Bass Fishing Tournament and Festival Set for Test Track Park

What:  Columbia County Bassmasters Fishing Tournament and CMVB Outdoor Family Fun Festival When:  June 12 - 13, 2010 Where:  Test Track Park Boat Launch The Borough of Berwick, in partnership with the Columbia County Commissioners, Columbia County Bassmasters, and Columbia Montour Visitors Bureau, is hosting a bass tournament at the Test Track Park Boat Launch the weekend of June 12 - 13.  The bass fishing tournament includes a $20,000 donation from the Columbia County Commissioners via the County Tourism Fund.  There will be prizes in the amount of $12,500 for the tournament, with the first place team winning $5,000 in cash.  The event will also include a festival at Test Track Park near the Boat Launch.  There will be food, vendors, crafts, children's activities, and different displays, including Land Trapping with Commissioner Chris Young, Watershed Health with PPL Riverlands,, Native American Indian Culture & Customs with Lynn Little Wolf and Robin Summer Bird, Live Country Music Blue Grass Music, Fish Printing with the Columbia County Conservation District, Nature Exploration, and Arrowhead & Indian Artifacts.  Other vendors at the invent will include food by Boots, Brennans, and Bissingers, a Quaker Steak & Lube stand giving out vouchers, Backyard Bouncin', Robbins Marine, a possible fiddle contest, Tom Austin, and a number of other vendors.  The list isn't finalized yet, but it promises to be an extraordinary event. If you are interested in the event, or fishing in the tournament, more information can be downloaded at the links below.  There are 100 boats allowed in the tournament.  The boundaries extend from the Danville / Riverside bridge to the Nanticoke bridge, and registration forms are accepted beginning March 1st.  Don't miss this exciting event! Flyer, Application, and Forms: Tournament Flyer Festival Schedule Flyer Tournament Application Tournament Rules Sponsor Forms

Family Fishing Day May 15, 2010

The 3rd Annual Family Fishing Education Day at the PPL Riverlands has been scheduled for May 15th.  The event, co-sponsored by the Columbia County Bassmasters, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, PPL Riverlands, and Berwick Community Policing Program, is designed to teach youngsters how to properly fish.  In addition, parents are also encouraged to participate in the events and learn proper fishing techniques alongside their children. Lunch is provided, education is provided, a place to fish is provided, and the fun is provided.  All that is needed is that participants register by downloading the form in the link below and you can enjoy this wonderful event, FREE OF CHARGE! Family Fishing Day Flyer

New Council and Mayor Begin New Era

On January 4, 2010, the Berwick Borough government marked an historical day in our community's history.  On this day, the Borough offices, after nearly 100 years of operating in the Jackson Mansion, officially opened at our new located at 1800 North Market Street.  Also, on this day, it marked the official retirement of long-time Mayor Lou Biacchi and the beginning of the term for newly elected Mayor Jim Timbrell.  Additionally, retiring District Justice The Honorable Richard Cashman provided perhaps his last Swearing In Ceremony at our new building, which marked its first Swearing In Ceremony.  Three new Councilmen, Benjamin Mike, Tom Metz, and Pete Talanca and  incumbent Jeri Alley were all sworn in along with newly appointed Assistant Borough Manager Lauren Martz on this historic day. This room was filled with family, friends, and community members to witness this historic and exciting event for both the new officials and the entire community.  A new era of Berwick Borough government has truly begun. (Council members: (from left to right) Arden Oliver, Gary Pinterich (President), Tom Metz, Ben Mike (Vice-President), Jeri Alley, Pete Talanca, Jim Meighan)

Lauren Martz Appointed as New Assistant Borough Manager

On Monday, November 9, 2009 the Borough Council officially appointed Lauren A. Martz as the new Assistant Borough Manager of Berwick.  Lauren was appointed after a three month search.  More than 40 professionals applied for the position.  After interviewing approximately twelve candidates, Council narrowed the field down to four finalists, with Lauren being the successful candidate. Lauren, a native of Bloomsburg, graduated from Moravian College with a Bachelors of Business Management.  She minored in Art, specializing in Graphic Design and Marketing.  Lauren graduated with Magna Cum Laude honors, receiving multiple scholarships and awards while in college.  She has served in many capacities throughout her community.  She has volunteered on mission trips to Rwanda, served on Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority, Careers in Banking, United Student Government, Leadershape, and the Society for Human Resource Managers Student Division.  Lauren graduated from college and began working for PPL almost immediately.  She served in both Human Resources and Marketing.  With her experience and education, the Borough of Berwick is eager for Lauren to get started on January 4, 2010.  Feel free to say hello to Lauren at our new building located at 1800 North Market Street.

Jim McClintock Celebrates 35 Years with the Borough

At the November 16, 2009 Council Meeting, the Borough Council and Mayor Biacchi honored a very special employee.  Jim McClintock celebrated his 35th anniversary working as the dispatcher for the Berwick Police Department late last month.  Jim has served the department in numerous capacities and has been a very dedicated employee for 35 years, and in his words, "hopefully a few more". Jim began his employment with the Borough of Berwick on October 27, 1974 and has been a reliable source of information and dedication ever since.  Jim is the "eyes and ears" of the department, assisting officers in every capacity he possibly can.  He has spent many years keeping the office above water and assisting officers through dispatching, assisting in reports, and handling public questions and concerns.  After receivng a plaque presented by Mayor Lou Biacchi, Jim gave a short, heartfelt speech thanking past and present Councils, the Mayor, and past and present police officers for everything they have done for him.  If you have a chance to see Jim in the near future, please join us in thanking him for his contributions to our community.  Jim, Berwick truly appreciates what you have done for us!

100th Run For the Diamonds - Thanksgiving Day 2009

On Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2009, the 100th Annual Run For the Diamonds race was held.  The event marked a record number of entrants, with several thousand runners and walkers entering the event.  Even more fans showed up to support their friends and family in the race.  The race, which is one of the oldest marathons in Pennsylvania, has only gone 1 year in the last 101 years without being ran.  The 9-mile race covers all terrains from long stretches of flat land to long stretches of hills.  The Berwick Marathon Association works hard every year to ensure that a successful event occurs.  Awards for winning the race are actually in the form of diamonds from local jewelers.  Winners include the overall race winners, age bracket winners, and team winners.  Check out the Berwick Marathon Association and more details on the Race for the Diamonds by clicking here. The Run For the Diamonds is one of Berwick's richest and proudest traditions.  Each year the community supports this great event on Thanksgiving Day.  The Borough is truly proud of the job that the Berwick Marathon Association does each and every year for our community.

2009 Santa Parade Draws Large Crowds

On a day when most people go shopping, the citizens of Berwick crowded the streets to watch the 2009 Santa Parade, which included the Berwick High School Band, multiple floats, fire trucks, cub scouts, the United Way, and a variety of other local organizations, marching down the streets of our community.  At the end of the parade, Santa himself graced everyone with his presence, marking Black Firday the beginning of the Christmas holiday season.  Thousands of citizens lined the streets to catch a glimpse of their family members and friends marching down the road...or perhaps to catch all the candy that was being thrown their way.  It was a beautiful day to start the holiday season in Berwick.

1st Annual Fire Department Charity Football Game a Success

The Berwick Fire Department and Salem Township Fire Department went to battle for a good cause recently.  On Saturday, November 28, 2009, the two fire departments played in the first annual Fire Department Charity Football Game at Crispin Field.  Although the Berwick volunteers prevailed in victory in the flag football game, it was the Toys For Tots program that was truly victorious.  The fire departments were able to raise several thousand dollars to support the cause to help children be able to open gifts and have toys during the holiday season.  A representative from the United State Marine Corps was on hand for a small presentation ceremony as well.  Back to the game.  The Berwick Fire Department was led out by their "coach", Fire Chief Bill Coolbaugh, dressing the part with a cowboy hat and all.  At one point, he managed to throw a challenge flag during the game, protesting the call of referee and Borough Codes Officer Greg Harkins.  Councilman Jay Jarrett was on the sidelines holding the markers and Councilman Alvin Hill was playing for the Berwick team.  Although the game was meant for fun and a charity, the men and women on the field were all business trying to get the win for their team.  The loser had to give a $500 donation to Toys For Tots.  In the end, both companies donated.  This charitable cause was yet another way the volunteers of our community give back.  We are all proud to have people of our community willing to take up so many great causes.

Open Records Act Announcement

In accordance with Pennsylvania law, the Borough of Berwick has established an Open Records Officer, Shane Pepe. All requests shall be made to him and reviewed by him. Examples of public records are the following:   ·         911 time response logs ·         Grant Applications ·         Contracts ·         Agreements ·         Agency decisions ·         Name, title, Salary of public employees and officials   Examples of non-public records:   ·         Social Security numbers ·         Drivers license numbers ·         Employee numbers ·         Home, cellular or personal phone numbers ·         Personal financial information ·         Spouse’s name, marital status, beneficiary or dependent information ·         Home addresses of law enforcement and judges ·         Identity of confidential informants. ·         Records that identify social service recipients, including welfare recipients ·         A minor’s name, home address, date of birth. ·         Constituent requests to a member of the House or Senate ·         Library circulation cards ·         Pre-decisional deliberations   All request forms may be obtained at City Hall, 344 Market Street, Berwick, PA 18603 Check out the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records website for more details by clicking here. You can download the Borough's Open Records request form by clicking here.  All Open Records requests must be submitted to Shane Pepe in writing.