September 13, 2013
READING, Sept. 13, 2013 – The emergency services organizations representing the men and women who answer the call to help Berks County residents in distress can now apply for state grants to pay for facilities, equipment and training.
Eligible fire departments, volunteer ambulance services and rescue squads can apply for the assistance online through the Office of State Fire Commissioner.
“Berks County’s fire fighters, paramedics and rescue personnel embody what it means to be ‘first responders’,” Schwank said. “I am hoping each organization takes the opportunity to apply for a grant so they continue their vital services every day.”
Grants can help to pay for the construction or renovation of a fire department or ambulance service facility, the purchase or repair of equipment, debt reduction and the training and certification of members.
Money from the 2013-14 Fire Company, Volunteer Ambulance Service Grant Program is open to career and volunteer fire departments.
Generally, grants will range from $2,500 to $15,000.
“Whether applying as one unit or as a regional or joint project, these grants will go a long way to ensuring our emergency responders will be there when we call them,” Schwank said.
The deadline to apply for the grant is 4 p.m., Oct. 24. Click HERE for the fire commissioner’s instructions and online application.
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September 10, 2012
READING, Sept. 10, 2012 — Nearly two dozen Berks County arts programs have received state funding, according to state Sen. Judy Schwank and state Rep. Tom Caltagirone.
“The arts are an important part of any community. They provide entertainment, creative expression, and education to people of all ages,” said Schwank (D-11th dist.). “I’m grateful that the state is supporting our local arts programs.”
“There are many unique arts programs in Berks County that deserve recognition and support,” said Caltagirone (D-127th dist.). “This funding will help these programs continue to thrive.”
The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts awarded a total of more than $172,000 in state grants to the following programs in Berks County:
- Berks Arts Council, located in Reading, received $22,687 for the support the council and $15,055 for the support the administration of the PA Partners in the Arts program to serve Berks, Lancaster, and Schuylkill counties.
- Berks Bards, Inc., located in Reading, received $748.
- Berks Classical Children’s Chorus, located in Reading, received $3,532.
- Berks Community Television, located in Reading, received $4,338 for the support of its arts programs.
- Berks Encore, located in Reading, received $2,000.
- Building a Better Boyertown received $2,000 for the support of the Studio B: Arts and Activities Alliance
- Clay on Main, located in Oley, received $2,000.
- Community School of Music and the Arts, located in Reading, received $3,070.
- Foundation for the Reading Public Museum received $25,639
- Goggle Works, located in Reading, received $27,204.
- Kutztown University received a $4,895 for the support of KU Presents!: Performing Arts Series
- Mifflin Community Library, located in Shillington, received $1,494 for support of the arts programs at the library
- New Arts Program, Inc., located in Kutztown, received $2,000
- Our Town Foundation, located in Hamburg, received $2,000 for the support of the Hamburg Area Arts Alliance.
- Reading Area Community College received $3,245 for the support of the Miller Center for the Arts.
- Reading Choral Society received $2,000.
- Reading Musical Foundation received $9,507.
- Reading Symphony Orchestra received $19,280.
- Yocum Institute for Arts Education, Inc., located in Wyomissing, received $10,210 for the support of a Long-Term Residency (LTR) project at the Wilson Area High School, coordinating a professional theatre artist with the theatre faculty and curriculum
- Yocum Institute for Arts Education, Inc., located in Reading, received $9,310.
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