Summer Classes For All Ages At The Gallery School Of Pottstown!

Pottstown, PA – Forty Chances for Creative Fun and a Free Class!
 
The Gallery School of Pottstown, a non-profit community art school, has a huge lineup of classes for all ages planned for this summer. Topics range from traditional drawing and painting to stained glass and sewing classes.
 
Students who register for a summer class by June 1, 2012 are eligible to take a fun workshop for free. They can choose from four great classes: Tic-Tac-Dough, Recycled Art, Fused Glass and Easy Earrings. For more information, and to register, visit this special page on the Gallery School’s website: www.galleryonhigh.com/free.html.   Students and parents can also call 610-326-2506 to register.
 
See the lists below for the complete lineup of classes. Full details can be found on the Gallery School’s website at www.galleryonhigh.org.

New for 2012 are fun mini camps for kids. All mini camps run from 10am-3pm for 3 days, with a break for lunch and a snack. Children have an opportunity to really engage in fun, comprehensive projects. Topics include Kids Sewing Mini Camp, Kids Pottery Mini Camp and Jewelry for Kids Mini Camp.

Classes for kids include Summer Cray Pas, Summer Creative Kids, Summer Crafty Kids, Colonial Crafts, Summer Kids Pottery, Summer Story Sculpting Workshop, Summer Parent and Child Coil Pot Workshop, Summer Parent and Child Fused Glass Workshop, Basketmaking, and Kids Clay: Hand-Building Techniques One Day Workshop.

Classes just for teens include Summer Teen Studio, Basketmaking, Spirit Animal Mosaic, and The Heart of The Matter: Personal Essay Writing for High School Students.

Classes for adults and teens 16 and older include Altered T-Shirts Workshop, Yo-Yo Flag, Scratchboard, Introduction To Drawing I & Drawing II, Jewelry/Metalsmithing, Introduction to Figure Drawing I & Figure Drawing II, Clay: Hand-Building Techniques Two Day Workshop Clay: Hand-Building Techniques One Day Workshop, and Pottstown Photography Project.

Classes for adults include Summer Mosaics, Introduction to Stained Glass, Summer Adult Pottery, Summer Introduction to Encaustics, Adult Basketmaking , Introduction to Fused Glass Jewelry, Summer Introduction to Glass Fusing, Summer Fused Glass Open Studio, Simple Summer Skirt, Stripey Shoulder Bag, Found Object and Recycled Jewelry, and Flash Memoir and Essays for Adults.

The Gallery School of Pottstown is a 501c3 non-profit community art school and gallery. The School offers day, evening and weekend classes to all ages. The goal of these classes is to help students develop their creative skills through self-expression and independence. The Gallery on High hosts rotating shows featuring local artists. The Gallery also sells handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gift items.
 
The Gallery School of Pottstown
@Gallery on High
254 E. High St.
Pottstown, PA 19464
610-326-2506
www.galleryonhigh.org

Meet Captain Buy Local And Trusty Sidekick Small Biz

 

Monday, May 21st – 7:00 to 8:00 PM

Pottstown

Visitor’s Center / PDIDA Office

17 North Hanover Street

High Street Bridge Reopens Friday – Cross One Pottstown Area Construction Project Off The List

The High Street Bridge reopened Friday afternoon with minimal fanfare.  The bridge was completely rebuilt and the project was finished five months ahead of schedule!  Do we have any other projects for these people to work on?  Maybe they should get the Keim Street bridge contract!!!

Meanwhile, Route 100 bridge work is still ongoing and some other projects are scheduled to begin down the road.  At least one item has been completed before anything else starts!

Two Roy’s Rants thumbs up to J.D. Eckman, Inc. of Atglen for doing an awesome job!

“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!

Occupy Pottstown’s Small Business Saturday Event A Success!

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Today’s Occupy Pottstown event was not the usual demonstration or rally.  Instead, Occupy Pottstown members shopped and dined downtown from 10am until 1pm.  The emphasis of today’s event was to support downtown merchants and let them know Occupy Pottstown members are committed to shopping locally first, when possible.  In other words, walk the talk.

Occupy Pottstown members distributed literature downtown ahead of today’s event and had the support of PDIDA and many merchants.  Occupy members wore identification tags so that local merchants could see the tangible impact organizing an event like this would have.  Occupy members were greeted with enthusiasm by local merchants.

There are actually more businesses downtown than I realized.  We had no trouble spending three hours shopping.  Some new businesses have sprung up including one new store selling fresh fruit, produce and baked goods at very reasonable prices.  The group I walked around with did not have time to visit every store downtown.  That just leaves more for the next trip 

After today, several members have decided to do as much of their Christmas shopping downtown as possible.  Supporting Pottstown’s existing businesses will encourage other entrepreneurs to consider opening a new business in Pottstown.  I would say the four people in my group easily spent $250 downtown today.  Imagine if a few hundred people would regularly shop downtown on a Saturday!  Imagine if only 10% of Pottstown’s 22,377 residents shopped downtown regularly.

I can happily report my group was not bothered by any panhandlers while we shopped.  There were a few people “hanging around” but they kept to themselves or just said “hello”.  It was a very pleasant experience.

Job Seekers Forum To Be Held In Pottstown, November 3rd

 

   Tri-County Community Job Seekers Forum

Thursday, November 3, 6pm-8pm

Tri-County PerformingArtsCenter

245 East High Street,Pottstown

Learn more about job opportunities in the Tri-County area.

Get the inside scoop from employers.

Q & A with HR Representatives.

Refreshments will be served.

To register call 610-705-3301, Ext. 2

Brought to you by the

TCN Exelon Nuclear Workforce Development Program

The Brick House Versus The Pottstown Downtown Improvement District Authority

It never ceases to amaze me how The Fishwrap inserts itself into Pottstown’s affairs.  There is a fine line between reporting the news and “creating” the news.

The most recent article about the dispute between PDIDA and Brick House owner Dave Walsh is a sterling example of taking a bad situation and making it worse, under the guise of “the public has a right to know”.  The article is slanted in favor of PDIDA and against one of the most successful merchants downtown.  It paints an unflattering picture of Dave Walsh.

I have read the study on the use of opera and classical music to remove vagrants from business districts.  I agree it was worth a try.  I also understand business owners have a right to their opinion, even if that opinion disagrees with PDIDA.  Without business owners there would be no PDIDA.  Frankly, downtown Pottstown is in the worst shape I have ever seen it; since moving here in 1983.  Antagonizing and bad-mouthing Dave Walsh is spitting in the face of one of the few reasons to even go downtown.

I interviewed Dave Walsh a while back and found him to be one of the most down-to-earth people I have ever met.  He answered all my questions, he was forthright, polite, genuine in his desire to help Pottstown and was a pleasure to talk with.  It was the first conversation I ever had with him.  He was a wealth of information.  Instead of pissing him off, maybe PDIDA should pick his brain and find out why and how he is so successful!  He readily shared that information with me.

As for Bonnie trying to mediate this “crisis” I LOL!  Bonnie is firmly on the side of PDIDA, or should I say her agenda. 

Andrew Monastra had the only sensible comments that were reported.  And trust me Andrew, you are right on when you say Dave has valid points which are not personally driven.  Dave Walsh could be a great asset to PDIDA.  He is already a great asset to Pottstown.

As for the loitering problem downtown…we do have a police department, don’t we???  We have laws on the books.  As usual we don’t use our existing tools to solve problems.  The only way to turn Pottstown around is to clean it up.  The police department is a key part of the equation.  Playing opera only keeps undesirables away while the music is playing.  We need to send a clear message that we will not tolerate this behavior on our streets and that can only be done by enforcing the law.  Private citizens can not do that.

I really do applaud PDIDA for trying something.  Sometimes things do not work, for a variety of reasons, and we need to regroup and move on.  Demonizing Dave Walsh is neither productive nor proper.  Dave is not the problem here.  You should extend an olive branch and tap into what Dave knows.

Halloween (2011) In Pottstown

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Here is the schedule for Halloween activities in Pottstown borough:

Halloween Parade – October 19th, 7:00 p.m. – High Street

Trick or Treat Night – October 31st, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m

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High Street Bridge Progress In Pottstown

Here are the latest and greatest (haha) pictures of the High Street Bridge construction in Pottstown.  As you can see, the Manatawny has been completed spanned and the deck is being laid.  The project is actually moving ahead well considering the awful weather for the last several months, including flooding! 

Big Crowd At Carousel Of Flavor In Downtown Pottstown

A large crowd gathered in downtown Pottstown this afternoon, under sunny skies, for the 8th Annual Carousel of Flavor.  The food was amazing.  Kudos to festival organizers for another successful event.  Pottstown shone brightly today!

Here are some pictures:

Pottstown Carousel Of Flavor This Sunday, September 18th

The Eighth Annual Carousel of Flavor Restaurant Festival

Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011 from noon to 4 p.m.

100 Block of High Street, Pottstown in front of Borough Hall

Expanded wine and beer garden this year! Over 4,000 attended last year. Featuring 3 live bands, crafters and a clown for children of all ages.

Corporate Sponsorship Form

Forms for Restaurants: Please click on the form and print it out. Completed forms should be mailed to: Carousel at Pottstown, P.O. Box 1097, Pottstown, PA 19464

Food License Application and Instructions

Welcome letter

Menu Request Form

If you have any questions regarding the Carousel of Flavor, please contact the Chairpersons:

Jill Burbank (610) 970-0624 or email CarouselofFlavor@hotmail.com

Schuylkill River Crests In Pottstown

According to Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Services, the Schuylkill River appears to have crested at 18.27 feet earlier this morning at Pottstown. 18 feet is moderate flood stage.

The most recent reading at 9:31 a.m. shows the river has gone down slightly to 18.21 feet.  Flood stage is 12.5 feet.  The current prediction is that the river will be back under flood stage at 2 am Sunday morning.

I did a quick check and observed the following:

the Hanover Street Bridge is closed, South Pottstown is closed and traffic is being forced to turn left and the bottom of the exit ramp at Hanover Street, Industrial Hwy is closed, a section of High Street near Pottsgrove Manor is under water and closed (observed from the Route 100 bridge), Memorial Park was closed yesterday, a number of streets leading to Industrial Hwy are closed a few blocks from the highway and the list goes on.  Riverside Drive in North Coventry is only accessible by boat!  Best to avoid those areas of Pottstown and North Coventry.

Former Taco Bell In Pottstown Gets Major Gut And Remodel

I don’t know what is going in here…I did hear rumors but I am not spreading them any further.  However, it does appear that something is going in here with all the work that is being done.

As you can see a big chunk of the roof is missing, all the windows have been removed etc…  There is a huge dumpster being filled up and a lot of digging going on as well.

I am glad to see that something is finally going in here!

High Street Bridge Progress – Spanning The Manatawny

Progress has been made since the last time I took pictures.  This week, half the Manatawny was crossed.  Hoping the bad weather doesn’t slow down the progress!

Here are some new pictures taken this afternoon.

Pottstown Sheds Regulations To Be More Business Friendly

The Fishwrap is reporting that an effort is finally being made to become more business friendly and welcoming to investors in our central business district.  I say, “Here, here!”  It’s about time. 

Driving down High Street should be an exciting experience, however, it is the opposite as of late.  Removing rules and procedures, that needlessly delay construction, is a good thing.  If we would work really hard at filling up all those empty retail spaces downtown, it would go a LONG WAY toward helping the tax base, drawing people downtown to spend money on goods and services and creating employment!  In the past we have worried about looks (and trees), at any cost, and you see the result.  Crickets!

Two Roy’s Rants thumbs up to Jason Bobst and Councilor Chomnuk for cutting through the Hyltonesque gobbledygook and trying to foster a climate that says “Pottstown is open for business”.

Pottstown Classics’ August Nostalgia Night This Saturday, August 6th

Image via Wikipedia

Next Nostalgia Nights Car Show
Saturday August 6, 2011
5-9 pm
ON HIGH STREET!

Newer cars now welcome. Bring any year car or light truck!

Park anywhere! Bring out those modern muscle cars, custom rides and more!

Sorry..no motorcycles.

E-mail us if you have any questions.

$ 10.00 Vehicle Entrance fee applies for all show vehicles . Spectators: FREE

Special Appearance by the Pottstown Roller Derby Rock Stars sponsored by

 Bentley Boards Skate Shop

233 East High St., Pottstown, Pa, 19464
610-326-4567

Nostalgia Night Tonight – Pottstown Classics Monthly Show On High Street

Image via Wikipedia

 

Nostalgia Nights Car Show
Saturday July 2, 2011
5-9 pm
ON HIGH STREET!

Newer cars now welcome. Bring any year car or light truck !

Park anywhere!

Bring out those modern muscle cars, custom rides and more !

Sorry..no motorcycles.

E-mail us if you have any questions.

$ 10.00 Vehicle Entrance fee applies for all show vehicles . Spectators: FREE 

 This show…..Live Music featuring Hat TRixx

Bring the kids to see Rainbow The Clown!

July 4th Activities In Pottstown

Monday, July 4, 2011
7:45 a.m. – Skateboarders Run Hill School
8:00 a.m. – Patriotic Pottstown 5K Run Hill School
10:15 a.m. Parade and Flyover High Street
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 7th Annual BMX American Eagle Race Trilogy Park
1:00 – 7:00 pm Craft Show Field # 2
12:00 – 2:00 p.m. Pottstown Little League All Star Games (National League) Memorial Park Field #3
1:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Field of Flags – Open for Public Viewing Memorial Park Island Entrances
1:30 – 7:00 p.m. 4th of July Calendar, Hat and Memorabilia Sales Field #2 @ July 4 Sound Booth

2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Pottstown Little League All Star Games (American League) Memorial Park Field #3
2:00 – 4:30 p.m. Water Slide Dyke @ Field 2
3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Four Faces West sponsored by Trilogy Park Main Stage
4:00 p.m. Pottstown Rotary Rubber Duckie Release Manatawny Creek
4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Pottstown Little League All Star Games (T-Ball) Memorial Park Field #3
6:00 p.m. 27th Annual – Hot Air Balloon Extravaganza Field # 2
6:00 – 9:00 pm Holt Twins (classic rock) Main Stage
6:30 pm Hot Air Balloon Take Off Field #2
7:15 p.m. Pottstown Area Senior Center Car Drawing Main Stage
10:00 p.m. Fireworks!

Lincoln Elementary School Second Graders Learn About Pottstown

Image via Wikipedia

It is always great to read stories like this.  Some of Pottstown’s second grade students learned about two import resources in their town – the Pottstown Regional Public Library (PRPL) and the Gallery School on High.  Both businesses are found on Pottstown’s main street, a few blocks apart, and both businesses can help Pottstown’s children learn and succeed.

Three teachers from Lincoln Elementary School Jill Bolonski, Heather Kurtz and Leslie Swartz took their students on an all day field trip to the PRPL and the Gallery School.  To read about what all the students did, click here:

http://pottstownschools.com/pottstown/In%20the%20Spotlight/LINCOLN%20ELEMENTARY%20STUDENTS%20EXPLORE%20%93IN%20TOWN%20CLASSROOM%94/

Two Roy’s Rants thumbs up to those awesome teachers at Lincoln!

Two Roy’s Rants thumbs up to the Pottstown Regional Public Library and the Gallery School for being incredibly welcoming and tremendous educational assets in Pottstown.

Links to the PRPL and Gallery School are found on the homepage of this blog under the category Important Pottstown Sites on the right side of your screen.

It’s Spring: Nostalgia Night Car Shows Return To Pottstown

High Street will once again be packed with classic cars and people this Saturday night, May 7^th, when the Pottstown Classics Car Club holds its first car show of 2011.

The show will run from 5 pm to 9 pm and the theme for this month is “Help Us Salute Our Veterans”.  WPAZ will be broadcasting live, Rainbow the Clown will be on hand for the kiddies as well as food, music, prizes, drawings and merchandise for sale.

Admission is FREE to spectators.  There is a $10 registration fee for vehicles entered in the show.