Phoenixville Area Time Bank (PATB), a nonprofit organization that empowers people to convert their personal time into purchasing power, will hold an Olde World Italian Pasta Party on Friday, April 12, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Phoenixville. Dinner will be served from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., with local band Mostly Maybe hitting the stage until 10 p.m. Wegmans is co-sponsoring the event.
Spring City resident Nick Castellano will prepare the meal using authentic recipes for gravy and meatballs handed down to him by his mother. These recipes originated generations ago in Roseto, Italy. Castellano is not a professional chef—rather, he is owner of Castle Benefits Consulting Group—but the gravy and meatballs are legendary among his friends and family. “The sauce must cook for hours and hours,” noted Castellano. “Then it’s refrigerated to allow the flavors to blend overnight.” A vegetarian sauce will also be available. Salad, traditional bread sticks and dessert will round out the meal.
A 50/50 raffle and bidding on thematic prize baskets will also be part of the fundraising effort to benefit the Time Bank. Raffle baskets may be viewed at the Community Eco Center (Penn Solar Store), 324 Bridge Street in Phoenixville, Wednesdays through Fridays from noon until 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Mostly Maybe has been culturing its music in Phoenixville since 2011. In the forefront are the delicate blues and the velvety tone of Emily Neblock’s harmonies layered atop Pelle Gunther’s carefully crafted songs and vocals. Elliot Wilson’s intricate touch on drums smoothly blends with Emmett Moskowitz’s subdued bass, carrying the melodies with finesse. Recent notable shows include headlining the Camphill Village Kimberton Hill’s Hootenanny for the last two years and a co-billed sold out “WXPN Welcomes” show at Phoenixville’s Steel City Coffee House with Hezekiah Jones.
“We’re thrilled to have Nick Castellano and Mostly Maybe contributing their talents to this event,” said PATB Coordinator Margo Ketchum. “It will be a great night for the community and for the Time Bank!”
Tickets for the dinner are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Tickets for children 10 and under are $6 in advance, $8 at the door. Advance tickets may be purchased at the Community Eco Center or online. St. Peter’s Episcopal Church is located at 121 Church Street in Phoenixville. The venue is handicap accessible with ample parking.
Founded in 2004, Phoenixville Area Time Bank’s vision is to create a strong, responsive, connected community where, using hours as currency, exchanges of personal talents can fill unmet needs. There are currently about 190 members, serving each other in “neighbor-to-neighbor” exchanges, with an emphasis on helping elders, convalescents, the unemployed, and people with disabilities. Since its founding, there have been approximately 5,900 recorded exchanges accounting for over 17,400 hours. Time Bank members assist other members in a variety of ways, including pet sitting, cooking meals, editing, running errands, child care, and home repairs. Monthly activity groups and socials connect members as well.
New members are always welcome. For further information about the pasta party or joining the Time Bank, call Margo Ketchum at 610-608-9281, email her, or check out the PATB website.
