Month: September 2012

YWCA Adult Literacy Program to hold breakfast & fall fashion show

The YWCA Tri-County Area invites the community to enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet and lovely fashion show while supporting their Adult Literacy Program!
SUPPORT LITERACY Breakfast and Fall Fashions by ANN TAYLOR will be held on Saturday, September 29, 9:30-11:30 a.m. at Brookside Country Club at 850 N. Adams Street in Pottstown.
This event supports literacy programs that assist adults with reading, writing, math, workplace skills, preparation for the GED and U.S. Citizenship Tests, and to learn the English language.
For reservations and tickets, please call the YWCA Tri-County Area at 610-323-1888 x202.
To learn more about the YWCA’s Adult Literacy Program, contact Jae Hively, Director, at 610-326-READ (7323

 

Year of the Young Woman series continues at YWCA with panel on “Advocacy”

RSVP TODAY!

Saturday, Sept. 22 is fast approaching!

DON’T DELAY-SIGN UP TODAY!

The YWCA is a voice for every woman and your  voice needs to be included! Use your voice to advocate for the issues that are important to you.

Don’t miss this opportunity to attend a unique program for girls and women at the YWCA, 315 King St. on Saturday, September 22, 1:30-3:30pm. RSVP your attendance to 610-323-1888 for the YWCA’s YEAR OF THE YOUNG WOMAN “Girl Talk” series event. The topic is “ADVOCACY.”

A diverse panel of girls and women ages 15 and older will share information, tell about their advocacy efforts, and answer questions that will assist others to advocate on behalf of other people and issues.

Panel members are Honorable Judge Cheryl Lynne Austin of the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas; Judy Watts, Attorney; Arizona Brennan, student and president of Spark the Wave Club; Chloe Klaus, student and member of Spark the Wave Club; Dr. Keisha MorantWilliams, Assistant Professor of Communication Arts & Sciences; Marlene Armato, Montgomery County Executive Committee Member; Renée Spaide, Vice President Upper Pottsgrove Board of Commissioners; and Valerie Jackson, YWCA Tri-County Area Board of Directors 

 

YOUR VOICE IS IMPORTANT.

 SPEAK OUT!

YWCA Tri-County Area

315 King Street

Pottstown, PA 19464

(610)323-1888, x202

Doe Club sponsors Chicken and Waffle Dinner

Have you been hankering for a chicken and waffle dinner at a reasonable price? Check out this upcoming event at the BPOE #814 at 61 High Street on Sept. 27th!
ALL YOU CAN EAT CHICKEN AND WAFFLE DINNER
WHEN: September 27, 2012, 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM
WHERE: Elks Lodge #814, 61 High Street, Pottstown, Pa
PRICE: $8.00 Adults, $3.00 Children 6-12 and Children 5 and under free.
SPONSOR: Elks Doe Club

This week’s specials at The Very Best

Still the very best!

For those of you who might not know, The Very Best is a luncheonette that’s been in Pottstown since 1921. That makes them Pottstown’s oldest restaurant. They’re located at 252 E. High Street; phone is 610-323-5224.

They’ve got very reasonably priced sandwiches and comfort food. To me that means grilled cheese & french fries and, depending on availability, chicken noodle soup & banana cream pie. They’re open six days a week:  Monday – Friday 7:00 am to 7:00 pm and Saturday 7:00 am to 4:00 pm. They offer a full breakfast menu from 7:00 am to 11:00 am Monday – Saturday. And their baked goods come from Company Cakes at 26 N. Charlotte Street. How can you go wrong?
This week’s specials are:

Tuesday…
Grilled Chicken Club served w/Potato Salad & Med Soda
Chili Cheese Dog wrap served w/Cole Slaw & Med Soda

Wednesday…
Haddock Sandwich served w/Chips & Med Soda
Chicken Cordon Blue Sandwich served w/FF & Med Soda

Thursday…
California Ranch Bacon Burger served w/Macaroni Salad & Med Soda
Pizza Steak served w/Onion Rings & Med Soda

Friday…
Tuna Club served w/Chips & Med Soda
Crab Cake Wrap served w/Coleslaw & Med Soda

Creative Montco to launch 10-year plan this Thursday

After a year-long effort to gather information, opinions and ideas about arts and culture in Montgomery County, Creative MontCo will unveil its 10-year plan during a launch party on Sept. 13 in the Parkhouse Hall Atrium at Montgomery County Community College’s Central Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell.

The celebration begins with networking from 4-4:30 p.m., followed by a presentation from 4:30-5:15 p.m. and a reception from 5:15-6 p.m. Artists, creative entrepreneurs, civic leaders, government officials and anyone who lives or works in Montgomery County is welcome to attend. To RSVP, visit http://creativemontco.eventbrite.com or call 610-313-9836.

Supported in part by a major grant from the William Penn Foundation, along with support from the Montgomery County Foundation, Creative MontCo is based on the belief that culture and creativity are among a community’s most powerful assets.  The initiative, chaired by MCCC President Dr. Karen A. Stout, looks to leverage the County’s cultural and creative resources to enhance economic development through implementation of a 10-year comprehensive plan.

“Creative MontCo reflects the growing trend to integrate cultural and economic development,” said Dr. Stout. “By recognizing the link between non-profit and for-profit creative activity and combining them under the creative sector umbrella, we acknowledge their common interests and often-overlooked role within regional economies.”

To date, more than 1,900 individuals representing all 62 municipalities in Montgomery County have participated in the initiative through a series of town hall meetings, community conversations, survey responses, interviews and discussion groups, and social media and website feedback.

For more information about CreativeMontCo and to learn how to get involved, visit www.creativemontco.org.

Steel River Playhouse Opens New Season With Tony- and Pulitzer-Winning Contemporary Musical

The popular Tony- and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical, Next to Normal, is the highly anticipated 2012-13 Season opener for Steel River Playhouse (formerly Tri-County Performing Arts Center, or Tri-PAC).

Running for just 6 performances over 2 weekends (September 14th through 23rd), Next to Normal is a compellingly honest story that is by turns comedic and moving. A contemporary rock musical infused with a powerful story line, Next to Normal centers on the Goodmans– Dan, Diana, Gabe and Natalie – a seemingly “normal” family as real and recognizable as our own. Each is trying to take care of themselves and each other, wrestling to hold onto home, joy, commitment and love in the face of strong and subtle forces. The magic
of Next to Normal is how much you care about the characters and their tenacity as they experience each day.

The New York Times called it a “brave,breathtaking musical,” and a “feel-everything musical.” The Washington Post went so far as to say it “defines the modern American musical.” Unlike traditional musicals comprised of discrete sections of dialogue and song, the thrilling musical numbers of Next of Normal are woven seamlessly into the work and carry the plot forward organically. A live orchestra supports the stellar cast of actor-singers, keeping up Steel River Playhouse’s longstanding commitment to high quality musicianship as an essential part of the musical theater experience.

Next to Normal is directed by Kevin Laibson, a New York-based producer and director who has been instrumental in encouraging and enabling artists and playwrights to take risks and keep theater original and powerful. He’s also a teacher (improvisation), actor and musician.

Laibson says Next to Normal is about “…how hard people work to be together.” What makes the play so powerful, Laibson says, is “how much the audience will care about these characters, and how much their struggles will mean to everyone watching.”

The play will be performed in Steel River Playhouse’s intimate Newberry Loft, which will seat less than 100 people for each performance. Laibson believes that this setting will enhance the audience’s identification with the characters’ will to adapt to their lives and each other.

The cast:
Maddie Aicher (Daughter, Natalie Goodman) – Owen J. Roberts School District
Steven Burke (Son, Gabe Goodman) – Upper Merion School District
Drew Carr (Henry) – Spring-Ford Area School District
Greg Kasander (Father, Dan Goodman) – Gulph Mills, Pennyslvania
Denise Webb (Mother, Diana Goodman) – Coatesville, Pennsylvania
Kevin Ray Johnson (Dr. Madden) – Baltimore, Maryland

Next to Normal will be performed on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM September 14, 15, 21 & 22 and Sundays at 3 PM, September 16 & 23 at Steel River Playhouse, 245 East High Street, Pottstown. It is Directed by Kevin Laibson; Music Directed by Deborah Stimson-Snow. Next to Normal music by Tom Kitt, book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey. Presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International.

In addition, on Sunday, September 16 following the performance audience members can ask questions of the director and cast during our Talkback. Single ticket prices are Adults $19, Seniors (65+) $17 and Students/Children $15. There are two changes in ticketing policy this season; groups of 10 or more get a higher discount – $3 off per ticket. And tickets bought online – www.steelriver.org – are the same price as tickets purchased at the box office.

Steel River Playhouse holds open house this weekend

This comes to us from the effervescent marketeer and harpist Betsy Chapman!

Steel River Playhouse, formerly Tri-County Performing Arts Center (Tri-PAC), is holding an open house this weekend to showcase their educational offerings. Steel River seeks to strengthen community, inspire creative exploration, educate, and entertain, through the presentation of quality performing arts events and education for diverse audiences. Each year, the Steel River Playhouse produces more than 90 performances and hosts more than 10,000 people as audiences, students, artists, donors and volunteers from throughout the region. They offer performance opportunities through open auditions; theater technical training; acting, voice, and instrumental lessons; classes and workshops for all ages; summer camp programs; and educational outreach including scholarships, artists in the classroom, traveling children’s shows, and other initiatives. Steel River is located at 245 E. High Street in the heart of downtown Pottstown. For further information, visit www.steelriver.org, or call 610-970-1199.

 

Classes & Private Lessons

STUDENT OPEN HOUSE & REGISTRATION

Saturday, Sept 8th & Sunday, Sept 9th (11 am – 3 pm)

FREE Trial lessons, mini classes, refreshments, tours, and giveaways!

ALL ages

See our NEW marquee and take a tour!

Saturday, Sept 8th

Sunday, Sept 9th

Free Trial Lessons

Voice, Guitar & Acting

11am to 3pm

Free Trial Lessons

Voice, Guitar, Acting & Piano  

11am to 3pm

Free Mini-Classes

11:30am – Comedy/Improv (Grade 5 – 7)

12N – Acting (Grade 5 – 7)

12:30pm – Comedy/Improv (Grade 8 – Adult)

1pm – Comedy/Improv (Grade K – 4)

1:30pm – Acting (Grade 8 – Adult)

Free Mini-Classes

11:30am – Acting (Grade K – 4)

12N – Acting (Grade K – 4)

12:30pm – Acting (Grade 5 – 7)

1pm – Comedy/Improv (Grade 8 – Adult)

1:30 – Comedy/Improv (Grade 5 – 7)

Classes – Sept 17th thru Nov 18th

 Character in Song, Comedy/Improv, Acting for the Stage

Performance Troupes (Grades 2 – 4, 5 – 7, 8 – 12)

And more!  Financial Aid is Available     

Private Lessons begin September 10th  

Acting, Monologue Coaching, Voice, Piano, Guitar, Flute, and Trumpet

Special Guest Instructor – Ken Kaissar – Private Acting

Wednesdays and Sundays, starting in October

BFA Theatre (Directing), Carnegie Mellon University; MFA Theatre (Playwriting), Columbia University. Ken’s directing work has been seen in New York City, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Chicago. His work on new plays has been seen at the Culture Project’s Women’s Center Stage Festival and the Philly Fringe Festival. His productions of THE TRUE AUTHOR REVEALED and THE MYSTERIES OF THE MONK OF FALCONARA led to publication of both plays in the BEST PLAYS ANTHOLOGY published by Applause. His play A MODEST SUGGESTION just finished a very successful Off-Broadway run; and CEASEFIRE was an official selection for Fusion Theatre Company’s New Works Festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Ken teaches playwriting and theatre history at Rider University and Stockton College.

Questions? Email Steve Reazor, Education Director, at steve@steelriver.org or call 610.970.1199.

 

 

One Day Only!

ANN GILLETTE – PRIVATE ON-CAMERA COACHING

Saturday, Oct 6th (10 am – 3 pm by appt)

Specializing in commercial, TV, and film audition and acting techniques

Ann Gillette has created a following as one of the top on-camera acting coaches on the East Coast. She coaches actors on a weekly basis for major television, film and commercial auditions. She is a ‘first call’ of top agents and managers who need their actors to push themselves to a bookable level. Ann has worked in casting and as a producer for the past 16 years, on hundreds of television, film and commercial projects. She began her career with Wickline Casting in Philadelphia in the early ‘90s, where she worked on nationwide talent searches for Spelling Television and NBC Daytime, movies like “The Long Kiss Goodnight” with Geena Davis and Sam Jackson, and “Broadway Brawler” with Bruce Willis, and national commercials for “Best Buy”, “McDonalds” and “Verizon”. After leaving Wickline, she freelanced as a producer and worked on national media pieces for shows like “Hard Copy” and “Access Hollywood”, and produced regional TV shows like “The Fretz Kitchen” and “Scene 8. She has continued her work with many production companies and ad agencies with credits such as commercials for GIANT, Thermador and Lancaster County Tourism.

One-hour private sessions: $75

To register, email Steve Reazor, Education Director, at steve@steelriver.org or call 610.970.1199.

New Hanover United Methodist Church holds 2nd Annual Car & Bike Show tomorrow

This comes to us from reader Diane VanDyke…

New Hanover United Methodist Church, 2211 Swamp Pike, Gilbertsville, will be hosting its Second Annual Car and Bike Show Saturday, Sept. 8, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.  Registration starts at 9 a.m., and the fee is $10. The rain date is Sunday, Sept. 9, 1:30-5:30 p.m. with registration starting at 12:30 p.m. Prizes will be awarded.

This year’s show features one of the most exciting cars of the muscle-car era, a 1969 Dodge Super Bee 440, and a vintage Harley-Davidson, a 1940 Knucklehead. Come and see these unique vehicles and the many other restored and antique vehicles spanning several decades, check under the hoods and chat with local car and bike enthusiasts.

The proceeds from this year’s event will benefit Happy 2 Be Home, new non-profit organization started by the congregation to help families with children with chronic, long-term, multiple disabilities. By customizing their houses to meet their children’s physical needs, Happy 2 Be Home enables parents and caretakers to care for their children in the comfort and convenience of their homes.

For more information or to register, visit www.newhanoverumc.org, email at info@newhanoverumc.org or call the church office at 610-323-2353.

 

36th Annual Hay Creek Festival on tap this weekend

I’m posting this on behalf of my neighbor Jack, who is a volunteer with the Hay Creek Valley Historical Association. They’re holding their annual Hay Creek Festival beginning today and running through this weekend, and it looks awesome!

From their website: “Our Association was organized in 1975 with an objective  to support and demonstrate, to foster interest in and appreciation for our local heritage, and to provide a living experience of Berks County’s rich agricultural and technological past. In 1979 Bethlehem Steel donated historic Joanna Furnace to the Hay Creek Valley Association and our organization took on a new challenge of preserving a treasured piece of America’s past. Today the organization is 1,000 members strong and relies on volunteer efforts and donations to preserve the history of Joanna Furnace.”

Experience early American life at historic Joanna Furnace. The Hay Creek Festival runs from today, September 7 through September 9 (rain or shine). Attractions run from 10 am to 5 pm – Shuttle runs 7 am to 6 pm.

The Festival includes a Civil War Encampment , Home Craft & Antique Market, Children’s Hands-On Activities,
Mechanical Technology Exhibits, Early American Crafts, Entertainment, Homemade Food (Mabel’s kettle soups, Schnitz Un Knepp/Apples & Ham, Ice Cream Floats, Apple Butter, Mint Tea, and Hamburgers & Hot Dogs. Visitors can start their day at the Hay Creek Festival with an Ironmaster’s Pancake & Sausage Breakfast. This “rise and shine” breakfast is served Saturday and Sunday morning from 7 to 10 am in the Joanna Furnace Mule Stable. Please note: Food Tickets are needed to purchase food items. Ticket booths are placed conveniently throughout the festival grounds and can be redeemed prior to leaving the event. Check out the website for many more details!

Event Information

Admission:
Adults: $10.00
Children(6-12): $2.00
Children 5 and under: FREE
Click here to receive a discount admission coupon.  Each coupon is good for two adults.

Festival Time:
Main Attractions 10 am to 5 pm
Shuttle Busses Run 7 am to 6 pm
The festival is held rain or shine.

Parking:
FREE Parking is available to all festival visitors. Parking is located on a large field along Route 10 just south of the festival grounds. Follow signs. Visitors will ride our Free bus service to and from the festival ground.

For your safety and by order of the local police we ask that you do not park along Route 10. As an alternative free parking is available along Furnace Road.

Handicap Parking – Located on the festival grounds. Follow signs posted on Rt. 10, exit at Furnace Rd.

Visitors will be allowed to drive on-site to pickup large purchase items. Be sure to ask the vendor where you buy your large articles for a temporary on-site parking pass.

Hay Creek Festival Parking GPS Directions:  740 Harmony Road, Morgantown PA 19543

 

Grace Lutheran Pre-School still has openings for this school year

I am away writing and trying to catch up and get information out there as fast as I can! – Sue Repko
Grace Lutheran Preschool, located at 660 N. Charlotte Street, Pottstown, is still accepting students for the 2012-2013 school year.  The following classes have availability:
    2 year old play group – Mon./Wed./Fri.  OR Tues./Thurs.
    Preschool – Mon./Wed./Fri.  OR  Tue/Thurs.
    Pre-K – Mon./Wed./Fri.  OR  Mon.-Fri.
Please contact Stephanie Houck, Director at 610-323-9435 or by email at stephhouck@dejazzd.com.  Thank You!

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