The Reading-based Widoktadwen Center for Native Knowledge is kicking off a program for Native
American youth and other interested young people.
The Firekeepers Youth Program offers cultural enrichment opportunities that promote the health and development of Native American youth ages 12-18 and their peers within an indigenous context, organizers said.
The program starts Jan. 17 and meets on the third Monday of each month from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Nature Place in Angelica Park.
The program teaches Native youth what it means to “keep the fire” of their cultures.
The instruction is aligned to the Seven Grandfather Teachings of Anishinaabe tradition: love, honesty, respect, bravery, humility, wisdom and truth, organizers said.
The community-based program will include a combination of monthly meetings, special
programs, social gatherings, cultural activities, community service, and educational field
trips, organizers said.
The program is free. Access the program flyer and register at https://widoktadwen.org/programs/.
Anyone interested in volunteering for the program or other Widoktadwen events can email
amanda@widoktadwen.org. Text FIREKEEPERS to 44321 to make a gift to help keep this program free for all participants, organizers said.
History presentation
The history of the Bethany Children’s Home will be presented Jan. 22 at 10:30 a.m. by archivist Jennifer Koch at Muhlenberg Community Library, 3612 Kutztown Road, Laureldale.
The event is free with donations to the archives welcome. Registration suggested by calling 610-929-0589.
Maple sugaring program
Volunteer Ed Berger and Berks County Parks and Recreation staff will host Maple Sugaring 101 on Feb. 26 at Gring’s Mill Recreation Area, 2083 Tulpehocken Road, Spring Township.
The two-hour program will highlight the tree-to-table process of gathering and preparing sap to make maple syrup, organizers said.
Sugar maple trees located on park grounds will be identified and tapped, and a syrup-making demonstration will educate guests on how the process can be potentially accomplished at home, organizers said.
Pancakes will be provided to taste the difference between store-bought and homemade syrup, organizers said.
The program starts at 1 p.m. with a cost of $3 per registered guest. Payment can be made by cash or check. Attendees are encouraged to wear walking shoes or other appropriate footwear and dress accordingly.
A snow date will be announced if needed.
To register or for more information, lgauker@countyofberks.com or call 610-374-2944, ex.t 2611.
Rajah Shriners officers
The Rajah Shriners installed officers for 2022 recently in ceremonies held at the local headquarters in Blandon.
Joseph J. Hagan Sr., Birdsboro, was installed as potentate. He moved with his family to Berks County in 1969 and has resided in Birdsboro since 1975.
Other newly elected officers include Duane A. Dellecker, Lehighton, chief rabban; Donald G. Heimbecker, Allentown, assistant rabban; Ronald L. Szapacs, Slatington; high priest and prophet; and John K. Grumbein, Allentown, Oriental guide.
Reelected were Ronald F. Rapp, Blandon, past potentate and treasurer; and Les A. Werley, Hamburg, recorder.
This year marks the celebration of several anniversaries: the founding of Shriners International 150 years ago in New York in 1872; the local chapter, Rajah Shriners, 129th anniversary, having received their charter in 1893; and the 100th anniversary of the Shriners Hospitals for Children established in 1922.
Shrine International, headquartered in Tampa, Fla., has an international membership of more than 250,000 and about 200 individual chapters.
The Philadelphia Shriners Hospital is the nearest facility to Berks and has treated hundreds of local patients.
For more information, visit www.rajahshrine.org.
Source: Berkshire mont
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