The Sanatoga Post

Marines clean weapons and talk during off-duty time while deployed to southern Morocco

By Air Force Staff Sgt. Jessica Switzer
For The Sanatoga Post

Pottsgrove High School 2005 graduate Shane Hansley

CAP DRAA, Morocco  – The sun barely peeked over the horizon when the stillness was shattered by the roar of artillery. At the sound, a 2005 graduate of Pottsgrove High School crawled out of his tent into the southern Moroccan morning and began another day.

Marine Reserve Lance Cpl. Shane A. Hansley, the son of Bret and Melissa Hansley of West Moyer Road, Pottstown PA, has been serving in Morocco to support “African Lion 2011,” the name for military exercises between the Kingdom of Morocco and the U.S.

Hansley’s job: “I pick up and deliver ammunition to the gun units,” he said.

African Lion involves more than 2,000 U.S. service members and approximately 900 members of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces. The exercise serves as a way for both U.S. and Moroccan military members to hone their skills and learn to work together to a accomplish missions.

“Training in Morocco isn’t too bad. It’s been warm, but not too hot, and it’s rained every night,” said Hansley, an ammunition technician assigned to India Battery, 3rd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, based in Reading PA.

Despite several barriers, Hansley and his fellow service members worked with Moroccan forces on different types of military training including command post, live fire, peace-keeping operations, disaster response, aerial refueling and low-level flight training.

Members of the Marine Corps 4th Artillery Battalion prepare to fire a howitzer in Morocco

They not only trained in the Moroccan desert, they lived there as well. They experienced sandstorms, the rain showers of the wet season, and traditional desert heat. They even had an opportunity to spend some time off duty experiencing the culture and seeing the sights. “I have learned a little bit about Africa and how the Moroccan army is different from ours since I’ve been here,” said Hansley.

“So far it has been pretty good, except for the rain. I didn’t know it rained so much in the desert,” said Hansley, who has completed almost four years of military service.

As the artificial thunder of artillery fire dies away for a moment, the sun rises fully above the desert horizon and begins its journey toward the nearby Atlantic Ocean. Hansley and the other participants in African Lion 2011 go about their business, sharing experiences and knowledge with each other and their Moroccan counterparts.

By Beth Scherer
of the Lower Pottsgrove Historical Society,
for The Sanatoga Post

SANATOGA PA – School is out, it’s summer, and that means it’s vacation time! Maybe you’ll pack up the SUV and head down to the shore, or up to the Poconos.  In today’s economy, maybe you’ll just enjoy a “stay-cation” in Lower Pottsgrove with some out-of-town visitors. Did you know that, in years past, those hot-weather guests could of chosen lodging in one of at least four hotels here in the township?

They might have found a room at:

The Sanatoga Inn, now Cutillo's

• The Crooked Hill Tavern, later known as The Sanatoga Inn,  and then Cutillo’s Restaurant. It was opened in about 1770 by the Bosserts. It was a favorite stopping place for large six-horse and mule teams on the route from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh.

The Ringing Hill Hotel

• The Ringing Hill Hotel. It was located on what is now called Orlando Road, but was known then as “Swamp Road.”During the late 1800s it was described as a “good specimen of the country tavern.”

• The Pleasant View Hotel. Located on the northwest corner of East High Street and Pleasant View Road, where the former Rite Aid Pharmacy now stands, it was a private residence up until the late 1800s. That’s when David Ganger opened it as a hotel.  It became a regular meeting place for the Lower Pottsgrove School Board.  This building also housed the former Sanatoga post office during its final years before being torn down. Postal services today are offered across the street and a bit west down the block, at the Sanatoga Thriftway supermarket.

The Pleasant View Hotel

• The Long View Hotel. This last area hotel sat at the bottom of Sanatoga Park. A resort facility, it was owned by Civil War heroine and Sanatoga resident Annie Wittenmyer, and usually was filled to capacity during summer months. Fire destroyed it in 1905.

The Long View Hotel

Editor’s note: The Lower Pottsgrove Historical Society was formed in 1985 to share the heritage of Lower Pottsgrove Township with its residents. It meets on the second Wednesday of every month at its museum and offices in the former Sanatoga Chapel, 2341 E. High St., Sanatoga PA. Author and society member Beth Scherer writes about Lower Pottsgrove history monthly for The Post.

Related articles in this series:

• Need A Local Hotel? There Once Were Four, Right Here
• What’s Changed Most In ‘Grove Grads? Their Schools
• Shantz’s Mound Presence Made Sanatoga ‘Pheverous’
• Stars Danced In Lower Pottsgrove Long Before TV Show
• Never Heard Of Sanatoga’s Longview Hotel? Here’s Why

Photos from the Historical Society

TPD's new home in Harrisburg, the Campus Square Building

SANATOGA PA – Traffic Planning and Design Inc. (TPD) has moved its Central Pennsylvania regional office to the Midtown Community in the state’s capital, and is now located at 1426 N. Third St, Suite 250, Harrisburg PA, the company announced.

TPD, a transportation engineering firm with 110 employees, selected the certified “green” Campus Square Building for its new office. Factoring into its decision, the company said, were “shared values and a commitment to urban revitalization that exist among the city; the building’s owner, GreenWorks Development LLC, and TPD.”

It particularly wanted to place an emphasis “on quality of life initiatives,” it said. The company has been ranked among the Top 15 Best Places to Work In PA for eight consecutive years, and has been hailed by Civil Engineering News magazine as one of the Best Civil Engineering Firms to Work for in the United States for nine consecutive years.

TPD specializes in roadway design, bridge design and inspection, transportation planning, traffic signal system design, municipal transportation engineering services, environmental permitting and services, construction management and inspection and contractor services for clients in the public and private sectors.

Illustration from GreenWorks Development

James Hufford

POTTSTOWN PA – James Hufford has been named business services manager at Diamond Credit Union, which operates from offices at 1600 Medical Dr. in Lower Pottsgrove (PA) Township, the company announced this month.

Hufford will be responsible for developing new business relationships and maintaining existing ones, as well as overseeing commercial loan applications, and assisting in the development of new business products and services.

He most recently as regional director of small business lending and counseling for the Berks-Lehigh region. Hufford has more than 38 years of banking experience, from managing a branch with retail lending to specializing in commercial lending. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Grove City College, Grove City PA, as well as other certificates of higher education.

Diamond Credit Union launched its Business Services Division in 2009.

Photo from Diamond Credit Union

The Driven Autoplex dealership on East High Street as it appeared Sunday (July 10)

SANATOGA PA – For the second time within 20 months, a car dealership located at the heart of the Sanatoga village business district - 2148 E. High St., Pottstown PA – has closed due to what its owners said were “economic” conditions.

The Driven Autoplex officially closed 17 days ago, on June 24 (2011; Friday), according to notices posted on glass doors at all three entrances to its showroom. “We appreciate all of our customer support, but, sadly, for economic reasons, we are closing for business,” the printed notice announced.

Similar wording used back in October 2008, on notices very similar to the ones taped up by Driven Autoplex, announced the closing of its predecessor at the same location, the Norco Auto Group.

The Driven Autoplex website is no longer available online. On its LinkedIn page, however, the company said it served “the Pottstown region and neighboring Philadelphia, Lancaster and Allentown, with quality used cars and trucks … something for every taste, and every need.” It also said it provided “a full line of services … from auto repair performed by expert mechanics, to car loan assistance.

Regarding its service customers, the head-high door notices mentioned that Driven Autoplex Service Manager Joe Tareila had relocated to the Anthony’s Chrysler-Jeep dealership in Elverson PA, and “welcomes” business at that location. No mention was made of other former employees.

Although its lots were never filled with inventory the way Norco’s once were, Driven Autoplex through mid-June displayed and offered for sale several pre-owned luxury automobiles and other higher-priced used vehicles. On occasion it also accepted and attempted to sell vehicles consigned by private parties, such as a recreational camper several months ago, and more recently a truck, boat and boat trailer.

The Driven Autoplex closing represents the latest of several businesses that have shuttered their doors in what only a few years ago was Sanatoga’s booming main commercial area.

• A Rite Aid Pharmacy, located east of the car dealership, closed in June 2010. Some critics claim it was a victim of that retailer’s rapid expansion. The building has been vacant since, and now is being marketed for sublease by the Colliers International real estate firm.
• A Hollywood Video store, which sold and rented VHS and DVD movies and video games, and
• An InkStop business supply store both went out of business in October 2009 as a result of bankruptcy filings by their corporate parents. They also remain vacant, and are being marketed by Metro Commercial Real Estate Inc.

Sanatoga village center is still seen by many businesses as a desirable location. Just last week the Lower Pottsgrove (PA) Township Board of Commissioners granted approval to the final land development plan of Cilluffo Property Holdings LLC of Blue Bell PA to build an Italian-style restaurant and pizzeria on vacant land fronting East High Street immediately west of Rite Aid.

Colliers notes that areas surrounding the trading zone are densely populated; more than 7,000 people live within one mile of the nearby intersection of East High Street and North Pleasant View Road, and more than 85,000 people live within five miles, the radius that most retailers consider to be the extent of their customer base. The average household income, Colliers adds, is above average and ranges from $73,000 to $80,000 annually. Traffic passing the corner can sometimes exceed 19,000 vehicles a day.

There was no indication, in the posted notices or elsewhere, of what would become of the 24,800-square-foot dealership building located on 6.39 acres. Although devoid of workers, its showroom on Sunday (July 10) displayed several vintage-model cars. Showroom furnishings appeared to be in place.

Montgomery County’s property records database, last updated July 3, reported the structure was built in 1975; was last sold in June 1988 for $967,000; and currently was assessed at a value of $1,934,740. Its listed owner is Stuarts Inc., 175 S. Pleasant View Rd., Pottstown PA, according to the county.

Limerick's twin cooling towers

SANATOGA PA – The federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has let Lower Pottsgrove‘s political leadership know, officially, that its representatives are in town for the next 22 months.

They’ve begun to conduct the necessary inspections, paperwork and meetings that will be part of the application by Exelon Nuclear to re-license its Units 1 and 2 reactors in the Limerick Generating Station (LGS), just east of the township border at the intersection of Evergreen and Sanatoga roads, Limerick PA, for another 20 years.

NRC Senior Project Manager Lisa Regner, who deals with environmental issues and said she just completed a re-licensing assignment in California; and Senior Project Manager Rob Kuntz, who handles safety issues, introduced themselves Thursday night (July 7, 2011) to the Board of Commissioners. They invited board members to contact them at any time with questions or comments regarding the re-licensing procedure.

“Our purpose tonight is just to make you aware of the process,” Regner said, and noted that at least two public meetings about re-licensing are anticipated for August or September.

She clarified, however, that the meetings would not be “hearings” at which the process or Exelon’s specific re-licensing requests could be challenged. Those would be held separately, Regner said, and were formal proceedings for which objections must be filed at least 60 days in advance and usually are presented by attorneys.

Neither the meeting or hearing dates have yet been announced.

“It’s our job to ensure Limerick’s safe operations” for the 20-year renewal period beyond October 2024, for Unit 1, and June 2029, for Unit 2, Kuntz explained.

Is it standard, Commissioner James Kaiser asked, to consider renewal applications so far in advance – in Limerick’s case, 13 years and 18 years, respectively – of the units’ license expiration?

Yes, Regner replied; in fact, power plant operators are allowed by the NRC to apply for re-licensing up to 20 years before expiration dates. That’s due in part, she said,  to the number of plants that must be reviewed, the limited NRC staff available for reviews, and the amount of time reviews require.

Solicitor R. Kurtz Holloway wondered how much study NRC teams would give to on-site storage of spent nuclear fuel rods.

Not much in Limerick’s specific case, Kuntz indicated, because the NRC has opted to deal with fuel rod storage as a “generic” topic that applies to all generating facilities. However, he added, specific issues or problems with fuel rod storage at Limerick should be brought to inspectors’ attention.

NRC inspection teams are expected to arrive from Rockville MD within coming weeks to begin their assessments, Regner said.

Related (to federal re-licensing of Limerick Generating Station):

• Police Detail At Limerick Hearings Cost $1,468
• Local Voices Endorse, Worry Over Nuclear Relicensing
• NRC Holds Public Meetings Thursday At Sunnybrook
• NRC Holds Public Meetings Sept. 22 At Sunnybrook
• NRC Legal Notice: Meetings Ahead At Sunnybrook
• NRC Staffers Stop By, Say ‘Hi’ To Commissioners
• Exelon Nuclear Renewals Win Two Early Endorsements
• Exelon Officially Asks To Extend LGS Operating Licenses
• Meeting Wednesday To Review Limerick Nuclear Safety
• LGS License Renewals Topic At May Chamber Breakfast

Related (to the Lower Pottsgrove Board of Commissioners’ July 7 meeting):

• NRC Staffers Stop By, Say ‘Hi’ To Commissioners
• Italian Restaurant Construction Could Start Within Weeks
• At Township DUI Check, They Got What They Paid For
• Police Radio Discussion Possible In Township’s Meeting

Are we having fun yet?

SANATOGA PA – Free playgroups for children as infants through age 5 and their parents will be held on the fourth Wednesday of every month, beginning July 27 (2011) and continuing through November, from 10:30 a.m.; to noon in the community room of the Rolling Hills Apartments complex, 2120 Buchert Rd., Pottstown PA, in a program jointly sponsored by Rolling Hills and the Pottstown Family Center.

• This event has been added to The Post calendar.

The playgroups are intended to give parents an opportunity to meet others with small children, and to talk about the joys and hardships of parenting. Adults and their children can play together “in a fun and relaxed atmosphere,” according to the Family Center announcement, and enjoy a snack too. Several free give-aways will be offered monthly.

Playgroup dates beyond July are scheduled for Aug. 24, Sept. 28, Oct. 26 and Nov. 16 (which occurs during the third, rat5her than fourth, week of November due to the Thanksgiving holiday). For more information, and to let the Family Center know of your interest in attending, call 610-326-1610.

Photo from Google Images

SANATOGA PA – They’re athletes, moms, dads, typical workers, friendly neighbors. They’re all also soldiers, and each and every one is a talented musician too.

Practicing for upcoming appearances

Members of the U.S. Army Reserve’s 78th Army Band will play in concert Wednesday (July 13, 2011) beginning at 7 p.m. in Lower Pottsgrove (PA) Township’s Sanatoga Park, South Sanatoga Road, Pottstown PA. They are men and women who defend the nation’s freedom while additionally touring parts of the country with toe-tapping tunes.

Their stories, and information about the band itself, are included in a video produced for the band last year. Better than film, though, greater Pottstown area residents can see them perform live and for free during the concert sponsored by Exelon Nuclear and presented by the township Parks and Recreation Board.

• Watch the video, above, or see it at the band’s YouTube account.

The band consists of soldiers from Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania, and is posted from Fort Dix NJ. Its Lower Pottsgrove appearance is only part of its busy schedule this week. It also is slated to play in Baltimore MD, Ocean City MD, Gettysburg PA, Philadelphia PA, Cape May NJ, and Haddonfield NJ.

Those planning to attend Wednesday’s concert are urged to bring their own seating in the form of lawn chairs or ground blankets.

The MOMS Club logo

POTTSTOWN PA – Members of the MOMS Club of Pottsgrove and Pottstown PA are attempting to start a local support group and activities families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders. Families or parents interested in getting involved should call 801-376-2009 for more information.

The club is a a local chapter of the International MOMS (“Moms Offering Moms Support”) Club and specifically serves mothers who live in the Pottsgrove and Pottstown school districts. It provides a place to meet other stay-at-home mothers, as well as activities for them and their children. Most of its activities occur during the daytime.

For membership inquiries, send an e-mail to Naurae McAndrew, here.

SANATOGA PA – The last hurdle in building the Bella Italia Pizzeria restaurant, proposed to occupy vacant land at 2209 E. High St., Pottstown, was cleared Thursday night (July 7, 2011) as the Lower Pottsgrove (PA) Township Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve its owners’ final land development plan. Construction could start within several weeks, depending on when outside agencies finish related reviews.

“We’re ready to start just as soon as everything else is,” said Mary Cilluffo, representing her development company, Cilluffo Property Holdings LLC of Blue Bell PA. It introduced the proposed construction of a restaurant on the west side of the former Rite Aid Pharmacy, near the corner of East High and North Pleasant View Road, back in November 2009.

Cilluffo looks to build a 4,500-square-foot, one-story building on the property, facing East High Street and with both entrances and exits to East High. The building would contain the restaurant, of 2,500-square-feet, and two smaller offices available for lease. A 900-square-foot patio, complete with water fountain, would be located outside the restaurant for diners to enjoy at adjacent tables.

In the set of plans delivered Thursday to board members, township Assistant Manager Alyson Elliott noted Cilluffo was requesting a waiver on the depth of curbing required by the township. It was needed to match curbing standards set by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, which controls public access to the restaurant from East High Street. No problem, commissioners replied.

After 20 months of meetings, the Cilluffo final vote occurred within six minutes.

Related:

• Italian Restaurant Construction Could Start Within Weeks
• One Down, One To Go For Township Italian Restaurant
• Watch Your Speedometer! Sanatoga Street Slows 5 Mph
• Commissioners OK Italian Restaurant’s Plans, Without Alley
• It Could Be Awhile Before Sanatoga Pizza Oven Fires Up
• Alley To Sunnyside Ave. ‘Elephant’ In Restaurant Plans
• Restaurant, Doctors’ Office Return To Planning Board
• Owners Ask For Restaurant Variance Extensions
• Planners Hear More About Proposed Pizza Restaurant
• Pizzeria Owner Has History Of Restaurant Development
• Restaurant, Ringing Projects Win Conditional Uses
• Ringing Rocks, Restaurant Hearing Topics Tonight
• Pizzeria Planned Next To Sanatoga Rite-Aid

Related (to the Lower Pottsgrove Board of Commissioners’ July 7 meeting):

• Italian Restaurant Construction Could Start Within Weeks
• At Township DUI Check, They Got What They Paid For
• Police Radio Discussion Possible In Township’s Meeting