RecurringCenterport Lions Club. Jamming Sessions will be held every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month. Music starts at 5:30 p.m. All musicians welcome.
Senior Citizens Club of Hamburg. The Hamburg Seniors meet at 2 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesday of each month in the Hamburg Area Middle School cafeteria. If school is canceled on the meeting day because of bad weather, the meeting is canceled.
Hamburg Public Library Story Time: The Hamburg Public Library has story time on Wednesday mornings at 10 a.m. for ages 18 months through 3 years old. At 11 a.m. there is story time for preschoolers and home schooled early elementary. The schedule is available on the library’s website at www.berks.lib.pa.us/hamburgpl.
Hamburg Public Library Board Meetings: Library board meetings are held the second Tuesdays except July. Public encouraged to attend.
Chestnut Knoll Assisted Living, 120 W. Fifth Street, Boyertown, hosts a monthly family support group for those who are coping with Alzheimer’s disease. It is affiliated with the Alzheimer’s Association and is held on the third Thursday of each month at 6 p.m.
Schuylkill Valley LibraryEvery Wednesday: Summer Program for kids ages 7-12 at 11:30 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Schuylkill Valley Community Library, 1310 Washington Road, Leesport. 610-926-1555. www.berks.lib.pa.us/svcl
Every Friday: Summer Program for preschoolers and kindergarteners at 9:30 a.m. Schuylkill Valley Community Library, 1310 Washington Road, Leesport. 610-926-1555. www.berks.lib.pa.us/svcl
Bethany United Methodist Church Young Children’s Choir
Ages 2-6 practicing 1st 3 Wednesday each month at 6:30 p.m. Singing at 10:15 Worship Service. Sunday after 3rd practice each month. Call Mary Sabas at 570-593-8744 or leave a message at 610-562-2861 for more information. Located at 321 Island Street, Hamburg.
Shoemakersville Fire Company Line Dancing
Come out to the Banquet Hall on the second Friday of each month. There will be a DJ playing the best country music and a Cash Bar will also be available. From 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Must be 21 to enter.
Play Competitive ScrabbleEvery Tuesday evening from 6 to 10 p.m. at Dunkin’ Donuts, 1618 Mountain Road, Hamburg. Take the next step from the living room to the tournament scene! Free event. For more information call Patrick at 484-665-2303. Please RSVP so we know how much space is needed.
July 15-17Half-day History Camp
Living history is exactly what your kids will do if they attend the three half-day History Camp sessions at the Berks County Heritage Center in Bern Township.
According to Cathy Wegener, superintendent of interpretive services, this camp is centered on interactive programs that will open up children’s knowledge of three different aspects of early life in Berks County. Each day includes a lesson, games, crafts, and hands-on activities. Each half-day camp runs 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The July 15 program focuses on Life on the Canal. Participants will experience the lives of children and their families who worked and lived along the canals of Berks County.
The July 16 program centers on Daily Life on a Farm in the 1820s. In that long-ago time, children’s lives were filled with chores including gardening, cooking and mending. Learn how foods were stored before refrigeration, work on a quilt and cook your own snack.
The final program, set for July 17, focuses on Wagons, Wheels, and Belts. Participants will learn how machines were operated before electricity. What tools were used, what is the purpose of a grist mill? Kids will learn about simple machines and end the day with a wagon ride!
This Half-Day History Camp is designed for children ages 6 through 12. There is a cost for three days. To register, call 610-374-8839 by Thursday, July 10.
The Heritage Center is located at 1102 Red Bridge Road in Bern Township just off Route 183 between the St. Joseph Medical Center and Business Route 222. This camp is presented by the Berks County Parks and Recreation Department. For more information, call 610-374-8839, visit www.countyofberks.com/parks, or check us out on Facebook.
July 16Boating and Water Safety Awareness Course
The Berks County Parks Department is working with Blue Marsh Lake to present a Boating and Water Safety Awareness Course for middle and high school students, and adults at the Blue Marsh Lake Conference Center from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m..
The course emphasizes not only the importance of getting out to enjoy the outdoors in the water during the summer months, but also the safety and responsibility that comes along with it.
Instruction will be both in the classroom and in-water. It will cover basic skills of boating and other water activities, so it is recommended participants know how to swim. Life jackets will be worn during all water activities.
Participants should also bring a packed lunch (refrigerator available), as well as a swimsuit, towel and water shoes.
This is a free course offered by PA Fish & Boat, but registration is required by calling 610-376-6337 by July 11.
Blue Marsh Lake is located at 1268 Palisades Drive, Leesport, located just off of Rt. 183 west of Reading.
When Shooting Stars FallAt 2 p.m. at the Hamburg Borough Hall for ages 6-12. Sponsored by the Hamburg Public Library.
July 17-20PA State GrangeFamily Festival at Centre Hall.
Berks County PatriotsMeeting. 6:30 p.m. at Leesport Market. Topic: Defend Your Constitution! Brett White of Oathkeepers.org will speak on the need to honor the original foundations of Constitution.
July 18Country Line DancingDue to it being a holiday, the Fourth of July, the Shartlesville Lions Club hosted line dance on the first Friday of the month for July is canceled. The next Country Line dance will take place, from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., Friday, July 18, at the Shartlesville Grange, N. 4th St., Shartlesville. There is a cost. Food available. Benefits Shartlesville Lions Club outreach programs. Info: 610-488-1984.
Margie McGarvey’s Traveling Trunk Show: The Inspiration of Early Inventions
At 10 a.m. Have you ever thought of how to make something bigger, smaller, faster, better? Margie will show how inventions get started and share stories of the people who came up with the big idea. Schuylkill Valley Community Library, 1310 Washington Road, Leesport. 610-926-1555. www.berks.lib.pa.us/svcl.
July 19Dog Days of SummerJoin CatWorks Inc. at The Westy Bar & Grill, 279 West State Street, Hamburg, for dog adoptions, tons of great raffle auction prizes, baked goods, good food and drinks for sale and water fun for dogs! From 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Raffle prizes and sponsors needed. For more information call Nikki at 610-763-1408 or email Vicki at duke27@windstream.net.
Inventor’s Convention Family Program
At 11 a.m. Create with up-cycled materials. Schuylkill Valley Community Library, 1310 Washington Road, Leesport. 610-926-1555. www.berks.lib.pa.us/svcl.
FundraiserRiver House PA, a non-profit that facilitates healing through nature to Veterans who have suffered trauma, is having a Fundraiser in Port Clinton Park from 12 to 6 p.m.
There will be Veteran Guest Speakers, music, great food, face painting, caricature drawings, and a chainsaw art/demo, and amazing people to meet and greet! River House PA needs the community’s support to help our Veterans experience healing of nature through outdoor adventures, workshops, and apprenticeship programs throughout the community to aid in career building. Please bring a canned food donation to support the Keystone Military Family Pantry.
Introduction to Paddling Skills
From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Blue Marsh Lake, Stilling Basin.
Join members of the Keystone Canoe Club of Berks County for an informative land and flat water session. Try different style boats and learn some basics. For ages 10 to adult (children ages 10 to 12 must be accompanied by an adult). This program is limited to 25 participants.
There is a cost, which includes ACA event insurance, must be submitted at time of registration. Registration deadline was Monday, July 14. For more information or to register, call 610-374-2944.
This program is presented by the USACE Blue Marsh Lake and the Berks County Parks and Recreation Department. For more information, call 610-374-2944, visit www.countyofberks.com/parks or find us on Facebook under Berks County Parks and Recreation.
The Stilling Basin is off Palisades Drive in Bern Township, near the Blue Marsh Lake Visitors Center.
July 20-24Vacation Bible School: Weird Animals
From July 20 to July 24 from 6 – 8:30 p.m. Ages 3-Grade 6. Parents of 3-year olds are asked to stay with the child. Take a walk on the wild side! St. John’s Lutheran Church, 99 Church Street, Hamburg. Register at https://www.groupvbspro.com/vbs/ez/StJohnsHamburg or call 610-562-3808.
July 20Murph The ProtectorThe Story of Navy Seal Medal of Honor Recipient, LT Michael Murphy. At 1 p.m. at The Hamburg Strand Theater. Ticket donation requested. Tickets available at OUR TOWN FOUNDATION. Join biographer Gary Williams for the documentary presentation of LT Michael Murphy’s military career as a Navy Seal member who earned the Medal of Honor, Silver Star, and Purple Heart.
Presented by Our Town Foundation and CMSgt. Richard L. Etchberger Foundation.
The Free Folk of Middle-Earth An interactive story time presented by Middle-Earth Studios, is set for 4 p.m. in Gring’s Mill Park’s Walnut Grove. Anyone can become part of the story which features knights armed with swords and shields, beautiful princesses, dwarves, animals of the Lonely Mountain and wicked witches. In this story of the quest to recover stolen treasure, peace is won by the cooperation of a diversity of beings. (Rain date is July 27.)
After the event, be sure to catch Maria Damore and the Jazzy Gents in the nearby amphitheatre.
July 21Hamburg GrangeAg. Legislative Meeting at Ag. Center at 7:30 p.m.
Pretzel City Bear DenLocal branch of Good Bears of the World (GBW) an international club devoted to put teddys in the arms of the lonely and traumatize. Meeting at 1 p.m. at 2649 Bernville Rd., Reading. For more info call 610-372-8945. Come join our den.
July 23Exploding GeoscienceWith Mike and Roberta Straka at 2 p.m. at the Hamburg Borough Hall. For all ages. It started with a loud sizzle or fizz and ended with a boom heard around the planet. The Strakas will explore the great extinction that wiped out all the dinosaur, some of the creatures that lived in the area and half of the animals on the earth. The show will feature Molly the Mosasaur a 15 foot undersea reptile that lived the ancient seas 70 million years ago. We will test everyone’s knowledge with ‘The Great Extinction Game Show.’ Fun-filled music, show and tell with rare fossils, an exciting experiment and touch of magic will round out the show. Join us for some science fun. Sponsored by the Hamburg Public Library.
Survival Fire StartingAt 5:30 p.m. Presented by Lancaster Parks and Recreation Department. Learn about starting a fire and keeping it going. Participants will try flint & steel, bow drills, & other methods. Ages 9 & up, with a parent. Schuylkill Valley Community Library, 1310 Washington Road, Leesport. 610-926-1555. www.berks.lib.pa.us/svcl.
July 24Hamburg Book ClubMeeting at 6:30 p.m. in the Hamburg Public Library to review the book: ‘MATTERHORN – A NOVEL OF THE VIETNAM WAR’ by author Karl Martanles. Contact the librarians Dan or Donna at 610-562-2843. All are welcome!
Hamburg GrangeMeeting at 7 p.m. at Hamburg Borough Hall. Gouglersville visits, election of officers.
The Jalappa All-StarsAt Central Berks Lions Den. 9th anniversary celebration.
Lego ClubAt Schuylkill Valley Library from 6 to 7 p.m. Calling all Lego enthusiasts! We choose a theme and everyone will create a masterpiece to be displayed in the library. We meet the 4th Thursday of every month, no registration required. We supply the legos- just bring yourself! And maybe a friend…
July 25Magician & Entertainer, Ran’D Shine
At 10 a.m. Appropriate for all ages. Be amazed, be entertained, believe! Schuylkill Valley Community Library, 1310 Washington Road, Leesport. 610-926-1555. www.berks.lib.pa.us/svcl.
July 25 & 26Jammin’ for the Animals 6
Benefit for the Humane Society of Berks County in memory of Bobby Jones. At the Kempton Music Center. For more information visit www.jamminfortheanimals.com. There is a cost.
July 26Bernville Community DayStarts at 4 p.m. at Umbenhauer Park. Dixieland Band, Rajah Concert Band, DJ Yatch. Food, games, used book sale, silent auction, Fireman’s beer garden, baking contest, more. Fireworks after dusk. Free admission. Bring a chair.
Berks County Junior GrangeSwim Party at Shoemakersville Pool from 6 to 9 p.m.
The Fabulous GreasebandThe Centre Township Land Protection Foundation proudly presents a night of fun with your friends and neighbors at Leesport Farmers Market. Doors open at 7 p.m., event from 8 to 11 p.m. There is a cost. For ticket info call 610-926-4005. BYOB, ticket includes soda, water, coffee, setups and snacks. Vendor food available. Please drink responsibly, this is a non-smoking event. No refunds. All proceeds dedicated to the preservation of Centre Township farm land and open space.
Picnic in the ParkThird annual. Sponsored by the Central Berks Lions Club. At the Central Berks Fire Company Park. Opening band, Days of Old, from 3 to 4:30 p.m., featured band, Jalappa All-Stars, from 5 to 8 p.m. Food served beginning at 3 p.m. Bring lawn chairs. Picnic will be held rain or shine.
July 27Dutch Country Bicycle Race
2014 Northern Berks QUAD Games Race 3 of 4. The ‘Dutch Country’ Extreme 15-Mile Bicycle Race, and a 5-mile family Bicycle Race. Switch gears and hop on your bike for the Dutch Country Bicycle Race. Enjoy the rolling hills and open farm land on our closed 5 mile course west of Cabela’s. Enjoy post-race entertainment from DJ Steel Thunder, games for the kids, plenty of door prizes, and a hot lunch. At Blue Mountain Academy, 2363 Mountain Road from 9 a.m.- 11 a.m. There is a cost. Contact: info@bluemountainwildlife.com, www.bluemountainwildlife.com under the QUAD Games tab.
July 28 – Aug. 1Vacation Bible School
International Spy Academy. At St. Luke’s Union Sunday School, 5th and Franklin St., Shoemakersville. From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Ages Pre-K: 4 to 10 years of age. For more information call 484-769-5263.
July 28Mad Scientist Family Program
At 6 p.m. Simple and fun experiments for the whole family. Schuylkill Valley Community Library, 1310 Washington Road, Leesport. 610-926-1555. www.berks.lib.pa.us/svcl.
July 29How to Think Like a Scientist Play
At 10 a.m. Presented by the Yocum Institute for the Arts Teen Ensemble. Long, long ago, the princess of a faraway kingdom met a talking, thinking frog in the forest when he helped her retrieve her missing ball. With his help, she discovered that she was more than just a princess, she learned that she had a bright mind. She learned…How to Think Like a Scientist! Schuylkill Valley Community Library, 1310 Washington Road, Leesport. 610-926-1555. www.berks.lib.pa.us/svcl.
July 30How Cool Is ThisVery cool negative 109.3 degrees Fahrenheit to be exact! Explore the science and fun associated with frozen carbon dioxide commonly called dry ice. Naturalist Mary Ann Schlegel will review safety precautions before participants undertake a series of activities with dry ice. At 2 p.m. at the Hamburg Borough Hall for ages 10-17. Join us from some science fun. Sponsored by Hamburg Public Library.
July 31Mythbusters Tween/Teen Event
At 5:30 p.m. Put some crazy myths to the test for yourself. Schuylkill Valley Community Library, 1310 Washington Road, Leesport. 610-926-1555. www.berks.lib.pa.us/svcl.
Aug. 3’Miss Maggie Sings!’Wraps up the Kids Summer Series with a performance Sunday, Aug. 3, at 4 p.m. in Gring’s Mill Park’s Walnut Grove. Join Peggy Gernerd for her tenth year as Miss Maggie, presenting educational and fun programs for kids and parents. She’s assembled some of her favorite songs, puppets, and audience participation pieces such as ‘Stay Healthy with Miss Maggie,’ ‘Miss Maggie’s Mother Earth,’ and ‘Backyard Bugs’ among others. (Rain date is Aug. 10)
After the performance, be sure to catch the special three-hour concert starting at 5:30 p.m. featuring the Mountain Folk Acoustic Roots Fusion Show with East Side Dave and the Mountain Folk Band and the Celtic Martin Family. The concert is held in the amphitheatre.
Admission to all is free but there is a parking fee collected at the entrance to the parks.
Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets and bring along picnic lunches. Refreshments will be available on site.
Any change in concert location due inclement weather will be announced on our Web site page, www.countyofberks/parks; on our Facebook page and on WEEU 830AM.
This series is presented by the Berks County Parks and Recreation Department. For more information, call 610-374-2944, visit www.countyofberks.com/parks or find us on Facebook under ‘Berks County Parks and Recreation.’
Aug. 10Strausstown Fire Company’s Breakfast
At the Strausstown Fire Company’s Community Campus, 50 East Avenue, Strausstown; 8 a.m. to 12 noon; full breakfast menu; proceeds benefit the Apparatus Fund.
Aug. 14Mt. View Blue GrassSponsored by Central Berks Lions Club at the Grand Old Opry of Centerport. Food is served from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Jamming begins as 5:30 p.m. Guest group performs at 7 p.m. Individual musicians and groups of musicians are always welcome. Questions call Marilyn at 610-926-2627. Cancellations due to inclement weather will be announced on WEEU.
Aug. 16Peach FestivalAt Bern Reformed UCC Picnic Grove – Rt. 183. Music by Reading Pretzel Dixieland Jazz Band. Music 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Serving Food 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. Public Invited! Children’s Games.
