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      Collegeville Connects     News From Main Street   
                                                                                  March 2010
 Shamrocks
Thanks to our Generous Sponsors  
 
  
PfizerBorough LogoHarleysvilleUrsinus
 
In This Issue
CEDC President Recipient of 2010 Marvin J. Lewis Community Service Award
Let's Go Green on Main Street
Shall We Dance?
The Tennis Shop Opening on Main Street
Blend - A Coffeehouse for All
Become a Tree Tender
Passport Day at Ursinus
Farmers Market Planning Underway
Foot Smarts - Pedestrian Safety Tips
Main Street Happenings
Arts and Culture on Main Street
Save the Date
CEDC President to Receive 2010 Marvin J. Lewis Community Service Award
 
The PV Chamber Board of Directors
 
at the February 24, 2010 Board Meeting
 
unanimously voted the nomination of
 
Debbie Riegner of TR Insurance
 
as the recipient of the
 
    2010 Marvin J. Lewis Community Service Award
 
The Marvin J. Lewis Community Service Award, in memory of the late Marvin J. Lewis, Esquire, is presented to an outstanding member of the community who qualifies both in deed and spirit and who, through their long-term efforts and involvement, have made a significant, positive impact.
 
Debbie will recieve the award at the PV Chamber Annual Meeting
on Thursday, March 25, 2010
at the Spring Ford Country Club, 48 Country Club Rd., Royersford.
 
For details visit PV Chamber Annual Meeting
.
Let'sGo Green On Main Street Wishing Tree 
 
Saturday, March 13th  10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
 
St. Patrick's Day Specials & Recycling
 
Stop, Shop and Recycle at:
 
The Irish Shop   Appearences Salon  Greenwald  Whitby Jewelers
 
The American Barber   DaVinci's Pub   Philly Soft Pretzel Factory
 
The Dance Depot  Collegeville Home (Benjamin Moore)   Satchmos
Glass, Plastic, Paper and Cans Accepted in the Bins Along the Street
 
Household Batteries Only Accepted at Greenwald
 
Dried Paint Cans Accepted at Collegeville Home (Benjamin Moore)
 
For more information on the Let's Go Green on Main Street event, the Collegeville Main Street Program or to get involved on the Promotion Committee, contact Linda Flederbach, Main Street Manager at 610-454-1050 or email manager@collegevilledevelopment.org.
 
Dance Depot Offering Indian Dance Classesthe dance depot 
 
Indian Dance classes will be taught at the Dance Depot beginning March 7, by Ramaa Ramesh, renowned Bharatanatyam dancer and Director of "Nardhana Academy of Dance", founded in 1992.  
 
For more information on Ms. Ramesh or the Dance Depot, visit Indian Dance Classes.

The Tennis Shop

You'll LOVE It

448 East Main Street - Rear   

Offering Clothing, Racquets, and Anything Needed for Tennis

Opening Mid-March 2010

Mug Blend - A Coffeehouse for All 
    
     Several months have passed since Ryan DeFrain, owner of the soon to open community coffeehouse, Blend, approached the Collegeville Main Street Program (CMSP) for assistance in locating his business in Collegeville.  The CMSP Economic Restructuring (ER) Committee went right to work, taking him on tours of available properties and helping make connections.
 
     Ryan chose Collegeville and 454 East Main Street for several reasons.  He sees all the potential that Collegeville holds for attracting businesses that appeal to many people, and he is also attends a church in nearby Limerick, where he expects to draw customers from.  The location on Main Street is perfect because it provides outside seating during the warmer months and is centrally located between Ursinus College and the main business district. 
    
     Blend will offer One Village Coffee, roasted in Souderton.   Ryan envisions Blend as a gathering or meeting place. He hopes people of all ages will be drawn to Blend to enjoy specialty drinks such as cappuccino, lattes, teas, and smoothies and light fare such as Panini, muffins, and biscotti.  Says Defrain, "I picture folks stopping by as they head to work for a fresh, steamy cup of coffee; employees visiting mid-day while on break, students and residents participating in and enjoying open mic night events or free Wi-Fi, or even visitors to the Kaleidoscope Performing Arts Center or the Berman Museum of Art rounding out their evening with a cappuccino."
    
     Blend is scheduled to open mid-March.
Become a Tree Tender 
 
     Become part of the "growing" TreeVitalize initiative, an effort led by Pennsylvania's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to increase tree cover and the many benefits that trees offer us.
 
     Tree Tenders is a training program that empowers concerned residents to make dramatic strides towards restoring and caring for their local tree canopy. Join in for eight hours of hands-on training that covers tree biology, identification, planting, proper care, and working with your community. The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) in collaboration with Penn State Cooperative Extension developed this course for citizens and experts alike. Since 1993, over 3500 community volunteers from 200 Pennsylvania neighborhoods have become trained Tree Tenders.
 
     Registration is required. For more information or the registration brochure, contact:
(Philadelphia) Mindy Maslin at 215-988-8844, mmaslin@pennhort.org
(Bucks, Chester, Delaware, & Montgomery counties) Barley Van Clief at 215-988-8793,
bvanclief@pennhort.org
(Berks County) Julianne Schieffer at 610-489-4315 or jxs51@psu.edu
 
     The course offers ISA, PA LA, PLNA and Act 48 ceus.
 
     Montgomery County: Thursdays - April 1,  8,  15 · 6 - 9 PM         No cost
              Oak Lane Day School
              137 Stenton Ave
              Blue Bell, PA  19422
PassportCommunity Welcome to Ursinus Passport Day
 
     The Philadelphia Passport Agency welcomes the Collegeville area community to submit an application for a U.S. Passport Book or Passport Card on the Ursinus College campus March 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Olin Hall, Room 104.  No appointment is needed.
 
     Anyone traveling outside of the United States is required to present a passport book/card, or other valid travel documents to enter or re-enter the United States.  Visit the web site <www.travel.state.gov> for complete information.
Persons are asked to bring the following:
  • A completed application - available on site or download it from  www.travel.state.gov.
  • Proof of citizenship - either a certified Birth Certificate (under age 16 must show parents' names); your most recent passport; or  a Naturalization or Citizenship Certificate.
  • A current photo ID issued on Government authority such as a state-issued driver's license; a government work ID, a Military ID, or a prior passport.
  • A clear photocopy of current drivers license or acceptable ID, with a copy showing front and back of the ID document.
  • Two-color Passport Photos taken within the last six months, 2" x 2" in size, front view with a plain light background.
  • Appropriate Fees (payment by check or money order): Age 16 or older - First time applicant: $100.00, or Passport Renewal:$75.00; under the age of 16:  $85.00. Children under the age of 16 must appear, in person, with both parents and present a birth certificate that lists the parent(s)' names (Long Form Birth Certificate). 
If one parent cannot be present, a notarized consent statement to the issuance of a passport made by the non-applying parent must be submitted with the passport application.
 
For further information contact College Communications, 610-409-3300.
 Farmers GroupFarmers Market Planning Underway 
 
     The Collegeville Main Street Program's (CMSP) Farmers Market sub-committee, working on plans for a farmers market on Main Street, Collegeville, is off to a good start.  Fifteen people gathered at Collegeville Borough Hall on Thursday, February 18th, bringing with them a variety of experience and interests.

     Cathy Kernen, chair of the newly formed committee shared her excitement about the gathering, "We had to move the meeting from the Main Street office because far more attended than originally anticipated.  We are fortunate to have folks who have worked at farmers markets, own small farms themselves, frequent farmers markets to purchase local fresh foods, and who are just interested in getting involved."
    
     The group will continue meeting monthly and are focusing on agenda items such as site selection, farmer and vendor recruitment, and management issues.  The next meeting will take place on Thursday, March 25 at 6:30 PM at the Collegeville Borough Hall, 491 East Main Street, Collegeville.   All are welcome and no experience is needed.  The ideal committee member will have a passion for providing options for community members to support local farmers and to obtain local produce and other food items.
 
     To learn more about the Main Street Program or to get involved with the farmers market planning, contact Linda Flederbach at (610) 454-1050 or email 
manager@collegevilledevelopment.org.
SneakersFoot Smarts
From the Collegeville Police Department and CMSP Pedestrian Safety Committee

 
Pedestrian-Friendly Driving Tips:
  • Next time someone cuts you off - relax.  You'll be okay, and it's better to be alive!  Let them go first, let the pedestrians cross... and smile - you're helping Collegeville be a better place to live!
  • Turn off your cell phone.  Driving while you talk on the phone is like driving drunk.  You can't react as quickly to what's around you.
  • Drivers should take every precaution when traveling in residential and urban areas where pedestrians may cross the street or walk along the road.  Pedestrians, especially children, may dart out into traffic from unexpected places like between parked cars.  Always be prepared to take evasive action and avoid crashes.
  • Right turn on red means stop, look in all directions for pedestrians and other vehicles, and then turn when it is safe.  Look for pedestrians and allow them time to clear the crosswalk.
  • Always reduce speed when approaching children.  Drivers must observe school zone speed limits and stop for school buses when red signals are flashing.  Motorists should be extra cautious immediately after school dismissal when children may act unpredictably.
  • Yield to pedestrians who are blind or physically handicapped.
  • Be patient with older pedestrians who may need extra time to cross the street... with a little luck that could be you someday.
  • Before backing up, always check for pedestrians in your path.
  • Be extra careful at night or during periods of reduced visibility. More than half of all pedestrian fatalities occur at night.
  • Keep your windows clear of fog, frost, snow, ice, etc. You need to be able to see to be a safe driver.
  • Never drink and drive.
  • Be on the alert for pedestrians who may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • Always have everyone in the car buckle up.  
The Bottom Line:
 
It's up to all of us - each and every one of us - to make our community safe for our children, our elderly, our students, and our workers.  Collegeville is striving to be a pedestrian-friendly community.  It's good for business.  It's good for us all.  Please drive responsibly, carefully, and respectfully.
Main Street Happenings
 
Collegeville Station Hemingway's
 
Jazz Night every Thursday
 
  
Can  
Greenwald Flower and Plant Workshop
 
Come make a Springkling can filled with spring flowers and mini garden tools.   $16.50 
 
For more information visit Greenwald
Arts and Culture on Main Street -  Ursinus College  Wishing Tree 
 
Theater and Music
 
Escape Velocity Presents Technicolor
 
March 2 - 4  
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
 
The student choreographers, dancers and producers showcase their talent.
 
The Kaleidoscope Lenfest Theater
 
$5 general admission; $2 students & senior citizens
 
Information and reservations: 610.409.3795
 
The Meistersingers
 
Saturday, March 20, 2010
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
 
The Meistersingers are trained and conducted by John French, professor of music at Ursinus.
 
Bomberger Auditorium
 
Free to Public
 
John French, 610-409-3000, ext. 2227
 
The Elephant Man by Bernard Pomerance
 
Wednesday, March 24 - 27   
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
 
Pomerance's play tells the true story of John Merrick, whose monstrously deformed body hid his sensitive and intelligent soul from most of the world.  The Tony Award-winning play will be directed by Domenick Scudera, associate professor of theater.
 
The Kaleidoscope Studio Theater
 
$5 general admission; $2 students & senior citizens
 
Information and reservations: 610-409-3795
 
Speakers and Seminars
 
The Thousand Mile Stare: One Family's Journey through the Struggle and Science of Alzheimer's
 
March 2
7:30 PM
 
Author Gary Reiswig will read from his newly published memoir.
 
Bomberger Auditorium
 
Free to Public

Photographer Sarah Stolfa
Wishing Tree 
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

While a college student at Philadelphia's Drexel University, Sarah Stofla tended bar at McGlinchey's and began her career as a photographer by taking portraits of its patrons.  The Regulars, her book of portraits, was published by Artisan books in June 2009. Her numerous awards include the Noah Addis Photojournalism Award and an artist in residency at the Whitney Museum.
 
Olin Auditorium (Room 108)
 
Free to Public
 
Don Camp, 610-409-2000, Ext. 2633
 
Jennifer Finney Boylan
 
Thursday, March 18, 2010
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

The Director of Creative Writing at Colby College, Maine, Boylan's memoir, She's Not There was the first bestselling work by a transgendered American.  Her books are widely praised, and her stories have appeared in Confrontation, Florida Review, Quarterly West, Western Humanities Review, Writer's Digest and Southwest Review.  Until 2001 she published under the name James Boylan.

Musser Auditorium, Pfahler Hall (Room 100)
 
Free to Public
 
Jon Volkmer, 610-409-3000, Ext. 2355
 
Jennifer Worley; Sex on Wheels History of Feminism

Monday, March 22, 2010
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Worley is a professor of English, Women's Studies  and Lesbian/Gay Studies at City College of San Francisco. While completing her graduate work, she helped organize the first labor union in the sex industry and later spearheaded the dancer-takeover of the club as a worker-owned cooperative.  Her spoken word performances have been featured on Outright Radio (Public Radio International), and she has lectured on sex work activism at UCSF Medical School, University of Washington, UC Davis and Rutgers University.
 
Berman Museum of Art
 
Free to Public
 
Elizabeth Ho, 610-409-3000, ext. 2443
 
"Mining" the Environment
Art, Ethics and Environmentalism
 
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
4:30 PM - 7:00 PM
 
Petra Tschakert is an assistant professor of geography at Pennsylvania State University.  Her research on human-environment interactions focuses specifically on environmental change, development, sustainability, knowledge, inequality, and marginalization.  At the recent international climate change talks in Copenhagen, she served on a panel on Ethical and Human Rights Implications of Adaptation Policy and presented her NSF-funded research on climate change adaption in Ghana and Tanzania.
 
Berman Museum of Art
 
Free to Public
 
Deborah Barkun, 610.409.3000, ext. 4335
Leah Joseph, 610.409.3000, ext. 2594
Wishing TreePatrick Hurley, 610.409.3000, ext. 4323
 
Berman Museum

Through April 11, 2010
Minding the Landscape by Edward Burtynsky
Berman Museum of Art, Main Gallery

Through Sunday, April 18
Drawing the Curtain
Berman Museum of Art, Upper Gallery
Save the DateThe Collegeville Rotary Club
 
Collegeville Rotary Run Around 5K Run/Walk
 
Wishing TreeSaturday, April 3   
9 AM 
Perkiomen Valley High School     
509 Gravel Pike
Collegeville, PA 19426 
Info : 610 766-0518
 
For more information go to Collegeville Rotary.
 
Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy
 
Watershed LogoRegister now to volunteer and participate in the the 2010 Annual Perkiomen Watershed Stream Clean-up taking place on Saturday, April 17 from 9 AM - 12 PM. 
 
Library News
 
Mystery Night: Who Stole the Cookies from the Cookie Jar?

A night of dress up, mystery and fun for the whole family!

Thursday March 11, 2010
6:30 PM  -  8:00 PM
Upper Perkiomen Valley Library - Large Community Room
 
Contact: 215-679-2020 
 
Visit Upper Perkiomen Valley Library
 
Egg Hunt at Perkiomen Valley Library

Come enjoy the Library's yearly egg hunt!  Don't miss it! 

Saturday March 27 
11:00 AM  -  12:00 PM
Perkiomen Valley Library

 

Visit Perkiomen Valley Library.

 
Origins of the Pennsylvania Dutch

Join Norman Hoffman as he presents the Origins of the Pennsylvania Dutch. Norman Hoffman is a member of the Goshenhoppen Historical Society, Inc. and Pennsylvania German Society. All are Wilkum!

Monday Mar 29, 2010
7:00 PM  -  8:00 PM
Perkiomen Valley Library 

Contact: Aileen Johnson    610-287-8360    ajohnson@mclinc.org 
Visit Perkiomen Valley Library
 
Community Music School   
 
A Little Night Music Concert
Wishing Tree 
Lidia Kaminska, accordion and Jose Franch-Ballister, clarinet
 
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Artist Reception opens at 7:00pm
Concert begins at 8:00pm
 
With extensive solo performance experience throughtout the U.S. and Europe, the pairing of these virtuosi from Astral Artists offers an unusual concert experience that will both delight and astound. 
 
Wishing Tree"Kaminska has caused jaws to drop at concert halls from Europe to the Kimmel Center. "  - Philadelphia Magazine
 
"Mr. Franch-Ballester played with technical wizardry and tireless enthusiasm." - The New York Times
 
In The Gallery at CMS:  Threads by Terese DeSeve
 
For a complete schedule of events visit Community Music School. 

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Interested in learning more about the Main Street Program? Want to volunteer on one of our committees?  Find everything you need at
www.collegevilledevelopment.org.