Tag: Pottstown

All the Hot Topics…

A lot of juicy news came out of the Pottstown Progress Luncheon yesterday. The hard part is where to begin?

The Annual Pottstown Progress Luncheon

Held by the TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce, yesterday’s Sunnybrook event was co-sponsored by Pottstown Area Economic Development (PAED) and highlighted some of the most exciting progress being made in Pottstown’s revitalization.

Many people already know about the Challenger Learning Center coming to the Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) West Campus. The Sustainability and Innovation Hub located at 140 College Drive (adjacent to Riverfront Park) is being retrofitted to house the educational center which they hope will be open to the public this Fall. The center will offer science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs with a central focus on space-themed missions in a fully immersive Space Station and Mission Control center. MCCC states, “[The center] will use space-themed simulated learning environments to engage students in dynamic, hands-on opportunities. These experiences strengthen knowledge in STEM subjects and inspire students to pursue careers in these important fields.” To learn more about the Challenger Center, go to https://www.mc3.edu/for-our-community/challenger-center and https://www.challenger.org/.

If you haven’t heard about The Iron Globe, you’re late to the party! The Iron Globe Entertainment Complex will be a 2,200-seat outdoor music venue, to be located on the west end of Pottstown on the shores of the Schuylkill River. The venue will boast fire pits, a skating rink, interactive games played on high definition 35-foot LED screens, in addition to concerts, drive-in movies, Octoberfest, Halloween, Winter-Holiday, and Independence Day festivals, light shows, and fireworks displays. According to one of the developers, look for this exciting venue to open in late 2023 or early 2024. To learn more, go to https://ironglobepa.com/.

The old Mercury building is going to be converted into a 41-room boutique hotel, The Hotel Mercury. On the street level, expect a possible restaurant and bar as this historic building is remodeled into much needed visitor accommodations. It will be wonderful to see this piece of Pottstown history being utilized again and allowing visitors a taste of what Pottstown has to offer. To read a little more about how this project is developing, visit this site: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/pottstown-mercury-epa-helping-convert-mercury-building-boutique-hotel.

Green is coming to Pottstown…in the form of sustainable energy. The Pottstown Sustainable Energy Park will utilize waste to create pellets which it then gasifies into diesel fuel. It was estimated that this 142K square foot facility will not only produce 16 million gallons of diesel fuel and prevent around 200K tons of waste going into landfills annually but will also employ 115-150 people in well-paying jobs. No word yet on when the facility will open, but to learn more, see https://www.pottsmerc.com/2022/01/10/pottstown-oks-plans-for-sustainable-energy-park-on-keystone-boulevard/ or https://sanatogapost.com/2020/12/26/state-grants-local-redevelopment/.

Lots of people have driven by the old Pottstown Plating Works building on Industrial Boulevard and wondered what is happening. Yesterday, those who attended the luncheon got a glimpse into the environmental clean-up challenges the developer has dealt with as he prepares to put this prominent facility back into productive service. An interesting story about this appeared in the Pottstown Mercury a while ago: https://www.pottsmerc.com/2021/10/13/work-in-progress-industrys-polluted-legacy-in-pottstown/.

A few other smaller projects were highlighted, too. On the north shore of the Schuylkill, a kayak launching facility will be installed near the Hanover Street bridge for use by Take It Outdoors outfitters and Schuylkill River Greenways. Several existing businesses who are already located in Pottstown have expanded or relocated, including: Audio Video Concepts, The Eastwood Company, Agnes Edmunds Bridal, American Keg Company, and Beverly’s Pastry Shop. Also mentioned were DaniBee Funky and Stacked SCM and Pottstown Animal Wellness Services, businesses new to Pottstown in 2021, and the renovation of the old Comfort Inn on Robinson Street near Wal-Mart into a Fairfield Inn.

I wonder what other business ideas are incubating in our town?

A Bit of Everything

Upcoming Community Events

In no particular order, here are a few upcoming community events and announcements:

Pottstown Housing Coalition is asking for community participation on a survey regarding interactions with Pottstown Borough and the borough website. The survey can be found here: https://s.surveyplanet.com/tdvrzbib

Hobart’s Run will be holding a community yard sale June 4th (rain date will be June 5th) to benefit Edgewood Cemetery and other Hobart’s Run programming. It will cost $10 a table and be held on the grass at Edgewood Cemetery. There will also be an art fair and community clean-up event at Edgewood Cemetery on April 30th. For more info, go to: https://hobartsrunpottstown.org/ or follow Edgewood Cemetery at https://www.facebook.com/edgewoodcemeterypottstown.

Montgomery County Community College (West Campus) has a number of event’s coming up: a Spring Open House will be held April 9th; Come celebrate the 25th anniversary of West Campus with fireworks and food trucks at 8:00 pm, April21st on the campus; The Challenger Center is expected to open this year, so an event is being planned for August 26th-27th. 5th and 8th grade classes can interact with the center virtually sometime in March. https://www.mc3.edu/choosing-montco/our-campuses/pottstown-campus

The Tri-County Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the Pottstown Progress Luncheon on February 16th at Sunnybrook Ballroom. For more info, go to https://business.tricountyareachamber.com/events/details/pottstown-progress-luncheon-2022-856681. On February 11th, the REACH group of the Chamber will have a field trip to see Disenchanted at Steel River Playhouse. For more information on joining REACH or other events, contact Alice Funk at the Chamber, alice@tricountyareachamber.com.

The Winter/Spring session of classes are about to begin at ArtFusion 19464. These will include some free programs for kids. There will also be a show and an associated fundraiser titled “Revival” made up of upcylced art and furniture. For more info, go to https://artfusion19464.org/.

Steel River Playhouse is holding auditions for an upcoming show and is looking for a diverse cast. Here is the flyer for the auditions:

Steel River has some great shows coming up. For tickets and information, please go to the website, https://www.steelriver-playhouse.org/.

Vaccine clinics are held every Tuesday and Thursday at Bethel Community Church. For information: https://egov.montcopa.org/3748/Vaccine-Clinic-Directions-and-Parking-In

Mosaic Community Land Trust is looking for a person to serve on its Board in the position of treasurer. If you or someone you know would be interested, please contact Tracy Purdy trcpurdy@yahoo.com.

Operation 143 is holding a food drive all through the month of February. For information on items needed and their mission, please go to: https://operation143.org/.

Pottstown Regional Library has a variety of fun and free programming for children, youth and adults. To learn more, go to: http://www.eventkeeper.com/mars/xpages/M/MONTCO/ekp.cfm?curOrg=MONTCO&curKey1=Pottstown%20Public%20Library

To catch up on the local happenings every week, join Porchcast Pottstown Thursday nights at 6:00 on YouTube, Facebook Live or in person at Pottstown United Brewing Company. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2UbXqAsqiV4vtlyjyJbOGA.

Do you have an event you would like us to share? Contact Tracy Purdy at tracy.purdy@temple.edu with all of the information and we will post it on our blog and Facebook page. Or tag Positively Pottstown in your posts!

Dragons Spotted in Pottstown!

Many people know that Dragon Boating exists in Pottstown, but did you know that Pottstown has one of only three indoor paddle pool Dragon Boat practice facilities in North America, and the only one open in the United States?

From outside, there is nothing about the Pottstown Athletic Club, located in the Armory at 263 King Street, to indicate the unique facility that is housed inside. In 2016, club owner Rob Matthews installed ergometers, exercise equipment which allows Dragon Boaters to practice during the winter, and then in 2017, added an indoor paddle pool to allow the athletes to have a full spectrum of indoor training for the sport. Pottstown Dragon Boater Laura Cousins trains at the facility because the ergometers (located in the upstairs “Erg Room”) allow her to increase her strength and power as she paddles, while the pool allows her to work on technique. She loves the card tracking system in the Erg Room that allows her to track her distance, speed, and total work-out time. Cousins is a member of the Pottstown Dragon Warriors, a competitive team that practices in both Pottstown Athletic Club, as well as on the Schuylkill, several times a week.

Laura Cousins

Pottstown Dragon Warriors team member Laura Cousins practicing in the Erg Room at Pottstown Athletic Club

Rob Matthews thinks the popularity of the sport will only grow. “We want to build Dragon Boating in the Pottstown area not just because it’s fun, but because it’s a physical skill set that anybody can adapt to. Dragon Boating is team work and timing, you must work together. You have to do that more than be a physical specimen.” Matthews is so excited about growing Dragon Boating that he encourages beginners to attend a free practice session, once indoors in the unique practice facility, as well as to join the more seasoned boaters for an outdoor practice on the river. Dragon Boating is great for kids, too. There are community members as young as 10 who practice in Pottstown.

The indoor practice facilities have been used by teams from all around the Philadelphia region, and are available to reserve at hourly rates. Matthews encourages families to come join in “Open Paddles” and organizations to book the facility for team building events. The amenities of the club are drawing visitors to Pottstown from all around the region, which have easy access thanks to Pottstown’s location at the junction of Routes 422 and 100.

Paddle Pool(1)

The paddle pool indoors at Pottstown Athletic Club, one of only three indoor paddle pools in North America

To find out more about Dragon Boating in Pottstown, go to http://pottstownathleticclub.com/index.php/pottstown-dragon-warriors-1, follow the Pottstown Dragon Warriors on their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/PottstownDragonWarriors, or email Rob Matthews directly at rob.1@pottstownkarate.com.

Fall art classes for adults at ArtFusion!

ArtFusion, Pottstown’s art school and gallery at 254 E. High Street in the heart of downtown Pottstown, is offering several fall classes for adults.

Check them out here.

You can choose from drawing, oil painting, water colors, and art journaling.

There are daytime and evening options, so there’s no excuse to get your creative vibe on, let your inner artist out, or maybe start something that could be a special holiday gift to a special someone.

 

The mission of ArtFusion 19464 is to enrich the lives of the residents in the greater Pottstown area through the visual arts, regardless of ethnicity and economic situations. Our goal is to spark creativity, build self-confidence and develop community bonds through education, mentoring and community service. Artfusion is online at www.artfusion19464.org.

Vote NOW for Pottstown native & gospel-singing star Candace Benson

Photo Credit: Twitter
Photo Credit: Twitter

NOTE: Links in previous post may not have worked. These links should be good!

Online voting for Pottstown gospel-singing sensation Candace Benson will end tomorrow, Saturday, Aug. 30 at noon. Go here to vote as many times as you can to give our hometown girl a chance to become the next Sunday Best winner!

Candace is one of two finalists. The winner will be announced on BET network this Sunday night, Aug. 31, at 8 pm. You can also call in up to 15 more votes during the show, but there is no limit to the number of online votes you can register.

So get on over to this web page – no registration required! – to click away for this amazing talent with a heaven-sent voice!

 

 

Fourth Annual Summer Fundraiser for ArtFusion

Brought to you by Artfusion 19464!

ArtFusion 19464 will host their fourth annual summer beef and beer fundraiser on Saturday, August 9 from 6-9pm. This year’s event will be held at the ArtFusion studios and gallery at 254 E. High St.

Tickets are $20 purchased in advance. If any are still available, tickets at the door will be $25. Tickets can be bought online athttp://artfusion19464.org/event/2014-beef-and-beer/, in person at ArtFusion, or over the phone by calling 610-326-2506. Guests can choose the beef entrée, or a vegetarian sandwich option.

Victory Brewing Company has once again generously donated their amazing beer for this event. Ice House will be making the hot beef sandwiches and Montesano Bros. will again be creating their amazing side salads and veggie sandwiches. There will be soda and water in addition to Victory beer and homemade desserts to finish off the meal.

Along with enjoying great food and great beer, guests will have the chance to win fun door prizes, try their luck at a 50/50 raffle and bid on silent auction items.  Proceeds benefit ArtFusion 19464’s upcoming fall educational exhibit Rainbow Crow and Other Stories. This show will feature artwork inspired by Native American stories.

The non-profit community art center will once again be offering free field trips to local schools in conjunction with this show. Please email info@artfusion19464.org for more information on scheduling a field trip. The Rainbow Crow field trip program is generously sponsored by the Foundation for Pottstown Education.

ArtFusion 19464 is a 501(c)3 non-profit community art center located at 254 E. High St. in downtown Pottstown. The school offers day, evening and weekend classes to all ages. The goal of these classes is to help students develop their creative skills through self-expression and independence. ArtFusion’s gallery hosts rotating shows featuring local artists. The gallery also sells handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gift items.  The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 10am-5pm and Saturday 10am-3pm. The gallery is closed Sunday and Monday.

 

Low-Price Grocery Leader ALDI Brings New Jobs to Berks and Montgomery Counties

This comes to us from ALDI’S…

Local Hiring Event on Aug. 1 Open to the Public

Known for offering wages significantly higher than the industry standard, ALDI, the nation’s low-price grocery leader*, will host a hiring event for its stores in Berks and Montgomery counties on Friday, Aug. 1. Opportunities within ALDI include Store Associate and Shift Manager positions.

The hiring event is in support of the ongoing growth of ALDI in the area, offering customers the ALDI brand promise of high-quality grocery items at unbeatable prices.

What:   ALDI hiring event for its stores in Berks and Montgomery counties, including Pottstown and Reading, Pennsylvania

Who:   ALDI representatives &  local residents currently seeking employment opportunities

When:   Friday, Aug. 1, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Where:  ALDI, 297 Armand Hammer Blvd., Pottstown, PA 19464

 Positions:   •   Store Associates – $11.25 per hour

  • Shift Managers – $15.25 per hour

 

Job Requirements:    •   Must be 18 years or older to apply

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Must be available to work anytime between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m., Monday–Sunday
  • Retail experience preferred
  • Drug screening and background check
  • Ability to lift 45 pounds

Quick Facts:  •   ALDI offers employees generous compensation that is considered well above the industry standard

  • Staff working at least 20 hours a week receive full health insurance, dental coverage and 401K

 

 

About ALDI Inc.

A leader in the grocery retailing industry, ALDI operates nearly 1,300 stores in 32 states, primarily from Kansas to the East Coast. More than 25 million customers each month save up to 50 percent** on their grocery bills, benefiting from the ALDI simple and streamlined approach to retailing. ALDI sells more than 1,300 of the most commonly purchased grocery items, primarily under its exclusive brands, which must meet or exceed the national name brands on taste and quality. ALDI is so confident in the quality of its products, the company offers a Double Guarantee: If for any reason a customer is not 100 percent satisfied with any ALDI food product, ALDI will gladly replace the product and refund the purchase price. For more information about ALDI, visit www.aldi.us.

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 *According to a survey of more than 6,500 consumers conducted in May 2013 by Market Force Information.

 **Based upon a price comparison of comparable products sold at leading national retail grocery stores.

 

FREE Outdoor Movie – Aug.2nd – Disney’s FROZEN

Genesis Housing Corporation is pleased to announce the second annual outdoor movie night will be held on Saturday, August 2nd at the Chestnut Street Park in Pottstown. This year’s movie will be Disney’s Frozen.

Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to the Chestnut Street Park at Washington and Chestnut Streets, Pottstown starting at 8 PM. The event kicks off with Tom Carroll, a free balloon performer, followed by DJ music until dusk and then Disney’s Frozen. The rain date is Sunday, August 3rd.

This Pottstown Neighborhood Program is funded by National Penn Bank through the Neighborhood Tax Credit Program. More information is available by calling 610-275-4357, on our website at www.genesishousing.org and/or via email at info@genesishousing.org.

Since 1994, Genesis Housing Corporation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has served Montgomery County as a community housing development organization (CHDO) and is dedicated to the development of affordable housing and to the education of consumers on housing and financial issues. Our general activities include the rehabilitation and new construction of homes to improve and stabilize neighborhoods and to provide opportunities for lower income homebuyers to purchase homes at affordable prices. Genesis Housing Corporation also provides monthly classes and individual counseling to help overcome barriers to home ownership, financial education and foreclosure prevention.

For more information about Genesis Housing Corporation and our programs, please visit their website at www.genesishousing.org, email at info@genesishousing.org, visit them on Facebook or call 610-275-4357.

National Night Out at First United Methodist/Pottstown

First United Methodist Church at 414 E. High St. will host its second annual “Fire & Ice” event this year on National Night Out, Tuesday, August 5 from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.

They will be serving Pastor Will’s chili & Rita’s water ice.  

There will be a fire truck, fireman, dalmatian, simple craft, fire safety handouts, and experiments for children with a small volcano & snow-making in August!

Come out with the kids and enjoy a this hot-and-cold extravaganza!

Hill School Girls’ Basketball Camp June 17-20

If you are looking for a fun, action-packed skill-building camp for your budding basketball player in grades 4-9, now is the time to sign up for the Skills on The Hill Girls’ Basketball Camp!!

In case you didn’t know, I am the varsity girls’ basketball coach at The Hill School in Pottstown, and I will be running the camp with my sister, Michele Repko Dunleavy. We both have played the game at the high school and college levels and have many coaching years between us. Michele was named PAC-10 Coach of the Year in 1996!

The camp will run from June 17-20, from 9 am – 3 pm. The cost of $235 includes lunch, a t-shirt, and supervised swim daily, in addition to guest speakers, skill-building, and games. Michele and I ran a summer camp at Princeton Day School for 5 years so we are a well-oiled machine! Your daughter will have tons of fun and learn — just what you want from a summer program.

If your son would like to go to hoops camp too, there is a boys’ camp running the same days/times. They will also be teaching younger players – boys and girls – from 1st-3rd grades, so check that out as well if it fits your family’s needs.

The brochure can be found here. It’s got all the info you’ll need to sign up. If you have any questions, feel free to email srepko@thehill.org.

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