Mark Your Calendar For Another Spectacular Pottstown ArtsWalk – A Free Event – Saturday, May 6, 2017!

Pottstown, PA —“We have always recognized and embraced what the arts and collaboration can do for a community”, said Erika Hornburg-Cooper, ArtFusion19464. Join us for a day of discovery on Saturday, May 6, 2017 from 12 pm to 9 pm. Arts and culture organizations, local businesses and restaurants are teaming up to bring you an amazing day of fun, food and entertainment.

“The Pottstown Downtown Improvement District Authority (PDIDA) is excited to be a part in this venture. It has been very exciting to see our downtown community pull together with our arts and cultural organizations to create this amazing event,” states Sheila Dugan, PDIDA.

Viewing the art in a kind of “pub crawl” format adds to the fun and energetic quality of this event. Family-friendly activities are being planned. Nearly 20 downtown business will be open to showcase original artwork displays and live musical entertainment.

“It all starts with the arts!” said Lauren Pierson-Swanson, Steel River Playhouse. “To know Pottstown is to love it. The people behind the businesses and attractions on and around High Street are smart, driven and dedicated to this beautiful historic town. Art has always been a catalyst in the rejuvenation of American communities and is the focus of Pottstown ArtsWalk.”

While this event is free, we ask that you pre-register for your free ticket. Each is valid for one person to join the Pottstown ArtsWalk on Saturday, May 6, 2017, and you can order as many as you need. Visit http://www.artfusion19464.org/artwalk.

Get a taste for all the activities, food and arts presentations. Here is a list of venues joining us Saturday, May 6th to showcase Pottstown and all that our community has to offer:

@107, 107 E. High St. and Advantage Insurance
ArtFusion 19464, 254 E. High St.
Ballroom on High, 310 E. High St.
Beverly’s Pastry Shop, 322 E. High St.
Connections on High, 238 E. High St.
Grumpy’s Handcarved Sandwiches, 137 E. High St.
High Street Music, 135 E. High St.
iCreate Cafe, 130 King St.
Juan Carlos Fine Mexican Cuisine, 235 E. High St.
Lily’s Grill, 115 E. High St.
MCCC North Hall Gallery, 16 E. High St.
Memory Madness Photo Studio, 16 N. York St.
MOSIAC Community Land Trust, 10 S. Hanover St.
Potts & Penn Family Diner, 80 E. High St.
Smith Family Plaza, 100 E. High St.
Steel River Playhouse, 245 E. High St.
The Carousel at Pottstown, 30 W. King St.
The Hill School Center for the Performing Arts, 780 Beech St.
Weitzenkorn’s, 145 E. High St.

To get the latest update on locations and activities, visit http://www.artfusion19464.org/artwalk and don’t forget to pre-register for Pottstown ArtsWalk!

Pottstown ArtsWalk is brought to you in partnership through
ArtFusion19464, Steel River Playhouse, @107, Proudly Pottstown and Advantage Insurance Group.

Reggae Night At The Other Farm Features RED-I, Firefly Cafe

RED-I

Boyertown, PA —The Other Farm Brewing Company, located at 128 E. Philadelphia Ave. in Boyertown, will host its monthly Reggae Night on Thursday, Jan. 26. The event will feature food from Firefly Cafe and music from local reggae band RED-I. Admission is $5. Doors open at 7 p.m., with music and food service beginning at 8 p.m. For information, visit fireflycafeboyertown.com or call the cafe at 484-415-5066.

Boyertown’s own Firefly Cafe will offer vegan, Caribbean-inspired street food for purchase during the event. Music will be provided by RED-I, a Boyertown-based reggae band fronted by Firefly Cafe co-owner Michael Arcangel on guitar and vocals. Other members include Stephen Kurtz on bass, Paul Jameson on guitar, Kyle Seivard on keyboard, Jordan Lambert on percussion and Tim Leslie on drums.

This is the fourth collaboration between The Other Farm, Firefly Cafe and RED-I. Future Reggae Nights will be scheduled monthly.

Located in the heart of Boyertown, Firefly Cafe is a vegan restaurant that offers organic, gluten-free and locally sourced food options. For cafe hours, menus and catering info, visit fireflycafeboyertown.com or join the cafe on Facebook, http://www,facebook.com/fireflycafeboyertown]facebook.com/fireflycafeboyertown; Twitter, @fireflycafeveg; or Instagram, @fireflycafeboyertown.

Boyertown’s Firefly Cafe Goes Fully Vegan, Plans For Expansion

Firefly Interior: Fire Cafe offers diners a cozy and relaxed atmosphere in downtown Boyertown.

Firefly Sign: Firefly Cafe is located at 12 N. Reading Ave., Boyertown.

Vegan Pulled Pork: Firefly Cafe’s vegan pulled pork sandwich is a customer favorite.

Boyertown, PA — Firefly Cafe, located at 12 N. Reading Ave. in Boyertown, ushered in the new year with a fully vegan menu, replacing its dairy cheeses with plant-based alternatives. 

“This is something we always hoped to do,” explained Loriann Wade, who owns and operates Firefly Cafe with her husband Michael Martinez. “Since opening, we slowly started to remove dairy items from the menu with positive feedback from our customers.” 

The announcement drew high praise and support from Firefly’s Facebook community.

“The improved quality of vegan cheeses and our customers’ responses to those cheeses has made the transition from vegetarian to vegan pretty seamless,” said Wade.

Going vegan is only the first of several big changes in store for Firefly Cafe in 2017. Later this month, the cafe will introduce a grab and go section, featuring items such as vegan chicken and egg salad sandwiches, vegan sides like potato and quinoa salads and house-made vegan dressings.

Then, in fall 2017, Wade and Martinez have plans to open a vegan general store adjacent to the cafe. Here, customers will be able to purchase prepared grab and go items, specialty and hard to find vegan products, natural bath and body products and even holistic dog treats.

“Our expansion plans have drawn a positive response. There’s a huge need for this type of vegan outpost in the area,” said Wade.

To compliment the cafe and general store, Wade and Martinez look to expand Firefly’s catering services and introduce vegan cooking classes. Firefly will also continue to host vegan pop-up cafes throughout the region—like the Caribbean-inspired vegan fare the cafe offers during monthly Reggae Nights at The Other Farm Brewing Company.

Located in the heart of Boyertown, Firefly Cafe is a vegan restaurant that offers organic, gluten-free and locally sourced food options. For cafe hours, menus and catering info, visit fireflycafeboyertown.com or join the cafe on Facebook, http://www,facebook.com/fireflycafeboyertown]facebook.com/fireflycafeboyertown; Twitter, @fireflycafeveg; or Instagram, @fireflycafeboyertown. 

Mark Your Calendar For Pottstown ArtsWalk – A Free Event – Saturday, January 7, 2017!

POTTSTOWN, PA  –  “We have always recognized and embraced what the arts and collaboration can do for a community”, said Erika Hornburg-Cooper, ArtFusion19464. Join us for a day of discovery on Saturday, January 7, 2017. Arts and culture organizations, local businesses and restaurants are teaming up to bring you an amazing day of fun, food and entertainment. “The Pottstown Downtown Improvement District Authority (PDIDA) is excited to be a part in this venture. It has been very exciting to see our downtown community pull together with our arts and cultural organizations to create this amazing event,” states Sheila Dugan, PDIDA.

Viewing the art in a kind of “pub crawl” format adds to the fun and energetic quality of this event. Family-friendly activities are scheduled from 2 to 4 pm and from 4 to 8 pm more great activities designed for adults. Nearly 20 downtown business will be open to showcase original artwork displays and live musical entertainment.

 

“It all starts with the arts!” said Lauren Pierson-Swanson, Steel River Playhouse. “To know Pottstown is to love it. The people behind the businesses and attractions on and around High Street are smart, driven and dedicated to this beautiful historic town. Art has always been a catalyst in the rejuvenation of American communities and is the focus of Pottstown ArtsWalk.”

While this event is free, we ask that you pre-register for your free ticket. Each is valid for one person to join the Pottstown ArtsWalk on Saturday, January 7, 2017, and you can order as many as you need. Visit www.artfusion19464.org/artwalk.

Get a taste for all the activities, food and arts presentations. Here is a list of venues and artists joining us Saturday, January 7th to showcase Pottstown and all that the our community has to offer:

@107, 107 E. High St. and Advantage Insurance – music by Cordilla Arcay and Matt Asti and original artwork display from John Quinn; light refreshments; wine tasting

ArtFusion 19464, 254 E. High St. – local artists’ collections, an interactive art experience, and soup bowl glazing fundraiser

Ballroom on High, 310 E. High St. – free dance lesson and live band dance with Temple Avenue; refreshments

Beverly’s Pastry Shop, 322 E. High St. – discounts on sweet treats

Connections on High, 238 E. High St. – custom portrait making and local artists’ displays; hot holiday beverages

Grumpy’s Handcarved Sandwiches, 137 E. High St.– Pottstown HS Culinary Arts students will be making/serving complimentary hors d’oeuvres; discounts on food/meal during the ArtsWalk

High Street Music, 135 E. High St. – original artwork display by Pottstown HS students and the Craig Clemens Jazz Trio

iCreate Cafe, 130 King St. – discounts on food/meal during the ArtsWalk

Juan Carlos Fine Mexican Cuisine, 235 E. High St. – discounts on food/meal during the ArtsWalk

Lily’s Grill, 115 E. High St. – discounts on food/meal during the ArtsWalk

MCCC North Hall Gallery, 16 E. High St. – staged reading of A Bright Room Called Day by Tony Kushner

Memory Madness Photo Studio, 16 N. York St. – open house

MOSIAC Community Land Trust, 10 S. Hanover St. – painting Schuylkill River rocks for placement in gardens around town

Potts & Penn Family Diner, 80 E. High St. – discounts on food/meal during the ArtsWalk

Smith Family Plaza, 100 E. High St. – view sculptures by Eric Berg

Steel River Playhouse, 245 E. High St. – hand-made theatrical costume display by Ally Boughter; artwork by Thomas Poplawski

The Carousel at Pottstown, 30 W. King St. – meet artists of the all-volunteer organization and hear presentations on the project’s history

The Hill School Center for the Performing Arts, 780 Beech St. – paper lantern art activity and backstage tours

Weitzenkorn’s, 145 E. High St. – view works by our families fifth generation, light refreshments

To get the latest update on locations and activities, visit artfusion19464.org or www.steelriver.org. Don’t forget to pre-register for Pottstown ArtsWalk! Visit www.artfusion19464.org/artwalk.

Pottstown ArtsWalk is brought to you in partnership through ArtFusion19464, Steel River Playhouse, @107, Proudly Pottstown and Advantage Insurance Group.

P.S. A great ending to a great day with lots of laughs! The N Crowd Improv Group from Philly will be at Steel River Playhouse for an 8 pm show! Tickets available at www.steelriver.org

Western Montgomery Career & Technology Center Community Night Dinner Buffet

Annual Meals On Wheels Fundraising Event Featuring The Fabulous Greaseband

 

Boyertown Area Multi-Service Holiday Bazaar

34th Annual Dinner -The Northeast Chapter Pennsylvania Sports Hall Of Fame Set For October

The 34th annual dinner of the Northeast Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame will be held on Sunday, October 2nd in the DeNaples Center of the University of Scranton, 800 Mulberry Street.  Cocktail hour begins at 4:45 PM with dinner at 6:00 PM.

This year the Northeast Chapter will induct 10 local athletes.  Tickets are $40.00 per person, $25.00 for children 10 years and up, and may be obtained by contacting Bob Walsh (570.346.2228) or Alice Foley (570.346.5796)

Pottstown Puts Best Foot Forward With Another Spectacular ‘Carousel of Flavor’ Food Festival

Thousands flocked to High Street in downtown Pottstown today for the 13th Annual Carousel of Flavor. This event is the primary fundraiser for the Carousel at Pottstown and one of the largest events hosted in the borough.  It turned out to be a beautiful day after some rain overnight and early this morning seemed menacing.

The trolley was carrying people from the festival site to the carousel building on regular intervals.  When I went, the trolley was full.  I noticed many folks taking advantage of the free ride.

The carousel is hopefully going to be up and running by the end of October.  This has been a decade long project that has finally reached completion.  We congratulate the Carousel committee and everyone involved for making this project a reality!

Here is a link to the entire album of photos from today https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154164324778192.1073741827.135214378191&type=1&l=7c017ae9ca 

Wings Of Victory Outreach 3rd Annual Dinner & Jazz To Support The Homeless

Firefly Cafe Opens In Boyertown

Photo by Ashraf Khalil

Photo by Ashraf Khalil

Photo by Firefly Cafe

The Firefly Cafe has opened in Boyertown offering vegetarian/vegan breakfast and lunch options.

The cafe, owned by Michael and Loriann, uses the best locally sourced ingredients to prepare their delicious and healthy food.  So far, the reviews are very positive from folks around the area.

The hours of operations are:

Tuesday through Friday 8 a.m. ’til 2 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. ’til 4 p.m.

Closed Monday

Phone: 484-415-5066

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/fireflycafeboyertown/

Website: http://fireflycafeboyertown.com/index.php

Their menu is found on the website so you can peruse their selections.

We hope you get the opportunity to check them out and support a local business who uses locally sourced ingredients!  We hope they succeed!

REBECCA’S DUMPLINGS WILL HOST CHINESE NEW YEAR LUNCHEON TO BENEFIT THE CHESTER COUNTY FOOD BANK

West Chester, PA – Rebecca Li Jordan, the chef behind a new taste sensation sweeping the region, will share her mouthwatering dumplings and other traditional dishes at a Chinese New Year luncheon on Saturday, February 6th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Artisan Exchange in West Chester. Costs range from $7.50 to $20 and proceeds will benefit the Chester County Food Bank. Guests may enjoy lunch on site or take home one or more servings. Registration is not required and walk-ins are welcome.

Jordan, who launched Rebecca’s Dumplings last year, has experienced early acclaim from numerous audiences, including the Food Network. She was born in Nanjing in Eastern China. A family tradition was making dumplings, which took an entire weekend. “We went to the market early in the morning to purchase fresh ingredients and then spent all day Saturday preparing hundreds of pork and vegetable dumplings,” she reminisces. “Everything was made by hand. My job was to flatten the dough.”

Years later, Jordan delighted her husband Jim and two children, Rachael and James with the delicious dumplings. “We used to go on dumpling hunts seeking the best tasting products and quickly discovered that mine were better than anything offered in China Town. For years, I made them for friends and family and decided that it was time to let the world have a taste.”

Early success of the budding business proves she is right. The Chinese New Year Luncheon will introduce even more people to Rebecca’s Dumplings. The products are: Original Pork, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free Pork, Gluten-Free Vegetarian, Breakfast and Cheese Steak. The celebration of the Year of the Monkey menu will also include other family favorites including Chinese ribs, Rebecca’s Dumpling Soup, gluten-free Chinese noodles and various fresh vegetable dishes.

Rebecca’s Dumplings are created by hand at the Artisan Exchange commercial kitchen at 208 Carter Drive in West Chester. To keep up with demand, staff has grown from one to four in just a few months. For more details on products or the Chinese Year New Year Luncheon, visit http://www.rebeccasdumplings.com, Facebook or call 610.570.6487.

Rebecca’s Dumpling Soup – Serves Four

Ingredients

3 Cups pre-cooked beef, pork or chicken stock

½ Shitake mushroom, sliced

1 Cup fresh spinach (You can add more if you prefer.)

8 pieces of Rebecca’s Dumplings of your flavor choice

½ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

Combine the three cups soup stock and three cups water. Heat to a temperature of 180 degrees. Add the mushrooms and cook for two minutes. Stir in the spinach and Rebecca’s Dumplings. Cook for one minute. Add the salt. Turn off the stove. Cool the soup briefly and serve.

More Unique Holiday Gift Ideas

If you are looking for something unique, check out Nom Prophets: Helping people through food.  Nom Prophets is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to helping people in need through food. They provide meals, job training and self confidence.

This company is based in Kutztown, Berks County and sells food products you can use for gifts.  With Christmas just 13 days away, we thought you might enjoy something inexpensive and unique for those special people in your life.

Nom Prophets: Helping people through food will be selling their Red Hot Cayenne Pepper sauce at iCreate Cafe, in Pottstown (130 King Street) AND Daniel’s Produce in Pottstown (219 E. High Street). It’s $7 per 16 ounce jar and all the proceeds go towards the non profit. Owner Ashraf Khalil has generously donated shelf space.   They will be stocking a second flavor, Tangy Tomatillo, after next Friday.

I don’t know about you, but I have people in my life who LOVE, LOVE, LOVE hot sauce!  We are buying some!  Buy local and help others.  What could be better!!

The Holiday Spirit Comes To iCreate Cafe, Pottstown

Exterior, iCreate Cafe

With the Holiday Season upon us, many folks are busy preparing for Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanza. If you live in the Tri-County area or are adventurous and don’t mind making a trip, iCreate Cafe, located at 130 King Street, in historic Pottstown, is open to serve your holiday needs.

Whether you need a break from shopping and want a healthy meal alternative; if you are looking for a great gift to give the people you care most about or if you are looking for a place to gather with friends to celebrate the season, iCreate Cafe can fill all your needs.

Gift certificates are available and you select the amount.  Nothing says, “I love you” like the gift of great food!  Take the worry out of your holiday shopping!

iCreate Cafe, Vegan Heaven

If you are looking for a unique space to gather with friends, look no further.  The spa-like atmosphere and amazing vegan cuisine are a winning combination.  The food is filling as well as healthy.  The prices are reasonable and the portions are generous.  The new iMenu 5 food menu has been expanded, the drink menu has been expanded and more dessert options are available to please the most discriminating palate.

The owner and vegan chef, Ashraf Khalil (you can call him Ash) has created one of the most unique dining experiences in the Philadelphia region. The food is made from scratch, made with love and beautifully presented.  A feast for the eye as well as the mouth!

The cafe, located at 130 King Street in Pottstown, is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11:00 am until 7:00 pm.  Friday and Saturday the cafe is open from 11:00 am until 9:00 pm.  You can view the menu online at http://www.icreatecafe.com.  You can also check out reviews of the cafe on Yelp, Trip Advisor and Happy Cow.  If you want to inquire about gift certificates or make reservations you may call the cafe at (484) 312-0404 during business hours.

Interior Shots

Food Montage

Falafel wrap

Olive Salad

Veggie Panini, Baba Ghanooj

Juicing

Ashraf Khalil

Reviews

PENNSYLVANIA SINFONIA ORCHESTRA Presents: Not-Just-Art Auction

Friday, Oct. 23, 2015
Brookside Country Club
901 Willow Lane
Macungie, PA 18062

ALL ARE WELCOME.
Collectible pieces by Gallucci, Monk, Maniscalco & more.
Lots of affordable treasures.

7 PM Art Preview & Reception
Pasta Station, Butlered Hors D’oeuvres, Soft Drinks, Cash Bar
8 PM Silent Auction begins
Following, Dessert and Coffee

Music by Maplewood Trio
Kristin Erle, violin ~ Victoria Reichelderfer, viola ~ Mardochee Dade, cello

Catherine Keys, Auctioneer • TOM HALL AUCTIONS

Tickets $45 (610-434-7811)
Click here to order tickets online
Reservations recommended

West Chester Restaurant Festival, Sunday, September 20th

Carousel Of Flavor Returning To Pottstown, September 13th

33rd Annual Dinner Northeast Chapter Of The Pennsylvania Sports Hall Of Fame

The 33rd annual dinner of the Northeast Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame will be held on Sunday, October 4th in the DeNaples Center of the University of Scranton, 800 Mulberry Street beginning at 5:00 pm.  This year the Northeast Chapter will induct 10 local athletes.

Tickets are $40.00 per person and $25.00 for children 10 years and up, and may be obtained by contacting Bob Walsh (570) 346-2228 or Alice Foley (570) 346-5796.

The Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization.

Carosel Of Flavor Returns To High Street, September 13th

The New York Times Spends 36 Hours in Pittsburgh

Beyond Pittsburgh’s pretty downtown, transformation and momentum reign, with former industrial areas giving way to restaurants, shops and art venues.

Click here to watch the just under 6 minute video.