New Ocean City, NJ Bridge Is A Massive Marvel Of Concrete

Kites on the Ocean City, New Jersey beach at 12th Street (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Along with the usual water ice, greasy pizza, and tubes of sunscreen, the unofficial first weekend of summer was marked by a new arrival this year at the Jersey Shore: 175,000 cubic yards of concrete.

It didn’t arrive all at once, of course, but the concrete — the Route 52 causeway bridge — is now a finished product and represents a major feat of engineering. The bridge stretches more than two miles from Somers Point on the mainland to the barrier island of Ocean City, able to accommodate 40,000 cars a day.

The construction techniques to erect such a structure have long been standard in the industry, one of them tracing its roots to a historic 1950 overpass in Philadelphia. But the sheer scope of this new bridge, a $400 million project overseen by the New Jersey Department of Transportation, was unusual.

Read more: http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/20120528_Ocean_City_NJ_bridge_is_a_massive_marvel_of_concrete.html#ixzz1wBREo46S
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Happy Easter!

We here at Roy’s Rants would like to wish all of our readers a safe and Happy Easter holiday!

Enjoy time with family and friends!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

 

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Open-Hearth Cooking Demonstration at Pottsgrove Manor

Pottstown, Pennsylvania — On Saturday, January 21st from 11:00am to 3:00pm at Pottsgrove Manor, visitors can see what’s cooking in the colonial kitchen with the program “A Distillation of Desserts.”

This open-hearth cooking demonstration will feature Pottsgrove Manor’s historic cooks preparing authentic 18th century recipes for sweets and treats made with a variety of libations. This program wraps up the exhibit “Spirituous Liquors and Healthful Distillations: Alcohol in Colonial America.” Visitors can take a tour of the exhibit during their visit; this will be one of the last opportunities to see the exhibit before it closes on January 29th.

Regular museum hours are: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. & Sunday, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Tours are given on the hour; last tour of the day begins as 3:00 p.m. Groups of 10 or more should pre-register by calling 610.326.4014.

Pottsgrove Manor, home of John Potts, colonial ironmaster and founder of Pottstown, is located at 100 West King Street near the intersection of King Street and Route 100, just off Route 422, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Pottsgrove Manor is operated by Montgomery County under the direction of the Parks and Heritage Services Department.

For more information and a full calendar of events, visit us on the web at http://historicsites.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor.

“Hallelujah Chorus” By The Silent Monks – Hysterical

Happy second day of Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Wishing all our readers a merry and safe Christmas with family and friends.  Thanks for reading and enjoy your holiday!

First Night Scranton Gears Up To Ring In 2012

First Night Scranton, the alcohol-free, family-friendly event will take place for the 13th year Saturday, Dec. 31 at 6 p.m. on Courthouse Square, offering an alternative to the traditional alcohol-soaked ideal of the holiday.

“There aren’t many options for families and younger people to do things on New Year’s Eve,” said Doug Smith, entertainment chair of this year’s event. “You can either go to a bar and there’s alcohol and all that stuff, or you just stay home and then you’re not going out to do anything. So it’s a great thing for families to do and for teenagers to be able to do on their own.”

First Night is a trademarked event held all over the country, promoting arts, culture and family activities. First Night Scranton was established in 1998 by Scranton Tomorrow and was turned over to the city in 2008. Now, it’s a nonprofit run by volunteers that relies on fundraising and corporate sponsors.

Read more: http://www.theweekender.com/cover/Old_times_not_forgotten_12-20-2011.html

Cedarville UMC Pork & Sauerkraut Dinner January 1, 2012

With so many natural disasters continuing to occur around the world and the need for assistance ever-increasing, Cedarville United Methodist Church has chosen to reach out to an area that has slipped out of the current headlines but continues to be in need.

The Central Gulf Coastof the United States was devastated in 2005 by the Hurricane Katrina disaster.  Today, the people in that area are still hurting and there continues to be much work that needs to be done. Gulfport, Mississippi will be the destination of Cedarville’s 2012 Adult Mission Trip.  In Gulfport alone there were 29,970 homes that were destroyed, 3,600 sustained major damage and 1,800 had minor damage.

To help in our mission of sharing the love of God in ways that make a Christian difference, we are raising funds thru a Pork & Sauerkraut Dinner on January 1, 2012.  Worship service will be at 10:00 a.m. on January 1^st.  The meal will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and all are welcomed to either or both.  Dinner tickets for Adults are $8.00 and Children under 10 are $4.00.  Advanced dinner reservations are being taken by contacting (484) 944-4751 and tickets will be sold at the door.

Upper St. Clair Couple Create A Christmas Wonderland

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“Everybody comes in and says that they just can’t believe it,” she said proudly.

The trees are a beautiful sight to behold. Every room has a tree that befits the traditional decor of their home. In the entry hall, a spiral topiary-style tree is festooned with red and gold tapestry ribbon, glazed fruit and more. Packaged gifts in red paper and gold foil ribbon surround a classic Santa who is busily checking his pocket watch for the countdown to the big day. Lush swags of dried fruit and ribbon adorn the staircase.

Mrs. Wilson explained that each tree offers a hint of what’s to come in the next room. On her carefully planned tour, the next stop is the family room, whose tree has a woodland theme. Burgundy poinsettias, mini-birdhouses, charming birds, bird nests and tapestry ribbon fill the branches. The creche takes center stage beneath the boughs and an old-fashioned sleigh sits close by, filled with presents. A grand oak mantel is swagged with more ribbon, pine cones and stockings while the fireplace burns brightly within. Even the artwork on the wall is changed out, with holiday scenes of sleighs and Santas.

Read the full article: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11351/1197459-30-0.stm#ixzz1gr0nEICm

Hallelujah! Singing Flash Mob Hits Lancaster Central Market

Hundreds of shoppers at Central Market got a glorious surprise Saturday morning when at least 125 people around them suddenly began singing the “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s “Messiah.”

At 9:30 a.m. a mass of people, many wearing Santa hats and reindeer antlers, found their way to the center of market and suddenly, the opening chords of the “Hallelujah Chorus” filled the air and voices rose in unison to sing the Christmas classic.

Commerce pretty much came to a halt for the next four minutes as standholders and shoppers stopped to listen and possibly join in.

Central Market had its very first flash mob.

Read more: http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/552482_Hallelujah–Singing-flash-mob-hits-market.html#ixzz1gqpkGng8

“A Christmas Story” At Tri-County Performing Arts Center, Pottstown

I went to see “A Christmas Story” this evening at the Tri-County Performing Arts Center in downtown Pottstown.  I think I like the stage version better than the movie.

The “black box” theater demands that you focus on the acting rather than elaborate sets, props and special effects.  I would say the actors were superb tonight.

Stand out performances were given by Geoffrey Berwind as Ralph as an adult (who acts as a narrator), Ben Williams as Ralphie Parker, Andrea Frassoni as Mother, Michele Bolay as Miss Shields and Steve Reazor as The Old Man.  I would give the higest accolades to Groffrey Berwind and Steve Reazor.  Michele Bolay was hysterical!

Congratulations to Marta Rubin Kiesling, Deborah Stimson-Snow and Director Bill Kiesling for another fine production!

My friends and I enjoyed a great meal at the Brick House prior to the show.  The place was packed!  Come to Pottstown and “make it a night”!

There are three more shows before “A Christmas Story” closes.  On Saturday, December 17th there are performances at 3:00pm and 8:00pm.  On Sunday, December 18th there is a performance at 3:00pm.

For more information click here: http://www.villageproductions.org/

The Tri-County Performing Arts Center is located at 245 E. High Street in Pottstown!

Tri-County Community Network Holiday Membership Meeting

Happy Holidays from TCN!

TCN Membership Meeting

Tuesday, December 20, 8am-10am

Montgomery County Community College, West Campus

101 College Drive, Pottstown

Annual Networking Meeting & Holiday Celebration

Bring Your Business Cards!

Breakfast Sponsored by Susquehanna Bank

For more information or to register call 610-705-3301, Ext. 2.

Pittsburgh’s “Christmas Lady”

Even though it was summertime, the living room and dining room were still decorated for Christmas. Ms. Vicini leaves her Christmas tree, village and Santa collection out year-round.

“I enjoy them so much, I never wanted to put them away,” she explained. “Why just enjoy them for one month when you can enjoy them all year?”

Ms. Vicini, who turned 61 this week, has been celebrating Christmas every day for at least 15 years. She says her family and friends understand perfectly.

“They figure this woman was born on St. Nicholas Day (Dec. 6) and she’s named Carol. Apparently she has the Christmas spirit, so let’s just let her go,” she said, laughing.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11344/1195943-55.stm#ixzz1gBvXxNL0

Downingtown Christmas Parade And Coatesville Historic District House Tours This Weekend

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The Downingtown Christmas Parade will start at 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 10th and will run along Lancaster Avenue.  For more information,  call 610-269-4203 or visit their website www.dtownchristmas.com

The Coatesville Lukens Historic District Holiday House Tour will take place today, December 9th from 4pm to 7pm.  The event is free.  Donations are requested.  For more information, call 610-384-9282 or check out their website www.lukensnhd.org.

Reading Symphony To Perform Handel’s “Messiah” At The Sovereign Center

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For the first time in its 99-year history, the Reading Symphony Orchestra will perform Handel’s “Messiah,” along with the Baltimore Choral Arts Society and soloists, led by RSO music director Andrew Constantine, Saturday at 8 p.m. in the Sovereign Performing Arts Center.

The soloists will be soprano Janice Chandler Eteme, mezzo-soprano Jan Wilson, tenor Duane Moody and baritone Robert Cantrell.

Read more: http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=350938

Reading Christmas House Tour – Centre Park Historic District

Image via Wikipedia

If you enjoy touring historic homes decorated for the Christmas season then you might want to head to Reading this Sunday, December 11th.  The 27th Annual Centre Park Historic District Christmas House Tour is from 1pm to 6pm.  The tours are self-guided and ticket are $15.00!  Tickets will be available at Centre Park, in the 700 block of Centre Avenue, on the day of the tour.  Advance tickets are $12 per person and are available at www.centrepark.org or by calling (610) 375-7860.  Advance tickets are non-refundable.

If riding in a horse-drawn carriage is your thing, that is available as well.  Tickets are $5.00.

Parking is available at First Energy Stadium and a free trolley will shuttle you to and from the historic district.

If you don’t want to tour on an empty stomach, a champagne brunch runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Adrienne’s Inn at Centre Park.  Brunch is $25 per person (includes champagne mimosa) or can be combined with a house tour ticket for $35.  An advanced reservation for brunch is required.  Brunch reservations can be made using the phone number or website listed above.

Luzerne County Teen Makes Christmas CD To Benefit NEPA Flood Victims

DURYEA, PA - This time of year, holiday CDs are a dime a dozen.  But for flood victims in Duryea, Jordan Marsh’s “A Little Christmas Guitar” is one of a kind, a priceless symbol of the Christmas spirit, an embodiment of what it means to give to others during the holiday season.

The 16-year-old, a volunteer member of Excelsior Hose Co. No. 2, saw the destruction of this summer’s floods firsthand, witnessing his neighbors and friends in Duryea throw away all of their most prized possessions after flood waters from Tropical Storm Lee and Hurricane Irene destroyed their homes and ravaged their properties.

Read more: http://citizensvoice.com/news/duryea-teen-spreads-holiday-cheer-raises-money-for-flood-victims-1.1240796#ixzz1fgZcLu2J

Merry-Go-Round At The Pottstown Carousel With Santa

Noon Until 6:00pm – December 11, 2011

At the Carousel Building

King and Manatawny Streets, across from Memorial Park

Photo’s with Santa are $10.00 for one child and $15.00 for two or more!

Donations are tax deductible – proceeds benefit the Carousel at Pottstown

Gift Baskets Raffles * 50/50 Drawings * Hot Chocolate and Apple Cider

Food and fun for all ages!

www.carouselatpottstown.org

Pottstown Holiday House Tour Cancelled :(

The Historic Pottstown House Tour scheduled for December 11th has been cancelled due to conflicting events.

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Annual Old Fashioned Christmas Parade – Downtown West Chester, December 2nd

WEST CHESTER – With the holiday season in full swing, it’s time to bundle up for the annual Old Fashioned Christmas Parade in downtown West Chester.

The parade, sponsored by MARS Drinks, will be on Friday, Dec. 2, at 7:15 p.m.

According to Katie Doherty, president of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce, more than 25,000 people attended last year’s event and organizers expect even more people to pack the streets this year.  19 marching bands will appear in the parade!

More details: http://dailylocal.com/articles/2011/12/01/news/doc4ed6b1af1312a969165985.txt