Escape the hassles of homeownership and embrace a lifestyle of ease and elegance, surrounded by unparalleled amenities that cater to your every need. Our community offers:
• Maintenance-Free Living
• Luxurious Amenities
• Pet-Friendly
• Proximity to Nature
• Exclusive 55+ Living
• Affordable Rental Rates
• Clubhouse with Complete Gym and Equipment
• Swimming Pool
• Yoga Room
• Lounge with Pool Table, Large TV & Card Tables
• Party Room with Full Kitchen
• Dog Park & Dog Wash Room
• Nature Trails & Victory Garden
• Golf Simulator Room
• Pickleball Courts
• And much more! Visit our website to
Floorplans and Available Units
We offer a variety of living space options designed to cater to diverse preferences and needs. Residents can choose a comfortable and tailored environment that suits their lifestyle in a vibrant and supportive community.
Experience the vibrant lifestyle at The Highlands at Wyomissing®. With an array of amenities and services, including cultural events and top-notch facilities, every day is filled with excitement. Unwind and rejuvenate in our serene environment. Explore your passions with art, music, or gardening. Stay active and invigorated with our diverse range of exercise classes. At The Highlands, retirement living is tailored to your every need and desire. Choose sophistication. Choose The Highlands.
Sign up today for The Highlands’ Future Resident’s Club events. Scan the code or call 610.775.2300. 610.775.2300 | TheHighlands.org/Events
PRESIDENT/CEO
Paul Prass
VICE PRESIDENT/COO
Lisa Prass
PUBLISHER
Robyn L. Jones
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Nikki M. Murry
EDITORIAL
DIGITAL
Emily Smith
Jason Chrin
PRODUCTION
Eleanor Anderson
SENIOR
Quynh Fisher
DESIGN CONSULTANT
Elaine Wyborski
ADVERTISING DESIGNER
Thomas Körp
COPY EDITOR
Veloie Mastrocola
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Heather Baver
Jon Fassnacht
Donna Reed
Marian Frances Wolbers
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Tania Colamarino
Ama Photography
Lauren Adele
Little Photography
O. Chris Miller
Heidi Reuter
John A. Secoges
Secoges Photographics
ACCOUNT
Elizabeth Beebe
Kate Hunter
Sara Woodward
ACCOUNTING
Jobelle Aleño
Kim Kressman
how to contact us
EDITORIAL: 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.
While you’re reading what’s known as our “Senior Living” issue, it’s also the issue where we officially move into fall mode, which is a personal favorite (until snow moves in). For some reason fall is a time when I really start to slow down, relax a bit and become more intentional, especially with my free time.
I’d say being intentional is a year-round practice for the Berks residents featured in our retirement feature starting on page 33. They can absolutely teach us all a thing or two (or three!) about how to make the most of our time — from traveling to spending time with family, taking up a new hobby or volunteering to help others. And on page 20, our The Look feature showcases fall fashions found at retailers in the Greater Reading area. That’s right — it’s sweater weather!
We’d argue that any time of the year is great for enjoying brunch. Need a good spot to do it that may be new to you? Check out the Crooked Hen in Shillington. From their Ricotta Scrambled to Avocado Toast and Nutella Pancakes, they have both savory and sweet covered.
Don’t forget to pencil a few fall activities into your schedule. We have a list of some great local happenings starting on page 14.
Sincerely,
NIKKI M. MURRY
NMurry@BerksCountyLiving.com
She/Her/Hers Editor-in-Chief
Know a passionate animal advocate that resides in Berks?
We want to hear about them! Reach out to bcleditor@berkscountyliving.com and share their story with us.
STAFF SPEAKS
Explore with Us. Follow along on Instagram as we uncover local gems, enjoy delicious dishes and unveil fun Reels. Just search BCLMag. Are We Friends?
We’d love for you to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook! Find us at facebook.com/ BerksCountyLiving.
Facebook Follow. Learn more about Lagatta Bakery in Hamburg, featured in our Berks Bits section, by searching “Lagatta Bakery” on Facebook.
“An apple. I still can’t shake the childhood rumor that it might come with a razor blade garnish.”
Robyn L. Jones, publisher
“Any of those weird Harry Potter flavored jelly beans. That’s a trick, not a treat.”
Nikki M. Murry, editor
“Black licorice. That’s probably the only candy I don’t like. Other than that, I love candy!”
Elizabeth Beebe, account executive
“Two words: candy corn! Yuck!”
Sara Woodward, account executive
“Tootsie rolls. They’re too sticky and have zero flavor!”
Emily Smith, editorial assistant
“Lollipops or any other kinds of hard candy! The fact that I can’t chew them immediately really bothers me. Don’t even get me started on jawbreakers.”
Quynh Fisher, senior graphic designer
“Anything with nuts! Don’t forget non-food options for the allergy kids, please!”
Elaine Wyborski, design consultant
•
•
•
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ROLLING IN Pastry Perfection
Lagatta Bakery has become a hallmark of flavor since opening its doors in downtown Hamburg in July of 2024. The bakery offers a wide range of pastries and croissants crafted with high quality, locally sourced ingredients. Sweet flavors, from rich chocolate to sweet cheese and more, are offered daily. Specialty options, like Dubai strawberry chocolate, rotate to give customers new, indulgent selections. Lagatta’s savory bakes are perfect for a quick meal. Spinach and cheese pastries and ham and pineapple croissants are mouthwatering experiences — inspired by owner Andrea Restrepo’s time in Columbia. “My mom was a chef, but I went a different way,” says Restrepo. Experimenting in the kitchen alongside her mother and learning to create dough drew her to baking but with a unique approach to traditional pies and cakes. “It’s something different; it’s like a pastry-bakery. We do have breads, but we focus more on pastries and croissants,” says Restrepo. Lagatta’s Columbian coffee selections, from espressos to cappuccinos and specialty boba drinks, make the perfect pairing to their crispy croissants. For more info visit lagattabakery.com. EMILY SMITH
A COMPASSIONATE COMMUNITY FOR SENIORS
Offering four types of living styles, The Residence at Village Greens in Sinking Spring provides personalized services for aging adults. Independent care offers assistance with housekeeping and preparing meals but gives residents the freedom to set their schedules and move at their pace. Personal care gives residents a 24/7 care team. Memory care creates a comfortable, inclusive environment where those with memory challenges can feel at home. Respite care assists with post-operative adults looking to regain strength and mobility. A comprehensive activities schedule is crafted by residents themselves. Classes such as yoga, Pilates and walking clubs are available daily. Trips to casinos, shows and dinner theatres keep seniors social. Patio spaces and outdoor entertainment are great for maintaining a connection to nature. “We are a vibrant community that provides all your needs with a lot of heart and compassion. We have a phenomenal team of experts,” says Terri Sanelli, regional director of operations with Weathervane Senior Living. “Our motto is, ‘If we take great care of our team members, we will take care of you.’” For more info visit theresidenceatvillagegreens.com. EMILY SMITH
Coffee and Physical Media
Everlong Records, Hamburg, embraces vinyl and DVD formats, serving up vintage flare and diverse music. Rotating coffee selections make it the ultimate place to discover new tunes and enticing pick-me-ups. Co-owners Adam and Nicole Kunkelman were inspired by their love of music and film to open the borough’s first record store. “My big inspiration would be the lack of options, specifically physical media, vanishing from big box stores. So, we decided to open our own shop and do it,” says Adam. “We offer a little bit of everything. We cater to rock music, but we also have pop for Taylor Swift fans.” Everlong’s coffee bar also pays homage to classic films and albums. Drinks like “The Breakfast Club” brown sugar iced coffee or “Rosemary’s Baby” espresso create the perfect pairing of pop culture and caffeine. Seasonal flavors rotate monthly. “We’re trying to do something different than a standard record or movie store,” says Adam. “We want to tap into memories and create unique coffee drinks.” For more info, visit everlongrecords.squarespace.com.
EMILY SMITH
12 YEARS OF GUTS & GLORY
The 2025 Guts & Glory Digestive & Wellness Expo planned by My Gut Instinct sees its 12th iteration this year. Here’s what to know…
Mark your calendar.
The event is set for Oct. 4 (with a rain date of Oct. 5) from 11am to 3pm in Jim Dietrich Park, Muhlenberg Township. Stay tuned to mygutinstict.org for updates and more details.
All are welcome.
The all-ages event is free to attend and pet-friendly. Interested in health screenings? Those are offered at no charge as well! Healthy food and drinks will be available for sale.
Learn & have fun.
Enjoy expert lectures on nutrition, fitness and healthy living, a farmers and makers market, live, active demos, kids’ activities and a veggie race, info on alternative therapies and more!
Archives & Artifacts
BRINGING BERKS HISTORY TO LIFE
BY MARIAN FRANCES WOLBERS | PHOTOS COURTESY BERKS HISTORY CENTER
Like hundreds of such locations across the American landscape, what’s known today as the Berks History Center (BHC) originally started out as a “society.” Board President Fred Sheeler explains, “The Historical Society of Berks County was formed on September 8, 1869, for the purpose of ‘The education of the history of Berks County.’ Interestingly — and very rare at the time — the charter allowed for women to be full eligible members. Two of the charter members were J.G. Hawley, publisher of the Reading Eagle newspaper, and Charles Muhlenberg, a Reading attorney and a first lieutenant during the Civil War. The collections were housed at various locations until the present Museum was constructed in 1928 at the southeast corner of Centre Avenue and Spring Street.”
He adds, “In 1988, an addition was built on the rear of the building to house a growing library collection, and a second building was purchased in 2005 from M&T Bank directly behind the Museum. That’s now the Henry Janssen Library while the
Museum building is now known as the Berks History Center.”
Anniversary Ahead
The Center has high hopes and big plans to boost membership for the future, especially to mark a major celebration — the 275th anniversary of the founding of Berks County next year, 20262027. Says Sheeler, “We foresee an increased membership base as being our number one priority to continue our work of preserving and interpreting Berks County’s history for many generations to come.” Expect to see more interactive exhibits as the Museum partners with NeoPangea, an international digital media and design firm in West Reading. Think holograms, automation and audiovisual
WEB EXCLUSIVE
Get updated on upcoming history events!
additions “to bring Berks history to life,” as Sheeler says.
As for the Library: it’s already being digitized, says Sheeler, “first with the conversion of thousands of rolls of microfilm to computerized images; then the index files will be converted to a format easily searched online, allowing our Library assets to be accessed remotely from anywhere.”
Of course, forward motion calls for focus, energy and resources from everyone, anywhere, who cares about Berks County and its unique role in “The Big Picture” of America. Curator Amber Vroman reminds all that the Center “offers a window into the broader American narrative through the lens of our unique and diverse region. The BHC’s collection doesn’t just preserve history. It helps us
understand where we came from, where we are currently, and it inspires our futures.” She continues, “I oversee a museum collection of more than 20,000 objects, artworks and artifacts, each helping to tell the story of this region. Complementing the Museum, the Henry Janssen Library serves as a rich archive of centuries-old documents, photographs, genealogical records and more.”
940 Centre Avenue, Reading berkshistory.org
Fun Facts
Fireproof.
“There is very little wood in the Museum building,” says Sheeler, “with the elaborate door and window trim being made of metal and ornamental plaster.” It has “fireproof masonry from the foundations to the pitched roof being entirely made of concrete.”
Innovative.
“On Oct. 17 and 18, the BHC will have its first-ever Native American Film Fest, and on Nov. 21 and 22, an event focused on photojournalism over the past 50 years,” says Vicky Hefner, Education Curator.
John Yamrus POET
BY MARIAN FRANCES WOLBERS
PHOTO BY JOHN A. SECOGES, SECOGES PHOTOGRAPHICS
The word “prolific” under-describes poet John Yamrus of Sinking Spring. With some 43 published books, Yamrus is remarkable for his tenacity, daily devotion to writing and observations of life, recording memories and piquing the interest of readers. “I’ve always made it a point to try to write every day,” he says.
Q:A recent book of yours is called Don’t Shoot the Messenger: Just Give Him a Good Place to Hide. Why this title?
You know, people talk about poetry like it’s some mystical thing. I don’t look at it that way. I see myself as a poet first and a reporter second: I report what I see and what I feel. So, in Don’t Shoot the Messenger, I’m just telling what I see!
Q: When did this writing journey begin in earnest?
I started writing because back in school I was too short for the basketball team, too small for the football team, and it was the only way I could get attention from the girls. I found out that the better I wrote, the prettier my choice of girls got. So, I got good
real quick… (He laughs.) My wife and I are celebrating our 50th anniversary this year. How lucky am I?! But — about writing… When I started out, I wanted to be another Jack Kerouac, to be a fancy novelist. I did have two novels published early in my career, and the only good thing they did for me was teach me that I’m not a novelist, that I’m a sprinter and not a longdistance runner. I learned that poetry is what I’m good at.
Q: The streets in your memoirs — was that in Reading?
No, I grew up in coal country, on Oliver Street in Wilkes Barre. But when I write about streets or about trees, readers relate to streets and trees in their own lives. There’s a tree in every town and neighborhood... We’ve been here since 1975; I moved to be a manager in a shirt store at the Berkshire Mall.
Q: What is one poem you especially like?
what the room looked like, everything. But I realized all of a sudden that the reader and their imagination could describe or imagine 10 times better than I could describe. Once I realized that the reader was on this journey with me, that it was a two-way thing, I could use the reader’s imagination as another tool in my bag. That was a big help for me.
Learn More
Music.
You know, people talk about poetry like it’s some mystical thing. I don’t look at it that way. I see myself as a poet first and a reporter second: I report what I see and what I feel.
Here’s one: “write a poem about THAT,” / she / said, / sitting / on the edge / of the / bed, / smiling.
After 20 books, this one short poem was my “A-ha!” moment. The clouds parted for me when I wrote this one particular poem. Previous to that, I would have continued to describe what “that” was,
I love really obscure rock ’n roll, the early days of rockabilly and jazz. I have 164 Miles Davis albums.
Color.
I think of myself as navy blue. I’ve always been a jeans person. I think of myself as a lunch pail type of guy.
HAVE A DRINK WITH HELEN CLINTON
Helen Clinton has been bartending at Sly Fox Wyomissing for a little under a year and has been a server for more than 4 years.
5. Enjoy! Toasted
Ingredients
- 2 ounces tequila
- 1-ounce triple sec
- ¾-ounce lime juice
- ¾-ounce toasted coconut syrup
- ¾-ounce cream of coconut
- Rim: toasted coconut, brown sugar & lime zest
Tools Needed:
- cocktail shaker - ice - strainer
Instructions
1. Combine the tequila, triple sec, lime juice, toasted coconut syrup and cream of coconut into shaker with ice.
2. Rim glass with your toasted coconut/brown sugar/lime zest blend.
3. Shake, shake, shake – that shaker!
4. Strain liquid into a fresh glass with ice.
Pair it with… pineapple pork tacos without a doubt! The fresh Pico and citrus from the pork marinated in pineapple create an amazing flavor profile that is perfectly complemented with the pop of lime from this margarita.
Coconut Margarita
THOUGHTS FROM GRCA
The Evolution of TAB Industries
BY BELL MEDIA GROUP & GRCA MARKETING TEAM | PHOTO BY LAUREN ADELE LITTLE PHOTOGRAPHY
Sometimes the best innovations come from the most unexpected places. For TAB Industries, that moment of inspiration struck while watching farmers wrap hay bales in a field. What began as a simple observation would eventually transform a fledgling distribution business into a global manufacturing success story. This family-owned metal fabrication company has weathered recessions, navigated a global pandemic and adapted to an ever-changing economic landscape — all while maintaining the close-knit culture that defines their approach to business. Join us as we explore how the Brizek family turned a packaging problem into a revolutionary product, built a company that treats every employee like family and demonstrated that sometimes the biggest breakthroughs come from simply paying attention to the world around you.
The Story Behind TAB Industries
TAB Industries’ journey began in 2005 when Tom Brizek and his wife started distributing steel doors and frames from a modest 2,000-squarefoot garage. A California-based company had approached Tom, recognizing his experience in the door hardware industry and seeking someone to expand its East Coast presence.
“At the time, we were only doing maybe one to 20 doors a week, which you couldn’t build a livelihood on,” he explains. Drawing on his manufacturing background, the company began brokering manufacturing jobs for customers, creating a dual revenue stream that solidified their growth.
As both sides of the business expanded, TAB quickly outgrew its garage and moved to an 8,000-square-foot facility, then to 11,000 square feet in Goodville. Each move represented not just growth but a response to evolving times and needs. The company was learning to adapt, to diversify and to identify opportunities where others saw obstacles.
Today, TAB Industries operates from a facility that houses not just manufacturing equipment but a complete ecosystem of capabilities — from
engineering and design to quality control and shipping. What started as a distribution business has evolved into a comprehensive solutions provider, with its proprietary TAB Wrapper now representing 65-75 percent of its revenue, manufacturing about 25 percent.
And today? Its original door distribution business represents just 5 percent of TAB’s revenue a dramatic shift that reflects both the company’s willingness to embrace change and the necessity of adaptation for long-term survival. Rather than clinging only to its founding product line, TAB recognized that business resilience often comes from identifying new opportunities — and being brave enough to chase them.
Upcoming Event
Join GRCA for its annual Manufacturing Summit on Oct. 29 from 8am to Noon. Visit greaterreading.org/mfg25 to register.
MOZART: EINE KLEINE NACHT
AMY WARD BUTLER PLAYS ELGAR
Mozart Eine kleine Nachtmusik
Elgar Cello Concerto
Brahms Symphony No. 2
SINGLE
October
25
TRICK OR TREAT AT THE MUSEUM
Bring the kids for a morning of Halloween fun at the Reading Public Museum. Scavenger hunts, craft stations and goodie bags are just some of the fun activities available. Adult members enter free; kids’ admission is $3. Visit readingpublicmuseum.org for more info.
9-11am | Reading Public Museum | Reading
25 & 26
75 TH ANNUAL
JURIED HOLIDAY FINE
ART & CRAFT FESTIVAL
Get a head start on holiday shopping with the Reading-Berks Guild of Craftsmen. See what more than 75 local artisans and craft makers around Berks can create. Tickets: $6. Children 12 and under: free. Visit rbcrafts.org for more info.
Sat: 9am-5pm | Sun: 10am-3pm O’Pake Fieldhouse | Kutztown University
25
ART FOR ARF’S SAKE AUCTION
Support Humane Pennsylvania with a spine-chilling night of art and memorabilia auctioning to help save animals in need. Live, silent and online auctions will be running, all themed around horror films and spooky ambiance. Visit humanepa.org for more info.
Doors: 5:30pm | Blank Canvas Event Venue Reading
WHAT WHERE COMPILED
11
12
APPLE FESTIVAL & FLEA MARKET
Apple pancakes, cider, fritters, dumplings, pies and more are ready to tantalize your taste buds at the Hay Creek Apple Festival. Craft vendors and a scarecrow-making booth make this the perfect autumn weekend. Visit haycreek.org for more info.
Sat: 7am-5pm | Sun: 7am-3pm | Hay Creek Valley Historical Association, Morgantown
THE VAMPIRE CIRCUS
Enter if you dare and watch the amazing talents of Cirque Du Soleil acrobats and performers. This show combines the themes of Tim Burton and Count Dracula, making it the perfect spooktacular evening. Tickets start at $39.75. Visit santander-arena.com for more info.
7:30pm | Santander Performing Arts Center Reading
Performing Artists Series
All performances at 7:30 pm
Shamilton! - The Improvised Parody Musical!
BENEFITS
Tuesday, October 8, 2024
Oct. 4
Don’t Stop Believin’ The Journey Tribute by E5C4P3
Performing Artists Series
Thursday, October 24, 2024
Casa Berks Gala Of Light 2025
Mandy Gonzalez - Home for the Holidays
Friday, December 6, 2024
The Kenny Rogers Band featuring Don Gatlin
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Celebrate CASA of Berks County’s 10 th anniversary with an unforgettable evening out that will honor the organization’s past, its commitment to the future and be a powerful reminder that every child deserves an advocate. For tickets and more info visit casaberks.org.
Family Series
All performances at 2:00 pm
5-8:30pm | Building 24 | Wyomissing
Pinkalicious The Musical
Oct. 9
Sunday, November 17, 2024
Dine In The Dark 2025
Puppy Pals LIVE!
Sunday, February 2, 2025
Dine and help support the ongoing need for blind and low vision awareness within the community and support the Vision Resource Center of Berks County. Proper attire required — business casual. For tickets and more info visit vrcberks.org/ dine-in-the-dark.
6-9pm | Berkshire Country Club | Reading
Oct. 10
Mary’s Shelter 3rd Annual Casino Night
Celebrate Mary’s Shelter’s 30th anniversary with fun games for a good cause. For tickets and more info visit eventbrite.com/ e/marys-shelter-3rd-annual-casino-nighttickets-1321669181099.
6-9:30pm | Redner’s Event Center Reading
CLASSICAL MUSIC
Oct. 25
Music In C
Berks Sinfonietta is excited to perform a symphony of music in C minor and C major. The concert will explore works by Louise Farrenc, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and George Frideric Handel. Tickets: $25. Visit berkssinfonietta.org for more info.
7:30pm | Atonement Lutheran Church Wyomissing
Family Series
corn
THIS MONTH
CONCERTS AND NIGHTLIFE
Oct. 15
Naturally 7
These R&B and Gospel-inspired vocalists have captivated audiences with a signature style called “Vocal Play,” where their voices create the impression of a real band. Fans of a cappella music will delight in this breathtaking performance. Tickets: $45. Visit millercenter.racc.edu for more info.
7pm | Miller Center for the Arts | Reading
Oct. 18
Yellow Brick Joel
Fans of iconic performers Billy Joel and Elton John will love this tribute hosted by David Clark and Bill Connors. Hits like Rocket Man and Piano Man are just some of the classics that will be featured. Tickets start at $35. Visit santander-arena.com for more info.
Doors open 6:30pm | Santander Performing Arts Center | Reading
Oct. 26
Marachi Herencia De México
Two-time Latin Grammy-nominee Mariachi Herencia de México pushes the boundaries of traditional mariachi music. For tickets and more info visit kutztownpresents.org/mariachi.
4pm | Schaeffer Auditorium Kutztown University
FESTIVALS
Saturdays in October
Fall Festivals At Weaver’s Orchard
Fun for the whole family includes hayrides, barrel train rides, face painting, giant tube slides, duck races, live entertainment, a petting zoo, corn maze, delicious eats, pick-your-own and more. For more info visit weaversorchard.com.
10am-5pm | Weaver’s Orchard Morgantown
Oct. 9-12
11th Annual Reading Filmfest
Experience a weekend of independent films and filmmakers from around the globe. From animation, AI and science fiction to comedy, romance and more there’s something for everyone. For a schedule, tickets and more info visit readingfilmfest.com.
Various locations in Berks County
Oct. 10-12
Haunted Hollow & Family Fun Fest
Looking for something spooky to do this weekend? Check out Jim Dietrich Park and take a haunted hayride or journey through a haunted barn. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase. Visit muhlenbergtwp.com for more info.
Check for times | Jim Dietrich Park | Reading
Oct. 11
Fall Market Festival
Satisfy your taste buds with this year’s Fall Market Festival. Food vendors offering everything from soft pretzels and fried veggies to baked goods and kettle corn are just some of the delicious food options. Kids' activities and hayrides are also available for extra family fun. Visit leesportmarket.com for more info.
10am-5pm | Leesport Farmers Market
Oct. 12
GoggleWorks’ Annual Pumpkin Palooza
Celebrate all that fall has to offer with this free event for families. From arts and crafts to games and face painting, there is a lot of fun to be had at this outdoor extravaganza. Visit goggleworks.org for more info.
11am-3pm
Saturdays through Nov. 22
Autumn Cider And Donuts Express
Sail across the Secret Valley this fall with Colebrookdale Railroad. Entice your senses with delicious apple cider and donuts while surrounded by the ever-changing fall foliage. Visit colebrookdalerailroad.com for more info.
10am | Colebrookdale Railroad | Boyertown
Fridays & Saturdays through Nov. 23
Autumn Splendor - Dinner In Dining Class
The perfect date night awaits this fall with a fantastic display of changing leaves and a dinner experience you’ll never forget. Meals are served in the dining car, lounge car and beaver car. Visit colebrookdalerailroad.com for more info.
6pm | Colebrookdale Railroad | Boyertown
Oct. 4
My Gut Instinct’s 12th Annual Guts And Glory Digestive And Wellness Expo
Learn how to enhance your wellness routine with a farmers market, educational sessions, health screenings and more, all in one interactive event. Bring the family for yoga, fitness zones, food trucks and a live DJ. Visit mygutinstinct.org/guts-glory for more info.
11am-3pm | Jim Dietrich Park | Reading
Oct. 19
Hawk Mountain Trick Or Treat Trail
Get your costume ready for an outdoor adventure the whole family will love. The ADA accessible trail and Wings of Wonder Gallery will have a variety of wild animals to learn about and explore. Prizes will be given out for Best Group Costume, Best Bird Costume and Best Non-Bird Costume. Registration required. Tickets: $15. Visit hawkmountain.org for more info.
1-3:30pm | Hawk Mountain Visitor Center Kempton
SPORTS
Oct.
4
Boyertown Rotary Fall Frolic 5k
Support the “BsTrong” scholarship fund for two local high school students and race through scenic Boyertown. A long-sleeved unisex t-shirt is available for those who pre-register. Event held rain or shine. Visit pretzelcitysports.com for more info.
8:30am | Boyertown Community Park
Oct. 19
Reading Hospital Road Run
Event distances include a half marathon, 5K race and 1-mile fun run/walk. Benefits The Friends of Reading Hospital. For more info and to register visit rhroadrun.com.
Reading Hospital | Reading
THEATRE AND DANCE
Oct. 3-12
The Shark Is Broken
Get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to film a blockbuster but with temperamental stars and an impossible prop — a gigantic shark. Jaws fans will love the comedic Genesius spinoff of this classic. Visit genesiusdifference.org for more info.
Genesius Theatre | Reading
WINE/TASTINGS
Oct. 4 & 5, 11 & 12
Pairing With Purpose
Sip for a cause. Each ticket you purchase helps support Helping Harvest Food Bank. A portion of every ticket sold will go to the food bank, and each participating winery will also collect canned goods and non-perishable items. Taste, toast and make a difference. For more info visit berkscountywinetrail.com.
Berks County Wine Trail Wineries
Oct. 4
Temple Halloween Parade
Featuring over 70 groups, the parade includes bands, car groups, fire companies, business floats, costumed groups of all sizes and youth organizations. Rain date: Oct. 5 at 4pm. For more info visit muhlenbergtwp. com/434/Temple-Halloween-Parade.
6pm | beginning at Muhlenberg Elementary Center | Temple
Oct. 25
King Frost Parade
Enjoy festive floats that celebrate Halloween, the coming of winter and see masqueraders, Santa, local marching bands and more. For more info visit the "King Frost Parade" Facebook page.
7pm | Downtown Hamburg
OCTOBER 4-5 & OCTOBER 11-12 $12 PRE SALE / $18 DOOR TICKETS ARE GOOD FOR ALL FOUR DAYS!
October is PA Wine Month! Enjoy self-guided tours at area wineries complete with fabulous pairings of local wine, artisanal cheeses and harvest-themed delights at the following locations: A portion of every ticket sold will be donated directly to Helping Harvest, and each participating winery will
Long Trout Winery • Manatawny Creek Winery Ridgewood Winery • Setter Ridge Vineyards Stonekeep Meadery • Stoudt’s Winery
LOOK
FASHION FORECAST FA L L
BY HEATHER BAVER
Prep for crisp, fall days and set yourself up for months of fashion success. Mix in a new jacket, dress or shirt, add in fresh accessories and give your enduring favorites a completely new look. You’ll be excited to build all kinds of outfits with these revitalizing options from Berks-based retailers.
UPCYCLED ARTISTRY
Jacket or sweater? You can have both with this upcycled jean jacket. Rebecca Botvin hand knits bobble-stitched sleeves and adds a colorful tapestry on the back. Handembroidered accents along the collar and pocket edges add vibrant detail, making this bespoke jacket a conversation starter.
Altered Denim Jacket
$100-$180
Becca Bee Designs
ESSENTIAL CLASSIC
Trends may come and go, but straight leg jeans prevail. With their soft, lighter-wash denim, these jeans will quickly become your go-to pair. Wear them with a white tee and mix in a chunky knit sweater, leather jacket or tailored blazer for timeless style.
Z Supply Billie
Straight Leg Jeans | $128
Bella Jules Boutique
COZY TO THE MAX
Celebrate the arrival of sweater weather with a versatile cardigan. The classic knitted exterior opens to reveal a plush fleece lining in a fun checkered pattern. Zip it up for added warmth or wear it open for a more relaxed style that shows off your shirt.
Gioberti Men’s Cardigan Sweater | $46.99 | Kohl’s
5 4
ELEGANT CARRY
Give yourself plenty of storage when you’re on the move. Faux croc leather gives this roomy tote delightful texture, and the deep espresso shade complements every ensemble. Pair it with a stylish blazer and pants or jeans and a colorful sweater.
Upstage the changing leaves with a burst of vivid color. This stunning dress features a lively pattern in red-orange and golden yellow hues. An elastic waistband and cuffs offer a comfortable fit. Pair it with knee-high boots and a fedora for headturning style.
Multiples Dress | NWT | XS $36.99 | From The Heart Consignment Shop
BUTTON-DOWN CHIC
Make this shirtdress the foundation of multiple looks. Pair with ballet flats on warmer days and layer up with tights and boots as it gets cooler. The sage green hue is perfect for fall, and the tie belt comfortably accentuates your waist.
Maxi Dress | $35 | The Mint Leaf
OUTDOOR ADVENTURER
Take a stroll and check out the fall foliage. This faux shearling coat is super soft, and the notched collar pairs perfectly with your favorite scarves. The elegant boots have a cushy insole and convenient zippers so you can step out with elegance and comfort.
Embrace sustainability in the coolest way possible. Made by Rebecca Botvin, upcycled 100 percent cotton graphic t-shirts and cotton flannel shirts are sewn together so you can achieve a layered look in one cozy shirt. Stand out from the crowd with one-of-a-kind style.
Upcycled Flannel T-shirt | $54
Becca Bee Designs
STACK UP STYLE
Add a colorful splash to any outfit. These beaded bracelets come in a rainbow of hues and include gleaming gold beads for extra shine. Whether you’re headed to school, work or hanging out on the weekend, create different vibes as you experiment with stacked combinations.
Enewton Bracelets | $16-$92
Bella Jules Boutique
POLISHED SOPHISTICATION
Enjoy the luxurious feel of satin. This sleek button-down shirt will amp up your outfit’s wow factor. Pair this eye-catching floral with black pants or a pencil skirt for an office-ready look. Or wear it with dark-wash denim for a classy yet causal style.
Rachel Zoe Blouse | $19.99
From The Heart Consignment Shop
PERFECT PLEATS
Dress up in denim. This midi dress is perfect for multiple seasons as well as autumn’s sometimes fickle temps. The pleated waist creates a gorgeous silhouette. Colorful accessories, like a vibrant bag or statement necklace, will really pop against the deep indigo hue. Pleated Denim Midi Dress
11
$102 | Andrea Folino Boutique and Sangria Bar
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
Taste an assortment of uniquely delicious beer. Oakbrook’s flight includes Mascarada Dorada, an imperial blond stout, and Besito Tropical, a tangy fruited sour. Their JNKM dark lager and X101 Nube Naranja, a double NE Hazy IPA, complete the foursome. Enjoy these different styles, all paired with Oakbrook’s delectable Mexican cuisine.
Four-beer flight | contact for pricing Oakbrook Brewing Company 628 Park Avenue | Reading | 610.781.2021 oakbrookbrewing.com
Time-honored Tradition.
Savor the historic taste of beer brewed over a wood fire. Detwiler’s Golden Ale has notes of honey, stone fruit, toffee and butterscotch. Enjoy the combo of sweet, bitter and malty flavors. Made from PA-grown malted barley and oats and U.S.-grown cluster hops, this caskconditioned beer delights your taste buds.
Golden Ale | $6 for an Imperial Pint (20oz.) Detwiler Brewing | available at Stampede BBQ 4372 Morgantown Rd. | Mohnton 610.401.0900 | stampedebbq.com
LOCAL BREWS
BY HEATHER BAVER
Raise a glass to local ingenuity. Berks County’s craft breweries have a diverse range of offerings, guaranteed to delight all kinds of tastes. Get together with fellow beer afficionados to experience different styles, brewing techniques and fun flavors. Discover new favorites when you sample these tasty options from local brewers.
Artistic Recognition.
Indulge your fandom for hops and fruit. Strata, Mosaic and Citra hops take center stage in this Hidden River double IPA. This beer contains tantalizing notes of lychee, nectarine and red grape with a zing of piney and tangerine flavors. Captivating can artwork reproduces the brewery’s signature John Gwinn painting.
The Satyr Double IPA, 7.8% ABV | contact for pricing | Hidden River Brewing Company 1808 W. Schuylkill Rd. | Douglassville 484.798.8065 | hiddenriverbrewing.com
Spice It Up.
Sip your favorite fall flavors in one warming, savory brew. Saucony Creek’s imperial pumpkin ale includes roasted butternut squash, maple syrup and pirate rum spices to kick things up a notch. Revel in the cooler weather by a crackling fire while you relish this blend of sweet and spicy flavors.
Maple Mistress Imperial Pumpkin Ale, 10% ABV, 12 oz. 4-pack | $16 | Saucony Creek Brewing Company + Gastropub | 15032 Kutztown Rd. Kutztown | 610.683.3128 | sauconybeer.com
Hometown Pride.
Celebrate Boyertown with a beer that pays homage to their beloved bear mascots. Made for hop enthusiasts, this double IPA includes Pilgrim, Millennium, Styrian and Cascade hops and is dry hopped with Amarillo hops. You’ll relish the delightfully bitter taste of this West Coast-style IPA with East Coast-style flavors.
What’s With All the Bears? DIPA, 8.2% ABV, 12 oz. | $6 | The Other Farm Brewing Company | 128 E. Philadelphia Avenue | Boyertown | 484.415.0741 theotherfarmbrewingcompany.com
From luxurious spas to trend-setting salons and more, Berks County is home to an abundance of pampering places. In this section, we’re showcasing the top spots where you can relax, rejuvenate and revamp your style. Whether you’re looking for a fresh cut, a calming massage or a full-on spa retreat, these local gems are redefining self-care. Ready to treat yourself? Start reading to discover your perfect match.
Lords & Ladies Salon and Medical Spa
4 locations in Berks, 3 locations in Montgomery County 1.844.725.6655 | llsalons.com
For 40+ years, Lords & Ladies has been a pillar of the Berks County community, offering high-quality professional products and unparalleled services. With seven salon and spa locations, more than 250 service providers and appointments available seven days a week, Lords & Ladies is a one-stop shop for hair, nails and skin for the whole family. Schedule your visit today!
Confidence starts here. At Omnia Integrative Health & MedSpa, you’ll find
where
care meets a personal touch. From
and collagen stimulation to IV therapy, red light and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, treatments are tailored to your goals. With added support like hormone
and weight management, Omnia helps you look and feel your best — refreshed, renewed and ready to shine.
Grace & Grit Beyond Beauty
720 Penn Avenue, West Reading 484.663.3476
graceandgritbeyondbeauty.com
Hair loss is deeply personal, and at Grace & Grit, we understand it because we live it. Founder Amy Ames, a daily wig wearer, knows the challenges and the confidence that comes when you finally feel like you again.
That’s why we offer more than wigs; we offer education, care and solutions you can trust. Discover our collection of luxury human hair wigs and toppers, both new and gently loved. Private styling sessions help perfect your look, and our Wash & Refresh Service keeps your piece looking its best.
Step into our boutique and you’ll also find accessories, jewelry and gifts chosen to inspire confidence and style.
At Grace & Grit, we believe that when every woman looks in the mirror, she deserves to see herself again — without the frustration, without the guesswork and with confidence.
Baja Beach Wellness
Locations in Sinking Spring, Wyomissing, Laureldale & Exeter bajabeachwellness.com
Ready to slim, tone and feel amazing? Lipo Light Body Sculpting at Baja Beach Wellness delivers visible results in as little as 3–4 weeks. Enjoy an exclusive mix of wellness services you won’t find anywhere else under one roof. Our caring team makes your wellness journey simple, supportive and, most importantly, successful.
3317 Penn Avenue, West Lawn 484.709.1177 | readingderm.com
Amy Hendrix, CRNP, and her team of skin care specialists at Reading Dermatology’s cosmetic center provide personalized, medically-based skin care plans designed to deliver noticeable results to look and feel your absolute best. Experience the latest cutting-edge services, including Botox®, dermal fillers, chemical peels, HydraFacial®, Medi-Infusion treatments, microneedling, laser procedures and more. You’ll see the difference — and feel it, too. Find out more at readingderm.com.
DeMay Spa
341 N. 10th Avenue, Unit 103, Royersford 610.255.2195 demayspa.com
DeMay provides the unique destination spa feel in a local setting. We provide truly relaxing and therapeutic massages, facials, body treatments and more. From corporate events or small groups to a private escape for you, DeMay is here to create the optimal oasis you need. With day, evening and weekend hours, we are able to accommodate every schedule.
United Artists Salon & Spa is a team of professionals who value building relationships with our guests. We appreciate the trust and loyalty of our current guests. New guests are always welcome. Complimentary consultations are available for all of our services. We love what we do and enjoy making you look and feel your best.
in
lash
and brows! Whether you’re looking for a relaxing spa day or some well-deserved pampering, our talented team has years of experience and will totally spoil you, making sure you leave looking and feeling fabulous!
TOP DOCTORS 2025
With over 30 years’ experience researching, reviewing and selecting Top Doctors, Castle Connolly is a trusted and credible healthcare research and information company. Our mission is to help people find the best healthcare by connecting patients with best-in-class healthcare providers.
Castle Connolly’s physician-led team of researchers follows a rigorous screening process to select top doctors on both the national and regional levels. Its online nomination process is open to all licensed physicians in America who are able to nominate physicians in any medical specialty and in any part of the country as well as indicate whether the nominated physician(s) is, in their opinion, among the best in their region in their medical specialty or among the best in the nation in their medical specialty. Then, Castle Connolly’s research team thoroughly vets each physician’s professional qualifications, education, hospital and faculty appointments, research leadership, professional reputation, disciplinary history and, if available, outcomes data. Additionally, a physician’s interpersonal skills, such as listening and communicating effectively,
demonstrating empathy and instilling trust and confidence, are also considered in the review process. The Castle Connolly Doctor Directory is the largest network of peernominated physicians in the nation.
Physicians selected for inclusion in this magazine’s Top Doctors feature may also appear online at castleconnolly.com or in conjunction with other Castle Connolly Top Doctors databases online and/or in print.
Castle Connolly is part of Everyday Health Group, a recognized leader in patient and provider education attracting an engaged audience of over 82 million health consumers and over 900,000 U.S. practicing physicians and clinicians to its premier health and wellness digital properties. Our mission is to drive better clinical and health outcomes through decision-making informed by highly relevant information, data and analytics. We empower healthcare providers and consumers with trusted content and services delivered through Everyday Health Group’s world-class brands.
For more information, please visit
P. Kurt Bamberger Surgery
Christie Ganas, MD Obstetrics & Gynecology
Haiping Mei, MD Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Renee Riddle, MD Pediatric Bariatrics
Michael Brown, MD Surgery
Jared Green, DO Cardiovascular Disease
Rohinton Morris, MD Cardiothoracic Surgery
Cynthia Schadder, MD Pediatrics
Kelley Crozier, MD Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Joelle Lauchner, DO Internal Medicine
Ilana Rachshtut, MD Family Medicine
Lorie Ulmer, MD Pediatrics
Paul Brockman, MD Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Ann-Johanna Giaccone, MD Pediatrics
Holly Metzgar, DO Obstetrics & Gynecology
David Sacks, MD Interventional & Diagnostic Radiology
SAINT JOSEPH CANCER CENTER 2494 Bernville Rd., Ste. G04, Reading 610.378.2117
OPHTHALMOLOGY
Adam J. Altman , MD EYE CONSULTANTS OF PENNSYLVANIA, PC 1 Granite Point Dr., Ste. 100, Wyomissing 610.378.1344
Neil Chesen , MD CHESEN LASER EYE CENTER 301 Penn Avenue, West Reading 610.372.2222
Brian K. Reedy, MD PLASTIC SURGERY
David S.
Goldberg , MD, FAAP
EYE CONSULTANTS OF PENNSYLVANIA, PC
1 Granite Point Dr., Ste. 100, Wyomissing 610.378.1344
Abhishek K. Nemani , MD
EYE CONSULTANTS OF PENNSYLVANIA, PC
1 Granite Point Dr., Ste. 100, Wyomissing 610.378.1344
Jonathan D. Primack , MD
EYE CONSULTANTS OF PENNSYLVANIA, PC
1 Granite Point Dr., Ste. 100, Wyomissing 610.378.1344
Michael P. Smith , MD
EYE CONSULTANTS OF PENNSYLVANIA, PC
1 Granite Point Dr., Ste. 100, Wyomissing 610.378.1344
Berks Plastic Surgery, Dermatology & Medspa
Congratulations to our physician named a “Top Doctor!”
2024
For the third consecutive year, Reading plastic surgeon Dr. Brian K. Reedy has been named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor. This designation is reserved for the top 7 percent of physicians in the nation who excel not only in their medical skill and qualifications but also in their patient-focused approach, as determined by fellow physicians.
The Castle Connolly Top Doctor list encompasses doctors from all major specialties and in all 50 states. Earning the distinction is no small feat as the organization has exceptionally high standards for its evaluations, including peer nominations, an extensive screening process and thorough review of physician training, credentials, disciplinary records and hospital affiliations.
As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Reedy performs a full range of plastic surgery procedures, offering patients thorough concern-based consultations to discuss their goals and procedure options.
Within the practice, Dr. Reedy oversees a highly qualified team of dermatology providers, nurses and aestheticians. You can maintain your Botox ® , enjoy a relaxing and clarifying facial and even receive annual skin checks — all under one roof.
TOWER HEALTH MEDICAL GROUP NEONATOLOGY 420 S. 5 th Avenue, West Reading 484.628.8000
Clear, Confident Skin Starts Here
Congratulations to our physician named a “Top Doctor!”
Jennifer Mueller DERMATOLOGY
Dr. Jennifer Mueller is a board-certified dermatologist with more than 15 years of experience. As owner of Clear Dermatology, she offers many treatments, including complete skin examinations, Botox, Juvéderm, laser therapy, pediatric dermatology and treatment for acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, hair loss solutions and much more. In Dr. Mueller’s own words, “At Clear Dermatology, we have a deep appreciation for the skin’s amazing capabilities and what it
reveals about the body from within. With our expertise in medical, cosmetic and surgical dermatology, we can help you look and feel your best at any age — and most importantly, to be healthy and confident in the skin that you’re in.”
4906 Penn Avenue, Ste. 202, Sinking Spring 610.484.3761 | mycleardermatology.com
2101 State Hill Rd., Ste. 6, Wyomissing 484.628.7540
Desiree M. Webb , MD
PENN STATE HEALTH –ALL ABOUT CHILDREN 655 Walnut St., West Reading 610.372.9222 PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATION
Paul S. Brockman, MD
TOWER HEALTH MEDICAL GROUP PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATION
2802 Papermill Rd., Wyomissing 484.628.2778
Kelley S. Crozier, MD
TOWER HEALTH MEDICAL GROUP PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATION
2802 Papermill Rd., Wyomissing 484.628.2778
Haiping Mei , MD
TOWER HEALTH MEDICAL GROUP PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATION
2802 Papermill Rd., Wyomissing 484.628.2778
PLASTIC SURGERY
Brian K. Reedy, MD
BERKS PLASTIC SURGERY
50 Commerce Dr., Wyomissing 610.320.0200
PULMONARY DISEASE
James N. Kim , MD, FCCP
BERKS SCHUYLKILL RESPIRATORY SPECIALISTS LTD.
2608 Keiser Blvd., Wyomissing 610.685.5864
Sajjad H. Shah , MD, FCCP
BERKS SCHUYLKILL RESPIRATORY SPECIALISTS LTD.
2608 Keiser Blvd., Wyomissing 610.685.5864
RADIATION ONCOLOGY
Michael L. Haas , MD
MCGLINN CANCER INSTITUTE 420 S. 5 th Avenue, West Reading 484.628.8067
REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY/ INFERTILITY
Shahab S. Minassian , MD
MAIN LINE FERTILITY 2210 Ridgewood Rd., Wyomissing 484.258.2880
SURGERY
P. Kurt Bamberger, MD
TOWER HEALTH MEDICAL GROUP, GENERAL SURGERY
301 S. 7 th Avenue, Ste. 305, West Reading 484.628.1123
Thomas C. Beetel , MD, FACS
SPRING RIDGE SURGICAL ASSOCIATES 2758 Century Blvd., Ste. 1, Wyomissing 610.375.0500
Michael T. Brown , MD, FACS
TOWER HEALTH MEDICAL GROUP BREAST HEALTH CENTER 2610 Keiser Blvd., Wyomissing 484.750.3950
THORACIC & CARDIAC SURGERY
Rohinton J. Morris , MD
CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY
TOWER HEALTH MEDICAL GROUP
301 S. 7 th Avenue, Ste. 1120, West Reading 484.628.0580
UROLOGY
Constantine F. Harris , MD, MS, FACS CENTER FOR UROLOGIC CARE OF BERKS COUNTY 1320 Broadcasting Rd., Ste. 200, Wyomissing 610.372.8995
Shawn E. White, MD, FACS CENTER FOR UROLOGIC CARE OF BERKS COUNTY 1320 Broadcasting Rd., Ste. 200, Wyomissing 610.372.8995
VASCULAR & INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY
David Sacks , MD
READING HEALTH SYSTEM
420 S. 5 th Avenue, West Reading 484.628.8059
Whether you’re looking for vibrant Independent Living with opportunities to engage, explore, and thrive, 24/7 Personal Care that is thoughtfully tailored to each individual’s needs, or secure, welcoming and compassionate Memory Care, The Residence at Village Greens and The Residence at Boyertown are here to help your loved one make the most of their next chaper. We invite you to discover everything we have to
EverTrue Lutheran Home at Topton Cottages
Professional retirement has long signified an ending, but an increasing number of Americans living longer, healthier lives are treating it as a new beginning. Here is a look at Berks Countians who are keeping full schedules despite being done with full-time work.
RE TIRED inspired
BY JON FASSNACHT
| PHOTOS BY HEIDI REUTER
Retirement
is Not an Age
Wendy Kerschner retired in 2021 at the young age of 47. She did so because her dad never had the opportunity.
ENDY Kerschner W
“My father passed away in 2011 at the age of 63, and his father before him passed away at the age of 62,” the Adamstown resident says. “So, my dad never retired. And while he experienced different joys in his life, that was a heavy effect on me.”
Kershner, who ended her varied career in sales working in geriatrics, also drew inspiration from her final professional job. She realized she didn’t want to waste her good days.
To allow her and her husband to retire early — Ken, a teacher, retired in 2023 at age 55 — the couple maintained a strict financial schedule. Each month, they paid the bills, then set funds aside for future tax responsibilities, 529 plans for their sons and their Roth IRA. Whatever remained was their spending money.
“If there was an extra $100 left over, then maybe we went out for dinner or hired a babysitter or Ken went golfing,” she says. “But I was in my early 30s before I ever had a professional pedicure. I just didn’t have money to spend on those kinds of things. I had other goals in mind.”
Though she oversaw the finances in the marriage, Kerschner calls Ken her life leader, saying none of what they’ve accomplished would have been possible without him.
They love to volunteer in retirement, and that includes sharing their knowledge about money with people their age or much younger. They serve as financial advisors at Discovery Federal Credit Union’s annual Berks County Financial Reality Fair, teaching high school students about budgets, salaries, credit scores, checking and savings accounts and more.
“You should start putting money away when you’re young so you have the potential of becoming a millionaire,” she says. “But we tell kids you really should be a multimillionaire because a million dollars doesn’t go as far as it did 20 years ago or 40 years ago. Save money when you’re 18, open a Roth IRA if you can and take advantage of that compounding interest. Your money typically doubles every seven years, and when we show kids that on paper, they are absolutely blown away and fascinated by that fact.”
Kerschner also volunteers at Middle Creek Search & Rescue and tries to make herself available to friends whenever they need help, a trait that earned her the “episodic volunteer” nickname from one of her friends, a designation she cherishes.
To relax, she enjoys reading and visiting their cabin in the State College area, where they get back to basics without electricity and running water. She and her husband also enjoy watching their three young grandchildren.
The transition to retirement can be tricky, Kerschner says.
“All these years you’ve been saving money, saving money, saving money,” she says. “It is a shift in your thought pattern that now is the time to spend your money. I also think that you need to continue having strong relationships and interests, and you can pursue other things.”
And you don’t have to wait until you’re in your late 60s for that to happen.
“Quite frankly, retirement is not an age,” she says. “It’s a plan.”
We tell kids
you really should be a multimillionaire because a million dollars doesn’t go as far as it did 20 years ago or 40 years ago.
John P. Feeney Funeral Home, nestled in our historic Victorian-era mansion, offers personalized, dignified services for every budget. Whether it’s a traditional funeral, direct or green burial, or cremation, we treat every family like ours.
Berks County SINCE 1941.
DAVE K line
making the switch without an off switch
Dave Kline, a ubiquitous presence in Berks County for the last half-century, doesn’t do nothing well. And because of that, he couldn’t fathom the idea of retirement.
“I didn’t know what it meant because I don’t have an off switch,” the Spring Township resident says. “And that’s a blessing and a curse.”
The fulcrum of his professional career was a 35-year stint at local radio station WEEU 830-AM, where he served as president and general manager. But he also spent a decade doubling as an executive committee member at WEEU-owner Reading Eagle Company where, among other things, he helped to launch Berks Country, a section spotlighting rural life for which he still writes a column. Additionally, as a longtime musician, he played gigs with his various bands most weekends while releasing albums of original material and assisting the Reading Musical Foundation.
When Reading Eagle Company was sold to a national publisher in 2019, he took it as a sign. But it took some time for him to get his retirement sea legs.
“The first two months I was kind of adrift because I was used to like 18-hour-a-day schedules with multiple projects and lots of things for my mind to think about,” he says. “I felt like I had a lot of life energy, and I don’t get that idea of being calm and placid and sitting in a chair.”
Have some hobbies, have some interests. And then when it’s time to relax, don’t ever feel guilty about it.
So, he started offering business consulting and took up sporting clays, a form of clay pigeon shooting. He stayed involved with Reading Musical Foundation, where his David L. Kline Family Mountain Folk Fund continues to benefit music students in Berks County. And he diversified his music career, becoming a “department store of music.”
“People would call me saying they needed music, and I would say, ‘What kind of music do you want?’” he says. “I started doing all kinds of genres that I didn’t normally do: pop, rock, jazz, blues. So that kept me engaged, and I started writing a lot more music.”
He also rebuilt his home, which was ravaged by a fire in December 2019 when he and his wife were out of town. Though they designed the house with their ages in mind, Kline says he doesn’t feel old.
“I don’t see myself as an old person, even though I’m 70 right now. It doesn’t feel that way to me,” he says. “Even though I’ve had two knee replacements and I have all kinds of aches and pains, I stay active.”
His nine grandchildren, ranging from ages 2 to 12, keep Kline busy, skiing, gardening and playing music with him.
Kline’s 93-year-old mother also continues to be an inspiration, staying active by frequenting restaurants with friends. It’s a lesson he has taken to heart and one he offers to all fellow retirees.
“Get out of the house — engage, engage, engage,” he says. “Have some hobbies, have some interests. And then when it’s time to relax, don’t ever feel guilty about it. You want to watch a movie until 3 in the morning? Go ahead and do it. Enjoy little things when you have an opportunity.”
Michael Kuhn
Edward Kuhn, Jr
Michael Kuhn, Jr.
have time, will travel
When Karen Derr retired from the medical field four years ago at age 64, she was admittedly nervous. But she quickly learned to stop worrying and love retirement.
“I have seven days to do things now instead of two,” the Mohnton resident says. “It’s just so awesome to get up in the morning and not have to rush. It’s so relaxing for me. I can get so much done.”
Her husband, Mike, joined her a year later at age 65, ending a long career in insurance a few years earlier than expected.
“According to Uncle Sam, I should have worked longer,” he says. “But who listens to him?”
Derr
MIKE + KAREN
Locally, they stay active by taking classes and playing pickleball at the Mifflin Area YMCA, riding their bicycles and enjoying their swimming pool. Mike also volunteers as an arborist from April to October at Reading Public Museum. Two years ago, their lives were further enriched when they acquired Tucker, a mini Bernedoodle whom Karen calls the love of their lives.
But their main pastime has been travel. And it started almost immediately after they retired.
“We did 20 days traveling to San Francisco and then from there to Hawaii, and we did all four of the main islands in Hawaii,” Mike says. “Last year, we did a Viking cruise for 20 days where we went from Amsterdam to Budapest.”
They’re planning another Viking cruise for next year, this
one traveling from Paris to Switzerland. After that, they’re considering a visit to Alaska and a return jaunt to Italy.
The couple also frequents their beloved Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, often with their six grandchildren.
“When we go, we stay at a Disney location,” Mike says. “We are Disney Vacation Club members. So, it’s very oriented toward the children.”
Devin, Candace, Brody, Isaac, Ayden and Evan range from 7 to 14 years old. Their interests in music (saxophone, trumpet, oboe and drums) and sports (baseball, basketball and swimming) keep the grandparents’ schedule full.
“We’re very busy between swim meets every week, or we’re going to baseball and basketball and all the music things,” Karen says. “Sometimes I think, ‘Oh, can I just have one night where we don’t have to run,’ but it’s fun, and I’m so thankful that we are close to be able to do that.”
The Derrs urge those who have some time before retirement to put away as much money as possible.
“We know some people in our age bracket who are still working because they don’t have the finances to retire,” Mike says. “So, prepare yourself at an early age. But the other thing is, don’t just retire and do nothing. We need to be active, whether it’s with family or friends. You need to maintain that activity not just with your body but also your mind.”
The Derrs urge those who have some time before retirement to put away as much money as possible.
When it comes to your well-being, the right care truly can make all the difference. On the pages that follow, we’re highlighting Berks County’s trusted medical professionals, top-notch dental providers and welcoming retirement communities. Whether you’re looking for expert care, a friendly dental visit or a place to call home in your golden years, these local spots have you covered with expert, personalized service. These establishments go beyond just providing services; they’re dedicated to building lasting relationships and enriching the lives of those they care for. Learn more about all they have to offer on the pages that follow.
ROG Orthodontics
Trust the Experts at ROG. Experience Matters!
“Look no further… you’ve found THE BEST of the best! From start to finish, ROG’s team is amazing. Everyone in the office is polite, kind and professional. Better yet, they are GREAT at their craft. ROG doesn’t just straighten teeth; they create beautiful smiles. We hit the jackpot to have ROG, a world-class resource, right here in our neighborhood.”
KOR Medspa offers integrative aesthetics and wellness solutions designed to restore health and vitality. Located in Reading, our practice combines science, clinical expertise and respect for individuality to create personalized, results-driven treatment plans.
Many patients arrive feeling drained, struggling with hormone changes or unable to recognize themselves in the mirror. They’ve tried various methods and have undergone tests ordered by doctors but keep hearing “everything looks fine.” Deep down, they know something is wrong. That’s where KOR steps in. We listen, dig deeper and start the true healing journey, together.
Founded by Kara Lytle, a board-certified nurse practitioner with advanced training in aesthetics and functional medicine, KOR is supported by a skilled team of medical professionals who bring artistry and precision to every treatment.
Our wellness services include hormone replacement therapy, peptides, IV therapy and restorative treatments that support metabolism, mood, energy and longevity. Aesthetic services include facial restoration with wrinkle relaxers like Botox, volume restoration, PRP and PRF treatments and medical-grade skincare, all tailored to help you feel refreshed and to create natural, harmonious results.
Patients choose KOR because they want more than quick fixes. They seek real improvement and want to optimize how they feel, age and show up in the world.
Let KOR be your partner in lasting wellness and confidence.
restorewithkor.com
Baja Beach Wellness
For more than three decades, Baja Beach Wellness has been a trusted haven in Berks County, guided by one mission: helping people feel their best. We believe wellness should be accessible to everyone, whether your goal is pain relief, muscle recovery, weight loss, reversing the signs of aging or improving mental health. Discover a wellness community where advanced treatments meet genuine care. Cryotherapy, Red Light Therapy and Infrared Sauna Pods are designed to deliver real results you can feel. This is more than self-care; it’s an investment in your health, confidence and quality of life. The best version of you isn’t a luxury — it’s a priority worth making time for.
LOCATIONS IN Sinking Spring, Wyomissing, Laureldale & Exeter bajabeachwellness.com
New Beginnings Massage Wellness Center
At New Beginnings, we offer a holistic approach to health and wellness, providing a wide range of services including therapeutic massage, yoga, Reiki, acupuncture and more. Our skilled therapists are dedicated to personalized care, tailoring each session to your unique needs. What sets us apart is our commitment to client well-being with no up charges for added modalities like hot stone, cupping or warm bamboo. Whether you are seeking relief from chronic pain, stress management or simply a moment of relaxation, our expert team is here to support your journey to wellness.
200 Spring Ridge Dr., Ste. 202, Wyomissing 484.755.5610 |
Dr. Tammy Balatgek
Founder, The Center for TMJ & Sleep Disorders, LLC
Dr. Tammy Balatgek is the founder of the Center for TMJ & Sleep Disorders, where she has spent more than 20 years helping patients find relief through non-invasive and non-surgical solutions. Her practice focuses on diagnosing and treating TMJ (jaw joint) dysfunction and sleep-disordered breathing, including conditions such as snoring, sleep apnea, jaw pain, locked jaw, facial pain, headaches, fatigue, ear pain and teeth grinding. Treatments may include jaw exercises, cold laser therapy and custom-made oral appliances created in the office’s on-site lab.
A Berks County native, Dr. Balatgek earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from Ohio State University and a Master of Science (MS) degree in Craniofacial Pain from Tufts University in Boston. She is a respected educator who regularly lectures to dental and medical professionals to raise awareness of TMJ and sleep-related disorders. Providers throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware refer patients to her care. Her commitment is personal. After struggling with chronic migraines for years, she recognized a gap in treatment and chose to focus in this field to help others find real solutions. Dr. Balatgek also serves as a forensic dentist for Berks and Philadelphia counties. Contact the office, info@tmjsleepcenter.com or 1.888.TMJ.SLEEP, to learn how she can help you.
Andrea Smith DDS
Owner/Prosthodontist
Berks Prosthodontics
Dr. Andrea Smith is the founder of Berks Prosthodontics. A prosthodontist is a dental specialist who has completed dental school plus a three-year Advanced Prosthodontics residency at an ADA-accredited graduate program focusing on technical excellence in the restoration and replacement of teeth. Prosthodontists are THE acknowledged experts in dental implant restorations, crowns, bridges, dentures, cosmetic dentistry, and full-mouth implant prosthetics such as Teeth-in-One-Day or All-On-4.
A Berks County native, Dr. Smith received her Bachelor of Science degree in Pre-Medicine from Penn State University, where she graduated as Class Valedictorian of the Eberly College of Science. She then attended the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in New York City, where she again graduated as Class Valedictorian with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. After receiving her dental degree, Dr. Smith completed three years of specialty training in the field of Prosthodontics at UCLA’s Advanced Prosthodontics Residency Program, followed by an additional one-year residency at UCLA in Maxillofacial Prosthetics, making her one of only 350 Maxillofacial Prosthodontists worldwide.
Dr. Smith returned to our area in 2009 to become the first female Clinical Director of the Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic, the oldest clinic in the world devoted to the treatment of children born with facial birth defects, a position she held for seven years.
In 2015, Dr. Smith opened Berks Prosthodontics in Wyomissing, bringing her specialty training back to her hometown. At Berks Prosthodontics she sees patients with a wide variety of dental concerns, such as broken or missing teeth, uncomfortable dentures, extensive tooth wear, or dissatisfaction with the appearance of their smile. 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, Dr. Smith strives to provide all of her patients with an unparalleled level of care.
Reading Dermatology
For 17 years, Reading Dermatology Associates in West Lawn has been a trusted provider of expert skin care for families across Berks County. Utilizing the latest in advanced technology, our team delivers exceptional results in general dermatology, cosmetic treatments and skin cancer care. Patient education is a top priority — every procedure is thoroughly explained to ensure confidence and understanding. Combined with compassionate, personalized care, this approach leads to maximum comfort and satisfaction.
From easy appointment scheduling and minimal wait times to a warm, welcoming office and a team of caring professionals, our goal is to provide an outstanding experience at every step. We also reserve appointments for new patients with urgent skin concerns — because timely care matters.
3317 Penn Avenue, West Lawn 610.750.7891 readingderm.com
Nature’s Garden
While curcumin has been known as the most powerful component of turmeric for some time, it needs additional factors to be absorbed and consistently beneficial. CuraMed is more than curcumin — it provides those important factors.
CuraMed takes curcumin to the next level and is the most clinically studied, enhanced absorption curcumin in the world, the only one boosted by turmeric essential oil. Its patented system ensures reliable, serious benefits and has been documented in over 90 groundbreaking published studies. Benefits include a 7x better absorption rate than plain curcumin to support a healthy inflammation response and improve liver, brain, heart, mood and immune health. It is also sourced from non-GMO tumeric, grown without chemicals and produced without harmful solvents.
A Vibrant Continuing Care Retirement Community for Individuals 60 & Over
Welcome to the new nature of senior living! If a natural, wooded setting with walking trails, maintenance-free living, excellent services and amenities, a variety of residential living options, close proximity to educational and cultural opportunities and first-class medical facilities are on your “must have” list for a senior living community, you owe it to yourself to visit Cornwall Manor.
Cornwall Manor is a not-for-profit continuing care community located in historic Cornwall, Lebanon County, a short drive from Hershey, Lancaster and Reading. Cornwall Manor has been providing a fulfilling lifestyle for individuals 60+ since 1949. Our 190-acre campus houses beautiful historic buildings, a variety of homes and apartments that offer a unique and comfortable active lifestyle while providing an array of services and excellent amenities.
You owe it to yourself to visit Cornwall Manor and see for yourself! Contact us today at 717.274.8092 or marketing@cornwallmanor.org.
1 Boyd St., Cornwall 717.274.8092
800.222.2476 cornwallmanor.org
Michelle Lee DMD
Dr. Michelle Lee, owner of Fleetwood Dental, is proud to serve and provide comprehensive dentistry to the Berks County area for the past 18 years. She and her former partner, Dr. Richard Reddy, collaboratively served the community for 50 years in the same practice, and she continues to carry on the practice legacy today. Fleetwood Dental carries a total patientcentered practice philosophy with a focus on treating from the health of the jaw joints, Temporomandibular Joint, proper bite/occlusion, and delivers form, function and esthetics in a final smile design. Says Dr. Lee, “Let’s start with the TM Joint and finish with a big smile.” She provides a comprehensive scope of dentistry that includes TMD, bruxism (grinding and clenching), sleep apnea, dental appliance therapy, implant dentistry/ full mouth implant prosthesis and cosmetic dentistry, including Botox and filler treatments.
Dr. Lee’s definition of dentist is an acronym. “D” is for doctor: caring for patients from a space of advocacy and support. The “EN” is for engineer as Dr. Lee believes in creating stable bites from the start of her dental planning, carefully looking at the relationship between the jaw joints, muscles and teeth. “T” is for teacher, as she is an educator in her profession, teaching at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. She is also a faculty member at the Pankey Institute, a nonprofit dental education center teaching dentists around the world. She speaks nationally and feels passionate about educating patients and within her profession. The “IST” is for artist, as Dr. Lee puts aesthetics and artistry in her dental planning and delivery.
The goal at Fleetwood Dental is to treat patients like family and collaborate with them in a relationship-based, health-centered philosophy of care. We look forward to welcoming patients into our Fleetwood Dental Family.
AFTER – Smile by Dr. Michelle Lee
AFTER – Smile by Dr. Michelle Lee
Grove Dental Group
Grove Dental Group is a trusted name in dental care in Wyomissing for over a decade, serving our community with excellence and compassion.
Our team of skilled professionals is dedicated to ensuring each patient receives personalized care in a comfortable, modern setting. Grove Dental Group is your premier destination for top-notch dental care in a warm, inviting atmosphere. We’re more than just a dental office — we’re your partner in achieving and maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile.
2228 State Hill Rd., Wyomissing 610.372.8406 godental365.com/location/ dentist-wyomissing
Grove Kids Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
At Grove Kids Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we specialize in creating a positive, fun experience for children while providing superior dental care. Our friendly and experienced team is dedicated to helping young patients develop healthy oral habits that last a lifetime. We offer comprehensive services from routine cleanings and exams to specialized orthodontic treatments, all in a kid-friendly environment designed to make visits enjoyable. With a focus on gentle care and education, we ensure that every child feels comfortable and confident in the dentist’s chair. At Grove Kids, we’re committed to brightening smiles and building trust, one child at a time.
Premier Care Family Dental (formerly Theodore E. Dando DMD Family & Cosmetic Dentistry) is dedicated to providing comprehensive dental care for the whole family. With a focus on both preventive and cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Dando and his experienced team offer a wide range of services, including routine check-ups, cleanings, teeth whitening, veneers and restorative treatments. Our practice is committed to delivering personalized care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. We believe in building long-lasting relationships based on trust, quality care and patient satisfaction.
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Cruisin’ after all these years
BY JON FASSNACHT
PHOTOS BY JOHN A. SECOGES, SECOGES PHOTOGRAPHICS
THE SKYLINE DRIVE CORVETTE CLUB HAS
ENTERED ITS SIXTH DECADE OF CELEBRATING THE CLASSIC AMERICAN SPORTS CAR.
Corvettes have been a part of Brian Blankenbiller’s life since he was a child.
“My dad bought his first Corvette when I was like 7 years old,” he says, “so I inherited the passion from him.”
What drives that passion?
“It’s just the old American sports car, you know?” he says. “Two-seater, fiberglass. It's its own entity, kind of running parallel with the Camaro and the Mustang. But in my eyes, nothing runs parallel with the Corvette.”
In 1998, two big things happened on that front for Blankenbiller. He bought his first Corvette, joining with his father to purchase a 1980 C3. And he joined the Skyline Drive Corvette Club.
the beginnings
The club was founded in 1964, a little over a decade after the Corvette debuted, by a handful of enthusiasts in Berks County. Since then, more than 1,000 people have become members, according to its website.
Blankenbiller, who is serving as president for a second time, says the club’s current membership sits around 235. It peaked last decade, nearly hitting 330. Most members reside in Berks and Schuylkill counties, but some continue their membership with the club even after moving to Virginia and Florida.
“It’s a very active club,” says Blankenbiller, a welding inspector for Hartford Steam Boiler.
Planning is handled by a seven-member board of directors, an activities committee and a Christmas party committee.
Events include ice cream runs, the Corvettes at Carlisle weekend in August and mystery adventures in which one member plans a secret trip, only informing fellow members about the dates and the cost. Past trips have included Annapolis, MD; Niagara Falls, NY; Charlotte, NC and Bowling Green, KY, home of the National Corvette Museum.
They also participate in numerous parades, including the Independence Day Parade & Celebration in Wyomissing, Berks County’s Armed Forces Day Parade and various Halloween processions.
Skyline Drive Corvette Club’s biggest event marked its 45th year in July.
BARRY GOODHART
theIn-Vette-Tational
Despite the name, the In-Vette-Tational is open to any car. Even with intermittent rain, this year’s iteration at the Oley Fire Company Fairgrounds drew about 230 cars, with 51 trophies awarded, according to John Secoges, the club’s activity committee chairman.
“There are classes just for the Corvettes,” Blankenbiller says. “And then there are trophies for non-Corvettes. And to eliminate favoritism, Skyline Drive Corvette Club members are not allowed to vote. It's all participation voting.”
The event is the major revenue source for the SDCC Scholarship Fund given to high school seniors in technical schools who plan to further their education in automotive technology or collision repair. Since 2009, the club has awarded more than $45,000 in scholarships, Secoges says.
Two past scholarship recipients who own a Lee Myles Auto Care & Transmissions location in Berks recently paid it back by becoming partial sponsors of the club.
“We were like, ‘That's cool. It's working,’” Blankenbiller says. “It made a difference for somebody.”
This year’s top award was renamed the Barry Goodhart Memorial Best of Show Trophy to honor one of the club’s founding members, who recently passed away. Goodhart’s daughters chose the winner. Discussions will be held to determine if Goodhart’s name will remain attached to the trophy or if it will grace another type of award, according to Secoges.
“Everybody just loved the man,” says Blankenbiller, who grew up with the Goodhart family,
calling his daughters the sisters he never had. “Nobody was more passionate about the club than him. For our 50 th anniversary year, we didn't even have an election for president. We just assigned him that. He knew everything about the club. His wife, Diane, came up with the original logos and designs. And the car that he had when he joined the club, a 1960 Corvette, he still had when he passed away.
We miss him dearly.”
theFuture
Blankenbiller has owned seven or eight of the cars over the years. Two of them stick out as favorites.
“In 1996, they came out with a Corvette called the Grand Sport, and it was a special edition,” he says. “There was a special paint scheme. I had two different ones over the years. But my ultimate favorite is the ’63 split window. My mom and dad had one back in the late ’70s, so I kind of grew up with that car. They just sold it a little over a year ago.”
General Motors continues to pump out new editions. Released in 2020, the eighth-generation C8 was named 2020 Motor Trend Car of the Year
and has continued to receive updates through the 2026 model year.
Blankenbiller hopes people will continue to buy them. He thinks Hollywood played a role in younger Americans not being as enamored with the sports car as people his age and older.
“I think the movie The Fast and the Furious kind of killed the muscle car passion for the younger generation,” he says. “Now they're all into Volkswagens and foreign cars like that, which is fine. It is what it is. But it's a shame because the market’s starting to slow down on the old muscle cars because, unfortunately, the people who want them are passing away.”
He plans to do his best to continue stoking the passion of current Skyline Drive Corvette Club members while recruiting younger ones.
The club meets on the second Monday of every month, mostly at Alvernia University, though some warmer-month meetings are held outdoors elsewhere. A membership costs $35 a year; you must own a Corvette to become a regular, voting member. Social and spousal memberships, which don’t require owning a Corvette, cost $20.
“A lot of people think that Corvettes are out of their price range, but they're not,” he says. “Nobody has to go buy a brand-new, high-end Corvette. You can buy a used Corvette for eight grand and tool around and still have a good time.”
skylinedrivecorvettes.org
BY DONNA REED
TheHeart
There’s nothing quite like visiting Reading, UK, and sitting down to a traditional Sunday dinner with the former mayor and the current borough council leader.
OF HOME
PHOTOS BY O. CHRIS MILLER
Those houses in the Redlands front the Morgan Road Playing Fields where none other than the 19th-century novelist Jane Austen once frolicked.
Don’t be thinking this was a formal thing. Truth is that the setting — the home of Tony Jones and Liz Terry — is as pretty, welcoming and cozy as can be.
That meal known as a Sunday roast in the UK and featuring savory roast beef, potatoes and vegetables was prepared largely by Tony for four visitors from Reading, PA. It was a fun late-summer, informal gathering of friends usually separated by that “pond,” also known as the Atlantic Ocean.
Tony and Liz are a vibrant couple, fully involved in Reading’s civic and governmental circles. Folks in Berks County may know Tony, the former mayor, as he has visited here in both official and unofficial capacities for the past quarter century as part of our sister cities' relationship. Liz currently serves as leader of the Reading Borough Council.
Indeed, the Borough of Reading (yes, it’s still a borough as the Crown has yet to grant it city status) and our Reading area have a lot of similarities – a distinct downtown core with a beautiful and historic urban park within walking distance, a variety of neighborhoods/suburbs, an impressive hospital and a revitalized area near the train station.
IN THE REDLANDS
Tony’s and Liz’s house is located in an area known as the Redlands. It is close to the Royal Berkshire Hospital and just south of the Reading town center.
To get a feel of the area from our local perspective, think of the neighborhood around Reading Hospital and the Reading Public Museum where West Reading and Wyomissing converge. There are some sizeable semi-detached houses among the single-family homes constructed post-World War II as the area developed.
Now, take a step back in time and venture across that big old pond.
The Redlands area boasts bigger single homes — also referred to as villas — dating from the 1840s through the 1860s. Many of those are just a few streets away from the couple’s block, which is populated by solid brick semi-detached homes built in the final days of the reign of King Edward VII.
Those houses in the Redlands front the Morgan Road Playing Fields where none other than the 19 th-century novelist Jane Austen once frolicked. The fields are owned by Reading School, a venerable institution with origins dating back to the 12th century.
Tony’s and Liz’s house, built in 1909, features Edwardian architecture along with some lesser Victorian characteristics and just some hints of Classical Revival. These observations were
The Kitchen
made by Chris Miller, a Reading, PA, councilman and realtor specializing in historic properties who was among the couple’s dinner guests that summer day.
HONEY, WE HAVE A HOUSE
Tony purchased the three-story, four-bedroom home in October 1996 when he and Liz were dating and planning to combine households.
Liz was a bit surprised. “We met for tea and he said he bought the house,” she recalls.
Both acknowledge it was a fixerupper. The previous owner rented out rooms, so it was essentially a boarding house. Even after the transfer paperwork was signed, some of the renters had to be reminded of the need to relocate.
Saying much maintenance was deferred is being diplomatic.
But they knew the house had great bones. Liz grew up in the general neighborhood and was born in nearby Royal Berkshire Hospital (her three children would also arrive there). Her Irish immigrant parents moved
to the area in the 1950s to join her grandparents and an uncle who’d started a roofing business.
The house returned Liz to her childhood environs with her young son and daughter. Soon, Liz and Tony would welcome their son Elliot to the brood. They married in 2002.
Juggling their careers and elective offices along with raising their children and indulging their love of traveling, the couple somehow also managed to take on home renovations.
REVVING UP THE FIXING UP
In the past six years, with their grown children out of the nest, their fixerupper efforts have intensified.
They replaced the multi-level roof and all the windows, removed the old plaster in the rear bedroom, redid the bathroom and restored and/or replaced the hardwood floors.
But it was in 2022 that major work on the first floor really would redefine the house and their lifestyle in it.
Two small “dark rooms,” as Tony describes them, had been
the original kitchen and dining room. Demolition and thoughtful redesign have created an expansive light-filled kitchen/dining area that opens up to a lovely patio and terraced lawn. The redesign also provided space for a first-floor laundry room and small “loo.”
The sun-soaked kitchen is made even lighter with the cream-colored cabinets, walls and ceiling. A subway tile backsplash and a privacy paned window above the sink face the side walkway connecting the front and rear of the property.
A sizeable island with a cooktop and inbuilt storage provides plenty of space for Tony’s gourmet endeavors, and barstools invite conversations between the cook and his guests.
A large peace lily in a white container anchors one side of the island, soaking in the sun while a potted palm thrives between the kitchen and dining areas. A tall, multicompartment built-in shelving unit in the dining area features precious photos, collectibles and favored books.
Against the wall, a comfy sofa and chair offer spaces to relax and converse. A painting of red poppies temporarily covered wiring being readied for a flatscreen television to place above the sofa.
“We’re telly people,” says Tony. The couple enjoys everything from sports (football and golf are tops) as well as British drama and some American TV.
Their favorites: Jon Stewart and John Oliver.
Perhaps the very best of the redesign are the glass doors which fully open to the patio, creating one large indoor/ outdoor entertainment area.
FOR THE BIRDS, FOXES & PLANES
A table for six encourages outdoor dining on the patio bordered on three sides by a waist-high brick wall built using the bricks displaced by the renovation.
Liz’s gardening skills are evident in blue and terracotta containers overflowing with red and salmon geraniums,
CATERING ELEGANCE
, ONE BITE AT A TIME
white and purple petunias, and roses symmetrically placed near the steps on either side of the patio leading to the back lawn.
There is a small greenhouse/utility shed to the rear of the sizeable lawn (enlarged by the removal of some aged concrete surfaces). The yard, a suburban retreat for both wildlife and humans, is bordered by lush greenery and red maples as well as apple and holly trees, which Liz notes “came up on their own.”
There is also a magnolia tree which defies the natural cycle by blooming in August rather than the usual April or May.
Birds abound, including noisy magpies and increasing numbers of red kites on the lookout for small prey. Bats swoop from the belfry of a nearby church. And there are urban foxes, some so accustomed to humans that their pups have been known to take long naps on the sun-warmed patio blocks.
Despite the abundance of nature and many periods of tranquility, there is some manmade noise.
Liz recalls how her dad loved to sit in the backyard reading his newspaper and “listening to the scanner.” Here in the States, we might think in terms of a police or fire scanner. The scanner that consumed her dad’s interest dealt with airplane traffic.
Indeed, the Redlands area, less than 30 miles from Heathrow Airport, is under the “magic roundabout.” That, says Liz, is in the holding pattern for planes waiting to land. Her explanation, interrupted by a circling jet, provides apt evidence of the moniker.
From the garden, a glance up at the old terra cotta chimney offers testimony to the Edwardian style.
INTERIOR ATTRIBUTES
Inside the house, apart from the very contemporary new great room, the couple’s style melds seamlessly with its historic architectural accents.
One enters the house from a small front yard with space for a one-car pull off.
The hallway is bright, thanks to the transomed front door with a half-circle window. The living room, immediately to the left, boasts a large window adding more natural light.
The orderly room, where the couple likes to relax with books and paperwork, features a fireplace bordered by floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. The room is painted light beige with an even lighter hue highlighting the period wood trim and crown molding. Herringbone hardwood floors add a more modern impact, and Liz has had the wall opposite the windows painted a deep sapphire blue.
“I like a bold wall,” she says with a smile.
Tucked under the bookshelves are boxes filled with games and amusements for the couple’s five grandchildren, now ages eight through 17. “The room looks a bit livelier when they’re visiting,” she says.
The carpeted, angled stairway has light blue walls with original raised wood panel accents. The traditional spindles are painted white while the rail is natural wood. Orb-topped newel posts define each landing. Windows along the way provide natural light and open to allow fresh air to circulate through the floors.
The second floor boasts three bedrooms, one of which serves as a master.
The master is located in the front of the house and has a large window overlooking the playing fields. A vintage radiator that spans space under the window provides in the damp, chilly winters. The peaceful cream while a red carpet offer wake-up color. reconfigured bathroom, with its water separated from the tub and sink, serves bedrooms and the attic one as well.
bedroom overlooking the backyard office. On the small ornamental mantel is a photo of Liz and her sister teens, on the steps of Albert Hall folk-dance performance. lot of decorative touches sentimental meaning, including
campaign literature, a photo of the Twin Towers with a $1 bill (recalling a visit there), commemorative glassware from Liz’s parents, a globe and model of the solar system and artwork of London’s Barkley Square above a small sofa.
Dearest to Liz’s heart is a green and brown “fish jug” brought along to Reading by her Nan from Ireland.
“I just can’t bear to part with it,” she says.
Tony is also fond of memorabilia. A setback off the stairwell between the second and third floors is the setting for a plethora of trophies attesting to his golf skills. Tony also displays a key to the City of Reading given him when he was Reading, UK, mayor by our late Mayor Joseph Eppihimer during his visit in November 2001, just after the 9/11 attacks. Along with that key is a letter to Eppihimer from former Prime Minister Tony Blair acknowledging the visit and solidarity between the UK and the US in the wake of the attacks.
The middle bedroom hosts guests, most frequently Elliot, who resides in London, a convenient 25-minute train ride away.
The attic bedroom, with its small windows and intriguing angles reflecting the original roofline, is a guest room/office. It features light wall-to-wall carpeting and is painted cream with a terracotta-hued accent wall and a Japanese lantern providing overhead lighting.
Back on the first floor, the area underneath the stairway is as practical as it is period-friendly. Along
the small hallway leading to the kitchen great room and behind the raised panel surface is a large pantry and closet area. Glimpses of the garden give the feeling of a much larger space.
A PLACE OF PEACE
The peacefulness of the couple’s neighborhood is tied to its history. “This is Quaker land,” Liz explains. Covenants covering a full square mile prohibit the establishment of any pubs or other commercial entities. The area was previously all orchard land and is now a conservation area.
The covenants were buoyed a century ago by the temperance movement and the support of it by the Palmer family, made wealthy through the production of biscuits (cookies to us), who developed part of the area. They may have supported the movement to keep their workers sober and productive, Tony and Liz note.
The couple love both their home and the proximity it provides them to the town, university, historical sites and, via trains, planes and automobiles, to London and beyond.
“We’re really very fortunate,” says Liz. “We do have a lovely home.”
And, a lovely town to call their home.
A PerfectPECK OF FLAVORS
BRUNCH AT THE CROOKED HEN
BY MARIAN FRANCES WOLBERS | PHOTOS BY HEIDI REUTER
Standing tall behind the generous flavor creations of the Crooked Hen, conveniently located with ample parking, is a giant of a chef, Mike Hambartsoumian, and his kitchen crew, plus a busy group of friendly servers. His wife, Tatania, is quick to greet patrons with a smile and — when asked — she readily shares several suggestions about her own personal favorite dishes. (Considering the scope and range of brunchy options on the menu, that’s immensely helpful!)
If you come in rip-roaringly hungry, seeking a heavy hit of protein and potatoes, aim at Steak Frites & Eggs. This dish features skirt steak with a side of house-made chimichurri, fries, two eggs how you like ’em and choice of toast from wheat to rye to sourdough. Mike is very focused on one goal: “I want to give you quality. I give good food — period!” He comes through on that promise, choosing all the finest ingredients, from using black Angus beef, preparing eggs with sunny yolks and bright whites that look like they’re right from the hen, to making his own culinary version of delicious french fries. “We make only freshcut fries,” he says. “We don’t do frozen fries. Our fries are lightly seasoned — just a little sea salt and oregano.” For this particular meal, he crafts a
chimichurri dipping oil sauce that allows cilantro to enhance the tender beef slices; it’s herby, savory, tasty.
When it comes to breads, once again, Mike’s picky! “I buy all thick slices for my bread,” he says, and that goes for the French toast, too, for which he prefers
Blueberry Pie Waffle
Steak Frites and Eggs
French Toast
real challah bread. “No white bread for me! This is one of my favorite dishes,” he explains, “and the maple syrup is served hot” to preserve warmth.
Note: with regard to bread, the Crooked Hen wants diners to know meals can be made from scratch with gluten-free ingredients, from toast to pancakes and waffles.
Too Delicate to Believe
Imagine two softly scrambled eggs mixed with luscious Grande Ricotta cheese, served on thick-sliced sourdough toast, then thin-layered with Pecorino Romano cheese and a touch of extra-virgin olive oil, a dotting of red pepper and a sprinkling of green chives. That creation is known simply as Ricotta Scrambled, an incredibly elegant option. It’s so light, so soft and so subtly complex. A must-try! The sourdough delivers a dash of
tartness, and in the moments after you swallow your first mouthful of eggs and cheese, you’ll experience a gentle zip of heat and a chivey bite. So satisfying. Perfect with an iced or hot coffee or latte, or a shot of espresso.
Crooked Hen’s Avocado Toast is an absolutely yummy choice, a dish that’s smooth on the palate and remarkably delicate despite multiple textures and tastes. Toast is laden with smashed avocado, followed by eggs (cooked to your preference) and then topped with artistically sliced circles of sweet red and orange peppers. Tip: the sourdough toast provides a natural counterpoint to the sweetness of this combo, and the whole dish becomes over-the-top joyful with additional elements of peppery, tender arugula and homemade bruschetta with tomatoes, diced onions and herbs. Think soft avocado playing tag with eggs and garden veggies. When considering
all the back-and-forth-ing of flavors and textures, diving into eating this plate is like driving a beach buggy with sun, water and good vibes at every turn.
Emphasis on Balance
On the menu, standard offerings are all on deck: omelets, cream chipped beef, various pancakes, sandwiches and waffles. Each option is created thoughtfully with several unique “takes” on brunch delights that designate the Crooked Hen as a bonafide foodie destination. Examples include Nutella Pancakes, Short Rib Benedict or Crabcake Benedict (made in-house), Smoked Lox NY Bagel and Chicken and Waffles.
The Breakfast Burrito has a steady fan club as it’s loaded with three scrambled eggs, hash browns, cheddar and chipotle mayo sauce plus your choice of sausage, bacon or ham. The flour tortilla has a notably crispy, cheesy shell.
Stunning Sweets
Mike’s New York City roots are shown off in a diner-style display of sweet and utterly beautiful pastries right at the front of the restaurant. Even if you have “no room left” in your stomach, do not walk past this array of round, cakey desserts. Order some to go! “All the desserts come from my son’s bakery on Long Island,” says proud papa Mike. (See Cream Bakery LI on Facebook!)
Deeply steeped in chocolate luxury is the Chocolate Mousse Cake Slice, “one of the most popular” choices, asserts Mike. Gorgeous to look at, equally gorgeous to eat with its rich icing and dollops of smooth filling. One of Tatania’s favorites makes a lasting impression beyond human culinary belief the Passion Fruit Cake Slice. With pretty pastel yellows and orange icing and an interior that bursts forth with fullest fruitiness, this dessert item is one for the record books. 2233
