The Sanatoga Post

The entrance to the Buchert Ridge Community on Buchert Road.

SANATOGA PA – A presentation, scheduled to be given by builder J. Wilmer “Wil” Hallman of Wil Hallman Retirement Development, has prompted the Lower Pottsgrove (PA) Township Board of Commissioners to move up the start of its Thursday (Oct. 22, 2009) meeting in the municipal building, 2199 Buchert Rd., Pottstown PA, by an hour, to 6 p.m.

• This event has been added to The Post calendar.

Township Manager Rodney Hawthorne reports Hallman will introduce a proposal, already discussed with township staff members, to build eight additional housing units in the Buchert Ridge retirement community on Buchert Road. If approved, the units would be included on an additional floor in a structure already accepted as part of the development, Hawthorne said. The public may attend.

An advertisement purchased by the township and published in today’s (Monday, Oct. 19, 2009) edition of The (Pottstown PA) Mercury newspaper, Lower Pottsgrove’s publication of record for legal notices, announces the changed meeting time and purpose but does not specifically name Hallman. Commissioners’ meetings usually begin at 7 p.m.

An agenda for the board’s meeting usually can be downloaded in advance from the township website. As of 5:40 a.m. today, only the agenda for its Oct. 5 (2009) meeting was available.

It is not known when, if at all, township planning commissioners will similarly see Hallman’s proposal. The planning board was scheduled to conduct its regular monthly meeting tonight at 6:30 p.m. in the municipal building, but its agenda also was not yet available this morning. It is known that at least two, and possibly three, planning board members said they would be unable to attend tonight’s meeting, creating the possibility it will be re-scheduled.

Related:

• Meeting Moved Up For Buchert Ridge Presentation
• Buchert Ridge Unveiling Final Phase

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POTTSTOWN PA – Several  individuals were approved last week (Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009) by the Pottsgrove School District Board of School Directors as new district employees. Most were as substitutes who will work only on an interim or as-needed basis. Two were as replacements.

The list includes:

• Jolynn Kleinschmidt, intervention tutor at Ringing Rocks Elementary School, as a replacement;
• Joanna Miller, social studies teacher, Pottsgrove High School, replacement;
• Audrey Dudley, social studies teacher, high school, long-term substitute;
• Lisa McCann and Jeannie Guerrera substitute custodians;
• Stefanie Feist, Carol Grabowy, Kimberly Hayes, and Megan Bittle, substitute teachers;
• Jill Torrens, Jodie Heffentrager, Denise Doto, Mary Kay Sheahan, Donna Krieger, Suzanne Thomas, Kim McKeown, and Christoper Poole, substitute aides; and
• Karen Bringhurst, substitute nurse.

The appointments were made during the board’s first October meeting in Lower Pottsgrove Elementary School, Buchert Road, Pottstown PA.

Related (to the Pottsgrove Board of School Directors meeting of Oct. 13):

• Board OKs $11,000 Conferences Costs
• School Board Approves Special Ed Contracts
• Of 2 Candidates, Grimm Chosen For School Board Vacancy
• District Hearing Tonight Aims To Save Tax Dollars
• Applications Still Taken For School Board Vacancy

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POTTSTOWN PA – Expenses of more than $11,000 to send Pottsgrove School District administrators and teachers to a variety of conferences, seminars and workshops were approved last week (Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009) by the district Board of School Directors.

In a unanimous vote without comment, board members authorized:

• Eleven administrators to attend a 2-day workshop titled “Implementing Professional Learning Communities” at a cost of $4,950.

Scheduled to attend are district Superintendent Dr. Bradley Landis; Assistant Superintendent Shellie Feola; Ann Myers, director of pupil services; Terri Koehler, supervisor of secondary education and assessment; Todd Davies, supervisor of elementary education and assessment; elementary school Principals Ellen Siegel (Lower Pottsgrove), Ruth Fisher (West Pottsgrove)  and Michelle Bozzini (Ringing Rocks); high school principal Chris Shaffer and middle school Assistant Principal David Ramage; and director of technology Kristen Kozloski. The workshop costs $450 per person; the cost was budgeted as and is being paid for from staff development funds.

• Ten teachers, for the same conference, at an additional $4,500 cost.

Scheduled to attend are Karen Ottaviano and Robin Scouton of Lower Pottsgrove, Patricia Novak and Kristin Rambo of West Pottsgrove, Samantha Kuzniar and Maura Lundstrom of Ringing Rocks, Jen Forwood and Kelly Dunne of Pottsgrove Middle School, and Jamie Reinhart and Lindsey Siracusa of Pottsgrove High School. The $4,500 cost also was budgeted as staff development. Some but not all teachers will need their classes taught by a substitute at an additional cost.

• Four administrators – Landis, Feola, Davies and Koehler – to attend a 2-day workshop titled “Leading By Design” at a cost of $325 per person or $1,300 total; budgeted as staff development without need of substitutes.
• One para-educator, Grace Kornsey of Pottsgrove High, to attend a workshop titled “Getting to Got It,” at a cost of $185 plus the cost of a substitute. Money for attendance is being provided under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; and
• A district social worker, Elizabeth Rakoff, to attend the state School Social Worker Conference in Hershey PA at a cost of $178, without need of a substitute.

Related (to the Pottsgrove Board of School Directors meeting of Oct. 13):

• School Board Approves Special Ed Contracts
• Of 2 Candidates, Grimm Chosen For School Board Vacancy
• District Hearing Tonight Aims To Save Tax Dollars
• Applications Still Taken For School Board Vacancy

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POTTSTOWN PA – Pottsgrove School District directors last week (Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009) approved contracts valued at between $20,000 and $25,000 per student per year for special education services.

School board members accepted district contracts with the Ambler Day School, 701 S. Bethlehem Pike, Ambler PA,  for the special education of two students at a cost of $20,349 each. They also accepted  a contract with the Children’s Home Of Reading Day Academy, 1010 Centre Ave., Reading PA, for the special education of an unspecified number of students at the rate of $140 per day or $25,200 per year.

The vote on both contracts, taken during the board’s first meeting of the month in Lower Pottsgrove Elementary School, Buchert Road, Pottstown PA, was unanimous. Director April Kontostathis was absent.

Related (to the Pottsgrove Board of School Directors meeting of Oct. 13):

• Of 2 Candidates, Grimm Chosen For School Board Vacancy
• District Hearing Tonight Aims To Save Tax Dollars
• Applications Still Taken For School Board Vacancy

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WORCESTER PA – The Christmas holiday season starts a little early this year for members of the Peter Wentz Farmstead Society, educational coordinator Kimberly Boice admits.

Moravian Christmas preparations at Elon University in Elon NC

The society will conduct a program highlighting Christmas traditions of the Moravians on Nov. 10 (2009; Tuesday) at 7 p.m. to be held in the Farmers’ Union Hall, 2011 Valley Forge Rd., Worcester PA. Wendy Weida, director of the Moravian Historical Society of Nazareth PA will offer the presentation.

• This event has been added to The Post calendar.

A $2 per person donation is requested.

Viewing a Christmas Putz, hanging a Moravian star, and eating ginger “cakes” have their origins with the early Moravians and are still practiced today by people of varied backgrounds. During her program, Weida will share the background and symbolism of items created and used by the Moravians, and offer insights into their popularity today.

“Many people in this region continue to practice some holiday traditions of the Moravians and do not even realize it. This program will give visitors an opportunity to learn more about the Moravian Christmas practices and their cross-cultural influences,” Boice said.

The society supports the ownership and operation of the Worcester farmstead, which is a restored Montgomery County (PA) historic site.

Photo from Elon University

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Published during the week just ended in The Sanatoga Post:

Saturday, Oct. 17

• Sports Injuries Topic During November Seminar
  A free presentation covering some common injuries seen among athletes, coaches and sports trainers will be held early next month by PMMC.
• Students Learn Peer Mediation
  Sixth through eighth graders in Pottsgrove Middle School this week learned how to help their colleagues resolve disputes.
• Board Observes Local Chamber Month
  Directors of the TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce assemble, as they do annual, for a photo.
• Spring Registration Starts Monday At MCCC
  It’s time to start looking ahead at the community college, where enrollment begins next week for classes that begin next semester.
• Also, In The Limerick Post …
  • Moravian Christmas Talk Set In Worcester
• Also, In The Pottstown Post …
  • Luncheon Topic: Laparoscopic Surgery

Friday, Oct. 16

• Without COLA, Dent Favors Payment
  Lower Pottsgrove’s congressman thinks that if seniors won’t receive an increase next year in Social Security payments, maybe they should get some stimulus money instead.
• Soccer Team Collects Coats For Needy
  Got a winter coat you’re not wearing? Put it to good use. Donate it Saturday during a Pottsgrove soccer team’s coat drive.
• LPAA Basketball Accepting Registrations Soon
  Lower Pottsgrove’s youth basketball program will consuct its annual registration drive at Pottsgrove Middle School.
• Surgery Talk On Program At Seniors’ Lunch
  Specialized surgery is the topic for an upcoming gathering of Pottstown Memorial’s Senior Circle group.
• Larson Completes Army Cadet Training
  A Pottsgrove School District graduate finishes an important course on his path to becoming an officer.
• County Band Plans 16th Winter Concert
  The 55-member Montgomery County Community Band has announced the program for its free winter concert to be held next month.
• Also, In The Limerick Post …
  • Grant Funds Upcoming Performances
• Also, In The Pottstown Post …
  • College Spring Registration Starts Monday

Thursday, Oct. 15

• Of 2 Candidates, Grimm Chosen For School Board Vacancy
  Following unusual – and for Pottsgrove school board members, uncomfortable – public interviews, Patricia Grimm has been selected to fill a vacancy as the board’s newest member.
• Sanatoga Shopping Project On Limerick Zoning Agenda
  The renamed “Gateway At Sanatoga” shopping center proposal in Limerick Township, first introduced as “Sanatoga Springs,” seeks waivers from zoning ordinances to get under way.
• Stuff To Do This Weekend
  More events than you can shake a broomstick at … including the Friday spaghetti dinner at Pottsgrove High School, Saturday’s comedy show at Pottsgrove Middle School, three Halloween-themed events, two Oktoberfests (one in Sanatoga), two fall festivals, and Sunday’s soccer team car wash in Lower Pottsgrove.
• Gallery Presents Mixed Media Exhibit
  A look through the eyes of a local artist at changes wrought by the seasons is the focus of an exhibition next month at MCCC’s North Hall gallery.
• Center Schedules Four Blood Drives
  Those so inclined have new local opportunities to donate life-saving blood before month’s end.
• Brush Those Teeth And Smile Oct. 29
  The official school picture day at Ringing Rocks Elementary School is only two weeks away.
• Also, In The Limerick Post …
  • LGS Donates To Police, Athletics
  • Time To Move Houseplants Indoors
• Also, In The Pottstown Post …
  • November Craft Show Set In Douglassville
  • Timmons Graduates From Basic Training

Wednesday, Oct. 14

• Treasury Payday Today For Pottsgrove Schools
  Now that the state budget has been passed, Pennsylvania’s Treasury Department is sending out money it owes to school districts. Pottsgrove’s is scheduled to arrive today.
• Pennsylvanians Among Top 10 Coupon Users
  Keystone State residents love a bargain, a monthly report shows. For Post readers who want to save money locally, we’ve included links to coupon discounts from 39 different merchants within a 10-mile radius.
• Troopers Continue DUI Checkpoint Program
  State Police Troop K, which covers Montgomery County, will continue to set up DUI checkpoints every week in the effort to curb drunk driving across Pennsylvania.
• College Launches Student Support Team
  A former Pottsgrove High School guidance counselor helps Montgomery County Community College create a program to offer personal problem-solving assistance.
• Symphony’s 2008 Consultant Wins Grant
  A financial consulting firm that offers advice to nonprofit organizations, including the Pottstown Symphony Orchestra, has won a federal grant to help charities promote economic recovery.

Tuesday, Oct. 13

• District Hearing Tonight Aims To Save Tax Dollars
  The Pottsgrove school board wants public input on whether it should cut the cost of money it borrowed up to seven years ago by issuing bonds at lower interest rates. Any objections?
• Unusually Narrow Road OK For Occidental Land
  Giving trucks access to a warehouse there makes the former chemical plant property more marketable. Design problems, however, will make the road different that most.
• 16 Area Residents Make MCCC Dean’s List
  Of 55 students who won the honor for the summer semesters, almost 30 percent call western Montgomery County home.
• Heating Assistance Program Starts Nov. 2
  With the state budget crisis over money is flowing to programs like LIHEAP, which is expected to keep some Lower Pottsgrove families a little warmer this winter.
• Drivers Beware: The Deer Are Out There
  In fields and forests surrounding Lower Pottsgrove, they’re feeding and breeding. Which means they aren’t thinking clearly, and may spontaneously decide to leap in front of your moving vehicle.
• Boys Travel Soccer Team Plans Car Wash
  Support Pottsgrove Soccer players Sunday, and make your car look snappier too.
• Also, In The Limerick Post …
  • Inspect Oil Tanks To Save On Heating Costs
• Also, In The Pottstown Post …
  • Hunting Report: Squirrel Strong, Grouse Not So
  • Grant Pays For Unemployment Comp Upgrades

Monday, Oct. 12

• Applications Still Taken For School Board Vacancy
  … and apparently will be until Tuesday night, when the Pottsgrove school board is expected to select a replacement for Director Keith McCarrick, who resigned two weeks ago.
• What They Sold For
  A weekly review of top prices paid for real estate in Lower Pottsgrove (PA) Township and surrounding municipalities.
• Fall Fitness Festival Launches Family Week
  If it was enjoyable and provided some exercise, kids found it Sunday at the Pottstown YMCA.
• How To Play Dodgeball (YMCA Seahawks Edition)
  They say revenge is a dish best served cold. As Sunday’s blue plate special, it also costs only five bucks.
• Fun A Staple During Saturday’s River Festival
  The banks of the Schuylkill River overflowed during the weekend with people, artistry, demonstrations, and lots of fun things to do, as the borough’s annual River Festival returned to College Drive.
• Pottsgrove Falcons Sports For Oct. 12-18, 2009
  Who they’ll play, when and where during the coming week.
• The Post Week In Review
  For Oct. 4-10, 2009.
• Also, In The Limerick Post …
  • Rafferty Hosts Town Meeting At Ursinus
  • Thousands Jam New Collegeville Wegmans
• Also, In The Pottstown Post …
  • 6 PMMC Support Groups Meet, Beginning Tuesday

Sunday, Oct. 11

• The Post Week In Review
  For Oct. 4-10, 2009.

Sports Care physicians, and seminar speakers, Dr. Linda D’Andrea and Dr. Mark Schwartz.

POTTSTOWN PA – A free sports education seminar for all athletic directors, trainers, coaches, student athletes and parents will be offered Nov. 4 (2009; Wednesday) by Pottstown Memorial Medical Center (PMMC) from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the hospital, 1600 E. High St., Pottstown PA. The program by orthopaedic surgeons Dr. Linda D’Andrea and Dr. Mark Schwartz will present information about sacroiliac, back and shoulder injuries.

• This event has been added to The Post calendar.

The series is offered by PMMC’s Sports Care division, in conjunction with its CarePlex and Center for Bone & Joint Health.

D’Andrea, who specializes in back and spine injuries, will discuss sacroiliac and low back pain, mechanisms of injury, immediate and on-field management, and when to refer patients to a physician. Schwartz, whose fellowship included work with professional and college sports teams, will discuss dislocations, labrum tears, rotator cuff injuries and capsule injuries.

Dinner will be provided, but space is limited and registration is required by Oct. 27 (2009; Tuesday).  Athletic trainers are eligible to receive continuing education unit credit for attending. For more information or to register, call 610-970-1600, Ext. 2, or sign up online.

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HELPING EACH OTHER – Twenty-five students in grades 6-8 at Pottsgrove Middle School, 1351 N. Hanover St., Pottstown PA, were involved this week (Oct. 12-16, 2009) in peer mediation training offered by teacher Kim Kelly and Upper Pottsgrove Police Officer Timothy Wolf, who also serves as the school’s resource officer. The training teaches students how to help intervene in and resolve conflicts between their peers.

Photo by William Ziegler

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REPRESENTING LOCAL BUSINESSES – Members of the 2009-2010 board of directors of the TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce, 152 High St., Pottstown PA,  gathered earlier this month for an annual group photo the chamber has taken as part of its “Local Chamber of Commerce Month” observance. Among those charged with representing local business member interests on the board are, seated from left: Fred C. Reim, Jr., Harleysville National Bank, Immediate Past Chairman; Terese Brittingham , Keller Williams Realty Group, 2nd Chairman Elect; Brad Okoniewski, Cabot Supermetals, Chairman of the Board; Rod Martin , Martin Stone Quarries, Inc., Treasurer; P. Timothy Phelps, President of the TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce. Also, standing from left: Brad Borneman, The Body-Borneman Companies; Richard D. Linderman, Esquire, O’Donnell, Weiss & Mattei, P.C., Chamber Solicitor; Baran Schultz, Schultz Technology Solutions, LLC; Ross DeSimone , Corporate Psychological Resource Center; David Kraybill, Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation; Peggy Lee-Clark, Montgomery County Community College; Jim Cafone, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals; John P. Sartor, P.E., Gilmore and Associates, Inc.; David Dougherty, The Hill School; Andy Paravis, North Coventry Towns. Unavailable for the photo were Jay Constantine , Continental Concrete Products, Inc.; D. Scott Detar, CPA, Maillie, Falconiero & Co., LLP; Scott Gruber, National Penn Bank; David K. Leinbach , Kaiser Construction Co., Inc.; Richard D. Lewis , Lewis Environmental, Inc.; Al Matarazzo , Main Line Financial Advisors, LLC; Chris Mudrick , Exelon Nuclear.

Photo from the TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce

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POTTSTOWN PA — Registration for the Spring 2010 semester at Montgomery County Community College will begin Monday (Oct. 19, 2009) at 8:30 a.m. in the admissions office of South Hall on the college’s West (Pottstown) campus, College Drive, Pottstown PA, as well as its Blue Bell PA campus and online. The semester begins on Jan. 20 and runs through May 12.

• This event has been added to The Post calendar.

Students are encouraged to register using the Web. Registrations are also accepted via phone, fax, mail or in person.

Students who register for classes between Oct. 19 and Jan. 4 are not required to make a payment at the time of registration. For those who need assistance in meeting the Jan. 5 payment deadline, financial aid and deferred payment plans are available. In addition, the College’s Tuition Assistance Program is available for those who are unemployed. Students who register on or after Jan. 5 are required to make a full payment at the time of registration.

For more information, call 610-718-1800.

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