International Festival

This past Friday, Reading Area Community College held its annual International Festival at the Schmidt Training and Technology Center. The festival is sponsored by the colleges’ International club and has been an honored event for almost a decade. The event was open to all students and faculty. Community members were also invited.

Melisa Kabilizya, President of the International club headed of the Food Committee. She and other members recruited over ten local restaurants and caterers to supply a variety of ethnic foods for this event. Partakers of the festival were charged a small fee and given a plate, drink, and utensils. The food was arranged buffet style. Patrons were able to choose which foods they wanted and were allowed to fill their plates with as much food as they could hold. Once people had their food, they sat in the dining hall which was beautifully ornamented with national flags and cultural regalia. The ambiance was arranged by Mandy Schneider, vice president of the International club, and the decorating committee. Earth Rhythms of West Reading opened the show with a large drum circle. Students and faculty alike participated and enjoyed the instruments and instruction provided by Mark Seaman of Earth Rhythms. RACC students went on to perform an array of entertainment representing Italy, Viet Nam, Tanzania, Canada, Egypt, Bulgaria, Venezuela, Jamaica, Germany, Kenya, India, and Zambia. Song and dance filled the air as folks enjoyed their food. Jesselle Rodriguez, head of the entertainment committee, hosted the event. The festival was a huge success with a few hundred people turning out for this day of cultural celebration. The International Club at RACC has upcoming events throughout the year. On October 22nd they will be hosting a Hispanic festival and on November 19th a European festival. In the spring they will also have an African, Asian, and Caribbean festival. For more information call Jill Melones at # 610-372-4721 ext. 5259

World Renown Artist Comes to Goggle Works

Brazilian artist, Jonas Dos Santos, is the features artist now at Goggle Works Center for the Arts. Jonas is a visual activist, using art as a venue for ecological education. For over thirty years, he has incorporated the application of recycled materials in a variety of genres such as performances, installations, murals, paintings, drawings, and sculpture. Jonas uses material traditionally discarded by most people. He has been known to use mattress stuffing, cardboard, computer parts, and a wide variety of societal waste to create the most beautiful and unusual pieces of art. Pictured here is Jonas holding a pair of old shoes refurbished with everyday cardboard to make a stunning pair of fashionable high-heels.

Jonas explained that his artwork is part of a tradition which began forty years ago, which is just now being appreciated for its value in our struggle to sustain an ecologically balanced world. “We cannot continue to be a throwaway society, we must utilize everything. Art is a perfect avenue for ecological intervention,” states Jonas.

Jonas went on to say that art is also a venue to get people together. “It is a means by which to take down barriers.” Jonas views his work and interactions with communities as a way to build relationships and “demystify cultural misconceptions.”

Jonas is an ‘artist in residency’, which means he will be living and working collaboratively with local residents in our community. He and his work are available to the public from now until October 12th at Google Works Art Center located at 201 Washington Street in Reading. He will be hosting an afterschool program and presenting free demonstrations for the duration of his stay. For more information contact Shannon Slattery at 610-374-4600.

Peace Begins at Home

A wish for world peace is a wish for local peace as well.

Today at the Pat Garrett Ampitheater in Strausstown a Peace Pole was planted as a testament to desired world peace.

A Peace Pole is hand-crafted and displays the message, "May Peace Prevail on Earth" in several different languages. There are more than 200,000 Peace Poles in 180 countries all over the world. A Peace Pole in our community links us with people all over the world who have planted their Poles in the same spirit of peace.

Different Generations of Artists Help One Another

Sharing of the Aztec Culture

Carmen Ortiz a local woman had arranged for of Aztec dancers and artists to give a free performance for the people of Reading. Unfortunately, Carmen was unaware of the need for a permit and insurance in order to hold an event in the park. With only two days before the scheduled event a desperate attempt was made to find a place for the dancers to perform. Ashley Hoke of Goggleworks arranged for a large studio and last minute promotions for the dance team, free of charge. It was a wonderful success. The Aztec dancers presented a variety of unique dances each relative to the elements of nature (air, water, fire, and earth). They were incredible. The dancers were accompanied by traditional drumming and a beautiful array of authentic Aztec art.

Carmen has a simple wish to share her culture. In the past, Carmen has held events at The Hispanic Senior Center, St. Joseph’s, and St. Peter’s churches. The name of Carmen’s group is called, “Aztlan.” Today at Goggleworks, she was accompanied by another Aztec group called, Ollin Yoliztli Calmecac, who is out of Philadelphia and New Jersey.

Carmen would like to start a local Aztec dance team here in Reading. She is looking for children and teens who are interested in learning both about the culture and dance.

For more information contact Carmen at # 484-529-3416 (Spanish speaking) For English contact Jose at # 610-374-7996

Chess: Not Just a Game

On a beautiful afternoon nestled under a shade tree in City Park, children play a friendly game of chess. Chess is a wonderful game. It is fun while at the same time teaches strategies which carry over to everyday life. In addition to learning and playing the game, the children are given an outlet to discuss issues concerning drugs, bullying, and other concerns affecting their lives.

Michael Reese, pictured in yellow, is the founder and coordinator for the Million Youth Chess Club. This "Summer Night Chess Program" is one of many which Mike coaches throughout the City of Reading. Mike is a well known community leader who facilitates chess programs in conjunction with the United Way, the Council on Chemical Abuse, and the Reading Police Department.

For more information about the Million Youth Chess Club contact Mike at # 610-373-3061 or mikeree6@aol.com and visit: www.millionyouthchessclub.org

Times and locations for club meetings are located on the Berks Unity Solution Calendar.

Blacktop and T.R.U.E

Story coming soon.

A Day in the Park

Thanks to the Berks Art Council, Friday nights are free concert nights at City Park. People come from all corners of Berks County to enjoy an evening with friends, music, and open air.

Bernard Allison was last week's artist. Allison has toured with, Koko Taylor’s Blues Machine, Johnny Winter and, Stevie Ray Vaughan. Allsion’s style reflects a mix of traditional and modern blues influences in his music, including soul, funk, R&B and rock.

The genre of music changes weekly. For more information about this and other free concerts at City Park visit: http://www.berksarts.org/

Love Comes In All Colors

The young adults pictured here as well as others from around the community volunteered yesterday as "Silent Witnesses" at the Reading Pride Festival.

Silent Witness PA is an organization of gay and straight allies dedicated to providing a non-violent, non-confrontational buffer between participants in this and other similar festivals from protesters who condemn them. They are the PEACEKEEPERS.

Silent Witnesses are often strait individuals who simply believe in protecting the welfare of others. It is not the concern of a Silent Witness as to a person’s particular sexual preference, but rather to care and love others. What a wonderful concept to protect your fellow neighbors. Despite a few arrogant protestors, the Reading Pride Festival was enjoyed by all and a complete success thanks to the efforts of the Silent Witnesses and Reading Police.

For more information visit: www.SilentWitnessPA.org

Making Life A little More Enjoyable

The World Congress on Disabilities and WCD Expo came to The Greater Reading Expo Center this weekend. The Conference was a grand arena concerning issues facing the disability community from experts. Topics included Medicare, housing, civil rights, travel, and more. Individuals also had the opportunity to meet with disability associations and advocacies that are shaping disabilities policy. The Expo was a grand display of all of the latest products and services that are improving the lives of those with disabilities. Pictured here is a young lady who has little arm mobility and is confined to a wheelchair. She is playing a pinball machine with an adapter specifically designed for those with limited motion. The expo was not all fun and games. All the products and services which were on display assist the disabled in the day to day activities of living.

Getting Dirty Is All Part of Business

Henriette Alban and other members of Entrepreneurs' Connection, a group of local business owners, got together last week to give back to our community. Members donated both the plants and their time to beautify the lot located behind the main library at Wood and Franklin streets in Reading. This was their first EC civic project and a huge success. Members will be returning next week to add mulch, plant another tree, add additional plants, and mount their new banner.Library workers, and many visitors walk to the parking lot and past the new garden daily. They are thrilled that someone thought to invest in their environment. "Everyone was so friendly and sweet and thanked us for what we had done," said Henriette.

See the full video at: http://www.ecreferral.com/events.html

For more information about this organization visit: http://www.ecreferral.com/

Centre Park Historic District is Making History

The Centre Park Historic District is pleased to announce that This Old House magazine in it's July/August issue features the Centre Park Historic District as one of eight best places to buy an old house in the United States. The magazine editors picked the district as "Best Place for Fixer-Uppers" and said the reason to buy was that it is one of the Mid-Atlantic's most perfectly preserved historic neighborhoods. We are all excited and very proud of this national recognition. Attached are two press releases, one from This Old House and one from Centre Park. Also in todays Reading Eagle Berks & Beyond section is a very nice article about this honor.

Submitted by: Mike LauterExecutive DirectorCentre Park Historic District705-707 N 5th StReading, PA 19601 610-375-7860

More information about the district is available at http://www.centrepark.org/.

Locked Up for Life

It isn't everyday we see Community Leaders in pictured in jail, but Councilwoman Marsha Goodman-Hinnershitz , Cheryl Okafor of M.A.L.I and many other upstanding business people in Berks County were rounded up over the last three days for the crime of caring. In all, over a hundred members in our community were arrested at thier jobs and taken to jail at The Works in West Reading. Cleryl and others desperately called thier friends to bail them out.

So why were these poor people put in jail? The truth is these folks were helping to raise money for a good cause. All the money donated for bail went to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. This is an amusing, but effective progam which began about in the early 1970's and is replicated throughout the Country. People can secretly volunteer individuals to be arrested. The arrestees are notified of thier pending doom weeks prior to the actual arrest. On the day of thier incarceration, these individuals are presented with a warrant and poached from thier places of employment. They are then escorted via limousine to The Works where they are photographed behind bars. I was told these folks were only given bread and water when they arrived at The Works. The truth is The Works provided everyone involved in this endeavor with a bounty of food. Everyone had a good time and the Muscular Dystrophy Association raised an enormous amount of money. What a wonderful idea! Thank you Marsha, Cheryl, and eveyone for taking time out of your busy day to go above and beyond the call of duty to help others in need.

Kristen Brown served as judge for this event.

If you would like more information about this project, would like to have someone arrested, or would like to contribute please contact MDA at # 610-391-1977

Happy Homeowner

Loretta, mother of Elias Reies cames home to find a freshly painted house and a brand new porch thanks to the collaboration of the"Southeast Peoples Voice" neighborhood group and Neighborhood Housing Services. Loretta was overwhelmed with gratitude as she reached out gave a huge hug Jackie Johnson. Jackie and Joe Forbes pictured behind her are two of the executive members of Southeast Peoples Voice, an extremely active and caring group of individuals. Every year Neighborhood Housing Services sponsors a project known as "Operation Facelift." Volunteers spend the day in a local neighborhood painting and repairing the exterior of homes in efforts to revitialize theses areas. Crystal Edwards of NHS spearheaded this years project. Also involved in this project were .... For more information on how to get your neighborhood involved call # 610-372-8433

Mission Accomplished

Earl Lucas, founder of the Afro-Latino drill team has mananged to achieve a goal where others often fail. Yesterday, June 21st, a large number of both African-American and Hispanic-American's joined together as Drill Teams and motorcycle groups paraded from Bear Park to the Goggle Works.

Getting two different cultures together is an achievment in itself. But as I stood waiting for the parade to start, one local woman described her experience at last years Afro/Latino Festival. She said that many people from this innercity community followed the parade as they advanced to the Goggle Works. This woman told me how if it were not for parade many of these local people would never had made thier way down to the Art Center. Goggle Works is also to be commended as they invited the community to explore all the fine arts and activities offered at this facility. The woman I spoke with told me how enjoyable this experience had been for her and her friends.

Earl not only brought two different racial cultures together, but managed to bring two different socio-economic culturals together as well. It was a wonderful experience for all those involved.

Berks Kids Pull It Together

The Dominant Soulja's Drill team shown in red had lost but all of three members to the summer months. With one night before the big parade, drill team captain, Shannan Sims, pulls kids together and practice through the long night hours to fulfill a promise made.

The band located in the forefront volunteers the day of the parade to help the drill team prepare by playing the drums for them. It is nice to know that kids from the far reaches of the County care enough to help one another, and despite the hardship kids keep thier word. Hats off to both groups of children, they are the example for adults to follow.

M.A.L.I Feeds the Neighborhood

Group of concerned teens from the Multicultural And Litercy Institute organized a food drive to feed disadvantaged members of thier local neighborhood. M.A.L.I. teens find great value in being active members in the community and bringing smiles to the faces of many.

This organization instills rites of passage in teen groups as a tool for reaffirming cultures, gaining self-knowledge, confidence-building, learning responsibility and teemwork. The journey of life is examined and exposed for its self-fufillment needs. The institute is designed for both peer and adult mentoring. In addition this organization has its own show on BCTV and offers many fun events such as bowling and dances to its members.

For more information or to get involved contact Cheryl Okofor at # 610-374-4088 or mailto:micharee6@aol.com

Living Art

New Mural comes to 6th and Franklin. The "Busted" youth group from Reading High School assisted local artists Ed Terrell, George Miller, and Miguel Guzman in portraying the joys of not smoking. The mural titled" Smoke Free" was also sponsored by the Daniel Torress Hispanic Center of Reading. This mural is truely unique in that all the children who worked on this project are immortalized within the mural itself.

Taking It to City HAll: Career Day Pilot Program

Today nine young people, ranging in age from 3-17, from various walks of life and cultures were brought together at City Hall to spend invaluable time with the mayor and received a tour from the renowned Officer Bob. It was truly a blessing to watch young people with various temperaments in awe of the Mayor. When he asked questions and engaged them they were shy to speak. They really found it hard to believe that someone of such importance to the City of Reading would take time out of his day to ask them, about their interest and instruct them on how to greet someone assertively. Our young people made us proud because they attended from near and far, they were young professionals and wore their titles with pride. They bonded with people they would have never spoken to before. We would like to Thank Mayor Thomas McMahon for his participation, Judy Blimline for her support and Parents/Guardians for allowing the children to participate in this pilot program and for their support.

Submitted by: Aaron A. Thomas & Andrea L. Martin Thomas "Reading Connection"

Walking the Walk

Decades after the death of Martin Luther King Jr., the children of Reading continue his march for peace. Today marks the twelfth year in which the Olivet Boys and Girls Club of Reading and Berks County has commemorated the birth and message of this fallen hero. But this year was something special. Our children stepped up of their own accord and decided to march the streets of Reading with signs of peace and unity. Regardless of what others might think, there seems to be an inherent want and desire for non-violence. It simply needs to be nourished by programs such as the Olivet. These children have raised the bar for our community. They are to be respected and treasured for their actions.

What makes this event even more meaningful is that the call for peace and unity has crossed the generations. Sovereign Bank sponsored this event. It was wonderful to see such a large corporation take its place in the community as a provider for activities such as this one. Ramona Turpin said, “Sovereign Bank takes great pleasure in supporting our children and community.” Also in attendance as volunteers were Reading High’s ROTC program, Kutztown University, Penn State University, the NAACP, the Sisterhood, Hear and Now, Eastern Star, Reading Crime Prevention, Berks County Sheriff’s, North 8th Street Church of God, Amerihealth Mercy, T. Jaker Funeral Home, Comcast, Olivet Ladies Auxiliary, and Milestone Community Health Care.