Reader's view
Who was the Exeter Township man found stabbed to death in Reading? What was the reason? When did it happen? Where did it happen? Why did such a senseless act have to happen? This may be of no personal interest to you but the reason behind it concerns us all. Drugs, crime, violence; it affects our communities and especially the lives of those associated with the victim/s, perpetrator/s, and many times innocent bystanders as well.
On a lighter note, are you aware of the holiday events at Gring’s Mill, Glicks Greenhouse, Joanna Farms, and Hopewell Furnace, which is a national historic site. What about the Carnival of Lights, a holiday light display at the Norco Fire company with about 250,000 lights. What kid wouldn’t want to see that?
In the recent past, Cheap Trick and Melissa Ethridge performed in Reading at the Santander Performing Arts center. Locally we have a performance of Handels Messiah by the Reading Choral Society. Lots of holiday events, places to go, things to do; many which are low or no cost.
Need help? I use to work with over 40 community and social service agencies that benefit our community and most of these people are not highly compensated and some simply volunteer. Healthy Harvest, Habitat for Humanity, Breast Cancer Support Services, Centro Hispano, Olivet Boys and Girls Club, Mary’s Shelter, and many more. So many agencies that help so many that could use your support. Where can you find out about them?
On a serious note, how about climate change? Electric vehicles? Hydrogen generators being made not far from here. Oh, and did you know that from April 2020 to March 2021, Berks County had 141 overdose deaths?
Speaking of Berks County do you know if there’s a property tax hike in the offing? Remember the Exeter Township sewer rate increase of 87% over a three-year period and recently the unauthorized wedding event at the Reading Country Club. There’s lots of local government stuff to read about. Makes you wonder who’s in charge, where’s the money going, and who’s looking out for the average citizen.
We could talk about sports at the local level, recipes, who’s looking to buy and sell assorted items. And there’s opinions and commentaries by syndicated and locals worth reading. Where and how does one know about all these things?
So, Steve, where is this going? Some of it may be boring, much may not apply to you, but soon, knowing Who, What, When, Where, and Why may not be so easy.
THAT IS THE POINT. Things that do affect your life, your interest, your health, your pocketbook, your community, may become harder to know. A lot of things go on in the dark and without the local newspaper you’ll know a whole lot less; you’ll be in the dark! And maybe, there’s an element that wants you to know less so they control more. Think about that.
Seems more than ever, people are connected. Connected to their phones, the internet, Facebook, Twitter; it goes on and on. Sometimes it’s a status thing, sometimes it’s being aware of things that have little to do with your lives, your well-being, your sense of family and community. Seems a paradox, contradictory, that those so “Connected” are becoming more “Disconnected”.
Surrounding yourself, becoming immersed, and knowledgeable about national sports, entertainment, social media, famous entertainers and athletes. Nothing wrong with that but is it enriching your life, your family, your community. Are those you often idolize paying your bills or helping fund the community in which you live? Does it really improve the quality of life for you and yours?
Technology has its merits but ignoring newspapers and books is detrimental to your well-being. Do a little research, look at the benefits of newspapers and books for children and adults: Keeps you updated, regular reading improves your command over the English language, newspapers are a storehouse of knowledge on many subjects.
Diverse content helps children broaden their outlook and understand local events. Reading improves concentration, writing skills, and analytical thinking. Experts can tell you the developmental aspects and benefits of sitting with a book or newspaper, turning pages, sharing with another. Research it. Once you do, it will make more sense.
In conclusion, I don’t work for the Southern Berks News, nor any publication, but I have a vested interest in our community. Most employees of small publications are underpaid and underappreciated but conversely they’re more important to your community than any national journalist or news outlet.
Spread the word, promote local publications. Read the newspaper, that’s where you’ll find all of the above and more, every week! If everyone reading this newspaper recruited just one new reader, think of the benefits. The biggest beneficiaries would be a more informed, knowledgeable, and caring community and that’s a good thing, don’t you agree?