Applications Being Accepted For $10000 Arts Scholarship‏

Pottstown, PA – Applications are now being accepted for the 2016 Greater Pottstown Foundation Scholarship for the Arts. This $10,000 scholarship is designed to financially assist a local high school senior from Pottstown, Pottsgrove, Owen J. Roberts or The Hill School in obtaining a degree from accredited academic institutions of higher learning for study in the arts. ArtFusion 19464 is proud to partner for the fifth year with the Foundation to present this scholarship.

The scholarship is awarded based on two criteria:  artistic performance as displayed at the Greater Pottstown Foundation Scholarship Art Exhibit at ArtFusion 19464, and an essay on why the applicant wants to continue their education in the arts.  The applicant’s intended field of study must include a major or a minor in an arts-related field.

Applications can be downloaded at the ArtFusion website (http://artfusion19464.org/classes/scholarshipsprograms/) or sent via email by contactinginfo@artfusion19464.org. A paper copy can be picked up at their 254 E. High St. location.  Applications and essays are due by February 29. The artwork for the mandatory art show at ArtFusion does not need to be completed until the May 14 drop off date.

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 10:00 am-5:00 pm and Saturday 10:00 am-3:00 pm. The gallery is closed Sunday and Monday.

Owen J. Roberts Student Wins $10,000 Art Scholarship

Winner Jennifer Miller with her art teacher Tracey Schiavello

Presentation of the award. From left to right: Paul Prince, president of the Board of Directors of the Greater Pottstown Foundation; Jennifer Miller, and Julie Tonnessen assistant director of ArtFusion 19464

“Checkmate” by Jennifer Miller (oil painting)

Pottstown, PA – On Saturday, May 16, the Greater Pottstown Foundation, in partnership with ArtFusion 19464, announced the winner of the Greater Pottstown Foundation Scholarship for the Arts. The $10,000 scholarship was awarded to Owen J. Roberts senior Jennifer Miller. Jennifer will be attending the Arts University of Bournemouth in England to study costume design. The three scholarship judges were impressed not only with her artwork submissions, which included a fanciful Mardi Gras-inspired costume, but also with the dedication and drive demonstrated in her written essay.

This was the fifth year for the scholarship event, a partnership between ArtFusion 19464 and the Foundation. The 2015 applicants were Sarah Berkey, Julianna Clark, Jennifer Miller, Donna Oyella, and Lexi Rodriguez.  The artwork submitted by each contestant, along with other artwork from underclassmen at Owen J. Roberts and Pottsgrove High Schools, will be on view in the ArtFusion gallery through May 30. Normal gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10am to 5pm and Saturday 10am to 3pm. ArtFusion is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

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.

Teen Artists Compete For $10,000 Arts Scholarship

POTTSTOWN, PA – On Saturday, May 16, one talented young artist will receive a $10,000 scholarship from the Greater Pottstown Foundation. This is the fifth year for the scholarship event, a partnership between ArtFusion 19464 and the Foundation. The Greater Pottstown Foundation Scholarship for the Arts is designed to financially assist a local high school senior in obtaining a degree from accredited academic institutions of higher learning for study in the arts. The applicant’s intended field of study can include a major or a minor in a visual arts-related field.

The scholarship is awarded based on two criteria. The students must first write an essay on why they want to continue their education in the arts. Then the students create three pieces of art to be displayed at the Greater Pottstown Foundation Scholarship Art Exhibit at ArtFusion 19464. Also on display during the exhibit will be work from other students at the participating schools.

Students from Pottstown, Pottsgrove, Owen J. Roberts and the Hill School were eligible to apply. The 2015 applicants are Sarah Berkey, Tessa Bridges, Julianna Clark, Tyesha Lewis, Jennifer Miller, Ben Mizic, Alyssa Ott, Donna Oyella, Lexi Rodriguez, and Luke Steltz.

The show will run from May 16 through May 30 and can be seen any time during normal gallery hours: Tuesday through Friday from 10am to 5pm and Saturday 10am to 3pm. ArtFusion is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

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.

Application Deadline For $10,000 Art Scholarship

Pottstown, PA –The deadline to apply for the 2015 Greater Pottstown Foundation Scholarship for the arts is February 28, 2015. The scholarship is open to Pottstown, Pottsgrove, Owen J. Roberts and Hill School seniors who will be pursuing either an arts major or an arts minor in college.

The scholarship is awarded based on two criteria:  artistic performance as displayed at the Greater Pottstown Foundation Scholarship Art Exhibit at ArtFusion 19464, and an essay on why the applicant wants to continue their education in the arts.  The essay and application are due by the 28^th. The artwork for the mandatory show must be completed by May.

For complete rules and an application, candidates are asked to stop by ArtFusion at 254 E. High St.. A pdf copy can be requested by contacting info@artfusion19464.org, or by visiting artfusion19464.org.

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. 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.

Owen J Robert SD Loses $2 Million A Year Under Lowered Coventry Mall Tax Assessment

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

SOUTH COVENTRY TOWNSHIP, PA— The Owen J. Roberts School Board unanimously approved a real estate tax appeal settlement with Coventry Retail, LP, that lowers the assessed value of the Coventry Mall from $98 million in 2012 to $23.2 million in 2014.

The reassessment will equate to a loss of about $2 million a year in property tax revenues to the district.

In addition to the revenue loss, the agreement is retroactive to 2012, so the district will have to repay mall owners $1,619,799 of taxes paid in 2012, 2013 and 2014. In accordance with the agreement, $650,000 of that will be paid in cash within 60 days, according to attorney David L. Allebach Jr., who represented the board on this matter. The remaining funds will be credited to the mall against future taxes,

District officials had anticipated that cost and have reserved the full $1.6 million, according to district Chief Financial Officer Jaclin Krumrine. Therefore, the district has the $650,000 on hand to pay back the mall owner. The remaining nearly $1 million will help balance the 2014-15 budget to make up for the tax credit the mall will receive during that fiscal year.

Read more: http://www.pottsmerc.com/social-affairs/20140129/ojr-loses-2m-a-year-under-lowered-coventry-mall-tax-assessment

Tri-County High School Art Exhibit At MCCC West Campus In Pottstown

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

High school students from Montgomery, Chester and Berks counties will showcase their artwork at Montgomery County Community College’s first Tri-County High School Art Exhibition and Competition at its Fine Arts Gallery, North Hall, 16 High Street, Pottstown.

The exhibition opens Monday, Jan. 13, and will continue through Friday, Feb. 21. The artists’ reception will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 29, from 5-7 p.m. with the awards presentation at 6 p.m. Both the exhibit and the reception are free and open to the community.

Students from approximately 20 public, parochial and private schools were invited to participate in the exhibition. The artwork features a variety of subjects and styles in an array of media. College art faculty members will be judging the artwork.

More details: http://calendar.mc3.edu/EventList.aspx?view=EventDetails&eventidn=1772&information_id=2563&type=&syndicate=syndicate

OJR School Board Settles Lawsuit By Ex-Superintendent Myra Forrest

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

SOUTH COVENTRY TOWNSHIP, PA—The Owen J. Roberts School Board has closed a lengthy legal chapter by approving a settlement agreement with former Superintendent Myra Forrest.

The agreement puts an end to a legal battle that spanned four years, following Forrest’s 2009 termination.  Forrest had filed a suit with the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, seeking damages, although an amount was never made public.  Defendants in the case were the Owen J. Roberts School District, the school board and five former board members.

The matter had been scheduled to go to trial several times, but was postponed each time.  A settlement agreement was reached in June and the case was formally dismissed by the court last month.

Under the terms of the settlement agreement and release, Forrest was given $315,000, to be paid by the district’s insurance company.  That money is intended to cover losses and damages “related to the lawsuit, the superintendent’s contract and/or the employment relationship, or (Forrest’s) separation from her employment and affiliation with defendants,” the language of the agreement states.

Read more: http://www.pottsmerc.com/general-news/20130917/ojr-school-board-settles-lawsuit-by-ex-superintendent-myra-forrest

September Hearing Is First Step In $38M Renovation At Owen J. Roberts

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

SOUTH COVENTRY TOWNSHIP, PA — The Owen J. Roberts School Board has unanimously set Sept. 26 as the date for the public hearing on its $19 million renovation and expansion plan for East Vincent Elementary School.

Business Administrator Jaclin Krumrine said the hearing, which is required by law and is the primary opportunity for the public to comment on the first phase of the proposal, will be held at 7 p.m. the school itself, which is located at 340 Ridge Road.

Following the hearing, the district hopes to put the full project out for bid in “late November, early December,” she said.

The renovations at East Vincent are part of a three phase project that will take several years and cost taxpayers about $38 million.

Read more: http://www.pottsmerc.com/article/20130829/NEWS01/130829428/september-hearing-is-first-step-in-38m-renovation-at-owen-j-roberts

Stalled Owen J Roberts Contract Talks Lead To Teacher Slowdown

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

SOUTH COVENTRY — The stalled contract negotiations between the Owen J. Roberts School District and its teachers union has gone public.

The teachers have been working without a contract since June 30 and the two sides have been negotiating, quietly for the most part, for 15 months.

However the failure to reach an agreement about wages has raised the stakes and the rhetoric in the matter and the teachers union have instructed their members to work only to the specific language of the expired contract and cease all extra and voluntary activities.

School Board President Douglas K. Hughes reacted by issuing a letter to the district Tuesday, which was also   posted on the district web site, announcing that the teachers union had decided to “work to contract,” explaining they would “work only to the contractually obligated hours” and informing residents and taxpayers the union had asked their members “not to participate in any unpaid activities.”

Read more:  http://www.pottsmerc.com/article/20130328/NEWS01/130329308/stalled-ojr-contract-talks-lead-to-teacher-slowdown#full_story

OJR School Enrollments Predicted Down Over Next 10 Years

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

SOUTH COVENTRY — Enrollments in the Owen J. Roberts School District are expected to remain flat or even decrease over the next ten years, according to new enrollment projections presented to the board at a recent committee of the whole meeting.

Projections show the overall student population rising slightly through 2016, from the current 5,121 students to 5,240. If the projections prove true, the numbers will begin dropping in 2017, when 5,233 students are expected to be registered, rising and falling in some years, but hitting 5,218 students in 2022.

Those predictions, presented by Director of Pupil Services Holly W. Acosta, are based on a new study by Decision Insite, an enrollment impact firm which looks at kindergarten enrollments, planned residential developments, and student cohorts through each grade level.

The numbers are a far cry from the steady growth the district had been experiencing in the past, with district wide enrollments climbing by over 1,000 students in 10 years, from 4,050 in 2002 to 5,121 in 2012.  That’s a reflection of the economy and the dip in the housing market which has put a number of large scale development projects on hold, according to Superintendent Michael Christian.

Read more:  http://www.pottsmerc.com/article/20130118/NEWS01/130119426/ojr-school-enrollments-predicted-down-over-next-10-years-#full_story

FOOTBALL: Mohler’s Memorable Moments Spark Pottstown

BUCKTOWN — Some folks look at Pottstown’s Dayon Mohler and see a ballhawking safety.

Others fancy the Trojans’ junior as an effective running back.

Pottstown coach Brett Myers, however, has an even more succinct way of describing the 5-foot-11, 157-pound Mohler.

“I’d classify him as a good football player,” Myers said.

So would the majority of the folks who witnessed Thursday’s annual Thanksgiving Day Pioneer Athletic Conference showdown between the Trojans and Owen J. Roberts at Wildcat Stadium.

Mohler saw more action than a retail store parking lot on Black Friday in helping the Trojans overall close out their first non-losing season in 10 years with a 26-21 victory over the Wildcats.

Read more:

http://www.pottsmerc.com/article/20121122/SPORTS01/121129765/football-mohler-s-memorable-moments-spark-pottstown#full_story

Owen J. Roberts Media Circus Back In Town

Looks like the rumor mill is running full-tilt at the Fishwrap online over the new OJR Superintendent of Schools leaving.  The OJR School Board rushed to hire a replacement for wrongfully terminated Myra Forrest and less than two years later the new guy resigns.  All the details are “confidential”??  Smells like day-old fish guts to me.

Despite all the “drama” this has caused and the pall it has cast over the Owen J. Roberts School District, the students suffer when there are too many turnovers.  It seems more than coincidental that this guy is “outta here” already.  If it is just “bad timing” then more of an explanation is due OJR taxpayers without violating anyone’s “confidentiality”.

The board owes it to OJR taxpayers and students to do a better job of selecting a candidate who is “in it for the long haul”.  Continuity is important and we are talking about educating our children – not hiring someone to run the fryer at Mickey D’s.  You had a perfectly good superintendent, who was totally committed to the district, and you fired her for no good reason!

Two thumbs down for more drama!