Latest news with #BILLUHRICH
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Wyomissing salutes, remembers the fallen at parade, ceremony
Wyomissing held its Memorial Day Parade & Remembrance Ceremony on Saturday. The grand marshal was Wyomissing's own Chris Kaag, a Marine Corps veteran and community leader. The parade through Wyomissing Hills included Scouts, community groups honoring World War II and Vietnam War veterans, military groups, musical performances, youth sports teams and area emergency services. A Remembrance Ceremony was held at the War Memorial in Wyomissing Hills Memorial Park. World War II veterans are honored during the Wyomissing Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony on Saturday, May 24, 2025. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)The Reading Buccaneer Alumni march during the Wyomissing Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony on Saturday, May 24, 2025. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)World War II veterans are honored during the Wyomissing Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony on Saturday, May 24, 2025. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)The Berks County Chapter of the Harley Owners Group rides during Wyomissing Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony on Saturday, May 24, 2025. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)Kaleb Kistler, 3, of Bernville waits to watch his dad Kevin march with the Sons of Liberty during the Wyomissing Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony on Saturday, May 24, 2025. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
German exchange students visit Reading's City Hall
Exchange students from Reading's sister city, Reutlingen, Germany, learned about Reading's government Thursday during a visit to City Hall. The 11 students, ages 15 to 17, represented two of Reutlingen's schools, Johannes-Kepler-Gymnasium and Friederich-List-Gymnasium. In the German education system, a gymnasium prepares students for a university education and is considered the most academically rigorous of the three secondary school types. The later school bears the name of the German entrepreneur, diplomat, economist and political theorist Frederich List, whose legacy unites his native Reutlingen with Reading, where he lived temporarily and edited the German-language newspaper Reading Adler from 1826 to 1830. The German youths and their teachers, Heike Spiegelhalter and Corina Goesswein, got a brief lesson on Reading's history and government from City Council President Donna Reed and Councilor O. Christopher Miller. German exchange students from Reutlingen line up for lunch during a tour at Reading City Hall on Thursday, May 1, 2025. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) Following a lunch reception in Council Chambers, they engaged in a round table discussion of American-European relations. The student exchange program began in 2002 as part of the sister-city partnership formed by Reading and Reutlingen more than a quarter-century ago. Students from each city live with an exchange family for two weeks, attend classes and learn about the other's culture The program is coordinated on the local side by Reading High School teachers Krystal Riegel Martinez and Kate Perkins, who escorted several Reading high schoolers to Reutlingen in October. German exchange students from Reutlingen Jule Zieger, left, and Johanna Gorlach, both 16, talk about their experience so far in Berks County during a tour and lunch at Reading City Hall on Thursday, May 1, 2025. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) The Reading students were hosted by the families of the German students now visiting Reading. 'We got to be friends,' said Jule Ziefer and Johanna Gorlach. The 16-year-olds, who attend the Kepler school, spent the morning at Reading High School, Ziefer said, and were surprised by the size of the school and number of students. Their school, with grades equivalent to fifth through 12th in the U.S., has about 1,000 students, they said, comparing it to Reading High's four grades and about 5,000 students. The group will use Reading as a base for the next two weeks. During that time, they will make day trips to Harrisburg, Philadelphia, Washington and New York.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Yahoo
Berks police officers honor their fallen in somber ceremony
Law enforcement members and their supporters gathered Friday afternoon at the Berks County Heritage Center in Bern Township for a solemn service to honor their fallen colleagues. The Police Memorial Service is conducted by the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 71 at the police monument, the base of which is etched with the names of members who made the ultimate sacrifice. 'This memorial serves as a central place where our brothers and sisters who served in law enforcement in Berks County have a place to come together as one,' said Joseph M. Brown, lodge president. 'It serves as a reminder to all who visit this beautiful park, the sacrifices that were made by these officers. Joseph M. Brown, president, speaks during the Berks Lodge #71 Fraternal Order of Police Memorial Service at the Berks County Heritage Center on Friday, May 2, 2025. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) 'To the families here today, your loved one stood for something greater than themselves. They wore the badge, not for recognition or for praise, but because they believe in protecting others and standing up when others step back, and in serving with integrity, courage and heart.' Brown said two of the names added to the monument this year were Reading police officers who died by suicide. 'They stood with us in our deepest moments and carried burdens few of us can truly understand,' he said. 'It is never easy to speak at times like this, especially when we lose someone, not in the line of duty, but to an internal battle too often fought in silence. 'Their deaths are a heartbreaking reminder that the wounds our officers carry are not always visible, the weight of the job, the things seen and felt, the unspoken expectations to stay strong. can all become overwhelming.' During the ceremony, Lt. Sean Fullerton of the Exeter Township police department slowly read the names of the fallen as the memorial was surrounded by the Berks FOP honor guard, color guard and a squad of police officers who marched in unison from the parking lot. The police honor guard marches to the memorial during the Berks Lodge #71 Fraternal Order of Police Memorial Service at the Berks County Heritage Center on Friday, May 2, 2025. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) Family, friends and former colleagues of the fallen grabbed red carnations and placed them at the monument as bagpipers and drummers played 'Amazing Grace.' Carnations were placed by family members honoring police officers during the Berks Lodge #71 Fraternal Order of Police Memorial Service at the Berks County Heritage Center on Friday, May 2, 2025. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) * The police honor guard marches to the memorial during the Berks Lodge #71 Fraternal Order of Police Memorial Service at the Berks County Heritage Center on Friday, May 2, 2025. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) * Joseph M. Brown, president, speaks during the Berks Lodge #71 Fraternal Order of Police Memorial Service at the Berks County Heritage Center on Friday, May 2, 2025. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) * Joseph M. Brown, president, speaks during the Berks Lodge #71 Fraternal Order of Police Memorial Service at the Berks County Heritage Center on Friday, May 2, 2025. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) * Lt. Sean Fullerton o fthe Exeter Township police department reads the names of the officers on the memorial during the Berks Lodge #71 Fraternal Order of Police Memorial Service at the Berks County Heritage Center on Friday, May 2, 2025. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) * The Berks Lodge #71 Firing Detail offers a rifle salute during the Fraternal Order of Police Memorial Service at the Berks County Heritage Center on Friday, May 2, 2025. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) * Carnations were placed by family members honoring police officers during the Berks Lodge #71 Fraternal Order of Police Memorial Service at the Berks County Heritage Center on Friday, May 2, 2025. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) Show Caption 1 of 6 The police honor guard marches to the memorial during the Berks Lodge #71 Fraternal Order of Police Memorial Service at the Berks County Heritage Center on Friday, May 2, 2025. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) Expand
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Earth Day celebration in full bloom at City Park in Reading
Midday was way past bedtime for Zeus, but he couldn't resist an afternoon snack. Zeus, a hoary bat, rose from his nocturnal slumber to enjoy a few daytime mealworms and the adoration of a small crowd at City Park in Reading Saturday afternoon. Steph Stronsick from the Pennsylvania Bat Conservation and Rehabilitation Center in Rockland Township holds Zeus, a hoary bat, during a program on bats during Earth Day activities in Reading City Park on Saturday, April 26, 2025. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) Visiting Zeus and other bats was the reason Rosie Sparrow made the trip to the annual Berks County Earth Day celebration. 'He's so cute!,' Sparrow, 9, of West Lawn said of Zeus. Rosie Sparrow, 9, of Bernville photographs Zeus, a hoary bat, during Earth Day activities in Reading City Park on Saturday, April 26, 2025. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) Zeus was found several years ago in York Township, according to the bat's handler, Steph Stronsik of Pennsylvania Bat Conservation and Rehabilitation, Rockland Township. Hoary bats, which are native to Pennsylvania, have had their population devastated by wind turbines, Stronsik said. Other issues facing the area's bats include deforestation and white nose syndrome, a deadly fungal disease, she said. Elsewhere in the park, what appeared to be a small flock of white geese bobbed atop the heads of a group of friends. Beverly Leviner of Bern Township said she found the geese hats and wanted to wear them to show support for snow geese. The birds' populations have been affected by a resurgence in avian flu. She said she often visits the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area in Lancaster County. The site is visited by as many as 100,000 snow geese during their annual migration in late winter. 'It would be nice to have people go see them and take an interest,' Leviner said. Beverly Leviner of Bern Township wears a snow goose hat to call attention to the avian flu and its effects on the geese during Earth Day activities in Reading City Park on Saturday, April 26, 2025. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) Leviner's geese weren't the only accessories with flair at the park — between the booths, a pair of dancers donned winglike scarves, dipping and twirling in synch. Dancer Autumn Crane said her group, JCWK Dance Labs, uses interpretive dance to work through complex and often painful emotions. The group recently was at Alvernia University for a performance and discussion on the aftermath of gun violence. Crane, a physical therapist, said she uses dance to help victims of diseases like Parkinson's and conditions that cause dementia. The art form can assist them in working through their symptoms. 'I'm teaching them to 'burst' dopamine through fun fitness,' Crane said. She said she's working with local nonprofit groups to have disability-accessible paths for walking meditation exercises, possibly at City Park and other local recreation areas. Curious eventgoers swung by dozens of booths where local companies and nonprofits shared Earth Day exhibits and introduced themselves to community members. One booth sported bags of sticks, boughs and other carefully chosen plant material, which kids were using to make crafts. The plants in the bags were all native to the area, with the goal of the activity being to introduce people to the benefits of local flora, according to Jenny Wright, who was working the booth for the Pennsylvania Native Plant Society. Wright warned of the threats invasive, non-native plants can pose to local ecosystems. 'Some (invasive plants) are very popular; people still plant them,' Wright said. She said invasive plants like Norway maple, English ivy and Japanese wisteria can grow and reproduce quickly and may not be as susceptible to local pests and diseases, making it easy for them to outcompete the native species that the ecosystem relies on. Wright was also handing out native plant seeds and providing lists of native plant nurseries. Jenny Wright of Barto, a Pennsylvania Master Naturalist, talks about native plants during Earth Day activities in Reading City Park on Saturday, April 26, 2025. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) The event featured a citywide cleanup in the morning, followed by a ceremonial tree planting along with performances by local bands throughout the day.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Reading's Dominicans mourn those killed in the nightclub disaster
The atmosphere was somber, yet hopeful, Tuesday night as members of Reading's Dominican community gathered at City Hall to mourn the loss and celebrate the lives of the more than 200 killed when a roof collapsed at a nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. As of Monday, the death toll in the April 8 tragedy at the Jet Set nightclub had risen to 231. Another 200 or more were injured, according to Associated Press reports. 'I'd like to thank you all for being here and coming together as a community, united to support the mourning of the lost lives and the other victims that were affected,' said Councilwoman Vanessa Campos. Campos served as master of ceremonies for the memorial vigil, organized by the Dominican Association of Reading and held in Council Chambers due to the inclement weather. Reading City Councilwoman Vanessa Campos speaks during a vigil Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Reading City Council chambers in memory of those killed in a nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) About 200 area residents, many with Dominican ancestry, bowed their heads in a prayer led by the Rev. Andy Mercedes. They waved miniature Dominican flags and held battery-operated candles aloft as they joined Mercedes in singing the popular hymn Paz en la Tormenta, or Peace in the Storm. Participants also joined in spiritual songs led by musician George Garcia. Speakers at the event included Patricia Vazquez, president of the Dominican Association; Alexandra Peralta, a local community leader; Magisterial Judge Priscilla Campos; and state, county and city elected officials. Most spoke to the crowd in Spanish, without an interpreter. Reading Mayor Eddie Moran speaks during a vigil Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Reading City Council chambers in memory of those killed in a nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) Translating his speech to English, Mayor Eddie Moran, thanked the community for coming together in unity. 'Anybody that has heard of the loss of lives that occurred into the Dominican Republic, I think, will feel the pain,' the mayor said. 'You know, these are real lives that were lost, people who were dreamers, people who had history, people who have touched the hearts of many in the world.' Pastor Andy Mercedes sings 'Paz en la Tormenta' during a vigil Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Reading City Council chambers in memory of those killed in a nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) About 18,575 people in Reading identify as Dominican, according to the 2020 U.S. census. This makes Reading one of the top 25 cities with large Dominican populations. With such a large number, Council President Donna Reed said, it is likely that some of those living in Reading lost relatives, friends or acquaintances. Mourners gather during a vigil Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Reading City Council chambers in memory of those killed in a nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) 'I know many of you here must have personal stories about the awful tragedy that occurred,' Reed said, offering her condolences. 'We are all family; all one city.' It is particularly heartrending that such an immense tragedy occurred in the early days of spring, she said. It's a time for celebration, she said, when trees and flowers are blooming, the sun is warm and there is new hope all around. It is hard to comprehend such a staggering loss of lives, she said. But the community has come together to celebrate those lives with friendship, music and hope. Reed said she like to believe those killed in the tragedy are also celebrating in the heavens. 'Hopefully, we can in the midst all this terrible sorrow and sadness, think of the light, think of the rebirth,' she said. * during a vigil Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Reading City Council chambers in memory of those killed in a nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) * Mourners gather during a vigil Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Reading City Council chambers in memory of those killed in a nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) * Reading City Councilwoman Vanessa Campos speaks during a vigil Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Reading City Council chambers in memory of those killed in a nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) * during a vigil Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Reading City Council chambers in memory of those killed in a nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) * Reading City Councilwoman Vanessa Campos speaks during a vigil Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Reading City Council chambers in memory of those killed in a nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) * Reading Mayor Eddie Moran speaks during a vigil Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Reading City Council chambers in memory of those killed in a nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) * Pastor Andy Mercedes sings 'Paz en la Tormenta' during a vigil Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Reading City Council chambers in memory of those killed in a nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) Show Caption 1 of 7 during a vigil Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Reading City Council chambers in memory of those killed in a nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) Expand
