BCTV is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2022 Community Builder and Community Media Awards, as well as the highly anticipated return of the accompanying celebration reception following several pandemic-induced postponements.
“After almost three years, we are thrilled to be once again hosting the Shirk Award event, and are so very thankful for the patience of our incredible award recipients. We are looking forward to celebrating you and your accomplishments, thank you for all you do to make our community a better place,” said Heather Adams, Executive Director of BCTV.
2022 Eugene L. Shirk Community Builder Award: Judge Arthur E. Grim & Louise C. Grim
Honors the memory of former Reading Mayor Eugene L. Shirk and celebrates individuals who best embody his spirit and the qualities he demonstrated as educator, coach, mayor and citizen; civility, commitment to the well-being of others, honor, humor, involvement in our community, and leadership.
The Grims’ commitment to civic engagement has made a remarkable impact in the Berks County community and beyond. Their professional and philanthropic endeavors are a testimony to their dedication and regard for humanity, health, and integrity.
2022 Community Building Organization Award: Centro Hispano Daniel Torres
Presented to an organization, company, or educational institution that promotes and exemplifies involvement in the community.
Centro Hispano’s mission is to support and enhance the acculturation of the Latino population in the Greater Reading area through collaborative initiatives designed to enable individuals and families to improve their quality of life and the quality of life in their communities.
2022 Community Media Award: Thomas Fox
Recognizes an individual for their dedication to community media in Berks County, and their passion for informing and engaging the public.
Mr. Fox was a Government and Economics teacher at Reading High School, who in 1969, created Reading High Schools cable program, “Knight Life” and produced the show for 41 years of his 45 years with the school district.
A reception to celebrate the honorees will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 19th at The Abraham Lincoln, 50 N. 5th Street in Reading. Tickets are $75/person and include beer, wine, soft drinks, and hors d’oeuvres. Reserve your tickets today by calling English Bradley, Administrative Manager, at 610-374-3065 x.4 or by emailing [email protected]
Previous Recipients of the Shirk Community Builder Award: William Flippin, Jay Sidhu, Karen Rightmire, Paul Roedel, State Sen. Judy Schwank, Sam McCullough, S. Henry Lessig, Mary Ann Chelius-Smith, Chip Karasin, John Weidenhammer, Rick Burkey, Chris G. Kraras, Carl Herbein, Kevin Murphy, Barbara Kline, Gust Zogas, Chris Pruitt, Elsayed Elmarzouky, Karen A. Miller, and John Ernesto.
The Community Building Company Award has been presented to Tompkins VIST Bank, Albright College, Berks Encore, and Alvernia University.
The inaugural Community Media Honoree Award was presented in 2019 to Dr. Joseph Amprey.
BCTV is a 501c3 nonprofit community media organization committed to empowering people and engaging community through open media and technology. Learn more at bctv.org.
