Dec. 11th – Pottsgrove By Candlelight Holiday Tour

news_finishing-touchesPottstown, PA – Revel in the spirit of the season at historic Pottsgrove Manor with the annual “Pottsgrove Manor by Candlelight” open-house on Sunday, December 11, 2016 from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and enjoy the beauty of the manor lit by candlelight and bedecked with greenery.

The public is invited to take a self-guided tour of the stately 1752 manor house, where costumed interpreters portray the colonial residents of Pottsgrove Manor. A walking tour guides visitors through the household of John Potts, his wife Ruth and their 13 children. In the formal parlor, an animated gathering is underway as 18th century “guests” socialize and enjoy the latest dances to the lively music of a harpsichord, flute and harp. The dining room displays an elegant dessert table filled with cakes and pastries, and a “glass pyramid” loaded with delectable seasonal treats – nuts, candied fruits, and colorful marzipan.

Cooks and servants bustle about the kitchen, busy concocting authentic dishes and cooking in its 8 foot wide fireplace, but not too busy to answer a passing question about methods or ingredients. Following passageways through the 17 room mansion, visitors continue to the 2nd and 3rd floors, to view the intimate chambers of a well-to-do colonial family, and learn about preparing for the holiday season.

After exploring the house, complimentary refreshments are available at the end of the tour, and young visitors will be able to create make-and-take free seasonal crafts as a souvenir of their visit. Guests will also want to visit Pottsgrove Manor’s museum shop for unique, historically-oriented gifts like locally-made redware pottery and ornaments, reproduction glassware, handcrafted candles and soaps, books, toys, games, and more.

Outside, in the manor’s courtyard, visitors will be able to enjoy historic carols sung by the Colonial Revelers singing group (performing from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm).

This is a free event! A donation of $2.00 per person is suggested. The tour will be held weather permitting. No reservations are needed. Visitors are asked to park at the Carousel at Pottstown (30 West King Street) or at Memorial Park (75 West King Street); a shuttle will transport visitors to and from Pottsgrove Manor throughout the event. Handicapped parking is available in the museum’s parking lot. The manor’s open house will also be featured as a stop on the Pottstown Historical House Tour that evening.

Can’t make it to the open house? Visitors can enjoy the spirit of the season at Pottsgrove Manor now through January 8, 2017 with a guided tour of the mansion, decorated for the holidays. Tours are offered during regular museum hours, and the museum shop will also be open for holiday shopping. Regular museum hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and Sunday from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Tours are given on the hour. The last tour of the day begins as 3:00 pm. Groups of 10 or more should preregister by calling 610-326-4014. The site is closed Mondays, as well as Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.

Pottsgrove Manor 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, Trails, and Historic Sites Division of the Assets and Infrastructure Department. For more information, please call 610-326-4014, or visit the website at
www.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor. Like Pottsgrove Manor on Facebook here
www.facebook.com/pottsgrovemanor.

Ashland Christmas Tree Returns After Two Years

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Schuylkill County

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Schuylkill County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

ASHLAND, PA — It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in downtown Ashland with the return of the borough tree during the weekend.

The tree was not placed for the past two holidays due to safety concerns after high wind caused two trees to fall — fortunately, without injuries.

The tree placement is sponsored by the Ashland Rotary Club.

The Christmas tree is a major part of the holiday décor of the downtown, joining the many lighted decorations and Christmas banners placed by the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Christmas tree project, along with the annual Santa Claus visit and parade, was a long-standing tradition of the Ashland Kiwanis Club. When the Kiwanis disbanded in 2007, the Rotary club picked up the tree and parade projects.

Read more: http://republicanherald.com/news/ashland-christmas-tree-returns-after-two-years-1.1792596

Green Lane Park Hosts “Holiday Craft Double-Feature” On Sunday, November 16, 2014

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Montgomery County

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Montgomery County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Green Lane, PA – Montgomery County’s Green Lane Park will host two holiday craft programs on Sunday November 16, 2014 at 10:00am and 1:00pm.

At 10:00am join the staff for a “Pine Cone Wreath” workshop. Wreaths will be pre-made by the staff,
but participants can create their own masterpiece by decorating with local nuts, pods, and seeds.

At 1:00pm join the staff for a “Holiday Centerpiece” workshop. Make a beautiful centerpiece for the
holiday table using local cones, nuts, and pods.

Both workshops are suitable for ages 12 to adult. There is an $8.00 materials fee per person per
workshop. If possible, please bring a hot-glue gun. If not, there are several loaners to borrow.
Preregistration is required. Please call 215-234-4528 to preregister. Participants are welcome to sign
up for one or both workshops.

For information, please contact Kevin Crilley, Environmental Educator, Region II, Montgomery County Department of Assets and Infrastructure, Division of Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites, at 215-234-4528 or via email atkcrilley@montcopa.org.

Green Lane Park is located at 2144 Snyder Road in Green Lane, PA 18054. Visit Green Lane Park
online at http://www.montcopa.org/greenlanepark.

Wilkes-Barre Announces Annual Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Luzerne County

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Luzerne County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

WILKES-BARRE, PA — The City of Wilkes-Barre has announced plans for this year’s annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony.

The city will kick off the holiday season on Nov. 22 with a full day of downtown events, concluding with the arrival of Santa in the annual parade, followed by the lighting of the Christmas tree on Public Square.

“The City of Wilkes-Barre’s Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting ceremony is the perfect way to bring the holiday season to life in downtown Wilkes-Barre,” Mayor Thomas M. Leighton said in a news release. “We are thrilled to offer many free family friendly activities for the young and young-at-heart to enjoy throughout the day.”

Festivities will begin at 11:30 a.m. with storytelling by Mrs. Claus at Barnes & Noble on South Main Street.

Read more: http://www.timesleader.com/news/local-news-news/50673067/

Twelfth Night Tours At Pottsgrove Manor

12th Night Tours 2_212x124_thumbFriday, November 28

Enjoy a guided tour of Pottsgrove Manor, decorated with greens and holly for the Yuletide season. Learn about traditional English celebrations of Twelfth Night and how they differed from our modern Christmas celebrations.

Date: November 28, 2014
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Time Details: Tours are offered during regular museum hours: Tue.Sat.: 10am-4pm; Sun.: 1pm-4pm. Tours begin on the hour; last tour of the day begins at 3pm. Closed Dec. 24, 25, 31, and Jan. 1.
Location: View Facility Pottsgrove Manor
Address: 100 West King St., Pottstown, PA 19464
Contact: 610-326-4014
Email: Email
Cost: $2 per person suggested donation

RadioShack Corp. To Close 1,100 Stores, Company Reports

English: A Radio Shack store in the Plaza Cara...

English: A Radio Shack store in the Plaza Caracol shopping center on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascensio in the city of Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

RadioShack Corp. said it plans to close up to 1,100 stores in the U.S. and reported a wider quarterly loss after a disappointing holiday season.

Its stock tumbled 24 percent in premarket trading today and was down 11 percent at 2.42 after opening on the New York Stock Exchange.

CEO Joseph Magnacca said in statement that the store closings would leave RadioShack with more than 4,000 U.S. stores, including more than 900 dealer franchise locations. The company didn’t immediately identify which stores will be closed or how many jobs would be affected.

There are several stores in the Lehigh Valley, including stores within a mile of each other in Palmer Township.

Read more: http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/breaking-news/index.ssf/2014/03/radioshack_to_close_1100_store.html

Enhanced by Zemanta

Macy’s Exits As Lead Sponsor Of Pittsburgh’s Holiday Parade

A map of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with its nei...

A map of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with its neighborhoods labeled. For use primarily in the list of Pittsburgh neighborhoods. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Department store operator Macy’s has pulled out as lead sponsor of Pittsburgh’s holiday parade kicking off the Christmas season, ending a 32-year relationship with the event.

The change was announced this morning by WPXI-TV, which said it is seeking a new sponsor to help support the event.

“We will do everything in our power to keep this parade alive, and we fully expect to,” said Ray Carter, vice president and general manager of the station, in a prepared statement.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/business/2014/02/27/Macy-s-exits-as-lead-sponsor-of-Pittsburgh-s-holiday-parade/stories/201402270254#ixzz2uYsJr8AQ

Enhanced by Zemanta

J.C. Penney Closing 33 Stores – 2 In Philadelphia Suburbs

English: JCPenney store at the Holiday Village...

English: JCPenney store at the Holiday Village Mall in Great Falls, Montana, taken March 4, 2007. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Struggling department-store operator J.C. Penney Co. announced it will cut 2,000 jobs and close 33 stores – including its stores in Exton and Burlington – as it tries to get back on the path to profitability.

The news raises concerns that Penney’s holiday season sales were not what the company hoped for and that the chain needs to do even more to recover from a turnaround plan that has had disastrous results.

J.C. Penney said earlier this month said it was pleased with its holiday results but declined to give sales figures, raising worries among Wall Street analysts about how the season actually fared.

Penney has 116,000 staffers and operates more than 1,100 stores.

Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/business/20140116_Penney_closing_33_stores_-_2_in_Phila__suburbs.html#uJtvJ5BOgUjA4UKO.99

Enhanced by Zemanta

Macy’s To Cut 2,500 Jobs, Close Stores

Macy's logo

Macy’s logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Macy’s Inc. is cutting 2,500 jobs as part of a reorganization to sustain its profitability.

The announcement comes on the heels of a strong holiday shopping season for the department store chain.

Macy’s said Wednesday that it will reassign or transfer some workers and add some positions, leaving its workforce level at about 175,000.

The Cincinnati-based company plans to close five stores and open eight others, leaving it with 844 stores nationwide once the changes are complete.

Read more: http://www.inyork.com/community/ci_24868130/macys-cut-2-500-jobs?source=rss

Enhanced by Zemanta

Just Born Taps Into Christmas Candy Market

Pink Marshmallow Peeps

Pink Marshmallow Peeps (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When people hear Peeps, they generally think of Easter.

Matthew Pye, Just Born’s vice president of corporate affairs, said that’s why large retailers mostly carry the marshmallow treats through the early spring.

But with a candy gold mine in the winter holiday season sitting untapped after 60 years in business, the Bethlehem-based company has made a media push this year to make Peeps a Christmas treat, too.

Pye said the “Santa Hop” campaign has put a large focus on social media and commercial airtime since Nov. 25. One of Just Born’s newest additions, candy cane-flavored marshmallow chicks dipped in chocolate, has taken center stage in the campaign, he said.

Read more: http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/bethlehem/index.ssf/2013/12/just_born_taps_into_christmas.htmlhttp://www.lehighvalleylive.com/bethlehem/index.ssf/2013/12/just_born_taps_into_christmas.html

Target Still Feeling Effect Of Security Breach

English: Logo of Target, US-based retail chain

English: Logo of Target, US-based retail chain (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Target Corp., the nation’s second-largest discount chain, continued to reel from its disclosure last week of a huge data breach that compromised 40 million credit- or debit-card accounts during the holiday season.

Shoppers posted comments last weekend on Target’s Facebook page saying the retailer needed to reissue its REDcard credit and debit cards. There were also mentions of long waits for customer service.

Craig Johnson, president of the retail consultancy Customer Growth Partners, said Monday that REDcard usage fell over the weekend and more Target shoppers bought with cash. Saturday, he noted, was a “terrific” sales day generally, although Target transactions declined slightly.

Target offered a 10 percent discount to placate angry customers Saturday and Sunday, hoping to salvage the busy weekend.

Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/business/consumer_news/20131224_Target_still_feeling_effect_of_security_breach.html#LJ8lKkvwhgbFzz5i.99

Pennsylvania Sales Tax Solution Sought

Traditional merchants are suffering a 6 percent disadvantage over their Internet-only competitors this holiday season.

Though the Supreme Court recently affirmed the right of states to tax online purchases made by state residents, it really didn’t help small-business owners.

Online appliance sellers routinely boast they sell appliances free of sales tax and often offer free delivery on big-ticket items despite a requirement that Internet merchants collect the 6 percent sales tax on anything they sell for use in Pennsylvania, said Brian Sutton, part owner of Maidencreek TV & Appliance in Maidencreek Township.

“They do it all the time,” Sutton said. “We’ve been dealing with this for years.”

Read more: http://readingeagle.com/article/20131216/NEWS/312169981#.Uq8i_vRDsxI

Strong ‘Turnout’ Expected For Cyber Monday

As interest in Black Friday shopping wanes among consumers, Cyber Monday is still expected to attract holiday deal hunters.

If Black Friday was too busy or too cold, shopping from home is a option being embraced by more people every year.

Anthony Liuzzo, Ph.D., professor of business and economics at Wilkes University, said even while holiday shopping tends to be blending together and retailers and e-tailers try to capture shoppers earlier, Cyber Monday will continue as a event – albeit a virtual one.

“Cyber Monday will hold up,” he said. “When people get back the office on Monday and get to their computers, they will be shopping.”

Read more: http://citizensvoice.com/news/strong-turnout-expected-for-cyber-monday-1.1593893

11/30/13 SunnyBrook Christmas Ball

Enjoy an elegant evening out listening to the Sounds of the SunnyBrook Dance Band playing American Holiday Standards and more.  *Nice evening attire – no jeans.

Tickets are $20.00

To purchase tickets, click here: http://shop.thesunnybrookballroom.net/11-30-13-SunnyBrook-Christmas-Ball-Christmas-Ball.htm

Historic Pottstown Holiday House Tour

DATE: DECEMBER 8, 2013
TIME: 2PM to 7Pm
COST: $13.00 per person

(start at The Elks Club for Tea)

CARRIAGE RIDES ALONG HIGH STREET: $5 each

FOR TICKETS CONTACT:
Parks & Rec at 610-970-6618
Sheila Dugan (PDIDA) 610-323-5400 / 484-948-6061 or sheiladugan@comcast.net

Amazon To Hire 70,000 Seasonal Workers

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Lehigh County

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Lehigh County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Amazon.com Inc said it expects to hire more than 70,000 full-time seasonal employees across its order fulfillment centers in the United States, a 40 percent increase from last year.

Amazon operates a fulfillment center in Upper Macungie Township.  That warehouse had about 2,000 Amazon employees last year, making it the Lehigh Valley‘s ninth-largest employer.

Amazon, which has about 88,400 employees, said it has converted more than 7,000 temporary employees in the United States into full-time employees so far this year.

Read more: http://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-amazon-hire-seasonal-workers-20131001,0,3597728.story#ixzz2gVPZBw86 
Follow us: @mcall on Twitter | mcall.lv on Facebook

The Secret Studio Returns To ArtFusion 19464 For A Third Year

GetAttachment 19464POTTSTOWN, PA – Looking for a way to make holiday gift shopping easier for your children?  Then be sure to check out VanGogh’s Secret Studio, a fun opportunity for kids 12 and under to shop for special gifts for family and friends.  The studio is fully stocked with goodies for everyone on their lists, from relatives to teachers and coaches.

All items are handcrafted and range in price from $1 to $5.  The Workshop will be open Saturday, December 15 from 10am to 3pm and Sunday, December 16 from 12-3pm at the ArtFusion building, 254 E. High St.

ArtFusion recommends children come with a list and a budget.  Parents can download a simple form from the ArtFusion website: www.artfusion19464.org.  The ArtFusion elves will help the children select gifts and stay within their budget.  Shoppers will even get their gifts wrapped for free! Parents must remain in the gallery while their children shop.  The Studio is a fundraiser for the non-profit ArtFusion 19464.

ArtFusion 19464 is a 501(c)3 non-profit community art center located at 254 E. High St. in downtown Pottstown.  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.  ArtFusion’s gallery hosts rotating shows featuring local artists.  The gallery also sells handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gift items.  The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 10am-5pm and Saturday 10am-3pm.  The gallery is closed Sunday and Monday.

Reading/Berks Businesses Participate In Small Business Saturday

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Berks County

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Berks County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Right on the tail of Black Friday, as consumers shake off their turkey slumber to start their Christmas shopping, is Small Business Saturday.

American Express began the effort in 2010 and its website boasts that more than 100 million people came out to support independently owned businesses last year.

Today’s event has several area retailers celebrating by bringing consumers extended hours, discounts, special events and the like, to encourage holiday shopping at small businesses.

Brad Eastman, owner of home specialty shop E.I. Home, 4453 Penn Ave., Sinking Spring, said he was overwhelmed by the amount of people who came out for the event last year.

Read more:  http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=430955