Morgantown/Honey Brook JANUARY 2, 2019
IN THIS ISSUE: HOMESCHOOL PROGRAM SET page 2
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL XXVI • NO 50
OWL PROGRAM
Berks County Parks and Recreation Department will present “Roots to Wings: Owls, What a Hoot!” on Thursday, Jan. 10, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Bingaman Nature Center, 2843 Hill Road, Reading. The program will discuss how owls adapted for nighttime living and how they manage to see, eat, and fly at night. The nature-inspired program is designed for children ages 3 to 5 and will include hands-on activities, games, stories, and a craft related to the topic of the day. There is a per-child cost, and preregistration is required. For registration, contact jbrooks@countyof berks.com or 484-509-2667 or visit www.countyofberks.com/parks.
Twelfth Night Celebration Slated pg 9
Choir To Reunite For Performance pg 2
Chorus Spreads Holiday Cheer, Seeks New Members By Francine Fulton
As part of an annual holiday tradition, members of the Ringing Hills Chorus helped the community celebrate the season by offering performances in December. The group, composed of 22 members, performed a cappella Christmas carols and holiday music at Keystone Villa in Douglassville, for the Scattered Seeds Garden Club at the Applebrook Golf Club in Malvern and on the Polar Express Colebrookdale Holiday Train tour in Boyertown. “It was a busy December,” said Rosemary Spiro, who has been a chorus member for more than 20 years. Performing for the public is just one
WOMEN’S MEETING
Neighbors Caring and Sharing, a Christian women’s group, will meet at Conestoga Mennonite Church, 2779 Main St., Morgantown, on Tuesday, Jan. 15, from 9:15 to 11 a.m. A new program, “My Favorite Things,” will be featured. Each attendee is asked to bring three favorite things valued under $5 each to share with the group. The items will be given out through a random drawing. Visit www.conestogamennonitechurch.org/ neighbors.html or call the church office at 610-286-9124. EDUCATIONAL EVENT
will be held on Saturday, Jan. 12, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Berks County Heritage Center, 1102 Red Bridge Road, Reading. The program will start with a slide presentation and cold weather tips and techniques. Then, professional photographer Valerie Hoffman will lead attendees on an exploratory walk around the park, capturing moments in nature. The free program is for people of all ages. Readers may call 610-3742944, ext. 2611, to register by Monday, Jan. 7. ACTIVITIES FOR YOUTHS
Boone Area Library, 129 N. Mill St., Birdsboro, will present a Winter STEM and Crafternoon on Saturday, Jan. 12, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Youths are invited to enjoy winterthemed STEM activities and crafts. The program is targeted toward students in kindergarten through grade five, but people of all ages are welcome. To register or for more information, call the library at 610-582-5666.
Select members of the Ringing Hills Chorus, including (from left) Lisa Sifford, Faye Donovan, Linda Beaver, Kelly Takach and Janda Solazzo, performed their unique style of a cappella music at several locations this holiday season. Those who are interested in singing music in barbershop harmony may attend a chorus rehearsal. Rehearsals are held on Tuesdays at St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church in Douglassville.
Resolve To Make A Difference Local Organizations Welcome Volunteers, Donations By Francine Fulton
With the arrival of the new year, many people make resolutions to make positive changes in their lives. Representatives of local nonprofit organizations hope that people will resolve to volunteer in 2019, donating their time and talents. People are invited to donate tangible items as well. The Chester County Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) is currently seeking volunteers willing to help individuals from other countries with their English language skills through its adult tutoring program. No experience is necessary, but volunteers must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. Tutors are asked to meet with a student for a minimum of three hours a week for at least one year.
For more information about becoming a volunteer tutor, readers may contact Debbie Rikess, adult tutoring program coordinator, at drikess@cc-oic.org or 610-280-2618. More information about the OIC is available at www.ccoic.org or www.facebook. com/ChescoOIC. The Community Warehouse Project (CWP) of Chester County, a nonprofit organization that collects and redistributes donated furniture and household goods to people in need, is seeking volunteers to help sort through donations at its Downingtown warehouse. The organization is also in need of donations of quality used furniture. Those who have furniture to donate to CWP are asked to contact the agency in advance by visiting www.communitywarehouseproject.com. Especially needed are single beds with bed frames. For more information, readers may call 484-473-4360, visit the website or See Volunteer Opportunities pg 4
activity of the chorus, which also takes part in regional competitions. New singers are always welcome, and prospective members may attend an upcoming rehearsal. Rehearsals are held on Tuesdays from 6:45 to 9:30 p.m. at St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church, 1188 Benjamin Franklin Highway, Douglassville. “We invite people to come as a guest and just get up on the risers and sing with us,” said Spiro. “We provide sheet music. If they think it’s fun and they want to become a member, then they have to audition.” Once accepted into the chorus, members pay yearly dues to participate. Spiro explained that the singers are placed together by voice style to achieve the unique barbershop harmony sound. “With a cappella music, (you not only have to) sing your own part, you have to hold it against three other parts. It See Chorus pg 5
Cavod Schedules “Standing Firm”
Cavod Dance Company and Cavod Dance Company II will hold a dance concert titled “Standing Firm” with guest artist Stephanie Morales on Feb. 1 and 2 at Cavod Theatre in New Holland.
Presentation To Feature Dance Companies By Ann Mead Ash
“(The dance concert) is based on Ephesians 6,” said Jill Hertzog, artistic director of Cavod Dance Company.
Hertzog went on to explain that the theme revolves around putting on the figurative armor of God to fight a war not against flesh and blood but against spiritual principalities. “Standing Firm,” a 90-minute dance presentation, will feature Cavod Dance Company and Cavod Dance Company II, See “Standing Firm” pg 6
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A Winter Nature Photography program
Controller’s Office Receives Award pg 3