Bear Facts December 28, 2009

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Bear Facts December 21, 2009

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Merry Christmas from Building A Better Boyertown

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Boyertown Farmers Market Dec. 19

Enjoy Life Better Downtown

Boyertown Bear Facts Decmber 14, 2009

Boyertown Bear Facts Decmber 14, 2009

Firetruck runs, so Santa saunters to Boyertown event

Firetruck runs, so Santa saunters to Boyertown event

Hope takes root, thanks to Boyertown tree program

Hope takes root, thanks to Boyertown tree program

A Weekend Full of Events in Downtown Boyertown December 4th-5th

A Weekend Full of Events in Downtown Boyertown December 4^th-5th

Boyertown to Host 7th Annual Holiday Open House Tour

The streets of Boyertown will be bustling on Friday, December 4th, during the 7th annual Boyertown Holiday Open House Tour.

Trolleys will transport visitors to and from, 9 historic homes on the tour. Businesses including the Boyertown Area Historical Society, Taylor Backes and Tibitu Glass Blowing Studio, Sugg Motor Car Company, the Boyertown Planing Mill, Frecon's Hard Bean Café, Zimmer's Pets, Studio B., the Odd Fellows Hall, the Twin Turrets Inn, Clayote Gallery and Studio, the State Theater of Boyertown, Boyertown Area Multi-Service, Inc., Frecon Farms, and the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles will offer entertainment and activities from
3 PM to 9 PM.

The tour begins at the Boyertown Area Historical Society, 43 South Chestnut Street, Boyertown. Tickets are available at the Boyertown Area Historical Society, Bause's Super Drug Store, and The Twin Turrets Inn at a cost of $8 in advance and $10 the day of the tour.

Festival of Trees

While on the Holiday House Tour, enjoy the Beauty of over 35 trees decorated by community friends; 3P.M. to 9 P.M. at The Center at Spring Street.

Take a chance to win a completely decorated tree; Listen to the sounds of the season presented by local musicians; share in the fellowship and partake of the refreshments.

Studio B Celebrates First Anniversary with Members' Show

Studio B is proud to celebrate its one-year anniversary with its first annual "Members and Friends Showing of Small-priced Works," opening Friday, December 4, 2009 during Boyertown's annual holiday house tour, with a reception starting at 5:00 p.m.

Over 30 of the gallery's artist members as well as friends who have exhibited at the studio throughout the past year have been invited to show their small-priced works.Various media, from oil and watercolor to

clay and fiber will be represented.

All of the pieces in the show are promised to be under $200, making the art easily accessible for holiday gifting.

All art items are created locally and crafted by hand, making them unique holiday gifts.

You will also feel good knowing that you are supporting local artists as well as Studio B and Downtown Boyertown.

The show will hang through Wednesday, January 6, 2010.

Studio B is located at 39 E. Philadelphia Ave. in Boyertown, PA.

Please visit studiobbb.org for more information.

Building a Better Boyertown's
CHILLIN ON MAIN WITH SANTA
December 5, 2008
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

What could be better than seeing jolly old Santa and Mrs. Claus in Boyertown? Come out for Building A Better Boyertown's Chillin' On Main Celebration! Bring the kids out for crafts, fire trucks, and fun! December 5th from 11am-3pm Downtown Boyertown will have an array of things to do, from crafters, to a meter decorating contest, and even free photos of the kids with Santa!

Santa will arrive by fire truck supported by the Friendship Hook and Ladder at 11am and stay until 2pm sitting in front of Zimmers Pets. He will have treats for everyone that sits on his lap to tell him what they would like for Christmas this year.

While enjoying the festivities, enjoy watching the meter decorating contest, and vote for your favorite. Stop and visit the Boyertown Rotary Club who will have a display of how other countries celebrate the Holiday Season.

Visit various crafter tables while waiting to see Jolly St. Nick and make a special creation to take home and share with the family.

Santa's Workshop will be located at 35 East Philadelphia Avenue, IOOF Building where children will be able to do their holiday shopping, and the Boyertown Area Community Library will be hosting their annual book sale!Other activities during the day will be: FREE pictures with Santa, sponsored by Bause's Super Drug Store, FREE Cookies, FREE Hot Chocolate, sponsored by the Boyertown Area Salvation Army FREE Crafts for the children, sponsored by BBB’s Promotions Committee, a Meter Decorating Contest, Story Time at the Boyertown Area Community Library at 11:30, Live Alpacas, sponsored by Illusion Ranch, Santa's Workshop at the IOOF building, Holiday Music, Sponsored by the Boyertown Alumni Band and It's my Turn Karaoke, Dancers from Let's Get Dancing, Costumed characters greeting the children, FREE Crafts for the children, sponsored by BBB’s Farmers Market, crafts and activities sponsored by the Relay for Life of Boyertown

At 2:00 p.m. please visit The Boyertown State Theater , where they will be showing "It's A Wonderful Life" a classic holiday movie that will be free to the general public, sponsored by local businesses

FREE 5 minute Hydro-Massages at Serenity Junction where they will be hosting their Grand Opening on Friday December 4th and Saturday December 5th.
These festivities will begin on December 4th with a Ribbon Cutting
Ceremony at 2pm. Directly to follow the ceremony, Serenity Junction
will be offering FREE 5 minute Hydro Massages during the hours of the
Boyertown Holiday Open House Tour 3-9 p.m. as well as on Saturday
December 5^th during Chillin’ on the Main (gift certificates are available)

Studio B will be serving tiny cups of egg nog (a sip of the holiday spirit) and offering holiday face painting--While visiting Studio B please take time to enjoy their new Members and Friends Small-priced works show which will be on exhibit (opens December 4 during the Holiday Open House Tour) and will feature work priced for holiday gifting. Studio B is celebrating its first birthday on December 5. Stop by for a bite of birthday cake (gift certificates are available)

Clayote Gallery and Studio will be open 10-9 on December 4^th and 10-6 on December 5^th with clay ornament making 2 for 10$, 5 for 20$, with a glazing and firing turnaround of delivery in 10 days. Or just stop in for FREE clay play with a 12$ firing charge for any pieces you choose to keep from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (gift certificates are available)

On December 4^th during normal business hours, Patsy's Potpourri of Gifts will be offering, 10% off all Ceramic Angel & Snowman Ornaments, $5 off all Large Christmas Wreaths, Unannounced Specials - Come See all the great items, Walk-In for Tastefully Simple (Cash/Carry - this day only), Have Snowman , Patsy's Potpourri of Gifts will also have Winter Scene & B/W Animal Pictures available for Christmas Gifts (gift certificates are available) .

Michelle's Hair Designs will be offering 20% off retail styling products and have jewelry available for purchase during normal business hours on Friday December 4^th and Saturday December 5^th (gift cards are available).

Friday. December 4^th Frecon’s Hard Bean Café will be featuring Porter Shimer on Piano playing and signing Christmas tunes all evening long and the Boyertown Brassmen at 8:30pm with a full horn brass section playing all the Christmas favorites!

Saturday the 5th, Miss Maggie from 2-3pm will sing along with the children, Carriage Rides from 1-3pm at $5 per person, 8:30 p.m. to close Mike Holiday will be doing a Christmas Music Special right in the Living Room for a $3 cover

Unchain Boyertown

UNCHAINING FOR ONE DAY MEANS MONEY FOR BOYERTOWN

Building A Better Boyertown (BBB) is urging the citizens of Boyertown to unchain themselves on November 21—to do any business they plan to do on that day only at local independent businesses.

Boyertown Unchained! is part of America Unchained, a national campaign of the American Business Alliance (AMIBA).

BBB aims to reach every citizen of the Boyertown area to come together in support of Boyertown through demonstrating that their personal spending decisions affect the whole community, both now and for the future.

If every Boyertown citizen does their planned business, shopping and dining out on that day with only locally-owned businesses this year, we can inject thousands of dollars into our local economy. Of course, we hope the residents of Boyertown and the surrounding area will think about this not only on November 21, but every day—and particularly with holiday shopping upon us.

Sometimes seemingly small acts have an impact bigger than you ever imagined. Take family spending, you may think you're just fulfilling your family's wants or needs when you shop or dine out. Think again!

The choice of where you spend your money makes a big difference to your community. Spending your money with locally-owned independent businesses puts it to work directly helping your local economy-just one way your community benefits from its independent businesses.

These businesses use goods and services of other locally-owned independent businesses—

re-circulating your money 3 or more times longer locally than if you spend it at a chain*. This creates greater community health and prosperity.

Now imagine the impact on Boyertown if everyone shopped locally owned. You can stop imagining and help make it a reality!

On November 21, communities around the continent will be urged to "unchain" for just that one day-to maximize the impact of their dollars and inject potentially millions more into the local economy through joining other residents to do their shopping, dining out and other business only with locally-owned independent businesses.

Boyertown stands to gain in every way by supporting our independent businesses. They provide us with essential goods and services, well-paying jobs, and continued opportunities for citizens to own their own business here. They are critical parts of Boyertown’s social, cultural and economic health. Supporting them is good for us personally and our community.

BBB has timed this important message to reach the citizens of Boyertown before they are inundated with a clutter of holiday ads and events. We hope they will carry this message with them as they do all of their holiday purchasing and other business.

Join our campaign and show Boyertown what a difference a day can make!

Resources: Website of the American Independent Business Alliance: AMIBA.net

Studies referenced located at: http://amiba.net/recommended.html#studies

For more information about Downtown Boyertown please visit www.boyertownpa.org or contact BBB’s Main Street Manager, Heather Oxenford

610-369-3054 manager@boyertownpa.org

Buy Locally this Holiday Season!

Buy Locally this Holiday Season!

Downtown Boyertown specializes in various LOCAL art, jewelry, gifts, antiques, classes, dining and more.

So if you are updating your wardrobe with some new jewelry and accessories, are remodeling, moving into new office space, or just looking for that special gift, stop by any of our Downtown Boyertown shops!

Many one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry, blown glass, fused glass, pottery, furniture, sculptures, paintings, purses, and specialty gifts are on hand or can be specially ordered.

If you have a project focusing on a particular theme or style, we have many local artists who do commissions.


REMEMBER......GIFT CERTIFICATES MAKE A GREAT GIFT.....

Where can you find these items?

* Barry Bachman Music Store

Music instruction, instruments, instrument repair, and musical supplies

* Bauses Supper Drug Store

Various gift items, Boyertown memorabilia, health and beauty needs, pharmacy, photo center, lottery tickets, and more

* Beauty by Design

Hair and skin care, manicures, pedicures, odorless acrylic,
purses, jewelry, accessories

* Bella June

Hair care, jewelry, assorted local art

* Boyertown Farmers Market

Local produce, coffee, meats, baked goods, and crafters
(Open once a month after October 31)

* Building A Better Boyertown's Office

Boyertown Pictorial History Book, Boyertown historical note cards, prints of Dave Larsons' "A Special Kind of Place mural", local art

* Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles

Tours, Various gift items, Boyertown memorabilia, meeting facility

* Carmelo's Pizza

Various authentic Italian style meals and pastries

* Clayote

Local pottery, art, classes and commission work

* Current Trends

Hair care and purses

* Curves

Health and Wellness

* Dice's Creative Cakes

Various baked goods and custom cakes

* Durango's Saloon

Vast variety of dinner menu items and drinks

* D&W Motorsports

Custom Powder Coating and Media Blasting

* Ellixsons Tae Kwon DO Academy

Self-defense, physical fitness, attire

* Frecon's Hard Bean Café

Specialty coffees, teas, various light editables, local art, jewelry, purses

* Gracefully Framed

Custom matting, framing, local art, various gift items

* The Grill Shop

Breakfast and lunch

* Historic State Theatre

Movies, entertainment, meeting facility

* Inside the Cherry Cupboard

Antiques

* Iezzi's Taveren

Various authentic Italian style meals, seafood, and drinks

* Joseph's Salon

Hair Care

* Lilly Nails

Manicures and pedicures

* Luicana's Unique Design Kitchen and Bath

Full and partial remodeling services for kitchens and bathrooms

* Mario's Pizza

Various authentic Italian style meals and pastries

* Michelle's Hair Designs

Hair and skin care, tanning, massage, jewelry, manicures and pedicures

* Miracles In Motion Dance Studio and Theatre in Motion

Dance lessons, performances, and entertainment

* Pachella Arms

Outdoor sporting needs

* Patsy's Potpourri of Gifts

Various original gift items from local crafters, jewelery,
Simply Tasteful order station, retired Longaberger Baskets

* Rita's Water Ice

Water ice, frozen custard, soft pretzels and beverages
(open seasonally)

* Serenity Junction (Opening November 2009)

Health and Wellness,tanning, local art

* Signet Performance
Dance and activity attire

* Spotted Dog Barkery

Home baked goods for any dogs palate, various gift items and dog attire

* Studio B

Local art of all genre by local artist, meeting facility, commission work,
and classes

* Sweet Beginnings

Breakfast, lunch, baked goods and catering

* Taylor Backes Glass Blowing Studio

Custom made blown glass, classes/workshops, jewelery, and commission work

* Twin Turrerts Inn

Bed and breakfast, and antiques

* Winner's Circle Awards and Trophies

Custom made personalized gifts, awards, trophies and attire

* WZAR TV

Have your old home movies and slides transferred to DVD and give your family something to remember. Any format film or videotape can be transferred.

* Zimmers Pets

Dogs, Cats, Birds, Fish, Reptiles, Rodents for purchase, various pet care
and gift items

Community Meeting

Please join us!

When October 27, 2009, 6:30 Meet and Greet
7:00 Meeting and Discussion

Where Friendship Hook & Ladder

Why BBB's Crossroads Rehabilitation
Streetscape project

What Refreshment, Snacks and Discussion


Dear Downtown Business Owners and Community Members,

Building a Better Boyertown is excited to have this opportunity to invite you to an informational meeting. The discussion is about the pending and exciting Crossroads Rehabilitation project. While we are thrilled to be in the final planning stages of the initial phase, we understand that the project will affect you and other businesses/owners in our Main Street District.

The Design Committee, BBB Board and Borough are currently working with the engineers on this plan that would enhance Boyertown's already charming character. Since this project does involve the street and right-of-way areas near the intersection of Reading and Philadelphia Avenues, we feel we need to discuss the streetscape with you and answer any questions you may have. The plan includes adding trees, a brick ribbon sidewalk, and Victorian street lights as some of the ways to provide beautification and enhancement to our downtown. The project planned will not be an expense to you but rather funded by grants.

Please plan to meet us for refreshments and snacks on Tuesday, October 27th at 7:00 PM at the Friendship Hook & Ladder. Building a Better Boyertown looks forward to sharing the details of this exciting endeavor. We also look forward to your questions and comments.

Please reply to Heather Oxenford, manager@boyertownpa.org 610-369-3054 to indicate if you would like to meet to find out more about the Crossroads Rehabilitation streetscape project.


Sincerely,

Jake Lea
BBB President

Heather Oxenford
BBB Main Street Manager

Polly Heeney
Design & Façade Committee

Charles Haddad
Design Committee: Streetscape Chairperson

Boyertown Farmers Market Extends the Season

Boyertown Community Theatre Company

Reuse, Recycle, Raku

Clayote would like to announce that they are now accepting deliveries of unwanted: paper, cardboard, phone books, magazines, news papers, saw dust, leaves, and pine needles as their effort to recycle your unwanted items into creating art "Recycle, Reuse, Raku"

Raku firing is unpredictable and volatile, but produces exquisitely beautiful results.

The Raku Kiln:

In Raku, a ceramic piece is quickly heated to approximately 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. A Raku piece will be brought up to temperature in 40 minutes, whereas other forms of firing will take hours or even days. Raku firings are most often created in a gas or propane kiln. The gas flame is enhanced by an electric blower, which provides more oxygen to the flame making it burn hotter. This is similar to what is done in a metal forge.

The Reduction Atmosphere and Raku Glazes:

The piece is then placed in a closed container, such as a metal garbage can, with newspaper, wood shavings, leaves or other combustibles. The combustible material immediately ignites and the container is then closed.

By closing the container, a reduction atmosphere is created. Reduction means the fire burns with a lack of oxygen. Pieces with no glaze in such an atmosphere will turn black. The piece is then smoked inside the container for 10 - 30 minutes. During this time, the glaze reacts with various elements in the container, creating flashes of color and a shiny luster. Raku glazes are formulated to perform in a reduction atmosphere. Some Raku glazes contain copper, and produce a striking, metallic finish. Others create a beautiful, crackle finish.


Raku produces extraordinary results which cannot be predicted. The mixture of different temperatures and a broad range of chemical elements make Raku a medium for those who can release control of the results.

For more information please contact Clayote
howlinhands@hotmail.com
484-388-9915

Greshville Antiques and Fine Art Exhibit/Sale

The Catered opening on Friday, October 16, 2009, 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at Boyertown’s Studio B for Greshville Antiques and Fine Art Exhibit/Sale
featuring Frederick Sands Brunner: Boyertown’s Rockwell. Exhibit runs through November 30, 2009.

Studio B to Stage Greshville Antiques and Fine Art Exhibit/Sale
Featuring Frederick Sands Brunner: Boyertown’s Rockwell

Kurt and Valerie Malmberg of Greshville Antiques and Fine Art will host a catered opening reception, Friday, October 16, 2009, 5:00-7:00 p.m. to introduce a new exhibition of the work of well-known illustrator from Boyertown’s history—Frederick Sands Brunner –known as Boyertown’s Rockwell. The exhibit will run through November 30, 2009.

Over two dozen original works by Brunner including vintage posters and calendar art that originally appeared as magazine covers and articles as well as a number of his personal landscapes and portraits, will be on display and for sale at Studio B, 39A East Philadelphia Avenue, Boyertown.

Frederick Sands Brunner:
Frederick Sands Brunner was born and raised in Boyertown, PA, in 1886, son of Samuel L. and Anna (Sands) Brunner and became nationally known as an illustrator in the era of magazine art, what was known as the “Golden Age” of illustration.
Brunner aspired to be a trapper; he loved the outdoors. But, after he drew a valentine for his teacher and received a mark of “200,” he began to study art.
His sister, Eva E. Brunner, taught art at Boyertown High School and is remembered fondly today by former students.
Brunner graduated from the Pennsylvania Museum and School of Industrial Art, now The University of the Arts College of Art and Design, in 1909 with a diploma in illustration and studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts with Daniel Garber.
In 1910 Brunner was living in Philadelphia, listing his occupation as artist. By 1918 he was a recognized commercial artist. His early works (1905-1912) might have been displayed by his father, out of fatherly pride in his dry good store, known as the Rath and the Oberholtzer properties, located in the former Odd Fellows complex, 37 East Philadelphia Avenue. Brunner would have been 26 when his father died and the store closed.
His first job was a staff artist for the Ladies Home Journal where he did pen and ink drawings of celebrities, illustrations and cover designs. Brunner then moved on to freelance for numerous magazines. He served as illustrator for magazine covers for Curtis Publishing Co., Philadelphia.
His paintings appeared on the cover of The Saturday Evening Post, in advertisements for Coca-Cola, Kellogg’s cereal and Canada Dry Ginger Ale. Brunner’s work was utilized by the American Red Cross in what was called a “striking appeal to the European war sufferers.” His placard was adopted and spread throughout the nation.
In addition to his commercial illustration work, Brunner also painted for his own enjoyment. He continued to love the outdoors and painted many landscapes in the Adirondack Mountains of New York.
Portraits of his wife and two daughters were some of his favorite subjects. He often used his relatives as models to pose for his sketches. Daughter Sybil appears on the Valentine Post cover.
During World War II, he did two Red Cross posters and painted many portraits, among them General Carl Spaatz, his old Boyertown friend; Chester Gersten, a New York banker; and George F. Tibbitts, founder of the Gospel Volunteers of the World.
Brunner’s portrait of General Spaatz hangs in the library of Boyertown Area High School; another portrait of General Spaatz (held until recently by the family; now with Greshville Antiques and Fine Art) is now owned by The Historical Society of Berks County, Reading, PA. Brunner also painted the portrait of Dr. Charles Dotterer, the "dean" of Boyertown physicians,
Brunner was also an artist at living. He loved his dogs, liked to fish, ride his horse “Bright Eyes,” hike, climb, canoe, and shoot with bow and arrow. He was an avid reader, an exceptional cook and very interested in American Indians.
The April issue of the Ladies’ Home Journal features an illustration entitled, “Her Souvenir.” This cover displays the portrait of an American officer, who stands high in the ranks of the aviation section and is well known to many of the people of this community. In the foreground of the drawing, a sweetheart of the man “over there” is just enjoying the valued gift from her friend in the form of a German steel helmet which has been delivered by the postal authorities.
Brunner died suddenly of a heart attack April 21,1954 in his home in Philadelphia.
Information re: F. Sands Brunner provided through the efforts of Betty Burdan in conjunction with the Boyertown Area Historical Society.

Greshville Antiques and Fine Art:
The Malmbergs, owners of Greshville Antiques and Fine Art, have been researching Berks County artists and their works for more than 25 years. They are considered the leading authorities and appraisers of Berks County Art and frequently assist auction houses, institutions, appraisers, and collectors in evaluating and purchasing this rediscovered regional art.
Each October, Greshville Antiques and Fine Art hosts the Annual Berks County Art Show. For more information on Greshville Antiques and Fine Art, contact Valerie Malmberg, 610-367-0076 or visit www.greshvilleantiques.com.

Studio B:
Studio B, located in the heart of historic Boyertown, is the home of the Arts and Activities Alliance, a committee of Building a Better Boyertown, a nonprofit Main Street program dedicated to revitalizing small towns.
Studio B celebrates lifelong learning, creativity and personal involvement in the visual and literary arts, offers opportunities to enhance creativity, health, and wellness through the arts and seeks to be a dynamic part of Boyertown community, a “go to” destination for learning, fun and friendship. The studio seeks to showcase the work of fine artists in themed exhibits—some juried, some open to all—and welcomes art in diverse media. In addition to art exhibits and classes, Studio B also hosts catered dinners for service clubs and small groups, gallery talks, and “Getting to Know You” opportunities.
Visitors are always welcome to view the changing exhibits; take lessons in the visual, literary, and communication arts offered by highly-trained local artists and teachers; and schedule small events or parties in its elegant facility. The studio proudly collaborates with the Boyertown Area Community Library and Boyertown Area YMCA as well as brother/sister galleries and art-related businesses.

Good Timing:
The Brunner exhibit capitalizes on the community’s love of its history. The release of Building a Better Boyertown’s second pictorial history book/DVD is planned for Friday, November 27, 2009, at the community’s inaugural Premiere Art Show/Sale to be held at Good Shepherd Church. A book signing is a planned feature of the Friday event.
On Sunday, November 29-- the day before the close of Greshville Antiques and Fine Arts Frederick Sands Brunner exhibit--Studio B is inviting the community from 11:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. for coffee and conversation as part of Studio B’s Sunday Series, to meet some of the individuals featured in the book and DVD.
The volume is entitled The History of the Boyertown Area in Pictures: Special People Create a Special Place—a 168-page book which includes a two-hour DVD featuring interviews from 16 men and women from the community recalling their memories of people, places, activities, and events unique to this special kind of place.

The ink wasn't dry before members of Building a Better Boyertown's committee on creating the 2007 pictorial history book began to plan the second book.

Titled The History of the Boyertown Area in Pictures: Special People Create a Special Place, the 168-page book includes a two-hour DVD featuring interviews from 16 men and women from the community recalling their memories of people, places, activities, and events unique to this special kind of place.

The combination book and DVD will be released on November 27, 2009, as a feature of Boyertown's Premiere Art Show/Sale to be held at Good Shepherd Church in time for holiday giving.

Farms and orchards, civic and service organizations, and a focus on volunteers who have devoted countless hours to the betterment of the community since it was chartered in 1866 became the core of the vision for the second book along with off -Main Street businesses, everyday life, and scenes of the area not included in the first book.

Chapter titles featured in the 169-page volume are Main Street Revisited, Scenes of the Area, Area Farms and Orchards, Civic Organizations, Off-Main Street Businesses, Renowned Citizens, and Celebrations. Each chapter, authored by different individuals, provides a variety of "voices" and writing styles to the effort. Each "Chapter Chair" involved his or her own network in collecting information and photographs. An assortment of proofreaders added expertise and information to the project.

Featuring the human angle to focus on the people who have created and maintained this special community inspired a call for names of citizens through letters-to-the-editor. These "nominations" plus Boyertown's unique Citizens of the Year event served as the basis for the "Renowned Citizens" chapter.

Authors include Jim Jannotti, Off-Main Street Businesses; Gordon Moser, Area Farms; Richard Frecon, Area Orchards; Margaret Harner, Civic Organizations; Diane Van Dyke, Renowned Citizens; and Linnette Hulbert, Celebrations. Jane Stahl served as editor.

Proofreaders include Dan Bause, Kim Frain, Margaret Harner, Jim Tribbett, Kitty Reese, Linette Hulbert, Gordie Moser, Dick Frecon, Athena Jones, and Barbara and Daniel Johnson. Gene Rothenberger served as layout artist and designer of the book.

The DVD included with the book, features the work of the members of WZAR-TV--Zach Reinert--a special young entrepreneur, owner and operator of WZAR-TV, and student of video production at Kutztown University; Bethanne Reinert; Mary Kent; and Joy Rhude. Reinert, known locally for his cable TV show entitled Boyertown Live, preserves in video the present Boyertown scene for future generations.

Narrating the DVD are long-time residents Linnette (Ott) Hulbert and Margaret (Leidy) Harner, along with Boyertown teacher Jeff D. Stahl and Kutztown University senior Christiana Weidner. Both Stahl and Weidner, born and raised in Boyertown, love the community and represent voices of Boyertown's future.

The book and DVD, sponsored by Building a Better Boyertown, will be released on November 27, 2009, as a feature of Boyertown's Premiere Art Show/Sale to be held at Good Shepherd Church. A book signing is a planned feature of the event.

Tickets ($25) for the Premiere Art Show's catered "Meet the Artists" opening and book signing scheduled for Friday, November 27, 2009, from 7:00-9:00 pm will be available at Studio B, 39A East Philadelphia Avenue; Twin Turrets Inn, 11 East Philadelphia Avenue; and Bause's Super Drug Store, 42 East Philadelphia Avenue--strong supporters of the arts in Boyertown. Artists and authors are eager to meet and celebrate the many artistic talents and efforts of this special community at the Friday opening/book signing.

Call Heather Oxenford or Sharon Kistler at Building a Better Boyertown 610-369-3054 to reserve copies of the book and DVD. Soft-cover + DVD--$29.99 plus tax; Hard-cover +DVD-- $49.99 plus tax.

Copies of the pictorial history book and DVD will be available at the following locations: Bause's Super Drug Store, 42 East Philadelphia Avenue; Crown Card and Gift, Gilbertsville Shopping Center; Twin Turrets Inn, 11 East Philadel;phia Avenue; Gracefully Framed, 135 East Philadelphia Avenue; Studio B, 39A East Philadelphia Avenue; and the office of Building a Better Boyertown, 12 North Reading Avenue.

The art show/sale is a new venture for the community in celebration of the first anniversary of Studio B, the home of Boyertown's Arts and Activities Alliance, a committee of Building a Better Boyertown.
Studio B has as its mission the promotion of the visual and literary arts and artists of the area and enhancing creativity along with the health and wellness of the community.
Over 50 artists will showcase their work during the weekend art show; an opening reception is planned for Friday, November 27, 2009, from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. featuring the culinary arts of Linda Ross's Food Muse. Tickets for the opening can be purchased at Studio B, 39A East Philadelphia Avenue, Twin Turrets Inn, 11 East Philadelphia Avenue, and Bause's Super Drug Store, 42 East Philadelphia Avenue, strong supporters of the arts in Boyertown.

A special feature of the Premiere Art Show is a contest with prizes for those works of art featuring "Scenes of Boyertown"--areas within the four Gateway Signs. First place cash prize--$500; second place--$300; third place--$200 will be awarded at the opening reception along with purchase awards.

The show is open and free to the public Friday, November 27, 2009, from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 28, 2009, from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Slice of Suburbia: Boyertown | Philly2Philly.com

Slice of Suburbia: Boyertown | Philly2Philly.com

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Gerlach visits Boyertown, delivers $475,000 for streetscape initiative

After a year of working on appropriation funding from the 2009 Omnibus Bill , Congressman Jim Gerlach presented a check to Building A Better Boyertown (BBB) and the Borough of Boyertown for the amount of $475,000 to improve their streetscape with sidewalk improvements, historic Victorian street lighting, comfortable benches, attractive signage, trees, trash receptacles, attractive informational kiosk, and planters in the proposed “Cross Roads” area in the core of the Main Street District of downtown Boyertown.

These improvements are the initial phase of the streetscape project which is part of Building a Better Boyertown’s ongoing revitalization effort. It is designed to attract visitors, inspire residents and enhance the retail atmosphere of the Main Street District. The streetscape improvements will enhance the community’s property value will increase as well as create a more attractive and appealing retail environment.

BBB anticipates that the improvements will tempt new businesses to join our quaint town while also boosting those businesses already present on our Main Street. Additional employment would be natural outcome from this effort as vacancies are filled and new businesses start-up in the town. The streetscape improvements are in line with the Economic Development Strategic Plan for Boyertown and Berks County. An Active and economically viable community discourages crime and blight.

Along with the funds provided by Congressman Gerlach, BBB has also received funds from The Boyertown Area Charitable Giving Program of Berks County Community Foundation who has awarded $40,000 towards assistance with the professional costs related to the services required, a Community Development Block Grant in the amount of $50,000 through the office of Community Planning and Development, and $10,000 supported by State Representative David Kessler from the Department of Community and Economic Development.

Building A Better Boyertown’s Main Street Manager, Heather Oxenford said “Our charming town embraces the arts and the timeless quality of fine craftsmanship along with our Pennsylvania Dutch Heritage. Boyertown provides a memorable experience like nowhere else for family, friends and the traveler. With great appreciation to Congressman Gerlach and the other organizations that are making this project possible, The Boyertown Community will truly display a sense of place!"

Jake Lea, Building a Better Boyertown’s President stated that “This is a culmination of thousands of volunteer hours on the part of Boyertown area residents. I am extremely grateful to Representative Gerlach for his recognition of these efforts and going to bat for the Borough when in Washington. Boyertown has always had a community spirit and this is just another example of how the citizens, the Borough Council and our legislators can work together to make a significant impact”

Revitalization of the Boyertown Main Street’s will:

*spur the retail industry's development

*increase the local tax base by attracting members to a thriving, healthy community

*create jobs in assorted arenas

*stimulate housing by attracting families to buy homes in Boyertown

*increase occupancy rates by attracting families and businesses to buy/rent in Boyertown

*fight sprawl through the promotion of the retail industry

*draw investors to an active, attractive, healthy community

*rehabilitate empty buildings eager to establish businesses in the community

*reflect the history of the community in supporting its historic industries, traditions, and values

*promote civic pride

*utilize existing infrastructure

*increase community involvement

*reaffirm commitment by local leaders

*benefit adjacent neighborhoods

As part of the strategic plan, BBB, with the assistance of the Borough of Boyertown, is in hopes of beginning with these Phases of their mission, the Streetscape Improvement Plan, in order to deliver on Building a Better Boyertown in 2010.

For more information about how you can help with the “Cross Roads” streetscape initiative, become active in the Boyertown community or about Building A Better Boyertown, please contact Heather Oxenford 610-369-3054 manager@boyertownpa.org or visit www.boyertownpa.org