Will YMCA Take Over West Pottsgrove Pool? Maybe

It's been more than a year since anyone swam in the West Pottsgrove Community Pool.

It's that time of the year when the perennial West Pottsgrove question -- "will anyone run the township's community pool?" -- is asked.

And, as usual, the answer is: "maybe."

In attempt to make something good out of something bad, Permanent Pool Promoter (and township commissioner) Pete LaRosa, saw something good coming out of the pending closure of the Pottstown YMCA next month.

Although there are many in the community not ready to give up that ghost, LaRosa realized the YMCA could burnish its image by offering up a pool experience given that the two pools inside the North Adams building will soon be closed up inside.

But the deal is not done yet.

Township Manager Craig Lloyd told the commissioners last night that folks from the YMCA visited the pool this week and want some time to consider taking over its operation during the summer season.

Chairman Steve Miller hoped to force the issue a bit by asking for a decision by the end of the month, but the other commissioners said there is no point in rushing it since, in the past, the pool has opened late and could again.

On a technical note, this month we say goodbye to the extraordinarily useful program, Storify, which I used to gather the Tweets from meetings, as well as links to stories and videos.

Unwilling to give up and deprive you, dear reader, of the invaluable experience of reading a bunch of Tweets in order, I slaved through the night, working feverishly until figured out a way to create something similar -- and something I can embed here in the blog -- on Twitter itself.

It's a function called "Twitter Moments" (not that you care.)

But after some weeping and gnashing of teeth, I think I have the swing of things now, and the mighty Digital Notebook blog can continue rolling along as before without a single's day's loss of service.

All of which is by way of long-winded introduction to be able to once again say -- "here are the Tweets from the meeting:"


West Pottsgrove Commissioners Meeting

Pottstown Sophomore Takes 1st in Speech Contest

Logan Ruyak, at right, beat these four competitors at the

Rotary Club district 4-Way Test Speech contest in Reading.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Pottstown Rotary Club

Logan Ruyak, a sophomore at Pottstown High School, placed first in the 4-Way Test speech contest on April 28, at the 2018 Rotary District-7430 Conference in Reading.

Logan’s first insight just seconds into her speech was that for all of the existing rules and explanation of the 4-Way test, it simply comes down to “how to separate right from wrong”.

Under contest rules, contestants are free to select any topic upon which to base their five- to seven-minute speech. Logan selected the divisiveness of political parties, which she took on with the focus and wisdom in an analysis well beyond her years.

Her choice of topic and comments resounded well among the 300 members, friends and guests of Rotary who were in the audience.

Logan’s competed against juniors and seniors on Saturday, with their topics as varied as climate change and educational inequality. 

The 2018 competition began in March with 100 students from 30 high schools, sponsored by 27 local Rotary clubs in the Rotary district comprising a large area in eastern Pennsylvania.

Logan and Pottstown Rotary member Mike Sloane, 

who coordinated the contest.

While awaiting results after the presentation, Logan publicly thanked her home room teacher in Pottstown, Diane Fox, for encouraging her participation in the contest. 

Fox and members of Logan’s family were then on hand to witness and congratulate the student on the winner announcement. 

Mike Sloane, the Pottstown Rotary Club’s coordinator for the contest, said that “Logan’s professional poise and demeaner already guarantee her success in whatever field she chooses. We are Pottstown Proud of Logan.” 

In addition to sponsoring the winning student, Mike Bright, President of the local Pottstown Rotary Club noted that the Pottstown Club stands out among the other 26 participating clubs “as the only local club sponsoring competitors from three high schools with Pottstown, Pottsgrove, and the Hill School.”

The Rotary International ethics test, characterized as “the 4-Way Test” asks four questions of everything we think, say or do:
-is truthful?
-is it fair?
-does it develop goodwill and better friendships?
-is it beneficial to all concerned?

Logan with family members, and Bright, Fox and Sloane.

The test has been translated into more than a hundred languages; one of its most well-known uses has been as the foundation for the annual speech contest for high school students.

The Pottstown Rotary Club is an active service club providing support by way of volunteers and financial donation for many activities in the area, including the Halloween and Fourth of July parades, scholarships, the Rotary Pavilion at Riverfront Park, Habitat for Humanity, the Pottstown Regional Public Library, and the Pottstown School District Walking School Bus, as well as its well-known international programs to ensure access to clean water and the elimination of polio.

Pottstown High School Alumni Honor Roll Named

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Foundation for Pottstown Education

What do the Pottstown High School Classes of 1962, 1979, 1982 and 1991 have in common?

They all have classmates who have been nominated for inclusion in the 2018 Class for the Pottstown High School Alumni Honor Roll. 

Aram Ecker, chair of the Alumni Honor Roll Committee placed the names of James R. Bush, Theresa Rinaldi, Jonathan C. Corson and Heather M. Thiret as the nominees for this year’s class to the Pottstown School Board on Thursday April 19.

The four honorees will be recognized at the Annual Alumni Honor Roll event on Friday Oct. 19, 2018.

The event will begin with a continental breakfast at the Pottstown High School followed by a tour of the Alumni Gallery. 

The recognition ceremony will be held during an assembly in the High School’s Stanley Davenport Auditorium. The induction ceremony will be followed by a luncheon at the Brookside Country Club. 

Members of the community as well as all Pottstown High School Alumni are welcome to the event. Tickets for the luncheon will be on sale beginning in August and can be reserved by contacting the Foundation for Pottstown Education or the Superintendent’s Office.

James Bush

James Bush

After graduation in 1962, James R. Bush served in the U.S. Army Reserves and attended Pierce Junior College earning his Associates Degree in Accounting in 1970. 

Jim then earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Ursinus College. 

From May of 1964 through September 1968, he worked as a Commercial Loan Officer and Assistant Branch Manager for the Philadelphia National Bank in Pottstown. 

Then in 1980, Bush returned to his Alma Mater becoming the Supervisor of Accounting/Assistant Business Administrator before being hired as the Business Administrator/Board Secretary in 1968 until his retirement in June of 2006.

Therese Rinaldi

Therese Rinaldi, DPM, graduated from Pottstown High School in 1979. After high school, Therese earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Widener University. 

Therese Rinaldi

In 1989 she earned her Degree of Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine. 

Rinaldi began her medical career as a Staff Registered Nurse at Pennsylvania Hospital before moving to the Skilled Nursing Inc. as a Critical Care Nursing Contractor. 

After earning her Doctorate, she became a Podiatric Surgical Resident at what is now known as Washington Hospital Center. 

In 1990, she returned to Pottstown as a Director and Surgeon for the Pottstown Foot and Ankle Center. 

Subsequently, she become a Partner and Practitioner at the Foot and Ankle Health Group, PC in Pottstown, Royersford and Boyertown.

Jonathan Corson

Jonathan Corson

Jonathan C. Corson graduated from Pottstown High School in 1982. He is currently a Reactor Operator for Arkema Chemicals. 

Corson is extremely active in the Pottstown Community. He is currently serving as the President of the Pottstown NAACP, a position that he has held for the past two years. 

He is also a Pennsylvania State Constable serving since 2013 and serving on the Pottstown Human Relations Commission. 

From 1980 through 2000, Jonathan served as a Trustee for the Church of the Living God where he played the organ and was a drummer. 

Other community activities include serving on the Grants Committee for the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation, Co-Captain for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, a Board Member for the Ricketts Community Center and participated in the Foundation for Pottstown Education’s Dancing with the Stars.

Heather Thiret

Heather M. Thiret is a member of the Class of 1991. Heather earned her Bachelor of Science degree from West Chester University and holds a PA Teaching Certificate. 

Heather Thiret

She is currently working on her Master’s Degree in Leadership through Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. She entered the service in 1992 and has spent 25 years, 10 as enlisted and 15 as an officer. 

Thiret holds a ranking of Major in the US Army and has received several honors including a Bronze Star Medal. 

She has also served as a TAC Officer/Instructor at the OCS Officer Candidate School Academy from 2010-2013. 

She is currently the Officer In Charge of Military Ascensions Vital to National Interest Program in Fort Belvoir, VA. 

Thiret has been active in the Veterans Outreach Program/Homeless Vets and the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America.

Annual Pottsgrove Manor May Fair Set for May 5

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

Laugh and dance around the Maypole on Saturday, May 5th, to kick off the Annual Colonial Mayfair at Pottsgrove Manor. 

Crafters, vendors, living historians, and more will entertain visitors of all ages at this lively event from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Favorite activities such as joining in the Maypole dance meet exciting new additions to the day. 

Be sure to arrive early to be transported back in time with the colorful clothing and grace of the Germantown Country Dances while learning some historical dances yourself. 

Vendors and crafters, both familiar and new, will be showing off their historic skills and letting the whole family try their hand at a few. 

Discover dozens of different trades and crafts from blacksmithing, spinning wool, making shoes, weaving tape, and much more. 

Swing by the Ratcatcher to uncover the history of this forgotten trade. 

See and smell the many dishes being prepared by historic foodways interpreter, Deb Peterson, in the reproduction 18th century kitchen. 

Performances from the talented Tuckers Tales Puppet Theater and the hilarious Levram the Great will be happening throughout the day, causing both young and old to crack a smile. 

Kids are encouraged to make their own Mayfair crafts which they can take home. Stay the whole day and enjoy the irresistible southern cuisine of Backwoods Brothers BBQ. 

Everyone can wet their whistle at the new Testing Tent. Guests over 21 will be able to sample beers and drinks from local brewery, Pottstown United Brewing Company. Folks under 21 can also try some delicious craft sodas. 

The Town Crier will ensure that no game or show will pass you by at this a not-to-be-missed event!

The first floor of the Potts family 1752 manor house will be open for visitors to tour. Learn about the nighttime routines of the Potts family and compare a quiet evening at home to a dinner party scenario. 

Touch and smell the differences between bayberry, beeswax, and tallow candles. 

Discover in the Hands-On Room how bright candlelight truly was. The museum shop will also be open, full of books, historic reproductions, and unique gifts.

Visitors are instructed to follow the signs to park at Pottstown Memorial Park. 

A shuttle will take visitors to and from Pottsgrove Manor throughout the day. 

This event welcomes all ages and is rain or shine. 

There is a suggested $2 donation for the event.

Pottsgrove Manor is located at 100 West King Street near the intersection of King Street and Route 100, just off Route 422 near the Carousel at Pottstown and Manatawny Green Miniature Golf Course.

Pottsgrove Manor is operated by the Montgomery County Division of Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites.  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.

Pottstown Middle School Reading Olympians Earn Green Ribbon in Competition at Pope John Paul II

The Pottstown Middle School Reading Olympics team won a Green Ribbon in district competition.

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

Congratulations to members of the Pottstown Middle School Reading Olympics Team who competed in the District event held at Pope John Paul II High School. 

The team, coached by Middle School Librarian Aliceclair Faust and assisted by scorekeeper Nicole Accor, earned 35 points on the evening resulting in a green ribbon.

Students had to answer questions from 45 books that they read. 

Students were proud to wear shirts supplied by Diamond Credit Union,a long-time supporter of the Pottstown team. 

Principal Brian Hosteler said "our students combined hard work with team work to gain success." 

Good things happening at Pottstown Middle School give us reason to say Proud to be from Pottstown. 

7th Grade

Moniyah Person
Imani Germany
Daishawnia Dean
Sanaa Watson

8th Grade

Alexis Watkins
Faith Nichols
Deanna Stefanavage
Cheyenne Lee
Beatriz Guardado
Mackenzie Moser
Yasmin Paez
Xzavier Francis-Williams