At The Table With Barry Taglieber
The dictionary describes “dynamo” as being extremely energetic, an energizing generator. This best describes Phoenixville’s own Barry Taglieber. After from graduating from the Northern Chester County Technical School (NCCTS) — where he preferred his craft — he then went to the Philadelphia Art Institute from 1974 to 1977.
Taglieber started taking photos for The Evening Phoenix part time, which led to a full-time job. Barry worked in the old press room before computers entered the newspaper world.
In 1991 until 2009, he was the full-time photographer for the paper. As the paper down-sized, so did his job with The Evening Phoenix and his work load lessened. The Phoenix eventually became part of the same newspaper group that owns The Pottstown Mercury. It has been about 10 years now that Taglieber has been taking photos for The Mercury. His photos often appear in both the daily newspaper and the weekly Phoenix.
Barry mentioned at one time he needed to lug around heavy photo equipment. Today, he takes many of his pictures on his cell phone. He still uses cameras and lens when photographing sporting events. It enables him to get close to the action — like a press pass.
Barry and his mom Jacqueline still live in the house he grew up in on Locust Drive. His sister Leslie has three children and lives in Virginia Beach. Leslie is retired from the U.S. Navy.
His other community involvements over the years are numerous. To list a few are crossing guard, playground aide, softball coach and fire police member. He has also been a member of the Phoenixville Kiwanis for 27 years.
In 1998, Barry was seriously injured during a softball game when a ball struck him in his right eye, causing him to lose the eye. He was fitted with a glass prosthesis. He did not miss a beat — six weeks later he was out on the field again. He finally retired from coaching softball in 2005.
Barry is a beloved crossing guard. For six years now he can be found at either Nutt Road and Gay Street or Third Avenue at Buttonwood streets. He knows every kid by name and all the kids know him.
We met at Reeves Park for this interview in July. All the kids around came up to talk with him. He found the time to interact with them — even taking pictures of a few.
Barry told me he does not cook. As the kitchen is the domain of his 95yearold mother. Anytime he pokes his head in the kitchen, she chases him away. That’s OK with him as she is a very good cook.
Here’s one of the favorite recipes of the Tagliebers:
OVEN PORCUPINES
1 lb. ground beef
½ cup uncooked regular rice
½ cup water
1/3 cup chopped onions 1 tsp. salt
½ tsp. celery salt 1/8 tsp. garlic powder 1/8 tsp. black pepper 15 oz. can tomato sauce 1 cup water
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
Preheat oven to 350-degrees. Mix meat, rice, ½ cup water, onions, salt, celery salt, garlic powder and black pepper. Shape mixture by rounded tablespoonfuls into balls. Place meatballs into ungreased baking dish (8”x8”x2”). Combine remaining ingredients - pour over the meatballs. Cover with aluminum foil — bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake for additional 15 minutes. Serves 4 to 6.
To make porcupines in skillet — mix according to previous recipes with exception of the 1 cup of water Melt two tablespoons of oil in large skillet and brown. Pour off excess fat. Add the one cup of water — reduce heat — cover and simmer for 45 minutes. Add small amount of additional water
If the water cooks down while simmering.
Serve with buttered green beans and a crispy salad.
ENJOY!
Contract Bette at banjack303.verizon.net. Search YouTube – with BetteBanjack. As well as phoenixvillenews.com (search bar Banjack). She can be found on Facebook. Her book “2 Cups of Yesterday” can be found at the Gateway Pharmacy or by contacting her directly.