by Maria Wherley
Next June, we’re going to celebrate regionally, as a state, in Berks County—in Pennsylvania's Americana Region!
At the time of publication, we’ve fine-tuned the conference theme and logo—maybe you’ve already received your save the date card in the mail. And, next up are the sponsorship prospectus and call for session proposals. This scurry of activity while we keep an eye to our keynote/s, mobile tours, and all the special spots that make for what you, our conference attendees, have come to appreciate.
Just last month, I delighted in the opportunity to visit our “core four” (term I’ve quipped) destinations – Boyertown (Building a Better Boyertown), Hamburg (Our Town Foundation), Reading (Reading Downtown Improvement District), and West Reading (West Reading Community Revitalization Foundation). At the conference you’ll see too that their differences endear their uniqueness’s. With our theme, Design: Beyond the Structures, we’ll delve beyond the physical to the many and varied undertakings. Whether indoors or outdoors, while we’re together in June, the “core four” hosts will indeed provide a rich Pennsylvania Dutch Heritage experience in several of the towns that make up the region.
With a stop in Boyertown, the Colebrookdale Railroad is penned, “a unique experience into a forgotten land”, and to board a meticulously restored, century-old train car is to feel the province of pioneers and patriots from a time long ago. Not far away is the museum of historic vehicles—from cars and trucks to wagons and carriages, most were built in the great commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
While in Hamburg we stopped by the 1787 Brew Pub (last year’s Anchor Building Townie Award winner), the historic Strand Theater, then on to admire the physical improvements of streetscapes, impressive murals, and public art initiatives. Read more Hamburg nuggets in the Manager’s spotlight article featuring Deena Kershner in this issue.
Next in West Reading, the heart-warming stroll along “Dean’s Way”. A reminder of how this enormity of a person-could be and give and care so much. Always with sweet Ruby by his side…what a gem for PDC’s welcome event on Monday evening—just like Dean would want and like!
In the heart of downtown Reading is the Doubletree by Hilton. It has all amenities and the aura we’ve come to appreciate in our conference host hotel and classroom meeting space. Convenience is key when we head out and about for places such as Franklin Station—Saucony’s second restaurant/pub in the region. This renaissance revival train station was built in 1929-the history alone makes this a story to revel. We’re tempted to book a hot glass workshop at the Goggle Works (our Townie awards supplier for sure!). If time permits, we may even get to take in the visually captivating Pagoda Skyline.
We’ll soon announce our keynote speaker/s, mobile tours, and before you know it registration opens.
No, no two conferences are alike however the one constant is that during our time together—whether in sessions or on tours, at the Townies or simply while networking—we find our common ground. Our hope is, as always, that this conference helps you make your town a better place.