My critics like to say that no news in Pottstown is worth talking about unless it’s good news.
I love good news as much as they do and where there’s cause for jumpin’ up excitement, many of you know, you’ll see it here and on my facebook page too.
Today’s post is all about MOMENTUM…
If you are not aware by now, Pottstown has a new director of the newly named License & Inspections Department, (formerly codes department), then you need to familiarize yourself with the borough’s new website <another *good* thing in our Pottstown quiver of arrows that hit their mark>.
It’s easy to use and chock full of information. <click here to link to the website>
Welcome Keith Price, the new L & I Director. Keith comes to Pottstown from Lower Pottsgrove…
With abundant experience, a plethora of certifications AND one of the things I like most about him is he’s “hands on” management, he’s accessible. Keith possesses good people skills and, as a former Marine, dedication and discipline are part of the package deal. I doubt that borough officials could have chosen anyone more qualified for the challenges Keith has undertaken.
I’ve had occasion, since Keith has been at the helm, to make reports, (on the borough’s website: Report a Concern), about the predatory landlords on my block who continue to believe they are way smarter than the average L & I Dept. Predators don’t like to register their properties or get inspections and they like to neglect codes violations and repairs.
Boy have they got a comeuppance awaiting them…
Swiftly and professionally these situations are dealt with. The Pottstown parasites will come to understand that their days are numbered and it can’t come too soon. I encourage everyone to watch the activity on your own blocks – once again – and report sneaky move-in’s at rentals and all other codes violations you observe. You’re reports will be taken seriously.
CHOO CHOO !CA CHOOOOOO!
The little red caboose was delivered on Friday, January 17th – with much fanfare and excitement – to it’s new home in Boyertown and the Coalbrookdale Railroad / The Secret Valley Line <click to link to their facebook page.
Anticipation is palpable as the organizers plan to run the tourist train between Pottstown and Boyertown, THIS YEAR, along the historic Secret Valley Line !!!
Honorable GOOD NEWS mentions include:
+The new mini-golf location dubbed Manatawny Greens, (love the name), by the Carousel building.
+The new whisky distiller in the Circle of Progress near Sly Fox, 
Manatawny Still Works <click to their website. Craft Distilling is becoming quite an exciting micro-challenge and an excellent compliment to Craft Brewers!!
***Although I don’t recommend mixing the two in the same “session.”
New Council people & new Mayor too? YEP. And, as if momentum couldn’t build any faster than it has already, this early in 2014…
HOW ABOUT LIVE MUSIC??? HOW ABOUT ASIAN AMERICAN FUSION DINING??? TOPPED OFF WITH A LIQUOR LICENSE – WHERE ADULTS CAN ORDER A DRINK = LIKE ADULTS DO !!! I LIKE THAT.
Don’t faint YET, here’s the scoop…
The Eagles Building at 310 High St. has the most incredible ballroom on the second floor. Most recently, known as the Ballroom on High, (operated by SwingKat, who now conducts events at the Sunnybrook Ballroom and plans to offer classes all over this part of PA), check out their website <click here for details.
I WISH SWINGKAT ALL THE BEST, they are a wonderful addition to Pottstown wherever they are.
The spacious first floor of the Eagles Building was most recently home to a used furniture gig, sorely under appreciated and poorly utilized.
If all goes according to plan this historic building will play a vital role in a blossoming arts and culture community = POTTSTOWN = yeah, it feels so good to say “blossoming arts and culture” and Pottstown in the same sentence. It rolls off the tongue… Try it on for size!!
Enter, stage left, Jamey Riley, (a bass player who has toured with The Who, Aerosmith and Uriah Heep), he is also founder and facilitator of the famous Jamey’s House of Music in Philadelphia, together with is wife/chef Suyun Reilly. After 10 years of building on their talents, creating a music powerhouse (with good food too) in Philly, the city slammed the front door on his enterprise, (Philly’s loss our gain)???
You can read all about this incredible journey right HERE <click to the website> Jamey tells his story better than anyone can. 
I can think of nothing finer than Jamey’s House of Music infusing Pottstown with great sounds, the beautiful aroma of good food **good food itself** libations and kindred souls. Leading the way – along with Art Fusion and Steel River – to an awakening of the heart of this community’s untapped potential as an arts and culture destination. All the while preserving a historic Pottstown treasure!!
You can also listen to and watch some of the performances at Jamey’s on youtube <click
Jamey is working to raise additional funds for renovations to the building – so give ‘em a boost if you are able.
GOOD NEWS IS ALWAYS WELCOME, AND…
That’s enough momentum to get us through the remaining polar vortex’s of the winter of 2013-2014. Plenty of fine things to savor and think about while we await springtime’s warmth and renewal!!
“If you don’t like change, you’re going to like irrelevance even less.”
General Eric Shinseki
