Beef & Victory Beer Benefits ArtFusion 19464

Today is the last day to get a $5 discount on tickets to the Saturday, Aug. 8 fifth annual beef and beer fundraiser for ArtFusion 19464.

This year’s event will again be held at the ArtFusion facility at 254 E. High St. from 6 to 9 p.m.

Advance tickets are $20, if purchased before July 25. 

Tickets purchased after this date are $25. 

If the event has not sold out, tickets will be available at the door. 

Tickets can be bought online at artfusion19464.org, in person at ArtFusion, or over the phone by calling 610-326-2506. 

Guests can choose a beef entrée, or a vegetarian sandwich option.

Victory Brewing Company has once again generously donated their amazing beer for this event. 

The Butcher and the BBQ will be making the hot beef sandwiches and Montesano Bros. will again be creating their amazing side salads and veggie sandwiches. 

The Community Gardens in Pottstown will be donating a fresh garden salad for everyone to enjoy. 

There will be soda and water in addition to Victory beer and homemade desserts to finish off the meal.

Along with enjoying great food and great beer, guests will have the chance to win fun door prizes and try their luck at a 50/50 raffle. 

Guests could win a $50 Wegman's gift card, a gift basket from local soapmaker Scentual Gardens, a

Artwork by Barbara Tschantre

gift card from Connections coffee shop, goodies from Milkman Cake Shoppe, a “Shop Local” gift basket donated by Dolan Law Group, a basket of cheer donated by the ArtFusion Board of Directors and featuring a selection of red and white wines, and their choice of original artwork. 

Each guest will receive one door prize chance free with their paid ticket. 

Additional tickets will be one sale throughout the night. 

Proceeds benefit ArtFusion 19464’s upcoming fall educational exhibit Her Story. This show will feature artwork inspired by women’s history.

ArtFusion 19464 is a 501(c)3 non-profit community art center located at 254 E. High St. in downtown Pottstown. 

The school offers day, evening and weekend classes to all ages. The goal of these classes is to help students develop their creative skills through self-expression and independence. ArtFusion’s gallery hosts rotating shows featuring local artists. 

The gallery also sells handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gift items. The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

The gallery is closed Sunday and Monday.

On Excellent Teachers and Zero-Tax Budgets

Inadequate photo by Evan Brandt

From left, Pottstown School Board President Judyth Zahora, high school social studies teacher Maureen Rieger, Franklin Elementary teacher Jane Hospador and Superintendent Jeff Sparagana.

As much as this is the season of spring concerts, graduations and field days, it is also the time of the school year when excellence in teaching is recognized.

Some of that recognition occurred at Thursday night's school board meeting.

The first teacher to be honored was Jane Hospador, who teaches at Franklin Elementary School and was a finalist for the Montgomery County-wide Voices of Inspiration Award.

Here is a short video with Superintendent Jeff Sparagana reading why Hospador was recognized.




After Hospador, it was Pottstown High School social studies teacher Maureen Reiger's turn.

She was recognized by the Philadelphia Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution as one of the teachers the organization recognizes each year "as an extraordinary educator."

It is presented to "a teacher whose instruction on the era from 1750 to 1800 demonstrates education efforts in the classroom that exceed and excel above the current, accepted curriculum requirements.

Rieger will not compete at the state and possibly national levels.

Here is a short video of the ceremony in her honor Thursday.



Of course that wasn't the only newsworthy thing that happened Thursday night.

There was also the small matter of a $57 million proposed budget that was adopted unanimously and will not raise taxes in the coming year.

But we both know that will get splashed all over the front page of The Mercury, so I thought it would be nice to lead off with the teachers since, to be honest, that will likely not make the paper.

And that's why The Digital Notebook's motto is "All the News That Doesn't Fit Into Print."

Speaking of non-print news, here are the Tweets from Thursday night's meeting.

(Be sure to scroll your way through to the bottom to see lots of photos from the district's first Elementary Math Olympiad, held at Rupert Elementary, as well as photos of students helping to establish a new community garden at Charlotte and Walnut streets.)

This Weekend, It's All About the Trees

Whether you're looking for one to put in the window, or you want to remember a loved on who has passed, this weekend has your tree.

First up, the community garden at 423 Chestnut St. in Pottstown will be selling fresh-cut Christmas trees from Pine Hill Tree Farm in North Coventry on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

"We will be at the garden Dec 7 and 8 from 2 to 7 p.m., singing carols, sipping hot cocoa, and getting into the holiday spirit, so please stop by," members of the Mosaic Community Land Trust, which runs the garden, wrote on their web site.

The purchase of your tree there will not only help support the land trust's community garden efforts, but also support a local business.

Three types of tree will be sold: Scotch pines, white pines and Norway spruce.

For the Scotch and white pine trees, five-foot trees will be $25; six-foot trees will be $30 and seven-foot trees will be $35.

For Norway spruce, five-foot trees will be $30; six-foot trees will be $35 and seven-foot trees will be $40.

Once you've purchased and (if you're diligent) decorated your tree, consider visiting the annual Tree of Remembrance event put on by the Pottstown Visiting Nurse Association and sponsored this year by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

Individuals and families are invited to the event, which will be held Sunday at 1:30 p.m. (rain or shine) at the VNA offices at 1963 E. High St. in Sanatoga.

The event will include music, "reflective readings" and there will be ornaments for purchase:

• $10 for a hand-made ornament;
• $60 for a silver photo frame ornament;
• $100 for brass ornaments.

The Fruits (and Vegetables) of their Labor

Blogger's Note: Anyone who has a friend with a garden knows it isn't long after August has come that anonymous donations of tomatoes and zucchini, especially the zucchini, are found increasingly at your doorstep.

But the MOSAIC Community Garden at 423 Chestnut St. has a better idea. They're going to sell the vegetables they've grown to you, along with other fresh local produce, right here in the middle of Pottstown.

Below is their announcement about their farmstand, which is open Saturdays in September:

We are happy to announce the opening of our Produce and Information Stand! The children of our youth program and several volunteers had a hand in tending the earth and growing veggies.

Earlier this summer, they diligently worked to build the stand to bring the “fruits of their labor” to your table.

On Sept. 7, the kids and volunteers staffed the Produce Stand to sell fresh produce, herbs, local peaches and other healthy goodies.

It will be open, each Saturday morning from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon, through Sept. 28.

In addition, we will have information regarding organic gardening and other resources to find out more about our local CSAs and organic grocery stores.

Lastly, the public can learn more about what they can do to ensure every family has access to healthier food options in our area.

Look for the Produce and Information Stand in front of the gardens at 423 Chestnut St. in Pottstown. 

Priced right for you, all of the proceeds from the produce stand will enable MOSAIC to continue to develop workshops and other fun, educational activities for young and old alike; while educating individuals in food
justice and security.

All the while, the young farmers will be learning sales skills, marketing and public relations.

Now, for a special thanks to our sponsor: 

Global Advanced Metals of Boyertown, for their generous donation and support. Global Advanced Metals processes a metal called “tantalum,” found in Australia. Their core values of safety, health and environmental excellence guide the work that they do and dovetails nicely with our healthy outlook too!!

LOCAL HONEY??? Don’t miss out, it doesn't get more local than this: honey straight from the hives located in the gardens and tended by Lee Mauger will also be available for purchase.

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

National Night Out will be celebrated tonight at the park at

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

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

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

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

Information booths from the organizers will also be on hand.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Planting a Winner

Beautification contest winners Anna Johnson, left, second place and Athena Singer, right, first place.

The winners of the Mosaic Community Land Trust's planters and garden boxes contest have been chosen.

They are Athena Singer, who won the $150 first prize for her window boxes at 353 Walnut St.; and Anna Johnson, who won the $75 second prize for her plantings at 515 Chestnut St.

The land trust, which operates a community garden at 423 Chestnut St. and is preparing a second one two

Singer's window boxes at 353 Walnut St., won first prize.

blocks east, teamed up with the Pottstown Garden Club in sponsoring and judging the contest.

The contest was the brainchild of Dick Heylmun, the owner of Pine Tree Hill Farm.

The contest was the first of its kind for Pottstown's core neighborhood, but because there were only nine entries, the judges chose one of the three categories that had the most entries -- "front garden and planters combined" and hit the streets.

Nancy Toothacher and Karin Albera, both from the garden club, accompanied land trust board member Gretchen Lea, a Penn State Master Gardner, and community gardens manager Laura Washington, on a hot afternoon to select the winners.

Along the way, they passed a number of interesting gardens which they wished had entered the contest, but their owners said theirs was not yet perfected.

Of those who entered, Singer and Johnson were selected as the winners.

The awards and prize money were presented July 14 at the community garden, followed by a get together and refreshments.

The land trust hopes to make the beautification contest an annual tradition.

Smooth, Organic Gardening

I love this photo because of the faces of the kids as they watch a leafy green being added to their smoothie....

Expected rain that never arrived pushed a planned work/play day at the Chestnut Street Community Garden
back by one day, but it didn't pus out the fun.

The Mosaic Community Land Trust, which owns and operates the garden (with a second one on the way at 615 Chestnut St.) recently posted some photos from two of the activities from the day, held Sunday, July 14.

First up are some photos of smoothies made for the kids from some of the things grown in the garden.

There are more on the web site, but I've picked my favorites.

For those who don't know, the garden is located at at 423 Chestnut St.

Yup, there's something leafy and 

green in that thar smoothie.

Once a dilapidated playground of dubious safety, it is now home to 30 garden plots growing everything from Swiss chard, to lettuce, carrots, brussel sprouts and tomatoes, lots and lots of tomatoes.

In addition to growing their own food, the families and organizations that tend to the plots there are invited to participate in activities there, most of which focus on the garden, growing and healthy food.

Several members, for example, have submitted recipes for using the things grown there.

They include: pineapple salsa, summer tomato sauce and grilled tomatoes.

For the adults at the work/play day, there was what was described as a lively discussion regarding the benefits of organic gardening.

The group then took some old clothes and recycled them into use as plant holders.

The land trust hopes the success of the first community garden will help spur interest in the second. In the long run, the land trust hopes to open five community gardens in five years, “and we’re open to suggestions for new sites from people in the community,” according to board president David Jackson.

The land trust is also looking at trying to establish a more ambitious “urban agriculture” program, and possible an orchard.

“That could generate some local economic activity and possibly, some jobs,” said Jackson.

“We’d like to get to the point where we could supply a store and local restaurants,” he said, noting that one garden plot is operated by Grumpy’s Restaurant on High Street, which uses the food it grows in the food it serves.

The current garden, and the new one, are made possible by two $30,000 grants from the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation, as well as donations from National Penn Bank and other private donors, Jackson said.

“We focus on nutrition and eating healthy, and growing health foods,” Washington said of the garden’s philosophy, not to mention the exercise which comes with tending to a garden.

“We supply the tools, we supply the seeds, we supply the water and the mulch, all they have to do is show up and do the gardening,” Washington said.

The only cost is a $25 per year annual membership fee.

New Garden Manager Named

Laura Washington

The Mosaic Community Land Trust has announced the hiring of its new Community Gardens Manager -- Laura Washington.

"Laura has been on a lifelong journey to eat well, live well and make every concession to live a natural, wholesome lifestyle. A big part of that journey revolves around the foods that she and her family enjoy," a press release posted on the land trust's web site reported. 

Laura has completed a 9-month Homestead Herbalism Course and certification at the Farm and Coventry in Pottstown.

Last year, Laura was an active member of the Mosaic Community Gardens at 423 Chestnut St. She held seminars, demonstrations and assisted with volunteer activities while tending to her own plot and those of others.

“I captured the essence of what a community garden is made of: amazing people who share and care about the environment, each other and what they grow and eat,” Washington said in the release.

The land trust also issued "A BIG THANK-YOU to all the amazing applicants for this position. We consider it fortunate to have had the opportunity to interview so many qualified candidates. It was a tough decision."  

"However, we enjoyed the process and especially speaking with each and every one of you and, (some of you twice)."

The group said "Laura’s qualifications, in the end, were the perfect match for our mission of creating neighborhood, gardening and promoting healthy choices. As a volunteer, during our first season, Laura made a big impact on all who had the joyful opportunity to spend time with her in the gardens."

If you would like to grow some of your own food this season, you can apply for a plot in the community garden by clicking here.

The Winter Garden

The holidays are past, the ground is frozen and spring now looks a long way away.

If you're one of those who longs to dig your fingers into moist earth, turn the soil and plant for the fall harvest, then stop by the Mosiac Community Garden at 423 Chestnut St. on Saturday at noon.

That's when the folks there will hold a celebration of the winter garden with an installation of a pergola, designed and built by Pottstown craftsman Ryan Proscal.

The pergola, a kind of trellis, will support the wisteria vine that has been planted beside the walkway to the garden beds there.

"We’re excited to feature Ryan’s creative talent and skills in the community gardens and we’re honored to call him 'neighbor,'" the garden's organizers wrote in their Dec. 21 post about the upcoming event.

Here is a link to Ryan’s website: http://www.madebyprox.com/

The ceremonial celebration of the winter gardens, led by Jodi McCarty and Lorraine Kat Morris of the
Enlightened Path Holistic Center, 1494 N. Charlotte St. Ste#11.

This is their web site: http://www.enlightenedpath-hc.com/

The ceremony will include warm spiced cider and hot chocolate on tap.

A Day That Will Live in Activity

Tomorrow is going to be one busy day!

In my business, it is gospel that the busiest months of the year for news and events is September, when everyone gets back from vacation; December, when everyone is getting ready to take a vacation; and May/June, when everyone is getting ready for an even longer vacation.

An excellent example of this, allow me to present September 22, which I am calling "the day everything happens."

There are no less than five major events going on in our coverage area that day, any one of which could carry the next day's paper.

But because they will all happen on the same day, often at the same time, we won't be covering all of them.

(Any and all are, of course, encouraged to e-mail photos and summaries of their events to me at ebrandt@pottsmerc.com)

I will present here, chronologically, a list of all the things going on and the irony is, no doubt I will miss one I don't even know about:

• Schuylkill River Trail Bike Tour Series: 7:30 a.m. registration begins. A bike tour of nine, 18 or 20 miles from Pottstown to Birdsboro on the Schuylkill River Trail. The tour will focus on the Pennsylvania Railroad, its history and impact on the area. Kurt Zwikl, director of the Schuylkill River Heritage Area, which is sponsoring this first of several rides, said reaction has been spectacular and more than 100 people have signed up to participate.
  
  Digital Notebook readers first learned about this on Aug. 8.
  
  Today at noon is the latest to register. Click here to do so on-line, there is no sign-up tomorrow.
  
  Fee is $25 for adults (aged 16 and up); $20 for members; $15 for children ages 11-15. Children 10 and under free.
  
  Price includes refreshments in Pottstown and Birdsboro. Complimentary pre-ride bicycle safety checks provided by Tri-County Bicycles.
  
• Second Annual Pottstown Pet Fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.in Smith Family Plaza in front of Pottstown Borough Hall. I neglected to mention in my post on this yesterday, that the Montgomery County Health Department will be there to provide rabies vaccination at $10 per shot. Admission to the event is free. Food and pet items will be sold there.
• Open Garden at Pottstown Community Garden from 12 to 2 p.m. at the garden at 423 Chestnut St. Visitors can participate in a salsa-making workshop, learn how the garden works, and pick vegetables to take home. The event is free.
• Can Jam Festival 2012: Sly Fox brewery, 331 Circle of Progress, the beer-lovers event will host the event from 12 to 9 p.m., it features live music, food and admission is free.
• At 1:30 p.m. the YWCA will host the next in a year-long "Girl Talk" series, this one on teaching girls to be advocates. The event, at 315 E. King St., will be free.
• Tomorrow evening, doors open at 6 p.m., the Pottstown Roller Derby Rockstars will host an intra-league bout between Damage Inc. and Fabulous disaster at the 422 Sports Complex at 1400 Industrial Highway. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door.
   

Getting to the Root of Gardening

Over the summer, the Community Garden on Chestnut Street worked with kids from Olivet Boys and Girls Club, Head Start and Pottstown Middle School to educate them about growing your own food. There is an Open Garden event on Sept. 22

Blogger's Note: This was submitted by the folks at Pottstown's community garden:

MOSAIC Community Land Trust is holding an “Open Garden” on Saturday, Sept. 22 from 12-2 pm. 

All are invited into the Community Garden at 423 Chestnut St. in Pottstown to participate in a salsa-making workshop, learn how the garden works, and pick vegetables to take home.

“The idea of many people gardening their own plot within a larger space may have seemed unusual last spring when this was just a vacant lot,” said David Jackson, President of MOSAIC’s Board of Trustees.   

“We want to welcome the community to see the garden in action,” he said.

The Community Garden has plots being tended by Pottstown residents, including groups from Pottstown Middle School, the Olivet Boys and Girls Club, and the Maternity Care Coalition/Early Head Start.  

Hundreds of pounds of squash, tomatoes, kale, basil and many other vegetables and herbs are being harvested. Members weigh their produce and record it on a sheet; totals will be announced at the end of the season.

Garden guests on Sept. 22 will be able to take home vegetables and herbs from one of MOSAIC’s community plots. 

There will also be salsa-making demonstrations and tastings, along with pesto made from basil grown in the garden. 

MOSAIC is now seeking another site in Pottstown to add a garden next year. Interested residents can get on a list for next year’s gardens.

Support for acquisition and construction of the garden on Chestnut Street came from the Pottstown School District, Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation, National Penn Bank, Genesis Housing Corporation, Susquehanna Bank, Lowes, Borough of Pottstown, Davey Tree Experts, and Andrew Monastra, Esq.

MOSAIC Community Land Trust’s a mission to increase homeownership in Pottstown, develop community gardens, and support the arts.  Their office and gallery is at 10 S. Hanover Street. Membership in the CLT is open to all; details can be found at their website at www.mosaiccommunitylandtrust.org or by calling David Jackson at 484-949-4235.