Red Alert For A Green Thumb: Volunteer Needed To Help Maintain State College Community Garden

Counties constituting the Happy Valley Region of Pennsylvania (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

STATE COLLEGE, PA — The community garden on East College Avenue at University Drive has gone untouched this summer as the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy struggles to find a volunteer for its upkeep.

With only seven staff members and 132 gardens to monitor, the conservancy relies on volunteers to make the gardens possible.

“Our office is in Pittsburgh, and we have some gardens that are far away in Erie, North Huntingdon, Altoona, State College and even farther away in Harrisburg,” said Lynne McGuire-Olzack, the conservancy’s volunteer coordinator. “This is the first time we don’t have a volunteer in State College.”

Read more here: http://www.centredaily.com/2014/07/18/4270656/volunteer-needed-to-help-maintain.html?sp=/99/116/#storylink=cpy

Armstrong World Industries To Invest $41 Million In Lancaster Plant, Will Lead To 57 New Jobs At Facility

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

Armstrong World Industries said Thursday it will invest $41 million in its Lancaster floor plant, so it can make luxury vinyl tile there.

Adding production of the residential and commercial vinyl tile will lead to 57 new jobs at the 160-employee facility, the company said.

Armstrong will start constructing the new lines inside the current Dillerville Road plant in the first quarter of 2014.

Shipping of luxury vinyl tile from the 600,000-square-foot city plant is set to begin in mid-2015.

Armstrong now has its luxury vinyl tile made for it by a manufacturer in China.

Shifting that production here will enable the company to serve its North American customers faster and less expensively.

Read more: http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/904464_Armstrong-World-Industries-to-invest–41-million-in-Lancaster-plant–will-lead-to-57-new-jobs-at-facility.html#ixzz2hRRxQSUC

Saving The Nation’s Green Giants: Tall, Lush Trees

Walking under his giant white oak tree on his Washington County farm, Paul Karpan appears calm, even meditative, with spirits high.  In his 90 years, he’s spent many inspired hours with the green monster.

“This is a landmark on this farm — something you can kind of be proud of,” he said.

The mighty oak, which likely took root in the nation’s earliest decades, provided shade for his beef cows, a site for picnics and a target for a few bolts of lightning, all while serving as an environmental steward of his 51-year-old Blaine Township farm.  Hug this tree and your arms barely bend.

Mr. Karpan keeps an eye on the old oak to assure it’s still standing because he knows that “every big tree has to die off.”

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/state/saving-the-nations-green-giants-tall-lush-trees-698912/#ixzz2biJprHeM

MOSAIC Community Land Trust, Pottstown – Registration April 28, May 5, May 12

Pottstown, PA, 4/23/2012 — Mosaic Community Land Trust is holding registration and orientation for new members of its community garden at 423 Chestnut Street on the following Saturdays: April 28, May 5, and May 12 from 9 AM to 12 PM at the garden.  On May 5th gardeners will be able to choose the plants they would like in their own plot, and the plants will be delivered to the garden on May 12, which will be a day for planting.

There are plots still available for this season.  Plot rates are $25 for households with incomes below $30,000; those with incomes above this level will pay $50.  Groups and organizations can plant a plot for a flat $100.00 season fee.  In addition to offering families a safe place to grow healthy, organic food, this fee includes the choice of plants, water on-site, the use of Mosaic tools, workshops, and advice from experienced gardeners.  Children are welcome and the garden is available for field trips for students.

To apply and register for your plot or to set up a field trip, please contact Sue Repko at 609-658-9043 or srepko@mosaiccommunitylandtrust.org or Mary-Beth Bacallao Lydon at flyeredup8831@gmail.com.

MOSAIC Community Land Trust was established in 2011 and is a registered 501 (c) 3 Non-Profit organization. MOSAIC Community Land Trust provides permanently affordable housing and healthy living choices to people of modest means, and through education and participation, creates a vital community with a focus on arts and culture to stabilize neighborhoods and improve the quality of life in Pottstown.

Pottstown Middle School Poinsettia Sale

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The 6^th Grade Pottstown Middle School White Team will be taking several field trips this winter and spring. 

• Camp Conrad Weiser at a cost of $30
• PA State Farm Show at a cost of $10
• Eureka, a math show at a cost of $20

The costs listed above cover transportation, tickets and fees.  This poinsettia sale is to help defray the cost of these trips for Pottstown Middle School students and their families.                      

All orders and payment are due by Tuesday, November 22nd.  The plants have 4 blooms, come in varying colors and cost $5 each with $2 of that going towards the trips!  Flowers will be picked up after school on Friday December 9^th.  

To order your plants, email Kristi Moyer @ alsgalkiki@comcast.net with your name, phone number and how many plants you would like to order.

Upcoming Pottstown Events Sponsored By CPR

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Sat. – May 21, 2011 – Garden Party at the Park – From 10am – 1pm
Help plant a garden in the park.  We will be putting a small vegetable garden beside the Police Sub Station building.  Plants, mulch and soil donated by Colonial Gardens, Phoenixville and the raised vegetable garden courtesy of Genesis Housing Corp.  We will also discuss the mural that is planned for the park.  Light refreshments will be served.

 

Sat. – June 4, 2011 (Rain Date – June 11) – Science in the Park – From 12pm – 3pm
Several local scientists will demonstrate interactive and fascinating science experiments geared to amaze elementary and middle school age children.  Event sponsored by Genesis Housing Corp. and Arkema Inc.  Food will be served to event participants.

 

Looking for Volunteers for both events:
Setup
Food Prep and Service (Light food Donations for Garden Party)
Clean-up
General Help

Please Respond if interested in helping.

Best Regards,
Anna Johnson

vivapottstown@hotmail.com