Commissioners Santoni and Rivera celebrate award winners and community events in Berks County

The Berks County Board of Commissioners held a meeting on April 17, 2025, where several key topics were discussed, including community awards, upcoming events, and a condemnation of recent violence.

Commissioner Dante Santoni highlighted the winners of the 2025 Life Improvement Ambassador Awards, which were presented at a recent luncheon. The recipients included Sharon Mast and Al Weber, along with several organizations and individuals recognized for their contributions, such as Brentwood Industries and the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts.

The United Way's 100th anniversary was also a focal point, with plans for a celebratory dinner on April 25 at the Doubletree Hotel. All commissioners are expected to attend this event, which is part of a series of activities commemorating the milestone.

In addition, Santoni announced the next town hall meeting scheduled for May at the Westlawn Library, encouraging public participation. He also shared insights from a recent Women to Women conference, emphasizing the importance of women's empowerment.

The meeting took a serious turn when Santoni addressed a violent incident that occurred at the governor's mansion, expressing solidarity against such acts. He called for unity across political and religious lines to condemn violence, emphasizing the importance of peaceful protests.

Lastly, Commissioner Michael Rivera noted his attendance at the first annual Berks County Luminary Awards, which focused on housing issues, particularly affordable housing. He congratulated Zilke Rivera, who was among the award winners.

The meeting underscored the commissioners' commitment to community engagement and social issues, while also addressing the need for a unified stance against violence in the community.