Lisa Mitchell
As seen in:
LinkedIn,
MSN,
PLOS,
SAGE Publishing,
The Conversation,
The Mercury News,
MindBodyGreen,
Daily Herald,
Edmonton Journal,
The Morning Call
and
Here for the craic.
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Lisa Mitchell
Blue Mountain marching band wins 1st place trophy at Mahanoy tournament
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Blue Mountain High School marching band won first place in their category during the second annual Mahanoy Area High School Tournament of Bands competition on Sept. 19. Blue Mountain High School marching band performed their field show Bes of 2000s during the second annual Mahanoy Area Tournament of Bands competition on Sept. 19.
Kutztown business walk spotlights rural Main Street resilience
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... The Kutztown Small Business Development Center and Kutztown Community Partnership recently hosted a walk to present awards to local businesses.
Creativity wins big at Boyertown spooktacular parade Original
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... 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 to Boyertown, the parade committee shared on the event’s Facebook page. This year’s parade featured floats and costumed participants from local businesses, groups and organizations. “This was a great year.
Crowd comes out for Orwigsburg Lions Halloween Parade
For information on submitting an obituary, please contact Reading Eagle by phone at 610-371-5018, or email at obituaries@readingeagle.com or fax at 610-371-5193. Most obituaries published in the Reading Eagle are submitted through funeral homes and cremation services, but we will accept submissions from families. Obituaries can be emailed to obituaries@readingeagle.com. In addition to the text of the obituary, any photographs that you wish to include can be attached to this email.
Northern Berks students head back to school (PHOTOS)
For information on submitting an obituary, please contact Reading Eagle by phone at 610-371-5018, or email at obituaries@readingeagle.com or fax at 610-371-5193. Most obituaries published in the Reading Eagle are submitted through funeral homes and cremation services, but we will accept submissions from families. Obituaries can be emailed to obituaries@readingeagle.com. In addition to the text of the obituary, any photographs that you wish to include can be attached to this email.
Leesport florist creates floral décor for First Lady's Luncheon
Jul. 20—Kelly Piccioni, owner of Events by Kelly Florist in Leesport and horticulture educator with Penn State Extension Schuylkill County, was one of 28 floral designers selected nationwide to create the floral décor for the First Lady's Luncheon hosted by the Congressional Club in Washington in April. "What an honor! The professional florist world is built on community and support.
Kutztown School Board adopts final budget with 4% tax increase
The Kutztown School Board adopted the 2025-26 final budget with a 4% tax increase at its June 23 meeting. Passing with a vote of 8 to 1, the 4% increase raises the real estate tax from 31.0027 mills to 32.2428 mils. Dennis Udicious voted no. Under the new tax rate, the owners of a property assessed at $100,000 would pay $3,224. Prior to the final budget approval, a motion for a 5% tax increase was defeated. Those in favor were Michael Hess, Laurel Ziegler and Caecilia M. Holt.
Twin Valley High School grads celebrate milestone
The Twin Valley High School Class of 2025 celebrated its graduation during a ceremony held at Santander Arena in Reading on June 7. “Today marks a major milestone in our lives and celebrates the countless moments that have brought us here,” said salutatorian Shea Schwabenbauer. This moment belongs not only to the class of 2025, but also every parent, teacher, friend and mentor who supported them along the way and helped them reach this point, she said.
Friend Inc. Furever Friends Walk in the Park helps feed pets in need
Friend Inc. Community Services hosted its inaugural Furever Friends Walk in the Park, a family-fun charity dog walk to help end pet hunger. “We’re proud to launch an event that not only celebrates our furry companions but also supports families who are struggling to feed them,” Friend Inc. Executive Director James Reece said in the announcement.
Kutztown students honor agricultural roots on Tractor Day
May 22—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.
Twin Valley Elementary Center unveils student-painted mural 'Kindness is Magic' Original
Twin Valley Elementary Center students designed and painted a new school mural featuring the theme “Kindness is Magic.” “The purpose of this project, like most community projects, is to engage physically with creativity and expression,” teaching artist and muralist Katie Trainer said in a statement. “The idea behind it was to have everybody comfortably able to participate to whatever level they were comfortable to join.
Kutztown Odyssey of the Mind team heads to World Finals
The Kutztown Area High School Odyssey of the Mind team will be competing at the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals, a four-day extravaganza that is modeled after the Olympics, that will be held at Michigan State University May 21 to 24. “It has definitely been an exciting year for the Kutztown Area School District Odyssey of the Mind program,” Douglas Wunder, KASD Odyssey of the Mind director, said in a statement.
Friend Inc. Benefit Auction raises over $50K for those in need in northern Berks
For information on submitting an obituary, please contact Reading Eagle by phone at 610-371-5018, or email at obituaries@readingeagle.com or fax at 610-371-5193. Most obituaries published in the Reading Eagle are submitted through funeral homes and cremation services, but we will accept submissions from families. Obituaries can be emailed to obituaries@readingeagle.com. In addition to the text of the obituary, any photographs that you wish to include can be attached to this email.
Blessing of Balers prays for safe, prosperous planting season
May 2—A Blessing of the Balers prayed for a safe, productive and prosperous planting season during a breakfast event to thank farmers at C.J. Hummels Restaurant in Lenhartsville on Thursday, May 1. Berks and Schuylkill county farmers, Future Farmers of America students and agricultural officials gathered around balers in the restaurant's parking lot, then placed their hands on the farming equipment during a blessing.
Berks County woman dies days after scooter crash in Allentown
By The custom M&T-branded fiberglass bear was unveiled during a brief ceremony on April 11 before taking its permanent place outside the Boyertown branch. Subscribe to continue reading this article. Already subscribed? To log in, click here. Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers. This story was originally published April 23, 2025 at 5:38 AM.
M&T Bank unveils new Boyertown Bear
Tariffs could cost the average American household $3,800 per year. Here’s how to save for it
M&T Bank unveils new Boyertown Bear
For information on submitting an obituary, please contact Reading Eagle by phone at 610-371-5018, or email at obituaries@readingeagle.com or fax at 610-371-5193. Most obituaries published in the Reading Eagle are submitted through funeral homes and cremation services, but we will accept submissions from families. Obituaries can be emailed to obituaries@readingeagle.com. In addition to the text of the obituary, any photographs that you wish to include can be attached to this email.
Youth help Building a Better Boyertown clean-up Boyertown
Boyertown youth recently helped Building a Better Boyertown clean up the streets of the borough. The nonprofit Main Street Program annually schedules a cleanup day prior to its spring event, Coming out of Hibernation. Boyertown Area High School student groups help to pick up trash, sweep up leaves and pull weeds along East Philadelphia and Reading avenues.
Youth help Building a Better Boyertown clean-up Boyertown
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
Award presented to Preston's Pantry at Boyertown Area Progress Dinner
No gift money? No problem. How to afford a house on your own
Award presented to Preston's Pantry at Boyertown Area Progress Dinner
For information on submitting an obituary, please contact Reading Eagle by phone at 610-371-5018, or email at obituaries@readingeagle.com or fax at 610-371-5193. Most obituaries published in the Reading Eagle are submitted through funeral homes and cremation services, but we will accept submissions from families. Obituaries can be emailed to obituaries@readingeagle.com. In addition to the text of the obituary, any photographs that you wish to include can be attached to this email.
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.
Kutztown Rotary thanks farmers
Feb. 23—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.
71st Boyertown Citizen of the Year recipients will be honored at April 12 gala
For information on submitting an obituary, please contact Reading Eagle by phone at 610-371-5018, or email at obituaries@readingeagle.com or fax at 610-371-5193. Most obituaries published in the Reading Eagle are submitted through funeral homes and cremation services, but we will accept submissions from families. Obituaries can be emailed to obituaries@readingeagle.com. In addition to the text of the obituary, any photographs that you wish to include can be attached to this email.
Boyertown Area Historical Society remembers victims of 1908 Rhoads Opera House Fire
For information on submitting an obituary, please contact Reading Eagle by phone at 610-371-5018, or email at obituaries@readingeagle.com or fax at 610-371-5193. Most obituaries published in the Reading Eagle are submitted through funeral homes and cremation services, but we will accept submissions from families. Obituaries can be emailed to obituaries@readingeagle.com. In addition to the text of the obituary, any photographs that you wish to include can be attached to this email.
Boyertown Area Historical Society hosts New Year's Bear Drop
For information on submitting an obituary, please contact Reading Eagle by phone at 610-371-5018, or email at obituaries@readingeagle.com or fax at 610-371-5193. Most obituaries published in the Reading Eagle are submitted through funeral homes and cremation services, but we will accept submissions from families. Obituaries can be emailed to obituaries@readingeagle.com. In addition to the text of the obituary, any photographs that you wish to include can be attached to this email.
Santa visits Longswamp's Christmas at the Caboose
Santa Claus made an appearance at Longswamp Township Park for the second annual Christmas at the Caboose on Dec. 15. Longswamp Township Historical Society's holiday event featured a tour of its 1941 Reading Company caboose, a holiday photo booth, raffle of quilted items, hot soups and baked items, and holiday gifts and stocking stuffers for sale. "I enjoyed the homemade soup and baked goods and walking through the caboose seeing Christmas stuff from the past," said Leann Sacks of Mertztown.
Santa visits Longswamp's Christmas at the Caboose
Santa Claus made an appearance at Longswamp Township Park for the second annual Christmas at the Caboose on Dec. 15. Longswamp Township Historical Society’s holiday event featured a tour of its 1941 Reading Company caboose, a holiday photo booth, raffle of quilted items, hot soups and baked items, and holiday gifts and stocking stuffers for sale. “I enjoyed the homemade soup and baked goods and walking through the caboose seeing Christmas stuff from the past,” said Leann Sacks of Mertztown.
Boyertown tree celebrates theme of unity
Discount retail chain Big Lots to start ‘going out of business’ sales at all stores nationwide
'Tooey' Lifetime Achievement Award unveiled at General Spaatz Museum in Boyertown
Operation Holiday: For father of three, family is everything
Fleetwood tree lighting, Santa Parade celebrates holidays
Fleetwood Borough kicked off a weekend of holiday celebrations with its annual tree lighting ceremony held in Fleetwood Park on Friday, Dec 13. Chris Young of the Fleetwood Recreation Board said the annual tree lighting ceremony was a huge success. “Thanks to all who braved the cold night to enjoy this festive event,” Young said in a statement.
Awards recognize Berks 4-H Dairy Club members
Awards were recently presented to Berks County 4-H Dairy Club members for their 2024 participation and achievements during the 4-H Dairy Recognition program held at the Berks County Agricultural Center in Bern Township. The program included Master of Ceremonies by James Moyer and Sara Haag; pledges led by Alexa Davis and Katelyn Heckman, and a milk toast given by Pennsylvania Dairy Princess Charlotte Wallace.
Berks nonprofit American Hero Wishes donates to K9s For Warriors
Berks County-based nonprofit American Hero Wishes recently dedicated a dog-washing station to support veterans at K9s For Warriors. In November, American Hero Wishes President Brianne Houck of Birdsboro visited the San Antonio, Texas, campus of the K9s For Warriors.
Hawk Happenings – Second annual etiquette dinner teaches Hamburg students valuable life skills
Hamburg Area High School junior and senior students learned proper dinner etiquette skills during the second annual Hamburg Area High School etiquette dinner held at The Wherehouse of Hamburg on Nov. 6. Michael True gave a lively presentation with student engagement prior to dinner being served. The learned skills are then applied as students and teachers enjoy a meal together.
Just Farm Kids Tractor Club hosts Toy Tractor Run to Boyertown Area Multi-Service
For information on submitting an obituary, please contact Reading Eagle by phone at 610-371-5018, or email at obituaries@readingeagle.com or fax at 610-371-5193. Most obituaries published in the Reading Eagle are submitted through funeral homes and cremation services, but we will accept submissions from families. Obituaries can be emailed to obituaries@readingeagle.com. In addition to the text of the obituary, any photographs that you wish to include can be attached to this email.
Fleetwood Area High School November Students of the Month
Caleb Valentine The son of Julie and Keith Valentine from Fleetwood, Caleb has been involved in the following clubs and activities at Fleetwood Area High School: Track and Field, Bowling, Student Council, National Honor Society and various music programs. Also, Caleb is involved in the lead worship leader for youth group, various community services and parades. One person Caleb truly admires is his grandfather.
Boyertown's General Spaatz Museum celebrates Veterans Day Original
‘Heaviest rain in months’ may be next for Berks, as another dry times record set
Boyertown Rotary Club hosts 24th Annual Salute to Our Veterans
An estimated 200 community members took part in the Boyertown Rotary Club’s annual salute to veterans on Thursday, Nov. 14. About 30 veterans were in attendance. Held at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Boyertown, the 24th annual Salute to Our Veterans featured Boyertown’s NJROTC, music by Boyertown School District students, and an address by retired Air Force Major Daniel Fair.
Fleetwood Bank donates total of $11,000 to four nonprofits Original
Every year, Fleetwood Bank employees come together to volunteer their time to raise funds for local nonprofits within the community. This year’s goal was to raise $10,000 in celebration of Fleetwood Bank’s 10th Annual Community Gift Basket Bingo held at Fleetwood Grange on Oct. 27. Thanks to the help of nearly 100 Fleetwood Bank customers, employees, local businesses and the 175 community members who came out to play Bingo, this goal was exceeded by $1,000.
Kutztown Rotary Club honors November Student of the Month
Members of the Kutztown Rotary Club honored Kutztown Area High School senior David Neuenchwander as November Student of the Month during a Nov. 6 ceremony held at the Kutztown Tavern. Each month throughout the school year, Kutztown Area High School and Brandywine Heights Area High School administrators each select one student for this award based collectively on academic achievement, school participation, and community contributions.
Rehabilitation of the Kutztown Strand Theatre moves forward
Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) recently joined Kutztown Community Partnership, the Greater Berks Development Fund, and DESCCO Design and Construction Inc. to provide the Kutztown community with an update on the rehabilitation of the Strand Theatre. The historic theater, which opened in 1908, was a mainstay in the Kutztown area for more than a century. The Strand closed in 2022 following the death of longtime owner Paul Angstadt.
Exeter Township Junior High presents ‘The SpongeBob Musical’ Nov. 15-16
Exeter Township Junior High School’s auditorium will be transformed into Bikini Bottom in this year’s musical production of “The SpongeBob Musical,” playing on Nov. 15 and 16. Plunge into this stunning all-singing, all-dancing dynamic stage show. When the citizens of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will soon erupt and destroy their humble home, SpongeBob and his friends must come together to save the fate of their undersea world.
3,000 attend Kutztown Optimist Club's revived Halloween event
The Optimist Club of Kutztown brought back a popular Trick-or-Treat event on Kutztown’s Main Street after a five-year hiatus. A crowd of about 3,000 came out for the revived event, renamed Trick or Treat on Main Street, on Oct. 23. “The weather cooperated at 75 degrees with no rain in sight and an estimated 2,750 to 3,000 people attending to enjoy a great safe Trick-or-Treat experience!” John Schmoyer, committee co-chairman, said in a statement.
Hamburg Grange hosts 5th annual Trunk-or-Treat event
Hamburg Grange #2103 hosted its 5th Annual Trunk-or-Treat event at the Hamburg High School parking lot on Sunday, Oct. 27. “We were able to put smiles on the faces of 138 children along with their families,” Hamburg Grange stated in the announcement. Costumed families Trick-or-Treated at decorated vehicles receiving sweet treats and holiday-themed crafts. Grange members also provided a few carnival games.
Fleetwood Community Theatre stages 'Alice in Wonderland Jr.'
Fleetwood Community Theatre will stage Disney’s “Alice in Wonderland Jr.” at Willow Creek Elementary in Fleetwood on Nov. 15 and 16. The 60-minute musical, designed for school-aged performers, is based on the 1951 Disney film and the novels by Lewis Carroll. The community theater cast includes 26 students directed by Evan Watkins.
Exeter Township Senior High presents ‘Radium Girls’ on Nov. 7 and 9
Exeter Township Senior High School presents its production of “Radium Girls” on Nov. 7 and 9. In 1926, radium was a miracle cure, Madame Curie an international celebrity, and luminous watches were all the latest rage — until the girls who painted them began to fall ill with a mysterious disease.
Hamburg Area High School students attend Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week Original
Hamburg Area High School students recently attended Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week in Williamsport, a program for college bound juniors who are interested in entrepreneurship and business. Bringing together business professionals from all over the country, this program has been going on for 40 years and continues to grow and inspire students across the country. Students are put into a college-like scenario dorming with other teenagers across their state.
Kutztown Traveling Art Show showcases student talent, creativity
The Kutztown School Board recently recognized student artists participating in the district’s Traveling Art Show. “The Traveling Art Show underscores the importance of supporting arts education and demonstrates how art fosters creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills,” Benjamin E. Hoffman, high school art teacher, said in a statement.
Costumed spectators come out for 68th annual Topton Halloween Parade
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Lisa
Contact Lisa, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack