donation from the volunteer non-profit Pottstown Schools Music Association, to the Save the Lights campaign.

(Full disclosure, this blogger is a member of that august organization.)

Here is some video of the presentation:





Board member Polly Weand, who is in charge of the fund-raising effort, said she had some "secret news" she was not quite ready to share but that new lights for Grigg Memorial Field might be ready as soon as next year.

Superintendent Jeff Sparagana, also gave a sobering presentation on the high school's recent less-than-stellar School Performance Profile Score, and the board accepted the retirement notices of several high-level administration personnel.

You can read all about it in the Tweets below ....

13th Amendment Anniversary Celebrated in Washington by Vice President of Pottstown NAACP

U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello, R-6th Dist., with Johnathan Corson, vice president of the Pottstown Chapter of the NAACP, right, U.S. Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., and Paula Corson in Washington.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the office of U..S. Rep. Ryan Costello.

Congressman Ryan Costello recently welcomed Pottstown NAACP Vice President Jonathan Corson and his wife, Paula Corson, to Capitol Hill to attend the Congressional Commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the Ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment.

On Dec. 6, 1865, the states ratified the Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, affirming that “neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction." 

The amendment was adopted on Dec. 18, 1865.

The ceremony, held in Emancipation Hall in the United States Capitol Visitors Center, was hosted by Speaker Paul D. Ryan, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Democrat Senate Leader Harry Reid, and Democrat House Leader Nancy Pelosi. 

It was also attended by President Barack Obama, Members of the Congressional Black Caucus, Members of Congress, and African American community leaders from across the country.

(Click here for a link to video of the full ceremony)

Following the ceremony, Congressman Costello reflected on the importance of the Thirteenth Amendment: “Today, we celebrated the amendment that ushered in a ‘new birth of freedom’ and the opportunity for many to achieve a better life. As we were reminded during the ceremony, the Thirteenth Amendment is only 43 words long but is one of the most significant and powerful statements of our nation’s values. While I do often disagree with President Obama on policy matters, it was a historic occasion to be with Pottstown NAACP leaders as we watched the first African American President deliver remarks in Emancipation Hall at the Capitol Visitors Center commemorating passage of the Thirteenth Amendment. I was very proud to have Pottstown be a part of the ceremony given the many civil rights leaders who’ve called Pottstown home throughout its history.”

'Tis the Season for Concert Rudeness

Holiday concerts.

They're about as American as baseball and apple pie, and we are deep into the season now.

But there is a disturbing trend on display at these concerts that I have observed for years I can't let just continue to ignore and hope it gets better next year.

We're family Pottstown and sometimes we need family to tell us the truth.

We're rude, and it needs to stop.

Not exactly a devotee of Miss Manners, I'm usually willing to countenance a bit of rudeness. I mean, I worked for more than 10 years in a newsroom with the late Don Seeley. And I can tell you it's not like we were all sipping jasmine tea and nibbling crumpets on lace doilies at tea time.

But Don was also an unflinching advocate for kids, and if your behavior was ever interfering with student efforts to be and show off their best, he would be first in line to be call you on it; usually in print.

He's gone now, so I guess it's up to me to tell you that when it comes to Christmas concerts, excuse me, "Holiday Concerts," audience behavior needs some work.

Serious, serious work.

I was not at the choral concert Monday, so I can't speak to what happened there. But I can tell you that at last night's instrumental concert, I was embarrassed to be a Pottstown resident.

And I'm not sure I've ever said that before.

As a resident, normally, I stick up for this borough. Considering the additional load of challenging conditions it faces, I bristle at the smug attitude of people who live in their McMansions and say they "would never live in Pottstown."

That, all too often, has been an opportunity for me to be rude that I have not often resisted.

But there is no socio-economic condition that excuses rude behavior while students are performing. It's nobody's fault but ours and if we want to fix it, we have to face it.

You know its a problem when, as the above photo shows, your program has to tell you how to behave at a school concert.

People complain about government controlling their lives, but let's face it, when rules have to be posted, it's usually because we have not managed to govern ourselves and behaved as we should.

Friends of ours, who have the same complaint, made a bet with us Tuesday night about how long it would take the four of us to witness the violation of all nine rules (10 is a given) listed.

People, we didn't make it into double digits.

In previous years, I have resisted the temptation to write about this as I didn't want the focus to be on something negative about an event that ends with the entire audience singing Christmas carols together with the high school band.

It's actually one of my favorite parts of the holidays in Pottstown.

This is supposed to be the students' night; the teachers' night.

But Tuesday night made it clear to me too many in the audience felt it was their night: Their night to talk when the flue or clarinet ensemble was playing a delicate piece; their night to eat from noisy candy wrappers throughout an entire group's performance; their night to crinkle empty water or soda bottles; their night to refrain from disciplining a child who obviously did not want to be there, but was also obviously old enough to know better than to be frolicking noisily in the aisles during performances.

I fought very hard not to turn around and ask this Pottstown family: "Why are you here? It's obviously not to listen to student musicians."

One of the rules of concert etiquette asks that you "not leave as soon as your
child's portion of the concert is over," and I have silently carped about this behavior in the past. But last night I found myself devoutly wishing that this was not the one rule the family behind me would choose to observe.

Is this really the best we can do Pottstown?

Are we really so deeply descended into the increasingly self-indulgent society that America shows off to the world that we can't even keep it together for a few hours on a Tuesday night before Christmas?

For a student concert?

I can excuse infants. They are a constant and they were not built for long periods of quiescence in the dark while loud sounds prevail.

I can excuse kids in younger grades who trundle in during the later concerts, bearing their instruments, to find their parents after their performance is done to ask how they sounded.

That's what a school concert is all about, and I applaud their excitement and pride.

But most of us came to that concert to hear music -- students playing music.

We did not come to experience the circus, and that includes the family circus.

If we want to see the circus, we'll buy tickets and go.

But if you want to BE the circus, do it somewhere other than the school concert. That's what backyards and living rooms are for.

Leave your drama at home. There's already more than enough in school buildings.

I recognize that as a town that rose to proud prominence on the back of back-breaking industry, "High Society" is not how Pottstown made its name.

But the generations that worked in those factories; who worked at Doehlers, at Bethlehem Steel, at Mrs. Smith's Pies; that generation knew how to sit still for a school concert.

They knew how to be respectful enough of the people who were teaching their children to remain quiet during the performances that featured their very own children and their neighbors' children.

And frankly, that generation of people would have taken a sizable portion of the audience at Tuesday night's concert out behind the woodshed and explained the basics of common decency and consideration for others in terms not likely to be forgotten had they been sitting where I was sitting Tuesday.

They would have been ashamed to see how Pottstown was behaving.

Now maybe its the same at other school district concerts. I don't pretend to know and I don't particularly care.

I live in Pottstown and I say we can do better.

Toroney Says Goodbye, Thanks 'Most Valued Pottstownians,' Takes Veiled Shot at Ex-Councilman

Monday night was a night for closure in Pottstown politics.

The $59 million budget was adopted, a budget that does not raise taxes.

The 10.311 mill tax rate was adopted.

Police were promoted; the police chief, police captain and borough manager were all given raises.

And Steve Toroney, outgoing Pottstown Borough Council President, finally had his final say.

Here is the first 21 minutes, before my phone filled up, but I got most of it:




The quick review is Toroney thanked those he appreciated, left out those he chose not to thank, and saved particular "thanks" for bloggers, and other social media types who called for him to be fired.

He singled out a particular former councilman who resigned just months into a second term and is known for saying "fight when you're right" for special "thanks."

However, even after the meeting, Toroney declined to specify who he meant, perhaps cognizant of the threat, or rather "promise" he made in his speech; that once his is no longer a public official, all those "Fire Toroney" signs around Pottstown could be the subject of harassment charges.

His speech aside, there were other newsworthy events -- like a $3,600 raise for Borough Manager Mark Flanders and a presentation about a farmer's market planned to open in Pottstown this spring.

Yup, it was a busy meeting, and it all awaits you amid the Tweets, links and other YouTube videos that await those bold enough to wade into the Storify down below.

Twelve Twenty-Four at SunnyBrook Friday

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by SunnyBrook Ballroom.

Twelve Twenty-Four will bring their high energy, full-scale, holiday rock orchestra concert to the northeast for the fourteenth consecutive year at SunnyBrook on Friday, Dec. 18th. 

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The show begins at 7 p.m.

Their performances feature the music of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, as well as their own holiday creations. With a total of fourteen performers, which includes a six-piece rock band, three-piece string section, and a variety of seven vocalists, Twelve Twenty-Four brings the magic of Christmas alive at each show.

This year’s show will feature songs from their albums, "Light in the Dark" and "Miracle on Rock Street;" as well as everyone’s favorite Trans-Siberian Orchestra songs.

Established in 2002, Twelve Twenty-Four performs its Christmas music with a theatrical, rock edge and combines it with a musical storyline to create a holiday show suitable for fans of all ages. 

As the Mid-Atlantic region’s original and longest running recreation of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Twelve Twenty-Four is making a name for itself and has far-reaching goals.

A delicious holiday dinner buffet from our new menu is included with your ticket. Bring your family and friends and make this a special Christmas tradition.

Reservations are required. Tickets will not be available at the door. 

Blogger's Other Note: The price range remains a mystery given that SunnyBrook provided no range  and their web site requires you to pick seats before knowing how much they are, so approach with hand firmly on wallet...

Christmas Comes Early for Coleberookdale Railroad

Maybe Santa's bag was too full, or maybe a new train car or a big donation wouldn't fit inside, but Christmas has come early to the Colebrookdale Railroad according to two recent announcements.

First, the big check: 

The Francesco A. Mascaro Charitable Trust recently awarded the Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust a $10,000 grant. The funds will be put toward the restoration of a first-class parlor car slated for completion in early 2016, similar to the one show in the above photo.

"This gift demonstrates the uncommon commitment the Mascaro Family has made not just to our railroad, but the communities the railroad is working to revitalize," said Nathaniel Guest, executive director of the non-profit organization restoring the Civil War-era Colebrookdale Railroad. "

"We are exceedingly grateful to the Mascaro's for their generous support and the people of our communities are blessed to have them,” he said.

Nathaniel Guest, executive director of the Colebrookdale Railroad

Preservation Trust, jobs alongside Car 2001 as it arrives in Boyertown.

Now for the big car:

A 101-year old Pullman smoking coach built for the Maine Central Rialroad was donated to the Colebrookdale Railroad and recently arrived in Boyertown on the back of a very large truck.

The Titanic had been at the bottom of the sea just two years when the Colebrookdale Railroad’s newest addition was built. 

Car 2001 spent its life in the majestic White Mountains of New Hampshire.

“The car is a now- very rare example of a once ubiquitous design for the first generation of steel train cars, making its preservation a worthy goal and its value as restored immeasurable,” said Guest. 

The car was donated to the trust, the non-profit restoring the Colebrookdale Railroad. It will be stabilized and stored as funds are raised for its restoration. 

“It needs work, but it’s remarkably complete for a 101-year-old,” said Guest. “I wish we had it in service right now, as we need the capacity, but good things take time — and this will be a very good thing when completed.”

The car travelled on a truck through New Hampshire and Vermont, then to Albany, Oneonta, and Binghamton, New York, crossing into Pennsylvania with a stop in Scranton.

Support the Trust by making a donation at www.colebrookdalerailroad.com.

And you can see Santa on the Colebrookdale today and every day from next Saturday through Dec. 23.

Sip complementary hot cocoa or enjoy Christmas cookies and sing favorite carols as the Secret Valley passes by your window. Santa brings a gift for every child, and every child has an opportunity to give their Christmas letter to him (they even provide the crayons!) 

Opt to have your photo taken with Santa and it will be printed out for you on-board! New for this year, all trains stop at Secret Santa Village, where families can choose their Christmas tree. They will even load it on the train for you.

The railroad is also offering 'Twas the Night Before Christmas rides evenings from Thursday, Dec. 18 through Dec. 23. 

These special evening trains bring the storybook magic of the season to life.

Families are invited to ride in their pajamas and sip complimentary hot cocoa as T'was the Night Before Christmas is read.. 

Also, enjoy Christmas music and the comfort of our Edwardian-era cars as the holiday lights of the Secret Valley roll past your window. 

Rumor has it Santa himself may appear with a gift for every child. Opt to have a photo taken with Santa and they'll print it out for you on-board.

Click here to buy tickets. Some rides are already sold out.

And who knows, maybe it will even snow for your ride on the Colebrookdale.

Holiday Luminaria at Lock 60 Tonight

The Schuylkill Canal and Lock 60 in Mont Clare lit by luminaria.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Schuylkill Canal Association
Celebrate the holidays with the Schuylkill Canal Association and join them for the Holiday Luminaria, tonight, from 6 to 9 p.m.. This magnificent holiday light show will be held along the Schuylkill Canal up to Lock 60 and the Locktender’s House in Mont Clare just across the river from Phoenixville,.

See one of the most beautiful sights of the season as you observe well over a thousand luminary candles reflecting on the canal waterway.

Towpath Road will be lined with candles from the Mont Clare Bridge / Rt. 29, all the way to Lock 60 and surrounding the Locktender’s House.

 Beginning at dusk, the candles are lit for a spectacular display. If there is a mist or light snowfall the scene is even more beautiful.

The Locktender’s House; built in 1836, will be decorated for the holidays with natural greens and ribbons under soft light throughout the house. 

 Meadowlark, a husband and wife duo playing their fiddle and mandolin, strum soft holiday music inside the house for all to enjoy.

All are welcome to visit and partake in the festivities of the evening.

Holiday treats and beverages will be shared with all as they toast friends with best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season.

SCA will be offering a limited number of pre-assembled, ready-to-go, luminary bags for a minimal donation for visitors to take home for their use along their sidewalks. The suggested donation is $1 bag or $5 for six bags. 

Each bag will contain all the necessary materials; bag, sand and an eight hour votive candle, so all you will need to do is set up in an appropriate area and light. 

SCA volunteers will be stationed at the Locktender’s House ready to assist you with your order.

Parking is available at Lock 60, candles will light the way to the Locktender’s House and two handicapped spaces are available at the house.

No admission fee is charged however donations will be gladly accepted. 

Only a steady downpour of rain cancels the event. The site address is: Lock 60 on the Schuylkill Navigation or 400 Towpath Road, Mont Clare, PA 19453. 

For more information and directions, call SCA at 610-917-0021, via email at info@schuylkillcanal.com, or visit the web atwww.schuylkillcanal.org.

Pottsgrove Manor by Candlelight Sunday

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

The Pottsgrove Manor by Candlelight Tour will 

feature colonial music played on historical instruments

Revel in the spirit of the season at historic Pottsgrove Manor for the annual
Pottsgrove Manor by Candlelight Open House Sunday, from 2 to 8 p.m.

The public is invited to take a self-guided tour of the elegant 1752 manor house, where costumed interpreters will depict the colonial residents of Pottsgrove Manor.

As visitors make their way through the house, they will hear the strains of music played on historical instruments, see English country dancing, catch a whiff of the delicious smells in the kitchen as historical cook Deborah Peterson prepares authentic dishes at the open hearth and enjoy the beauty of the mansion lit by candlelight and bedecked with greenery.

Examples of colonial treats John Potts would have served.

Complimentary refreshments of hot spiced cider, colonial-style chocolate drink and cookies will be served at the end of the house tour.

Also, young visitors will be able to make free seasonal crafts to take home.

After exploring the house, guests may visit the museum shop for unique, historically-oriented gifts like locally made redware pottery and ornaments, reproduction glassware, handcrafted candles and soaps, along with books, toys and games.

Outside the manor house, built by Pottstown founder and ironmaster John Potts, the courtyard will be filled with the sounds of historic carols sung by colonial revelers (performing from 2 to 5 p.m.) while warming themselves by a bonfire.

The manor house will also be featured as a stop on the Pottstown Historical

English country dancing will also be on display Sunday.

House Tour, held that same evening at historic homes throughout the borough and requires the purchase of tickets.

However, a donation of $2 per person is all that is suggested for the Pottsgrove Manor event, which will be held weather permitting. No reservations are necessary.

Visitors are asked to park in the Carousel at Pottstown, 30 W. King St., or at Memorial Park, 75 W. King St.; a shuttle will transport visitors to and from Pottsgrove Manor throughout the event.

Handicapped parking is available in the museum's parking lot.

It looks too good to eat doesn't it? It is, these are not for

visitors to consume, but for display only.

Even if you can't make it Sunday, know that the house will remain decorated for the holidays in colonial fashion through Jan. 10.

Twelfth Night Mansion Tours are offered during regular museum hours, Tuesday through  Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Tours are given on the hour with the last tour beginning at 3 p.m. Groups of 10 or more should pre-register by calling 610-326-4014.

Pottsgrove Manor is closed Mondays and Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

Pottsgrove Manor is located at 100 W. King St., near the intersection with Route 100, just north of the interchange with Route 422.

It 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, call 610-326-4014 or visit the web site at www.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor and like their page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pottsgrovemanor