AROUND TOWN BERKS BITS
What is Barrio Alegria?
The community engagement organization uses the arts as a transformational tool to help individuals and communities. Read on to learn more.
1.
A View of the Ocean in West Reading
Fifteen years ago, after learning of the coral business, Will Becker bought his first aquarium and began growing coral out of his garage. This was the start of Coral Reef Connection. The aquarium specialty store located in the heart of West Reading can not only answer all your questions and concerns about your aquarium, but it also sells coral and both saltwater and freshwater fish. Nearly all of the coral in the shop is grown in-shop versus being commercially sourced, also known as aqua culture. Says Becker, “We want to offer the most sustainable products we can in the best way possible for the environment.” The shop imports nearly 150 fish weekly and offers necessarily supplies such as food. Coral Reef Connection also participates in tradeshows promoting sustainable practices. Visit at 544 Penn Avenue, West Reading, or online at coralreefconnection.com. – LAURA RAMSEY
Storytelling Through Dance.
Free Library Pops Up in West Reading On May 17, the West Reading-Wyomissing Rotary Club celebrated the installment of its first Little Free Library location in West Reading with the help of a grant from the Rotary Club International. Built by the Hawk Mountain Boy Scouts, the gold and blue sharing box provides a community space to take and share books, promoting community connection and literacy for all ages and backgrounds. Little Free Libraries can be found all around the world, and this West Reading Little Free Library, like many others, is placed in an easy-to-find area with limited library connections. “It puts books into the hands of people that normally don’t have access to them,” says Carolyn Jordan, West ReadingWyomissing Rotary President-Elect. The Club plans to install four more Little Free Libraries around the community in the near future. Visit the Little Free Library at the host spot, Gage Personnel, 101 N. 7th Avenue, or find another nearby Little Free Library at littlefreelibrary.org. – LAURA RAMSEY
The community engagement project takes the shape of a community theater production. The 2021 season is in development. Stay tuned for future details or email outreach@barrioalegria.org to inquire about participation.
2.
Painting, Karaoke, Chalk Family Trees & More.
Programs open to the public implementing a variety of arts projects are planned for this month. Visit the online calendar for more details.
3.
Show your Support.
This year, Barrio Alegria celebrates six years. You can aid the organization’s efforts by purchasing candles online at barrioalegria.com/get-involved or by calling 610.334.2834 if you’d like to make a cash donation.
Hamburg Shop a Decorating Delight Whether you are looking for a touch of rustic charm or a trendy, contemporary piece for your home, or perhaps even a sweet treat, Lazy Dog Vintage in downtown Hamburg offers it all and just about everything in-between. The shop provides a casual, arts and craft fair-like shopping experience with more than 80 vendors showcasing products including restored furniture, art, clothes, homemade teas and soaps, and other oddities. “The shop wasn’t always meant to be like an arts and crafts show, but I love the way the shop is. We’re a classy mom-and-pop shop,” says co-owner Justin Zimmerman. Behind the scenes, co-owner Ashley Zimmerman focuses on decorating the shop and helps the store participate in and coordinate events around Hamburg. Visit at 335 State St., Hamburg, or for more info call 484.660.3695. – LAURA RAMSEY 8
AUGUST 2021 | berkscountyliving.com
Get your Shop on!
Head to Penn Avenue in West Reading on Aug. 7 for the Summer Sidewalk Sale. Stroll the dozens of shops, boutiques and galleries. Sale items will be on display inside and outside the participating businesses. For more info head to visitwestreading.com.
