Election coverage

Local incumbents keep positions
By Heather Tassmer
News Editor

Change was the focus of this year’s national elections.
It was a change that took the form of an increased Democratic majority in Washington and the election of a new administration under the nation’s first African- American President, U.S. Sen. Barack Obama.
People around the United States and around the world were shown on national television rejoicing over Obama’s win.
But for the local state representative and Congress races, the incumbents kept their seats, according to unofficial results.
U.S. Rep. Jim Gerlach (R-6,) Rep. Samuel Rohrer (R-128,) David Kessler (D-130) and State Sen. Michael O’Pake (D-11) had triumphs over their opponents.
State Rep. Dante Santoni (D-126) ran unopposed.
In Birdsboro, residents showed up early, eager to get their votes in, said Edie Ellison, judge of elections at the borough hall located on Main Street.
Voters were lined up at about 6:30 a.m., a half hour before the polls opened, Ellison said.
“I’ve never seen it this busy before,” she said, adding that she has helped out with elections for about 20 years.
She said there was a little bit of a break around 8:30 a.m.
The borough hall location was a new precinct, Ellison said. In past years, some voters would be assigned to the Alice Focht Memorial United Methodist Church but the borough hall provides more parking spaces.
One of the voters said he had his mind made up before he had come to the polls.
“I voted for the Obama Biden ticket because the current administration hasn’t done a good job,” said James Lyles of Birdsboro. “I want to change up the status quo.”
Lyles said he was concerned about McCain’s age and described the possibility of Palin becoming president as “unsettling.” He also voted Democratic for the District 130 State Representative Race.
“Dave Kessler has done great work for the community,” Lyles said. “He’s been very favorable in helping out the (Boone Area) Library. (Richard) Gokey was not as willing to help out the library and that didn’t sit well with me.”
Mildred Leinbach of Birdsboro wasn’t satisfied with either presidential candidate.
“I don’t think either one has the makings of a president,” she said. Although, she said she was happy that there was a women vice presidential running mate.
“But I’m not sure if she was qualified,” Leinbach added.
Leinbach voted for the incumbents for the state representative, state senator race and congressional race.
“I think (Michael) O’Pake, (Jim) Gerlach and (David) Kessler have proved themselves,” she said.

For more election coverage, read this week's Southern Berks News.

An amusing comment

Today while talking with a voter in Birdsboro, I was told I look just like Sarah Palin. Maybe it was my red jacket? I don't know. You be the judge! haha

Birdsboro art show experience

This past weekend I attended the opening reception for the Birdsboro Fine Arts Show.

I arrived at the Birdsboro Community Memorial Center early because I figured it would be difficult to find parking. And it sure was! The borough parking lot was almost full by the time I arrived there.

I am sure Saturday and the rest of the days were busy but I can tell you for sure that Friday was hoppin’. There was a line of people waiting from the door and some people had to stand on the sidewalk before they came in. By then, I knew that this was a popular event for Birdsboro.

I am a big art fan myself. I wish I could draw but I think writing is just as fun. (And I seem to do that better anyway.) My best friend is an artist and I’ve been to many art and music events with her.

I had the chance to speak with several of the artists during the reception: Pat Oxenford of Douglassville, Don Levengood of Earlville and Bruce Becker of West Lawn. If you read my preview article, you will know all about Mr. Becker. He was in Lancaster for a painting project around the time of the 2006 Amish school shooting incident. Becker teamed up with community members and raised money for the victims’ families. I had to buy his book, “Kindness and Compassion.”

It was definitely a great event and I encourage, you, the readers, to attend next year and check out Birdsboro activities in the future.

Hearts Ablaze handing out gas gift cards

Members of Hearts Ablaze, a church in Birdsboro, will be handing out gas gift cards at the Turkey Hill in Birdsboro this weekend.
A Hearts Ablaze member said that they were handing out gift cards as a way to show people that they are out there to support the community.

Public meeting about Hopewell Big Woods

I forgot to put this in the paper this week and I'm sorry to the person that sent it!


Public Input Sought on Plans for Birdsboro Gateway to Hopewell Big Woods

Anyone who has fished or walked along the Hay Creek, hiked or biked around the Birdsboro reservoirs, or climbed the rocks around the old Dyers/Trap Rock quarry south of Birdsboro Borough know how magnificent and beautiful the area is. This area provides the water supply for Birdsboro residents and surrounding areas and is also home of the Rustic Picnic Area, dense woods, natural springs, wildlife, trails, remnants of historic charcoal platforms and collier’s huts, among other historic and natural features.

On Tuesday, September 23rd, at 7:00 pm in the Birdsboro Borough Hall, a public meeting will be held by members of a study committee to introduce plans to prepare a master site plan for the property and to discuss recreational needs and uses for the area. The project will also study the renovation of the Millard House, future home of the Hay Creek Watershed Association’s Environmental Education Center.

The Birdsboro Waters site and the Millard House serve as the “Birdsboro Gateway” to the Hopewell Big Woods, the largest continuous block of forest (100 square miles) in southeastern Pennsylvania. The area is part of the Highlands Region, which was designated as a nationally important region by an Act of Congress in 2004 and stretches from Connecticut to Maryland.

The Hay Creek Watershed Association took ownership of the Millard House in 2007 through partnership with PennDOT, Haines & Kibblehouse, and the Borough of Birdsboro after the adjacent bridge was closed and removed due to major flooding in 2004.

The projects are funded by grant monies provided by the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and the William Penn Foundation. Stell Environmental Enterprises, Inc. of Elverson has been hired as the planning consultant to prepare the study. A committee comprised of representatives from government agencies, non-profit organizations, and the business community has been meeting since June to coordinate completion of the plans and will chair the public meeting. Members of the public are invited and encouraged to attend the September 23 meeting.

A sad time for the southern Berks area

Photo: Dylan Brown


I'm very sad to report that there have been three people in the area that have died in the last couple of weeks.

Dylan Brown, an Exeter Township student, died July 14 after a two-year-battle with cancer. Brown was an inspiration to his teachers, his fellow students and community members. He would come to school even if he wasn't feeling well and was an honorary member of several local sports teams.

Accordingto police reports, A Fleetwood student, Ian Kanegawa, died just a few days ago in a tractor trailer accident along Route 422.

Also, Kenneth Lang, a Birdsboro resident and principal at High Point Baptist Academy, died in Outer Banks, N.C. last Thursday. His obituary states that he accidentally drowned. A friend said that Lang had a positive influence on students and students have been leaving messages on Facebook, a social Web site, about him.

For more information, read The Southern Berks News.

Boone Area Library needs community's help

The Boone Area Library will close this fall if it doesn't receive enough funds through the Annual Giving program. The staff has mailed out fliers asking for residents' support.
The library is such a valuable place in the Birdsboro community. It will be a shame if people don't reach out and help the library.
Boone Area Library has been around since the 1960s and offers many services.
The staff is now conducting the summer reading program for people to "catch the summer reading bug." There will be many programs offer that teach children and teens about bugs.
Library Director Michelle Kehoe said that she organized the program with Terri Kullman, children’s coordinator.
“This is a fun way to get kids to read and learn about bugs,” Kehoe said.
The program includes bug-themed games. movies and crafts. Children, teens and adults can read for prizes.

Children’s activities
Programs will be presented at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays. Each program will include stories, speakers and crafts.

June 17-Boone Bug Club-activities and crafts about bugs
June 24-Buggy Book Bingo-play for books and prizes
July 8-Family Movie and Dinner Night-Disney’s “A Bug’s Life”-free popcorn. Bring a comfy chair and dinner or purchase pizza and soda from the Junior Friends.
July 15-Insect Safari-Meet library staff members at French Creek State Park amphitheater to hear stories and look for bugs.
July 22-Miss Maggie Sings-Come to the library for buggy songs and dancing.
July 29-Bug Scavenger Hunt-Come search the library for things that wiggle and buzz.
August 5-Family Movie and Dinner Night- Bee movie-free popcorn. Bring a comfy chair and dinner or purchase pizza and soda from the Junior Friends.
August 12-Bug Party-Hang out at the library for games, crafts and snacks.

Teen programs
Programs start at 6 p.m.

June 19-Big Bug Movie Night-Come watch an old bug film from the 1950s. Popcorn, snacks and soda will be provided. The first 25 teens that arrive will receive a prize.
July 10-Wii Event. Play the latest games and compete for prizes.
July 24-Are You Brave?-Come to the library for some bug snacks.
August 7-Teen Movie and Dinner Night-Bring a comfy chair and enjoy the show. Popcorn, pizza and soda will be provided.

Preschool story times at library
10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 6 p.m.
June 16, 23, 30; July 7, 14, 21, 28; August 4, 11

Preschool story time at Amity Community Park at 10 a.m.
June 13, 20, 27; July 11, 18; August 1, 8

Toddler story time at library, 11 a.m.
June 18, 25; July 2, 9, 16, 23