Music For People Satellite Improvisation Camp

REGISTER HERE

only $89.00 both days

Saturday 6/25 (10-4pm) Through simple forms we will create music from within and develop skills in listening and playing with others. Lots of music making! (5-9pm) Celebration The local community is invited to join us for a potluck, music making, dance and badminton playing party. You can perform Open Mic style on the stage, dance, socialize, jam in the back rooms, eat and play Badminton! ($20 Sat night only or $10. if you bring a dish) register Sat night SMASHVILLE ARTS AND BADMINTON CENTER 310 E High St. Pottstown, PA 3rd floor

Music and Well Being  Sunday 6/26 10-1pm Improvisation skills utilized with Soundhealing techniques exploring: voice, instruments, Tibetan bowls and a Sound bed. Healing Arts Studio  125 Prospect St. Phoenixville, PA. ($40. Sunday only )

MCCC’s Center For Workforce Development Offers Scholarships For Online, Non-Credit Microsoft Excel Analytics Course‏

Blue Bell/Pottstown, PA — Knowing how to use software such as Microsoft Excel Analytics is essential for today’s middle-skill occupations, such as store manager, retail supervisor and administrative assistant.

To assist people who need these vital software skills, Montgomery County Community College’s Center for Workforce Development (CWD) is offering scholarships for an online, non-credit Microsoft Excel Analytics course.

Thanks to a generous gift from the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC), CWD is able to offer these scholarships, which cover the entire course fee and provide access to the online learning tool, “SNAP,” for the first 28 participants who register. The scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Microsoft Excel Analytics course introduces the concept of data analytics and its applicability to organizations. Using the latest software, students will learn how to organize and interpret data, conduct analyses and develop visually appealing and informative reports. They also will learn to how to evaluate and apply data to enhance business performance. Overall, students will learn how to apply critical thinking skills and analytics for making data-based decisions, which will enhance their leadership performance in their respective or prospective careers.

While participants will not need to purchase any textbooks, they will need access to Microsoft Excel 2013 as well as the Internet. The self-paced course is held 100 percent online. Enrollment starts on May 1, and the course is active through June 30, 2016. Badges will be provided for mastery of competencies. The course also is aligned with the Microsoft Office Certification Excel exam.

For more information about the course or to register, contact:  Geraldine Rosetti at 215-461-1127 or grossett@mc3.edu or Marge Philippsen at 215-641-6374 or mphilipp@mc3.edu.

The scholarships for the Microsoft Excel Analytics course is one of the workforce training initiatives MCCC is able to offer to the community as a result of receiving a matching grant of $2,177,471 from MCEDC in 2015. This gift established an endowment supporting MCCC’s expertise in educating and training students for regional jobs and careers. Since it is a matching grant, donations have double the impact in funding vital workforce development initiatives.

The first distribution from matched funds is supporting four initiatives:  an Innovation and Sustainability Hub Learning Lab for Hydroponics and Aquaponics, Advanced Manufacturing training and support, Workforce Skills Modules in Information Technology and Manufacturing and a Software Developer Academy.

MCEDC’s grant started a new chapter in community college philanthropy and its matching gift challenge presents the community with the opportunity to invest in tomorrow’s workforce. To discuss funding opportunities or personal goals in making a gift in support of the match, contact the Foundation at 215-641-6529.

NOW ACCEPTING REGISTRATION FOR YOUNG AT ART

On Saturday, March 12, 2016, the Lehigh Valley Arts Council will present Young at Art, an expo of arts camps and schools, to assist parents with selecting the appropriate summer class for their child. This inaugural event will be held at Penn State Lehigh Valley, from 9:00am to 2:30pm, and feature thirty exhibitors who offer lessons in the performing, literary, media and visual arts. Free admission to the expo is provided to the public.

Families with children (ages four to eighteen years old) will enjoy meeting the various exhibitors and learning about the artistic opportunities for their aspiring creatives. The day’s festivities will showcase an arts demonstration, performance or activity every 25-minutes so children will have a chance “to try on what kind of artist” they want to be this summer.

“The idea for a children’s arts expo came from a parent of two small children who was having difficulty identifying a summer program for both her kids,” says Executive Director Randall Forte. “Bringing people together to engage with the arts is what the Arts Council does.”

A limited number of spaces are available for arts and cultural organizations to exhibit and promote their programs, and registration will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis. There will also be opportunities for exhibitors to select a 25-minute time slot to showcase a demonstration or activity.

DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION: January 20, 2016
Early Registration: December 15, 2015 (Members only)

Click here for more information on registering!

Steel River Playhouse Summer Camp 2015

See how the arts can enrich your child’s world, through skill building, performing and working creatively and collaboratively with others.

*Each session taught by our professional staff

*Sessions specially designed for Elementary, Middle and High School Ages

*Choice of AM or full-day activities for elementary school students.

*Financial Aid available for families in need of assistance (click for application)

*… and a Steel River Summer Camp t-shirt included with camp tuition!

Enroll Now!

Three separate sessions to fit your family’s summer schedule:

•  Session 1: July 6-17
• Session 2: July 20-31
• Session 3: August 3-14

SRP summer camp 2015 registration form

Camp 2015 Program Guide

More information:  http://www.steelriver.org/2015/04/summer-camp-2015/

Tuesday Nights Backyard Gardening Series At Althouse Aboretum

A lecture series presented by Master Gardeners and other experts in their field.
Please preregister here

Native Plants for Every Garden

JUNE 9th        7:00 pm           Donation: $5
Learn how you can add beauty and reduce maintenance  while at the same time improving the ecosystem of your own backyard by using native plants in your landscape with Marc Randell, Master Gardener.  You can preregister here

Certified Wildlife Habitats

JUNE 16^th   7:00 pm           Donation: $5
Certified Wildlife Habitats are a program run by the National Wildlife Federation to provide recognition for any property that provides food, water, shelter, nesting spaces and sustainable gardening practices that support wildlife. Whether you have a small yard, a balcony or acres of land, this program will help you attract beautiful wildlife to your property and reduce storm water in the process.  You can preregister here
~ Rachel Rosenfeld, Master Gardener

Garden Tips & Tricks, a Show & Tell

JUNE 23^rd   7:00 pm          Donation: $5

Find fresh ideas to use in  your garden this summer. Learn about items in your home or yard that can be re-purposed or recycled in  ways you may not have thought of. Get the down and dirty with Kathy Klein, Master Gardener  You can preregister here

Garden in Place and Bring Nature Home

JUNE 30^th   7:00 pm          Donation: $5
To garden in place and bring nature home not only beautifies your environment, feeds birds and wildlife and makes maintenance easier, but it also shows a personal commitment to preserving our natural world.  Preserving our natural world in this way supports life not only in your backyard but on the planet as well. Putting this concept into practice may be easier than you think, with greater rewards than you imagine. Learn more with Leslie Bass, Master Grardener.  You can preregister here

FREE Treasure Hunt At Berean Bible Church On June 6th

Cool School Summer Camps Coming To Spring-Ford Area School District

Spring-Ford Area School District PRESENTS 2015 COOL SCHOOL 

The 2015 Cool School Summer Enrichment Program is sponsored by Spring-Ford Area School District.

• Classes are held at the 5/6 Building, 833 South Lewis Road, unless otherwise noted

• Classes will be held Monday through Thursday • Classes will be offered during three, one-week sessions:

• Week I: June 22 – June 25 • Week 2: July 6– July 9 • Week 3: July 13 – July 16

• Two different time slots: • Time A: 8:30 -10:30 a.m. • Time B:10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

• When registering for a class, please note the session.  Example: June 22-25, from 8:30-10:30 a.m. will be Session 1A.

• Unless otherwise noted, all classes are held at the 5/6 Building 833 South Lewis Road, Royersford

• Supervision is provided between sessions. Students who are staying should bring a snack.

• Many courses have a $5 materials fee.

• Cool School Courses are available for students completing grades K-6, depending on description.

• Grade levels are based on the grade completed in June 2015.

• Registrations will be accepted online or with a paper registration. COST PER COURSE: $50 SFASD residents; $60 non-residents.

Click here for all the information and registration form: Cool School Summer Camps

Upcoming April Activities At The Althouse Arboretum

Friends of the Arboretum

Monday, April 13th, 6:30 pm
Under the Pavillion

A group of interested friends, neighbors and students who come together to share ideas, resources, and possibilities to enrich the Arboretum experience for all. You can volunteer your time and talent, or become part of a community team to discuss, plan and work together to make our land a first-class outdoor destination for the community.Come join us and explore the possibilities! Everyone invited!

Free Tree Tender Training for you?

Thursday evenings  April 16, 23, 30, from 6:00 -9:00pm.
Chester Springs (33 minutes south of the Arboretum)

The PA Horticulture Society has offered to provide us with free trees if we have individuals with Tree Tender Training. The SAVE Alliance Foundation has offered to pay for anyone to take the training who agrees to complete the training and volunteer time to plant trees at the Althouse Arboretum. We can carpool from the Arboretum. How about it?

During three energetic sessions learn the basics of tree planting and care including tree biology, identification, stresses, planting , pruning and root care – and how to use these skills in your home landscape and in helping to restore the tree canopy in your neighborhood and the region. Skills to use at home too!

Register by this Monday by contacting khamilton@thesavealliance.org

Click here for more information about the Althouse Arboretum:

https://althousearboretum.wordpress.com/

Identity Theft / Scam Seminar Coming To The TriCounty Area In April

Pottsgrove Manor To Host Tape Loom Weaving Workshop Saturday, April 18, 2015

Pottstown, PA – On Saturday, April 18, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Pottsgrove Manor will host a workshop on the basics of weaving linen tape on a box loom.

The class will be taught by Eleanor Bittle, who has been active in preserving local history for many years and continues to participate in the Goschenhoppen Folk Festival each year.  She has researched colonial-era tape making for nearly four decades, earning her the nickname of “The Tape Lady.”  In this hands-on workshop, Ms. Bittle will explain the history and uses of woven tape and teach the fundamentals of the tape loom: pattern design, warping the loom, and weaving.

This workshop is open to adults and children ages 12 and up.  There is a materials fee of $30 per person for the workshop that includes threads, instructions, and lunch.  Participants may bring their own (unwarped) tape loom or purchase a cardboard loom for an additional $15 per person.  Class size is limited to 10 to ensure individual instruction.  Registration and payment are required by March 27, 2015.  Please note: Cancellations given before March 27, 2015 will receive a full refund. Cancellations given after March 27, 2015 will not be refunded.

Pottsgrove Manor is located at 100 West King Street near the intersection of King Street and Route 100, just off Route 422, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania.  Pottsgrove Manor is operated by Montgomery County under the direction of the Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites Division of the Assets and Infrastructure Department.  Regular museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Tours begin on the hour.  The last tour of the day begins at 3:00 p.m. For more information, please call 610-326-4014, or visit the website at http://www.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor.

Like Pottsgrove Manor on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pottsgrovemanor

TCN Holiday Celebration

TCN cordially invites you to a holiday celebration.

Hot Breakfast          Networking          Games & Prizes

Tuesday, December 16th, 8am-10:30am
Copperfield Inn at Lakeside

594 West Ridge Pike, Limerick

Special thanks to our breakfast sponsors

Chestnut Hill College   Chestnut Knoll
Edward Jones Office of Bonnie Thompson
Frederick Living   Visiting Angels

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 Deadline: December 9th.  Only registered members and guests will be admitted**

   Click here to register or call 610-705-3301, Ext. 2.

MCCC Hosts 10th Annual Straight Talk Program: ‘Building Resilience In Today’s Diverse Families’

Blue Bell/Pottstown, Pa.—The Montgomery County Teen Parent Task Force, in collaboration with Montgomery County Community College (MCCC), will host its 10th annual Straight Talk program on Wednesday, Oct. 22 from 6:30-9 p.m. The topic is “Building Resilience in Today’s Diverse Families.”

The program will be held in the Science Center Theater at MCCC’s Central Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell, with video-conferencing to South Hall 221 at MCCC’s West Campus, 101 College Drive, Pottstown. The program is free and is open to the public; guests are encouraged to bring donations of non-perishable food for MCCC’s “Stock Up For Success” food pantry, which provides free breakfast and lunch items to students in need. Pre-registration is requested to Fran Wasserman at 215-688-0538 or franwasserman@verizon.net.

The Straight Talk program will include a keynote address by Abby Grasso, social services liaison with Brooke Glen Behavioral Hospital, followed by a panel discussion and question and answer session. Panelists include Ron Husted, coordinator of the Fatherhood Program with Child, Home & Community, Inc., and Wendell Griffith, coordinator of mentoring services at MCCC. Literature and resources will also be available before and after the presentation.

MCCC Offers Workshops To Help Adults Transition Into College

Blue Bell/Pottstown, Pa.— Building on the success of a pilot Career Transitions Workshop in April, Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) will offer additional workshops in Blue Bell and Pottstown for adults who may be thinking about returning to college.

The next set of Career Transitions Workshops will be held on Tuesday, May 13 from 6-8 p.m. at MCCC’s West Campus, 101 College Drive, Pottstown, and on Thursday, June 5 from 10 a.m.-noon at MCCC’s Central Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell.

The workshops are open to all adults and are free of charge, although pre-registration is requested. For more information or to RSVP, contact Denise Collins at 215-619-7313 or dcollins@mc3.edu.

During the workshops, prospective students will get an overview of the resources available to help them transition into college. Topics include using MCCC’s website and online registration tools, financial aid, assessment of credits for prior learning, stackable credentials, career pathways, and job search tools.

After the initial sessions, MCCC advisors will follow up with participants one-on-one to help them identify programs and pathways that are right for them.

“Our goal is help adult learners be comfortable and successful at the College. We want this to be a place where they can get back on track with their education and transition into new careers,” said Denise Collins, who manages the U.S. Department of Labor Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) grant at MCCC.

The grant is helping MCCC to develop a robust Prior Learning Assessment model and stackable credentials for adult students as part of the JobTrakPA framework—a joint initiative of Pennsylvania’s 14 community colleges to train and place underemployed and unemployed residents of the Commonwealth in high demand jobs.

The workshop also connects to MCCC’s participation in the American Association of Community Colleges’ (AACC) Plus 50 Encore Completion Program, which looks to train 10,000 baby boomers for high-demand jobs through 2015.

Reading Officials Form Plan To Find Foreclosed-Property Owners

A 1947 topographic map of the Reading, Pennsylvania area. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A two-alarm fire in September 2011 gutted a vacant row home at 1422 Muhlenberg St., damaged two neighboring properties, and started the city on yet another frustrating journey to find an owner and order that a building be properly boarded up.

The Muhlenberg Street problem was just one skirmish in the city’s ongoing battle to find elusive property owners for such things as fire cleanup, unpaid taxes, quality-of-life tickets or blight.

But the battle may soon be over.

The city has a plan to get banks to register their foreclosures and may hire an outside firm to help monitor and enforce the rules.

Read more: http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=515575