Oct 28 2014

Lancaster General Health Looking At Joining U. Penn Health System

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

Lancaster General Health, the organization that serves about three-fourths of Lancaster County’s health care market, is looking at becoming part of the University of Pennsylvania Health System.

LG Health and the Penn system, UPHS, have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore “a consolidated relationship,” the two organizations said Tuesday.

If those explorations bear fruit, LG Health would combine with UPHS, becoming a member organization, LG Health CEO Tom Beeman told LNP.

He called Penn a “world-class strategic partner” that shares LG Health’s values and has complementary strengths.

Oct 13 2014

West Chester Chili Cookoff Shares More Than 70 Recipes With Patrons

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

West Chester, PA On a chilly fall day, residents warmed up in the borough with hot peppers for the 12th year in a row during the Rotary Club’s Chili Cookoff.

More than 70 chili recipes were shared with thousands of patrons on Gay Street Sunday in an effort to raise more than last year’s $50,000 to support 14 local nonprofits.

Among the dozens of recipes shared at the festival were some crowd favorites, like those of the Habanero Brothers.

The brothers, who have been coming to the event for the past 10 years, compete in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York, for chances to show off their varying recipes.

Sep 4 2014

Patrick Callihan To Speak At TCN Meeting On September 16th

Patrick Callihan
Executive Director, Tech Impact

Patrick Callihan is the Executive Director for Tech Impact, a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to ensure that nonprofits can use technology to better serve our world. His background includes over 25 years of technology leadership and operations management. As part of Tech Impact, Mr. Callihan led the development of national cloud-based service offerings for nonprofits under the brand npCloud (www.npcloud.org), providing organizations access to computing technology specifically designed for nonprofits. Mr. Callihan also strongly believes in impacting his local community and led the launch of ITWorks (www.itworks.org); a program within Tech Impact that serves at-risk-youth with 21st century job skills. He is an active member of the Greater Philadelphia Senior Executives Group (GPSEG), Society for Information Management (Philadelphia chapter), C-Suite, and a member of the Cloud Computing Consortium at Stevens Institute of Technology. Mr. Callihan will speak on the following topic:

Cloud Computing: Can Your Organization Benefit?

Cloud computing is one of the latest trends in Information Technology. Mr. Callihan will demystify what cloud computing is and how it can benefit your organization. Learn about the risks and benefits and specific programs available to help reduce your organization’s costs and increase efficiency. Also learn how to utilize cloud computing to collaborate.

TCN Membership Meeting

Tuesday, September 16th, 8am-10:30am

Montgomery County Community College, West Campus

South Hall Community Room
101 College Drive, Pottstown

Join a TCN Committee.
Committees will meet 9am-10:30am

Caregivers Support Community Partners Against Abuse Environmental Health & Safety Homeless Services Workforce Development Youth Development

Registration required. Click here to register or call 610-705-3301.

Aug 31 2014

Lancaster General Hospital Surplus Soars After Several Years Of Decline

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

After five straight years of shrinking “profits,” Lancaster County’s biggest nonprofit hospital turned things around last year — due in large part to cost cutting.

Lancaster General Hospital’s surplus, or revenues over expenses, ballooned to $92.6 million in 2012-2013, up 54 percent from the previous year and the highest total since 2007-2008, according to the hospital’s IRS Form 990, released earlier this summer.

The hospital’s parent firm, Lancaster General Health, inched closer to becoming a billion-dollar organization in 2012-2013, with total revenues of $919.8 million and a surplus of $100.7 million.

Jun 6 2014

Pennsylvania Partners In The Arts News Project Stream Grant Deadline June 20th

The Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts (PPA) 2014-2015 Project Stream will provide funds of up to $2,500 to eligible individuals, community groups, and non-profit organizations to conduct arts projects. These projects must take place between September 1, 2014 and August 31, 2015, and each project (a single event or a series of activities) must have a significant public component.

The Lehigh Valley Arts Council has accepted project grant requests from as many as 60 applicants in one cycle; and in the most recent fiscal year, we awarded grants to 24 projects (click HERE to view the awards). Activities successfully receiving PPA project funding have reached a wide range of constituents, from young children to senior citizens, and this year’s projects are engaging audiences in activities that include visual arts exhibitions; photography; musical performances from opera to jazz; documentary film; storytelling and dance.

The deadline for the next round of Project Stream grants is June 20th, so apply today!For more information on the PPA, the criteria and guidelines for applying to Project Stream, and review of the online application process, view the PPA Project Stream Prezi presentation (requires Adobe Flashplayer).

For more information on the PPA visit: www.lvartscouncil.org/programs

Mar 26 2014

Local Singer-Songwriter To Perform At ArtFusion In Pottstown

Attached: elisha kane head shot.jpg singer-songwriter Elisha Kane

Pottstown, PA – Local musician Elisha Kane will perform in ArtFusion’s main gallery on Saturday, April 26 from 7-9pm. ArtFusion supporters may remember him from his performance at their Beef and Beer fundraiser in 2013. This live music event is also a fundraiser for the non-profit community art center.

Elisha Kane’s influences span genres and generations. From hometowns to westbound trains, Elisha sings about the American dream, and the promise it both inspires and neglects. Learn more at facebook.com/kanemusic and listen to his music at reverbnation.com/elishakane.

The music will last from 7-9pm. Light refreshments will be available for purchase, and the event is BYOB for those over 21.

Tickets are $10 (cash only please) and can be purchased in advance at ArtFusion during regular business hours: Tuesday-Friday from 10am-5pm and Saturday from 10am-3pm. Tickets can also be purchased online at artfusion19464.org for $12.

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.

Feb 28 2014

National Penn Bank Supports The Arts In Pottstown

POTTSTOWN, PA – National Penn Bank recently presented ArtFusion with a $2,150 donation. The donation will help fund afterschool programs at the non-profit community art center. ArtFusion’s EITC-funded programs give children an opportunity to explore the arts, to express themselves in a new way and to learn that, while they may not be the best athlete, or get straight As in the classroom, they have a talent for creating.

The donation was made through the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit program (EITC).

EITC is a Pennsylvania program that provides tax credits to eligible businesses contributing an Educational Improvement Organization. Tax credits would be equal to 75% of a contribution up to a maximum of $400,000 per taxable year. This credit can be increased to 90% of the contribution, if a business agrees to provide same amount for two consecutive tax years. A business must apply for this program and then make a contribution to an organization that has also been approved.

Check presentation. From left to right: Thomas Spann, National Penn Sunnybrook and Downtown Pottstown Branch Manager, Frank Strunk, National Penn Central Region Commercial Lender, Norah Cannon, ArtFusion Gallery Manager, Erika Hornburg-Cooper, ArtFusion Executive Director, Julie Tonnessen, ArtFusion Assistant Director, Carl Altman ArtFusion instructor and Kristen VonHohen, ArtFusion Pottery Studio Director.

Jan 13 2014

Nonprofit Group Aims To Spotlight Only Dairy In Pittsburgh, Bring Business To Carrick

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

Colteryahn Dairy in Carrick is the only remaining dairy in Pittsburgh — a fact not known to many, an economic development official said.

“It’s easy to drive by without noticing,” said Kathleen Keating, a project manager at Economic Development South.

The nonprofit group is spearheading an effort to establish the Carrick Dairy District to spotlight the dairy on Brownsville Road and attract other businesses, such as ice cream and chocolate shops, that would complement the dairy.

At a community meeting on Tuesday, Economic Development South, which has been working with neighbors, business owners and city representatives on the plan for about a year, will show revised architectural renderings of the proposed dairy district and hear feedback about what people want to see in the district.

Dec 27 2013

Hill’s Student Philanthropy Council Now Accepting RFPs For Grant Program

Editor’s note: This is way cool! Nice give back to the Greater Pottstown Community 🙂

The Hill School is now accepting applications from Pottstown-area nonprofit organizations for its Student Philanthropy Council (SPC) grant program. Interested organizations may download and submit a Request for Proposal. View and print a PDF of the Request for Proposal here. Completed applications must be submitted by Thursday, January 20, 2014.

The SPC was established in 2009 through a gift to The Hill School courtesy of Charles A. Frank III, Hill ’59, and his wife, Betty. Hill student participants solicit and evaluate local nonprofit requests for funding, and then award a total of $10,000 in grants each year. Last year, through the Franks’ leadership and the generosity of several other donors, The Student Philanthropy Council became an endowed program at the School with the establishment of The Student Philanthropy Council Endowment in honor of Kay and David Dougherty.

Last year, representatives of the SPC presented a total of $10,000, to four local organizations: Pottstown Downtown Improvement District Authority ($2,110); The Growing Center ($2,690); Montgomery Child Advocacy Project ($2,500); and the Pottstown Cluster of Religious Organizations ($2,700). Read more about the recipients of the 2013 grants.

The SPC is comprised of 12 students – including co-presidents Sanobar Shaikh ’14 and Omeed Alidadi ’14 – who meet once a week to study the process of philanthropy and visit the sites of various organizations. Mrs. Amy Lehman, Hill’s experiential education coordinator, is the faculty adviser to the group. SPC members are chosen based on the quality of their applications, interviews, and their sincere ability to commit time to the group.

Sep 28 2013

First Nonprofit Supermarket Opens In Chester

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

CHESTER, PA. — In Chester, a city where hard times often plow under shiny promises, a hunger-relief agency’s pledge to build America’s first nonprofit supermarket was greeted skeptically at first.

But Philabundance may be confounding local doubters. Its Fare & Square grocery store, seven years in the making, is ready to open its doors this morning, a rare oasis in what has been called a food desert.

“No one believed this was coming,” said Denina Hood, a Chester native and an employee of the store that will become the first supermarket in town since 2001. “But this store isn’t going anywhere.”

Usually in the business of distributing donated food to pantries in the Delaware Valley, Philabundance, a nonprofit, has augmented its mission and become a store owner, charging prices 8 percent to 10 percent lower than small urban grocers.

Jul 19 2013

Wilkes-Barre Group Aims To Revitalize Neighborhoods

WILKES-BARRE — A nonprofit organization has it eyes on city-owned vacant lots as part of a plan to revitalize neighborhoods.

Larissa Cleary, founder of In the Gap, presented the group’s plans for the properties to City Council this week. “My idea is to utilize the city’s land; sell it to me for $1 in order to build and develop the area,” she told council.

With only five minutes to present her group’s plan, Leary provided a summary and said she looked forward to meeting with council members for a more in-depth discussion. If given the opportunity to do so, she said, “I could make every one of them happy.”

In the Gap, based in the city, intends to construct 12 townhouses on Hickory Street and single-family houses in the 400 block of South River Street, she said. If the lots don’t sell, the group would revamp its plans so the townhouses would be rent-to-own properties, Cleary said.

Apr 4 2013

Nonprofit Group Forming To Reduce Crime In Reading Area

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

Editor’s note: Two Roy’s Rants thumbs up to Berks County and the City of Reading for tackling crime head on!

A Reading law firm has begun paperwork to form a new nonprofit group to focus on crime initiatives in much the same way that a private group did in the Altoona area.

The move comes after a January crime summit in which Gov. Tom Corbett urged local leaders to study a Blair County program called Operation Our Town, which was started by business leaders to help fund law enforcement and community efforts to stop young people from becoming criminals.

Daniel B. Huyett, a partner in the Reading law firm Stevens & Lee, said Wednesday that the group will be incorporated as an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

That decision was made at a meeting this week among Berks County business leaders with Michael A. Fiore, owner of an Altoona construction company who started Operation Our Town in Blair County after a series of shootings there.

Mar 16 2013

Highmark CEO Compensation Tops $6M

English: Highmark Place from PNC Park in Pittsburgh, taken 2008 showing the new Highmark branding atop. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Last year, Highmark Inc. dished out more than $6 million to compensate its three CEOs.

In compensation figures filed with the state Department of Insurance this month, the state’s largest insurance company said it paid former CEO Kenneth Melani $3.3 million in 2012, even though he was fired April 1. He was the highest-paid company employee for the year.

In fact, three of Highmark’s 10 highest-paid employees in 2012 are no longer with the company, having left early in the year. In addition to Dr. Melani, former Highmark legal officer and corporate secretary Maureen Hogel and retired auditor and compliance officer Elizabeth A. Farbacher also had left Highmark by April.

Current Highmark CEO William Winkenwerder Jr., who was hired over the spring and began work July 16, took home $1.87 million in total compensation — $562,712 for his half-year of salary, plus a $1.18 million bonus and $131,000 in “other” compensation.

Mar 5 2013

ArtFusion Gets Jazzy Again

Pottstown, PA – On Saturday March 30, ArtFusion’s beautiful gallery will be the backdrop for an amazing night of jazz music. A reprise of a sold out event, Jazz Nite II will be a benefit show for the Give the Gift of Music Foundation.

Local musicians The High St. Swing Co., with special guest The Wilson Bros., will perform. Their jazz repertoire ranges from be-bop to classic. The music will last from 7-10pm. Light refreshments will be available for purchase, and the event is BYOB for those over 21.

Tickets are $10 (cash only please) and can be purchased in advance at ArtFusion during regular business hours: Tuesday-Friday from 10am-5pm and Saturday from 10am-3pm. As this event sold out last time, they do recommend purchasing tickets as soon as possible.

Give the Gift of Music Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Pennsylvania corporation organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes. They support musical education for eligible children by providing donations of musical instruments and/or scholarships for lessons at approved providers, such as High Street Music Co., who share the belief in the importance of quality musical education for all children.

Jan 11 2013

Soup Bowl Returns For A Second Year At ArtFusion 19464

ArtFusion will be holding a great beat-the-winter-chill fundraiser on Saturday, January 26 from 11am-1pm at their High St. location. The Soup Bowl fundraiser debuted last year and is back due to poplar demand. Lunch includes all you can eat soup, bread, beverages and homemade desserts. Guests can choose their favorite soup—or sample them all. In response to requests from last year’s event, this year soup enthusiasts can also purchase a recipe book so they can make their favorite soups at home.

As a thank you, supporters will take home a handcrafted ceramic bowl created by local volunteers of all ages. Each bowl was created though the combined creativity of two different volunteers. One created the ceramic bowl and one decorated it with a one-of-a-kind glaze design.

Tickets are only $15 and all proceeds benefit the local non-profit community art center. Tickets can be purchased online at artfusion19464.org, or at their 254 E. High St. location during regular business hours. There are a limited number of tickets available for this event. ArtFusion request that those interested in attending purchase their tickets in advance.

January 26 will also mark the beginning of an eyeglass collection campaign for the Vietnam Veterans Chapter 565 and the Second Brigade MC Chapter G – PA. There is a great need for magnifiers/cheater eyeglasses in all strengths. Glasses do not need to be new but ArtFusion does ask that they be in good shape (not scratched or broken). The donated glasses will be given directly to veterans. After the fundraiser, eyeglasses can be dropped off at ArtFusion during normal business hours through February 28.

Aug 17 2012

Nonprofits Give More Money, Manpower To Reading

Editor’s note: Sometimes you just have to ask!

From a $10,000 gift to Reading police to clearing a trash-clogged storm drain, the city’s three-month effort to get more local nonprofit groups to voluntarily pay either cash or services in lieu of taxes is paying off.

The city has received $27,000 in new payments it didn’t get last year from more than a dozen churches and several other groups.

It’s also gotten more than 9,000 new volunteer work hours in more than 30 new service projects including more than two dozen cleanups – worth $65,000 at minimum wage – from local groups.

“We have received an overwhelming response,” Mayor Vaughn D. Spencer said.

Aug 16 2012

Susquehanna Bank Donates To TriCounty Community Network’s Build Up Youth Program

Pottstown, Pa. (August 16, 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 its Build Up Youth program has received a donation from Susquehanna Bank’s Pottstown Office.

The donation will help support TCN’s Build Up Youth leadership development program for middle school students. The program includes an annual Youth Leadership Conference and a school-based leadership project. Through its efforts, the Build Up Youth program focuses on issues ranging from cyber bullying, drug & alcohol awareness, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship to safe dating, safe social networking, and protecting the environment.

“With so many negative influences for youth in our society today, our Build Up Youth program is an important initiative to educate these students and teach them the leadership skills to succeed in life,” said Jen Doyle, executive director for TCN. “We appreciate Susquehanna Bank’s financial contribution to this important program. We look forward to continuing to grow the program and positively influencing the youth of our area.”

“At Susquehanna Bank, we believe it’s important to invest in the future of our communities, and one of the best ways to do that is to support students,” said Katrina Belcher, Susquehanna Bank Market Manager. “That’s why we’re proud to contribute to the TriCounty Community Network Build Up Youth Program.”

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.

Aug 3 2012

Joint Fundraiser Benefits Two Pottstown Organizations

The second annual Books and Brushes Beef and Beer will be held on Saturday, August 11 from 6-9pm at the Ballroom on High. Named for the two organizations who founded the The Gallery School of Pottstown and the Pottstown Regional Public Library — this community fundraiser is a fun evening of great food and music. All proceeds will benefit the programs and ongoing operations of both organizations.

Popular Pottstown restaurant Grumpy’s will be catering, and the fundraiser will be held at the Ballroom on High, a great downtown venue. The Ballroom, at 310 E. High St. next to the Farmer’s Market, is also the home to SwingKats. Local DJ and MC extraordinaire Pete LaRosa is donating his time and talents to the fundraiser, so be ready to get out on the dance floor.

Tickets are only $20 and include hot roast beef sandwiches, pasta and veggie salads, beer and soft drinks, and homemade desserts. There will also be vegetarian wrap sandwiches available. Guests can purchase their tickets online at www.galleryonhigh.org or in person at the School at 254 E. High St. or the Library at 500 E. High St. The ticket deadline is Tuesday, August 7. No tickets will be available at the door.

The Gallery School of Pottstown is a 501c3 non-profit community art school and gallery. 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. The Gallery on High hosts rotating shows featuring local artists. The Gallery also sells handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gift items.

Aug 3 2012

Musikfest Braces For Better Year After Record Loss

Musikfest was preparing to hit a high note last year, introducing the 10-day party of music and food to south Bethlehem at its ambitious new SteelStacks campus.

But rain doused the festival for six days, flooding the Monocacy Creek and closing down nearby venues on the north side. The festival lost $750,000 — triple the amount of its worst year since it began 28 years ago.

The deficit came in the very year its nonprofit organizer, ArtsQuest, could least afford it because of the uncertainty that came with launching its performing arts center at SteelStacks. The loss from Musikfest, which provides half the nonprofit’s revenue, pushed ArtsQuest into a $1 million operating loss, more than 5 percent of its budget.

So, as Musikfest opens Friday evening, its financial performance is stealing some of the spotlight.

Jul 9 2012

West Reading Garden Sprouts A Community