WZAR News

VIDEO: He’s Going For the Ride of a Lifetime…

VIDEO: Political Activists Stop by Boyertown

***It’s important to understand that WZAR believes in equal news coverage and prefers to remain non-partisan.  Coverage of this story is purely to provide awareness of what is going on in your community.***

It’s the first amendment at it’s finest, and these folks are using it in a way that they hope will change America.

The two gentlemen are part of what they are saying is a national movement to make changes in the white house.

They set up their table in front of the Boyertown Post office on South Washington Street on Monday, August 30th, in hopes of reaching out to as much as of the public as possible, talking to anybody who wanted to listen.

Regardless of your political beliefs, it’s a great thing in America when people organize to help make changes in our country.  It’s what the Declaration of Independence was based on.

VIDEO - Dog Days of Summer & YMCA Tomato Blast

It was quite the weekend for community events on August 21st… the day started out at the Boyertown Area YMCA Hollenbach Center in Gilbertsville, at the 4th annual tomato blast.  The day revolves entirely around the fruit, from salsa competitions, carnival games, and even a tomato launch.  It’s important to know that though the tomatoes were fit enough to be launched in a sling shot, any of the fruits destroyed during the event were not fit for human consumption.  The day would not complete of course, without a the annual wiener dog race, a huge favorite with families and kids.  Though the owners may have felt competitive, the canines had a bit more trouble focusing on the goal at hand.

And while the dogs were racing at the “Y,” other dogs were being pampered at Building a Better Boyertown’s Dog Days of Summer.  The three hour event based around the inner-core parking lot had enough to keep pets and their families at leash.  Dozens of pet-related vendors were on site to give demonstrations on safety, health, and training.  The event is part of Building a Better Boyerton’s efforts to rejuvenate the main street and provide activities for those who live in the surrounding communities.  Just because the weather right now may be “for the dogs,” it doesn’t mean that pooches and their partners have to be left bored at home.

VIDEO: Boyertown Business Owner Appears in “The Last Airbender”

There’s much more information including inside details in our full story:  http://www.wzartv.com/?p=1775

It was just another week at the State Theatre of Boyertown… this week opening up M. Night Shyamalan’s “The Last Airbender.” But for one Boyertown business owner, it was more than just a Friday night on the town. Donnie Ellixon, owner of Ellixson’s Tae Kwon Do, got a call that he couldn’t turn down and got to play a part in the movie as a hand-to-hand combat fighter in several of the battle scenes.  The theatre was packed with those who had heard of his appearance and with many of the students he mentors every week. A demo team from Ellixson’s school was also there to perform on the theatre’s stage before the show.

VIDEO: Final Words from Extreme Makeover Recipient

CORRECTION @ 2:23 - *the Kutztown representative presenting the scholarship is the Provost, Dr. Carlos Vargas, not the President, Dr. F. Javiar Cevallos.*

It all started with a pep rally… held at the Reading Phillies stadium, the ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition producer addressed an audience, telling them that somewhere in Berks county, a family that needed help would have their dreams come true, and beyond that.

From then on, hundreds of volunteers, individuals and businesses, stepped up and said they’d help, no matter where in Berks County.  On July 29th, the big announcement was made… Trisha and Cora Urban of Tilden Township, just outside of Hamburg were the lucky recipients.  Trisha’s husband died of heart problems just hours before their daughter, Cora, was born.  The crumbling home and property that the family hoped to restore became a far away reality, that is, until the Extreme Makeover Team came to town, ambushing the two while they were at a local carnival.

Seven days of round-the-clock work resulted in a beautiful home for the two… it was presented on August 5th when thousands of fans screamed “move that bus!”  The next day, a press conference was held outside the home and was also streamed live on our website, giving a chance for the build team and Trisha to share a few words.

There were also some representatives from local companies and organizations there to add to the surprises.  Little Cora, held in mom’s arms, is hardly making decisions of where she’ll be going to college in the future, but Kutztown University may have made that decision much easier for her, presenting her with a 4-year scholarship, all expenses, board, and other fees completely paid for when the time comes.

One of the biggest things Trisha noticed the first time she saw the property, was the lack of a backed up septic system.

The property was transformed into a beautiful haven for the family to live comfortably, well into the future.  It’s an incredible example of just what could be done in such a short amount of time.

Gilbertsville Bike Night - July 31st, 2010

Douglass Township Emergency Services had their hands full on July 31st, but it was because of Gilbertsville’s 2nd Annual Bike Night. Hundreds of motorcycles lined Route 73 in front of Gilbertsville Fire Company on Saturday night to support the Emergency Services fundraiser. Owners showed off their bikes of many different varieties, both old and new. Set up behind the firehouse was a demonstration of creative wood carvings crafted by a chainsaw and an obstacle course for the bikers that felt competitive. Several stands had merchandise and food available and a raffle was held for a brand new Harley Davidson. Trophies were awarded in several categories during the evening. All proceeds from the night benefit the Gilbertsville Ambulance, Gilbertsville Fire and Rescue, and Gilbertsville Fire Company No. 1, collectively called the Douglass Township Emergency Services. Be sure to stop by their carnival fundraiser running from August 4th through 7th at the firehouse.