Schwank Proposal Naming Fleetwood Borough Road, ‘Alex J. Szoke Highway’ Approved by Senate

June 26, 2019

Harrisburg, June 26, 2019 − A bill containing a proposal by state Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) that would name the first block of West Main Street in Fleetwood Borough, Berks County, as the “Alex J. Szoke Highway” has been approved by the Senate.

Fleetwood Borough Council recognized Alex J. “Shonny” Szoke for his record of community commitment and 40 years of service to borough council in 2018.

In addition to his council service, Szoke was a church council member of Becker’s St. Peter’s Lutheran Church; a founder of the Fleetwood Area Baseball Association; a Cub Scout Master for Evansville and Fleetwood; an officer of the Fraternal Order Orioles Fleetwood Nest 23; a secretary of his union at Allentown Portland Cement in Evansville; past chair of the Berks County Democratic Committee; and winner of the Full Beard Award during the 1973 Fleetwood centennial year.

Szoke and his wife, Gloria, were married for 65 years before his death on November 18, 2018.

He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve before graduating from Kutztown High School in 1948 and served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.

“Alex Szoke embodied all of the elements of a dedicated community member,” Schwank said. “When people drive in Fleetwood, I hope they notice the signs commemorating Alex and I hope they remember his service to council and the borough.”

Sen. Schwank made her proposal an amendment to House Bill 65 and the Senate unanimously approved the legislation today. The measure will be returned to the House for concurrence before heading to the governor for his consideration.

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$730k in State Grants to Back Berks Co. Swimming Pool, Parks, Schwank Says

October 20, 2014

READING, Oct. 20, 2014 – Two parks in Berks County and a swimming pool in Fleetwood have been awarded nearly $730,000 in state grants, state Sen. Judy Schwank said today.

The money, from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, will help to expand French Creek State Park, upgrade Pendora Park and rehabilitate the Fleetwood Community Swimming Pool.

“Berks County presents many wonderful options for outdoor enjoyment and these new state investments will ensure that these destinations exist for many new generations of residents and visitors,” Schwank said. “Getting back to nature will be better and easier for many more thanks to the commonwealth’s support.”

The 11th Senatorial District’s grants are part of $33 million in new grants awarded through DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnership Program. Statewide, 219 grants have been awarded to communities and non-profit organizations for recreation and conservation projects.

The grant awards follow Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation plan, which keeps the commonwealth eligible for federal land and water conservation investments.

The following Berks County projects received grants:

  • Natural Lands Trust Inc., $316,000 for the purchase of 53 acres along French Creek State Park and Geigerstown Road in Union Township.
  • Reading City, $250,000 for the rehabilitation and continued development of Pendora Park, including an upgrade of the spray park, new playground equipment, ADA access, landscaping and related improvements.
  • Fleetwood Borough, $164,000 to renovate the Fleetwood Community Swimming Pool’s large pool and its bathhouse and concession stand, install a portable pool lift and improve ADA access.

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