2017 Winter Edition Council Corner

BERKS FESTIVAL

The 27th annual Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest as presented by Berks Arts Council March 31 through April 9 has a definite downtown Reading focus.

Indeed, there is no finer place to be than downtown during the festival.

There are 38 major concerts scheduled for downtown -- 29 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Reading, six at the Miller Center for the Arts and three at the Santander Performing Arts Center.

As always, the Berks Jazz Fest is epic in scope and talent -- with a whole constellation of stars performing in a multiplicity of concerts at venues large and small encompassing contemporary jazz, urban jazz, straight-ahead jazz, blues, , R&B, gospel, sounds that meld genres, and unique concerts produced especially for the festival.

The Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest is recognized as one of the largest and most diverse music festivals of its kind in the country. Since 1991, the festival has been an important part of the Greater Reading’s community revitalization efforts as both an economic and cultural catalyst for positive change. The 10-day festival’s economic impact on the Berks County commu- nity is estimated to be between $8 and $10 million. The festival attracts over 45,000 fans representing 30-plus states and several foreign countries.

The DoubleTree is the epicenter of Jazz Fest concerts. Thirteen of the 29 events there will be at the SOUTH Jazz Parlor at Berks, which will be housed in the ballroom and share the same ambience as the iconic SOUTH Kitchen & Jazz Parlor in Philadelphia, recognized as one of the 50 Best Jazz Clubs in America.

Performing at the SOUTH Jazz Parlor at Berks are the Dr. Lonnie Smith Trio featuring Jonathan Kreisberg and Johnathan Blake (Smith is a 2017 NEA Jazz Master and one of the premier purveyors of funk/soul jazz); Mike Eben’s From the Hip Non- et; the Pat Martino Organ Trio with Horns featuring Pat Bianchi, Carmen Intorre, Adam Niewood, and Alex Norris; Eric Marien- thal; Frank DiBussolo’s Philly Reunion Band; the Jeff Hamilton Trio; the Anat Cohen Quartet; the Avalon Jazz Band plus Hot Club of Reading; and : The Music of Chet Baker.

Other signature shows at the DoubleTree are The New Urban Jazz Party featuring , Walter Beasley, Marion Meadows and Tom Browne; Nick Colionne with Eric Darius and Adam Hawley; funk legend of Sly & the Family Stone fame and Graham Central Station; Jazz Gets the Blues -- a true jazz and blues mix blending blues classics with burning chops, funky grooves and high-energy performance staged exclusively for the Berks Jazz Fest and featuring Clarence Spady, Alexis P Suter, Steve Cole, Nick Colionne, Eric Darius, Pat Bianchi, Vicki Bell and the Berks Horns (Mike Anderson, Rob Diener and John Loos); the NYPD Jazz Band; the can't-miss Berks All-Star Jazz Jam with a medley of marquee artists; the West Coast Jam with Rick Braun, and ; & Friends featuring Chante Moore, , , , Rayford Griffin and Dwight Sills; and multiple Grammy-winning multi-instrumentalist .

Downtown Reading has the Opening Night Celebration with R&B superstar saxophonist , Grammy Award- winning vocalist Patti Austin and revered guitarist/vocalist starring in an exceptional concert produced specifi- cally for the Berks Jazz Fest on Friday, March 31, at 7:30 p.m. at the Santander Performing Arts Center. INSIDE THIS ISSUE Other concerts at the Santander Performing Arts Center are the fabulous Fourplay featuring , Nathan East, Harvey Mason and ; and the stylistically unbound instrumental Grammy Award-winning funk band Snarky Puppy.

In a Berks Jazz Fest premiere, producer extraordinaire Jason Miles is presenting the first live performance of his memorable 2000 album Celebrating the Music of on Saturday, April 1 at 7:30 p.m. at the Miller Center for the Arts. Miles has assembled an array of contemporary jazz heavyweights to honor the 30th anniversary of the formation of Weather Report, 2017 Pagoda Award ...... 2 one of the pre-eminent early bands led by , Wayne Shorter and Miroslav Vitous.

The artists helping Miles breathe life into this special concert are multiple Grammy-winning saxophonist Jeff Coffin and a Veterans Grove ...... 3 member of the Dave Matthews Band; trumpeter Theo Croker; Gerald Veasley; violinist Karen Briggs; multi- instrumentalist Mino Cinelu who as a teenager toured and recorded with Weather Report; percussionist Carter Beauford who is Mt. Penn Reserve a founding member of the Dave Matthews Band; and multiple Grammy-winning drummer Shaun Martin.

Other concerts at the Miller Center are the Super Band featuring Randy Brecker, Mike Stern, Bill Evans, Keith Carlock and Tom Master Plan ...... 3 Kennedy; Troker, a jazz rock and world music band from Guadalajara, Mexico; celebrated pianist Keiko Matsui; pianist/vocalist Jim Brinkman; and the Reading Pops Orchestra with Minas featuring Orlando Haddad, Patricia King and Andrew Neu. Mt. Penn Community

Design Meeting ...... 4 Legislative Highlights ...... 5 Volunteer Opportunities ...... 6 Project Buy a Brick ...... 7

Berks Arts Council Announces the honor the Bucs. Including the concert and most recently in 2015 when they had an Reading Buccaneers as Recipient of the awards in the fest allows us to really cre- undefeated season. They have been DCA 2017 Pagoda Award ate a special celebration.” finalists for over 20 consecutive years, Pagoda Award and special concert to be consistently placing in the top 5 since held Monday, April 3, 2017, at Double- Chez has a long and storied career with th 1998. Tree by Hilton Reading as part of the 27 multiple ensembles in the DCA and Drum annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest. Corp International (DCI), including the

Buccaneers. He is best known for his 25- Reading - Berks Arts Council will honor The first Pagoda Award was presented to Berks County’s championship drum and year stint on and play- the late Gertrude Sternbergh in 1993 in bugle corps the Reading Buccaneers with ing on Late Night with David Letterman recognition the 2017 Pagoda and the Late Show with David Lettermen. Award for Excel- of her valua- In 1979, Chez joined forces with Jon Bon lence in the Arts ble contri- Jovi to create the band the Atlantic City for 60 years of bution to the unparalleled per- Expressway, playing in clubs on the Jer- arts in Berks formance excel- sey Shore. Chez went on to play with County. lence at 7:00 , Robert Cray Band, Spy- p.m., Monday, Over the ro Gyra, Sting, Rolling Stones, Eric Clap- April 3, at Dou- past 20 ton, Bon Jovi, Cee lo Greene, Snoop Dog, bleTree by Hilton years, the awards were expanded to in- James Brown and many others before Reading. The clude multiple recipients celebrating con- Pagoda Award joining Paul Shaffer and the Late Night th tributions to the arts through excellence, coincides with the 60 anniversary of the Orchestra. Reading Buccaneers and the 30th anniver- patronage, and leadership. Over 30 indi- sary of the Buccaneer Alumni Drum and Al Chez and The Brothers of Funk Big viduals have been presented since the Bugle Corps. Band are not your typical big band. award’s inception. In 2008 Chez met up with musicians Jim- Berks Arts Council Board President Lee my Steele and Jarred Streiff and the result The Pagoda Awards and special concert Olsen stated: “I am proud to announce was Al Chez and The Brothers of Funk will be presented on Monday, April 3 at that Berks Arts Council chose to com- Big Band, which has reinvented the big DoubleTree by Hilton Reading, for more memorate the Reading Buccaneers. We band sound by changing up classic rock, information visit PagodaAwards.com. are thrilled to recognize the Bucs 60 years soul, jazz and standard music to a unique of exceptional work.” and powerful sound. Tickets for the Award Ceremony concert are $25 and are available through Pago- Reading Buccaneers director Lou Tierno Along with its unique musical arrange- daAwards.com, BerksJazzFest.com, San- said: "On behalf of six decades of Bucca- ments of rock-soul -- jazz-blues standards tander Arena Box Office, or by calling neers, I thank the Berks Arts Council for and original tunes, Chez's stratospheric ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000, or this incredible honor. We are proud to trumpet playing and soulful vocals make have represented the Greater Reading area for a magical and memorable show. Ticketmaster outlets. For more infor- for the past 60 years, and we have valued mation, please contact the Berks Arts our long association with the Berks Arts Chez started his musical career at the age Council at 610-898-1930. Council. To receive this recognition from of 9 when he joined his local drum corps. the local arts community is particularly Chez still donates his time to drum corps The mission of Berks Arts Council, a 501 gratifying.” activity, (c)(3) non-profit organization, is to culti- working vate, promote, and support the arts in our Pagoda Award Chairperson Kevin Barn- with community through collaboration, educa- hardt added: “I have spent a lot of time many tion, and presentation. with the Buccaneers over the past year, corps and and I am inspired by the energy and com- bands. Berks Arts Council mitment to Artistic Excellence that this presents the Boscov’s corps has shown.” Reading Berks Jazz Fest, the Buccaneers were organized in 1957 as a Bandshell Concert The Awards Ceremony will include a parade corps comprised of veterans of Series, Fast Lane Art special Berks Jazz Fest performance to World War II and Korea who had aged and the Pagoda honor the “Bucs” with Buccaneers’ alum- out of the local junior corps. They won Awards. The Council nus Al Chez performing with his band -- their first VFW championship in 1960. The Brothers of Funk Big Band. administers the Penn- The Buccaneers are a charter member of sylvania Partners in the Arts Re-Granting Karen Haver, Berks Arts Council Execu- the Drum Corps Associates (DCA) and Program, which provides funding to local tive Director, shared: “With the long his- compete annually for the DCA World arts projects and programs, and provides tory of production support from the Read- Championship. In 1965 the Buccaneers art exhibition and Page 2 ing Buccaneers for the Berks Jazz Fest, won the first DCA World Championship, marketing opportu- we felt that the fest was the ideal time to a title they have held a record 14 times, nities for member artists. Visit them at

2 Page 3 Veterans Grove Brick Walkway By Chad Schlanger

Have you driven by or walked through Reading’s City provements at and around different memorials. Park and noticed all the memorials, flag poles, canons Our Freedom Path project will be a significant project and statues scattered throughout the park? Have you which will not only enhance City Park and Veterans ever wondered who cares for all the stone and bronze? Grove but it will allow the BCMPF to raise the funds nec- For decades, Berks County residents have flocked to essary to install cameras, additional lighting, educational Reading’s Veterans Grove to honor and remember the plaques and seating in Veterans Grove while also ensur- men and women who have so bravely defended our ing capital is in place to care for the more than 100 mili- Country and its freedoms. Throughout the park are stat- tary memorials throughout the County which currently ues and memorials erected by various groups honoring are being neglected. Veterans from countless conflicts throughout our Coun- Individual bricks are being sold starting at $100. You tries military history. can select a custom message of your choosing to be Groups are formed and funds are raised to build these etched into the bricks - up to (3) lines and (15) characters memorials but seldom are funds put in place for the long per line. The bricks will then be placed in Veterans term care of the memorials and accompanying fixtures. Grove to form the “Freedom Path” which tie together all Over time the stone crumbles and bronze weathers and of the memorials including the Vietnam memorial. these once striking fixtures begin to deteriorate. Addi- The BCMPF is comprised solely of volunteers and one tionally, as we’ve seen in Veterans Grove, vandals have hundred percent of the proceeds from this project go been causing major damage to the memorials. This is directly to caring for and honoring military veterans where the Berks County Monument Preservation Fund throughout Berks County. The BCMPF is a 501c3. All (BCMPF) and our Freedom Path brick walkway project brick purchases and donations are tax deductible. For come into the picture. more information please feel free to visit BerksFor-

Over the past 3 years, the BCMPF has raised money and funded innumerable repairs and organized countless rehabs of military memorials throughout the County. The BCMPF also has taken it upon itself to rake leaves, mulch, plant flowers and power wash memorials leading up to all major military events and holidays to show the respect we feel is deserved to our Veterans. We have completely rehabbed the Maine Anchor memorial as well as the World War I memorial in Veterans Grove and Vets.com or email us at [email protected]. have done substantial improvements to other memorials around the area as well as completing landscaping im-

Mt. Penn Reserve Master Plan By County Commissioner Kevin Barnhardt The Mt. Penn Preserve committee has begun will encourage people to return as well as patronize our the public input portion of the master plan. We held local shops and restaurants. meetings at City Hall on Saturday, February 25th in the If you can’t make the public meetings, please morning and afternoon and we received a tremendous take a few minutes to complete the survey number of ideas and suggestions to improve the experi- ence and preserve the attributes that make the Mt. Penn www.mtpennpreserve.org Preserve a unique experience. Additional meetings will Thank you for your time and consideration of our local th be held: Thursday, March 9 from 4pm-6pm and 7pm- treasure! If you are interested in serving on the Mount 9pm at the Reading Liederkranz, Saturday, March 25th Penn Preserve Steering Committee, please contact: Kevin from 10am-1 pm and 1pm-4pm at City Hall and Thurs- Barnhardt at 610.478-6136 or kbarn- day, April 20th from 7pm-9pm at Stokesay Castle. [email protected] or Lee Olsen at 610.371.9606 ext. 216 or lol- We have many folks traveling from outside of our community are enjoying the Preserve for exercise, recreation, amazing views and activities. We want YOUR input into the future of the Preserve and what Page 4 Did you know…………….

Use of ATVs: The use of all types and forms of ATV’s are prohibited within Reading by the State; however, we often see and hear them being used on streets, alleys and park properties. The State requires all ATV’s to be registered with the State DCNR (Department of Conservation and Natural Resources). City Code Chapter 576, Part 13 Motorized Devices and Chapter 576-407 Storage of Vehicles on Streets was modified by adding language regarding All-Terrain Vehicles and authorizing the Police Department to seize and dispose of all ATV’s that are unregistered.

Parking Large Trucks: In Reading it is illegal to park any commercial vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 lbs. or more for more than 1 hour in plain view from the public right of way. Tow Trucks designated medium or heavy duty, Car Carriers, and Low Boy Trailers are similarly prohibited. This restriction applies City-wide and includes without limitation school buses, construction equipment, trucks, trailers, or tractors, whether attached or unattached unless the vehicle is involved in the actual delivery, pick up of goods, supplies, or merchandise from any building, resi- dence or business, or the vehicle is used to perform services for any permitted residential or commercial project in that block. Violations should be reported to the Reading Police Desk Sergeant at 610 655 6111. Vehicles are warned one time prior to ticketing.

Streetlight Outage: Is there a streetlight burned out? Please report the outage to the City’s Citizens Service Center by calling 877-727-3234 or report the outage in iRequest on the City’s website or download on your smart phone. Simply report the type of pole – wooden or metal – along with the pole number located on the tag attached to the pole, as that infor- mation will determine if the repair is required by the City or MetEd.

Campaign Reporting Requirements: As we enter into a municipal election year, a reminder to all seeking election to a City Council seat that the Ethics Code requires everyone entering into a political campaign for a City office or operating a political action committee (PAC) to file copies of the reports filed with the Elections Office with the City Clerk’s Office. There are also limitations on campaign contributions as listed below:

Election year: individuals - $2,600 organizations - $10,400 campaign committees - $10,400 Non-Election year: Mayor – $150,000 per year Auditor – $75,000 per year City Council President - $50,000 City Council – $25,000 per year Post-Election to candidates and candidate campaign committees individuals - $2,600 organizations - $10,600

Candidates must notify the City of Reading Board of Ethics when a political committee is formed and must submit a form to the City Clerk’s Office. Candidates must file a Financial Interest Statement and provide a copy to the Board of Ethics and must submit a copy of their report of receipts and expenditures to the office of the City Clerk along with a written statemen t signed by the filer swearing that the information is true and correct.

Page 5 Volunteer Opportunities

The City of Reading has many opportunities for residents to be involved in decisions made by their local government. At this time, the City needs residents to serve on several Boards, Authorities and Commissions (BAC). Four BACs are highlighted below along with a comprehensive list of all openings on City BACs.

Are you a heating/air conditioning professional? The HVAC Board reviews the City’s heating and air conditioning installation and maintenance requirements.

Board of Ethics members must be City residents. The Board gives advice and processes complaints of potential violations of the Code of Ethics and conducts education programs. Board members have an elevated duty to avoid conflicts of interests and may not hold or campaign for public office, hold office in any political party, organization or committee, may be employed or appointed by any government, or actively participate or contribute to any campaign for City office.

Members of the Charter Board must be City residents. The Board gives advice and processes complaints of potential violations of the Home Rule Charter and conducts education programs. Board members have an elevated duty to avoid conflicts of interests and may not hold or campaign for public office, hold office in any political party, organization or committee, may be employed or appointed by any government, or actively participate or contribute to any campaign for City office.

The Reading Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) works to protect areas, buildings and structures of the City which reflect the cultural, social, and architectural history of the City, awaken an interest in the City’s historic past, foster civic pride in the architectural, historical, cultural and educational accomplishments of Reading, promotes the use and reuse of the his- toric areas, buildings and structures, enhancing the City's attractiveness to visitors, encouraging new buildings and developments that are harmonious with existing historic and architecturally important buildings, and to enable the City to participate actively in the National Register of Historic Places program and procedures and the National Certified Local Government Program to qualify for grant assistance.

Electrician’s Examining Board 1 opening Plumbing Board 2 openings HVAC Board 6 openings Zoning Hearing Board 2 alternate openings Fire Civil Service Board 1 opening HARB 4 openings – 1 at large resident, 1 resident of the District, 1 resident of the Penn’s Com- mons District and 1 real estate broker Board of Health 2 openings + 1 alternate opening – environmental health and infectious disease knowledge Board of Ethics 2 openings Building/Fire Code Board Of Appeals 2 openings + 2 alternate openings – building and trades experience Animal Control Board 3 openings Charter Board 3 openings Code & License Appeals Board 1 opening – must own a business in Reading Diversity Board 2 openings – 1 rep of a reputable City Hispanic org and 1 rep of the NAACP Main Street Board 3 openings Pagoda Foundation 4 openings Water Authority 2 openings Redevelopment Authority 2 openings CRIZ Authority 5 openings Planning Commission 2 openings Shade Tree Commission 2 openings Stadium Commission 2 openings Human Relations Commission 2 openings Environmental Advisory Council 4 openings Recreation Commission 2 openings

All interested citizens should complete the BAC application form found on the City’s website – www.readingpa.gov – and return it to the City Clerk’s office, 815 Washington St, Reading, PA 19601.

For additional information, please call the City Clerk’s office at 610-655-6204 or email to [email protected].

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