Berwick Riverfest '11 Brings Fun For All

Berwick Riverfest '11 was a fun filled weekend at Test Track Riverfront Park which featured APBA boat races, a food and craft festival, games, rides, beer and wine tent, free concert featuring the Tommy Guns Band, free entertainment from local dance groups and the Berwick HS Modernairs, Battle of the Bands competition, wing eating contest sponsored by Quaker Steak and Lube, fireworks, and much more! Although the weather was a little chilly, Mother Nature cooperated and Riverfest was a part of a beautiful weekend. This first year event was held in honor of Berwick’s 225th Anniversary and is planning to be continued to be held as a yearly event in Berwick Borough. The idea of this event is to celebrate the Susquehanna River and all the beautiful surroundings which Berwick Borough has to offer. Riverfest, which was originally scheduled for September 17-18 was postponed to October 15-16 due to all the flooding and excessive rain we had this fall. Unfortunately because of the high river levels and debris still floating down the river the APBA boat races were unable to race this year due to safety concerns. Hopefully in the future the APBA will be able to race and make Riverfest even more successful. Throughout the weekend an estimated 15,000 people made their way to Test Track Riverfront Park to enjoy delicious food from places like Vince's Cheesesteak or John the Greek Gyro, buy some crafts, listen to local bands perform, laugh at the wing eating contest, see the “Mind Tease Brent Kessler” perform, try their luck on the mechanical bull, feed their first butterfly at Folk’s Butterfly Farm, and watch a beautiful 225th Anniversary fireworks display. We hope that you enjoyed Berwick Riverfest '11 and if you are interested in helping plan next year’s event or are interested in being a vendor please contact Berwick Borough City Hall at 570-752-2723 ext. 15. We would love to hear your ideas and we really need your help to make the event an even bigger success. Special thanks to all the individuals who helped to make Riverfest a success especially the Borough of Berwick Department of Public Works, Berwick Borough Council and Mayor, the 225th Anniversary/Riverfest Committee, Berwick Police Department, the Berwick Fire Police, the Berwick Fire Department, all the individuals and organizations who donated food, money, and time to make this event special, all the food vendors and crafters, all the non-profits, and all the attendees. Thank you for being a part of Riverfest. We hope to see you all next year as well!

A Perfect Parade Followed By A Treasured Tradition

Elks 225th Berwick Anniversary/Halloween Parade Followed by the 225th Berwick Anniversary Time Capsule Burial at the Jackson Mansion The yearly Elks Halloween parade was extra spooky and special this year because following the parade was a burial that no one will forget. This year was Berwick Borough’s 225th Anniversary and in keeping with tradition we dug up the old vault from 1986 took out the bicentennial time capsule and replaced it with the 225th Anniversary time capsule.  The parade festivities for the evening on October 25th began promptly at 6pm in the Elks parking lot and went all the way down Market Street and looped back down the other side. The parade featured the Berwick Area HS marching band, local businesses, sports teams, boy scouts, girl scouts, volunteer organizations and many more who were all dressed up, passing candy out to the crowd, and making this yearly tradition special. This year’s Halloween/225th parade was one of the largest and most well attended parades in years. After the parade Mayor Jim Timbrell announced to the community members in attendance that now was the time that we would be burying the 225th time capsule. The Mayor said a few words about the significance of the time capsule burial and even reminisced on the 1986 time capsule ceremony. He encouraged the children and young adults in attendance to make sure that they are there in 25 years to open the time capsule. After the time capsule was placed in the ground and the vault was lowered over the capsule the Mayor and several Council members shoveled the first shovel full’s of dirt onto the vault. Then children, young adults, and older residents were encouraged to shovel the dirt on top of the vault. The evening concluded with residents stomping the loose dirt around the time capsule area in front of the Jackson Mansion and discussed where we might all be in 25 years. It was a fun evening for all and hopefully 25 years from now we will have a fun time digging the time capsule back up. Just please remember where the time capsule is located so in 25 years from now we do not have any trouble locating it again!

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.

The Excitement Continues for Berwick Borough in 2011

Looking back over 2010 Berwick Borough has had an amazing year filled with numerous exciting events. Some of these events include our Summer Concert series, Elks Pet and Toy Parade, Kids Night, Dumpster Day, July 4th Celebration, Cake and Ice Cream Festival, 2nd Annual Civil War Event, 1st Annual Bass Tournament and Festival, Haunted House at the New City Hall, Halloween Party at Sponsler’s Park, Halloween Parade, the 101st Run for the Diamonds, the 64th Annual Christmas Boulevard, Speedo Run, Santa Parade, Toys For Tots Charity Football Game, Victorian Night and much more. Berwick Borough has also completed several projects in 2010 which add to the excitement. Some of these projects include Berwick Borough City Hall being moved from the Jackson Mansion to 1800 N. Market Street. This move means that the mansion will now be restored and serve as a museum. Sponsler’s Park off of Monroe Street was recently renovated with new equipment and was the location of a community clean-up day. This is a milestone for the Blueprint Community area because it shows that the community is taking back their neighborhood and is working together to get rid of crime. Another commitment to crime removal was when Berwick Borough partnered with the Columbia County Housing Corporation to demolish three problem houses on LaSalle Street. Berwick Borough was recently awarded three major grants for the community. Funds from DEP, DCNR, and the PA Boat and Fishing Commission will be spent this year to improve recycling, develop the Berwick Riverfront Trail, and make improvements to the boat launch at Test Track Park.  There always seems to be something going on in Berwick and 2011 is shaping up to be even more exciting. In 2011, Berwick Borough is committed to continuing the same events from last year, but is also looking to add a few more endeavors into the mix. One large event that is currently in the preliminary stages of preparation is the Berwick Riverfest. This event will feature APBA Boat Racing, a car show, festival, and a fireworks display in honor of Berwick Borough’s 225th Anniversary this year. Be sure to mark your calendar for September 17-18, 2011 because the Berwick Riverfront Test Track Park will be buzzing with excitement. Berwick Council and Officials are committed to improving the community each day. If you would be interested in serving on one of our committees, help plan one of our events, or are looking for ways to help improve Berwick Borough please contact us at 570-752-2723. Please stay informed with all the exciting things taking place in Berwick by checking out this website, our Facebook page, Twitter page, and upcoming Berwick Borough spring newsletter. Preliminary Schedule of Events For 2011 -May-September               2011 Summer Concert Series -May 14, 2011                    Family Fishing Day -May 21, 2011                    3rd Annual Civil War Re-Enactment and Berwick Heritage Days -May 21, 2011                    4th Annual Dumpster Day -June 9, 2011                     Kids Night and the Elks Pet and Toy Parade -June 17-18, 2011            2nd Annual Bass Tournament & Festival -July 4, 2011                      July 4th Celebration, Concert & Fireworks Display -September 1, 2011         Cake & Ice Cream Social -October 15-16, 2011  Berwick Riverfest* (date changed due to flooding) (event includes APBA Boat Races, Car Show, Fireworks Display, 225th  Anniversary Celebrations, Festival, and more!) -October 25, 2011             Downtown Berwick Trick or Treating (from 4:30 -6 p.m.) -October 25, 2011             Berwick Elks 225th/Halloween Parade & time capsule burial ( at 6:00 p.m.) (*The rain date for downtown trick or treating and the parade will be the following day Wednesday, October 26th) -October 29-30, 2011      Trick or Treat Nights -November 19, 2011        Berwick vs. Salem Twp. Fire Depts Flood Recovery Assistance Football Game -November 24, 2011        Run For The Diamonds Race -November 25, 2011        Santa Parade -November 26, 2011        Speedo Run -December 10, 2011        Victorian Night (5 – 8 p.m.) *=New event Events Dates To Be Determined For 2011 -65th Annual Christmas Boulevard Opening

2011 Summer Concert Line-Up

2011 Summer Concert Series May 21st: Stained Grass Window: Bluegrass: Test Track Riverfront Park: 6pm May 26th: The Shoreliners: Wide variety including polka: Jackson Mansion: 7pm June 2nd: BHS Jazz Ensemble, Swing Choir, Modernairs: Berwick High School: Jackson Mansion: 7pm June 9th: Kids Night and the Elks Pet and Toy Parade: Night filled with family and fun!: Jackson Mansion: 6pm (Parade) Kids Night immediately follows June 16th: Gift, Troutman, and Gift: Mix of 40's and 50's, 3-part harmony, and more: Jackson Mansion: 7pm June 18th: The Legends Oldies Band: 50's and 60's Oldies: Test Track Riverfront Park: 3pm June 19th: The Mudflaps: Premier Oldies Show and Dance Band: Test Track Riverfront Park: 3pm June 23rd: 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 7th: The Legends Oldies Band: 50's and 60's Oldies: Jackson Mansion: 7pm July 14th: Stanky and the Coal Miners: The most famous polka band in PA!:Jackson Mansion: 7pm July 21st: Joe Lapchak: Singing DJ: Jackson Mansion: 7pm July 28th: Jeff Brown and the Sons of a Sailor: A tribute to Jimmy Buffet: Jackson Mansion: 7pm August 4th: SCMM & J.I.G.S.: Gospel: Jackson Mansion: 6pm August 11th: Covert Action: A local favorite! A sparkling display of dynamic music: Jackson Mansion: 7pm August 18th: Country Memories: Country favorites: Jackson Mansion: 7pm August 25th: The Sounds of Music: Big band music: Jackson Mansion: 7pm September 1st: 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 September 17th: Tommy Guns Band: Top 40 country music: Test Track Riverfront Park: 6pm (Berwick Riverfest) September 18th: Battle of the Bands: Competition amongst local bands: Test Track Riverfront Park: TBD (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! 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.

Summer Ends on a Sweet Note

As the summer comes to a close, so does Berwick City Hall’s 2011 Summer Concert Series at the Jackson Mansion. The Borough’s annual series was another great success this year, and we would like to thank the community for their interest and support by inviting everyone to attend our annual Ice Cream & Cake Festival on September 1st, beginning at 6 p.m. After the Ice Cream & Cake Festival, Memory Lane will play at 7pm to close the summer concert series with a variety of Dowop Oldies and other classics. The Borough of Berwick appreciates all of the citizens who come out and enjoy the music with us, and the Ice Cream & Cake Festival is a fantastic way to end another great summer! All of the sweet treats are FREE to all attendees. We are looking forward to seeing you there! Please Remember: *If you would like to donate a cake for this event please bring it to Berwick City Hall, 1800 N Market St., by noon on September 1st. We need your donations to help make this event possible!

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.