PowWow on Manatawny Creek Moved to August

Blogger's Note: The following was submitted by Ron Williams, organizer of the Annual PowWow on Manatawny Creek:

The news and uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 Pandemic has caused us to pay closer attention to the messages and warnings being made by media and government officials as we prepared for our 7th Annual PowWow on Manatawny Creek. 

Our PowWow is one that I know we all look forward to as we come together to celebrate with friends, family and neighbors. It is an opportunity to share our love and respect with others and to teach a lesson of fellowship in dance and song. 

It isn’t easy putting this event together. There are a lot of pieces to the puzzle and I am always anxious up to the moment of Grand Entry, hoping we got it right. But I am ever grateful for the support and encouragement I get from the community and all of you.

As this Pandemic continues to impose its viral impact on our communities it is very likely that the current responsibility which we all share in either practicing healthy distances from one another or otherwise quarantining ourselves will not soon be ended.

Ron Williams

Regretfully, we are postponing our May 2, May 3 PowWow on Manatawny Creek and re-scheduling it to Aug. 20, Aug. 30.

I hope that you will understand our reason for making this difficult decision but as it has become undeniably apparent that this disease is not going to simply disappear in a month, it would be irresponsible to encourage anybody to participate in a gathering such as this at this time.

I will be posting any updates as to our rescheduled celebration over these Facebook pages: “PowWow on Manatawny Creek,” “Reflections of Turtle Island,” “Pottstown Parks Foundation,” and “Pottstown Apropos,” as well as my website “nativeheritagespirit.com,” so stay in touch. 

My prayers and thoughts are with and for all the people of this our Turtle Island.

Take care of yourselves, be cautious and Be Well

Ron Williams

6th PowWow on Manatawny Creek is This Weekend

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by Ron Williams.

The 6th Annual "PowWow on Manatawny Creek" will take place this coming weekend, May 4 and 5 at Pottstown Memorial Park from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.

This year the event will welcome the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 565 Color Guard who will lead the Grand Entry and Flag Ceremony. "Each year the PowWow circuits throughout the nation recognize veterans of the armed forces and first responders as an integral part of our tradition and we are glad to be honoring the American Legion Sanatoga chapter as well," according to organizer Ron Williams

Master of Ceremony Barry Lee is returning to lead dances and demonstrations and will also join with his Native Folklore band, Spirit Wing along with Barbara Christy.

Directing the circle this year are Head Dancers Hanna Jacobs Keller and Michael Nephew, past President of the American Indian Society. The Host Drum, The Zotigh Singer, and Guest Drums, Medicine Horse Singers, Red Blanket Singers and visiting Drum Gray Cloud singers promise make a memorable impression on the crowd.

As usual there will be a wide variety of Native American and Native American influenced merchandise, leather work, jewelry, art, clothing and children's items as well. Weather permitting a Falconer who has graced many of the PowWows in the Mid-Atlantic region will visit.

Dance presentations will include the Salinas Family Aztec Dancers and Hoop Dancer Matt Clair. And as always, ArtFusion 19464 will be offering Children events at their tent including some skill tossing activities.

To top it all off, the Circle Legacy Center will be providing Indian Fry Bread, Fry Bread Tacos and Wojapi, (a berry based Native American desert).

Enjoy the Joys (and Boys) of Summer With the Colebrookdale Railroad, No Labor Required

Colebrookdale Railroad will sponsor two vintage baseball games in Memorial Park on Sept. 9.

As Labor Day approaches, so too does the traditional end of summer.

But the Colebrookdale Railroad is offering you a chance to hold on to summer for just a little bit longer.

On Sunday and Monday, Sept. 3 and 4th, you can have your barbecue without having to cook. The railroad will do it for you.

"The sweet aroma of early fall will mix with the mouthwatering scent of hot dogs and hamburgers

The Colebrookdale will be grilling in the open car Sunday and Monday.

cooked on our open car's grill," the railroad wrote on its web site.."  Enjoy the beautiful scenery, relax with the family and let us take care of the grilling."

Both rides are at 1 p.m. and tickets range from $5 to $35 for most seats.

And if that ain't enough, consider watching a Vintage Baseball game on Saturday, Sept. 9. After all, they don't call them "the Boys of Summer" for nothing.

"It's a game like you’ll see in few places, played with rules from the 19th century. This is an experience for every baseball lover," according to a promotional email from the railroad.

Vintage players will ride with passengers on the train from Boyertown to Pottstown for the game in Memorial Park.

The Philadelphia Athletic BBC and the Harrisburg BBC will play  for two games of late 1800's vintage baseball.

Ticket Includes: One round-trip train ride, one baseball game ticket, a hot dog and an old-fashioned Reading Draft Company soda. Walk-up game tickets in Memorial Park are also available for $10.

The first game starts at noon, click here for tickets, which range from $5 to $70.

Country Star Hunter Hayes to Play Memorial Park

Hunter Hayes

Memorial Park will play host to country music star and five-time Grammy nominee Hunter Hayes in October as he headlines the first-ever “Citadel Palooza.”

Sponsored by Citadel credit union, 100 percent of concert ticket tales will be donated to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

On Wednesday night, Scott Mirkin from ESM Productions asked borough council to approve a Sly Fox Beer biergarten for the concert.

“We like to work with local vendors whenever we can,” he told council.

Council will vote Monday on the request.

Citadel is celebrating its 80th anniversary and the Oct. 7 concert is being billed as “Citadel Palooza.”

The inspiration behind Citadel Palooza is the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People.”

“Citadel Palooza is Citadel’s celebration for our community, and we are honored to have Hunter Hayes, who is such an inspirational artist, be a part of it,” said Jeff March, president and CEO, Citadel. “The people of the Greater Philadelphia area have supported Citadel for 80 years, and we want to give back in a big way. We especially want to thank our members for making this event possible.”

During Citadel Palooza, concert attendees will enjoy a variety of food trucks and libations. The official schedule of events and opening acts will be announced in September, along with food and beverage vendors.

General Lawn Seating tickets will cost $25, and VIP-level tickets cost $50.

Tickets can be purchased at CitadelPalooza.com with the option to donate additional money to CHOP.

For more Citadel Palooza updates, follow @CitadelBanking and @HunterHayes on Twitter.

PHS Jr. ROTC Honoring Veterans Through Service

Photo Courtesy of John Armato

Members of Pottstown High School's Junior Air Force ROTC Post Unit 951 were on hand in Memorial Park Saturday morning to beautify the Vietnam Veterans Memorial there in preparation for Memorial Day.

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

For many, Saturday mornings are for sleeping in and taking a slow start to the day.

But if you are a member of the Pottstown High School award-wining Jr. Air Force ROTC Unit Pa 951 then Saturday morning is time to honor our veterans and serve the community. 

Some of the Unit's cadets under the leadership of Col. James Porter spend the morning at Memorial Park preparing for Memorial Day by beautifying the Vietnam Monument. 

"Our cadets are building leadership skills for the future and give us another reason to say Proud to be from Pottstown," he said.

Honoring 44 Years of Service (And MUCH More)

Photos by Evan Brandt

Pottstown Police Corporal Charles McClincy, in blue, is presented with awards and thanks for his remarkable 44 years of service to the department during a ceremony Wednesday night.

When Rick Drumheller started on the police force 28 years ago, the man who showed him the ropes was Charlie W. McClincy Jr., by then already a 16-year veteran of the force.

Corporal McClincly receives his retirement badge and a

congratulatory handshake from Chief Rick Drumheller.

When Drumheller, now the chief, faced borough council Wednesday night on the occasion of McClincy's retirement, he cracked a joke about how much gas cost per gallon in 1973 when McClincy first started.

But when Drumheller faced the man he had spent his entire career beside, it was his voice that
cracked and his composure that trembled as he faced McClincy and presented him with his retirement badge.

For the first time I've ever seen at a retirement ceremony, the Pottstown Police Honor Guard were on hand to show McClincy the respect that 44 years of service earns. He is the longest-serving tenured employee in the entire department.

A man of few words, McClincy approached the ceremony he had hoped to avoid with a mere salute and "Corporal McClincy reporting sir."

And when he took to the microphone, he said merely that "it has been my honor to serve my community."

McClincy receives a clock from the police union

presented by Officer Chris Zahorchak.

Mayor Sharon Thomas presented McClincy with a "Trailblazer's Award," accommodated to citizens "who have made significant strides or firsts."

As you might expect, 44 years of service provided the opportunity for McClincy to wear a lot of hats. For 26 years he was chairman of the Police Pension Board and for 15 years, the head of the negotiating committee for the Pottstown Police Officers Association for 15 years.

"We applaud his constancy and dedication as a man of family and community," said Thomas.

He also received a commendation and honorable discharge from the police department as well "for 44 years of honest and faithful service."

And the thanks and congratulations just kept coming ans Officer Chris Zahorchak then came to the front of the room to present McClincy with a commemorative mantle clock as thanks from the Pottstown Police Officers Association.

* * *

So that would be blog post enough for most of us (the author included), but Wednesday night was a busy night.

We learned, for example, that when the sewer pumping station was put into Memorial Park in 1990, it violated a deed restriction going back to the 1960s when the park was created with federal funds. It has just taken the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources until now to notice.

Further, the construction of a stop for the Colebrookdale Railroad was also deemed by DCNR to be a transportation use and thus a further loss of recreation land. Failure to resolve the situation could result in a ban on Pottstown receiving any more state grant money for Memorial Park, or any other borough parks.

And given that earlier in the evening, Regional Recreation Coordinator Michael Lane had outlined

Existing conditions at Pollock Park.

improvements for the splash park area that depend on such a grant, it could present a real problem.

But as Assistant Borough Manager Justin Keller explained, Memorial Park's loss is Pollock Park's potential gain. The government allows the dedication of new recreation space to be offered up as a make-good on the intrusion on Memorial Park's recreational potential.

Currently, the borough is in the process of meeting with residents about improvements being planned for Pollock Park and so an offer from the BASF Corporation for a parcel at 860 Cross St., right across from Pollock Park, was particularly timely.

Keller said in the course of the Pollock Park planning they learned the basketball courts there are always in use and more are needed. The property across Cross Street, a formal industrial site where an environmental analysis and recommendation for impermeable cover, is just the right size for two more courts and some parking.

There are still some T's to cross and some I's to dot, but officials are hopeful.

* * *

There was also a lively discussion about eliminating the political wards in Pottstown.

The matter was first raised last month by Councilman Dennis Arms, who generously credited a 2015 post in the The Digital Notebook for the idea.

Borough Manager Mark Flanders asked for direction and, after some back and forth, council agreed that Borough Solicitor Charles D. Garner Jr. should look into the legality of the matter.

He will find out how (and if) wards can be eliminated, what role, if any, the voters should play in the process and also if, as suggested by Councilman Joseph Kirkland, two at-large council members could be added, bringing council's size to nine.

* * *

Satisfied yet?

Don't be, because there's more.

Remember those plans for park improvements I mentioned above? Well they also include plans for a trail along Manatawny Creek that starts in Memorial Park and, significantly, would follow the creek and make its way under the Route 100 bridge over the creek.

Scene of the accident that killed Donald Purnell.

"Trails are nice, but why is this significant?" you ask. Well, dear reader, it could provide for an alternative, and safer pedestrian crossing of Route 100.

As you may recall, it was just last month that 24-year-old Donald Purnell was killed in a hit-and-run accident while crossing Route 100 while trying to get to his job at Wendy's.

PennDOT and the borough have already made some temporary improvements at the intersection and more are planned, but the trail could provide a safe alternative for those pedestrians who don't want to stake their lives on drivers' obeying traffic signals.

* * *

"Please! No more!" you say?

Well, suck it up because there's still more and it's more trail news to boot.

Keller reports that construction will soon begin on a Schuylkill River Trail extension from Armand Hammer Boulevard to Riverfront Park along Industrial Highway.

For those who don't know, the trail will cross the Schuylkill from Chester County back to Pottstown on the new Route 422 bridge now under construction. And, for the first time, it will allow trail users to head downstream from Pottstown.

Currently, the trail extends upstream toward Reading from Riverfront Park, but there was no way to head toward Philadelphia.

* * *

Nope, still more.

Lenhart also took the opportunity of last night's meeting to brief borough council on efforts to market Pottstown's TREC district, which stands for Tourism and Recreation.

This includes Memorial Park, the Carousel at Pottstown, the Colebrookdale Railroad, Manatawny Green mini-golf, Pottsgrove Manor, the afore-mentioned Schuylkill River Trail and the River of Revolutions exhibit at the Greenway building in Memorial Park as well as the art galleries at Montogmery County Community college's North Hall.

A brochure that highlights these attraction has been produced.

He also pointed to the establishment of a new community activity calendar, "Pottstown Familes," hosted and operated by the Pottstown School District aimed at ensuring people know about all the opportunities in the region.

It includes not only Pottstown, but six of the eight surrounding municipalities that are part of the regional planning group.

* * *

OK, I'm done, I swear.

Those not yet exhausted can check out the Tweets and videos below.

Veterans Community Day With Food, Beer and Music

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Pottstown Parks and Recreation Department.

The Pottstown Parks and Recreation Department will host a Community Day in Memorial Park on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

This event will feature free entertainment, family-friendly activities, a bounce house for children provided at no charge, local food stands, a Sly Fox Biergarten, and representatives from multiple regional U.S. Veterans’ organizations.

There is no admission fee.

Hillbilly Shakespeare

A portion of the proceeds, including funds raised in the Sly Fox Biergarten, will be awarded to local veterans’ organizations in support of their missions.

The event will be held on The Island at Memorial Park, amidst the World War II and Vietnam War Veterans’ Memorials. The event begins at 11 a.m. with a short ceremony recognizing American Armed Forces veterans, including two local Korean War Veterans, Al Kutz and Henry “Hank” Saylor who will be recognized with special awards from Glass Tears and Congressman Ryan Costello.

Speakers include Monsignor Thomas Coyle, Army Chaplain Ret.; Bishop Everett Debnam, Pottstown Police Department Chaplain;; and musical performances by Hamilton Celtic Pipe and Drum and Thomas Wang, an award-winning actor who has appeared in numerous theatrical productions as well as in Hollywood, independent and industrial films.

Stephanie Grace

The featured speaker is Captain Robert Boyce, retired commanding officer of the USS Florida, a nuclear Ohio-class submarine, and proud Pennsylvania educator.

Following the ceremonies, the Sly Fox Biergarten will open for business and free concerts will commence from Hillbilly Shakespeare (12 to 2 p.m.) and Stephanie Grace (3 to 5 p.m.).

Activities will be hosted by ArtFusion19464, Stowe Lions Club, and the Pottstown Roller Derby Rockstars, among others.

The long-running Pottstown Rotary Duck Race will also take place at this event, commencing at 4:30 PM. Duck Race tickets will be on sale all day during the event.

Food vendors will include local favorites, Grumpy’s Hand-Carved Sandwiches, Manatawny Green, and The Butcher and the BBQ, offering all of Pottstown’s favorites.

Free parking for this event can be found at 75 West King St, in Memorial Park and more information can be found on the Pottstown Parks and Recreation Department Facebook Page: facebook.com/PottstownParksandRec

The event is rain or shine.

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:

What the Firkin?

The beer at Pottstown Firkin Fest was served in a commemorative glass.

Never one to turn down an opportunity to taste many beers, your humble blogger was among the hundreds who made their way to Pottstown's Memorial Park Saturday for the first-ever Pottstown Firkin Fest.

As crack Mercury reporter Marian Dennis reported in her story on the subject, a Firkin is "a type of barrel that holds cask-conditioned ale. According to the Firkin Fest website, the beer has less carbonation and, as a result of being unfiltered, is more cloudy and has a 'complex flavor and aromatic profile.' The specific type of beer allows brewers to experiment with different flavors and since all the beers available at the event were brewed specifically for the Pottstown Firkin Fest, guests got a unique opportunity to taste and admire the craft.

Mercury Editor Nancy March was one of several judges,

and, as this photograph shows, she took the job seriously.

What's not to like?

Well, to be honest, I did not like all of them.

But why should I expect to? It was beer, certainly I could find a brew to suite my tastes.

Those tastes run more toward Belgian whites, lagers and pilsners, with an inexplicable fondness for Sly Fox Brewer's oatmeal stout thrown into the mix.

I'm not much inclined toward India Pale Ales, IPAs as we beer-lovers know them, so that limited my choices as many of the selections used that beer as a base for their experimenting.

But some determined searching found a number of brews I favored.

Your humble blogger conducts research.

That searching meant that I spent less time than I should have at The Mercury's table, where we gave away free pretzel necklaces, pens, tote bags and papers.

But this journalist stops at nothing to get to the bottom of a story (or a glass) .... ahem. 

Ever the odd-ball, the beer I discovered I liked best won no awards. 

And even more odd, it was a "double IPA," brewed by "Evil Genius," a name which I confess drew my both my attention and admiration immediately.

What Trevor Fitzgerald had discovered, to my delight, was that running the beer through nectarines not only gave it a fruity taste, but extracted what I find to be the overly metallic bite of an IPA's hoppy character.

It seemed from the smiles on the faces I saw that plenty of other folks found plenty to be happy (and hoppy) about as well.

Happiest among them, perhaps, were the volunteers from the Pottstown Regional Public Library whose volunteerism earned them the proceeds from Pottstown's second great beer event in six months.

And if you don't believe me, take a look at all these Tweets....

Their Ducks Are In a Row ... at First

Mercury Photo by John Strickler

The Rotary Club's signature giant duck makes its way down High Street during this year's July 4th parade.

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

The Rotary Club's 24th Annual Rotary Duck Race will be held this Saturday, Aug. 15th at 4 p.m. at Memorial Park, Pottstown. 

This year, the Rotary Duck Race, a long-standing tradition in Pottstown, is being held in conjunction with and in tribute of Pottstown’s Bicentennial Celebration. 

For added family fun, Rotary’s signature 16 foot high big yellow duck (seen above) will be on hand for the race.

Started in 1991 by the Rotary Club of Pottstown, The Rotary Duck Race was founded to help community-based charities/non-profit groups raise money to support their programs. 

Rotary, along with members of participating charities/ non-profit groups, sell tickets for the race, with a pro-rated portion of all ticket sales reverting back to those groups to help support their work in the community. 

Each ticket sold has a number that corresponds to a plastic duck with that same number. 

Numbered ducks are then released into and float down the Manatawny Creek in Memorial Park for the race. 

A host of prizes is awarded to ticket holders of those ducks fastest to cross the finish line, and a prize is even given for the last duck to finish the race.

Last year, the Rotary Club of Pottstown, along with local individuals and businesses, contributed over 100 prizes for this event, totaling over $10,000 in value. 

Rotary expects this year’s event to be an even bigger success, and will be awarding a wide range of prizes, including $1,000 cash, a 40 inch HDTV Television, and an iPad.

In addition to being lots of fun, the Rotary Duck Race is a great way to support our local community. 

In fact, since the inception of the Rotary Duck Race, The Rotary Club of Pottstown has contributed more than $315,000 to non-profit organizations in the Pottstown area because of this wonderful event.

Tickets for this Pottstown tradition can be purchased from participating charities/non-profits or from
Rotary Club members. 

 Rotary will also be selling tickets on Rotary Duck Race Day at Memorial Park Saturday. 

For a complete listing of participating charities/non-profits which will benefit from this event and who are selling Rotary Duck Race tickets, visit www.PottstownRotary.org.

Rotary is a local and international service organization comprised of men and women committed to making a positive contribution in their community and the world. 

The Rotary Club of Pottstown supports a number of programs in Pottstown, including, literacy building, the Pottstown Halloween Parade, student scholarships, Operation Backpack, and Meals on Wheels.

The club also sponsors the Pottstown High School Interact Club, a service club for high school students. To learn more about The Rotary Club of Pottstown, please visit www.PottstownRotary.org.

Pottstown-a-Palooza

Photo by John Strickler

If you couldn't find something to hold your interest in Pottstown Saturday, then you just weren't
trying.

From the May Fair at Pottsgrove Manor, to the Pow Wow at Memorial Park; from the Community Health Fair at Ricketts, to the Re-dedication of Rupert; to the car show and the scholarship award at the car show.

When Pottstown leaders unveiled the creation of a tourism and recreation district last October, this is the kind of thing they were talking about.

Cultural and entertainment events that draw people into Pottstown, introduce them to what we have, and convince them to come back.

You didn't need to be a rocket scientist Saturday as I sat inside the Ice House to notice that it was overflowing with customers who seemed to have walked over from the Pow Wow across the Manatawny.

While walking down High Street during the car show, I saw diners in Juan Carlos and the Milkman Cupcake folks out on the sidewalk vaunting their wares.

(Here's the compilation video from the May Fair)



Certainly, ticket-holders for "Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf" at the Steel River Playhouse could not have helped but notice that High Street was packed with both people and classic cars.

All of this and the Carousel was not even open, and the Colebrookdale Railroad not even running.

Photo by Dominick Armato

From left, Judy Zahora, Matt Moyer, John Armato, Jeff Sparagana

at the Rupert re-dedication Saturday.

Imagine what kind of crowds (customers, future residents) the town might have hosted if those attractions had been running as well.

Perhaps some of them might even have gotten lost, and had a look at what was going on at Rupert and said, "hey, that looks like a pretty active school."

They might even have done a little research and found out that when it comes to school profile scores among urban districts in Pennsylvania, that Pottstown ranks second in the state.

If we want people to return to Pottstown, people who want to build lives, spend money and appreciate the town for its assets, we have to get them here, and show off those assets.

As you will see in the Tweets below, links to the videos are included, but with the exception of the YouTube video, which can be watched right here, the Touts bring you to a new page, so, as I'm sure you noticed above, I have embedded some videos so you don't have to leave the page.



And here is the video shot by Michilea Patterson at the Community Health Fair at the Ricketts Center, which also looked like a lot of fun.


And, as always, here are the ever-present Tweets, including some from the ever-present John Armato.

May Fair at Pottsgrove Manor Saturday

Tapestry Historic Dance Ensemble will perform Saturday at the Pottsgrove Manor May Fair

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by Pottsgrove Manor.

Celebrate spring at the Annual Colonial May Fair held at historic Pottsgrove Manor on Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This yearly event is a fun-filled day with activities for all ages including games, music, dancing, and crafts. 

Tucker's Tales Puppet Theatre will present interactive puppet shows and will also provide festive historic music around the grounds during the event. 

Signora Bella will delight audiences with her acrobatic feats.

Signora Bella at work

Colonial conjurer Levram the Great will perform historically-themed magic shows and entertain visitors with pocket magic tricks throughout the day. 

Members of the Tapestry Historic Dance Ensemble will demonstrate authentic English country dances, this year with a focus on those of the early nineteenth century to honor the bicentennial of Pottstown Borough, incorporated in 1815. 

As always, visitors will be invited to join in and dance around the maypole to help open and close the fair!

In addition to the entertainment, a variety of early American crafters and demonstrators will be on hand to display historic skills and trades and sell their wares. 

Young visitors will have the chance to meet colonial farm animals, watch a blacksmith at work, compete in hoop races, play with colonial toys, try an 18th-century bat-and-ball game, dance around a kid-size maypole, and more. 

The first floor of colonial ironmaster John Potts’ 1752 manor house and the current exhibit, “Pride of Place: The Local Legacy of the Potts Family,” will be open for self-guided tours during the fair. 

Open-hearth cooking will be demonstrated in the Pottsgrove Manor kitchen by historic cook Deborah Peterson.

While visitors can’t try the food cooked in the colonial kitchen, they will be able to purchase food during the event. MMG Concessions will offer burgers, cheesesteaks, hot dogs, sausages, sandwiches, fries, hand-rolled pretzels, fresh-squeezed lemonade, and more. 

Visitors will also be able to shop at the manor’s museum shop for colonial games, books, and unique gifts.

The fair coincides with the second annual "Pow-Wow on Manatawny Creek," celebrating the culture and traditions of the Lenni-Lenape Native Americans. 

The pow-wow will be taking place during the hours of May Fair and will be held at Memorial Park,

A blacksmith will demonstrate his craft.

less than a block from Pottsgrove Manor. 

The public is encouraged to visit both events for an experience that spans time periods and cultures.

For a schedule of the day’s activities and a list of vendors and craftspeople who will be at the fair, click here. 

A donation of $2 per person is suggested for this event. 

Visitors are asked to park at the Carousel at Pottstown building, 30 West King St. 

There is no charge for parking, and Pottstown’s trolley will be giving free rides during the fair between the carousel parking lot, the pow-wow at Memorial Park, downtown Pottstown, and Pottsgrove Manor. 

Handicapped parking is available in the museum’s parking lot.

Pottsgrove Manor is located at 100 West King St. near the intersection of King Street and Route 100, just off Route 422, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. 

Pottsgrove Manor is operated by Montgomery County under the direction of the Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites Division of the Assets and Infrastructure Department. 

For more information, please call 610-326-4014, or visit the website at  www.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor. 

Like Pottsgrove Manor on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pottsgrovemanor.

The Grass is Always Greener

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by Pottstown Borough.

The Borough of Pottstown is pleased to announce the grand opening of Manatawny Green, Pottstown’s own miniature golf course, located at 71 West High Street, on Friday, June 13.

Manatawny Green offers 18 holes and is ADA accessible.

The facility will be open seasonally, Tuesday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

Check out our concession stand for snacks and beverages, featuring Nelson’s Ice Cream and Berks Hot Dogs. 

Plenty of parking is available on both King and West and High Streets.

Manatawny Green has transformed a formerly vacant industrial property into a green gateway, providing a vital link between multiple recreation and cultural amenities in the Borough of Pottstown.

Situated along the banks of the Manatawny Creek, Manatawny Green is a pedestrian and bicycle-friendly destination. 

Visitors can bike the Schuylkill River Trail north to Manatawny Green, play a round of mini golf, and enjoy the nearby Pottsgrove Manor, Memorial Park, and downtown Pottstown.

Michael Lenhart, Director of Parks and Recreation, describes Manatawny Green as a “fun-filled family friendly experience offering a unique recreational opportunity showcasing the best that Pottstown has to offer.”

Borough Manager Mark Flanders said “this has been a long journey from concept to reality,” and added that he is “excited that the efforts of many have come together.” 

“Manatawny Green has finally come to fruition,” he said.

The project was made possible through the generous support of Montgomery County’s Open Space Program, the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation, and the PECO Green Region Program.

May Day! May Day!

Photos courtesy of Pottsgrove Manor

Signora Bella will perform acrobatic feats.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by Pottsgrove Manor.

Celebrate spring at the Annual Colonial May Fair held at historic Pottsgrove Manor on Saturday, May 3, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This yearly event is a fun-filled day with activities for all ages including games, music, dancing, and crafts. 

Tucker's Tales Puppet Theatre will present interactive puppet shows and will also provide festive historic music around the grounds during the event. Signora Bella will delight audiences with her acrobatic feats. 

Colonial conjurer Levram the Great will perform historically-themed magic shows and entertain visitors with pocket magic tricks throughout the day. 

Members of the Tapestry Historic Dance Ensemble will demonstrate authentic English country dances and will lead visitors in dances around the maypole to open and close the fair.

In addition to the entertainment, a variety of early American crafters and demonstrators will be on hand to display historic skills and trades and sell their wares. 

Young visitors can compete in hoop races, play with colonial toys and games, help churn butter, and more! 

The first floor of colonial ironmaster John Potts’ 1752 manor house will be open for self-guided tours during the fair. Open-hearth cooking will be demonstrated in the Pottsgrove Manor kitchen. 

While visitors can’t try the food cooked in the colonial kitchen, they will be able to purchase food during the event. MMG Concessions will offer burgers, cheesesteaks, hot dogs, sausage, sandwiches, fries, hand-rolled pretzels, fresh-squeezed lemonade, and more. 

Visitors can also shop at the manor’s museum shop for colonial games, books, and unique gifts.

This year's fair coincides with the first-ever "Pow-Wow on Manatawny Creek," celebrating the culture and traditions of the Lenni-Lenape Indians. 

The pow-wow will be taking place during the hours of May Fair and will be held at Memorial Park, less than a block from the Manor. The public is encouraged to visit both events for an experience that spans time periods and cultures!

For a schedule of the day’s activities and a list of vendors and craftspeople who will be at the fair, please visit http://www.montcopa.org/index.aspx?NID=1421.

A donation of $2 per person is suggested for this event. 

Visitors are asked to park at the Carousel at Pottstown building, 30 West King Street. 

There is no charge for parking, and Pottstown’s restored trolley will be giving free rides during the fair between the carousel parking lot, Memorial Park, and Pottsgrove Manor. Handicapped parking is available in the museum’s parking lot.

Pottsgrove Manor is located at 100 West King Street near the intersection of King Street and Route 100, just off Route 422, in Pottstown.

Pottsgrove Manor is operated by Montgomery County under the direction of the Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites Division of the Assets and Infrastructure Department. 

For more information, call 610-326-4014, or visit the website at www.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor. Like Pottsgrove Manor on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pottsgrovemanor.

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..