Church renovations

News Photo by Harold Hoch



I visited St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Douglassville recently and spoke with them about recent renovations. To meet the needs of church members and services, the church has experienced several renovations. A wing was created just for the Child Development Center. Other renovations include expanding the kitchen and the worship area. I liked what one employee said about the church functioning as a community center. The church offers not only worship and child care but also youth group meetings and a place for the quilt group to gather and create their works of art.

For more information about St. Paul's visit www.stpaulsdouglassville.com.

Raw milk farm, students 'experiencing' homelessness

In this week's Southern Berks News we ran a story about a raw milk farm in Douglassville.

I think I have passed signs for the farm, but didn't think about a story until writer Jennifer Hetrick told me about it. It's not that I thought it was unimportant but it's hard to write about everything you come across.

Hetrick did a great job with the story. She's very interested in the health features and I always learn a lot from her research. From reading the story, I found that the farmer's customers that were lactose intolerant could drink the milk and not feel sick.

I also loved the pictures of the farm that Hetrick sent!

Also, Carole Duran wrote about "Shack-a-thon," an annual event where chuch youth camps out in Main Bird Park in cardboard boxes to experience what homeless people have to go through. The kids also prepare a meal for people in need. I think this is a great activity for young people.

Read this week's edition for more great stories on Exeter, Daniel Boone Optimist Club, Sports and more!

"Santa" Coco leading in the polls for pet contest

"Santa" Coco of Douglassville is leading in the polls for the pet contest! Coco received 13 votes so far. "Hot Dog" Lady received one vote. "Pocahontas" Isabelle and "Dragon" Smokey have not received any votes yet. Readers have until Nov. 7 to place their votes. Don't forget to vote for the The Southern Berks News' Halloween pet photo contest! Thanks for your support!

Pet contest 2

Here are the other two pictures you have a chance to vote on. (See last blog for details.)

3. "Santa" Coco of Douglassville
4. "Dragon" Smokey of Mt. Penn

Vote for your favorite pet contest

If you read this week's paper, you will see the entries for the Pet Halloween Costume Contest. Please cast your vote by Nov. 7. You have several options with voting: you can respond to this blog, mail in the ballot form, or e-mail me at htassmer@berksmontnews.com.
If you are e-mailing or responding to the blog, please include your name, city of residence, phone number (in case we need to speak with you), name of your favorite pet photo and any other comments.
I just figured out that I can only load two photos at a time on here so I will post the other two contestants in another blog entry. The two included in this post are 1. "Hot Dog" Lady of Douglassville and 2. "Pocahontas" Isabelle of Reading/Exeter.