14 minute read
AROUND TOWN
An Entrepreneurial Dream Come True
American Barber and Beauty Academy was born from the passion of George Ortiz, Jr., who grew up on the south side of Reading. The front of his house was home to his mother’s business, Norma’s Beauty Salon. But when it came time to chart his career course, Ortiz started by attending college for business. After a couple of years, he pivoted and enrolled in barber school to obtain his license. Explains Ortiz, “Barbering was always a passion, but being in business for myself — being an entrepreneur — was who I felt I was. I had a burning desire to achieve that at an early age. At 21, I asked my grandmother to cosign a $5,000 loan that allowed me to open my first barbershop, New Style Barber Studio in Shillington.” The rest, as they say, is history. Today, Ortiz runs American Barber and Beauty Academy, a 10,000-square-foot facility featuring a student salon, spa and barbershop in the former AW Golden Building in Reading. The business was recently awarded top honors by the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance for Entrepreneurial Excellence. Want to enroll or visit for a discounted service? Visit americanbarberbeauty.com. – NIKKI M. MURRY
Set to debut this month at Kutztown University is The WellsRapp Center for Mallet Percussion Research, a 13,250-squarefoot facility that will house 2,100 square feet of performing space and rooms dedicated to each of the specialized collections of rare marimbas, xylophones, vibraphones, bells and chimes in the university’s current collection, which was developed over the past three decades. The Center is named for Dr. Willis M. Rapp, who created the KU Percussion Studies department in 1986. Dr. Rapp retired in 2013. The Center was originally established in 2014 with the acquisition of a collection of instruments, music and memorabilia from the estate of Clair Omar Musser, a legendary performer and conductor of 100-piece marimba orchestras at the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair and the International Marimba Symphony Orchestra of 1935. The $6.4 million working facility will be open to both students and researchers. – NIKKI M. MURRY
Ten Years of Music Lessons in Boyertown
If you’re in search of an experienced and talented instrument teacher in Berks, you’ll find it in Boyertown. Funky Frets, celebrating its 10-year anniversary, is the brainchild of jazz musician Curt Sheller, his wife, Bernadette, and their daughter, Kelly Thompson. Today, Funky Frets is a multifaceted operation. What started as a music store is now a retail space, repair shop and school of sorts. Says Kelly, “We moved to a larger space that accommodates more studio rooms for private lessons, group classes and an event space for touring artists and teachers to perform. Funky Frets strives to create a space that welcomes those interested in learning to play their first instrument to musicians who want to gather with other like-minded individuals to perform and try out new material at our monthly open mics in a warm and welcoming environment.” Private lessons are available for ukulele, guitar, drums, piano, banjo, bass, guitar and mandolin. For more info visit funkyfrets.com. – NIKKI M. MURRY
Reading Civic Theatre Has New Home
Originated in 1914, Reading Civic Theatre is experiencing a rebirth of sorts with a move to a new space. Read on and learn more.
1.
From Film to Stage.
The performing group will now call the old FOX Theater space in Exeter Township home. The location houses rehearsal space as well as plenty of onsite free and safe parking and much more.
2.
See a Show in 2022.
September will see performers put on the classic Guys and Dolls and The Full Monty will close out the year in December.
3.
Support the Arts.
Whether you’re looking to volunteer or to make a monetary donation to the group, all help is appreciated as ticket sales alone cannot support the expenses taken on by the nonprofit.
Want to learn more? Visit online at readingcivic.org.
Concerts for a Cause
Head out to Bethany Children’s Home this month for free concerts to support the nonprofit organization. All that is requested is a parking donation of $5 per car. Rain or shine. This month will feature The Uptown Band on Aug. 5 and Sloth Love Chunk on Aug. 12. Both shows start at 7pm. For more info visit bethanyhome.org/ summer-concert-series.
The Albert & Eunice Boscov Film Theatre Thinking Outside the Box Office
BY JON FASSNACHT | PHOTO COURTESY GOGGLEWORKS CENTER FOR THE ARTS
The official title of GoggleWorks Center for the Arts’ theater pays tribute to Albert Boscov, the local business titan and philanthropist who tirelessly worked to transform and revitalize Reading.
The new manager for the Albert & Eunice Boscov Film Theatre, which screens independent and international films often ignored by multiplexes, hopes to tap into its namesake’s spirit to spur another transformation.
“I just want to really drive home that there’s so much opportunity for this space, and it can be really flexible,” says Lady Strongman, who has led the 125-seat venue since October. “My dream is that we’ll continue to expand what we think of when we think of the Boscov Film Theatre. As much as I don’t want to change the name, I do want to invite all types of art and performance into this space.”
Strongman, a Reading native — he officiated a wedding in 2012 in the very theater he now manages — received degrees in theater and English from Muhlenberg College and Arizona State University. He spent nearly a decade in Denver, CO, before returning home last year, just in time to apply for the job opening at the theater.
“This is just such a special place,” he says. “It’s such a gift to Reading and to this area. And I’m just gobsmacked that I meet people who still don’t know about the theater or GoggleWorks. So I’m feeling humbled to be a part of this organization, but also seeing that we still have a lot of work in terms of getting ourselves out there.” New Ways to Get People Engaged
The last few years have required cinema operators to exhibit an unprecedented level of flexibility. First came the exponential rise in streaming services. And then, of course, came COVID.
Strongman says the theater, which opened in 2005, is holding its own.
“I make the joke that I’m the crazy person who elected into managing a film theater during a pandemic,” he says. “We’re doing okay. It’s definitely less about COVID now and more about kind of battling that COVID complacency of everything getting a lot easier to do from home. So we’ve been thinking of new ways to get people engaged.”
Those have included: • Building Justice in Berks, a free criminal justice film series that included talkback sessions with local officials. • The LGBT + PlaywRIGHTing Series, a partnership between Reading Theater
Project, the LGBT Center of Greater Reading and GoggleWorks. • The return of the Reading PRIDE film series. • Throwback Thursday, featuring a classic film screened on the last Thursday of each month paired with a themed event, e.g.,
Clue with a costume party and Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory with a Golden
Ticket raffle benefiting the Children’s Home of Reading.
Strongman hopes to use his background in performing arts to eventually stage cabaret shows at the theater — and anything else that can help the arts center make a difference.
“Despite its size and scope, GoggleWorks is still a nonprofit with a pretty cool mission of transforming lives with unique interactions with art,” he says. “And I think that this theater space specifically nestled inside that larger operation has such an opportunity to create events that are really transformative for people.”
FUN FACTS
COVID Creative. After reopening following the 2020 COVID lockdown, the theater got creative to keep patrons entertained and safe. One offering allowed gamers to rent the theater to play video games on the big screen.
For the Love of Film. Albert Boscov made his first nickel catching bugs for his father or grandfather. He spent it on the movies and it remained a love throughout his life. – Levi Landis, GoggleWorks executive director.
IN THE LIMELIGHT WITH Layne Deemer, Author
BY CHRISTINA J. STEFFY | PHOTO COURTESY LAYNE DEEMER
Local author Layne Deemer describes herself as a genre-less author. She doesn’t stick to one type of writing, and this makes it even more exciting as she gets inside the heads of her characters and watches her stories take shape.
When did you know you wanted to be a writer? I’ve always enjoyed writing. In eighth grade, I shared a poem with my English teacher, and she told me how good it was. After that, I just kept writing. I started with poetry and short stories and then moved to novels. At that time, the only way to publish was to get an agent and query a large publisher. That was overwhelming, so I didn’t publish. But now in the age of Amazon self-publishing and indie [independent] publishing, I decided to do it.
You write thrillers and romance novels. Which of your novels are you most proud of? I’m very drawn to thrillers; I’ve written three and have ideas for more. But my contemporary romance novel Life Forgotten is the book I’m most proud of. It’s probably my least read book because of the uncomfortable topic; the protagonist is a caregiver for her mother who is battling Alzheimer’s disease. Many of the events are based on my personal experience caring for my mother when she battled Alzheimer’s.
Do you have a favorite character in your novels? My favorite character is Jeanette Singleton in Decompose. She’s this cross between June Cleaver and Dexter Morgan — a forty-something housewife and mother who enjoys gardening and is secretly a vigilante serial killer.
How would you describe your writing process? I try to write every day or every other day. I’m a “pantser,” meaning I write by the seat of my pants. I don’t write with a plot in mind. I get inside the head of a character, and I write and see where it takes me. I love it when I write a twist I didn’t see coming because I let the character guide me.
What advice do you have for aspiring writers? Just write. Set a schedule and write every day even for as little as 15 minutes. Get your words on the page. It sounds so simple, but it really isn’t because we let fear stop us from writing. One of my favorite indie authors gave me similar advice when I told her I wanted to be a writer. She said, “If you want to write, then write. When you write, you’re a writer.” That stuck with me because I realized it’s writing, not publishing, that makes you a writer. But you have to get the words on the page.
When you’re not writing, how do you relax and have fun? I’m an avid reader, so when I’m not writing, I’m typically reading. I also love hanging out with my husband and kids.
LEARN MORE.
Author events. If you’re looking to host a book signing or local author event, Layne is available. Contact her through her website laynedeemer.com.
Find her books. Layne publishes through the Kindle Unlimited program. Her books are available in print and electronically on Amazon.
9 WAYS
to celebrate T H E A R T S
BY NIKKI M. MURRY
Berks is blessed to be rich with opportunities for enjoying arts in an array of mediums and genres. Want to explore them a bit? We have some ideas to get you started…
1Visit Kutztown. Whether you are a burgeoning artist looking to connect with others making a living with their trade or you’re just aiming to take in a gallery show, this is a great place to do it. Don’t miss the Keith Haring artwork on the wood flooring. newartsprogram.org
2Pottery Party.Are you a parent to a youngster that enjoys hands-on activities? If you answered “yes,” a stop at The Art Room in West Reading is a must. You can even book a birthday party for your child and friends. theartroomwestreading.com
3Go GoggleWorks. Head to downtown Reading to catch an independent film, to take a glassblowing class, to meet artists in their studios and much more. Special events like Pumpkinpalooza and Arts Festival Reading are held annually as well. goggleworks.org
4Knit Something New. Whether you’re a beginner or in need of a refresher session, you can find a knitting class to suit you at The Yarn Gallery in West Reading. Make a shawl or hat, or even learn to crochet. yarngal.com
5Fun in Fleetwood. At ANITATrinket in The Barrel Loft Workshop Space, sign up for a class or workshop that could include painting or even pierogi making! Stay tuned to the upcoming schedule online. anitatrinket.com 6Galleries Galore. Be it in downtown Hamburg, West Reading or the City of Reading, there are countless galleries to explore and art exhibits to enjoy. And don’t forget the Reading Public Museum with rotating exhibits offered year-round.
7Free Concerts. Berks Arts hosts free concerts in Reading’s City Park each July with its Bandshell Concert Series. Grab your lawn chairs and a picnic blanket and enjoy a new genre of music each week. Don’t forget to bring a donation to show your support. berksarts.org
8Home to Art & Artists. Showcasing the work of fine artists in themed exhibits and offering workshops and classes for writers, visual artists and more – that’s Studio B in Boyertown. studiobbb.org
9Festival Find. Penn Avenue in West Reading is the place to be each June if you’re an art enthusiast. Countless vendors line the streets for Art on the Avenue. You can also enjoy musical performances, delicious eats and more. visitwestreading.com
You’ve Got a Friend in the Chamber
BY AUDREY KRUPIAK, Digital Marketing Coordinator, GRCA
The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) connects you with a community of individuals (or friends) committed to the growth and vitality of Berks County. As I write that sentence the song You’ve Got a Friend in Me by Randy Newman popped into my head. With two boys ages six and three at home, you can imagine I hear this song on repeat, as it is used as the theme song for 1995 Disney/Pixar animated film Toy Story.
We make personal and professional connections through friendships. These friendships are formed with people who you see regularly or share an interest with, such as a coworker with whom you share coffee in the lunchroom. With nearly 900 active members, GRCA brings together top business leaders to form connections. GRCA connects its members in a few of the following ways: ∙ The Berks Family Business Alliance (Berks FBA), a special program of the GRCA, is a leading resource in Berks County serving family-owned and closely held businesses of all sizes. Berks FBA provides diverse programming and numerous interactive opportunities to local businesses so you can connect with like-minded individuals and share challenges.
Learn more and how to join at greaterreading.org/ berks-family-business-alliance. ∙ Women2Women (W2W) is GRCA’s catalyst for developing women leaders and connecting women from diverse backgrounds to learn, share ideas and mentor each other. W2W offers a forum for women to create connections while gaining knowledge and building strategic alliances that foster personal and career growth. Learn more and join at berkswomen2women.com. ∙ GRCA convenes the Manufacturing Industry
Partnership (IP) for Advanced Manufacturing in the
Greater Reading region. This IP is driven by leaders in the manufacturing industry that have chosen to meet and connect around shared challenges, opportunities and programming. Learn more and join at greaterreading.org/industry-partnerships. ∙ GRCA serves as a beacon for pro-business policies.
The cornerstone of GRCA’s advocacy work is providing a bridge between federal, state and local officials. GRCA helps elected officials understand the challenges businesses face, while providing business-friendly solutions to regulatory, legislative and workforce issues. Working with members and the community, GRCA keeps everyone connected and engaged in building a healthy, competitive business community. Learn more at greaterreading. org/our-advocacy-work. ∙ GRCA hosts about 150 events each year. In 2021, there were 3,979 registered attendees to GRCA events.
That’s 3,979 potential connections to help grow your business. View all GRCA’s upcoming events by visiting business.greaterreading.org/events/calendar.
As the song lyrics go, “You got troubles, I’ve got ‘em too. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you. We stick together and see it through, ‘cause you’ve got a friend in me.”
If you got business troubles, there likely is another GRCA member going through the same difficulties. Come make connections and work together through those challenges. As a business community, we are greater together.
Join our community as a GRCA member and make invaluable connections and maybe even new friends. To join GRCA, contact Julie Larison, Senior Director of Membership Services, at JLarison@ GreaterReading.org or call 610.898.7785.
UPCOMING EVENT
Join GRCA for its Annual Picnic on Aug. 9, 4:30pm, at FirstEnergy Stadium, Reading.
