Foundation Announces Local COVID-19 Relief Fund

Blogger's Note: The following was submitted by the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation.

The Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation has launched a new fund that will allow members of the community to make a difference by contributing towards causes they care about the most, including social services, food insecurity, economic development, and education.

Last week, the Foundation’s board approved a total of $100,000 towards establishing The COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Fund for Social Service and Micro Business at PAHWF. Taken together with recent community contributions, the board’s action marks a total commitment of $235,000 toward the goal of ensuring that the needs of the Tri-County community are met during the COVID-19 crisis.

The announcement of the fund follows on the Foundation’s support of community-led efforts including a $100,000 matching grant to the Foundation for Pottstown Education’s campaign for Chromebooks, a $10,000 matching grant to address food insecurity, and a $25,000 grant that helped establish the MontCoPA COVID-19 Response Fund

The dual nature of the Foundation’s COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Fund will bring resources to nonprofits that meet the needs of the area’s most vulnerable residents while also helping to establish a strong economic base for the region’s recovery. For more information on the fund—and to donate—visit pottstownfoundation.org/COVID-19.

“Leveraging the support of our community’s generous residents will be vital in the months ahead,” said Foundation president Dave Kraybill. “We are facing unique challenges, but by coming together now, we can ensure that the Tri-County comes through this stronger.”

Grants from the fund will focus on programs that will have an immediate impact on the community. Priorities include nonprofits serving the most vulnerable in our community, those with increased service demand, and those providing basic necessities.

“The current crisis has exacerbated pre-existing inequities in access to basic human needs, and we felt it was important to make a difference right now,” said program officer Howard Brown. “The structure of the fund will allow us to make a significant impact both now and well into the future by providing much needed assistance for historically underserved and marginalized populations throughout our service area.”

The fund will accept applications from nonprofits and micro businesses June 5-12, and grants will be given in amounts up to $2,500. 

Pottstown Area Industrial Development Corporation will assist in directing funds to businesses in need. Visit pottstownfoundation.org/COVID-19 for more information on applying for a grant. 

Also available at this link, the COVID-19 Organizational Capacity & Service Implementation (COCSI) Survey for Executive Directors will gather information about the needs of nonprofit organizations within the PAHWF service area. Results from this survey will assist in the prioritization of future initiatives, funding opportunities and collaborations.

Report Takes a Look at Pottstown Region's Health

This won't be a long one folks, because the meeting of the Pottstown Metropolitan Regional Planning Commission itself wasn't long.

And there won't be another for some time seeing as they are taking off July and August.

The main event was a presentation by Craig Colistra, the program officer for recreation and health at the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation.

He was presenting facts from the foundation's 2018 Community Heath Needs Assessment and it was an interesting overview.

Colistra said the full report is on the foundation website, but I couldn't find it. I emailed them last night and am hoping to get a look at it soon.

There were some interesting facts that are tangential to health, such as population, race, median income, poverty and the like.

It will surprise no one to learn, for example, that Pottstown has the highest diversity level (Douglass (Mont.) is more than 90 percent white); the lowest median income and the highest number of families in poverty. Yay us.

Here are some of the takeaways:

• About 10 percent of the people who live in the eight towns represented by the committee (see photo at top) lack health insurance and others have trouble accessing care even if they do.
• 14 percent do not seek care when they are sick and 15 percent do not get medicine they need, mostly due to cost.
• 55 percent exercise three times a week; event fewer, 24 percent, eat fruits and/or vegetables four times a week; but fewer of us are drinking sugary drinks, less than the rest of Southeast PA.
• Even though our obesity level is close to the U.S. health target at 30 percent, we nevertheless have a higher rate of diabetes (14 percent); but less high blood pressure and high cholesterol than the wider area.

One of the reasons I attend these meetings, other than the sparkling conversation, is the reports from all eight of the municipalities represented. You may have noticed there are not as many Mercury reporters as there used to be and I can't be everywhere, so I often find out about things I missed.

Such was the case last night.

First, Gregory Churach announced that a developer has submitted a plan for a total of 290 age-restricted homes on the west side of Route 100 near the Farmington Avenue interchange.

The initial plan had called for some townhomes, but Churach said when the developer returned, he had changed his plans to include only single-family homes. He noted that several years ago, the zoning of the land near that intersection was changed to encourage exactly this kind of development.

And West Pottsgrove Township Commissioner Mark Green announced that at a meeting I missed, the commissioners voted to fill in the township pool, once the Colonial Pool, rather than try to sell it.

That's because the professional appraisal of the property came in at only $150,000, "less than the township put into it," said Green. The facilities restrooms and snack bar will remain, as will the pavilion, but the pool itself will be filled in.

The property is to be turned into a park with a playground for children, said Green.

And with that, here are the Tweets from the meeting:

A Healthy Look

West-Mont Christian Academy Wins Wellness Prize

West-Mont Christian Academy Wellness Team Members proudly hold their trophy for placing first in the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation School Checklist Competition. From left to right: Leanne Boyer, Christie Werkheiser, Charis Felton, and Head of School, Anthony Buttacy

Blogger's Note: Written by West-Mont Senior and Advancement Wellness Intern, Hunter G. Fegan.

The Health and Wellness Group of West-Mont Christian Academy got together on a monthly basis to plan wellness related events for the school body and public. 

After a year of faithful dedication, the team took 1st place in the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation School Checklist Competition. 24 area schools competed for the prize of a trophy and additional grant funds to further Wellness efforts on campus.

From the first week of school in September until mid-April, the Health and Wellness team met monthly to discuss and find ways to implement a healthier living style and environment for students and the local community. The team worked together on completing a checklist provided by the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation. The checklist was broken up into sub categories within Health and Wellness: Getting Started, Physical Activity, Nutrition, Stress Relief, Staff Connections, Sustainability, and a bonus section.

In order to gain points, the team planned events open to the school and the public. Some of the events planned by the Health and Wellness team included a healthy eating workshop, a budgeting workshop, an essential oils class, and several other workshops. Along with that, the team also planned and carried out the school’s annual Bike and Hike on the Schuylkill River Trail.

All in all, West-Mont’s Health and Wellness Team put in countless hours that helped them achieve first place in the competition. The goal of the Health and Wellness Group was not to win necessarily but to implement and strengthen the schools healthy living style and to look for new areas to improve. The Health and Wellness team had a great year and is looking froward to all that can be done in the coming years.

Getting the Job Done and Putting People to Work

Submitted Photos

Glenn McCauley and Charles Purvis work at American Keg Co. in Pottstown. Both graduated in the first class of Pottstown Works last May.

It's the classic re-joinder -- "Get a job!"

Damaris Martinez of Pottstown graduated from the
Pottstown Works program in August
and is employed in the deli at Giant, Upland Square.

But what if you don't have a car?

Who will take care of your kids while you work?

What if you don't know how to clinch a job interview?

What if you're homeless?

These are all barriers, among others faced by the folks who walk through the doors at Pottstown Works, a non-profit program based in the Salvation Army building at 137 King St. in Pottstown that is geared toward one thing -- helping people find and, more importantly, keep a job.

From left, Lynn Slusser, Joan Johnston and Coleen McKnight

It all began with four women -- Lynn Slusser, Wendy Egolf, Joan Johnston and Coleen McKnight -- who wanted to address what they saw as a need in the area, teaching basic job skills, which they did in the former Community Media Lab as The Mercury.

Frustrated that those they helped obtain jobs, often could not keep them, they dug deeper and discovered Cincinnati Works, a proven program that specializes in providing support after their clients get the job. They asked for help and now the program is here.

Since May, Pottstown Works has graduated three classes of four members each and put 12 previously unemployed people into the work force.

The first class of Pottstown Works graduated in May.
Since then, the program has grown to 18 graduates, all of whom
are employed or actively seeking employment.
From left, Tony Stauffer, who works at Dana; Jodeci Andrews;
Glenn McCauley and Charles Purvis.

Most of them were either homeless, or close to it, when they entered the program. None have cars and in most cases walk to work every day, in all kinds of weather.

Candidates are drug-screened and criminal background checks are conducted before they can participate in a week-long Job Readiness Workshop—a 40-hour curriculum dedicated to teaching the standards of professionalism needed to get and keep a job; things like how to dress for work, how to speak to co-workers, the importance of being on time.

As highlighted in a cover story in the winter edition of "Well-Informed," the quarterly newsletter of the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation, "Pottstown Works partners with local employers such as Pottstown Hospital,

From left, state Rep. Tom Quigley, Pottstown Works Program
Director Nancy March, State Rep. Marcy Toepel, during a
recent visit to the classroom in Pottstown.

American Keg Company, Spherion Staffing and Giant to help place members in jobs for the long term. It also strives to find people jobs within walking distance, on a bus route or both.

“We gave four of our members, all of whom work in factories, bikes of their own so they can get to and from work,” said Nancy March, program director and, full disclosure, my former boss and good friend.

This year March says the goal is to shoot for 50 members and six classes.

The program has caught the attention of two local state Representatives, Marcy Toepel, R-147th Dist. and Tom Quigley, R-146th Dist., who visited recently.



March told the legislators that the program is designed to hold the students' attention.

"There's one point in the week where Wendy will come in and interrupt me, and I give her all kinds of attitude and she gives me attitude back. And then after, we discuss it. 'What did the employee do wrong? What could the boss have done better? But the bottom line is, the boss is always right,'" March told Toepel and Quigley.

And for their clients, the program is right too.

"I was always one who was very nervous during interviews, not sure how to answer the question," said Karen Liverman, who graduated from the program in January.

"It had been many years since I had been on an interview, and things had changed, times have change, technology has changed. In the class, I learned more about the skills that I need, to successfully interview and to land the position," she said.

"So I'm just so thankful for this program and I hope it continues for many, many years, because so much is needed here in Pottstown."

We agree Karen. Keep up the good work, Pottstown Works!

Wellness Foundation Auxiliary Gives $20,000

From left, Brian Parkes, Executive Director, TriCounty Area 

Active Adult Center; Felicity Jeans, Executive Director, Camphill Village Kimberton Hills 

Louisa Pieri, Executive Director, Spring-Ford Counseling Services; Justine Pascal, Family and 

Engagement Coordinator, Maternity Care Coalition; Sandra Devine Sai, Director, Personal 

Navigator Program, Visiting Nurse Association; Mary Bright, Resident Board Member, 

Camphill Village Kimberton Hills,; Mary Ellen Dice, President, PAHWF East Auxiliary; Leslie 

Slingsby, Executive Director, and Kelli Murphy, Grants Manager, Mission Kids Child Advocacy 

Center; Laura DeFlavia, Controller, and Dave Kraybill, President, Pottstown Area Health and 

Wellness Foundation.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation.

Several area nonprofits will benefit from fundraising efforts of the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation East Auxiliary. 

The Auxiliary operates the “Just For You” gift shop that is located in the lobby of Pottstown Hospital-Tower Health. The gift shop is open to the public.

Mary Ellen Dice, President of the East Auxiliary, recently presented a $20,000 check to representatives of the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation and six of its grantees.

These funds have been distributed as part of the Foundation’s fall 2017 grant round and were awarded to the following organizations and its programs:

• Camphill Village Kimberton Hills – Aging in Community Program: Camphill Village provides personalized and preventative care to aging residents with developmental disabilities and struggles with independent living.
• Child Advocacy Center of Montgomery County – Mission Kids: Fostering the resilient child through family advocacy and forensic interviews. Mission Kids is a collaborative effort to stop the cycle of abuse and improve the outcomes for abused children and their families.
• Maternity Care Coalition – Pottstown Area Early Head Start and Parenting Initiative: Maternity Care Coalition strives to improve maternal and child health and well-being through the collaborative efforts of individuals, families, providers, and communities in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
• Spring-Ford Counseling Services – Signs of Suicide: Spring-Ford Counseling addresses the emotional and educational needs of the surrounding communities.
• TriCounty Active Adult Center – Prime Time Health - Making healthier lives possible for older adults: TriCounty AAC is a community center for adults aged 50 and better, offering exercise classes, social and recreational programs, educational programs, a daily lunch and much more.
• Visiting Nurse Association Community Services, Inc. (VNA) – Personal Navigator Program with Expanded Legal Support: The Pottstown VNA provides home health care and hospice care in Montgomery County and nearby areas in northern Chester County.

The Auxiliary’s fundraising efforts included proceeds from sales of the “Just For You” gift shop, in addition to their annual holiday bazaar. New members are always welcome. For more information on how to become a member and how to get involved in the Auxiliary’s fundraising efforts, call the Pottstown Hospital- Tower Health Gift Shop at 610-327- 7044.

Wellness Foundation Announces $1 Million in Grants

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation.

The Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation has awarded $1,048,204 in grant requests during the fall grant round of fiscal year 2017-2018 to 30 non-profit organizations, schools and municipalities.

“These programs play a vital role in championing health and wellness in the community, fulfilling the mission of the Foundation,” Foundation President Dave Kraybill said. 

Grant requests are submitted based on the following priority areas:

1A:  Promoting healthy living through nutrition, activities and programs in public and private schools to reduce obesity and encourage healthy living

1B: Improving parks, programming and the built environment to increase access to physical activity

1C: Creating and promoting social networks involving healthy living

2:  PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH

3:  STRENGTHEN NON-PROFITS

The following list identifies the 30 organizations receiving funding during the Foundation’s most recent grant round:

PRIORITY #1A: ($20,000).

• Pine Forge Academy - Four-H (Health, Hands, Head & Heart) Project

PRIORITY #1B: ($100,000).

• Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust- Community Recreation Center in Memorial Park

PRIORITY #1C: ($664,915).

• Centro Cultural Latinos Unidos Inc- Distress to De-Stress & Beauty
• Developmental Enterprises Corporation/Pottstown Training Center- Healthy Eating, Healthy Living
• Family Services of Montgomery County- Building Resilience Among Young Parents
• Meals On Wheels of Chester County Inc.- Assistance in purchasing meals for needy, homebound individuals in Spring City
• Pottstown Area Police Athletic League- Pottstown PAL
• Pottstown Athletic Club- Fitnesstown USA III
• Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities- Building a Healthy Community
• Pottstown Downtown Improvement District Authority- Pottstown FARM
• Preservation Pottstown Inc- Mosaic Community Garden 2018 Application
• Rockstar Roller Derby- Venue & Equipment Upgrades
• Schuylkill River Athletic Club- C.R.E.W. Community Recreational Water athletics program
• The Pennsylvania State University- Custom Module Development for Trauma Awareness Training
• TriCounty Active Adult Center- Prime Time Health *
• Wellness Council of Boyertown- Continuing to Create a Culture of Wellness
• YWCA Tri-County Area- Strategic Plan Implementation Year 

PRIORITY #2: ($225,789).

• Camphill Village Kimberton Hills- Aging in Community Program*
• Carson Valley Children's Aid- Women's Voices/Healthy Choices
• Child Advocacy Center of Montgomery County, d/b/a Mission Kids- Fostering Resiliency through Family Advocacy*
• Garrett The Grand - Batten Fighter- Get out and play, motivating families with disabilities to run and bike.
• Health Care Access- Health Care Access Programs
• Maternity Care Coalition- Pottstown Area Early Head Start and Parenting Initiative*
• Montgomery County Community College Foundation- Dental Sealant Project
• Spring-Ford Counseling Services- Signs of Suicide*
• Triskeles- Food For Thought (FFT) & Expansion Planning
• Visiting Nurse Association Community Services, Inc. (VNA) - Personal Navigator Program with Expanded Legal Support*

PRIORITY #3:  ($37,500).

• Royersford Outreach, Inc. - General Operating Funds for Building and Program
• The Erik Foundation- Marketing and Branding Campaign
• TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation Inc- Worksite Wellness Initiative

*Identifies organizations who received grant funding from the Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation East Auxiliary.

Cooper Named to New Wellness Foundation Post

Ashia Cooper

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation.

The Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation recently welcomed Ashia Cooper to its staff to serve as the program officer for capacity building and collaborations.

Cooper has years of experience working with children and families, having held various school counseling positions in both the Pottstown and Owen J. Roberts School Districts. She also served on the Foundation’s Board of Directors, most recently as the chair of its Impact Committee. 

Cooper will be responsible for managing the grants process for primary/behavioral health and capacity building engagement as well as collaboration with community organizations such as the Tri-County Health Council, TriCounty Community Network and Pottstown Trauma Informed Community Connection in support of regional health and wellness initiatives. 

She will also manage impact and outcomes measurement development and implementation and sustainability systems of the Foundation.

“We were fortunate to have Ashia serve on our Board and know she will continue to be an asset to the organization as the newest member of our staff,” Foundation President Dave Kraybill said.

“We welcome her to the team and are confident she will be a valuable resource for our grantees.”

Cooper is eager to serve the community in her new role within the Foundation.

“I’ve been privileged to see the great work of the Foundation over the years through the eyes of a board member, and I am excited to embark on this new path in my career,” Cooper said. “I look forward to getting to know the organizations in my program area and continuing to fulfill our mission as a member of PAHWF’s grants staff.”

About the Foundation: The Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation’s mission is to enhance the health and wellness of area residents, providing education, funding and programs that motivate people to adopt healthy lifestyles. 

Visit www.pottstownfoundation.org for more information about the Foundation. Discover Pottstown area’s online community, Mission Healthy Living to learn and share great information on how to lead a healthier life. You can also follow the Foundation on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest and YouTube.

Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation Bids Board Members Goodbye, Welcomes New Ones

Photos Courtesy of the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation

The Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation board of directors with retiring and newly appointed members.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation.

Health and Wellness President Dave Kraybill, right, thanks outgoing
board member Art Green for his 9 years of service.

The Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation has had changes in board leadership.

As of June 30, 2017, three of the Foundation’s Board members, Art Green, Jim Corum and Kerri Pidcock-Lester, have concluded their terms and retired from the Board.

“We are very fortunate to have had Art, Jim and Kerri serve on the Foundation’s Board of Directors with their combined knowledge, expertise and love of the communities we serve,” Foundation President Dave Kraybill said.

Green held the title of Foundation’s Board Chair from July 2014- June 2017. In his nine years on the Board, he has served on the Executive, Strategic Planning, Marketing/Communications, Grants and Impact Committees.

“Art is a tireless advocate for Pottstown and its economic future,” Kraybill said. “His multi-faceted professional background and insight was an asset to the board.”

Kraybill, left, thanks Kerri Pidcock-Lester for her 

6 years of service on the board.

Kerri Pidcock-Lester served as a Foundation board member for six years, sitting on both the Grants and Nominating Committees.

“Kerri is a heart for the people of Pottstown,” Kraybill said. “Her passion and unique perspective as a leader in the religious community was invaluable.”

Jim Corum served on the board for three years, offering his expertise on both the Nominating and Marketing/Communications Committees.

“A leader in community connectivity, Jim’s enthusiasm and love of Pottstown is unwavering” Kraybill said. “His zest for life is infectious and he truly walks the walk when it comes to our mission of leading a healthy lifestyle.”

Kraybill expressed gratitude to the three retirees for their time, efforts and contributions to the organization over the years.

“Oh behalf of the Foundation’s Board and staff, we thank Art, Kerri and Jim for their years of service and wish them all the best in their future endeavors,” Kraybill said.

Kraybill, right, thanks Jim Corum for his 3 years of service.

In June, the Foundation’s Board of Directors welcomed Dana Corp. Plant Manager Danny Aaron who will serve on the Grants Committee and retired Pottstown School District Superintendent
Jeff Sparagana who will serve on the Strategic Planning and Marketing/Communications Committees.

“We welcome Danny and Jeff to our Board and look forward to the valuable insights and professional experience they will each bring to the table,” Kraybill said.

As of July 1, 2017, retired Owen J. Roberts School District Superintendent Myra Forrest serves as Chair of the Board with Todd Alderfer as Vice Chair and Matt Cappelletti continuing in the role of Treasurer. Dr. Keith Harrison will also continue in the role of Secretary and Doug Trainer will serve as “member-at- large” of the Executive Committee.

About PAHWF: The Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation’s (PAHWF) mission is to enhance the health and wellness of area residents, providing education, funding and programs that motivate people to adopt healthy lifestyles. Visit www.pottstownfoundation.org for more information about the Foundation. 

Discover Pottstown area’s online community, Mission Healthy Living, an initiative of PAHWF, to learn and share great information on how to lead a healthier life. You can also follow the Foundation on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest and YouTube.

Foundation for Pottstown Education Awarded $90,000 grant from Health and Wellness Foundation

Joe Rusiewicz, executive director of the Foundation for Pottstown Education, left, accepts a $50,000 grant check for "operational support" from David Kraybill, executive director of the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation.

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

The Foundation for Pottstown Education was recently awarded a two-year grant totaling $90,000 from the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation. 

This grant is awarded in support of the Education Foundation’s Administrative Operations. A check for $50,000 was presented for year one of the approved grant.

Joe Rusiewicz, the foundation's executive director, stated that he is not only pleased with the acceptance of this grant but also in the working relationship that both Foundations have with each other. 

“The support, not only financially, that the health and wellness foundation gives to us has been tremendous. The staff has always been available to answer questions or to offer advice when needed. I am looking forward to continuing this relationship,” Rusiewicz said.

The foundation recently provided funding towards the Middle School Environmental Education Club’s attendance at the Pocono Environmental Education Center, for the Early College Program, PEAK initiatives, Girls Today Leaders Tomorrow Program, equipment and computers for the Engineering Programs, AP Testing and has approved funding for the Rupert Elementary School Fourth Grade ropes program, as well as working on the Planning Committee for the 2017 Sports Carnival. Previously, 

Previously, the health and wellness foundation has provided funding to the Education Foundation to support Administrative Operations and for fund raising software.

The remainder of the grant, $40,000, will be issued in year two, 2018 contingent on submission and review of the year one report.

About PAHWF: The Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation’s (PAHWF) mission is to enhance the health and wellness of area residents, providing education, funding and programs that motivate people to adopt healthy lifestyles. Visit www.pottstownfoundation.org for more information about the Foundation. Discover Pottstown area’s online community, Mission Healthy
Living, an initiative of PAHWF, to learn and share great information on how to lead a healthier life. You can also follow the Foundation on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest and YouTube.

About FPE: The Foundation for Pottstown Education’s (FPE) mission is to support, promote, sponsor and carry out educational, scientific or charitable activities and objectives within or related to the Pottstown School District. Visit www.foundationpottstowned.org for more information about the Foundation for Pottstown Education. You can also follow FPE on Facebook and Twitter.

Public Hearing on Regional Trail Plan Set for Aug. 2

A look at the possible trail connections throughout the greater Pottstown region as under consideration in the master trail plan that will be the subject of a public hearing Wednesday, Aug. 2 at 6 p.m. in Pottstown Borough Hall

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Pottstown Metropolitan Regional Planning Committee

Local residents, stakeholders, recreation enthusiasts and all others are urged to attend the public meeting to share their opinions on a planning study that examined non-motorized transportation options connecting parks, neighborhoods and business hubs to the Schuylkill River Trail. 

The purpose of this study is to consolidate municipal and county planning efforts into a unified regional trail plan addressing major obstacles to providing equitable transportation alternatives, opportunities for healthy lifestyles and economic vitality. 

The results of this study will help guide communities in determining the most feasible locations for these trails, outline a concise implementation plan to integrate local trail networks and provide a marketing vehicle to obtain implementation grants. 

The first public meeting was March 29, 2016. 

The final study outlines a plan for expanding existing public trail systems via four primary trail corridors anticipated to travel through portions of Pottstown Borough, West Pottsgrove Township, Upper Pottsgrove Township, Douglass Township (Berks County), Lower Pottsgrove Township, Douglass Township (Montgomery County), New Hanover Township, North Coventry Township and East Coventry Township.

The public meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m., Wednesday Aug. 2, 2017 in Pottstown Borough Hall, Council Chambers Room, 100 East High Stree. The meeting will begin with a presentation of the primary trail alignments before opening for Q&A from those in attendance.

Funding for this study was made possible by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) and the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. DVRPC is leading the planning study with assistance from the Pottstown Area Regional Recreation Coordinator.

For additional information please contact Michael Lane at PARRCoordinator@gmail.com or 484-945-0200

 ***

An attempt was scheduled Wednesday night for the recreation committee to make a pitch about this study and other regional efforts to the area's elected state officials, state representatives Tom Quigley, Tim Hennessey and Marcy Toepel.

None of them showed up, although Quigley did send a representative from his office. Evidently, they were recalled to Harrisburg to work on the unfinished state budget.

No doubt we will see the results of their efforts in tomorrow's headlines.

Ahem.

Anyway, here are the Tweets of what they would have learned if they had attended the meeting put together specifically for their benefit and, ultimately, the benefit of their constituents.

New Pottstown Super and Walking School Bus Kudos

Photo by Evan Brandt

Just some of the many volunteers who make Pottstown's Walking School Bus a success were thanked by the school board during Monday night's meeting.

As most of you no doubt know from reading your Tuesday morning Mercury, Acting Schools Superintendent Stephen Rodriguez dropped the "acting" last night and became just Superintendent Stephen Rodriguez.

So I won't waste your precious reading time by focusing on that. Go buy a newspaper!

But something else that happened Monday night is also worthy of your attention.

In case you've missed in the pages of The Mercury, Pottstown is experimenting with something called The Walking School Bus.

The idea is adult volunteers accompany students walking to Rupert Elementary School and pick-up students along the route so they can all walk together, improving safety and getting exercise.

The problem is 95 percent of those programs fail in the first year, as Rodriguez noted.

But not in Pottstown. Here, the program has increased in size, as is evidenced in the photo above, which shows just a portion of the many volunteers whose names were read off Monday by wellness coordinator David Genova.

Congrats to all.

Also of note last night, the board voted to raise by 10 percent the fees charged for renting school facilities and to charge parking fees as well.

The Foundation for Pottstown Education announced the final arrangements to fund a program by which teachers and other district employees would be provided with a $10,000 forgivable loan  to buy a house in the borough.

There were a few other things of interest as well, and you can find them here among the Tweets, rife, as usual, with typos.

Kraybill, Guttha Named to MCCC Board of Trustees

David Kraybill

The Montgomery County Commissioners recently appointed Dr. Raj Guttha of Lansdale and David W. Kraybill of Pottstown to the Montgomery County Community College Board of Trustees.

“On behalf of the College, I welcome these talented leaders to the Board of Trustees,” said MCCC President Dr. Kevin Pollock. “Dr. Guttha and Mr. Kraybill bring strong expertise and experience in their fields which will strengthen the College and help us achieve new levels of success for our students.”

Guttha, a senior risk, compliance, finance, information technology and change management executive, is managing partner of Guttha Global Consulting Group of New York, N.Y. He has proven success in establishing global enterprise risk, governance, compliance and internal audit functions in financial services companies.

He has held senior level positions at several companies including Z&A InfoTek, Inc. in Parsippany, N.J.; General Electric Capital Corporation in Norwalk and Danbury, Conn.; McGraw-Hill Financial in New York, N.Y.; Citibank in New York, N.Y.; and J.P. Morgan Asset Management in Columbus, Ohio, among others.

Guttha also served as an associate professor of Finance at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, and as an assistant professor of Finance at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania. He holds a doctorate in Economics/Econometrics from Nagaruna University in India, a master’s degree in Econometrics and Finance from Temple University, and master’s and bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Mathematics from Nagaruna University.  

Kraybill is president of the Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation which seeks to encourage children and families to adopt healthy habits through health promotion and education. In his 13 years as president, he has focused the Foundation on four areas including nutrition and physical activity in schools; access to primary and behavioral health care services; non-profit infrastructure and capacity building; and recreation and community economic development.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Kraybill served as director of development for The Commonwealth College of Pennsylvania State University, interim director of University Development for Pennsylvania State University, and president and executive director of the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Carnegie Mellon University, a certificate in Fundraising Management from the University of Indiana and a certificate from the Penn State Management Institute.

Guttha’s appointment to the Board of Trustees runs through December 2018, and Kraybill’s appointment is through December 2020.

For more than 50 years, Montgomery County Community College has grown with the community to meet the evolving educational needs of Montgomery County. The College’s comprehensive curriculum includes more than 100 associate degree and certificate programs, as well as customized workforce training and certifications. Students enjoy the flexibility of learning at the College’s campuses in Blue Bell and Pottstown, at the Culinary Arts Institute in Lansdale, and online through a robust Virtual Campus. 

As an Achieving the Dream Leader College, the institution is positioned at the vanguard of national efforts to increase completion, improve learning outcomes, and remove barriers to access for students. The College is also recognized regionally and nationally for its sustainability leadership, work with military veterans, community service and service learning opportunities, and use of classroom technology. 

For more information, visit http://www.mc3.edu. 

Anti-Crime Street Cameras Coming to Pottstown

Photos by Evan Brandt

Police Chief Rick Drumheller talks about the benefits of the street camera program being proposed for Pottstown during Wednesday night's borough council meeting.

The arrival last month of a Community Prosecution Unit of the Montgomery County District Attorney's office came with pledges of helping to make Pottstown a safer place.

Last night, they delivered in a major way, announced a plan to establish crime-fighting street cameras in town. The DA's office will use money confiscated from criminals to pay for the installation of a system that can accommodate as many as 36 street cameras.

Montgomery County ADA Brianna Ringwood explains the
camera proposal to borough council Wednesday night.

Additionally, the county office will pay for the first ten cameras and at least the $5,000 cost of the first year of maintenance.

"This is another example of our commitment to this community," said ADA Brianna Ringwood, one of three ADAs assigned to Pottstown.

Hard to argue with that.

Working with the police department, the cameras will be established in high crime areas and monitored 24/7 by the police department.

Also in the news from last night was the announcement that Justin Keller, the area's regional recreation coordinator,has been hired as Pottstown's new assistant borough manager, replacing Erica Batdorf who left last month.

“His demonstrated ability to foster regional cooperation in his current role as Regional Recreational Coordinator and his success in grant acquisitions for our region made Justin the frontrunner in our search to fill the position," Mark Flanders said in a statement sent to The Mercury late Wednesday night.

As the new assistant borough manager, Justin Keller, center, sat
with his new co-workers Keith Place, left, and Janice Lee last night. 

"It has truly been an honor serving the six participating municipalities as the region;s first recreation coordinator,” Keller said in his statement. “I am proud to be part of an unprecedented level of regional cooperation and coordination which has attracted well over a half million dollars of grant investments for area parks and trails.”

Council also had some dis-jointed discussion about the language for the proposed changes to the ordinance which governs  the Pottstown Human Relations Commission.

Solicitor Charles D. Garner Jr. had asked for some guidance. Not so sure if he got what he was looking for.


You can read all about it in the Tweets below.

Changes at Health and Wellness Foundation

Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation President Dave Kraybill with Retired Board Member Debbie Zelle and Chairman of the Board Art Green.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Pottstown Area health and Wellness Foundation

The Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation has had changes in Board leadership.

As of June 30, two of the Foundation’s Board members, Dr. William Taddonio and Debbie Zelle, have concluded their terms and retired from the Board.

Dr. Taddonio joined the Foundation’s Board in February 2007. In his nine years on the Board, he has served

“Bill Taddonio has been an asset to the Board not only with his vast professional experience in the medical field, but through his passion for people and all things health and wellness,” said Dave Kraybill, Foundation President.

Pottstown Area Healthand Wellness Foundation
Retired Board Member Dr. William Taddonio
with Foundation President Dave Kraybill.

on the Strategic Planning Committee and chaired the Nominating Committee.

“His dedication and leadership has helped guide the Foundation in fulfilling its mission of motivating people to adopt healthy lifestyles.”

Debbie Zelle joined the Foundation’s Board in March 2014. In her two years on the Board, Debbie has served on the Grants and Marketing & Communications Committees.

“Debbie has been an integral part of the Foundation’s Board, bringing years of experience as a school nurse to the table as well as a love of the community,” Kraybill said. “Her unique insight into the world of health and wellness has been a guiding force as we strive to help the communities we serve make healthier choices.”

As of July 1, Art Green remains in the role of Board Chairman as does Myra Forrest in the role of Vice Chairman. Matt Cappelletti will continue in the role of Treasurer and Dr. Keith Harrison in the role of Secretary. Todd Alderfer will also continue serving as “member-at- large” of the executive committee.

“We are very fortunate to have had both Bill and Debbie serve on the Foundation’s Board of Directors with their extensive medical knowledge, expertise and passion for the community,” Kraybill said. “We wish them well as they embark on this next chapter.”

The Unexpected View From the Bus

Photos by Evan Brandt

Borough and Montgomery County officials and guests, head for the bus that took them on a tour of Pottstown Wednesday.

Obviously, the bus tour undertaken by the Montgomery County Planning Commission and company was not something I needed to go on for informational purposes.

There were few things highlighted on the tour that I haven't written about in the 19 years I have been covering Pottstown for The Mercury.

Just as obviously, I was there to report on the impression of the people on the tour, including several planning commission members who were not -- shall we say "familiar?" -- with Pottstown.

But I did discover that my perspective shifted nonetheless.

It was a cumulative thing.

Sure, I know about the process that converted a former industrial PECO building in Riverfront Park into the home of both the Schuylkill River Heritage Area and the new sustainability and innovation center of Montgomery County Community College's West Campus, shown in the above photo.

And yes, I know about the conversion of the former Mrs. Smith's Pies complex into market rate

The adaptive re-use of the old Fecera's building into apartments for

artists and a new home for ArtFusion 19464, as seen from the bus.

housing and -- coming soon -- a mixed use office and retail complex at the southern gateway to Pottstown.

The multi-modal train station off Keim Street in the middle of the old Bethlehem Steel complex? Yup.

The businesses which have taken over some of those buildings, including one that runs almost entirely on solar power? Yes.

I would have to be blind to have missed the re-construction of the Route 422 Armand Hammer Boulevard intersection and the four new bridges over the Schuylkill River.

The Walk/Bike Pottstown trails planned for the borough; the well-designed Wawa and McDonald's in the east end; the conversion of the Jefferson School into affordable senior apartments; Hobart's Run efforts around The Hill School; the conversion of the old Facera's warehouse into apartments for artists and the new home of ArtFusion 19464 ongoing now -- I've reported on them all.

The slow-but-steady improvements to Memorial Park, its spray park, BMX and skateboard parks, the "Bark Park" for dogs and the trails that will connect all that to the Schulkill River Trail and parks upstream on the Manatawny and in Upper Pottsgrove, all are improvements worth lauding.

Pottsgrove Manor, the Manatawny Green mini-golf and the almost-but-never-quite-finished Carousel

The Colebrookdale Railroad's ever-informative Nathaniel Guest

explains the railroad's plans for a new station in Memorial Park.

at Pottstown and, of course, the Colebrookdale Railroad's "Secret Valley Line" and its lovingly restored vintage rail cars -- all things to be applauded over the years.

The attraction of Sly Fox Brewery (a personal favorite) and Manatanwy Stillworks (also a personal favorite); upgrades and improvements at Pottstown Municipal Airport; two-steps-forward-one-step back improvements on High Street have all been closely watched.

There is the tree park at Beech and Charlotte, the street trees (sorry, I'm a fan), the three community gardens with another coming at Barth Elementary School -- all good things

I've had a seat by the fountain in Smith Family Plaza dozens of times, had a beer (or three) at The Brick House; eaten in Grumpy's and Lily's Grill and even managed to scrounge up enough money to see a show at Steel River Playhouse.

Reporting on these things during the day-in day-out hurly burly of daily news reporting can give a close-in up-close perspective.

But on the bus, explaining details to visitors and seeing the sum total of these developments all at once, all at the same time, gave me pause enough to say that is no small record of accomplishment over the years.

Would we like more? Sure.

You can get a free bike to ride around Pottstown. How cool is that?

Was all of it handled with the greatest of foresight and efficiency? Not always, but close enough often enough. (After all, if you saw how efficiently we handled some things at The Mercury, you might say "who are you to point fingers pal?)

Have we lost a few battles in Pottstown? No question.

But we haven't given up yet.

People are quick to get frustrated with the pace of these improvements and just as quick to criticize and lament the lost glory of the old days, when everyone had jobs and there was enough money in town to sustain a well-balanced and even thriving borough.

But times and circumstances have changed, more because of things out of our control than in our control, and the best we can do is try to react and, when possible, predict those changes and make smart adjustments to take advantage of the ones we can.

There has been no small amount of that over the years.

So take a moment to pause, take a breath and look around and say "we haven't been sitting on our heels. We're still in there swinging and, when you look at it all, we have some things to be proud of."

OK, enough of that, now back to making progress.

Here are the Tweets that helped fuel this momentary revelation:

Two Join Health and Wellness Foundation Board

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation.

The Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation welcomed two new members to its Board of Directors in January 2016 -- Adam Conish, CFA, and Sonia Frecon, DDS. 

—  Conish is the managing director of the Endowment and Foundation Practice at The Glenmede Trust Company in Philadelphia in which he oversees professionals dedicated to serving institutional endowment, foundation, pension plan, profit sharing plan and trust accounts. He currently serves on the Finance committee of the Board. 

-- Fecon is a licensed dentist in Peru, a practicing dental hygienist and a certified health coach in integrated health and lifestyle therapy in the U.S. She currently serves on the Marketing/ Communications committee of the Board.

“Adam and Sonia are valued additions to the Foundation’s Board of Directors,” Foundation President Dave Kraybill said. 

“They each bring unique talents and expertise that will help the Foundation continue to fulfill its mission of motivating residents to adopt healthy lifestyles.”

The Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation’s (PAHWF) mission is to enhance the health and wellness of area residents, providing education, funding and programs that motivate people to adopt healthy lifestyles. 

Visit http://www.pottstownfoundation.org/for more information about the Foundation. 

Discover Pottstown area’s online community, Mission Healthy Living, an initiative of PAHWF, to learn and share great information on how to lead a healthier life. 

You can also follow Mission Healthy Living on Facebook and Twitter and follow The Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation on LinkedIn and Pinterest.

Pottstown Health and Wellness Foundation Announces Latest Grant Round Worth $1.5 Million

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation.

The Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation has announced its latest round of grant awards. 

The foundation seeks grant proposals that are consistent with our identified mission of improving health outcomes in the Pottstown region. 

Within its mission, the foundation has established priorities which grants are required to serve.

The fall 2015 grant round includes 39 grants, totaling $1,481,042 awarded to non-profit organizations, schools, and municipalities. 

These grants are funded according to the following priorities:

PRIORITY #1: Healthy Behaviors - General (One grant totaling $31,200).
Pottstown Mercury Foundation: Fit for Life

PRIORITY #1A: Promoting healthy living through nutrition, activities and programs in public and private schools to reduce obesity and encourage healthy living

There were no requests for Priority #1A during this grant round.

PRIORITY #1B: Improving parks, programming and the built environment to increase access to physical activity. (Six grants were awarded totaling $250,353).
Borough of Pottstown: Bike Pottstown Shelter at Manatawny Green
Borough of Pottstown: Memorial Park Playground Replacement and Site Improvement
Parent Booster USA Inc.: Replacement weightlifting equipment and room refurbishment for
Daniel Boone High School
Pottstown School District: Grigg Memorial Field Lights Matching Grant
Preservation Pottstown Inc.: Community Garden Expansion and Capacity Building
South Coventry Township: T. S. Elliott Site

PRIORITY #1C: Creating and promoting social networks involving healthy living
(Seventeen grants were awarded totaling $456,212).
Centro Cultural Latinos Unidos Inc.: Dancing Dribbling Fusion
Communities in Motion: Traffic Safety Town Program
Council On Chemical Abuse Inc.: LifeSkills Training for Daniel Boone School District
Developmental Enterprises Corporation/Pottstown Training Center: Healthy Eating,
Healthy Living Family Services of Montgomery County: Building Resilience Among Teen Parents
Helping To Inspire Positive And Healthy Opportunities For Progress: HIP HOP Health
Maternity Care Coalition: Early Head Start (Pottstown)
Pottstown Area Police Athletic League: General Operating & PAL Youth Programs for Health, Wellness & Leadership Development
Pottstown Area Seniors' Center: Prime Time Health
Pottstown Downtown Improvement District Authority: Pottstown Outdoor Farmer's Market Pottstown FARM
Schuylkill River Athletic Club: C.R.E.W. Community Recreational Water athletics program
The Pennsylvania State University Philanthropic Fund: Pathway to Quality: Better Kid Care
Professional Development Support
The Pennsylvania State University Philanthropic Fund: After School Programs at Park Springs Apartments
Triskeles Foundation: Food For Thought
Wellness Council of Boyertown: Complete Wellness for All
West Pottsgrove Township: Establishment of Aquatic Programs at West Pottsgrove Twp. Community Pool
Young Audiences New Jersey & Eastern Pennsylvania: Jump with Jill Nutrition Education Initiative

PRIORITY #2: PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH (Eight grants were awarded totaling $522,037).
Camphill Village Kimberton Hills: Aging in Community (Funded by PAHWF East Auxiliary).
Carson Valley Children's Aid: Women's Voices/Healthy Choices
Child Advocacy Center of Montgomery County, d/b/a Mission Kids: Fostering the Resilient Child through Family Advocacy and Forensic Interviews (Partially funded by PAHWF East Auxiliary).
Child, Home & Community: Pottstown Adolescent Prenatal Parenting and Support Continuum
Creative Health Services, Inc.: Healthy Weight, Healthy Families Program
Health Care Access: Health Care Access Programs
Montgomery County Community College Foundation: Dental Sealant Day
Visiting Nurse Association Community Services, Inc. (VNA): Personal Navigator Program with Expanded Legal Support

PRIORITY #3: STRENGTHEN NON-PROFITS (Seven grants were awarded totaling $221,240).
First Baptist Church: Handicap accessible renovations requested by CCLU
Foundation for Pottstown Education: Donor Perfect Fundraising and Donor Management Software
Pottstown Area Industrial Development Inc.: PAID Annual Operations - 2015 supplemental
Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities: Program Support for Healthy and Sustainable Living and Capacity Support for Organizational Sustainability
Pottstown Karate Club: Capacity Building/Program Management
Royersford Outreach, Inc.: General Operating Funds for Building and Program
YWCA Tri-County Area: Mission Impact Support

The Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation’s mission is to enhance the health and wellness of area residents, providing education, funding and programs that motivate people to adopt healthy lifestyles. Visit www.pottstownfoundation.org for more information about the Foundation. Discover Pottstown area’s online community Mission Healthy Living to learn and share great information on how to lead a healthier life. You can also follow Mission Healthy Living on Facebook and Twitter and the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation on Pinterest and LinkedIn.