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Articles by Lisa Mitchell
Kutztown’s Heemet Fescht celebrates region’s folk-cultural traditions Original
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Heemet Fescht celebrated Pennsylvania Dutch folklife and America’s 250th with live music in the barnyard, traditional crafts, presentations, folklife demonstrations, open-hearth cooking, farm animals and children’s activities on Saturday, Sept. 26. Held at the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center on the historic Sharadin Farmstead at Kutztown University, the free event was fun and educational for the whole family.
Fiddle Fest keeps music tradition alive in Berks Original
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Attendees brought their musical instruments and joined in jams or simply listened to the music during a rainy Berks Fiddle Fest held at Fleetwood Park on Sept. 20. “Having this year’s event, knowing it was going to rain, was a hard call for us. But it was totally worth it to see so many people still come out. They were smiling and enjoying themselves,” said Larry Ross, chairman of Berks Fiddle Fest.
Boone Girl Scouts build softball field dugouts for Bronze Award
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Five Girl Scouts from Daniel Boone Troop 1052 recently completed their Bronze Award project, building a pair of dugouts on a softball field at Amity Community Park. Daniel Boone middle schoolers Rebecca Alford, Sadie Gill, Taryn Moser, Layla O'Reilly and Ember Krim call themselves "The Dugout Dream Team." Several members of the troop are softball players. On hot days, they had to rely on parents to supply canopy tents for shade.
Boone Girl Scouts build softball field dugouts for Bronze Award Original
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Five Girl Scouts from Daniel Boone Troop 1052 recently completed their Bronze Award project, building a pair of dugouts on a softball field at Amity Community Park. Daniel Boone middle schoolers Rebecca Alford, Sadie Gill, Taryn Moser, Layla O’Reilly and Ember Krim call themselves “The Dugout Dream Team.” Several members of the troop are softball players. On hot days, they had to rely on parents to supply canopy tents for shade.
Berks County nonprofit grants 5th veteran’s wish Original
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Berks County-based nonprofit American Hero Wishes recently granted its fifth veteran wish, gifting a guitar to a combat-injured veteran in Pensacola, Fla. “For many, a guitar is simply an instrument. For this veteran, it’s an opportunity for healing, creativity, and hope.
Fleetwood Class of 2026, ‘Shape the future’
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Fleetwood Area School District celebrated the graduation of the class of 2026 during a commencement ceremony held in the high school auditorium on June 5. Among the highlights, senior choir members performed, and class officers read from the book “Maybe: A Story About the Endless Potential in All of Us” by Kobi Yamada. Senior choir members performed during Fleetwood Area High School's Class of 2026 graduation on June 5.
Boyertown Class of 2026 takes flight
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Boyertown Area High School recently presented diplomas to 497 graduating seniors during the class of 2026 commencement ceremony at the Santander Arena in Reading. "As we celebrate this milestone together, we ask for guidance and strength for the journey ahead," Brayden Tinney, class treasurer, said in the invocation on June 5.
Boyertown Class of 2026 takes flight Original
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Boyertown Area High School recently presented diplomas to 497 graduating seniors during the class of 2026 commencement ceremony at the Santander Arena in Reading. “As we celebrate this milestone together, we ask for guidance and strength for the journey ahead,” Brayden Tinney, class treasurer, said in the invocation on June 5.
Daniel Boone Class of 2026, ‘Make your mark’ Original
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Dressed in blue caps and gowns, 247 graduates processed down the hill to the Daniel Boone Area High School stadium for commencement on Friday, June 5. In her welcome remarks, Brianna Bodolus, class secretary, thanked families for being there to celebrate this unforgettable moment with the class of 2026.
Distinguished alum offers advice to Kutztown grads
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Kutztown Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, John Siegfried, PhD., offered words of advice to the Kutztown Area High School Class of 2026. An economist and emeritus professor of economics at Vanderbilt University, Siegfried delivered the commencement address during the graduation ceremony held in the high school stadium on May 28.
Distinguished alum offers advice to Kutztown grads Original
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Kutztown Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, John Siegfried, PhD., offered words of advice to the Kutztown Area High School Class of 2026. An economist and emeritus professor of economics at Vanderbilt University, Siegfried delivered the commencement address during the graduation ceremony held in the high school stadium on May 28.
12 Boyertown seniors awarded scholarships in memory of Gilbertsville boy Original
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... The Jacob Karnchanaphati Memorial Trust recently awarded scholarships to 12 graduating Boyertown seniors. Michelle and Christopher Karnchanaphati established the Jacob Karnchanaphati Memorial Trust in memory of their son Jacob “JK” Karnchanaphati, 12, of Gilbertsville, a Boyertown student who was entering his first year in junior high when he passed away in the summer of 2015.
Tractor Day celebrates agricultural roots in Kutztown
May 24-Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Kutztown's Drive Your Tractor to School is a day FFA members look forward to all year, and the tractor restoration project leading the way made it all the better. Kutztown High School agriculture teacher and FFA advisor Ayla Blatt said the purpose of Tractor Day is to honor Kutztown's agricultural roots and the strong, vibrant ag program at Kutztown High School.
Tractor Day celebrates agricultural roots in Kutztown Original
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Kutztown’s Drive Your Tractor to School is a day FFA members look forward to all year, and the tractor restoration project leading the way made it all the better. Kutztown High School agriculture teacher and FFA advisor Ayla Blatt said the purpose of Tractor Day is to honor Kutztown’s agricultural roots and the strong, vibrant ag program at Kutztown High School.
Kutztown Rotary event celebrates farmers Original
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Kutztown Rotary Club celebrated farmers during the 89th Annual Farmers’ Night held at Lyons Fire Company on Wednesday, Feb. 11. “Farmer’s Night is a long-standing tradition for the Kutztown Rotary Club to honor the farmers in Berks County who work hard in order to put food on all of our tables,” Kutztown Rotary Club President Elect Laura McBride said in a statement.
Douglassville church connects volunteers with service organizations on MLK Day Original
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Douglassville hosted a Volunteer Fair on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, connecting community volunteers with local community service organizations.
Berks nonprofit grants veteran’s wish in New York
Berks County-based nonprofit American Hero Wishes recently gifted an outdoor sauna to an Army veteran residing in New York. The purpose of American Hero Wishes is to grant wishes of disabled veterans who suffered long-term ailments while serving our country in the military. “The immediate goal is to fulfill at least one wish per year. The ultimate goal is to grant a wish to at least one veteran in every U.S. state.
Spooktacular parade brings large crowd to Boyertown
Boyertown Area Historical Society presented the 72nd annual Boyertown Halloween Parade on Oct. 18. Held since 1912, this spooktacular event brings in a large crowd into Boyertown. This year’s parade featured floats and costumed participants from local businesses, groups and organizations. “This was a great year. We even added the Get’z Steam Calliope to end the parade,” Adriane Zapien, Boyertown Halloween Parade chairperson, said in a statement. Cash prizes were awarded to the top winning entries.
Boyertown Class of 2025 leaves an unforgettable legacy Original
Valedictorian Nolan J. John was among about 490 graduates who received their diplomas during the Boyertown Area Senior High Class of 2025 graduation ceremony at Santander Arena in Reading on June 6. “As we celebrate this milestone together, we ask for guidance and strength for the journey ahead.
Twin Valley High School grads celebrate milestone
Valedictorian: 'We have finally completed what has felt like a forever journey.'
Kutztown Bike Rodeo promotes rider safety Original
The Kutztown Police Department hosted its second annual Kutztown Community Bike Rodeo, a free public safety event designed to promote bicycle safety and fun for children of all ages. “Our main goal was to give children the skills and confidence to ride safely — whether in their neighborhood or to and from school,” Sgt. Walt Skavinsky said in a statement. “We focused on the basics: obeying traffic signs, using hand signals, riding on the correct side of the road, and wearing properly fitted helmets.
Exeter Township High School awards diplomas to 314 graduates
The Exeter Township School District awarded diplomas to 314 graduates during commencement at the Santander Arena in Reading on June 5. Senior class President Rachelle Toaldo expressed hopes that the class of 2025 was able to make the most of every last experience and took every opportunity to make their senior year one to remember.
18 Boyertown seniors awarded 2025 Jacob Karnchanaphati memorial scholarships Original
The Jacob Karnchanaphati Memorial Trust recently awarded scholarships to 18 Boyertown Area Senior High graduating seniors. More than 60 people, including families of past and present recipients, celebrated the 2025 award recipients during a dinner held at The Copperfield Inn at Lakeside in Limerick in May.
Kutztown grads parade down Main Street to commencement Original
The Kutztown Area High School Class of 2025 decorated their cars and paraded down Main Street with their families, celebrating their journey to graduation on May 29. The community gathered along the street to cheer as the graduating seniors waved, wearing big smiles and their caps and gowns. One grad, Rylee Reidenhour, rode down Main surrounded by bubbles. The parade was followed by commencement at the high school.
Kutztown school board approves proposed final budget with 4% tax increase and deficit
Kutztown School District faces a budget deficit following a rejection by more than 80% of voters to raise school property taxes by 10.6%. The school board approved 7 to 2 the proposed final budget with a 4% tax increase and a deficit on May 21. Caecilia M. Holt and Michael Hess voted no. “We’re down to a $170,000 deficit, and we still have time to go yet, so I feel much better about this budget cycle than I have in past years,” board member Jeremiah F. Light said prior to the vote.
Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles hosts Horse-Drawn History Day Original
A crowd of families and history enthusiasts came out for a fun and educational day during Horse-Drawn History Day held at the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles. The May 17 event featured hands-on activities celebrating horse-drawn vehicles and their history, historical presentations and photo opportunities inside one of the museum’s carriages. Visitors could view the museum’s historic collection.
Kutztown students honor agricultural roots on Tractor Day Original
On a foggy morning, a group of students paraded to Kutztown Area High School on Drive Your Tractor to School Day, or the students refer to it — Tractor Day — on May 16. “We don’t have official records, but it’s been a Kutztown tradition for at least a generation, and we don’t intend to stop anytime soon,” Kutztown agriculture teacher and FFA advisor Ayla Blatt said in a statement. Blatt said Tractor Day is held to honor Kutztown’s agricultural roots and strong, vibrant agricultural program.
Preston's Pantry presented Outstanding Community Organization Award by library Original
Preston’s Pantry in Boyertown recently received the Outstanding Community Organization Award presented at the Berks County Public Libraries 22nd Annual Awards Celebration. The event recognized individuals and organizations for their support and contributions to public libraries in Berks County. Members of the library community nominated individuals, groups, or events that demonstrated outstanding commitment or service to their library and patrons.
Community helps Boyertown Library raise funds for emergency repairs
The community stepped up to help Boyertown Community Library raise funds for emergency repairs needed to save the library's second floor. "The community response has been extraordinary! We are overwhelmed by the generosity we have received from everyone," Sarah Vasquez, library fundraising and marketing coordinator, said in a statement.
Community helps Boyertown Library raise funds for emergency repairs
The community stepped up to help Boyertown Community Library raise funds for emergency repairs needed to save the library’s second floor. “The community response has been extraordinary! We are overwhelmed by the generosity we have received from everyone,” Sarah Vasquez, library fundraising and marketing coordinator, said in a statement.
Community helps Boyertown Library raise funds for emergency repairs
2nd Floor Campaign raises more than $21,000 so far
Kutztown's Night of the Arts celebrates student artists
Kutztown Area School District’s annual Night of the Arts draws a crowd every year to Kutztown High School. Free and open to the public, the 9th annual end-of-year student art show will be held at 5:30 p.m. followed by the spring concert featuring large and small ensembles at 7 p.m. on April 29. “Each year, we celebrate our talented visual arts students through an end-of-year art showcase we proudly call Night of the Arts.
Kutztown library logo contest winners donate prize money to charities
Robyn Jasko and her son won Kutztown Community Library's 75th Anniversary Logo Contest, donating the prize money to five local charities. "I wanted to do the logo because I like supporting the library because I go there so much and I love reading," said 11-year-old Ajax David. "I feel like giving to charity is a good way to help fund local organizations and help them do great things." "I wanted to show him that you could work towards something and make actual change in your community," said Jasko.
Kutztown library logo contest winners donate prize money to charities
Robyn Jasko and her son won Kutztown Community Library’s 75th Anniversary Logo Contest, donating the prize money to five local charities. “I wanted to do the logo because I like supporting the library because I go there so much and I love reading,” said 11-year-old Ajax David. “I feel like giving to charity is a good way to help fund local organizations and help them do great things.” “I wanted to show him that you could work towards something and make actual change in your community,” said Jasko.
Kutztown Project Prom ensures every student can attend prom in style Original
Kutztown Area School District and The Caring Closet recently hosted Project Prom, ensuring every student can attend prom in style, regardless of financial limitations. “Project Prom was launched as an initiative aimed to make prom dreams more accessible for all students by providing a complimentary dress donation and shopping experience,” Meagan Hoffman, founder of The Caring Closet and Life Skills teacher at Kutztown Area Middle School, said in a statement.
Hamburg bridge dedicated in veteran's honor
Area veterans and loved ones joined American Legion District Commander Bill Hasker, VFW Acting District Commander Dennis Carter, and Maj. (Ret) Stephan Cashman for a dedication naming a Hamburg bridge in honor of Vietnam War veteran Sgt. Jackie Seltzer. Rep. Jamie Barton (R-Berks/Schuylkill) hosted a ceremony on March 27 to dedicate the State Street Bridge in honor of Seltzer, a Hamburg native. "Sgt. Seltzer was a hero in every sense of the word," Barton said in his announcement of the honor.
Hamburg bridge dedicated in veteran's honor Original
Area veterans and loved ones joined Vietnam War veteran Sgt. Jackie Seltzer at a dedication naming a Hamburg bridge in his honor. Rep. Jamie Barton (R-Berks/Schuylkill) hosted a ceremony on March 27 to dedicate the State Street Bridge in honor of Seltzer, a Hamburg native. “Sgt. Seltzer was a hero in every sense of the word,” Barton said in his announcement of the honor. “With each passing decade, it gets easier to forget the brave Americans who gave their lives defending freedom in southeast Asia.
Boyertown food drive, community event to honor boy's legacy
The Boyertown Area Multi-Service will host the 7th Annual Preston’s Pantry Food Drive and Community Event to honor the continued legacy of a Douglass Township boy’s selflessness and passion for helping others. Preston’s Pantry, a food pantry in Boyertown, is named in memory of Preston Dray, who died in a flash flood along with his mother and unborn sister in 2019. In May 2018, Preston, 8, organized a food drive for a school project and collected 45 pounds of food.
Boyertown food drive, community event to honor boy's legacy
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Fleetwood Community Theatre presents dark farcical comedy ‘Arsenic and Old Lace’ Original
Fleetwood Community Theatre presents “Arsenic and Old Lace” on the stage at Willow Creek Elementary for two performances only on April 4 and 5. “This script was written 86 years ago, but the comedy and the intent of the action still has a hold on current culture,” Tara Sands of the Fleetwood Community Theatre said in a statement.
Berks bands unite over love of music at Kutztown Jazz Festival Original
Middle and high school jazz bands from across Berks County performed at the Kutztown Jazz Festival held at Kutztown Area Middle School on March 15. “Unlike a competition, this festival is a celebration of music and the students and directors who create it,” organizers said in a statement.
Kutztown Strong hosts Youth Mental Health First Aid training course
On March 29, Kutztown Strong will host a Youth Mental Health First Aid training course for a second time. The mission and purpose of Kutztown Strong is to strengthen the resolve of the next generation to make healthy, informed decisions, envisioning such healthy behaviors will create strong communities. The training course will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 357 W.
Hometown heroes honored at Fleetwood's Finest Spring Gala
The Friends of Fleetwood Parks presented the Fleetwood Cadillac Award and the Fleetwood Hometown Hero Award to recognize outstanding community service during a sold-out gala event on March 8. The purpose of the Fleetwood’s Finest Spring Gala is to recognize individuals and organizations or businesses that have made a lasting impact on Fleetwood and the community. “The one word that each honoree repeated was the evening was overwhelming,” Eric Schaeffer, gala chairman, said in a statement.
PTO petitions Kutztown board to keep Greenwich Elementary open
Kutztown School Board continued talks about potentially closing Greenwich Elementary and moving all elementary grades to Kutztown Elementary as part of ongoing discussions in an effort to better serve students while gaining operational savings. Greenwich PTO member Michelle Goch Yearick presented a PTO petition of 642 signatures that strongly urged the board to reconsider any decision that would lead to the closure of Greenwich Elementary.
Kutztown Rotary Club's Farmers' Night thanks farmers
Kutztown Rotary Club celebrated farmers during the 88th Annual Farmers’ Night held at Lyons Fire Company on Feb. 19. “The purpose of Farmers’ Night is to honor their vocational service,” Kutztown Rotarian Kaleigh Grim, event chair, said in a statement.
Restored bear sculpture installed at Boyertown State Theatre
More than 200 walk for warmth on ‘Coldest Night’ event in Pottstown (PHOTOS, VIDEO)
Cops and Cabooses event bridges gap between community and Kutztown police
Kutztown Borough Police Department hosted Cops & Cabooses Community Day with the Allentown and Auburn Railroad at Kutztown Train Station on Feb. 15. The free event offered a scenic train ride in vintage cabooses alongside Kutztown Borough police officers. Attendees viewed displays of police equipment and got an up-close look at the tools and vehicles that help keep the community safe. “Despite the chilly weather, we had a great turnout with 81 people showing up to enjoy the day with us,” Sgt.
71st Boyertown Citizen of the Year recipients will be honored at April 12 gala
Gala to honor those who go above and beyond for Boyertown community
Kutztown school board approves changes to graduation requirements
The Kutztown School Board voted 7-1 to approve changing graduation requirements from 24 to 21 credits. Laurel Ziegler voted against the changes. Board President Jason B. Koch was absent. Following the vote, a member of the audience walked out, stating: “Thanks a lot.” Beginning with the class of 2026, the updated 21-credit requirement includes three credits of language arts, math, science and social studies and two credits in a choice of language arts, math, science and social studies.
Kutztown school board approves changes to graduation requirements
The Kutztown School Board voted 7-1 to approve changing graduation requirements from 24 to 21 credits. Laurel Ziegler voted against the changes. Board President Jason B. Koch was absent. Following the vote, a member of the audience walked out, stating: “Thanks a lot.” Beginning with the class of 2026, the updated 21-credit requirement includes three credits of language arts, math, science and social studies and two credits in a choice of language arts, math, science and social studies.
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