My name is Elijah Starks I’m 18 years old I was a high school dropout but now I’m a participant in the YouthBuild program The YouthBulid program is program that helps high school dropouts to get their lives back on track. Students, or should I say former drop-outs, earn a GED while learning construction. The youth Build program here in Reading allows the students to restore and build up the community; Youthbuild participants earn certifications in OSHA. I have also received a certificate in basic carpentry, Basic electricity and Basic Plumbing. Participants receive a weekly stipend, and a part time employment. That is getting paid to work at the work site two days a week. Two days is the GED program and Friday is an early day. Overall I think that the Youth Build program is a wonderful program. I have met a lot of new friends, which I enjoy learning with. I get paid to do what I enjoy doing. Youth Build is an exciting program that will give you something to look forward to five days a week and is an excellent start in a life time career.

For more infomation about YouthBuild contact Ruth Matthews at #610-374-3319 ext.101 or e-mail: ruth.mathews@comcast.net

Successful Men Tell High School Boys: Education is Key

On Jan. 15, the Greater Reading Mentoring Academy hosted a Violence Prevention & Anti-Gang Symposium in Reading High School for 9th and 10 grade boys. The Greater Reading Mentoring Academy is an organization that provides services to the youth. The panel included David Hall, Omar Dickens, Shawn Jenkins, Nate Perez, Ed Terrel, Joey Negron, District Judge William Hall and District Judge Wally Scott. Each of the panelists spoke to the male students about decision making and patience. They expressed to the students that impulsive decisions can cost them their life. Panelist David Hall said that when growing up, he did not have any positive role models in his life. He turned to the streets to find what he was missing. He eventually found what he was not missing. It was soon after that he realized that he needed to change his life around. Although he has had his name in various prisons, he has also had his name in various colleges, including Shippensburg University and Temple University. He has changed his life around and expressed to the students at Reading High School that education is key. Without an education, these students would be looking at a road without any possibilities. David Hall now works for the Caron Foundation, a center near Wernersville for people with addictions. Each of the eight panelists had one thing in common. Education is the key to success. Anyone can have dreams, but it takes a believer to make their dreams come true. The Reading High School 9th and 10th grade males left that afternoon knowing that achievement is the next step to success. These students left with the knowledge of knowing that a split-second decision can cost them their lives. More information on the Greater Reading Mentoring Academy can be found at www.mentor2youth.org. Dorian Smith, principal of Greater Reading Mentoring Academy, can be reached at 610-375-8550. Compliments of Jillian Algarin

Actress Jillian Murray returns home to mentor the kids from the RIZE Program

Jillian Murray, a former resident of Reading and Berks County, is on the rise to stardom in Hollywood. Murray left Berks County when she was 15 to pursue her dreams of acting. By the age of 19, she had her first film debut and continued starring in a variety of independent movies. She appeared in two episodes of Jake and Josh and three episodes of Sonny with a Chance. Murray was also a character in the video game, Mass Effect. Her efforts and perseverance paid off last year as she landed lead roles in The Graves and An American Carol. Murray is currently starring in four movies premiering in 2010.With all this going on in her life, Murray still found the time to return to her hometown to mentor local youth in the RIZE program. The RIZE Program is a pre-professional program for youth of all ages to actively participate in the filmmaking process, while at the same time offering education and resources for conflict resolution. Students are taught all the fundamentals involved in film making through weekly classes located at Goggle Works Art Center. The program is directed by Edna Garcia, Robert Davis, and Raisa Caldwell. Students learn to apply the tools learned during the classes to film making crafts such as acting, editing, cinematography, sound recording, screen writing and producing. Students are exposed to all the real elements required in the film making process, using real equipment and professional guidance. The RIZE Program is an example of a positive approach to non-violence. According to Edna Garcia, director, the RIZE “Program provides dramatic examples of how the arts can provide young people with alternatives to violence, turning anger and confusion into creative expression, leading to job and life skills.” “Our goal is to continually intertwine the program with the filmmaking industry by getting working professionals to volunteer through special seminars, visiting lecturers and internships,” Garcia said. “This reinforces that idea that both filmmaking and conflict reduction are effective communication of emotions.” Murray returned to Reading to share Thanksgiving with her family, but wanted to give back something to her hometown community. This past Wednesday, Murray met with the students of RIZE to discuss pursuing film industry careers. She was accompanied by her boyfriend, two aunts, and her grandmother. In a casual gathering, Murray and the students of RIZE engaged in some improvisational acting satires. Murray shared some acting techniques and performance secrets with the students. She also answered an array of questions posed by the students concerning her life in the industry, the hardships involved, and process entailed in succeeding. The students and Murray had a delightful experience. The afternoon ended with photographs and autographs from this up and coming star. Murray stated that this was a wonderful opportunity and that she enjoyed contributing to our youth. Edna Garcia said she was very grateful for Murray’s visit, she went on to say, “I am very thankful for seeing my dreams come true.” Jillian Murray will be starring in The Graves, which opens in theaters January 29. Murray leads this thriller as Abby Graves. The film is about two sisters that get stuck in an old mining town when supernatural things start to happen to them. Abby is forced to save her older sister before it’s too late. Murray also leads in the film, Wild Things which is a remake of the original film with a bit of a twist. Wild Things will be released on DVD this coming Spring. RIZE students say they are anxious to see Jillian in her new movies, and hope she will visit again. RIZE can be contacted at 484-529-4346 or edna.rize@gmail.com

Poem About Light

The “In the News” section of this web-site is dedicated to bring only positive news to its readers. Yesterday I attended an event at Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences. The event was presented by Berks Women in Crisis. It was called, “An Empty Place at the Table” which in essence is a memorial for all those lost to domestic violence in Berks County. It is a public awareness tool that puts a face and personality on the 'mere names' one reads about in the newspaper.It is open to the public and attended by the friends and family members of those victims and provides continuing support. I think most people know that Berks Women in Crisis is there to help during an emergency, but I think little attention is given to the unending support this agency provides long after the initial trauma. It takes very special and dedicated people to do this.

So how do you turn someone’s child being murdered into something positive? It seems hard to believe that someone could pull themselves up after experiencing such a loss. Kathleen Sheeder Bonanno lost her daughter in 2003 to an act of domestic violence. She has experienced all the stages of grief and has eloquently expressed her pain, sorrow, and growth in a book called, “Slamming Open the Door.” The book is a collection of poems recollecting each of the processes she has gone through. I recommend that you read the entire book which can be purchased on Amazon.com to fully appreciate the following poem. This poem is the answer too my question.

Poem About Light

You can try to strangle light:
use your hands and think you’ve found the throat of it,
but you haven’t.
You could use a rope or a garrote
or a telephone cord,
but the light, amorphous, implacable
will fool you in the end.

You could make it your mission to
shut it out forever,
to crouch into the dark,
the blinds pulled tight-

Still, in the morning
a gleaming little ray will betray you, poking
its optimistic finger
through a corner of the blind,
and then more light,
clever, nervy, impossible,
spilling out from the crevices
warming the shade.

This is a stubborn sun,
choosing to rise,
like it did yesterday,
like it will tomorrow.
You have nothing to do with it.
The sun will make its own history;
light has its way.

Copyright 2009

Santa Comes to Queen City

On December 8, Steve Elmarzouky and the Queen City Family Restaurant will open its doors and hearts to serve a traditional meal to 850 homeless and at-risk men, women, and children from our community. Tickets will be issued through community service agencies, and specific seating times will be assigned. Berks County Intermediate Unit will provide transportation for families to the event, and Santa will be present to distribute donated items from several local businesses.

We are asking for volunteers to commit to one or two hour shifts to help on the day of this event. Shifts start at 10:00a.m. and run until 9:00p.m. If you and/or your agency is interested in volunteering, please contact:

Bonnie Sussman: bversace@comcast.net or Beth Rothermel: betrot@berksiu.org

Committed volunteers: Berks Coalition to End Homelessness, Opportunity House, BCIU, Greater Berks Food Bank, Junior League of Reading, Alvernia Univeristy, United Way, Reading Police, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Olivet Boys and Girls Clubs, Marines, WalMart,, ALTRUSA, Mayor McMahon, Commissioner Leinbach, Mary Buerer, Judge Campbell.

Courtesy of the League of Women Voters

RIZE Goes to the Theater

The RIZE Program is a media arts program designed to educate the youth on different ways to deal with violence in today's society, through the media arts. The RIZE Program had a fundraiser on August 10, 2009 at Mi Casa Su Casa located at 320 Penn Street where the youth raised a total of $1,078.00. With the money they raised, they were able to purchase tickets to see the Cirque de Soleil: Alegria at the Sovereign Center, October 25, 2009. A total of 36 participants attended the show. The RIZE Program is only sustained by donations and grants. If you would like to donate funds or find out more information about the program, please call (610) 478-4055.

Local Poet Steps into the Light

"A journey of a thousand miles beings with one step." Teresa Arana definitely proved this to be right at her book showing at Alvernia University on September 29, 2009. Teresa has been writing poetry, mainly love poems, since she was nine years old. She continued writing poetry despite all the challenges she faced. At the presentation, she expressed how important it is to have dreams and to accept adversity as a learning experience. She expressed how instrumental writing is to her, and how having dreams and following them can take you a long way. Inspiring, as well as motivational, Teresa Arana has fulfilled her dream as author as well as publisher . Please follow her at http://www.eminencepublishing.com/.

Gillian Algarin

Politician Without an Agenda

Berks Unity Solution in no way endorses political agendas, but we do give credence to sincere efforts to bring this community together. On Monday, August 17th Commissioner Christian Y. Leinbach treated community members to a free showing of the great western classic, “Shane” at the Kutztown Strand Theater. What makes this a monumental occasion is that there were no strings attached. Commissioner Leinbach rented the theater for the sole purpose of providing a fun community event to enjoy with a Berks County Commissioner. This was neither a fund-raiser nor a political event. There was no media or cameras, just folks from the community enjoying one of Commissioner Leinbach’s favorite movies. Paul Angstadt, owner of the Kutztown Strand opened the theater on a day when the theater is regularly closed. Mr. Angstadt said, “It was his pleasure.” He and Commissioner Leinbach had been friends for years. Mr. Angstadt also opens the theater for the mayor of Kutztown on occasion. Commissioner Leinbach said he will rent the theater again sometime in December for another free community movie. The date and time will be posted on the Berks Unity Solution Calendar of Events. If you would like to know more about events with Commissioner Leinbach, please visit the "UpComing Events" section of the following website: http://www.christianleinbach.com/upcomingevents.lasso For more information about movies and events being held at the Kutztown Strand, please visit: http://www.geocities.com/strandkutztown/

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.

AARP Gets the Job Done

Howard Lusane a former roofer and U.S. veteran found himself without employment simply due to his age. After a year of frustrating attempts to find employment, he went to the AARP Foundation Worksearch located at 529 Court Street in Reading, PA (suite 200.) The Foundation is a work training program for people 55 years and older. It was here that Howard was welcomed as a valuable member of society. He was given temporary employment though the Foundation at the Humane Society. After only a few days of work, the Humane Society recognized Howard's talents. They offered him a permanent position with insurance and benefits. Howard is pictured here at his new job as a maintenance man. He is grateful for the AARP, and very happy with his new employment. Damon March the Operation Director for the Humane Society says, "Howard is an excellent employee and a fine person." Damon went on to praise AARP for their efforts to help the elderly find a sense of security and self-worth.

Howard is a true success story. With the help of our community, we would like to see more people get the chance to shine.

The AARP Foundation Worksearch literally pays low income elderly for their work while non-profit organizations get their work for free. AARP is also looking for businesses to hire these exceptional men and woman. For more information contact Lisa Quinby at # (610) 375-2576 or visit their web-site: www.aarp.org/scsep

Free Hugs: One womans' story

more photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/Berks.Unity.Solution/FreeHugs

I packed up the kids and headed out for the Free Hug event today. We walked around the city streets and held signs that said "Free Hugs".

What a wonderful thing! In the 2 hours I was there - I gave (and received) well over 100 hugs. At one point, I approached an elderly woman and asked her if she would like a free hug. She said yes. As soon as I hugged her, she began to cry - needless to say she got a second hug. It was pretty clear that a lot of people are really missing human connection in their lives. The time flew by. Getting to meet that many people, and connecting with them on such a personal level was an incredible experience. I hugged people waiting for the bus, old people, young people, people on cell phones, people who spoke my language, people who didn't. We wandered into shops and offered hugs, which were happily shared. We walked to the Police Headquarters and hugged the uniformed men and women. It was a very enlightening experience. Channel 69 news covered the event. My son Morgan and I were interviewed by the Channel 69 newsman. The newsman was wonderful and followed us around and we traveled the streets of Reading, offering hugs to everyone.

By: Amy Madsen

The Berks Humane Society 30th Annual Walk for the Animals & Walktoberfest last Saturday was a huge success. Hundreds of dogs and thier companions came to walk and support our local Humane Society. This event raised $100,569 for the aide of four legged friends. A special thanks goes out to the sponsors of this event as well as all those who attended and contributed to the love and well-being of our fellow creatures here on Earth.

The Goggle Works Center for the Arts and the Arbor Career Center dedicate mural to Beacon House at 812 Schuykill Ave.

Artists Team: Janna Carrozza and Marianna Burkard; Alexander Colon, Francisco Ramirez, Tyieshia Smith, Stacy Santos, Brenda Russell, Michelle Ray, Janet Hernandez, Carlos De Jesus, and Dalinda Donato

Community Partners: The Arbor Career Center, Beacon House, DSS, The Hammel Family, Neighborhood Housing Services of Reading, and Mike Miller

After the Parade and Fair

I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of your for your support and friendship over the last few months. Saturday’s parade and fair was a complete success. One hundred members of community organizations came out to walk the streets of Reading showing a unified effort to support non-violence. Over forty organizations participated in this community fair disseminating information and opening new pathways of communication in our county. Participants came from four surroundings counties to offer their support to this Initiative. We achieved our goals in setting precedent. Where else could you see Muslims banding together with Native Americans in a drum circle? or Latin dancers sharing a space with Zen Buddhists? This was a time for all community non-violence groups to meet with global non-violence groups to send the message that violence is not the answer. Communication is the only positive way to resolve conflicts. This is what the Berks Unity Solution is about. This is what we have achieved. This is a new beginning built upon the labor of all community members. At a close look, one can see that violence thrives on fear. We have taught tolerance and respect. Gangs flourish because they fulfill a need for a sense of belonging. We have offered better opportunities. Gangs also persist because they simply unify. If we want to have an impact on our children and our community, we must unite. The Berks Unity Solution is an ongoing project. Again, thank you everyone. You have all truly touched my heart. Lisa Kneer Director/Event Coordinator