SANATOGA PA – Jottings from a reporter’s notebook:

Refined Music, Refined Atmosphere Too

It was a happy surprise to hear Cutillo’s Restaurant, 2688 E. High St., Sanatoga heading the list of venues and events being promoted Monday (Jan. 16, 2012) by Philadelphia jazz music radio station WRTI-FM. If you haven’t been there lately, Cutillo’s now presents live jazz by regional performers every Saturday from 9 p.m. to midnight in its lounge. Scheduled for Jan. 28 is “Evolution Jazz.”

Valley Forge Touts The Value Of Membership

Those who travel U.S. Route 422 past King of Prussia during the weekday commute can’t help but notice the strides construction crews are making in the renovation of the Valley Forge Conference Center and its adjacent hotel. They will soon become part of the Valley Forge Casino Resort and Spa. Although an opening is several months away, the resort is already selling three-month trial and full-year memberships for dining and entertainment.

An artist's rendering of the casino's interior

Casino access is included with both, naturally.

The gambling license granted by Pennsylvania to Valley Forge forbids casino access to the general public unless they are registered overnight guests at the hotel; visitors attending a convention, meeting or a private function; customers who spend a minimum of $10 in one of the resort’s restaurants, night clubs or retail stores; or who … you guessed it … are resort members.

Three-month trial dining memberships are currently being advertised at $20; entertainment, $30.

The Exeter Chick-fil-a

Fill Your Stomach, And Bring A Jacket, Won’t You?

Chosen 300 Ministries, which operates in Pottstown, will benefit from a coat-and-blanket drive to be held today (Monday, Jan. 16) just west up the road (U.S. Route 422) at the Chick-fil-a Restaurant in Exeter.

The restaurant and WORD-FM Radio are calling this a “Souper Coat Drive,” which ties neatly to one of the store’s newest menu items, Chicken Tortilla Soup. Visitors who donate a new or gently used coat or blanket will receive a thank-you coupon for a serving of Chick-fil-A’s soups. Restaurant operator Shawn Filby reminds you that he offers a “classic Hearty Breast of Chicken Soup” as well.

Chosen 300 is a non-profit that distributes coats, blankets and meals to the homeless and needy not only in Pottstown, but in Philadelphia and Reading as well.

How often can you say “I cut the cheese!” and mean something good?

Rebbie at a book-signing event

Last June (2011), Royersford resident and singer-songwriter-author Kevin Rebbie published a well-received children’s book, illustrated by animator Laura Bluett, called “Mr. Stinkas and The Little Cheese Shop.” Mr. Stinkas has a dog named “Old Bleu,” and they have adventures that we’re not about to spoil by telling you. Suffice it to say, the book is aptly titled.

Part of its appeal, besides being a hoot for kids, is that a portion of the book’s proceeds are donated to a foundation that supports pediatric cancer research. Rebbie’s been busy on a regional promotional circuit since Mr. Stinkas’ debut. He’s been to Wilmington DE, Philadelphia (several times), and King of Prussia through late last month to do interviews and book signings.

Now he’s offering a discounted price ($25, formerly $30; and free shipping) from his website on a package that includes an autographed and personalized copy of the 64-page, full-color book, an accompanying audio CD, and an “I Cut The Cheese” backpack. The charities (there are now three Rebbie supports) still get a cut too.

Editor’s note: Notebook Worthy is a series of occasional articles; find others like it, here.

Photos from Google Images, the Valley Forge Casino and Resort, Chick-fil-a Exeter, and Kevin Rebbie