Five Free Programs For Kids And Teens At ArtFusion 19464

Pottstown, PA – Applications are now being accepted for five fun and free summer programs for kids and teens at ArtFusion 19464. Each program has been generously sponsored by The Greater Pottstown Foundation. These programs will take place at ArtFusion 19464’s new facility at the Beech St Factory (341 Beech St.).

Kids 8 to 12 can choose from Art Academy, a general arts exploration class, and Clay Academy, where students focus on pottery.  Older students ages 13 to 17 can participate in Teen Clay Studio, with a focus on independent pottery projects; Teen Mixed Media Studio, where students explore a variety of mediums with a great line up of instructors; or Poetry in Process, a new program focusing on poetry, song, music and storytelling.

The application deadline for these programs is May 31, 2017. Applications can be downloaded at artfusion19464.org/classes/scholarshipsprograms/. Interested parents can also stop by 254 E. High St. to pick up a paper copy.  Spaces will be filled on a first come, first served basis. While ArtFusion 19464 encourages everyone who is interested to apply, those students who qualify for free or reduced lunch and those who have not attended a free program at ArtFusion 19464 before will be given priority.

ArtFusion 19464 is a 501(c)3 non-profit community art center currently 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 and independence through self-expression. ArtFusion 19464’s gallery hosts rotating shows featuring local artists.

Free Art Programs‏ Offered At ArtFusion 19464

POTTSTOWN, PA – In addition to their regular class schedule, ArtFusion is very proud to offer six free programs during their winter spring session of classes. Two programs for kids are sponsored by The Greater Pottstown Foundation. For kids ages 8-12, Art Academy is a general arts exploration class where students work with many different mediums, and Clay Academy teaches students how to create with clay. Both classes begin February 26. The application deadline for these two programs is February 5, but applications will still be accepted until the programs are full.

Three teen programs are also sponsored by The Greater Pottstown Foundation. Teen Mixed Media Studio will introduce teens 13-17 to pottery, glass, drawing, painting and recycled art.  Mixed Media Studio begins April 6. Teen Clay Academy, which begins April 22, allows teens to explore both handbuilding and wheel work. The application deadline for both programs is March 16.

Poetry in Place is a brand new program that engages students in reading and listening to contemporary American poetry, including song lyrics.  Students will also participate in experiential activities, exploring how poetic devices help the poet and reader connect. This program begins on March 18 and has an application deadline of March 4.

Stretch, Read, Create! is a free program sponsored by the First Presbyterian Church and the Mary N. Porter Designated Fund of the Community Foundation of Broward County. In this fun program, preschoolers 3 to 5 years old and their parent will participate in a short yoga session, listen to a story and then create an art project based on the book. Classes currently run from 10:30am-11:30am on Wednesdays. This program is free but ArtFusion asks that you RSVP to 610-326-2506. There are a limited number of available spaces.

Applications can be downloaded at artfusion19464.org/classes/scholarshipsprograms/. Interested parents can also stop by 254 E. High St. to pick up a paper copy.  Spaces will be filled on a first come, first served basis. While ArtFusion encourages everyone who is interested to apply, those students who qualify for free or reduced lunch and those who have not attended a free program before will be given priority.

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.

MCCC Writers’ Club Seeks Submissions For 29th Annual Fiction And Poetry Contest

Blue Bell/Pottstown, PA— The Writers’ Club at Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) is accepting submissions for its 29th Annual Fiction and Poetry Contest now through 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 10. The contest has categories for poetry and fiction for MCCC students, as well as for alumni, faculty, staff and community residents. Prizes include $100 for first place, $75 for second, $50 for third and $25 for fourth in each category.

Mailed entries must be postmarked no later than March 3 and should be addressed to Professor Susan Buchler, English Department, Montgomery County Community College, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422-0758.

Hand-delivered entries should be submitted by 2 p.m. on March 10 at Professor Buchler’s office, 402 Parkhouse Hall, Central Campus, Blue Bell, where they may be left under the door. Emailed entries will not be accepted.

Guidelines for submitting poetry and fiction are as follows:

Contestants must enter the appropriate category. Categories A1 MCCC Student Poetry and A2 MCCC Student Fiction are open only to MCCC students enrolled during the fall 2015 and spring 2016 school year. Categories B1 Non-Student Poetry and B2 Non-Student Fiction are open to alumni, staff and faculty, as well as Montgomery County residents. Only one entry can be submitted for each category in either the student or non-student classification.

Submissions should be typed on 8.5 x 11-inch paper. Prose should be typed double-spaced in Times New Roman, 12-point font, with one-inch margins. The maximum length is 3,000 words.

Name, address, email address and phone number must be typed on a separate title page, along with the category letter and contest entered. MCCC students must include their student identification numbers.

On all subsequent pages, the title of the work should be typed in the upper right-hand corners with the last four digits of the phone number from the title page typed underneath.

The contestant’s name should not appear on any page except for the title page, and all pages should be numbered and clipped together. Contestants may only submit one entry per category and entries will not be returned.

Winners will be notified by email, and complete results will be announced in an upcoming edition of the Writers’ Club’s The Pen and Ink Times.

Althouse Arboretum Volunteer Weekend, April 25th and 26th

Volunteer Weekend
Saturday & Sunday, April 25th & 26th
Last Saturday and Sunday of each month,
Come any time in between 10:00am & 3:00pm
We’ll be doing a little of everything!

Bring work gloves!
Yes, we’ll be working on all kinds of projects, lots going on! Beyond the projects is the opportunity to meet your neighbors, get out in the fresh air, be part of the community and have some fun. All invited, families welcomed. Come anytime between 10am and 3pm. Hope to see you there!

Programs
Don’t forget to check out our Spring and Summer Programs and Camps!

Spring Cleaning?
Check out our wishlist before you toss!

Garden & Poetry Month
Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
If you can rhyme,
This contest is for you…

Message us on Facebook or email us with your best original short garden or Arboretum Poem before the end of April. Winners will be announced in May and the winning poem will win a gift card and be posted at the Arboretum!

Join us us on Facebook!

Our mailing address is:
Althouse Arboretum
1794 Gilbertsville Road
Pottstown, Pa 19464

Althouse Arboretum April News‏

Friends of the Arboretum, Hark!

Monday, April 13th 6:30 pm
Under the pavilion at the Arboretum
in case of bad weather, 2019 Mimosa Lane
Will post on the website and Facebook if we move it from the Arboretum.

If you want to know more about what’s going on at the Arboretum (lots!),  if you’d like to participate in the Friends mission to share ideas, develop resources, and plan ways to enrich the Arboretum experience for all, if you want to see how you can become part of the action – come! All invited!

If you can’t attend the meeting, you can still email us your ideas! Your input is valuable!

 

Forest Easter Egg Hunt – A Success!

Over 150 people came out to search for eggs and visit with our very own Easter Bunny. The event was planned, organized and run by Pottsgrove High School’s Spark the Wave Club with healthy snacks donated by Kimberton Whole Foods Douglassville.

Heard someone leaving say, “See, this is what we used to do for Easter at Grandma’s.” – ah, family memories and good times in the making!

Here’s a wonderful article with delightful pictures by the Sanatoga Post where you can read all about it.

 

Pottstown Challenge

Another success! Over $5,000 was raised to meet the Pottstown Challenge. The Greater Pottstown Foundation will now match our $5,000 giving us the funds to provide special summer programs for at-risk and low income children at the Arboretum. The money will pay for transportation, program costs, and provide scholarships for local high school student interns who will run the programs.

Individuals and businesses who contributed will be featured on our soon to be available trail map. You’ll be able to pick one up at the Arboretum or download one from the website. We strongly encourage you to support our sponsors and thank the individuals who support the Arboretum and its programs. There’s still time for individual’s to get on on the map. Just click the Matching Grant Donation button at the website. Put the name you want on the rock in the box and add your $50 donation so we can let everyone know ‘you rock!’ Hurry! Only a little time left!

 

Just for Fun

April is “Garden and Poetry Month!” (No foolin’!)
Message us on Facebook or email us  with your best original short garden or Arboretum Poem. Winners will be announced in May and the winning poem will win a gift card and be posted at the Arboretum!

MCCC Writers’ Club Seeks Submissions For 28th Annual Fiction And Poetry Contest

Blue Bell/Pottstown, PA— The Writers’ Club at Montgomery County Community College is accepting submissions for its 28th Annual Fiction and Poetry Contest now through 2 p.m. on March 12. Mailed entries must be postmarked by March 5. The contest has categories for both poetry and fiction for MCCC students, as well as for alumni/faculty/staff /community residents. Prizes include $100 for first place, $75 for second, $50 for third and to $25 for fourth in each category.

Entries should be submitted to Associate Professor Patricia Nestler, English Department, Parkhouse Hall, Room 458, Montgomery County Community College, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422. Emailed entries will not be accepted.

Guidelines for submitting poetry and fiction are as follows.

Submissions should be typed on 8.5 x11-inch paper; prose should be typed in in Times New Roman 12-point font, double-spaced, with one-inch margins. The maximum length is 3,000 words.

Name, address, email address and phone number must be typed on a separate title page, along with the category letter and contest entered (A1 MCCC student poetry; A2 MCCC student fiction; B1 non-student poetry; B2 non-student fiction). MCCC students must include their ID numbers for categories A1 and A2. On each subsequent page, the title of the work should be typed in the upper right-hand corner with the last four digits of the phone number from the title page.

The contestant’s name should not appear on any page except for the title page, and all pages should be numbered and clipped together. Contestants may only submit one entry per category and entries will not be returned.

Winners will be notified by email, and entries will not be returned.

For information, call 215-641-6369.

Ursinus College Graduate Wins Fellowship For 12-Month Global Travel

POTTSTOWN, PA — Codey Young has been awarded a fellowship award that comes with a 12-month trip around the world.

Young, 22, graduated this spring from Ursinus College, and was recently accepted into the master’s program at Harvard Divinity School.

Young is now a Thomas J. Watson Fellow, one of only 43 students from selected colleges across the country.

Sponsored by the Watson Foundation, those students chosen are given $28,000 to travel the world for 12 months in pursuit of their thesis.

Read more: http://www.timesherald.com/social-affairs/20140725/ursinus-college-graduate-wins-fellowship-for-12-month-global-travel

Downtown Lancaster’s Ware Center Alive With Activity

That beehive of activity known as The Ware Center is open for business once again.

After taking a winter break, the Millersville University facility at 42 N. Prince St. will host more than 65 events between late this month and the end of May.

A number of series will be ongoing throughout the school year.  Among the themes are poetry, jazz, opera, theater, dance, art, film, lectures and a Family Fun Fest for children and parents.  “This year is pretty crowded,” notes Harvey Owen, center director.  “There is something here or at the Winter Center (Millersville University’s other major performing arts center, which is on campus) almost every night.”

Local performers and a wide array of national and international acts are on the schedule.

Read more: http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/806238_Downtown-Ware-Center-alive-with-activity.html#ixzz2Ikf76ANM

Edgar Allan Poe Gets Overdue Funeral In Baltimore On Sunday

I am sure most of us were exposed to Edgar Allan Poe in school.  I remember reading his poetry and stories in English class.  I have visited his grave in Baltimore.

This talented but tortured soul had his life cut tragically short at the age of 40.  I often wonder how much more people like Poe would have contributed if they had lived a normal life span. 

After 160 years, Edgar Allan Poe is getting a proper funeral.  Actually two.  Tickets were sold and 350 people are expected to attend each service tomorrow. 

A replica of Edgar was made so there is a body to boot.  It will lie in state for 12 hours prior to the funerals for public viewing. 

Actor John Astin will be the master of ceremonies for the event.  How appropriate!  He was Gomez Addams on the Addams Family if you have forgotten!

RIP Edgar Allan Poe.

A Good October Poem :)

Oz

I know a brute
who eats rotten fruit,
farmers hogs
and occasionally stray dogs.

He doesn’t make a fuss
over sores that pus,
or body odor so foul
it’s like a hundred dead owls.

His revolting smile
makes my stomach churn bile.
His gums have begun oozing,
it’s my lunch that I’m losing.

His breath could rot wood
and kill Red Riding Hood.
Bring strong men to their knees
begging spare their lives please.

His hair has more lice
than a sewer has mice.
His hands comb like big rakes
then it snows with great flakes.

Sometime he farts a great melody,
but usually it’s silent and deadly.
He can belch a great chorus
and clear an acre of forest.

But he’s not unhappy in the least
since his wife’s the Wicked Witch of the East.
Wasn’t she squashed by a house you say?
Yes, so he killed Scarecrow and used all his hay.

Then Cowardly Lion who just got his courage,
was all chopped up and added to the porridge.
Dorothy and Toto were next on the list,
so he ground them to a pulp with his big giant fist.

What about the Tinman, what happened to him?
Well he’s the brute I’m talking about, his name is Tim.
He wore the costume so all would not see,
the monster inside who just wanted to live free.

So how do I know him, am I his friend?
No, I’m just a fly on the wall whose life’s coming to an end.
Heed my warning; you’re not in Kansas anymore.
This land of Oz hides grisly creatures galore.

.

By: Jessica Schmidt

Check Out The Latest Over At Mixture Of Sorts

Marcus has some great book reviews and an original poem submitted by Jessica Schmidt.  You can find all this and more at:

http://www.mixtureofsorts.com/

One On One With Philadelphia Novelist Kerry L. Marzock

By Roy Keeler

I had the pleasure to break bread with and interview author Kerry L. Marzock recently.  Kerry is a novelist in the horror genre and poet extraordinaire.  We sat down to talk about where she has been, where she is headed and all things in between.

Kerry’s second novel, Raven’s Rage, Order of the Claw is due to be released on or around October 13th.  This is the sequel to Raven’s Way and prequel to Raven Unleashed.  The trilogy takes place in Philadelphia and the surrounding Delaware Valley in familiar places like Valley Forge Park, Eastern State Penitentiary and the Wissahickon Valley.  You can read the series in order or you can read the books individually.  Each novel stands alone but there are recurring characters who have “survived” the previous tales.

What can you expect from a Kerry L. Marzock novel?  Crisp dialogue, strong characters, great action and romance (but don’t expect Jane Austin, think Rocky Horror).  Her writing contains all the key elements of a great story which will hold your interest from the first page until the last.

Kerry’s first novel, Raven’s Way, was published in 2006 after 6 months of writing and 3-4 months of editing.  Her current book, Raven’s Rage, Order of the Claw took far longer to complete and has been her most challenging creative effort to date.  Sheer determination made Kerry stick
with this book until it was completed including several detours and taking an extended break to recapture her muse.

Kerry started out writing poetry.  She joined the Soul Asylum Poetry and Publishing family in 2004.  Prior to joining the team at Soul Asylum, Kerry published a book of poetry titled Sea of Emotion under the Publish America label.  As Kerry’s poems became longer, she decided it was time write her first novel.

Pennsylvania born and raised, Kerry started writing stories at the tender age of 5 about Disney characters and super heroes.  A voracious reader, Kerry is a big horror and science fiction fan.  She described herself as a kid who liked to get lost in a good book.  Kerry also has a collection of over one hundred werewolf novels!

Kerry took a long break from writing due to a lack of confidence.  She resumed writing while recuperating from a serious medical condition.  Kerry decided it was time to do the things she always wanted to do!  Writing was at the top of the list.  Bolstered by good feedback from posting her poetry online, Kerry has moved forward and never looked back.  Kerry has been greatly inspired by author Laurell K. Hamilton and particularly her New York Times best selling Anita Blake series.  Anita Blake gave Kerry the push to do the Raven trilogy.

Kerry has several chapters written for Raven Unleashed (book 3).  She also has another book in the works called Scrolls of Sorrow.  Instead of traditional chapters, Scrolls of Sorrow is divided into scrolls.  Each scroll includes a poem.  Kerry is hoping for a summer 2010 release date according to her blog!  She also has an unreleased book of poetry and short stories called Along A Burning Highway.  The poetry is light to dark.  My personal favorite is her dark poetry!  Kerry works full time so all this prolific writing takes place on nights and weekends.

I asked Kerry what her greatest reward has been as an author.  She quickly answered holding a copy of Raven’s Way in her hand.

Kerry is a fascinating person and an incredible writer.  I encourage you to check out her books!

You can learn more about Kerry L. Marzock and order her books from http://www.soulasylumpoetry.com. 

Kerry has a blog which you can find at http://www.kmarzock714.wordpress.com

Live From PA Tonight At 9 PM On Whistle Radio 102.7

Amazing Group of artists for tonight’s broadcast

http://www.whistleradio.com/  also check out http://www.pottstownherald.com/ for a listing of performers and bio information!

Tuesday September 15th 9pm on Whistle Radio. Alive and kicking in Pa! And what a lineup we have! Tune In!

PRESS RELEASE

This Tuesday September 15th, 9pm EST, we will be airing our latest live in PA show, with in studio guests…

Singer/Songwriter Paul Kurrey, with special guest Dave Alexander. Poet/Horror Novelist Kerry L Marzock and Singer/Songwriter Kevin Ricci. Poet/Lyricist Paula Lizzi, as well as Kevin Mackie of the Band Only Human. We will have local Booking Agent, and Journalist David Wannop in to share some of his music knowledge, and talk about some of the bands he has worked with, and to share also some music with us. Also, Darlene Fogel will help co host the show, and wonderful Poet in her own rank, and we will highlight some music from local singer/songwriter Ellen Lerner!

Paul Kurrey Singer Songwriter, who is currently working on the final stages of his upcoming full length CD “Time To Move On” with his first single of the same title to be preformed live in the studio! Look for Paul’s Cd to be coming out Mid October, to Late October through Double K Records.

Dave Alexander is also with Paul, and is an amazing Singer and Songwriter in his own rank. Having just gotten back from a tour of several cities with Paul, Dave will share with us some of his experiences along the way. Also Dave has just recently signed with Double K and will be working on his new CD to be released through us.

We have Darlene Fogel Poet in to help Co Host this show, and as well Horror Novelist, and Poet Kerry L Marzock in to read some of her darker poetry, and to share with us a little about the upcoming book “Raven’s Rage” a follow up to her extraordinary first book “Raven Way”

Local Singer Song Writer Kevin Ricci will be in the house, an incredible singer, who not only plays the guitar on his CD’s but also the Piano, with a soft and melodic voice, and beautiful compositions, you will love Kevin’s live performances on the show, and as well learn a little about what is happening in Kevin’s life.

We have a wonderful surprise, local Booking Agent, and Journalist David Wannop will be in the studio to talk a little about the history of music in Philly, and ways you can help to promote yourself and more. As well David will share with us some of the success stories of bands he has worked with over the years, and some of the not so successful ones. while sharing some great music along the way!

We have Paula Lizzi local Poet and Lyricist with Kevin Mackie Singer Songwriter with the Band Only Human, pictured 3 and 4th from the right. Paula will share with us some poetry, and Kevin some music from his band Only Human, and will also share with us, some information about the NYC coalition for healthy foods!

Now last but certainly not least we have the beautiful Ellen Lerner, who so wanted to be with us in the studio but could not make it physically, we have brought some of Ellen’s music to our show, and will talk a little about this wonderful pianist singer songwriter! Ellen will also be brought to a future show via a telephone interview, where we will delve a little deeper in to Ellen’s music and past!

What a great show we have in store for you, so make sure you tune in Tuesday night for an action packed show, of live music, interviews, and fun!

http://www.whistleradio.com/

If you have trouble tuning in tonight please feel free to call toll free 1-866-902-6655 and we will help walk you through the plugin for windows media… enjoy the show and blessings from all of us at Soul!

Make sure to tune in for this great show, and do a Google search of all these amazing people, and pick up a Book or Cd today!

You will find many of them profiled at Soul and Double K

http://www.soulasylumpoetry.com/

We would like to thank Roy Keeler of the Pottstown Herald for coming out to covert the show, and for providing these wonderful photographs from the day.

http://www.pottstownherald.com/ is the link. They are Pottstown, Pennsylvania’s largest online newspaper. Check out there online newspaper, and all of the happenings in Pa!

As well we would like to thank, Gulio and the Birdland Music and Recording Studio for opening their doors for us to put on this wonderful show in Pa. 107B Walnut Street Lansdale PA 19446. Check out Birdland for all your recording and music needs!

Whistle Radio 102.7 Tonight at 9 PM. Be there!

Tonight 9pm, a Live in Pa replay,Bevin Caulfield, Evro, Kerry L Marzock and more on Whislte Radio 102.7!

http://www.whistleradio.com/

You should be able to click on Listen Live in the column on your right and enjoy the broadcast.

What a great show, with interviews, music, and poetry, live preformances, and a perfect way to lead in to next weeks show! Which will have Ellen Lerner, Paul Kurrey, Dave Alexander, David Wannop, Kerry L Marzock, Only Human, and Paula Lizzi, as well, we have Kevin Ricci, and Darlene Fogel, with music by Iota, Amos Lee, The Lowlands, and so much more! Make sure to tune in tonight at 9pm, and also next Tuesday for two great shows all live, all Pa!

Exciting day at Birdland Studios In Lansdale

Spent the afternoon at a recording for broadcast of a two hour radio show featuring live musicians and a poet/novelist.  4+ hours of work go into a two hour show.  Met some amazingly talented people and learned alot.  Took some great pictures which I will be sharing with all of you along with a write up in the next few days when I get everything together! Made some new friends too!

Big Day In The Studio Tomorrow!

I should have a lot to write about tomorrow night after my time in the recording studio.  Looking forward to it. 

Good night Pottstown!

Birdland Studios In Lansdale

I have been invited to attend a taping for broadcast at Birdland Studios in Lansdale for Soul Asylum Publishing and DK Records tomorrow afternoon.  How cool is that!

Roxborough horror novelist Kerry Marzock will be interviewed about her October 13th release of Raven’s Rage and a number of bands will be performing some songs to be taped for broadcast as well.  This will be a first for me.  I will also get to meet the owner of Soul Asylum and DK Records!  Taking the camera!!

Look for coverage , pictures and maybe an interview if time permits. 

Exciting!!!!