Thanks to the volunteers in the community, Building a Better Boyertown (BBB) has hit over 19,473 volunteer hours, double the amount compared to prior years. Adrianne Blank, Manager of the BBB couldn’t be more grateful. “We submit reports to the state of volunteer hours and the time put in last year accounted for $427,000.”
Blank said there are a few major events that contributed to the jump in numbers. The Colebrookdale Reservation Trust has continuously provided hours put toward the revitalization effort. Pickfest held in October, recently partnered with Frecon Farms and the Colebrookdale Railroad, to celebrate an agricultural and bluegrass festival. Another portion of volunteer hours accumulated in late fall with the tree planting project.
“These numbers look great for us for a number of reasons. It will be great for future grant and funding for the community.”
Two volunteers “outshone” the rest according to Blank and were honored in December with a Volunteer Luncheon.
Kim Frain, a native of Boyertown, has been a dedicated volunteer for over 11 years with the BBB. Starting in 2004, Frain and her husband attended the initial BBB vision meetings and have been a part of supporting the mission since. “We were excited about the chance to help the community grown and prosper,” said Frain. Originally Frain’s time was spent working with the Design Committee, but eventually she transitioned into the Promotions Committee where Frain spends time helping to plan and host events to support community spirit. Frain helped take part in many successful events such as fashion shows, comedy night, the annual Coming Out of Hibernation event, the annual car show, the Dog Days of Summer, Oktoberfest and many more.
“The best part of being involved is seeing the families come out to enjoy the events, renewing friendships, take pride in the student involvement, making many new friends, and feeling like I’m making a small contribution with a big impact in my hometown, said Frain.” “I’m one of Boyertown’s biggest cheerleaders!”
Sue Murray moved to Boyertown in 2008 and was asked to have her home featured on the Holiday Open House Tour by Linda Flederbach, later becoming a Committee member four years. Murray and her family were also welcomed to Boyertown by Mayor, Marianne Deery, who made a personal visit to Murray’s home. Mayor Deery asked Murray to volunteer on the Building a Better Boyertown Dance Committee and she agreed. “The [dance] Committee, helps in the planning, organizing, ordering, advertising, decorating, designing Save The Date Cards, Posters, and Tickets, distributing posters, selling tickets and gathering items for silent auction, ” said Murray. “I am a crafty person, so I also enjoy being creative with the theme and the decorating for the dances.”
Over the last seven years of volunteering, Murray estimates over 100 hours per event. “I don’t look at what I do as volunteer work, I truly enjoy helping my fellow committee members in the efforts to Building A Better Boyertown.” She also thanks Mayor Deery and Linda Flederbach for welcoming her into the community and getting involved.
Information is available on the BBB website about the different committees you can volunteer with. Or you can contact the BBB who will direct you to a certain committee based on your interests and hobbies.
