Top stories of the year in Berlin

As we count down to the end of 2024, here are some of the top stories of the year in Berlin.

Scouting in Berlin

Berlin Boy Scout Troop 48 marked six 60 years of shaping young men into leaders this year. The troop commemorated the anniversary during a special Court of Honor at Holy Communion Lutheran Church in the borough.

Scoutmaster Michael McCormick shared insights into the troop’s history, achievements and plans for the future.

“Troop 48 was founded by Joseph Derr and Joseph Schaeffer in December, 1964 at Holy Communion Lutheran Church, which remains our sponsor today,” he explained. “Under Mr. Derr’s leadership, the troop quickly grew and took on adventures across the Pine Barrens, Lake George, and beyond.

“By 1967,” he added, “we celebrated our first Eagle Scout, George Meiler Jr., and more than two dozen followed during Mr. Derr’s tenure.”

Since then, Troop 48 has been led by Scoutmasters who have left their mark. Gary Lake, a former Scout himself, guided the troop to unprecedented growth in the 1980s and introduced the boys to backpacking and long-distance trips. Chris Farrell later led the troop on its first journey to the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.

Under McCormick’s leadership, the troop has embraced a year-round camping schedule; the patrol method, which encourages Scouts to plan and lead their own activities; and significant outdoor excursions, including trips to the Grand Teton and Olympic National Parks.

Troop 48’s achievements are both remarkable and enduring, McCormick believes.

“We’re proud to say that 128 Scouts have earned the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Scouting,” he noted. “It’s a testament to the dedication of our Scouts, leaders and community.”

Reflecting on the program’s impact, McCormick shared a memorable story.

“The real payoff is seeing a Scout come in at 10 or 11 years old, nervous and unprepared, struggling with homesickness or afraid to try new things, like a zip line or whitewater rafting,” he recalled. “Over time, that Scout grows, gets organized, overcomes fears and becomes confident. Then he turns around and helps newer Scouts do the same.

“It’s the transformation we see time and again, and it’s what Scouting is all about.”

Lunch for the needy

The 14U Villains girls’ softball team collaborated in December with For the Love of Pete’s Pantry to provide lunches for needy families. The team – which is dedicated to providing opportunities for young girls – joined the pantry on Dec. 7 to prepare bagged lunches for families in need at Lions Lake Park in Voorhees.

Coach Dan Rothman, set the tone for the effort with a message on privilege and responsibility.

“I always look at our players first,” he said. “We need to understand that when our parents go out of their way with expensive bats, there are people in need, and they are fortunate to have those things. So, it’s important to give back.”

The team’s players embraced the lunch initiative with enthusiasm.

“I think it really helps,” noted ninth-grader Alexandria Rothman. “It makes me feel better about myself, and I know that if I help other people, it will be good. Eventually, it will come back to me, and the smallest things, like giving a compliment, make a difference.”

Another player, Alexa Jentsch, highlighted the team’s unity.

“We’re more of a family,” she explained. “We do a lot of fundraisers and help a lot of people in need. It was really good since it’s around the holidays.”

A poignant reflection came from player Natalie Olsen, who recently lost her former coach, Ken Harrison.

“I learned how to be a better person, spread kindness around the community, and I learned how to be a more positive person,” she said of her loss.

Paula Wallace, affectionately known as “team Grandma,” played a crucial role in securing sponsorship for the event.

“The company I work for actually sponsored our team,” Wallace noted. “I asked, and they said yes without hesitation. I think it’s important for them to give back because they get so much. To me, it comes so naturally, so they were looking forward to helping other families in need.”

Court time

Twenty young basketball enthusiasts from Voorhees and Berlin experienced the thrill of stepping onto an NBA court at the Wells Fargo Center on Nov. 24.

The trip to the Philadelphia 76ers’ home court was organized by Terry Myers, founder of his eponymous Youth Basketball Association. The participants are in grades two through eight, 11 from Voorhees and nine from Berlin.

Myers, a passionate advocate for youth development through sports, emphasized the profound impact such experiences can have on young minds.

“Teamwork fosters a sense of belonging and helps break down social barriers,” he shared. “Playing together develops empathy, as kids learn to rely on and support one another. Sports have the power to unite and build a culture of mutual respect and understanding. By using sports as a bridge, we can reduce bullying and create friendships that uplift youth in and beyond the playing field.”

Myers – whose adult social sports company has played on the Wells Fargo Center court for years – was inspired to extend his love of basketball to young players.

“Basketball has always been a passion of mine, and for the kids, you can truly see the excitement in their eyes when they see the floor, especially when they score a basket on an actual NBA court,” he explained.

Parents and participants alike praised the event’s positive impact on the community and the lasting memories it created.

“Terry’s camps and leagues provide such a positive and welcoming environment,” said Voorhees parent Sara Cohen Phillips. “He has this ‘rising tide lifts all’ approach that brings out the best in kids both on and off the court.”

Her son, Parker, echoed those sentiments.

“Training with Terry is the best,” he enthused. “His groups are always so much fun. It’s not just the basketball either. He always gives such a great workout and there’s never any drama. It’s all about everyone getting better.

“Getting to play on an NBA floor was such a cool experience that I’ll never forget.”