Managing Director’s Report
Ryan P. Hottenstein, Acting Managing Director
April 21, 2008

Reading and Berks County Citizens to Show Support for Crime Victims

City and county officials and community members will participate in local observance of National Crime Victims' Rights Week. 

As part of the national observance of crime victims’ rights during the week of April 13 - 19, two local events will be attended by crime victims and their families as well as local officials and supportive community members.
 
On Thursday, April 17, a vigil will be held in front of the Berks County Services Center at Reed and Washington Streets in Reading, Pa. Representatives from the US and Berks County District Attorney's offices, Berks County commissioners office, and various service provider organizations will participate in the event from 11:30 am to 12:30pm.
 
Saturday, April 19, a walk will be held starting and ending at the Kutztown Borough Park in Kutztown, Pa. Berks County and Kutztown officials will be attending as well as various service provider organizations. The walk will start at 10 am, with registration beginning at 9 am.  Events at the park will start at 11 am.
 
This year's theme of National Crime Victims' Rights Week is 'Justice for Victims; Justice for All.'
Greater fairness for victims of crime must be sought for justice for all community members.
 
Justice for victims has progressed dramatically since the 1980s. All states and the federal government have comprehensive victims' rights laws, and 33 states have constitutional amendments to protect victims' rights.  Every state has a victim compensation fund and numerous service agencies to help victims.  Important laws, such as the federal Justice for All Act of 2004, extend protection to victims and close gaps in victims' rights.
 
However, most states have need for improvement in the area of crime victims' rights.  Even states with strong victims' rights laws do not always honor these rights.  Jurisdictions may fail to notify victims about court proceedings or offender status, deny them the opportunity to be heard at sentencing, fail to issue or enforce orders of restitution, or fail to inform victims about compensation they are entitled to receive.  Some states limit specific rights to victims of violence, and in almost half the states the victims of nonviolent felonies have no rights.
 
For additional information about National Crime Victims' Rights Week, please contact the Berks County District Attorney’s office at 610 478-6000 or visit the Years of Tears web site, www.yearsoftears.org/victimrights2008.html.

PAGODA CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION KICK OFF

Saturday April 12, 2008

A successful event was held at the Pagoda on April 12th thanks to our sponsors and numerous volunteers.  Under a beautiful, blue sky hundreds of folks of all ages and race came to Mt. Penn to join the many activities.  The day began with over one hundred runners and walkers starting at the Pagoda and finishing at home plate in FirstEnergy Stadium.

Over a thousand bulbs and flowers were planted in a temporary garden and the surrounding acreage of the Pagoda. Kites made by hundreds of smiling children could be seen all day flying from and around the building. There were cherry pie eating and Sudoku contests. 

WEEU Radio was live from 8am to 1pm covering all the day’s fun. We had hundreds of people tour the newly-decorated Pagoda and enjoy a quick snack from our café. 

One of the highlights of the day was a visit by descendants of Pagoda builder William A. Witman, Sr.  They brought some family photos and memories that we will be able to include in our Pagoda museum.

The Pagoda Centennial Celebration Kick-Off event was a great start to a year that will be filled with education, awareness, fundraising and many wonderful memories.

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

The 57th Annual National Day of Prayer will take place on Thursday, May 1, 2008.  The theme for this year is “Prayer! America’s Strength and Shield”.  It will be held at the First United Church of Christ and Reed and Washington Streets from 11:40 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  Music will be provided by youth from The King’s Academy; proclamations and prayers offered for our nation, state, county and city.  If you would like to submit any prayer requests, please submit them via e-mail to info@readingberkschurches.org, by regular mail at 519 Elm Street, P.O. Box 957, Reading, PA  19603, or by calling 610-375-6108. 

VOTING
Just a reminder, please do not forget to go vote tomorrow, April 22nd.  The polls will be open from
7 a.m. until 8 p.m.  If you have any questions, please call the Berks County Election Services at 610-478-6490.  You can also access information by logging onto http://www.co.berks.pa.us/elections/site/default.asp.