Rotary Club Duck Race Winners Announced

It might not be the kind of race that sets your blood pumping, but winning is always nice -- and there were more than 70 winners in this year's Pottstown Rotary Club Duck Race, held during the GoFourth Celebration in Memorial Park.

Almost more rubber (plastic?) ducks than you can count, each with an assigned number, were placed in Manatawny Creek and those which crossed the finish line first were declared the winners.

The event raises money for dozens of local non-profits, which get to keep a portion of the proceeds from their duck sales.

Without further ado, here are the winners.

1 $1000 Cash: Ticket number 5698, held by Jennifer Isett

2 49" HDTV Television: Ticket number 2968, held by Adriane Rodenbaugh

3 Apple Smart Watch: Ticket number 3494, held by Barbara Eschbach
4 1-hr Hot Air Balloon Ride for 2: Ticket number 207 held by Frank Cebular
5 Complimentary Round of Golf (4) Gilbertsville Golf Club: Ticket number  1751, held by Jill

Bolonski
6 $50 Gift Certificate to Wawa: Ticket number 1091 held by Glenn Stefanowicz
7 1-year Dining Membership to Brookside Country Club: Ticket number 4323, held by William Pappentick
8 30-minute Intro to Flight Lesson: Ticket number 3124, held by Ross Belovich

9 $50 Gift Certificate to Wawa: Ticket number 5024, held by Kelly Taylor
10 $25 Gift Certificate to Eleanor Russel Ltd: Ticket number 5021, held by Kaitlin Doyle
11 Sea Glass Picture: Ticket number 5196, held by Dean Marks
12 $50 Gift Certificate to Wawa: Ticket number 2057, held by Marine Corp League
13 Round of Golf for 4 at Brookside Country Club: Ticket number 2507, held by Louis Ballas
14 Full Detail at Wheels in Motion: Ticket number 1714, held by Mike Sluffegtt
15 Sly Fox Growler with refill card: Ticket number 4669, held by Roger Baumann
16 $25 Gift Certificate Coventry Pub: Ticket number 2544, held by Anthony Catanzaro
17 $10 Gift Certificate to Wawa: Ticket number 165, held by Jim Leveille
18 $20 Gift Certificate to Wawa: Ticket number 1296, held by Colleen Spence
19 Bird House: Ticket number 1972, held by Marine Corp League
20 Gift Certificate for Golf Twosome at Water Gap Country Club: Ticket number 3588, held by Butsy McElroy
21 $100 Gift Certificate to Weitzenkorn's: Ticket number 1842, held by Gary Felter
22 $20 Gift Certificate Camelot Salon: Ticket number 1320, held by Jacqui Batzel
23 $25 Gift Certificate to Wawa: Ticket number 1327, held by Carol Wozonick
24 $20 Gift Certificate Camelot Salon: Ticket number 2344, held by Joan Landis
25 $25 Gift Certificate to Eleanor Russel Ltd: Ticket number 4487, held by Philip Ciofalo
26 $60 Gift Certificate to Wawa: Ticket number 4775, held by Mark Saylor
27 $50 Gift Certificate to Wawa: Ticket number 291, held by Jonathan Fietkau
28 $10 Gift Certificate to Wawa: Ticket number 1664, held by Ruth Worrell
29 $25 Gift Certificate Redner's: Ticket number 5782, held by Ronald Dinnocerti
30 Bird Feeder: Ticket number 2798, held by John Fry

31 Gift Basket "Beach" Theme: Ticket number 4241, held by Gary Chubb
32 $20 Gift Certificate to Olive Garden: Ticket number 1766, held by Don Balonski
33 $50 Gift Certificate Freed's Market: Ticket number 2020, held by Marine Corp League
34 $25 Gift Certificate to Wawa: Ticket number 1159, held by Angelo Galli
35 Gift Certificate for Golf Twosome at Water Gap Country Club: Ticket number 803, held by Stan Brown
36 $25 Gift Certificate to Sunflower Café: Ticket number 1730, held by Tina Mendel
37 $100 Gift Card to Applebee's: Ticket number 2295, held by Thomas Hudson
38 1 free Half Hour Massage - Infinity Chiropractor: Ticket number 4805, held by Ben Major
39 $25 Gift Certificate to Wawa: Ticket number 4313, held by Sara Kelly
40 $50 Gift Card to Wawa: Ticket number 3727, held by Karen H
41 $25 Debit Card and Water Bottle at Citadel Bank: Ticket number 1977, held by Marine Corp League
42 $25 Gift Certificate Giant: Ticket number 2768, held by Norman Freed
43 $20 Gift Certificate to Potts & Penn Family Diner: Ticket number 2417, held by Eugene Krasley
44 1 Oil Change M & M Lube and Automotive: Ticket number 266, held by Donna Manley
45 $25 Gift Certificate to Eleanor Russel Ltd: Ticket number 3278, held by Butch Mohn
46 $20 Gift Certificate Camelot Salon: Ticket number 6009, held by Spring-Ford Rotary
47 $25 Gift Certificate to Potts & Penn Family Diner: Ticket number 3319, held by Michael Hartman
48 1 free weekend Pet Lodging - Limerick Vet Hospital: Ticket number 3859, held by Lawson
49 $40 Gift Certificate Pottstown Roller Mills: Ticket number 3715, held by Gary Crossman
50 $25 Gift Certificate Giant: Ticket number 2279, held by Joyce Wedemeyer

51 30-minute Intro to Flight Lesson: Ticket number 4615, held by Julius Banyal
52 1 free Half Hour Massage - Infinity Chiropractor: Ticket number 2910, held by Nev Lynch
53 $25 Gift Certificate Redner's: Ticket number 1724, held by Peggy Snider
54 $50 Gift Certificate to Lilly's Grille: Ticket number 178, held by Steve Anspach
55 $10 Gift Certificate to Wawa: Ticket number 1064, held by Brandy Smale
56 $25 Gift Certificate to Wawa: Ticket number 3107, held by Linda Jacobs
57 $20 Gift Certificate Camelot Salon: Ticket number 2077, held by Marine Corp League
58 $35 Gift Certificate to Mike's Brick Oven Pizza: Ticket number 2553, held by Steven Smith
59 1 Oil Change M & M Lube and Automotive: Ticket number 5757, held by Kathleen Louden
60 $20 Gift Certificate Camelot Salon: Ticket number 2247, held by Marine Corp League
61 $20 Gift Certificate to Olive Garden: Ticket number 190, held by Kelly Taylor
62 $20 Gift Certificate to Ice House: Ticket number 2140, held by Joanne Augustine
63 $100 Chili's Gift Certificat: Ticket number 5025, held by Alison Wagner
64 $25 Gift Certificate to Downtown Records: Ticket number 3339, held by Diena and Billy Boyer
65 $20 Gift Certificate to Ice House: Ticket number 170, held by Dana Logue
66 $41 Gift Certificate to T&N Saloon: Ticket number 1705, held by David Akers
67 $41 Gift Certificate to T&N Saloon: Ticket number 169, held by Rich Graver
68 $20 Gift Certificate to Wawa: Ticket number 3659, held by David Akers
69 $20 Gift Certificate to Wawa: Ticket number 4801, held by Holly Chang
70 $50 Gift Certificate to Best Buy: Ticket number 3660, held by Anita Slobodin
71 $50 Gift Certificate Downtown Stores "Last Duck In": Ticket number 259, held by Jeff Schulbert

Duck Race Results

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

Last Saturday Rotarians from Pottstown launched more than 2900 ducks on the Manatawny Creek as part of the 22nd annual Duck Race. Certificates for these ducks were purchased by Rotarians and many in the community to support 25 non-profit organizations.

The ducks competed for over 70 prizes donated by the agencies, area merchants, and Rotarians. 

First prize was $1000. A prize is awarded for the last duck to reach the finish line. 

At times strong winds from the east blew some of the ducks back upstream. The race was held in conjunction of the Pottstown Pet Fair which is the largest pet Fair in the Commonwealth.

The following is a list of prize winners. They will be notified by mail. Gift certificates will be mailed and other prizes can be picked up according to the instructions in the letter. Questions may be directed to Rotarian Richard Frantz, co-chairman of the event 610.323.0900.

 

So Much to Do, So Little Time (Or, Spend Your Weekends in Pottstown) Now Updated with Even More!

Mercury File Photo

Now in its third year, the Pottstown Pet Fair has grown by leaps and bounds every year

"There's nothing to do."

Parents, how many times did you hear that this summer as your kids lazed about the living room complaining of terminal boredom?

Well they can't say that this month as September is one of those months were everything happens
all at the same time:

First and foremost, let's talk about the Third Annual Pottstown Pet Fair.

 Photo by John Strickler/The Mercury
Angel Jones, 6, holds her new Chihuahua puppy named Junior
at the pet fair last year. 

Scheduled for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, the event has grown so big that is has moved to Memorial Park.

Speaking to Pottstown Borough Council last week, the organizers said that it has now attracted more than 80 vendors, "which is phenomenal," said Codes Enforcement Officer Bill Sharon.

As a result, it has grown to the largest free pet fair on the East Coast, he said.

Among the activities will be:

• Blessing of the animals
• Animal rescue organizations
• Pet photos
• Retail vendors
• A food court
• Workshops
• A dog walk to benefit the Bark Park in Memorial Park 
• A rabies vaccination clinic run by the Montgomery County Health Department ($10 per shot).
• Rotary Club Duck Race

* **

Speaking of which, let's talk about The Annual Rotary Club Duck Race. 

Mercury File Photo

Moved from the Fourth of July Celebration, which this year did not include any events in Memorial Park, the annual duck race raises money for 25 different community groups.

Last year, the Rotary and participating organizations sold about 3,300 tickets. Through this project, the community has contributed more than $295,000 to non-profit organizations in the Pottstown area.

The club organizes the event and provides personnel, as well as selling tickets, along with the community groups benefited.

The number on each ticket matches one on a plastic duck which is released with a whole passel of others down the meandering Manatawny Creek. 

About 100 prizes are awarded worth more than $10,000.

• First prize is $1,000 cash
• Second Prize is a 40-inch HDTV television
• Third prize is an i-Pad

***

On Friday, Sept. 20, an opening reception will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. for the opening of a new exhibit at ArtFusion 19464 at 254 High St.

The exhibit is called "When We Were Soldiers" and is the work and personal story of the area's Vietnam War veterans.

The exhibit will be in the High Street gallery through Nov. 9. 

Look to upcoming Mercury issues for a full story on this exhibit and videos of the veterans telling their stories.

* * *

Right across King Street from Memorial Park, historic Pottsgrove Manor will be having its own program that features -- wait for it -- CHOCOLATE!

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. that day, Pottsgrove Manor will host an ongoing series of demonstrations about how chocolate was enjoyed by Americans in colonial times.

The demonstrations will be performed by American Heritage Chocolate (a division of Mars Chocolate North America.)

Also, perhaps most importantly, they can taste a sample of a colonial chocolate drink.

As many of you know, Pottsgrove Manor is the refurbished home of Pottstown founder John Potts.

It is located at 100 W. King St. and is owned and operated by Montgomery County.

* * *

The submissions just keep coming, Barth Elementary Principal Ryan Oxenford sent us this message:

On behalf of the students and staff at Barth Elementary School, we would like to invite you to the rededication celebration on Saturday, September 21. The staff is working hard to plan activities to celebrate our newly renovated elementary school and hope you will join us for the event.

The activities will run from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with some remarks at 2:00 p.m.

We look forward to seeing you there.

All the best,

Ryan Oxenford and the Barth Family

* * *

The next day, The Carousel of Flavor turns 10 this year on Sunday, Sept. 22 from 12 to 4 p.m. in Smith Family Plaza on High Street, right in front of Pottstown Borough Hall.

The event raises money for the Carousel at Pottstown effort.

In addition to the wine and beer tent, with three beer vendors, 20 restaurants have signed up to sell samples of their best dishes.

There will be musical entertainment. Stroll around the tables of Crafters Row where vendors will have their unique creations on display. Rainbow the Clown will be making her debut, making balloon animals for the kids. Children can climb into a fire truck and the DARE truck.

To get a look at the progress of the Carousel, hop on the trolley for a ride to the carousel’s home at 30 King St., across from Memorial Park.

For the 10th Anniversary new attractions have been added. Chef Mike Pezzillo will teach new skills and answer questions during his engaging cooking demonstration. The Magic of Kevin Joyce will amaze the crowd with his sleight of hand tricks. A raffle of gift certificates from the participating restaurants will be running throughout the day. Also new this year, students from Pottstown High School’s Culinary Arts program will serve up examples of their growing culinary skills, participating as a restaurant this year.

Poster by Alan MacBain

Many restaurants look forward to the friendly competition that day as they vie for the Best of Show awards. The Montgomery County Community College Culinary Arts program officiates the judging of Best Appetizer, Best Entrée, and Best Dessert. 

This year's restaurants are: Armstrong Ales LLC – beer only, Bairds Catering, Batter Up!, Bause Catered Events Inc., Boardwalk Pizza, Boneyard Joe's, Brunish's Grocery and Sandwich Shop, The Copperfield Inn at Lakeside, DaVinci's Pub, Greshville Inn, Grumpy's Handcarved Sandwiches, Mike's Brick Oven Pizza (gift cards available for raffle), Philly Pretzel Factory, Phillies Fire Co – Beer only, Piazza Presto, Positively Pasta ,introducing Lily’s Grill
Pottstown High School Culinary Students, Tacie’s Café’ & Bakery, The Pourhouse Tap Room and Sports Bar – Beer only, The Very Best, Thyme To Serve, Tornetta's Pizzeria, West End Alley

* * *

The following weekend, visitors will revel in the high-borne antics of Pottstown Municipal Airport Day.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, the Pottstown Municipal Airport, located at the intersection of Glasgow Street and Shoemaker Road, will hold a number of ground-bound and

 Photo by Kevin Hoffman/The Mercury 

A colorful blue and yellow bi-plane on display at Airport Day.

airborne events.

Those inclined to look to the skies can enjoy a sky-diving demonstration, as well as free airplane rides for kids.

(The children must be 8 to 17 and accompanied by a parent or guardian.)

Back on the ground visits will find airport displays, games, give-aways, a paper airplane contest, snacks, drinks and information about learning to fly.

* * *

On the same day, right next door and a little bit later in the day will be the Second Annual Can Jam Music Festival at Sly Fox Brewing Company's grounds at 331 Circle of Progress Drive.

The free event will feature a half-dozen of the region's top musical acts and a Kan Jam

Tournament in which the winning team will be awarded its combined weight in Sly Fox beer.

The entertainment for the day includes performances by Ataloft, Travel Lanes, John Train, Swift Technique, The Lawsuits and Toy Soldiers; a lineup which Sly Fox brewmaster Brian O'Reilly says will offer "as solid and diverse a sampling of the best performers on the current Philadelphia area music scene as Ive ever seen."

The first act will appear on the outdoor stage at noon and the final performance is scheduled to begin at 7:30pm, providing over 8 hours of music for the crowd. During that time attendees will be able to enjoy BBQ and pizza from the popular on-premises Tastin' Room, draught beer inside at the bar, and canned and draught beers sold at stands out front. Can Jam Lager, a special beer brewed for the event each year, is expected to be a popular choice.

The Kan Jam Tournament will be a competition among 80 pre-registered two-person teams

The Can-Jame game is simple to learn and fun to play.

conducted on a playing field adjacent to the Tastin' Room. The round robin contest features a series of three-game matches in which scoring involves throwing discs into barrel-shaped goals 50-feet away. Sly Fox adds its own cantacular touch to the game by requiring all contestants to play while holding a can of beer in one hand.

Tournament play will begin at 10 a.m. and the championship match is expected to take place at approximately 4:30 p.m. The weighing ceremony of the championship duo and the awarding of their weight in beer will follow immediately.

The Can Jam Music Festival is named to celebrate Sly Fox's role as the first craft brewery in the Mid Atlantic region to can beer; that choice in 2006 made them one of the earliest adapters of what has since become the hottest packaging trend in the industry. Sly Fox Pikeland Pils became the first canned craft beer to win a Gold Medal at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver in 2007.

* * *

This just in!:
Another great event scheduled from 10-2 on Saturday, 28 September is the Family Fun Fair at First United Methodist Church, 414 High Street.

There will be games for all, a bounce house for the young, face painters, a juggler, a duck pond, a clown and balloon animal artist, a reptile expert with his animals at 10:30, crafts for the kiddies, live music, and a hot dog lunch. The event is free, so be sure to come by and say hello!

***

Tony Smith

If Gospel is you thing, you should know that Tony Smith, Award Winning and Grammy Nominee, Gospel Jazz Artist along with “You Know How We Do It Crew” will present a Gospel Concert on Saturday, September 28, 2013 at 7:00 PM.

The Concert will take place at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 150 North Hanover Street and Tickets ($20.00) are available by calling the Church at 610-326-9171.

The entire Pottstown Community is invited to attend an event, which is brought to Pottstown by Bethel AME Church..