West Reading Avenues Spring 2016

Greater Reading’s hub for arts, shopping and entertainment Spring 2016

ARTS IN THE COMMUNITY

“Custom Design your Engagement Ring and Custom Design your Life!�

CONTENTS ////

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

18

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}.

IN THE KNOW & ON THE GO 4 New & Improved on the Avenues

RETAILERS PERSPECTIVE

26

6 Baldwin Brass Center

EVENTS 8 Spring on the Avenues

IN THE COMMUNITY 14 Unique Reading Health System

Program Supports Employee

Engagement within the Community

16 West Reading Farmers’ Market

JAZZ ON THE AVENUES 18 Berks Jazz Fest Schedule 24 Local Smaller Venues

34

DINING GUIDE 26 Taste Explorations 30 Dining Out in West Reading 32 Dining Spotlight: West Reading Tavern

ARTS IN THE COMMUNITY 34 Reading Public Museum 36 GoggleWorks at 10 37 Avenue Art

IN EVERY ISSUE 3 From the Editor

1

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 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 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 Wyomissing Borough co.berks.pa.us/wyomissing

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

2

Avenues Spring 2016

The Yocum Institute for Arts Education institute-of-arts.org

WELCOME //// from the editor

Welcome Spring!

S

Sara Braun Radaoui Editor Avenues Magazine

JUMP

Get a on the Real Estate Market …with G-r-r-reat Values this Spring As the Premier Realtor In Berks County, I’ve used my Professional eye, Marketing savvy, Enthusiasm for the business to more quickly match Buyers and Sellers. My Passion combined with my Sales and Marketing skills have made me the most Successful Agent in Berks County. I would love to have the Opportunity to Share that Success with You. When you are ready to Buy or Sell, Team up with the Tiger!

Lisa Tiger

pring is an exciting time in West Reading as temperatures climb, the shops begin to buzz and the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest kicks into high gear.

The Avenues is packed this time of year with save-the-dateworthy events and new hot spots. Add the taste of jazz and diversified cuisines and you’ll find good times for everyone!

As one of the largest and most comprehensive festivals in the country, Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest kicks off its 26th season with ten days of electric performances by many of the most recognized names in jazz, blues and R&B throughout the Greater Penn Corridor and the Avenues.

LisaTigerHomes.com 610.779.2500 • 610.207.6186 (direct)

You’ll also read about the wonderful arts and culture along the avenues. Explore the exhibits at the Reading Public Museum as it celebrates 100 years, and get ready for hands-on art as you see what the GoggleWorks has planned just in time for Spring! Of course, don’t miss the Art Plus Gallery, recently remodeled to feature a permanent gift shop with artist-made craft items, and a well-lit special exhibit wing to feature a new exhibit every month!

Speaking of taste, former Avenues editor Andrea Much shares her foodie insights with us in the ‘Taste of West Reading: Restaurant Guide. She’ll give you the inside scoop on the sophisticated flavors and wide variety of cuisines that West Reading has to offer. Whether it’s family activities, date nights, shopping or pub runs, there’s always something for everyone.

We hope you use this issue as your reference guide to Springtime in West Reading and the extended Penn Corridor. We look forward to seeing you on the Avenues with warmer weather to come!

Sara Braun Radaoui Editor

Looking to contribute content or have news about upcoming events for the Avenues Magazine? Email Editor, Sara Radaoui at sara@hoffmannpublishing.com. lovewestreading.org

3

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

New & Improved on the Avenues NEW ON THE AVENUE

Chatty Monks- 2nd Floor Abbey Chatty Monks Brewing Company, which opened in June 2014, now also has their second floor better known as The Abbey. The new additional level which made its debut in Winter 2015, offers a relaxed and cozy vibe that can hold about 35-40 guests. Every Tuesday you come out to the Abbey for open mic night from 6:30- 9:30pm and support your local musicians and pair with a refreshing beer. Every 3rd Sunday from 9:00am- 12:00pm, you can do a 45-minute yoga class followed by a pint of beer or cider of your choice! The Chatty Monks crew will open a second larger location this coming Spring in Phoenixville, PA. The new brewery will be located in a 13,000 square foot space.

Chatty Monks Brewing Company

610 Penn Avenue, West Reading 484-818-0176 www.chattymonks.com

Muddy Creek Soap Company Muddy Creek Soap Company is a female owned and operated handmade soap and bath products company.

The owner, Beverly Kelly-Carfagno, has always been interested in the process of making handmade soaps, as well as the benefits of aromatherapy and essential oils.

Beverly wanted to learn more about the process, so she started doing a lot of her own research and attending seminars, which eventually led to experimenting with natural and organic ingredients, eliminating harsh chemicals and perfumes being used on her body.

For Beverly, soap making started as a hobby that she would work on nights and weekends. She started giving her soaps as gifts for the holidays and also for special occasions. In January of 2010, Beverly decided that it was time to turn this hobby into something more! As she started building a website, she found herself making more and more soaps and experimenting with other products such as body washes and foaming hand lotions. Before she knew it, Beverly had a whole line of Natural and Organic Products!

Muddy Creek Soaps are made with natural and organic products such as olive, coconut, castor oils, essential oils, natural and organic butters, herbs and botanicals. These products are what make her soaps great quality; they are long-lasting, have a foamy lather, and consist of a lower pH - no more itchy skin!

Muddy Creek Soap Company

608 Penn Ave, West Reading 610-781-5371 www.muddycreeksoapcompany.com 4

Avenues Spring 2016

NEW ON THE AVENUE

Regina’s Salon Opens Regina’s Salon is a brand new full-service hair salon located in the heart of West Reading. Regina ColonHaney, salon owner and master stylist, has over 25 years of experience in the Cosmetology field, she is a “Redken” certified colorist and a licensed Cosmetology instructor.

Regina’s Salon offers services and products to follow current trends, pay homage to old trends, or simply perfect that unique look that defines you. With a highly skilled and qualified staff, Regina’s Salon is home to eager professionals ready to help you look your best. Regina’s Salon will help you achieve the look you envision.

Come see what all the buzz is about and find out why Regina’s Salon is synonymous with quality, professionalism and beauty. You are in good hands with the talented staff at Regina’s Salon. New clients are getting in and loving their looks. Women, men and children of all ages are welcome to experience Regina’s Salon.

Regina’s Salon

518 Penn Ave, West Reading 484-987-2652

Dolce de Zabala From Social Media to Penn Avenue, an actual dream come true. Since starting the business on Instagram, Dolce de Zabala has grown to 72K followers in just one year. Johanna Zabala, 30, from Brooklyn, New York, relocated to Reading, Pennsylvania with her husband, Reggie Zabala, and son Julian in 2009.

Before relocating to West Reading, she worked as a Pastry Sous Chef in New York City for Iron Chef Morimoto’s restaurant from Food Network. She always dreamt of opening a small business on Penn Avenue.

In November 2015, that dream came true. With the help and support of her husband, together they opened ‘Dolce de Zabala.’ The café was renovated to have a more modern and elegant ambiance.

The café offers over 20 cupcake flavors, 17 hot chocolates, truffles, cakes, shakes, coffee, teas, vegan candy bars and specialty desserts. Their signature dessert is the Dolce Berries, chocolate covered strawberries with colorful designs unlike any other. They offer nationwide shipping on their berries as well as their truffles. Johanna is also the new offsite Pastry Chef for DoubleTree by Hilton in Reading, as well as a vendor for all banquet events. Her and her husband’s dream is to continue to grow and be recognized nationwide.

Dolce de Zabala

711 Penn Ave, West Reading 610-373-4455

We are a full service real estate company representing clients in Berks and Lancaster County.

If you are planning to buy or sell your home, please consider Weikel Realty.

12A South Fifth Avenue West Reading, PA 19611 (610) 816-7404

www.WeikelRealtyGroup.com Chris J. Weikel REALTOR®/Broker (610) 914-3199

Megan Weikel REALTOR® (717) 779-3817

First choice for clients seeking integrity and high-value services lovewestreading.org

5

RETAILERS PERSPECTIVE ////

Baldwin Brass Center By: Nancy Campbell

2

016 will be like no other year for the Compleat Baldwin Brass Center. Established in 1979 as the first Baldwin retail store, the local showroom has been a fixture in the West Reading Business Community for 37 years. In 1991, the store became privately owned by the Campbell family. With a 25-year-old commitment to building the business and expanding the showroom, West Reading became a place we called home. The West Reading community continues to thrive with new shops and a spirit of entrepreneurism. The vast diversity of shops and restaurants has enhanced our reputation as a shopping/dining destination.

To add to the excitement, Baldwin Hardware Corporation is also celebrating something special. Established in 1946, Baldwin is 70 years BOLD. Exploring a bit of Baldwin’s history, one fact stands out. Quality reigns supreme, always has and always will. Baldwin is the epitome of quality and offers design and style to reflect the desires and aesthetics of the homeowner. With this reputation of excellence, there is no doubt that Baldwin will continue to be a staple in the industry for many years to come.

Although the Compleat Baldwin Brass Center started its existence with sales purely of Baldwin Hardware, the showroom has evolved into much more than that. With an interest in home dĂŠcor, we offer a wide array of interior lighting for your home. While the popularity of brass ebbs and flows, we find that brass accents are

6

Avenues Spring 2016

less of a trend and more of a classic mainstay. In the lighting area, we also offer brass, satin nickel, bronze and aged brass finishes to accessorize your home. Also known for our fine collection of giftware, selections of Simon Pearce hand blown crystal, Polish Pottery, and Howard Miller clocks, curios, bars and gaming tables are displayed and available through us. Colonial Candles are offered in fashion-forward colors and a variety of sizes.

Baldwin ornaments remain extremely popular not only at Christmastime, but throughout the year as well. With over 200 to choose from, they will capture your imagination. An ornament for every occasion, the milestones in the life of a family, a friendship, nature, patriotic and military symbols, can all be found in this collection.

Of local interest, a Pagoda ornament along with its history has been created for our Berks County heritage. Custom ornaments for weddings, favors, sporting teams or corporate gifts can also be designed. Etched from solid brass and finished with 24kt. gold, these ornaments are crafted in the USA. Ever responsive to the needs and desires of our clients, we expanded to offer a kitchen and bath design center. This expansion developed from our desire to offer quality products designed specifically for the kitchen and bath. Our Baldwin Design Team simplifies the process of creating a dream kitchen or bathroom.

RETAILERS PERSPECTIVE ////

From cabinets and countertops, to tile selection and fixtures, our design team takes a project from start to finish while continuing to provide the customer service that our customers deserve and expect.

As an exciting addition to our kitchen and design center, we offer Le Creuset cookware. Long treasured for its quality and craftsmanship, Le Creuset adds color and vibrance to your kitchen with practicality and function. Of course, our showroom would not be complete without our state of the art “live” kitchen, guest chefs and availablilty of Culinary Institute of America Cookware.

Yes, 2016 will be an exciting year… in business for 25 years with Baldwin who is celebrating a 70th year anniversary. We will be hosting events throughout the year. View our website baldwinhardwaredirect.com for upcoming events and specials.

We look forward to many more years on the Avenue with our business neighbors, comrades and friends.

lovewestreading.org

7

SPRING ON THE AVENUES //// events

Call ahead or visit websites for latest dates, showtimes and admission info.

March SEPA HOME & GARDEN SHOW

March 11-13 2:00pm – 7:00pm Friday 10:00am – 7:00pm Saturday 11:00am – 5:00pm Sunday Santander Arena 700 Penn Street, Reading, PA 19602 Lots of exhibitors to help you find the best in home building and improvement products. With thousands of square feet of exhibits you’ll find the latest in products and services. www.Santander-Arena.com

on the avenues Disney On Ice: Let’s Celebrate!

March 17-20 For showtimes visit Santander-Arena.com Santander Arena 700 Penn Street, Reading, PA 19602 Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate! Presented

by Yokids features more than 50 characters from 16 Disney stories live on ice, including Tiana from Walt Disney Pictures’ The Princess and the Frog.

To learn more about Disney On Ice Presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt, go to www.DisneyOnIce.com www.Santander-Arena.com

Experience Hendrix!

March 20, 7pm Santander Performing Art Center 136 N 6th St., Reading, PA 19601 Hailed by critics and fans alike as the ‘Guitar Event Of The Year,’ the multi-artist celebration known as the Experience Hendrix Tour is set to return in 2016. These special concert performances present legendary artists who join together to pay homage to Jimi Hendrix. www.Santander-Arena.com

Visual Jazz Exhibition

March 25–April 30 Gallery Above Penn Square 128 N. 5th Street, Reading, PA 19601 Opening Reception: March 25 | 7–10pm Music by Bryan Betts Band GalleryAbovePennSquare.com

Million Dollar Quartet

March 30, 7pm Santander Performing Art Center 136 N 6th St., Reading, PA 19601 MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is the Tony® award-winning Broadway musical, inspired by the electrifying true story of the famed recording session that brought together rock ‘n’ roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time. www.Santander-Arena.com

8

Avenues Spring 2016

SPRING ON THE AVENUES //// events April Jazz Brunch

April 2, 11am – 2pm Judy’s On Cherry 332 Cherry St, Reading, PA 19602 Featuring Bev Conklin judysoncherry.com

Reading Symphony Orchestra

April 2, 7pm Santander Performing Art Center 136 N 6th St., Reading, PA 19601 The RSO proudly features masterpieces by Schumann and Grieg prior to performing the most famous symphony in the western canon, Beethoven’s Fifth. Simply unmissable! www.Santander-Arena.com

Josh Taylor, Trey LaRue, and Chris Heslop April 6, 7:30-10pm West Reading Tavern 606 Penn Ave, West Reading, PA 19611 westreadingtavern.com

Dancing In the Streets

April 8, 8pm Santander Performing Art Center 136 N 6th St., Reading, PA 19601 Join the original and the best celebration of Motown’s Greatest Hits with the spectacular, critically acclaimed Dancing In the Streets. www.Santander-Arena.com

Jazz Fest DaPonte Preview@The DoubleTree by Hilton April 8, 9:30pm Reading Theater Project PENN STREET LIVE! Bridging the Arts Series DaPonté: An original jazz opera co-produced with Berks Opera Company Composed by Chris Heslop; Libretto by Vicki Graff readingtheaterproject.com

Jazz Fest Frenzy@Mi Casa Su Casa

April 9, 8pm Reading Theater Project PENN STREET LIVE! Bridging the Arts Series Jazz inspired musical and comedic performances readingtheaterproject.com

Jazz Fest After Party Cabaret!@ The Olympian Ballroom

April 9, 9pm Reading Theater Project PENN STREET LIVE! Bridging the Arts Series Featuring: Tamara Black, Maria DaMore, Andy Roberts, Chris Heslop, Bennie Sims, and other variety acts. MC’d by Christopher David Roché Admission: Free to the public with a wine and beer bar and a specialty cocktail!

There will be raffles and live auctions for dinners, shows, and other items! readingtheaterproject.com

lovewestreading.org

9

SPRING ON THE AVENUES //// events Epic Brands National Cheerleading Event

April 10, 11am Santander Arena 700 Penn Street, Reading, PA 19602 It’s finally here! A level playing field in the world of cheerleading!

What makes this nationals event so unique is that it is exclusive to Division 2 teams, Rec/School teams and Dance teams! www.Santander-Arena.com

Charlie Wanyo Trio with Steve Meashey and Dave Santana April 9, 9-11:30pm West Reading Tavern 606 Penn Ave, West Reading, PA 19611 westreadingtavern.com

Andy Roberts Trio with Steve Meashey and Larry Marshall

April 10, 9-11:30pm West Reading Tavern 606 Penn Ave, West Reading, PA 19611 westreadingtavern.com

Mi Vida: My Life Ekphrasis event with featured word artist Egedeme

April 14, 10pm RACC – Miller Center for the Arts 4 N 2nd St, Reading, PA 19601 Latino Americans: 500 Years of History. Spoken word ekphrasis, inspired by student ethnographic photojournalism project. racc.edu/MillerCenter

Spring at the Miller Center 2015-2016 SeaSOn Present this coupon and RECEIVE A SECOND TICKET FOR 50% OFF any of the performances listed in this ad!

Limit one coupon per order and must be presented in person at time of order. May not be exchanged for cash.

/Downtown Performing Arts Series / Family Sampler Series Steel Wheels Saturday, March 12, 7:30PM A roots & Americana band JazzReach’s Metta Quintet tueSday, aPril 5, 7:30PM “Stolen Moments” the First 100 Years of Jazz” Brubeck Brothers Quartet with the Reading Pops Orchestra Sunday, aPril 10, 7:00PM A salute to the music of Dave Brubeck Jimmy Webb & Karla Bonoff Saturday, aPril 23, 7:30PM A meeting of songwriters

10

Avenues Spring 2016

Big Friendly Giant dallas children’s theater Saturday, april 16, 11:00am & 2:00PM A classic story by famed children’s author Roald Dahl.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Eric Carle Favorites Mermaid theatre of nova Scotia Saturday, april 23, 11:00aM & 2:00PM Evocative music, innovative puppetry and stunning visual effects.

For tickets and information contact the Miller center Box Office at 610.607.6270 or visit www.racc.edu/millercenter.

SPRING ON THE AVENUES //// events Big Friendly Giant Dallas Children’s Theater

April 16, 10am & 2pm RACC – Miller Center for the Arts 4 N 2nd St, Reading, PA 19601 In the much beloved tradition of Roald Dahl (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), we join two misfits on an unforgettable odyssey. racc.edu/MillerCenter

Gabriel Iglesias

April 21, 7:30pm Santander Performing Art Center 136 N 6th St., Reading, PA 19601 Gabriel’s stand-up comedy is a mixture of storytelling, parodies, characters and sound effects that bring his personal experiences to life. His unique and animated comedy style has made him popular among fans of all ages. www.Santander-Arena.com

Recycled Percussion

April 22, 7:30pm Santander Performing Art Center 136 N 6th St., Reading, PA 19601 Since Justin Spencer formed Recycled Percussion in 1995, the band has been unstoppable. Their junk rock music became a national phenomenon week after week during their smash hit performances on America’s Got Talent in 2009. www.Santander-Arena.com

Don’t Miss!

Second Fridays on Penn The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Eric Carle Favorites

April 23, 2pm RACC – Miller Center for the Arts 4 N 2nd St, Reading, PA 19601 Three beloved stories by Eric Carle, award-winning children’s book illustrator and author, are retold on stage through the magic of black light and fanciful puppets, performed by the Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia. racc.edu/MillerCenter

March 11, April 8, May 13

The second Friday of every month is a special time on the Penn Corridor. Take a ride (or a walk) on Penn Street in Reading, or Penn Avenue in West Reading and Wyomissing, and take advantage of everything the Corridor has to offer.

lovewestreading.org

11

SPRING ON THE AVENUES //// events Sisters Stirring the Pot@Mi Casa Su Casa

April 23, 8pm Reading Theater Project PENN STREET LIVE! Bridging the Arts Series A sexual assault awareness event Featuring: Fatsy & the Girdles performing cheeky monkey songs readingtheaterproject.com

Jimmy Webb and Karla Bonoff

April 23, 7:30pm RACC – Miller Center for the Arts 4 N 2nd St, Reading, PA 19601 Jimmy Webb is an American songwriter, composer, and singer known worldwide as a master of his trade. His platinum selling classics include “Up, Up and Away,” “By the Time I Get to Phoenix,” “Wichita Lineman,” “Galveston,” “The Worst that Could Happen,” “All I Know,” and “MacArthur Park.” He is joined by singer-songwriter Karla Bonoff. racc.edu/MillerCenter

Clifford the Big Red Dog

April 24, 2:00pm Santander Performing Art Center 136 N 6th St., Reading, PA 19601 In this musical adventure, Clifford and Emily Elizabeth will take audiences on a journey to Birdwell Island with their friends Cleo, T-Bone, Charley, Jetta, and Mac. l www.Santander-Arena.com

Reading Craft Beer Festival

April 26, 2pm Santander Arena 700 Penn Street, Reading, PA, 19602 Coming off of a very successful first year festival, SMG officials in Reading are thrilled to announce the second annual Reading Craft Beer Festival, promoted locally by Brew Crew Events, LLC. The event will host over 75 craft breweries; up from 58 last year. www.Santander-Arena.com

Volcanic Planet-Peter Rowe

April 29, 7pm RACC – Miller Center for the Arts 4 N 2nd St, Reading, PA 19601 An exploration of volcanoes around the world. Adventure Filmmaker Peter Rowe climbed and filmed 19 volcanoes around the world, from Iceland to the Congo, Italy to Indonesia, Guatemala to Vanuatu, interacting with the people who live and work near these extreme forces of nature. racc.edu/MillerCenter

May Clint Black

May 12, 7pm Santander Performing Art Center 136 N 6th St., Reading, PA 19601 Prolific singer-songwriter Clint Black has long been heralded as one of Country music’s brightest stars. His many talents have taken him even further, as Black has transcended genres to become one of the most successful artists in all the music benchmark in any artist’s career. www.Santander-Arena.com

Flagship Music Presents Dark Star Orchestra

May 19, 7pm Santander Performing Art Center 136 N 6th St., Reading, PA 19601 Performing to critical acclaim worldwide for nearly 15 years and over 2000 shows, Dark Star Orchestra continues the Grateful Dead concert experience. On any given night the band will perform a show based on a set list from the Grateful Dead’s 30 years of extensive touring.

12

Avenues Spring 2016

Save The Date!

Saturday, June 18th 400-700 blocks, Penn Ave. West Reading

www.Santander-Arena.com

YNOT Awards

May 25, 7:30pm Santander Performing Art Center 136 N 6th St., Reading, PA 19601 The YNOT Awards is a program that was created to honor and showcase high school musical talent. It is a program modeled off the Tony Awards to highlight some of the outstanding performances on the stage, just as the sports do with their programs. It was not intended to be a competition, but a way of bringing these talented students together to perform on the most prestigious stage in Berks County.

The 22nd Annual Art on the Avenue is a juried fine arts and crafts festival featuring national and regional artists showing and selling their creations on Penn Avenue in West Reading, PA. Each year thousands of people are drawn to Art on the Avenue as the event continues to grow.

READING

DIRECTIONS

D OO W N

DELANEY CIRCLE

US

From Allentown

YL

42

KI

LL

RIV

ER

2

FRAN

KLIN S T

CHER

RY ST

H

M

ORE SYCAM

VF VF OUTLET H READING HEALTH SYSTEM NORTH

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.

From Philadelphia

2ND AVE

SPRUCE ST

MUSEUM RD

7TH AVE

ST

3RD A VE 5TH AVE

6TH AVE

PENN AVE

UT ST CHESTN

HU

O TT

READING AVE

CHERRY ST

SC

BU

4TH AVE

VF 8TH AVE

PARK RD

WYOMISSING

SCOTTISH RITE CATHEDRAL

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.

M READING PUBLIC MUSEUM

lovewestreading.org

13

IN THE COMMUNITY

Unique Reading Health System Program Supports Employee Engagement within the Community

K

nowing that many Reading Health System employees had the desire to become more actively involved in the community, Reading Health System established the Employee Engagement Initiative. This program, launched in March 2012, gives all system employees the chance to participate in one volunteer activity per year during their normal workday. It’s a great way for the employees of Reading Health System to give back to the community and become more engaged with local organizations.

Since the program’s inception, the number of participating employees has more than doubled - from approximately 100 in 2012 to over 250 in 2015. Over the past year, Reading Health System employees have contributed almost 1,000 hours of volunteer time to 13 different community organizations including the Hope Rescue Mission, Berks Encore, Centro Hispano, American Red Cross, Animal Rescue League, Humane Society, Opportunity House and many others.

Whether it’s assisting with prepping and serving food at a local food pantry, painting murals for a community venue, or cleaning up area walking trails, Reading Health System employees are always seeking new opportunities to volunteer throughout Berks County.

Helping Organizations Like These:

Local organizations are grateful for the extra hands they receive to help complete projects and programs, and Reading Health System Employees are inspired to take action and make a difference in their community. This program has encouraged teamwork and relationship building among employees, all while learning more about the wonderful services these organizations provide.

14

Avenues Spring 2016

JOIN US FOR THE OUTDOOR

FAMILY GATHERING OF THE YEAR

GARDEN PARTY JUNE 7 AND 8 The timeless tradition of The Friends of Reading Hospital’s Garden Party will be held June 7 and 8 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!

To learn more about this year’s event, visit www.readinghealth.org/gardenparty, or call 484-628-8477.

lovewestreading.org

15

West Reading

FARMERS’ MARKET

T

he West Reading Farmers’ Market is a producer only market. We offer consumers fresh, locally grown products, featuring produce, beef, pork, and poultry. The mission of the West Reading Farmers’ Marker is to educate the public on the benefits of supporting local agriculture and continuing preservation of farmland in the surrounding community thereby strengthening the diversity of the community in general.

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

The West Reading Farmers’ Market moved its winter operations to the West Reading Fire Department: Look for your favorite vendors and find out what they’re doing to gear up for the summer harvest! Starting May 17th, the West Reading Farmers’ Market returns to its home, located in the 500 block of Penn Avenue.

Meet

the

Vendor

Betula’s Botanica

Welcome to Betula’s Botanica, where artisan soaps and body care products are carefully hand crafted in small batches with pure natural ingredients. With the increasing trend of conscientiously using body care products made with natural ingredients, Betula’s Botanica is known for offering a large variety of products ranging from beautiful cold process soaps to lip balms, natural deodorants, sugar scrubs, bath oils, mineral bath salts, and essential oils plus many more items that the whole family can appreciate!

Back in 2009, Monica Dech, owner and soap maker, started with a small 4 # batch of a very plain soap called Sweet Earth.

What it lacked in visual appeal was made up for by the essential oil blend. Sweet Earth sold quickly and became a catalyst for Betula’s Botanica. During the first year, 5 additional essential oil blends were offered along with harmonizing sugar scrubs.

In subsequent years, the variety of soaps has grown to over 30 different blends including seasonal favorites for the holidays. In order to round out the selection, additional lines such as natural bug repellents and deodorants were added in 2014 and 2015.

Currently these products are available online at www.Betulasbotanica.com and at the Antietam Valley Farmers’ and Artisan Market and Trexlertown Farmers’ Market, West Reading Farmers’ Market, as well as Allison’s Clothing Company and Celtic Myth & Moonlight. Additional retail outlets are Kimbertown Whole Foods, French Creek Boutique, Wicks and Sticks, and Village Nursery & Garden Center.

Expectations for 2016 include a new website, several new proprietary blends of essential oils to be assimilated into soaps and body care products, allowing the user to create a wardrobe of products with their favorite blends. Monica Dech, owner and soap maker of Betula’s Botanica, is also working a new line specialized for the care and pampering of our hard working feet. Experience the difference a little nature can make!

FARMERS’ MARKET ////

Meet

the

Vendor

Benchwarmers Coffee Benchwarmers Coffee & Chocolate was founded with the idea of providing a quality cup of coffee. Something a little better than the burnt swill that some places provided as an answer to a basic black cup of coffee. Adam Kenderdine started out selling another company’s coffee, wanting to open his own café. The more he learned about the coffee business, the more he envisioned Benchwarmers becoming something more. After a few months of hawking the other company’s coffee, he started to tinker in roasting his own coffee beans. In a few short weeks, Adam taught himself everything about coffee roasting, cultivation of coffee and all the processes of coffee.

As he roasted beans, Adam researched each farm all those beans came from. He was so intrigued by the history of each farm or cooperative. These people put in such heart and soul in the cultivation of the bean he would roast. This is the reason he doesn’t artificially flavor his coffee.

Instead, he prefers to let all those nice nuances shine through.

“Each coffee we offer has a story, and I want to do my best to tell that story through roasting and brewing coffee,” says Adam.

For instance, the Sumatran coffee they currently offer is from an all female cooperative from a small village on the island of Sumatra. Many of these producers are women who unfortunately lost their husbands in the 2003 civil war. They have persevered in a male-dominated industry to produce this bold cupping coffee.

“Then, I did the dumbest thing I could have possibly done, which was to teach myself how to make chocolate,” exclaims Adam.

Now he’s not talking about melting down Hershey’s chocolate chips to cover pretzels or caramel. He’s talking about obtaining raw cocoa beans in the same way he approaches coffee. Then Benchwarmers roasts the raw cocoa beans and processes the beans into chocolate bars and other confections.

Insuring

Your Success Because Your Success is Important to Us

BUSINESS INSURANCE Property and Equipment Liability Insurance

Automobile and Truck Fleets

West Reading Fire Department 223 Playground Drive, West Reading 10am- 1pm

Workers Compensation Professional Liability

Group Medical, Disability, and Life

3/13, 3/27, 4/3 & 4/17 Are you a farmer or vendor interested in becoming a vendor?

Visit lovewestreading.org for application.

610.376.3959 • Fax: 610.376.2610 1150 Berkshire Boulevard, Wyomissing

www.andersonbrokers.com

lovewestreading.org

17

BERKS JAZZ FEST

G

et to know the scene for one of the nation’s best jazz music festivals, the 26th annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest! Slip on your jazz shoes and join us at one of the fabulous settings in Greater Reading, PA, home of the world-famous Reading Railroad. With the multitude of itineraries that the Penn Corridor has to offer, you can create a signature version at any number of the fine jazz venues!

West Reading and the Penn Corridor are home to a variety of food and beverage establishments with varying cuisines that cater to early reservations, dinner with entertainment, or after-show enjoyment. Whether it’s full bar service or BYOB and appetizers that precede a night on the town, you can enjoy your evening with a Mediterranean-themed happy hour and tapas at ViVÁ or bowls of udon and a shared Pagoda Roll at Go Fish! Take a quick evening stroll down Penn Avenue before or after dinner and enjoy lively window shopping- a bonus treat to any evening out.

Choose from more than 130 major concerts featuring nationally and internationally acclaimed contemporary and straight ahead jazz, blues, big band, gospel and world music. Visit berksjazzfest.com or any of the venue websites for more information about certain events, offerings and directions. An extensive list of the larger and more intimate Penn Corridor Jazz events follows. We’re sure you’ll find something that sounds good!

BERKS JAZZ FEST

2016 Berks Jazz Fest Schedule THURSDAY, MARCH 3

FRIDAY, APRIL 1

7:30 p.m.: Berks Jazz Preview Concert VINCE GIORDANO & THE NIGHTHAWKS Alvernia University / Francis Hall Theater & Recital Hall Tickets, info: www.alvernia.edu/arts-culture

7:00 p.m.: Music of Django Reinhardt DJANGOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Michael Tozzi’s ijazzglobal.com Café @ Crowne Plaza (former Jazz Base) Tickets: $15 (General Admission)

FRIDAY, MARCH 18 5:30 p.m.: The Frank Scott Memorial Art Show THE ART OF JAZZ AWARDS RECEPTION GoggleWorks Center for the Arts / Schmidt Gallery Complete information: www.berksarts.org 7:30 p.m.: Berks Jazz Preview Concert Jazz Upstairs Series NELLIE McKAY Miller Symphony Hall / Rodale Community Room (Allentown) Tickets, info: www.millersymphonyhall.org

7:30 p.m.: WJJZ Smooth Jazz presents Opening Night Celebration THE SUMMIT: THE MANHATTAN TRANSFER and TAKE 6 DoubleTree by Hilton Reading Grand Ballroom Tickets: $59 (Reserved Seating) 7:30 p.m.: GERALD VEASLEY & FRIENDS featuring BOBBY LYLE, NELSON RANGEL, CHIELI MINUCCI Miller Center for the Arts / Reading Community College Tickets $40 (Reserved Seating) 7:30 p.m.: Blues Guitarist ROBBEN FORD Building 24 Live / The Works Complex Tickets: $40 (General Admission) 9:30 p.m.: Funky Celebration for Alisa B THE ORIGINAL GROOVEMASTERS & FRIENDS The Inn at Reading Ballroom $25 (General Admission) 9:30 p.m.: Get Jazzed Night KUTZTOWN UNIVERSITY JAZZ ENSEMBLE I directed by KEVIN KJOS DoubleTree by Hilton Reading Tickets: $10 (General Admission) 10:00 p.m.: WJJZ Smooth Jazz Night NAJEE featuring CHANTE MOORE, NICK COLIONNE Crowne Plaza Reading Ballroom Tickets: $49 (Reserved Seating) 10:30 p.m.: Late Night Jazz Party DAVID P STEVENS & DEE LUCAS with special guest CAROL RIDDICK Michael Tozzi’s ijazzglobal.com Café @ Crowne Plaza (former Jazz Base) Tickets: $25 (General Admission)

Midnight GERALD VEASLEY’S MIDNIGHT JAM Building 24 Live / The Works Complex Tickets: $25 (General Admission)

SATURDAY, APRIL 2 10 a.m.-7 p.m.: Get Jazzed Day EXPO / PERFORMANCE / EDUCATION DoubleTree by Hilton Reading Tickets: FREE 1:30 p.m.: Smooth Jazz WJJZ Day MICHAEL LINGTON featuring TAYLOR DAYNE plus BRIAN BROMBERG BAND with THE BERKS HORNS Crowne Plaza Reading Ballroom Tickets: $49 (Reserved Seating) 2:00 p.m.: Bluesy Afternoon POPA CHUBBY Building 24 Live / The Works Complex Tickets: $25 (General Admission) 7:00 p.m.: The Reading Connection GREG HATZA, TIM PRICE ORGAN QUARTET Michael Tozzi’s ijazzglobal.com Café @ Crowne Plaza (former Jazz Base) Tickets: $15 (General Admission)

BERKS JAZZ FEST 7:00 p.m.: Three-Time Grammy Winner KEB’ MO’ with special guest GERALD ALBRIGHT DoubleTree by Hilton Reading Grand Ballroom Tickets: $52 (Reserved Seating) 7:30 p.m.: WXPN Welcomes DAVID BROMBERG BIG BAND Miller Center for the Arts / Reading Area Community College Tickets: $49 (Reserved Seating) 7:30 p.m.: Smooth Jazz WJJZ Night FOUR80EAST featuring MATT MARSHAK, ART SHERROD Building 24 Live / The Works Complex Tickets: $38 (General Admission)

10:30 p.m.: Late Night Jazz Party ZOE’ Michael Tozzi’s ijazzglobal.com Café @ Crowne Plaza (former Jazz Base) Tickets: $20 (General Admission) Midnight GERALD VEASLEY’S MIDNIGHT JAM Building 24 Live / The Works Complex Tickets: $25 (General Admission)

SUNDAY, APRIL 3 Smooth Jazz WJJZ Sunday Jazz Brunch / 10 a.m. Buffet / 11:15 a.m. Concert ANDY SNITZER with special guest NICK COLIONNE The Inn at Reading Ballroom Tickets: $39 (General Admission, includes buffet) Sunday Jazz Brunch / 10 a.m.

Buffet / 11:15 a.m. Concert BERKS HIGH SCHOOL ALL-STAR JAZZ BAND directed by SHERRIE MARICLE and the BERKS HIGH SCHOOL ALL-STAR JAZZ CHOROUS directed by PAT DORIAN, BOB DOROUGH DoubleTree by Hilton Reading Tickets: $30 (General Admission, includes buffet) 1:30 p.m.: WDAS 105.3 FM Day PIECES OF A DREAM plus GREG ADAMS & EAST BAY SOUL Crowne Plaza Reading Ballroom Tickets: $49 (Reserved Seating)

9:30 p.m.: Funky Celebration for Alisa B PHILADELPHIA FUNK AUTHORITY The Inn at Reading Ballroom Tickets: $15 (General Admission) 9:30 p.m.: Get Jazzed Night SHERRIE MARICLE & FIVE PLAY DoubleTree by Hilton Reading Tickets: $20 (General Admission) 10:00 p.m.: WDAS 105.3 FM presents Soul of Jazz PHIL PERRY with special guest HOWARD HEWETT Crowne Plaza Reading Ballroom Tickets: $49 (Reserved Seating)

7:00 p.m.: Smooth Jazz WJJZ Night RICHARD ELLIOT with special guest BOBBY CALDWELL DoubleTree by Hilton Reading Grand Ballroom Tickets: $49 (Reserved Seating) 7:30 p.m.: WRTI 90.1 FM presents Piano Sensation JOEY ALEXANDER Miller Center for the Arts / Reading Area Community College Tickets: $35 (Reserved Seating)

TUESDAY, APRIL 5 7:00 p.m.: Reading Eagle Community Concert U.S. NAVY BAND COMMORDORES plus POTTSTOWN HIGH JAZZ BAND Pottstown High School Tickets: FREE (General Admission) Tickets will be distributed on Monday, Feb. 22, at various locations.

For complete details, check the Reading Eagle on Sunday, Feb. 21.

7:30 p.m.: Stolen Moments: The First 100 Years of Jazz JAZZREACH’S METTA QUINTET Miller Center for the Arts / Reading Area Community College Tickets: Call Miller Center box office 610-607-6270 (Reserved Seating) www.racc.edu/millercenter

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6 Noon: Reading DID MidDay Jazz Cafe U.S. NAVY BAND COMMORDORES DoubleTree by Hilton Reading Grand Ballroom Tickets: FREE (General Admission) Tickets will be distributed on Monday, Feb. 22, at various locations.

For complete details, check the Reading Eagle on Sunday, Feb. 21.

7:30 p.m.: Berks Bop Night CHUCK LOEB, RICK BRAUN, BRIAN BROMBERG, ERIC MARIENTHAL, GERALD ALBRIGHT, JEFF LORBER, EVERETTE HARP, MARCUS FINNIE Building 24 Live / The Works Complex Tickets: $39 (General Admission) 7:00 p.m.: Reading Eagle Community Concert U.S. AIR FORCE RHYTHM IN BLUE JAZZ ENSEMBLE plus BERKS HIGH SCHOOL ALL-STAR JAZZ BAND directed by SHERRIE MARICLE Crowne Plaza Reading Ballroom Tickets: FREE (General Admission) Tickets will be distributed on Monday, Feb. 29, at various locations.

For complete details, check the Reading Eagle on Sunday, Feb. 28.

lovewestreading.org

21

BERKS JAZZ FEST FRIDAY, APRIL 8

SATURDAY, APRIL 9

7:00 p.m.: Music from “Bridges” ERIC MARIENTHAL & CHUCK LOEB Michael Tozzi’s ijazzglobal.com Café @ Crowne Plaza (former Jazz Base) Tickets: $40 (General Admission)

9:30 a.m. registration /10:30 a.m. auction BERKS JAZZ FEST AUCTION hosted by PAUL SCOTT Michael Tozzi’s ijazzglobal.com Café @ Crowne Plaza (former Jazz Base) FREE

7:00 p.m.: An Evening With MAVIS STAPLES plus AMY HELM & THE HANDSOME STRANGERS Scottish Rite Cathedral Tickets: $49 (Reserved Seating)

THURSDAY, APRIL 7 7:00 p.m.: Reading Eagle Community Concert U.S. AIR FORCE RHYTHM IN BLUE JAZZ ENSEMBLE plus BERKS HIGH SCHOOL ALL-STAR JAZZ CHORUS directed by PAT DORIAN, BOB DOROUGH Kutztown High School Tickets: FREE (General Admission) Tickets will be distributed on Monday, Feb. 29, at various locations.

For complete details, check the Reading Eagle on Sunday, Feb. 28.

7:00 p.m.: ERICH CAWALLA QUARTET featuring BENNIE SIMS, CLIFF STARKEY, MARKO MARCINKO Michael Tozzi’s ijazzglobal.com Café @ Crowne Plaza (former Jazz Base) Tickets: $15 (General Admission) 7:30 p.m.: WDIY/NPR 88.1 FM Night CRAIG THATCHER BAND & FRIENDS Building 24 Live / The Works Complex Tickets: $25 (General Admission) 8:00 p.m.: Berks All-Star Jazz Jam CHUCK LOEB, RICK BRAUN, GERALD VEASLEY, BRIAN BROMBERG, NORMAN BROWN, KIRK WHALUM, JONATHAN BUTLER, GERALD ALBRIGHT, NICK COLIONNE, ERIC MARIENTHAL, KIM WATERS, EVERETTE HARP, JAY ROWE, MARCUS FINNIE Crowne Plaza Reading Ballroom Tickets: $49 (Reserved Seating) 22

Avenues Spring 2016

7:00 p.m.: Smooth Jazz WJJZ Night BWB featuring RICK BRAUN, KIRK WHALUM, NORMAN BROWN DoubleTree by Hilton Reading Grand Ballroom Tickets: $49 (Reserved Seating) 7:30 p.m.: Southern Rock, Blues THE DEVON ALLMAN BAND Building 24 Live / The Works Complex Tickets: $29 (General Admission) 9:00 p.m.: Friday Funkathon UPTOWN BAND featuring ERICH CAWALLA & JENIFER KINDER plus BLITZ DYNETTE Abraham Lincoln Hotel Ballroom Tickets: $25 (General Admission) 9:30 p.m.: Late Night Jazz Party CHRIS HESLOP JAZZ OPERA ENSEMBLE featuring music fromDaPONTE DoubleTree by Hilton Reading Tickets: $15 (General Admission) 10:00 p.m.: Music of James Brown JAZZ MEETS JAMES NICK COLIONNE, KIM WATERS, ERIC DARIUS, MARION MEADOWS, JEFF BRADSHAW, JEANETTE HARRIS, JAY ROWE, J.J. SANSAVERINO, THE BERKS HORN plus special guestGERALD ALBRIGHT Crowne Plaza Reading Ballroom Tickets: $49 (Reserved Seating) 10:30 p.m.: Late Night Jazz Party THE NEW SPIRITS Michael Tozzi’s ijazzglobal.com Café @ Crowne Plaza (former Jazz Base) Tickets: $10 at door (General Admission) Midnight GERALD VEASLEY’S MIDNIGHT JAM Building 24 Live / The Works Complex Tickets: $25 (General Admission)

1:30 p.m.: WHUR 96.3 FM Day THE RIPPINGTONS featuring RUSS FREEMAN plus JACKIEM JOYNER & SELINA ALBRIGHT Crowne Plaza Reading Ballroom Tickets: $49 (Two Concerts; Reserved Seating) 2:00 p.m.: Tribute to the Original Allman Brothers Band LIVE AT THE FILLMORE Building 24 Live / The Works Complex Tickets: $24 (General Admission) 7:00 p.m.: Smooth Jazz WJJZ Night JAZZ FUNK SOUL: CHUCK LOEB, EVERETTE HARP, JEFF LORBER Michael Tozzi’s ijazzglobal.com Café @ Crowne Plaza (former Jazz Base) Tickets: $40 (General Admission) 7:00 p.m.: “Two” Jazz Masters CHICK COREA & BÉLA FLECK Scottish Rite Cathedral Tickets: $56 (Reserved Seating)

BERKS JAZZ FEST 10:00 a.m. buffet / 11:15 a.m. show: WRTI 90.1 FM Sunday Jazz Brunch ERIC MINTEL QUARTET DoubleTree by Hilton Reading Tickets: $35 (Reserved Seating, includes brunch)

10:00 p.m.: WHUR 96.3 FM Night JONATHAN BUTLER & GERALD ALBRIGHT Crowne Plaza Reading Ballroom Tickets: $49 (Reserved Seating) 10:30 p.m.: Late Night Jazz Party SKIP MOYER QUINTET Michael Tozzi’s ijazzglobal.com Café @ Crowne Plaza (former Jazz Base) Tickets: $10 at door(General Admission) Midnight GERALD VEASLEY’S MIDNIGHT JAM Building 24 Live / The Works Complex Tickets: $25 (General Admission)

SUNDAY, APRIL 10 7:00 p.m.: WHUR 96.3 FM Night BONEY JAMES DoubleTree by Hilton Reading Grand Ballroom Tickets: $49 (Reserved Seating)

10:00 a.m. buffet / 11:15 a.m. show: Smooth Jazz WJJZ Sunday Jazz Brunch KEIKO MATSUI Crowne Plaza Reading Ballroom Tickets: $49 (Reserved Seating, includes brunch)

5:00 p.m.: Jazzin’ Up the Pops: The Music of Dave Brubeck THE BRUBECK BROTHERS QUARTET and the READING POPS ORCHESTRA Miller Center for the Arts / Reading Area Community College Tickets: Call Miller Center Box Office @ 610-607-6270 7:00 p.m.: Entertainment Cruise Productions Night KIRK WHALUM’S GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JAZZ CELEBRATION featuring DONNIE MCCLURKIN, JONATHAN BUTLER, KEVIN WHALUM, JOHN STODDART and the DOXA GOSPEL ENSEMBLE Scottish Rite Cathedral Tickets: $49 (Reserved Seating)

7:30 p.m.: 50th Anniversary Tour KIM SIMMONDS & SAVOY BROWN Building 24 Live / The Works Complex Tickets: $39 (General Admission) 9:00 p.m.: Music of Steely Dan THE ROYAL SCAM Abraham Lincoln Hotel Ballroom Tickets: $24 (General Admission) 9:30 p.m.: Music of the Brecker Brothers BRECKERVILLE DoubleTree by Hilton Reading Tickets: $20 (General Admission)

CHECK OUT BERKSJAZZFEST.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION!

Fundraising Division

lovewestreading.org

23

BERKS JAZZ FEST

Local Smaller Venues FRIDAY, APRIL 1 11:30 a.m.: Harold Leifer Memorial Kickoff Luncheon @ Peanut Bar Restaurant THE GROOVEMASTERS www.peanutbar.com 6:00 p.m.: Speckled Hen CHAZ WANYO & ANDY BURASZ www.speckledhenpub.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 2 11:00 a.m.: Judy’s on Cherry Jazz Brunch BEV CONKLIN www.judysoncherry.com 5:30 p.m.: Christ Episcopal Church GOSPEL MASS featuring DAVID CULLEN & RUNETTE GABRIELLE www.rdgchristchurch.org/live 6:00 p.m.: Berks YR Club PETE SOUDERS TRIO 610-376-1303 www.berksyrclub.com 6:00 p.m.: Speckled Hen SKIP MOYER www.speckledhenpub.com 9:00 p.m.: DeCarlo’s Bar & Grill STAND TALL BABY DOLL 610-378-8121 www.decarlosbarandgrill.com

SUNDAY, APRIL 3 10:00 a.m.: Christ Church UCC ERWIN CHANDLER 610-929-2020 2:00 p.m.: Hopewell Furnace EXETER COMMUNITY BAND 610-374-8839

TUESDAY, APRIL 5 11:30 a.m.: Boscov’s East Greenery Restaurant MIKE EBEN’S FROM THE HIP 610-779-2000

24

Avenues Spring 2016

5:00 p.m.: Bistro 614 JOSH TAYLOR & TREY LARUE 610-375-9900 www.bistro614.com

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6 11:30 a.m.: Boscov’s East Greenery Restaurant SKIP MOYER QUARTET 610-779-2000 6:00 p.m.: Peanut Bar Restaurant UPTOWN BAND featuring ERICH CAWALLA & JENIFER KINDER 610-376-8500 www.peanutbar.com 7:30 p.m.: West Reading Tavern JOSH TAYLOR, TREY LARUE, CHRIS HESLOP 610-376-9232 www.westreadingtavern.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 7 11:30 a.m.: Boscov’s North Greenery Restaurant PRETZEL CITY DIXIELAND JAZZ BAND 610-779-2000 1:00 p.m.: Manor at Market Square SKIP MOYER & THE SWINGING FOXES 610-898-0834 www.manoratmarketsquare.com 5:00 p.m.: Bistro 614 JOSH TAYLOR & TREY LaRUE 610-375-9900 www.bistro614.com 6:00 p.m.: Judy’s on Cherry Jazz Dinner SKIP MOYER & KATIE SCARLETTE www.judysoncherry.com

FRIDAY, APRIL 8 11:30 a.m.: Boscov’s North Greenery Restaurant STANDARD JAZZ QUARTET 610-779-2000 5:00 p.m.: Jazz Happy Hour @ Peanut Bar Restaurant THE GROOVEMASTERS www.peanutbar.com

6:00 p.m.: Speckled Hen THE ADAM PRICE GROUP www.speckledhenpub.com Jazz on the Avenue 7:00p.m.

WEST READING’S 5TH ANNUAL JAZZ ON THE AVENUE will be Friday, April 8th, in conjunction with Berks Jazz Fest and 2nd Friday on Penn!

9:00 p.m.: West Reading Tavern ANDY ROBERTS TRIO featuring STEVE MEASHEY, LARRY MARSHALL 610-376-9232 www.westreadingtavern.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 9 Noon: Peanut Bar Restaurant Jazz Lunch THE NEW SPIRITS 610-376-8500 www.peanutbar.com 6:00 p.m.: Berks YR Club RAY ALLEN JAZZ DUO 610-376-1303 www.berksyrclub.com 6:00 p.m.: Bistro 614 MARK STEFFY & DAVE MATTES 610-375-9900 www.bistro614.com 6:00 p.m.: Speckled Hen PETE SOUDERS www.speckledhenpub.com 8:00 p.m.: Pappy T’s Pub THERAPY BARN 610-562-5645 www.pappyts.com 9:00 p.m.: West Reading Tavern CHARLIE WANYO TRIO featuring DAVE SANTANA, STEVE MEASHEY 610-376-9232 www.westreadingtavern.com

SUNDAY, APRIL 10 4:00 p.m.: First Baptist Church MARIA DAMORE QUINTET featuring ANDY ROBERTS 610-334-4396 www.firstbaptistreading.org

Richard Elliot Kim Simmonds & Savoy Brown

East Bay Soul

Devon Allman

April 1-10, 2016 Reading, PA

Michael Lington

Bobby Caldwell

Najee

Spend 10 jazz- and blues-filled days and nights in the Greater Reading area!

Over 120 scheduled events, plus great shopping and dining in one area, make the 25th annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest your perfect spring getaway.

For tickets, call Ticketmaster toll free at 1-800-745-3000 or visit www.ticketmaster.com to order online.

CHICK COREA & BÉLA FLECK • THE SUMMIT: THE MANHATTAN TRANSFER & TAKE 6 • KEB’ MO’ WITH SPECIAL GUEST GERALD ALBRIGHT • MAVIS STAPLES BONEY JAMES • RICHARD ELLIOT WITH SPECIAL GUEST BOBBY CALDWELL • PHIL PERRY & HOWARD HEWETT • NAJEE FEATURING CHANTE MOORE, NICK COLIONNE THE RIPPINGTONS FEATURING RUSS FREEMAN • JOEY ALEXANDER TRIO • GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JAZZ CELEBRATION: KIRK WHALUM, DONNIE MCCLURKIN, JONATHAN BUTLER, KEVIN WHALUM, JOHN STODDART, DOXA GOSPEL ENSEMBLE • JACKIEM JOYNER & SELINA ALBRIGHT • KEIKO MATSUI • BWB: RICK BRAUN, KIRK WHALUM, NORMAN BROWN • MICHAEL LINGTON FEATURING TAYLOR DAYNE • JAZZ FUNK SOUL: CHUCK LOEB, EVERETTE HARP, JEFF LORBER • ROBBEN FORD • JAZZ MEETS JAMES: NICK COLIONNE, KIM WATERS, ERIC DARIUS, MARION MEADOWS, JEFF BRADSHAW, JEANETTE HARRIS, JAY ROWE • BRIAN BROMBERG BAND WITH THE BERKS HORNS FOUR80EAST FEATURING MATT MARSHAK, ART SHERROD • POPA CHUBBY • PIECES OF A DREAM • GREG ADAMS & EAST BAY SOUL • DAVID BROMBERG BIG BAND BLIND BOY PAXTON • KIM SIMMONDS & SAVOY BROWN • ERIC MARIENTHAL • ANDY SNITZER • GERALD VEASLEY & FRIENDS FEATURING BOBBY LYLE, NELSON RANGELL, CHIELI MINUCCI • THE MUSIC OF DAVE BRUBECK: BRUBECK BROTHERS QUARTET AND THE READING POPS ORCHESTRA • CRAIG THATCHER BAND & FRIENDS • THE ROYAL SCAM SHERRIE MARICLE & FIVE PLAY • LIVE AT THE FILLMORE: TRIBUTE TO THE ORIGINAL ALLMAN BROTHERS • ZOE’ • DAVID P STEVENS & DEE LUCAS • ERICH CAWALLA QUARTET FEATURING BENNIE SIMS, CLIFF STARKEY, MARKO MARCINKO • DEVON ALLMAN BAND • PHILADELPHIA FUNK AUTHORITY • THE ORIGINAL GROOVEMASTERS & FRIENDS • UPTOWN BAND FEATURING ERICH CAWALLA & JENIFER KINDER • BLITZ DYNETTE • GREG HATZA & TIM PRICE ORGAN QUARTET • DJANGOHOLICS ANONYMOUS AMY HELM & THE HANDSOME STRANGERS • KUTZTOWN UNIVERSITY JAZZ ENSEMBLE I • U.S. NAVY BAND COMMODORES • U.S. AIR FORCE RHYTHM IN BLUE JAZZ ENSEMBLE BERKS HIGH SCHOOL ALL-STAR JAZZ BAND AND CHORUS • STOLEN MOMENTS: THE FIRST 100 YEARS OF JAZZ FEATURING JAZZREACH’S METTA QUINTET AND MORE!*

berksjazzfest.com * LINEUP AS OF 2/13/16.

SUBJECT TO CHANGE

PROUD SPONSOR OF THE BOSCOV’S BERKS JAZZ FEST

Follow us on Twitter @berksjazzfest

lovewestreading.org

25

DINING GUIDE ////

26

Avenues Spring 2016

s n io t a r o l p x E e t s Ta DINING GUIDE ////

By Andréa D. Much

in West Reading

“On any given night we get hungry. To solve this, we drive to West Reading. Sometimes we drive in with friends, often times we see the friends we already know; and even more often we end up meeting great people! Fortunately, this is one place you can come hungry.”

W

hatever it is you’re hungry for, it’s likely waiting for you in West Reading. The main street, known as The Avenue, is a parade of tastes that deliver a complete, satisfying experience. Here, the dining options behold a certain level of individual character, naming West Reading as a destination that invites you to try hundreds of different foods, all in one walkable community.

On these interesting city blocks, a variety of cuisine choices deliver diverse selections of savory specialty foods, award-winning desserts and beverages made as you’d like. Bounce around the neighborhood blocks, down our rows of restaurants, through the eclectic atmospheres, exploring all your options among this shopping district. Behold the taste adventure this small town offers endlessly. Step up into the sushi, taco or vegetarian house.

Round a neighborhood corner and find an Italian cellaret. As you wander down the avenues of West Reading, become tempted by sensational hotspots - from handfuls of brewery pubs, a wine café and even a distilled whiskey room.

Finding your favorite places to go is easy! Don’t believe us? See for yourself. We came up with the top reasons why you should love to allow your taste buds to explore the streets of West Reading.

An Easy Go-To Easily accessible, West Reading is one of the few destinations you can hop into your car or onto your bike; onto the bus or into your favorite shoes to get here. Having a business lunch? Coming from yoga class? Finding a new after-church brunch spot? Grabbing a bite while the kids are at dance class? No matter where you’re coming from or how you’re getting here, dining out in West Reading is a choice of convenience. Take a weekend bike ride down the Schuylkill River Trail into town and reward yourself at the local brewery. Or, grab some meats and cheeses at the local market spots and have a Dutch picnic at the Reading Public Museum.

It’s a Town for Foodies Love a good taco? Critical over crepes? Ready for twists from the traditional styles of tastes? Maybe you just dig a fabulous food truck scene. If you are enthusiastic about food, you’ll love the dining in this diverse, entertaining area. The many options will lead you scaling down the blocks for more restaurants and interesting places to discover.

lovewestreading.org

27

DINING GUIDE //// The vegetarian house here is not only the go-to for tofu, but also mango chicken. Hungry for brick oven pizza but don’t feel like leaving the Barley Mow Craft Bottle House? Simply order it and they’ll bring it down the block to your seat at the bar. In fact, whether it’s duck, falaphal or bratwurst soup; or mango chicken, dragon rolls or specialty cheese – the endless selection of eateries here will have all foodies hashtagging about our great meals.

List of Cuisines Chinese Vegetarian Vietnamese Mediterranean Caribbean Seafood American Bistros Brewery-inspired Pub Faire Calabrian-style Brick Oven Pizza Chocolate Confectionary European Crepes Mexican

#RDGeats Love our authentic local food? Follow along #RDGeats for more food adventures! This local hashtag has been threading together delicious visuals of unique dishes being shared all over town and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

every every body body

PILATES PILATES a mindful approach to movement

a mindful a mindful approach approachto tomovement movement

Great things happen when the mind body align

&

629 Court Street Rear Entrance West Reading, PA 19611 888-509-1063 everybody-pilates.com info@everybody-pilates.com 28

Avenues Spring 2016

Atmospheres: Wine Café Sports Pub Upscale Steakhouse Deli Cafés Italian Cellaret Coffee Eateries Cupcake Bakeries Craft Ale House Brewing Company Vegetarian House Italian Pizza Place Sushi Bar Sandwich Shop Artisanal Cheese Shop Alehouse Tavern 24 Hour Diner Distilled Whiskey Room Restaurant and Game Room Arcade Taco House

Ideas for the Indecisive So what exactly is it that you’re hungry for? This small town is one of the few destinations you can arrive at without having an exact idea of where to dine. West Reading is home to more than 40 restaurants in a fantastic atmosphere that’s surrounded by gift shops and fashion boutiques, and accessible to small business services and downtown entertainment venues. Peruse the Avenue and enjoy the window-shopping opportunity this restaurant scene has to offer you. Scoring fantastic seats in an unexpected atmosphere or finding a satisfying solution on the go completes the experience here. The tricky part is limiting your restaurant hopping to just one place!

DINING GUIDE //// Character Cravings If there’s one thing the restauranteurs all have in common, it’s character. This quality alone boosts credibility to the collective of West Reading. It may have been years since your last meal here, but perhaps you recall that place, that chef, that dish you had that became your favorite. Locals love this neighborhood, as do city goers who enjoy the fast frequencies of a smaller atmosphere.

You’ll be satisfied with every way you can order food and the small technologies set in place that keep this setting moving forward.

It’s also the place to go to hear the best local music, especially during “jazz season.”

Haven’t been here for a while?

West Reading is in an era of evolution. It’s a place where new and small businesses can grow. As you return to visit some of your favorite places here, you sometimes find the stores have changed hands, or a new business has come in to take its place, transforming your perspective of that particular space. Being able to offer this thriving variety of delights all in one great hub can only mean one thing: that anyone staying here is good. And what’s here is diverse enough to be considered ‘palate-pleasers’ to all. Discover all that can be found among the countless eateries around Penn Avenue.

lovewestreading.org

29

DINING GUIDE ////

Dining Out

in West Reading

Café Bold Café & Coffee Shop 550 Penn Avenue 484-651-1049

3rd & Spruce Café Casual Bar & Restaurant 238 S 3rd Avenue 610-376-5254

Bistro 614 Contemporary Continental Gourmet Cuisine 614 Penn Avenue 610-375-9900

The Abe Saloon & Victorian Lounge Historic Hotel Restaurant & Bar 100 N. 5th Street, Reading 610-372-3700

Bloomin Lotus Café Café & Deli 426 Penn Ave 484-755-5612

Ady Cakes Cakes & Cupcake Treats 631 Penn Avenue 610-898-4064

Brewer’s Bar and Grill Sports Bar & Restaurant 101 S 3rd Avenue 610-375-8760

Aladdin Mediterranean Restaurant Authentic Mediterranean Cuisine 401 Penn Avenue 610-685-6677

Building 24 Restaurant, Bar & Nightclub 1115 Bern Road, Wyomissing 610-375-2700

Chatty Monks Brewing Company Ale House Pub 610 Penn Avenue 484-818-0176

Courtyard by Marriott American Bistro & Bar American Bistro & Bar 150 N. Park Road, Wyomissing 610-378-1137 Dolce de Zabala Sweet Treats & Beverages 711 Penn Avenue 610-373-4455

Chef Alan’s American Bistro Mediterranean-Infused American Bistro 525 Penn Avenue 610-375-4012

Georgio’s Pizza Pizza, Sandwiches & Italian Restaurant 500 Penn Avenue 610-750-7199

Chen Vegetarian House Chinese & Vegetarian Restaurant 709 Penn Avenue 610-374-2288

GNA Italian Ristorante Pizzeria Authentic Fine Dining Italian Restaurant, Take-out Service & Bar 421 Penn Avenue 610-376-1155

Chicken Supreme & Sammy’s Steaks Chicken, Ribs, Seafood & Sandwiches 410 Penn Avenue 610-376-6149

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 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

30

Avenues Spring 2016

La Abuela Authentic Mexican Cuisine 448 Penn Avenue 484-509-5778

The Speckled Hen Cottage Pub & Alehouse 30 S. 4th Street, Reading 610-685-8511

West Reading Diner 24-Hour Diner 411 Penn Avenue 610-376-5565

Mi Casa Su Casa Café Authentic Caribbean Cuisine 320 Penn Street, Reading 610-375-1161

Subway Subs & Salad Fast Food 450 Penn Avenue 484-709-2198

Mike’s Taste of Philly Philly Style Cheesesteaks & Sandwiches 449 Penn Avenue 610-898-1331

Taste of Crepes European Crepes Restaurant 617 Penn Avenue 610-685-2001

West Reading Tavern and Restaurant Restaurant & Tavern 606 Penn Avenue 610-376-9232

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 Avenue 610-376-1011 Panevino Rustic, Regional Italian Cuisine 25 N. 2nd Street, Reading 610-376-1101 Say Cheese!

Restaurant & Cheese Artisanal Cheese Shop & Full-Service Restaurant 600 Penn Avenue 610-406-5390 Secret’s Bakery Custom Cakes & Cupcakes Bakery 602 Penn Avenue 610-334-7668

The Barely Mow Craft Beer House Craft Beer House 719 Penn Avenue 484-926-2094 The Distilled Whiskey Room Whiskey Bar & Restaurant 624 Penn Avenue 610-373-4907 Van’s Café Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine 506 Penn Avenue 610-741-6466

Willoughby’s on Park Steaks, Seafood & Cocktails 305 North Park Road, Wyomissing 610-816-7473 Winedown Café & Winebar Wine Bar & Restaurant 622 Penn Avenue 610-373-4907 The Works American Restaurant & Bar American Restaurant & Bar with Gameroom Arcade 1109 Bern Road, Wyomissing 610-375-2700

ViVÁ Bistro & Lounge Contemporary EuroMediterranean Bistro & Bar 901 Hill Avenue, Wyomissing 610-685-5299 Well Dressed Cake LLC Cakes & Cookie Treats 713 Penn Avenue 610-376-2253 Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers Fast Food 622 Penn Avenue 610-373-4907

the

whisky wine & food

the finest

622-624 Penn Ave. West Reading, PA 19611 www.winedowncafe.net

lovewestreading.org

31

DINING GUIDE ////

: t h g i l t o p S g n i Din WEST READING

TAVERN F

ind the big red door at the heart of the Avenue and walk into the old-world feel of the West Reading Tavern. Frequented by locals and visitors alike, and fondly referred to as “the Tavern,” this hometown favorite serves dinner seven nights a week in its cozy atmosphere. The Tudor style décor has an immediate welcome factor where you can warm up by the fireside and meet friends among the Tavern’s ever-changing liquor selection and professionally selected draft beer and wine. Here, exceptional food pairs with terrific spirit.

On Tap at the Tavern The West Reading Tavern’s unparalleled beer selection of sixteen draft beers with a carefully-chosen variety of German and light lagers, red and imperial IPAs, pale ales, pilsners and stouts ensures there is a beer for every palette. A refreshing twist to the Tavern’s draft selection is the rotating draft of crisp ciders that are full of fresh rustic, gluten-free flavor. While the West Reading Tavern supports local breweries, including the Lancaster Brewing Company’s Dun Wurkyn Lager, the selection of beers come from a variety of places. In addition to a variety of 90 bottled beers and its established roots here on the Avenue, the West Reading Tavern keeps this ‘neighborhood tavern’ atmosphere fresh and intriguing.

Forward-Moving Roots Established in 1978 by Steve Woodward, this English-style pub has been the charm of the neighborhood for nearly forty continuous years. In 2011, the original owner teamed up with his sons to form a partnership that has brought fresh, forward thinking ideas that promote new menu items and a happening event scene. Today, the West Reading Tavern is led by Mark Woodward, son of Steve, who has built a strong team that has led to the restaurant’s current level of success. This includes Kathleen Delong, who helps to organize fantastic events via Facebook, Steve Sagwitz, who has brought creative artistic abilities as the Tavern’s webmaster, and Chef George Adams, who’s responsible for taking the Tavern’s food to a whole other level.

Fantastic pairings of beverage, appetizers and entrees is what makes this local favorite a must. Come in on the weekend and enjoy one-of-a-kind special events or while you’re in town, sample some of the weekly specials that you won’t want to miss:

Artisan Flatbread & Beer Special Sundays from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

The dough is handcrafted in-house and allows you to enjoy 5 different artisan flatbreads with any draft beer for just $8.

32

Avenues Spring 2016

QrtPg_3-5625x4-833-FinalPRESS.pdf

1

12/16/15

10:29 AM

Shop It’s a Gift! for any occasion.

Mussel Monday

HOME AND HOLIDAY DÉCOR • WEDDING GIFTS • CANDLES • GLASSWARE • POTTERY HOSTESS GIFTS • JEWELRY • WOMEN’S ACCESSORIES UNIQUE TOYS • CHRISTENING GOWNS BABY & TODDLER CLOTHING • SWEETS AND SPECIALTY FOODS • CUSTOM GIFT BASKETS

610.376.9232 Mondays p.m. – 9 p.m. westfrom read5in tavePrince rn.coEdward Nearly a pound of gFresh m Island mussels in 606 Pe

nnincluding Ave., Wes various styles, thet Re Tavern adinhouse g special, Thai, White Wine Dijon and a brand new style each week are Buy One Get One Free on Monday nights!

Mon–Wed: 4–9pm Thurs–Sat:&11B:3eer Sandwich pecial 0amS–9 pm Su n : 1 2 :3 0 –8 pm– 9 p.m.

Tuesdays from 5 p.m.

Proceeds go to local charities.

FREE GIFT WRAPPING

720 Penn Avenue, West Reading, PA 19611 | 610-373-0960 Open Tues •Wed • Fri •Sat 10-6, Thurs 10-7, Closed Sun & Mon

Visit us at ItsaGift.org | Follow us on Instagram | Like us on Facebook

Stop in on Tuesday nights for the ultimate combination of tavern-style sandwiches and draft beers. Pulled pork in a bold BBQ sauce topped with provolone with a farmhouse ale or Tavern Burger paired with an Imperial IPA – the sandwich, burger and draft beer options for $10.95 are countless!

Flight Night Sample the taps with a flight of four beers served in Belgianstyle flight glasses, or stop by during Flight Night from 5 p.m.

– 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Sunday nights and choose any four beers on draft for only $6.

West Reading Tavern

606 Penn Avenue, West Reading For Reservations: 610.376.9232 www.westreadingtavern.com

lovewestreading.org

33

ARTS IN THE COMMUNITY ////

Reading Public Museum 100 years

of learning and culture

What We Do Thanks to Levi Mengel, RPM’s founder and first director, for his strong beliefs on education, a one-floor museum turned into a place for all students and families to make their own discoveries.

RPM dedicates each and every day to educating, enlightening, and engaging current and future generations through the collection, preservation and interpretation of objects of art, science and civilization.

To continue this mission, RPM hosts various exhibitions, family and adult programming, and events for the community.

Exhibits & Galleries The Museum displays its own collection through permanent galleries; items often on display include an ancient mummy, dinosaur bones that existed millions of years ago, and even a van Gogh. Aside from displaying its own collection, The Museum hosts temporary traveling exhibitions that come from all over the country for the community to experience.

Past traveling exhibits include Secrets of the Mona Lisa, Backstage Pass: Baron Wolman and the Early Years of Rolling Stone, and interactive hands-on learning children’s exhibits featuring popular television characters such as Clifford the Big Red Dog, Dora the Explorer, and Curious George.

This year, RPM’s most anticipated exhibition is Dinosaurs Around the World: Passport to Pangea, will run May 2 through October 2, 2016. This exhibition brings dinosaurs that lived millions of years ago, back to life!

34

Avenues Spring 2016

In the exhibit, visitors will be taken back in time — a time before the continents, as we know, existed — and venture through another world known as Pangea to discover how plate tectonics, land bridges, and volcanic activity allowed the dinosaurs to disperse all corners of the globe.

Dinosaurs featured in the exhibit are the gigantic Spinosaurus, which during its lifetime grew over 50 ft long and weighed over 8 tons, the Velociraptor, one the most intelligent dinosaur breeds, and many more!

Other exhibitions on view this year include Eat Well, Play Well, Brainteasers2, Chihuly Venetians, and more. To read more on our current and upcoming exhibitions, visit RPM’s Web site.

Educational Programming & Events Increasing the educational mission, RPM holds educational events that appeal to all ages. Programs include Senior Series, Uncorked Creativity, Kids’ Night Out, and many more!

The Museum’s popular creative education event, Uncorked Creativity, allows friends to come to The Museum along with a bottle of wine to enjoy a night of socializing and painting!

Since this program is for adults 21 and over, RPM decided to start a family painting program called Young At Art. Parents can bring their children to enjoy an afternoon filled with painting, creativity, and cupcakes. There is no experience necessary for any of these events.

ARTS IN THE COMMUNITY //// On May 29, RPM’s annual Dogs and Brews event will be held to raise funds for The Museum along with the Animal Rescue League. Visitors are encouraged to bring their pets to mingle with others, sample local craft brews, and indulge on local eats from various food trucks all while visiting the booths of local pet shops, groomers, and treat-makers.

There is always something going on at The Museum ranging from concerts, fundraisers, and celebrating The Museum as a whole.

For more information on any of the events described, please visit RPM’s Web site, readingpublicmuseum.org.

From starting out as a one-floor museum, RPM turned into a treasure for the Berks County Community. There will always be something new to discover at RPM. What will you discover? See you at The Museum!

History Starting out as a school administrative building, transformed not only into a museum, but a place for students and families to explore, discover, and most importantly, learn. Here at the Reading Public Museum, there is something for everyone.

When RPM opened to the public in 1913, it was one floor, and attained 2,000 artifacts in its collection. Today, The Museum is three stories, home to over 300,000 artifacts ranging from insects to artistic masterpieces, a 25-acre Arboretum filled with a variety of trees and flowers, and a Planetarium where visitors can take a trip into space without ever leaving the ground.

Reading Public MuseumCalendar of Events March

March 4 March 5-6 March 8 March 10

March 18

March 22

March 27 March 29

April

April 12 April 14

April 17

April 19

April 19

April 22

April 22 April 24

Kids’ Night out (6:30 -10:00 p.m.)– Forensics Eat Well, Play Well Weekend (11 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

Fun With Sugar (6-9 p.m.)

Live Under The Stars (6:30 p.m.)

Caroline Reese & The Drifting Fifth Senior Series (1:30 – 2:30 p.m.)

The Eye of the Collector: The Jewish Vision of Sigmund R. Balka Arboretum Education (Beginning at 1:30 p.m.)

Wild Flowers: Tired of Winter?

Think Spring Flowers!

Easter at The Museum (12 – 4 p.m.)

Uncorked Creativity (6-9 p.m.) – Giant Poppy Bus Trip – Degas in NYC Live Under the Stars (6:30p.m.)

The Hot Club of Reading Young at Art (3 – 5 p.m.) – Giant Poppy canvas painting Arboretum Education (1:30 p.m.)

Spring Garden Tips Uncorked Creativity (6-9 p.m.)

Butterfly with Cherry Blossoms Senior Series (1:30 – 2:30 p.m.)

Special Showing of Frederick Law Olmsted: Designing America Kids’ Night Out (6:30 -10:00 p.m.) – Earth Day Masterpiece Weddings Bridal Fair (12 – 3 p.m.)

May

May 15 May 22 May 24

May 24 May 27

May 27 May 29

Young at Art (3 – 5 p.m.) – Owl canvas painting Exhibition Opening, Brainteaser2 (12 – 4 p.m.)

Arboretum Education (1:30 p.m.)

Garden Design Uncorked Creativity (6-9 p.m.) – Birds Nest Senior Series (1:30 – 2:30 p.m.) – Cuevas Crime Series Kids’ Night Out (6:30 -10:00 p.m.) - Dinosaurs Dogs and Brews (12 – 4 p.m.)

Exhibitions

The Eye of the Collector: The Jewish Vision of Sigmund R. Balka – Through March 27

The Tsars Cabinet: Two Hundred Years of Russian Decorative Arts Under the Romanovs – Through April 17 Eat Well, Play Well – Through May 1 Cuevas: Works on Paper – Opening April 16 – August 21, 2016 Dinosaurs Around the World: Passport to Pangea – Opening May 2 – October 2 Brainteasers2 – Opening May 21, 2016 – January 8, 2017

Reading Public Museum | 610-371-5850 | readingpublicmuseum.org | 500 Museum Rd, Reading, PA lovewestreading.org

35

ARTS IN THE COMMUNITY ////

goggleWorks at 10!

G

oggleWorks Center for the Arts is pleased to announce the appointment of Levi Landis as its new executive director beginning March 1st, 2016. Landis is an accomplished nonprofit administrator and artist with nearly 15 years of experience managing public organizations in Central Pennsylvania and Greater Philadelphia. “I am honored to join GoggleWorks during its 10th anniversary year,” Landis said. “GoggleWorks employs a protean approach to the arts, which inspires individuals to create and learn, promotes high-quality artists in their respective fields, and builds community in Berks County and beyond. I hope to expand on the incredible vision of the GoggleWorks’ founders and Board by inspiring the capable staff to develop an international reputation, diverse funding sources, and new audiences.”

Landis joins the GoggleWorks as it gears up for Summer 2016, when they offer not only term classes and workshops in a variety of mediums, but also themed and medium-based summer camps for local children and teens. Running from June-August, the 2016 Summer Workshop series will include sixteen workshops, working in the mediums of ceramics, lampworking, glassblowing, kiln casting, alternative processes in photography and woodworkingfostering both collaboration and conversation in contemporary art practices. The workshops range from beginner to advanced in skill level and run 5 days or 3 days in length, with GoggleWorks providing local housing and meal plan options at an additional charge. This year’s visiting artists include ceramicist, Martina

36

Avenues Spring 2016

Lantin, of Alberta College of Art and Design; photographer, Craig J. Barber, who teaches antiquarian processes like tintypes and ambrotypes; glass artist, Simone Crestani, from Vicenza, Italy; and fine furniture-maker, Craig V. Stevens, whose work has been exhibiting throughout the United States and Japan.

GoggleWorks’ campus, which includes six teaching studios--ceramics, hot and warm glass, woodworking, metalsmithing and photography--is a vibrant and communal atmosphere. Each summer visiting artists, working in a variety of mediums, are invited to teach over a dozen intensive workshops, exhibit their work in an annual exhibition Ways of Making, and educate the public about their process through a series of public lectures and demonstrations.

Located just across the Penn Street bridge in downtown Reading, GoggleWorks’ building originally opened its doors in 1871 as the world’s first factory to manufacture optical glass for lenses and reading glasses. Renovated and reopened in 2005, much of the original industrial charm remains a backdrop to a vibrant community of 35 juried artists’ studios, several gallery spaces, a movie theatre showing art house films daily, and a cafe. The community arts center is like no other in the country, offering arts education, exhibitions, special events, and public programming year round.

GoggleWorks 201 Washington St, Reading, PA goggleworks.org

ARTS IN THE COMMUNITY ////

Avenue Art

by Judy Ballinger, Art Plus Gallery

S

pring is a time to begin new growth, and that is what the 24 co-operative artists of Art Plus Gallery are doing. The gallery remodeled its interior to include a permanent gift shop with artist-made craft items and a well-lit special exhibit wing to feature a new exhibit every month. The main gallery is enhanced with new wood floors, a new counter, and a comfortable easy chair, table and tablet for visitors to enjoy looking online at art pieces not currently on display. Three young new artists have joined the co-op, adding their pottery, prints and surreal watercolors.

March Featured Member: Jay Ressler

April Featured Member: Karen Weber

Jay Ressler, a photographer who recently moved back to Berks County from Pittsburgh, is our March featured member artist. His digitally created pictures often combine multiple images. Some are in color, some black and white. Working on the theme of the Seven Deadly Sins, Jay uses still photos he shoots from motion films, layering the photos for a dynamic confusion of boundaries to show the paradoxes in our personal and societal failings. Find out more from Jay about his thought-provoking images at Art Plus’ 2nd Friday Reception, March 11, 5-8pm.

In April, oil paintings by member Karen Weber will be featured.

Her work is straightforward, fresh depictions of everyday objects, animals, street scenes and landscapes. She calls herself a “color nerd,” but it is easy to love the gentle hues on her old shoes and beat up cars. Meet Karen at the 2nd Friday April 8 Reception.

In addition to Jay and Karen’s exhibits, Art Plus will show works by the Exeter High School photography students in March and by guest artist Carol Spigmyer in April. Dreamscapes will be the theme of the 24 members’ exhibit in the main gallery room through March and April.

Also on Penn Avenue: Café Bold will show photographs by Brian Clark in March, prints

by Naomi Walker in April and paintings by Crystal Domino in May. Crystal’s work is at Crave Café on Penn Avenue in Sinking Spring in February. The West Reading Tavern hosts a variety of artists’ styles in the Food for Thought exhibit by Art Plus members through March.

A new multi-member show will be hung at the Tavern in April.

Your Gateway to an Amazing World of Art

With nice weather coming, take time to stroll the Avenue and enjoy our local art!

604 Penn Avenue West Reading, PA 19611 610-375-9122 www.artplusgallerypa.com

Art Plus Gallery 604 Penn Ave, West Reading, PA artplusgallery.com

new hours: 12-7pm Weds-Sat. 10-4pm Sunday, 12-5pm Tues.

Receptions every 2nd Friday 5-8pm. lovewestreading.org

37

The places to shop for the best gifts of all!

Visit us at www.gotowestreading.com or check us out on Facebook!

406 Penn Avenue, West Reading

720 Penn Ave, West Reading

610-372-5444

610-373-0960

639 Penn Avenue, West Reading

Nobody Does "I Do" 610-378-1111 Like London Blue 639 PENN AVENUE, WEST READING, PA 610-378-1111 LONDONBLUEJEWELERS.COM

Put Us on Your Wishlist This Holiday Season!

643 Penn Avenue, West Reading

602 Penn Avenue, West Reading

610-781-4099

610-334-7668

• Furs & Leathers for Men & Women • Wools

• Accessories • Sizes 0 to Plus Size 643 Penn Ave., West Reading, PA 19611 www.pollackfurs.com Call for Hours: 800-635-4417 or 610-781-4099 605 Penn Avenue, West Reading 610-685-3996

404 Penn Avenue, West Reading

544 Penn Avenue, West Reading

610-374-5991

610-373-2121