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About Schuylkill County, PA

Yuengling Brewery: America's Oldest Brewery / Pottsville's Tourist Gem!

Erica Ramus - www.move2pennsylvania.com - Schuylkill County PA Real Estate: Real Estate Brokerage in Pottsville, PA

When you're from Schuylkill County, you take for granted Yuengling beer. It's everywhere! All the local bars stock it, and it's one of the cheapest beers you can buy locally. But when you leave the area, and see Yuengling promoted as a premium beer, or Yuengling signs hanging in a bar in Florida, that's when you realize we have something special here.

yuengling lager Yuengling beer, proudly brewed in Pottsville, Pennsylvania since 1829, is America's Oldest Brewery, and still family owned.

Dick Yuengling made the news the other day (and the front page of our local paper in fact!) becuase he was interviewed by Neil Cavuto, who asked his thoughts on the fact that President Obama did not serve American-made beer at the "beer summit" he held this week at the White House. Yuengling was quoted in the paper: "I find it kind of strange" that Obama did not serve any beers produced by American-owned companies, Yuengling, owner of D.G. Yuengling & Son Inc., Pottsville, America's Oldest Brewery, said during a telephone interview with Neil Cavuto, host of "Your Views" on Fox News Channel.

On the website, the company states, "Through five generations we have remained unique among breweries, distinguished by its culture, heritage, traditions, and portfolio of brands. Now the sixth generation is actively learning the business from the ground floor up."

This is truly a local success story. On their website they publicize a timeline of the history of the beer, starting with founder David G. Yuengling's beginnings as "Eagle Brewery" in 1829.

One of the more interesting tidbits in the history of the beer is how they survived Prohibition. In 1919 when the Eighteenth Amendment was ratified, Yuengling switched production to near beer products to survive. In 1920 Yuengling then built a dairy directly opposite the brewery, and until a few years ago they produced ice cream products. In 1929 the firm celebrated the 100th anniversary of the brewery, with near beer the only product being produced. Finally, in 1933 Prohibition ended and thee brewery celebrated with the production of Winner Beer and shipped a truckload to President Franklin D. Roosevelt to show their thanks.

In my opinion, Yuengling should ship a truckload of various varieties of Yuengling beer to President Obama, and tell him to serve it at his next "beer summit."

Yuengling has several plants now, where it produces its beer. But the site they started brewing at in the 1800s, on Mahantongo Street in Pottsville, still operates. There are caves built into the mountain where the beer used to be stored, and if you take a tour of the plant, the caves are now open to be viewed. It's a great tour that ends with a complimentary tasting in the "Rathskellar."Tours are also given at the brewery in Tampa, Florida. For tour times, click here.

The Yuengling logo has been produced on many items, which can be purchased at the gift shop in person, or online.

One of the most intersting stories, however, is that a local National Guard troop was permitted to somehow blend the Yuengling logo/colors on their patch. Click here to read the whole story. How many beers can you say are represented on a National Guard patch?

There also is a 2009 commerative Martin Guitar that was specially produced this year, and is being promoted for Yuengling's 180th anniversary year.

The ironic thing is that many locals have never visited the famous brewery that put Pottsville on the map. But tourists come from far and wide all week long to tour America's Oldest Brewery. The brewery and gift shop are only a few blocks from my Pottsville real estate office, and when I drive up the street around tour times, you see cars parked all over the block with out of state license plates. When we have guests come to town, I try to make sure they experience the tour.

The Yuengling dairy / ice cream plant sits vacant now, across the street. It is a shame that the huge brick shell of a building is no longer being used. Perhaps some day an investor will find a use for it, as it would be a shame to see this piece of history disappear. Yuengling ice cream is no longer made, but I remember eating it at a local ice cream shop that had a sundae bar where you could make your own sundaes.

If you come to visit Pottsville, make sure to stop in and time your visit around the tours. It's well worth the trip!

Erica Ramus is Broker/Owner of Realty Executives in Pottsville, PA

If you're looking for a PROFESSIONAL to represent you in all your real estate needs, call Realty Executives!

We can meet all your buying / selling needs ... and will exceed your expectations. That's what being an EXECUTIVE is all about Serving all of Schuylkill County ... Pottsville, Orwigsburg, Schuylkill Haven, Auburn, Pine Grove, Frackville, Minersville, Ashland, Shenandoah, Port Carbon, Palo Alto, St. Clair, Barnesville real estate

Healthy Habits Natural Market: Orwigsburg PA

Erica Ramus - www.move2pennsylvania.com - Schuylkill County PA Real Estate: Real Estate Brokerage in Pottsville, PA

Healthy Habits Natural Market

One of my favorite retail shops in the area is Buddy and Susie Touchinsky's Healthy Habits Natural Market, located on Route 61 near Orwigsburg, PA.

Buddy is also the owner and chiropractor of Blue Mountain Family Chiropractic (and his office is conveniently located right next to the store). Susie is an occupational therapist at Seton Manor in Orwigsburg. So they both have health-related backgrounds and the store is a natural extension of their professions.

Buddy says, "we are embarking on a mission to make it easier to be healthy. Healthy Habits Natural Market is a health food store, but it is also much more than that. We will take active involvement in community health and wellness promotion, having regular educational health lectures for the public. Not only will we offer health conscious products, but we will also offer the knowledge that will allow people to incorporate these products and others as part of a healthy lifestyle."

I stop in the store a few times a month, and love their Yogi Teas, fresh produce, and nuts. He recently started stocking fish as well, and I intend to try some of the fish he's having flown in from Alaska.

Here's a list of some of the items you'll find at Healthy Habits:

Natural Meats – Free range chicken (including eggs), pork, and beef products. Our main supplier is a family owned farm located near Hamburg, PA. Fresh Organic Produce – When possible, we will obtain our produce from two farms located just outside of Orwigsburg. Otherwise, we will work with our regional organic produce supplier, Paradise Organics. Frozen Organic Produce Dairy Products – Raw and organic cow and goat’s milk, cheese, butter, etc. (within PA Dept of Agriculture’s regulations) Dairy Substitutes – These include soy, almond, hazelnut, hemp, and oat milk. Tofu and Tempeh Hummus Wild Alaskan Salmon (and other fish) Nuts and Seeds – Raw and organic when possible. Whole Grains, Rice, Quinoa, etc. Flour and other baking products Oils – These include fish, flax, olive, coconut, borage, and others. Vinegar Teas and Coffee – A favorite section of ours with many great flavors and varieties to choose from. Spices, Seasonings, and Herbs Natural Sweeteners and Alternative to Sugar – These include agave nectar, local raw honey, xylitol, stevia, etc. Chocolate – Organic and high cocoa content (rich in antioxidants) Natural and Organic Beverages – 100% fruit juices, “green drinks”, sparkling water, etc. Pastas – Includes whole wheat, gluten free, rice pastas, and quinoa pasta. Cereals – Includes organic and healthy options to conventional cereals. Beans, Chili, Salsa, and Pasta Sauce Soups and Broths Condiments, Marinades, and Salad Dressings Healthy Snack Options – Includes trail mixes, nuts, crackers, chips, etc. Meal Replacement and Protein Bars – Healthy and good tasting brands such as Clif Bar, Macro Life Naturals and Bumble Bars. Sea Vegetables and Seasonings – Includes a variety of sea kelp and sea salt/seasonings. Frozen Meals – Convenient, Organic, and Healthy! Alternative Ingredients – Many people are allergic to wheat gluten, dairy, eggs, and other common food ingredients. We will offer a variety of substitutes that can be used in place of these ingredients. Breads – Whole grain, gluten free, etc. Pet Products – We are all huge animal lovers, so we have a variety of healthy and natural dog and cat foods and treats. Personal Care Products – These include facial creams, soaps, toothpaste, and much much more! We offer the entire line of Burt’s Bees products. Home Cleaning Products – Natural and less harsh than conventional cleaning products. Great for people that are sensitive to a variety of chemicals, detergents, and additives. Baby Foods and Products – Including Seventh Generation diapers and G Diapers! Homeopathic Products, Herbs, and Nutritional Supplements Educational Books, CDs, and DVDs

Buddy also hosts a number of special events and classes throughout the month. Here's what's going on at the store in August:

Tuesday, August 4 at 1pm Fatigue Support Group Join us for our second Fatigue Support Group meeting. The meeting begins at 1 pm, and admission is free. However, space is limited, and anyone interested in attending should call Healthy Habits at 366-2620. The group will discuss topics such as fatigue disorders, proper nutrition to combat fatigue and beneficial supplements. “Conditions such as chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia are often misunderstood by traditional medicine,” said Dr. Touchinsky. “This group will give people a chance to find real solutions to their problems.”

Saturday, August 8 at 11am Weight Loss Surgery Support Group Join others who have had Weight Loss Surgery or are considering surgery. We supply the supportive atmosphere for you to share the journey with others on a similar path. Tuesday, August 11 from 9am - Noon Recycled Art Day Bring the kids to the store to make their own artistic creations from recycled materials!

Thursday, August 20 at 11am Diakon Living & Learning After 50 Program Preview Daikon will present a program overview for the upcoming months. There is always something to do in Schuylkill County, find out more about the many opportunities for those 50 and over.

Monday, August 24 at 6:30pm Gluten Free Support Group Join others who are gluten free, share your experiences, recipes, product suggestions and tips to make the gluten free life easier!

Space is limited so let them know if you plan to attend programs by calling 570-366-2620 or emailing Beth at bethfligge@yahoo.com

Erica Ramus is Broker/Owner of Realty Executives in Pottsville, PA

If you're looking for a PROFESSIONAL to represent you in all your real estate needs, call Realty Executives! We can meet all your buying / selling needs ... and will exceed your expectations. That's what being an EXECUTIVE is all about

Serving all of Schuylkill County ... Pottsville, Orwigsburg, Schuylkill Haven, Auburn, Pine Grove, Frackville, Minersville, Ashland, Shenandoah, Port Carbon, Palo Alto, St. Clair, Barnesville real estate

Take A Hike! July 26 Trail Walk

Erica Ramus - www.move2pennsylvania.com - Schuylkill County PA Real Estate: Real Estate Brokerage in Pottsville, PA

July 26, 2009 10:00 am Spirit of Tuscarora Trail Dog Walk

10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

The trail is 4.5 miles in length and moderate in difficulty. This trail will take you through many diverse habitats including places that are just starting to recover from the Flood of 2006. Enjoy the beautiful views of the lake and the summer wildflowers. Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed and get along with other pets and people. Please meet at the upper beach parking lot. Pre-registration is required for this event by calling Robin at 570-467-2404. Shine only.

July 26-August 1 ... Schuylkill County Fair

Erica Ramus - www.move2pennsylvania.com - Schuylkill County PA Real Estate: Real Estate Brokerage in Pottsville, PA

July 26-August 1 Schuylkill County Fair

Summit Station at the Schuylkill County Fair Grounds. Food, big name entertainment, & fun! 570-754-FAIR

Dan and Galla--Jeremiah James and the Tandem Band--The Return (Beatles Tribute)--Fabulous Greaseband--Shawn Klush--The Association--Eric Church

Entertainment is free with the price of admission. No tickets to buy.

Senior Citizens (65+) only $5.00 every day

Sunday- Preview Evening- Gates, rides and buildings open to the public at 5:00 PM

Gates and amusement rides open at 4:00 PM Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Gates and rides open at 1:00 PM on Tuesday and Saturday.

Exhibit buildings open at 4:00 PM and close at 10:00 PM except for Sunday when they open at 5:00 PM

Although theofficial address is 2270 Fair Road, Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972, The Fairgrounds is located at 2270 Fair Road, Summit Station, PA 17979.

www.schuylkillfair.com

Adult Higher Education in Schuylkill County, PA

Erica Ramus - www.move2pennsylvania.com - Schuylkill County PA Real Estate: Real Estate Brokerage in Pottsville, PA

Here in Schuylkill County, we are lucky to have a number of good schools for adults seeking to change careers, learn new skills, etc.

Alvernia College Schuylkill -- 2650 Woodglen Road Pottsville, PA 17901 570-628-4011

Empire Beauty School -- 324 North Centre Street Pottsville, PA 17901 570-622-6060

McCann School of Business -- 2650 Woodglen Road Pottsville, PA 17901 570-622-7622

Penn State Schuylkill Campus -- 200 University Drive Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972 570-385-6110

Schuylkill Technology Center

-- South -- 15 Maple Avenue MarLin, PA 17951 570-544-4748

-- North -- 101 Technology Drive Frackville, PA 17931 570-874-1034