MCCC’s Sustainability And Innovation Hub In Pottstown Earns Montgomery Award For Excellent Planning And Design

Montgomery County Community College received one of the Montgomery County Planning Commission’s Montgomery 2016 award for the planning and design of its Sustainability and Innovation Hub. From left: Jill Blumhardt, Montgomery County Planning Commission board member; Dulcie F. Flaharty, Vice Chair, Montgomery County Planning Commission, Dr. David DiMattio, Vice President of West Campus; Dr. Kevin Pollock, MCCC President; and Jaime Garrido, Associate Vice President for Facililties and Construction at MCCC.

Blue Bell/Pottstown, PA— The Montgomery County Planning Commission recently  presented Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) with a 2016 Montgomery Award for the planning and design of its Sustainability and Innovation Hub at 140 College Drive, Pottstown.

MCCC was one of five award recipients to receive this honor during a recent awards ceremony held at Theatre Horizon in Norristown. The other recipients are The Courts of Spring Mill Station, Whitemarsh Township; Narberth Place, Narberth Borough; Einstein Medical Center Montgomery, East Norriton Township; and Reliance Crossing, Souderton Borough. Additionally, Paul W. Meyer, the F. Otto Haas Executive of the Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania, received the 2016 Planning Advocate Award.

MCCC’s Hub not only has programs in sustainability and innovation, but the building and property are themselves models of these principles. During the course of six years, MCCC transformed the building, a former energy substation, and three-acre brownfield site into a state-of-the-art center for education, innovation and conservation.

“The building is a sustainable energy hub outside–with the wind turbines, green roof and impervious parking lot—and inside—with programs in aquaponics, hydroponics, robotics, engineering and software development,” said Vice President of West Campus Dr. David DiMattio. “The Hub also represents collaboration with the community, through partnerships with the Schuylkill River National and State Heritage area, Riverfront Park, Schuylkill River Trail and Pottstown Borough.”

The architect for the project was Murray Associates Architects of Harrisburg, and the engineering company was Bruce Brooks and Associates of Philadelphia.

Pottstown Borough transferred the property to MCCC in 2007. The rehabilitation was both part of Pottstown’s Redevelopment Plan, as outlined in its 2003 “Riverfront & Memorial Parks Master Plan,” and a way for MCCC to expand its West Campus.

Starting in 2010, MCCC developed the site in three extensive phases, concluding in 2016 with the opening of the Hub on April 18.

Phase I started with the installation of a 202-space parking lot. The innovative design uses bioretention and includes the planting of more than 130 native plants and trees. Through an EPA grant, MCCC installed energy-saving LED lighting.

Phase II included abatement and cleaning of mold, lead and asbestos from the building and involved preparing the building’s south side infrastructure for demolition and remediation. MCCC replaced the leaking roof with an eco-friendly green roof; added a new entrance, handicap-accessible ramp and energy efficient windows; and updated water and sewer services.

Between Phases II and III, MCCC installed four wind turbines on the property. The turbines produce a collective 4,000 watts of energy–enough to power the LED parking lot lighting. The turbines were designed as a demonstration project to teach students and the community about alternative energy production.

Phase III involved the construction of the Hub’s classrooms and innovation spaces in the building’s south side. The Schuylkill River National and State Heritage Area (SRHA) has its headquarters in the north side of the building since 2002, which also includes the River of Revolutions Interpretative Center for visitors.

The Hub’s first floor features an aquaponics and hydroponics teaching laboratory, which supports MCCC’s interdisciplinary Environmental Studies degree program, as well as future programs in the areas such as greenhouse technology, food production, horticulture and landscape design. Aquaponics and hydroponics involve growing fish and soil-less plants in a symbiotic system.

The Hub’s second floor features an Engineering Design Center, which supports MCCC’s Engineering Technology program and prepares graduates for careers in the advanced technology fields of instrumentation, communications and mechanical structures and systems. In this space, MCCC students, faculty and community businesses are working with robotics and 3D printing.

The Hub’s mezzanine floor is a flexible innovation space that can be used by the community, as well as for classes. MCCC holds its new Software Developer Academy in this area.

For more information about MCCC’s Sustainability and Innovation Hub, contact Dr. David DiMattio at ddmatti@mc3.edu or 610-819-2070.

MCCC Software Developer Academy Offers First Course In Pottstown

Pottstown, PA —Montgomery County Community College’s (MCCC) Software Developer Academy (SDA) will offer the first course in its new, part-time iOS Developer Program in Pottstown starting June 6.

The inaugural, seven-week course—iOS Application Development—will meet Mondays and Wednesdays from 6-10 p.m. at MCCC’s West Campus in the Sustainability and Innovation Hub, 140 College Drive, Pottstown. Optional, guided lab time will be available to students on Saturdays from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The course runs through July 28. To learn more, visit http://www.mc3.edu/sda.

Through a generous gift made to MCCC’s Foundation, students who are selected for admission into the inaugural course will receive full-tuition scholarship, valued up to $2,350. Supplemental hardware may also be provided based on need.

The iOS Developer Program is designed to prepare students to become entry-level mobile developers who are capable of creating applications for Apple devices such as the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch. In the first course students will learn to use the appropriate programming languages and tools necessary to work as professional iOS developers.

“Our goal is for students to learn the skills they need to work as developers. But, just as important, they’ll also learn how to be positive and contributing members of the technical community, which is critical for their career development,” explained Assistant Professor of Computer Science Jason Wertz, who is coordinating MCCC’s SDA.

According to Wertz, the program is ideal for existing developers who are looking to change careers or for programmers who are new to the industry. To be considered for admission, applicants should have at least one year, or equivalent, of programming experience in a modern object-oriented programming language like C# or Java. This prerequisite can be met through work experience or coursework. Prior knowledge of iOS is not required.

Prospective students must complete an online application, available at http://www.mc3.edu/sda, as well as an in-person or video chat interview. Admission decisions will be made within a week of the interview.

Future courses in the iOS Developer Program will include Advanced iOS Application Development; User Interface, User Experience and Accessibility Design; Development Methodologies; Career and Personal Development; and Developer Essentials.

To learn more, visit http://www.mc3.edu/sda or contact Jason Wertz at jwertz@mc3.edu.

Montgomery County Community College West End Student Theatre And Theatre Arts Program To Present ‘Fuddy Meers,’ A Comedy By David Lindsay-Abaire

West End Student Theatre students rehearse for the upcoming performance of David Lindsay-Abaire’s “Fuddy Meers” Nov. 12-14 in Montgomery County Community College’s South Hall Community room, West Campus, 101 College Drive, Pottstown. Photos by Diane VanDyke

Pottstown, PA — Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) West End Student Theatre and Theatre Arts program are proud to present “Fuddy Meers,” a comedy by Pulitzer prize-winning dramatist, David Lindsay-Abaire.  Show dates are Thursday, Friday & Saturday, November 12, 13 and 14 at 7 p.m., with a special afternoon performance Friday, Nov. 13 at 12:30 p.m.

All performances will be held in MCCC’s South Hall Community Room, West Campus, 101 College Drive, Pottstown. Tickets are $10 general admission and $5 for students and seniors. To purchase tickets, visit http://www.mc3.edu/livelyarts or call 215-641-6518. This production contains adult language and themes.

“Fuddy Meers” is an entertaining, funhouse mirrors-type comedy. In it, when Claire wakes up each morning, her loving husband patiently explains that she suffers from a form of psychogenic amnesia that erases her memory every night when she goes to sleep.  Life with a new blank slate every day seems to suit Claire just fine, but who is that limping man in the ski mask? Or his accomplice with the sock puppet? And why does he say her husband is trying to kill her?

“David Lindsay-Abaire’s play is wickedly fun, sometimes brutal, often quirky and ultimately sweet,” says director Tim Gallagher.

Directed by Gallagher, assisted by Carly Watson and stage managed by Morgan Carrasquillo, the cast includes Joe Donely, Michaela Santiago, Derek Peterson, Tess Devlin, Lexi Lyon, Erik Reyes, and Kayla Velasquez. The production is designed, produced and presented by the students of the West End Student Theatre (which includes Morgan Carrasquillo, Joe Donley, Shari MacNeill, Scott MacNeill, Tess Devlin, Zachary Clark, Christian Flint, Carly Watson, and Matt Giongo), under the guidance of Tim Gallagher and Christopher Kleckner.

Free parking is available. For directions, visit http://www.mc3.edu/about-us/directions-and-maps.

8th Annual Stop The Drugs Stop Violence Crusade Coming To Pottstown

On July 25th, Harris Family Ministries and Pottstown New Life Assembly of God will be holding the 8th Annual Stop the Drugs Stop the Violence Crusade in Pottstown.  The event runs from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm in Riverfront Park, Pottstown.  The park is located on College Drive across the street from Montgomery County Community College’s West Campus.  There will be free food and beverages.

The theme is Love Can Build a Bridge and the keynote speaker is Pastor Luis Sanchez of Casa de Oracion of Pottstown, PA.

If you would like more information of would like to make a donation of Hot dogs, Hamburgers, Rolls, soft drinks, water, snack packs or cash, contact the Rev. G. Harris at  610-764-4984.  All donations are tax deductible.

MCCC Wind Turbines Now Part Of Pottstown Landscape

Wind Ribbon: Pictured cutting the ribbon during Montgomery County Community College’s wind turbine dedication on April 21 are (from left) MCCC Trustees Andrew Cantor and Ed Mullin, MCCC Trustee Chairman Michael D’Aniello, Pottstown Borough Mayor Sharon Thomas, MCCC President Dr. Karen A. Stout, MCCC West Campus Vice President Dr. Steady Moono, Pottstown Borough Council President Stephen Toroney, and Pa. Representative Mark Painter. Photo by Sandi Yanisko

Pottstown, Pa—Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) cut a symbolic green ribbon on April 21 to dedicate four brand new wind turbines at its West Campus in Pottstown.

Pa. Rep. Mark Painter, Pottstown Borough Council President Stephen Toroney and Pottstown Mayor Sharon Thomas joined College President Dr. Karen A. Stout and members of MCCC’s Board of Trustees in cutting the ceremonial ribbon. 

The 25-foot vertical axis wind turbines were recently installed outside MCCC’s Schuylkill Riverfront Academic and Heritage Center at 140 College Drive, adjacent to Riverfront Park and the Schuylkill River. While the turbines won’t power major facilities on campus, the demo project will provide real-life teaching and learning opportunities for students and faculty.

Each wind turbine produces 1,000 watts of energy, for a combined 4,000 watts, enough energy to power the LED lighting in the Riverfront Academic and Heritage Center parking lot. The lightweight carbon fiber and fiberglass blades have a cut-in speed of 7.83 miles per hour, meaning that winds must be at least eight miles per hour to generate usable electricity.

While the turbines may look big in stature, they are quiet to operate. Each turbine produces about as much noise as a desktop computer—quieter than most air conditioning units. The turbines, which are similar to those found at Lincoln Financial Park in Philadelphia, are endorsed by the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, the National Audubon Society, and by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Wind Turbine Vertical: Four, 25-foot wind turbines now stand outside of Montgomery County Community College’s Schuylkill Riverfront Academic & Heritage Center. Photo by Sandi Yanisko

The new wind turbines are part of the College’s Guaranteed Energy Services Agreement with Siemens Industry Inc., which has enabled MCCC to implement a series of self-funding energy conservation projects. Collectively, these projects will result in 19 percent energy savings—and more than $6 million in cost savings—over the next 15 years.

Other conservation initiatives include converting several buildings from propane to natural gas; retrofitting lighting with energy-efficient units; weatherizing buildings; installing water-conservation commodes; improving heating and cooling units; upgrading building automation and energy management system; and incorporating renewable energy sources—like solar panels at MCCC’s Central Campus, and now wind turbines at MCCC’s West Campus in Pottstown.

To learn more about MCCC’s Sustainability Initiative, visit http://www.mc3green.wordpress.com.

Operation Backpack 5K, And 1 Mile Walk

The 5th Annual Operation Backpack 5K takes place on the Schuylkill River Trail, a flat, fast, and scenic rail-to-trail course in Pottstown, PA.

Cash Prize will be given to the top Male and Female Runner. Medals will be given by gender and age group. The course is fast, so it is not unusual to have many personal bests on race day. The event is a great race for competitive runners, and beginners, as well as walkers, both in the 5K and 1 mile. This year walkers will carry a backpack full of food across the finish line.

The event benefits Operation Backpack (or OBP for short). OBP provides food to students in the Pottstown Community whom would go without over the weekend. We work to help homeless and hungry students succeed by addressing the issue of childhood hunger.

Event schedule and times

WHEN? SATURDAY, May 10th @ 9:00am

WHERE? Riverfront Park, 140 College Dr. Pottstown, PA 19464

Registration:$25.00 Runner/ $20.00 Walkers

Check-infrom 8:00am – 8:55am

Register by May 2nd to get a FREE T-Shirt!!

Registration after May 2nd: $30.00 Runner/ $25.00 Walkers

2nd Annual Race to Shelter the Homeless – Riverfront Park Pottstown!

Wings of Victory Outreach Corp. Presents:

2nd Annual Race to Shelter the Homeless

Money raised will benefit our program for homeless women.

5K Run (3.1 miles) & 1 Mile Fun Walk

DATE:  Saturday, June 18, 2011 – 8:30 A.M.

Moms/Dads with Strollers Welcome

COST:  Minimum donation of $30 required

to receive a tee-shirt.

See details and print registration form at www.WingsofVictoryOutreach.org

Donations may also be made on line.