Here Are All the Artistic Chairs for Library Auction

Talking Trams, Trains and Traffic in Southeast PA

The battery-powered trackless tram, or ART, in operation in Zhuzhou, China, showing the trackless autonomous guidance system, highlighted in last night's presentation by Australian innovation professor Peter Newman.

One way to look at how we do transportation wrong in this country is a simple measurement of space.

Peter Newman, a professor of sustainability at Australia's Curtin University who is in the U.S. for a
visit to the University of Pennsylvania and accepted an invitation to speak in Pottstown Thursday, did it with one slide.

Photos by Evan Brandt
Peter Newman shows how many cars, buses, or "trackless trams"

it takes to transport the same number of people.

He was there at the invitation of state Rep. Joe Cireski, D-146th Dist., who is trying to make good on a campaign promise to search for alternatives to traffic headaches on Route 422.

His research led him to Newman, who, when Ciresi contacted him, informed him he was coming to Pennsylvania and agreed to speak at a forum Ciresi arranged at the Pottstown campus of Montgomery County Community college Thursday.

Put two people in car, which is a lot to assume among American commuters, and put them with their fellow morning travelers on Route 422 and they will take up a certain amount of space on the roadway, Newman said.

Now multiply that and count 100 cars. That's 200 people and whole lot of roadway filled up. That same number of people could fit on two or three buses or just one "trackless tram."

Newman said trains, because of their fixed routes, attract

development and investment. But they are also expensive to build.

Fewer vehicles, fewer traffic jams.

Simple, right?

For years, we've believed the solution to increasing traffic on our roadways is a return to commuter rail. Newman, who got involved in the issue when he fought to save the train in his hometown of Freemantle, shared that believe and the effort he joined saved the train.

So Newman spent decades advocating for light rail, commuter rail and other similar transportation alternatives to the automobile because of the efficiency, and the other advantages it brings.

Old time trams began as a way to get people to new real estate.

It's ability to move easily and carry the equivalent of eight lanes of traffic makes rail a space saver, energy saver and times saver, he said.

Rail also attracts development, particularly near its stations. In fact, he said, the original train and trolley lines were primarily real estate investment attractions.

"Good public transit services unlocks the value of the land," Newman explained.

State Rep. Joe Ciresi talks about the need to break the 

transportation gridlock that is hampering redevelopment 

in the greater Pottstown area.

The problem with rail, it is expensive.

Very expensive, as those of us who watched with sagging expectations as the cost estimates for the proposed Schuylkill Valley Metro system rose out of reach know only too well.

So maybe it's time to start looking elsewhere, Ciresi said.

"There is not a person here who disagrees that putting a train back on tracks would be a great solution," he said pointing toward one of the two sets of freight rail tracks that run through Pottstown and were once the provenance of the competing Reading and Pennsylvania railroads.

"But we can't wait any longer," he said.

So if traffic is terrible and trains are too expensive, what do you do? 

How about something that runs on existing roads, but has the advantages of rail by having fixed stations and a fixed route that has the flexibility to be changed with the need arises?

Entrepreneur Richard Branson just purchased the newly built

Brightline light rail line in Florida and wants to build more.

And how about we make it electric, to reduce greenhouses gases, and maybe even make it solar-powered, to reduce them even more?

And what it was significantly cheaper than traditional light rail and, some might say best of all, is initiated by private capital that partners with local governments to tie redevelopment to a new and efficient transit system?

If you said that sounds like a "trackless tram," then you might be a professor from Austrailia, because that's what Newman described that is being pioneered now in China, India and, if he has his way, down under in Australia as well.

Having the entire enterprise spearheaded by entrepreneurs cuts through government bureaucracy and inertia, and entrepreneurs no less famous that Richard Branson are seeing the value, said Newman.

He said Branson just bought the recently completed Brightline rail line in Florida, and he wants to build more rail lines because there is money to be made in the real estate development that accompanies it.

"This won't work unless you guys are behind it," Newman told

the roughly 75 people who came to hear him speak Thursday.

He said public support is what brought light rail to Portland, Ore.

and started a worldwide return to automotive alternatives.

The systems work on roads, have a carrying capacity in the hundreds and three cars and a station only costs about $3 million, said Newman. He said the projects can be bid so that the equipment is built locally to bring jobs to the area.

And existing businesses need to bring workers to the area, said Cassandra Morabito, director of human resources for the Topos Mondial Corp., which designs, engineers and manufactures bakery equipment of all types here in Pottstown.

"We need workers," Morabito said after the presentation. "We have trained workers who can't get to Pottstown. We need skilled tradespeople, electricians, welders, mechanics."

Added Morabito, "we have an aging workforce and no influx of young people. We need to get a younger generation to the jobs we have," she said, noting that the company employs about 30 people.

Ciresi said he is looking for solutions. "It may be this, it may be something else. If 1,000 people use this, that's 1,000 cars off Route 422. I would hope for 5,000. Why don't we let this region be the place where it gets tested?" he said.

Borough Council President Dan Weand, who attended the talk with fellow councilwoman Trenita Lindsay, said the two felt sure they could convince the rest of council to support making Pottstown the place where the trackless tram is test driven.

"The main thing to do is give it a try and take it step, by step," Newman said.

Here are my Tweets from the talk.

Trackless Trams, Trains and Automobiles

Trojans Shine at Pottstown Rotary Speaking Contest

Photos Courtesy of Pottstown School District

Pottstown High School students Madison Carberry, second from left, Andrew Green, center, and Kishan Patel, second from right, are flanked by their advisors Diane Fox and Diane Shoffstall.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by John Armato, director of community relations for the Pottstown School District.

Andrew Green

Pottstown High School students Andrew Green, Kishan Patel and Madison Carberry were put to the test recently, and all proved their academic and speaking talents at the Rotary Speaking Contest.

Held by the local chapter of the Rotary Club, students were asked to take a position on a social issue by applying the Rotary 4-Way Test:

• Is it the truth? 
• Is it fair to all concerned? 
• Will it build goodwill and better friendships? 
• Will it be beneficial to all? 

Kishan Patel

Madison Carberry

Green was the overall winner,placing first with his analysis of the Electoral College. 

He will represent Pottstown at the District competition held at Ursinus College. 

Kishan Patel examined the claims by power companies about climate change and Madison Carberry put the issue of polygamy to the 4-way test. 

High school teachers Diane Fox and Diane Shoffstall were the teams sponsors and gave guidance and support to the speakers. 

Pottsgrove Gets a Peek at Cities of the Future

Photos by Evan Brandt

The Pottsgrove Middle School Future City Team is comprised of Avery Huber, Jayden Francis, Emelia Schwulst,  Liam Lapic,

Addie Fulmer-Sicher, Jackson Hansberry, Ryan Stoy and their advisor Deb Frasca.

At right, is a closer look at their city.

They say the children are our future, and that's true.

But sometimes, those children also envision that future. And that is the case with the Pottsgrove Middle School Future City Team led by Deb Frasca.

The students build a cyber city in Sim city, and then a scale model of a future city in which they planned, researched and solved some of the problems that today's cities face.

Unfortunately, bad weather prevented them from traveling to the competition for which they had prepared. So they did the next best thing and presented to the school board.

I expertly managed to miss the song they sang to their city at both the beginning and the end.

But I did manage to catch some of it on video. Here it is:



In other news, Pottsgrove School board President reported that the initial preliminary budget had called for a tax hike of 2.1 percent, but recent developments have knocked that down to a more palatable 1.5 percent.

Business Manager Dave Nester has once again asked the school board to set aside a $1 million surplus from the previous year's budget into the capital reserve fund. A vote will likely occur at the next meeting.

He said in the next few coming years, money will be drawn down from the PSERS, pension reserve to cover increases, but that surpluses will be less likely.

The board also voted to give .5 percent raises to the district's three top administrators: Nester, Superintendent William Shirk and Assistant Superintendent Robert Harney.

According to the information posted in the agenda, that works out to an extra $920.37 for Shirk; $859.39 for Nester and $761.25 for Harney.

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


Cities of the Future

Two Free Ways to Enjoy the Schuylkill River Sojourn

People paddle along the Schuylkill River during the 2018 Schuylkill River Sojourn. The annual water excursion is a  7-day, 112-mile guided paddle in either a canoe or kayak. Registration for the adventurous journey opened April 1.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Schuylkill :River Greenways NHA

The annual Schuylkill River Sojourn is summer camp, a regional history exploration, and bonding experience all rolled into one.

People of all experience levels are invited to come along for the fun paddling event which takes place inside a kayak or canoe. For the 21st year, people throughout the area and several states other than Pennsylvania will take a journey along the revolutionary Schuylkill River for an unforgettable adventure.

Reading Area Community College students participate in a sojourn
mentorship program during the 2018 Schuylkill River Sojourn.

The 2019 sojourn will run from June 1 to June 7. The 7-day, 112-mile guided paddle will begin in Schuylkill Haven and end a week later in Philadelphia.

The nationally-award winning water excursion is organized by the Schuylkill River Greenways National Heritage Area.

One of the goals of the sojourn is to introduce new people to the river. There are two ways people can participate in this year’s sojourn for free:

• In memory of longtime sojourner and devoted member of Schuylkill River Greenways, Bill Trace, a scholarship fund was established through the generosity of Trace’s family and friends. This year, the scholarship is available to three people who have never been on the sojourn before. If chosen, the person will participate in a free one-day trip on this year’s sojourn. People can apply by completing a one-page online form at bit.ly/2019BillTraceScholarship by May 1.
• The Schuylkill Action Network will provide a full-week scholarship, a $700 value, for an enthusiastic individual with paddling, photography, and social media experience. The selected person will engage sojourn participants in a stewardship activity while taking photos and blogging about their experience. The steward will be asked to present his or her findings on the final evening. For more information about this scholarship and to apply, visit bit.ly/2019SojournSteward by May 1.

Registration for the 2019 sojourn opened this month. The first week of April is only for participants doing the full, 7-day trip. People interested in participating on individual days instead of the entire week can register beginning on Monday, April 8.

2018 Schuylkill River Sojourn participants enjoy a meal in the grass
for lunch after paddling on the river that morning. Each day of
the water excursion includes lunch and dinner stops
with a full meal and presentation.

“The sojourn draws attention to the river as a valuable natural and recreational resource. The paddling event has inspired thousands to have a greater appreciation for the river,” said Schuylkill River Greenways NHA Executive Director Elaine Paul Schaefer.

For more information about the 2019 Schuylkill River Sojourn and to register, visit the Schuylkill River Greenways website at schuylkillriver.org or call 484-945-0200.

The Schuylkill River Greenways NHA is a non-profit organization with the mission of connecting residents, visitors and communities to the Schuylkill River and the Schuylkill River Trail (SRT) by serving as a catalyst for civic engagement and economic development.

Pottstown's Rock the Block Clean-up Set for April 13

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery and Delaware counties.

The 4th Annual Rock the Block will be held on Saturday, April 13th.

Organized by Habitat MontDelco in conjunction with Pottstown CARES, Rock the Block will bring together 11 community organizations and more than 200 volunteers working on 20 projects in a massive one-day effort to beautify public and private properties in Pottstown.

New this year is the leadership of Pottstown Community Action, a group initiated three years ago by Habitat MontDelco’s Neighborhood Revitalization effort. PCA is organizing street-cleanup activities and spreading the word among neighbors to participate.

Volunteers are encouraged to sign up here. The event kicks off with registration at 8 a.m. at the corner of Chestnut and North Franklin Streets and lunch will be provided for all participants around 1 pm.

“Rock the Block exemplifies what can happen when residents are supported to drive change; they inspire others to care,” says said Marianne Lynch, CEO of Habitat MontDelco.

From 9 am to 1 p.m., volunteer teams, including 40 students from The Hill School, will complete gardening, carpentry, painting, and spruce-up projects at properties on the 400, 500 and 600 blocks of Beech, Chestnut and Walnut Streets. 

Rock the Block is in conjunction with Pottstown CARES community cleanup day, a partnership of The Hill School, the Borough, the Pottstown School District, Montgomery County Community College, Tri-County Chamber of Commerce, Lowes and Habitat MontDelco. 

CARES volunteers will be working in Edgewood Cemetery, at the Mosaic Community Land Trust garden at Barth Elementary School, and doing street and yard cleanups along Armand Hammer Boulevard. 

The Edgewood Cemetery board welcomes additional volunteers, who may contact Board President Andrew Monastra for additional information at amonastra@wolfbaldwin.com.

In addition to the Pottstown CARES organizations, Rock the Block enlists volunteers from Genesis Housing Corporation, Matt Green at Glocker and Company Realtors, Mosaic Community Land Trust, Phillies Fire Company, Pottstown Fire Department and Victory Christian Life Center. 

The mission of Habitat MontDelco is to bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Habitat constructs homes for affordable home ownership, preserves aging housing stock by completing critical home repairs, provides financial literacy and life skills classes, and revitalizes neighborhoods. 

For more information, call 610-278-7710, or visit www.habitatmontdelco.org.

West-Mont Hosting College Planning Night Monday

Blogger's Note: The following was written by West-Mont student intern Hunter Fegan

An exciting opportunity is coming from West-Mont Christian Academy, a preschool through 12th Grade Private Christian School. The school will hosting a complimentary 60-minute college planning overview, led by Thrivent Financial.

Thrivent Financial's mission is to help Christians be wise with money and live generously. They do this by guiding families through the Wise with Money Journey which focuses on the three main points: owning your story; practicing wise financial strategies; and giving of yourself.

The College Financial Planning Workshop takes place on Monday, April 8 at 6:30 p.m. in the Middle/High School Chapel. The topic of the evening is learning how academics, admissions, and financial strategies work together to provide the greatest savings for you and your student.

You will leave knowing:

• What to expect when transitioning from high school to college.
• Why published costs may not be as important as you think.
• Tips about the FAFSA and its importance to you.
• About cost of attendance, out of pocket, expected family contribution, need-met and gift-aid ratios, and how they apply to you.
• How to improve your student’s odds of graduating in four years.

This night is both free and open to the community to join but please RSVP to Matthew Robb by phone (610) 412-5570 or email matthew.robb@thrivent.com.

Both parents and students are encouraged to attend but hurry as space is limited to participate in this workshop. West-Mont Christian Academy is located at 873 South Hanover Street, Pottstown, PA, 19465. More information about West-Mont can be found at www.west-mont.org.