West Reading Avenues Spring 2015

Greater Reading’s hub for arts, shopping and entertainment Spring 2015

Jazz

Jubilation

Salon & Spa Gift Cards for Any Dollar Amount Pamper Packages with Catered Lunch & Gift Ideas for Any Occasion Hair Care • Massage Therapy • Advanced Skin Care • Nail Care Waxing • Laser Hair Removal • Bridal Packages Traditional & Airbrush Makeup • Body Wrapping

Honored to be part of West Reading • Established 1987

unitedartistssalon.com 299 Penn Avenue West Reading, PA Phone – 610.376.8481

Mon. – Thurs. 9 AM – 9 PM Friday 9 AM – 6 PM Saturday 9 AM – 4 PM (open at 8 A.M. Sat. for bridal parties) Closed Sunday

WELCOME //// from the editor

Welcome SprIng! Andréa D. Much, Editor Avenues Magazine andrea@hoffpubs.com

F

inally – it’s time to get in the swing of spring! Whether you’re in town for the majestic musical performances or the delicious dining and picnic-in-the-park pairings, there’s a taste for adventure at every age level and interest here in our neighborhood.

This time of year, a jazz fever rises over Greater Reading. The Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest features ten days of exciting performances by the top stars in blues, jazz and, R&B. Known to be one of the largest, most comprehensive festivals in the country, the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest celebrates 25 years as it sweeps across dozens of venues around the area this spring.

Thankfully, this contagious jazz fever inspires local restaurants to delight our senses with bold new seasonal ingredients as cafes and art galleries surprise us with musicians performing at a variety of hometown favorites. Even if you don’t have a concert ticket this season, there are plenty of snazzy happenings – like Reading’s first craft beer fest or the season finale of the Reading Symphony Orchestra or the Armed Forces Day Parade popping up on Penn Ave. Whether you’re running the town for errands or pub runs; destined for shopping or dining, there’s plenty of food and entertainment pairings that are widely imaginable for one small town. Plan to visit the Penn Corridor and create your own jazzy itinerary of spring activities – bike rides on the Schuylkill River Trail, Sunday brunches on the Avenue, skateboarding and basketball at the park, dinner and theatre downtown. Once you have a taste of West Reading, we hope you enjoy its own special signature flair.

601 Penn Ave. • West Reading 610.372.0019

Insuring

Your Success Because Your Success is Important to Us

BUSINESS INSURANCE Property and Equipment Liability Insurance

Automobile and Truck Fleets Workers Compensation Professional Liability

Group Medical, Disability, and Life

See you on the Avenues!

610.376.3959 • Fax: 610.376.2610 1150 Berkshire Boulevard, Wyomissing

www.andersonbrokers.com

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VintageJewelry Design

by Linda Martin

Helpful Arts, Culture & Business Links Art Plus Gallery artplusgallery.org Berks Arts Council berksarts.org Berks Jazz Fest berksjazzfest.com The Gallery Above Penn Square galleryabovepennsquare.com

Estate Jewelry • Limited Edition Artisan Jewelry One-of-a-kind accessories for you and your home

Come Visit Brickerville’s Hidden Treasure!

Brickerville House Specialty Shops

2 East 28th Division Highway Brickerville, PA 717.627.2420 www.VintageJewelryDesign.com

Hours: Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri: 10-5 • Thurs: 10-7 • Sat: 10-5 9-5

GoggleWorks Center for the Arts goggleworks.org Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce and Industry greaterreadingchamber.org Greater Reading Convention & Visitors Bureau gogreaterreading.com Greater Reading Economic Partnership greaterreading.com RACC - Miller Center for the Arts racc.edu/MillerCenter R/C Reading Movies 11 & IMAX rctheatres.com/loc_reading.asp

Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home Located in West Reading for over 75 years,

Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home

has been providing caring, professional care to their community for three generations.

Reading Downtown Improvement District downtownreading.com Reading Public Museum readingpublicmuseum.org Reading Symphony Orchestra readingsymphony.org Santander Arena (Previously Sovereign Center) santander-arena.com Santander Performing Arts Center (Previously Sovereign Performing Arts Center) santander-arena.com Schuylkill River National & State Heritage Area schuylkillriver.org West Reading Community Revitalization Foundation wrcrf.org West Reading Main Street lovewestreading.org

Edward J. Kuhn, Jr., Supervisor 610.374.5440

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Avenues Spring 2015

739 Penn Avenue, West Reading, PA 19611 kuhnfuneralhome.com

Wyomissing Borough co.berks.pa.us/wyomissing The Yocum Institute for Arts Education institute-of-arts.org

CONTENTS //// spring 2015 Larry Coryell

CONTACT INFORMATION Publisher, Tracy Hoffmann Hoffmann Publishing Group, Inc. Design, Kim Lewis 2921 Windmill Road Reading, PA 19608 HoffmannPublishing.com 610.685.0914 Avenues@HoffPubs.com

ADVERTISING 610.685.0914 ext. 1 Sales@HoffPubs.com

BOROUGH BUSINESS West Reading Borough 500 Chestnut Street West Reading, PA 19611 WestReadingBorough.com 610.374.8273

WEST READING MAINSTREET PROGRAM West Reading Community Revitalization Foundation 500 Chestnut Street West Reading, PA 19611 WRCRF.org 610.685.8854 View the Digital Version of West Reading Avenues online at lovewestreading.org The opinions expressed in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced electronically or in print without the express written permission of the publisher.

West Reading Avenues is published quarterly {Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter}.

20 IN THE KNOW & ON THE GO

READING MAIN STREET

6

28 The Other Side of the Bridge

New & Improved On the Avenues

10 Reading Health System Expansion 11 West Reading Summer Basketball League

12 Penn Avenue Corridor Conceptual Plan

15 A Retailer’s Perspective

ARTS & CULTURE 30 Art Plus Gallery: Spring Features

IN EVERY ISSUE 3

From the Editor

16 Spring on the Avenues

Jazz Jubilation 20 Wynton Marsalis to open Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest

22 2015 Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest Schedule

24 Local Events

TASTE WEST READING 25 Dining Out on the Avenues

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IN THE KNOW & ON THE GO //// new & improved

New & Improved on the Avenues winedown presents The Distilled whiskey room

the whiskey room

As winedown café & wine bar prides itself on serving the best quality wines by the glass; The Distilled whiskey room will take pride in serving the best whiskey from all over the world. Sometimes there is no greater pleasure than to hang out with one whiskey for a while and really get to know it. With a line-up of blends that include Scotch, Bourbon and Rye, we will have something for everyone to enjoy. At The Distilled whiskey room, explore the terrific distilleries from around the world, both big and small, in 1 or 2 ounce tastes, neat or in a crafted cocktail, prepared as you like it.

The Distilled whiskey room will have limited hours open only Thursday 4-11pm, Friday & Saturday 4pm till midnight.

winedown café & wine bar

The Distilled whiskey room 622 Penn Ave. West Reading 610-373-4907

ANNIVERSARIES When a merchant meets their one year milestone in business, it’s an important mark on an exciting journey. The mix of new and old businesses offers unique tales of how they planted their early roots around the Penn Corridor. Sometimes a business idea transforms from a home workshop into a storefront on the Avenue. Other times, a landmark business becomes reinvigorated under new ownership. Stop in the shops to find out for yourself how your favorite businesses began to blossom here in West Reading.

Jan Rae Celebrates 1 Year New Ownership Anniversary With a rich forty-four-year history of offerings, including alterations and wardrobe styling services, Jan Rae has always been one of Reading’s premiere fashion destinations. Now, under new ownership, Jan Rae’s fashion inventory has been refreshed with hip classics throughout the super chic inventory. New owner Susan Golembiski is dressing women to help find the sacred moment of discovering their best individual self within an outfit.

Jan Rae

612 Penn Avenue, West Reading 610-372-9935 www.janrae.com

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Avenues Spring 2015

Allison Clothing & Co. Celebrates One Year on the Ave Just over a year ago, Allison Clothing Co. began as a pop-up shop for the holiday season. Now, it’s just one of the great businesses welcomed onto the Avenue in 2014. Sort through a selection of whimsical note cards, natural soaps, paintings, mosaics and super soft cottons hand dyed by the owner, Allison Shannon, herself. Drum Circles are hosted by Mark Seaman every 3rd Friday from 7 – 9 p.m.

Visitwww.facebook.com/allisonclothingcompany for other store happenings!

Allison Clothing & Co.

522 Penn Avenue, West Reading 484-794-8676

MOVING AROUND THE AVENUES An epic move doesn’t have to be far away. And when you begin a great business in West Reading, who really wants to move far out anyway? Two local businesses recently re-rooted from their locations into creative new quarters! In addition to checking out what’s new on the block, see who’s moving around the Avenues. . .

Neo Pangea’s New Digs

We provide personal and commercial coverage.

• Sweets and specialty foods • Custom gift baskets •

Neo Pangea

215 S. 5th Avenue, West Reading www.neo-pangea.com

It’s a Gift! is stocked with high-quality items perfect for special occasions or a bit of self-indulgence.

Many of our items are unique, one of a kind and artisan made. We have an incredible selection of infant, children’s, women’s and home decor items.

Thanks to the efforts of our dedicated volunteers, our nonprofit shop has been able to contribute a portion of every sale to Berks Women in Crisis.

A gift from the Woman’s Exchange is definitely a gift that gives twice!

720 Penn Avenue, West Reading, PA 19611 | 610-373-0960 Tues •Wed • Fri •Sat 10-6, Thurs 10-7, Closed Sun & Mon Visit our new website! ItsaGift.org

Hostess gifts • Pottery • Pillows • Glassware

Inside, a bank vault sealed with a lead-lined blast door serves as a charming reminder of the community bank that had its roots in this building. A conference room awaits beyond the medieval-style sliding doors and a colorful selection of aged tile near the modern kitchen and bar area are composed entirely of post-consumer recycled paper. You were wondering where to find West Reading’s largest dry-erase board? Or a space captain frozen in carbonite? It’s right here at Neo Pangea, where all the brainstorming for brilliant ideas begins.

Jewelry • Home décor • Wedding gifts •

Christening gowns • Toys • Baby & toddler clothing •

Berks County’s brightest idea hatchers have moved their global headquarters! Having outgrown the digital boutique on Penn Avenue that Neo Pangea has called home for six years, the team of innovative purveyors patiently awaited a three-month reinvention of the physical space at 516 S. 5th Avenue, West Reading. This new atmosphere for this advertising and design studio had a strong emphasis on minimizing the environmental impact. Efforts to renew existing resources and to use reclaimed materials were just a few efforts made during the glorious renovations.

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IN THE KNOW & ON THE GO ////

Fig & Will While we were sad to see the whimsical gift shop, Hello Bluebird, close shop after five fabulous years on Penn Ave., the children’s consignment shop, Fig & Will, is arriving at 609 Penn Avenue this spring. “We are very excited to have a front porch area and more space for events!” says Rita Ditsky, owner. Just a short scoot down from its previous home on the 500 block, Fig & Will is filling its new home with spring favorites like Lilly Pulitzer and Matilda Jane.

Fig & Will

609 Penn Avenue, West Reading 610-373-3400

NEW OWNERSHIP

Down Dog Yoga & Wellness Center Under new ownership, Down Dog Yoga Wellness Center is maintaining the flair of previous owners, Todd and Camille Grube. A student of the previous owners, Anthony Kocur has maintained the studio’s vibes of Eastern philosophy while incorporating elements of Kung Fu and Tai Chi. At the Down Dog studio, there are both yoga classes that are of traditional flow and classes that borrow techniques that echo Martial Arts conditioning. Anthony’s style of transitions helps to promote long-lasting changes within the body by utilizing movements to strengthen the core. For a deeply meditative practice that explores the metaphysical nature of being, David Dragonfly, owner of Dragonfly Studio & Gallery at 308 Penn Avenue, leads Hatha Yoga influenced by Kundalini Yoga traditions.

Down Dog Yoga & Wellness Center

525 Reading Avenue, West Reading 610-373-7181 www.ddyoga.com

694 Reading Ave, West Reading Cell: 610-914-6792 Office: 610-373-2212

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Avenues Spring 2015

Bella Jules: Editor’s Note In featuring Bella Jules as our Retailer’s Perspective article in our Winter 2015 issue, we regrettably used a stock photo of a gown which hardly represented the types of gowns and styles carried by Bella Jules. We understand the importance of branding and reflecting current styles and colors, and recognize that the photo may have led our readers to surmise that this photo was reflective of the apparel available within Bella Jules.

It was not! Hence, we wish to take this opportunity to share some photos of representative gowns, supplied by Bella Jules. We wish you happy shopping!

Bella Jules Fashion Boutique, LLC

700 Penn Avenue West Reading, PA 19611 610-208-0600 www.bellajulesboutique.com

Are customer service, quality, deadlines and price important to you?

They are to us.

Prom 2015

A Full Service Commercial Printing Company Since 1936

101 South First Avenue, West Reading, PA 19611 Ph: 610.375.8581 | Fx: 610.375.4102 www.riecksprinting.com | lovewestreading.org

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IN THE KNOW & ON THE GO ////

Reading Health System Expansion To Enhance State-of-the-Art Care, Patient Convenience

R

eading Health System is embarking on a major construction project that will enhance its ability to provide world-class healthcare. But the benefits don’t end there. The improvements also will increase patient comfort and convenience.

The construction project — called the 7th Avenue Project — will result in a nine story, state-of-the-art facility that will include an energy efficient central sterile processing area, state-of-the-art technologically sophisticated operating and procedure rooms, five floors of private patient rooms, and an expanded Emergency Department and Trauma Center.

The project, which increases Reading Health System’s square footage by 20 percent, will be completed in 2016.

What does this mean for patients and families?

For starters, it means that surgical patients will recover in the best healing environment possible. Studies show that private rooms reduce infections and provide a quieter, more conducive setting for recovery after surgery. The private rooms will be inviting and will offer comfortable space for visitors.

The 7th Avenue Project also will provide patients with the confidence that they are undergoing surgery in one of the most technologically advanced surgical centers in the region. The operating rooms will be twice as big as the current operating rooms in order to more comfortably accommodate robotic, interventional and other minimally invasive technology.

Six of the new surgical suites will be hybrid operating rooms, which means they can transition from a laboratory for catheterizations and other exploratory procedures to a surgical suite if the

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Avenues Spring 2015

physician determines during the initial procedure that surgery is needed.

The project also will expand the Emergency Department and Trauma Center to include 15 additional emergency treatment rooms and four additional trauma bays. Time is of the essence during trauma care, and by placing the Operating Rooms next to both Trauma and the Emergency Department we have virtually eliminated transporting our patients across the hospital for immediate surgical care.

Located along Seventh Avenue on the west side of the Reading Hospital campus, the new facility will adjoin the N-Building, the hospital’s newest clinical building. Reading Health System sought input from health system physicians, nurses and staff in designing the new facility, and that input will enhance the patients’ experience as well as the professionals’ ability to provide advanced services.

Because serenity and peace of mind are important components of health and healing, the new facility will have an expanded “healing garden” with water features. The building also will have a green roof (the third-largest green roof on a healthcare facility in the country), and patients and their families will be able to utilize the open roof if they choose.

Reading Health System is embarking on the 7th Avenue Project with one goal in mind — to enhance its specialized care and the healthcare experience for patients and families in Berks County and the surrounding counties. For more information, call Reading Health System at 484-628-4357.

CE L

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West Reading Summer Basketball League eading down to the playground to play ball and meet other basketball players has a deeper significance in this neighborhood. Down at the West Reading playground, just east of the Reading Public Museum, you may find basketball players from the West Reading Summer Basketball League dribbling around on the basketball courts, gearing up for upcoming games.

eligibility remaining the following winter season. This league is named after Ron Krick, a former All-American from West Reading High School.

What more could a young basketball player ask for – playing their favorite sport beyond high school, college or adult age–levels and having the opportunity to play in sunny Sacramento, California? “I would’ve loved the opportunity myself,” says Ed Kuhn, Supervisor of Kuhn Funeral Home, West Reading.

In 1972, the Sacramento, California – West Reading Basketball Exchange was formed. In this Exchange, the teams of West Reading and Sacramento alternate visits every other year, participating in several basketball tournaments and touring the region. These players are selected by a panel of twenty-two voters that includes Reading Eagle sportswriters, WEEU sports staff, high school coaches and referees, among others. Both programs raise their own money to meet the financial requirements of travel. This year, the West Reading Summer Basketball League is gearing up for sunny Sacramento!

Mr. Kuhn continued to dream up a place where basketball could be played for all ages and ability levels. In 1965, the West Reading Recreation Board established the West Reading Summer Basketball League and Ed Kuhn has since been named the Founder and League Commissioner. His League Co-Commissioner is Sal Racuglia.

The Basketball League is comprised of three teams from Berks County and two teams in Lancaster County. Players in the Pro Nelson Memorial League are boys presently in 8th and 9th grades who are selected onto teams by their coaches, who are older high school basketball players.

The David Smith Memorial Adult League is named for a West Reading resident who played sports at Wyomissing Area High School. Considered a “B Level” competition league, this one is open to men who are seventeen years or older and reside in Berks County.

The third Berks County league, the Ron Krick Memorial High School League, is comprised of high school players who still have

As the weather warms up, take in a night of basketball and enjoy the wonderful West Reading Playground, a short walking distance from the Penn Corridor through the charming neighborhoods or down Museum Road past the Reading Health System grounds, just across from the Reading Public Museum. When the weather is cooperative, the games are played at West Reading Playground.

If not, the games are played indoors either at the old Wyomissing High School gym, the West Reading Middle School gym, or at the West Reading Elementary School. The upcoming season begins in May and games are free and open to the public.

In the words of Mr. Kuhn, “The prestige of having players from Berks County participate in this program for years and years to come is my dream.”

For more information, visit www.westreadingbasketball.com.

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IN THE KNOW & ON THE GO ////

Keeping the Dream Alive!

PENN AVENUE CORRIDOR CONCEPTUAL PLAN

I

n 2004, the Berks Economic Partnership (now Greater Reading Economic Partnership) requested that local architectural firms contribute conceptual designs to assist with defining the existing commercial corridor from Penn Avenue in Wyomissing to Penn Street in downtown Reading. Along with helping to identify corridor limits, the work was to isolate specific sites and building interests along the corridor that best represent priority development opportunities. Kautter & Kelley Architects (K&KA) created a 3-D planning model for a 3.5 mile distance of Business Route 422 along which three distinctive commercial districts were delineated. Several sites with varied attributes were analyzed and schematic conceptual designs for each were created.

The corridor forms an assemblage of residential, commercial, entertainment, and financial zones, vital to the economic, social, and cultural well-being of greater Reading. Three districts, distinct in character, function, and purpose, are formed by the naturally

occurring breaks in the flow of the vehicular traffic plan, topography, and municipal borders. Their varied character forms a unique stretch of commerce that is complimentary and mutually dependent; a picturesque suburban boulevard, a traditional Main Street retail district, and a potentially vibrant urban core. Sasaki Associates of Boston was subsequently commissioned to complete a thorough “Corridor Development Plan.” The Sasaki study utilized the corridor database established by K&KA. In 2005, in tandem with the Corridor Development Plan, Sasaki Associates created a Development Plan for the RiverPlace Development Corporation focused on the Schuylkill River waterfront in Reading. The planning study recommended several design initiatives seen as key to the successful long term development of the river’s edge. One of these was a public boardwalk and nature trail. K&KA was selected to provide the initial design and planning work and a conceptual design was developed as a component of the Greater Reading Schuylkill Riverfront Development Master Plan.

The “West Shore Boardwalk” is a project commissioned by RiverPlace to create a network of paths and public spaces located on the western bank of the Schuylkill River between the Penn Street Bridge and the Reading Area Community College (RACC) Pedestrian Bridge. The project completes a pedestrian and bicycle loop with Reading’s eastern bank of the Schuylkill River, West

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Avenues Spring 2015

IN THE KNOW & ON THE GO //// Reading, and the Wyomissing Creek Trail. Included in the project are numerous amenities, such as public plaza space, elevated boardwalks and piers with seating and lighting, observation landings, nature trail, new native landscaping, and way-faring and educational signage about the river.

The urban recreational destination is designed to stimulate and support economic development, providing the community with a cultural asset of enduring value. The project is divided into five phases expected to be completed in five years. This project, however, has not yet materialized but we’re hoping to keep the dream alive in fostering continued dialog for urban revitalization efforts.

About the Design

Kautter Kelley Architects was the record architect for The West Reading Main Street Foundation program that brought streetscape enhancement, facade improvement, and a positive marketing plan to the Penn Avenue business district that you see today. The project aimed to make Penn Avenue more attractive, safer, and easier to negotiate while creating stability on the commercial corridor. The scope of the work incorporated new traffic patterns, curb and sidewalk extensions, re-established crosswalks, universal accessibility, and visual enhancements such as landscaping, street lighting, banners, street furniture, new curbs and sidewalks, and signage.

JUMP

Get a on the Real Estate market With G-r-r-reat Values This Spring Fine Homes & Estates are my specialty, & Extraordinary homes deserve Extraordinary attention.

As the premier Realtor in Berks County, I have used my professional eye, marketing savvy, enthusiasm for the business, and my understanding of the process to quickly match buyers and sellers. My sales and marketing skills have made me the most successful agent in Berks County, and I would like to share that success with you.

When you are ready to sell or to buy, pick someone who can give you Extraordinary results!

Lisa Tiger

LisaTigerHomes.com 610.779.2500 • 610.207.6186 (direct)

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IN THE KNOW & ON THE GO //// directions

From Allentown Take I-78 West to 222 South towards Reading. Continue on 222 South towards Lebanon/Lancaster. Take 422 East towards Pottstown. Take the Penn Avenue, West Reading, or Penn Street, Reading exit.

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Avenues Spring 2015

Take I-76 West to the PA Turnpike (toll road 76W). Take 76 West to the Morgantown exit 298. Proceed through the tollbooth to I-176.

Continue for approximately 10 miles and take the 422 West exit. Take 422 West to the Penn Street, Reading, or Penn Avenue, West Reading exit.

From Baltimore Take I-95 to Baltimore Beltway (I-695W), then to I-83 North to York, PA. From there take Route 30 East, to Lancaster, then 222 North to Reading. Merge on to 422 East towards Pottstown. Take the Penn Street, Reading, or Penn Avenue, West Reading exit.

From Harrisburg

Take the PA Turnpike East to Reading exit 286. Continue on 222 North to Reading. Merge on to 422 East towards Pottstown.

Take the Penn Street Reading, or Penn Avenue, West Reading exit.

IN THE KNOW & ON THE GO ////

A Retailer’s Perspective:

Resort Season

Contributed by Robin Horman, Owner, Lilibea’s

Swimsuits. Doesn’t the thought of that tiny little piece of summertime staple clothing just send a chill up your spine? Tugging at the cups to prevent a pool side wardrobe malfunction. Hiking up the bottoms as they weigh down with ocean water. And, my most feared, the band slip up that has you exposed in all your glory.

Well, here is some good news… it doesn’t have to be that way. With the advent of a swimsuit that is sized like a bra, all those embarrassing mishaps can go right out the window. To explain when I say ‘sized like a bra’ – that is exactly what these are. Most styles will have a band that starts at a 30 and goes to 38 and the cups will run anywhere from D through H. The bonus of these swimsuits too is that they fit much easier than a bra. The swimsuit fabric has a lot more stretch than that of a bra so coverage is a little easier to achieve. My two favorite brands that offer true bra sized swimwear are Freya and Fantasie. Let’s start with Freya.

Freya works in brilliantly colored fabrics with unique and somewhat funky prints.

Their bikini tops are either a sweetheart or a halter plunge style. They also offer a variety of tankini styles that run slightly shorter at the waist. My winner for the 2013 season from them would be Hello Sailor – a nautical inspired white stripe and polka dot on a blue lagoon background all accented with a red bow in just the proper place. What I like about this swimsuit set is the padded sweetheart bikini top; it has ample coverage so a game of beach volleyball won’t have you running for a cover up. The cup is slightly lined so unexpected cold water won’t be an issue either. My favorite pairing for this top is the 50s style retro shorts; they provide just the right coverage and look great on a variety of body types.

I always describe Fantasie as the older sister to Freya. Fantasie tankini tops tend to run a little longer through the waist and usually will sit at about the hip. Their bikini tops are available in a variety of styles including full coverage and bandeau. Although still available in wonderful colors and prints, they are a little more subtle than Freya. The best seller from Fantasie this season would have to be the Guadeloupe Twist Front Tankini in Radiant Orchid. The top is a full coverage top that has an ingenious pull string side that can be tightened to give a shorter profile which makes this the perfect suit for a long or short torso. With two full coverage bottom options, it is certainly a suit you will feel comfortable wearing.

Lilibeas 613 Penn Ave. West Reading, PA 19611 610-685-6685 www.lilibeas.com

Speaking of bottoms, there is a secret to getting the best fit with your swimsuit bottoms, too. One simple rule – don’t go too big!

First, don’t go too big with coverage. If you have a shorter fuller leg, you will generally look better with a tap side or side tie bottom.

A short style or skirted bottom will actually make your legs look shorter. A tab side or side tie will set higher up on your leg and give the illusion of more length since more is exposed. Second, size. Don’t think an extra-large will provide better coverage than a large. If you go too big in size, once the bottoms get heavy with water, they will just slide down and become baggy. You want the bottoms to fit snug against your derriere and for the fabric to lay nice and flat.

As you know, Memorial Day marks the beginning of swimsuit season – so Happy Shopping and remember don’t be so super critical in the dressing room. Swimsuits should always be both fun and comfortable.

There are two easy steps to get the perfect bikini body: 1. Get a bikini. 2. Put it on your body. Enjoy the summer!

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IN THE KNOW & ON THE GO //// events

Spring on the

a•v•e•n•u•e•S

West Reading Farmer’s Market Winter Operations

Winter Market Vendor Listing

VF Outlet Center Designer Place (outside of Reading China and Glass) (Saturday, March 14th & 28th, April 11th & 25th & May 9th from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. )

Toland Farm Wholesome Goods Betula’s Botanica Mama Patel’s So Good Soup & Salad B&H Organic Produce Sheila’s Crunchy Delight

Continue to shop top selections from the West Reading’s own producer-only farmer’s market through the winter season!

Now offered for the first time, the West Reading Farmer’s Market moved its winter operations to the Designer’s Place at the VF Outlet Center. Look for your favorite vendors and find out what they’re doing to gear up for the summer harvest! Shop the locally made herbal hand soaps, fresh goat cheese, organic produce and coffee brewed by the cup!

Starting May 17th, the West Reading Farmer’s Market returns to its home, located in the 500 block of Penn Avenue (same side as the West Reading Drug Store). www.wrcrf.org/farmersmarket

St. Peter’s Bakery Freeland Market Benchwarmer’s Coffee Co. Amazing Acres Goat Dairy Laura’s Garden Stoudt’s Fruit Farm . . . and others.

Check the Facebook Page! www.Facebook.com/WestReadingFarmersMarket

CSA Produce Pick-Ups in West Reading!

A blossoming neighborhood with deep ties to its surrounding farmland, West Reading is a hot-spot for Community Shared Agriculture, or CSA, pick-ups. This locally-based food distribution of agriculture is brought to the borough by growers sharing and educating the community on the harvest they are providing to this area. Weekly shares of fruit, vegetables, eggs, cheese, bread and even mushrooms arrive for CSA subscribers through at least two local farms: Eckerton Hill Farm of Lenhartsville, PA offers a twentytwo week produce share with add-ons of eggs, bread, cheese and mushrooms. Weekly pick-ups are held at three locations, including West Reading, Bethlehem and the farm itself! Registration ends April 1st.

Visit www.eckertonhillfarm.com for more details.

ART PLUS GALLERY Find Fine Art gifts from $5.00 to $500.00 604 Penn Avenue West Reading, PA19611 610-375-9122 www.artplusgallery.weebly.com

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Avenues Winter2014

ENJOY LOCAL ART !

painting photography sculpture l

Pick everything you want or leave it up to the trusty team at B&H Organic Produce! Half and full shares arrive from Morgantown, PA, packaged in boxes and delivered to a central drop-off in West Reading.

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pottery fabrics jewelry books l

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cards prints and other small items l

11-5pm Weds.- Sat. 10 -4pm. Sun.

In 2008, B&H Organic Produce began as a 1/8 acre produce garden serving the West Reading Farmer’s Market, Hartz Natural Foods in Morgantown and a 10-member CSA. Each year, production has grown, last year serving not only the Farmer’s Market and Hartz Natural Foods, but 2 restaurants and a CSA membership that has grown to 80 shares!

IN THE KNOW & ON THE GO //// 2nd Fridays on Penn Ave.

400-700 blocks of Penn Avenue, West Reading (The 2nd Friday of Every Month from 5:30-8:30 p.m.)

Between the amazing selection of restaurants and unique array of boutiques, discover signature cocktails and one-of-a-kind finds throughout this strolling neighborhood. Look for the 2nd Friday logo in participating shop windows for in-store specials and events!

Throughout the year, 2nd Friday inspires a new theme to add to the adventure on the Avenue. www.lovewestreading.org

Jazz on the Avenue

600 Block of Penn Avenue, West Reading (2nd Friday, April 10th)

Even if you didn’t get tickets to Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest this spring, there’s plenty of jazz to celebrate around the Avenues.

Kick off the opening night of Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest during 2nd Friday as jazz musicians will be featured among the local restaurants and galleries. Find out about more Jazz on the Avenue happenings by visiting www.lovewestreading.com.

Jazz at the West Reading Tavern

Charlie Wanyno Trio (Saturday, April 11, 2015 - 9:00pm - 11:30pm)

Take the Kids!

The Bear Prince

Miller Center for the Arts 4 N. 2nd Street, Reading Friday, March 27th at 7 p.m.

Saturday, March 28th at 11:00 a.m.* and 2:00 p.m.

This adaptation taken from a Mexican folk tale is an enchanting production that blends jazz and opera music, storytelling and movement to allow audiences of all ages to share the secret of Prince Oso. This magical, colorful tale is presented by Berks Opera Workshop and Primary Stages of the Yocum Institute. *Children’s craft activity follows the 11 a.m. performance. Registration strongly suggested by calling 610-607-6270 for more information and box office tickets. www.RACC.edu/MillerCenter

Easter at The Museum

Reading Public Museum Sunday, April 5th from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Join in a long-time Easter tradition here at The Museum! Participate in an egg hunt, meet the Easter bunny, make Easter crafts and more!

No reservations necessary, All activities are free with admission! www.readingpublicmuseum.org

Bryan Betts Group (Wednesday, April 15, 2015 - 7:30pm - 10:00pm) Lars Potteiger with Skip Moyer and Bill Tesar (Thursday, April 16, 2015 - 7:30pm - 10:00pm) Corty Byron (Friday, April 17, 2015 - 9:00pm - 11:30pm) Ken Gehret and Chris Heslop (Saturday, April 18, 2015 - 9:00pm - 11:30pm)

Moms in Mind

600 Block of Penn Avenue, West Reading (2nd Friday, May 8th) Whether you’re shopping for mom or with her, we’ve got moms in mind this 2nd Friday! Take advantage of special in-store offers or better yet – bring her to the Avenue for Sunday brunch! Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 10th. www.lovewestreading.org

Pub Runs

600 Block of Penn Avenue, West Reading (Friday, March 13th at 6:15 p.m.

Friday, May 22nd at 6:15p.m.)

If you missed the St. Paddy’s Day Pub Run (a 4-mile fun run in St. Patty’s Day wear) that begins at A Running Start on Friday, March 13th at 6:15 p.m., you missed a fun-run that ended with the fulfillment of an engraved pint glass that runners could fill at the Barley Mow post-run. Save the date for Friday, May 22nd, when A Running Start plans another great run that ends with duck fries at the West Reading Tavern and Like A Running Start on Facebook for more details! www.arunningstart.biz lovewestreading.org

17

IN THE KNOW & ON THE GO //// events Jazz Under the Stars

Reading Public Museum (Thursday, April 9th) Doors open at 5:30 p.m., Music begins at 6:30 p.m.)

Celebrate the unofficial kickoff to Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest in the area’s favorite Jazz Space! For an “out of this world” jazz experience, head on over to the Neag Planetarium at the Reading Public Museum.

Featuring The James Supra & Sarah Ayers Quartet, two Lehigh Valley award-winning musicians deliver a dynamic acoustic format of soulful harmonies and powerful solos. And, the musical performances are enhanced by the visually-stunning atmosphere of the theatre’s dome above! Tickets are $20 and pre-registration is strongly suggested. www.readingpublicmuseum.org

Quick and Dirty Sketch Comedy and Improv Studio 213 GoggleWorks (Saturday, April 18th at 8 p.m.)

See the Quick and Dirty at their new home at the GoggleWorks!

The Quick and Dirty group creates and presents theatre that is relevant to the Greater Berks County, Pennsylvania community. Featuring improv, sketch comedy, stand-up and music, the performances are fun, interactive and original. Tickets $10. www.artful.ly/reading-theater-project

every body

PILATES a mindful approach to movement

Fundamentals 101 at Every•Body Pilates Get started with this 3 session Pilates package.

Learn the basics and review the fundamentals.

Benefits of Pilates Improves flexibility • Enhances posture Helps relieve back discomfort • Improves energy

Every•Body Pilates 629body Penn Ave every

Rear Entrance PILATES West Reading, PA 19611 a mindful approach to movement

888-509-1063 info@everybody-pilates.com everybody-pilates.com

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Avenues Spring 2015

Reading’s Craft Beer Fest

Santander Arena 700 Penn St., Reading (Saturday, April 18th from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. General Admission) The first of its size and scope in downtown Reading, the inaugural Reading Craft Beer Festival offers an unlimited sampling of over one hundred beers. Beer enthusiasts will not want to miss out on the representation of more than fifty craft breweries, near and far. All attendees must be over 21 years of age. www.readingbeerfest.com

Black Violin

Miller Center for the Arts 4 N. 2nd Street, Reading (Saturday, April 25th at 7:30 p.m. ) In the case of the revolutionary music group Black Violin, jazz, hip-hop, funk and classical music are not genres – they’re ingredients. Black Violin merges their classical music training with their love of hip-hop, funk and jazz with four-strings apiece – and a backbeat. Stay for a post-performance meet-and-greet with the musicians! Tickets are $27 for Adults, $15 for Students and can be ordered by calling 610-607-6270. www.RACC.edu/MillerCenter

Reading Theatre Project presents The Marriage Expo(sé)

(Opening Night is Friday, May 1st and runs through May 10th.)

Olympian Ballroom at 603 Penn Ave The Reading Theater Project is a multigenerational collective of performing artists who create new theater in Reading, PA. Since 2003, Reading Theater Project has given local professional performing artists an artistic home, with opportunities for collaboration, development, showcasing, and personal growth.

“We wanted to tell the story of modern marriage, and we wanted to push our theatrical style. We’re calling it an “Expo(sé) because it’s modeled after an Expo, but our production is exposing truths about marriage and relationships,” says Artistic Director Vicki Graff.

At The Marriage Expo(sé), audiences will be able to sit and watch the performance or move about the venue to explore the booths. Actors will be interspersed with audience, with the play unfolding all around the room. Expect to see music, dance, improv, and scripted performances.

The production is supported by the Berks Arts Council and The West Reading Tavern. To purchase tickets or for more information, please go to ReadingTheaterProject.com or call 484-706-9719. Ticket are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. www.readingtheaterproject.com/improv

Berks County Armed Forces Day Parade (Saturday, May 16th at 9 a.m.)

Penn Avenue, West Reading Come down to the Penn Corridor for the morning and wave in delight as the fire trucks, parade marshals and marching band parade down the Avenue! Another West Reading Must-See, the Berks County Armed Forces Day Parade is one of the oldest-running parades in the area and celebrates the individuals of the armed forces that make our world a better place.

Fig & Will features maternity and children's consignment as well as an array of baby gifts and one-of-a-kind furniture and accessories.

Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10am-5pm; Saturday 10am-3pm 520Penn PennAvenue, Avenue,West West Reading Reading 609

Reading Symphony Orchestra Season Finale

610-373-3400 figandwill.com

(Saturday, May 16th at 8 p.m.)

Santander Performing Arts Center 136 N. 6th St., Reading

Another season of the Reading Symphony Orchestra ends with a bang! Exciting selections of Dvorรกk, Glass and Mahler will be performed.

For ticket info, visit www.readingsymphony.org

lovewestreading.org

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JAZZ JUBILATION ////

Jazz

Jubilation Wynton Marsalis to open Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest 25th Annual Celebration set for April 10-19, 2015

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Avenues Spring 2015

The 10-day fest features the best in contemporary and traditional jazz, fusion, blues, R&B, gospel and more. More than 150 events at large venues, clubs and restaurants throughout the Reading area— something for everyone.

Yolanda Adams

B

erks Arts Council is now entering its fifth decade of supporting and promoting the arts in our community.

Berks Arts Council began in 1971 when a group of local artists and art aficionados decided Berks County needed an agency to promote and unite all of the arts. The organization has seen many changes over the past 43 years, but the core beliefs have remained the same: to promote the arts and the community. Berks Arts Council recently updated our mission to reflect what we see as the historic and future mission of the Berks Arts Council – to cultivate, support and promote the arts in our community. In support of our mission, Berks Arts Council presents the following activities:

Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest: Founded in 1991, Berks Jazz Fest

is a 10-day music festival celebrating Jazz, Blues, World Music and R&B. This is one of the largest, most comprehensive festivals in the country. Berks Jazz Fest features more than 45 main stage concerts spread throughout a variety of venues in the area and partners on approximately 130 local, non-ticketed events in local restaurants, community organizations, churches and clubs. In addition to the musical offerings, there is a visual art exhibition, Frank Scott Memorial Art Show: The Art of Jazz.

The 2014 exhibition included 70 pieces in a variety of media from 47 artists.

Bandshell Concert Series: For 24 years, the Bandshell Concerts

have been presenting high-quality national and international artists in City Park in downtown Reading. The goal of this series is to showcase a wide variety of music that is accessible to anyone within the community and is not readily heard at other venues. The casual atmosphere encourages audiences to come out and “take a risk” on music they may not be familiar with as

well as encourages attendance by families without the concerns of cost or keeping the children still for a formal concert. The concerts are barrier free music: no cost, no tickets, and walkable for many of our audience members.

Greater Reading Film Festival/ Hidden River Film Initiative: This series was founded as a film festival to celebrate and cultivate local and independent film. While the festival was put on hiatus for strategic planning, the film series continues to screen films and host film discussions.

The Pagoda Awards: Created in 1993, the awards are an

evening dedicated to recognizing the lifetime achievement of Berks Countians who have made an impact on the arts in our community.

Fast Lane Art: A juried art exhibition featuring student and

professional artists. Six works are selected to be displayed on billboards throughout the county.

The weekly Arts Blast e-newsletter with Berks County arts events, calls for artists and items of note.

The Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts (PPA) re-grant

program of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, through which Berks Arts Council re-grants almost $50,000 to projects in a three-county region in two funding streams, Project and Program.

Berks Arts Council also works with local organizations to

offer visual art exhibition opportunities to promote the work of local artists. For more information, call 610.898.1930 or visit www.berksarts.org. lovewestreading.org

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JAZZ JUBILATION //// events

2015 Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Schedule FRI, APRIL 10 7 p.m. Guitar Master PAT MARTINO TRIO featuring Pat Bianchi, Carmen Intorre Jazz Base at the Crowne Plaza Reading: $39 7:30 p.m.: Opening Night Concert JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ORCHESTRA WITH WYNTON MARSALIS Santander Performing Arts Center: $59 and $49 7:30 p.m.: Fabulous Friday Funkathon: Part I DANCE HALL DOCS Building 24 Live: $25 10 p.m.: Opening Night Party BONEY JAMES Crowne Plaza Reading Ballroom: $49 10:30 p.m.: Reading Jazz Connection GREG HATZA & TIM PRICE ORGAN QUARTET Jazz Base at Crowne Plaza Reading: $10 cover Midnight GERALD VEASLEY’S MIDNIGHT JAM Sweet Street Desserts Jazz Tent at Crowne Plaza: $25

SAT, APRIL 11 1:30 p.m. Live from Seattle RANDY HANSEN: The Jimi Hendrix Experience Building 24 Live: $25 2 p.m.: WHUR 96.3 FM Day MINDI ABAIR & THE BONESHAKERS Crowne Plaza Reading Ballroom: $45, two concerts

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Avenues Spring 2015

7 p.m.

BRIAN BROMBERG with special guest ANDREW NEU Jazz Base at the Crowne Plaza Reading: $30 7 p.m.: WHUR 96.3 FM Night THE SOUL OF JAZZ Santander Performing Arts Center: $49 7:30 p.m.: WRTI 90.1 FM Night JAZZ ORCHESTRA OF PHILADELPHIA directed by TERELL STAFFORD Miller Center for the Arts: $40 7:30 p.m.: Back by Popular Demand! Music of Stevie Ray Vaughn TOMMY KATONA & TEXAS FLOOD Building 24 Live: $25 10 p.m.: WHUR 96.3 FM Night INCOGNITO Crowne Plaza Reading Ballroom: $49

Kirk Whalum

10:30 p.m.

ANDREW NEU Jazz Base at Crowne Plaza Reading: $10 cover

Brian Culbertson

Midnight GERALD VEASLEY’S MIDNIGHT JAM Sweet Street Desserts Jazz Tent at Crowne Plaza: $25

SUN, APRIL 12 10 a.m. buffet/11:15 a.m. show: Sunday Jazz Brunch URBAN JAZZ COALITION & FRIENDS Sweet Street Desserts Jazz Tent at Crowne Plaza: $40 1:30 p.m.: Ultimate Tribute to the Original Allman Brothers LIVE AT THE FILLMORE Building 24 Live: $25 2 p.m.: Soulful Sunday GERALD ALBRIGHT Crowne Plaza Reading Ballroom: $45, two concerts 7 p.m.: Smooth Jazz Cruise Night BRIAN CULBERTSON Santander Performing Arts Center: $49 7:30 p.m.: The Signature Jazz Cruise on Seabourn Night DIANNE REEVES Miller Center for the Arts: $49

MON, APRIL 13 7:30 p.m.: Reading Eagle Community Concert U.S. ARMY JAZZ AMBASSADORS Crowne Plaza Reading Ballroom: FREE

TUES, APRIL 14 7:30 p.m.: Reading Eagle Community Concert U.S. ARMY JAZZ AMBASSADORS SunnyBrook Ballroom, Pottstown: FREE 7:30 p.m.: Special Anniversary Event BERKS BOP BIG BAND Building 24 Live: $38

WED, APRIL 15 7 p.m.: Hidden River Film Initiative 20 FEET FROM STARDOM (Film) R/C Reading Movies 11 & IMAX 7:30 p.m.: Legendary Drummer BILLY COBHAM’S ‘SPECTRUM 40’ BAND Crowne Plaza Reading Ballroom: $42 7:30 p.m.: Special Anniversary Event BERKS BOP BIG BAND Building 24 Live: $38

JAZZ JUBILATION ////

THURS, APRIL 16 7:00 p.m.: Music of Django Reinhardt and more DJANGOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Jazz Base at Crowne Plaza Reading: $15 7:30 p.m.: Classic Rock, Blues Guitarist PAT TRAVERS BAND Building 24 Live: $25 8 p.m.: 25th Anniversary Jam BERKS ALL-STAR JAZZ JAM Crowne Plaza Reading Ballroom: $49

FRI, APRIL 17 7 p.m.: Honoring Masters of Fusion ALEX BUGNON, GERALD VEASLEY, CHEILI MINUCCI, CHRIS FARR, and RODNEY HOLMES Jazz Base at the Crowne Plaza Reading: $40 7 p.m.: An Evening With WILL DOWNING Scottish Rite Cathedral: $49

7:30 p.m.: WRTI 90.1 FM Night STRINGS ATTACHED Miller Center for the Arts: $40 7:30 p.m.: Blues at The Inn JAMES HUNTER SIX The Inn at Reading Ballroom: $39

8 p.m.: BRE Presents TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND Santander Performing Arts Center: $39.50- $75 10 p.m.: Smooth Jazz Cruise Night JAZZ ATTACK Crowne Plaza Reading Ballroom: $45 10:30 p.m.: Sax Summit NATHAN BELLOTT, SETH EBERSOLE, ANDY MOHLER, GREG WILSON Jazz Base at Crowne Plaza Reading: $10 cover Midnight GERALD VEASLEY’S MIDNIGHT JAM Sweet Street Desserts Jazz Tent at Crowne Plaza: $25

10 a.m. doors/ 11 a.m. auction BERKS JAZZ FEST AUCTION Jazz Base at Crowne Plaza Reading: FREE 1:30 p.m.: Eric Clapton Retrospective CRAIG THATCHER BAND Building 24 Live: $25

8 p.m.: Celebrate Sinatra LOU DOTTOLI and the SOUNDS OF SUNNYBROOK DANCE BAND SunnyBrook Ballroom, Pottstown 10 p.m.: WDAS 105.3 FM Night REMEMBERING JOE SAMPLE Crowne Plaza Reading Ballroom: $45

7:30 p.m.: Fabulous Friday Funkathon: Part II THE ORIGINAL GROOVEMASTERS Building 24 Live: $25

SAT, APRIL 18 Dianne Reeves

Boney James

2 p.m.: Smooth Jazz JJZ Day NICK COLIONNE plus MARION MEADOWS & PAUL TAYLOR Crowne Plaza Reading Hotel Ballroom: $45 7 p.m.: Acoustic Guitarist MARC ANTOINE Jazz Base at Crowne Plaza Reading: $35 7 p.m.: WDAS/WJJZ Night FOURPLAY Scottish Rite Cathedral: $49 7:30 p.m.: A Journey into the Future of Jazz KIND OF NEW Miller Center for the Arts: $40 7:30 p.m.: Steely Dan Tribute THE ROYAL SCAM The Inn at Reading Ballroom: $25 7:30 p.m.: Sweet Southern Soul ROYAL SOUTHERN BROTHERHOOD Building 24 Live: $39

10:30 p.m.: Classic Rock Meets Contemporary Jazz THE JOST PROJECT Jazz Base at Crowne Plaza Reading: $10 cover at the door Midnight GERALD VEASLEY’S MIDNIGHT JAM Sweet Street Desserts Jazz Tent at Crowne Plaza: $25

SUN, APRIL 19 10 a.m. buffet: Sunday Jazz Brunch FRANK VIGNOLA & VINNY RANIOLO The Inn at Reading Ballroom: $40 10 a.m. buffet: Brassy Sunday Jazz Brunch ÉLAN TROTMAN, JEFF BRADSHAW, JOEY SOMMERVILLE Crowne Plaza Reading Ballroom: $40 3 p.m.: Jazzin’ Up the Pops NEW YORK VOICES and the READING POPS ORCHESTRA Miller Center for Arts: $40 7 p.m.

Gospel According to Jazz Celebration Scottish Rite Cathedral: $49

lovewestreading.org

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JAZZ JUBILATION //// events

Local, Smaller Venue Events THURS, APRIL 9

7:00 p.m.

JOHN KING DANCE BAND Grill Then Chill Bar and Lounge 610-373-1136

6:30 p.m.: Jazz Under The Stars THE JAMES SUPRA & SARAH AYERS QUARTET Reading Public Museum www.readingpublicmuseum.org

SAT, APRIL 11

7:30 p.m.

DAVE MELL Reading Country Club 610-779-1000 www.exetertownship.com

6:30 p.m.: Tribute to Frankie Valli & Other Jersey Legends BOBBI VALLI Jimbo’s @ Bellevue Plaza Hall

9:00 p.m.

CHARLIE WANYO TRIO featuring BENNIE SIMS and DAVE SANTANA West Reading Tavern 610-376-9232

www.jimbosteaks.com

7:00 p.m.

FRANK DiBUSSOLO & DAVE DePALMA QUARTET State Theatre in Boyertown

www.westreadingtavern.com

www.statetheatreboyertown.com

Winedown café presents The Distilled whiskey room.

winedowncafe.net 622 Penn Avenue West Reading, PA 19611

As winedown café & wine bar prides itself on serving the best quality wines by the glass; The Distilled whiskey room will take pride in serving the best whiskey from all over the world: Scotch, Bourbon, Rye & blends.

TUES, APRIL 14

11:30 a.m.: Jazz Lunch MIKE EBEN’S FROM THE HIP Boscov’s East Greenery Restaurant

WED, APRIL 15 11:30 a.m.: Jazz Lunch SKIP MOYER TRIO featuring TONI LYNNE Boscov’s East Greenery Restaurant 7:00 p.m.: Berks Arts Council’s Night of Independent Film Series 20 FEET FROM STARDOM R/C Reading Movies 11 & IMAX www.berksarts.org

7:30 p.m.

BRYAN BETTS GROUP West Reading Tavern 610-376-9232 www.westreadingtavern.com

THURS, APRIL 16 11:30 a.m.: Jazz Lunch PRETZEL CITY JAZZ BAND Boscov’s North Greenery Restaurant 610-779-2000 7:30 p.m.

LARS POTTIEGER TRIO West Reading Tavern 610-376-9232 www.westreadingtavern.com

FRI, APRIL 17 11:30 a.m.: Jazz Lunch ERICH CAWALLA QUARTET Boscov’s North Greenery Restaurant 610-779-2000

The Distilled whiskey room will have limited hours open only Thursday 4-11pm, Friday & Saturday 4pm till midnight.

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Avenues Spring 2015

9:00 p.m.

CORTY BRYON West Reading Tavern 610-376-9232 www.westreadingtavern.com

SAT, APRIL 18 2:00 p.m.

BEN MAUGER’S ROARING ‘20s VINTAGE ORCHESTRA & DIXIELAND BANK Wilson West Middle School 610-678-5691 7:30 p.m.

JOHN KING DANCE BAND Berks YR Club 610-376-1303 www.berksyrclub.com

7:30 p.m.

TIZ & OLD SCHOOL Reading Country Club 610-779-1000 www.exetertownship.com

9:00 p.m.

KEN GEHRET & CHRIS HESLOP West Reading Tavern 610-376-9232 www.westreadingtavern.com

SUN, APRIL 19 10:00 a.m.

ERWIN CHANDLER’S GAMUT United Church of Christ/Temple 610-929-2020 www.ucctemple.org

3:00 p.m.

BENNIE SIMS QUARTET Grill Then Chill Bar and Lounge 610-373-1136

7:30 p.m.

SKIP MOYER TRIO Reading Country Club 610-779-1000

4:00 p.m.

MARIA DAMORE QUARTET featuring ANDY ROBERTS First Baptist Church 610-375-2211

www.exetertownship.com

www.firstbaptistreading.org

TASTE WEST READING ////

t u O g Dinin

on the Avenue

W

hen it comes to food, give it some thought… because if it’s anything worth craving, it’s worth finding!

Fortunately, West Reading has always been home to excellent atmospheres that offer a wide variety of dining sensations. In this small, yet vibrant neighborhood, you won’t have to wander far to find delicious specialties, entrees and desserts.

Restaurants, cafes, taverns and assorted eateries are hidden in the pockets around the blocks of the Penn Corridor. Stroll the Avenues and look for your old favorites or try a bite at one of the best new establishments in Berks County!

While some local restaurants have been in business for more than forty years and others are fresh to the block, ALL of them have something fantastic to offer from their kitchens. 2014 was a big year for the restaurant scene in West Reading and the scene

is only getting tastier. From a Calabrian-style brick oven pizza place to a beer garden patio outside of a craft beer bottle house and West Reading’s very first brewery, the bold directions for the taste buds are boundless.

An old-fashioned Italian cellarette awaits you on your next romantic dinner date. An up-scale wine bar establishes a level of sophistication with the most extensive wine-by-the-glass list.

Have a meal the way Situ would’ve made it. . . Or Nonno for that matter! Complete a taste tour de France and seal the deal with a chocolate souflet and French-pressed coffee.

No matter your taste or desire, there are dozens of restaurants featuring incredible fortes. So what food are you in the mood for? Here’s an Avenue that answers the question.

lovewestreading.org

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TASTE WEST READING ////

Dining Out Listings The Abe Saloon & Victorian Lounge The Abraham Lincoln— A Wyndham Hotel Historic Hotel Restaurant & Bar 100 N. 5th Street, Reading 610.372.3700 Aladdin Mediterranean Restaurant Authentic Mediterranean Cuisine 401 Penn Avenue 610.685.6677

Brewer’s Bar & Grill Sports Bar & Restaurant 101 S. 3rd Avenue 610.375.8760 Building 24 Restaurant, Bar & Nightclub 1115 Bern Road, Wyomissing 610.375.2700 Cafe Bold Café & Coffee Shop 550 Penn Avenue 484.651.1049 Chatty Monks Brewing Co. Brewery & Restaurant 610 Penn Avenue 484.818.0176

The Barley Mow Craft Beer House 719 Penn Avenue 484.926.2094

CHEW CHANT CHILL

Chef Alan’s American Bistro Mediterranean-Infused American Bistro 525 Penn Avenue 610.375.4012 Chen Vegetarian House Chinese & Vegetarian Restaurant 709 Penn Avenue 610.374.2288 Chicken Supreme & Sammy’s Steaks Chicken, Ribs, Seafood & Sandwiches 410 Penn Avenue 610.376.6149 Courtyard by Marriott American Bistro & Bar 150 N. Park Road, Wyomissing 610.378.1137 courtyardreading.com Georgio’s Pizza Pizza, Sandwiches & Italian Restaurant 500 Penn Avenue 610.750.7199

WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY: 4PM-10PM FRIDAY & SATURDAY: 11AM-12 MIDNIGHT SUNDAY: 11AM-8PM

610 PENN AVENUE (484) 818-0176

26

Avenues Spring 2015

•

•

READING, PA 19611

CHATTYMONKS.COM

GNA Italian Ristorante & Pizzeria Authenic Fine Dining Italian Restaurant, Takeout Service & Bar 421 Penn Avenue 610.376.1155 Go Fish! Seafood Market & Sushi Bar Seafood, Sushi Bar & Seafood Market 619 Penn Avenue 610.376.6446

Great Wall Chinese Restaurant Chinese Cuisine 532 Penn Avenue 610.685.8585 Hauté Chocolate Cafe Exotic Chocolate Confections & Drinks 711 Penn Avenue 610.373.4455 Jimmie Kramer’s Peanut Bar Traditional American Restaurant & Bar 332 Penn Street, Reading 610.376.8500 Judy’s on Cherry Mediterranean-Inspired Fine Dining Restaurant 322 Cherry Street, Reading 610.374.8511 Mi Casa Su Casa Café Authentic Caribbean Cuisine 320 Penn Street, Reading 610.375.1161 Mike’s Taste of Philly Philly Style Cheesesteaks & Sandwiches 449 Penn Avenue 610.898.1331 Mom Chaffee’s Cellarette Authentic Italian Restaurant 148 Tulpehocken Avenue 610.374.5733 Nonno Alby’s Brick Oven Pizza Handcrafted Wood Oven Pizza Restaurant 701 Penn Ave., West Reading 610.376.1011

TASTE WEST READING ////

Panevino Rustic, Regional Italian Cuisine 25 N. 2nd Street, Reading 610.376.1101

Subway Subs & Salad Fast Food 450 Penn Avenue 484.709.2198

Papillon Brasserie Casual French Cuisine 615 Penn Avenue 610.376.0601 papillononpenn.com

Taste of Crepes European Crepes Restaurant 617 Penn Avenue 610.685.2001

Say Cheese!

Restaurant & Cheese Artisanal Cheese Shop & Full-Service Restaurant 600 Penn Avenue 610.406.5390 The Speckled Hen Cottage Pub & Alehouse 30 S. 4th Street, Reading 610.685.8511

Third & Spruce Café Casual Bar & Restaurant 238 South Third Avenue 610.376.5254 Van’s Cafe Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine 448 Penn Avenue 610.741.6466

ViVÁ Bistro & Lounge Contemporary EuroMediterranean Bistro & Bar 901 Hill Avenue, Wyomissing 610.685.5299 West Reading Diner 24-Hour Diner 411 Penn Avenue 610.376.5565 West Reading Tavern & Restaurant Restaurant & Tavern 606 Penn Avenue 610.376.9232

Winedown Cafe & Winebar Intimate Café and Wine Bar 622 Penn Avenue 610.373.4907 winedowncafe.net The Works American Restaurant & Bar with Gameroom Arcade 1109 Bern Road, Wyomissing 610.375.2700

Willoughby’s Bar & Grill Traditional American Bar & Restaurant 305 N. Park Road, Wyomissing 610.816.7467

lovewestreading.org

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READING MAIN STREET PROGRAM ////

The

Other Side of the Bridge

... The Reading Main Street Program

By Carl Brown Jr., Special Projects Coordinator Reading Downtown Improvement District

A strong commitment to community revitalization and historic preservation has earned the Reading Downtown Improvement District (DID) designation as an accredited National Main Street Program.

Achieving this designation calls for adhering to commercial district revitalization performance standards set by the National Main Street Center®, a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The standards are tough to attain, noted Charles R. Broad, DID’s Executive Director and also the Reading Main Street Manager.

“We worked hard to receive this designation,” Broad said. “It shows that we’re very focused on our mission of creating a vital, productive and commercially active environment in downtown Reading.”

The Reading Main Street Program has a board of directors that meets regularly to ensure the program is staying on course. The board is chaired by Jack Gulati, a local entrepreneur who has operated a variety of businesses and who currently owns the Reading Royals hockey team.

The Reading Downtown Improvement District provides cleaning, security and marketing services for a specially designated commercial district in the city, and also sponsors several events and activities throughout the year, including MidDay Cafes and the Reading Holiday Parade.

Other board members are Ellen Horan, President and CEO of the Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Sean Moretti, who owns Destination Realty, LLC in Reading and is also a real estate broker; Brian Fichthorn, who is a financial project manager with Brentwood Industries and board president of Genesius Theatre; and John Kramer, Director Emeritus of the Center for Community Leadership at Albright College. In addition, there are five committees under the Main Street Program that focus on various aspects of downtown revitalization. They are: Promotion; Design; Organization; Economic Restructuring; and Safe, Clean and Green.

The Reading Main Street Program’s performance is annually evaluated by the Pennsylvania Downtown Center, which works in partnership with the National Main Street Center to identify local programs that meet 10 performance standards. These standards set the benchmarks for measuring an individual Main Street program’s application of the Main Street Four Point Approach® to commercial district revitalization.

28

Avenues Spring 2015

Evaluation criteria determine the communities that are building comprehensive and sustainable revitalization efforts and include standards such as fostering strong public-private partnerships, securing an operating budget, tracking programmatic progress and actively preserving historic buildings.

Established by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1980, the National Main Street Center helps communities of all sizes revitalize their older and historic commercial districts.

Working in more than 2,200 downtowns and urban neighborhoods over the last 34 years, the Main Street program has leveraged more than $59.6 billion in new public and private investment.

Fire + Ice Fest

Reach 100,000+ Consumers in Southeastern PA Advertise in

AVENUES is mailed directly to addresses in Berks, Chester, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Montgomery and Schuylkill Counties.

DID’s latest major event was Reading Fire + Ice Fest held in mid-January of this year in downtown Reading. “The festival attracted hundreds of attendees, who were mesmerized by ice sculpture competitions and large interactive ice sculptures such as a giant ice slide and a 40-foot ice train,” Broad said. “The three-day event also featured live musical performances, a variety of food trucks, a chili cook-off and a Snowfall Ball.”

For Advertising Information & Opportunities Contact: Alicia Lee Alicia@HoffPubs.com 610.685.0914 ext 210

lovewestreading.org

29

ARTS & CULTURE ////

Spring Features

by Judy Ballinger photos by Blair Seitz

Meet the Artist: Victoria Troutman, mixed media works with pen & ink Victoria Troutman has a distinctive style which infuses her prolific creation of mixed media pen and ink paintings. An avid traveler since retiring from teaching elementary school, she takes her sketchbook wherever she goes. Special places inspire her to turn sketches into paintings, adding color with watercolors, acrylic paint or colored pencils. She says, “I like to imagine and believe that I am in the present experiencing a sensational past and being able to share the same with the viewer.” Vicki also paints everyday objects; her still life paintings are especially appealing in the use of complimentary color schemes and unusual color contrasts.

A member of the Art Plus cooperative for fifteen years, Vicky believes in the interactive role of art in one’s community. She paints in her Womelsdorf home and has exhibited around Berks County, often arranging for shows for Art Plus artists in non-gallery venues. (Currently, Art Plus artists are exhibiting at Say Cheese and in the West Reading Tavern, also on Penn Avenue.)

A “Meet the Artist” reception for Victoria will be held 2nd Friday, April 10, 5-8 pm. Her works will be on exhibit in the Featured Member’s Alcove March 4-May 2.

Also in March and April, the Awakenings and Discoveries exhibit of other member’s works—pottery, jewelry, fabric art, sculpture, photography, and painting—will be ongoing, guest artist Audrey Bordonaro will be showing oil and acrylic paintings, and art work by Berks Encore will be displayed in the Outreach Gallery. All this under one roof!

Art Plus Gallery 604 Penn Avenue Wednesday-Saturday 11-5pm, Sunday10-4pm.

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2nd Friday March 13: Opening for Guest & Outreach artists 2nd Friday April 10: Meet-the-Artist reception for Victoria Troutman 2nd Friday May 8: Opening Reception for May-June exhibits

JOIN US FOR THE OUTDOOR

FAMILY GATHERING OF THE YEAR

GARDEN PARTY

JUNE 2 AND 3

*

The timeless tradition of The Friends of Reading Hospital’s Garden Party will be held June 2 and 3* from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the 6th Avenue Clock Tower entrance of Reading Hospital.

Experience what families and friends have enjoyed for decades: • great food • activities and games • plants and flowers • live entertainment

• FREE parking at Vanity Fair with FREE shuttle service • and, so much more!

This year marks a milestone for The Friends of Reading Hospital as they celebrate 125 years of supporting Reading Hospital and community projects such as Partnership for a Healthier Berks County and HeartSAFE Berks County.

To learn more about this year’s event, visit www.readinghealth.org/gardenparty, or call 484-628-8477. *Rain date: Thursday, June 4

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