In Memoriam: Keith Leinbach – EAC Member 2019-2023
Keith James Leinbach, 62, of Kutztown, died unexpectedly Wednesday, July 19, 2023. Born in Pensacola, FL, Keith was a son of Shirley M. (Arndt) Leinbach, Kutztown, and the late Jay S. Leinbach. He was a member of Saint Paul’s United Church of Christ Church, Kutztown, where he was very active in positions of authority, committee work, and as a member of the choir. Keith was also active on the Saint Paul’s Relay for Life Team (American Cancer Society) since its inception.
Keith was a graduate of Kutztown Area High School, Class of 1979, where he graduated as Class Valedictorian. He was active in the high school pop group “28-Large.” Keith continued his education at Penn State, earning his Bachelor’s degree; then went onto Drexel University and earned his Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering.
Keith was employed for over 37 years by Air Products, Trexlertown, first beginning in the laboratory and then transitioning to environmental permitting for new start-up locations of Air Products plants. Keith had a very broad knowledge of environmental issues and regulations and was depended upon by his work colleagues to solve very complex problems at Air Products. He retired earlier this year.
Keith’s sense of service to his community included his work with the Kutztown Environmental Commission which he joined in 2019. He willingly shared his expertise on evaluating different environmental permits and regulations dealing with air and water pollution. Keith was relied upon for his knowledge of different areas of the environmental sciences and served as Vice Chair of the commission for two and a half years.
Keith was a well-known and highly respected member of the Kutztown community. He was a valued colleague of his Air Products department co-workers and the members of the Kutztown Environmental Advisory Commission. He was kind, talented, and hardworking! Keith is deeply missed by us all.
KEAC Objectives
- Identify environmental problems and recommend plans and programs to protect and improve the quality of the environment
- Make recommendations about the use of open land
- Promote community environmental programs
- Keep an index of all open space areas to determine the proper use of such areas
- Review plans, conduct site visits, and prepare reports for municipal officials
- Advise local government agencies about the acquisition of property
Recent Events
Tree Planting: October 15, 2023
On October 15, we planted 100 native trees and shrubs to restore the riparian habitat along the south part of the Sacony Trail. Thank you to 27 volunteers who worked hard digging, planting, watering, and putting protective tubing around the trees! Volunteers included Kutztown High School students, EAC members, and Kutztown University staff, faculty, and students (representing the Ornithology Club, Environmental Action Club, and Esports Club). This project was funded by a grant from Berks County. More photos can be found on our Facebook page.
Sacony Creek Cleanup: October 8, 2023
On Sunday October 8, a group of 13 volunteers, including Kutztown University students, Kutztown High School students, and an EAC member, cleaned up 6 large bags of trash along the Sacony Creek. This event was organized by Bethany Francis of the Kutztown University Community Outreach Center. Thank you for all your hard work!”
Keep the Sacony Trail Beautiful, Volunteer Today
We need volunteers to continue our work on the Sacony Trail. Please email us to learn more.
The Kutztown Environmental Advisory Commission (KEAC) is a group of community members, appointed by the elected officials, to advise them and other municipal officials about the protection, conservation, management, promotion and use of natural resources within the Borough of Kutztown. Much of this is done through educational community workshops, which are held throughout the year.
KU Students Help Restore the Sacony Trail
Pest Alert Notifications
Members
Todd Underwood (Chair)
Kathleen Kelly (Secretary)
Randall Wert (Member)
Constantine Penzone
Kutztown University
Student Representative
Cheyenne Friscia
Borough Liason
Lisa Ladd-Kidder
Meetings
First Monday of each month, 7:00pm
Municipal Building Multi-Purpose Room
Two vacancies are currently available – APPLY TODAY!
Appointed Official Application (PDF)
Applications should be returned to Borough Hall