A Day of Service Aimed at Education

Some of the 100 SAT prep kits packed during the day of service in Pottstown.

The packing underway.

Before the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day fades too far into our memories, let's take another look at one of the service projects undertaken in his honor.

Members of United Way of Greater Philadelphia "Girls Today, Leaders Tomorrow" program undertook a program at the Ricketts Community Center that day.

They packed 100 SAT prep kits and 600 literacy kits for youth in Philadelphia and Pottstown in honor of the 2015 MLK Day of Service.

Other service projects in the area including community work by a number of Hill School students.

They: 

-- Assisted with small jobs at the Ricketts Center;

Hill student cleans up around Ricketts.

-- Built book shelves for the Ricketts Center;
-- Painted, cleaned and performed other small tasks at the Steel River Playhouse;
-- Baked cookies and muffins for the Pottstown Cluster;
-- Made cards for children who are in the hospital.;
-- Addressing envelopes for an upcoming Pottstown Police Athletic League mailing.

Another project involved several days of organizing donated shoes at the new warehouse for the non-profit In Ian's Boots which provides footwear to the needy.

Literacy kits for youth included this Dr. Seuss classic.

Volunteers in the Vanguard

Photos  by John Armato

Volunteers from Vanguard Investment Corporation helped spruce up Pottstown High School during a "Day of Caring." Even a dummy ion the health occupations room can see the value of that.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Pottstown School District.

The Pottstown School District and community taxpayers benefitted from a result of a partnership of volunteers from the Vanguard Investment Corporation, United Way, and the Pottstown School District. 

Vanguard employees (referred to as crew members) along with family members and representatives of the Pottstown School District participated in the annual “Day of Caring” sponsored by United Way of Southeast Pennsylvania. 

Both young and old gave up the pleasure of sleeping in late on a Saturday morning for the satisfaction that comes from working side-by-side with others for a worthy cause. 

This year’s projects included painting of the Pottstown High School Health Occupations Suite and landscaping of Barth Elementary School’s courtyard.

Dave Siravo, Vanguard Project Leader said, “The Vanguard Corporation’s philosophy includes a strong component of community involvement and commitment. Our crew members are dedicated to making a positive difference in the community. I am particularly proud of the fact that many of our crew members bring their younger children along so that the seeds of community service are sown early.”

The day’s project goals were accomplished quickly because, as always, the Vanguard crew comes with enthusiasm, organization, and focus. 

Working side-by-side with Vanguard volunteers were Barth Elementary School Principal Ryan Oxenford, Michaela Johnson, Health Occupations Teacher; Danielle McCoy, Director of Career and Technical Education; Nick Yonas, member of the Buildings and Grounds crew; and John Armato, Director of Community Relations. 

Mr. Oxenford said, “It is exciting to see so many people willing to give of their personal time to make a difference in our community.” 

Nick Yonas, who is also a Pottstown graduate, was responsible for the onsite organization of materials and work crews. He said, “This is an exciting experience for me. Seeing so many people willing to give their time to help our school district makes me proud to be an alumni.” 

Michaela Johnson, also a PHS graduate, said, “My students will be surprised when they come to class on Monday and see that their classrooms have a warm and inviting atmosphere because of the efforts of the Vanguard crew.”

John Armato, Director of Community Relations and honorary graduate of 2014 Pottstown High School, took part in the day’s events. 

 “Partnerships, such as these, help to save valuable taxpayer dollars while completing much needed school district projects. The adults and young people today served as role models and have done their part to ensure that our community moves forward in a positive fashion. Today’s events are just another reason for us to say, Proud to be from Pottstown.”

Strengthen Your Family at Family Fest

This year's Pottstown Family Fest will be held this Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Pottstown High School.

Sponsored by the Pottstown Family Center, the Pottstown School District and the Pottstown Parks and Recreation Department, the event is designed to provide information on family dynamics, unity and development.

Information booths, roving entertainment and door prizes highlight the event.

Featured entertainment will include the Pottstown Senior High School Jazz Band.

Pizza and a beverage will be provided to all that attend, although children must be accompanied by an adult.

Puzzles were among last year's Family Fest activities

This year's theme urges "Pottstown Families to Play, Work and Serve Together" and to buy locally.

"The whole community plays a role in sustaining our local businesses and social service agencies," the flyer notes.

"This year's theme focuses on buying local and encourages families to find volunteer opportunities that they care about so that they can ultimately give back to their community."

The event is sponsored by the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation and the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania.