BERKS BITS
COFFEE BREWED WITH LOVE IN MOHNTON When Jane Irwin introduced her boyfriend Shane Kilpatrick to coffee, buying him his first bag of a whole-bean variety, he was hit with inspiration and took to roasting even fresher beans at home. That lead to purchasing a larger roaster, and word of Shane’s talents grew. In 2019, Hill Road Coffee Roasters got its start in the pair’s home-certified kitchen, selling bags of beans at local pop-up farmers markets. Today, customers can enjoy handcrafted pour-overs of any Hill Road Coffee Roaster blend, all roasted on the premises and celebrating its 1-year anniversary at 360 E. Wyomissing Avenue, Ste. B in Mohnton, or purchase half- or full-pound bags with a grind service available. You can also find their blends served at local restaurants and eateries including Flanagan’s Pub and The Greenhouse Café, and beans sold at locations including Dundore & Heister and Kimberton Whole Foods. Online ordering is available at hillroadcoffeeroasters.com. Follow along on Facebook and Instagram @hillroadcoffeeroasters. – NIKKI M. MURRY
All Ages Series Returns to KU Those looking for family-friendly performances to enjoy with their children need look no further than Kutztown University as its Family Series returns this month with a Feb. 5 performance from POPOVICH Pet Theatre at 2pm in Schaeffer Auditorium. The fun, fur-filled circus features feats from 30 animals rescued from shelters. On March 19 at 2pm, audiences can enjoy The Jason Bishop Show, an award-winning illusionist showcasing cutting-edge Op-Art and Plasma illusions. “The shows are enjoyed by generations and are both affordable and fun,” says Amy Botwright at KU. Not just for KU students and staff, the series is open to the public. Explains Botwright of the series’ return, “We have heard for many years that patrons missed our Family Series. As we are all returning to live performances after a break, this felt like the best time to reintroduce an old favorite in a new way.” For more info and tickets visit kutztownpresents.org – NIKKI M. MURRY
FROM BINGO TREATS TO A STAND-ALONE BUSINESS As a girl, Trish Morey created delicious cheesecakes and treats with her mother and grandmother. As an adult helping to run a local bingo kitchen while her partner Don volunteered as an EMT, she dusted off her family cheesecake recipe for the patron players to enjoy. They enjoyed it so much that they’d call to reserve a slice prior to bingo night so they wouldn’t miss out. It may have been then that she knew she was onto something. Today, Trish’s Specialty Cheesecakes calls 20 N. 6th Avenue in West Reading home. Customers are treated like members of an extended family and are invited to enjoy their treats for dine-in or take-out. Small games are provided for young visitors and the shop is pet-friendly, too, making sure there are treats for furry family members stopping by. Offered are cheesecakes in as many as 23 flavors, in both 4-inch and 9-inch varieties. Try one of the unique, handcrafted stuffed varieties and enjoy what many assert is “the best cheesecake I’ve ever eaten.” For more info call 484.258.1992. – NIKKI M. MURRY 8
FEBRUARY 2023 | berkscountyliving.com
Celebrate Fashion in West Reading. If clothes and accessories are your thing, get Feb. 25 on your calendar and grab your ticket to the West Reading Fashion show!
Days 1. Three of Style.
Fashion Week in West Reading runs from Feb. 23-25 this year. Participating boutiques will offer their own discounts, sales and promotions.
2. New Venue.
The Fashion Show, slated to start at 8pm, will be held in the new eight-twenty event space at 820 Knitting Mills Way in Wyomissing. A VIP lounge will be styled and sponsored by Saylor House offering elevated seating for 25. VIP Hour, from 7-8pm, will see Bell Tower Salon Spa offer a glam station, too.
3. Get Tickets.
The show is often a sell-out, so don’t hesitate to get your tickets at visitwestreading.org. Proceeds benefit the West Reading Community Revitalization Foundation.
One More Thing
Grab a Sweet Treat. Does that someone special love chocolate or other confections? If you answered “yes,” head to Zipf’s Candies by Sweet Surprises on Penn Avenue in West Reading for a delightful selection. Learn more at 610.373.2121 or sweet-surprises.com.