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Tyler Masciarelli, son of Alyssa Masciarelli of Ridley Park PA, wins Sunday at the Shooting Waters game at Sunnybrook's carnival.

SANATOGA PA – The operator of a Shooting Waters race game called out and pointed at prize choices Sunday (May 24, 2009) afternoon as young Tyler Masciarelli – mouth open, hands on his hips, and Mohawk haircut bristling – looked at a wall covered with plush toys. He had just won the game by filling a target with water shot from a pistol-shaped hose, and now he’d get to take home a reward.

“Got a red dog, a brown cat, blue dog …,” the operator said. “Blue dog!,” Tyler yelled, excited when he heard the option.

Blue dog it was. Another satisfied customer.

Three teens scream with delight from 20 feet in the air as they ride the carnival's Super Round-Up centrifuge.

A couple rides the Super Trooper wheel.

Attendance was moderate but, like Tyler, enthusiastic as Sunday evening approached at Sunnybrook Ballroom, 50 Sunnybrook Rd. In the parking lot there, Douglassville PA-based Tons Of Fun Shows was in the fourth of a five-day carnival run. The boy and his mother, Alyssa Masciarelli of Ridley Park PA, were visiting relatives in neighboring Limerick Township and had come out to the show for a diversion. Both played the game; Tyler had sharper aim.

“It’s a good time,” Mom said.

The good times continue today, Memorial Day, until the carnival’s 6 p.m. closing. A variety of games, rides and treats to eat are available, all at varying prices.

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SANATOGA  PA – Recent jottings from a reporter’s notebook:

Betcha This Timing Was Planned

Today (May 25, 2009) is Memorial Day, and if you haven’t yet thanked a veteran for his or her service to our country, please don’t miss the chance. Certainly, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs hasn’t.

In today’s edition of The (Pottstown PA) Mercury newspaper, there appears a legal advertisement placed by the department to officially announce its intent to build a four-story, 140,00-square-foot, 120-bed addition to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Veterans Service Center in Pennhurst, East Vincent (PA) Township, eight miles south of Sanatoga. Public comment on the VA’s plans is being accepted through June 9 (2009; Tuesday).

Musicians perform on stage at Chaplin's in Spring City.

A Rollickin’ Recital

Congratulations and public applause were the order of the day last Sunday (May 17, 2009) in Spring City PA, where more than 20 students of the Pottstown PA-based High Street Music Company performed in a recital concert at Chaplin’s Music Cafe on North Main Street. The jazz and rock numbers were hot and wailing, and although they were clearly rooting for everyone on stage, audience members genuinely loved every minute.

Ofc. Diesinger on patrol Sunday during the Sunnybrook Ballroom carnival.

Bike Rodeo Broke Record

The bicycle rodeo conducted last Saturday (May 16, 2009) by the Lower Pottsgrove (PA) Township police department at Lower Pottsgrove Elementary School on Buchert Road set a new attendance record, Officer Rob Diesinger reported.

Diesinger, who was charged by Chief Michael Shade with supervising the event, said 67 bike riders – more than twice the attendance of 2008 – participated in some or all of the six-hour seminar that included free bicycle safety inspections, bicycle-riding exams, and helmet checks.

Just as importantly, the kids had a blast.

Thanks, Bro

On a Memorial Day-related final note, this message for U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Cdr. Marc Zlomek, who arrived for duty last month in Iraq: you are the managing editor’s personal hero. To him, and troops everywhere, be safe, be well, and God’s speed.

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Karen Leonard of Douglassville PA, left, and Britteni Connor of Pottstown, wash cars Sunday in Limerick for Team Revive.

LIMERICK PA – For a handful of teens who regularly participate in under-21 dances at Club Revive in Lower Pottsgrove (PA) Township, their next move may be a slow groove. They’ve formed a team that will walk next weekend as part of the Greater Pottstown Relay for Life against cancer, and Sunday (May 24, 2009) they worked to raise funds for the effort.

“Team Revive,” as the teens call themselves, held a car wash outside the Bruster’s Ice Cream franchise, 241 W. Ridge Pike, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. They collected donations only, rather than specify a car wash price, and received $5- and $10-bills as a result.

Establishing a Relay For Life team was a decision made only recently, according to Cary and Sandra McGuckin, who operate Club Revive. “We had kids who were interested, and who wanted to walk with friends who were already on relay teams, so we figured, why not?,” Cary McGuckin said. Club Revive management is supporting its team, too, the McGuckins said.

“We are so excited to see that these kids are willing to make such an effort to do something for others,” Cary McGuckin noted. “It speaks volumes for the character of the kids who come out to our club.”

Pottstown’s Relay for Life, which is nationally known, will be held this year on Saturday and Sunday (May 30-31, 2009) in the stadium at Pottsgrove High School, 1345 Kauffman Rd., Lower Pottsgrove.

Organizing a car wash wasn’t easy. The McGuckins had several team members who were willing to volunteer their time, but quickly finding a suitable location – some place with high visibility and lots of traffic – was proving to be a problem. “Almost everybody we talked to had to check with a corporate office or a higher-up for an OK,” Sandra McGuckin said.

To their rescue came the Straub family, owners of Bruster’s. They’ve allowed several local fund-raising groups, from the Perkiomen Valley girls’ soccer team to the Trappe Fire Company, to use their premises, and Team Revive now joins the list. The McGuckins were highly appreciative: The Straubs, Cary said, are business people who “care about their community and its members.”

Related:

• Teen Dancers Walk As Relay Team
• Fusion Is Sunnybrook’s New Revive
• Allentown Newspaper Features Club
• Club Revive Hitting The Road, Too
• Club Revive Dance Cancelled, Or Just Moved?

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They paid how much?

LOWER POTTSGROVE PA – The top price paid for a home within the township from March 5-11, 2009, was $259,900, the Philadelphia Inquirer newspaper reports.

The home is located at 2139 Sunnyside Ave. This week’s top reported prices were listed Sunday (May 24, 2009) in “The Top 50,” the newspaper’s weekly review of highest prices paid for homes sold within the city of Philadelphia and the townships in its surrounding counties.

By contrast, during the same period, the top home sales price in Pottstown PA Borough, immediately to the west, none listed; Limerick PA Township, east, $190,000; New Hanover PA Township, northeast, none listed; Upper Pottsgrove PA Township, northwest, none listed; and in North Coventry PA Township, south, none listed.

Related:

• What They Sold For, Feb. 26-March 4, 2009
• What They Sold For, Feb. 18-25, 2009
• What They Sold For, Feb. 4-11, 2009
• What They Sold For, Jan. 28-Feb. 3, 2009
• What They Sold For, Jan. 19-27, 2009
• What They Sold For, Jan. 10-18, 2009
• What They Sold For, Jan. 1-9, 2009
• What They Sold For, Dec. 22-31, 2008
• What They Sold For, Dec. 15-19, 2008
• What They Sold For, Dec. 8-12, 2008
• What They Sold For, Nov. 26-Dec. 5, 2008
• What They Sold For, Nov. 18-24, 2008
• What They Sold For, Nov. 10-17, 2008
• What They Sold For, Oct. 28-Nov. 3, 2008
• What They Sold For, Oct. 20-27, 2008
• What They Sold For, Oct. 13-17, 2008
• What They Sold For, Oct. 6-10, 2008
• What They Sold For, Sept. 29 -Oct. 3, 2008
• What They Sold For, Sept. 22-26, 2008
• What They Sold For, Sept. 15-19, 2008
• What They Sold For, Sept. 8-12, 2008
• What They Sold For, Sept. 1-5, 2008
• What They Sold For, Aug. 25-29, 2008
• What They Sold For, Aug. 18-22, 2008

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• None scheduled; Memorial Day Holiday

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Published during the week just ended in The Sanatoga Post:

Saturday, May 23

• Five Roads On Town Re-Paving List
  Resurfacing highways on Lower Pottsgrove’s wish list will cost $66,000. The money, or potential lack of it, may limit how much work gets done.
• Bursich Wins Electrical Code Review
  Lower Pottsgrove’s engineer is the low bidder for a contract to review building plans and ensure their wiring conforms to township code.
• Keep Healthy Next Week
  A list of what’s available free, or at low cost, within the Greater Pottstown area during the next seven days to help you live healthier.
• Guard Service Honors Area Veterans
  The Pottsgroves’ American Legion Post 244 honor guard was part of a Sunday ceremony in nearby Limerick that paid tribute to the area’s fallen service men and women.
• Pottsgrove Falcons Sports for May 23, 2009
  Who’s playing what, when, and where in the Pottsgrove School District.

Friday, May 22

• 422 Repairs, Delays Start Tuesday
  Morning and afternoon rush hours are unlikely to be affected, but at most other times drivers should plan for delays along U.S. Route 422 between Collegeville and Royersford as PennDOT begins rebuilding the road.
• Townships Agree To Interchange Planning
  Lower Pottsgrove and Limerick now both have approved resolutions pledging to cooperate on creating a master plan for the area surrounding the Sanatoga interchange of U.S. Route 422.
• Klotz Congratulates Kropp On Judge Win
  The Lower Pottsgrove commissioner, defeated by Edward Kropp Sr. in a three-way race for district judge, said Thursday the winner will be “a great guy for the position.”
• Community Band Concert Marks 50th
  The Pottsgrove Community Band celebrates its anniversary June 14 with a concert for the public.
• Pottsgrove Falcons Sports for May 22, 2009
  Who’s playing what, when, and where in the Pottsgrove School District.

Thursday, May 21

• McGroarty Led Commissioner Candidates
  Of three running for Lower Pottsgrove commissioner in Tuesday primaries, Michael McGroarty won the greatest number of votes. But someone else was the most township’s popular candidate.
• Landes Led In School Board Votes
  Of four Pottsgrove school board incumbents running for re-election in Tuesday’s primaries, Nancy Landes was the top total vote-getter.
• Dent Proposes Medical Freedom Guarantee
  Worried about the prospect of health care rationing, Lower Pottsgrove’s congressman proposes limiting regulation.
• Stuff To Do This Weekend
  Carnival rides all weekend long at Sunnybrook. Three types of dances: teen, swing and ballroom. The Hill School’s spring play. And nature programs at two parks.
• Pottsgrove Falcons Sports for May 21, 2009
  Who’s playing what, when, and where in the Pottsgrove School District.

Wednesday, May 20

• Kropp Appears To Be Next Local Judge
  The Pottstown police detective won out over Lower Pottsgrove Commissioner Stephen Klotz and Collegeville police Officer G. Michael Shirey.
• Tuesday’s Voter Turnout: Light
  Comparatively few voters showed up at the polls, but Republicans came out more than Democrats.
• Shurr Happy With Tuesday’s Effort
  In her bid to become Independence Day homecoming queen, Pottsgrove’s Gabby Shurr seemed pleased with her fund-raising bid at McDonald’s Restaurant.
• Physicians Schedule Diabetes Clinic
  Patients of PMSI can register for an upcoming seminar planned in Lower Pottsgrove.
• Pottsgrove Falcons Sports for May 20, 2009
  Who’s playing what, when, and where in the Pottsgrove School District.

Tuesday, May 19

• It’s Primary Election Day. Don’t Forget To Vote!
• For Firemen, Practice Could Save Lives
  Sanatoga firefighters went without dinner Monday to learn how to safely extricate trapped victims from crashed vehicles.
• Planners Flexible In Subdivision Plans
  Lower Pottsgrove’s Planning Commission gave a property owner extra time, and spared it added costs, to comply with requirements board members imposed Monday.
• HOG Rumbles In Village On Charity Ride
  The Harley Owners Group in nearby Valley Forge made Sanatoga a stop Sunday on its annual Poker Run to benefit an area food pantry.
• Buy A Vote (At McD’s, Not The Polls)
  Cast your pennies tonight at McDonald’s to elect Sanatoga’s Gabrielle Schurr as homecoming queen of Pottstown’s Independence Day celebration.
• Rec, Tennis Groups Schedule Clinics
  Pottsgrove’s Recreation Board and the Greater Pottstown Tennis Association team up to teach the game to adults and kids alike.
• Pottsgrove Falcons Sports for May 19, 2009
  Who’s playing what, when, and where in the Pottsgrove School District.

Monday, May 18

• Smiles, Safety At Saturday Bike Rodeo
  The annual event conducted by Lower Pottsgrove Police taught kids how to ride smart and stay safe. See a Post gallery of 30 photos.
• Healthy Woman Marks Second Anniversary
  Talking. Silence. Laughter. More silence. Cheers. A celebration Sunday at Pottstown Memorial Medical Center was somewhat of a sonic roller coaster … for a reason. See a Post gallery of 12 photos.
• What They Sold For
  A weekly review of top prices paid for homes in Lower Pottsgrove and surrounding municipalities.
• Sanatoga Market Benefits Cancer Relay
  A flea market held Saturday behind the Sanatoga firehouse offered something for everyone, and helped a charitable cause.
• Optometrist Relocates To Sanatoga
  A former King Street, Pottstown PA, eye doctor moves his offices to the Sunnybrook Village business complex.
• Pottsgrove Falcons Sports for May 18, 2009
  Who’s playing what, when, and where in the Pottsgrove School District.

Sunday, May 17

• The Post Week In Review
  For May 10-16, 2009.

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SANATOGA PA – Portions of five Lower Pottsgrove (PA) Township roads are expected to be re-paved this summer, assuming the township can find enough money to do the job under revenues it receives from Pennsylvania’s liquid fuels tax. Scheduled for new asphalt overlays are segments of King Street, Tanglewood Court, Skytop Road, North Adams Street and Briar Lane.

Re-paving may depend on liquid fuels tax revenues.

“All of them need the work,” township Manager Rodney Hawthorne told members of the Board of Commissioners during their second monthly meeting Thursday (May 21, 2009) in the municipal building, 2119 Buchert Road. Problem is, the cost of materials alone amounts to $66,000, and use of Lower Pottsgrove’s income from the state tax on gasoline and other liquid fuels is already stretched thin, Hawthorne said.

Complicating matters, according to Hawthorne, is that the township likely will pay more for re-paving labor under new prevailing wage contracts due to be signed in July.

“Will we have a fall paving program too?” Commissioner Anthony Doyle asked. “We’ll have to see how far (the money) goes,” Hawthorne responded, hinting there may not be enough revenue to complete the existing task list. All paving must be completed by no later than Nov. 20, the manager said.

The township would re-pave:

• King, 600 feet long by 16 feet wide, with 210 tons of material, at a cost of $8,850;
• Tanglewood, 375 by 28.6, 240 tons, $10,100;
• Skytop, 425 by 16, 150 tons, $6,325;
• North Adams, 1,070 by 24, 605 tons, $25,575; and
• Briar, 620 by 27, 360 tons, $15,150.

Related (to the Lower Pottsgrove Board of Commissioners’ May 21 meeting):

• Bursich Wins Electrical Code Reviews
• Townships Agree To Interchange Planning
• Klotz Congratulates Kropp On Judge Win

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SANATOGA PA – Health care news for Sanatogans (and anyone else!), May 24-30, 2009:

Tuesday, May 26

The second in a series of three Living With Diabetes classes will be held from 6-9 p.m. at Pottstown Memorial Medical Center (PMMC), 1600 E. High St., Pottstown PA. For more information, call 610-327-7463. To register, call 610-327-7500. A remaining class is scheduled at the same time for May 28.

Wednesday, May 27

How's your blood pressure?

Blood pressure screenings will be conducted by staff members from Phoenixville Hospital from 7-8:15 p.m. in the lobby of the hospital, 140 Nutt Rd., Phoenixville PA.

A free meeting of the Post-Partum Adjustment Group is scheduled to be held from 6:30-8 p.m. in Conference Center room A at Phoenixville Hospital, 140 Nutt Rd., Phoenixville PA. Registration is required. For more information or to register, call 610-983-1288.

An educational seminar designed to help patients of Pottstown Medical Specialists Inc. (PMSI) better manage hypertension (high blood pressure) is scheduled for 3 p.m. in Boyertown Medical Associates, 23 N. Walnut St., Boyertown PA. For more information, call 610-367-2259.

The last in a series of four weekly Lamaze classes for expectant parents will be held from 7-9 p.m. in the boardroom on the ground floor of Pottstown Memorial Medical Center (PMMC), 1600 E. High St., Pottstown PA. For more information, call 610-327-7147.

Thursday, May 28

The monthly meeting of the Visually Impaired Support Group, sponsored by Phoenixville Hospital, will be held from 10:30 a.m. to Noon in the annex at Phoenixville Hospital, 140 Nutt Rd., Phoenixville PA. For more information or to register, call Gail at the Montgomery County Association for the Blind at 215-896-5989.

An educational seminar designed to help patients of Pottstown Medical Specialists Inc. (PMSI) better manage diabetes is scheduled for 5 p.m. in Collegeville Family Practice, 555 Second Ave., Collegeville PA. For more information, call 610-454-7750.

The last in a series of three Living With Diabetes classes will be held from 6-9 p.m. at Pottstown Memorial Medical Center (PMMC), 1600 E. High St., Pottstown PA. For more information, call 610-327-7463. To register, call 610-327-7500.

Friday, May 29

An educational seminar designed to help patients of Pottstown Medical Specialists Inc. (PMSI) better manage diabetes is scheduled for 1 p.m. in Spring-Ford Family Practice, 307 S. Lewis Rd., Royersford PA. For more information, call 610-792-0300.

Saturday, May 30

An educational seminar designed to help patients of Pottstown Medical Specialists Inc. (PMSI) better manage diabetes is scheduled for 11 a.m. in Brookside Family Practice, 1555 Medical Dr., Pottstown PA. For more information, call 610-326-7820.

Photo by Clipart.com

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