Five Things You Need To Know Today

• ’s medical Assisting Program and Alumni Association will jointly host an evening of professional development for alumni, students, faculty and community members from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. July 19. The program will be held in the Health Center Suite at the West Campus, 101 College Drive, Pottstown and feature guest lecturer Gregory Soltner who will discuss “The Medical Home and the Challenging Role of the Medical Assistant.” The program is free and open to the public. To learn more or register, call Lisa Altomare at 215-641-6529 or e-mail laltomar@mc3.edu.

• Stories And Snacks For Kids At Gently Used Book Store in Douglassville: Bring your preschooler to the free “Stories and Snacks” time on Wednesdays. Sessions are held at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Elisa Hunter, who has over 18 years in the book business and has been manager of the store’s children’s room for several years, conducts the story time events. An adult must be present with a child who attends. No reservations required. 

• and Pottstown Regional Public Library will host a joint fund-raiser from 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 13. The Event, “Books and Brushes Beef and Beer,” will feature local food, businesses and benefit the programs and ongoing operations of the community art school and the library. Grumpy's restaurant will cater the event, which will be held at the Ballroom on High, 310 E. High Street beside the Farmer's Market. The Ballroom is also home to SwingKats. Pottstown’s radio station WPAZ will create the soundtrack for the event. Tickets are $20 and include hot roast beef sandwiches, pasta, veggie salads, beer, soft drinks, and homemade desserts. Vegetarian wrap sandwiches will also be available. Buy tickets online at www.galleryonhigh.org or in person at 254 or 500 E. High street. 

• is a 501c3 non-profit community art school and gallery that offers day, evening and weekend classes -- to all ages -- to help students develop creative skills through self-expression and independence. The Gallery on High hosts rotating shows featuring local artists and sells handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gift items. 

• Angel Food Ministries is a program that offers food at a discount price. The group’s motto is, “If You Eat You Qualify!" Proof of income is not needed but order forms need to be completed. Learn more at www.angelfoodministries.com or call Cindy McKinley, host director for Angel Food, Calvary Christian Center, 426 Laurelwood Road, Pottstown, PA 19465.