Hot Dogs, Gardens, Movies and More in the Core Neighborhood

National Night Out will be celebrated tonight at the park at

Chestnut and Washington Streets from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Things are hopping in Pottstown's Core Neighborhood, thanks to the efforts of numerous organizations, including the Mosaic Community Land Trust and its Community Garden, Genesis Housing Corp., National Penn Bank and ArtFusion 19464.

-- Tonight, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., all will join forces for National Night Out, a nationwide anti-crime event designed to help neighbors get to know each other and watch out for each other.

To be held at the Chestnut Street Park, at the corner with Washington Street, the event will include free hot dogs, donated Rita's Water Ice, pretzels, popcorn, balloons, a bean bag toss, other kids games and a disc jockey providing music.

Information booths from the organizers will also be on hand.

-- This event follows on the heels of Free Movie Night Sunday, during which more than 100 people packed at Chestnut Street Park with a showing of the Dr. Seuss classic, "The Lorax."

"The day began with a balloon artist making dozens of animals, claws, hats and other neat things out of balloons. Children stood in line to get a chance at owning one of the wacky balloon items," wrote Community Garden Manager Laura Washington in the most recent newsletter.

"Then as the sun set, neighborhood families headed over to the snack table to get their treats and drink in hopes to take a seat right in front of the big screen."

-- As for the MOSAIC's Community Garden, down the block at 423 Chestnut St., not only has been chosen as a finalist for the 2013 Montgomery County Planning Commission Awards but the garden has also been nominated for an award from the Pennsylvania Horticulture Society Greening Project, Washington reports.

"The Planning Commission judges were very impressed with our garden and the PA Horticulture Society judges are planning to visit the garden in the next few week," she wrote in the garden's newsletter.

-- For those unlucky enough to miss out on getting a plot in the garden this year, fear not as work on creating a second garden at 615 Chestnut St. is underway right now.

-- An "All About Herbs" workshop will be held at the garden at 423 Chestnut St., during the Saturday, Aug. 10 "Work and Play Day."

"Tina will walk us through the many types of herbs grown in the wild and in our gardens. She will explain
culinary and medicinal uses of some of our most common herbs and lead a lesson on when and how to use them," wrote Washington.

-- On Saturday, Aug. 24 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Learn how to set up your garden in a way that best for you and your plants! Uncover tips and tricks on how to keep pesky critters out (in a safe and natural way). Discover ways to keep your garden growing in the most productive and fruitful way long beyond the typical growing season! It's a great time learn and prepare for fall planting!

-- Look out for information about the garden's Produce Stand in The Mercury in the next few weeks. 

The children of the garden will be using the stand to sell produce and other goodies from the gardens and the art program. The proceeds will be used for additional youth programs/activities.

Informational Meetings Will Explain Community Gardening

Blogger's Note: The following is a press release from the Mosaic Community Land Trust

Have you ever wanted to have your own garden, but didn’t have enough room in your yard? Would you like your children to learn how to grow their own fresh vegetables, but don’t know where to begin?

This spring MOSAIC Community Land Trust is building Pottstown’s first community garden at 423 Chestnut St. 

They will be holding three information sessions during the month of February to explain what community gardens are all about and to take applications for approximately 40 raised bed garden plots for the 2012 season. 

In addition to the garden plots, there will be compost bins, rain barrels, pavers, fencing, trellis, perennial gardens, a storage shed, and water service for irrigation.

The MOSAIC Community Garden is being built with a $30,000 grant from the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation. 

The property at 423 Chestnut St. was donated by the Pottstown School District last spring, and other major donors and volunteers include Genesis Housing/Susquehanna Bank, Lowes, Davey Tree Experts, Andrew Monastra, Esq., the Borough of Pottstown, Montgomery County Workforce Development, and many other individuals and volunteers.

According to the American Community Gardening Association, a community garden is “any piece of land gardened by a group of people.” Typically, community gardens transform vacant lots into beautiful and positive community gathering places. 

While fresh, organic food is typically more expensive and out of the financial reach for many people, the cost to grow and harvest one’s own food is significantly less. Residents pay a small annual fee to lease their plot and actively cultivate it throughout the entire growing season. 

MOSAIC plans to provide educational workshops for new and experienced gardeners. Individuals, families, community organizations, youth groups, and local restaurants are all welcome to apply for a plot.

The information sessions will be held at the following times and locations in Pottstown:

• Tuesday, Feb. 14 from 7-8 p.m. at the Ricketts Community Center, 640 Beech St.

• Tuesday, Feb. 21 from 7-8 p.m. at MOSAIC’s office, 10 S. Hanover St.

• Saturday, Feb. 25 from 2-3 p.m. at Victory Christian Life Center, 28-30 N. Washington St.

Applications will be available at the meetings and can be dropped off at any of the above locations or mailed to MOSAIC Community Land Trust by March 1. 

In the event that there are more applications than garden plots, a public lottery will be held at MOSAIC’s offices on Sunday, March 11 at 2 p.m. 

For more information, contact Sue Repko, MOSAIC Executive Director, at 609-658-9043 or srepko@mosaiccommunitylandtrust.org.