Quarrying Pennsylvania Bluestone in the Endless Mountains

August 24th, 2010

Tunkhannock, PA – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more info contact Endless Mountain Fieldstone Supply at (888) 836-ROCK (7625).

Bluestone mines that dot the Meshoppen, Wyoming County PA, area contain a durable and colorful sandstone unique to the Endless Mountains of Pennsylvania.

For over 100 years, miners have been blasting into these jagged mountainsides to uncover bluish snad grains cemented by percolating marine waters over 350 million years ago. Owner and miner Matt McClain refers to his mines simply as “the quarry.”

In the quarry, mud puddles splash the surface as an employee, Porky, slices an 18-inch-square, glassy chunk using a gas-powered saw that operates like a lawn mower. Off to one side, Kerby, Matt’s older brother, and co-worker Hyram Stevens are layering chunks into thinner slices. “These men split 1,000 feet of stone a day,” McClain points out.

At McClain’s mill, Endless Mountain Fieldstone Supply located in neighboring Tunkhannock, bluestone slabs are trimmed and sized. The mill property consists of a gravel driveway and a sky-blue shed filled with the buzzing sound of an electric saw. Finished one- two- and three-foot squares of the stone are layered onto pallets. Building contractors order 24-ton tractor trailer loads of these for curbing, flagging and building materials.

Natural 1″ to 2″ thick layers are split and prepared for shipment.

Explaining the varieties of bluestone comes naturally to McClain, who started mining at the age of 8 in his family’s backyard quarry in Meshoppen. “In center deposits, you’ll find the blue-blue color,” he says. “Customers pay extra for its durability and natural look, although it fades to green in the sun.”

Irregular standing patios call for scraggy pieces found on the fringes of a quarry in shades of lilac, yellow, buff, brown and green. “People want natural, rustic-looking material that’s not necessarily blue in color,” McClain explains.

Tawny bluestone boulders called fieldstone add authenticity to waterfall landscapes, cob-textured porches, steps and paths. Said to be “glaciated in” from the highlands during an ice age, this type of stone was traditionally used by farmers as fencing to keep cattle away from crops.

McClain began mining over 40 years ago in a quarry behind his family’s two-story, white Meshoppen farmhouse. His father, George McClain, gave up being a pastor of a small Methodist church when his income wasn’t supporting his family of nine boys and one girl, and entered the bluestone mining market.

Leaving the family business at age 16, Matt traveled the countryside searching for a less strenuous livelihood. Construction work paid his bills over the next 10 years, until he felt the urge to return to the family tradition of mining bluestone in the Wyoming Valley of Pennsylvania.

His 29-year-old son, Stace, also left and then returned to the stone industry. He operates an area fieldstone yard. Sitting behind his desk in his office trailer, Stace discusses with his father why they both left and later returned to the bluestone business. Family pride, it seems, had a great deal to do with it, a quality as durable as the stone the family has mined for 40 years.

Endless Mountain Fieldstone Supply proudly serves Wyoming County PA, Lackawanna County PA, Luzerne County PA, ASUllivan County PA,
Susquehanna County PA, Bradford County PA. We will also deliver to large and small customers in Southeastern PA and the Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley regions.

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Fun Event on The Main Line

August 23rd, 2010

To celebrate the new beautiful Linwood Park in Ardmore, PA, the Live Well Holistic Health Center of Ardmore and LoopdiHoops will offer a free Hoop Jam and drum circle party on Tuesday August 24th from 6-7pm. This is the perfect place to try hooping again. Leah Troiano, certified Hoop Dance instructor and winner of the Best of the Main Line, will provide hula hoops and instruction at the event to help any “hoop challenged” participants and to teach new skills. The owners of the Live Well Holistic Health Center, sponsors of the Hoop Jam, will be on hand to answer any questions about ways to approach your health conditions using an all natural approach. Drummers are welcome.

Live Well Holistic Health Center Hoop Jam: Aug. 24, 6-7pm at Linwood Park, located at Linwood and Athens Aves in Ardmore, PA. To learn more about Live Well Holistic Health Center, please call us at 610-896-1554 or visit us online at www.livewellholistichealth.com.

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Celebration of Student Art in Philadelphia City Hall

August 18th, 2010

JOIN THE OFFICE OF ARTS, CULTURE AND THE CREATIVE ECONOMY
IN CELEBRATION OF STUDENT ART IN CITY HALL
SEPTEMBER 29, 2010 4-6 PM
THE ART GALLERY AT CITY HALL, ROOM 116
EAST PORTAL MARKET ST. ENTRANCE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

A-PLUS ART
Annual City Hall Celebration of Student Art

Philadelphia, PA – The Philadelphia Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, in collaboration with The School District of Philadelphia’s Office of Comprehensive Arts Education presents “A-Plus Art”, a student art exhibition featuring some of the best works from Philadelphia’s public schools. The exhibition is located in the newly renovated Art Gallery At City Hall, Room 116 East Portal Market St. entrance. It runs thru October 1st. A reception is scheduled for September 29, from 4-6 pm.

“A-Plus Art” is a selection of some of the best art from students in Philadelphia’s public schools. Each year, The School District of Philadelphia organizes an exhibition of approximately 1,500 works of art at the School District Administration Building on North Broad St. 44 pieces were chosen by an independent panel, including group projects from grade K – 12 from a number of schools in all areas of the city. Each participating student will receive a Mayoral Certificate of Artistic Achievement.

The exhibition recognizes quality arts education as vitally important to the critical development of our youth. Dr. Dennis Creedon, the Director of Comprehensive Arts Education, and Tessie Varthas, Content Specialist-Art Education were instrumental in the organization of this exhibition.

Gary Steuer, Chief Cultural Officer and Director of the Philadelphia Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy:
When I was a young public school student in New York City MANY years ago, I exhibited in a similar show of the best work by public school students. I still remember the pride and optimism it gave me as a young artist. I am honored to now be able to pass on that experience to this very talented group of students, and I wish them great success!

The new Art Gallery At City Hall was created by the Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy to further enliven City Hall with arts and culture. The exhibitions highlight the work of Philadelphia arts and cultural organizations, including an annual exhibition of student art. As Gary Steuer notes, “It is a tangible representation of the value this City places on its arts, culture and heritage community, and will bring the power of the arts to the many City workers and visitors who pass through City Hall every day.”

The mission of the Office of Arts Culture and the Creative Economy is to improve access to the arts for both residents and visitors and to expand arts education for young people. The Office also coordinates with relevant City agencies to unify the City’s arts efforts, oversees all the City’s arts programs, and serves as a liaison between the City’s many cultural institutions. Furthermore, the Office supports the growth and development of the City’s arts, culture, and creative economy sector, by promoting public and private investment. In addition to the Office’s focus on the nonprofit arts sector, it also focuses on the many aspects of the larger arts and culture industry including individual artists, design industries, music clubs and other entertainment ventures.

PRESS CONTACTS ONLY:
Tu Huynh, 215-686-9912 August 2010
artincityhall@phila.gov

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Honey Fest 2010

August 18th, 2010

Honey Fest 2010

A charity music festival to raise donations for the PKD
Foundation—help fight to find a cure & raise awareness for
polycystic kidney disease, affecting 12.5 million people
a grateful phunky good time!

The Coatesville Area Arts Alliance presents:
Honeyjuice
Los Huevos
Faye Hoek
DysFUNKtion
Honeystone
The Stugottz
Threshold

- Great food in a chill BYO setting
- Art, craft and clothing vendors
- Support an important cause
- Auction, prizes & free kids activities

September 11, 2010
12 pm Noon
120 Reservoir Rd, Wagontown, PA
$15 (kids 12 & under are free)
www.honeyfest2010.com

C3A

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Coatesville Area Arts Alliance Upcoming Events

August 17th, 2010

Let’s Jam!  The Basics of Food Preservation

Yum, all that delicious summer and fall bounty—how to savor it all year? 

Be self-sufficient!  Learn to how to make and preserve (w/ hot water canning)  jams, jellies and easy pickles as well as tomatoes (sauce and whole), peaches, pears and more; f Also some tips on freezing fruits and vegetables.

Wed. August 18th, 6 to 8pm or Saturday, Aug.  21st, 10 to  Noon  $20.00 per person

At Kelly Caterers:  1186 Downingtown Pike ( Rte. 322)  Downingtown 19335   

Contact Deb at 610-384-2535 or debc3a@verizon.net
__________________________________________________________

Then get your music festival groove on while it’s still almost summer when C3A presents:

HoneyFest  2010, on Saturday, September 11th, Noon till 8 In Wagontown.  Six jam, funk and blues acts in a beautiful BYO setting.  This is a charity event to raise awareness and donations for the PKD (polycystic kidney disease) Foundation, an inherited illness that affects 12 million people.  See Flyer for more info.
________________________________________________________

On Sat. September 18th - 8 to midnight

Get ready to be funked, fuzzed and jazzed withThe Big Unkle, who draw upon elements of funk, jazz, world beat, and rock & roll for compositions that “gently disturb the peace and reinforce the power of soul.”

At The Attic Lounge at Harry’s – Offering a sumptuous sophisticated atmosphere in western Chester County

2949 Lincoln Hwy, Sadsburyville, Chester County (19309)

- $5 cover  – Dress to impress  – Martini bar and elegant snack
menu – Come-listen-relax 

The Coatesville Area Arts Alliance – C3A – Where Art Means Business
www.CthreeA.org

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Time Restaurant

August 4th, 2010

Time
1315 Samson Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Time offers fine dining in center city Philadelphia. Monday nights is open to musicians. The finest players in the area bring great *free* entertainment.




Ernest Stewart of The Roots at Time Restaurant, Monday night open mic and jam. [Video / .MP4]

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Food Preservation Workshops

July 26th, 2010

(C3A) Coatesville Area Arts Alliance presents workshops for 2010

Let’s Jam! – The Basics of Food Preservation

Yum, all that delicious summer and fall bounty—how to savor it all year? Let third- generation organic gardener Deborah Kates share her decades of knowledge on food preservation.

- Learn to how to make and preserve (w/ hot water canning) jams, jellies and easy pickles as well as tomatoes (sauce and whole), peaches, pears and more;
- Also some tips on freezing fruits and vegetables.

Weds, August 18th, 6 to 8pm
or
Saturday, August 21st, 10am to Noon

Location: Kelly Caterers
1186 Downingtown Pike, Rte. 322 (at the Shadyside Rd. traffic light)
Downingtown, PA 19335

$20.00 per person
Space limited, contact Deborah at 610-384-2535; debc3a@verizon.net

We also offer educational and fun private organic gardening and food preservation workshops for your business, organization, or social network—contact above.

C3A ~ where Art means Business ~ www.CthreeA.org

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Chester County Farmhouse and Real Estate For Sale

June 28th, 2010

Mary Genovese Colvin, Broker Associate with Prudential Fox and Roach Realtors present this gorgeous Country Estate, located in Chester County PA, nestled within 12,000 acres of protected federal and state parkland – the best guarantee your private family retreat will never share property lines with developments or shopping malls. Living space is 8,912 square feet.

Property includes four level bank barn (Current French Creek Sheep & Wool Co), attached five level stone tower, barns, a fully restored, gorgeous 18th century farmhouse, a natural flowing spring that feeds the 60,000 gallon swimming pool and various outbuildings.
Nearby lakes, adjacent horse trail and within three miles of one of world’s premier golf courses, Stonewall Golf Club.

Various zoning (residential ,commercial ,industrial) great for camp,
vineyard (southern sloping exposure), multi-generational family retreat. Unlike anything you will have the opportunity to own again. 

Click here to see photos

For More Info:
Mary Genovese Colvin
Prudential Fox and Roach Realtors
Philadelphia, PA
Talk: 215.806.1500
Voicemail: 215.440.8198
Contact Form

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Plastics Recycling in Philadelphia

June 17th, 2010

#5 plastics recycling & more this Saturday at Weaver’s Way Co-Op in Mt. Airy!

Fellow Recyclers,

The next collection of #5 plastics will be this coming Saturday, June 19th, from 10am to 1pm at the garage of the Weavers Way Co-op, at 542 Carpenter Lane (across the street and a bit further down the block from the Big Blue Marble bookstore).

Please note that we will also be taking used household batteries and egg cartons!

Also, as you know, we ask recyclers for a small donation to cover postage costs of mailing the recyclables to the Gimme 5 processing facility in New York state. Any donations not needed to cover our costs will go into the Weavers Way environment committee’s recycling fund, from which grants are given to various environmental community projects every spring. Since we no longer have a major funding source for the grants, you are encouraged to be generous in what you donate at the collections!.

There are a several work shifts open for this Saturday’s collection. You can sign up the help us on the Weavers Way work calendar or by replying to this email. Experienced helpers are especially needed!

If you haven’t already signed up for Philadelphia’s Recycling Rewards program, which starts in NW Philly next month, Carolyn Scott can sign you up at Saturday’s collection.

See you then!

Stevik
- for the Weavers Way Environment Committee

Gimme 5 Collection Guidelines

The #5 plastics category includes most yogurt cups, sour cream containers, hummus tubs, some medicine bottles, and more. Your recyclables must be clean and dry to be accepted. Impurities of any kind compromise the recycling process and can lead the recycling facility to discard an entire batch. Exclude any lids unless they are clearly marked #5.

We ask recyclers for a small donation to cover postage costs of mailing the recyclables to the Gimme 5 processing facility in New York state.

Before bringing your #5s to the collection, be sure that they meet the requirements for Gimme 5:

* All items must be CLEAN and DRY. If they contained food or any oily or dirty product, make sure they have been washed, not just rinsed. Items stacked when wet tend to stay wet, so allow washed items to dry fully before stacking or packing.
* The #5 stamp needs to be visible on each item. Lids are separate items. Don’t assume lids are the same number plastic as the container; sometimes they are but usually they are not. Check to make sure there are no other materials (labels, paper, other number plastics, metal) on the items you bring in.

Brita filters are also welcome! Let them air dry for several days to make sure they are completely dry.

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Join Us For Art In The Park

May 25th, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 25, 2010

Fox Chase’s own Larry Saklad, singer-songwriter @ Art In The Park June 5

On Saturday 6-5 from 1pm to 6pm, Larry Saklad, a longtime resident of Fox Chase/ Rockledge, performs 2 shows during Art In The Park, Lion’s Park – 7900 Oxford Ave (at Loney St). This annual outdoor event with artists, painters, crafts and family activities is presented by Rockledge/ Fox Chase Business Assoc & Moegerle Paints.

Saklad, who is readying a new album for release Sept 14, will perform original songs including his Oh Philadelphia, a song/project compiling local songs to do with Philly, and debut Yet2B ‘06. Currently he performs solo with guitar and occasional back up, plus a few songs with co-writer Kim De Meo, and other guests. His history in the Phila Music Scene spans 30 years, original member on keyboards for Alan Mann, David Rowan, Robert Hazard to name a few.

Visit his myspace.com/lsaklad & reverbnation.com/yet2b for listening and learning more about this prolific musician who began piano age 6 leading to Carnegie Hall age 10, and his return to the public ear: this year’s busiest spring schedule yet. SAKLAD also plays 2 NYC shows 6-12, 26 and The Pennant East, NJ on 6-19 9pm.

June 5 [raindate 6-12] 1pm – 6pm, Art In The Park w/ Larry Saklad, Lion’s Park – 7900 Oxford Ave, Phila. 19111

for more info
SAKLAD: 215-688-1419 kidgrinrecords@hotmail.com
Art In The Pk: Christine 215-745-7815 sajahoney@gmail.com (Moegerle’s)

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