Ben Franklin Helps Pottsgrove Manor Rise and Shine

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

Pottsgrove Manor's new exhibit, "Rise and Shine at the Manor," opens on Saturday, March 4 at 1 p.m. with a visit from Benjamin Franklin.

At 1 p.m. visitors will have a chance to meet founding father Benjamin Franklin, as portrayed by Bill Ochester.

Learn about Franklin’s contributions to everyday life, including the idea of Daylight Savings time!

After the lecture, visitors can take a guided tour of Pottsgrove Manor and the new exhibit.

As the first rays of the morning’s sun streamed through the windows of Pottsgrove Manor, the house would already be busy with a myriad of early morning household tasks and the rituals of starting another day.

See how the humble activities of daily life differed from- or were often remarkably similar to- the activities we are familiar with today.

There is a suggested donation of $2 per person for the lecture and tour.

Visitors can also take a guided tour of Pottsgrove Manor and the “Rise and Shine at the Manor” exhibit 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 begin on the hour. The last tour of the day begins at 3 p.m.

Pottsgrove Manor is located at 100 West King Street near the intersection of King Street and Route 100, just off Route 422 and is  is operated by Montgomery County under the direction of the Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites Division of the Assets and Infrastructure Department.

For more information, please call 610-326-4014, or visit the website at www.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor.

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

Benji's in DA HOUSE!

Franklin Elementary School Principal Kevin Downes looks the part, center, while playing Ben Franklin Jeopardy against teachers Matt Cohen, left, and Tina Lundy, right.

Blogger's Note: The following was shamelessly stolen from the Pottstown School District web site:

Recently, Benjamin Franklin celebrated his 308 th birthday and thanks to the students and staff at Pottstown’s Franklin Elementary School he is not in jeopardy of being forgotten.

Benjamin Franklin, aka Franklin Principal Kevin Downes, paid a visit to a full school assembly where he demonstrated his knowledge of history while competing in a game of jeopardy. His opponents for the day were Franklin teachers Matt Cohen and Tina Ludy.

As the master of ceremonies, Mike DiDonato gave each contestant a chance at the various categories. 

Ben Franklin won hands down because it seems that the answer for each of the categories was “Who is Ben Franklin?” As scorekeeper teacher Jen Swenk totaled up the number, and student expressed their enthusiasm for the contest and Dr. Franklin.

Downes said, “We were looking for a way to honor one of our country’s founding fathers and teach American history at the same time. Dressing in costume and using the jeopardy game format made American history come alive for our students and reminded them that learning can be fun.”

During the assembly, Ben Franklin gave the students many things to think about through his words of wisdom. 

 His parting words at the end of the day were to remind students to think of the future and he said, “A penny saved is a penny earned.”

Painter Prompts Patriotic Art Contest

Mark Painter

State Rep. Mark Painter has announced an art contest for all elementary school students in the 146th Legislative District.

"This art contest is designed to encourage students to recognize the rich history in Pennsylvania," said Painter, D-Montgomery.

Rules and themes for the 2013 Elementary Art Contest:

· Category I: First Grade/"The Liberty Bell"

· Category II: Second and Third Grade /"Betsy Ross and the American Flag"

· Category III: Fourth and Fifth Grade/"Benjamin Franklin and Lightning"

· Size: 11 x 17 white poster board

First graders can draw the Liberty Bell.

· Each entry must include the following information: student’s name, age, address (city, state, zip code and
county), telephone number, school, teacher and grade.

· Deadline: May 20

Entries will be judged on the basis of use of theme, creativity and originality, and artistic design.

Winning students will be recognized with official certificates of achievement and also will have their artwork displayed at Painter’s office.

To arrange artwork pickups, contact Painter's office at 610-326-9563 or email malexander@pahouse.net.