The Sanatoga Post

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Published during the week just ended in The Sanatoga Post:

Saturday, March 21

• Baskets Bring Bucks For YWCA
  Hundreds of people attended the YWCA Tri-County Area’s 10th annual basket fund-raiser Friday, to snare favorite items while benefiting a good cause.
• Ringing Rocks Re-Examined April 14
  The Pottsgrove School District will unveil its latest options for refurbishing the elementary school. It wants public input.
• Keep Healthy Next Week
  A wellness fair. Diabetes seminars. And information on living the vegetarian lifestyle.
• Grading Gets Started Near Interchange
  Bulldozers and backhoes began work Wednesday at property on East High Street just west of Rupert Road.
• Pottsgrove Falcons Sports for March 21, 2009
  Who’s playing what, when, and where in the Pottsgrove School District.

Friday, March 20

• Club Revive Dance Canceled, Or Just Moved?
  Sunnybrook Ballroom said Thursday a popular dance for those under age 21 would be canceled for one week due to previous fighting. Club Revive’s website says no, its dance is still on and has simply moved to a new and different Lower Pottsgrove location.
• Township Commissioners OK Offices
  After a lengthy hearing and a foregone conclusion, Lower Pottsgrove commissioners Thursday approved the office complex proposed by Specht Investors LLC for East High Street.
• Pottsgrove High Hears Motivator Burnham
  Teen-age suicide survivor Jordan Burnham brought a message of life change to students Thursday at Pottsgrove High School.
• Social Networking Saves The Day
  Montgomery County Community College used a popular high-tech service to alert its people when phones and computers went down Wednesday in Pottstown and Blue Bell.
• Quarry Owner Develops Near Lebanon
  H&K Group, which owns the Pottstown Trap Rock Quarries on North Sanatoga Road, wants to create a 600+ unit residential community, hotel, and water park resort on former mine land in Cornwall PA.
• Pick A Point And Set Out
  Warwick County Park introduces visitors Sunday to the sport of orienteering, in a session sponsored by people who are good at it.

Thursday, March 19

• Celebrate Spring’s Arrival Friday
  The sun passes directly over the equator tomorrow, marking the first day of spring. Here’s how to observe its arrival in Sanatoga and surrounding communities.
• Commissioners Consider Conditional Use Tonight
  Lower Pottsgrove conducts a hearing on the Specht Investors’ office condominium proposal, along with other items on the Board of Commissioners’ agenda.
• Stuff To Do This Weekend
  A play, an art display, and what the DJs say.  Bird walking, antiques shopping and home buying. Weaving baskets, reading to dogs, and stocking fish. No chance for boredom anywhere.
• For Whom The Frogs Call
  Enjoy the sounds (rrrribit) of nature (rrrribit) next week during an exploration at Warwick County Park.
• Pottsgrove Falcons Sports for March 19, 2009
  Who’s playing what, when, and where in the Pottsgrove School District.

Wednesday, March 18

• AIG Bonuses Anger Local Congressmen
  Paying millions in bonus money to executives of an insurance company that failed so badly it needed billions in bailouts isn’t sitting well with congressmen representing Lower Pottsgrove and Limerick.
• Out Of Work, But He Looks Good
  A men’s clothing retailer in our region makes an intriguing proposition. Buy a suit, and if you lose your job we’ll refund a portion of your purchase price.
• Raven’s Claw Looking For Players
  The Limerick golf club is forming a 9-hole night league on Wednesdays. It hopes you’ll be interested.
• Pottsgrove Falcons Sports for March 18, 2009
  Who’s playing what, when, and where in the Pottsgrove School District.

Tuesday, March 17

• Up Against The Wall, For A Good Cause
  Pottsgrove Middle School students raise $1,800 to benefit leukemia research and patient comfort, using pennies, pasta, and duct tape.
• Planners OK Specht Office Proposal
  Lower Pottsgrove’s planning board gave its blessing Monday to an office condominium project on East High Street in the Sanatoga village district.
• Target Building Fewer Stores
  The major retailer is curbing expansion plans in 2009. Its Upland Square Shopping Center store, within the Pottsgrove School District, is one of 75 stores going up this year … about a third less than last year.
• Borough Sponsors Historic Home Show
  Pottstown and Montgomery County Community College collaborate to revive old house renovators’ interests. The public’s invited to participate.
• Credit Union Holds Free Seminar
  A Lower Pottsgrove financial institution hopes to help people manage their money better in hard times.
• Pottsgrove Falcons Sports for March 17, 2009
  Who’s playing what, when, and where in the Pottsgrove School District.

Monday, March 16

• What They Sold For
  A weekly review of the top prices paid for homes in Lower Pottsgrove and surrounding townships.
• Office Complex On Planning Agenda
  Lower Pottsgrove planners meet tonight, to consider an office proposal in Sanatoga village, and other items.
• Notebook Worthy
  A Sanatoga businessman knows how to do it himself. Cheyney University hires a marketing director who knows her way around Lower Pottsgrove. And some parents know a Broadway bargain when they see one.
• Janney Hosts Office Speaker
  The Sanatoga stock brokerage hosts a luncheon presentation about the market. The public is invited.
• Pottsgrove Falcons Sports for March 16, 2009
  Who’s playing what, when, and where in the Pottsgrove School District.

Sunday, March 15

• ‘The Post’ Week In Review
  For March 8-14, 2009.

Most baskets received individualized inspection.

NORTH COVENTRY PA – Hundreds of people took advantage Friday night (March 20, 2009) of the “Big Birthday Bash,” the centennial year Basket Party fund-raiser for the YWCA Tri-County Area, to find a bargain or special gift. A crowd packed the gym at North Coventry Elementary School, 475 Kemp Rd., for food, fun, and some spirited competitive bidding among popular baskets filled with treats and, in two instances, cash.

• See a Post gallery of eight photos from Friday night’s fund-raiser.

During the past decade, local businesses, friends of the Y, and other sponsors all have donated themed baskets filled with fun and usable items on which participants can bid during the party. Since 2000, the event has raised more than $66,000 to benefit a variety of programs at the YWCA, 315 King St., Pottstown PA, including adult literacy, child care, its parents’ network, and educational and support opportunities.

It was not immediately known how much money was raised Friday. A total of 124 baskets were available.

Hundreds attended the event Friday night in North Coventry.

Front entrance at Ringing Rocks Elementary School.

LOWER POTTSGROVE PA – Pottsgrove School District residents, take heed: you’re being asked to action once again.

The district Board of School Directors wants the public to hear about and discuss three options it’s considering for renovation or expansion of Ringing Rocks Elementary School. Its April 14 (2009; Tuesday) meeting at 7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria at Ringing, 1401 Kauffman Rd., is where board members plan to unveil the latest round of proposals for refurbishing the school, and comments are being sought.

• This event has been added to The Post’s April calendar.

An invitation to the meeting, which is open to all anyway but might not otherwise have attracted additional attention, was posted Thursday (March 19, 2009) on the district website and also distributed to the media.

School board members have reviewed possible renovations or expansions to Ringing and other facilities since last fall. A study last year by district architects recommended a broad range of improvements and additions, including an expansion of Pottsgrove High School and renovations to athletic fields. However, the board currently is looking only at Ringing, the district building most in need of repairs.

Several of Ringing’s large mechanical systems need to be replaced. District administrators also hope to add program, security and accessibility updates “to bring the building in line” with elementary schools in Lower and West Pottsgrove, district Superintendent Dr. Bradley Landis notes.

Options now being proposed:

• Update only mechanical systems and infrastructure, such as a roof. This option would not include additional classroom or small group instructional space, no new cafeteria, gymnasium, library, art or music facilities;
• Expand Ringing to allow for what the district terms as “some program equity” with its other elementary schools, but no additional classroom space. Mechanical systems and infrastructure also would be updated; and
• Expand Ringing to provide enough classroom space for full day kindergarten district-wide, along with program equity space and mechanical upgrades.

“The school board is interested in ongoing input from parents, staff and community members regarding the Ringing Rocks project,” Landis said. Those unable to attend the April 14 meeting can send opinions to the superintendent by e-mail or by calling his office at 610-327-2277. They also can send an e-mail to the entire board.

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SANATOGA PA – Health care news for Sanatogans (and anyone else!), March 22-28, 2009:

Today (Saturday, March 21)

The fourth annual Boyertown Area Community Wellness Council’s Wellness Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Boyertown Area Senior High School, 120 N. Monroe St., Boyertown PA, 9 miles northwest of Sanatoga. The free and fun event features more than 50 exhibitors, demonstrations, entertainment and activities. The public may attend.

Tuesday, March 24

A series of three presentations on “Living With Diabetes,” conducted by Pottstown Memorial Medical Center, will be held from 6-9 p.m. in the ground floor boardroom of the hospital, 1600 E. High St., Pottstown PA. A physician’s prescription is required to attend. The series will continue on March 26 and 31. For more information and to register, call 610-327-7463.

Hearing screenings conducted by Pottstown Memorial Medical Center will be held at 7 p.m. in Classroom 1 of the Chestmont Office Building, 13 Armand Hammer Blvd., Pottstown PA. For more information and to register, call 610-327-7662.

Vegans, vegetarians and those who are interested in eating less meat are invited to a free Vegetarian and Vegan Support and Outreach Group meeting to be held from 6-7 p.m. in the Boyertown Community Library, 29 E. Philadelphia Ave., Boyertown PA. Participants can learn the benefits of a vegetarian diet, and share recipes and ideas. For more information, send an e-mail to Georgia or Veronica Smith.

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Grading on East High Street west of Rupert Road is under way.

SANATOGA PA – Land grading that was discussed last December by the Lower Pottsgrove (PA) Township Board of Commissioners at the 13.9-acre vacant East High Street parcel just west of the Turkey Hill convenience store, got under way Wednesday (March 18, 2009).

The property lies within the area that is considered Sanatoga’s “gateway,” the entrance to the village and township from U.S. Route 422. A 2007 community revitalization plan envisioned the area as one that welcomes people to the township and “begins to give the community a sense of place.”

The property is being marketed by Tornetta Realty Corp. of Norristown, and is listed for sale at an undisclosed price with the potential for office use. However, past discussions with township officials regarding its development have included proposals for a shopping center and a hotel.

A large number of trees were harvested from the property earlier during 2008. Trucks at various times since December have unloaded clean dirt and other fill materials at the site in anticipation of grading and other improvements. Nothing’s being built yet on the lot.

Related:

• Fill Piles At Sanatoga Exit

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• None scheduled until Monday (March 23, 2009)

Provided by HighSchoolSports.net

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More and more of our neighbors are going hungry.
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Published as a public service by The Sanatoga Post

Club Revive logo.

SANATOGA PA – There are questions today (Friday, March 20, 2009) over whether the Club Revive dances popular with those under age 21 and – until this week – held at Sanatoga’s Sunnybrook Ballroom, have been temporarily canceled or simply relocated.

Sunnybrook issued a press release Thursday (March 19, 2009), according to The (Pottstown PA) Mercury newspaper, claiming a dance scheduled for tonight had been canceled as a result of an altercation at a previous event that required police to break it up. However, a check of the club’s website this morning shows its operators still plan to hold the dance tonight in a different Lower Pottsgrove (PA) Township location: Academy Hall, 1700 Industrial Hwy.

The website boldly declares the club would conduct a “Back At It Party” tonight in the new venue with new disc jockeys. “Club Revive continues the party and it will be even bigger and better than the last time!!  We expect to see even more people,” one of its pages announced.

Sunnybrook Ballroom.

Minor fights broke out at Sunnybrook last week (Friday, March 13, 2009) as the last dance was closing, and police from several departments responded. Two teenage boys were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct.

In its press release, Sunnybrook said it was working with Club Revive operators to restore the dance, The Mercury reported. Said to be under review were traffic patterns, dance times and attendance rules to ensure audience safety. The press release indicated Sunnybrook would resume the dance March 27 after a one-week hiatus.

A copy of the Sunnybrook press release was not provided to The Sanatoga Post, nor was it available on the ballroom’s website.

In stark contrast, Club Revive’s website said it intended to hold its March 27 dance at Academy Hall as well … not at Sunnybrook.

The club website has added a Rules Page. “Yeah, rules – we need to set a few basic ones in order to keep Revive alive,” it states. And in the largest text typeface on the page, it proclaims, “No Fighting.  We will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.”

It further adds: “Fighting is the surest way to close Revive for good.” Addressing dance-goers directly, it claims it is their “responsibility not only to not get into fights but to tell security or management if you suspect there may be a fight or potential fight.  Don’t prove some people right by showing them you don’t deserve this.  You do!  This is your opportunity to show them.”

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SANATOGA PA – After almost two hours Thursday (March 19, 2009) of legal i-dotting and t-crossing, the Lower Pottsgrove (PA) Township Board of Commissioners gave its approval to conditional use of property at 1800 E. High St. for construction of an office condominium complex proposed by Specht Investors LLC.

An artist's rendering of two new office buildings (at left) in what would be the Specht complex, in a view envisioned as looking north on South Sunnybrook Road toward East High Street.

The outcome was a foregone conclusion well before the board’s official vote. During its conditional use hearing at the township municipal building, 2199 Buchert Rd., all four commissioners in attendance – Bruce Foltz, Jonathan Spadt, Stephen Klotz and Anthony Doyle – said they were pleased with and would endorse the project.

The developer plans to build two Colonial-style office buildings to join another office building already on the four-acre site, at the corner of East High and South Sunnybrook Road. The largest new building would consist of 19,846 square feet; the second, smaller building would contain 13,280 square feet. The project is located in a Limited Commercial Office District, and within a floodplain.

Limitations imposed by the site, and township regulations over features such as the floodplain and steep slopes, made the hearing necessary. Township Solicitor R. Kurtz Holloway explained the board “would be obligated” to approve the project if developers could prove it met specific criteria.

Thus ensued a lengthy presentation of witnesses, evidence, and testimony to ensure every legal point was covered. There was no opposition or audience questions.

After the first hour even the developer’s attorney, Howard Kalis, joked he was anxious to wrap up. As an unabashed supporter of Villanova University basketball, Kalis noted, there were televised March Madness basketball games yet to be watched Thursday night.

Commissioners’ approval came attached with several conditions: the need for more detailed plans, limitations on building size, assurances of adequate parking, landscaping requirements, cooperation with neighboring property owners on extension of the township trail system, creation of a condominium owners association to manage the buildings, and obtaining required variances from the township Zoning Hearing Board.

Commissioner James Phillips was absent and did not vote.

Township zoners will consider the Specht proposal at a separate hearing next month. Construction cannot begin until the zoning board also grants approval.

Related:

• Commissioners Consider Conditional Use Tonight
• Planners OK Specht Office Proposal
• Office Complex On Planning Agenda
• Trifecta Possible For Office Development
• Awaiting Agenda In Lower Pottsgrove
• Slope Issues Cause Specht Delay
• 2 Hearings Set For 2 Proposed Offices

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