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

Berks County Resident Starts Nonprofit To “Pay It Forward” By Helping The Homeless And Underemployed With Job Training In The Food Industry

What do you do when you have worked your way out homelessness and turned your life around? You help others achieve the same goal, of course.  And if you are Julia Zion, you start Nom Prophets.

Nom Prophets was formed in November of this year and is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.  Nom Prophets has a 6-person Board of Directors who work with Julia towards this goal.

Julia wants to give back for all the help she received along the way.  Being homeless and lacking job skills is a vicious cycle.  Unless someone takes a chance on hiring you, many doors are closed.  Without a job, you cannot afford basic necessities like food and shelter.  Without a permanent residence, it is hard to get a job.

As Julia pointed out in our interview, there are jobs in the food industry and with some training and experience those jobs can be had.

This new venture is an extension of what Julia has been doing for the last several years serving meals to the poor/homeless and helping in shelters.  Julia’s ultimate goal is to expand on those kinds of services through the use of food in the general area of food and food services.  Pottstown residents may remember the meals at Washington Street Park, for example.

The short-range goal is to buy a food truck through fundraising.  It would either be new or a retrofitted truck, depending on the results of the fundraising.  Zion hopes they can get a food truck operational by the summer.

By going out and using the food truck she hopes to fund the nonprofit.  The food truck will also enable Nom Prophets serve the poor in parks, churches and or shelters.  Food trucks are certified and inspected kitchens which guarantee food safety and permit issues (in many cases).

There are several ways Nom Prophets is trying to raise money.  They are selling homemade salsa, which you can buy at iCreate Café, 130 King Street, Pottstown and Daniel’s Produce and Dairy at 219 High Street, Pottstown.  They also hope to have gift baskets available in the near future.

Nom Prophets is scouting other locations, in the Berks County area, to sell their salsa and gift baskets.  If your business or organization would like to stock these items, you can contact Nom Prophets.  They would be glad to work with you!

Having experienced homelessness herself, Julia feels people need compassion, stability and a self-esteem boost.  Being poor, disadvantaged and/or homeless is demoralizing.  The shelter system is temporary and there is no sense of stability.  This causes anxiety and low self-esteem.

Julia found a new sense of self-worth and happiness once she was gainfully employed and had her own place to live.  She wants to help others find their way out of homelessness and poverty so they can lead full, productive and happy lives.  After all, we are talking about human beings.  Human beings deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

The common misconception is that people in these circumstances do not want to work and are lazy.  The problem is without job skills, and in many cases experience, you are unemployable.  You cannot be self-supporting on minimum wage.  Without skills you cannot get a better paying job.

Another employment barrier is the cost of obtaining a Safe Serve certification.  Having this certification helps you land a job and command more money in the food industry.  However, it can cost several hundred dollars.

For many, this may not seem like much money.  But if you have no money, it might as well be a million dollars.  Nom Prophets wants to help people get this certification along with teaching them knife skills and giving them experience in a professional kitchen so they can apply for a get a job in the food industry that pays a living wage.

The long-range goal would be to eventually have a brick and mortar location with a professional kitchen, restaurant and housing for those in the program while they train.

You can contact Nom Prophets on Facebook if you would like to buy their products, sell their products, donate or see if there is any way you can help out by clicking https://www.facebook.com/NomProphets/

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

Pictures From The Pottstown Rumble, June 27, 2015

It was a soggy day but hundreds of volleyball players and spectators jammed into Memorial Park, Pottstown.  The weather tomorrow is supposed to be much better so hopefully it will be a brighter day and no rain!  This was the third day of the Rumble.  Saturday and Sunday are the two biggest days of competition.

Memorial Park as seen from King Street, Pottstown

Welcome to the Rumble!

Vegan Chef/Owner of iCreate Cafe, Ashraf Khalil and awesome helper Ashley.

iCreate Cafe, 130 King Street, Pottstown. Second year at the Rumble serving healthy food to athletes and spectators alike.

Food Vendor row

Field of Dreams

Food vendors

Center Court match

Sly Fox beer tent. Sly Fox beer is brewed in Pottstown at their facility of the Circle of Progress.

Inflatables

Hundreds of nets and players!

Tent city 🙂

iCreate Cafe – The People Chronicles

iCreate Cafe
Ashraf Khalil’s journey brought him, not just from Syria, but through a battle with cancer to wellness and a vegan lifestyle. He has his career and shares not just recipes but his technical skills.

iCreate Café Draws People To Pottstown With Healthy, Plant-Based Meals

Pottstown, PA – “Vegiterranean” might not be an official word in the dictionary but it’s the word iCreate Café owner Ashraf Khalil uses to describe his dishes that are a combination of vegetarian and Mediterranean food.

The café at 130 King St. may seem like just another building from the outside but once customers walk in, they are greeted with a variety of colors, comfortable couches and plenty of seating. The small café does a lot with a little including also being a computer training center. But in recent years, it’s been the vegetarian fare that keeps people coming back.

Khalil, or Ash as most customers know him, said Mediterranean fare uses a lot of legumes such as chickpeas, fava beans and lentils. As a native of Syria, he grew up on dishes that included more plant-based foods than meat. He said there were very little animal sources in meals, partly because it’s very expensive to buy overseas.

“That’s one of the reasons we love hummus. We grew up eating it back in Syria, not knowing it has all this protein but because it’s cheap and affordable,” he said during a recent cooking demonstration at the café.

Read more:

http://www.pottsmerc.com/lifestyle/20150323/icreate-cafxe9-draws-people-to-pottstown-with-healthy-plant-based-meals

Valentine’s Day At iCreate Cafe In Pottstown

This Saturday at 7:00pm
Originals with Michael Reddy
Make it a Special Valentine’s Day

For more information: http://www.icreatecafe.org   

Call for reservations (484) 312-0404

Support Locally Owned Small Business This Christmas

Looking for a great gift?  How about a gift certificate to Pottstown’s number 1 rated restaurant on Yelp and Trip Advisor!  Shopping small returns dividends to your community.  Buying from a big box chain does not help the local economy.  Buying from a locally owned business does!

Click here to purchase a great gift for the special people in your life: http://www.icreatecafe.org/?deeplink_referrer=ess#!product/prd1/1602198915/30%24-gift-card

Also, check out the new iCreate store on Facebook.  Click on SHOP to purchase computer classes, Arabic language classes, cooking classes and more. Click here for a direct link to the store: https://www.facebook.com/iCreateCafe/app_196248510415671

New logo

Healthy Eats Stir Pottstown’s Food Scene At iCreate Cafe

New logo

Until a few years ago, Ash Khalil ate meat.

Learning the health benefits of a nutrient-rich diet made of mostly plant-based foods inspired him to open the iCreate Cafe in Pottstown in 2012.

Those who visit the cafe often describe it to others as a mix of vegan, vegetarian and in some cases gluten-free menu musts, with strong Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences in many of the dishes.

Khalil is an eight-year survivor of kidney cancer and said not once did his doctors ever talk to him about the foods he ate and how they might have impacted his health situation.

See more at: http://readingeagle.com/money/article/healthy-eats-stir-pottstowns-food-scene-at-icreate-cafe#sthash.yi5Oznyg.dpuf

Live Music At iCreate Cafe On November 22nd

Pottstown Zoning Board Approves Variance For iCreate Cafe

Front row: Left, Peter Dolan, Esquire, Right, Ashraf Khalil

POTTSTOWN, PA – Wednesday evening the Pottstown Zoning Board heard testimony from iCreate Cafe owner, Ashraf Khalil, regarding his request for a zoning variance to operate a cafe and computer training center at 130 King Street, Pottstown. The neighborhood is zoned TTN or Traditional Town Neighborhood.  After receiving a violation notice from the Pottstown Codes Department in August, a hearing was originally scheduled for September 17th.  However, Mr. Khalil’s attorney, Peter Dolan, requested a continuance to adequately prepare his case. The hearing was rescheduled for October 15th.

A large group of supporters gathered in the 3rd floor council chambers to hear the evidence be presented. After Mr. Khalil’s sworn testimony and some clarification questions from the board, the meeting was opened to public comment. More than a dozen people were allowed to speak in favor of iCreate Cafe and Mr. Khalil.

After the public testimony, the board met in Executive Session.  After a short recess, the board returned to the council chamber and rendered their verdict for Mr. Khalil and iCreate Cafe by allowing the variance.

First of all, we thank the Pottstown Zoning Board for being open-minded and seeing the value of this niche market small business that draws customers from all over the Delaware Valley and beyond.   Based on the passionate testimony made during the public comments, it’s obvious this is a very special place.

Secondly, we feel now that Pottstown is getting serious about economic development and tourism (by developing a Tourism District and leveraging all the attractions that surround Memorial Park and the Western Gateway) having a highly rated locally owned restaurant within walking distance is a win-win.  If you want people to come to Pottstown and “spend the day” they will need to eat.  They are not going to want fast food or chain restaurants.  They are going to want something they cannot get at home.  iCreate Cafe is the total package when it comes to something you cannot get just anywhere.  From the unique decor to the vegan/vegetarian food with a Middle Eastern flair, it’s far from ordinary.  Add a chef/owner with the gift of hospitality and you have a winning trifecta.

This was a great victory for small business and for Pottstown.  If Pottstown could attract more unique restaurants like iCreate and some funky boutiques so people could do some shopping while they are visiting, you would have yourself a destination.

Congratulations to Ashraf Khalil and iCreate Cafe.  We wish you much success.

Website: http://www.icreatecafe.org/

iCreate Cafe Offering Discounts To MCCC West Campus And Hill School Students

MCCC WEST CAMPUS

 

 

 

THE HILL SCHOOL

 

Kids Dice Vegetables For Healthy Pizzas And Learn About Nutrition

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

POTTSTOWN — Kid chefs learned that a healthy twist on a traditionally baked dish was surprisingly tasty.

Children of the Oliviet Boys and Girls Club made no-bake pizzas with garden fresh vegetables last week at the Ricketts Community Center.

The youth cooking class is part of a summer nutritional program at the club.

Kristin Robinson, nutrition major at the University of Pittsburgh, is working alongside MOSAIC garden manager Laura Washington this summer to teach the kids about healthy eating.

Read more: http://www.pottsmerc.com/lifestyle/20140721/kids-dice-vegetables-for-healthy-pizzas-and-learn-about-nutrition

Eat Fresh At Saturday’s MOSAIC Community Garden Party In Pottstown

POTTSTOWN, PA — The local community garden will show how easy vegetable crops can go from the ground to the dining table.

The MOSAIC Land Trust is hosting a garden party at their new 615 Chestnut St. community garden on Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m.

The party will include music, resources on healthy living and fresh vegetables from the garden.

“We are going to do a healthy garden to grill event,” said Laura Washington, garden manager.

Read more: http://www.pottsmerc.com/lifestyle/20140716/eat-fresh-at-saturdays-community-garden-party-in-pottstown

UTILITIES SCRAMBLE TO RESTORE POWER IN PA., MD.

Editor’s note:  Ash, you’re a class act!

HARRISBURG, PA (AP) — Hundreds of thousands of people spent a second day without electricity Thursday as utility crews from as far away as Canada and Arkansas scrambled to restore power lost when ice took down trees and limbs in the mid-Atlantic. Forecasters said a bone-chilling cold would remain in place for days.

Nearly a half-million customers lacked power in Pennsylvania and Maryland. In Pennsylvania, where most of the outages were located, officials likened the scope of the damage to a hurricane. Some who might not get power back for several days sought warmth — or at least somewhere to recharge their batteries — in shopping malls, public libraries and hastily established shelters.

One cafe in downtown Pottstown gave about 15 free meals to people without power, encouraged them to plug in devices and even let a few get a warm shower.

“It’s just kind of giving back to the community — there’s no other purpose of this,” said iCreate Cafe owner Ashraf Khalil.

Read more: http://bigstory.ap.org/article/storm-leaves-hundreds-thousands-dark

iCreate Cafe Needs Your Help Raising Money For A Zoning Variance

Pottstown‘s most unique and healthy restaurant/computer training center needs our help or they will have to close their doors.  We certainly don’t want that!  To that end, please read below and if you want to keep this amazing cafe in Pottstown, click on the link provided and donate whatever you are comfortable contributing to the cause!  

Ash writes,

We NEED to raise money ASAP to pay for THE ZONING VARIANCE application to be able to stay in our location in the historical district of our beautiful Pottstown, and to keep providing services to our local customers and students.

 If we don’t apply for the zoning variance then we will have to CLOSE OUR DOORS.

Your contribution to our fundraising is truly appreciated.

Thank you 

To contribute, please click on this link: http://www.gofundme.com/Saving-iCreate-Cafe

iCreate Cafe To Host Baba Ghanooj Festival In Pottstown, November 12th & 13th

iCreate Cafe is located at 130 King Street, Pottstown.  You can check out their website at:

http://www.icreatecafe.org/ for more information.

Open Buffet At iCreate Cafe October 23rd

Mark this date in your calendar:  5 pm Wednesday 10/23

Come celebrate with Ash on his Birthday

Open Buffet Dinner for the first time in iCreate Cafe

15$ tickets – 5-8 pm 

Menu and Off-Menu items, deserts & drinks.. 

Reservation Only to minimize the waste .. 

Meet new Friends and enjoy the evening !! 

Website:  http://www.icreatecafe.org/

Thanks for supporting our cafe by sharing this special event ..

10th Carousel Of Flavor A Hit In Pottstown

Editor’s note:  Nice mention of iCreate Cafe in the article as a first time participant.  We enjoyed the Carousel of Flavor again this year. The carousel itself is looking great.  They are making excellent progress toward completing it.  A very large event that showcases Pottstown in a positive light.

POTTSTOWN, PA — In its 10th year, the Carousel of Flavor proved to be a hit again.

“Word’s getting out,” said the event’s chairman, Miles Feather.

A board member of the Pottstown Carousel, the long-term project to bring a carousel as an attraction for the borough, Feather said 20 restaurants took part in the event this year, three more than last year.

That included nine different new establishments from the year before to go along with some of the standbys, such as The Very Best and Grumpy’s.

Read more: http://www.pottsmerc.com/general-news/20130923/10th-carousel-of-flavor-a-hit