Route 100 to be Closed Again This Weekend

Photo by Evan Brandt

It's probably a good thing PennDOT left the detour signs up at the intersection of State and Manatawny streets since it announced Monday track work on Route 100 was not completed last weekend and all lanes of Route 100 will again be closed this weekend between Shoemaker and Upland Square roads.

For those of you who missed the fun and convenience of having all lanes of Route 100 between Upland Square and Shoemaker roads closed last weekend, it looks like you're going to get a second chance.

During Tuesday night's borough council meeting, Borough Manager Justin Keller said he had been contacted by PennDOT the day before and informed all the work on the Colebrookdale Railroad track crossing of Route 100 was not completed over the weekend while the road was closed.

Keller said once again, traffic in both directions will be detoured from Route 100 along King Street, Manatawny Street and State Street, "just like last weekend."

He said his office received no complaints from Pottstown residents about the increased traffic in the borough and neither did Councilman Donald Lebedynsky, who represents the Third Ward through which most of the detoured traffic traveled.

Keller said he was told that PennDOT wants to replace the Colebrookdale's rails with "weldless rails," meaning there would be no seam anywhere the rail crosses Route 100, but they would instead be a single pieces of metal.

As a result, the rails would better withstand the constant impact of the heavy traffic that travels Route 100 through Pottstown. Keller said.

The closure will begin, as it did last weekend, at 9 p.m. Friday and last through Monday morning.

And if you were hoping to drive on Industrial Highway this week, don't. Keller said it will be closed through Friday to complete work where the newly installed Schuylkill River Trail segment crosses the Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks near the intersection with South Washington Street.

In nearly as upsetting news, council unanimously and nearly without comment voted unanimously to advertise the budget for 2019, which now stands at $49,143,543, along with a millage rate of 12.869, down from the proposed millage of 12.679.

Keller said some savings had been identified in using a different health insurance, bringing the proposed tax hike down from 12 percent to 11 percent. Council President Dan Weand said the staff is still looking for ways to lower the tax hike, including challenging some lowered assessments as being too low.

As a result of council's vote, the tax rate can continue to be lowered before final adoption in December, but cannot be raised.

Council also voted unanimously to renew the ordinance authorizing the Pottstown Downtown Improvement District Authority for one year. Previous it has re-authorized it for four years. No explanation was offered for the shorter term.

Council also appointed Steve Everett and Jennifer Keller Ryan to the PDIDA board of directors.

While there was little discussion about the budget, there was quite a bit about a proposal to build a parking lot in the rear yard of 728 High St.

Photo from Screen Shot.
The rear yard of this High Street Victorian, now used as
a dentist's office, will be converted to parking under
a plan approved by council Tuesday night.

Planning Commission Member Andrew Monastra opposed the project and asked council to vote against it, even though it meets all of the borough's land development ordinances.

Attorney Robert Brant, representing the developer, said his client had spent $10,000 to $12,000 to come up with a plan that had less of an impact, but he said the result makes the parking lot unsafe.

The current parking lot "is a disaster," said Brant, who said it will be expanded from 13 to 36 spaces.

Council members Lebedynsky and Ryan Procsal voted against approving the plan.

And with that, here are the Tweets from the meeting, Tweets replete with typos ....

Route 100 to be Closed Again

French Style 'Party in White' Marks Summer's End

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by Hobart's Run

Three Pottstown organizations are planning to bring back an event that eases the transition from summer to fall with a stylish, fun flair featuring local food, drink, and live music.

 The Second Annual Fete en Blanc (French for “Party in White”) will be held on Friday, Sept. 14 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the picturesque Smith Family Plaza at Pottstown’s Borough Hall, 100 East Street.

Fete en Blanc, organized by Hobart’s Run, the Pottstown Downtown Improvement District Authority (PDIDA), and Pottstown Area Industrial Development (PAID), is modeled after traditional Fete en Blanc or Diner en Blanc (Dinner in White) events held in communities around the world, including Philadelphia and Lancaster, in late summer or early fall. 

You get the idea, everyone dresses in white.

All-in-white attired attendees traditionally wave white napkins as they dine together and say farewell to summer.

“This event is a celebration for Pottstown,” says Stephanie Trauner, Administrative Director for Hobart’s Run and a member of the Fete en Blanc planning committee. 

“It is not a fundraiser: The goal is simply to bring people together for a light-hearted, fun event and encourage area residents to make new friends and connections with people from Pottstown as well as surrounding areas.”

“Fete en Blanc definitely will allow participants to see Pottstown in the best ‘light!’” says Peggy Lee-Clark, Executive Director of PAID. 

“We were eager to continue this celebration as it showcases the best of Pottstown to people both here and from the larger region– whether it’s our downtown amenities, local restaurants and talent, or our diverse and engaged residents.” 

“PDIDA is thrilled to be joining PAID and Hobart’s Run in bringing Fete en Blanc back for its second year, especially based on the high degree of positive energy we felt during the fun event last year,” notes Sheila Dugan, Pottstown’s Main Street Manager.

Added Twila Fisher, Director of Community and Economic Development for The Hill School and Hobart’s Run: “Fete En Blanc is a natural opportunity to relate over food and music in a beautiful, outdoor setting. Hobart’s Run is excited to be a part of this effort to bring the Pottstown community together in a new way!”

What's a party without a little music?

Eat, drink, and enjoy music – but please wear white!

Guests are asked to dress in white – whether in casual or dressier attire, as anything goes, as long as it’s white – and gather for al fresco dining paired with live entertainment. Although there is not an attendance fee, guests must RSVP and obtain a ticket by going to the Fete en Blanc link under “Events” at www.downtownpottstown.org.

Participants may either bring their own beverages of choice (and white or clear glasses or cups) and their own dinner or snacks, or pre-order food by September 10th by calling the following participating Pottstown “Picnic Partner” vendors: The Avenue, Grumpy’s, iCreate Café, Lily’s, and the PUB (Pottstown United Brewery), as well as boxed desserts by Beverly’s. Pre-ordered meals, priced at about $10, will be available for pick-up at the event. A

 complete menu listing and ordering information is available at the event registration link at www.downtownpottstown.org; this list is likely to grow as well. Manatawny Still Works will offer samplings and bottles for sale (bring your own mixers) and other “adult beverage” vendors likely will participate, for those who do not wish to BYOB.

Live music will be provided by hip area acoustic guitarist Drew Gess, local cabaret vocalists Mickey and Maddy Ramirez, and Maggie Nace, known for her cover performances from the Beatles and other artists. Area businesses will decorate their windows with the Fete en Blanc all-white theme as
they get into the seasonal spirit.

What better way to say goodbye to summer than by gathering with friends, old and new, at this event?

RSVP at www.downtownpottstown.org so that Fete en Blanc planners can be sure to have enough tables, chairs, and white linens on hand, and remember to place food orders by Sept. 10. Fete en Blanc will be held even if there is a bit of light rain, although it will be cancelled if there are storms or heavy rain (check out the website for updates). Also, pre-ordered meals will be available for pick up rain or shine!

Appointments Galore at Pottstown Council

Photos by Evan Brandt

A WALL WE CAN ALL GET BEHIND: From left, Lynn Bialek, from the Birdsboro American Legion Post's auxiliary, Pottstown Council Vice President  Carol Kulp and Vietnam veteran Richard Herter with a display advertising The Wall that Heals, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Replica and Mobile Education Center. The wall will make a slow procession from Sunnybrook Ballroom to Daniel Boone High School on July 5, and will be on display there round the clock until July 8.

It was hard to take a breath at last night's borough council meeting without someone getting appointed to some board of commission.

Trenita Lindsay is Pottstown Council's

newest member.

First and foremost of those was the appointment of Trenita Lindsay to the Fifth Ward council seat vacated last month by Dennis Arms.

The vote was not unanimous.

Councilman Ryan Procsal said while he thought Lindsay was a fine candidate, that the financial background of Philip Smock -- the other applicant who showed up at last week's council meeting to be interviewed -- might better the serve the borough as it tries to figure out how to deal with the spiraling property assessment challenges eroding the tax base -- and Pottstown's primary revenue stream.

He and Weand voted against Lindsay's appointment, which was made by Councilman Joe Kirkland and seconded by Councilwoman Rita Paez.

The next appointment was to the single vacancy on the newly formed Land Bank Board.

In April, when the rest of the appointments were made, the board had voted unanimously to reject the appointment of Twila Fisher to the the Land Bank board.

The director of economic development for The Hill School who head's up the schools Hobart's Run initiative, Fisher was among those consulted on the formation of the board.

However, twice former council member Sheryl Miller, who was also involved in the formation of the board, spoke out against Fisher's appointment, saying it is a conflict of interest for Fisher to serve because Hobart's Run is involved in the purchase and renovation of property, the Land Bank could be used for its benefit.

However Councilman Ryan Procsal said he had spoken with Fisher and was convinced it would not be a problem. Council President Dan Weand noted she had served on a previous land bank board in Berks County.

The 4-2 vote to appoint here came only after Councilman Joe Kirkland had proposed the appointment of Madison Morton to the board, a motion that was defeated by the same 4-2 vote margin.

Then it was time to decide on two open seats on the board of the Pottstown Downtown Improvement District Authority.

The board followed the request of Executive Director Sheila Dugan and appointed Pamela Gormesh to one of the seats. Gormesh had been previously interviewed by the board and recommended for appointment.

Three others applied for the second seat -- Gabrielle Davidheiser -- who also has already been interviewed, and Thomas Hylton and Steve Everett, who have not been interviewed.

That vote will occur in July.

Next, we move on to the planning commission where two applicants -- Hylton and Andrew Monastra -- were up for consideration for a single vacancy.

Procsal said he knew the planning commission members, and several members of council, were leaning toward Monastra for the appointment. But he noted that Monastra is already serving on the Land Bank Board and the Historic Architecture Review Board.

He also noted that Hylton came to last night's meeting to speak, reminding council that he had previously served for 12 years, many as chairman, and that he and Solicitor Charles D. Garner Jr. had penned the borough's zoning ordinance which "favors traditional towns."

Only Councilwoman Rita Paez ended up voting against Hylton's appointment. But the choice may have been moot. After borough council went into an executive session, Deb Penrod, planning commission chairperson, said she had that night submitted her resignation.

Penrod, who is on the Land Bank board as well as the Pottstown Regional Public Library Board of Trustees, said she has too many responsibilities and does not know as much about planning as Hylton and suggested Monastra would work well with Hylton.

When council came out of that executive session it laid the groundwork for one more appointment.

Council voted to change the provision of the borough manager's ordinance that requires the manager to live in the borough, leaving the matter "the discretion of council," as Garner described it.

Council also voted to extend Interim Borough Manager Justin Keller's contract, which expires at the end of the month, by another 30 days.

Expect to see Keller provided with a full contract to borough manager at the July meeting.

In non-appointment matters, council adopted the changes to the downtown parking scheme, introducing paying by smart phone.

The changes will also increase  rates from 35 cents per hour to $50 cents per hour. However, Keller reported that the staff hopes to route payments through its own credit card processor, thus eliminating the potential for additional parking charges between five and 35 cents per transaction.

Also approved was the Hanover Square project that will convert the long-vacant former shirt factory at Cherry and South Charlotte streets into 27 market-rate apartments. (Yay!)

Council also approved a waiver of the land development ordinance for the first phase of a project at Maple Street Park that will rehabilitate the two tennis courts there, add a third and put up a new fence, stoage shed and modular classroom.

A second phase, which would encase the courts in an inflatable structure, cannot proceed without council approval.

Also approved were the changes Fire Chief Michael Lessar Jr. suggested to the fire code, absent the more strict requirements for sprinkler systems that had raised concerns of slowing rehabilitation of older downtown buildings and which council had removed from consideration.

And last, but definitely not least, council agreed unanimously to send a letter to this reporter's employer -- Digital First Media -- opposing the decision to close The Mercury building, which has stood at the corner of King and North Hanover Streets, since the 1920s.

The Mercury will continue to publish, but yours truly will likely be working from home, like so many other Digital First journalists must these days.

To learn more about why, read this and this.

Here are the Tweets from the meeting:

Appointments Galore in Pottstown

Police Promotion, Lifesaving Awards Kick Off 2017

Photos by Evan Brandt

Pottstown Police Officer Zachary Robinson, second from left, and Cpl. Steve Morrisey, are flanked by Pottstown Police Captain Robert Thomas and Chief Rick Drumheller, as well as Police Chaplain Everett Debnam, right, after receiving commendations for reviving a North Hanover Street man on Nov. 12.

Although there was a lot on the agenda of Wednesday night's borough council meeting, it was nice to start the year off with two positive police stories.

The first we will relate here is the tale that began on Nov. 12 when officer Zachary  Robinson arrived at 331 N. Hanover St. to find George Weller collapsed half in and half out of the door of apartment 29.

Weller was blue, not breathing and had no pulse.

Robinson immediately began providing oxygen and chest compression, but because of where the victim was located, had to stand over him, straddling him in the doorway.

When Corporal Steve Morrisey arrived, and saw Robinson was tiring, he stepped in and relieved him until medical help arrived. They were later informed Weller had regained a pulse, due in part to their efforts.

Police Chief Rick Drumheller said both officers' uniforms will now bear a badge indicating they have saved a life, although Morrisey's will have a star in the center because it is the second time he has performed that service.

Police Officer Todd Istenes, on the other hand, was on hand Wednesday to receive a different change to his uniform -- some stripes on his sleeve -- specifically, to be promoted to corporal.

Newly minted Pottstown Police Corporal Todd Istenes, in blue shirt,
is 

flanked by Capt. Robert Thomas, Chief Rick Drumheller
and Chaplain 

Everett Debnam after being promoted Wednesday.

"When you're the chief of police, you're afforded the luxury of watching your officers grow up," Drumheller said as Istenes stood next to him.

"I've watched Todd's career from the very beginning. I've watched his dreams and desires, his goals and his meticulous work," said Drumheller.

As the newest member of the command staff, "I have to tell you, your world will change," Drumheller told Istenes. "There will those who respect you, those who put themselves out, and there will be those who test you. Do well, just maintain what you've been doing your whole career, and you'll do a fine job."  

Of course than just these two things happened last night.

There was a presentation on land banking, a blight-fighting tool that borough council seems newly interested in taking up. Look for a story on that in The Mercury in the coming days.

Also, PDIDA Executive Director Sheila Dugan has asked not only for the size of the PDIDA board of directors to be reduced from nine to seven, but also reviewed the first year of the downtown farm market, and plans for the coming year.

That too will be the subject of a coming Mercury article.

And there are 14 appointments to be made at Monday's meeting, but the most interesting one looks like it will be for the open seat on the Pottstown Borough Authority.

Last month, the authority board wrestled with the procedure, and appropriateness, of seeking the re-appointment of Jeff Chomnuk. He schooled them a bit on their previous endorsements.

And now it seems that Council Vice President Sheryl Miller, who ousted Chomnuk from the Third Ward seat on council, is now seeking to be appointed to his seat on the authority.

That's going to be interesting.

In the meantime, here are the Tweets and videos from last night's meeting:

Take a Walk and Discover Pottstown's Art Scene

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by a coalition of organizations promoting the arts in Pottstown.

It's no secret that the arts can drive revitalization and make Pottstown a place where ideas and creativity come to life. 

On Saturday, you'll get a chance to see that for yourself -- and walk off a few of those holiday calories in the process when the first-ever "Arts Walk" takes place.

Arts and culture organizations, local businesses and restaurants are teaming up to bring you an amazing day of fun, food and entertainment. 

 

Viewing the art in a kind of "pub crawl" format adds to the fun and energetic quality of this event. 

Family-friendly activities are scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 4 to 8 p.m. more great activities designed for adults. Nearly 20 downtown business will be open to showcase original artwork displays and live musical entertainment.

“We have always recognized and embraced what the arts and collaboration can do for a community”, said Erika Hornburg-Cooper, of ArtFusion19464. 

“The Pottstown Downtown Improvement District Authority (PDIDA) is excited to be a part in this venture. It has been very exciting to see our downtown community pull together with our arts and cultural organizations to create this amazing event,” states Sheila Dugan, executive director of PDIDA.

“It all starts with the arts!” said Lauren Pierson-Swanson, from the Steel River Playhouse. “To know Pottstown is to love it. The people behind the businesses and attractions on and around High Street are smart, driven and dedicated to this beautiful historic town. Art has always been a catalyst in the rejuvenation of American communities and is the focus of Pottstown ArtsWalk,” she said

While this event is free, organizers ask that you pre-register for your free ticket. 

Each is valid for one person to join the Pottstown ArtsWalk on Saturday, Jan. 7, and you can order as many as you need. 

Visit www.artfusion19464.org/artwalk.

Get a taste for all the activities, food and arts presentations. Here is a list of venues and artists joining us to showcase Pottstown and all that the our community has to offer:

• @107, 107 E. High St. and Advantage Insurance – music by Cordilla Arcay and Matt Asti and original artwork display from John Quinn; light refreshments; wine tasting
• ArtFusion 19464, 254 E. High St. – local artists’ collections, an interactive art experience, and soup bowl glazing fundraiser
• Ballroom on High, 310 E. High St. – free dance lesson and live band dance with Temple Avenue; refreshments
• Beverly’s Pastry Shop, 322 E. High St. – discounts on sweet treats
• Connections on High, 238 E. High St. – custom portrait making and local artists’ displays; hot holiday beverages
• Grumpy’s Handcarved Sandwiches, 137 E. High St.– Pottstown High School Culinary Arts students will be making/serving complimentary hors d'oeuvres; discounts on food/meal during the ArtsWalk
  
• High Street Music, 135 E. High St. – original artwork display by Pottstown High School students and the Craig Clemens Jazz Trio
• iCreate Cafe, 130 King St. – discounts on food/meal during the ArtsWalk
• Juan Carlos Fine Mexican Cuisine, 235 E. High St. – discounts on food/meal during the ArtsWalk
• Lily’s Grill, 115 E. High St. – discounts on food/meal during the ArtsWalk
• MCCC North Hall Gallery, 16 E. High St. – staged reading of A Bright Room Called Day by Tony Kushner
• Memory Madness Photo Studio, 16 N. York St. – open house
• MOSIAC Community Land Trust, 10 S. Hanover St. – painting Schuylkill River rocks for placement in gardens around town
• Potts & Penn Family Diner, 80 E. High St. – discounts on food/meal during the ArtsWalk
• Smith Family Plaza, 100 E. High St. – view sculptures by Eric Berg
• Steel River Playhouse, 245 E. High St. – hand-made theatrical costume display by Ally Boughter; artwork by Thomas Poplawski
• The Carousel at Pottstown, 30 W. King St. – meet artists of the all-volunteer organization and hear presentations on the project’s history
• The Hill School Center for the Performing Arts, 780 Beech St. – paper lantern art activity and backstage tours
• Weitzenkorn’s, 145 E. High St. – view works by our families fifth generation, light refreshments

To get the latest update on locations and activities, visit artfusion19464.org or www.steelriver.org. 

Don’t forget to pre-register for Pottstown ArtsWalk! Visit www.artfusion19464.org/artwalk.


Pottstown ArtsWalk is brought to you in partnership through ArtFusion19464, Steel River Playhouse, @107, Proudly Pottstown and Advantage Insurance Group.

P.S. A great ending to a great day with lots of laughs! The N Crowd Improv Group from Philly will be at Steel River Playhouse for an 8 p.m. show. Tickets available at www.steelriver.org

PottsTOWN Talks Economy and More

No, this is not a photo from last night's PottsTOWN Talks meeting. It is a photo from last month's meeting. But our new free-lancer Nancy March was so busy live Tweeting the meeting, that she didn't Tweet any photos.

 Welcome, guest Tweeter/Blogger Nancy March.

Never able to stay away from local news for long, March, the former editor of The Mercury, came out of retirement this week to cover some stories for us as a free-lancer.

One of them was last night's PottsTOWN Talks meeting, the second in as many months.

(I was busy at a Pottsgrove School Board meeting that was as brief as it was absent of earth-shattering news.)

This month's topic was the local economy and the meeting started off with presentations from two executive directors, Steve Bamford from Pottstown Area Industrial Development, or PAID; and Sheila Dugan of Pottstown Downtown Improvement District Authority, or PDIDA.

Also speaking was Matt Green, a local realtor and activist and former Pottstown police officer.

Then the meeting, which was attended by about 50 people, according to March's Tweets, broke up into smaller groups to brainstorm specific actions in specific areas -- economic development, community engagement and external marketing.

Although the dates have not been set, the topics for the next two PottsTOWN Talks meetings have, according to organizer Emanuel Wilkerson: schools, then neighborhoods.

And here are March's Tweets from last night's meeting. An article will also be published in The Mercury.

Slow, Secret Progress on LERTA

As is so often the case with council's voting meeting, they were all talked out from the Wednesday work session.

As a result Monday's meeting wasn't much more than 45 minutes and was marked a number of quick and unremarkable votes.

Of potential interest was the vote to move the borough-wide LERTA district -- or Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance -- forward.

Although the ad committee, half borough council, half school district, has made recommendations, and just endorsed them, apparently, Borough Manager Mark Flanders said I would have to file a Right to Know request to get access to it -- this despite the fact that it was discussed at the Wednesday work session.

I have already filed that request, but you will have to wait in breathless anticipation to find out what conditions members of the two boards are hoping to impose on LERTA-seekers.

In case you've lost track, LERTAs attempt to attract development by slowly stepping up the increased tax liability of improved property over a fixed period of time.

In other words, if an empty lot is improved with a $1 million building, the tax bill might be based on a $100,000 assessment the first year; $200,000 the next and so on. But the period of delay, along with lots of other conditions, are some of the things the two boards have been discussing since February.

So read your Mercury in the next few days to find out where things stand.

In the meantime, be satisfied with these Tweets, links and videos ....

Toroney Says Goodbye, Thanks 'Most Valued Pottstownians,' Takes Veiled Shot at Ex-Councilman

Monday night was a night for closure in Pottstown politics.

The $59 million budget was adopted, a budget that does not raise taxes.

The 10.311 mill tax rate was adopted.

Police were promoted; the police chief, police captain and borough manager were all given raises.

And Steve Toroney, outgoing Pottstown Borough Council President, finally had his final say.

Here is the first 21 minutes, before my phone filled up, but I got most of it:




The quick review is Toroney thanked those he appreciated, left out those he chose not to thank, and saved particular "thanks" for bloggers, and other social media types who called for him to be fired.

He singled out a particular former councilman who resigned just months into a second term and is known for saying "fight when you're right" for special "thanks."

However, even after the meeting, Toroney declined to specify who he meant, perhaps cognizant of the threat, or rather "promise" he made in his speech; that once his is no longer a public official, all those "Fire Toroney" signs around Pottstown could be the subject of harassment charges.

His speech aside, there were other newsworthy events -- like a $3,600 raise for Borough Manager Mark Flanders and a presentation about a farmer's market planned to open in Pottstown this spring.

Yup, it was a busy meeting, and it all awaits you amid the Tweets, links and other YouTube videos that await those bold enough to wade into the Storify down below.

Downtown Pottstown's 'Haunts on High'

Pottstown's "Temple of Terror" opens Friday, Oct. 9 and runs every Friday and Saturday night in October.

If you’re looking for Halloween fun this month, you need look no further than downtown Pottstown.

A variety of local organizations have teamed up to create “Haunts on High,” a month-long calendar of activities that will put a shiver in your step.

It begins with the downtown merchants window decorating contest, which starts on Saturday. Voting

The Pottstown Halloween Parade will be Oct. 28.

begins on Oct. 24.

The Temple of Terror, the haunted attraction in the Masons lodge at the corner of King and North Franklin streets starts Oct. 9 and continues every Friday and Saturday night throughout October.

That attraction, in its third year, is staged by P.O.S.T., which stands for Pottstown Organizations Serving Together and is comprised of the Masons, the Elks, the AMBUCS and the Order of the Eastern Star.

They have joined forces with ArtFusion 19464, which is helping with the window decorating, as is the Pottstown MOMS Club.

On Friday, Oct. 16, a scarecrow contest will be held at the Manatawny Green mini-golf between King and High Streets and the next day, it will hold a workshop on how to build your own.

On Sunday, Oct. 18, the annual Monster Dash 5K run will be held in Riverfront Park, with registration starting at 7:30 a.m.

A example of last year's window decoration.

The YMCA Safehouse Trick or Treat will be held 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23.

That Friday and Saturday, Manatawny Green will hold its “Spooky Golf” from 6 p.m. until midnight.

The Pottstown Downtown Improvement District Authority is helping to coordinate downtown businesses which will host a “Safe Trick-or-Treat” event on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 12 to 8 p.m.

It will feature face painting, caramel apples, movies and other Halloween fun.

That will also be the day voting begins on the downtown window decorating contest.

Finally, Pottstown’s signature Halloween Parade will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 28.

Super Summer Saturday in Pottstown

Saturday is going to be one of those days when its hard to decide what to do around town.

As yesterday's story in Time-Out announced, it is the second of the borough's Bicentennial Community Days, this time in Riverfront Park.

In addition to the musical entertainment by county singer Stephanie Grace and party music from de Tierra Caliente, there will also be food trucks and a Sly Fox biergarten that benefits the Carousel at Pottstown.

Carousel President George Wausnock said the first 50 customers to buy tickets to the biergarten will receive a free gift from the Carousel -- either a Carousel Christmas Tree ordinance or a figure of one of the custom hand-made animals on the carousel.

Country singer Stephanie Grace, right, will perform at
Riverfront Park Saturday from 12:30 to 3 p.m.

The events run from 12:30 to 8 p.m.

While you're there, you can also try your hand at using a kayak on the Schuylkill River.
Take it Outdoors Adventures will host Schuylkill River Excusions on the river departing Riverfront Park at 9:45 a.m.; 12:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m.

The cost is $20 per person on a first-come, first-serve basis and includes kayak, paddle and life preserver rental.

Kayakers must be at least 10 years old and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

The one-hour paddle will travel 2.5 miles downriver to Towpath Park in East Coventry.

Round-trip transportation is provided and no experience is necessary as a guide will lead all trips.

Saturday is also Sidewalk Sales days in downtown Pottstown, within walking distance of Riverfront Park.

For the fourth consecutive year, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., downtown businesses will open their doors and take it to the streets with their merchandise.

According to Main Street Manager Sheila Dugan, at least 50 businesses and restaurants are planning to participate in the sidewalk sale, along with about 20 to 25 outside vendors and non-profit organizations, according to The Mercury story by business editor Donna Rovins.

Downtown Pottstown's Sidewalk Sale is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday

There are a number of special activities planned, including a juggler and a roving minstrel. 

In addition, Advantage Insurance at 105 E. High St. will host an activity center for kids where they can participate in crafts and a sidewalk chalk contest.

In honor of National Ice Cream Day, which is Sunday, downtown restaurants are planning something special during the sidewalk sale.

“If you come to one of the restaurants and draw a chalk drawing in front on the sidewalk, you will receive a coupon that’s good at all of the participating restaurants,” said Main Street Manager Sheila Dugan.

The participating restaurants include: Beverly’s Pastry Shop, Grumpy’s, The Milkman Cake Shoppe, The Very Best Hot Dogs and Connections on High.

From Courage, to Crime, to Art to Trash

Photo by Evan Brandt

The four firefighters honors Wednesday night were Chad Quinter,

Steve Smola, Brad Reinhart and Rick Brendlinger.

Coming off the Thanksgiving holiday, you might think that members of Pottstown Borough Council had their fill of over-eating.

But Wednesday night's work session had a full plate of issues, and presentations.

There were the awards for firefighters for their successful efforts to ave an elderly man from an April fire in the apartments in the old borough hall on King St.

Then there were the awards for the artists who painted store windows downtown for Halloween.

In the wake of Sunday's crime wave, Pottstown Police Chief Richard Drumheller and Mayor Sharon Thomas had some things to say (videos are there for those who care to hear it all).

And Monday night, council will vote on a new 3-year, or 5-year trash contract, choosing from among two regular bidders, J.P. Mascaro & Sons and Waste Management.

You can find out about it all in the Tweets from the meeting found below.

Windows on the (Under) World

Photo by Evan Brandt

The winners of the Halloween Decorating Contest's People's Choice Award were artists from the Roller Derby Rockstars, Anita Smackin', Kessel Runt, Rogue Rage and F-Stop for this panorama on the Audio-Video Junction window.

Our sources in the great beyond tell us that the winners of the Halloween Downtown Window Decorating contest have been chosen are the results are thus:

The People's Choice Award, with the most money raised for next year's Halloween Parade, was the painting show above on the Audio Video Junction building at the corner of High and Hanover streets.

Photo by Evan Brandt

This painting by the O'Rourke family, was
chosen as Most Artistic

The artists, from the Roller Derby Rockstars, were Anita Smackin, Kessel Runt, Rogue Rage and F-Stop.

The Most Artistic Award, determined by a panel of art experts, was to be found on the old Ellis Mills building and was painted by the O'Rourke Family, Michelle, Christian and Abigail.

These winners will be presented with a trophy, provided by Laserworx, and a $50 voucher for purchases made in the downtown PDIDA district, courtesy of Pottstown Organizations Serving Together, or POST, the joint efforts of the Masons, Elks, AMBUCS and Order of the Eastern Star.

Photo by Evan Brandt

This painting on the window of the Steel River Playhouse

earned 12-year-old artist Jaelyn Kennedy an honorable mention.

An Honorable Mention Award was also provided to Jaelyn Kennedy, 12, of Pottstown Middle School for the decorations on the Steel River Playhouse.

She will receive a special trophy, also courtesy of Laserworx, and gift certificates from Milkman Cupcakes and Argento's Pizza.

The folks over at POST also offer their most sincere thanks to the laides of the Pottstown/Pottsgrove MOMS Club for their efforts to bring the contest about, and to Main Street Manager Sheila Dugan for her guidance.

Few Frights on a Friday in Fall

Photo by Evan Brandt

A sucker for Charlie Brown movies, I confess to being drawn by Linus in the pumpkin patch, moved to Argento's Pizza this year, while walking the downtown business district to inspect the work of the young artists who decorated the windows.

Now in its second year, the plan first hatched by local civic groups to band together and try to make Pottstown the place to be for Halloween is coming along nicely I think.

This year, more than a dozen downtown businesses have had their windows decorated by area artists and people can vote for them by putting money inside the Jack-O-Lanterns inside the businesses.

That money will go toward next year's Halloween Parade, which will follow this one on Oct. 22.

Over at the Mason's lodge at King and Franklin streets, the Temple of Terror is going strong, stronger and longer than last year we believe.

Here's a quick video I shot at the temple Friday night where culinary arts students from Pottstown High School are providing the food:


And on Sunday costumed runners will carom through Riverfront Park in the second annual Monster Dash 5K and Relay race.

So I decide to try to look at town through a visitor's eyes on a typical Friday night. Besides, it was a nice night for a walk.

This is what I found.

There were a few people out on the street.

They were polite and said hello.

The street was reasonably well lit and I felt perfectly safe.

And look what I found in the windows...

Now Council Knows the SCORE.

Wednesday night was Pottstown Borough Council's regular work session.

They saw presentations from SCORE, Traffic Planning and Design and the Montgomery County Planning Commission.

Here are the Tweets from the meeting.

The Downtown Christmas That Was

Babystitting services were provided downtown, along with story times and other kid activities. But seriously, what kid at Christmas would not be smiling under a giant sign that says "Cake?"

They say a picture is worth a thousand words.

And so, with these pictures, I present with, who knows, maybe a million.

They are courtesy of Shelia Dugan, Pottstown's Main Street Manager and the head of the Pottstown Downtown Improvement District Authority, which scheduled this month's downtown holiday events and struggled against some truly gruesome weather.

So without further ado, here are the photos!

Pottstown is Home to the Best Holiday House Tour Sunday

Historic re-enactors in period clothing will populate Pottsgrove Manor during the popular "Pottsgrove Manor by Canldelight" holiday house tour on Sunday. As usual, it will be combined with a guided tour historic homes in Pottstown.

The historic Holiday House Tour in Pottstown will once again be paired with Pottsgrove Manor's candlelight tour and will be held on Sunday, Dec. 8.

This year, the Pottstown tour has been taken over by the Pottstown Downtown Improvement District Authority, or PDIDA and is paired up with several other holiday events downtown.

The holiday house tour will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. and starts at The Elks Club on High Street for high tea event, which begins at 1:30 p.m.

Tickets for the tour itself will be sold at the PDIDA office, 17 N. Hanover St. or the Pottstown Parks and Recreation office on the second floor of borough hall, 100 E. High St.

A free trolley will travel between the buildings on the tour.

You can start the day at 10 a.m. with a Brunch With Santa event, to be held at Grumpy's hand-

Learn what John Potts and friends ate
for the holidays in colonial times.

Carved Sandwiches, 137 E High St.

The event runs until 1 p.m. and costs $7 each and reservations are required and can be made by calling 610-323-5400.

Carriage rides along High Street will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. and will cost only $5 per person. Tickets will be sold at Smith Plaza, right in front of borough hall, which of course, is where Santa Claus will arrive at 5 p.m.

A community tree lighting in the plaza will follow his arrival.

In addition to enjoying a tour of the historic Victorian homes throughout Pottstown, decorated for the holidays, isitors can also visit Pottsgrove Manor from 2 to 8 p.m. and enjoy a colonial Christmas celebration as part of the "Pottsgrove Manor by Candlelight open house.

The public is invited to take a self-guided tour of the elegant 1752 manor house where costumed interpreters will depict the colonial residents of Pottsgrove Manor. 

As visitors make their way through the house they will hear the strains of traditional harp music, see English country dancing, catch a whiff of the delicious smells in the kitchen as historical cook Deborah Peterson prepares authentic dishes at the open hearth, and enjoy the beauty of the mansion lit by candlelight and bedecked with greenery. 

Traditional colonial Christmas dishes will be cooked at 

Pottsgrove Manor Sunday

Complimentary refreshments of hot spiced cider, colonial-style chocolate drink, and gingerbread cookies will be served at the end of the house tour.

After exploring the house, guests will want to visit Pottsgrove Manor’s museum shop for unique, historically-oriented gifts like locally-made redware pottery and ornaments, reproduction glassware, handcrafted candles and soaps, books, toys, games, and more.

Next door to the mansion in the Miller’s House, young visitors will be able to make free seasonal crafts to take home. Outside in the manor’s courtyard, visitors will be able to warm themselves by a bonfire (weather permitting), and enjoy historic carols sung by the Colonial Revelers singing group (performing from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.)

A donation of $2 per person is suggested for this event. No reservations are needed. 

Visitors are asked to park at Memorial Park (75 West King Street); a shuttle will transport visitors to and from Pottsgrove Manor throughout the event. 

Holiday celebrations in colonial times, as will be seen at
Pottsgrove Manor 

centered around Twelfth Night.

Handicapped parking is available in the museum’s parking lot. The Manor’s open house will also be featured as a stop on the Pottstown Historical House Tour that evening.

Can’t make it to the open house? Visitors can enjoy the spirit of the season at Pottsgrove Manor now through Jan. 12 with a guided tour of the mansion, decorated for the holidays. 

Tours are offered during regular museum hours, and the museum shop will also be open for holiday shopping. Regular museum hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

Tours are given on the hour. The last tour of the day begins as 3 p.m. Groups of 10 or more should pre-register by calling 610-326-4014. The museum is closed Mondays, as well as Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.

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, & 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.

Shop Local Saturday and all Month Long, Win Money

Shopping locally is a way to boost the local economy in your town and keep the dollars you spend circulating locally instead of being shipped off to some corporate headquarters somewhere.

This Saturday, during Small Business Saturday (following, by no coincidence, Black Friday) the Pottstown Downtown Improvement District Authority wants to give you extra incentive to shop in the small local businesses downtown -- money.

Or at least the chance to win some.

The first prize in this raffle is $1,000 and the second prize is $500.

Your local merchant wants you! ....and your holiday shopping dollar

Here's how it works: You pay $25 for a ticket and must spend a minimum of $100 between Saturday and Dec. 20th at midnight in stores in the downtown shopping district.

That means store on High Street between York and Evans streets, or stores with the "Buy Local" sign displayed.

Once you've spent at least $100, drop off your receipts and filled out ticket at the PDIDA Office, 17 N. Hanover St., no later than just before midnight on Dec. 20.

The winning entries will be drawn on Saturday, Dec. 21 after the holiday events, which begin at 2 p.m.

You can purchase a raffle ticket at the PDIDA office on North Hanover Street, Grumpy's Hand-carved Sandwiches, 137 E. High St. or at Cole's Tobacco, 215 E. High St. 

(We'll be publishing a schedule of those in the coming days.)

Don't forget, PDIDA notes, when you buy local:

1) You know that your LOCAL economy is being helped, which mean better policing, cleaner streets and better roads. Consider, 63 percent of your dollar stays local when you shop local, while only 42 percent of your dollar stays in your community when you shop at a big box store. 

2) It helps you get to know the community on a more personal level. Growing together and facing the hard times during a weak economy. This in turn brings about volunteerism, bartering for services and friendships that can never be formed when you go to the big box store. 

3)You get a warm fuzzy feeling because you know you have just helped a mom and pop heat their home, gave their children warm coats for the winter or helped contribute to the college fund for their oldest, soon on her way to becoming a responsible adult. 

For more information, call Pottstown's Main Street Manager, Sheila Dugan, at 484-948-6061 / 610-323-5400 OR check out the PDIDA website at www.downtownpottstown.org.

According to Wikipedia, Small Business Saturday is an American shopping holiday held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year. First observed on November 27, 2010, it is a counterpart to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which feature big box retail and e-commerce stores respectively. By contrast, Small Business Saturday encourages holiday shoppers to patronize brick and mortar businesses that are small and local.

In 2010 the holiday was conceived and promoted by American Express via a nationwide radio and television advertising campaign. That year Amex bought advertising inventory on Facebook, which it in turn gave to its small merchant account holders, and also gave rebates to new customers to promote the event.

Summer Savings Saturday

Summer is time for savings in downtown Pottstown, especially this Saturday when the annual Sidewalk Sale takes to the streets from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

According to Main Street Manager Sheila Dugan, the day will include offers from more than 40 downtown merchants, as well as face painting, a visit from Rainbow the Clown, and collections of Pottstown School uniforms for sale.

Demonstrations will be provided by CrossFit at 21 N. Hanover St. at 12:45, 2:45 and again at 4 p.m.

Also providing demonstration at 307 E. High St. will be Red Cloud Kung Fu at 12, 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.

Steel River Playhouse will stage short performances throughout the day at the theater and workshop at 245 E. High St.

Music will be provided throughout by Sincere Entertainment, Dugan said.

“The merchants are really excited about participating, because last year we had many hundreds of people showed up and we’re hoping this year will be even more successful,” said Dugan.

“And we’re also going to have about a dozen vendors from non-profit on the streets as well,” Dugan said.

Many of those non-profit organizations will be holding raffles, so the chances to win in addition to getting great bargains, are hard to beat, she said.

the sidewalk sale is just the latest in a series of activities planned for the downtown and environs in the coming months.

On Sept. 20, ArtFusion 19464 begins its exhibit “We Were Soldiers,” which runs through November; followed by the third annual Pet Fair on Sept. 21; the Carousel of Flavor on Sept. 22 and Airport Day at the Pottstown Municipal Airport on Sept. 28.

October 12 brings the return of Riverfest and Buy Local initiatives and Small Business Day follow in November, to be capped off by the Hometown Holidays celebration in December.

For more information about the Pottstown Downtown Improvement District authority visit www.downtownpottstown.org

Local Philanthropy by Hill School Students

The Cluster will use its grant for its Getting Ahead Initiative, which is a poverty education program that runs throughout the year for members of the Pottstown community below the poverty line. The program focuses on helping these members come to terms with their poverty, and it uses educational and constructive seminars as means to aiding those in need down a better socioeconomic track.

Led by co-presidents Nabil Shaikh '13 (Reading) and Auguste Boova '13 (Pottstown.), The Hill School’s Student Philanthropy Council (SPC) recently presented checks totaling $10,000 to four local nonprofit organizations to help fund those entities’ educational and community programs:

Pottstown Downtown Improvement District Authority ($2,110); The Growing Center ($2,690);

PDIDA will use is contribution for the Clean & Safe program,
which uses enhanced security methods and hired cleaners
as vehicles for downtown revitalization.

Montgomery Child Advocacy Project ($2,500); and the Pottstown Cluster of Religious Organizations ($2,700).

The SPC was established in 2009 through a gift to The Hill School courtesy of Charles A. Frank III, Hill ’59, and his wife, Betty.

Hill student participants solicit and evaluate local nonprofit requests for funding, and then award a total of $10,000 in grants each year. 

Last year, through the Franks' leadership and the generosity of several other donors, The Student Philanthropy Council became an endowed program at the School with the establishment of The Student Philanthropy Council Endowment in honor of Kay and David Dougherty.

The Montgomery Child Advocacy Project (MCAP) will fund the training of 10 lawyers for their initiative: providing legal advocacy for children of extremely unstable backgrounds in the Pottstown area. This non-profit grew out of a noticeable need for lawyers for children for whom parental advocacy is unstable and insubstantial.

The Growing Center plans to use their grant to provide materials for horticultural therapy for mental health patients. Horticultural therapy introduces patients to gardening activities, and is an incredibly potent means to psychological treatment. The Growing Center provides a secure hosting site to local horticultural therapy.