|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 4th Annual Berwick Heritage Day |
Come down to Riverfront Test Track Park off of South Eaton Street for the 4th Annual Berwick Heritage Day on May 19, 2012 to enjoy a piece of living history. This event includes militia encampments, live cannon fire, food, crafts, and a weekend full of historical Berwick fun. Saturday evening starting at 6:00 p.m. you will not want to miss the FREE concert by local blue grass favorite, Stained Grass Window, followed by a live cannon night fire. This is truly an incredible site to see! This event is led by local citizens Bob and Carrie Yohey. If you are interested in becoming a food vendor or crafter for this event or would like to participate as a re-enactor please contact the Yohey's at 570-336-8718.  |
| 2012 Summer Concert Line-Up |
2012 Summer Concert Series
May 19th: Stained Grass Window: Bluegrass: Test Track Riverfront Park: 6pm
May 31st: BHS Jazz Ensemble: Berwick High School: Jackson Mansion: 7pm
June 7th: Kids Night and the Elks Pet and Toy Parade: Night filled with family and fun!: Jackson Mansion: 6pm (Parade) Kids Night immediately follows
June 14th: The Shoreliners: Wide variety including polka: Jackson Mansion: 7pm
June 21st: Gift, Troutman, and Gift: Mix of 40's and 50's, 3-part harmony, and more: Jackson Mansion: 7pm
June 28th: It Takes Two: Premier Oldies Show and Dance Band: Jackson Mansion: 7pm
July 4th: Ruthy Stock: Celebration of God and Country: Jackson Mansion: 7pm (July 4th Celebration with Fireworks at Crispin Field to follow after concert)
July 12th: The Legends Oldies Band: 50's and 60's Oldies: Jackson Mansion: 7pm
July 19th: Stanky and the Coal Miners: The most famous polka band in PA!:Jackson Mansion: 7pm
July 26th: Joe Lapchak: Singing DJ: Jackson Mansion: 7pm
August 2nd: Jeff Brown and the Sons of a Sailor: A tribute to Jimmy Buffet: Jackson Mansion: 7pm
August 9th: SCMM & J.I.G.S.: Gospel: Jackson Mansion: 6pm
August 16th:Country Memories: Country favorites: Jackson Mansion: 7pm
August 23rd: Covert Action: A local favorite! A sparkling display of dynamic music: Jackson Mansion: 7pm
August 30th: The Sounds of Music: Big band music: Jackson Mansion: 7pm
September 6th: Cake and Ice Cream Festival ft. Memory Lane: Dowop oldies up to 1963 and older: Jackson Mansion: 6pm is the Cake and Ice Cream Festival followed by the concert at 7pm
October 13th: Tommy Guns Band: Top 40 country music: Test Track Riverfront Park: 6pm (Berwick Riverfest)
*Please bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit back and enjoy each event. Typically there are also food vendors at each event so remember to bring cash to grab a quick dinner while you enjoy the show!
Thank you to the Central Susquehanna Community Foundation, Metrocast, and the PA Council on the Arts who help to make the Berwick Summer Concert Series a possibility.
This project was supported by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency, through the Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts (PPA), its regional arts funding partnership. State government funding for the arts depends upon an annual appropriation by the Pennsylvania General Assembly and from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. PPA is administered in this region by The Bradford County Regional Arts Council. |
| Bassmasters Fishing Tournament |
June 23-24, 2012
Open “Buddy” Fishing Tournament
100 Boat Limit! (First come, first serve. All others will be returned.) 5 Fish per Boat – 15″ or Better $140 per boat* (2 Persons per Boat) • Top 50 Boats from Saturday will compete on Sunday! • $12,500 worth of prize money!1st Place: $5,000 5th Place: $ 750 9th Place: $350 2nd Place: $2,500 6th Place: $ 650 10th Place: $200
3rd Place: $1,200 7th Place: $ 550
4th Place: $ 850 8th Place: $ 450
• $500 “lunker” cash prize awarded each day • First day “lunker” winner automatically advances to the 2nd day • $100 gift certificate for 2nd place “lunker” awarded each day from Halls Marine • $100 junior “lunker” cash prize awarded for the overall tournament (Ages 16 & Under) from the Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau
The Bassmasters Fishing Tournament is produced and coordinated by the Columbia County Bassmasters, in partnership with the Columbia County Commissioners, Borough of Berwick and Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau. All fishing tournament prize money compliments of the Columbia County Commissioners via the Columbia County Commissioner Tourism fund. |
| BerVaughn Pool Issues Identified & Working To Address Them All |
Berwick Borough Council Chambers was again filled with residents, community leaders, and Berwick Council members on March 7, 2011 who were all looking to dive in to save the BerVaughn Pool. Borough Manager, Shane Pepe spoke about cosmetic issues, structural issues, mechanical issues, and some of the ADA issues that were identified by the Borough's UCC Inspector. This meeting identified the areas that really need to be addressed first. He also reinformed citizens that there a lot of decisions that need to be made about the future “vision” of the pool. These decisions will determine the price tag of what it will take to fix the current structural issues and improve the aesthetics and attendance at the pool in the future. The message was clear that the community needs to come together and develop their vision for the pool. Community leaders and residents must develop a plan that will last for the long haul, not just a quick fix.
As we posted on our website in early September, the swimming pool has some very major issues that include plumbing problems, filtration issues, ADA issues, aesthetic issues, and ultimately attendance issues. The cost to operate the pool averages about $70,000 per year for the Borough and another $25,000 per year for the YMCA. The Borough has not invested in the pool because Council has been unable to make a decision regarding the pool's future. Recent grant attempts were unsuccessful and ultimately, the pool has fallen into a state of disrepair. Now with a renewed community interest and support the hope is to not only fix the pool, but to make it even better than it was before.
Nick Pajovich, Executive Director of the YMCA spoke at this meeting again to solidify that this project will take quite a bit of work, but it can be done if we all put our heads together. He believes that he and Joy McGinnis, Executive Director of the Berwick Area United Way have an idea for a plan that will work well. The next meeting to discuss the future of the pool will be in the beginning of June. Anyone interested in helping to save the BerVaughn Pool is welcomed and encouraged to attend or contact Berwick City Hall for more information. Volunteers will be needed in numerous capacities to make this project a reality.
Please check out the four links below. The first link is the study conducted by Aquatic Facility Design on the swimming pool. This study identifies many of the issues with the pool and proposes some new ideas for the future. The second link is an attachment of the proposal submitted by Nick Pajovich of the YMCA to lay out the groundwork to raising funds for the pool. The third link is an assessment of some possible ADA issues which need to be addressed which was conducted by the Borough's UCC Inspector and also includes an overall analysis of some current issues. The fourth link is a resident's personal review of the pool prepared by Scott Coslett.
1. Swimming Pool Study
2. YMCA Fundraiser Plan Proposal
3. ADA Upgrades and Other Current Pool Issues
4. A Resident's Review
 
|
| Berwick Mural Committee Paints a Bright Future Ahead |
It may be too cold outside to paint but the Berwick Mural Committee is definitely not hibernating. The group is in the height of planning all of their projects to paint the borough in 2011. Through a collaboration of artists and volunteers the members are working hard to beautify our community. With the recent donation from the Nespoli brothers, "For The Cause," race which was held in November the Berwick Mural Committee plans to complete projects that were started in 2010 and begin other exciting endeavors in 2011.
In 2010 the committee formed and their first project was Euclid Alley off of Front Street. This once dreary little alley has now been transformed into a colorful display of art and creativity. The committee has also painted a temporary wall on Front Street which once was boring and gray now displays the community mindset which Berwick residents hold dear. Another project which was started in 2010 is the retaining wall next to the Berwick YMCA. Unfortunately, the project could not be finished in 2010 because Mother Nature had other plans, but the Berwick Mural Committee’s brushes are ready to roll again as soon as the weather improves.
Some proposed possible mural sites for the Berwick Mural Committee are the Snavely Building on Front Street, a garage wall behind Sponsler’s Park off of Monroe Street, and other smaller projects throughout the community. The committee is always looking for more volunteers and they stress that you do not have to be an artist to help. These murals really brighten up our borough and volunteers agree that seeing these beautiful images they helped to create is incredibly fulfilling. If you would like to be a part of the Berwick Mural Committee please contact Connie Donlin at conniedonlin@msn.com or 570-578-9412. Also, be sure to check out the committee’s website for more information http://www.berwickmuralproject.com/
Please check out the photos below to see some of the great work the Berwick Mural Committee has completed so far. 
|
| Jackson Mansion Ready for Tours |
| |
| WVIA Presents "Our Town:Berwick," a View of the Past, Present, and Future of Our Community |
On December 13, 2010 the premiere of "Our Town: Berwick" was featured on WVIA. Numerous community leaders, business owners, and residents filled the WVIA studios to help promote the "day-in-the-life," one-hour video scrapbook and take calls for pledges. This two-hour event featured a pledge drive, stories about Berwick, a delicious Dalo’s cake, and a song that was written by resident, Mike Silvetti about Berwick and even performed live with his band on the show.
"Our Town: Berwick" was compiled of photos, videos, and interviews from people of the Berwick Community and then produced by WVIA Studios. This was a great opportunity to share Berwick’s story and promote the beauty of our borough. Another showing of "Our Town: Berwick" and a live pledge drive will take place in the spring on WVIA. If you did not get to see it in December make sure you stay tuned for more information.
WVIA is northeastern Pennsylvania’s and central Susquehanna Valley’s public television station serving a very large geographic area, the "Our Town" project was initiated in an effort to involve the communities and their residents with WVIA. The "Our Town" documentary series is intended to treat viewers to the many personalities, perspectives, and possibilities that local towns have to offer.
Click the WVIA logo above to view the "Our Town Berwick" commercial
Below "Our Town Berwick" Photos Credit: Neil A. Young 
|
| A Walkable Community Boasts a Healthy Future For Berwick |
The Central Susquehanna Community Foundation held the Walkable Communities Public Event on January 25, 2011. This event highlighted the numerous exciting healthy developments happening within Berwick Borough. Eric Dewald, Executive Director of the Central Susquehanna Community Foundation (CSCF) opened this special event which marks the beginning of a healthier Berwick Community. Holly Morrison, Director of Curriculum and James Geffken, Director of Buildings and Grounds of the Berwick Area School District spoke of the schools plans to build a new athletic track that would not only be more functional and safer for students, but also an incredible asset to the entire community.
This exciting endeavor lead the discussion into the topic of the Walkable Communities Plan which Brian Auman, Landscape Architect of Seda-COG explained. The Walkable Communities Plan addresses what will help to make Berwick a place that residents can get to schools, stores, or places of recreation without having to get into their cars. This plan also addresses ways to make it safer for people to walk within the Berwick Community and also proposes some ways to improve landscape aesthetics of the community.
After the Walkable Communities Plan presentation Cindy Dunn, Acting Secretary and Wes Fahringer of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) spoke about the Berwick Riverfront Trail. They congratulated the community in receiving the grant award to develop the trail at Test Track Park and also commented on the positive way the Berwick community has come together to create a vision for the future.
Berwick Borough Council has recently adopted the Walkable/Bikable Community Principles explains Shane Pepe, Borough Manager. This commitment to make the community more walkable, bikable, and above all healthier is an important goal for the future of Berwick and has the support of community leaders, officials, and residents.
The event was concluded with two health program presentations that are currently working hard in the Berwick area to promote health and exercise. Wendy Calarco, the Students Overcome and Achieve thru Running (S.O.A.R.) Program Coordinator explained the benefit of the S.O.A.R. Program and the importance of promoting health to our youth. Chris Young, Columbia County Commissioner then explained the Walking Challenge called, “Your Extra Steps (Y.E.S.) Columbia County,” and introduced several Berwick 4th grade students taking part in this challenge and thanked them for their participation in this program which gets them to move more.
This event kicks off the beginning to a healthier Berwick. With community support and continued involvement Berwick will be an even happier and healthier place to live and work. 
|
| We Will Miss You Mr. Buffone |
The citizens of Berwick sadly mourn the loss of one of the truly great men of our community. Frank Buffone, Sr. passed away on Sunday, February 27, 2011 at the age of 95 years old.
Mr. Buffone was truly a catalyst to the Berwick community for many years. He was a Berwick Councilman for 28 years, with 16 of those years as Council President. Mr. Buffone worked for 26 years for the American Car & Foundry. When the company closed, Mr. Buffone was the voice of reason and understanding as the community struggled. He not only served our community, but he served our country as well, serving in the US Army in World War II, fighting in Okinawa and later in Korea.
Mr. Buffone served our community in many other ways. He volunteered as St. Joseph's Catholic Church, was the former president of the Maria Assunta Society, and was a member of the Berwick Golf Club.
Mr. Buffone wrote the Borough of Berwick July 4th Ordinance in 1964, ensuring that the community would celebrate our Independence Day through a formal ceremony for many years to come. For many years, Mr. Buffone read the ordinance at the annual celebration. In recent years, when Mr. Buffone's health began to wane, his grandson Joseph Buffone took over the duties of reading the ordinance in his honor. In the picture with this article, you will see Mr. Buffone on July 4, 2010 as our citizens honored him with a thunderous applause in recognition of what he has done for our community.
Mr. Buffone was a true inspiration to many people. He did not worry about winning the next election. He did what he felt was the right thing to do for Berwick. He fought for what he felt was right and was willing to stick his neck out on the line to make our community a better place. Mr. Buffone, the citizens of Berwick will truly, truly miss you.
|
For More Click Here
|
|
|
|
|
|
