Latest news with #Wyomissing-based
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Berks officials celebrate upgrades at Reading Aviation
It was a rare situation for Berks County Commissioner Christian Leinbach. With a booming voice and ample experience speaking in public, it isn't often that he has trouble being heard. But standing behind a podium inside a cavernous hanger at the Reading Regional Airport Friday afternoon, his words struggled to reach the crowd sitting in front of him. As he began to speak, he was quickly drowned out by the roaring engines of an airplane taxiing nearby. Leinbach took the momentary interruption in stride. 'This is an airport, after all,' he said with a chuckle. Leinbach couldn't be too mad at the plane since having a busy airport is important to what he and other local leaders had gathered at the Bern Township airfield to celebrate. The airport authority held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of recent renovations to Reading Aviation that represent a $750,000 investment to enhance its service and infrastructure. 'It's been a long journey to get to this point and we still have a lot to do, but I think overall we are very pleased with how things have turned out,' airport director Zackary Tempesco said during the event. Since taking over as the sole provider of aviation services at the airport in January 2024, the authority that oversees it has been busy renovating and revamping the facilities it secured as part of the deal. The authority purchased the assets of two fixed base operations — the Reading Jet Center and Millennium Aviation — at the airport at a cost of about $14 million. The assets acquired in the deal included a 18,000-square-foot building located next to the main terminal that offers passenger and pilot lounges, office space and a conference room. It also came with more than 70,000 square feet of hangar space. State, county and airport officials cut a ribbon for the Reading Aviation facility ceremony on Friday, April 25, 2025. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) The operation provides fuel, aircraft maintenance and detailing, towing, cargo handling, planeside access and parking services. Those assets have been rebranded under the new moniker Reading Aviation. Tempesco said that as the sole fixed-base operator at the airport, Reading Aviation plays a vital role in supporting general aviation and driving economic activity throughout Berks County. He said the recent renovations further the overall mission to make the Bern Township airfield the best general aviation airport in the state. Tempesco noted a study conducted by PennDOT found the airport generates a total annual economic impact of about $78 million. But, he said, that figure could be even better with the moves they are making to attract commercial service and create more leasable hangar space. For instance, the airport authority granted approval earlier this year to proceed with the design of a 24,000-square-foot hangar that Wyomissing-based Gaming and Leisure Properties will lease from Reading Aviation. It is part of a larger $16 million project that will include the construction of three hangars. Leinbach, who serves as chairman of the airport authority, touted the ongoing turnaround at the airport since the county took a more active role in its operations. He said there had been a 20-year decline in usage of the airfield that prompted leaders to get involved. And that is no longer the case, he said. 'I'm so excited about the future of Reading Regional Airport,' he said. 'I appreciate everyone who is here to celebrate a new beginning as we move forward to become the best general aviation airport in the commonwealth.' The refurbished lounge area at the Reading Aviation facility on Friday, April 25, 2025. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
IM ABLE Foundation surpasses fundraising goals at Annual BASH
The IM ABLE Foundation raised more than $350,000 at its annual BASH fundraiser March 15 at the Alvernia Plex in Reading. The result far exceeded the organization's $250,000 goal. The Wyomissing-based nonprofit organization helps individuals with disabilities participate in physical activity through grants for adaptive equipment and inclusive programs. A record 750 people registered for the event, which was staged with the support of 50 volunteers. The 2025 Community Motivator of the Year Award was presented to Peter and Marshia Carlino and their family in recognition of their support for IM ABLE since its inception in 2007. The 2025 Adaptive Motivator of the Year Award was presented to Chris Kaag, founder and chief motivational officer of IM ABLE. New this year was a Wheelchair BASH-ketball tournament. Teams of nondisabled players participated in a single-elimination exhibition tournament. The winning team, representing the Daniel J. Parzych Memorial Fund, advanced to face off against some of the best adaptive athletes in the region: members of the PA Lions, Katie's Komets, and Bennett Blazers wheelchair basketball teams. IM ABLE board Secretary Cindi Davis presented two life-changing pieces of adaptive equipment, providing a pair of athletes with the necessary tools to lead active lifestyles. Aiden Guzovsky, an adaptive athlete from Maryland, received a custom wheelchair. It will enable him to train, compete, and share his passion with his community. The wheelchair was funded by The Daniel J. Parzych Memorial Fund. Emily Nappi, a first responder who lives with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, received a Top End Force G Handcycle at the BASH. Just the next day, Nappi won first place in the Women's Handcycle category at the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon, using her new handcycle. Nappi shared her gratitude, saying: 'I am incredibly honored and grateful to receive this handcycle. When I became disabled and lost my career as an EMT, I felt like I had lost a part of myself. Adaptive sports gave me the chance to reclaim my identity — not just as an athlete, but as someone who thrives on a challenge and adrenaline. This handcycle is not just a bike — it's freedom, possibility, and a new beginning. It's empowerment to pursue my life again, and it's a reminder that independence cannot occur without community. Thank you to everyone who made this possible, because of you, I and so many others can keep chasing goals and proving that together, we go further.' 'The success of the 2025 BASH fundraiser highlights the powerful impact of the community's support and strengthens the IM ABLE Foundation's mission to equip adaptive athletes with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed,' foundation CEO Alex A. Pilkington said. 'IM ABLE is deeply grateful to all the sponsors, volunteers, donors, and supporters whose contributions made this event a remarkable success.' More information on IM ABLE is available at The 2025 BASH held a wheelchair basketball tournament. Teams of non-disabled players, comprised of sponsors and community members, participated in an exhibition tournament. (Courtesy of Katie Kaag, Kaag Kreative)Brantlee, a young wheelchair user whose life was changed by a car accident, will receive a custom-fitted chair to enhance his wheelchair basketball performance, thanks to a portion of the funds raised at the BASH. (Courtesy of Katie Kaag, Kaag Kreative)IM ABLE Foundation founder and Chief Motivational Officer Chris Kaag and his son Carter watch the video at the organization's BASH fundraiser, with the Marine Corps Color Guard in the background. Kaag received an award at the event. (Courtesy of IM ABLE Foundation)
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Discovery Federal Credit Union holds diaper drive for homeless families
Discovery Federal Credit Union recently held a diaper drive to support the families seeking aid from Opportunity House. The credit union was able to collect and donate an essential supply of diapers in sizes 4, 5, and 6, helping meet the immediate needs of families at the Opportunity House shelter on Eckert Avenue in Reading, Discovery said in a press release. Opportunity House, which offers temporary housing to individuals and families facing homelessness, had reached out to the community for help with diaper donations for their youngest residents. The Wyomissing-based credit union's members answered the call with remarkable enthusiasm, Discovery said. 'We are proud to be able to support Opportunity House and their mission to assist those in need. Diapers are an essential, yet often overlooked, need for families staying in temporary housing,' Michele Smith, president and chief executive officer of Discovery Federal Credit Union, said in the release. 'We are thrilled to have been part of this effort, thanks to the outpouring of support from our members who made this donation possible.' The donated diapers will be distributed to families in need at the Eckert House, providing relief to parents who might otherwise struggle with the expense. Staff at Opportunity House expressed their gratitude for the community's support. 'The donation from Discovery Federal Credit Union will make a real difference for the families in our care,' Kris Batista, development specialist at Opportunity House, said in the release. 'We are so thankful for the generosity shown by Discovery's members, and we are excited to be able to provide these essential supplies to families who need them most.' The credit union said it plans to continue its efforts to help those in need, ensuring that families in the area have the resources they require to thrive.
Yahoo
17-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Airport, passenger rail service, fiscal responsibility among 2025 priorities for Berks commissioners
There's going to be a lot happening in Berks County this year. As is the case most years, the county government will be pretty busy trying to meet the needs of the community in 2025. Perhaps even a little more so than typical. Commissioners Christian Leinbach, Michael Rivera and Dante Santoni Jr. took some time during an operations meeting Tuesday morning to lay out their priorities for this year. Here is some of what they had to say. Leinbach prioritizes finances, local airport, passenger rail Berks County Commissioner Christian Leinbach is shown in this file photo. (BILL UHRICH — READING EAGLE) Practicing fiscal responsibility: Leinbach said the county leadership team has done its best to craft reasonable spending plans that highlight the priorities of the county. While no one wants to raise taxes, he said implementing incremental increases like the nearly 9% increase in 2024 and 8% in the latest budget is more responsible than kicking the can down the road and eventually having a massive hike. Leinbach said he believes the recent tax increase was necessary. He pointed out that since he first took office in 2008 the rate of inflation has increased by nearly 50%, and the county has raised taxes by just under 20% during that same time. 'We are still way below the cost of living, and that is what I celebrate,' he said. 'Not the fact that we had a tax increase but that our spending is dramatically lower than the rate of inflation.' Leinbach also noted that from 1995 to 2008 the county raised taxes three times: by 39% all at once, by 19% all at once and 34% all at once. He said that amounted to an increase of 92% over 10 years. But the inflation rate during that time was around 40%. Growing the Reading Regional Airport: Leinbach said he wants to make the Bern Township airfield the best general aviation airport in the state. He said the airport authority took the first step toward making that a reality last year by becoming the sole provider of fuel and other services at the airfield — a move it is allowed to make based on Federal Aviation Administration regulations. Leinbach noted a study conducted by PennDOT found the Reading airport generates a total annual economic impact of about $78 million. But, he said, that figure could be even better with the moves they are making to attract commercial service and create more leasable hangar space. For instance, the airport authority granted approval last week to proceed with the design of a 24,000-square-foot hangar that Wyomissing-based Gaming and Leisure Properties will lease from Reading Aviation. It is part of a larger $16 million project that will include the construction of three hangars. Restoring passenger rail service: Leinbach said the effort to restore passenger rail service from Reading to Philadelphia is rolling steadily forward. He said the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority has completed the first phase of a federal program that is providing a critical boost to the effort to restore train service and is on the verge of moving to the second phase. The second phase of the Corridor Identification and Development Program includes the development of a service plan that would examine ridership and revenue forecasts, capital programming and an operational analysis. It will also involve continuing negotiations with Norfolk Southern about using existing tracks. The service plan is just the beginning of what is likely to be a long process. Once the plan is complete, the next phase will include preliminary engineering to determine whether the project is feasible. If it clears that hurdle, the project will move onto the implementation phase that includes the final design. Rivera prioritizes fiscal responsibility, efficiency, local economy Berks County Commissioner Michael Rivera speaks during an event at Mi Casa Su Casa in this file photo. (READING EAGLE) Focusing on fiscal responsibility: Rivera said maintaining fiscal responsibility has been and will continue to be his top priority. He noted that the commissioners do not take raising taxes lightly, but it is sometimes necessary to ensure long-term economic stability. 'Fiscal responsibility is not just about whether or not we have tax increases,' he said. 'It is about the management of finances in a careful and responsible manner; it deals with making prudent decisions with taxpayer dollars; it is about having a sustainable budget year after year after year.' Rivera said he will continue to work with the Savings and Efficiency Team, which examines what can be done to make a positive financial impact now and in the future. One area of focus is how to implement technology to be more efficient and responsive. Improving county governance: Rivera said he is dedicated to making sure county employees are put in the best positions to serve the community. 'This is more than just staff training and development, because there is a lot more that goes into county government,' he said. River said there needs to be a focus on senior staff development, succession planning, staff training and growth development opportunities and making sure all departments run efficiently. 'How can we be more efficient at the department level?' he said. Rivera said the county needs to have a continuous learning and improvement mindset, always asking how it can make things better for the community. Promoting economic development: Rivera said he wants to continue building on the successes of IMAGINE Berks, a strategic action plan that will guide economic development efforts. He said the plan is a community initiative they hope will result in a positive impact — especially when it comes to the county's need for new housing and redeveloped housing that is accessible and attainable. Rivera said the county will be working with municipalities and its partners to identify ways to build housing units and improve existing housing in Berks. Santoni prioritizes transparency, public safety, agriculture Berks County Commissioner Dante Santoni greets voters outside the Wyomissing Library in this file photo. (BILL UHRICH -READING EAGLE) Promote transparency in the budget process: Santoni said the last thing he wanted to do his first year in office was vote for a tax increase but credited the commissioners for being transparent about why it was needed. He said the county provides certain things for residents like services for seniors, veterans, children and people with mental health issues. The county also has obligations to fund public safety, and a large amount is budgeted for the court system and law enforcement. 'In order to do the right thing, sometimes you have to take a little criticism,' he said. Santoni said he hopes the board can hold the line on taxes in the future but noted that is one of the only ways counties can raise the revenue needed to provide services. So in the meantime, he will continue to press state legislators to give counties alternatives to raise money such as imposing a local sales tax, as officials in Philadelphia and Allegheny counties are already allowed to do. Focusing on public safety: Santoni said he is looking forward to tackling issues that have to do with public safety. One of those is restoring the former Berks County Youth Detention Center in Bern Township. The county is in the process of partnering with Dauphin and Lehigh counties to reopen and operate the former center on County Welfare Road. The center opened in 1990. However, with decreasing numbers of juvenile offenders and an increased focus in the criminal justice system on restorative justice and putting juveniles in the least restrictive environment possible, it closed its doors in 2012. But with the recent increase in juvenile offenders and the statewide lack of space to detain them, there is a renewed need for the center. That's why the county is looking to breathe new life into it by addressing substantial repairs and upgrades it needs to be suitable to reopen. 'These are kids charged with serious crimes that we need to find a place for so that we can keep our community safe,' he said. 'I think this partnership with Dauphin and Lehigh counties will really provide benefits for us down the road when it comes to funding.' Advocating for the agricultural community: Santoni said he hopes to make progress on carrying out the goals outlined in a recently unveiled study to better understand the economic impact of the agricultural community and explore ways to support local producers. The study, titled Growing Berks, is the culmination of a yearlong process involving a diverse group of farmers, agribusinesses, local government officials and community members. It was developed from input from this group and information gathered in partnership with Maryland-based consultant firm Agricultural and Community Development Services. There are six main areas of focus outlined in Growing Berks: update existing farmland protection programs; expanding knowledge and awareness of career pathways in agriculture and its related fields; identifying and expanding training opportunities; supporting technology infrastructure; supporting market development; and increasing awareness of and access to financing resources.
