Washington’s Headquarters will again be the nerve center of Valley Forge this summer.

Beginning this weekend, visitors can take ranger-led tours through the newly renovated attraction at Valley Forge National Historical Park, where George Washington lived during the Continental Army’s winter encampment of 1777-1778.

Tours depart every half hour from the refurbished 1920s Valley Forge Train Station platform, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through June 12, and until 6 p.m. beginning June 13.

Visitors can also sample additional summer programming throughout the park. Once Upon A Nation storytellers bring the Revolution to life at designated benches in four areas from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekends, and daily beginning June 13. Benches are located outside the Welcome Center, at the National Memorial Arch, Washington’s Headquarters and Varnum’s Quarters.

A new children’s program, “Valley Forge Secrets and Spies,” is now offered, for a fee, on Saturdays for 8- to 12-year-olds. Kids join Gen. Washington’s spy network to search for traitors. Tickets are available for this program and “Valley Forge After Hours” at the Welcome Center on Saturdays or online at www.historicphiladelphia.org.

Visitors can be an eyewitness to history as archaeologists, led by Temple University Professor David Orr, conduct a dig behind Washington’s Headquarters from June 2 through early August. The archaeologists will process their finds on site in a structure just a few steps away.

Soldier life demonstrations, ranger-led walking tours, gallery talks and Junior Ranger programs will be held at the park beginning June 13.

For more information about Valley Forge National Historical Park, visit www.nps.gov/vafo.

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French Creek State Park welcomes guest speaker and local naturalist Richard Bonnett on June 13 to kick off a summer series of guest speakers presenting on a wide variety of topics.

“What We Miss By The Side Of The Trail” is a showcase for the biggest, smallest, strangest and most fascinating characters of local flora and fauna. Many of these “characters” are easily missed while people are out enjoying the trails of the Hopewell Big Woods and French Creek State Park.
They will be introduced to the public in a slide show at the park’s amphitheater.

Rain location will be at the park office, with limited seating. For directions or more information, call Lisa Miller at 610-582-9680.

For more information on future programs at French Creek or other Pennsylvania State Parks, visit www.visitpaparks.com.

Bob Shoudt, right, of Royersford, stuff down hot dogs as Anastasia Clare keeps count during Nathan's Famous Hot Dog eating contest at Dorney Park in Cetronia, Sunday, May 17. Shoudt, who ate 19 more hot dogs than the second-place finisher, qualified for the international hot dog eating contest to be held on Coney Island on July 4.

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Sacred Heart School in Royersford is hosting a mini Relay for Life today in honor of the Pottstown's Relay for Life Junior Ambassador Cancer Survivor, third grade Student Casey Flanagan.

Casey will lead her entire school on a walk to kick off the weekend event in Pottstown, which starts this Saturday at Pottsgrove High School's track.

The school is so excited to support Casey and all involved to Relay for Life -- and find a cure.

Opening ceremonies of the Pottstown event start at 10 a.m. Saturday.

To learn more about the Relay for Life, click here.

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The Historical Society of Phoenixville is showing off some faces from the past. The "Faces of Phoenixville: A snapshot of Phoenixville of Yesterday" will be opened to the public June 5 and run through Friday, July 10 at the historical society's museum at 204 Church St. in the borough.

Almost 200 rarely seen images from the historical society's collection will grace the walls of its museum, showing residents at work and play from bygone eras. The photos date back to the 19th century, a time when photographic images were just gaining in popularity and the equipment was starting to develop. Some images are of escapades on the nearby canal and Schuylkill River.

Also on display will be items from the Civil War, Spanish American War and World War I, as well as those from the 1950s sock hops held in the borough.

"These photographs are real gems. They give us a window to look back at moments in time in Phoenixville's rich history. They present a colorful, sometimes humorous and sometimes serious view of our community's past," said Jack Ertell, president of the historical society.

The public opening coincides with Phoenixville's First Friday from 4 to 9 p.m. next Friday. The exhibit will then be open to the public Wednesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sundays June 7 and July 2 from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is free.

Those attending are asked to only take nonflash photos of the exhibits.
For more information, contact the historical society at 610-935-7646.

Work continues on the former High Street Diner. No word yet on when it will open.

The national BMX finals will be held Sunday at Trilogy Park in Pottstown's Memorial Park starting at 8 a.m. Sunday.

Bike vendors and BMX product sellers are on site along with a day full of amazing competition.

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Sunnybrook's Carnival is going strong again tonight and Sunday. The carnival is held on the grounds of the historic Sunnybrook Ballroom, off High Street in Lower Pottsgrove. Free parking.

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The Annual Irish Festival hosted by the Ancient Order of Hibernians of the Notre Dame Division of Montgomery County will take place at the St. Michael's picnic grove in Mont Clare on June 5, 6, and 7.

This three-day event will have such Irish entertainers as Paddy's Well, Tom McHugh & Company with John McGillian, Bogside Rouges, Oliver McElone and Timlin & Kane. Also during the weekend, Irish Thunder Pipes and Drums will perform along with the Irish Dancers form Coyle and Catrin Dance Schools.

There will be food, vendors, beverages and for the kids a moon bounce and slide.

Gates open on June 5 at 6 p.m. with a Cali starting at 7 p.m.; June 6 at noon; and June 7 with an outdoor Mass at 10:30 a.m. with vocalist Sara Agnew.

All proceeds will go to the AOH Charity Fund. Tickets cost $5 for June 5, and $7 for June 6 and for June 7. Or a weekend package for $15.

For information and tickets, call 610-277-4868.

Sunnybrook is hosting a carnival starting tonight and extending to next Monday. It is the third carnival since the Sunnybrook Foundation took over the facility in Lower Pottsgrove, off High Street.

A portion of the carnival's proceeds will be donated to local fire departments.

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Members of the Skippack state police barracks will hold a child car seat safety check at the Worcester Volunteer Fire Company, 1740 Valley Forge Road, on May 27 from 2 to 6 p.m.

Appointments are needed; call 610-410-7640. The seat check is held in conjunction with Click It or Ticket, which is a campaign to encourage the use of seat belts by car passengers. The campaign runs today through May 31.

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Police are investigating an incident where a wooden board was shoved through a pane of glass at the former Perkiomen Valley Trappe Building in Trappe. The board was found stuck in the window at the former school at a 45 degree angle, according to police.

Luckily the cost to the Perkiomen Valley School District is only $20 for the window.

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The Green Valleys Association is now signing kids up for its summer Nature Day Camp, which runs June 15 through Aug. 14.

Attendees will explore 197 acres of forests and fields while taking part in age-appropriate games and activities focusing on the natural world.

If you are green at heart, your child might enjoy this. You can register at www.greenvalleys.org or call 610-469-8646.

This week is Recreational Water Illness Prevention Week, according to the Montgomery County Health Department. While that name may be a doozy, the dangers and health problems it is trying to prevent are nothing absurd.

RWIs, or recreational water illnesses "are illnesses spread by swallowing, breathing in vapors of, or having contact with contaminated water in swimming pools, water parks, spas, interactive fountains, lakes, rivers, or oceans. Injuries at aquatic facilities can occur in or out of the water," according to the health department.

Just last year, area pools saw another surge in instances of cryptosporidium at public pools.

Crypto is introduced into the pool by swimmers who are ill with diarrhea and spread to other swimmers when they swallow the contaminated water, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Such outbreaks reinforce the continuing need to educate people about recreational water illness prevention to ensure a healthy swimming experience.

The symptoms of Crypto include diarrhea, stomach pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, weight loss and dehydration. Although symptoms typically start about 2 to10 days after exposure, some people may show no symptoms, the health department said.

The best way to prevent RWIs is to keep germs out of the pool in the first place. Everyone can help create healthy swimming experiences this summer by following these six healthy swimming steps:
* Don’t swim when you have diarrhea.
* Don’t swallow pool water.
* Practice good hygiene. Shower with soap before swimming and wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers.
* Take your kids on bathroom breaks or check diapers often.
* Change diapers in a bathroom or a diaper-changing area and not at poolside.
* Wash your children thoroughly (especially the rear end) with soap and water before they go swimming.

For more information about healthy swimming, visit:
Montgomery County Health Department’s Healthy Swimming Web site at http://health.montcopa.org or call 610-278-5117
CDC’s Healthy Swimming Web site at www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming or
www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming/state.htm
The Environmental Protection Agency’s Web site at www.epa.gov/beaches

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The Occidental Chemical Corp. has pressed Lower Pottsgrove planners for more time ... and were granted it. Occidental Chemical, which is looking to lease its former plant on Armand Hammer Boulevard in the township, was told at a recent planning board meeting that it must properly mark the parcels at 351 and 375 Armand Hammer Boulevard with lot lines, according to the Sanatoga Post.

Problem is, PennDOT is looking to rebuild and modify the highway there within a year. If that occurs after Occidental marks the land, it will have to remark it at added cost.

Occidental appealed to the board to allow it extra time so it may work with PennDOT and figure out how much frontage on those properties it must give up. That way it will only have to mark the properties once, and save some cash.

The planners agreed and allowed Occidental 12 months in which to properly mark the properties' boundaries.

Occidental, along with BCW Associates Ltd., is looking to lease the land, along with the former manufacturing plant it shut down in 2005. Among the ideas floated around for its use is a solar power generation site or a trash to steam power plant.

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The St. Basil Knights of Columbus have rescheduled their canceled flea market and chicken barbecue to June 13.

The flea market will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the church parking lot at Seven Stars and Kimberton roads in Kimberton.

For table space, call Tom Murphy at 610-935-6991.

The barbecue is takeout only and will be served from noon until 3 p.m. Tickets cost $9. Call Frank at 215-880-5090 for tickets.

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Several members of the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office will be honored this morning in the Grand Ballroom of the Bellevue in Philadelphia by the Citizen's Crime Commission. The awards are part of the Law Enforcement Appreciation Day Luncheon.

Honored will be Abington officers Robert Davis, Shawn Nisbet and Vincent DiAntonio for their actions in assisting at a domestic dispute involving a man with a gun. Officer Davis was shot upon arrival and Nisbet and DiAntonio had to shot the assailant to stop him. They then performed first aid on the assailant and saved his life, according to a press release from the district attorney's office.

Also honored will be the captain of the county's sex crimes unit, Assistant District Attorney Samantha Cauffman, Detective Raymond Kuter and Detective Mary Anders of the Detective Bureau task force on the Internet Crimes Against Children. They will receive a unit citation for a case involving the seizure of thousands of child pornography images and videos. The case led to arrests throughout the United States and around the world for child pornography.

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Memorial Day parades are planned throughout the area.

In Boyertown, the paradewill start at 9 a.m. on Monday at Boyertown Area High School. The parade will proceed on East Philadelphia Avenue and travel west before stopping at Fairview Cemetery for a ceremony.

In the event of inclement weather, the parade will be canceled.

In Oley, American Legion Post 878 is holding a parade and ceremony at 6 p.m. on Sunday. The parade includes the Oley High School Marching Band, Oley Legion Post 878 marching squad, emergency vehicles and crews, and representatives from other civic groups.

The parade will proceed west on Main Street to Friedens Cemetery, where the Memorial Day Ceremony will include featured speaker Berks County Commissioner Kevin Barnhardt.

Barnhardt is the son of a Korean War veteran and remains committed to the support and furtherance of veterans issues throughout Berks County.

The ceremony will also include musical selections by the Oley Valley High School Marching Band, Oley Middle School Leadership Award winners and a rifle salute to all who paid so dearly for our freedom.

Prayers and benediction will be provided by Pastor Thomas Irwin from Zion Spies Church.

All American Legion members are welcome to march in the parade. Anyone unable to march about one mile can ride in the VIP cars provided.

If you want to participate in the parade, muster at the Oley Valley High School parking lot at 5:30 p.m. Call Jay McCann at 610-987-0979 with any questions concerning participating in the parade.

In the event of inclement weather the activities will be held in the Oley High School Auditorium at 6:30 p.m.

A new ice cream parlor is planned for the former Tropical Nail Salon at North Franklin and High streets in Pottstown. The exact date of the planned parlor's opening is unknown, and outside of a sign in the window, no work had started yet on the interior of the building as of Monday.

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A new dance club for teens is being planned at Sunnybrook Ballroom. Club Fusion, for ages 14-18, will hold its "blast off" party this Friday, May 22, starting at 7 p.m. The dance club, which appears to have been created to replace Club Revive, which still occurs now but in other venues, runs until 10:30 p.m.

Photo IDs are required and entrance fee is $10. Parties are slated for June 12 and July 17.

The Pottstown Parks and Recreation Department has announced that it will once again participate in the federal Summer Food Service Program offering free lunches and breakfasts to children.

Starting June 11 and running through Aug. 21, lunches will be provided at Rupert, Lincoln and Franklin elementary schools, Ricketts Community Center and through the Rolling Hills Housing Authority.

The cold lunches, such as ham and cheese, hoagies, milk, fruit juice and vegetables, will be prepared at Pottstown High School cafeteria daily and delivered to those sites. Lunch service will be from noon to 2 p.m., although individual sites may adjust times.

Most of the sites will also distribute breakfast from 9 to 10 a.m.

Acceptance and participation requirements for the program and all activities are the same, regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, age or disability, said John Reber, parks and recreation director.

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The Pottstown Area Homeschoolers recently attended a field trip to the North End Fire Company where the children learned about fire safety and fire fighting.

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If you like Sechuan food, a new BYOB restaurant, called Han Dynasty, recently opened in the Limerick shopping center off Township Line Road in Royersford, according to area resident Dorian Snow.

"Han, the owner, is a young whipper-snapper, and his chef specializes in authentic Sechuan food. This is his second Sechuan restaurant following on the success of one he has in Exton."

"Han has an extensive menu, but he specifically organizes his dishes in 'authentic' and 'Americanized' categories. He claims to make the best General Cho's chicken and Sesame chicken on the planet, but because he claims they are not 'authentic,' if you order them, he may try to convince you to try something authentic instead! He's funny, with a wry sense of humor, and he is intensely passionate about true Chinese cuisine. He also likes to stir things up. On our last visit, he told us he was thinking of putting up a sign: 'Management reserves the right to refuse to serve General Cho's Chicken.' But, he will serve it, of course, after he temps you with a plethera of other tasty specialties."

"Han is adorable, and his food is delicious. I really want this place to survive! So go, and tell your friends. And remember to bring a bottle of wine or some beer!"

Thanks for the tip Dorian.

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If you have new for Around Town, e-mail it to fausteileen0@aroundtown.blogger.com

There's still time to bring your soiled and tattered United States flags to the Upper Pottsgrove Township Administration Building (lower level of the Firehouse) for proper retirement.

Flags will be accepted at the building at 1409 Farmington Ave. from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. until May 29. The annual flag retirement ceremony will be conducted in Memorial Park on June 7 at 1 p.m. in front of the Vietnam Memorial-Gazebo.

The public may participate or just observe the proceedings.

It is especially appropriate for younger citizens to attend! Bring a comfortable lawn chair.

The retirement will be held rain or shine.

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The new Bark Park in Pottstown will be dedicated June 20. The Bark Park is north of the overflow parking near the BMX bike facility in Memorial Park.

The park was the project of the Tri-County Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class of 2008 and is funded through Exelon, PECO and National Penn Bank.

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The Pottstown Spray Park is officially open for fun starting today.

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Looking for a good cup of coffee? Patrons of Huperoon at 28 S. Charlotte St. might have a hard time getting one, at least for now. The coffee shop is temporarily closed due to health issues, according to a sign on the coffee shop's doors.

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Auditions are on today for the High Street Music Company's Battle of the Bands, which will be held at Sunnybrook Ballroom. Bands interested in competing were requested to come out for an audition at the company's storefront at 135 E. High Street in Pottstown starting at 1 p.m. today.

For more information, visit www.battle4alex.webs.com.

The High Street Music Company is holding its first ever student recital at Chaplin's the Music Cafe at 66 N. Main St., Spring City, Sunday at 1 p.m. The public is invited to come out and enjoy the show, which is free.

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A Collegeville native is among six men who will be ordained by Cardinal Justin Rigali into the Catholic priesthood this Saturday at Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia.

The Rev. Jeffrey M. Rott, 30, son of Mark and Rachele Rott, was serving as deacon at Saint Anastasia Parish in Newtown Square, Delaware County, but will celebrate his first Mass as an ordained priest in his home town at Saint Eleanor Church, 647 Locust St., Collegeville, Sunday at 3 p.m. Rott is an alumnus of Perkiomen Valley High School.

All six of the men to be ordained attended St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. Also among them is the Rev. Richard Smith, 26, sone of James and Susan Smith, of Philadelphia, who was most recently serving as deacon at Mother of Divine Providence in King of Prussia.

The new priests will be assigned to a parish at the end of the month where they will serve as parochial vicars, or priests appointed to assist the parish pastor.

The Pottstown Public Library is trying out a new way to fund raise. Called Saturday Shoppes, the event will kick off this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Ten vendors will offer wares to purchase and area residents are encourage to come and reacquaint themselves with the library at this time.

Vendors include Yoga and Massage, Tupperware, Arbonne, Scentsy Candles, Creative Memories Scrapbooking, Stampin’ Up, Tastefully Simple, Priceless Moments Photography, Lia Sophia Jewelry and more. Each vendor will be selling wares as well as donating an item for raffle.

Raffles will be held every hour on the hour starting at 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. All raffle items have a minimum $50 retail value. Raffle tickets will cost $1 each, buy five get one free, and buy 20 and get five free.

The Friend’s of the Library will also be holding a book sale at this time.

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The new traffic signals at Route 662 and Route 422 west and eastbound at River Bridge Road in Amity will be operational by Memorial Day weekend, said PennDOT officials on May 8. The nearly one-year project includes widening roadways with new right-turn lanes, drainage improvements, and the installation of updated traffic signals aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving safety.

Right-turn lanes were installed for the north and southbound lanes of Route 662.

Traffic signals were installed on Route 422 at north and southbound River Bridge Road.

Current work includes nighttime milling and paving (from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.), line painting and signage installation before the traffic signals are turned on. Minor cleanup work will complete the project.

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About 400 people attended the 55th Annual Citizen of the Year awards program held at Gilbertsville Fire Company on May 3 to recognize individuals who have made a positive impact on the community. The awards program was hosted by The Boyertown Area Times and The Boyertown Jaycees.

Kevin Zimmers, owner of Zimmers Pets, received the Citizen of the Year Award. Harry Morgan, superintendent of the Boyertown Area School District, was honored as Outstanding Educator; Raymond Strickland III, fire chief of the Sassamansville Fire Company, was the recipient of Outstanding Firefighter/EMS; and Alexandria Hrasok, Boyertown Area School student, received the Outstanding High School Senior award.

Jim Davidheiser, who received Citizen of the Year award in 1988, served as the emcee for the event.

Tim Specht, a former Boyertown resident, gave keynote remarks before Charles Haddad, last year's award recipient, presented Zimmers with the Citizen's plaque.

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The Amity Township Board of Supervisors unanimously approved on May 6 to cancel the township's summer day camp program for 2009 due to low enrollment. All enrollment monies paid to the township will be refunded.

Amity Parks & Recreation Board Secretary, Risa Marmontello, said the township's camp program had a $2,000 revenue loss last year due to an unexpected decline in enrollment. She said only two of the seven weeks were filled compared to previous years when all weeks filled up quickly and each week had a waiting list.

Marmontello said 45 children are needed each week to keep the program revenue neutral.

This year's registration for township residents opened three weeks early on April 13 and at last year's weekly rate of $40 per child.

The program was opened this year to residents in Union Township and the Borough of Birdsboro. Their registration began on May 1 at the weekly rate of $45 per child.

The day camp program offered local children in grades one through six supervised play and craft activities at Lake Drive Park's pavilion area weekdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The program was conducted by Ozzy's Sports Fun Center, Leesport.

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Amity Police Chief Kent A. Shuebrook said the police department will soon receive ENRADD, the new speed detection device purchased in February.

ENRADD will replace the currently used VASCAR (Visual Average Speed Computer And Recorder) system that Shuebrook said isn't easy to set up and is also apparent to motorists.

Shuebrook said ENRADD identifies speeding motorists that are within line of sight up to one-quarter mile away.

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The Amity Board of Supervisors authorized the draft of a letter to the Public Utility Commission stating their opposition to the 13 to 14 percent rate increase by Pennsylvania American Water Company. PAWC is requesting that the rate increase be effective June 23. The PUC may suspend approval for up to nine months for a complete investigation and analysis.

PAWC increased rates statewide in 2007 by 14.73 percent and 30.89 percent for water customers in certain parts of Berks County.

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The Pottsgrove School Board approved its $54 million tentative budget Tuesday night, according to the Sanatoga Post. The final vote will be taken in June.

Under the budget, taxes would increase 5.2 percent.

Board member Robert Lindgren cast the lone dissenting vote.

The Sunoco on the corner of Adams and High streets in Pottstown is trading in its mechanics garage for a mini market. Windows were being put in in place of the garage doors, along with a whole new interior.

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A benefit native plant sale will be held on Saturday, May 16, to support the work of Recycling Services, Inc., a local nonprofit reuse, recycling and alternative energy center in North Coventry.

The sale will be held at Yellow Springs Farm Native Plants Nursery, located at 1165 Yellow Springs Road in Chester Springs, from 10 am to 4 pm.

RSI is encouraging people to come out and purchase native plants because they are hardier and easily adapt and prosper in the local environment and help support declining pollinator species.

"This benefit plant sale offers the opportunity to be green in three ways: beautify your land, sustain important pollinator species and help support Recycling Services, Inc.," according to a press release from RSI.

Fifteen percent of all sales will directly benefit the recycling center.

Orders for native plants may be placed online, anytime, for pickup on May 16, or plants may be purchased at the farm the day of the sale.

People ordering native plants should mention Recycling Services Inc. (RSI) when submitting orders to ensure the proceeds are properly designated.

RSI, founded in 1971, provides residents of Pottstown and surrounding areas with a comprehensive recycling center and alternative energy information.

Yellow Springs Farm is a native plant nursery that offers more than 200 species of native herbs, shrubs and trees. Detailed plant descriptions are available on Yellow Springs Farm's website, www.yellowspringsfarm.com.

For more information or directions, call 610-827-2014.

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Edgewood and Rupert elementary schools in Pottstown are holding their spring concerts this week. Edgewood's concert is tonight and Rupert's is Wednesday.

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A health and wellness fair is planned at Mount Olive Baptist Church, 240 Mintzer St., Pottstown, this Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.

Free blood pressure screenings, HIV testing and information on diabetes and heart health will be offered.

A 6-month membership to Planet Fitness will be raffled off.

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A copy of the proposed budget for the 2009-2010 school year is available on the Boyertown School District Web site, http://www.boyertownasd.org/

The Boyertown School Board approved a revised final budget with a zero deficit and no tax increase April 30.

Limerick Township and Lower Pottsgrove have planned a joint meeting Tuesday, May 12, at 2 p.m. in the township municipal building at 2199 Buchert Road. The townships have been trying to develop a joint plan for the land at the Sanatoga interchange, which straddles both townships.

The purpose of the meeting is to hear presentations from consultants who would be hired, if their proposals are acceptable to both townships, on how to properly develop the area.

According to the Sanatoga Post, at their recent commissioner's meeting, the Lower Pottsgrove board announced it was negotiating an agreement with Limerick on developing a comprehensive strategy for the area.

“The details aren’t quite worked out yet,” board Vice President Jonathan Spadt said, “but we want to look at the interchange together as one big project area," the post reported.

View Sanatoga Interchange in a larger map

The interchange has been a point of contention for some time as the townships have tried in the past to work together on improving traffic and development in the area of Route 422 and Evergreen Road. When a Costco proposal was first announced in January, residents turned out to complain about existing congestion issues in the area. A development called Sanatoga Springs has been proposed near the Philadelphia Premium Outlets by O'Neill Properties.

In October of 2008, Lower Pottsgrove turned down the chance to be represented by lobbyist Delta Development Group (which would have charged the township $10,000 along with other fees to obtain federal money to improve the interchange) citing a tight budget. Limerick is represented by the lobbyist which is also charging $35,000 for every $1 million awarded by the government.

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Trappe borough has put on hold an innovative "Do Not Knock" list which would have allowed people in the borough to place their names on list indicating they do not want solicitors coming to their homes, according to What's the 422.

Solicitors would be require to honor the list or face a $300 fine per incident.

Concerns about the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts running afoul of the ordinance while trying to raise funds was the main cause for the reconsideration. A suggestion was made by Council Member Nevin Scholl to create an exempt list including such service organizations, churches and those running for political office.

The borough's township solicitor advised against the ordinance, saying choosing between groups could violate First Amendment free speech rights.

Borough Manager Tommy Ryan said he would survey residents about the idea through the borough's Web site and newsletter.

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The Pleasantville Bridge Fest is coming back to Oley. The community fundraiser, which will kick off Friday, May 29, with a bonfire at 7 p.m. next to the Pleasantville Diner, has been held for six years by the Pleasantville Covered Bridge Festival Committee.

This year local ghost stories author Charles Adams III will entertain at the bonfire with tales of the spirit world in Berks County. Food will be available and attendees should bring their own lawn chairs to the bonfire.

On Saturday, May 30, a kids fishing rodeo will be held behind the diner. Registration is at 7 a.m. with the fishing from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. A 6K run will take place that day with registration starting at 7 a.m. at Salem UCC Church. Breakfast and lunch items will be sold and a flea market will be held.

From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., there will be another flea market and crafters at the diner or in Sheeler's Grove near Route 73. Food will also be sold there.

New this year will be helicopter rides, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. There will also be horse and wagon rides over the historic Pleasantville Covered Bridge, built in 1856 over the Manatawny Creek.

Special events for kids include a visit from Santa (it's never too early), games and music by Ray Owen from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Owen is famous for writing Pennsylvania's state song.

At 2 p.m., judges will chose their favorites in the art contest with the covered bridge as the subject. A Mr. and Miss Pleasant will be chosen and the fishing rodeo awards will be given out at this time.

On display will be a memory quilt, designed and sewn by Gail Kessler from Lady Fingers and quilted by EstherBrintzenhoff, that will be raffled off. There will also be a cell phone collection for soldiers in Iraq.

The festival will conclude with a chicken barbecue from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Bridge Inn in Pleasantville with music by Pat Garrett.

More than 100 Hill School students and teachers cleaned up trash along Pottstown's streets Saturday.

The students, pictured at left, also cleaned up Riverfront Park, all part of the KenCrest Cares event held in conjunction with First Saturday in downtown Pottstown.

More than 125 neon green shirts stood out in Pottstown’s Riverfront Trail Park that day as families, staff and adults who are served by KenCrest volunteered their time and raised awareness of providing quality services to people with disabilities.

The group picked Pottstown for their second event because of the large amount of people served by KenCrest in the area, including 16 group homes, and EmployNet.

The cleanup included mulching, and planting flowers and trees. The event concluded with songs from the Rejoicing Spirits Choir, composed of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who sing at worship and fellowship opportunities.

The event was sponsored and made possibly by the Rivercrest Fund, Pottstown Parks and Recreation Department, the Schuylkill River Heritage Area, Fast Signs, Giant, Wal-Mart, Copy Fast Printing, Sanatoga Thriftway, DesignArt, and Smith-Edwards-Dunlap Printing.

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Want something to do this Saturday? The Angel-lites Relay for Life Team is having a yard and bake sale event this Saturday, May 9, from 7:30 - 12:30 p.m. at Liberty Park in New Berlinville (behind the Cumberland Farms Store). All proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society. According to a member of the team, tables are still available. If you want one, contact Jackie at 610-960-0242.

Thanks to Angel-lites for the tip.

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The Speaker's House in Trappe is getting a little help while helping others. A group of masonry trainees will be helping expert Andy deGruchy restore the facade of the 18th century home of Frederick Muhlenberg, first Speaker of the House of Representatives, May 18-29.

Participants will be able to parlay the specialized conservation skills they will acquire into restoration work, which is in demand in a region known for its historic stone buildings. And the ongoing restoration of The Speaker’s House contributes to the appearance of Main Street and economic revitalization.

Mr. deGruchy, of Quakertown, is a renowned masonry restoration specialist who has invested considerable time, energy and resources into developing the next generation of historic masons. He developed this project, which takes the form of a two-week, hands-on course, in association with The Speaker’s House, Heritage Conservation Network, and the University of Pennsylvania.

“Not only will this project contribute towards the restoration of the house, the emphasis on providing skills training is particularly relevant in the current economic climate," said Allison Weiss, executive director at The Speaker's House.

If you've ever dreamed of being on the open road on your own motorcycle, now's your chance - and for a good cause.

A Shelter Friend, Inc., a nonprofit organization, is offering chances to win a 2009 Triumph Thruxton motorcycle, valued at more than $8,500, to raise money for their animal rescue efforts.

The motorcycle was donated by Boyertown's Martin Motorsports and will be raffled on Sept. 5 with the help of Diane's Discount Pet Supplies & Adoption Center, Route 100, which places animals the group rescues.

"A Shelter Friend sends daily e-mail messages for pets in shelters whose time is running out. If no one commits to rescue the pets, then they are destroyed in a gas chamber, which is a very cruel method of euthanasia," said Diane Dietch, owner of Diane's. "We take in as many pets as we can, often meeting the transport van in other states and many times in the middle of the night so we can find homes for these pets in Pennsylvania."

In 2008, A Shelter Friend helped rescue more than 1,000 pets and hopes to increase the number saved by raising awareness and funds for their cause.

"Many of our customers, staff, as well as my wife and I are animal lovers," said Dennis Martin of Martin Motorsports. "After talking with Diane about this issue and how she and her staff are involved, we felt that raffling a motorcycle would be a great way to raise money for a worthy cause."

The new Thruxton features low-rise bars, a sporting riding position, spoked wheels, and megaphone style silencers on the iconic Bonneville chassis.

Those interested in seeing the motorcycle or buying a ticket can visit Martin Motorsports at 1037 Unger Lane in Boyertown, or www.martinmoto.com. Tickets, which may also be purchased at Diane's, are $10 each or three for $20. The drawing will be held at Martin Motorsports.

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The Ringing Hill Fire Company celebrated the housing of its new 2009 International KME tanker and its 2007 KME fire police unit with a parade around town Saturday.

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The Pottstown post office will be collecting for the Annual National Association of Letter Carriers Food Drive this Saturday (May 9).

If you want to participate you must leave nonperishable food at your mailbox and your carrier will pick it up on their daily rounds.

Please do not include items that are expired or those in glass containers. All the food collected goes to local food banks in Pottstown.

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Lower Pottsgrove approved a law that restricts where registered sex offenders can live in the township, according to the blog The Sanatoga Post.

The approval followed creation of an $8,000 map showing in detail where sex offenders could and could not live. Under the new law, sex offenders cannot reside within 1,000 feet of a school, child care facility, public park, open space or recreational facility.

The township could not ban sex offenders outright as this would be deemed unconstitutional.

The idea of creating such a law developed last August after a resident came before the board about a sex offender living on his street, Oak Drive.

The law would also aid police who need to prove an offender is residing in a forbidden area.

Under Megan's Law, sex offenders must register their address with local police.

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Next Monday, North Coventry will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. on changes to its timber harvesting ordinance, which does not affect housing developments.

The township supervisors will also be considering changes to the township zoning ordinance at the meeting that involve a minor language change, from having the Code Enforcement Office recommend approval or disapproval of special exceptions to the zoning hearing board to the Zoning Officer making the recommendations, and reaffirming the Wellhead Protection Overlay
Ordinance.

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Alumni of Pottstown High School will soon be called to verify themselves.

Pottstown has partnered with Harris Connect to produce a current alumni directory of all former graduates. Included in the directory will be recollections and stories of the 129-year history of the school along with photos from days gone by.

The phone call alumni will receive will be for the purpose of verifying contact information.

Or alumni can make the call themselves at 1‑866‑515-0841.

The state wants your opinion on a new grant program made possible through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“We are seeking input and feedback from the public and local government officials to make sure the state is using its share of the recovery funding as effectively and efficiently as possible,” said Pa. Department of Environmental Protection acting Secretary John Hanger.

More than $23 million will be available to local governments and nonprofit entities in Pennsylvania through the new Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program to reduce energy costs and promote conservation, according to the DEP.

Guidelines for the grant program are available for public review and comment at www.recovery.pa.gov under the heading “Where is your money going?” and then by clicking on “Energy Independence.”

Comments will be accepted until Friday, May 15, and should be sent to epeecbgcomments@state.pa.us.

Following the review of public comments and recommendations, the department anticipates accepting new applications for the program beginning Monday, June 15.

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Would you rather be outside than stuck indoors in the rain? Well, some local runners will brave the elements this Wednesday at Warwick Park when XTERRA holds its 2009 Revenge Trail Run.

Starting at 7 p.m. racers will set off on a challenging mix of dirt trails, gravel roads, twisting roots, loose rocks, and steep ascents. Anyone can enter. To register in advance for the 5 kilometer event, visit www.runreg.com. Entry fee for the race will be $15 in advance, $20 on race day.

There is free parking at Warwick Park, 382 County Park Road. There will be a large prize raffle and a pizza party will be held following the event.

“We are very excited to be hosting the 2009 XTERRA Philly Trail Run Series. We had a very competitive series last year in all age groups, and this year is shaping up to be even better," said Dan Morrison, the race director.

This is the first of five races in the 2009 XTERRA Philly Trail Run Series. The season kicks off with a series of shorter fun runs and gradually builds up to the half-marathon distance Xduro finale on July 19 in Macungie. Top runners at each event earn points toward their series totals and vie for a chance to race in Hawaii.

For more information about the XTERRA Trail Run Series, visit www.xterratrailrun.com.

Additional information can be found at www.Mid-Atlanticevents.com or by contacting race director Don Morrison at morrisd1@aol.com or calling 610-327-4843.

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Bicyclists from around the state are converging today on the state Capitol to show support for House Bill 1110 and Senate Bill 776, which would require motorists to provide a safe passing distance when driving by bicyclists. The bills would also require drivers who are making right-hand turns to yield to bicyclists who are traveling straight on the roadway.

Rep. David Kessler, D-Berks, will speak at the rally, which will assemble at the Farm Show Complex off Cameron Street starting at 8:30 a.m. The rally is planned for 10 a.m. on the Capitol steps. Bicyclists from Berks County are expected to attend.

A Douglassville engineering firm was awarded for bringing waterfalls to the Hudson River last year.

STV, which has an office on West Welsh Drive in the borough recently received a Diamond Award from American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) New York 2009 Engineering Excellence Awards, according to a press release from the company.

The Diamond Award is the highest award. STV received awards for two other projects in the competition: Jefferson Hall Library at West Point earned a Platinum Award in the
building/technology systems category, and the Glen Cove Road Extension Project earned a Platinum Award in the transportation category.

The Waterfalls exhibition was a temporary, public artwork by Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson. Four 90- to 120-foot tall, manmade waterfalls were placed in the Upper New York Harbor for several months last year.

STV assisted Eliasson by performing structural, civil and construction inspection services. In addition, the firm assisted in maintenance and inspections.

"STV’s innovative engineering design for the waterfalls played a key role in helping Eliasson achieve his goal of exploring the relationship between New York City's urban and natural landscapes," according to the company's press release.

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Karl Lorah of Boyertown shows off his winning goat, Dax, at the Sly Fox goat races Sunday.

Goat racing in Kimberton wasn't put on hold by the rain Sunday as the eighth annual Bock Festival at Sly Fox went on, according to the Phoenix, The Mercury's sister paper. Winning the race was Dax, who had the traditional May beer named after him.
Raul and Hana tied for second place.

Karl Lorah of Boyertown, owner of the winning goat, received a $75 gift card to the brewpub and the goat got the gold medal.

Lorah, who was extremely jubilant in victory, said that he's "German to the core" and proud of his goat.

"Dax is a rookie and we want to come out and have a good time," said Lorah. "There was no training and no special diet. We are just raw champions. We worked together, and Dax and I were like one. We knew we'd be a good match today."

Relay For Life of Boyertown has invited businesses to participate in "Paint the Town Purple," a promotional activity through May and June to remind community members of the upcoming relay that is going to take place on June 26-27 at Boyertown Area High School's stadium from noon on Friday to noon on Saturday.
"Our biggest focus is letting people know the relay will be in town," said Relay For Life of Boyertown event coordinator Angi Scheetz. "We really want people to support the event and have a good time."

One of the business owners that showed a lot of interest was Frank Morgan, president of Morgan Financial, Scheetz said.

Morgan said that he wants to hang a banner on the side of Morgan Financial's building which is located at 113 East Philadelphia Ave. in Boyertown.

"I want to get involved because I've known several people that have suffered from cancer," he said. "I want to support the local community. This is just another wonderful event where people come together."

Relay publicity chairman Jim Davidheiser said that last year's relay raised more than $120,000 for American Cancer Society efforts.

"Every contribution large and small is very significant," Davidheiser said.

The next planning meeting will be at 7 p.m., Monday, May 4, at the Boyertown Borough Hall Community Room.

For more information about Relay For Life of Boyertown, e-mail jhdcom@comcast.net or call 610-367-1823.

The Daniel Boone School District is also holding a Relay for Life this year for the first time. It's relay will be held June 12-13 starting at 6 p.m. and running until 6 a.m. Currently 19 teams are signed up for the Boone Relay. The next meeting is May 21 at 5:30 p.m. in Room B4 at the high school.

For more information on the Daniel Boone High School Relay, visit http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=19446

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If you're wondering about the safety of sending your children to school during the outbreak of swine flu (H1N1), local school districts understand, and are preparing for any cases.
Owen J. Roberts announced on its Web site that its school nurses have met to review procedures for handling swine flu and is advising all families of children in the district to take necessary precautions to avoid the spread of infection, including the classic: handwashing.
Daniel Boone issued a letter to parents that is available on its Web site.
The school district says it will monitor absenteeism and health room visits to detect a possible outbreak, has installed hand sanitizers outside all its school cafeterias, and will remind students and staff about basic precautions and ways to prevent spread of infections.
Also alerting parents about prevention measures through letters were Boyertown and Perkiomen Valley, which sent their notices out Friday and Thursday, respectively.
As of Friday, four cases of unconfirmed swine flu were reported in the state, none of them local school children.

On Monday, a second case of pertussis, also known as whooping cough was announced at Evergreen Elementary School in Collegeville. A letter from the administration said that a second-grader and fifth-grader were diagnosed with the illness.
According to the letter, all students will be monitored for signs of the illness and those showing signs should be tested.
"If your child comes down with cold symptoms that include a cough, he/she should be evaluated by his/her physician. Children with pertussis, if their
medical condition allows, may return to school (5) days after starting the antibiotics and must continue taking the antibiotics until completed," according to the statement from Principal Kimberly I Minor.
Parents are advised to check their child's vaccinations to make sure they have received one for Pertussis.
"The whooping cough, caused by a bacterium, occurs mostly in children less than five years old. The disease can be serious in children up to seven years of age and in those who are not or incompletely immunized against the disease. Bacteria are spread by inhaling infected droplets of a coughing or sneezing infected child or by direct contact with discharges from a running nose. Household members and "close" contacts sharing the same classroom as the infected child are at increased risk," the letter reads.
Symptoms of Pertussis are a runny nose and spells of coughing that persist and sometimes cause vomiting.
It is not the first case of pertussis in Montgomery County schools. In February, a student in Spring-Ford Intermediate School was diagnosed with the illness and reported on the school's Web site at the time.

In other local school news, a West Pottsgrove Elementary student is the only finalist from Pennsylvania in the National Missing Children's Day artwork competition, according to the Sanatoga Post. Fifty artists from 50 states were selected, each having created a poster for the 27th anniversary of National Missing Children's Day. Denisha Footman, a fifth-grader at West Pottsgrove, is waiting to hear the final decision, which will be announced today. If she is chosen, the grand-prize is a trip to Washington, D.C., with her parents and teacher.