11-23-2022 4:02am

The Benches of Boyertown: Giving Thanks

Lesley Misko Editor

by Lesley Misko and Jane Stahl, Editors

The recent cold weather may have chased most people inside, away from the benches of Boyertown. But ahead of Thanksgiving, readers of The Boyertown Area Expression still say they have many special reasons to be thankful during this holiday season.

“I’m thankful for the health of my family and the opportunity to serve this great community.”

-- Jim Boyer, Chief, Boyertown Community Ambulance Service

“My healthy family and the opportunity this challenging and rewarding job provides.”—Amy Guldin, Boyertown Community Ambulance Service

“For the opportunity to help people in need.”—Walter Jokiel, Boyertown Community Ambulance Service

“For the opportunity to be employed and earn a living.”—Saige Kling, Boyertown Community Ambulance Service

“For the opportunity to work inside and outside Reading Hospital.”—Sarah Schmoll, Boyertown Community Ambulance Service

“My health, which is back on track.”—Amy Muzopappa, Executive Director of the Foundation for Boyertown Education

“My family and my health.”—Jennifer Clauss, waitress at Gramia’s Restaurant

“My loyal dog, Dug.”—Judy Wetzel, area resident.

“Breathing.” –Barbara Lehmann, area resident who is recovering from recent surgery.

“I’m grateful that our nation is ruled by law, not one man.” – Charles Haddad, attorney

“Change. Empathy. Understanding.”—Kim Welch, realtor with Greg Real Estate

“I’m grateful for Jamie Cascino—always helpful. I can text her day or night and she always answers me!” Roger Lehmann, owner of All County Associates, full-service Surveying, Civil Engineering and Environmental Permitting Firm

“I’m grateful for these people who I’m eating with. They’ve become my dearest friends and support system since I returned to Boyertown, and they’re doing good things for Boyertown.” –Jamie Cascino, Truist Bank Boyertown Branch Manager

“Learning grace and patience.” –Tessi Melchior, realtor with Greg Herb Real Estate

“Ease of access to opportunity.”—TJ Renninger, DiscipleMakers staff

“Many supportive people.”—Kate Renninger, DiscipleMakers staff

"Even though my Thanksgiving celebration will be tinged with sadness at the passing of my soulmate, Larry, this past year, I have many blessings – beginning with my good health. I am also thankful for a wonderfully supportive family and many caring friends."—Becky Gallagher, retired BASH Business Education teacher

“Family, Health, New opportunities. New children born this year. Marriage…and being a part of the Fred Beans Family, which has been a stable part of our lives. We all look forward to an even better year in 2023!” – Team at Fred Beans Ford of Boyertown

“We are grateful for the things that prevail. Our children have paid their parents the greatest compliment by marrying and deciding to raise families. Trust that bringing children into the world will be worth it; hope that love really will conquer all; faith that our offspring will climb all the mountains that frighten us so badly: these are the things for which we give thanks.”—Phil Repko, BASH class of ’79 and retired BASH English teacher, and wife, Julie Repko, salon owner

“I’m grateful that all of my dreams have come true: the new hair salon—Dolce—my hubby, my family, my dog. And I can take more vacations than ever.” –Christina Wabish, owner of new boutique salon Dolce

“For good health, family, friends, my loyal clients, and my brand-new puppy Mazie, a Yorkie-type-beaver breed.”—Kathy Ellis, BASH Class of 1972, hair stylist at Dolce, celebrating 50 years of styling hair.

“I’m grateful for family, friends, good health, and that folks can be together for the holiday. It’s the most important thing.”—Cheryl Graber, BASH graduate.

“I’m grateful for good health—which is not guaranteed—both for myself and those I love.”—Jeff Graber, BASH class of ’87; Graber Letterin’ Sign Company.

“This Thanksgiving, I look forward to spending time cooking and feasting with loved ones. I am also looking forward to adventuring out for a long run with my friends. I have much to be grateful for this year, but I am the most grateful that I get to share my passion for music with my wonderful students and colleagues at Boyertown.”—Jeffrey Brunner, BASH Choral Director

“I’m thankful to have my two children and grand-dog within easy walking distance.”—Jane Stahl, Editor of The Boyertown Area Expression

“I am above all thankful for my son, and also for my cat Fiona, as well as for family, friends, the nearly 43 years I had with my husband, the kindness of people, and great response The Boyertown Area Expression has received in the community.”—Lesley Misko, Editor of The Boyertown Area Expression