As part of the Community Foundation’s commitment to increase civic engagement and improve access to local news, we are proud to announce the appointment of Dave Myers as our newest Senior Fellow. Myers will lead a community forum series to engage Berks County residents on pressing issues affecting their lives.
Dave Myers, a seasoned leader with deep roots in Berks County, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for the Foundation’s mission. With a career dedicated to serving his community, Myers has long been recognized for his ability to unite people, facilitate constructive conversations, and turn ideas into tangible action.
Dave’s extensive background and unwavering commitment to the community make him an ideal person to lead this important initiative. We are confident that his work will spark conversations that will drive positive change.
As part of his role, Dave Myers will host a series of community forums that aim to provide an open, accessible space for residents to engage with one another and discuss issues that matter most to them. The topics to be discussed will cover a broad range of local issues. Most forums will be held over Zoom, but some will be hosted in-person. Visit our Eventbrite page to find the next community forum.
“These forums are an opportunity to bring people from all walks of life together,” Myers shared. “Whether we’re talking about issues that impact our schools, our economy, or our healthcare system, it’s crucial that we create an environment where everyone feels comfortable participating.”
Please check out our News and Events for updates on the forums to be part of the conversations.
As 2024 headed to a close, Berks County lost two of its giants: David Thun and Al Weber.
Like any other community, Berks County has benefited from leaders who stood up, did the hard work of bringing a community together around its challenges and opportunities, and guided efforts to improve the quality of life. Without David Thun and Al Weber, that work will be harder.
David Thun died in a swimming accident on October 31. You would never have known he was 87 years old, given the vitality and energy that he displayed every day. The Thun family has a long and storied history in Berks County, but no one contributed more to that than David. While he was successful in business, I will most remember his contributions to the growth of our community. David was one of the founding members of the board of Berks County Community Foundation. Wading through a list of his community involvements is a dangerous task, as it feels infinite. I remember well his involvement with Berks Nature, the Schuylkill River Greenway, Reading Hospital, Penn State Berks, the Reading Symphony Orchestra, the Reading Public Museum and so many other organizations.
David and his wife Barbara were likely the first people my wife, Kim and I met when we moved to Berks County. They welcomed us and, more than anyone, David helped me learn the lay of the land here. We will miss the way David embodied the essence of a Berks Countian.
While David was the quintessential Berks Countian, Al Weber was not.
Born and raised in Boston, Al, who passed away in late November at the age of 72, never learned that there was an “R” in the word “park.” That Boston accent only added to his credibility as he led almost every nonprofit in Berks County, either as a board member or as a consultant guiding strategic planning.
Al served as Chair of the Community Foundation board from 2020-2023. There was no one’s counsel I valued more. Again, the list of community involvements would go on forever, and our debt to him can never be repaid.
Al’s biggest contribution to the Community Foundation, and perhaps our community, occurred during a staff retreat that he led as a consultant. About half-way through that meeting, Al said, “We need to toss this agenda. Your problem is that you’re trying to lead the community, but you’re charging fees like you’re a bank.”
We tossed the agenda, spent the afternoon figuring out how to create a sustainable business model, and as a result, built what is probably America’s best community foundation. Al’s ability to cut to the chase was unparalleled.
It’s the nature of communities that leaders emerge and, ultimately, leave the scene. Berks County will soldier on. Still, we benefitted greatly from the commitment that David and Al made to this community, and it will be hard to replace them. Our challenge moving forward is to build a community worthy of their trust.
The Early Years
John Scholl was born on August 24, 1947, at St. Joe’s Hospital on 13th Street in Reading, the youngest of two boys. His brother, William, who passed away in December of 2023, was four years his senior. John’s father, William, graduated from Temple University and worked as a pharmacist for his entire career. John’s mother, Emily, was a homemaker and part-time bookkeeper for Bertolette Candies, owned by Walter Lechleitner. They moved around a bit – to Pottstown for a few years before settling in Shillington – and John graduated from Governor Mifflin in 1965.
High School – A Talented Athlete Emerges
Sports have been a huge part of John’s life since elementary school, and he excelled on youth teams. He played baseball until a teacher cut him from the team for being the class clown. John switched gears and tried out for the track team. “I did the broad jump, pole vault and high jump. By the time I was a senior in high school, I was number 2 in high jump, so I had a nice track career.
College years
As a freshman at Albright College, John started playing basketball and became a star player. “Basketball was my main sport – I was on the track team the first two years and played baseball the last two years, but I played basketball all four years.” Basketball was a part of John’s life until he was in his 60s, playing in pick-up games and adult leagues throughout his adult life.
A Budding Businessman
“Ever since I was in high school, I always wanted to be in business for myself. I didn’t care if it was a gas station or a candy store – I just wanted to work for myself:’ That ambition drove the decisions that led to a successful career in the home-building industry. “For two summers during college, I worked for John A. Beard in his office – they knew me from playing basketball. My mother did that company’s books. There were a lot of Albright grads working there at the time. After I got my accounting degree from Albright in 1969, John offered me a full-time job.”
While working full-time for John A Beard, one of the partners, Dick Weidman, took a liking to John and taught him a lot about the business. John was honest from the start about his desire to move out on his own soon, and Dick gave him some great advice. “Dick said, ‘I just want to tell you one thing. There are no bad businesses, only bad businessmen.’ That stuck with me. He said you could have a clothing store that goes out of business, and the next guy buys it and makes it the best clothing store in the area. My success was up to me.”
While working 60 or 70 hours per week at the accounting firm and doing bookkeeping on the side for various clients, John took a job as an accountant and salesperson for Berks Construction Company which had a home-building business called Ridge Homes. John quickly learned the ins and outs of the business, and when the owners decided to sell, John decided to buy the business and work closely with a co-worker, Stanley Ball. The two eventually went into custom home building, a career that spanned decades.
Building Business
Property by property, bit by bit, John built his business while establishing his track record in the community. Early investments were made thanks to help from chance encounters with people who knew John from his time playing basketball at Albright. One night over drinks at Clover Park AA Men’s Club, John ran into an Albright alumnus who knew of John because of his success on the court and offered to help John with the financing to close his first big real estate deal – buying some lots in a new development. “We got to talking. I had this deal half-closed, but I needed money. He financed me and got me started. It was successful for both of us – we both made money:’ That success meant that John could now secure bank loans, and his business grew.
Working long hours, and playing sports at night and on the weekends, John started to get burned out. John got out of the custom home-building business when he was about 40 years old. “I had a lot of properties and enough money for me.”
John Scholl started to think about philanthropy. He established The Scholl Foundation with the help of Tom Williams, a local CPA. John eventually found the government regulations and fees for a private foundation expensive and complicated. Soon after Berks County Community Foundation was established, John worked with Franki Aitken, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to set up a donor advised fund at the Community Foundation.
“I came in and talked to Franki and said that I’d like to set something up.” He appreciates how easy the process has been for him. “You take care of everything, and all I to do is give the money and say where I want it to go. Every year I always give the maximum that I can give according to the federal government. Then, I call Frankl and say, ‘Send this amount of money to Albright or Reading Hospital’ or to whatever I am interested in doing, and it is so easy.”
The Next Generation
Steven Scholl, John’s nephew, has fond memories of his uncle from his childhood. “I remember at a young age always being drawn to him and looking forward to seeing him. He’d ask me trivia questions about sports or the rules of baseball or football or basketball. He’s always been a teacher to me.” Later, Steven would learn from John by watching him at the homebuilders’ show that used to be held at the Berkshire Mall. “I would watch how he interacted with people. I remember always being amazed at how many people he knew. When I was 16, 17, and 18 years old, I lived with him so I could attend Governor Mifflin High School to play sports, since my parents lived in the Schuylkill Valley School District. I didn’t realize until later what a huge sacrifice that was for him. Here was a guy in his 40s, free to come and go and do whatever he pleased, but he decided to take me in and have a big role in raising me:’ Little did Steven know that this time would help him in business, later in his life.
In 2013, John had open heart surgery and needed help with his business. Steven offered to help and has been involved ever since, taking over the daily property management operations and growing the business. uHe’s very talented – he can build a house from the ground up. He’s good at financing and paperwork and all that kind of stuff, which is difficult. I still do the bookkeeping, but one day he’ll have to take care of that. He’s the perfect match for me.
Looking back, those early experiences are priceless for Steven. “I have had so many times when I called on some of these people I was introduced to by John, and they went out of their way to help me. It was then I realized how much respect they gave him. While he was tough, he treated people fairly. This may be the number one lesson he taught me. ‘Take care of people and they’ll take care of you; he said. This stuck with me, and I’ve tried to live my life that way… always try to do the right thing.”
John later experienced two cardiac arrests – one in 2018 and another in 2023. He is still involved in the business, although his time in real estate is winding down. He relies on Steve to handle most of the business. Steve is grateful for John’s trust and the opportunities he has given him. “I tell everybody, without him, I would be nowhere. Not just the financial part, but the mentoring part, too. If there is one big takeaway from this, it is that he has been my mentor probably a Jot more than he’ll ever know. There is no possible way I could repay him for everything he has done for me. I’d have to live 100 lifetimes. I never want to disappoint him, and I go to great lengths to ensure that doesn’t happen. I often tell people that my father raised me to be tough, to have grit, and to never give up, and John taught me how to use that toughness and grit in the world. Losing him one day will create an enormous void in my life, and I dread when that happens. In the meantime, all I can do is to continue living my life by the example he set and taught me.
John is proud of his funds at the Community Foundation and wishes he could do more. “My funds are eventually going to help a Jot of people – that’s why I like to give back.” Steven will step in as the advisor to the donor advised fund upon John’s passing, per John’s wishes. When asked how he feels about that, Steven reflected, “We share the same values, the same ideas on how things should be. To me, it’s just a matter of continuing his legacy. I’m just steering the wheel, that’s it.”
For more information about establishing funds at the Community Foundation, please contact Molly McCullough Robbins, mollyr@bccf.org, Vice President for Philanthropic Services.
To download our full 2024 Annual Report, please click here.
Retirement often signifies a time of reflection and a well-deserved break from decades of hard work. But for some, like Loretta Boyd, retirement is merely the beginning of a new chapter. At 78, Loretta decided to trade in her retirement for a new academic adventure. Loretta’s decision to return to school wasn’t a spur of the moment decision. It was carefully considered, influenced by her daughter, Kristin, and her grandson, TJ.
Loretta had retired from a career that included roles as a Nurse Manager and a Director of Obstetrics, but she wasn’t ready to fully retire yet. One day, when Loretta planned to run errands with Kristin and TJ, they took a detour to Reading Area Community College (RACC). Loretta decided to enroll as a student majoring in healthcare in Medical Coding and Billing. “Having retired after 50 years as a Registered Nurse, I decided to transition into another healthcare field. I feel I still have much to give to the medical field in another capacity such as coding and billing”, Loretta explained. Returning to school was not as simple as filling out an application and enrolling in classes. Loretta faced some challenges that included financial concerns, applying for scholarships and returning to the classroom as a non-traditional student.
“Loretta’s decision to go back to school is a reminder that learning knows no age limit. The decision to pursue education after retirement exemplifies the community of life-long learners that the Community Foundation proudly supports; said Kim Sheffer, Lifelong Learning Program Officer at the foundation.
The Community General Hospital Foundation June A. Roedel Healthcare Scholarship Fund provides financial support to residents of Berks County who undertake or further their career in healthcare by providing scholarship funds for their educational expenses. In 2024, this fund granted over $93,000 in scholarships including Loretta’s. Residents of Berks County are eligible to apply if they will be attending an accredited educational institution pursuing a career in healthcare, with a career goal of fulfilling a local community need involving patient care.
Going back to school for Loretta brought new challenges that she was not expecting. At times, she would lose focus and would feel discouraged. She found support in her bible study group and in the book titled Oh, the Places You’ll Go! (Dr. Seuss. 1990), given to her by her family. On each page of the book, a family member wrote a note to remind her of her goals. Loretta’s career goal is to find employment in either a hospital or physician’s office.
She says, “By being a medical coding specialist, I will be able to ensure that the patient medical records are complete and accurate when being sent for payment. Having accuracy in the records will assist the revenue cycle in the hospital or physician’s office. lt will also decrease the need for repeat submissions to insurance companies.” Loretta achieved Dean’s List while taking four courses each semester with an anticipated graduation date of May 2025.
To download our full 2024 Annual Report, please click here.
In Boyertown, Pennsylvania, a story of resilience, love, and community support unfolds through the lives of Stephanie and her 13-year-old son, Micah.
Micah has Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, obstructive sleep apnea, and other medical complexities. He is nonverbal, requires constant care, and depends on his mother for every aspect of daily life. Despite the challenges, Stephanie knows him to be a precious, beautiful blessing. The past year has been especially hard for Stephanie. In addition to her responsibilities as Micah’s sole caregiver, she has been navigating life without her husband, who passed away last year from pancreatic cancer. “He was Micah’s best friend,” she said. “Losing him was devastating for both of us. I have had to take on everything alone since then.”
As Micah’s needs require 24/7 attention, his mother is unable to work full-time. She works while he is at school, but with a limited income, it can be difficult to keep up with expenses. When Stephanie’s vehicle broke down and the repair bill was over $5,500, this created a difficult situation since Stephanie relies on her vehicle to get to work, to take Micah to his doctor appointments, and to take him to his upcoming surgery in January. Her vehicle is not just a mode of transportation; it is a lifeline.
This is when Jess’s Sunshine Fund of Berks County Community Foundation stepped in to cover the expense. Jess’s Sunshine Fund was established on February 20, 2001, to honor Jess Schaeffer, who was the manager of the Boyertown boys’ basketball team. Jess used a wheelchair because of a rare type of cancer called Langerhans cell histiocytosis.
The fund helps families in Berks County who have children or dependent adults with special needs caused by long-term serious illnesses or injuries. It focuses on helping families in the Boyertown Area School District, though all Berks County residents are eligible. Since it started, the fund has provided over $73,000 in grants to families who need financial support during tough times.
“I don’t know what I would have done without this grant,” Stephanie says. “Micah has so many medical appointments and procedures that require transportation. Missing them is not an option, but I did not have the resources to fix the car.”
The money from the grant also allowed her to buy a video baby monitor. Micah has obstructive sleep apnea and must wear a CPAP mask at night, requiring his mother to check on him often. With the monitor, she can ensure he is safe without getting up multiple times during the night, giving her some much-needed rest.
Through tears of gratitude, Stephanie shares how much the grant meant to her family, “This has been such a huge blessing for us. I cannot thank everyone involved enough. Micah and I have been through so much but knowing there are people who care and want to help gives me hope.
To learn more about Jess’s Sunshine Fund or apply for assistance, click here.
On November 6, Berks County Community Foundation held its Annual Meeting at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Reading. More than 100 civic leaders and community members attended the event, which focused on the evolving landscape of local journalism. The event started off with Kevin Murphy, president, and Monica Reyes, vice president for programs and initiatives, addressing the audience before introducing the keynote.
Reyes said, “I’m proud to say that one of the Community Foundation’s largest philanthropic initiatives to date is our work on increasing local journalism.” Reyes’ remarks included details on how Spotlight PA, an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom based in Harrisburg that is dedicated to investigative and public service journalism for Pennsylvania, will launch a Berks news bureau in 2025.
The event’s keynote speaker, Jim Brady, has been vice president of Journalism at John S. and James L. Knight Foundation since 2021 and oversees Knight’s journalism portfolio of more than $200 million. During his tenure, Brady has been instrumental in developing the strategic framework behind Press Forward, a $500 million effort to revitalize local news in the United States.
Brady highlighted several successful examples of innovation in local journalism, including nonprofit news models, audience engagement strategies, and the rise of local reporting initiatives that cater specifically to each community. He stressed that developing trust between journalists and their audiences is essential for rebuilding the public’s faith in the media.
Following Brady’s address, attendees had the opportunity to participate in a question-and-answer discussion and shared insights on how Berks County’s news landscape is evolving.
Overall, the event was a success, sparking meaningful conversations and new ideas for supporting local journalism in Berks County and beyond. To learn more about Spotlight PA, click here.
The Community Foundation manages several charitable funds that benefit cultural groups and organizations. In early 2023, the Kutztown Pipe Band, which is made up of students, faculty, and staff from Kutztown University, local students, and community members, requested a grant from the Juniper Fund to buy materials for its Learn About Bagpipes program. The band created this program to promote excitement and enthusiasm for Scottish music and culture.
The band first introduced the program at both Conrad Weiser East Elementary and Conrad Weiser West Elementary. Band members gave demonstrations during assemblies in which students heard songs played on various forms of bagpipes. Laura Sherrod, pipe major of the Kutztown Pipe Band, and Diana Cook, member of the Kutztown Pipe Band and an elementary music teacher, gave these demonstrations. If students had questions, they could get answers from the pipers directly during a special panel called “Ask the Piper.”
Kutztown Pipe Band hopes to expand its educational opportunities to include more adult programming. The first adult event took place at the Kutztown Public Library. Libraries pay a discounted fee to host the Kutztown Pipe Band for educational sessions, while demonstrations are free to schools thanks to the grant funding and the generosity of the members of the Kutztown Pipe Band who volunteer their time to educate students on Scottish history.
The Kutztown Pipe Band began with five piping students in 2017 and now has more than two dozen members.
In 2022, the band started the Learn About Bagpipes program to educate audiences about the instrument and to instill in them a deeper appreciation of Scottish Heritage. The musicians tailor each demonstration to the audience, and describe the history and functionality of the instruments, and play different tunes on different bagpipes.
The Juniper Fund of Berks County Community Foundation was established in 2010 by The Murray Clan Society of North America to support the education, promotion and preservation of the history, heritage and traditions of Scotland.
The fund provides financial support for the following purposes but is not limited to:
- Individuals to improve basic skills in Scottish music, dance, art, cuisine, etc.
- Activities to promote enrichment experiences in Scottish culture, traditions and history.
- Activities to benefit the Scottish community and the Murray Clan.
The $300 grant from the Juniper Fund to the Kutztown Pipe Band supported the cost of these educational programs, which allowed, and will continue to allow, the Kutztown Pipe Band to offer programs free for schools.
The presence of the Kutztown Pipe Band at local schools and community events carries a transformative power. It sparks curiosity, ignites passion, and inspires young minds to explore the world of music and culture. By funding the band, the Juniper Fund is growing young talent, and offering musicians a chance to engage with a unique form of art.
One of the ways we help to improve the quality of life for Berks County residents is by funding programs that help support education activities and the general health of the community which can include youth sports.
There are so many benefits to youth sports. Through sports, children learn a variety of skills that they can apply to life, such as leadership, teamwork, and discipline. Additionally, children are given the opportunity to practice a healthy activity while making friends at the same time.
Reading Youth Legion Baseball recognized the need for affordable sports in the Reading Area and created a summer baseball team for youths. To help cover operational costs, the 2022 Community General Hospital Healthcare Fund granted the program $6,000. The funding covered the costs of team registration and insurance, new uniforms, baseball equipment, and umpire salaries. The team played in the Senior Berks American Legion League for a total of eight weeks. These eight weeks provided Reading Youth with a baseball experience with a competitive atmosphere comparable to standard travel baseball.
The 2022 Community General Hospital Healthcare Fund supports a variety of causes, all of which benefit the general health of the Berks County community. To learn more about this fund, visit https://bccf.org/funds/community-general-hospital-healthcare-fund/
At the community foundation, we help people in Berks County who want to do something charitable by distributing grants, scholarships, and other forms of support from funds they create based on the community’s needs. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for residents and to do that, we make a point of connecting with the community we serve.
One way we make those connections is to visit places where grants are distributed to see the impact they have on the community. We recently visited the Governor Mifflin area, which we manage several funds to support.
Our program team had an incredible day exploring the Governor Mifflin area. This visit took us to three unique and captivating locations: the Mifflin Community Library, Alvernia University, and the Allegheny Evangelical Lutheran Church. We also made some in-between stops, including John Updike’s childhood home, the U.S. Army Reserve Center, a much-needed stop for snacks at Tom Sturgis Pretzels, a quick trail walk at Berks Nature, Berks Military History Museum, and a visit with some farm animals at Swartz’s Roadside Stand.
Here’s a recap of this enriching experience:
Our first stop was the Mifflin Community Library, a true gem nestled in the heart of Governor Mifflin. As we entered this cozy library, we were immediately struck by the inviting atmosphere. We met Natasha Donaldson, Director of the library, and Colleen Stamm, Board Treasurer who were both friendly and helpful. The shelves were lined with a variety of books. The library’s serene reading nooks and vibrant children’s area made it a welcoming space for all ages. We discussed some of the programs offered at the library for the community. We shared information with Donaldson about the Russell L. Hiller Charitable Trust Fund.
“The funding helps us add more variety to our collection,” Donaldson said.
Judge Russell Hiller was a resident of Shillington, and in his will, he established a fund that distributes grants to help the Borough of Shillington, Shillington Borough Library, and Albright College, and provides scholarships to Governor Mifflin High School seniors. Additionally, the fund supports an annual competitive grant process for programs benefiting the residents of the Governor Mifflin School District.
Next on our itinerary was a meeting with Glynis Fitzgerald, President of Alvernia University. The campus was not only stunning but also vibrant, with students hustling to and from classes and enjoying the lovely surroundings. We explored the university’s modern facilities, from well-equipped classrooms to the state-of-the-art library. Many students who receive scholarships from the Community Foundation attend local colleges and universities like Alvernia.
We enjoyed lunch from Screpesi’s Sandwich Shop, where they know a thing or two about sandwiches. They have been serving Berks County since 1949. We took the sandwiches to Shillington Park and enjoyed the fall colors with a view of the Pagoda.
Our final stop took us to the Allegheny Evangelical Lutheran Church where we met with Kristen Kelly, Director for Children and Family Ministries. The church has beautiful architecture and serene surroundings that provide a sense of tranquility. Our tour gave us valuable insights into the rich history of the church and its role in the local community, which includes offering its space to community organizations and programming for residents.
The Home Health Care Foundation Fund supported two new automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for the church.
“Having the AED equipment provides us with peace of mind knowing it’s there in case there is an emergency,” Kelly said.
Throughout the day, we couldn’t help but appreciate the warm hospitality and genuine friendliness of the Governor Mifflin community. This tour was a perfect blend of intellectual exploration, natural beauty, and cultural heritage. Look for us on our next stop as we explore more of Berks County’s interesting organizations and history.
K-9 units have been proven to strengthen local police forces by aiding in crime-fighting efforts. Thanks to the generosity of local residents, Berks County Community Foundation manages several charitable funds that benefit police K-9 teams in the area.
Funding has supported several projects related to the training and maintenance of K-9 teams. The Cheltenham Township Police Department recently requested grants from these funds to support the costs of training for handlers in areas like decision-making, de-escalation, and threat assessment. A police team’s job looks different every day, so making sure the handler is well-equipped to handle various outcomes and scenarios is paramount to the success of both the K-9 team and the police team.
Grants from these funds can also support the costs of certifying or recertifying police K-9s. The City of Reading Fire Department has one K-9 named Gracie who helps the fire department and police with arson cases. Gracie can tell the difference between the scents of various flammable liquids. She can alert officers where samples should be taken from, which provides investigators with more evidence of how a fire was started. The evidence that Gracie helps collect is vital in convictions of arson cases. The City of Reading Fire Department requested funding to pay for Gracie’s recertification so that she can continue to work in Berks County and surrounding counties.
Grants from these funds can also support the costs of maintenance and upkeep of K-9 teams, which can be costly for police departments. Berks County Community Foundation has provided funding for a few different K-9 upkeep projects. Both the City of Reading Police K9 Unit and the Plymouth Township Police Department requested funding to finish renovations and upkeep for their K-9 buildings. Making sure the dogs have a safe and comfortable space to rest after a workday is imperative for the dogs’ well-being. Additionally, the buildings can serve as storage areas for K-9 supplies.
The K9 Unit funds at Berks County Community Foundation have also provided grants to cover the cost of new training equipment, veterinary bills, pet insurance, and other necessary K-9 equipment.
To learn more about the various K-9-unit funds that we manage, visit https://bccf.org/fund-directory/
