WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) successfully funded 14 Community Project Funding priorities, totaling $11,726,065, through the House Appropriations Committee. The Appropriations’ package was signed into law last weekend by President Biden. The purpose of Community Project Funding is to enable Members of Congress to allocate available federal funds to worthy, local projects in a timely manner.

While each congressional office processes Community Project Funding requests differently, all Members are required to publicly disclose their selections and sign letters certifying they have no personal financial interest in the projects. To ensure transparency for and accountability to her constituents, Houlahan goes above and beyond House guidelines by utilizing a nonpartisan board of community leaders to review applications and to make recommendations regarding project selection. Recently, Houlahan hosted a webinar for organizations interested in applying for future Community Project Funding grants. Watch the webinar here.

"I am elated that we secured over $11.7 million to fund 14 community-focused projects in our district. From Reading to Berwyn and everywhere in between, our community will benefit from stronger infrastructure, enhanced workforce opportunities, modernized resources for first responders, and more," said Houlahan. "With the help of our board of nonpartisan local leaders, we were able to advocate for projects that will positively impact our community and the region at large. I look forward to seeing these projects make a real, tangible difference in the lives of residents in Berks and Chester Counties."

In alphabetical order, Houlahan secured the following funding on behalf of local organizations:

1. $3,000,000 for Albright College, Innovation Corridor Life Science-Based Incubator – Camp Building Renovation Phase 1
"We are truly grateful that our community leaders are committed to the transformation of the City of Reading and the Albright College campus," said Jacquelyn S. Fetrow, Ph.D., president and professor of chemistry and biochemistry at Albright College. "With the transformation of the Camp Building, a historic factory now under the college's stewardship, we are bringing to life a vital component currently missing in Berks County: a biological, pharmaceutical and life science-based entrepreneurial and multi-purpose community incubator that will utilize the Total Experience Learning methodology to empower students and community entrepreneurs. The Albright College incubator, to be located in the 'Innovation Corridor' of Northeast Reading will serve to nurture emerging intellectual property and entrepreneurs of all ages. By fostering this entrepreneurial and multi-purpose community life science incubator, we are committed to supporting the inventors and innovators of today and tomorrow, paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries and solutions."
 

2. $977,573 for Ann’s Heart, Purchase of Campus – Nonprofit Hub
“The Volunteers, Board of Directors and Staff of Ann’s Heart extend their deepest gratitude to Representative Houlahan and Senator Casey for their sponsorship and unwavering support of Ann’s Heart and for securing Community Project Funding. This vital funding will not only secure a permanent home for Ann’s Heart but also for multiple other nonprofits dedicated to serving parts of Chester and Montgomery Counties,” stated Kristen McGee, Executive Director of Ann’s Heart. “With this invaluable support, Ann’s Heart has been able to secure the purchase of the campus we have diligently worked to restore. This ensures the establishment and enduring presence of a non-profit hub dedicated to delivering critical human services in our region. Through this welcoming space, we are committed to continuing our fight against housing and food insecurity, supporting mental and behavioral health, and combating the isolation of our most vulnerable community members.”

3. $500,000 for Berwyn Fire Company, EMS Station
“The Berwyn Fire Company is humbled to be awarded a $500,000 grant to assist in the construction of a new fire/EMS station that will serve the citizens, visitors and businesses of Tredyffrin and Easttown Townships. This new state of the art facility will replace an aging structure that dates back to 1929. Our volunteers and career staff look forward to working in a safe and reliable environment,” said Eamon C. Brazunas, Deputy Chief of Berwyn Fire Company.

4. $1,035,000 for Reading Area Community College, Capital Improvements and Repairs - Workforce Development
"Reading Area Community College is honored and grateful to be a recipient of this much needed funding from Congresswoman Houlahan's office,” said RACC President Dr. Susan Looney. “We will be allocating the funds to enhance the Schmidt Training and Technology Center and Kratz Hall. Improvements to these facilities will further strengthen our workforce training; continuing our commitment to building a strong Berks County workforce.”

5. $959,752 for City of Coatesville, Ash Park Master Plan Implementation - Phase 2
"We are extremely thrilled to have received this for both phase 1 and 2 of the project. This money means we're receiving money so that we can move forward and have a reliable source of funding to design the project the way that it was intended. It is a huge win for the community, and I can't express how much this will mean. I deeply appreciate the support," said James Logan, Coatesville City Manager. 

6. $550,000 for East Fallowfield Township Police Department, Municipal complex construction
“This funding will move us closer to having a more secure police station that will provide a welcoming environment to the public and better equip our law enforcement to serve and protect our community,” said Scott Swichar, Township Manager of East Fallowfield. “We appreciate Representative Houlahan’s unwavering support and strong commitment to public safety in the community.”

7. $657,000 for FarmerJawn and Friends Foundation Fund, the FarmerJawn Barn Revitalization
"We are incredibly grateful to Representative Chrissy Houlahan for her unwavering support and successful advocacy in securing a federal grant of $657,000 for FarmerJawn. This generous funding will enable us to renovate our aging barn and incorporate hydroponic facilities, allowing us to expand our mission of teaching essential agricultural skills and entrepreneurship qualities to the Chester County community. With this investment, FarmerJawn will continue to thrive as a vital contributor to the local agricultural landscape, offering innovative, sustainable solutions and opportunities for continued growth,” said Brandon Ritter, COO of FarmerJawn.

8. $500,000 for Helping Harvest, Community Kitchen
“Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank is so grateful to Representative Houlahan for her support and her work securing this funding,” said Jay Worrall, Helping Harvest President. “The Helping Harvest Community Kitchen will provide heat-and-eat ready meals to low-income seniors and families throughout Berks County while providing Culinary Arts skill training to residents.  The kitchen is currently under construction, and we will be cooking by year’s end!  Thank you for helping us provide healthy, nutritious food to people in need in our community.”

9. $959,752 for Kennett Square Wastewater Treatment Plant, UV Disinfection
Mayor Matthew Fetick and Borough Council President Bob Norris jointly stated, “The Borough is grateful to our elected officials for supporting this important upgrade to our sewer infrastructure.  This funding is a vital investment and addresses a major need for the Borough’s future growth and development.  Upgrading our sewer system will not only benefit Borough residents but our neighbors in Kennett Township and New Garden.”

10. $117,000 for Phoenixville Police Department, Law Enforcement 21st Century Policing Initiative
“The Borough of Phoenixville is experiencing tremendous growth in new housing and the town’s population is on the rise. A year-round calendar of cultural events attracts countless visitors to our thriving downtown business district. Representative Chrissy Houlahan is a frequent visitor to Phoenixville and she understands the challenges associated with policing our growing community,” said Chief of Police Brian Marshall. “On behalf of the men and women of the Phoenixville Police Department, we are honored and grateful to be the recipient of the PA-06 Community Funding Project grant for equipment upgrades!  The police department will be allocating the awarded funds for the purchase of six (6) new body-worn cameras and server, a TruNarc handheld rapid drug identification device, and a portable safety camera to be used at our numerous events. The Phoenixville Police Department values Representative Houlahan’s advocacy for and involvement in our community and we will use this grant funding to make the Borough of Phoenixville safer for everyone.”

11. $1,925,000 for Reading's Oakbrook Homes Center For Early Education
"This vital federal grant will enable us to repurpose two existing buildings into a Neighborhood Services Center and Family Services Complex, allowing us to expand access to crucial services for those facing economic and food insecurity in our community. With this support, Oakbrook Homes will continue to be a beacon of hope and assistance for families in need, fostering a brighter and more equitable future for all. We extend our deepest gratitude to Representative Chrissy Houlahan for her tireless efforts in securing $1,925,000 for this project,” said Modesto Fiume, president of Opportunity House.

12. $117,000 for Southern Chester County Regional Police Department, Body Worn Camera and Taser Project
“The Southern Chester County Regional Police Department is extremely grateful for the support and funding we received from Representative Houlahan and her staff. Not only were they helpful with the grant application process, they saw immediate value in our initiative to receive funds that will ultimately improve upon transparency and accountability while executing our department’s mission to protect human life, our first and most sacred core value. The funds received will cover the majority of the purchase of AXON’s leading technology Body Worn Cameras, which are used to record all interactions we have with the public and furthermore are submitted as evidence and shared with the District Attorney’s Office for the purpose of evidence in prosecutions. The funding will also allow us to purchase the newest version of the Taser by AXON which offers a less-lethal option in situations where an intermediate weapon can preserve human life. These devices are expensive and often can not be purchased out of the allotted police department budget, so this grant funding will have a huge impact on our ability to function as a high-level, premier law enforcement agency,” said Joseph Greenwalt, Chief of Police.

13. $112,500 for The Garage Community and Youth Center, Rain Garden and Green Roof Chester County PA
"The Garage Community & Youth Center (The Garage) is honored and thrilled to be a recipient of Community Project Funding from Congresswoman Houlahan's office,” said Kristin Proto, Executive Director. “The Garage serves as a liaison between the community and our families, promoting the equity and inclusion of an underserved and marginalized population. With this essential Community Project Funding support, The Garage will continue to renovate our Avondale facility with improved stormwater management through a rain garden and  green roof as well as environmental educational opportunities that come with an outdoor classroom space. Our organization has been providing support through after-school programming for over twenty years, and with the help of the community, friends, and partners like the Sixth Congressional District, we look forward to another twenty years!"

Women of Influence Awards honor high-achieving women for their career accomplishments. The honorees are selected based on their professional experience, community involvement and a commitment to mentoring. 

Circle of Excellence honorees are women of longstanding, notable success in the community who are leading the way for other women. Women to Watch honors women leaders under the age of 35 who demonstrate outstanding professional accomplishments, community involvement and commitment to positive change. 

To be eligible for the awards, the winners must live or work in the Greater Lehigh Valley region.

“This year’s Women of Influence are professionally successful and committed to making a difference, inspiring change and mentoring the next generation of leaders,” said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, managing director of Lehigh Valley Business/BridgeTower Media. “The Circle of Excellence honorees are trailblazers who have followed their dreams and passions, and they inspire and grow other strong women. The Women to Watch are on the move as the next generation of leaders in the Lehigh Valley. We are pleased to recognize these incredible women.”

The winners will be honored at a celebration on May 10 at DeSales University’s University Center, 2755 Station Road in Center Valley. A networking reception begins at 5 p.m. followed by dinner and an awards celebration at 6 p.m.

Attendance is limited. Honorees and sponsors get the first chance to secure tables. Sponsorship includes a table for guests, multimedia marketing, an ad in the awards publication, logo usage and more. To secure a sponsorship, contact Suzanne Fischer-Huettner at shuettner@bridgetowermedia.com. The event hashtag is #LVBevents.

Winners will be profiled in a special magazine that will be inserted into the May 8 issue of Lehigh Valley Business and will be available online at LVB.com.

For more information and updated sponsorship information about Lehigh Valley Business’ 2023 Women of Influence, visit www.LVB.com.

About Lehigh Valley Business
Lehigh Valley Business is a multimedia news source with 37 years of journalistic excellence that breaks news daily on its website, LVB.com. It also publishes a print and online edition. In addition, Lehigh Valley Business publishes special focus sections and products throughout the year including Reader Rankings in addition to the yearly Book of Lists. It also hosts eight annual events, including Women of Influence, Icon Honors and Forty Under 40, to recognize excellence and provide leadership opportunities. Lehigh Valley Business facilitates thoughtful discussion with market leaders through its webinar series. Its Digital Marketing Solutions helps customers with social media, search engine marketing and optimization, retargeting, email marketing and more. Lehigh Valley Business and its sister publication, the Central Penn Business Journal, which covers business in Central Pennsylvania, are part of BridgeTower Media, the leading provider of B2B information, research, events and marketing solutions across more than 25 U.S. markets and industries.

2023 Women of Influence 

• Tara Anthony, City Center Residential
• Cameilia Baker, Lehigh Valley Hospital
• Jennifer Bruce, Fitzpatrick Lentz & Bubba PC
• Laura Budraitis, Altitude Marketing
• Erin Burke, Barry Isett & Associates
• Michele Denninger, King, Spry, Herman, Freund & Faul LLC
• Jennifer M. Driscoll, Lily's Hope Foundation and Cryo Technologies
• Laura M. Eberly, Reuther+Bowen
• Leigh Ehrlich, CPA, CHFP, MBA, Lehigh Valley Health Network 
• Rebecca L. Francis, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Fox and Roach, REALTORS®
• Renee Gould, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate | Valley Partners
• Elizabeth Hassler, Herbein + Company Inc.
• Jane Heft, City Center Investment Corp
• Alneasa Jordan, Kehe Distributors
• Katy Kresge, Cedar Crest College
• Laura Leinbach, GOLD Credit Union
• Diane Lewis, Manufacturers Resource Center 
• Terri Lampe Melcher, Schmidt Training and Technology Center at RACC
• Cheryl Mengel, RN, Fellowship Community
• Tina Montone, Conspectus Inc.
• Jessica O'Donnell-Gower, Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce
• Ashley Quinn, Members 1st Federal Credit Union
• Candice Richards, PSECU
• Pamela Riddell, MBA, Lehigh Valley Health Network
• Sarah Rubright McCahon, Esq., Barley Snyder
• Melissa Shafer, St. Luke's University Health Network
• Lori G. Sywensky, Turning Point of Lehigh Valley Inc.
• Lisa M. Walkiewicz, Via of the Lehigh Valley Inc.
• Christine Walp, Univest Bank and Trust Co.
• Lindsay Watson, FIA NYC Employment
• Dr. Suzanne Wenderoth, Tower Health
• Melissa Young, KeyBank

2023 Circle of Excellence

• Laurel Cline, Herbein | Mosteller HR Consulting
• Marci Martinez-Howey, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
• Jennifer Schlegel, Ph.D., Kutztown University

2023 Women to Watch

• Lauren Borrell, NAI Summit
• Janelle E. Hendershot, One Financial Services
• Bianca Rivera, Members 1st Federal Credit Union

In Berks County, a grassroots effort is providing personal protective equipment (PPE) to workers who can’t stay home during the COVID19 pandemic. The Berks PPE Resource Network is a consortium of people at area organizations including hobbyists and engineers working to 3D print face shields. Reading Area Community College (RACC) is one of the organizations participating.

Working closely with the PPE Resource Network and American Polarizers, a Reading-based precision engineered optics company, the Schmidt Training and Technology Center (STTC) on the RACC campus, has been transformed into a temporary face shield manufacturing and assembly hub. Led by STTC Director Bonnie Spayed, the facility has been producing full face protective shields and 3D printed face shield brackets as quickly as they can. “We will shortly have produced close to 3,000 face shields that will immediately be used in the field by police and emergency responders. I am so proud to be a part of this group of people who have come together to get this done for our community. Our STTC staff has been very creative and resourceful in pulling all the pieces together and producing and assembling this gear for our local heroes who are working hard to keep us safe during this pandemic,” says Spayd.

According to PPE Resource Network organizer Ellen Albright, director of talent and workforce development at Greater Reading Chamber Alliance, the partners were wondering how to harness existing 3D-printing resources to produce PPE for front-line workers.

 “Instead of getting stuck in those questions — ‘How do we do that?’ or ‘What happens next?’ — we kept tapping this ad hoc committee that we had,” says Albright. “Take your piece of this and let’s run. Build the plane while you’re flying, because it’s not anything any of us had done before.”

It’s not only hospital workers who need the shields, though their PPE needs have understandably gotten the spotlight. According to Adelle Schade, a Network organizer and founder of the nonprofit Albright Science Research Institute, people like police officers, firefighters, Game Commission staffers, postal workers, grocery-store clerks, and even private-practice physicians have been going without face-shields while doing their essential jobs. The PPE Resource Network is fixing that.

Reading, PA – Reading Area Community College hosted over 130 Berks County middle school students, teachers and administrators for their third annual STEM Day on Friday, November 8th.

Students from Tulpehocken, Reading, Wilson, Kutztown, Brandywine, Oley Valley, Conrad Weiser, Antietam and Daniel Boone School Districts conducted hands-on experiments using techniques and procedures in the areas of geocaching, chemistry, robotics, physics, medical lab technology, respiratory therapy and even simulated crime scene investigations using forensics technology. The experiments were designed to help get students excited about how fun science can be as a career path and encourage them to make positive future life and career choices.

“We’re focused on developing strategies and fun programming for young people that encourage a passion for STEM. This is our third annual STEM Day and it’s a wonderful chance to show the students from Berks County school districts and the Berks community what is happening in STEM at RACC; and how our young people can prepare to take these areas to an exciting new level in the future,” says RACC President Dr. Susan Looney.

After extensive renovations in the spring and summer of 2017, RACC’s labs are dedicated to every segment of the STEM division, incorporating applied engineering and technology, physical and life sciences, and health sciences. The chemistry and physics labs were relocated into the Schmidt Training and Technology Center to better integrate both areas into the workforce development and applied engineering programs.

“In just three years, STEM Day has become a beloved RACC tradition for our K12 partners’ middle school students and teachers. Our faculty and staff have as much fun as the kids, and I’m especially proud of RACC colleagues who share their talents and time on STEM Day. A truly remarkable day for STEM education in Berks County,” says RACC Director of Academic Partnerships, Jodi Corbett. 

To learn more about the STEM programs at RACC please call 610.607.6224 or visit RACC STEM programs.

Reading, PA – On Thursday, October 3, 2019, the Schmidt Training and Technology Center on the Reading Area Community College campus hosted over 125 local and regional manufacturing leaders and vendors for a SMART Automation Summit. Working with the business strategy and consulting firm Nimble Leader, the summit featured keynote speakers Craig McAtee, executive director at the National Coalition of Advanced Technology Centers, Nimble Leader Managing Directors, Steve Van Valin, founder and CEO of Culturology and T. Brett Wilmotte, director of cyber security for Enterprise Ventures Corporation.

“Smart Manufacturing is the 4th Industrial Revolution that uses the internet of things to create interconnected manufacturing systems that communicate, analyze and use this information to drive intelligent decisions/ actions back to physical equipment and processes.  As an educational institution, our goal is to provide learning and resources for both employers and students to improve manufacturing technology and talent readiness as we transition into a SMART Automation era,” says Bonnie Spayd the Reading Area Community College executive director of workforce & economic development.

The event also highlighted state-of-the-art technology demonstrations on electronic sensors, cloud and robot integration, networking and cloud-based manufacturing.  

“The Automation Summit serves as a great platform to exchange ideas around the impact of technology in the manufacturing markets, and explore new technologies for current and future manufacturing,” says Mike Salute, Reading Area Community College director of workforce development.

In additional to guest speakers and demonstrations, breakout workshops were held during the afternoon. Workshops ranged in topic from sales lead generation, optimization and conversion, to corporate branding and robotics automation.

For more information about programs at the Schmidt Training and Technology Center, call 610.372.4721.