The Mayor’s Gala was held on Saturday, May 14 in the Georgian Dining Room at Kutztown University to celebrate the bicentennial of Kutztown’s incorporation as a borough in the state of Pennsylvania.
Hosted by Mayor Sandy Green, the evening featured a silent auction of items donated by local businesses and organizations, music by Bob Sica and members of the Kutztown University music department, and several special guests who spoke about Kutztown’s rich history and special charm.
U.S. Congressman for Pennsylvania’s 15th District Charlie Dent presented a proclamation celebrating Kutztown’s 200th birthday from the U.S. House of Representatives. Edward Knittel from the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs presented a certificate recognizing Kutztown’s bicentennial. Craig Koller, chairman of the Kutztown Bicentennial Committee, read a proclamation sent by U.S. Senator Pat Toomey, honoring the Borough of Kutztown and its residents on “this momentous community milestone.”
Keynote speaker Judy Schwank, Pennsylvania Senator for the 11th District, praised Kutztown for it “charming, active Main Street,” adding that visiting Kutztown is one of the pleasures of her job. Senator Schwank presented a proclamation of congratulations from the Pennsylvania Senate.
Other speakers included Pennsylvania’s 187th District Representative Gary Day, Kutztown Borough Council President Kevin Snyder, Kutztown Borough Manager Gabriel Khalife, Kutztown University Acting President Dr. Carlos Vargas, KU Board of Governors Chair Guido Pichini. Craig Koller served as master of ceremonies.
During the evening, Diane Piscitelli was honored as Volunteer of the Year by the Kutztown Community Partnership. Piscitelli was a driving force in many Kutztown events, including chairing the KCP design committee, which purchased new Christmas decorations for Main Street. She was also a member of the committee that organized the Mayor’s Gala along with chair Sandy Green, borough councilwoman Rachael Martin, Lenore McGonigle, and Craig Koller.
The Mayor’s Gala was one of many events that will celebrate Kutztown’s bicentennial in 2015. To stay abreast of celebration activities, “friend” Kutztown Bicentennial on Facebook, regularly check the website www.kutztownboro.org/bicentennial, or send an email to kutztownbicentennial@hometownu.com.
