POTTSTOWN PA – A “collaborative effort” by the TriCounty Active Adult Center (TRAAC) staff and one of its members, community justice advocate Ted Josey, will continue the center’s observance of February as Black History Month on Friday (Feb. 28, 2025).
The 1 p.m. program titled “Black History Continued …” will take guests “on a guided journey through Black history: past, present and future,” a TRAAC media release explains. The event features the honorable Judge Hakim Jones Sr., a Montgomery County magisterial judge, as its keynote speaker.
Also appearing are guest speaker Michael Hayes, co-founder of Montco 30% Project, and Mrs. Sandra J. Josey as mistress of ceremonies. A musical selection will be performed by musician CrisTenè. The event will be held in the dining room of the center at 288 Moser Rd., is free to attend, and open to the public.
Honoring Local Change-Makers
“Black History Continued …” additionally showcases and will honor what TRAAC calls “the work of local change-makers, who continue to advocate for a more inclusive approach to our shared history through their many daily endeavors.” They include:
- Crystal Williams, who “has dedicated much of her career to education and working with Pottstown-area youth,” TRAAC says, in part as director of the Ricketts Community Center. “Through partnership and collaboration, her work connected youth to their broader community, provided enrichment and learning activities, and opened doors to more opportunities for young people.” TRAAC “will honor her work and the importance of community-building at all phases of life, whether young or old;” and
- Bob and Sandy Bauers, being acknowledged “for their work with the Pottstown NAACP’s ’Road to Reading’ program. It gives local children, from infancy to age 8, the gift of reading and the joy of books.” ‘Road to Reading’ is a joint initiative between the NAACP, the Literacy Council of Norristown, and an anonymous donor. “As long-time active members of the Pottstown NAACP, the Bauers have been key” in implementing ‘Road to Reading’ and its distribution of more 16,000 books to local children.
Creating A Welcoming Community
TRAAC says its honors intend to recognize “the value education and learning plays in the development of well-rounded community members,” enhancing both a full life and “living in harmony with others.
The TriCounty Active Adult Center “is committed to creating a welcoming community for older adults, ages 50 and better,” it notes. The center daily offers a wide array of fitness classes, educational programs, recreational and social activities, trips, and a strong support and referral network.
“Most importantly,” it adds, TRAAC strives “to build a safe and encouraging community where everyone is welcome.”
