TriCounty Community Network Names Two New Board Members

Karen Higgins of A & E Communications and Tom Thunstrom of Penn Liberty Bank Join Board

Pottstown, Pa. (July 12, 2012) – TriCounty Community Network(TCN), a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health, social and environmental conditions in Western Montgomery, Northern Chester and Eastern Berks counties in Pennsylvania, today announced that Karen Higgins, president of A & E Communications, Inc. and Tom Thunstrom, assistant vice president and branch manager of Penn Liberty Bank in Limerick join its board of directors.

“TCN continues to grow both in members and in the programs we are offering the community,” said Jen Doyle, executive director for TCN.  “Karen and Tom have both the business and nonprofit experience to help us continue this upward momentum helping individuals and organizations in our area collaborate to support the needs of the tri-county community.”

Karen Higgins

Mrs. Higgins founded A & E Communications, Inc., a marketing communications firm in 2003.  She works with small and mid-sized organizations helping them to build market awareness and credibility.  Previously, she was vice president of PR at TMP Worldwide, where she provided public relations services to a wide range of clients for 10 years.

Currently, Mrs. Higgins is immediate past president of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) where she has held numerous board positions and is the recipient of the 2006 President’s Award, 2009 Board Member of the Year Award and 2010 Special President’s Award.  She is also Marketing Committee chair for the United Way Southeastern Pennsylvania’s Women’s Initiative Leadership Committee and serves on the Marketing & Membership Committee for TCN.  Mrs. Higgins is a graduate of Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, Pa.

Tom Thunstrom

Mr. Thunstrom has nearly nine years of bank management experience, spending three years with a regional bank in Minneapolis before relocating to Montgomery County to join PNC Bank in early 2001.  After several years with PNC, he joined financial education nonprofit Operation HOPE in 2005.  During his time running Philadelphia’s Operation HOPE office, Mr. Thunstrom oversaw year-over-year increases in services provided, an annual increase in dollars raised, and helped to expand financial education programs to numerous schools and community organizations throughout the Delaware and Lehigh Valleys.

Mr. Thunstrom joined Penn Liberty in March of 2011 and is responsible for community and business outreach in Upper Montgomery and Chester Counties, as well as managing the Limerick branch.  He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota and has served two years as president of Pennsylvania’s Jump$tart financial education coalition and is presently on the board of directors for Royersford Public Library, the Spring-Ford Chamber of Commerce, and is also chairman of the Park and Recreation Commission in Upper Providence Township (Montgomery County), where he resides.

About TriCounty Community Network                 

TCN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, membership-based organization that partners with nonprofits, businesses and community members to improve health, social and environmental conditions.  Serving Western Montgomery, Northern Chester and Eastern Berks counties in Pennsylvania, TCN offers seven key programs: Build Up Youth, C.A.R.E. (Caring in Alternative Residential Environments), Environmental Awareness, Family Literacy, Homeless Services, S.A.F.E. (Supporting Abuse Free Environments), and Workforce Development.  For more information on TCN, visitwww.tcnetwork.org.

TriCounty Community Network Holds Community Awareness Event:

WHAT:  TriCounty Community Network’s (TCN) Homeless Services Program, which consists of 25 local organizations, is hosting a community awareness event titled, “Rethink Homelessness” on November 30. As the temperature drops and the holiday season begins, many individuals in our area are homeless and are without food. The goal of the event is to draw awareness to this devastating problem affecting many in our community and offer ways our community can work together to help our homeless neighbors in need. TCN’s Homeless Services Program Committee is already connecting homeless individuals with agencies that can provide a successful continuum of care. Members of TCN’s Homeless Services Program Committee will lead the event and introduce formerly homeless individuals who will share their difficult journey.

WHO:  TCN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, membership-based organization that partners with nonprofits, businesses and community members to improve health, social and environmental conditions.  Serving Western Montgomery, Northern Chester and Eastern Berks counties in Pennsylvania, TCN offers seven key programs: Build Up Youth, C.A.R.E. (Caring in Alternative Residential Environments), Environmental Awareness, Family Literacy, Homeless Services, SAFE (Supporting Abuse Free Environments), and Workforce Development.  For more information on TCN, visit www.tcnetwork.org. 

WHEN:          Wednesday, November 30, 2011

                            12:00 – 1:00 PM

WHERE:        Smith Family Plaza

                             100 East High Street

                             Pottstown, PA

COST:               Free

RSVP:               Members of the media should RSVP to Karen Higgins, A&E Communications, at khiggins@aandecomm.com or 610-831-5723. 

 Partnering to improve health, social and environmental conditions.

 

TriCounty Community Network

260 High Street, Pottstown, PA  19464

610-705-3301
www.TCNetwork.org

@TCN_Pottstown

Tri-County Community Network Annual Membership Meeting – MCCC West Campus, Pottstown

TCN Annual Membership Meeting

 Tuesday, September 20, 8am-10am

Montgomery County Community College, West Campus

South Hall, 1^st Floor, Community Room, 101 College Drive, Pottstown

Learn more about TCN’s programs and projects for the upcoming year.

Build Up Youth, CARE, Environmental Awareness, Family Literacy, Homeless Services, SAFE, and Workforce Development.

 Please register by calling 610-705-3301, Ext. 2.

Special thanks to our breakfast sponsor

ManorCare Health Services of Pottstown

Eleven Counties In Pennsylvania On List For Potential Federal Disaster Assistance

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Governor Corbett has asked President Obama to declare eleven Pennsylvania counties disaster areas, which would begin the process of applying and qualifying for federal aid.

The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency said Monday the list so far includes Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia, Pike, Wyoming and Wayne counties.  More counties may be added.

Governor Corbett and Lt. Governor Cawley are touring areas of the state ravaged by Hurricane Irene.

SEPTA TO HALT SERVICE DURING HURRICANE IRENE

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All SEPTA Services To Be Suspended During Hurricane Irene. Operations to Halt at 12:30 a.m. Sunday; Services to Resume Mid-Day Sunday, As Conditions Permit.

PHILADELPHIA, PA (August 26, 2011)

In the interest of public safety, with a hurricane of historic proportions approaching the region, SEPTA will cease all transportation operations at12:30 a.m. Sunday.

All trips scheduled after 12:30 a.m. Sunday will be cancelled.  Service is not expected to resume until at least mid-day Sunday, following damage assessments and repairs. Service will resume on a route-by-route basis, based on conditions.

SEPTA strongly urges all customers who normally ride the system during this time period to make arrangements to go to your destination well in advance of the storm and be prepared to remain safely at that location until the storm has passed and service has resumed.

Announcements regarding the resumption of service will be announced through the Office of the Mayor of Philadelphia and SEPTA’s Website, www.septa.org.

All SEPTA employees normally assigned to work during the period of the shutdown or who are assigned to emergency duty are required to report to work at their assigned locations.

TriCounty Community Network Upcoming Free Workshops

Family Services Project ECO (Enhancing Community Organizations): Spring/Summer Workshop Schedule

Diversity Awareness II; Building Your Cultural Competency Skills

Friday, May 13, 2011

Facilitation Skills for Successful Collaboration

Friday, June 10, 2011

Customer Service for Nonprofits

Friday, July 15, 2011

Workshops are held from 9:30 to 12:30 at Fairview Village Church in Eagleville and are presented in collaboration with Penn State Cooperative Extension. For more information about these free workshops and other capacity-building services for eligible nonprofit organizations in Montgomery County, please contact Alicia Verleysen, Project ECO Community Liaison, at 610-630-2111, Ext. 229 or averleysen@fsmontco.org.

Pottstown Area Industrial Development (PAID) Meeting, Thursday, April 28th

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If you have followed the transition of the Pottstown Area Industrial Development  (PAID) organization into the borough’s economic development engine then you should attend a public meeting at the Hill School Library, Thursday, April 28th at 6 p.m.  The new board of directors will be introduced.

This is an important vehicle that will hopefully enable Pottstown to speak with a unified voice when presenting economic development goals and strategies.  Having a consensus will help the borough receive grant money for projects.

Jason Bobst, Pottstown Borough Manager, will be the first President of the Board of Directors.  The office of president will rotate every year between the borough, the school district and the Montgomery County Redevelopment Authority.

The first year is crucial because the new Executive Director will be hired.  This person will be the point of contact and run the day-to-day operations of PAID.

The ULI recommendations will be used as a blue print for economic development by PAID’s Executive Director and the Board of Directors.

Pew Charitable Trust Survey – How Suburbanites View Philadelphia

This is a very interesting survey on what residents of Philadelphia’s PA and NJ suburbs think of the city.  It’s worth a few minutes to read over:

http://www.pewtrusts.org/our_work_report_detail.aspx?id=62459

Pottstown Borough Council Meeting, January 10, 2011

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Call To Order – President Toroney.

Invocation – given by Mayor Heath.

Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call – all Councilors present.

Approval of minutes was given.

Comments from Citizens Present

Bob Leaming – spoke against parking restrictions on S. Hanover St. that are being proposed as a way to combat increased traffic due to the Keim St. bridge closure.  Bob did an impromptu traffic study on the proposed parking restricted area.  Approximately 20 cars went through each green light.  12 went straight, 7 turned left and 1 turned right, on average.  Banning or restricting parking will not solve the traffic problem.  A longer green light is needed at Hanover and High so more northbound traffic can get through that light. (This plan should also include the light at King and High)

(Jason said a traffic count is being proposed by PennDot to get an accurate handle on the situation.  Jason recommended the motion be tabled to give PennDot sufficient time to conduct a study.)

Nancy Leaming – is the owner of AVJ Natural Cat at 6 S. Hanover St.  Nancy stated a large percentage of her customers come into the store between 4 – 6 p.m. (when the proposed restriction would be in place) and customers can not be lugging huge bags of cat food and litter across the street or around the corner.  Such a parking restriction would kill her business.

Burt Meyers – spoke against the proposed parking restriction as well.  Burt owns Meyers Automotive Repair at 8 S. Hanover.  He stated the four businesses on that side of the street already have a huge parking problem.  The light is also a problem at High and Hanover.  It only stays green approximately 35 seconds.  The restriction would be a great hardship on Burt’s business.

Melissa Braunsberg – is an AVJ Natural Cat customer who also echoed the sentiments of the other speakers and was not in favor of parking restrictions on S. Hanover St.  Parking is already a huge problem and she does not want anything to jeopardize this store because she gets a lot of products from there.  She normally comes into the store between 5 – 6 p.m. (after work) and would have no where to park.  She also feels the light and High and Hanover is a problem.

Don Read – made an impassioned plea to Council to give him another term on the Borough Authority.  He said he realizes many people do not like his personality and that he “speaks about issues” which some do not appreciate.  He feels personality should be removed from the decision-making process and that he has done a good job on the Authority if you look at is record.  Don stated he enjoys being on the Authority.

Mayor’s Report – Bonnie thanked the S. Hanover St. business owners for addressing Council.  She also read part of an email sent out from Anna Johnson of Citizen’s For Pottstown’s Revitalization extolling recent successes and stating that despite our differences, we all share the same goal for a safer Pottstown and encouraged people to stay involved! (You can read that entire email right here on Roy’s Rants).  Bonnie also thanked the Police Department for doing a good job last year.

Manager’s Report – Jason talked about the Community Development Block Grant and a project for Washington Street. 

Jason is working with FEMA regarding data on Pottstown’s flood plain.

The Pottstown Traffic Group is discussing following items: the new signal at Industrial Hwy. and Moser Rd., the Route 100 construction (lane reductions) that will last for 12 – 18 months, the Hanover Street parking and signals, the High Street Bridge closure and rebuilding, the Keim Street bridge project will take 3 – 4 years to get through the design stage, the Armand Hammer Boulevard Interchange on 422 is slated for construction and the Industrial Hwy sewer line replacements and paving needs to be coordinated.

On 01/20/2011 there will be an overview meeting about Pottstown’s Code Enforcement software.

Jason talked about the 22 East Second Street project.  Students from the Votech will be rehabbing that property for resale.  The cost of the project will be recouped from the sale of the property.

Montgomery Planning Commission’s northwest transit plan will involve Pottstown Area Rapid Transit (PART) for 3 of 7 new routes they are recommending be established to service this part of the county, in places where access to mass transit does not currently exist.

The 2010 audit will be completed by May.

Jason talked about Pottstown’s drastic improvement with its finances.  Our cash flow as of 12/31/10 was $1.7 million, compared to 2008 when it was -$136,000!  Liabilities as of 11/31/2010 were $72,000, compared to 2008 where they were $740,000!  We should give Jason, Janice and the Finance Committee a medal!

New Business

Mayor Heath presented a civilian service award to a borough resident who helped Pottstown Police apprehend a drug dealer!  The gentleman got a standing ovation from all present!

Council authorized the application to the 2010 PECO Green Region Space Program for Memorial Park Phase II projects.

Council approved the submission to the Montgomery County Revitalization Board for the following projects: Skyline Lighting, Gallery on High and the Western Gateway.

Council approved an Agreement of Cooperation between the Borough of Pottstown and the Redevelopment Authority of Montgomery County for support of the Village Productions/TRIPAC application to the Department of Community and Economic Development.

Council approved a motion to grant the YWCA of Pottstown a reduced rate on 15 parking spaces in the King Street Lot and to provide 5 spaces at the regular rate.

The motion to prepare an ordinance restricting parking on S. Hanover Street was tabled. (Council is concerned about impacting our downtown businesses)

Don Read was not reappointed to the Borough Authority.  Councilor Kirkland spoke on his behalf.  However, when a roll call vote was taken, only Councilor Kirkland voted to reappoint Mr. Read.  Someone felt the need to clap after the vote was taken.  David Wren was then appointed to serve on the Borough Authority to replace Mr. Read.

Sheila Dugan and Mr. Heisey were appointed to PDIDA.

Council voted to reappoint the four existing members of the Blighted Property Review Committee.

Mark Patrizi was reappointed to the Zoning Hearing Board.

Gail Yoder was appointed to serve on the Vacancy Board.

Council endorsed the concept of the Citizen Education Program, the Pottstown Academy, and the Citizen Codes Inspector Program.  Jason has been given the green light to implement these programs.

Council approved the demolition of the former Frederick Mill Building at 527 N. Hanover St.  Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A few contracts were awarded for Public Works, Streets Division.  Some certificates of appropriates were approved from HARB and the bills were paid.

Councilor Weand commended the Finance Staff for their fantastic work on getting our financial house in order.  Councilor Weand is head of the Finance Committee and should get a shout-out for all his hard work as well!

Meeting was adjourned so Council could go into Executive Session.

Pottstown Borough Council Meeting 12/13/10

The meeting was called to order by President Toroney.

Invocation was given.

Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call – all Councilors were present

Approval Of Minutes – the last council meeting and special budget meeting minutes were approved.

Comments From Citizens Present:

Dave Garner – Requested that Council not adopt the 2011 budget.  Mr. Garner feels we are rushing to approve this budget and there is still time to continue looking for ways to cut spending.  Dave feels Council is happy to “settle” for 3.1% and basically call it a day.  Mr. Garner believes Council should explain and justify the increase and that the public was not given enough time to study the proposed budget.

Don Read – Also commented on the proposed 2011 budget.  He agreed with Mr. Garner about amount of time the budget was advertised.    

Mr. Read questioned Fund 11 which has a $147,000 deficit.  Don suggested that this fund should be offset in the budget with a surplus or a taxpayer “bailout”. 

Fund 14 had a $55,000 increase or 40% over last year.  This can be increased at council’s discretion.  Mr. Read feels the borough should not pay for dependent children to age 26.  The employee should bear that cost themselves as it does not benefit taxpayers. 

Newstell Marable – President of the Pottstown NAACP wants the new Intermodal Transportation Center named after Charles Dixon. 

Mr. Marable again raised the question of renaming Armand Hammer Boulevard to MLK Boulevard.  He has spoken with PennDOT and said we should involve Senator Rafferty and PennDOT to get this approved.  PennDOT said they are willing to do this.  Mr. Marablel said if Lower Pottsgrove Township will not rename their section, Pottstown should rename the section of Armand Hammer Boulevard that falls within the borough.

Mr. Marable also questioned the borough’s minority hiring practices.

Mayor’s Report – Bonnie said the Police Department has been “quiet” lately.  She spoke about how well the Hometown Holiday events are going and how these events are bringing people together.  The mayor asked people to continue to be involved and thanked everyone for their positive efforts.

Manager’s Report – The Keim Street Bridge.  Jason is meeting with North Coventry Township as well as Chester and Montgomery Counties regularly about the impact of this vital link being closed.  A traffic impact study revealed that a new temporary signal will be placed at Industrial Highway and Moser Road.  There will be a cost sharing with Lower Pottsgrove for the temporary traffic signal and will cost about $5.00 a month for each municipality.  The bridge was in far worse shape than originally thought after the inspection was completed.

Jason is having all borough staff attend customer service training and is working with MCCC West Campus to offer this training.  This is the result of complaints Jason has received from residents about their dealing with borough staff during his tenure as Manager.  (Good idea Jason and glad you are using MCCC West as a resource!)

Our Codes Department is working with Phoenixville and Norristown on the new rental changes software.  The group has become a good resource.

The bridge over the “Mighty Manatawy” on High Street will be closed for 12 – 18 months starting in 2011.  Construction will hopefully begin in March to replace the bridge.  College Drive will be a detour route.

Jason talked about the Fair Housing issue that was raised along with Norristown about the overabundance of Section 8 rentals in Pottstown and Norristown in proportion to the rest of Montgomery County.

Jason talked about the revitalization fund for Montgomery County.  It appears there could be $11 million dollars to be divided up between Montgomery County municipalities in 2011.

Jason is looking at making the monthly ward meetings quarterly in 2011 and coming up with a format change to make the meetings more productive.

Jason is looking into a program that could make Pottstown Borough government more transparent (in light of recent comments circulating around town.)  He reviewed a model program being used in Ocean City, MD that offers a 14-week course on how municipal government functions.  In our case it would be how Pottstown’s government functions.  This would be a great tool for residents and would go along with the planned Citizen Code Academy already in the works.

The long anticipated conversion of the Pottstown Walmart into a SUPER Wallyworld will finally begin this spring if the borough will cooperate with Walmart’s internal needs.

Committee Reports –

Nothing much to report except PDIDA Manager Leighton Wildrick addressed council and gave a brief report about the Hometown Holiday events.  They are a great success!  He thanked the many people who have helped make this possible and stated the word is getting out about how Pottstown is changing and how these large events and a big reason for the buzz.  President Toroney thanked Mr. Wildrick a job well done.

New Business –

Motion to approve the $39,246,650.00 2011 Budget passed.   5 Yes, 1 Abstention (Gibson) and 1 No (Rhoads).  Councilor Gibson abstained because he is a paid driver for the Fire Department.  Since the Fire Fund was one of the reasons for the tax increase, Mr. Gibson felt this was a conflict of interest. (We feel Councilor Gibson did the right thing).

Motion to adopt an Ordinance to fix the borough tax rate for real property for the Year 2011 for several funds including fire and parks and recreation – 5 Yes, 1 Abstention (Gibson) and 1 No (Rhoads)

Janice Lee was appointed to act as Liaison Officer with Berkheimer, Inc. as Berkheimer, Inc. will now be the tax collection agent for the Borough of Pottstown.

The motion to approve PennDOT’s request for a revised detour plan for the High Street Bridge closure using College Drive passed.

Council passed a motion to authorize a letter of intent to the Towns and Tours Grant Program to enhance the Schuylkill River Heritage Area and the marketability of the downtown.

Council passed a motion authorizing Jason to send a letter of support to WGI Holdings, LLC to submit a grant application to the Montgomery County Economic Development Program on behalf of Dave Walsh and his desire to purchase the First Fidelity Building at the corner or High and Hanover Streets.  All Councilors were signing the letter of support.

After much debate Council passed a motion to adopt an official name for the new Transit Center at One Security Plaza.  Councilor Kirkland tried to get a motion on the table to delay this vote, however it was defeated.  The original motion passed 4 – 3 with Rhoads, Gibson and Kirkland voting No.  The majority of council felt there has been enough notice and time given for public comments about the naming of the Transit Center and further delays in passing this motion were unwarranted.

Council approved a motion to authorize borough staff to open negotiations with PCTV.  Councilors Weand and Chomnuk volunteered to be council’s representatives on the committee.  (Good luck gentlemen!)

Council added and passed Motion 28 to work with Walmart so that the expansion of the Pottstown store meets Walmart’s internal scheduling and budgeting.  This means a great deal of money for Pottstown in terms of taxes and fees.  It is in our best interest to work with Walmart in this instance.

Report of Bills – Councilor Weand said they have been paid!

Announcements – There was some unpleasantness between a spectator and Councilor Gibson that was ended by President Toroney banging his gavel and telling them to “take it outside” before things got out of hand. 

Meeting was adjourned.

Pottstown Community Meeting – Escalating Violent Crime In Our Neighborhoods

WHERE:  Invictus Ministries 79 N. Hanover St.

 

WHEN:  Wednesday, November 17th at 6:30 PM

 

WHO:  Chief Flanders – Mayor Bonnie Heath – D.A. Risa Vetri Ferman

 

Okay folks, the borough has heard your cry for help and has arranged this meeting including Montgomery County D.A Risa Vetri Ferman, Chief Flanders, Bonnie Heath and I would suspect some or all Pottstown Councilors.  DA Ferman is a no-nonsense prosecutor and has publicly stated she is all about keeping the citizens of Montgomery County safe!  She has a low tolerance for crime!  We have the county’s attention now and this is a good thing!!!!  We need their help.

 

This is your chance to be heard so SHOW UP and pack the house!

Lower Providence Township Wins 2010 Green Futures Achievement Award

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Congrats to Lower Providence Township for winning a 2010 Green Futures Achievement Award from Montgomery County Green Futures and the Montgomery County Lands Trust for improvements made to Harry F. Hoy Memorial Park in Arcola.

Read the entire Times Herald article here: http://www.timesherald.com/articles/2010/11/08/news/doc4cd7920a5a710968285662.txt

D Is For Drought!

I have wondered how long it would take before we started talking about water problems with this hot, dry summer!

Philadelphia, Montgomery, Bucks, Berks, Lehigh and Northampton counties are under drought warning.  Chester and Delaware are under drought watch.

We are being asked to conserve water between 10% and 15% under a drought warning.

All of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties are being asked to conserve water!

Pottstown Promenade Project

There has been talk about this project recently which prompted me to do some research.  The Promenade project has been on the books for some time, however funding kept it from becoming a reality. 

PennDOT recently opened up their coffers and we are getting almost a million dollars to complete this project.  I could not remember specifics on what the project entailed except that the name does infer certain things.

I found this information after doing to internet surfing:

Pottstown Promenade – was conceived as a pedestrian and bicycle link between Downtown Pottstown and the Montgomery County Community College. The promenade is expected to be constructed in 2005, and will connect Hanover Street to the bus stop facility adjacent to the community college with a link to Riverfront Park and the River Center at Pottstown.

Personally, I think this is a great idea because it addresses quality of life issues in an urban area.  Green space is important if we are trying to attract middle-class people to Pottstown as taxpaying permanent residents.

The revitalization of Pottstown hinges on projects like these and the ability to attract new residents, business and industry.

Kudos to Jason Bobst, Borough Council and everyone involved for making this project a reality.