Around Town

BASH alumni stars in Penn State play

2009-11-19T10:16:00.000-08:00

A Boyertown H.S. alumni recently starred in a play at Penn State's Berks campus outside of Reading.

Patrick O'Neill is performing as Dracula in a play by the same name.

O'Neill got into theater at Boyertown Senior High School and is continuing in the art at Penn State.

Lowe's helps riding group

2009-11-19T10:13:00.000-08:00

This week Lowe’s in Oaks sent 10 to 12 volunteers each day, headed by Katie Law and Chris Drumheller, to Sebastian Riding Associates for two days of community giving.

Sebastian Riding Associates is a nonprofit, community-based, therapeutic, horseback riding and hippotherapy facility for children and adults with disabilities.

Lowe’s donated the materials for the construction of cabinets in “Lindsey’s Lounge” and for a new outdoor mounting ramp and the employees completed the work.

Sebastian Riding Associates is located in Evansburg State Park at 3589 Water Street, Collegeville.

Berks girl dreams up science badge event

2009-11-19T08:44:00.000-08:00

South Heidelberg resident Ingrid Rumbaugh created the Girl Scout event 70 Brownies will participate in this Saturday at Conrad Weiser Middle School to obtain their science badge. Brownies from troops throughout the county, including Birdsboro, Douglassville, and Geigertown will experiment with marshmallows, minor chemical reactions, creating rainbows and more.
Rumbaugh created the daylong event as part of her Girl Scout Silver Award project.

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Churchill's is hosting two events to tempt the tastebuds of area wine enthusiasts. A wine and dine tasting seminar will be held Dec. 11 by Dean and Lisa Foster at the coffee shop downtown in Pottstown.
There will be a four-course appetizer meal with cheese and fabulous desserts and the Fosters will introduce great wines that go well with the tempting hors d'ouevres.
The event will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. and reservations are $65 a person. Made by the first week in December, the cost is only $50 a person.
Call 484-941-5100 for reservations.

You can also check out the Women's Wine Club Holiday Dinner on Dec. 16 at 6:30 p.m.
There will be hors d'ouevres, a lobster or pork dinner (your choice) and black walnut cake.

Cost is $48 a person and you will receive four complimentary wines.
Call 610-326-4787 to reserve.

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This weekend you can check out the Melange Dance Company in its performance at the TriCounty Performing Arts Center on High Street in Pottstown.

The group will perform Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.

“A Night at the Folies Bergere”, a diverse mix of music and dance styles for all ages, will be performed.

Tickets cost $17 for adults, $15 for seniors and students with ID, and $13 for children under age 12. Dance students get $2 off per ticket when they mention their dance school at the box office.

Area bands show their stuff is champ material

2009-11-17T13:12:00.000-08:00

The Daniel Boone Area School District 120-member marching band won their first-ever Atlantic Coast Championship on Nov. 8 at Hershey Park Stadium.

Sponsored by the Tournament of Bands and the National Judges Association, the ACC's bring together the top high school marching bands from Delaware, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania. The event has been held regularly since 1973 and is considered one of the most prestigious marching band events in the country.

Bands are divided into different “classes” based on their overall size - Daniel Boone was in Group IV (the largest with 76-plus musicians). Each band starts during the summer learning their show, and performs numerous times at football games and competitions throughout the area.

Daniel Boone entered the competition ranked third overall in its class, based on qualifying events at the end of October.

Groups are adjudicated based on the individual contribution of each member from a musical and visual standpoint, as well as the overall show design and execution.

Also winning in class IV was Spring-Ford High School, which took second place.

Daniel Boone also won the award for overall visual performance. Spring-Ford won awards for overall music and percussion performance, while Northern York won the overall color guard award.

Boone's score of 97.75 is a school record for the program, and is the highest score in the competitive circuit for the season - a fall that saw close to 200 school marching programs perform at a show.

“This year has really been about conveying a message with our show,” band director Justin A. McAdams said. “The entire program was built around the idea of a musician who is deaf. What if you couldn't hear what you were playing, but could just see someone playing?

"We also have a member of the staff (who is also an elementary teacher in the district) that had a strong background in sign language, so we incorporated that into the program as well. The kids bought into the idea, and really focused on performing to their fullest potential,” McAdams added.

This is the band's second championship, with the last in 2005, but in a lower division.

Owen J. group to be featured in Thanksgiving parade

2009-11-17T13:04:00.000-08:00

The Owen J. Roberts 7-Ups, a singing group, has been invited to perform in the Channel 6 Thanksgiving Day parade by producer Todd Marcocci, who saw the group perform at the OJR Cavalcade.

The group will appear in the grand finale of the production on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

The performance is scheduled to air on Channel 6 at 11:50 a.m. Thanksgiving Day. The group will perform a 36-page medley of music, as well as choreography, arranged by Keith Wilson, who works for Disney.

Pottstown Home Show is in need of vendors

2009-11-06T10:12:00.000-08:00

The Pottstown Historic Home and Cultural Show, planned for next March, is looking for a few good vendors.

The show, which offers educational programs on restoration and renovation to interested home buyers, features various organizations offering information on events and points of interest in the Pottstown area.

Planned for Sunday, March 27, 2010 at the Montgomery County Community College West Campus on High Street in Pottstown, the show offers numerous workshops and is produced by the borough.

For more information, you can contact the borough at 610-970-6520 or go their Web site www.pottstown.org

Enjoy Golden Eagle Saturday

2009-11-05T09:55:00.000-08:00

This Saturday will be golden at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Kempton, thanks to the presence of golden eagles.

On this day, Hawk Mountain offers its once-a-year unique opportunity to see North America’s largest predatory bird during three live Golden Eagle programs at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. in the Outdoor Amphitheater. Programs are free, but a trail fee applies for those who visit scenic overlooks. In the event of rain, programs will be held inside the Visitor Center.

During each program, educators from Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center will present live hawk and owl species to show the adaptations that set eagles apart from smaller birds of prey. The bulk of each program will be dedicated to the star of the show, a non-releasable Golden Eagle.

Golden Eagle Saturday coincides with the peak of the species’ migration at Hawk Mountain.

The Golden Eagle is a true rarity throughout the northeast and they nest in very remote areas of northern Canada. There are no documented nests in the entire commonwealth. In fact, in Pennsylvania, a Golden Eagle is normally not seen at all except when passing through on migration. Here at Hawk Mountain, an average 123 soar by each autumn, the bulk during the first two weeks of November.

In flight, the bird’s plank-like wings stretch more than 7 feet as it soars south along the Kittatinny Ridge or “Blue Mountain.” The adult golden eagle can typically be identified in flight by its overall dark coloring and gold "glistening" neck, massive size, and steady, solitary flight.

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is a prime observation point for autumn hawk migration because of its location along the easternmost edge of the Appalachian Mountains. Hawks use ridge currents for uplift like glider pilots on long-distance flights.

In addition to birds of prey, hummingbirds, monarch butterflies, songbirds and waterfowl use the Appalachian Mountain Flyway. Some species follow the Appalachians to their end, before heading south to the coastal plains of eastern Mexico and falling out to the tropical forests of Central and South America.

The official Hawk Mountain Hawk Count runs daily from Aug. 15 to Dec. 15. As the world’s first refuge for birds of prey, the sanctuary boasts the longest-running database of hawk migration in the world.

Visiting hawk watchers should wear sturdy shoes, dress in warm, layered clothing, and bring binoculars, something soft to sit upon, and a daypack. The sanctuary has no trash receptacles on site and follows a carry in–carry out trash policy. Snack food and water are available for sale in the Visitor Center.

Trails to the lookouts at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary are open daily from dawn to dusk. Weekday trail fees are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $3 for children ages 6-12. Weekend trail fees from Sept. 1 through Nov. 30 cost $7 for adults and seniors, and $3 for children ages 6-12. Trail fees includes weekend programs, which continue through Nov. 15.

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is a nonprofit, member-supported organization located just seven miles north of I-78/Cabela’s intersection near Hamburg (exit 29B off I-78).

For more information on weekend programs or for weather forecasts, interested visitors can call the info line at 610-756-6000. For daily hawk counts, visit the sanctuary’s Web site at www.hawkmountain.org.

Drama highlights Hopewell Furnace stories

2009-11-05T09:05:00.000-08:00

From Out The Fiery Furnace, a one-act play written and directed by nationally recognized playwright Christine Emmert and performed by a 40-year veteran of the stage and screen, Barbara Hannevig, features the stories of life in the 19th century at Hopewell Village.

Hannevig brings to life several characters of the period including runaway slaves, “fallen” women, indentured servants, orphaned children, and others, according to a press release from the Furnace.

Performances are slated for 4 p.m. at the Villa at Morlattan and 7 p.m. at the 1801 Chapel of St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church on Friday, Nov. 13. These adjacent facilities are located on Route 422 East in Douglassville. The program is free and open to the public.

“We are pleased to be able to bring the stories of Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site to the community in an exciting new way,” said Superintendent Shean-Hammond. “This is an original drama and Hannevig is riveting to young and old alike.”

The play premiered during Hopewell’s Harvest Time event on Sept. 19 to two full house audiences. Emmert and Hannevig volunteered to take the show on the road to connect new audiences to their local national park .

The National Park Service chose St. Gabriel’s as an appropriate venue as it was the church of Mark Bird, who founded Hopewell Furnace in 1770. Future performances are scheduled in Phoenixville and Radnor in 2010.

The National Park play showcases how a woman’s life and love could be singularly tracked through her relationship with a Hopewell Stove.

“Hopewell Furnace was famous for not only supporting George Washington in the Revolutionary War, but also for its proliferation of perhaps the most important innovation of the 19th century: the 10-plate cooking stove.,” said Shean-Hammond. “We should never take for granted how this important innovation and the industry that created it freed women both black and white to pursue their just place in American Society."

Playwright/director Christine Emmert has a long resume of work. She has been published in three countries and performed throughout the English speaking world. In addition to directing and writing, Emmert has had an extensive stage career. She has appeared with Barbara Hannevig at Village Productions in "Lettice and Lovage," "Quilters" and "Mrs. Bob Cratchit's Wild Christmas Binge."

She lives in Valley Forge with her husband, Richard, who often joins her in her theater adventures.

Barbara Hannevig studied at the Goodman Theatre School in Chicago and worked professionally for over 40 years. In addition to her stage work, she has performed in videos and voiceovers. She has graced the stage of Village Productions in such diverse pieces at "Jake's Women", "Almost Maine" and, of course, "Lettice and Lovage."

Holiday spectacular to bring cheer along

2009-11-05T07:19:00.000-08:00

Pottstown's holiday cheer will get a boost from PDIDA, the Pottstown Downtown Improvement District Authority, when the 2009 Holiday Spectacular begins on Nov. 27. The Holiday Spectacular is held every Friday between Thanksgiving and Christmas and features family entertainment downtown as a way to get people into the borough and visiting its businesses.

The Spectacular runs from 6-9 p.m. with the Santa House, featuring a chance for children to visit with Santa and give him their wish lists, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Pictures with Santa cost $6 this year.

There are also horse and carriage rides for $5, along with roasted chestnuts and apple cider.

There will also be free gingerbread cookie decorating for children under age 12.

PDIDA is always looking for volunteers to help out with downtown events. If you are interested, call 610-323-5400 or e-mail mainstreetmanager@
downtownpottstown.org

Pottstown man makes it through NYC marathon

2009-11-05T07:05:00.001-08:00

In case you were interested, or even if you weren't, here's an interesting fact:

Wayne Deegan of Pottstown finished the New York City Marathon on Sunday with a time of 3 hours 19 minutes and 7 seconds, placing him No. 3,014 among the finishers.

Also making their way to the finish line was Elizabeth Ramsay of Royersford, Krista Calvin of Schwenksville, George Gray of Collegeville, Emily Koepsell of Phoenixville, Jim Mandanci of Collegeville, Susan Landry of Collegeville, Thomas Chobot of Reading, Geoffrey Hasker of Reading, Sebastian Niezgoda of King of Prussia, Jacob Malikkal of Collegeville, Christopher Chamberlain of Collegeville, Bethany Pluger of King of Prussia, Holly Ramsay of King of Prussia, Robyn Jasko of Kutztown, Mike Reese of Reading, Kathleen Schulz of Phoenixville, Stephen Tolbert of Jeffersonville, Samantha Newbold of Phoenixville, Colleen Fitzpatrick of Boyertown, and Brian Dunn of Collegeville. All runners received a medal for crossing the finish line.

(Picture at right shows runner Paula Radcliffe of Great Britain being high-fived by Women's marathon winner Derartu Tulu, left, of Ethiopia.)

Pennsylvania runners came from as far away as Pittsburgh to compete in Sunday's event.

Congratulations runners!

Where are the benches?

2009-10-30T12:51:00.000-07:00

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.

Boyertown focuses on superintendent applicants

2009-10-30T09:04:00.000-07:00

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.

Halloween is almost here

2009-10-29T09:43:00.000-07:00

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.

PV chamber names new director

2009-10-21T14:06:00.000-07:00

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.

Car show helps ailing child

2009-10-19T09:50:00.000-07:00

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.

Interactive open house at Waldorf School

2009-10-15T09:36:00.000-07:00

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.

Friends of Hopewell feast for funds

2009-10-15T09:08:00.001-07:00

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.

Limerick shopping center seeks relief

2009-10-12T09:16:00.000-07:00

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.

Red Hats have a grand time

2009-10-12T09:09:00.000-07:00

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.

Spay Day this Saturday

2009-10-12T06:42:00.001-07:00

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.

Guild returns high crafts to MCCC

2009-10-07T08:22:00.000-07:00

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 Best of Philly came from here

2009-10-07T07:51:00.000-07:00

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.

Helping with fundraising, toasting, talking and more

2009-10-06T08:38:00.000-07:00

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/

Homestead remembers its heritage

2009-10-01T01:42:00.000-07:00

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.

Guided walk of Graeme Park

2009-09-30T01:51:00.000-07:00

A biologist is offering a specially guided walk around Graeme Park in Horsham on Oct. 10 at 1:30 p.m.

Participants will learn about the historic, manmade landscape and how the early colonists made use of the native plants.

Visitors will be able to take home a fall decoration at the end of the free program, but donations are appreciated.

Sponsored by the Friends of Graeme Park, the event is held in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Graeme Park is located at 859 County Line Road, just off Route 611, in Horsham. For more information, check out www.ushistory.org/graeme