Sometimes, Some Things Have to Take a Back Seat

The entire staff of The Digital Notebook blog will be out of the office for the next couple of days and blog posts may be spotty.

That means there will be no posts about the Monday, May 8 borough council meeting, or the Tuesday, May 9 Pottsgrove School Board meeting.

It's sad, we know, but some things just have to be done and this is one of them.

Hopefully, this advance warning will not result in any shenanigans, but we'll all just have to take that chance.

We will be checking in with email and may have an opportunity to put up an occasional posting, but we wanted to warn you that your daily dose of digital doings will be doubtful, delayed or just downright undone.

In the meantime, get out there and enjoy a spring day, get away from a screen and re-connect with people face to face.

But don't be gone too long.

We'll return soon.

Building a Better Foundation in Pottstown Education

From left, Joe Rusiewicz, Tracey Brown, Barbara Bushey Ernico, Sue Bradley Trout, Virginia Frantz and Charlie Palladino were on hand for the presentation of a $10,000 check to the Foundation for Pottstown Education. 

Whether its paying for students to take Advance Placement Exams, launching students into college careers with a year under their belt, or supporting science education, the Foundation for Pottstown Education has been busy this spring

Most recently the foundation received $15,000 in contributions from two different sources.

Dana Incorporated, Pottstown location made a $5,000 contribution to the Foundation for Pottstown Education supporting their initiatives to the education of the students in the district.

Plant Manager, Danny Aaron and Environmental Health and Safety Manager Jason Pregel were on hand to present the check to Foundation Board President, Tracy Brown.

In presenting the check Aaron stated that it was in recognition of the work that the Foundation is doing to promote education and specifically in the area of science education.

Each year, the Dana Foundation allocates funds to each of their plants tasking them with selection

From left, Jason Pregel, Tracey Brown and Danny Aaron from Dana.

of local not-for-profits as the recipients of the funding and the Foundation for Pottstown Education was one of the organizations selected by the Dana plant in Pottstown to receive the funds this year.

On April 27, the foundation got another financial shot in the arm, thanks to the efforts of the Pottstown High School Class of 1967,

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the class along with the Montgomery Community Foundation and an anonymous donor presented the Foundation with a check for $10,000 in support of the Early College Program.

Called Pottstown Promise, the program which provides scholarships for Pottstown High School students to take college courses in their junior and senior years at Montgomery County Community College.

The fund’s remaining $10,000 is a permanent fund that will produce income for special education projects of the Pottstown schools.

Preparing for their 50th Class Reunion in 2017, classmates of Pottstown High School Class of 1967 began to raise money for a class gift. They decided to establish The PHS Alumni Fund at The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. 

A total of $20,000 has been now been raised through the efforts of members of PHS Class of 1967 for the PHS Alumni Fund. The first $10,000 was raised from classmates.

The $10,000 check was presented to the Foundation Board President Tracey Brown and Executive Director, Joe Rusiewicz at the Board’s April meeting.

Class members Barbara Bushey Ernico and Sue Bradley Trout were on hand to present the check along with Montgomery Community Foundation’s Executive Director, Virginia Frantz.

And if you were wondering where that money goes, look no further than this month's AP exams.

When Pottstown High School counselors were asking when they received notice that the funding which was previously awarded to the students to pay the costs of taking AP exams was cut this year and would not be available, Guidance Counselor, Amanda Scholwinski applied to the Foundation for Pottstown Education for a grant to cover this shortfall.

The Foundation’s Board of Directors unanimously approved this grant for $5,400. ensuring more than 100 students the ability to take the tests and possibly earn college credit before they enter the college of their choice.

AP exams are college-level tests administered by The College Board (makers of the SAT).

Students may take tests in one or more subjects. The AP courses and exams can help put students on the fast track to a college degree, giving them the chance to earn college credit while still in high school—not to mention strengthening their college applications.

According to research by The College Board, students who take AP courses do better in college than those who don’t. In fact, students who take AP exams in high school are 62 percent more likely to graduate from college in four years, and avoid having to pay for extra semesters. 

Because they are more challenging and require more work than regular high school classes, AP courses help students prepare for the rigors of college coursework.

The tests are taken by in May with results given to the students in July. The tests have two parts, multiple choices and a free response essay. 

How well the student score on these test help individual schools determine whether the students receive college credit, advanced placements or both. 

The Foundation for Pottstown Education is a not for profit organization that raises funds to help support opportunities for the students in the Pottstown School District.

These funds are raised through grants, corporate and individual gifts as well as the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program through the State’s Department of Community and Economic Development. The EITC program enables approved businesses the opportunity to make a donation to an approved not for profits in exchange for a 75-90 percent tax credit.

Police/Employee Awards and Historic Renovation

Photos by Evan  Brandt

Police Chief Richard Drumheller, left, and Mayor Sharon  Thomas, right, congratulate canine officer Jeffrey Portock after being announced as the 2016 Police Officer of the Year Wednesday night.

The awards were flying fast and furious Wednesday night, almost as furious as Council Dennis Arms's temper ...

Although you might expect the Police Officer and Borough Employee of the Year awards to be given out in January, or December, in Pottstown the day is May 3.

Dan Weand, left, and Mark Flanders congratulate

Luis Colon, the borough's first-ever Employee of the Year.

Officer Jeffrey Portock, whose exploits in 2016 were outlined in a proclamation read by Mayor
Sharon Thomas, was singled out for his bravery and his competence during the past year.

And while Pottstown has named an officer of the year, well for years, 2017 marks the first time it has also named an Employee of the Year among its non-uniformed personnel.

And that honor went to Luis Colon, a wastewater treatment plant operator who, according to Borough Manager Mark Flanders is always pleasant, helpful and busy.

But they were not done yet.

In addition to an Officer of the Year, and an Employee of the Year, borough leaders also handed out one of its occasional Lifesaving Awards.

This one went to Pottstown Police Sgt. Michael Ponto who, on Oct. 13, stayed with a shooting victim, who had been shot several times in the groin and was found bleeding near the intersection of York and E. High Streets.

Sgt, Michael Ponto's lifesaving actions are applauded during

Wednesday night's Pottstown Borough Council Meeting

The shots were dangerously close to the victim's and he likely would have bled to death before Goodwill Ambulance personnel arrived had Ponto not retrieved his first aid kit and applied pressure to the wounds.

However, the victim survived thanks to his efforts.

When the awards were over and the room thinned out, the yelling began.

Well, perhaps I exaggerate. How about, "the spirited exclamations of the councilman from the fourth ward."

That's Dennis Arms for those of you who don't know.

He first got exercised after Greg Lingo, a developer with Rockwell Development, unveiled plans to convert the old brick shirt factory at Cherry and South Charlotte streets into market-rate condominiums.

It was not the proposal that got Arms worked up. He thinks the idea is a great one.

What got him going was that the first reaction was not relief, or thanks but questions about parking.

The former shirt factory Rockwell Development Group wants  to
spend 

$2 million renovating into market-rate condominiums.

"I can't believe we're worried about parking!" he shouted. "That building has been vacant for 40 years and here's a guy who wants to spend $2 million fixing it up, and you're talking about parking!"

Council eventually found its manners and welcomed the developers, who are already familiar with Pottstown, to the borough.

"Thank you for investing in our town," said Arms.

Later, council again discussed a subject Arms and raised at last month's meeting -- the idea of eliminating wards in Pottstown and having all council members be elected "at large."

Solicitor Charles D. Garner Jr. reported that the law prohibits it being brought to referendum, and puts the decision in council's hands. It can either eliminate the wards, or make five wards instead of seven and make two of the seats at-large seats.

When council expressed what might be charitably called its ambivalence to the idea, Arms exploded again.

"Why did we go through this puppet show if you all knew you didn't want to change anything," Arms fumed. "We're wasting Chuck's time and we pay for that time."

"There's nothing wrong with wanting more information," said Mayor Sharon Thomas.

In that vein, Arms raised another point Wednesday which actually got some traction. He suggested that the public be allowed to see the background information that council members get to go along with their agenda before each meeting.

With the obvious exception of things which are not public documents, such as personnel or attorney/client privileged information, council agreed and Flanders said it could be done.

So look for that on the borough web site soon.

But it may not be enough for Arms, who later in the evening posted on Facebook that he wonders if he wants to serve on council for another two years.

Anyway, enough about all that, here are the Tweets!

Second Arts Walk Saturday Will Be Full of Fun

Following up on the success of the first (snowy) Pottstown ArtsWalk in January, the next installment will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2017 from 12 to 9 p.m.

Organizations, businesses and restaurants in Pottstown come together for a day full of fun and food.

Click here to get your free ticket for the event.

By registering for your free ticket, you will receive great discount coupons for local restaurants and also be entered to win some fabulous door prizes!


(Parking note: The Pottstown Classic Car show is also on May 6. Please pay attention to signs if you park on High St., as they close off several blocks starting at 4 pm.)

Here are the locations and events for the day:

Craig Clemens Jazz Trio

• ArtFusion 19464: 254 E. High St. -- will be showcasing the Keystone Dreams art show from 12 to 6 p.m. Presented by Philadelphia Creatives for Change, the show will feature work symbolizing a version of the artist’s Pennsylvania, whether a dream, reality, or in between. Keystone Dreams: Dreaming of a Better Pennsylvania will be on display in the main gallery through May 19. On the second floor, a special art sale fundraiser will be held. A wide variety of pieces from framed artwork to prints and 3D work will be available for immediate purchase. All proceeds benefit the non-profit community art center. As a special thank you for stopping by, every visitor to ArtFusion 19464 during the walk will take home a free, limited edition print from our Signature Series, featuring important aspects of Pottstown’s past.
• The High Street Music Company: 135 E. High St. -- From 2 to 4 p.m, The Craig Clemens Jazz Trio will be performing various swing, funk, blues, and Latin jazz standards.  This free event is recommended for all ages.
• Pottstown Community Arts: Corner of King and Manatawny streets -- Community art project
  
  will create a  “Welcome to Pottstown” sign. They will be priming a giant concrete barrier on the corner of Manatawny and King Streets during the Arts Walk. Stop by, grab a paint brush, and paint the town white with us. This free community art project is fun for all ages and will run from 2 to 6 p.m.
• MCCC North Hall Gallery: 16 High St. -- students paint, draw, sculpt, and design amazing creations, which will be on display in the gallery at North Hall, part of Montgomery County Community College’s West Campus. Visitors can tour the beautiful gallery at their leisure and check out the latest works by talented student artists. 12-6 p.m. Family-friendly, free event.
• Steel River Playhouse: 245 High St. -- Free ukele lessons will be in the lobby, a display of original artwork, tours of the theater, chaperones views of sitzprobe and rehearsal of upcoming production of The Little Mermaid. 12 to 6 p.m. Free and family friendly!
• Carousel at Pottstown: 30 W. King St. -- Organizers would love to have visitors stop in and take a spin. Admission is free, parking is free, and rides are only $2. And while there, enjoy some refreshment at the beautifully restored 1865 horse drawn Trolley snack bar and try your luck on some of our arcade games. 2 to 4 p.m. All ages. $2 per ride or 3 rides for $5 (Concessions and t-shirts are also available for sale.)
• MCCC West Campus: (In Smith Family Plaza) 100 E. High St. -- from 2 to 6 p.m the college will celebrate 20 years in Pottstown with local eats, and local live music; musical artists including Jordan White, Hexwork, Madam Ink, Another Day Dawns, and Red Hill Rambler. As a special trear, Star Wars Rogue One screening at will be held at 4 p.m. Come dressed as your favorite Star Wars character for prize.
• Pottstown Regional Public Library: 500 E. High St. -- Stop by the Book Nook to peruse the
  
  selection of books for sale and buy a ticket for the handmade quilt being raffled off at the September book sale. 2 to 4 p.m.
• Azie Pop-Up Restaurant: 107 E. High St. -- From 5 to 9 p.m, @107 will be hosting a pop up event for Azie, a new restaurant coming to Pottstown in 2018. Guests can sample the work of Azie’s chef Kazuyuki Mitsui and get a taste of things to come. The pre fixe menu is $35 per person and guests are encourage to BYOB. You must make a reservation by clicking on this link here.
• Weitzenkorn's: 145 E. high St. -- From 12 to 4 p.m, Weitzenkorn’s will be showcasing artwork from two local artists. This family-friendly event is free. Titled "Ancillary Aesthetics," the show features 2-D works that help to bridge the gap between the counter culture and high society. Furthering the effort to prove that beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder. Artist Featured: Adam Weitzenkorn – co/owner of Weitzenkorn’s in Pottstown, and graduate of the School of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. Kyle Dietz – Graduate of Kutztown universities Art Program, with a Major in Education. Also is currently a professional tattoo artist in Phoenixville.
• Smith Family Plaza: 100 E. High St. -- Take a self-guided tour of the wonderful sculpture in this beautiful space right by Borough Hall. The sculptures in the Smith Family Plaza were done by sculptor Eric Berg, a graduate of The Hill School.

Lower Pottsgrove Police Kudos and Sanatoga Green

Photos by Evan Brandt

Lower Pottsgrove Township Commissioner Ray Lopez shows one side of the township police commemorative medallion now being presented with police and citizen awards.

Police news was front and center Monday night as the Lower Pottsgrove Township Commissioners gathered for their first meeting of the month.

Police Chief Michael Foltz recognized Sgt. Scott Weidenhammer and his wife Vicki for all they did to ensure that the police department received its re-accreditation.

Lower Pottsgrove is one of about 110 law enforcement agencies out of 1,100 across the state that have achieved accreditation through the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police — Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission.

First accredited in 2014, the department must meet the 133 standards every three years to remain in good standing and Weidenhammer was in charge of that effort, as well as his other duties.

Commissioners Stephen Klotz and Earl Swavely, left and right,

applaud as Chief Mike Foltz congratulates Sgt. Scott
Weidenhammer 

and his wife Vicki for their work on
the re-accreditation of the police department.

"There are a number of times when he was in here working on that when it was not his shift," said Foltz. He added that when the committee is here for its inspection, if was Weidenhammer and his wife who acted as hosts, with Vicki providing some home cooking as well as other support.

"We are certainly not the biggest department in the state to be accredited, but the fact that we are, and were re-confirmed shows the professionalism of this department," said Commissioner Earl Swavely, himself a former police chief.

"It's not any easier three years later," said Commissioners Vice Chairman Stephen Klotz.

Weidenhammer was presented with a commendation and his wife with a citizens award and both received the commemorative medallion the township had made up for police-related awards.

Next up was Sgt. William James, who wanted to thank the commissioners for the opportunity to attend the FBI National Academy, particularly given that only about 1 percent of those who apply are accepted.

Lower Pottsgrove Police Sgt. William James addresses
the township commissioners about the FBI Academy.

During his 10 weeks at the academy, James completed 30 hours of coursework in fitness in law enforcement and 45 hours each in courses including effective writing, public speaking, employment law issues for law enforcement executives, essentials for law enforcement leaders and law enforcement approaches to counter terrorism.

He said the difficulty of the work is the equivalent or a graduate school-level course.

Foltz also detailed a busy April for the department which included a DUI stop that netted several arrests, including a. weapons charge, to a vandalism spree in Rolling Hills and Walnut Ridge housing complexes on Easter weekend, in which one officer was nearly hit with a thrown battery.

In the another item of frequent discussion in the township building, Pottsgrove Schools Business Manager David Nester was on hand to provide the commissioners with the demographic study the district had delivered recently.

It told a much different tale of how many new students two large housing developments on tap in the township -- Sanatoga Green and Spring Valley Farms -- might generate.

The upshot, "the numbers are conservative but about twice what the developer predicted," Nester said.

Pottsgrove Schools Business Manager Dave Nester, right,

outlines the results of the district's latest demographic study.

He was informed by Chad Camburn, one of the township's engineers from Burshich Assoc., that Spring Valley Farms is contemplating changing its plan from two-story family homes to single story ranches marketed toward homeowners over 50, which would reduce the number of children the district would have to accommodate.

"That's much appreciated," Nester replied.

Camburn also said the number of townhomes in the Sanatoga Green project has bee reduced slightly, but that the developers there are pushing very hard to move the process forward.

He said last month he and the township received 12 submissions from Castle Caldecott LLC. "They're being very cooperative, but they're anxious. Hopefully, after they get preliminary approval, they'll take a breath," he said.

Camburn also said that between Sanatoga Green, a commercial property being proposed for the adjacent property, and the development of commercial property adjacent to the Turkey Hill on East High Street, that PennDOT, Limerick and Lower Pottsgrove are ready to back a regional traffic study for the entire Sanatoga Route 422 interchange area.

Look to future reports in The Mercury for more on these items.

In the meantime, here are the ever-lovin' Tweets!

NAACP President to Speak at Bethel Anniversary

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by Bethel Community Church of Pottstown.

 In celebration of its Second Anniversary, Bethel Community Church of Pottstown will welcome Dr. Cornell William Brooks, CEO and President of the NAACP.

During the celebration, the congregation will honor Reverend Dr. Vernon Ross, Jr on his secnd Anniversary as Pastor and Founder of the Church. The Theme is “Living the Vision”.

Cornell William Brooks is the 18th President and CEO of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

 As a civil rights attorney, social justice advocate, fourth generation ordained minister, and coalition builder, Brooks exemplifies the mission of the NAACP to secure political, educational, social and economic equality for all American citizens. 

Working with the whole of the NAACP, his vision is an NAACP that is multiracial, multiethnic, multigenerational, and millions of members strong.

A graduate of Head Start and Yale Law School, Brooks considers himself “an heir” of the Brown v. Board of Education decision. Born in El Paso, TX, and raised in Georgetown, SC, he went on to earn a B.A. with honors in political science from Jackson State University, a Master of Divinity from Boston University School of Theology, where he was a Martin Luther King Jr. Scholar; and a J.D. from Yale Law School, where he served as senior editor of the Yale Law Journal and member of the Yale Law and Policy Review.

Brooks served a judicial clerkship with then-Chief Judge Sam J. Ervin III on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. He also worked as a staff attorney for the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and as Executive Director of the Fair Housing Council of Greater Washington. 

In 1998, honoring his grandfather’s 1946 bid for Congress, Brooks ran as the Democratic Nominee for Congress for Virginia’s 10th District – advocating for public education, affordable healthcare, and fiscal responsibility.

Immediately prior to joining the NAACP, Brooks led the Newark-based New Jersey Institute for Social Justice as president and CEO. Within a mere five years, the Institute passed a constitutional amendment, bail reform, “Ban the Box,” foreclosure reform, and prison re-entry legislation, which The New York Times hailed as “a model for the rest of the nation.”  

Brooks also produced an award-winning documentary on criminal justice.

“We are honored to welcome Dr. Brooks and to celebrate the Second Anniversary of the Founding of Bethel Community Church of Pottstown” says Dr. Vernon Ross, Jr., Pastor and Founder.

Founded Feb. 12. 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest, largest and most widely recognized grassroots-based civil rights organization. 

Its more than half-million members and supporters throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, campaigning for equal opportunity and conducting voter mobilization.

Founded May 3, 2015, Bethel Community Church of Pottstown is a Christ-centered, Bible-based, non-denominational, multicultural, multigenerational Church with a mission to welcome and embrace all people and committed to the community.

The Curtain Closes on Another (Last) Music Season

Crappy photos by Evan Brandt

The Pottstown High School Jazz Band performs at the school's Instrumental Spring Recital Thursday.

Yes, I know.

I said these videos and photos would be posted Saturday and its Sunday. Turns out there are only 24 hours in a day.

Besides, now you get the added advantage of videos of the Pottsgrove High School Jazz Band performing at the Cavalcade of Bands Jazz Championships in Chichester Friday as a bonus.

Senior Kyke Kratzer, who I am now told will pursue a career
in music technology at Millersville, NOT music education,
thanks Pottstown Band Director Mike Vought for four years
of fun and music.

(I did not shoot videos of Pottstown because I shot them at the spring concert the day before.)

As the father of a senior, and many of you out there know what I mean, Spring is a season of "lasts." The "last spring concert," the "last jazz band championships," the "last time I yell at you for sleeping too late."

You know how it goes.

The Pottstown High School Jazz Band performs
at the Championships at Chichester High School.

It seems that it tends to take on extra weight with the seniors, who are looking ahead to new horizons.

For teachers, it seems to be the end of a cycle they have experienced time and time again.

For parents, it is a milepost we will never pass again and one which inevitably has us looking backward.

But I will spare you those reflections. You're here to see videos. So here they are:

Pottstown Senior Casey Mest performs his solo on 

baritone sax at the Jazz Championships.

Herein you will find four of the five tunes played by the Pottstown High School Jazz Band during the spring concert and two of the four compositions played by the Concert Band.

I'm afraid my phone does not have enough space to have recorded performances by the clarinet and flute ensembles. (Sorry Mrs. Mest.)

The Pottstown High School Concert Band stands at the end of their concert Thursday.

You will also find three tunes performed by the Pottsgrove Jazz Band at the championships, which, by the way, stretched on until midnight and I did not stay to see final results.

 (Although I do know senior Kyle Kratzer won yet another solo award and Pottstown earned a rating of "Outstanding. And Pottsgrove earned a "Superior" rating although I do not know if they received, or any other awards. If you know, please email me at ebrandt@pottsmerc.com and I will add them to this post.)

Anyway, TO THE VIDEOS!



Next up was a new number: "Hurricane Season:"



Followed by "West Coast Blues:"



The Jazz Banded ended with "Hit the Bricks:"


Then the Concert Band came out and played four numbers. Here is the third:


And, as they traditionally do, the Concert Band ended the night with a salute to the five armed services, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard.



And now, on to the Cavalcade Championships and Pottsgrove's performance at Chichester which, I must say, is a terribly inconvenient place to get to from Pottstown.

The Pottsgrove High School Jazz Band stands at the end of their performance in Chichester.

They followed with the obligatory slow number:

 f

And finally, the big finish!



The Pottstown concert season may be over, but the Pottsgrove season is just getting started.

Here are the dates and locations:

• 5/2/17 - High School & Middle School Orchestra Spring Concert @ 7:30 pm - High School
• 5/4/17 - Middle School Band & Handbell Spring Concert @ 7:30 pm - Middle School
• 5/8/17 - Elementary Beginning and Advanced Orchestra Spring Concert @ 7:30 pm - Middle School
• 5/11/17 - High School Band Spring Concert @ 7:30 pm - High School
• 5/13/17 - Lower Pottsgrove Elementary Art Show & 5th Grade Musical @ 7:30 pm 
• 5/15/17 - Lower Pottsgrove Elementary Beginning & Advanced Band Spring Concert @ 7:30 pm - Middle School
• 5/18/17 - Middle School Choral Spring Concert @ 7:30 pm - Middle School
• 5/24/17 - High School Choral Spring Concert @ 7:30 pm - High School

And so another music season goes by the boards and the seniors head off to their next chapter.

I will confess that without having a child in the schools, I cannot guarantee I will continue to perform this service, particularly as it costs money because I ain't paid to do it and each performances has an admission fee.

Hopefully others will share their videos with me, in which case I would be more than happy to share them with you.