Around Phoenixville

Ok, time for some user participation. The restaurant list for The Phoenixville Area Guide seems to be pretty complete although I still need to add phone numbers and websites as applicable. Want to start working on some other business types now and would like your feedback on the order I should approach them in. Keep in mind, this is a resource not only for the people who live here, but also people who are considering moving here as well as visitors. Here are the sections I am planning to add over time, let me know your thoughts on what order I should do them in and, if there is something else you'd like to see, let me know! Categories (alpha order): Art Galleries; Antiques; Auto Repair/Service; Banks; Book Stores; Churches; Clothing; Coffee Shops; Convenience Stores; Florists; Gift Shops; Home Improvement/Housewares; Jewelry; Organizations; Pet Services; Pharmacies; Schools; Sports and Recreation; Supermarkets Thanks!

About a week late with this one but figured it was worth mentioning. Two local businesses, Salon Fiber and Phoenix Karate, will have new locations in the next couple of months. Salon Fiber, currently located at 224 Bridge St., is moving to a "smaller, 'intimate' location at 245 Taylor Alley." It opens at its new location on Wednesday, March 5, with a grand opening celebration during First Friday festivities on April 4. Moving into 224 Bridge St. will be Phoenix Karate. The move will allow Phoenix Karate to hold two classes simultaneously. There is talk of keeping their current location, at 243 Bridge St., open as well. Source: The Phoenix

On Saturday, March 8th, the Phoenixville Jaycees are hosting a Date Auction at the Moon Saloon . Proceeds from the event, which starts at 8pm, will go to the American Red Cross. Reader Megan provided the following information: --- Phoenixville Jaycees Date Auction The Phoenixville Jaycees are a younger group of volunteers striving to better the community. The Phoenixville Jaycees are primarily known for the Dogwood Festivities and Fair. We get involved with other community organizations, we host community events, we donate to different charitable needs and so much more. We are hosting the event to be able to continue our progress in bettering the community as well as supporting The American Red Cross. Please do NOT forget to mark your calendar's for the Phoenixville Jaycees first EVER Date Auction. When: Sat, March 8, 2008, bidding starts at 8pm. Where: The Moon Saloon, 400 Bridge Street, Phoenixville , PA What: Single men and women auctioned off for a date. An after date is ...

Outdoor lovers have a reason to brave the elements next weekend as the Banff Film Festival returns for two nights at the Colonial Theatre. The festival takes place on Friday, February 29, and Saturday, March 1, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. and shows starting at 7:30 p.m. The film festival, which is hosted by Philadelphia Rock Gym (PRG) , features "...short documentaries about biking, kayaking, skiing, rock climbing and mountain cultures, the festival aims to appeal to many walks of life." Part of the proceeds from this year's festival will go to help The Schuylkill Canal Association. Tickets are being sold on the phone by calling PRG at 610-666-7673 until the day before the shows and then they also will be available at the door. Tickets are $13 in advance and $15 at the door. For more information on the Banff Film Festival, please visit www.banffmountainfestivals.ca/tour . Source: The Phoenix

The first addition to 'The Area' is available. I have started a restaurant guide which will be a listing of all of the restaurants in our area. You will notice that the list is incomplete but that is where you come in! My hope is to get your input so that its as complete a guide as possible. If you see something that is missing and/or incorrect, please send me an email at tips@bridgeandmain.com . I plan to add a number of features to this section including the ability to post reviews and ratings. I also plan to add additional categories of businesses like Home Furnishing, Clothing, Convenience Stores, etc. I'd love to hear what you think! Thanks. Jim

As of March 1st, Majolica Restaurant will no longer be open on Tuesdays. Before you get concerned that one of Phoenixville's finest restaurants is struggling, note that this was a personal decision made by owners Andrew Deery and Sarah Johnson. About a week ago, Andrew and Sarah welcomed their first child, Lila Jane, into the world. As proud new parents, they have decided they want to spend as much time as possible with their new daughter which was the reason for the change. Congrats to the new parents and thanks to reader Richard for the tip! Source: Food and Drinq

Reader Tina Trager wrote me today to tell me about a great project she is coordinating. It is called 'Activate Phoenixville Area' which is a collaborative effort committed to changing the culture and environment within the community to foster healthier lifestyles. From the flyer she forwarded to me: --- Our vision is to motivate all Phoenixville area residents toward healthy living...including children of all ages, adults, and seniors. We do this through a variety of programs and activities. This important initiative is supported by the following COMMUNITY PARTNERS: Phoenixville Education Foundation Phoenixville Area School District Phoenixville Community Health Foundation Phoenixville Area YMCA Phoenixville Hospital Phoenixville Borough Phoenixville Regional Chamber of Commerce Valley Forge Christian College As you will see, this month, we have put together some "Heart Healthy Tips" to assist you in making choices that protect your cardiovascular system. We encoura...

The ninth annual BlobFest is scheduled for Friday, July 11th and Saturday, July 12th. This year's festival will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the release of 'The Blob'. Stay tuned to the Colonial's BlobFest website for updates.

Reader Leo wrote in today to tell me about a business he and a friend started in January. The company, RentNotBuy.com , provides a way for people to rent things they do not need to those who do. Says Leo: --- "RentNotBuy.com provides a marketplace to allow users to rent things they own to each other. By renting things you own you can reduce consumption (and thus pressure on natural resources) and earn a bit of cash at the same time. By renting from others on RentNotBuy.com, rather than buying, you can save some money and reduce the amount of "rarely used" junk in your life. RentNotBuy.com is free to use and always will be. It is a resource for the local community. RentNotBuy.com was founded at the beginning of the year and is based in Phoenixville, PA. --- RentNotBuy.com is already gaining some exposure. They were recently featured in Daily Candy Philadelphia and there are already over 100 items available to rent. For more information, please visit the website at ht...

Want to let you all know that BridgeAndMain.com now has a new home page. On it you will get a glimpse of what is going on at other parts of the site. It lists the next five events, the last five posts to this blog and the last five messages posted to our Forums. It also has the current weather and the forecast for tomorrow. What else would you like to see here? Let me know in the comments.

As I continue to work on the new BridgeAndMain.com, one of the things I want to do is to open up the Calendar to groups and organizations in town. If you are interested in promoting your events, please send me an email at info@bridgeandmain.com and I will get back to you with instructions on how to do so. Thanks. Jim

Over the next couple of months, three local businesses will be closing their doors. On Saturday, February 16th, Polka Dots will be closing their store at 246 Bridge Street. The shop, a women's clothing boutique, opened nearly two and a half years ago but has recently found business slow. --- Originally, (owner Susan) Randels said that the store was doing well, but that the momentum could not keep up. "The things that sold in Paoli didn't sell in Phoenixville," she said, adding that some customers thought that the store was too expensive or the sizing did not go high enough (size 12 being the highest size sold). "We tried everything." Randels also said that parking was an issue for many of her customers who could either not find spaces or did not feel safe parking behind the store. --- Polka Dots remains open until the 16th, with hours on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The phone number is 610-935-5914. Clothing and shoes a...

The Spiedie Bistro, originally slated to open on February 11th, is now hoping to hold their Grand Opening during March's First Friday. --- Owner Brian Laing said there had been an "electrical snag" last week that created delays in construction. Laing originally planned to open the bistro on February 11. He does not know for certain when the bistro would open, though he hopes to have a grand opening on March 7 during that month’s First Friday celebrations. "We might open one or two days before that to work some glitches out," Laing said. "But we’re shooting for First Friday." --- For more information on the Spiedie Bistro, including a menu, please see their website at http://www.spiediebistro.com . Source: The Phoenix