Grilled Cheese? Beer? It Must Be Cheestoberfest!

The rewards of winning the second annual Cheestoberfest competition are grand indeed.

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

The second annual Cheesetoberfest grilled cheese competition will take place in Memorial Park on Oct. 5 from 12 to 3 p.m. 

Restaurants, caterers, and local organizations will compete for a trophy and the coveted cheese crown. The Daisy Jug Band is slated to perform, and a beer garden will be provided by Brothers Kershner Brewing.

“This is going to be a great day – the enthusiasm has been overwhelming,” said Brian Parkes, executive director of the TriCounty Active Adult Center. “The competition is going to be fierce and delicious!”

Confirmed competitors so far include: Grumpy’s Handcarved Sandwiches (last year’s big winner), Lily's Grill, Pottstown United Brewing, Gracie’s 21st Century Café, Dave Herner, September Farm Cheese, Café 288 at the TRAAC, and Sunnybrook Ballroom/Gatsby’s.

The event is being generously sponsored by Tri County Area Federal Credit Union, Citadel Federal

Works of art in the making.

Credit Union, Knies Insurance, and John Ungerman/Thrivent Financial. Bause Catered Events is providing their amazing tomato soup that will be available for purchase.

Two prizes are up for grabs – one for the judges’ choice and one for the favorite of the attendees. Hundreds of people are expected.

The event is free to attend, but a $20 wristband is required to taste the grilled cheese contest entries. 

All profits benefit programs for older adults in the tri-county region. Wristbands can be purchased at www.tricountyaac.org. There is still room for vendors and competitors. Competitors must have a health department inspected kitchen. Call 610-323-5009 for additional information.

The TriCounty Active Adult Center serves adults age 50 and better with programs and services including information and referral assistance, a daily lunch, exercise programs, social activities, and much more. Formerly known as the Pottstown Area Seniors’ Center, the mission of the TriCounty Active Adult Center is to enhance the well-being of older adults by providing services and activities that promote an independent and healthy lifestyle. The TriCounty Active Adult Center has more than 2,000 members residing in the tri-county area. Anyone living in the tri-county area (Berks, Chester and Montgomery Counties) who is 50+ years of age is welcome to join the center. Learn more at www.TriCountyAAC.org.

TriCounty Senior Center Raffle Winners Get $15,000

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You Could Win $10,000 in Senior Center Raffle

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

There are only days remaining to get your tickets for the 22nd annual TriCounty Active Adult Center cash raffle. 

The grand prize drawing will be held on Saturday, Aug. 31 at 3:45 PM at Duryea Day in Boyertown Community Park. 

The grand prize winner will walk away with $10,000 cash, and a runner up will go home $5,000 richer. In addition, there are seven more cash prizes from $250 to $50.

“This is a great way for the community to support the Center,” said Brian Parkes, executive director. “And of course, one lucky person will be $10,000 richer!”

Proceeds from the raffle will be used to support programs for older adults in the tri-county area. 

The Center offers 25 programs and services every day – everything from exercise programs such as Yoga and Tai Chi, to a free daily nutritious lunch, to support groups, to card games, and much, much more. Free Medicare counseling is offered, and a staff member is always available to help seniors find needed services and benefits, and fill out the often complicated forms.

“Nearly 200 seniors stop by the Center every day,” said Parkes. “Many of our participants would be sitting home alone. Instead, they come to the Center to see their friends, socialize, exercise, play games, and receive the help they need to remain living independently.”

Cash raffle tickets are $10 each, or four for $30. 

Tickets may be purchased at the Center at 288 Moser Road, Pottstown (the former Pottstown Health Club), from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays. The rain date for the drawing is Tuesday, Sept. 5, at 4 p.m. at the Center’s Moser Road location.

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

Now celebrating its 43rd anniversary, the mission of the TriCounty Active Adult Center is to enhance the well-being of older adults by providing services and activities that promote an independent and healthy life style. The TriCounty Active Adult Center has nearly 2,500 members, and anyone living in the tri-county area (Berks, Chester and Montgomery Counties) who is 50+ years of age is welcome to attend the Center. 

Learn more at www.TriCountyAAC.org.

Senior Center Hosting Comedy Night Fundraiser

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

The TriCounty Active Adult Center welcomes three comedians for a fundraising performance at the center on Friday, Aug. 16 at 7 p.m. The evening includes an Italian-style dinner and beverages.

The evening will be feature nationally-known comedians David Kaye, Ethan Herschenfeld, and Chris Monty in an intimate setting at the TriCounty Active Adult Center. Proceeds from the event benefit programs for older adults.

David Kaye

Audiences laugh out loud as host David Kaye shares side-splitting tales of his dysfunctional family affairs, and blue-collar upbringing in Pittsburgh.

 As the last child born to a Polish steel mill worker and a Ho Jo’s waitress, his wry recollections of life as the “baby brother” are candidly funny. “I grew up believing that my parents were not prejudiced people. However, looking back at all the beatings I took as a child, I now realize my parents hated white children.”

Ethan Herschenfeld

Being featured is Ethan Herschenfeld, an accomplished stand-up comedian, actor, and award winning opera singer. He's been a guest star on The Blacklist, Blue Bloods, Boardwalk Empire, Damages, Deception, Forever, Girls, Gotham, Happy!, High Maintenance, Power, and Unforgettable, and he's sung at the Metropolitan Opera, Carnegie Hall and Opera stages around the world.

In addition to appearing regularly at major comedy clubs in NY, LA, he's been seen at the Asheville
and San Diego Comedy Festivals and at clubs across the country and overseas.

At the age of 6 he discovered that shaving cream makes a convincing old guy beard, and he hasn't stopped performing since. He started singing and acting as a student at Harvard which lead to full time work on stage in New York City.

Currently, Ethan is a regular guest on John Fugelsang's SiriusXM show "Tell Me Everything" where a panel of comedians shed light on the darkness that is the news.

Headlining the evening is Chris Monty. With more than 20 years of stand-up comedy and television under his belt, Chris Monty continues to delight audiences worldwide.

Chris Monty

His latest high profile projects include his stand-up comedy special titled “What’s the Worst That Could Happen” (Amazon Prime), Vinyl (HBO), Red Oaks (Amazon Prime), Paul Bart: Mall Cop 2 (Sony Pictures), Kevin Can Wait (CBS), and Orange is the New Black (Netflix)

In his stand-up, Chris Monty channels a refreshing and unique style of the 1960’s cool funnyman mixed with a modern chic. His unique take on current topics and storytelling are reminiscent of the comics that would keep The Rat Pack in stitches for weeks.

He spans generations in that older crowds love his his cool, retro style and younger crowds see a cadence that they haven’t seen on stage. It is truly something unique to experience.

Tickets are $30, $25 for seniors, and include a meal of stuffed shells with meatballs, a Caesar salad, and two beverages.

 The show is open to the public, and tickets can be purchased online atslapsticksproductions.com, or ahead of time at the TriCounty Active Adult Center at 288 Moser Road in Pottstown.

Doors open at 6. Seating is limited, and audience members must be 21 or older.

The TriCounty Active Adult Center serves adults age 50 and better with programs and services including information and referral assistance, a free daily lunch, free and low-cost exercise programs, social activities, and much more. The mission of the TriCounty Active Adult Center is to enhance the well-being of older adults by providing services and activities that promote an independent and healthy life style. The TriCounty Active Adult Center has more than 2,500 members residing in the tri-county area. Anyone living in the Tri-County area (Berks, Chester and Montgomery Counties) 50+ years of age or older is welcome to join the Center. Learn more at www.TriCountyAAC.org.

Grumpy Wins Pottstown's First-Ever Cheese Crown

Photos by Evan Brandt

Gene Dugan, namesake of Grumpy's Handcarved Sandwiches, won the whole ball of wax (or should we say cheese?) Saturday when he won both the judge's and People's Choice trophy's at Pottstown's first-ever Cheesetoberfest event in Memorial Park, which paired two things I dearly love, grilled cheese sandwiches and beer. At left is Brian Parkes, executive director of TriCounty Active Adult Center, which both sponsored and benefited from the event.

There was beer.

There were grilled cheese sandwiches of multiple varieties.

There was even a "Beeramid," a pyramid of 15 cases of beer, chances for which were to be had for just $5.

I don't remember the name of the man who won the Beeramid.
What's important to remember here folks is that it wasn't me.

Let's face it folks, there was no mold growing on theTriCounty Active Adult Center's first-ever Cheesetoberfest.

Sure, the event was a fund-raiser for a worthy cause. But it was also a "fun-raiser" .... yeah, I went there.

Seven local eateries (two never showed up, no doubt cowed by the competition), offered up their unique visions for the perfect grilled cheese sandwich and those of us lucky enough to be there, got to sample all seven.

There wasn't a single bad sandwich.

I tried to write them all down, but I fear the list of ingredients for each offering is incomplete. Nevertheless, here is a partial list of the offerings as best I could decipher my hand-writing:

Pottstown Mayor Stephanie Henrick may have
been a judge. But there is only on Mayor of
Cheesteroberfest and his name is Ron Barrett

Lily's Grill -- Candied jalepeno cheese, I don't remember what kind, on a uniquely crispy bread,
made so by the fact that the griddle Chef Adam Burke used was rippled.

Pottstown United Brewing -- This was also a Burke special since he does the food for Pottstown's newest pub as well. This one was pumpkin-spiced gouda, with apple, onion and Swiss. (This was the one that won my red People's Choice ticket).

Brookside Country Club -- Crab and bacon mac and cheese with muenster and white cheddar, with a tomato jam dipping sauce. (Chef Peter Fizz was working overtime to fill these orders and there was a very long line.)

Railroad St. Bar & Grill -- Chef Mike McCloskey said his recipe for "Octoberfest Grilled Cheese" included bratwurst, white cheddar, onions and peppers. Railroad Street also provided the beer, which was an excellent selection. I chose Victory Brewing Company's Hip Czech Lager.

Bause Catered Events -- Smoked gouda, muenster with carmelized onion, garlec-onion butter and crushed salt & vinegar potato chips. Chef Erin Bause also offered up some delicious tomato soup to dip your sandwich in. Quite good.

Pottstown Hospital -- Yes, you read that right. And I must say, Chef Stewart Sherk makes a great grilled cheese. His recipe had arugula, tomato, pesto with asiago and provolone cheese on sourdough bread.

Grumpy's Handcarved Sanwiches -- For this winning combination, Chef Gene Dugan blended chedar, muenster, havarti and goat cheese with crushed figs on potatoe bread. He also provided tomato soup for those who feel it is a crime to eat any grilled sandwich without tomato soup.

Also on hand was The Daisy Jug Band, which played in the beer tent. Here's a sample:



About 200 people came out under the cloudy skies, perfect weather for grilled cheese sandwiches.

They ate, they drank, some played the cornhole game set up for those who enjoy such things, and then came the big reveal.

Here come da judges...

The judges for Cheesetoberfest were the Honorable Stephanie Henrick, the mayor of Pottstown; the equally honorable Scott Bentley, renown local businessman and the decidedly less honorable Evan Brandt, Mercury reporter and renown quaffer of beer.

Brian Parkes, executive director of the TriCounty Active Adult Center, seen in the photo above with the judges, sad the event raised about $4,000 for the center.

And don't forget folks. Today is the 15th Annual Carousel of Flavor restaurant festival which, I hasten to mention, also has beer. This year it will be held at the actual Carousel location, on King Street, across from Memorial Park.

An now, here are the Cheesetoberfest Tweets I managed when I wasn't doing official judge stuff ....

This Was Really Awfully Cheesy

Still Time to Get Tickets for the Golden Apple Gala

Photo Courtesy of TriCounty Active Adult Center.

The 2016 Golden Apple Gala

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

The fourth annual Golden Apple Gala is less than one month away. This event raises money for the TriCounty Active Adult Center as they work to support older adults in the greater Pottstown region.

“We are planning another exciting event,” said Brian Parkes, executive director of the center. “Attendees will be treated to some great music, and we have a local award-winning couple demonstrating ballroom dancing.”

This year the event will honor Peggy Whittaker and the memory of Dr. Richard Whittaker.

 “The Whittakers have been incredible supporters of our center, and of our community, and we are excited to be able to honor them in this way,” said Parkes. “We will be making a very special announcement at the Gala that will cement their legacy of generosity and positivity in Pottstown.”

This year’s event will be held on Saturday, March 4 at Brookside Country Club in Pottstown. Betsy Chapman will be featured on the harp, and the West Chester Swing Kings will provide entertainment after dinner. 

Bill and Patti Underwood have been

dancing together for 25 years.

A ballroom dancing demonstration will be presented by Patti and Bill Underwood, who have been dancing together for 25 years. The Underwoods are competitors in American Smooth and American Rhythm. 

They recently won the Amateur American Smooth Championship at the Ohio Star Ball., and they have also been the National Senior lll American 9-Dance Champions in 2007-08, 2010 & 2013.

Beer and wine, hors d’oeuvres, and a choice of entrees are included in the $130 per person ticket price. 

 Reservations and sponsorships can be purchased at www.GoldenAppleGala.org, or by calling the center at 610-323-5009 x101.

The silent auction features original artwork, gift certificates, and many other valuable items.

All profits from the event will support services for older adults in the tri-county area, including a free daily lunch, professional assistance from trained staff, and exercise and social programs that help keep seniors active and independent.

Major supporters of the Golden Apple Gala include Joe & Linda Voytilla, Patient First, Thrivent Financial, BB&T, Pottstown Memorial Medical Center, Kreibel Security, David G. Garner, Esq., kultivate, Knies Insurance Group, State Representative Tim Hennessey, Lawrence J. Gribb, D.M.D., Keller Williams Realty Group, Edwards Business Systems, and O'Donnell, Weiss & Mattei, PC.

The TriCounty Active Adult Center serves adults age 50 and better with programs and services including information and referral assistance, a daily lunch, exercise programs, social activities, and much more. The Mission of the TriCounty Active Adult Center is to enhance the well-being of older adults by providing services and activities that promote an independent and healthy life style. 

The TriCounty Active Adult Center has nearly 2,500 members residing in the tri-county area. Anyone living in the tri-county area (Berks, Chester and Montgomery Counties) who is 50+ years of age is welcome to join the center. Learn more at www.TriCountyAAC.org.

Former Senior Car Raffle Now Cash Caffle

Brian Parkes, executive director of the TriCounty Active Adult Center, and Barbara Updegrove, a volunteer and participant at the Center, display the check that will be presented to one lucky winner at the conclusion of the 20th annual raffle.

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

The 20th annual TriCounty Active Adult Center’s cash raffle has begun! 

Formerly the Pottstown Area Seniors’ Center car raffle, the contest has been updated along with the image of the Center. 

 The grand prize drawing will be held on Labor Day, Sept. 5 at 5 p.m., and the grand prize winner will win $15,000 cash. In addition, there are seven additional cash prizes from $250 to $50.

“This is a great way for the community to support seniors in our community,” said Brian Parkes, executive director. “And of course, one lucky person will walk away with $15,000 cash!”

Proceeds from the raffle will be used to support programs for seniors in the tri-county region. 

The Center offers nearly 40 programs and services each week – everything from exercise programs such as Yoga and Tai Chi, to a free daily nutritious lunch, to support groups, to card games, and many, many more. Additionally, a staff member is available to help seniors choose and access health care benefits, and fill out the often complicated forms.

“Nearly 1,500 seniors every year stop by the Center, and many come on a daily basis,” said Parkes. “Many of our participants would be sitting home alone. Instead, they come to the Center to see their friends, socialize, exercise, play games, and receive the help they need to remain living independently.”

A car was offered as a choice for the grand prize in previous years, but Parkes said that due to insurance regulation changes, the Center could not secure a car this year. 

Cash raffle tickets are $10 each, or four for $30. 

Tickets may be purchased at the Center at 288 Moser Road, Pottstown (the former Pottstown Health Club), from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays. 

 Representatives from the Center will be selling tickets at upcoming community events including the Pottstown Classics Car Shows on High Street on Aug. 6 and Sept. 3, the Aug. 20th Veteran’s Day event in Memorial Park, and Duryea Day in Boyertown on Sept. 3.

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

The mission of the TriCounty Active Adult Center is to enhance the well-being of its members by providing services and activities that promote an independent and healthy life style. 

The TriCounty Active Adult Center has more than 2,500 members, and anyone living in the tri-county area (Berks, Chester and Montgomery Counties) who is 50+ years of age is welcome to attend the center. Learn more at www.TriCountyAAC.org.

First Niagara Helps Senior Center Get Cooking

Robert Rettinger, left, vice president at

First Niagara Bank, presents Brian Parkes

of the TriCounty Active Adult Center with

a $2,500 grant from the 

First Niagara Foundation.

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

The TriCounty Active Adult Center (formerly the Pottstown Area Seniors’ Center) was recently awarded a $2,500 grant from the First Niagara Foundation.

The grant award will be used for the Center’s new kitchen, one part of the major renovation taking place at the former Pottstown Health Club site. 

Including this grant, First Niagara Foundation has committed $12,500 to the project.

“This is another major step forward for our capital campaign,” said Brian Parkes, executive director. 

“When the renovations are complete, the new location will attract more seniors which will strengthen the center's financial sustainability, and allow us to offer an even greater variety of programs and services. Our nutrition program, including our daily lunch, is a key component of the services we offer to help older adults stay healthy and live independently,” Parkes said.

The Center hopes to complete renovations this summer, and has been busily raising money with its recent Golden Apple Gala, Swing Dance, and upcoming Golf Outing on June 13.

The TriCounty Active Adult Center serves as a resource for older adults in obtaining services to help them stay healthy and independent. 

The Center offers a wide variety of programs and services that include healthy and nutritious meal programs, health checks and seminars, enrichment programs, educational opportunities, transportation services, financial and insurance counseling, and social and recreational activities. 

A home-away-from-home, the Center also allows older adults to escape the social isolation that often comes with advanced age.

The TriCounty Active Adult Center has more than 3,000 members residing in the tri-county area. 

 Anyone living in the tri-county area (Berks, Chester and Montgomery Counties) who is 50+ years of age is welcome to join the Center. Learn more at www.TriCountyAAC.org or call 610-323-5009.

16th World War II Dance At Sunnybrook April 8

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

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

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

Doors will open at 7 p.m.. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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