In case you were wondering, Phoenixville's benches, currently missing from the downtown area, are just on a temporary hiatus as they get fixed. According to a press release from the borough, the benches had to have their foot pedestals fixed because they were corroding.

Keystone Designs in Butler, Pa., originally built the benches and is in charge of fixing them. The benches were put in place in the downtown during both phases of the recent streetscaping and benches from both phases were affected, according to the borough.

As part of the reconditioning, protective feet will be added to the benches to prevent damage from the brick sidewalks.

All this is being done at no cost to the borough since the benches were still under warrenty. When they return they will be placed exactly where they once sat, according to the borough.

The Boyertown School District is no longer accepting applications for the Superintendent's position, which is being vacated by Harry Morgan, who is retiring. According to a notice on the school district's Web site, the board will begin reviewing the resumes of those who have applied already.

According to a story in Friday's Reading Eagle, the most recent school board meeting on Tuesday became heated when Al Turchanik asked why the board was footing the bill for Gilbertsville Elementary Principal Ronald W. Christman's tuition. Christman is studying for a doctorate degree. The tuition costs are more than $2,500 a year, according to the Eagle's report. The board has already approved the expense. Christman gets paid $118,000 a year.

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Pottstown's High Street is seeing more life lately. The dollar store that was burned out in a massive fire two years ago that also damaged the Lastick Furniture store is getting ready to reopen. Shelves and the interior were being put in place and a new sign has been hung on the awning.

A Cricket mobile phone store has also opened up in the 300 block, next to a soon-to-be ice cream parlor that once housed a nail salon, and across from the National Penn Bank.

A sheriff's sale sign appeared on the Pottstown Farmer's Market doors. Word is the building was seized for lack of a mortgage payment and is being auctioned off by a bank in November. It was not certain what would happen to the vendors still inside, though they are all still open for business. Unfortunately the Italian Market was closed when the building was taken over by the bank.

The old Norco Auto Group building is also up for auction, according to a placard outside of the building.

While ghots, goblins and ghouls might be lurking in wait, and shoppers stock up on candy, some area events are planned to make more of Halloween than trick-or-treating.

The TriCounty Performing Arts Center is hosting an illusionist and magician this Friday, Saturday and Sunday with afternoon shows that are slightly less scary than the evening ones.

Nelsons Illusions is said to feature a family of skilled magicians offering a performance of large-scale illusions combined with mystery and theatrics. The group has performed in more than 32 countries, according to TriPAC.

Mike's Brick Oven Pizza is still holding its Horror Hotel haunted house for a low price and closer to home as well. Open every night through Halloween the walk-through fun house offers a 3-D experience this year.

And if you want to do something fun, but not scary, check out Boyertown's Hard Bean Cafe. It is hosting a Disco Dance Party on Halloween night.

And don't forget to check out our Spooky Fun calendar with lots of other events that will make your hair stand on end.

The Perkiomen Valley Chamber of Commerce welcomed Renee Blomstrom as the new director of public relations recently, according to an announcement from the chamber. Blomstrom will report directly to the PVCC Board of Directors. In this role, Renee will provide valuable support to the more than 500 member businesses.

"Renee is a great fit for this position. Her corporate, marketing, and leadership experience as well as her expertise in account management will serve us well. Renee has plans to introduce new networking and marketing opportunities to our members in an effort to increase visibility within the communities we serve," explained Trevor Hart, chairman of the board.

"I am thrilled to be joining the Perkiomen Valley Chamber of Commerce. I look forward to working with our local businesses to create opportunities for success through marketing, networking, educational seminars, and public affairs and small business forums. The PVCC celebrated their 50 year anniversary in 2007 and I see this milestone as a true testament to the success and endurance of this chamber," stated Blomstrom.

Prior to PVCC, Blomstrom served as senior account executive for a national UNIX based solutions provider. Blomstrom received her bachelor's degree in marketing from West Chester University. She is a graduate of Spring-Ford High School.

Renee and her husband, Tom, reside in Collegeville with their two children. Renee's hobbies include tennis, waterskiing, boating, and spending time with her family.

For more information about the Perkiomen Chamber of Commerce, you can visit the website at www.pvchamber.net or call 610-489-6660.

The Trappe V.F.W. Post 7155 held a car show on Sept 19 as a fundraiser for a local infant that was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis.

The Post raised a total of $7,000 for the family of Gabrielle Testa.

This is the second year that Post 7155 has held a charity car show for a local child in need.

The Kimberton Waldorf School will host an interactive and dynamic open house for parents of children from preschool through high school on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 9 a.m. to noon and Sunday, Nov. 1 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 410 West Seven Stars Road.

Parents will have an opportunity to glimpse everything from physics to gardening, handwork to chemistry through this interactive event. Alumni, parents and students will be available to answer questions and share insights into the school’s rich curriculum.

“At a time when mainstream schools are becoming increasingly focused on test scores, and are less flexible in looking at the needs and abilities of individual students, Kimberton Waldorf School offers an alternative worthy of exploration and consideration,” said Mary Hirsch, spokesperson for the school. The education helps produce confident children who know their place in the world. Students achieve academic success by instilling creative problem-solving skills.

“Our alumni are the perfect employee for companies seeking individuals who can find solutions to today’s problems,” Hirsch said. “Students here are inspired to take initiative and ask important questions. We hear it time and time again how poised are students are and how well they can communicate their ideas.”

Kimberton’s campus includes more than 420 acres of rolling hills, stream, and farm that provides many opportunities for outdoor education. The unique and distinct curriculum is infused with the arts and classical subjects are taught through a hands-on approach. The program also includes German, Spanish, and Greek languages, gardening, movement, handwork, sports and so much more.

Alumna Rebecca Brubaker, a Rhodes Scholar said, “I was exposed to an incomparable breadth of experiences, topics and ideas that I kept craving long after leaving Waldorf.”

After graduating in 2002, Brubaker received a four-year scholarship to Swarthmore College. She later went on to become a Fulbright Fellow and received an Insight Fellowship.

For more information, call 610-933-3635 ext. 108 or visit the Web site at www.kimberton.org.

The Friends of Hopewell Furnace are holding a fundraising dinner at the Church House on the park's grounds on Nov. 14. You must R.S.V.P. Cost is $35 per person and they want checks paid to them by Oct. 31.

For more information, call 610-404-0633. All funds will be used for projects undertaken by the Friends in the national park.

According to a legal notice in Monday's edition of The Mercury, a developer called Sanatoga Interchange Associates, based in King of Prussia, is going before the zoning hearing board in Limerick on Oct. 28 at 6:30 p.m. to seek relief from several ordinance requirements.

The developer is seeking to put a shopping center, including a 140,000-square-foot retail store with a gas station, and six retail/restaurant/bank sites, on land located at 116, 124, 142, 154 and 168 Evergreen Road. (see map below).


View Store proposed in a larger map

The developer wants the zoning board to "confirm that the proposed subdivision will not disqualify the development from treatment under the LLI (limited light industrial) Interchange Overlay District"; clarifiy what applies to interior setbacks between businesses; determine if the landscaping qualifies under the zoning; among other things.

There will be the opportunity for the public to review the plans and comment.

The meeting will take place in the Limerick Township Municipal Building.

A grand time was had by all at Villa at Morlatton in Douglassville on Sept. 30 as more than 125 ladies from various chapters of the Red Hat Society gathered for the annual High Noon Tea.

The participants enjoyed the delectable tea sandwiches, cookies, scones and Devonshire crème.

Ruthie Parke, Queen of the Golden Girls of Morlatton, introduced all queens from the various chapters and recited a special poem she had written for the occasion.

An Elvis impersonator entertained the Red Hat Society ladies.

Gifts were raffled, friends were made and laughs were shared.

The Montgomery County SPCA is holding its Spay Day for cats on Saturday, Oct. 17 at its Perkiomenville shelter. Spay Day happens three times a year at the location.

This spay event is only for domestic cats, not feral cats, the SPCA said. Appointments must be made in advance by calling 610-754-7822. There is a limited number of cats that can be spayed on Saturday. Cost is $20 for males, $25 for females and must be paid by cash or check.

All cats brought in must have been inoculated for rabies and must be in a cat carrier. A towel must be inside the carrier for the cat, and the carrier should have the owner's name, address and phone number on it.

Cats that are registered should be brought in to the shelter between 8:30 and 9 a.m. on Saturday. They should have no water and food after midnight Friday.

All money raised goes back to help the SPCA with its shelters.

A future spay day for dogs is being considered.

The Pennsylvania Guild of Fine Arts is returning to Montgomery County Community College this month to showcase and sell its finest arts.

On Oct. 17 and 18, the guild will be at the college's Blue Bell campus where "durable, locally-made fine crafts" will be available for sale. The guild is encouraging area residents to turn out and "buy local" to help the earth and get themselves something better than store-bought.

There will be more than 100 craftsmen from the local area on display this year. There will also be live demonstrations of some crafting skills and attendees are encouraged to ask questions of the crafters. Among those crafters is master rug weaver Eric Weit of Ephrata.

There will also be an acoustical roadshow at the festival this year with sounds of the Martin Family Band and Tin Kettle.

Children age 12 and under enter for free. Children this year will also be given the opportunity to participate in a scavenger hunt and win prizes. There will also be hands-on craft projects for kids under age 12.

The show will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 18. Admission is $7 for adults. No pets please.

For more information call the Pennsylvania Guild at 717-431-8706 or visit www.pacrafts.org for directions and admission coupons.

The Upper Perkiomen School District will honor several students who were commended or reached the semifinals of the National Merit Scholarship program.

Peter J. Marino was named as a semifinalist while students Rebecca Callodonato, Terry Kuhns, Katelyn Ondek and Liam Smith were commended.

Also to be honored is Choral Director Mark Thomas who was voted "Best Choral Director" by Philadelphia Magazine in its September issue.

Thomas was chosen by the magazine for his dedicated touring schedule, called more rigorous than American Idol by Philadelphia. The choir has collected its fair share of gold medals the world over in competitions.

The school board will also be voting on the proposal to approve a change order for the second roof drain and roof blocking at Hereford Elementary in the amount of $4,148.64. There will also be a motion on a change order for the middle school renovation project in the amount of $25,692.65.

The school board meeting will be held Thursday at 7 p.m. in the education center's multipurpose room at 2229 East Buck Road.

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Upper Perk isn't the only school district to have a teacher honored as the best in the region.

Phoenixville's Nicole Curry, a Latin teacher, was named "Best Teacher" for 2009 by the magazine. Curry is noted for using rap and other eccentric means to teach her students the ancient tongue. Her students have received bronze, silver and gold medals on national Latin exams.

Kimberton Waldorf School received a schoolwide accolade .. for having the best garden. The school, known for its focus on the environment and sound living, has 2 acres tilled and worked by its students in sixth through 10th grades.

Not to be outdone by another area private school, the Hill School in Pottstown was chosen by the magazine as having the best uniform. But it may have its run cut out for it now that Pottstown's public schools have chosen a similar requirement of navy blue with khakis.

Pottsgrove School District's student leadership program was named as the best in the region. The four-year-long class teaches students how to recognize bullying, depression and other issues in their peers and how to help or get assistance. It accompanies this program with a Web site full of podcasts for students to use.

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The Allentown Diocese's newly installed bishop, Rev. John O. Barnes will confirm more than 35 students from St. Francis Academy in Bally Thursday at Most Blessed Sacrament Parish at 4:30 p.m. It will be Barnes' first parish confirmation ceremony since he was installed.

Barnes is the fourth bishop of the Allentown Diocese. He was installed in July.

The students he will confirm also included parishoners of St. Columbkill's parish.

Confirmation at Most Blessed Sacrament has seen some pretty notable faces in its day, such as the Rev. John Carroll and St. John Neumann, who of course wasn't a saint at the time.

Most Blessed Sacrament was established in 1741 and is one of the oldest Catholic churches in the state as well as the 13 original colonies.

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The Villa at Morlatton is holding a huge yard sale this Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the grounds of the assisted-living facility along Route 422 in Douglassville.

The Koinonia Speakers, a community-based toastmasters club in Gilbertsville, is having an open house at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 20.

The event is free to the public. R.S.V.P.s are requested via e-mail to: info@kstoastmasters.org.

During the open house, club members will demonstrate elements of a typical toastmasters’ meeting. Plenty of time will be allowed for questions and discussion with current members. Refreshments will be served.

The event will be held at the New Hanover United Methodist Church, 2211 Swamp Pike, Gilbertsville. Club membership and attendance at the event are open to all adults.

Regular club meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at the same location.

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The Reading Public Museum is holding a Bagels & Bach event Sunday, Oct. 18, featuring David Cullen and Jill Haley. A light breakfast will be served in the museum Atrium from 10 a.m. until noon as the musicians perform. Admission is $25 for nonmembers and $15 for museum members. The cost includes admission to the full museum.

Reservations are suggested but not necessary. Call 610-371-5850 ext. 264.

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Schuylkill RiverFest is being held this Saturday in Riverfront Park in Pottstown from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The free event features performances by area school bands and area musicians, whose Web site links can be found at http://www.downtownpottstown.org/events/riverfestival.htm

There will also be an art exhibit, wagon rides, a Native American village, kayaking workshops on the river, bikes available to ride the trail, environmental demonstrations and more.

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The Cat Angel Network of Chester County, which is a no-kill shelter for unwanted and stray cats, is hosting a fundraising auction Oct. 18. Organized by the nonprofit group For Paws, which puts together fundraising events for animal rescue organizations, the silent auction will be held at the West Chester Senior Center from 2-5 p.m. The silent auction ends at 3 and a live auction then begins.

Admission cost is $15 and tickets can be purchased by contacting Lucia Still, awstill@comcast.net, 610-469-4925 or Henry Grabb, catangelpa@aol.com, 610-873-0430.

Auction items must be paid for in cash or check, no Visa, MC or debit cards, please. Items up for auction currently include gift baskets, gift certificates, wine and jewelry.

The group is also taking more items for auction, as long as they are of high quality.

If you cannot attend the auction, but still want to donate to the cause, visit http://catangel.org/

The Daniel Boone Homestead, birth place of the famed frontiersman, is holding a Heritage Day to remember the importance of the long rifle to the life of Daniel Boone on Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

According to a press release from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, "Daniel Boone was the most well known of the many frontiersmen who guided settlers into the land west beyond the Appalachian and Allegheny Mountains. With these frontiersmen went the long rifle. Many of the rifles were made here in Berks County as well as other counties where German rifle makers settled in the 18th century."

Boone was born 275 years ago at the site near Baumstown. The long rifle featured prominently in his story as he made his way west.

As part of the Heritage Day, there will be special demonstrations and lectures on the making and use of the long rifle.

Other demonstrations of 18th century trades and skills will include hearth cooking, spinning, blacksmithing, gunsmithing, leatherworking and hornsmithing.

There will be tours of the Boone house, lectures on the Lenape Indians, and games for children.

The First Pennsylvania Regiment will be holding a firelock competition in the Rifle Range and Rich Pawling of History Alive! will be relating some of the many adventures of Daniel Boone.

Admission to the event will be $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $5 for children and youths ages 6-16.

The Daniel Boone Homestead is located halfway between Reading and Pottstown, one mile north of Rt. 422 near Baumstown.