Bountiful Berks County Protecting Soil and Water Since 1946
¡Feliz cumpleaños, Estados Unidos y condado de Berks!
Por qué son importantes las Elecciones Intermedias
4 A House Built on Hope: How LIFE House is Strengthening Families in Berks County
8 Happy Birthday, America and Berks County!
10 Berks Parks and Rec Knows How to Celebrate a Centennial!
13 Bountiful Berks County
16 Berks County Conservation District: Protecting Soil and Water Since 1946 18 Why the Midterm Matters
20 A New Chapter for Berks Book Bonanza
22 Municipal News 23 Career Opportunities
26 ¡Feliz cumpleaños, Estados Unidos y condado de Berks!
Official Publication of the County of Berks, PA 633 Court Street, Reading, PA 19601 Commissioners’ Office: 610-478-6136 commissioners@berkspa.gov www.berkspa.gov
28 Por qué son importantes las Elecciones Intermedias For Advertising Information, contact Sales@HoffPubs.com
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The County of Berks has exercised great care to ensure that the content of this magazine is accurate as of the date of publication.
(L to R) Berks County Commissioners Dante Santoni, Jr., Christian Leinbach and Michael Rivera
The Berks County Commissioners are pleased to welcome you to another edition of Berks 1st, where we share the stories, programs and people of Berks County government that make our county a great place to live, work and raise a family.
This issue celebrates the many ways Berks County comes together as a community. From the vibrant Parks and Recreation AmericanaFest to the start of fresh produce season highlighted by our Agriculture Department, you’ll find stories that reflect the vitality of our local economy, open spaces and traditions. We’re also proud to spotlight the LIFE House, a collaborative effort of Berks County Children & Youth Services and Partners in Parenting, which continues to provide critical support to families during times of need.
Readers will also learn about the return of the annual Book Bonanza, an event that promotes literacy and learning for residents of all ages, as well as an important look at why mid-term elections matter and how civic engagement helps shape the future of our county, state and nation.
These articles, and many more, highlight the dedicated work being done every day by county departments, community partners and residents who care deeply about Berks County. We hope this issue informs, inspires and encourages you to stay engaged as we continue working together to strengthen our community.
Thank you for reading, and for being part of Berks County.
2026 Commissioners Town Hall Meeting Schedule
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 • 6:30p.m.
Boyertown Community Library 24 N. Reading Avenue, Boyertown, 19512
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 • 6:30p.m.
Mifflin Community Library 6 Philadelphia Avenue, Shillington, 19607
Wednesday, October 14, 2026 • 6:30p.m.
Wyomissing Public Library 9 Reading Blvd., Wyomissing, 19610
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 • 6:30p.m.
Reading Public Library-Northeast Branch 1348 North 11th Street, Reading, 19604
A HOUSE BUILT ON HOPE
How LIFE House is Strengthening Families in Berks County
By Jonathan Heintzman, Berks County Public Relations Officer
Just two blocks from the Berks County Services Center sits an ordinary city home with an extraordinary purpose.
Children run through the backyard, blowing bubbles. A parent stirs a pot on the stove while keeping one eye on a toddler nearby. Upstairs, shelves hold neatly folded clothing, diapers and safety gates ready for families who need them. On the surface, it feels like any warm, busy household. But this is the LIFE House—Learning In a Family Environment—and for hundreds of Berks County families, it has become a turning point.
LIFE House is an extension of Berks County Children & Youth Services (BCCYS) and its Partners in Parenting (PIP) program. Together, they represent a deeply practical, deeply human approach to child welfare. They teach, support and strengthen families so children can remain safe, and whenever possible, remain in their homes.
From an Idea to a Home
The story of LIFE House began more than three decades ago.
In 1992, Barbara Jakubek, Director of BCCYS, and Pamela Hathaway, a longtime foster and adoptive parent, helped launch Partners in Parenting. At the time, BCCYS was confronting a reality that remains true today—while the agency investigates allegations of abuse and neglect, it is equally responsible for helping families address the issues that brought them to the agency’s attention.
“We were seeing clients who were struggling with very basic parenting skills,” Jakubek explained. “Things like how to feed a baby, measure a bottle, burp a baby, change a diaper.”
For many parents, these skills are learned gradually from their own parents, through observation or over years of experience. But not all families have that foundation. Some face intellectual limitations, mental health challenges, substance use disorders or histories of trauma. Many did not
grow up with strong parenting models themselves.
Hathaway recalls early cases where simple, consistent support made all the difference. In one situation, a mother struggled to understand medical instructions for her child. Hathaway drove her to appointments, reviewed the doctor’s guidance on the way home and called to remind her when medication needed to be applied.
“It was very basic,” Jakubek said, “but it allowed that child to stay in the home instead of coming into foster care.”
That philosophy—hands-on and compassionate instruction—became the heart of Partners in Parenting. Today, 22 PIP instructors and three supervisors work side-by-side with families, teaching real-life skills in real time: how to prepare meals, supervise children, manage a budget, give medications, establish routines and navigate school expectations.
“This isn’t book learning,” Hathaway said. “There’s no curriculum. We walk through a day with them. We’re teaching life as it happens.”
Why a House Matters
As Partners in Parenting grew, another need became clear.
How do you teach someone to bathe an infant without a bathtub? How do you
LOIS GOOD, PARENT TRAINER
For Lois Good, parent trainer and founding member of Partners in Parenting (PIP), the work has always been about meeting families where they are, without judgment. Over decades of service, Good has watched parenting visits evolve from rigid, intimidating settings into spaces that feel calmer and more humane. That shift, she says, has changed everything for both parents and children.
Good finds that when parents feel respected, they are more open, more engaged and more willing to grow. Simple, everyday moments—preparing a meal together, sitting with children in a relaxed environment and sharing familiar routines—become powerful opportunities for learning and connection. These interactions allow parents to demonstrate reallife skills while giving children the comfort of normalcy during uncertain times.
Ultimately, Good believes children benefit most when parents are supported rather than judged, and that belief continues to guide her work every day.
ANNETTE ALLWEIN, PARENT TRAINER
Annette Allwein works closely with parents to help them build confidence, adapt strategies when something isn’t working and believe that asking for help is a strength, not a failure. She has seen this approach resonate strongly with single fathers—particularly those with criminal records who often feel overlooked or written off. Through steady guidance and practical coaching, many of these parents have rebuilt stability in their lives and reestablished meaningful relationships with their children.
She recalls fathers who worked multiple jobs, completed parenting requirements and earned the opportunity to reunite with their families—successes that continue to motivate her. Some still stay in touch, sharing photos and updates years later.
For Allwein, the goal is simple but profound: help parents recognize their own potential. When families feel supported rather than judged, they are far more likely to succeed— and children reap the benefits of parents who are present, prepared and proud.
demonstrate safe sleep practices in an office building? How do you model meal preparation, laundry and supervision in a sterile visitation room?
“You can’t assess parents in a box,” Hathaway said. “Of course, the kids are safe in an office. That doesn’t tell you what life looks like at home.”
By the early 2000s, Jakubek and Hathaway began imagining something different—a real house where families could practice real-life skills in a safe, structured setting.
The county was not in a position to purchase such a property, but serendipity struck in 2012. A local family and staunch supporters of PIP purchased a city home near the County Services Center and leased it to the county through funding that includes the Casework Visitation Grant. The grant rewards agencies that consistently meet federal requirements to visit children in out-of-home care, a practice shown to speed permanency and improve outcomes.
Today, this family continues to cover the home’s utilities, insurance, maintenance and pest control. Every piece of furniture, every pot and pan, every clothing rack is donated.
A Different Kind of Visit
For children in foster care, visitation with parents can be emotionally charged. Often, the first time a child enters the County
Services Center is the day a judge orders removal from their home.
“The Services Center building carries a lot of feelings,” Jakubek said.
The LIFE House offers something different.
Inside, visits take place in living rooms, kitchens and bedrooms. Parents are expected to clean up after visits, take out trash, wipe down counters—not as punishment—but as practice. They bake birthday cakes together. They wrap Christmas gifts donated by community partners so parents can present them as their own. They plant seeds in the backyard garden and watch them grow over time.
“Even if a child doesn’t return home,” Jakubek said, “they can have good memories, blowing bubbles in the backyard, making snow angels, carving pumpkins. That matters.”
The home also allows caseworkers, guardians and even judges to meet children in a less intimidating environment. For children who struggle in institutional settings, particularly those on the autism spectrum, that difference can be profound.
Recognizing the growing number of children with sensory needs, BCCYS recently developed two sensory playrooms within the Services Center and began incorporating sensory tools at LIFE House as well. Weighted blankets, fidget toys, oversized beanbags and quiet spaces provide children with a calming refuge.
“If you’ve met one child with autism, you’ve met one child with autism,” Jakubek noted. “You don’t know what’s going to work. But we needed a space that was safer and more responsive to their needs.”
Preventing Placement, Building Permanency
Federal child welfare law requires agencies to make “reasonable efforts” to prevent placement whenever it is safe to do so and to achieve timely permanency when
children must enter care. For BCCYS, PIP and LIFE House are essential tools in meeting those mandates.
From January through July 2025 alone, LIFE House hosted more than 1,000 family visits. In 2024, the program provided clothing, gifts, school supplies and household items to more than 800 children.
But the numbers only tell part of the story.
Without PIP or LIFE House, many families would receive more traditional services—referrals to outside parenting classes, supervised visits in office rooms and written materials that may not match their literacy levels.
“Some of our parents don’t do well on book tests,” Jakubek said. “They don’t read well. They’re ashamed. This gives us a real look at what they would be like in their home with their child.”
Hathaway describes the program staff as “problem solvers.” If a visit isn’t going smoothly, instructors help parents adapt in the moment. If finances are tight, they teach budgeting around food benefits like WIC. If a new baby arrives unexpectedly, the third-floor clothing closet offers bassinettes, diapers, bottles and a “Welcome to the World” basket filled with essentials.
“Instead of setting families up to fail,” Hathaway said, “we’re setting them up to succeed.”
A Community Effort
Though rooted in BCCYS, LIFE House is sustained by the broader Berks County community. Churches and civic groups host Angel Trees during the holidays. Berks County residents donate clothing, safety equipment and household goods. When the program posts a need on social media, community members respond.
“It’s like a field of dreams,” Hathaway said. “If you build it, they will come. If you ask, people will give.”
The partnership between big-picture vision and practical execution has been key. Jakubek identifies emerging needs and pursues funding through state and federal channels. Hathaway translates those ideas into daily reality inside the home.
“She thinks big,” Jakubek said with a smile. “And I figure out how to get the money.”
Other counties have taken notice. Child welfare leaders from Bucks and Montgomery counties have toured the LIFE House model, exploring how they might replicate its success.
Learning in a Family Environment
At its core, LIFE House is about dignity. It is about recognizing that parenting is a learned skill. It is about offering guidance without judgment. It is about creating physical and emotional space where families can practice, stumble, adjust and grow.
For children, it is a place where memories are made, even during uncertain times. For parents, it is a place where they can experience success—sometimes for the first time.
And for Berks County, it is a reminder that effective government services are not always found in policy manuals or courtrooms, but sometimes in kitchens, backyards and living rooms.
“We’re surrogate parents sometimes,” Jakubek reflected. “Grandparents, even. We’re there to show them what it looks like.” One lesson at a time. One visit at a time. One family at a time. In a modest house just down the street, hope is being practiced every day.
Berks County Children & Youth Services endeavors to maintain the safety and wellbeing of the children and families involved with BCCYS. Due to strict confidentiality laws, BCCYS must rigidly avoid the disclosure of any information that could identify families or their involvement with BCCYS. To ensure these legally mandated privacy interests are protected, we did not interview families directly for this article.
NICOLE FREED, PARENT TRAINER
With more than 18 years of experience, Nicole Freed plays a vital behind-the-scenes role connecting families to the resources they need to move forward. As a parent trainer focused primarily on intake and inhome services, her days often involve traveling to multiple households, addressing challenges that extend well beyond parenting skills alone. Freed helps families navigate budgeting, employment barriers, housing instability, childcare needs and access to basic necessities. When supplies are needed, such as diapers, beds or safety equipment, she coordinates closely with staff at LIFE House to ensure families receive timely support.
Her work is highly individualized. One family may need help applying for heating assistance, or another may require frequent check-ins to ensure children remain safe while a parent works toward reunification. Freed describes her role as removing obstacles so parents can focus on building stability.
Above all, she emphasizes teamwork. Long-tenured staff at LIFE House collaborate closely, share resources freely and support one another with the shared goal of helping families succeed. That collective effort, Freed says, is what makes lasting progress possible for parents and children alike.
UPCOMING AMERICA250PA BERKS & BERKS 275 EVENTS
America250PA Berks: 2026 Highlights
• June 2–Daniel Boone Homestead Event
• June 5-7–World War II Weekend, MidAtlantic Air Museum & Reading Airport
• June 20–AmericanaFest, Berks County Heritage Center
• June 27–A Colonial 250th Celebration, Daniel Boone Homestead
• July 4–Wyomissing 4th of July Parade
• July 4–Star-Spangled Spectacular with RSO & Fireworks, Berks County Fairgrounds
• July 8 –Berks County Liberty Bell Celebration, Berks County Services Center
Berks 275: 2026-2027 Events
• December 31, 2026–“Official 275th Year” kickoff celebration
• January 2027 –Opening of Berks 275 exhibit at the Reading Public Museum
• March 11, 2027–Berks County 275th Anniversary Celebration
• March 14, 2027 –Conrad Weiser Homestead Charter Day
• October 2, 2027–Tentative Celebration of the 275th day of the year
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA AND BERKS COUNTY!
By Jonathan Heintzman, Berks County Public Relations Officer
America is approaching its 250th birthday, and Berks County is doing more than counting down to July 4, 2026. It is telling a longer story—one that stretches from the founding ideals of the United States to the local decisions that shaped Pennsylvania’s history and the creation of Berks County itself. At the center of this effort are two closely aligned, county-led groups: the America250PA Berks Committee and the Berks 275 Committee.
The America250PA Berks Committee works in partnership with America250PA, the statewide organization coordinating 250th anniversary celebrations across Pennsylvania. These two partnering groups have spent years promoting educational, cultural and commemorative events that highlight Berks County’s role in the American story. From agriculture and industry to faith, immigration and civic life,
the committee’s work reflects a broad view of history—a view that belongs to every Pennsylvanian.
At the same time, planning is well underway for a uniquely local milestone. The Berks 275 Committee was formed to guide the celebration of the county’s 275th anniversary, marking the March 11, 1752, establishment of Berks County by the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Rather than operating in isolation, the two committees have deliberately woven their efforts together, creating a seamless transition from national reflection to local celebration.
A Summer of Shared Purpose
That collaboration becomes most visible in the summer of 2026. America250PA Berks and Berks 275 are creating their own patriotic events and activities while supporting and enhancing existing community events. This approach allows the two organizations to reach
people where they already gather—at fairs, festivals, parades, museums and historic sites—reinforcing shared themes of liberty, service and community.
Throughout spring and early summer, America250PA Berks is embedded in events such as Conrad Weiser Charter Day, National Agriculture Day, Earth Day in the City of Reading, AmericanaFest at the Berks County Heritage Center and Fourth of July parades and concerts across the county. Each appearance is an opportunity to connect national history with Berks County stories.
The culminating moment for America250PA Berks arrives on July 8, 2026, with the Berks County Liberty Bell Celebration at the Berks County Services Center. Designed as the final official event of America250PA Berks, the program includes a ceremonial bell ringing; readings of the Declaration of Independence in multiple languages; musical performances by the Ringgold Band and remarks from county leaders.
Importantly, the event is also a symbolic handoff. America250PA Berks, having fulfilled its purpose, will cease to be, and all attention will turn to Berks 275 and our own county’s approaching birthday.
Turning the Page to Berks 275
The Berks 275 Committee is committed to creating a legacy through strategic partnerships with the Berks History Center and Experience Reading & Berks County Visitors Bureau. Rather than adding a year of new programming, we are collaborating with the History Center and Visitor’s Bureau as well as libraries, schools, cultural institutions, municipal partners, veterans’ groups, agricultural leaders and tourism professionals to celebrate Berks County’s heritage in ways that are both memorable and meaningful.
Key projects include Berks Reel Stories video projects, a special Berks 275 exhibit at the Reading Public Museum,
a commemorative Berks 275 book and expanded historical and educational programming through the Berks County Library System. The committee is also exploring faith-based observances, heritage tourism opportunities and a possible multiday celebration surrounding March 11, 2027, the official anniversary date.
What unites these two efforts is a shared understanding that history is not confined to textbooks or anniversaries. It lives in the places people gather, the institutions they trust and the stories they pass along. By aligning America250PA Berks with Berks 275, county leaders and volunteers are ensuring that Berks County’s role in the American story is not just remembered in 2026 but carries forward into 2027 and beyond. The efforts of these groups invite residents to reflect not only on where the nation began, but on how Berks County has helped shape its course for 275 years.
By Daniel Roe, Assistant Director, Berks County Parks and Recreation Department
Fifty years ago, in 1976, the United States celebrated the Bicentennial, the historic 200th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Across the country, communities large and small celebrated the historic anniversary with fairs, picnics, parades, reenactments, ceremonies, dedications and of course, fireworks. Nationally, large-scale events sought to galvanize the country together. Led by the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration (ARBA), patriotic-themed events were held at the local and state levels. Perhaps one of the most notable efforts of the Bicentennial era and the ARBA was the coordination of the Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage. The nearly two-year-long, cross-country, west-to-east trek featured five separate wagon trains traversing different regions of the country. Along with thousands of volunteers and spectators, the “trains” eventually reached their destination of Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, on July 4, 1976. This generational event remains a powerful memory for those who experienced it.
In addition to the multitude of events and celebrations, the anniversary also provided the opportunity for various forms of public funding resources that helped to support historic preservation and aided in the establishment of many local organizations aimed at preserving their local community’s history. One example of
Connecting Berks County to Addiction Resources
Local Treatment and Recovery Resources
Free NARCAN Kits
Free Medication Lock Boxes
Community and School Education
Free Tobacco Cessation Classes
(610) 376-8669 cocaberks.org
this in Berks County was the ultimate preservation and relocation of the historic Gruber Wagon Works. A 19th century familyowned and operated wagon-making facility, the Gruber Wagon Works was relocated to its current location at the Berks County Heritage Center, within the Berks County Parks system in 197778. Last-minute funding from the Federal government, drawing on Bicentennial-era monies, allowed the move to take place. The relocation preserved the structure, as it would have otherwise been lost due to the Army Corps of Engineers’ construction of Blue Marsh Lake—designed for regional flood mitigation and recreation purposes. A few years later, the building was fully restored, added to the National Register of Historic Places and listed as a National Historic Landmark. Since 1982, the Berks County Parks have operated the facility as a public museum.
Now in 2026, the nation once again is celebrating a momentous occasion in its history, the 250th anniversary, or the Semiquincentennial, of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Like 1976, federal, state and local planning has been ongoing in some instances for more than five years to help commemorate this momentous anniversary. A variety of state and local commissions and organizations are hard at work finalizing the details for events, including America250PA and its local county chapter, America250PA Berks.
For the Berks County Parks and Recreation Department, 2026 will feature a variety of events celebrating Berks County history and culture, all themed to the 250th. The Park’s largest event this year will be AmericanaFest Berks 250 to be held on June 20, 2026, at the Berks County Heritage Center. The daylong event will feature a variety of historic demonstrations, crafts, trades and interactive opportunities for all ages, interspersed through the historic buildings, museums and bucolic setting of the Heritage Center. The event will also include a rededication of the Bicentennial Eagle Memorial in a new location at the Heritage Center, along with a new public art component. The day will conclude with an “Americana” concert featuring a variety of themed musical genres and performers capturing the diversity of American music over the past 250 years.
If you are interested in participating or helping with AmericanaFest Berks 250, please reach out to the Parks Department at Parks@ berkspa.gov or at 610-374-8839. For more information on all our upcoming events and programs, visit us online or on Facebook @berksparks. The Parks department hopes that everyone will enjoy the opportunity to explore the nation’s past and celebrate their local community throughout 2026.
BOUNTIFUL BERKS COUNTY
By Amanda Burkard-Sell, Assistant Director, Berks County Department of Agriculture
We are now entering the season where Berks County shines— days are longer, the sun is brighter and winter cold is a thing of the past. This is the season of fresh local food, which, even though it is available all year, really hits its peak in the late spring and summer months. Now is the perfect time to take advantage of all the amazing options that we have in our own backyard.
continued on next page >
Interested in where you can find this locally grown Berks County food and other agricultural products? The Berks County Department of Agriculture’s Local Food Map is an interactive tool with information on over 260 places to purchase everything from beef to poultry and from apples to zucchini. Locations can be filtered by categories, including business type, products offered and accepted forms of payment. This allows someone searching for pasture-raised meats, pick-your-own strawberries or locally made jams and jellies to find exactly what they are looking for and when it is available.
The current Grow Together Berks site is getting a refresh, with expanded mobile capabilities and a new home under the Imagine Berks Comprehensive Plan. Visit www.berkspa.gov/departments/agriculture to find the link to the Food Map, along with our Ag Events Calendar, with information on local agriculturally related activities, including fairs, festivals and other family events.
Also coming this spring is a print version of the Local Food Map. This comprehensive guide will have regional maps showing Berks County producers and list their locations, contact information and website information. You can use this resource to plan out a trip to find local goodies or to take on the road with you when you are driving around the county and want to explore what is nearby. Look for copies at your favorite farm stand or visit the Berks County Department of Agriculture table at your local fair.
Upcoming Events
To celebrate the bounty of the season, the Berks County Department of Agriculture will also be holding two one-day Pop-Up Farm Markets, inviting producers from around the county to showcase their locally grown foods and other value-added products like cheeses, jams and pickles. Farm fresh foods will be available for purchase, and food trucks will offer delicious lunch and dessert options. The summer Farm Market
will be on June 13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Oley Fairgrounds. This event will also feature locally produced beverages, including wine, mead and beer. The fall Pop-Up Market will be on September 13, also from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Berks County Heritage Center in conjunction with the Berks County Parks Department’s Farm Fest activities. Entry to each Pop-Up Market is free and is a great opportunity to sample all that Berks County has to offer.
You can also join the Department of Agriculture to celebrate Bountiful Berks Agriculture Night on June 16 at the Reading Fightin’ Phils. In addition to a featured hat giveaway, there will be live farm animals, a tractor and educational activities. The Berks County Farm Bureau, Berks County Dairy Princesses and others will be on hand to educate the public on the importance of the food and fiber industry. This event celebrates the contribution of agriculture to our everyday life and reminds us all where our food comes from.
YOUR BERKS COUNTY GUIDE TO WHAT’S IN SEASON
Use this reference guide to know when fruits and vegetables are at their most delicious!
Apples
Asparagus
Beans (Lima)
Beans (Snap)
Beets
Blackberries
Blueberries
Broccoli
Cabbage
Cantaloupe
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Cherries (Tart)
Cherries (Sweet)
Cucumbers
Corn (Sweet)
Eggplant
Grapes
Lettuce
Mushrooms
Nectarines
Onions
Peaches
Pears
Peas
Peppers
Plums
Potatoes
Pumpkins
Radishes
Raspberries
Spinach
Squash (Summer)
Squash (Winter)
Strawberries
Sweet Potatoes
Tomatoes
Turnips
Watermelon
Berks County Conservation District:
PROTECTING SOIL AND WATER SINCE 1946
By Dean Druckenmiller, District Executive, Berks County Conservation District
For nearly eight decades, the Berks County Conservation District (BCCD) has been quietly but powerfully shaping the future of Berks County’s environment. Established in 1946 by the Berks County Commissioners, the BCCD was formed under Pennsylvania’s ACT 217, which empowered counties across the state to create local conservation districts. Today, there are 66 such districts operating in Pennsylvania, each one committed to protecting natural resources through community-based action and education.
The BCCD is dedicated to the encouragement and instruction of the wise stewardship of the
soil and water of Berks County so that present and future generations may have healthy land on which to live and work, as well as clean water for drinking and recreation.
Originally, conservation districts like BCCD were primarily created to assist farmers. At the time, the goal was to address issues that posed serious threats to agricultural productivity and water quality, such as promoting better landuse practices, reducing stormwater runoff and preventing soil erosion. Over the years, however, the role of the BCCD has evolved significantly. While agriculture remains a core focus, BCCD has expanded its services to address a much
broader range of environmental issues. Today, it plays a central role in implementing and managing several key state and federal environmental programs not only for agricultural operations, but also for municipalities, developers and the general public.
Administering State Programs Locally
One of the most important aspects of the BCCD’s work is its ability to locally administer programs that would otherwise be handled at the state level. This ensures that permit reviews, inspections, grants and support services are delivered faster, more efficiently and with a local understanding of community needs and conditions.
Some of the programs managed by BCCD include:
• National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Permitting for new construction and land development projects, ensuring compliance with state and federal environmental regulations while also supporting local growth and development.
• Nutrient Management and Conservation Planning services for farms to help reduce agricultural runoff, improve soil health and support sustainable farming practices.
• The Dirt, Gravel & Low Volume Road Program, which provides grant funding to municipalities to improve rural roads in a way that reduces environmental impact, particularly erosion and sedimentation in nearby streams.
• Mosquito-Borne Disease Control and Surveillance, which includes monitoring for mosquitoes that carry diseases like West Nile Virus, as well as public education and treatment strategies.
• Watershed Restoration Projects, including grant acquisition to fund streambank stabilization, habitat improvement and pollution reduction.
• Invasive Species Monitoring and Tick Control, helping to combat harmful pests and invasive plants that threaten native ecosystems and public health.
• Environmental Education and Outreach, offering workshops, classroom presentations, field days and resources for both youth and adults to foster greater environmental awareness.
By managing these diverse and critical programs at the local level, the BCCD can streamline services for Berks County residents and stakeholders. For example, the district’s administration of stormwater permitting under the NPDES program means that developers can get approvals in half the time compared to if the applications were processed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP). This speeds up construction timelines, reduces costs and ensures that all development activities meet strict environmental standards that benefit both the economy and the natural world.
Staying Connected with the Community
19 highly skilled BCCD environmental scientists, engineers, agricultural technicians, biologists and soil scientists work hard to face environmental challenges in our community that grow more complex each day. From climate change and habitat loss to water pollution and invasive species, the work of local conservation districts like the BCCD has never been more important. With deep roots in the community and a future-focused approach, the Berks County Conservation District stands as a model of effective, locally driven conservation working every day to ensure that Berks County remains a healthy, vibrant place to live, work and play.
The BCCD maintains an open door to the public and actively encourages community involvement in its programs and initiatives. It is located on the first floor of the Berks County Agricultural Services Center at 1238 County Welfare Road in Leesport, a hub for agricultural and environmental services in the county.
Residents, landowners, municipalities, developers and educators can reach the district by phone at (610) 372-4657 or visit their website at www.berkscd.com to learn more about programs, upcoming events and how to get involved.
MATTERS
By: Stephanie Nojiri, Assistant Director, Office of Election Services
The 2026 election cycle is often referred to as the “midterm” election. This phrase is based on the timing of the November election, which falls just before the halfway point of the sitting President’s four-year term. And while the results of the midterm don’t affect who is currently in the White House, they can have a huge impact on the President’s ability to enact policies.
During the midterm election, voters throughout the United States will determine the majority of Congress, electing the entirety of the 435-member U.S. House of Representatives and a third of the 100 U.S. Senators.
In other words, the legislature’s balance of power can change drastically based solely on the results of this year’s election.
The two chambers of Congress are responsible for creating, debating and passing federal laws. They also establish the federal budget, determining tax rates and allocating funding for programs, agencies and projects. If and how the balance of power shifts within the House and Senate following an election can either help facilitate the current administration’s agenda or result in legislative gridlock.
Midterm elections can also provide early forecasts of approval ratings and what trends may be building for the next presidential election, making them a crucial barometer for the major parties as they begin to shape their campaigns.
for that party’s candidates.
Ballots in Berks County will include the following offices:
• Governor
• Lieutenant Governor
• Representative in Congress
º 4th District
º 6th District
º 9th District
• Senator in the General Assembly
º 24th District
º 44th District
º 48th District
• Representative in the General Assembly
º 5th District
º 99th District
º 124th District
º 126th District
º 127th District
º 128th District
º 129th District
º 130th District
• Member of State Committee
º Democratic
º Republican
• Member of County Committee (By Precinct)
º Democratic (Committeeperson)
º Republican (Committeeman, Committeewoman and Committeeperson)
Once finalized, sample ballots for each precinct will be available on our website: www.berkspa.gov/elections.
half of the state senators during the mid-term.
The Governor is Pennsylvania’s top elected official and is responsible for overseeing state agencies and departments, approving legislation and submitting the annual state budget. And much like their federal counterparts, state representatives and senators draft and vote on state-level legislation, approve the state’s budget and oversee the Governor and executive branch.
By understanding what’s at stake during the midterm, voters can make informed decisions and influence the direction of the government when they cast their ballots.
Important Dates for the 2026 General Primary
Last day to register to vote: May 4 Register to vote at www.vote.pa.gov/register
Last day to apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot: Apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot at www.vote.pa.gov/ apply-mail-in
All voted mail-in and absentee ballots must be received by the Berks County Office of Election Services by 8 p.m. on Election Day to be counted. Ballots can be sent via mail or dropped off in the office or one of the county’s drop boxes.
Election Day: May 19
Polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Find your polling place at www.vote.pa.gov/polls
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A NEW CHAPTER FOR BERKS BOOK BONANZA
By Emily Montagna, Community Relations Coordinator, Berks County Public Libraries
Berks Book Bonanza has long been considered a Berks County favorite, drawing thousands of people from the surrounding area and beyond for more than 50 years. Its success can be attributed in part to the insatiable reading appetite of bibliophiles looking to secure a great deal on their next title, but the annual gently-used book sale hasn’t been without challenges.
The Sale Must Go On
Berks Book Bonanza has a longstanding history within Berks County, first beginning its operation in 1974 within the former Pomeroy’s Department Store located in the City of Reading. The book sale staple had a humble beginning, raising roughly $1,000 in its opening sale, as remembered by its founder, Pat Hummel.
What began as a small idea grew substantially over the years as volunteers from the American Association of University Women
(AAUW) Reading Branch and later Friends of Berks County Public Libraries helped bolster the sale’s success.
Since its creation in 1974, the sale has repeatedly looked for places to call home, moving more than a half-dozen times over the last five decades. But whether sale organizers planned for a pop-up sale, like at the Leesport Farmer’s Market, or had a more permanent location to set up shop, like the Vanity Fair Outlets, this volunteer-run organization never called it quits.
Following the sale’s highest grossing event in 2021 at just over $100,000, things were looking up. That is, until its temporary lease at the Berkshire Mall expired and the sale found itself homeless once again.
But organizers never gave up hope, and shortly after it departed from the Berkshire Mall, the sale received a generous offer: a
place to call home at the Berks County South Campus.
A New Place to Call Home
The Berks County commissioners extended a helping hand to the local fundraiser by offering a more permanent space at the Berks County South Campus building in Mohnton. Sale organizers were able to settle into their new home after building renovations were completed in 2024.
Allen Westbrook, Book Bonanza volunteer and head of the Search Committee, expressed immense gratitude to the commissioners and the Chief Operations Officer team for their kind offer of support.
After canceling the sale in the two years prior, the fundraiser’s volunteer base stepped up to the plate to organize and hold a mini sale just three months after moving into the new space—a challenge
that was also answered by benevolent donors within the community who dropped off all of the gently-used materials to outfit the sale.
Though branded as a mini sale, the 2024 Berks Book Bonanza fundraiser was able to distribute an impressive, combined total of $40,000 to the Friends of Berks County Public Libraries and AAUW Reading Branch.
The 2025 sale saw significant improvement as organizers took advantage of a full year of planning to return to the sale’s regular five-day schedule. The total sale distribution to local nonprofits: $80,000. Quite a feat when many items are priced at $2.00 or less.
But while the primary goal of the fundraiser is to provide financial gifts to local nonprofits, Berks Book Bonanza offers so much more to the local community.
A Community Cycle
Every year, the annual fundraiser welcomes thousands of eager shoppers ready to browse the stacks and collect their next great read, but the community benefits of the sale extend beyond the bookshelf.
Berks Book Bonanza is a volunteer organization that relies heavily on donated materials from the community to stock the supply of gently used books, movies, games, puzzles and more. Except for regular expenses for display tables, recycling, advertising and other miscellaneous costs, the remaining sale proceeds are distributed among two local organizations that, in turn, send these funds back into the community in the form of grants, scholarships, supplies and programs for public libraries.
The sale also provides a worthwhile outlet for many of the generous donors to clear out their closets and give back to the community.
This greatly benefits the environment by giving a second life to items that may have found their way to the neighborhood landfill. For donations that are heavily damaged by rips, stains and mold, sale organizers pay to recycle these items so they can be repurposed in an environmentally responsible manner.
And for the thousands of shoppers that come to the sale every year, Berks Book Bonanza aims to make these items available to the public at a low cost.
Thanks to the low sale prices, these items are affordable for many Berks families and those in the surrounding area.
This process is made possible through the tireless support of volunteers and the generosity of donors who help fully stock the sale every year while providing a second life to gently used books.
So, if you plan to stop by Berks Book Bonanza this July to fill your own home libraries, know that your purchases are helping to keep this community cycle moving forward.
Berks Book Bonanza 2026
July 8-July 12
400 E. Wyomissing Avenue, Mohnton 19540
Municipal News
Brecknock Township
www.brecknockberks.com
Brecknock Township - Berks encourages all to visit our Township’s website, www.brecknockberks.com. Here you can find our meeting agendas, permit applications, fee schedule, ordinances, current newsletter, upcoming events and contact information for the Township Office and Police Department. You can also follow us on Facebook.
Douglass Township
www.douglassberks.org
Get ready for community fun! Explore great finds at Douglass Township Treasures on May 16, 8:00 a.m.– 2:00 p.m., and mark your calendar for a spooktacular Trunk or Treat on October 21, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Don’t miss updates—download the Savvy Citizen app!
Fleetwood Borough
www.fleetwoodboro.com
The Fleetwood Rec Board is hosting their Sunday night concerts in the park from May 31 to July 5. The FACO is planning a parade on Sunday, June 28, to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary. Council meetings are held on the second Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Center.
Longswamp Township
www.longswamptownship.org
Upcoming Event: Swamp Fest Sat., June 13 at our Community Park. All-day event America 250 Ceremony, craft and food vendors, live bands, demonstrations, grand finale pyro musical firework display. Check out the America 250 Rock Garden. Follow Longswamp Township on Facebook and visit the township website to learn more.
Pike Township
www.piketownship.org
Please visit www.piketownship.org for all Pike Township information. Supervisors’ meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Residents are encouraged to attend.
Robeson Township
www.robesontownship.com
New for 2026! Robeson Township is hosting a Celebration Day at Gibraltar Park with lots of fun for the whole family! See our Facebook page and website for more details. Our Supervisors meet every 2nd and 3rd Thursday. We welcome community involvement at all our meetings. Our Ballfields and Pavilion bookings are filling up—make sure to reserve yours soon!
Union Township www.unionberks.org
Upcoming events to be held at Union Meadows, 100 Campbellford Rd, Douglassville: Beekeeping Event-May 2, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. (Rain Date May 3); Touch-a-Truck EventJune 6, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. (Rain Date June 7). Supervisors’ meetings are held on the third Thursday of every month at 7:00 p.m. Residents are encouraged to attend. Visit www. unionberks.org for more information.
Please visit www.UpperTulpehockenTownship.com for all Upper Tulpehocken Township & Strausstown Village information. Upcoming Strausstown VFC Breakfasts: May 10 & June 14. Mark your calendars for the 55th Annual Strausstown Car Show on September 13, 2026! Supervisor meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every month at 6:00 p.m. Residents are encouraged to attend.
Wernersville Borough www.wernersvilleborough.org
The Wernersville Borough offers local pizza shops, great places to shop for gifts and a small-town atmosphere. Our recently formed Recreation Board is always looking for volunteers for events. Please follow the Wernersville Borough on Facebook for updates and important information, and follow the Wernersville Borough Rec Board page for upcoming events!
West Reading Borough www.westreadingborough.com
West Reading Borough has matured into a thriving, walkable community with large trees shading residential streets. We are proud to be the very first Main Street Community in Berks County. Public art murals can be viewed from the Cherry Street Mural Corridor, “Dean’s Way.” What are some of your favorites?
Calling All Municipalities! If you have news you would like to publish in our Fall 2026 issue, please contact Jonathan Heintzman, Berks County Public Relations Officer, at JHeintzman@berkspa.gov for more information.
WE’RE MORE THAN BONES & JOINTS
We’re Berks County’s Best Choice for Specialized Orthopedics and Sports Medicine!
Trusted to Treat all Specialized Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Needs DISCOVER WHY
¡FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS, ESTADOS UNIDOS Y CONDADO DE BERKS!
Epor Jonathan Heintzman, Responsable de Relaciones Públicas del Condado de Berks
stados Unidos se acerca a su 250 aniversario y el condado de Berks está haciendo algo más que contar los días que faltan para el 4 de julio de 2026. Está contando una historia más larga, que se extiende desde los ideales fundacionales de Estados Unidos hasta las decisiones locales que dieron forma a la historia de Pensilvania y a la creación del propio condado de Berks. En el centro de esta iniciativa se encuentran dos grupos estrechamente alineados y liderados por el condado: el Comité America250PA Berks y el Comité Berks 275.
El Comité America250PA Berks trabaja en colaboración con America250PA, la organización estatal que coordina las celebraciones del 250 aniversario en todo Pensilvania. Estos dos grupos asociados llevan años promoviendo eventos educativos, culturales y
conmemorativos que destacan el papel del condado de Berks en la historia de Estados Unidos. Desde la agricultura y la industria hasta la fe, la inmigración y la vida cívica, el trabajo del comité refleja una visión amplia de la historiauna visión que pertenece a todos los habitantes de Pensilvania.
Al mismo tiempo, la planificación está muy avanzada para un acontecimiento histórico que es exclusivamente local. Se formó el Comité Berks 275 para guiar la celebración del 275 aniversario del condado, que conmemora el 11 de marzo de 1752, fecha en que la Asamblea General de Pensilvania estableció el condado de Berks. En lugar de trabajar de forma aislada, los dos comités han unido deliberadamente sus esfuerzos, creando una transición fluida de la reflexión nacional a la celebración local.
Un verano con un objetivo común
Esa colaboración se hará más visible en el verano de 2026. America250PA Berks y Berks 275 están creando sus propios eventos y actividades patrióticas mientras apoyan y mejoran los eventos comunitarios existentes. Este enfoque permite a las dos organizaciones llegar a las personas en los lugares donde ya se reúnen, como ferias, festivales, desfiles, museos y sitios históricos, reforzando temas comunes como la libertad, el servicio y la comunidad.
Durante la primavera y principios del verano, America250PA Berks participa en eventos como el Conrad Weiser Charter Day, el Día Nacional de la Agricultura, el Día de la Tierra en la ciudad de Reading, el AmericanaFest en el Centro de Patrimonio del Condado de Berks (Berks County Heritage Center)y los desfiles y conciertos del 4 de julio en todo el condado. Cada evento es una oportunidad para conectar la historia nacional con las historias del condado de Berks.
El momento culminante para America250PA Berks llega el 8 de julio de 2026, con la celebración de la Campana de la Libertad del condado de Berks frente al Centro de Servicios del condado de Berks. Diseñado como el evento oficial final de America250PA Berks, el programa incluye un toque ceremonial de campanas, lecturas de la Declaración de Independencia en varios idiomas, actuaciones musicales de la Ringgold Band y discursos de los líderes del condado.
Es importante destacar que el evento también es una entrega simbólica. America250PA Berks, tras haber cumplido su propósito, dejará de existir y toda la atención se centrará en Berks 275 y en el próximo aniversario de nuestro condado.
Pasando la página a Berks 275
El Comité Berks 275 se compromete a crear un legado duradero a través de asociaciones estratégicas con el Centro de Historia de Berks y la Oficina de Turismo de Reading y el Condado de Berks. En lugar de añadir un año de nueva programación, estamos colaborando con el Centro de Historia y la Oficina de Turismo, así como con bibliotecas, escuelas, instituciones culturales, socios municipales, grupos de veteranos, líderes agrícolas y profesionales del turismo para celebrar el patrimonio del condado de Berks de una manera memorable y significativa.
Entre los proyectos clave se incluyen los proyectos de vídeo Berks Reel Stories, una exposición especial sobre Berks 275 en el Museo Público de Reading, un libro conmemorativo sobre Berks 275 y una programación histórica y educativa ampliada a través del Sistema de Bibliotecas del Condado de Berks. El comité también está explorando celebraciones basadas en la fe, oportunidades de turismo patrimonial y una posible celebración de varios días en torno al 11 de marzo de 2027, la fecha oficial del aniversario.
Lo que une estos dos esfuerzos es el entendimiento compartido de que la historia no se limita a los libros de texto o a los aniversarios. Vive en los lugares donde se reúnen las personas, en las instituciones en las que confían y en las historias que transmiten.
Al alinear America250PA Berks con Berks 275, los líderes y voluntarios del condado garantizan que el papel del condado de Berks en la historia de Estados Unidos no solo se recuerde en 2026, sino que se extienda hasta 2027 y más allá. Los esfuerzos de estos grupos invitan a los residentes a reflexionar no solo sobre los orígenes de la nación, sino también sobre cómo el condado de Berks ha contribuido a moldear su trayectoria durante 275 años.
PRÓXIMOS EVENTOS DE AMERICA250PA BERKS &
BERKS 275
America250PA Berks: Lo más destacado de 2026
• 2 de junio – Evento en Daniel Boone Homestead
• 5-7 de junio – Fin de semana de la Segunda Guerra Mundial – Museo Aeronáutico del Atlántico Medio (Mid-Atlantic Air Museum) y Aeropuerto de Reading
• 20 de junio – AmericanaFest, en el Centro del Patrimonio del Condado de Berks (Berks County Heritage Center).
• 27 de junio – Celebración del 250 aniversario colonial – Daniel Boone Homestead
• 4 de julio – Desfile del 4 de julio de Wyomissing
• 4 de julio – Espectáculo Star-Spangled con la RSO y fuegos artificiales – Berks County Fairgrounds
• 8 de julio – Celebración de la Campana de la Libertad del Condado de Berks –Centro de Servicios del Condado de Berks
Berks 275: Eventos 2026-2027
• 31 de diciembre de 2026 – Celebración oficial del inicio del “275.º aniversario”
• Enero de 2027 – Inauguración de la exhibición Berks 275 en el Museo Público de Reading
• 11 de marzo de 2027 – Celebración del 275.º aniversario del condado de Berks
• 14 de marzo de 2027 – Conrad Weiser Homestead Charter Day
• 2 de octubre de 2027 – Celebración tentativa del día 275 del año
Por: Stephanie Nojiri, subdirectora, Oficina de Servicios Electorales
El ciclo electoral de 2026 se refiere con frecuencia como las elecciones “intermedias.” Esta expresión se basa en la fecha de las elecciones de noviembre, que se celebran justo antes de que se cumpla la mitad del período de cuatro años del presidente actual. Y aunque los resultados de las elecciones intermedias no afectan quién está actualmente en la Casa Blanca, pueden tener un enorme impacto en la capacidad del presidente para implementar políticas.
Durante las elecciones intermedias, los votantes de todo Estados Unidos determinarán la mayoría del Congreso, eligiendo a la totalidad de los 435 miembros de la Cámara de Representantes y a un tercio de los 100 senadores de Estados Unidos. En otras palabras, el equilibrio de poder en la legislatura puede cambiar drásticamente basándose únicamente en los resultados de las elecciones de este año.
Las dos cámaras del Congreso son responsables de crear, debatir y aprobar las leyes federales. También establecen el presupuesto federal, determinan las tasas impositivas y asignan fondos para programas, agencias y proyectos. Si el equilibrio de poder cambia dentro de la Cámara y el Senado después de una elección, y de
qué manera lo hace, puede ayudar a facilitar la agenda de la administración actual o resultar en un estancamiento legislativo.
Las elecciones intermedias también pueden proporcionar pronósticos tempranos sobre los índices de aprobación y las tendencias que pueden surgir para las próximas elecciones presidenciales, lo que las convierte en un barómetro crucial para los principales partidos a medida que comienzan a dar forma a sus campañas.
Legislatura estatal
Además de todos los cambios en la legislatura federal, los votantes de Pensilvania también elegirán al próximo gobernador, a los 203 miembros de la Cámara de Representantes de Pensilvania y a la mitad de los senadores estatales durante las elecciones intermedias.
El Gobernador es el principal funcionario electo de Pensilvania y es responsable de supervisar las agencias y departamentos estatales, aprobar la legislación y presentar el presupuesto anual del estado. Al igual que sus colegas federales, los representantes y senadores estatales redactan y votan leyes a nivel estatal, aprueban
y al poder ejecutivo.
Al comprender lo que está en juego durante las elecciones intermedias, los votantes pueden tomar decisiones informadas e influir en la dirección del gobierno cuando emiten su voto.
Fechas importantes para las Elecciones
Primarias Generales de 2026
Último día para registrarse para votar: 4 de mayo
Regístrese para votar en www.vote.pa.gov/register
Último día para solicitar una papeleta de voto por correo o una papeleta de voto en ausencia: 12 de mayo
Solicite una papeleta de voto por correo o una papeleta de voto en ausencia en www.vote.pa.gov/apply-mail-in
Todas las papeletas de voto por correo y las papeletas de voto en ausencia deben ser recibidas por la Oficina de Servicios
Electorales del Condado de Berks antes de las 8 p. m. del día de las elecciones para que sean contadas. Las papeletas pueden enviarse por correo postal o entregarse en la oficina o en cualquiera de los buzones del condado.
Día de las elecciones: 19 de mayo
El horario de votación es de 7 a. m. a 8 p. m. Encuentre su lugar de votación en www.vote.pa.gov/polls.
En la papeleta de votación
La papeleta de votación de las elecciones primarias generales de 2026 incluye principalmente cargos federales y estatales, con la contienda por la Gobernación al frente de la papeleta. Las únicas contiendas a nivel de condado son los cargos de los comités demócrata y republicano del condado.
Durante las elecciones primarias, los votantes eligen a los candidatos de su partido para postularse en las Elecciones Generales de noviembre. Las candidaturas para los cargos del Comité Estatal y del Condado solo aparecerán en las papeletas de las elecciones primarias, ya que son específicas de cada partido. Pensilvania lleva a cabo elecciones primarias cerradas, lo que significa que solo los miembros registrados del partido pueden votar por los candidatos de ese partido.
Las papeletas de votación del condado de Berks incluirán los siguientes cargos:
• Gobernador
• Vicegobernador
• Representante en el Congreso
º 4. º distrito
º 6. º distrito
º 9. º distrito
• Senador en la Asamblea General
º 24.º distrito
º 44.º distrito
º 48.º distrito
• Representante en la Asamblea General
º 5.º distrito
º 99.º distrito
º 124.º distrito
º 126.º distrito
º 127.º distrito
º 128.º distrito
º 129.º distrito
º 130.º distrito
• Miembro del Comité Estatal
º Demócrata
º Republicano
• Miembro del Comité del Condado (por distrito electoral)
º Demócrata (miembro del comité)
º Republicano (miembro masculino del comité, miembro femenino del comité y miembro del comité)
Una vez finalizadas, las papeletas de votación de muestra para cada distrito electoral estarán disponibles en www.berkspa.gov/elections.
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