Avenues Winter 2025 by Hoffmann Publishing Group

12 DAYS OF PERFECT GIFTS FOR THE SEASON

CREATIVE WAYS TO DO BETTER IN THE NEW YEAR

Restoring Reading’s History for the Future

Welcome

TO THE SEASON OF SPARKLE!

The air is crisp, the lights are twinkling, and Avenues has all the inspiration you need to navigate the coming weeks, from thoughtful giving to self-improvement, and even surviving the annual food frenzy.

The holidays are synonymous with generosity and while finding that perfect gift can feel like a quest, we have several local suggestions where you can find everything from homemade candles to farm-fresh cheeses to outdoor gear (don’t forget Small Business Saturday, November 29!). But the best gifts aren’t always wrapped in a box, so we also explore ways to give time to local organizations that serve our community.

We tackle the cornerstone of many holiday celebrations: the food. Few things unite us like a meal, and few things can spark a family debate like the correct way to make the cranberry sauce. We take a humorous look at holiday meal options and whether you’re a seasoned chef or just in charge of opening the wine, embrace the delicious absurdity.

As the year winds down, our thoughts naturally turn to the future and with it, the annual promise of self-improvement. This year, ditch the drastic overhaul and instead focus on small, sustainable changes.

Of course, you’ll also find there are plenty of great things to do and great ways to spend quality time with your favorite people this season like visiting one of the many holiday markets and holiday displays; making homemade gifts; taking a holiday train excursion or experiencing performances from the Berks Ballet Theater or the Reading Theater Project.

From our Avenues family to yours, we wish you a holiday season full of peace, joy and plenty of sparkle. Grab a cup of hot cocoa, settle in and let us be your guide to a truly wonderful season!

12 Days of Perfect

for the

Shuman Development Group: Restoring Reading’s History for the Future

Embracing Our Humanity: The Reading Theater Project’s Bold New Vision for 2026

Getting Your Mind and Body Healthy and Happy for 2026

Spend Time with Loved Ones, Not in the Kitchen! 18 Paleo Almond Jammies Recipe 20 Small Business Saturday 2025: Shop Small, Shop Local!

Creative Ways to Do Better in the New Year

Must-Attend Events

the Word: #AvenuesMag ABOVE: The Abraham Lincoln, a $15 million renovation completed in 2017, features event space and 97 apartments.

THE COVER: The Baer Chapel, restored in 2017

12 DAYS OF PERFECT GIFTS

’Tis the season of holiday giving! Whether you love to shop for the perfect item or you want to give your time this season, Berks County abounds with options that are sure to be the perfect fit.

Take a tour of the county for special gift ideas from 12 of our unique towns and consider the variety of volunteering opportunities available in a community near you.

HAMBURG

Liv Holistic LLC 342 State Street livholisticstore.com

Holistic bath and body products, aromatherapy oils, cleaning products and accessories

TEMPLE

Billy’s Candies 4949 Kutztown Road #1 610-929-1673

Homemade mild, dark, and white chocolate candies by the pound and wrapped for giving

WYOMISSING

Flora Home & Garden 1714 State Hill Road shopfloraco.com

Home décor, including botanical resin products, clean body products and fresh florals

KEMPTON

The Nesting Box 230 Snyder Road 760-981-9518

Locally produced cheeses, spreads, candy, baked goods, gifts and ice cream

KUTZTOWN

Firefly Book Store 271 West Main Street 484-648-2712

Large selection of all types of books, board games, puzzles, toys, stationery and calendars

OLEY

Evelyn & Harriet’s Gifts 1232 Oysterdale Road 610-987-6055

French table linens, stationery from Finland, wools from the United Kingdom and Italian glass

WEST LAWN

TCO Fly Shop 2229 Penn Avenue

610-678-1899

Outdoor apparel for men and women, fly fishing supplies and equipment

WERNERSVILLE

Five & Divine 27 East Penn Avenue fiveanddivine.com

Unique and playful home décor, jewelry, soap, art and furniture, chalk paint and supplies

READING

Goggleworks, The New Store 201 Washington Street 610-374-4600

Handcrafted items by PA artisans including glassware, stationery, textiles and jewelry

ROBESONIA

Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery 17 Clover Lane 610-693-8383

Holistic bath and body products, aromatherapy oils, cleaning products and accessories

LEESPORT

The Mint Leaf 2619 Leisczs Bridge Road 610-615-5134

Clothing and accessories, jewelry, home décor, antiques, teas and gifts

WEST READING

Ciccio’s Olives 12B South 5th Avenue

610-674-0034

Imported Italian textiles, olive oils, olive oil-based bath and body products, honey and gifts

12 PERFECT GIFTS OF TIME

1 BIRDSBORO

Shady Hollow Assisted Riding 959 East Main Street 484-925-2080

Mission: Supportive horseback riding for people of all ages and abilities

Volunteer: Walk next to riders, horse groomers, barn helpers, landscaping, fundraising

2 BOYERTOWN

FarmAble at Terra Pacem Winery 160 South Grims Mill Road 541-513-8127

Mission: Work and social connections for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Volunteer: Farm-related activities

3 DOUGLASSVILLE

Fostering Hope Berks County St. Paul’s UCC 1979 Weavertown Road 484-258-9318

Mission: Serve foster care community with Bags of Hope, Foster-Share Closet, Fostering Phones programs

Volunteer: Inventory support, administrative work, Bags of Hope program, hands-on in closet shop

4 HAMBURG

Northern Berks Food Pantry 711 Windsor Street, 610-562-8250

Mission: Provide free food distribution monthly

5 KEMPTON

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary 1700 Hawk Mountain Road 610-756-6961

Mission: International center for raptor conservation, observation, and research

Volunteer: Gate workers, bookstore staff, parking control, office work, grounds maintenance

6 KUTZTOWN

Friend, Inc. 658D Noble Street 610-683-7790

Volunteer: Assist Pantry guests, restock shelves, create newsletter, office work 1 3 4 5 2 6

Volunteer: Donate, sort, hand out food

Mission: Deliver food and social support services through northeast Berks County

7 LEESPORT

Master Watershed Program

Penn State Master Gardeners 1238 County Welfare Road, Suite 110 610-378-1327

Mission: Train volunteers to help with environmental restoration projects and education programs

Volunteer: Plant trees and teach adults and kids how to be better stewards of the environment

8 MOHRSVILLE

Grey Muzzle Manor 5180 Diehl Road, 610-655-5271

Mission: Pet therapy and sanctuary, hospice, adoption services for senior animals

Volunteer: Maintenance and repairs, help at events, fundraising

Volunteer: Assist with workouts, mentor adaptive athletes, help with events and committees 7 11 8 9 10 12

9 READING

Ready.Set.Read 25 North 2nd Street, Suite 101 610-685-4550

Mission: Prepare children for school and boost reading skills

Volunteer: Tutor, advocate

10 SHOEMAKERSVILLE

Keystone Military Families 331 Main Street, rear 610-698-2122

Mission: Provide essential food, care packages, support to military families, veterans in need

Volunteer: Clerical work, unload cars and boxes, sort donations

11 WERNERSVILLE

Jubilee Ministries 6371 Penn Avenue 717-274-7528, ext. 703

Mission: Serve those affected by incarceration through chaplaincy and aftercare

Volunteer: Help in store, landscape, clean, office work, events

12 WYOMISSING

IM ABLE Foundation 1007 Hill Avenue, Building 17 877-595-3505

Mission: Create opportunities for people of all abilities with adaptive programs, fitness classes, events

Shuman Development Group:

RESTORING READING’S HISTORY FOR THE FUTURE

Shuman Development Group (SDG), founded in 1994 by Alan Shuman, is deeply invested in the revitalization of Downtown Reading, focusing on rescuing and repurposing historic buildings. Through a unique blend of civic pride, strategic development and a long-term maintenance philosophy, the company is transforming the city’s urban core.

The Vision: History, Architecture, and Sustainability

SDG’s core philosophy is driven by a deep love for historic buildings, architecture and history. Inspiration drawn from extensive personal architectural catalogs—hundreds of photos of doorways, cornices and details gathered from global travels—is ultimately translated by architects into construction plans used to secure financing, tax credits and zoning approvals.

“We don’t do projects. We do neighborhoods.”

— Alan Shuman, Founder, Shuman Development Group

SDG distinguishes itself from non-local developers by prioritizing longevity and ease of maintenance over minimum investment and quick returns. Their philosophy is to identify the worst aspects of a project and find a way to transform them into the best features. The group also makes practical design choices that minimize long-term cost and facilitates easier and less expensive maintenance over time.

Projects and CRIZ Initiatives

SDG is currently engaged in several high-profile projects, many of which are designated under the City Revitalization and Improvement Zone (CRIZ) initiative,

which aims to spur economic development in specific urban areas.

SDG is actively pursuing the takeover of the Callowhill Building. Along with the nearby Glidden site and the former Bieber bus station, these sites constitute a major concentration of CRIZ projects.

Shaping Downtown Zoning and the Alvernia CollegeTowne Impact

SDG’s work has played an instrumental role in changing local zoning ordinances to facilitate development, particularly for Alvernia CollegeTowne.

Completed in 2023, the award winning historic restoration of The Berks Trust Building at 6th and Washington, is home to Visions Federal Credit Union, 39 luxury apartments and a food court in what was the original bank branch.

Previously, institutional use, such as a university campus, was prohibited on Penn Street. SDG leveraged the development of Alvernia to successfully lobby to allow institutional use on Penn Street. The existing zoning ordinance for the commercial core district also required apartments to be significantly larger than in the rest of the county. SDG and Alvernia partnered to push for a change, allowing for regular-sized apartments, making the conversion of vacant buildings into residential spaces more feasible for developers.

The presence of Alvernia University downtown has signaled potential and viability, creating a ripple effect that has drawn other institutions, such as RACC, to also consider downtown expansion.

The Trexler Mansion / Elks Lodge Restoration

One of SDG’s most personal and significant “present to the community” sites is the restoration of the Trexler Mansion / Elks Lodge on Franklin Street, which has been vacant for nearly 50 years. Past efforts to restore the structure failed due to the complexity of financing and the conflict between historic building requirements and changing the building’s use.

In 2020, after driving past the building daily since the early ’90s and an active social media campaign, Alan Shuman and SDG took on the challenge.

The ultimate plan is to restore the building to its 1908 splendor and use it as an operating event space (weddings, parties, etc.), returning it to

its function as the Elks Club. The work involves meticulous historical restoration, including salvaging original light fixtures and sourcing period-correct replacements from other buildings. The challenge lies in meeting modern requirements, such as ADA bathroom requirements and fire safety codes, while preserving the historic fabric of the building.

Building Neighborhoods, Not Just Projects

For SDG, the focus of revitalization isn’t on individual properties but on transforming entire districts. As Shuman puts it, “We don’t do projects. We do neighborhoods.”

This philosophy drives the company’s commitment to the Reading central business district, where they tackle the most challenging and often neglected properties. The company has moved beyond cherrypicking the “best buildings” for maximum profit and instead has invested heavily in the most distressed structures like the Abraham Lincoln Hotel; buildings like 645 Penn, 600 Penn, and the Berks Trust; and the Community General Hospital and Medical Arts buildings.

This strategy of grouping buildings, all within a few blocks of each other, is crucial to their goal of holistic neighborhood revival. Shuman emphasizes, “We can’t have a neighborhood where we’ve got the Elks Club sitting there vacant for 50 years.”

Shuman offers, “I am a firm believer that the grass is not greener on the other side of the hill. Be happy with what you got, make the most of it.”

The 8th & Oley Street urban retail space is one of many Shuman Development Group inner-city revitalization efforts.

Lancaster Avenue is one of several revitalizations totaling 135,000 square feet of urban retail space catering to the smaller neighborhood retailers.

This belief is the core of the Shuman Development Group’s mission: To not abandon existing communities for “greener pastures,” but to invest deeply and tirelessly to make Reading a better place for everyone.

To learn more about Shuman Development Group’s investment in and vision for Reading, visit investinreading.com.

A New Face with a Clear Vision

Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania welcomes Tianyu (Tom) Liu, MD, an award-winning, board-certified retinal specialist. Fellowship-trained in vitreoretinal surgery, he treats retinal detachments, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration. A Perelman School of Medicine graduate, Dr. Liu has earned national honors and trained at the top programs in the country.

Whether you’re facing a complex retinal condition or seeking expert guidance on your eye health, you can trust Dr. Liu to provide compassionate, personalized care to protect and preserve your vision. NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS IN WYOMISSING AND POTTSVILLE

Call 1-800-762-7132 or visit eyeconsultantsofpa.com.

HOW I WON A Embracing Our Humanity:

The Reading Theater Project’s Bold New Vision for 2026

The curtains are up on the 2025/2026 season for the Reading Theater Project (RTP), a company that has cemented its role as a vital hub for new and locally inspired performances in Berks County. RTP reaffirms its core belief that theater, through collaborative effort and creative challenge, serves as a powerful mirror reflecting our shared human condition, with the new season’s theme “Embracing Our Humanity.”

Found in 2003 by Joel Gori, the RTP is a locally-focused organization that prizes the creative process as much as the final production, fostering an environment where Berks County artists—from playwrights and directors to actors and technicians—

can push creative boundaries and tell the stories that resonate with the local experience. The new season is a meticulously curated lineup designed to provoke thought, spark conversation and, most essentially, celebrate the complex tapestry of what it means to be human in this community.

A Theme of Connection

Vicki Haller Graff, RTP Artistic Director since 2012, explains the theme selection process: “We reverse engineer our season theme each year. We choose the plays we want to produce and then find a unifying theme. This year, our two main productions, Proud and Banshee, are quite different at first read. What unites them is that both plays are ultimately about our shared humanity.”

So many aspects of our modern world seem to have no connection,” Graff notes on the theme’s relevance, “but when you look deeper and take some time, the connections become visible. We wanted to highlight our shared connections in a joyful way this season.”

A Season of Shared Stories

The season opens in November with Proud, a play by Berks County-based playwright Judd Lear Silverman and directed by Kimberly Patterson. Set during a three-day traffic jam on the Schuylkill Expressway, the play follows a pride of peacocks—escaped from the nearby Philadelphia Zoo—on a mysterious, top-secret mission. This

production, based on a true story and told entirely from the peacocks’ point-of-view, promises a unique blend of humor and insight, exploring themes of community and purpose through a bizarre, captivating lens.

One of RTP’s most anticipated annual events takes the stage in February: the 11th Annual 5-Minute Fringe Festival. This year’s Fringe, directed by Jewell A. Brown and featuring the theme “Legacy,” will showcase the region’s most creative performers and playwrights as they develop brand new, short form works of theater, dance, music and poetry. A dynamic, high-energy incubator for emerging artists, Fringe demonstrates RTP’s commitment to providing opportunities for diverse artistic voices.

The season continues into spring with the world premiere of Banshee, a work by another local playwright, Adam Richter. The play, directed by Jody Reppert, transports the audience to Kinsale, County Cork, Ireland, where high above the River Bandon, Nancy Donough hears the mournful cry of the banshee. This production highlights RTP’s mission to support local playwrights by giving them the ultimate platform—a full-scale world premiere production—while transporting the audience to a faraway land with a tale of folklore and emotional depth.

Beyond the Stage: Fostering Community and Access

RTP’s artistic vision extends well beyond the traditional theater space, embracing programs designed to weave art directly into the fabric of the community.

The 2026 season will close with In Nature’s Studio, a unique outdoor theater experience that stations performers around the Reading Public Museum Arboretum. The audience walks the scenic path, stopping to enjoy short, mini performances. This free, family-friendly event makes theater accessible to hundreds of individuals who might not otherwise attend a conventional theater production.

The Play Reading Series, which runs throughout the season, will consist of three staged readings by local and regional playwrights focusing on the theme “Disruption.” Each reading is followed by a facilitated talkback session with the playwright, director and actors, that aids in the development of new theatrical works.

Additionally, Storytelling Nights invites local writers and performers to share personal stories around a central theme (this season’s theme is “ICON”), and the BCTV show Reading Reading continues to air new episodes on Thursday nights, providing opportunities to talk with local playwrights and read new plays.

The “Theater for All” Commitment

The RTP maintains its commitment to accessibility through its “Theater for All” initiative. All productions, including the Play Reading series, follow a “Pay What You Will” model.

Graff emphasizes the importance of this model, “We wanted to take our values of diversity and inclusion from words to actions. One way we can make theater more accessible to all is to use pay-what-you-will ticket prices. This model allows the audience member to choose their own price. It empowers audience members to attend theater no matter their financial circumstances and without having to ask for help.”

Graff continues, “Since adopting this model, our audience has become younger and more racially diverse, and we haven’t suffered financially. It’s been a very positive experience for us.”

The company also encourages a “Pay It Forward” price for those who can pay, which helps subsidize tickets for others, creating a mutually supportive community funding model.

“ Theater requires creativity, imagination, collaboration and community,” explains Graeff. “Each of these is also required to face the world each day. Each rehearsal and performance asks the actors, designers and technicians to take risks, trust each other, and move toward a common goal. We ask our audience to take a risk too, coming to see new theater.”

She adds, “We want to build a community of artists, and to do that, we must create opportunities for them!”

Ongoing support from organizations like the Reading Musical Foundation and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, administered through Berks Arts, make the Reading Theater Project more than just a theater company. RTP is a collaborative force, dedicated to generating conversation, connection and compassion within its community. By Embracing Our Humanity throughout the course of its 2025/2026 season, the Reading Theater Project is not simply staging plays—it is actively shaping the cultural legacy of Berks County.

For more information about the Reading Theater Project, including the 2025/2026 season, go to readingtheaterproject.org or call 484-706-9719.

Photos courtesy of the Reading Theater Project

GETTING YOUR MIND AND BODY HEALTHY AND HAPPY FOR 2026

2026 is right around the corner and along with it, the perfect opportunity to bring your mind and body into the new year in a healthier and happier way.

Getting Your Mind on Track

Everyday stressors may have gotten in the way of relaxing in 2025, but Berks County offers an amazing array of venues and businesses to help you think positive in 2026!

Learning something new not only boosts your self-confidence and sense of accomplishment but can also reduce the risk of depression and encourage new social connections:

• Get excited about everything from drawing and painting to glass blowing. Take a class at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts and tap into interests and talents you might not realize you have.

• Explore Berks County history at the Berks History Center with historic tours and traditional crafts. You can even learn a new (old!) language through their online PA Dutch Classes.

• Engage your creativity, ignite a love for ceramics and spend time with people you love by gathering some friends to head to The Art Room in West Reading.

• Explore new places by contacting a local professional travel agent like AAA Reading-Berks or Boscov’s Travel.

• Berks County’s colleges and universities offer a variety of personal and workplace enrichment classes.

Reducing stress in the new year can mean dealing with clutter, both physically and mentally. Not only does clutter cause distractions and frustration but keeps us from relaxation and stunts creativity.

• A 30-day declutter plan is a less overwhelming way to clean out. It can mean filling a bag a day for donation or discarding; decluttering one area of your home daily for five minutes; or playing the minimalism game by donating or discarding one item on January 1, two items on January 2, and so on.

• Psychology Today reports mental clutter can be just as stressful, maybe more stressful, than physical clutter so don’t forget digital clutter! The 30-day declutter plan easily extends to deleting old screenshots or photos, unused apps, and unnecessary emails.

A Healthier Body in the New Year

Something as simple as a regular stretching routine can get both mind and body in shape. The American Institute of Stress reports that stretching readies your body for exercise as well as reduces pain, counteracts stress responses and creates a feeling of calmness. If you struggle with a regular stretching routine, trained practitioners can help guide you on your way.

Getting outdoors is a great way to have both body and mind in a great space. Berks County is overflowing with hiking trails, ranging from accessible options like the John Bartram Trail Trailhead heading from Hamburg to Port Clinton, to a more challenging destination at the Monocacy Hill Recreation Area on Geiger Road in Douglassville.

While you’re outside soaking up fresh air and Vitamin D, consider incorporating something new into your routine:

• Bring your rebounder, the mini tramp of the old days, outside and jump away toxins and stress.

• The Japanese Walking Method, previously called Interval Walking Training, is another option for a chilly workout. A simple program of walking at a brisk pace for three minutes, followed by a leisurely pace for three minutes, then repeating the cycle five times, Japanese Walking combines a 30-minute walk with a healthy calorie burn.

• Weighted vests are back in style. Beginners should start with a vest that is only 5-10% of their body weight and users may see improvement in bone density, muscle strength, posture, and balance.

Don’t forget to check with a physician before starting a new exercise plan.

Remember, change doesn’t happen overnight—there are 365 days ahead of you! Whatever happier and healthier looks like for you in 2026, Berks County has the resources to guide you on your journey in the new year.

Allied Artists of America

112th Annual Juried Exhibition

Through January 11, 2026

SPEND TIME WITH LOVED ONES, NOT IN THE KITCHEN!

The holiday meal gauntlet that begins its run in November with Thanksgiving and continues into the New Year can be a time of incredible stress. It begins with the crucial question, who is hosting dinner, and then snowballs from there:

• Will the host cook the entire meal, or will it be potluck style?

• Who likes/doesn’t like insert food here?

• Who has allergies to certain foods (or conceivably certain people)?

• How much food needs to be prepared?

• Will people expect leftovers (do we want to share said leftovers)?

• Do we need a kids table (which lucky adult gets to sit at it)?

Whether anticipating a crowd or planning for a solo celebration, there ARE options that don’t involve expending a lot of stress or time over holiday meals.

Let Someone Else Do the Cooking: Go Out to Eat!

This is the culinary equivalent of the mic drop. Skip the frenzied shopping, the oven calculus and the inevitable “Is the turkey actually done?” panic. Instead, put on some nice (but stretchy—no judgment!) clothes and make a reservation. Many restaurants offer fabulous holiday menus. Plus, no dishes!

This fact alone is worth the carpool karaoke ride and deciding between the prime rib, the roasted duck or going for broke at the holiday buffet.

Order In or Pick Up: A Semi-Homemade Miracle

The increased availability of pre-cooked holiday meals is a gift from the culinary gods. Going well beyond store-bought pies, many grocery stores, caterers and local restaurants offer fully prepared feasts. You can order the

entire meal including side dishes and dessert. You can also go for the partial option, perhaps ordering the main dish (especially if you don’t really need 20 pounds of turkey for two people) or a specific side dish (maybe one you like to eat but hate to make).

Think of it as a collaboration. You provide the ambiance, the witty conversation and the wine; someone else does the heavy cooking lift. No one needs to know you didn’t spend three days in the kitchen. Simply break out the fancy dishes, light a few candles and hope the plastic containers are well-hidden.

Embrace the Chaos: The Potluck Solution If dining out feels too impersonal, and you still want to host without going full Martha Stewart, embrace the potluck. Sure, it can lead to a slightly lopsided meal—perhaps three green bean casseroles and no mashed potatoes—but that’s part of the adventure! Assign specific categories (starches, sides, desserts) to prevent a dessert-only dinner party (unless you want only desserts—again, no judgement), but don’t micromanage. If someone brings store-bought pumpkin pie

and whipped-topping in a can, graciously give them a hug. They showed up! They contributed! You didn’t have to make a pie from scratch while simultaneously trying to prevent the gravy from getting lumpy.

Don’t be Afraid to Redefine “Holiday Meal” Where is it written that a holiday meal has to involve a 20-pound bird and all the traditional fixings? Challenge the tyranny of tradition! Declare “Taco Thanksgiving” or order a couple of gourmet pizzas. Host a fancy cheese and charcuterie board blowout. Sure, your guests might laugh nervously and ask, “No, really, when will the turkey be ready?” but after the initial shock, they’ll be too busy enjoying the novelty to complain. Besides, how else are new traditions born?

These options may not eliminate the holiday drama and stress entirely (or at all, sorry!). That said, consider trading out the triedand-true for something new and remember that the holidays are about celebrating and spending time with people you love.

PALEO ALMOND JAMMIES

“A beloved sample cookie at our holiday book signings, these little gems are a modern Paleo treat that harkens back to the jammies we made years ago in our cafe. The short ingredient list, that’s free of butter and eggs, makes them easy to make and fun to do so with children.

“Their distinct flavor comes from the almonds mixed with the maple syrup and a hint of coconut oil. I use my favorite biodynamic blueberry jam to add an even more flavorful dimension. They melt in your mouth.”

– Pat Brett, co-founder and co-owner of Kimberton Whole Foods

INSTRUCTIONS

Makes about 14 cookies

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

2 cups almond flour

3 tablespoons arrowroot flour

1/2 teaspoon salt (I prefer Himalayan pink salt)

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon cardamom

3 tablespoons unrefined coconut oil, melted and cooled

3 tablespoons pure maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup jam or preserves (I prefer blueberry that’s sweetened with fruit juice)

Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Place almond flour, arrowroot flour, salt, baking soda, and cardamom into a large bowl and stir to combine. Add coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla. Stir again to combine. The cookie dough should be thick enough to roll into balls and moist enough to hold together. Because the moisture content of different almond flours can vary, add a little more arrowroot flour if the dough is too moist or a bit more coconut oil if too dry and crumbly.

Scoop tablespoonfuls of dough out of the bowl and roll each spoonful into a ball between your hands. Drop onto lined cookie sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart. Press your thumb into the middle of each cookie, not all the way to the bottom, but just enough to make a pocket for the jam. Spoon 1/2 teaspoon jam into the center of each cookie. Bake for about 10 minutes or until jam is bubbling and the cookies are just beginning to crack. Allow hot jam to cool before eating.

You can find this recipe in Kimberton Whole Foods Cookbook: A Family History with Recipes, available in all Kimberton Whole Foods stores.

Photo Credit: Seneca Shahara Brand for the Kimberton Whole Foods Cookbook (Hickory Grove Publishing)

Small Business Saturday 2025:

SHOP SMALL, SHOP LOCAL!

Small Business Saturday 2025 is November 29 and it’s more than just a shopping day; it’s an annual movement to celebrate and sustain the unique character of local communities.

Launched by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday began as an initiative to boost sales for small, local businesses. Grassroots support of the event transformed it into an annual consumer tradition, generating billions of dollars in sales for independent retailers and service providers over the past 15 years. Strategically placed between the massive retail events of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, this day serves as a vital reminder to shift holiday spending to the independent, neighborhood stores that form the backbone of local economies.

The Power of Shopping Small

The impact of choosing a local shop, café or service provider is significant. Small businesses are often run by friends and neighbors, and their success directly translates into local prosperity. According to The American Independent Business Alliance, approximately 48% of every dollar spent at an independent small business remains in the community through local taxes, payroll, and purchases from other local businesses—a powerful “local multiplier effect” that bolsters the entire economic ecosystem.

When a shopper buys a gift at a locally owned bookstore, grabs coffee at the corner cafe or utilizes a local service, they are directly contributing to:

• Local Job Creation: Small businesses are major employers in their communities.

• Community Investment: They are often the first to sponsor local sports teams, donate to local charities and support community events.

FOR EVERY $100 SPENT...

CHAIN BUSINESSES

Money Circulating in a Community

• Local Taxes

• Wages

• Community Donations

Money Leaving a Community

• Nonlocal Business Services

• Nonlocal Supplies

• Supplies (Imports)

INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES

Money Circulating in a Community

• Local Supplies

• Local Business Services

• Local Taxes

• Wages

• Community Donations

Money Leaving a Community

• Supplies (Imports)

• Neighborhood Character: Small shops offer unique, curated products and personalized customer service that big-box stores simply can’t match.

Making the Most of Small Business Saturday 2025

For consumers, participating in Small Business Saturday is simple. Explore your neighborhood main street or local business district. Don’t simply shop, make a day of it! Support local restaurants and local maker-events. Posting about experiences or purchases on social media is a great way to encourage your network to do the same.

For small business owners, Small Business Saturday is a prime opportunity to connect with local customers:

• Create a Unique Experience: Offer gift wrapping, complimentary refreshments, or a fun in-store event like a local maker meet-and-greet.

• Partner Locally: Collaborate with neighboring businesses for joint promotions or a neighborhood-wide scavenger hunt to increase foot traffic across multiple stores.

• Promote Early: Use email, social media, and in-store signage well in advance to announce special deals or extended hours for the day.

Small Business Saturday 2025 provides holiday shoppers with the opportunity to invest in the local dreamers and entrepreneurs who enrich our daily lives. By choosing to shop small, you’re not just buying a product; you’re contributing to a vibrant, resilient community, all year-round.

We Deliver.

extraordinary as the moment itself. Our experienced maternity team combines advanced medical expertise with compassionate, personalized support—ensuring both you and your baby receive the very best. From prenatal visits to postpartum care, we’re here to make every step of your journey safe, comfortable, and unforgettable.

Trust us with life’s most precious delivery.

Creative Ways to DO BETTER IN THE NEW YEAR

Whether called “goal setting,” “forming new habits” or the triedand-true “making a resolution,” the start of the new year often brings with it the familiar pressure of declaring and of sharing New Year’s resolutions. You know, those grand pronouncements of self-improvement that are often abandoned before the end of Dry January. In fact, recent research shows that only 9% of Americans keep said resolutions for the entire year.1

So, if such efforts are doomed to fail, statistically speaking, why do people continue to engage in the exercise?

For many folks, the New Year is a natural point in time for a clean slate, a fresh start. The holiday can be a time for reflection and for asking oneself, “What do I want to get out of the new year?” Setting a goal can give a person direction as well as the potential to fulfill a sense of accomplishment (fun fact, accomplishments can trigger dopamine which is linked to the brain’s pleasure centers!2). If accomplishment makes one feel awesome, then failure surely has the opposite effect.

But what if we shifted our approach? What if instead of framing change or improvement as a grueling, all-or-nothing commitment, we opt to embrace creative and flexible ways to set intentions for growth, joy and possibly lasting change. The key is stop setting vague goals and rather, start actionable, meaningful practices.

Here are a few creative suggestions for how you can embark on the resolution journey in the new year:

Choose a “Word of the Year” Forget creating a laundry list of resolutions. Instead, distill your hopes for the year into a single, guiding word that can act as a mantra or a north star for all your decisions.

• How it works: Reflect on an area in which you feel a deficit or a quality you most want to cultivate. Do you need more structure? Your word might be “Discipline.” Do you crave more present-moment awareness? Try “Mindful” or “Presence.” Are you eager to explore new things? Choose “Adventure” or “Curiosity.”

• The payoff: This approach shifts your focus from a specific, measurable outcome to a guiding mindset. When faced with a choice, you can ask, “Does this action align with my word?”

This approach allows for flexibility, and it can apply to all areas of your life, from work to relationships.

Create a “To-Don’t” List Resolutions are almost always about adding something new like exercise, reading, saving money. But sometimes, the most significant change comes from stopping behaviors that drain your time and your energy.

• How it works: Identify three to five negative habits or commitments you

want to eliminate. For example, instead of resolving to “get more sleep,” your list might include: “Stop checking email after 8 PM.” Instead of “Be less stressed,” try “Don’t automatically say ‘Yes’ to every request.”

• The payoff: A “To-Don’t” list can be powerful because by removing draining habits or tasks, you naturally get back time and create positive energy for yourself, making the year feel less cluttered and lighter.

Embrace Monthly Micro-Goals

A year is a long time (365 days to be exact), and a resolution that feels exciting in January can feel crushing by April. Break up the year into themed, 30-day “micro-goals” to keep things fresh and manageable.

• How it works: Assign a challenge or theme to each month. January might be “Journaling January” (write for five minutes daily). February might be “Financial Focus February” (track all spending). March could be “Mindful Movement March” (try a new type of exercise each week). And so on.

• The payoff: This system reduces the pressure of a 365-day commitment. If you waiver, no worries! The next month gives you a chance for a complete reset. It’s also an excellent way to test new habits and see which ones you want to carry forward permanently.

Create a Vision Board—For Feeling Vision boards typically feature material goals like a new car or

professional goals like a promotion. For a more profound intentionsetting experience, create a board that focuses on the feelings you want to cultivate in the new year.

• How it works: Gather images, colors and textures that evoke emotions like peace, excitement, comfort, strength or creativity. If your intention is to feel more peaceful, include a serene landscape, a cozy blanket, or the color blue. If you want to feel energized, use images of hiking, bright yellow, or people laughing.

• The payoff: A Feeling vision board can create a visual connection to your emotional self. It becomes a daily reminder of your deeper purpose, motivating you far more than a simple to-do list.

By moving away from the rigid, self-critical nature of traditional New Year’s resolutions and by adopting a creative approach to change, you can set goals that are flexible, inspiring and more likely to lead to genuine, lasting transformation.

The new year isn’t a competition! It’s an opportunity to consciously steer your life in a direction that brings you more joy and increased fulfillment.

1 https://www.driveresearch.com/market-research-company-blog/ new-years-resolutions-statistics/

2 https://www.piedmont.org/living-real-change/ why-do-people-make-new-years-resolutions

Whether you like to get cozy indoors or take a frosty walk down your favorite main street, there is something for everyone to love in Berks County this season. Enjoy a warm beverage at a café, dine on comfort food, and shop until you drop, all before you head to an event that warms your heart.

ONGOING EVENTS

November 1 - January 3

Koziar’s Christmas Village koziarschristmasvillage.com for hours 782 Christmas Village Rd., Bernville

November 28 - December 24

Santa’s Polar Bear Express Colebrookdale Railroad

November 29 - December 21

Santa Trains and Hot Chocolate Trains Allentown and Auburn Railroad

December

“Wall of Small” & Holiday Art Show

All-member exhibit in the main gallery, including a wall of gift-sized small works. Art Plus Gallery

December 1 - December 18

12 Days of Crafting for Children, Teens, Families Call 610-655-6350 for details

Reading Public Library

December 3 - December 28

Holiday Lights at Gring’s Mill 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Gring’s Mill Recreation Area

December 13 - December 24

Reading and Northern Santa Trains Reading Outer Station

DEC

December 3

Wheel of Fortune Live 8 p.m.

Santander Performing Arts Center

December 5

Handcrafted Holiday Market Two-Day Pop Up

5 to 8 p.m. and December 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. GoggleWorks

West Reading 97th Annual Tree Lighting

6 p.m. (Rain date Dec. 8) Delaney Circle, West Reading

Reading Liederkranz Christkindlmarkt

(Event runs through Dec. 7) readingliederkranz.com for information 143 Spook Lane, Reading

A Peter White Christmas featuring Mindi Abair

7 p.m.

Miller Center for the Arts

December 6

PA German Culture Heritage Center Christmas on the Farm 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sharadin Farmstead 22 Luckenbill Rd., Kutztown

Kids Holiday Craft Workshop 12 to 3 p.m.

Berks County Heritage Center

Christmas at the Fairgrounds 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Dec. 7 Kutztown Fairgrounds 450 Wentz St., Kutztown

Lighting of the Greens & Holiday Marketplace 2 to 5 p.m. (rain date Dec. 7)

Stone House 1216 Parkside Drive N., Wyomissing

December 7

A Homestead Holiday 12 to 4 p.m.

Daniel Boone Homestead

Festival of Lights 5 p.m. 5311 Perkiomen Ave., Reading

December 11

Turned Wooden Holiday Ornament Workshop 5 to 9 p.m. GoggleWorks

A Charlie Brown Christmas 7 p.m.

Santander Performing Arts Center

Danu’, An Emerald Isle Christmas Show 7 p.m.

Miller Center for the Arts

December 12 & 19

’Twas the Night Before Christmas Train

Visit website for times Colebrookdale Railroad

December 12

Reception for Gloria Powell—”Through the Eyes of My Daughter” (Show runs through Dec. 31) 5 to 8 p.m.

Art Plus Gallery

Gloria Powell “Patzcuaro”

December 13

Mini-Makers Make Your Own Wrapping Paper Workshop

10 a.m. to 12 p.m. GoggleWorks

Christmas Whimsy Cloth Yo-Yo Rug Workshop

12 to 3 p.m. Berks History Center

December 14

Holiday Craft Boutique and Open House

11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Berks History Center

Centre Park Historic District

Christmas House Tour

Various times and options, tickets at the park 705-707 5th St., Reading

December 17

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

7:30 p.m.

Santander Performing Arts Center

December 19

Stained Glass Snowman Workshop

6 p.m. to 9 p.m. GoggleWorks

December 20 & 21

The Nutcracker—

50th Anniversary

Visit website for times Nathan Schaeffer Auditorium berksballettheatre.com/ tickets

December 21

Green Drinks with Berks Nature

6 to 8 p.m.

Liberty Ale House 1501 Lancaster Ave., Reading

Candlelight Celtic

2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Miller Center for the Arts

December 28

2025 39th Annual Kris Kringle 5-Mile Run

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

(registration at 8:30 a.m. or online)

Berks County Agricultural Center

December 31

NYE The Music of James Bond

Reading Symphony Orchestra

7:30 p.m.

Santander Performing Arts Center

SUNDAYS | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. PENN AVE & S 6th AVE

Winter hours beginning December 7th, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. across the Ave in West Reading Shopping Center parking lot

January 11

Art Crawl 12 p.m. GoggleWorks

January 25

Reading Chorale Society

Scottish Festival Concert

4 p.m.

January 3

World Champion Ice Racing Crazy Train Tour

7 p.m. Santander Arena

January 9

Reception for “Luminous”

December 24

World Ballet Company— The Nutcracker

1 p.m.

Santander Performing Arts Center

J AN FEB

Emerging artistic talents at RACC explore the facets of brightness through humor, narrative and a range of materials.

(Show runs through Jan. 31)

5 to 8 p.m.

Art Plus Gallery

Muhlenberg High School 400 Sharp Ave., Reading

February 2

Opportunity House Souper Bowl 2026

4:30 p.m. preview admission/5:30 p.m. general admission

DoubleTree by Hilton opphouse.org/ how-to-support/ attend-an-event

February 14

Valentines with Romeo & Juliet Reading Symphony Orchestra

7:30 p.m. Santander Performing Arts Center

February 20

Harlem Globetrotters 100-Year Tour

7 p.m. Santander Arena

Art Plus is a self-run cooperative gallery of 25 local artists, in the heart of West Reading. Make it a point to stop by every time you’re in town. There’s a new show every month, and you’ll always meet one of the creative talents and enjoy a welcoming atmosphere. Along with a ﬁrst-class gallery you’ll ﬁnd a gift shop with a remarkable array of original art, crafts, prints and cards.

Art Plus Gallery 604 Penn Avenue West Reading, PA 19611 610-375-9122 www.ArtPlusGalleryPA.com