TriCounty Senior Center Raffle Winners Get $15,000

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the TriCounty Active Adult Center.

The winners of the 2019 TriCounty Active Adult Center cash raffle were drawn on Aug.31st at the Duryea Day car show in Boyertown. 

Michael Kelly Sr. of Stowe was the $10,000 grand prize winner. Taking home the $5,000 second prize are Dave and Lorraine Antonio of Stowe. 

The other winners are: $250: Donna Laver of Pottstown; $100 each: Pam Eiche of Douglassville, Lorraine Schur of Pottstown, and George and Gerry Deery of Pottstown; $50 each: Roy Repko of Perkiomenville and Paul Sawchuk of Pottstown.

“Congratulations to all of the winners!” said Brian Parkes, executive director. “Of course, the seniors of our community are the big winners. We raised more than $10,000 to support programs and services at the Center.”

Community partners play a big part in supporting the annual raffle. Partners this year included Duryea Day, Nelson Swartley/Long & Foster Collegeville, Sunnybrook Ballroom, and Pottstown Classics Car Club.

“I’d like to thank all of the community partners, as well as our dedicated volunteers who put in many hours to make this raffle such a success,” said Parkes. “And thank you to everyone who purchased tickets – your generosity improves the lives of older adults in the tri-county area.”

The TriCounty Active Adult Center serves adults age 50 and better with programs and services including information and referral assistance, a daily free lunch, exercise programs, social activities, and much more. 

 The TriCounty Active Adult Center enhances the well-being of its members by providing services and activities that promote an independent and healthy life style. The TriCounty Active Adult Center has nearly 3,000 members, and anyone living in the tri-county area (Berks, Chester and Montgomery Counties) who is 50+ years of age is welcome to attend the center. Learn more at www.TriCountyAAC.org.

Meals on Wheels Fundraiser Features Greaseband

The Fabulous Greaseband will perform at Sunnybrook Ballroom Oct. 20 for the annual Meals on Wheels Fundraising Event.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by Family Services.

The Fabulous Greaseband, a seven-member nostalgic dance-party band and concert attraction, will bring their rock ‘n’ roll party to Pottstown this fall for the Seventh Annual Meals on Wheels Fundraising Event.

The Fabulous Greaseband features outstanding male and female vocal leads in a front trio, backed by a gifted group of instrumentalists. Their highly entertaining and energetic delivery of some of the greatest songs ever written has kept the group on top for well over 35 years.

The show will be held on Saturday, October 20 at SunnyBrook Ballroom, 50 Sunnybrook Road, Pottstown. Doors open at 7 p.m. Show begins at 8 p.m. Show tickets are $25 (general admission). A limited number of reserved tables are available (minimum of eight seats per table). A cash bar will be available during the show.

An optional, all-inclusive buffet dinner will be served at 6 p.m. The buffet features mesclun greens, penne primavera, chicken francaise, sliced shoulder filet with demi-glace, garlic mashed potatoes, green bean almondine, bread, beverage, and assorted mini desserts. Tickets for the buffet dinner and show are $60 per person. Advance dinner tickets are required.

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Ruth Hood, program director, Meals on Wheels, at 610-326-1610 ext. 336 or rhood@fsmontco.org or visit www.fsmontco.org/events. Tickets may be purchased weekdays between 9 a.m.–4 p.m. at Family Services’ Pottstown Office, 1976 East High Street, Pottstown. Cash, checks and credit cards are accepted.

Funds raised during this event benefit Family Services’ Meals on Wheels program. Each weekday, Meals on Wheels provides two meals, a hot lunch and a cold supper to refrigerate, to an average of 150 homebound elderly and disabled individuals in Pottstown, Royersford and the Lower Perkiomen Valley. Community volunteers personally deliver more than 80,000 meals a year, bringing nourishment, friendship and a brief safety check to those most in need.





Generous sponsors of this event include Exelon/Limerick Generating Station, BTC Foods and Pottstown Hospital – Tower Health.

Local NAACP Chapter to Hold Inaugural Luncheon

The newly formed chapter of the Pottstown NAACP will hold an inaugural luncheon on Saturday, April 1 at SunnyBrook Ballroom in Lower Pottsgrove.

The Hon. Garret D. Page, will be the keynote speakers.

The luncheon has several purposes, one of which is to introduce the new officers of Unit 2288.

Another is to announce upcoming Pottstown NAACP initiatives.

Another is to honor the perseverance of people of color in history with an emphasis on "Black History Celebration Continued; until the accomplishments and contributions of people of color are acknowledged every day, history is complete."

The luncheon will take place from 12 to 3 p.m. and the cost of tickets is $25. Sponsorships or advertisements can be obtained for $10, $50 or $100. For information on that, email pottstownnnaacp.2288@gmail.com or call 610-724-7584 or 610-220-1067.

The local chapter of the NAACP is "continuing to work towards ensuring the political, educational, social and economic equality of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination," according to the release.  "Every day, we are reminded that the mission and work of the NAACP is more relevant than ever."

16th World War II Dance At Sunnybrook April 8

"Swing Fever" performs as a previous World War II Dance in the Sunnybrook Ballroom.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the TriCounty Active Adult Center.

The tremendously popular World War II "SWING DANCE" honoring the World War II Veterans will be held on Friday, April 8, 2016, in the newly renovated and "World Renowned” Sunnybrook Ballroom, 50 Sunnybrook Road, from 8 to 11 p.m. 

Doors will open at 7 p.m.. 

The Swing Fever Dance Band, an eighteen piece orchestra, will perform their USO Canteen Show in World War II uniforms. 

Come experience the Big Band sounds of the 40's, featuring the music of Duke Ellington, Glen Miller, the Dorsey Brothers, and other. Dance to "In the Mood" and swing to the sounds of the classic big bands tunes of the World War II era, while we honoring our veterans.

New this year is an optional dinner buffet before the dance. Reservations are required for the dinner buffet. As in previous years, all veterans will be honored during an intermission.

The Annual World War II Swing Dance benefits programs for older adults at the TriCounty Active Adult Center (formerly the Pottstown Area Seniors’ Center).

This unique event is in its 16th year of benefiting veterans and Pottstown organizations. 

Attendees receive a "Ration Coupon Book" for their free sodas, chips and pretzels at the "Mess Tent." A cash bar will be available at the "Officer's Club." The opening ceremony includes the Pottstown High School's Jr. ROTC Color Guard presenting the colors.

Attendees are encouraged to wear Allied military uniforms and periodic dress of the 1940’s. A dress contest will award prizes in the following categories: best dressed male, best dressed female, and the best military uniform.

Tickets are $25 per person (cash or check only) with assigned seating for eight people at each table. (all seats are reserved). 

The optional buffet dinner is an additional $25 per person. 

Purchase tickets by making a check payable to TriCounty Active Adult Center Swing Dance, and mail with the names of attendees to: TriCounty Active Adult Center, 288 Moser Road, Suite 1, Pottstown, PA 19464. 

Remaining tickets, if available, will be sold at the door starting at 7 p.m., on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Call 610-323-5305 or go to www.TriCountyAAC.org for more information.

Twelve Twenty-Four at SunnyBrook Friday

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by SunnyBrook Ballroom.

Twelve Twenty-Four will bring their high energy, full-scale, holiday rock orchestra concert to the northeast for the fourteenth consecutive year at SunnyBrook on Friday, Dec. 18th. 

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The show begins at 7 p.m.

Their performances feature the music of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, as well as their own holiday creations. With a total of fourteen performers, which includes a six-piece rock band, three-piece string section, and a variety of seven vocalists, Twelve Twenty-Four brings the magic of Christmas alive at each show.

This year’s show will feature songs from their albums, "Light in the Dark" and "Miracle on Rock Street;" as well as everyone’s favorite Trans-Siberian Orchestra songs.

Established in 2002, Twelve Twenty-Four performs its Christmas music with a theatrical, rock edge and combines it with a musical storyline to create a holiday show suitable for fans of all ages. 

As the Mid-Atlantic region’s original and longest running recreation of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Twelve Twenty-Four is making a name for itself and has far-reaching goals.

A delicious holiday dinner buffet from our new menu is included with your ticket. Bring your family and friends and make this a special Christmas tradition.

Reservations are required. Tickets will not be available at the door. 

Blogger's Other Note: The price range remains a mystery given that SunnyBrook provided no range  and their web site requires you to pick seats before knowing how much they are, so approach with hand firmly on wallet...

The Geator with the Heater at Sunnybrook Friday

Jerry Blavat

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by SunnyBrook Ballroom.

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Jerry Blavat, the Geator with Heater, the Boss with the Hot Sauce, the King of Philly Rock and Roll returns to the SunnyBrook Ballroom Friday, at 7 p.m. 

Doors open at 6 p.m. and tickets are on sale now for $20. Tickets are also available at the door for $25.00

Blavat is as much a part of Philadelphia as cheese steaks, TastyKakes, soft pretzels and The Liberty Bell.

Jerry was raised in South Philadelphia and began his career as a dancer, radio and television disc jockey, performer, entertainer, producer and nightclub owner.

He began his show business career at age 13 when he debuted as a dancer on Bandstand hosted by Bob Horn. At the age 16, he became the road manager for Danny and The Juniors.

In 1960 he started his own radio talk show on WCAM in Camden. The rest as they say is history. 

Radio, TV, record hops and appearances all over the Delaware Valley. Jerry still owns “Memories” in Margate, NJ.

Jerry works at various clubs most nights. While many refer to James Brown as “the hardest working man in show business,” the title should belong to Jerry Blavat.

In April of 1998 he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. On Nov. 22, 2002 he was inducted into the Hall of Fame of The Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia.

Take the opportunity to dance and singing along to the music that was the “Soundtrack of our Lives.” at the legendary Sunnybrook Ballroom.

For more information, visit the Web site at http://www.sunnybrookballroom.com

Swing Into Spring Polka Blast at SunnyBrook

The Eddie Forman Orchestra

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by SunnyBrook Ballroom:

The Eddie Forman Orchestra will headline the Historic SunnyBrook Ballroom’s May 3 "Swing into Spring Polka Blast."

Doors open at 11:30 a.m. The fun runs from 12 noon until 8 p.m. Advance tickets cost $20, or $25 on the day of Blast. Children 15 and under are free. Tickets are available online at www.sunnybrookballroom.com

The Eddie Forman Orchestra has received numerous awards in recognition of promoting polka music and culture. Eddie was inducted in the International Polka Music Hall of Fame in 2006. The band, composed of a very diverse group of musicians, has an expanded repertoire of music.

They have performed over the years at many venues throughout New England, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Michigan, California and Florida. They have been featured on several cruises to the Caribbean Islands and Bermuda. 

The Boys

The band's enthusiasm, their love for the music they perform, their versatility, ability to embrace a wide range of styles, and their dedication to strong, lively performances make the E.F.O. an enduring success.

In 2010, Polka Hall of Famers Mike Matousek and Frank Liszka, along with former band mates Al Puwalski and Jeff Yash, reunited and added the talents of polka veterans Mike Evan and David Morris to form The Boys. The original band was founded in 1980 and played their signature style of polka music until the group disbanded in 1990. 

 The Boys had recorded five albums, received regional and national honors including the United States Polka Association's "1989 Favorite Band" and "1989 Favorite Album" awards, appeared in a major motion picture, and established themselves as one of the dominant forces in the polka industry.

Their "A New Day" CD won the Polka America Corporation's PACE Award for "Favorite Polish CD" of 2011 and the International Polka Association's "2011 Favorite CD/Album.” The Boys' hit song "In My Old Polish Town" also won the PACE Award tor "2011 Favorite Original Song."

Additionally, Pottstown’s own O'Such Rhythm and Music Band will perform.

There will also be a variety of Polish food available for purchase punctuating the high-energy ethnic heritage of the dance.

The event is a part of SunnyBrook’s Heritage along with an Autumn Polka event on Nov. 15.

Time to Have a Ball Pottstown

Blogger's Note: The following is provided by the SunnyBrook Foundation:

The SunnyBrook Foundation will host a Mardi Gras Ball Fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 21 from 6 to 11 p.m. at the SunnyBrook Ballroom. The event supports the historical non-profit arts and entertainment venue. 

Tickets are $80 per person or $150 per couple.

Numerous Mardi Gras activities will take place throughout the evening. 

Food stations with cajun-style delicacies are sure to satisfy every appetite. 

Try your hand at the gaming tables while enjoying the sounds of the New Orleans style music by The Barbone Street Jazz Band. Guests can dance the night away on the large, beautiful ballroom dance floor. 

Take your chance at going home with a gift baskets and other specialty item being raffled off throughout the evening. 

Capture memories from this special event at the photo station – take pictures with friends and guests using fun, Mardi Gras props.

Evening dress code required – cocktail dress and black tie optional.

SunnyBrook is currently accepting donations of auction items and event sponsorships. Gaming table sponsorships and food sponsorships are available -- your kind and generous donations are tax deductible. 

If you are interested in supporting this historical arts and entertainment venue of The SunnyBrook Foundation, please contact them for information on how to donate to or sponsor this exciting event.

For more information, contact: Donna Gearhart, event coordinator, via email at donna@sunnybrookballroom.com or by phone at 610-323-7570 or Stacey Hebert, event coordinator, via email at stacey@sunnybrookballroom.com or by phone at 484.624.5187.

About the Historic SunnyBrook Ballroom

Formed in 2004 to save the historic 20,000 square foot ballroom from the wrecking ball, the SunnyBrook Foundation operates the venue as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. 

Reopened in 2008 as an entertainment venue through the work of scores of volunteers from the community, the facility’s fine dining restaurant and Chummy’s Lounge was reopened in 2011. 

During the heyday of big band music, the historic ballroom was a regular stop on the tours of all of the era’s big bands. Benny Goodman, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, Frank Sinatra are just a few of the names of nationally known performers who filled the room with the music of the era.

The venue has hosted political rallies, community meetings, weddings, wedding receptions, class and family reunions, high school proms, and other events.

Breakfast With Santa & More at Sunnybrook

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the non-profit SunnyBrook Ballroom Foundation.

Bring the family to breakfast with Santa at the Historic SunnyBrook Ballroom on  Nov. 29. Chef Doug Pickett is cooking up a great breakfast for the family. 

 “Ursala” SunnyBrook’s vintage theatre organ will ring out the sounds of Christmas. 

Mike Kropp and Makin’ Music will provide additional entertainment while the kids get their creative juices flowing by making a craft to take home. 

Ursula, the SunnyBrook organ

And of course, a certain Jolly Old Elf will be on hand.

Bring the camera to take that one of a kind picture for keepsake.

Admission for the event, open from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, for ages 10 and under is $5.95; ages 11 and up $9.95

Breakfast with Santa is a part of SunnyBrook’s 2014 holiday celebration which includes:

• Flamin’ Dick and the Hot Rods on Nov. 26;
• SunnyBrook’s Holiday Ball with the Sounds of SunnyBrook Dance Band on Nov. 28;
• Breakfast with Santa on Nov. 29; 
• Twelve Twenty-Four and the music of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra on Dec. 19; 
• And wraps up with New Year’s Eve with the Sounds of SunnyBrook and Emmy award nominee jazz vocalist Amanda Carr on New Year's Eve.

The Historic SunnyBrook Ballroom reopened in 2008 as an entertainment venue through the work of scores of community volunteers.

The facility’s casual fine dining restaurant and Chummy’s Lounge was reopened in 2011. The venue is owned and operated by the SunnyBrook Foundation.

During the heyday of big band music, the historic ballroom was a regular stop on the tours of all of the era’s big bands. Benny Goodman, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, Frank Sinatra, and Louis Armstrong are just a few of the names of nationally known performers who filled the room with the music of the era.

The venue has hosted political rallies, community meetings, weddings, wedding receptions, class and family reunions, high school proms, and other events.

The SunnyBrook Ballroom decked out for the holidays.

Looking for a Job? Job Fair at Sunnybrook Tuesday

Looking for a job?

Well your chances will improve Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. when a job fair will be held at Sunnybrok Ballroom, 50 Sunnybrook Road.

Admission is free and a list of at least 60 potential employers will be on hand to take applications and offer advice.

You can connect with businesses and organizations within the region who are seeking qualified employees.

Information regarding Human Services agencies and Veteran's Services will also be available.

Explore training and educational programs available through local colleges and universities.

Bring multiple copies of your resume.

Job seekers should come prepared to complete applications.

Pottstown Area Rapid Transit (PART) will make special stops at Sunnybrook Ballroom for the Job Fair.

The job fair is presented by Senator Rafferty's Office in partnership with Pennsylvania CareerLink and the TCN Workforce Development Committee.

Here is a list of employers and services which will be at the event:

Abraxas Academy
AlliedBarton Security Systems
American Infrastructure
Aqua America Pennsylvania, Inc.
Avon Products
BAYADA Home Health Care
BlackJax American Pub and Grill
Boscov’s Department Store LLC
Brooks Brothers
CADCOM
CareerLink
Chester County Intermediate Unit Practical Nursing Program
Chestnut Knoll at Home
Creative Health Services, Inc.
DeSales University, Lansdale Campus
Edward Jones Investments
eHomecare
Einstein Healthcare Network
Family Caregivers Network, Inc
Frederick Living
Genesis HealthCare
Greenfield Senior Living of Perkiomen Valley
Hire One
Home Helpers (YCB Inc.)
Home Instead Senior Care
IBEW Local 380 JATC
Innovations Services
InVision Human Services
J. P. Mascaro & Sons
Johnson Matthey
KenCrest
Legal Aid of Southeastern PA
Lehigh Career & Technical Institute
Lowe’s
ManorCare Health Services Pottstown
Mary Kay Consultants
Maternity Care Coalition/Early Head Start
Metro Public Adjustment Inc.
Montgomery County Community College
PA State Civil Service Commission
Pennsylvania State Police
PeopleShare
Phoenixville Public Library
PJM Interconnection
Polo-Ralph Lauren
Pottstown Brick House
Pottstown Memorial Medical Center
Pottstown Regional Public Library
Primerica Financial Services
ResCare HomeCare
Robert Half – Accountemps & Office Team
Score Chapter Pottstown PA
Seniors Helping Seniors
SEPTA
Staffing Plus
The Carney Group
The Home Depot
Transformation Initiative
Tre’SkinRX Skincare
Univest Corporation of Pennsylvania
US Army
Venezia Transport Services
VNA-Community Services, Inc
Wawa
YWCA Tri County Area

Of Tourism, Bicentennials and Human Relations

Photo by Evan Brandt

One of the nicest things about walking to a Pottstown Borough Council meeting is walking past the fountain in Smith Family Plaza. 

So last night's meeting was not terribly long, but there are a lot of Tweets, so make sure to click the blue "Click the Read Next Page" bar to ensure full enjoyment.

Star-Spangled Sunny Brook

Photo Courtesy of Lee Schultz

The Boyertown Alumni Band and Color Guard kicked off the Independence Day holiday week with a concert Sunday at SunnyBrook Ballroom.

Blogger's Note: The following information and photos were provided by the SunnyBrook Foundation and the Boyertown Alumni Band.

Photo Courtesy of the SunnyBrook Foundation

More than 250 people attended Sunday's patriotic concert.

An enthusiastic flag-waving crowd of more than 250 kicked of Pottstown’s 4th of July celebration at the Star-Spangled SunnyBrook Patriotic Concert on Sunday with the Boyertown Alumni Marching Unit. 

The music began with The National Game March by John Philip Sousa. The marches and songs
included pieces by Travis J. Weller, S.E Hummel, Richard Rodgers, and Irving Berlin among others.

Along with the John Philip Sousa marches the band performed some SunnyBrook favorites such as Glenn Miller Medleys and St. Louis Blue March.

The music rocked the historic ballroom as the marching unit’s Baton Twirlers, Color Guard, and Rifle Carriers, all dressed in red, white, and blue engaged the audience, by passing out American Flags to each audience member and then leading the crowd in singing patriotic song and waving their own Star-Spangled Banner. 

Photo Courtesy of Lee Schultz of Boyertown

Pottstown Mayor Sharon Thomas welcomes the crowd.

Pottstown Mayor Sharon Thomas welcomed guests and the Boyertown Alumni Marching Unit on behalf of Pottstown and expressed appreciation to the Marching Unit and the SunnyBrook Foundation for holding the event that kicked off the celebration of the birthday of the United States in the tri-county area.

During the United Services Medley, arranged by Arlen R Saylor, a friend of SunnyBrook, soldiers, sailors, airmen, coast guardsmen, and Marines were asked to stand and be appreciated by the audience as the march of each branch of service was played.

Also during The United Services Salute, the bandfront presented the five flags honoring each branch
of the military.

The concert ended with the Alumni Unit's signature song Saints in Concert.

The event, which began with picnic food served in SunnyBrook’s Pavilion, drew a number of classic and vintage cars ended as the band front brought the colors “American Flag” and other ornamental flags off the ballroom floor to Bill Moffit’s Saint in Concert.

Photo Courtesy of Lee Schultz

The flags of the five branches of the armed services were presented 

during the Arlen Saylor arrangement of the U.S. Services Medley.

“When I come to something like this, where the community is together, I am glad that I am to be a member of the SunnyBrook’s Board and support the community this way,” said Dave Brown of Boyertown, a member of the SunnyBrook Foundation Board of Directors.

J. Wilmer Hallman, president of the SunnyBrook Foundation said, “we hope this can be a tradition for our community. That we can begin our 4th of July celebration an event like this here at SunnyBrook and complete with a celebration at Memorial Park.” Hallman indicated that plans for next year are already underway.

Flag-Waving Fun at Star-Spangled Sunnybrook

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Sunnybrook Ballroom.

Kick-off your July 4th week family celebration at the historic SunnyBrook Ballroom.

Use the courts to play some basketball and volleyball. 

Play a game of horseshoes. 

Have an All-American hotdog or hamburger from the outside grill. 

(Bring and display your classic or vintage car and receive a free sandwich.) 

The fun starts at noon. Then, at 2 p.m. join the crowd in the ballroom for a rousing flag-waving (flag provided) concert of patriotic music with an area favorite the Boyertown Alumni Marching Unit. 

Tickets for the concert are $10; children 6-12 $5; children under 6 are free. 

 Tickets can be purchased on our website at www.thesunnybrookballroom.net.

The Boyertown Alumni Marching Unit formed in 1976 as an all-volunteer, family oriented marching unit. From its first performance in the nation’s Bicentennial Celebration to its latest concert the band has been active throughout the northeast.

More about the band: http://bamu.webs.com

Formed in 2004 to save the historic 20,000 square foot ballroom from the wrecking ball, the SunnyBrook Foundation operates the venue as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. 

Reopened in 2008 as an entertainment venue through the work of scores of community volunteers, the facility’s fine dining restaurant and Chummy’s Lounge reopened in 2011. 

During the heyday of big band music, the historic ballroom was a regular stop on the tours of all of the era’s big bands. Benny Goodman, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, Frank Sinatra are just a few of the names of nationally known performers who filled the room with the music of the era.

The venue continues to host community meetings, political rallies, weddings, wedding receptions, class and family reunions, high school proms, and other events.