PV Chamber of Commerce

July 6th thru September 6th - Valley Forge Park offers free Shuttle & Trolley Tours

The Valley Forge National Historical Park offers the free Revolutionary Shuttle which allows visitors to ride among four popular Park destinations: the Visitor Center, Washington Memorial Chapel, von Steuben Statue and Washington’s Headquarters. Operating seven days a week until Monday, September 6, 2010, the shuttle runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, and frequents marked stop locations every 20 minutes. The Revolutionary Shuttle is the latest in a variety of fun, convenient ways to see the park. The popular 90-minute guided Trolley Tour offers riders to hear the full story of the Valley Forge Encampment and enjoy the expertise of a professional guide on an open-air trolley, with extended guided stops at Washington’s Headquarters and Muhlenberg’s Brigade. Visitors also can walk, bike, or ride horses on some of the park’s 26 miles of trails. Bike rentals are available at the Lower Visitor Center parking lot. For more information about Valley Forge National Historical Park, visit http://www.nps.gov/vafo/index.htm.

State Representative Marcy Toepel announced residents can get applications for E-Zpass, an electronic toll collection system on the Turnpike, at her district office or on her website. On 1/2/11, the Turnpike Commission will increase tolls on the PA Turnpike. The tolls will increase by 10% for those who pay with cash, while E-ZPass customers will pay 3% more to drive on the Turnpike. Residents in the 147th Legislative District may stop by my district office, 105 Memorial Rd., Schwenksville, during normal operating hours to obtain an E-ZPass application, or visit my website, www.RepToepel.com, which leads to an online E-ZPass application. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The 147th Legislative District includes part of Montgomery County consisting of the townships of Douglass, Lower Frederick, Marlborough, part of New Hanover, Perkiomen, Salford, Skippack (portion), Upper Frederick, Upper Hanover, and Upper Salford. The district also includes the boroughs of East Greenville, Green Lane, Pennsburg, Red Hill and Schwenksville.

Learn about the trail's rich history and the local environment via your cell phone. New brochures with map of the trail that lists phone numbers to call at certain locations are stocked throughout the trail. Trail users can stop along the trail in a designated numbered area and dial from their cell phone to listen to a variety of facts and stories. 610-476-5063.

Russell J. Talone, CFP® CLU®, Certified Financial Planner™ from TALONE INSURANCE, INC. has provided a timeline (PDF format)for the healthcare reform items coming down the pike over the next few years. This is a summary of what we know so far.

3953 Ridge Pike, Suite 201, Collegeville, PA 19426. Phone: 610.409.9410 www.taloneinsurance.com

All My Places: Landscapes, Portraits & Whimsy – The Art of Karl J. Kuerner, Sept. 1 to Dec. 15., Main Gallery, The Berman Museum of Art at URSINUS COLLEGE, Main St. Collegeville, 610-409-3500. www.ursinus.edu/berman. Tue.-Fri. 10 a.m. -4 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., noon -4:30 p.m. closed Mon. & College holidays. Free.

September 2nd thru December 8th - International Film Festival at Ursinus College

The International Film Festival at Ursinus College will present six films beginning on September 2 through December 8, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. in Olin Auditorium. The films are subtitled in English, and each film is followed by light refreshments and conversation.
Sept. 2     Chinese film Still Life (2006), directed by Jia Zhang Ke.
Sept. 22   Arabic film A Perfect Day (2005), directed by Joana Hadjithomas and Khalil Joreige
Oct. 13     Japanese film Bashing (2005), directed by Masahiro Kobayashi
Oct. 27     Spanish film Broken Embraces (2009), directed by Pedro Almodóvar
Nov. 4      French film The Class (2008), directed by Laurent Cantet
Dec. 8      German classic, Metropolis (1927), directed by Franz Lang
For more information, please contact Colette Trout at ctrout@ursinus.edu or 610.409.3000, ext. 3432. www.ursinus.edu. The College is located on Main Street in Collegeville.

September 7th - Auditions for The Cantabile Chorale at Community Music School

COMMUNITY MUSIC SCHOOL’S newest, multi-generational community chorus, The Cantabile Chorale, is holding auditions for all voices on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. If you are at least 16 years of age, enjoy singing with other people you will love the Cantabile Chorale! Under the direction of Emilily Kosasih, The Cantabile Chorale explores traditional secular and sacred choral literature as well as lighter contemporary music. All those interested in joining the community chorus are required to audition. Please call 610-489-3676 or email info@cmsmusic.org to schedule an audition. Walk-ins also welcome. Weekly rehearsals will begin Tuesday, 9/14 from 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. An $85 annual membership fee is payable at the first rehearsal. That’s less than $2.50 per rehearsal! For information on the community chorus and otherprograms of music instruction available at CMS, please call 610-489-3676 or visit the school’s website at ww.cmsmusic.org.

The Small Business Administration’s Philadelphia District Office is sponsoring a “Business Borrower-Lender Matchmaking Event” on Wednesday, September 8, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 Noon at the Radisson Valley Forge Hotel in King of Prussia, Pa. Discuss funding for: Business start-up, Working capital, Business expansion, Refinancing, Business modernization or other needs. For more information contact Don Jefferson at (610-382-3079) or email (Donald.Jefferson@SBA.gov).

GVF Transportation reports PennDOT will close Black Rock Road beginning September 7 for Road Reconstruction by Toll Brothers. Black Rock Road wil close between Troutman Road and Longford Road in Upper Providence Township, beginning September 7. Toll Brothers will detour Black Rock Road over Hallow Road, Egypt Road, and Longford Road. Local access will be maintained up to the construction zone. Motorists are advised to allow extra time when traveling through the area.

Montgomery County hosts the 11th Annual Scottish-Irish Festival September 10 -12 at Green Lane Park in Green Lane, PA. Family-oriented fun, live music and dance, food, arts and crafts, exhibits and demonstrations from the Scottish and Irish cultures. Friday begins at 6 p.m. with an evening concert featuring Tree and Norsewind. Saturday, from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., with music from the Martin Family Band and The Hooligans. Sunday features a concert with Ceilidh and wraps up at about 5 p.m. Also featured: Burning Bridget Clearly, Pipe Bands, Irish Step-Dancers, Highland Dancers, Society for Creative Anachronisms, Celtic Face Painting, and sheepdog demonstrations and highland games. Classic and Celtic food vendors and merchants of authentic Scottish and Irish wares on site. This is a rain or shine event. Free Admission, but there is a $5 parking fee. For more information, please call Green Lane Park at 215-234-4528 or visit http://parks.montcopa.org/sifestival.

The Seventh Annual TRAPPE COMMUNITY DAY on Saturday, September 11, 2010 hosted by The Borough of Trappe promises to be an exciting event at Water Works Park from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (rain date September 25th) The 1970’s hit group,The Cameos will be the highlight of the day. Children will also enjoy the moon bounce, clowns, face painting, balloons, petting zoo, games, the ever popular dog costume contest, and much, much more. Local restaurants and vendors will offer food, drinks, and refreshments. The Planning Committee is grateful to the many business sponsors of this event and due to their support there will be no cost to the Borough of Trappe – and no entrance fee. All communities are welcome at this free event. Schedule begins at 10:00 am with Opening Ceremonies/Piper Willie/Lori Ann O’Lock. 10:45 a.m. Community Music School Adult Jazz Band will perform. 11:15 a.m. Evolution Music, 11:30 a.m. Dog Costume Contest, 11:30 a.m. Screwball, the Mascot of the Reading Phillies
12:00 p.m. The Hilarious Magic of Sam Sandler Magician, 1:00 p.m. Irish Dancers Caitrin Academy of Irish Dance, 1:30 p.m. Gene Galligan & Friends Puppet Show, 2:30 p.m. Mad Dog, the Mascot for the Philadelphia Wings, 2:30 Swoop, the Mascot for the Philadelphia Eagles, 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. The Cameo's perform.

The 2010 Univest Grand Prix begins on 9/11/10 with the unveiling of the new Sounderton-Franconia-Telford race course. The reformatted, figure-8 design with more than 150 professional riders from over 17 countries will compete in an exciting international race. The recreational Cyclosportif ride, children's races are held on Saturday. www.univestgrandprix.com.

COMMUNITY MUSIC SCHOOL in Trappe hosts an Open House on Sunday, September 12, from 1:00-3:30 p.m. for anyone who would like to come by to tour the school and learn more about the school’s music programs. In addition, free music lessons will be available on this day only on a first-comefirst-serve basis. Space is limited. Those interested should contact CMS to set up a lesson time. Walk-ins for lessons will be accommodated if space and time allows. Contact CMS at 610-489-3676 for more
information about appropriate ages to begin music lessons, instruments and teachers available and setting up a free music lesson during the Open House. For information on the community chorus and other programs of music instruction available at CMS, please call 610-489-3676 or visit the school’s website at www.cmsmusic.org.

Mutts Making Money For Melaina - helping to find a cure for Alopecia on Sunday, September 12, 2010, from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. (Rain or Shine) at the Black Rock Park on Black Rock Road in Collegeville. Come out to the Charity Dog Walk, Raffle and Children’s Activities. For more information visit www.muttsmakingmoneyformelaina.org or contact Beth Breslow, AMAZING PET SITTERS, at vcabrio00@comcast.net. All of the proceeds raised will go directly to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF), which is trying desperately to find an acceptable treatment for Alopecia or better yet. . . A CURE!!!

September 16th thru November 18th - Educational Series at Villa at Morlatton

THE VILLA AT MORLATTON is hosting the 2010 Healthy Aging Educational Series. Speakers are affiliated with the Reading Hospital and Medical Center. The series is free and open to the public at Villa at Morlatton. Registration is required. Please call 610-385-5021. Seating is limited. Mark your calendars and bring a friend to this instructive event. September 16 - 8 a.m. “Here Comes Winter—Learn the Facts about COPD and Pneumonia” presented by Wendy R. Cirullo, MSN, RN, RRT, RPFT, RCIS. October 21 - 8 a.m. “Chest Pains—Knowing the Warning Signs” presented by Danyelle Whalen, BSN, RN-BC. November 18 - 8 a.m. “A Plan for Osteoporosis” presented by Chandrakant Shah, MD. Villa at Morlatton is a distinctive retirement community offering Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care Residences, conveniently located off Rt. 422 in Douglassville, PA. www.villaatmorlatton.com.

Exhibit: Take Me Out to the Ball Game: Legacies of Baseball from the Alan Novak collection. Sept. 16 – Dec. 15., Upper Galley. The Berman Museum of Art at URSINUS COLLEGE, Main St. Collegeville, 610-409-3500. www.ursinus.edu/berman. Tue.-Fri. 10 a.m. -4 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., noon -4:30 p.m. closed Mon. & College holidays. Free.

September 18th - Limerick Golf Club Annual Golf Tournament benefits VNA Hospice of Pottstown

VNA Hospice of Pottstown to benefit from Limerick Golf Club annual golf tournament on Saturday, September 18th, will benefit The VNA Hospice of Pottstown. The golf outing, which commences with breakfast at the Limerick Golf Club's Sandtrap Grille restaurant at 8:30 a.m., includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, 18 holes of golf, beverages on the course, and many great prizes. The total cost per person is $75 paid in advance with cash or credit card. Limerick Golf Club is located at 765 N. Lewis Road, Limerick, Pa. For reservations or more information call 610-495-6945.

Corvettes for a Cure benefitting the Delaware Valley Chapter of Alzheimer's Association. A Corvette, Craft & Jewelry Show. Come see over 150 beautiful Corvettes competing for trophies. Spectator parking and entry are free. (Donation requested). To be held at Providence Town Center, Route 29 and Arcola Road, Collegeville, PA 19426. For full details and registration info to to www.CorvettesForACure.com

Dr. Katie Tripp will present a lecture titled Manatee Management or Human Management? Protecting an Endangered Marine Mammal in a Highly Developed Environment on Sept. 20 at 7:30 p.m. in Musser Auditorium, Pfahler Hall (Room 100). The lecture is free and open to the public. Tripp is director of science and conservation for Save the Manatee Club, the preeminent organization devoted to the conservation of manatees in North America. Tripp has co-authored multiple papers on manatees, and in 2008 she received the Reep-Bonde Florida Manatee Biology and Conservation Award for furthering knowledge of fundamental manatee biology. She has a bachelor’s degree in marine science, environmental policy, and chemistry from Eckerd College and a Ph.D. in veterinary medical sciences from the University of Florida. www.ursinus.edu. The College is located on Main Street in Collegeville.

September 22nd - Scientist, artist Helen Wortham to speak on Creating Scientific Art

Scientist and artist Helen Wortham will speak on “Creating Scientific Art: Your Right and Left Brain Don’t Have to Fight Anymore” on Sept. 22 at 4:30 p.m. in Musser Auditorium, Pfahler Hall (Room 100). The program is free and open to the public. Wortham earned a bachelor of science degree in biology from Texas A&M University. Relocating to Philadelphia, she enrolled at the University of the Arts, earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration and later joined a small group of artists to form Dragonfly Media Group, specialists in medical illustration and animation. www.ursinus.edu. The College is located on Main Street in Collegeville.

PECO is committed to being a trusted resource to help you prepare for the changes coming on January 1, 2011. As part of our ongoing outreach we invite you to an Electric Generation Supplier Fair where you will be able to meet electric generation suppliers, review your needs and learn about competitive offers on Wednesday, September 22, 2010 from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Radisson Valley Forge, 1160 First Avenue, King of Prussia. The Fair is from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. However, please choose one of three time frames: 7 to 9 a.m., 9 to 11 a.m., or 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. You may want to bring a copy of your recent PECO bill for reference during your discussions with suppliers. Also, if you are interested in learning some of the basics of electric choice, consider attending the presentations: 8:30 a.m. PECO Default Service Options, or 9 a.m. Customer Experience Choosing a Competitive Supplier. Representatives will also be available to discuss PECO SmartIdeas – our full suite of energy efficiency incentive programs to help you save energy and money. Please register at: PECO Supplier Fair.

October 2nd - Kalejta Financial will participate in Walk Now for Autism Phila.

KALEJTA FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, P.C. will be participating in the 2010 Walk Now for Autism Philadelphia walk again this year! The Walk with be at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. We would be honored if you would consider walking with our team, "Ethan's Allies," on Saturday, October 2nd. As a reminder, we will be walking in support of Tom's son Ethan. To visit or to make a donation visit our team page at, http://www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/philadelphia/kalejta.

October 12th thru October 27th - Times Herald Section to feature Collegeville & Trappe

THE TIMES HERALD presents a 12 to 24 page tabloid featuring the boroughs of Collegeville & Trappe to be published on Tuesday, 10/27/10. The section will include Photos, Calendar of Events, Community Gatherings & focus on businesses in Collegeville & Trappe. Over 20,000 copies will be inserted into the Times Herald & The Mercury surrounding the Collegeville/Trappe area. All advertisors can submit editorial to be published in the section. Call 610-272-3830 to advertise. Ad rates from $200 for 1/4 page to $500 for full page, and $649 for back page.

Find your costume and join us for the PERKIOMEN WATERSHED CONSERVANCY’S 20th Annual Halloween Night Hike, Friday, October 15 and Saturday, October 16, 2010. On a pumpkin-lit trail you will meet five different night animals and their young! Hikes leave every 15 minutes beginning at 6:15 pm through 7:45pm. The Conservancy is located at the corner of Haldeman Road and Route 73 in Schwenksville. Pre-registration is required. For more information and to register, call PWC at 610.287.9383 or visit www.perkiomenwatershed.org. MERCK & CO. INC. sponsors the Halloween Night Hike.

Comedian Joe Conklin brings his hilarious impressions of Barack Obama, Cole Hamels, Charlie Manuel, Charles Barkley, and many others for the Meals on Wheels Benefit Performance Series: Joe Conklin Comedy Show. Heard regularly on 610 WIP radio, Conklin shares his experiences growing up in the neighborhoods of Philadelphia, highlighted by his Kensington characters from Chip Snapper’s Taproom. On Friday, October 29, at The Hill School Center For The Arts, Beech and Sheridan Streets, in Pottstown. Doors open at 7:15 p.m. Show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 for general admission seating. Funds raised during this event will benefit Family Services’ Meals on Wheels program. Each weekday, Family Services’ Meals on Wheels program provides two meals, a hot lunch and a cold supper to refrigerate, to an average of 160 homebound elderly and disabled individuals in Pottstown, Royersford and the Lower Perkiomen Valley. Community volunteers personally deliver over 81,000 meals a year, bringing nourishment, friendship and a kind word to those most in need. For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact Shushma Patel, program director, Meals on Wheels, at 610-326-1610 ext. 236 or spatel@fsmontco.org or visit www.dineout4mow.org. Generous sponsors of this event include Exelon/Limerick Generating Station; First Niagara; Pottstown Memorial Medical Center; BTC Foods; and Chiropractic & Wellness Center, P.C.

Applications are now being accepted for the Annual Holiday Craft Fair to be held at the new Pope John Paul II High School in Royersford, PA on Saturday, November 13, 2010 from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Individuals with handcrafted products are welcome to reserve spaces for $50 each. For additional information or to receive an application, please contact Beth Hiriak, Director of Advancement, at 215-370-9549 or by email at bhiriak@pjphs.org.