Berks County Living April 2024

love your smile

Dr. Andrea Smith is one of only 350 Maxillofacial Prosthodontists worldwide. More than 100 area dentists, oral surgeons and other dental specialists trust her to handle their patients’ complex or cosmetic dental needs, from a single perfect tooth to state-of-the-art full mouth reconstruction.

Specializing in the restoration and replacement of teeth, including:

» dental implant restorations

» crowns

» bridges

» dentures

» cosmetic dentistry

» full-mouth implant prosthetics such as Teeth-in-One-Day or All-on-4.

Dr. Smith sees patients with a wide variety of dental concerns, such as:

» broken or missing teeth

» uncomfortable dentures

» extensive tooth wear

» dissatisfaction with the appearance of their smile

Dr. AnDreA Smith

955 BerkShire BlvD., Suite 104, WyomiSSing 484.577.3530 • berkspros.com

PRESIDENT/CEO

Paul Prass

VICE PRESIDENT/COO

Lisa Prass

PUBLISHER

Robyn L. Jones

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Nikki M. Murry

ART DIRECTOR

Elaine Wyborski

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Krystal Honohan

Thomas Körp

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Sarah Mies

CONTRIBUTING

WRITERS

Heather Baver

Courtney Ell

Jon Fassnacht

Sarah Matarella

Marian Frances Wolbers

CONTRIBUTING

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Tania Colamarino

Ama Photography

Lindsey Hart Photography

Lauren Adele Little Photography

Heidi Reuter

John A. Secoges

Secoges Photographics

ACCOUNT

REPRESENTATIVES

Elizabeth Beebe

Denise Conlin

Sue Ottenheimer

Susie Smith

Sara Woodward

ACCOUNTING

Donna Bachman

Sarah Varano

CIRCULATION MANAGER

Andrea Karges

COPY EDITOR

Veloie Mastrocola

how to contact us

RIAL: We want to hear from you — we really do! Send your compliments, gripes, story ideas and suggestions to: Editor, Berks County Living, GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, 201 Washington St., Suite 525, Reading, PA 19601 OR BCLEditor@BerksCountyLiving com. Written correspondence must be signed and include a mailing address, telephone number and an email address, when possible.

ADVERTISING: To request a media kit or receive other information about advertising, email RJones@BerksCountyLiving.com.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: For new subscriptions, changes of address or questions involving an existing subscription, call 800.896.1392, Mon-Fri, 9am-4:30pm, EST. High-quality reprints of articles that appear in Berks County Living are available by emailing RJones@BerksCountyLiving.com. Back issues are available subject to inventory.

FIND US ONLINE: To contact our staff, get advertising information, obtain writer and photographer guidelines, submit an event for the Calendar of Events, or to be included in the Dining Guide, visit our website: www.BerksCountyLiving.com.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Berks County Living, PO Box 293142, Kettering, OH 45429. Berks County Living (ISSN 1542-9334) is published monthly by IDP Publications, 3245 Freemansburg Avenue, Easton, PA 18045-7118. Annual subscriptions are $19.95. (Canadian and foreign one-year rate is $40, US funds only.) Single copy price $3.95. Periodical postage paid at Easton, PA and additional mailing office. All contents © Berks County Living 2024. Nothing contained herein may be reproduced in whole or in part without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Publisher

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Giving Feels Good

I’m always thrilled to hear that people look forward to receiving and reading this issue each year. Centered on giving, I love that so many individuals have the heart to want to help others, and we’re more than happy to round up some of the many ways it can be done right here in Berks.

Looking for some giving inspiration? Meet four local “doers” on page 29. Giving is a lifestyle for each of them — from creating what’s become a huge Christmas toy drive to benefit children in need to starting pop-up meal fundraisers in our local communities, they do so much and are more than happy to do it.

Sometimes you have to look inside and realize the first person you need to help is yourself. It’s not selfish. When we can work to put our best selves forward, it better enables us to help others. This is perfectly demonstrated in Habitat for Humanity of Berks County’s First-Time Home Buyer Program. Learn more on page 42.

Looking for a local nonprofit organization that resonates with you? We’ve got you covered. Check out the profiles starting on page 34.

Also inside this issue, don’t forget to flip through our Newcomer’s Guide supplement if you’re new to Berks County or even if you’re just looking to discover something new to you.

Finally, don’t forget to take time to adopt a new earthfriendly habit this month in honor of Earth Day on Monday, April 22.

Oops!

In our March Select Dentists special section, we listed Amanda Sonntag, DDS, incorrectly, as she is now practicing at her own office. You can find her at…

1.

2. 3.

STAFF SPEAKS

Best,

Do you work in Berks and have what you consider to be a cool boss?

We’d love to hear about them and possibly feature them in a future issue! Please email us at bcleditor@berkscountyliving.com.

Amanda Sonntag, DDS MAGD Compass Dental

1128 Penn Avenue, Wyomissing 610.376.280 | compassdentalpa.com

Whip Up Delicious Recipes. They’re healthy, too! Browse Calm Eats by Wyomissing resident Daniela Modesto in our blog section.

Planet-Friendly Fun. Celebrate Earth Day with some activities suited to the kids. We’ve got some ideas for you in our Web Exclusives sec tion. Get Bonus Content. It’s free! Sign up to be a BCL Insider and get our monthly e-newsletter, info on special events and more. Just click the homepage icon. EXPLORE WITH US. Follow along on Instagram as we uncover local gems, enjoy delicious dishes, attend events and more. Just search BCLMag. EAT FRESH.

It’s time to celebrate fruits and veggies with our “Salad Season” Pinterest board. Search Berks County Living Magazine. FACEBOOK FOLLOW. Learn more about Wyomissing-based VOID Soap, featured in our Berks Bits section on Facebook.

What would you say is a must-visit spot in Berks?

“I’d recommend checking out the charming main streets of our area like West Reading, Kutztown, Hamburg and Boyertown to support the local business and restaurant scene. It’s a great way to take in each community’s uniqueness.”

Robyn L. Jones, publisher

“My vote would have to be for the Stone Cliffe Recreation Area in Reading. It’s really quite lovely during fishing season and has nice picnic/grilling spots. There is also a designated skate park for those interested.”

Nikki M. Murry, editor

“Visiting Monocacy Hill in Amity Township and hiking the trails is a must to put on your to-do list in Berks County. It’s a fairly easy hike for families (even young children can participate), and once you reach the top, the view is absolutely amazing.”

Elizabeth Beebe account executive

“The Pagoda. The design of the building is awe-inspiring, and the views of the city from it are beautiful.” Susie Smith, account executive

“Oldman Echo – you’ll find it while walking the Wyomissing trails. I have so many great memories of walking these trails with my dad.”

Sara Woodward account executive

“As a Kutztown alumni, Paisley & Company is my favorite place to visit on a Sunday morning stroll down Main Street. Their top-notch line of bath and skincare products, made in store with all natural ingredients, are the perfect way to treat myself to some self-care.”

Krystal Honohan graphic designer

PHOTO BY TANIA COLAMARINO, AMA PHOTOGRAPHY MAKEUP BY THERESA VIOLETTE

PROGRAM ENABLES HOSPITAL WORKERS TO VOLUNTEER

Understanding the struggle for time when it comes to volunteerism, Reading Hospital has relaunched its Employee Engagement Initiative under a new name — Community OutReach & Engagement (CORE) Programs. This commitment allows staff to share their knowledge, expertise and time with the community by participating in a variety of activities, including hospital-coordinated volunteer opportunities with communitybased organizations. Since its re-launch in July of 2023, 87 employees helped through year-end in such ways as packing emergency, senior food and Weekender Program food boxes for Helping Harvest; painting, gardening and building bird houses with the LGBT Center of Reading; spackling and painting rooms and helping with the rooftop garden at the Safe House with Safe Berks, and more. Says Katherine Pendergast, multimedia designer in the marketing department at Reading Hospital, “Volunteering with CORE was a meaningful experience for me in many ways. It felt gratifying to work alongside and connect with coworkers, most of whom I had never met before. It was powerful to offer a helping hand to Safe Berks and the people that provide life-changing services to our community.” Organizations interested in learning more about partnering with CORE can email communitywellness@towerhealth.org. – NIKKI

M. MURRY

Chemical-free Soap

Created in Berks

Wyomissing resident and former cosmetic chemist Steve Buynovsky was always bothered when he made high-end products because they would ultimately get pumped full of fragrance or artificial colors and preservatives, so he took matters into his own hands when creating VOID Soap LLC. Says Buynovsky, “I decided my family’s sensitive skin deserved better.” VOID Soap is also the first company of its kind to specifically design and test a soap for use on old and fresh tattoos. “Our Tattoo Recovery bar is clinically and dermatologist tested to be safe on sensitive skin and new tattoos while our Tattoo Renewal bar uses microdermabrasion and super fat oils to optically enhance older, faded tattoos,” Buynovsky explains. The company’s body butter has a cult following of sorts because of its rich, luxurious beeswax and sweet almond oil base. All VOID products are free from preservatives, detergents, fragrance oils, dyes and artificial colors, foam boosters, stabilizers and plastic packaging. For more info visit voidsoap.com. –

NIKKI M. MURRY

EARTH-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES IN BERKS

Earth Day falls on Monday, April 22, and there are many ways to celebrate either publicly or on your own by taking up a new planet-friendly habit at home. Here are a few local happenings…

Berks County Earth Day Celebration.

On Saturday, April 20, from Noon to 6pm in Reading’s City Park, enjoy a festival of sorts aimed at community education and increasing awareness on sustainability and the environment, ranging from local to global topics and everything in between. sites.google.com/view/earthdayberks

Compost Like a Pro.

Sign up for this workshop at Rodale Institute on April 18 from 2-4pm and learn how to begin composting effectively in your backyard, how to quickly identi fy and troubleshoot compost problems and how to harvest and use finished compost in your garden for improving plant growth. rodaleinstitute. org/events/compost-like-a-pro-2024/

Hope Springs FOR YOUNG ADULTS

Created from a desire to expand mental health services for youth and young adults aged 16 through 25 in Berks County, Hope Springs Clubhouse in Reading, operated by Threshold Rehabilitation Services, Inc., is a psychiatric rehabilitation program and the only one of its kind in the state. The Clubhouse is a unique community-based psychiatric rehabilitation program for those looking to gain independence in the meaningful roles in their lives. The program is based on the original ideas of Fountain House, the first clubhouse that opened in New York City in 1948. Some hallmarks of the Clubhouse Model include: members (attendees) are actively involved in all operational and decision-making procedures of the clubhouse, membership is voluntary and without time limits, and members and staff work side by side in structured “units” to organize the work of the day. The work of the clubhouse is central to its success, building genuine relationships and increasing self-esteem. Anyone interested in attending Hope Springs or wanting to refer someone to the program is encouraged to fill out the form on the Hope Springs page of the Threshold site, trsinc.org. Tours can be scheduled by calling 484.650.0198. – NIKKI M.

MURRY

PlantVenture

On April 10 from 5-6:30pm, embark on a thrilling botanical journey at Berks Nature in Reading. PlantVenture, a plant identification hike program, allows participants to discover the hidden treasures of nature and traverse scenic trails using cutting-edge apps to identify the vibrant world of flora. Free, but register by April 8. berksnature.org

LEADERS STRENGTHEN BERKS COUNTY

BY SARAH MATARELLA PHOTOS COURTESY UNITED WAY OF BERKS COUNTY

The United Way of Berks County offers a multitude of volunteer leadership training programs through Leadership United. The division is designed to engage local Berks County residents in professional development and community engagement opportunities and to prepare them for nonprofit volunteer leadership.

Jean Morrow, Sr. Vice President of Leadership United at United Way of Berks County, was thrilled when President Tammy White approached her about spearheading what is now known as Leadership United back in 2020. In 2024, it has expanded into Blueprint for Leadership, Leadership United, Emerging Leaders United (ELU) and the Community Volunteer Center.

“It's been so exciting and gratifying to know that we are playing this role in the community,” says Morrow. “Many organizations look to us to really help them find volunteers for their boards and nonprofits through our Volunteer Center work that they would not necessarily be able to do on their own in terms of volunteers. It's been great to see our Leadership United programs making a real impact.”

Leadership Berks

More than 1,000 Berks County residents have graduated from Leadership Berks, which has provided leadership training and development to prepare them to serve in nonprofit leadership roles for nearly 40 years. The robust program requires 75 hours of class time and cohort relationship building, 35 hours for a community service project and 10 hours of volunteer leadership placement.

“We also provide what we call ‘Servant Leadership Essentials,’” says Morrow. “It teaches qualities that are important as the members of the cohort grow personally and professionally, such as purpose, courage, self-awareness, diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, resilience and adaptability. All of these things are so important to consider as you face any kind of challenge or opportunity.”

are required to partake in at least two opportunities through the Volunteer Center each month. In 2023, ELU members participated in 46 opportunities that provided learning and engagement. Many of these were volunteer projects with local organizations.

Blueprint for Leadership Blueprint for Leadership is the community leadership program curated for Berks County residents from underrepresented populations. It facilitates seven training sessions that foster awareness of the impact of culture, values and beliefs on leadership, teach professionalism and allow participants to volunteer with a local organization through the Volunteer Center.

“It's designed to provide participants with an opportunity to get to know each other and feel comfortable, capable and confident in the skills that they have to be able to serve on a committee or a board in the community.”

Morrow explains that the programs can create a pipeline for each other and work well together or on their own.

“It's amazing when you start connecting the dots and recognizing that people who are involved in Blueprint for Leadership or Leadership Berks are also ELU members,” says Morrow. “They can pick and choose programming based on their schedule by participating in a volunteer activity through our Volunteer Center or become an official member of the other programs.”

Emerging Leaders United

ELU is a group of 350+ emerging leaders in Berks County that are driven to improve the lives of others through philanthropy and volunteerism. Members

“My inspiration and aspiration for others is finding out what they really love to do. All four programs allow people to really get a sense of their ‘why,’” says Morrow. “It prompts them to reflect on what gets them excited and what kind of impact they want to have in our community and connects them with a whole new network of people who are like-minded and committed to strengthening our community.”

Fun Facts

Take the Leap.

If you want to make a difference in the community or serve on a nonprofit board, Leadership Berks is recruiting for its next cohort. Contact Je an Morrow at 610.685.4587 or email jeanmor@uwberks.org.

Celebrate United.

United Way’s annual event on April 18 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Reading features people who have been impacted and the volunteers involved with that change. Visit uwberks.org for details.

2023 Big Cheese Event

The 2023 Graduation of Leadership Berks and Blueprint for Leadership Candidates

Emerging Leaders United

Jay Worrall

PRESIDENT

OF HELPING HARVEST FOOD BANK

BY SARAH MATARELLA | PHOTO BY JOHN A. SECOGES, SECOGES PHOTOGRAPHICS

Serving those in need is more than a career for the President of Helping Harvest Food Bank, Jay Worrall. It's his calling. A part of the third generation in his family to engage in the nonprofit sector, Worrall refers to his professional journey in Berks County as a religious experience.

Q:What brought you to Berks County?

I moved to Boyertown in 1997 to enroll in a Ph.D. Program in interreligious dialogue at Temple University. I started working with homeless children at the Pottstown Salvation Army homeless shelter and as a tutor through the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit. I taught classes at Temple in the morning, took my graduate classes in the early afternoon, and then I would stop at five homeless shelters in Montgomery County on my way home. I fell in love with helping homeless children, dropped out of the Ph.D. program and started working full-time. My career evolved around anti-poverty and nonprofit work since then.

Q: What made you gravitate toward this line of work?

A lot of it had to do with the fact that there were very few men in these children's lives. I was a tall, young white guy with long hair and earrings 28 years ago who would show up at these homeless shelters. Usually, these young children, oftentimes without a man in their lives, were eager to interact with me. I felt that they had been treated very unfairly and that they deserved whatever I could do for them. I also have family members who work in nonprofits, including my grandfather, who founded an organization that helps people transition from prison back to society, my mother, who was a social worker, and many of my brothers. Sometimes I use religious language when I talk about the experience I had

working with homeless children in the late 90s. It really feels like a call that I received that certainly was a very moving and meaningful experience for me. I really have had such a fulfilling and great career doing the work that I've been doing since.

Q: When did you start your career at Helping Harvest?

After being at Alvernia University for about nine years, where I was able to help college students understand and envision a life in the nonprofit world or a life of service, I started thinking that I might want to go back into the nonprofit arena. I felt so fortunate that this position at Helping Harvest came up. I'm very passionate about low-income children, and we've been able to develop some new programs around feeding children that I'm very proud of.

Q: Did you always know you wanted to be the president of a company?

Not early in my career. I remember telling my friends that I did not want to be an executive because I found that working directly with low-income and homeless people, both when I was at the homeless shelter and as a community organizer in the city, I found that work and those relationships to be so valuable. As I matured a little bit, I realized that I could have a greater impact as a leader.

Q: In a career of helping others, how do you fill your own cup outside of work?

I own two old British sports cars: a 1961 Triumph and a 1970 MGB that I enjoy working on. I also recently started demolishing an old bathroom in our house that I'll be remodeling. I talk to people, manage relationships and work on a computer for the most part during the day for work. And then in the evenings on the weekends, I try and keep my hands busy. I also really appreciate the architecture and history of Berks County when it was becoming an industrial powerhouse with the Reading Railroad.

Learn More

This April.

Helping Harvest is launching a maternal health program where food-insecure pregnant mothers are able to get their nutritional needs met. Learn more at helpingharvest.org.

Your Impact.

Due to your generosity, Helping Harvest feeds more than 110,000 people every year, which includes about 4,000 bags of food a week for local elementary schools through the Weekender Program.

LOCAL GREENHOUSES & GARDEN CENTERS

BY NIKKI M. MURRY

Celebrate Earth Day and the start of the spring season with a trip to an area greenhouse or garden center for some items to spruce up your home’s outdoor space or to bring a bit of green indoors. Here are five to get you started...

ESBENSHADE’S GARDEN CENTERS

With two Berks County locations Fleetwood and Mohnton Esbenshade’s is a great spot to shop for all of your home and garden needs. If you’re a birder, they have you covered. Pick up everything from feeders, baths and houses to seed and snackers to attract a variety of types to your backyard. You can also grab some snacks for critters like squirrels should you wish to do so, including 25-pound bags of peanuts! esbenshades.com

RIVERVIEW GARDENS & GIFTS

With more than a half century celebrated in the tree and landscaping business, this family- and woman-owned business in Temple knows its stuff. Landscaping offerings include pond services and supplies, so pay them a visit if you’re looking to build a pond, stream or unique waterfall feature on your property. You might even consider a dog pond – a place for your canine companion to cool off during the “dog days” of summer. You can also enjoy a pond on your property without worrying about maintenance with the help of Riverview’s bi-monthly pond maintenance service. riverviewtree.com 2 1

FOLIAGE FARM

The family-owned garden center and nursery celebrated its 40 th anniversary in 2023 and boasts a knowledgeable staff with more than 50 years of combined experience. Stock is refreshed weekly at the Kutztown business that opens each April and closes in August. Foliage Farm may be best known for its tree stock. Availability is ever-changing but can include: Maples, Birch, Dogwood, Magnolia, Flowering Crabapples, Willow and much more. foliagefarm.com

SPAYD’S OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENTS

Sometimes after you have your landscaping just the way you want it, what you need is the perfect seating spot from which to enjoy it. Spayd’s in Fleetwood can help with that. Their furniture showroom boasts more than 10,000 square feet and is open weekdays from 8am to 4pm, or call for a personal shopping appointment outside of those hours. Items can be purchased right off of the floor or can be custom ordered. To get a look at all that’s offered, visit them online for links to manufacturer websites. spayds.com

RYELAND GARDENS

You’llfindthislovelylittlenurseryin WomelsdorfnearthehistoricConrad WeiserHomestead.Headherefor everythingyouneedtogrowabeautiful garden.RyelandGardenscarriesawide varietyofannuals,perennials,shrubs andtrees,andmulch,too.Needabit ofinspiration?Checkouttheirdisplay gardenstoseetheplantsinaction.Each garden has its own unique personality. And ifyouhaveanyquestions,askaway! They’rehappytogiveadviceandofferdetailed careinstructions.https://spayds.com/

PHOTO COURTESY FOLIAGE FARM

THOUGHTS FROM THE CHAMBER

How Berks Encore GOT ITS START

BY BELL MEDIA GROUP & GRCA MARKETING TEAM

PHOTO BY LAUREN ADELE LITTLE PHOTOGRAPHY

Editor’s note: The following story was written as a part of a GRCA member storytelling campaign. To read the entire story behind Berks Encore, scan the included Flowcode.

In 1965, the Berks County Senior Citizens Council responded to the call of county commissioners who recognized the need to support an aging population. From its humble beginnings, Berks Encore has evolved into a transformative force, shaping the quality of life for local seniors for more than 50 years. These individuals, who built the businesses we frequent, the hospitals we rely on and the schools that educated us, are now the heartbeat of Berks Encore’s story. Let’s dive in.

Over 50 years ago, the Berks County Senior Citizens Council emerged at the urging of the county commissioners, addressing the

rapidly rising concerns over an aging population. The directive led to the birth of a nonprofit in April 1965, initially focused on establishing a senior citizens’ activity center.

With swift action from a dedicated group of invested individuals, a senior center materialized within weeks, finding its home in the basement of the Berkshire Hotel. Shuffleboard, card games, guitar lessons and arts and music programs marked the early days of the organization, drawing 22 initial members overseen by then-Executive Director Fred Ruch. As the group's activities expanded, so did its membership. Crafts, food sales, hospital visitations

and the introduction of the Meals on Wheels program became integral to daily operations.

By 1974, the agency had grown significantly 4,800 senior club members made up the majority of the agency’s 7,000 members. The decision was made to build the first senior center facility in Pennsylvania: the Horizon Center at the corner of 9th and Court streets in Reading.

In 2008, a transformative moment occurred with a name change to Berks Encore, symbolizing the years beyond 50 as the encore of life. Since the branding change, Berks Encore has continued to expand and evolve, adapting to the changing needs of the county's aging community and their caregivers.

Staying at the vanguard of aging services in Berks County means addressing the increasingly diverse needs of the senior population.

With senior centers dotted across Douglassville, Wernersville, Reading, Fleetwood, Mifflin and Strausstown and with services extending to surrounding areas like Birdsboro, Robesonia, Kutztown and Hamburg, Berks Encore strives to be the go-to resource for aging services, celebrating the uniqueness of each individual in the senior community.

Upcoming Event

Join GRCA & Berks Women2Women for its 13th Annual Conference + Expo on April 16, 7:30am to 3:30pm, at the Santander Performing Arts Center. This full-day event will feature keynote speakers, breakout sessions and an expo of women-owned businesses. Visit greaterreading.org/events to purchase tickets.

Best of Berks Celebration

PHOTOS BY LINDSEY HART PHOTOGRAPHY

1. Keiarra Blank, McKenna Falatko, Angie Michael, Ashlie Tincher & Emily Dragovich. 2. Emily Thiel & Jesse Futter. 3. Nick & Jessie Kaltsas. 4. Trish Brennan & Michelle Hoffman. 5. Greg McNulty & Andrea Mauger. 6. Trish Morey & Don Gough. 7. Leah & Jon Fassnacht. 8. Dave & Deb Bartal. 9. Curin Romich & Angela Cremer. 10. Dan & Natashia Linderman. 11. Tom & Linda Connelly, Kristin Horton. 12. Melissa Charlesworth & Alex Long. 13. Angie & Chris Farrell. 14. Mary Jo Kreutzer & Katherine Scheese. 15. Taylor Landis, Adam & Lisa Fodor, Kassidy Landis & Zahiir Clark. 16. Lorraine Porter & Lynn Kreider. 17. Colleen Wessner, Jenna Austin, Nikki Alicea, Rachel Eskin, Danielle Hallacher, Nicole Guido & John Hackman. 18. Michael Burger, Stuart Harsch, Sam Westphal, Bill Hinton, Tracey Braymiller, Kelly Leibolt & Lisa Durdan. 19. Michelle Gold, Tammy Carol, Heather Mast & Jackie Marcincavage. 20. Braden Stone, Kara J. Seawell, Ashley J. Houston & Hannah Wagner. 21. Doug Simonton & Cheryl Heckman. 22. Jamie Geiger, Sarah Rappoldt, Mike Adams, Linda Baun & Elizabeth Lantz. 23. Miranda & Todd Reedy. 24. Chris Lincoln & Heidi Reuter. 25. Adam & Chloe Ciferri. 26. Krystal Honohan, Sara Woodward, Susie Smith, Robyn Jones, Nikki Murry & Elizabeth Beebe.

April

WHAT TO DO & WHERE TO GO

COMPILED BY BY NIKKI M.

MURRY

IRON POUR & FORGE FEST

Forge Fest will take place from Noon to 6:30pm, immediately followed by the Iron Pour from 6:30 to 9pm. Guests can enjoy live music, demos, workshops, firepits, s’mores stations, food, cocktails and more. Free admission and parking. For more info visit goggleworks.org/event/spring-ironpour-forge-fest/.

N oon-9pm | GoggleWorks Center for the Arts | Reading

2024 BIRDHOUSE CHALLENGE

Join Habitat for Humanity of Berks County for a fun evening that sees birdhouse builders create unique and fun birdhouses to be auctioned live. Birdhouses will be on display at the DoubleTree beginning April 18. The evening will also feature live music, a silent auction and other fun ways to support Habitat Berks. For more info visit habitatberks.org/2024-birdhouse-challenge/.

5:30pm | DoubleTree by Hilton | Reading

33rd Annual Boscov's Berks JAZZ FEST

The festival, presented by Berks Arts, brings world-renowned jazz musicians to the Greater Reading area with dozens of concerts at various venues, including free live music events. Performers this year will include Pat Metheny, Keiko Matsui & Reading Pops Orchestra, The Baylor Project, Eric Darius & Rebecca Jade and many more. For more info visit berksjazzfest.com.

Various times and venues in Berks

Sinfonietta Concert:

Enjoy lavish food stations and an open bar at one of Berks County’s premier restaurants, Willoughby’s on Park. Guests will mingle while feasting on world-famous cuisine and delicious wine and spirits, all to benefit Dayspring Homes. For more info visit dayspringhomes.org/signatureevent2024.html.

6-9pm | Willoughby’s on Park | Wyomissing

Enjoy performances of Elgar’s Elegy, Mozart’s Symphony No. 40, Bridge’s Lament and Mayer’s Symphony No. 1 in C minor. For more info and tickets visit berkssinfonietta.org/ concert/spring-in-a-minor-key/.

7:30pm | Immanuel United Church of Christ | Shillington

LIGHTWIRE THEATER:

THE UGLY DUCKLING

As part of the Kutztown Presents Family Series, America’s Got Talent favorites Lightwire Theater will use electroluminescent technology to bring the traditional story of the Ugly Duckling to the modern stage in an unforgettable theatrical experience. For tickets and more info visit bit.ly/3QaPKFN.

2pm | Kutztown University

Schaeffer Auditorium | Kutztown

ART EXHIBITS & GALLERIES

Through April 14

Amy Lee Ketchum: Lanterns

Amy Lee Ketchum uses the combined imagery and history of lanternflies, the Reading Pagoda and chinoiserie to explore themes of xenophobia, exotification and othering in her animation, textiles, ceramics and drawing studies. For more info visit albright.edu/about-albright/buildings-facilities/ center-for-the-arts/freedman-gallery.

Freedman Gallery at Albright College | Reading

Through April 15

2024 BCIU Secondary Art Exhibition

The 42nd Annual Secondary Art Exhibition is a showcase of the talents of Berks County artists grades 9 to 12. Artworks will range in a wide variety of visual arts. An award ceremony will be held on April 7 from 1-3pm. For more info visit goggleworks.org/event/2024-bciusecondary-art-exhibition.

Cohen Gallery | GoggleWorks Center for the Arts | Reading

Through May 12

Nature All Around Us

Visitors will discover the hidden worlds and rich ecosystems within familiar places, from their own backyard to Main Street. They will explore the ways our daily lives are intertwined with nature how trees cool our neighborhoods, how streams carry storm water away from our homes, how spending time in nearby nature keeps us healthy and more. For more info visit readingpublicmuseum.org.

Reading Public Museum | Reading

BENEFITS

April 3

Take The Lead Berks County

Join in celebrating four outstanding servant leaders and watch as Girl Scouts lead the event and inspire as the next generation of women leaders who will make the world a better place. Honorees will include: Auria Bradley, M.S., Associate VP of Workforce & Continuing Education at Reading Area Community College, Glynis Fitzgerald, Ph.D., President of Alvernia University, Amanda Hornberger, COO of the Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks and Christi Sychterz Terefonko, co-founder and executive director of VoiCEup Berks. For tickets and more info visit gsep.org/en/support-us/events/takethe-lead/ttl-berks-county.html.

5pm | DoubleTree by Hilton | Reading

April 27

John Paul II Center

14th Annual Legacy Gala

This year Kathleen Nevel, Ph.D. will be presented with the Halo Award, given to those who tirelessly support the mission of JPII. In addition, the late Judy Diffendal will receive the Peggy’s Legacy of Faith Award. For more info and tickets visit johnpauliicenter.org/ wordpress/support-jpii/14th-annual-legacy-gala.

5-9pm | DoubleTree by Hilton | Reading

April 27

34th Friend, INC. Community Services Annual Benefit Auction

Bid on awesome art, jewelry, household and autographed items, local gift certificates and famous desserts. Exclusive bakers include: Lori Basden Arnold, Provost at Kutztown University; Megan Evans, Sales Coordinator at East Penn Manufacturing; Walt Skavinsky, Sergeant with Kutztown Police Department; Colleen Fitzgerald, owner of Heart and Hearth Deli; Anna Shiffler and Zane Zwillinger, owners of The Daily Loaf, and Dawn Medina, owner of Cottage Bakery & Cafe. In-person and virtual in 2024. For more info visit friendinc.org/benefit-auction.

5pm | Kutztown Fairgrounds | Kutztown

CLASSICAL MUSIC

April 20

Reading Symphony Orchestra: Pops Totally 80s

Break out your tracksuit and leg warmers as the orchestra throws things back to the 1980s. Relive some of your favorite songs with guest conductor Stuart Chafetz. You’ll be singing and dancing from your seat. For tickets and more info visit readingsymphony.org/event/pops-totally-80s.

7:30pm | Santander Performing Arts Center | Reading

CONCERTS & NIGHTLIFE

April 10

Lakecia Benjamin

Voted 2020 Downbeat Critics Poll Rising Star Alto Saxophonist and Up and Coming Artist of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association, the charismatic and dynamic Lakecia Benjamin fuses traditional conceptions of jazz, hip-hop, and soul. For tickets and more info visit mtr.cool/ukattoqrcl.

7:30pm | Kutztown University Schaeffer Auditorium | Kutztown

FESTIVALS

April 27

West Reading Craft

Pretzel & Beer Fest

Festival goers can indulge in craft pretzels and beer, shop retail vendors including a wide array of food and beverage choices and enjoy live music. A ticketed beer tasting is also available. For more info visit visitwestreading.com/festivals-events.

11am-5pm | 500-700 blocks of Penn Avenue

West Reading

SPORTS

April 9-14, 23-28

Reading Fightin Phils

Head to the ballpark for the home seasonopening series and to cheer on your Reading Fightin Phils this month as they take on Portland Sea Dogs and Somerset Patriots. Highlights will include a craft beer, wine and seltzer tasting on the deck on April 12 and an appearance by the Phillie Phanatic on April 28. Visit milb. com/reading/schedule/2024-04 for more info and to purchase tickets.

Various start times | FirstEnergy Stadium | Reading

WHAT ELSE

April 6

Stroll Through History with Charles and Mary Evans

Join local historians on a journey through time and pay tribute to the many notable individuals who have found their final resting place at Charles Evans Cemetery. To register visit berkshistory.app.neoncrm.com/nx/ portal/neonevents/events#/events/986.

1pm | Berks History Center | Reading

April 13 & 14

18 th Annual Southeast Pennsylvania Home & Garden Show

Planning a home or garden project? Head out to meet with vendors that might be a match for you! For more info visit showtechnology.com/ about-show-technology/upcoming-shows.

Leesport Farmers Market | Leesport

April 16

Women2Women:

The Conference & Expo

Featuring a keynote speaker, the presentation of the ATHENA Award, workshops, more than 30 vendors and networking opportunities with 300+ attendees. For more info visit berkswomen2women.com/events-programs/ w2w-conference-expo/.

Santander Performing Arts Center | Reading

April 20

Berks County DAR Famous Ladies Tea

The famous ladies tea features portrayals of prominent women in history. Proceeds support the objectives of DAR to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism. For more info email lindamotley64@gmail.com.

2-5pm | DoubleTree by Hilton | Reading

April 21

17th Annual Touch-a-Truck

The Junior League of Reading event provides kids and adults alike the opportunity to see, climb aboard and discover their favorite trucks at a fun, interactive festival. Also included will be local vendors, entertainment, food and beverages and more. Sensory-friendly hour will be held from 9:30-10:30am. Rain or shine. For more info visit jlreading.org.

9:30am-3pm | FirstEnergy Stadium | Reading

Want your event listed in This Month?

Submit your event on our website at BerksCountyLiving.com. 14

THURSDAY,

READING COUNTRY CLUB

5311 PERKIOMEN AVE., READING

SCAN FOR MORE INFO

APRIL

MARCUS MILLER & JONATHAN BUTLER

GERALD VEASLEY UNSCRIPTED:

JAMMIN’ FOR NICO

WEST COAST JAM! RICK BRAUN, RICHARD ELLIOT, PETER WHITE and the WEST COAST HORNS

JAZZ IN PINK featuring GAIL JHONSON, PAULA ATHERTON, BROOKE ALFORD and more

JOEY ALEXANDER and TUCK & PATTI KEIKO MATSUI and READING POPS ORCHESTRA

BRIAN CULBERTSON

CHRIS “BIG DOG” DAVIS presents CELEBRATING WOMEN IN JAZZ III featuring MELBA MOORE, NICOLE HENRY, MAYSA and more

PAT METHENY: DREAM BOX TOUR

LEE RITENOUR & DAVE GRUSIN

KIRK WHALUM

BRIAN BROMBERG & FRIENDS

THE FUTURE IS NOW!

STEVE SMITH & VITAL INFORMATION

GREG ADAMS & EAST BAY SOUL plus many more must-see concerts! presented by

Whatever’s on your agenda, you’ll stay dry and stylish with these rainy-day essentials.

VERSATILE OPTION.

When it’s windy and a little wet, choose the ultimate blend of cozy hoodie and waterrepellent jacket. Soft, stretchy fabric provides a body-hugging fit and wind protection while the fleece lining and thumbhole sleeves offer extra warmth. Adjust the hood for snug, secure coverage.

2. ICONIC CHOICE.

Yellow is the quintessential color for a raincoat, and this vibrant shade brightens up a dreary, wet day. This classic coat features a flattering A-line cut that extends below the hips. Zipper pockets are perfect for securing keys and other essentials.

Weathercast Hooded

Rain Slicker

$105 | Kohl’s

Whitewater Tamer Softshell Jacket $29.99 | Cabela’s

4. SUSTAINABLE PROTECTION.

Invest in gear you can depend on for years. Made of 100 percent recycled, waterproof, breathable fabric, this jacket features a plush, fleece-lined neck and zippered vents, and it packs into its own pocket. Pair with rain pants for the ultimate defense against wet, muddy weather.

Patagonia’s Men’s and Women’s Torrentshell Rain Jacket and Rain Pants | jacket: $179, pants: $99 | Nature’s Garden Natural Foods & Shoes

5. TIME TO SHINE.

Brave the elements and show off sparkling style with this metallic rain jacket. Cinch the waist to enhance your silhouette and adjust the drawstring hood for added protection against gusty winds. Deep pockets can warm your hands or shield possessions with a snap.

Weathercast Metallic Anorak Jacket

$89 | Kohl’s

5

6. AESTHETIC ACCESSORY.

No set of rain gear is complete without an umbrella. This auto-open umbrella deploys into a 43-inch arc with a delightful floral pattern. Keep it handy for an effortless way to shield yourself from the rain or as an extra layer of protection.

Totes Umbrella in Flower Garden Print | Ticketed: $26

Sale: $10.99 | Boscov’s

7. BRIMMING WITH STYLE.

Top off your rain-ready ensemble with a chic hat. This water-resistant bucket will keep your face dry while stroll outdoors. The striking blackand-white pattern matches any coat or jacket. A back slit and bow add extra flair.

Totes Rain Hat | Ticketed: $22

Sale: $14.99 | Boscov’s

Boscov’s

Locations

Cabela’s

PACKED AND PREPARED.

Give your poncho an upgrade. Classic and black, this hooded poncho has an adjustable waist for a custom fit. For all-day adventures, fold it into the kangaroo pocket and wear as a crossbody so you’ll be ready for any unexpected showers.

Dick’s Sporting Goods

610.779.2000 | boscovs.com

100 Cabela Dr., Hamburg

610.929.7000 | cabelas.com

Dick’s

Broadcasting

2767 Paper Mill Rd., Wyomissing

610.373.7366 | dickssportinggoods.com

Kamik

us.kamik.com

lumbia Adult Deschutes Valley Rain Poncho

TIMELESS TRENCH.

Go for an everlasting trend. This trench coat is perfect for keeping you dry and stylish season after season. The belt accentuates your waist, and the neutral blush pink hue complements any outfit and is a fun twist on traditional beige.

Capelli New York Trench Coat | Sizes S-XL

Ticketed: $49.99, Sale: $39.99 | Boscov’s

Kohl’s

2700 Paper Mill Rd., Wyomissing 610.371.0237 | kohls.com

Nature’s Garden Natural Foods & Shoes

4360 Perkiomen Avenue, Reading 610.779.3000 | ngarden.net

Target

Locations in Exeter, Muhlenberg, Wyomissing target.com

“Nothing beats curling up with my husband and our puppy in our home library while I write. There’s something utterly bewitching about whisking myself away into a fantasy world of my own creation as the winds whip and the rain teems down just a few steps away.”

if you don’t have a story to write, consider starting a gratitude journal.

“I love to dive into a good book or two in the morning or afternoon (I'm addicted to biographies, memoirs and history), and a couple of cups of black tea or heated cider pair perfectly. In the evenings, I’ll put on a great vintage movie (Two for the Road, It's a Mad, Mad, Mad World, The Big Chill, The Philadelphia Story, Mamma Mia!) and enjoy a nice baked brie with a raspberry preserves and almond topping and a glass or two of a nice Riesling. Bring on the rain!”

– DONNA REED

Tip : if the whole family kids included is stuck inside, try making it a movie marathon day and let everyone choose a favorite film and snack.

Compiled by Nikki m . m ur ry

It’s the month of April showers! To that end, we asked some of our freelance staff to weigh in on how they enjoy passing the time when the rain falls for some inspiration. Here’s what they had to say…

You can also head out to enjoy a movie on a rainy day. Says freelance writer Sarah Matarella, “My favorite way to spend a rainy day is going to AMC Dine-In Berkshire 8 and watching a movie with popcorn and a blue slushie.”

– SARAH MATARELLA

Marian Frances Wolbers is full of ideas. She says, “If I stay at home, I'll fix a large mug of steaming tea and write real letters the old-fashioned kind to mail to my sister, brothers and other members of my extended family (they're scattered all over the US from New Hampshire to Wisconsin) or to my friends. Then I'll often turn to reading and writing poetry, with favorite books of poetry by Heather Thomas, Zomi Bloom and Lochlin Walker. But if and when I do venture outside, my favorite activity is heading to indoor antique and artifact markets locally, like in Kutztown or other towns, just to poke around and sometimes to buy something unusually cool, followed by a visit to a cafe for a long coffee and pastry, either solo (with journal in hand) or doing catch-up time with writerly friends. I'm a typical Gemini: I enjoy balancing introversion time alone in the morning and afternoon time connecting with people.”

– MARIAN FRANCES WOLBERS

Tip: Love antiquing? Did you know Hamburg Borough has several antique stores in its downtown? It’s true! And a cute coffee shop named Four Twelve, too.

“One of my favorite ways to spend a rainy day is looking through rolls of coins with my daughter. It's an exciting treasure hunt. Recently, we added a 100+-year-old wheat penny and some 1940s-era nickels to our collection. My grandfather was a coin collecting enthusiast, and he and I bonded over this hobby when I was a kid. I'm excited to continue this family tradition!”

– HEATHER BAVER

Tip: Rainy days are a great time to build family connections. Consider taking time to visit with family and to share stories. You can even visit virtually!

Finally, Jon Fassnacht shares how the ideal rainy day would play out for his family. He says, “I would cook breakfast for my amazing daughter and wife. We’d all go to the gym (my daughter Blake would play with friends at the Kids’ Club). We would come home for some downtime, which usually consists of reading and listening to music. Fully refreshed and clean, we’d swing by the Reading Public Museum and then visit a few wineries. Then we’d either stop at a restaurant, or my amazing-cook wife would make us dinner. This would allow us to spend some quality time together while doing things that make us feel good physically and mentally.”

– JON FASSNACHT

Tip: Rainy days don’t have to be sedentary days. Make sure to make moving your body a priority.

5

FIVE THINGS

Reused/Upcycled ITEMS

BY HEATHER BAVER

Care for the planet by getting creative. Every time you reuse containers or upcycle materials, you decrease the number of items going to landfills. Best of all, you’ll delight in unique artistry and support local businesses as you make a difference. Check out these innovative products that benefit the environment.

Earthly Treasures.

Make a global statement. Bobbi Jean Reinert takes unexpected items and upcycles them into chic, sought-after accessories. These incredible earrings are made from pieces of a metal globe bank found at a local flea market. Embellished with sparkling and pearly charms, each earring is unique, creating a cool mismatched look.

Globe Earrings | $26/pair | Bobbi’s Addictive Accessories | 740 Noble St., Kutztown (located inside Renninger’s Antique and Farmers’ Market) | shopbobbi.com

4

Dressed Up.

Choose classic furniture with a refreshing look. Painted by Patrice Bentz, this dresser has a sleek, curved top, textured details, and a mix of eye-catching drawer pulls. Use the drawers to store clothes, games or crafting supplies while you display framed photos or a curated group of collectibles on top.

Upcycled Painted Dresser | $199

Junk to Jazz | 2308 Lancaster Pike, Reading 610.775.3510 | Junk to Jazz

Literary Endeavor.

Combine your love of books and art. Denise Hasson gives unreadable books a second life. Using these pages as her canvas, she adds drawings of flowers, beloved pets or commemorative art for special occasions like weddings or baptisms. Hasson also incorporates upcycled pages into wire sculptures and folded 3D creations.

Custom-created Art | contact for pricing The Repurposed Page | The Repurposed Page therepurposedpage.com

Everlasting Light.

Reduce your environmental impact and bask in the glow of a refillable candle. This hand-carved wooden bowl holds a candle made from 100 percent soy wax and infused with phthalate-free fragrance oils. When it’s time to refill, Corina will clean it and pour another candle in the scent of your choice.

Refillable Cheese Bowl Soy Candle | $40 each $20 refills | She Paints Co. | shepaintsco.com linktr.ee/shepaintsco

Thoughtful Essential.

Help the planet with every load of laundry. Eliminate waste with a refillable container of Aromatherapy Blend detergent. This plant-based formula is 100 percent biodegradable and scented with lavender and peppermint essential oils. When you need to restock, book online for home delivery. Pair with wool dryer balls for eco-friendly drying.

Aromatherapy Blend Laundry Detergent (64 oz.): $25.60

Glass Growler: $6 | 6 Pack Wool Dryer Balls: $18

Refillable Goods | 610.813.2030 | refillablegoods.com

Visit online at berkscountyliving.com this month to enter to win one of four items: the pictured Globe Earrings from Bobbi’s Addictive Accessories, a refillable glass container filled with laundry detergent from Refillable Goods, a $20 gift certificate from The Repurposed Page or the Refillable Cheese Bowl Soy Candle from She Paints Co. Good luck!

2024 2024

BY NIKKI M. MURRY

We’re firm believers in supporting local, and we hope you are, too. Want to know who’s the best of the best when it comes to products and services in Berks? Read on to meet your 2024 People’s Choice leaders. Big or small, all are committed to giving their best effort and putting their customers first. The leaders on the following pages are selected by YOU and are a testament to how Berks businesses remain strong and how much they have a lot to offer.

With the help of the independent marketing firm, FieldGoals.US, an email survey from the company was sent polling Berks consumers about whom they see as the leading company in 75 business categories. The survey identifies the region’s Leaders in a variety of categories as determined by Berks County residents, and the results represent which businesses voters see fit to receive the People’s Choice Leader designation for 2024.

We’re thrilled that you’ve named Berks County Living as your leading local magazine once again this year. Thank you! And we congratulate those businesses recognized as the best in their class in this year’s People’s Choice Who’s Who in Business program.

Learn more about the leading businesses receiving this superior recognition on the pages that follow.

SPONSORED

ACCOUNTING FIRM: Herbein + Company, Inc.

ADULT CONTINUING EDUCATION: Alvernia University

APPLIANCE DEALER: Martin Appliance

ART GALLERY OR MUSEUM: Reading Public Museum

BANK: Tompkins Community Bank

BANQUET FACILITY: DoubleTree by Hilton Reading

BAR/TAVERN: The Bar Cart

BEAUTY SALON & SPA: Lords and Ladies Salon & Medical Spa

BED & BREAKFAST: The Inn at Centre Park

BREWERY: Schaylor Brewing Company

CAR WASH: Mister Car Wash & Express Lube

CARPET & FLOORING STORE: Martin’s Flooring Inc.

CASUAL DINING (LOCALLY OWNED): Austin’s Restaurant & Bar

CATERER: Russo’s Gourmet Foods & Market

CHIROPRACTIC CARE: The Spine and Wellness Center

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY: Alvernia University

COSMETIC ENHANCEMENT: Berks Plastic Surgery

CREDIT UNION: Diamond Credit Union

DANCE STUDIO: LimeLight Dance Studio

DENTAL SERVICE: Green Valley Dental

DISC JOCKEY: The People’s DJ Nick Talarico

DRY CLEANER: Hollywood Cleaners

EMPLOYMENT AGENCY: Gage Personnel

FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT: Reading Fightin Phils

FINANCIAL PLANNER: Spring Ridge Financial Group

FINE DINING: Judy’s on Cherry

FLORIST: Stein’s Flowers

FURNITURE

Fecera’s

GARDEN CENTER: Esbenshade’s Garden Centers

GOLF COURSE (PUBLIC): Golden Oaks Golf Club

HEALTH & FITNESS CENTER:

Wyomissing Fitness and Training

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING:

Essig Plumbing and Heating

HOME CONTRACTOR:

Bachman’s Roofing Building & Remodeling, Inc.

HOME SECURITY: SAH, Inc.

HOSPITAL: Reading Hospital Tower Health

HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER : DoubleTree by Hilton Reading

INSURANCE AGENCY: MGS Insurance Agency

JEWELER (INDEPENDENT): Gipprich Jewelers

KITCHEN & BATH SUPPLIER:

Empire Home Center

LANDSCAPING CONTRACTOR :

New Castle Lawn & Landscape

LASIK EYE SPECIALIST: Berks Eye Physicians & Surgeons

LAW FIRM: Barley Snyder, LLP

LIGHTING STORE: Fromm Electric

LIMOUSINE COMPANY: Infinity Limousine

LOCAL MAGAZINE: Berks County Living

LOCAL SPORTS TEAM: Reading Fightin Phils

LOCAL TV NEWS: Channel 69 WFMZ

MOTORCYCLE DEALER:

Classic Harley–Davidson

MOVIE THEATRE: AMC Dine in Berkshire 8

NEW HOME BUILDER: D&B Elite Custom

OFFICE EQUIPMENT:

Fraser Advanced Information Systems

OIL CHANGE & LUBE: Scott’s Wash and Lube

ORTHODONTICS:

ROG (Reading Orthodontic Group)

PEST CONTROL: Ehrlich Pest Control - Rentokill

PET GROOMER: Tails A Waggin’

PHYSICAL THERAPY/REHAB:

Reading Hospital Rehabilitation at Wyomissing

PLUMBING : Essig Plumbing & Heating

POOL & SPA DEALER: Fronheiser Pools

PRESCHOOL: Atonement Christian Preschool

REAL ESTATE AGENCY: RE/MAX of Reading

RENTAL COMPANY: Knight’s Rental

RESTAURANT & BAR: Austin’s Restaurant & Bar

RETIREMENT COMMUNITY: The Highlands at Wyomissing

ROOFING CONTRACTOR:

Bachman's Roofing Building & Remodeling Inc

SENIOR CITIZENS SERVICES & HEALTH ORGANIZATION: Berks Encore

SUPERMARKET: Redner’s

TANNING SALON: Baja Beach Tanning Club

TAX SERVICES: Herbein + Company, Inc.

TECHNICAL/TRADE SCHOOL: Berks Career & Technology Center

TIRE DEALER: CJ’s Tire and Automotive Services

TRAVEL AGENCY: AAA Reading-Berks

VETERINARIAN: Wyomissing Animal Hospital

WEDDING RECEPTION VENUE: Folino Estate Vineyard & Winery

WINERY: Folino Estate Vineyard & Winery

FieldGoals.US is a Harrisburg-based Certified Woman Business Enterprise providing superior qualitative and quantitative research services for a large variety of businesses and entities in Central PA and nationwide. Their team of academics, including moderators, interviewers, survey designers and recruiters excel at full-service research initiatives with impact. As research specialists, FieldGoals.US was thrilled to conduct the 2024 People’s Choice survey in Berks County.

Congratulations to all the Leaders!

Whether or not they enjoy the New Radicals’ 1998 hit single, the four Berks Countians profiled in this package would all wholeheartedly agree with the earworm’s message: You get what you give. All strong proponents of the benefits of service, they represent the best of the area’s collegial spirit – and those who live here are lucky they call this place home.

PHOTOS BY JOHN A. SECOGES, SECOGES PHOTOGRAPHICS

Meggan Kerber made a name for herself as a fundraising expert, so much so that one of the county’s fundraising awards now bears her name.

She also seemingly found a way to bend the space-time continuum to allow for more than 24 hours in a day. At one point in her career, she sat on eight boards while working full time.

That was the apex of her community involvement, and she soon realized, “Girl, you can’t do this.” But even after reining it in, she continues to be overly generous with her time and talents, serving or having served on more than a dozen boards and as a professional fundraising counsel for Pennsylvania nonprofits, with most of the work done pro bono.

“I pick things that are important to me for specific reasons,” Kerber says. “It's not just to give back but to pay it forward.”

Her career has come full circle with Kerber returning to help lead the department in which she began her fundraising journey three decades prior. Needing financial support while an undergrad at Alvernia University — then known as Alvernia College — in the early ’90s, she landed a job with the Institutional Advancement office. Her maiden steps into fundraising were the footsteps she took down Lancaster Avenue asking for gifts to support students.

After a subsequent trek through the nonprofit and corporate world — which included serving as executive director of Berks Arts Council along with stints at Bethany Children’s Home, Olivet Boys & Girls Club, Girl Scouts-Great Valley and Penn State Berks — she returned to her alma mater. Since 2021, she has served as the associate vice president of institutional advancement at Alvernia.

It's been quite the transformation for the self-described introvert who wanted to become a child psychologist.

“Who goes to college saying I want to be a fundraiser?” says Kerber, who received Alvernia’s Ellen Frei Gruber Distinguished Alumni Award in 2014. “Let alone the girl who grew up not talking to anybody, to now being out as a face in the community. It’s pretty awesome when you think about it.”

In 2018, the Berks Regional Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals — an organization birthed by Kerber and a few associates while driving back home from an AFP Conference in Baltimore recognized her by changing the name of its Outstanding Fundraising Professional Award to the Meggan Kerber Outstanding Fundraising Professional Award.

“Do I think I'm deserving of it? No, I think there are other people out there who have done much more work than I have,” she says. “But I'm honored. And I love to be able to share the knowledge and the experiences that others have shared with me.”

As she continues on her most unexpected journey, she also continues to battle misconceptions about fundraising, chief among them that only big gifts make a difference and that philanthropy is solely about money.

“Every gift makes a difference,” she says. “It doesn't matter if it's a dollar, that gift is meaningful to the individual who is giving it and to the person who is receiving it. And many people think philanthropy is just about money when it truly is about service: your time, your talent. I hear so many times, ‘Well, what I do doesn't make a difference.’ It all makes a difference. You may not always see it right away, but you will. You'll see that impact.”

A circuitous excursion led Freddy Vasquez to the region, but he’s grateful he ended up here. So are his fellow Berks Countians.

Originally from New York City, where he got his start professionally making Myspace pages for fellow metal bands, he and his family moved to Florida for a job that lasted all of two weeks before the business closed. In 2009, they moved to Wyomissing, which they loved for its quaintness and its proximity to family and friends in New York.

In 2012, Vazquez founded the digital marketing agency FXV Digital Design. Years of successful networking allowed him to purchase the Wyomissing building in which it resides in 2019. That led to an epiphany, which led to the Awesome Toy Drive.

“The holidays came and I'm like, you know what, you’ve got to give back,” the 45 year old says. “You have enough business that you were able to purchase a building on Penn Avenue. What are you doing to say thank you to the universe?”

His solution was to start a small toy drive. The children-focused nonprofit CONCERN was in one of his networking groups, so he reached out for a list of kids. He made 20 paper ornaments, putting one child’s name on each, and hung them on a Christmas tree in his office. He hoped 20 customers would pick an ornament and buy a gift for that child before the holiday season ended. Feeling nervous about hitting the goal, he and wife Jill “I couldn't have done any of this without her,” Vasquez says bought one each for themselves and their two daughters. After he posted a video on Facebook explaining the drive, the ornaments disappeared in a matter of hours.

Giving a Big Boost to Small Businesses

dozen of Berks County Realtors Association’s unused Real Estate Weekly boxes into Kids Bookshare Boxes where children can drop off old books and pick up new ones. She partnered with sponsors to clean them up, get new decals and place them at locally owned businesses frequented by families.

Then COVID hit.

“Restaurants came up to me and said: ‘We’re not allowed to be open, and we have bills to pay. What are we going to do?’” the 40-year-old Mohnton resident remembers. “So we put together meal pop-ups.”

At those events, neighborhoods picked a restaurant from an e-commerce site set up by Brady, then selected a day and brief window of time for the establishment to deliver the food curbside.

As things started to re-open, the concept was tweaked. Today, the pop-ups function as fundraisers with a percentage of the proceeds going to organizations, about 200 of which utilize the events. Six restaurants participate in the fundraisers, and Brady hopes to add a few more to the mix.

“It’s for the community,” she says. “When we’re all winning, great things can happen.”

Brady’s selflessness has inspired others to follow in her footsteps, including in her own home.

Two years ago, her oldest son, Colton, won a Sun-Maid Raisins national contest. Along with $5,000 for his Governor Mifflin elementary school to utilize, the victory came with a bottomless snack locker for a year.

But the 9-year-old also has friends in Mifflin’s other elementary schools, and he wanted them to be able to enjoy the snacks. He and his mother brainstormed, and Raisin Kindness was born.

It wasn’t financially feasible to provide bottomless snack lockers for all the classrooms, so they compromised on snack bins. Then PTOs from districts across the county got wind of things and expressed interest. To deal with the high demand, Heather and Colton created checklists of kind acts that could be turned in for points. The

“

When we’re all winning, great things can happen.”

classrooms that completed the most acts of kindness were rewarded.

The 2023-24 school year is the second for Raisin Kindness, aided by donations from local businesses and a $1,000 check given to Colton by the Association of Fundraising Professionals after he won Youth Philanthropist of the Year for Berks County. Brady wants the program to continue and expand, but continued donations are needed along with assistance from students interested in bringing it to their schools.

Brady is thrilled that her generosity has inspired Colton and that her oldest son’s good deeds are making a huge impact on his little brother.

“Connor is Colton’s biggest cheerleader,” Brady says. “His dream is to be the next Raisin Kindness kid. It’s cool to see how the project has created this bond between them. But it’s also a glimpse of what could be for other kids. He’s five and he gets it.”

Before, during and after his time in the military, he taught, coached and held administrative roles at multiple Berks school districts.

be able to help each other out.”

When his time in the military was over, he felt a sense of loss because it was so much of his identity. So he looked for ways to continue to serve. He discovered the Veterans Coalition of Pennsylvania through Stand Down City Park, its monthly gathering in Reading that provides food, clothes, blankets and camaraderie for veterans in need.

It's one of many things keeping him busy since he formally retired from the workforce.

“I say I’m retired,” the 57-year-old Muhlenberg Township resident says. “‘My wife says, ‘No, you’re not.’”

His wife is correct.

Along with volunteering with Christ Episcopal Church as the chairman of

the property committee and contracting with Reading School District to provide opportunities for kids in danger of failing to graduate, he works with the Veterans Coalition, which partners with government agencies and organizations to assist veterans with life outside of the military.

“There is an unfortunate perception that every veteran is broken, and that’s not at all accurate,” he says. “There are folks who have gone through some specific issues emotionally and physically, but there are a lot of us who have a range of abilities, and we love to be able to help each other out.”

The Veterans Coalition serves its mission rough four lines of operation:

Stand Down events: Held the second Saturday of each month in Reading and the fourth Saturday of the month in Pottstown, the gatherings address basic human needs.

An infoline: Filling in the gaps between Stand Down events, this phoneline allows veterans to call and ask for assistance.

Medical transport: The group takes any veteran to any appointment for free throughout southeastern Pennsylvania and outside of that radius on occasion.

• Bridge housing: A house in the Lower Alsace Township area bequeathed from a previous client will become the Neil Kauffman Veterans Center, a place to get veterans off the street.

It’s a significant undertaking. But Spohn believes better coordination could help the organization assist many more at-risk veterans.

“One of the biggest frustrations is that we don’t have access to the people coming off of active duty to use the amazing resources that are available throughout the county,” he says. “There is CareerLink for jobs. Alvernia University has an amazing veterans’ outreach program. RACC is great with their technical skills. But we have no way to access folks before they get into trouble. That’s a battle we’re trying to resolve right now.”

to help local nonprofits THRIVE

Nonprofit organizations often aim to help people, animals and the communities in which we live, and it’s important that we support them. You may think that means making a monetary donation, which is absolutely helpful, but did you know there are others ways you can lend a hand without a cash requirement? Consider the following…

FUNDRAISE ON SOCIAL MEDIA. You can start a Facebook fundraiser to help collect donations for a cause you love at any time, but birthdays are an especially popular occasion.

PLAN AN IN-PERSON EVENT. It could be as simple as selling things you no longer need at a yard sale and donating what you make, or you could collect donations from local businesses and put together a basket fundraiser to benefit a good cause.

VOLUNTEER. Have a special skill? You may be able to volunteer your expertise! If you’re a good photographer, offer to take photos of animals up for adoption at your local shelter or rescue.

SPREAD THE WORD. Is a nonprofit you love holding a fundraising event? If so, share the news about it on social media. If they have an event page to share, even better! And if you’re going, invite friends!

SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE. Do you have personal experience with a nonprofit that would allow you to sing its praises publicly? Do it! You could leave a review on social media or with Google.

Reading Pride Celebration

readingpride.org

RPC is a 501(c)3 organization that aims to celebrate diversity in the LGBTQ+ community of Greater Reading. We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion by building a community that embraces and supports differences and seeks to eliminate racial oppression, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism and other oppressions. To learn about our programs and services, visit readingpride.org.

New Journey Community Outreach

138 S. 6th St., Reading | 610.375.2662 | njcoinc.org

New Journey Community Outreach addresses food and clothing insecurities in our community by providing daily soup kitchen lunches, daily food pantry appointments and weekly clothing center hours. Thank you to our frontline staff, our volunteers, our donors and the United Way of Berks County for their unyielding support. To learn how you can help us Fight Poverty and Feed Hope, contact Christie Botterbusch, Executive Director, at cbotterbusch@njcoinc.org.

Looking to connect with a local cause? Read more about the nonprofit organizations in our area on the pages that follow.

Family Guidance Center

NEW LOCATION: 1105 Berkshire Blvd., Wyomissing 610.374.4963

familyguidancecenter.com

Family Guidance Center is committed to making a positive impact on the community. Our goal is to help people improve the quality of their lives by providing affordable, accessible, quality counseling services. We are excited to offer the same quality counseling services at our new location. Come visit us at our new location for our 6th Annual Mind Your Health community mental health and wellness event on April 27.

The Salvation Army

301 S. 5th St., Reading 610.373.5208 | salvationarmyusa.org

The Salvation Army is a renowned charitable organization dedicated to serving communities in need across the United States. Its comprehensive network of shelters, food distribution programs, adult rehabilitation services, children’s learning centers and disaster relief efforts offers practical assistance and emotional support to individuals and families facing hardships. With a mission rooted in Christian principles, it aims to bring hope, dignity and transformation to those it serves.

Reading

Choral Society

Office: 201 Washington St., Ste. 504, Reading

Susan Coughlin, Executive Director scoughlin@readingchoral.org readingchoral.org

Yocum Institute for Arts Education

3000 Penn Avenue, West Lawn 610.376.1576 | yocuminstitute.org

Established in 1934 to create access to quality arts instruction, the Yocum Institute for Arts Education offers extensive classes in visual arts, theater, dance, martial arts and music. In addition, the Yocum Institute provides outreach programming and residencies, multi-arts and performance summer camps, an arts-based kindergarten and pre-school, family-friendly productions and a gallery space featuring emerging and local artists.

LightHouse

Women & Children’s Center

715 N. 6th St., Reading | 610.484.4495

hopeforreading.org/lighthouse

LightHouse@HopeForReading.org

LightHouse Women and Children’s Center at Hope Rescue Mission is a place to empower single women and women with children to get back on their feet after experiencing the trauma of homelessness. We offer food, shelter, clothing, counseling and spiritual guidance while staying at a beautiful 43-room Center that provides privacy and dignity. Please consider volunteering, donating or just visiting us for a tour.

Reading Public Library

100 S. 5th St., Reading 610.478.8977

readingpubliclibrary.org

Reading Public Library (RPL) is committed to closing the literary, cultural and digital divides within our diverse and dynamic community by empowering people through literacy and access to information, creating a space where everyone feels inspired to learn and connect.

Founded in 1875, the Reading Choral Society (RCS) has, from its earliest days, pursued performances characterized by vocal excellence and musical distinction. RCS is comprised of dedicated semi-professional singers from all walks of life. Members rehearse weekly, fulfilling the lives of all involved by immersing them in great music. RCS performances enrich and enliven the greater Reading community.

WCR Center for the Arts

140 N. 5th St., Reading 484.604.0890

wcrcenter.org

Nestled in the heart of the Callowhill Historic District in Downtown Reading, PA, the WCR Center for the Arts is celebrating its 20 th Anniversary as a nonprofit. It is a unique performance space and event venue with exceptional acoustics. The WCR offers quality programming for people of all ages to come together and celebrate the performing arts.

Connections Work

19 N. 6th St., 4th Fl., Reading 484.260.3860 | connectionswork.org

Connections Work provides individuals with justice system involvement the tools they need to lead stable, productive lives. The agency offers pretrial services and reentry programs focusing on workforce development, job readiness and financial literacy. Connections Work also operates the Pardon Project of Berks County and works closely with second chance employers to help clients find gainful employment as they re-enter the community.

Council on Chemical Abuse

50 N. 5th St., 5th Fl., Reading 610.376.8669

cocaberks.org

The Council on Chemical Abuse (COCA) provides Berks County with leadership and assistance in preventing substance use and promoting treatment and recovery from addiction. Established as a nonprofit in 1971, COCA is designated as the single county authority for Berks County. See our website for prevention, treatment and recovery resources.

Grey Muzzle Manor

1164 Blattadahl Rd., Mohrsville 610.655.5271 | greymuzzlemanor.org

CASA of Berks County

845 Park Rd., Ste. 307, Reading 610.301.8634 | casaberks.org

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Berks County recruits, trains and supports citizen volunteers to be advocates for children who are victims of abuse and/or neglect. Volunteers LEARN about the child and their family life by ENGAGING during regular visits and SPEAK UP for the child’s best interest in court. There are 400+ children in Berks Dependency Court needing an advocate. For more info on volunteering visit casaberks.org.

At Grey Muzzle Manor, the goal is to help every individual feel empowered to live their best life. Our platform is one of non-judgement and presence.

At Grey Muzzle Manor, animals and people heal together. Our “office” is 45 acres on which we practice counseling services, including traditional equine psychotherapy, hippotherapy, eco-therapy, art therapy and more to aid others on their personal mental health journey. Telehealth options are also available. We also aim to help our animal friends with medical care, adoption services, long-term and hospice care. As founder Marcy Tocker says, she “just wants to change the world.” We’re here for you at the place that love built.

Reading Recreation Commission

Contact: Daphne E. Klahr, Ed.D., CPRE 610.655.6201 | daphne.klahr@readingpa.gov

The Reading Recreation Commission is an esteemed 501(c)3 organization offering exceptional programs and facilities to youth and adults. Our programs include after-school activities, playground, youth and adult sports, leadership training, food service and special events. In 2017, we were honored to receive the Pennsylvania Agency of the Year award. For more info visit readingrec.org or follow us on Facebook. Let’s make Reading look good together!

CONCERN

1 W. Main St., Fleetwood 484.578.9600 | concern4kids.org

CONCERN is a human services organization providing services to children, youth and families, bringing hope, offering opportunity, and inspiring change. Services include foster care, adoption, and permanency, community-based programs, behavioral health, and residential treatment. Since 1978, CONCERN has:

• Sup ported over 200,000 people

• Sup ported 27,000 children in youth and placement services

• Fin alized 5,000 adoptions

• Served 70,000 behavioral health clients

• Served 2,200 residential clients

Habitat for Humanity of Berks County

GoggleWorks Center for the Arts

201 Washington St. Stes. 329 & 330, Reading 610.373.3439 | habitatberks.org

Habitat for Humanity of Berks County provides affordable housing and homeownership opportunities for low- to moderate-income families and individuals. Join us at DoubleTree by Hilton Reading on April 23 for the 8th Annual Birdhouse Challenge. Tickets can be purchased at habitatberks.org/2024birdhouse-challenge. All proceeds support the mission of Habitat Berks: to strengthen communities through homeownership.

LGBT Center of Greater Reading

640 Centre Avenue, Reading 484.513.3170

lgbtcenterofreading.com

Communities In Schools of Eastern PA

2 Woodland Rd., Wyomissing | 739 N. 12th St., Allentown 484.834.8830 | ciseasternpa.org

Communities In Schools of Eastern PA (CIS) is an organization committed to fostering 1:1 relationships between skilled site coordinators and students inside 13 school districts across Eastern Pennsylvania. By removing barriers and offering personalized guidance to some of the most at-risk students, the CIS team empowers young individuals to reach their educational goals. The team’s impact on students’ lives is undeniable, making a significant difference in overcoming chronic absenteeism as well as social-emotional and behavioral challenges to reach graduation successfully. CIS currently serves Antietam, Fleetwood, Kutztown, Governor Mifflin, Reading and Wilson school districts in Berks County. For more information visit ciseasternpa.org.

Literacy Council of Reading-Berks Inc.

35 S. Dwight St., West Lawn 610.670.9960 | lcrb.org

Training for adults in English as a Second Language, or ESL, is an effective aid to workers and employers. The Literacy Council helps Berks County adults and employers by providing ESL services that can help employees better communicate in their jobs. For more information on the Literacy Council’s ESL and workforce development programs, visit online at lcrb.org.

The LGBT Center of Greater Reading provides services, advocacy and support to the LGBTQ+ communities in Berks and surrounding counties. From education, social groups, networking events, counseling and support services to various cultural events and new LGBT Center Wellness Clinic services, we provide programs for our LGBTQIA+ communities, their friends and families and our regional allies.

Berks Counseling Center

645 Penn St., 2nd Fl., Reading 610.373.4281 | berkscounselingcenter.org

BCC is a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic and an Integrated Community Wellness Center providing high quality, comprehensive and coordinated outpatient care for people of all ages, including children and adolescents. We provide behavioral health services and supports for mental health, physical health and wellness and behavioral and drug and alcohol addiction issues. Check out our website for program specifics.

Berks History Center

940 Centre Avenue, Reading berkshistory.org | 610.375.4375

Calling all history buffs! Learn about our community’s unique story by visiting the Berks History Center, a museum and research library dedicated to preserving and sharing Berks County’s rich cultural heritage. We showcase local history through artifacts and documents, educational programs, workshops and community events, including our annual Road Ramble event and our new PA Dutch classes.

Reading Science Center

645 Penn St., Reading 484.878.2112 | readingsciencecenter.org

The Rudden Family Services

Office: 16 Pacific Avenue, Reading, PA 19608

Warehouse: (next to) 320 S. 13th St., Reading, PA 19602 trffoundation.org

Established in 2012, The Rudden Family Foundation, Inc. (TRFFI) collects donations of clothing, furniture, appliances, rugs, housewares, kitchenware, tools, patio and yard items, etc. and cars/trucks in good, useable condition. We collaborate with over 20 Berks Community Partners to distribute these items to families and individuals struggling with poverty. Details to donate or provide financial support are on our website at trffoundation.org.

Berks Encore

40 N. 9th St., Reading 610.374.3195 | berksencore.org

For too many seniors, Meals on Wheels is the only nutritious food they get in a day. The volunteer who delivers it may be the only person they talk to that day. Berks Encore is dedicated to easing loneliness and hunger among older, homebound adults. With the support of our caring volunteers and generous donors, more isolated seniors will receive nutritious meals and can live with dignity and independence in their own homes.

The Reading Science Center is on a mission to foster the love of science through exciting STEM experiences for the Greater Reading community. Our hands-on museum is open to the public on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm. Don’t miss out on our upcoming event, Celebrate Science Day, on April 28! Come explore with us!

United Way of Berks County

610.685.4550 | uwberks.org

United Way’s work is all about doing right, right here. Together, we change lives and provide opportunity through quality early care and learning, literacy, food security, senior services, homelessness prevention and more. It starts with U…and it continues by working together to build a strong Berks County for all. Visit uwberks.org to learn more and volunteer. Thank U for partnering with United Way!

The Children’s Home of Reading

1010 Centre Avenue, Reading

610.478.8266 | buildingkidslives.org

The Children’s Home of Reading has responded to the needs of children and families in crisis in Berks and all of PA for over 140 years. Our comprehensive, educational, community, behavioral and mental health trauma-informed programs focus on partnering with more than 4,000 children and their families in crisis. Services help them enhance capacities, strength and resilience to achieve wellness and balance as they heal from crisis and meet life’s challenges.

Bethany Children’s Home

1863 Bethany Rd., Womelsdorf 610.589.4501

bethanyhome.org

At Bethany, we hold the belief that each team member plays a role in fostering a safe atmosphere to accompany youth on their journey to healing. Join our team and gain the knowledge to develop into an exemplary professional equipped with the resources to effectively serve within a trauma-informed setting.

Kutztown University Foundation

15197 Kutztown Rd., Kutztown | 610.683.4110 | kuf.org

Since 1983, the KU Foundation has raised funds to support the students, faculty, programs and capital needs of Kutztown University. With the generous support of alumni, donors and friends, we recently raised more than $46,000,000 to create scholarships, increase emergency funds and enhance student experiences through Together, We’re Golden: The Campaign for KU.

American Cancer Society

1.800.227.2345 | cancer.org

Join us as we honor cancer survivors, remember loved ones and work to end cancer as we know it, for everyone, during this year’s Relay For Life events in Berks County: Kutztown & Eastern Berks - May 18 • Bark For Life - May 25 • Berks - June 1 Learn more and register at relayforlife.org.

Helping Harvest

117 Morgan Dr., Reading helpingharvest.org

Helping Harvest has pursued its mission “to feed the hungry” since opening in 1983. Currently, Helping Harvest supplies more than 9.5 million pounds of food annually through a network of 350 local food distribution programs as well as its own direct service programs. More than 144,000 individuals in Berks and Schuylkill counties were nourished by food from Helping Harvest in 2023.

The King’s Academy

admissions@kingsacademy.com 610.926.9639

kingsacademy.com

The King’s Academy provides a standard of Christcentered Academic Excellence, training leaders in knowledge, wisdom and Godly character. The King’s Academy is the premier Christian school in Berks County. We provide a top-notch education rooted in biblical principles and a strong academic foundation. As an independent Christian school, we have been serving the community since 1998.

Vision Resource Center of Berks County

2020 Hampden Blvd., Reading 610.375.8407 | vrcberks.org

For 95 years, we have called Berks home. The Vision Resource Center of Berks County offers support groups, educational and socialization programs, counseling sessions, transportation services, vision screenings and a workshop program. Whatever challenges you or your loved one may face with vision loss or blindness, we are here for you, your family and your caregivers. Visit our new low vision store specializing in devices to allow you to stay independent with your vision loss.

Reading Public Museum

500 Museum Rd., Reading 610.371.5850

readingpublicmuseum.org

For more than a century, Reading Public Museum has been enlightening and engaging our community in areas of science, art, history and more! Its extensive art and science collections, distinctive and unique gift shop, state-of-theart planetarium, 25-acre arboretum, ongoing temporary exhibitions — plus being a captivating venue for events — makes it a dynamic center of discovery and joy!

Breast Cancer Support Services

529 Reading Avenue, Ste. C, West Reading 610.478.1447 | bcssberks.org

A breast cancer diagnosis can dramatically change one’s life; that is when Breast Cancer Support Services of Berks County steps in. We have provided support groups, information and emotional support to diagnosed women, survivors, friends, family and caregivers of those with breast cancer since 1994. Our programs and events remind our community that they are not alone in their journey.

Dayspring Homes

PO Box 158, Shillington 610.376.5648 | dayspringhomes.org

Dayspring Homes is proud of the opportunities our participants have to realize their God-given potential while giving back to the community. Each one of our participants has their own individual needs and dreams. It is remarkable to watch them make someone’s day by being present and kind. Not only do they brighten our day, but they make a tremendous difference in the lives of others. Always choose kindness. For more information visit dayspringhomes.org.

Humane Pennsylvania

1729 N. 11th St., Reading | humanepa.org

Humane Pennsylvania (HPA) helps animals by empowering people to be the best caretakers possible. With pet adoption services, affordable vet care and boarding and community support programs, HPA is building the best communities anywhere to be an animal — or an animal caretaker! Visit humanepa.org to learn how HPA is transforming our community one pet and family at a time.

Mary’s Shelter

615 Kenhorst Blvd., Reading marysshelter.org

Mary’s Shelter provides temporary housing and social services to homeless, unaccompanied youth and young mothers ages 14 to 21. In a homelike setting, young people are encouraged to complete their education while learning the skills needed to live independently in the community. Your support provides the encouragement, advocacy and hope these young people need to thrive.

Change starts with a spark. Your spark.

Berks County Community Foundation

237 Court St., Reading 610.685.2223 | give@bccf.org

Since 1994, our mission to promote philanthropy and to improve the quality of life for the residents of Berks County has been made possible by the generosity of donors who created funds to achieve their charitable goals. You can support existing funds or create new ones with your tax-deductible donations. Give back to Berks County at bccf.org or contact us today!

Animal Rescue League of Berks County

58 Kennel Rd., Birdsboro 610.373.8830 | berksarl.org

For more than 4,000 animals in 2023, the Animal Rescue League of Berks County was the glimmer of hope they needed to get a second, or even a third, chance in life. We simply can’t do this lifesaving work without people with big hearts and a commitment to helping animals in need like you. Visit berksarl.org/berksdonates to join our mission.

Easy Does It

Supportive Housing Programs:

1300 Hilltop Rd., Leesport | ediinc.org

Recovery Support Services:

Community Center at Atonement Lutheran Church 5 Wyomissing Blvd., Wyomissing 610.373.2463 | ediinc.org/atonement

Easy Does It, Inc. has been offering services to the community since 1989. Offering supportive housing and recovery support services for individuals recovering from Substance Use Disorder. EDI also provides meeting spaces for recovery groups and hosts events to help raise awareness on services available to help individuals and their families. EDI at Atonement offers free Recovery Support Services to anyone in need in our community.

YMCA of Reading & Berks County

www.ymcarbc.org

For 165 years, the YMCA of Reading & Berks County has strengthened our community by improving health and well-being, igniting youth empowerment and fostering connections. The Y creates safe and enriching experiences for kids of all ages through summer camps, sports programs, Pre-K Counts, childcare, before- and after-school care and more. Supporting kids helps families, regardless of their ability to pay. Everyone deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Berks County Area Agency on Aging

633 Court St., 8th Fl. County Services Center, Reading 610.478.6500 | berksaging.org

Berks County Area Agency on Aging is the gateway to aging programs and supports. We offer information on community resources, health and wellness programs, senior community centers, in-home services and access to legal assistance, care management, caregiver support services, Ombudsman (advocates for consumers in longterm care facilities) and elder abuse protection.

Prospectus Berco

840 William Lane, Reading 610.372.4637 | prospectusberco.org

Prospectus Berco is dedicated to serving people with disabilities by providing essential resources and supports for individuals and their families. With a focus on empowerment and inclusion, we strive to create opportunities for individuals to thrive and lead fulfilling lives in our community. Your gifts contribute to advancing our mission of accessibility, equality and independence for adults with disabilities.

Berks Nature

575 St. Bernardine St., Reading 610.372.4992 | berksnature.org

Berks Nature is the leading agent for conservation and the environment in Berks County. In this role, we have protected more than 11,000 acres of land, manage 27 miles of trails, and operate Reading’s public nature center: The Nature Place. Through community stewardship projects, educational programming and private conservation easements we seek to protect, nurture and celebrate Berks County’s abundant natural resources.

HEA RT Is Where The

Habitat for Humanity of Berks County Builds Homes

BY COURTNEY ELL | PHOTOS COURTESY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF BERKS COUNTY

The essence of home transcends any place you rest your head. House walls have the power to serve as your story’s binding. Each home is a book full of beloved characters and stories — some joy-filled and tear-stained, ridiculous, frustrating and funny but all the treasured stories bound within are yours.

It has been said, “Home is where the heart is.” Countless odes to one’s home have freckled nearly every corner of the globe by way of tearful goodbyes, songs, novels, films and proverbs. “There’s no place like home,” is one of Hollywood’s most famed mantras. The year 1865 saw Alice traversing through the confounding wilds of Wonderland in hopes of returning home with her continued attempts spanning a multitude of books and films. The early 1900s found the Darling children eager to fly back home from Neverland. Capturing imaginations throughout history, home signifies a great deal more than four walls and a roof.

One’s emotional bond to a spatial setting like home is innately human and, it turns out, downright beneficial. Federal Reserve data points to the net worth of homeowners being up to 40 times higher than that of renters. Proactively saving and investing builds equity, increases economic mobility and ultimately bolsters financial fitness, often lending discipline and structure to other areas of life, including heightened personal resilience, academic achievement and professional development. Reinforcing the benefits of home ownership further, increased environmental sustainability commonly yields benefits to the overall physical and mental well-being of children and adults alike.

So, what’s the catch? Truth be told, 2023 struck the market as the least affordable year on record for homebuying. The swelling cost of living in recent years and staggering mortgage rates have left many Americans wishing they, too, could be magically transported “over the rainbow.” While 94 percent of Americans consider homeownership a key tenet to The American Dream, more than half worry they will never attain that dream for themselves.

I was determined! I had a goal. I got it done.”

A Hand-Up, Not A Hand-Out to Thriving

Enter Habitat for Humanity of Berks County with a history of helping families ‘build strength, stability and independence’ for more than 35 years.

“I knew immediately that I wanted to be a part of making dreams come true for the hardworking people going through Habitat’s First-Time Home Buyer Program. I get to work with our client families from the beginning of the process through Dedication Day when they receive the keys to their home. It’s very rewarding,” shares Reading’s honorary fairy godmother, Eneida Powell, who serves as Habitat Berks’ Director of Family Services and volunteer coordinator. “We do not give away homes. Habitat gives hardworking families hope, education empowerment and the opportunity to own an affordable home that they might not qualify for otherwise. Habitat homes are a hand-up, not a hand-out.”

From Surviving

Reading local and single mother of four, Christina never believed she would be a homeowner. For so long she had felt unsure of where to begin until a fellow DoubleTree by Hilton Reading employee shared her story and pointed Christina in the right direction directly toward Habitat Berks. Empowered, she found the courage to rewrite her story. Impressing herself at every turn, she remarks that less than a year ago she had “never built anything before, unless you include a 3-D puzzle.” More impressive still, she achieved her 200 sweat equity hours in just 100 days while working full time. “And I’m a full-time mom all at the same time,” Christina beams. “I had my bad days, like when my car broke down; but I still got there. I was determined! I had a goal. I got it done.”

Beyond

Daunting, the House

But Doable

Unique to Habitat for Humanity, their FirstTime Home Buyer Program requires that participants invest 200 hard-earned hours by working shoulder-to-shoulder alongside other volunteers. They sweat it out at their future home’s construction site or at the home of another family or acquire hours by volunteering at Berks’ ReStore, where you can find a variety of home furnishings, renovation and remodeling necessities and a fabulous assortment of frugal finds. All store proceeds benefit Habitat Berks. An additional 40 hours of mandatory financial education classes must be completed and are comprised of in-depth pre-purchase coursework addressing home insurance, mortgage, safety and maintenance. They stoke the flames of financial literacy by developing and tracking budgets as they implement practical strategies for increasing savings while crushing debt.

More than two decades in the making, the Buttonwood Gateway Project was initially approved by Reading City Council in 1998 with the philanthropic torch passing to Habitat Berks in 2017 by the late Boscov's chairperson and Our City Reading, Inc. Founder Albert R. Boscov. “The dream of Miltimore Street lies with Al Boscov’s vision for that area,” shares Habitat Berks Executive Director Tim Daley. “His thoughts were to create affordable neighborhoods for the working class while improving the culture of clean, safe neighborhood interactions.”

A Reading kid himself, Daley grew up in one of the city’s classic row homes, just 10 blocks from the passion project. “I lived the lifestyle, and I am asking others to see the value in it and to make a future for themselves just like my family did.” Initially in law enforcement, Daley went on to work in court administration. Specializing in risk and safety, he “witnessed folks with issues that would define them for life, if it wasn’t for the chance to make a change — I learned that housing was an essential first step in that process. Habitat’s mission statement is summed up in our tagline, Beyond the House. Habitat Berks works toward making a difference in educational outcomes, more stability in the workforce, and the chance to live a healthier independent life.”

Location,

Location, Location

The Buttonwood Gateway is Habitat Berks’ largest endeavor to date with projected residential amenities including recreation, education, business, improved walkability, neighborhood parking and accessible public transportation. Four newly constructed homes (plus two more rehabs nearby) will be completed this month with five more homes to be completed before the year is out. Adjacent to Reading’s new STEM school being built, Daley highlights the “supermarket across the street, walkability to Northwest Elementary School, Barbey and Baer Park Playgrounds, Downtown Reading, Reading Area Community College, and access to West Reading just across the Buttonwood Street Bridge.”

“Two years ago, this was a blighted block,” notes Powell. “Now, it’s developing into a beautiful neighborhood. The street has been cleaned up; people are really taking pride in their homes, and there is a sense of community.”

“Mayor Moran and I agree that stable and affordable housing is a cornerstone for a better Reading. Small steps will produce little gain; we want to take large strides toward improving this city’s neighborhoods and homeownership statistics. This comprehensive ‘workforce’ housing movement is designed to make homeownership available for blue-collar employees so valuable to our industries in Berks County. More than one house for one family,” asserts Daley. “As more houses in the area are renovated and occupied by new homeowners, cleanliness will improve, the crime rate will drop, and a sense of stability will be restored.”

PositivelyTransformative

By the time her Dedication Day arrived, Christina’s high-voltage smile could have quite possibly lit up the entire neighborhood. She was positively beaming. “When I first walked into my house, I cried tears of joy, and I still can’t believe it yet,” she says.

The brand-new semi-detached home is beautifully modern and maintenance-free for at least seven years. Did we mention the offstreet parking and uber-expansive bedrooms

and common spaces eagerly anticipating the family’s many stories about to unfold within? Priceless connections, festivities and precious traditions will be shared there with her most beloved characters. Goodness knows the novelty of having more than one bathroom is unlikely to subside any time soon for this mother of four. For now, Christina just smiles, reveling in her newly written chapter. She rewrote her “once just a dream” into her very own reality. “I worked HARD. It’s MINE.”

Reflecting, Christina shares feelings of being a changed woman, sensing that her children also recognize the weight of their family’s journey. “I changed. I learned a lot, especially financially,” she asserts. Following a contemplative sigh, Christina says, “I feel safe around my home. I

know my neighbors are good people and they worked just as hard as me. I feel confident knowing my family and I will keep up the place.” A warm peace radiates from Christina and, speaking to the futures of her children, her warmth doubles. “I hope my children learn responsibility, appreciation and stability. My children see the hard work that I did, so they will understand and take care of things better.”

Interested in making a tangible impact within your community? Habitat Berks has countless flexible volunteer opportunities at every skill level. You, too, can be a part of building dreams like this into reality.

610.921.0011 | habitatberks.org

I worked HARD. It’s MINE. ”

Inspired Living Natu re

BY HEATHER BAVER

Surround yourself with the tranquility and beauty of nature. Swap out sustainable décor with the seasons or anytime you want to refresh your space. We talked to local designers and landscapers for tips and strategies to help you increase the natural elements inside your house and out in your yard.

Wise Interiors by Lyndsey Marie

with Indoor Foliage Have Fun

Houseplants are a logical place to start when you’re adding a natural feel inside your home. “We love incorporating greens into our clients' spaces,” note Monica Turchi and Courtney Kelly, owners of SpaceLift LLC. “Even if you don’t get a lot of natural sunlight, succulents and air plants are a great option.”

Besides looking amazing, plants may offer health benefits. Some studies have found that plants can lower stress or increase your attention and productivity. In addition, caring for plants can also be a fun, relaxing hobby. “I have a southfacing window in my house that's full of plants,” says Dennis Hurst, owner of Ryeland Gardens in Womelsdorf. To enhance the natural feel of the space, Hurst showcases his plants on a flagstone table enhanced with driftwood decorations.

“You can display your houseplants in beautiful decorative pottery, and some you can even mount on wood rounds,” explains Alaina Salks, marketing coordinator of Riverview Tree & Landscaping Inc. and Riverview Gardens & Gifts in Temple. “You can hang kokedama plants, which are houseplants whose roots are encased in moss, bound with string and then suspended near a light source.” Salks also recommends taking branches from cherry trees and forsythia and putting them in a vase of warm water to enjoy their beautiful blooms indoors. Wherever possible, Salks also likes to forage for décor while she hikes, provided it’s in an area where she has permission and that she leaves no trace. “It’s a win-win because my body and mind get out into nature, and then I can bring those precious items back into my home to enjoy.”

RiverviewGardens&Gifts

SpaceLift, LLC.

River

Furnishings Earthly

Besides incorporating plants, choose natural materials for a more organic feel in your home. “Wood textures can be brought in through natural furniture pieces or bamboo shades, and stone accents are a nice touch as well,” suggest Turchi and Kelly. In addition, “rattan furniture and live-edge wooden shelving are great options for bringing the outdoors in.”

“Wood grains and woven elements are the best way to go!” says Lyndsey Hinkle, owner/ principal designer of Wise Interiors. “Instead of an allwhite kitchen, consider a wood grain in a natural finish. Your countertops will also play a role in this natural element. Utilizing stones such as granite or quartzite, which are found in nature, will surely give your space an earthy vibe.” In the living room, Hinkle likes to add in a woven item of furniture such as pieces made from wicker or with caning.

Wall, W indow and Shelf Décor

Consider your color choices when creating a nature-inspired design. “Paint packs a powerful punch in incorporating natural elements in your space,” advise Turchi and Kelly. “Different shades of green on the walls can be a neat way of bringing in natural tones.”

“Another of our design go-tos is nature-inspired wallpaper,” adds Hinkle. “We have been known to use botanical wallpaper in bathrooms, pantries, living rooms and one of our favorites: a wet bar! We're still in love with this wall mural from Anthropologie.”

“Window treatments and decor can also provide the texture and serene atmosphere you are looking to obtain in a space. We chose a bold brown for a custom fireplace mantle along with green accents to give off that natural element and cozy feel,” Turchi and Kelly add. “The use of natural stone or brick on walls and backsplashes can enhance the earthy feel of the home as well.”

“Whether it's a cozy leather armchair or the warmth of hardwood floors, the outdoors always finds its way in,” Hinkle adds. “My secret? Creating a perfect harmony by blending materials like the breeziness of linen fabrics, the earthiness of jute and wool rugs and the cozy charm of woven elements.”

Wise Interiors by Lyndsey Marie

SpaceLift, LLC.

SpaceLift, LLC.

Windows are also an excellent place to display nature-themed ornaments, notes Alaina Salks, whether they are something you’ve purchased or crafted yourself. “We carry gorgeous dried flower arrangements and a variety of dried seed pods, pine cones, moss, shells and preserved flowers that can be placed in containers around the home or arranged in vases,” she notes. “This is a wonderful way to bring these natural elements into the home in a simple and long-lasting way, giving a huge boost to your mood and the ambience of the space.” Any of these dried elements can also be crafted into wreaths or hung from window or door frames, Salks adds.

For a curated display, consider a terrarium. “One product I’m planning on getting in is a glass terrarium that is molded to a piece of wood,” describes Hurst. “It's kind of like a mixture of driftwood with your glass terrarium globe sitting on top.” While Hurst suggests putting a variety of plants inside, he also notes that larger terrariums could likely accommodate a small fish. Salks also recommends terrariums to “design a mini-eco system with tropical plants or air plants.”

Riverview

Riverview

Use the Power of Three

When organizing and displaying décor, Hinkle recommends using the number three as your guide. “Try to have natural elements in three places in the room. This could be a rattan chair in one corner, a wicker basket on a shelf and a jute rug by the patio door.” Take advantage of your entire room rather than having these items close together. “This will help your space feel balanced and intentional,” adds Hinkle. “This is the same rule for styling open shelving. Be sure to bounce the eye around and create an imaginary triangle with your natural element.”

EverywhereNature

“Any room in your house can be a great option for nature-inspired elements,” Turchi and Kelly observe. “It’s not just an option for a sunroom anymore. Even bathrooms can be a great fit for nature.”

Kitchens are a perfect fit for plants, particularly herbs used in your favorite recipes. “Herbs usually require bright light or the addition of a grow light,” explains Salks. “Grow herbs like basil, parsley, rosemary, bay and more right in your home!” She notes that the amount of light is an important factor when you’re deciding where to place different plants. “You can speak to an associate at Riverview if you want to learn more about which plants can be placed in the type of light you have,” or if a grow light is needed.

Wise InteriorsbyLyndseyMarie

Ideas Outdoor

As the weather warms up, you can immerse yourself in nature by maximizing your time outside. Enhance your landscaping for a custom-created, relaxing retreat. “Sprucing up your outdoor space is an absolute game-changer,” says Hinkle. “Elevate your exterior because why should the inside have all the fun?” She suggests creating a welcoming space with comfy furniture, a stylish outdoor rug and rattan pendants for lighting. Hinkle also recommends placing pots of lavender and lemongrass in this area for a delightful scent that also deters mosquitoes.

Turchi and Kelly suggest utilizing a collection of unique pots to showcase flowers and greenery and adding rocks, pavers and walkways to divide and organize the space. “Sea grass can also add dimension and texture to your landscaping.” Consider practical elements for comfort and accessibility day or night. “Don’t forget to incorporate some outdoor seating areas and solar lights to create an inviting ambiance to your outdoor spaces,” they add.

Looking ahead to next year, Diane Salks, president of Riverview Tree & Landscaping Inc. and Riverview Gardens & Gifts, advises planning ahead by researching plants. “If you have ideas but don’t know where to start, you can always bring pictures of your landscape into Riverview, and we will help inform you about what elements to consider and which plants might work for your space,” Salks says. “It’s great to know how much direct light a landscape has and in what time frames. If you know what your soil is like, that is helpful information as well (is

there good drainage, lots of clay, shale or does it retain water?).”

Hurst is enthusiastic about using early blooming plants like witch hazel and winter honeysuckle. “Witch hazel is very fragrant,” he says. “It smells like spring and it's just amazing. They're not as showy as forsythia, but they're much more sophisticated.” For brilliant color across three seasons, Hurst recommends redbud trees. “The most popular one right this minute is called Flamethrower. I believe it's got hot pink flowers, then followed by some really bright foliage mixture of yellow, orange and burgundy,” he adds.

Both Hurst and Salks recommend using sound to enhance your outdoor landscape. Salks likes the soothing sounds of water in a fountain or pond while Hurst is a fan of windchimes. His nursery carries a large bell from Woodstock Chimes called a Heroic Windbell. “They have a really nice, low tone, almost like a church bell,” he explains. “It’s a really calming sound.”

Ryeland Gardens

Witch Hazel

Redbud Trees

Bold

State Hill Craft Cocktails & Kitchen

A FUSION OF WORLDLY FLAVORS

BY MARIAN FRANCES WOLBERS | PHOTOS BY HEIDI REUTER

Change it up! Head to the stunning, classy and downright outrageously delicious dining experience provided by Chef James (Kraemer) and the staff at State Hill Craft Cocktails & Kitchen. It’s an eye-opening, stomachpleasing adventure all around.

General Manager Martin Radiosky explains that when the restaurant first opened midyear in 2023, they strove to maintain a close eye on what local customers love to eat while switching up the menu fairly frequently, using ingredients according to the season (locally sourced as much as possible) and also bringing out

new dishes and cocktails very intentionally and responsively. The plan definitely is working.

Diners can enjoy a dose of different here, starting with elegant drinks like the darkly dramatic Black Walnut Manhattan so deep it warms you all the way up to your eardrums or a sweetly sassy pink drink called The Real Housewives of WYO (as in Wyomissing), combining a vodka base with prickly pear, caramel syrup, pomegranate and a fun cinnamon-flavored bubble on top, which unifies all the elements.

So many beverage options — martinis, wines, draft beers and new cocktails — are emerging regularly! Consider sharing “Small Plates” as your appetizer, especially Fried Cauliflower and the Lobster Seafood Dip made with smoked Gouda, rock shrimp and sherry to enjoy on focaccia. Pizza fans will gravitate to the super flatbreads, with wide-ranging appeal and culinary focus, including a Steak Gorgonzola Flatbread, the Caprese Margherita featuring heirloom tomatoes and Jalapeno Popper Chicken.

Caprese Margherita Flatbread

Norwegi a n Salmon

Beet Salad

Nothing Boring Here

Even the soups take on unique personality and flavor. If Butternut Squash Soup always calls your name, just wait until you try this. Different? Oh yes. It delivers that same yummy flavor, only in a far more imaginative, expanded way. It’s made with roasted squash in a traditionally fleshy yet lighter, thinner broth, all topped with a white swirl of basil cream next to a deep-umber tributary of pumpkin seed oil, plus tiny toasted pepitas for a bit of crunch. Take ample time to simply inhale the scent first with that fantastic oil, the sweet basil… and then scoop it up for a palate treat unlike anything else in the soup realm. It’s stupendous.

“I don’t want my customers to be bored,” says Executive Chef James. “The area needs new ideas. We’re not trying to be pretentious but rather to be thoughtful and make good food accessible.” A native to Berks, Chef James trained and worked in California for years (Cordon Bleu Hollywood; classical

training in French cuisine). He looks toward seasonal ingredients and locally fresh foods for inspiration, asking himself, “What do I have in front of me?” and then he gets creative. “I appreciate the old-school stuff. But sometimes I’ll do something real traditional; then next week I’ll do something crazy.”

Fusion is a forte, and it results in, for example, a “Large Plate” entrée of Norwegian Salmon. Here, Chef utilizes Japanese furikake (a nori-sesame-salt and slightly sweet condiment normally reserved for topping white rice) in searing the fish fillet, adding riced cauliflower, pan-roasted Brussels sprouts, aioli (sauce) seasoned with chives and sesame, chili crunch and pea shoots to finish. It’s all done seamlessly, designed for maximum enjoyment of the prettiest salmon ever.

Pasta Dishes

Surprise & Delight

Ever devoted to kicking up the culinary benchmark, State Hill offers numerous pasta treats. Radiosky assures us, “We make all our own pasta here.” The Fried Gnocchi is a terrific appetizer to share, crunchy and chewy and dipped in pesto aioli. Pasta all’ Amatriciana serves up traditional Italian-style meatballs, guanciale and the ever-lovely Pecorino Romano cheese.

One must-try is Short Rib Bolognese. Imagine biting into tender, braised, choice chunks of short rib paired with malfade a gorgeously taut, curly, ribbonshaped pasta that holds tightly to savor the mixture of San Marzano tomato, red wine, basil and Parmigiano Reggiano. Long strips of basil leaves drape over the dish. The joy of eating this is like opening a layered gift of divine aromas, multiple textures, unforgettable taste and total satisfaction. (The menu notes this dish can also be made with Impossible ground beef and no cheese.)

Rum Butter Scallops, Steakhouse Angus Filet

Surf and turf sing high notes on two stellar stages. The Rum Butter Scallops are large, flavor-rich and juicy while the plate’s presentation with its unusual sides are a foodie’s happy dream. Instead of the “standard” (translation: ho-hum boring) vegetable pairings often accompanying this delicate shellfish, Chef James has created a silky-soft parsnip puree to mesh

gently with the pan-seared scallops using blood orange and rum beurre blanc. Alongside: an olive and fennel salad. On top: homemade parsnip chips better than the sweetest, skinniest French fry ever.

With delectable options such as Roast Duck (five-spiced duck breast) and Oven Roasted Chicken, this eclectic menu reserves a hearty spot for Steakhouse Angus Filet, two 4-ounce peppercorn-crusted medallions with caramelized mushrooms, French green beans and truffle mash. Reservations are suggested.

Carrot Cake