TassMania

Celebrating Women's History month

2009-02-24T15:37:00.000-05:00

In honor of Women’s History Month, The Southern Berks News is inviting readers to nominate women that have made a difference in their communities throughout the years.
Please nominate someone from The Southern Berks News’ coverage areas:
• Townships: Lower Alsace, Exeter, Amity, Union
• Other coverage areas include Amityville, Baumstown, Douglassville, Geigertown, Gibraltar, Jacksonwald, Kulptown, Limekiln, Reiffton, St. Lawrence, Stonersville and Yellow House.
Please mail your nominations to editor Heather Tassmer, 124 North Chestnut Street, Boyertown, Pa., or e-mail htassmer@berksmontnews.com. Write the woman’s name and why you are nominating her. Please also include your name, phone number and e-mail address.

Daniel Boone Middle School's "Cinderella"

2009-02-24T15:26:00.003-05:00

Check out Daniel Boone Middle School's production of "Cinderella" in March. Showtimes are as follows: March 12, 13, 14 at 7 p.m. and March 15 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 per person.
For tickets please send check or money order to:
Daniel Boone Middle School
1845 Weavertown Rd.
Douglassville, PA 19518
Attn: Mrs. Sanders

Daniel Boone High School will present the musical “Beauty and the Beast” in the auditorium March 20, 21 and 22. Showtimes are March 20 and 21 at 7 p.m. -- March 22 at 2 p.m. Price: $10 for adults, $8 for students and senior citizens. Special - Brunch with Belle on Sunday, March 22 @11:30 a.m. Price is $15 which includes the brunch and the show. First 200 people only. For ticket information, call 610-582-6100 or e-mail danielboonemusical@gmail.com.

Winter scenery in Southern Berks

2009-02-04T16:01:00.004-05:00

News photo by Heather Tassmer

Although winter storms can make driving treacherous, I can see the beauty that comes with snow and ice. Above is a photo I took recently at the Daniel Boone Homestead. I'm not the only one that was out that day. I saw several people walking their dogs.

Daniel Boone Homestead offers many programs for the community. For hours of operation and a schedule of events, visit the homestead's Web site, www.danielboonehomestead.org.

Church renovations

2009-02-04T15:48:00.004-05:00

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.

Berks-Mont Newspapers looking for freelancers

2008-12-09T15:31:00.005-05:00

Our newspaper group, Berks-Mont Newspapers, is looking for freelance writers. If you have a passion for news and writing, you should definitely think about working for Berks-Mont.

We are looking for freelancers that are interested in news and human interest stories. (We newspaper people call human interest stories features.) Having an interest in taking photos is a plus. It also helps if you live in one of the Berks-Mont coverage areas. (Visit www.berksmontnews.com to see all of the papers.)

Those who are interested can send resumes and writing clips to Heather Tassmer, The Southern Berks News, 124 North Chestnut Street, PO Box 565, Boyertown, PA 19512. You can also e-mail the information to htassmer@berksmontnews.com.

Howl-a-day bazaar

2008-12-09T15:28:00.001-05:00

This event is out of our area and I forgot to post it in my calendar of events. If you like dogs, especially Goldens, check this out:

If you’re into the holiday spirit, Golden Gateway is the place you want to be on Saturday, December 13th, Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue will host it annual Howl-a-Day Bazaar from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Reinholds, PA facility. Shoppers will enjoy a festive atmosphere, food, craft activities for kids and find unique gifts for all their 4-legged and 2-legged friends.
Pap’s Place, DVGRR’s exciting retail store, is fully stocked with many new items on display during the Howl-a-Day Bazaar. Choices include clothing, unique dog toys, holiday ornaments, greeting cards, jewelry and much more. Delicious food and drink will be available for purchase in the BLT food area. DVGRR’s Holiday Bake Sale will include tasty homemade treats and, prizes will be awarded to the winners of DVGRR’s 2nd Annual Human Holiday Cookie Contest. To enter the contest, contact volunteer@dvgrr.org.

In addition to December 13th, Pap’s Place will extend shopping hours throughout December on the following dates: Saturday, December 6, 10 a.m.-1 p.m; Friday, December 19, and Saturday, December 20, both days from 10 a.m.-2p.m.
Also happening at Golden Gateway on December 13th from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. will be Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue’s December Adopt-a-Golden Day. Many wonderful dogs are hoping to find their forever homes this holiday season. Adoptions will be made only to pre-approved applicants that day. However, visitors may see the Golden Retrievers currently available for adoption and fill out application forms on site. Contact dsbaker@dvgrr.org or call (717) 283-6332 for more information.
Since 1993, more than 2400 Golden Retrievers have been adopted through the 501c(3) non-profit organization. Golden Gateway is located at 60 Vera Cruz Road, between Adamstown and Reinholds, just 1.4 miles off Route 897 North. Detailed directions, information about Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue, adoption applications and profiles of the dogs currently available for adoption are available on the group’s website www.dvgrr.org, or by calling (610) 678-4981.

Exeter tile project

2008-12-09T15:22:00.002-05:00

Students, teachers and parents in the Exeter community have been working on a mosaic mural project that is becoming an addition the high school's stadium.

Thanks to teacher Kim Lopez, I was able to run a few photos this week.

The mosaic includes thousands and thousands of glass tiles to make the picture. It was neat hearing about the project in phone interviews but even more exciting see what it looks like.

It’s great to see projects like this that brings people together.

If you know of any school or community projects, please e-mail htassmer@berksmontnews.com.

Raw milk farm, students 'experiencing' homelessness

2008-12-02T15:33:00.002-05:00

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!

Exeter Township School District’s Site Acquisition Hearing

2008-11-25T15:19:00.001-05:00

In the Nov. 26 issue of The Southern Berks News, I wrote a story on the site acquisiton hearing. Unforunately, I didn’t have enough space to publish all of the useful information so I am placing it on my blog.
The site acquisition hearing covered three sites: Fairview Chapel Road, Faber Road and Greth Development properties. Information about these properties was provided by EI Associates.
The school board was scheduled to meet on Nov. 25 for a voting meeting. According to the agenda, Under Business Functions:
• It is recommended that the board of school directors approve submission of PlanCon Part C – Site Acquisition to the Pennsylvania Department of Education for review and approval. The school district is seeking reimbursement for site costs and is planning to acquire approximately 92 acres of land located along Boyertown Pike, Route 562, currently owned by Walter Greth for the purpose of constructing a new elementary school and for future needs of the district.

Fairview Chapel Road Property
Estimated cost: $5,920,000
Total acres: 68.38
Zoning: Light Industrial, schools by special exception
Accessibility: Good
Aesthetics: Future land use could conflict with school use
Characteristics: tree farm, rectangular parcels, Conrail railroad, flood plain
Legal: No known issues
Utilities: Adjacent to size
Availability: Unknown
Size: Approximately 38 acres in single parcel
Transportation: Limited traffic movement at Route 422, may require shifting students

Faber Road Property
Estimated cost: $1,150,000
Total acres: 76.31 (Divided by Faber Road)
Zoning: Rural district, schools by special exception
Accessibility: Fair
Aesthetics:Pleasant vistas, absences of traffic noise, open areas, wooded areas
Characteristics: Irregular shape, moderate to steep grades
Legal: No known issues
Utilities: Adjacent to site
Availability: Unknown
Size: Irregular parcel: 18.91 acres south side of Faber Road, 57.40 acres north of Faber Road
Transportation: Fair, nearby residential area

Greth Development Property (Also known as the Amber Hill Development)
Estimated cost: $3,950,000
Total acres: 105.84
Zoning: Rural district, schools by special exception
Accessibility: Fair to good
Aesthetics:Pleasant vistas, absence of noise, open fields, wooded areas
Characteristics:Irregular shape, moderate grades, existing pond, some wetlands
Legal: No known issues
Utilities: Adjacent to site
Availability: Owner willing to sell
Size: Irregular parcel
92.149 acres northwest parcel
16.684 wooded acres southeast parcel
Transportation: Good, no walkers

Advantages/disadvantages of sites

Fairview Chapel Road: Advantages
• Site bordered by and bisected by good road and good site lines
• Existing tree farm: some vegetation is worth retention
• Largest parcel of four sections: 36-acre site has gentle slope (the area of the tree farm)
• Site size provides for site flexibility and a future school

Fairview Chapel Road: Disadvantages
• No access to north and west of Fairview Chapel Road
• Approximately 8.5 acres of property is unusable because of location and flood plain
• Adjacent light industrial zoning could produce undesirable land uses close to school site
• Township sewage treatment plant within a half mile of school site
• High cost

Faber Road: Advantages
• Site size provides for site flexibility and a future school
• Located close to new growth area of district
• Site size provides for site flexibility and a future school

Faber Road: Disadvantages
• Sanitary sewer adjacent to site off of Schoffers Road, may require pump station for sanitary sewer
• Owner potentially unwilling to sell
• Site requires considerable grading to develop educational facilities
• Woods consume approximately 70 percent of site

Greth Development: Advantages
• Located close to new growth area of district
• Good road frontage
• Site size provides for site flexibility and a future school
• Owner willing to sell

Greth Development: Disadvantages
• Topography of site limits use of road frontage
• Site requires considerable grading to develop educational facilities
• Woods, wetlands and a pond consume more than 60 percent of site

Send in your Christmas greetings

2008-11-13T13:16:00.002-05:00

ABOVE PHOTO: Steph Weikel hangs out by the Christmas tree while reading our sister paper, The Mercury. Photo by Matthew Reichl

At the Boyertown office of Berks-Mont, the Christmas season started at the end of October when someone put up a tree in the production department. A bit early for that, yes I know. But now I think is the proper time to let readers know that we are welcoming Christmas greetings from offices and organizations. Send in pictures of your office all dressed in Christmas colors or with Christmas decorations to Heather Tassmer, htassmer@berksmontnews.com. You can also mail them in too. (See last post for address or find the address on page 4 of The Southern Berks News.) If you live in the Boyertown or The Connection coverage areas, you can send your greetings to Matthew Reichl or Antoinette Colon (same mailing address.)

The News welcomes letters to the editor about the election

2008-11-13T12:45:00.003-05:00

Was the election all you thought it would be? Are you satisfied with the results (national and local)? The Southern Berks News welcomes letters to the editor on the election and other topics.

I am glad our pet contest was a success and we had a lot of participation. I'd also like to hear readers voice their opinions on more serious topics like the election, taxes, schools and their local officials' decisions. Or hearing what you think about our newspaper would be fine too.

If you do write a letter to The Southern Berks News, please include your first and last name, town that you live in and phone number in case we have any questions. Letters can be sent to htassmer@berksmontnews.com or mailed to 124 North Chestnut Street, PO Box 565, Boyertown, PA 19512.

Election coverage

2008-11-11T10:28:00.003-05:00

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.

'Hot Dog' Lady wins contest

2008-11-11T10:23:00.002-05:00

"Hot Dog" Lady won the pet costume contest! Congratulations!

"Dragon" Smokey came in second.

For full coverage of the pet contest, turn to the Faces and Features page of The Southern Berks News this week.

Thanks to the contestants' owners and area voters that made this contest a success. I hope to conduct another contest like this in the near future.

An amusing comment

2008-11-04T20:14:00.003-05:00

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

Dragon Smokey is in the lead!!!!

2008-11-04T11:33:00.003-05:00

"Dragon" Smokey has taken the lead in The Southern Berks News' Halloween pet contest! Smokey has garnered 18 votes.
Here's a rundown of our other contestants:

• "Santa" Coco-16 votes
• "Hot Dog" Lady-13 votes
• "Pocahontas" Isabelle-3 votes

If you haven't been able to vote yet, don't stress. The deadline is Nov. 7. As long as we have the vote before midnight, the vote will count. Please only one vote per person.

And don't forget to vote today for president and local representatives!!!!!! You have until 8 p.m. My suggestion is don't wait until the last minute with that.

'Santa' Coco still leading

2008-10-30T12:30:00.000-04:00

"Santa" Coco of Douglassville is still leading in our polls! Coco has received 14 votes. "Dragon" Smokey is in second with 6 votes. "Hot Dog" Lady received 4 and "Pocahontas" Isabelle received 1. Remember you have until Nov. 7 to cast your vote. Please only vote once (one vote per person.) Thanks for your support! This has been a great contest so far!

P.S. Go Phillies! World Series 2008!

"Santa" Coco leading in the polls for pet contest

2008-10-29T11:11:00.002-04:00

"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

2008-10-28T11:34:00.002-04:00

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

2008-10-28T11:25:00.002-04:00

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.

Birdsboro art show experience

2008-10-21T13:19:00.002-04:00

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.

Exeter celebrates Homecoming

2008-10-14T12:12:00.003-04:00

Exeter Township School District celebrated Homecoming on Oct. 10. The Eagles played against Blue Mountain. Above, the Homecoming Queen Gabby Fundyga and Homecoming King Jake Hennessy smile during their victory. (Photo by Harold Hoch) For more photos, check out this week's Southen Berks News. There are pictures in the Sports section and on page 20 (back of Classifieds.) I am going to try to upload some photos onto the Berksmont Web site so people can get some copies.

Antietam students walk to school

2008-10-14T12:01:00.003-04:00

Antietam students from Mt. Penn Elementary Center took part in International Walk to School Day on Oct. 8. WalkBikeBerks, a Berks County organization, planned the event with school and other local officials. The walk started out at Redner's on Carsonia Avenue.

It was a chilly morning but a wonderful experience. I grew up in a rural area so walking to school was not an option for me. The kids were really excited about the event and so were the parents that participated. I met one parent that walked with her kids and a dog named Sadie. She told me she walks with the kids every day to school. She said they park at a certain street and her children's fellow classmates enjoy seeing Sadie.

It's great to see schools taking healthier steps to the future. Obesity is a real problem in our society and if there could be more days like the one on Oct. 8, it would encourage kids to be healthier and excercise. Several school officials told me that they are planning on having a walk in December and in the spring.

Schools recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2008-10-07T11:57:00.002-04:00

Schools recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month

As you may know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
During a volleyball game on Sept. 30, Exeter and Daniel Boone girls played while dressed in pink. The refs and spectators were also dressed in pink.
I really would like to do a feature in light of the observance and if you know of anyone I can talk to (a survivor), send me an e-mail: htassmer@berksmontnews.com.

Daniel Boone Homecoming Victory

2008-10-07T11:54:00.001-04:00

Go Daniel Boone! Daniel Boone beat Conrad Weiser during their Homecoming Game on Oct. 4.
In addition, Ryan Voerman was named Homecoming King and Nicole Zerr was named Homecoming Queen.
To purchase photos, visit www.berksmontnews.com. Click on Photo reprints on the left side.

Taz's Book Bits

2008-09-28T16:20:00.002-04:00

Yes, it's another blog about books.

Well, if you've been reading the paper, you will see I just wrote a review of Jennifer Weiner's "The Guy Not Taken." Like I said before, I have read "P.S. I Love You" and "Twilight." I haven't been able to write reviews just yet.

I am now reading Nora Roberts' "Angels Fall." It's kind of a murder mystery so far. It's pretty good.

After meeting Jodi Picoult a few weeks ago, I bought two of her books and will hopefully be reading those soon.

I guess you can tell that I like to read. I think the fall is a great time to read because the weather isn't as nice and it's getting chilly. It's a great time to snuggle up with a book.

I have a few different TV shows I like to watch ("The Office," "Project Runway") but on the nights those shows aren't on, I like to pick up a book. I read fairly fast and if it's a suspenseful book, I read even faster. Writing the reviews helps me to remember what I have read.

If you have any books that were exciting, fill me in! E-mail htassmer@berksmontnews.com or leave a comment on this blog.

Here comes more rain!