Around Phoenixville

Today's Phoenix ran an article written by Barry Cassidy in which he addressed the various rumors that have been circulating regarding the immediate futures of several local businesses. He paints a much rosier picture than some of the comments here would have you believe. From the article: --- On Monday someone came in and told me Molly Maguire's was closing. I knew that was not correct because they are expanding, not closing. Then about 20 minutes after than I heard from someone else that 101 was closing and the building was going to become a McDonalds. I knew that was not correct either. Marietu' Fanny from the crepe joint at Bridge and Gay called me and was upset that she heard someone at the business association meeting say she was closing... She went on to tell me that they were doing well... Then I heard probably the most outrageous rumor of all... Ellie's Choice is closing. Now think about this one, folks. Here, Ellie has been here for a long time, she was here ...

Reader Victor did some detective work regarding the future plans for the Marketplace at Oaks and was able to uncover the following. --- BJ's Wholesale Club will be built directly behind Lowe's and Pizzeria Uno will be built on the other side of Egypt close to 422, with 8 to 10 more restaurant pads and 10 retail pads in the plans. --- Note, this is not to be confused with the Providence Town Center which is in Collegeville. For more information on the Marketplace at Oaks, visit 422businesscenter.com .

Exciting news, the former Rite Aid store in the Giant Shopping Center, empty since a new store was built across the street, will be torn down in favor of a gas station! Rumors had swirled since the move that the building would become home for a chain restaurant (I heard IHop on more than one occassion) but, at Tuesday night's Borough Council meeting, plans for the station were unanimously approved. The station "will feature four double-sided pumps (eight fueling stations), served by a small attendant's kiosk. Three grades of regular gas will be available; no diesel fuel will be sold. Preparations were being made but plans were not yet firm, said Kerry Eck, a Giant real estate representative, to make biofuels available there at a later date." Gas will be sold under the Giant brand name and the station will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. No word on when the station will open but with Wawa building a Super Wawa across the street, fuel options in that...

Main Street Phoenixville has gathered their restaurants and bars together for a one-day Pub Crawl/Meet the Brewer event to be held on Saturday, March 14th from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The event will give beer-lovers a chance to both sample the latest and greatest brews and meet their creators, all while getting a taste for Phoenixville’s beer scene. Among the brewers participating in the day’s events will be famed Guinness brew master Fergal Murray as well as Weyerbacher’s Chris Lamp, Flying Fish’s Drew Perry and Southampton’s Spencer Niebuhr. "We have great restaurants and bars with creative beer lists as well as three local breweries making some of the region’s best beer. This event will give beer-lovers a chance to check them all out, in just one afternoon," says Barry Cassidy, director of Main Street Phoenixville. People can visit the following participating Phoenixville venues from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. to sample beers and meet the brewers: Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant (130 E...

O'Grady's Family Restaurant, 1009 Schuylkill Road, will be hosting a fundraiser today, February 24th, in support of the Chester County Special Olympics. A percentage of all proceeds from today's sales will be donated and there will be numerous items raffled off this evening. Raffle tickets are a $1 each or six for $5. Among the items to be raffled off are four Philadelphia Flyers tickets with a parking pass and an autographed Penn State football. For more information, see today's Phoenix article or call O'Grady's at 610-933-9335.

Bridge and Main Forum member wealthfinder posted a message about the new Providence Town Center being built in Oaks Collegeville. The link pointed to a blog posting by Prudential Fox and Roach Realtor Andrew Himes . From Andrew's post: --- The 1st Phase of the shopping center including the re-opening of Arcola Rd to Mennonite Rd is now scheduled to open on October 11, 2009. The stores that are scheduled to open during this initial phase are as follows: Wegman's Grocery, Best Buy, LA Fitness, Dick's Sporting Goods, DSW Shoes, Ulta Cosmetics, Five Below, Staples, PetsMart, Michaels', Raymour & Flanigan, PNC Bank, PF Chang's, Eastern Mountain Sport (EMS), and Olive Garden. Phase 2 (Main Street with the lifestyle tenancy) will open no earlier than Summer 2010, but could be pushed back into the Spring of 2011. --- To read the full post, view his blog at activerain.com/blogs/erikanme . I have also added Andrew's blog to my Blogroll for those interested in ke...

Reader Jackie H. wrote in to tell of a new club she is starting, the Phoenixville Philosophy Club. From her email: --- Welcome philosopher, thinkers and readers of all things stimulating. Phoenixville Philosophy Club would like to invite you to its first gathering, March 4th 2009. The Club will be meeting from 7:00pm to 8:30pm at: Wolfgang Books 237 Bridge St. Second Floor Phoenixville, PA 19460 610.410.5039 www.wolfgangbooks.com www.myspace.com/WolfgangBooks There will be snacks and discussion. Everyone is welcome. If you plan on attending, please email us at pvillephilosophy@gmail.com . ---

From an email I received: --- March 2nd – Iron Hill's "Give 20" Fundraising Dinner Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant on Bridge Street in Phoenixville is opening its doors to Time Bank supporters Monday, March 2nd! Come in anytime between 5 pm and 10 pm, enjoy the food and good company, and Iron Hill will give 20% of all food proceeds to the Time Bank. --- In order for the donation to be made, you must bring in a coupon which can be printed here .

From the Activate Phoenixville Area mailing list: --- Effective immediately, Saturday morning YOGA classes suspended until further notice. Dear Residents- Due to the consistent low attendance, we are suspending the 9:00am Saturday Yoga class held at Stepping Stone Ed Center, Franklin Commons until further notice. The instructor wishes to continue offering this class once the weather gets warmer in Reeves Park, provided we have interest. Please pass this along to anyone you know who is not on our mailing list. If you are interested in practicing yoga on a regular basis, please let me know the days of the week and times you prefer and we will see what we can arrange. In the meantime, we will continue to offer Yoga on Tuesdays evenings at 7:00pm a Stepping Stone. ---

My reporter on the street Jen tells me of a rumor that Tyler James has closed its doors as of yesterday. Can anyone confirm?

Wednesday nights are now Ladies Night at the Columbia Bar and Grille . For their inaugural Ladies Night this Wednesday, the Columbia will host a fashion show featuring clothing from Lush as well as jewelry from Charmed Spirit. Seating will be open for show at 6pm with show starting at 7pm. Each Wednesday, the Columbia will feature a special ladies night menu and great drink specials. In addition, the first Wednesday of each month will feature expanded specials and events. For more information, please visit columbiabarandgrille.com .

Activate Phoenixville Area is starting up two new classes for area residents. --- TAI CHI AT THE CIVIC CENTER Join other residents for a “pay-as-you-go” one-hour class ($5 per person per class). Presented by White Eagle Martial Arts Instructor: Tammy Rosebrook Three sessions to choose from: Saturdays (Mar. 14th–May 16th) 9:00am - Beginner’s Class 10:00am – Intermediate Class Wednesdays (Mar. 11th–May 13th) 7:00pm - Beginner’s Class * March 28th New students will be accepted through the third class. The class will then be closed so that participants have the opportunity to improve in their practice. Location: Phoenixville Civic Center - 122 S. Main Street Please note: Classes will resume in Reeves Park in the Spring. YOGA BASICS CLASSES Join other residents for a “pay-as-you-go” ($5 per person per class). These classes are ongoing and do not require you to sign up ahead of time. Learn how to use the practice of yoga to bring stillness, strength and vitality to the body and mind....

On Saturday, March 7th, Tyler James Pub will be hosting a beer pong tournament to benefit the March of Dimes. The idea for the event was developed by Tyler James bartender Andrea DiPietro who wanted to come up with a unique way to get younger people interested in raising money for the March of Dimes. From the Phoenix: --- Registration starts at 8 p.m. on March 7 and the tournament will start at 9 p.m. According to DiPietro, there will be 64 teams, each paying a $30 entry fee. Teams can sign up at www.phillybeerpong.com and even pay online through their site. First prize is a $250 cash prize, and other prizes like Phillies tickets will be available. --- Source: The Phoenix

Starting this evening, the Valley Forge Convention Center will be hosting the 17th Annual Mid-Winter Scottish & Irish Music Festival . The festival features the music and heritage of Ireland and Scotland. Eighteen bands, dozens of Celtic vendors, exhibits, dancing and more! Fun for all ages! Two floors of Entertainment. Show Dates and Times: 2/13 (Friday) - 6:30pm to 11:45pm 2/14 (Saturday) - 9:30am to 11:45pm 2/15 (Sunday) - 10am to 8pm Admission cost: Friday: $20 Saturday or Sunday: $25 Children under 13: Free For more information, see the East of Hebrides Entertainments website .

The US Route 422 Corridor Coalition , in conjunction with the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission , is hosting a series of public open house meetings to introduce the US 422 Transportation Master Plan. Two meetings are scheduled at convenient locations for the corridor. February 17, 2009. 6:30-9:00pm. (Snow Date: March 4th.) Oaks Elementary School Cafeteria. 325 Oaks School Drive, Oaks, PA 19456. Directions. February 18, 2009. 6:30-9:00pm. (Snow Date: February 26th) Montgomery County Community College, Pottstown Campus, Community Room. 101 College Drive, Pottstown, PA 19646. Directions. Click here to learn more about the US 422 Transportation Master Plan .

The Phoenixville Public Library has announced their Spring 2009 schedule of speakers and events. All programs will be held in the Community Room and are free and open to the public. Reservations are required. For reservations or more information call 610-933-3013, ext. 32 or e-mail mpinto@ccls.org . Click to view the schedule Phoenixville Public Library Spring 2009 Speakers and Events All programs will be held in the Community Room and are free and open to the public. Reservations are required. For reservations or more information call 610-933-3013, ext. 32 or e-mail mpinto@ccls.org . The Nine Biggest Mistakes Investors Make When Planning for Retirement Thursday, March 5 * 7:00 PM Presented by Robert P. Friedman, Managing Director & Investment Officer, Friedman Financial Services Group, Wachovia Securities Lyme Disease Monday, March 16 * 7:00 PM Presented by Dr. Martin Mulders, Functional and Wellness Sciences Institute, Jeffersonville Meet Your Self: Understanding the Energy/...

On Monday, February 23rd, Iron Hill is teaming with the Phoenixville Jaycees on another fundraising night. For more information, including the coupon you'll need to bring, please check out the Jaycees blog .

On February 23, 2009 at 6:30 p.m., Concerned Parents of PASD will host a Cultural Celebration in honor of Black History Month at the Phoenixville High School Auditorium. This event will feature a presentation on the history of the Underground Railroad within Phoenixville, a selection of Negro Spiritual hymns by the Phoenixville Area High School Choir, and the opportunity to purchase African-American art from selected vendors. Our keynote message, The Dream Alive Program will be delivered by Mr. Joe Rogers, Colorado’s Former Lt. Governor, who served as the youngest lieutenant governor in the country and the highest ranking African American state elected official. The Dream Alive program is a special, nationally acclaimed live commentary by Joe Rogers in dedication to the life, memory and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the leaders of the Civil Rights movement. This powerful program with an enlightening message for today is an effort to help increase the understanding of the en...

For more information, read my post from last month .

Looking for a unique Valentine’s gift? Consider making a special date for an evening of LOVE – and mystery!! Tickets are on sale now for "I Love You to Death" - Phoenixville Area Community Services (PACS) 2nd Annual Murder Mystery Dinner Show planned for March 28th. "I Love You to Death" invites you to be a guest at a wedding reception. Unfortunately, at this wedding someone is murdered! There will be mystery, drama and lots of laughs! During the investigation, audience members participate by questioning suspects, examining clues and figuring out motives. And whoever solves the crime wins a prize! Ticket price is $75 per person and includes hors d’oeuvres, three course dinner, non-alcoholic beverages and the show. Wine and beer cash bar available. PACS will also host a silent auction of exciting theme baskets. One of the baskets includes a weekend getaway to a beautiful townhouse on Jack Frost Mountain, featuring 2 bedrooms plus loft, 2 baths, hot tub and ...

The Medicare Group's head quarters are in Conshohocken and we have a satellite office in Phoenixville. It is through a combined strategy of representation, education, and community involvement that we help Medicare beneficiaries and eligible beneficiaries with any of their Medicare needs with any part of the Medicare program (Parts A, B, C, and D). Our group is comprised of attorneys, physicians, and information management analysts and collectively, our qualifications include over 50 years of Medicare and Social Security experience, in addition to health care industry consulting and practice. Our representation is a multi-level process typically beginning with a telephone call or physical appearance where we discuss the details of a particular situation. If an appeal is necessary, The Medicare Group can see it through until its conclusion. We are also available for educational events should an organization or entity desire it. Our website is www.themedicaregroup.org and we encoura...