Berks County Living August 2024

Inside the Unique Public Spaces at Berks

COLLEGES &Universities

The Secret Garden Recipe at A Light in the Attic on Page 9.

ANDREA SMITH, DDS

Owner/Prosthodontist

Berks Prosthodontics

Dr. Andrea Smith is the founder of Berks Prosthodontics.

A prosthodontist is a dental specialist who has completed dental school plus a three-year Advanced Prosthodontics residency at an ADA-accredited graduate program focusing on technical excellence in the restoration and replacement of teeth. Prosthodontists are THE acknowledged experts in dental implant restorations, crowns, bridges, dentures, cosmetic dentistry, and full-mouth implant prosthetics such as Teeth-in-One-Day or All-On-4.

A Berks County native, Dr. Smith received her Bachelor of Science degree in Pre-Medicine from Penn State University, where she graduated as Class Valedictorian of the Eberly College of Science. She then attended the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in New York City, where she again graduated as Class Valedictorian with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. After receiving her dental degree, Dr. Smith completed three years of specialty training in the field of Prosthodontics at UCLA’s Advanced Prosthodontics Residency Program, followed by an additional one-year residency at UCLA in Maxillofacial Prosthetics, making her one of only 350 Maxillofacial Prosthodontists worldwide.

Dr. Smith returned to our area in 2009 to become the first female Clinical Director of the Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic, the oldest clinic in the world devoted to the treatment of children born with facial birth defects, a position she held for seven years.

In 2015, Dr. Smith opened Berks Prosthodontics in Wyomissing, bringing her specialty training back to her hometown. At Berks Prosthodontics she sees patients with a wide variety of dental concerns, such as broken or missing teeth, uncomfortable dentures, extensive tooth wear, or dissatisfaction with the appearance of their smile. More than 100 area dentists, oral surgeons and other dental specialists trust her to handle their patients’ complex or cosmetic dental needs. From a single perfect tooth to state-of-the-art full mouth reconstruction, Dr. Smith strives to provide all of her patients with an unparalleled level of care.

955 Berkshire Blvd., Ste. 104, Wyomissing 484.577.3530 | berkspros.com

Discover Berks County’s Brand New State-of-the-Art Senior Living Community

Our new Independent Living, Personal Care and Memory Care community will offer light-filled gathering spaces, a dedicated team of wellness specialists, putting green and golf-themed pub, enriching activities and excursions, and no buy-in fee! Stop by our Welcome Center at Penn Ave & Broad Street, call 484-709-2561, or visit IntegraCare.com to learn more. Scan the code below to follow us on Facebook for Grand Opening details!

PRESIDENT/CEO

Paul Prass

VICE PRESIDENT/COO

Lisa Prass

PUBLISHER

Robyn L. Jones

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Nikki M. Murry

ART DIRECTOR

Elaine Wyborski

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Krystal Honohan

Thomas Körp

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Heather Baver

Jon Fassnacht

Sarah Matarella

Donna Reed

Marian Frances Wolbers

COPY EDITOR

Veloie Mastrocola

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Tania Colamarino

Ama Photography

Lauren Adele Little Photography

Heidi Reuter

John A. Secoges

Secoges Photographics

Zerbe Photography

ACCOUNT

REPRESENTATIVES

Elizabeth Beebe

Denise Conlin

Sue Ottenheimer

Sara Woodward

ACCOUNTING

Donna Bachman

Sarah Varano

CIRCULATION MANAGER

Andrea Karges

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Kylie Frain

how to contact us

EDITO RIAL: We want to hear from you — we really do! Send your compliments, gripes, story ideas and suggestions to: Editor, Berks County Living, GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, 201 Washington St., Suite 525, Reading, PA 19601 OR BCLEditor@BerksCountyLiving. com. Written correspondence must be signed and include a mailing address, telephone number and an email address, when possible.

ADVERTISING: To request a media kit or receive other information about advertising, email RJones@BerksCountyLiving.com.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: For new subscriptions, changes of address or questions involving an existing subscription, call 800.896.1392, Mon-Fri, 9am-4:30pm, EST. High-quality reprints of articles that appear in Berks County Living are available by emailing RJones@BerksCountyLiving.com. Back issues are available subject to inventory.

FIND US ONLINE: To contact our staff, get advertising information, obtain writer and photographer guidelines, submit an event for the Calendar of Events, or to be included in the Dining Guide, visit our website: www.BerksCountyLiving.com.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Berks County Living, PO Box 293142, Kettering, OH 45429. Berks County Living (ISSN 1542-9334) is published monthly by IDP Publications, 3245 Freemansburg Avenue, Easton, PA 18045-7118. Annual subscriptions are $19.95. (Canadian and foreign one-year rate is $40, US funds only.) Single copy price $3.95. Periodical postage paid at Easton, PA and additional mailing office. All contents © Berks County Living 2024. Nothing contained herein may be reproduced in whole or in part without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Publisher disclaims all responsibility for omissions or errors. All rights reserved. We welcome, but cannot be responsible for, unsolicited manuscripts, contributions, or photographs. Unsolicited materials cannot be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Printed in USA.

Entertainment & Education for All

It’s back-to-school month for many students in Berks County, and that includes attendees of our local colleges and universities. But did you realize that these institutions cater to the general populations too? Be it through performing arts events or even by partnering with local nonprofit organizations and aspiring entrepreneurs, higher education institutions benefit more than their respective student bodies and staff. Flip to page 27 to learn more.

Speaking of the arts, did you realize the abundance of opportunities available to aspiring musicians and listeners locally? It’s true. Berks is perhaps best known for its supremely popular Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest, but there are plenty of programs and performance groups supporting all kinds of genres right here in the Greater Reading area. We touch on quite a few starting on page 39.

Also in this month’s Education & The Arts issue, we take on the topic of backyard birding. What better way is there to relax than to sit back and enjoy these beautiful visitors to your very own property? We help you make the most of the experience with some tips from local pros.

NIKKI M. MURRY

NMurry@BerksCountyLiving.com

She/Her/Hers Editor-in-Chief

Finally, we’re here to keep you cool on a hot, summer day. On page 23, we offer up five options for refreshment found locally. Grab one, a copy of the issue and your smartphone. Then, head to the backyard for some reading, sipping and birdwatching time in your favorite lounge chair. one MORE THING

Get Delicious Recipes. They’re healthy, too! Browse Calm Eats by Wyomissing resident Daniela Modesto in our blog section.

Go Back in Time. Want to read a past issue or share an older feature with friends? F ind it in our Issue Archive section. The link is on our homepage.

Get Bonus Content. It’s free! Sign up to be a BCL Insider and get our monthly e-newsletter, info on special events and more. Just click the homepage icon.

EXPLORE WITH US. Follow along on Instagram as we uncover local gems, enjoy delicious dishes, attend events and more. Just search BCLMag. ARE WE FRIENDS?

We’d love for you to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook! Find us at facebook.com/ BerksCountyLiving.

FACEBOOK FOLLOW.

Learn more about local nonprofit C The Light Foundation featured in our Berks Bits section by searching “C The Light Foundation.”

STAFF SPEAKS

If you were to wear a t-shirt featuring your favorite current or past pop culture icon, who would be on it and why?

“I'd rock a Shaun Cassidy tee — my first celebrity crush. Thinking of his dreamy 70s charm and timeless tunes on a classic tee… it’s pure retro magic! ”

Robyn L. Jones, publisher

“I’m going to have to say No Doubt. I’ve attended plenty of concerts of theirs back in the day. Fingers crossed still for that reunion tour.”

Nikki M. Murry, editor

“I’m a teeny bopper at heart and love boy bands, so I would definitely wear one of my several Backstreet Boys t-shirts!”

Elizabeth Beebe account executive

“Definitely Weird Al Yankovic. No pop star has officially 'made it' until Weird Al makes a parody of their song!”

Elaine Wyborski art director

“Michael Jackson is an old-time favorite for me. My first concert my mom took me to was to see the Jackson Five.”

Sara Woodward account executive

“It has to be Lana del Rey! She is an incredible artist and songwriter with such a unique sound. I have been a diehard fan for the past 12 years.”

Krystal Honohan graphic designer

BERKS BITS

THIS COLLEGE PREP ACADEMY IS NESTLED AMONGST CORNFIELDS

For more than 26 years, The King’s Academy (TKA) has provided a premier college preparatory Jr. K-12 education. While the district is rural, TKA students come from Berks and Schuylkill counties serving 15 school districts and more than 30 churches. The Academy also boasts a robust international program that brings diversity to the campus from across the globe. Through the years, The King’s Academy has hosted students from more than a dozen countries, including Armenia, Bolivia, Norway, Tanzania and Vietnam, to name a few. Says Community Outreach Director Joey Frongillo, “The school’s caring Christian culture meets each student’s spiritual, social and emotional needs. The small class sizes also foster impactful relationships, offering individualized and personalized instructional support and academic excellence.” Want to learn more about the Mohrsville-based school? Visit kingsacademy.com. –

NIKKI M. MURRY

Education Foundation Formed for BCTC

Sometimes some extra funding is needed to help an educational institution be all it can be. To that end, the BCTC (Berks Career & Technology Center) Education Foundation, a nonprofit, was recently formed to enhance education by providing financial and strategic support to BCTC. Says inaugural board president and an alumnus of the Business Management & Entrepreneurship program Gavin Milligan, “We aim to equip students with the skills they need to thrive in their future careers while also promoting equity and innovation in education.” BCTC offers hands-on training in fields such as healthcare, engineering, IT, construction and hospitality. The programs provide high school students with the skills they need to either join the workforce immediately after graduation or continue their education. Supporting the Foundation helps fund scholarships, improve classrooms and enhance programs for students. Learn more by reaching out via email to bctcef@gmail.com. –

Foundation Honors FORMER MIFFLIN BOYS BASKETBALL COACH

With a rotating array of offerings, no two visits or shows are the same.

NIKKI M. MURRY

1 2

Art & Craft Gallery of Hamburg.

Local artistic talent is displayed through a partnership with the Hamburg Area Arts Alliance, boasting more than 50 members.

Works include paintings, prints, photography, woodturning, pottery, ceramics, fabric art, metalworking and more. hamburgarts.org/gallery

Art Plus Gallery, West Reading.

Since 1999, the nonprofit artist cooperative situated on Penn Avenue has showcased talents new to the art scene as well as well-known pros while promoting art appreciation and participation throughout the Berks community. artplusgallerypa.com

Kyle Conrad was varsity basketball coach at Governor Mifflin from 2014-2021 and touched countless lives before passing away after a long battle with esophageal cancer in September 2022. His wife, Lauren, was also involved in Mifflin sports, and the pair were group leaders at Immanuel UCC, situated next door to the high school. Today, Lauren acts as executive director of the foundation formed in Kyle’s honor, C the Light. The nonprofit carries on Kyle’s spirit of seeing the light in life despite its challenges, helping youth to do just that. Says Lauren, “Throughout his adult life, Kyle was both a church youth group leader and a high school basketball coach. His own involvement in these activities as a teenager was so influential in Kyle’s life that he knew he needed to give back and pass down that same meaningful guidance to current teens. He was determined to guide his players to become better humans on the court, in school and in their communities. To honor these important aspects of Kyle’s life, C the Light was formed on the overarching themes of coaching, connections and community.” Learn more at cthelightfoundation.org.

– NIKKI M. MURRY

Studio B Art Gallery, Boyertown.

This space for art and artists offers a host of experiences aimed at having fun, meeting new people, establishing friendships and participating in the visual and literary arts. It seeks to be a dynamic part of the Boyertown community and welcomes art in diverse media. studiobbb.org

Looking for a way to spend an hour or two, or even a half-day right here in Berks? Head to a local art gallery!

EXPLORE THE CITY WITHIN A CITY

Through the Pathways Program

BY SARAH MATARELLA

From legal teams to HVAC specialists, chefs to information technology experts and beyond, the career opportunities at Reading Hospital: Tower Health are vast and varied, mirroring the diverse community it serves.

“Our CEO says it all the time: the hospital is a city within a city. If you are interested in a career, you could work at the hospital,” says Director of Community Wellness at Reading Hospital, Courtney Powers. “It's not limited to the typical roles that you think about when you think of a hospital: nurses and doctors. They’re very important roles, but there's so much more to the hospital.”

The Tower Health Pathways Program began as the High School Internship Program in 2013. The very first cohort consisted of six high school seniors.

“There was a population of people in Berks County that didn't see themselves working at the hospital,” says Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Community Wellness at Reading Hospital, Desha Dickson, who started the program.

Since starting the program, Dickson shares that it has held a special place in her heart. She’s witnessed students have transformational life experiences, including two interns in the program who both became nurses and are married with their own children now.

“It really changes the trajectory of their life, and it isn't just us because they had to put in the work. They had to apply. They had to show up and stay in contact. It's not a huge investment for us in terms of money, but the return on it is a student who may not have even thought about going to college or pursuing a career in healthcare. They come to intern, go to college, and then they get a job that pays a living wage. They have a career.”

The main differences between the different pillars of the program are the application cycles, the time commitments and the education level of the student. However, the

“It really changes the trajectory of their life, and it isn't just us because they had to put in the work.” “

programs can build upon each other, and they all have a team ready to provide the students with the best experience possible.

“The staff spends a lot of time trying to make sure that their experience is at the center of everything that we do, and I hope that [the students] feel that,” says Dickson. “The purpose is to make sure that it feels personalized and intentional and that they walk away from it with relevant experience and feeling like someone cared about them from application to onboarding to placement to the end-of-year celebration and beyond.”

“I thought this would be a great way to dispel the notion that you can only pursue one type of career path to have a fruitful career at Reading Hospital and to show that anybody of any walk of life could work here.”

Since its inception, the program has evolved into a comprehensive pathway for both high school and college students. Its success and high demand, as well as the program leaders’ receptiveness to students’ feedback, led to its expansion to include job shadowing and additional internship opportunities.

“We want to make sure that we provide them with an experience that really aligns with what they hope to get out of it, and a really important piece of that is that this is not a stagnant program,” says Powers. “It's not going to look the same way this coming year as it did this year because we are constantly asking the students, schools and our preceptors who are working with the students every day for feedback so that we can make intentional changes. Feedback is critical to the program’s success.”

Fun Facts

Start Your Own Journey.

Visit bewellberks.org for application criteria, documents and more information about the program and to find which track is right for you or someone you know.

The Next Generation.

Tower Health has plans to expand the program to elementary and middle school students and to bring back some K-8 programming that was halted due to COVID.

PHOTO COURTESY READING HOSPITAL

Santo D. Marabella

FILMMAKER, PLAYWRIGHT, AUTHOR & EDUCATOR

BY SARAH MATARELLA | PHOTO BY JOHN A. SECOGES, SECOGES PHOTOGRAPHICS

Resilience, creativity and belonging only begin to scratch the surface when describing Santo D. Marabella's life.

Being born in Aosta, Italy, and moving to Reading, PA, after his adoption when he was just under a year old unraveled a tapestry of experiences woven with challenges and relentless passion toward his future as a filmmaker, playwright, author and educator.

Q: How did your adoption shape your journey in life?

I look back now and realize the need to belong, to be a part of something really challenged me, and I didn’t know whether it was being a gay man, romantic relationships, the fact that I didn't play sports or other things. Looking back, I realized it was the adoption, and that's what was the impetus for the film now.

Q: As a creative, what made you decide to want to tell your own story?

After becoming the primary caregiver for my parents, I ended up losing my mom in 2020, my dad in 2021, and then last year, my dog of 12 years. Given all the grief that I've been through, it just seemed like this was a way to heal. I could have done it sooner, but I wouldn't want to seem disloyal to my parents. I know they got it intellectually, but the emotional piece might've been hard. While I had the best adoption and had everything I wanted and needed, I have the space now. It's my table, and I have to figure out where my place at this table is.

Q:

What inspired you to choose a documentary as the medium for your story?

It was really my close association, friendship and collaboration with Tracy Schott, creative director of the Reading FilmFEST; Tony Gerber, who is an Emmy Awardand PGA-winning documentarian; and his wife, Lynn Nottage, a two-time Pulitzer Prize-, Tonynominated playwright. I worked with them for about five years on the This is Reading documentary. I learned so much about documentary filmmaking, which is not narrative or scripted. You plan it, but you don't really force it. It has organic development. It's a journey.

Q: How has Berks County allowed you to pursue and combine your passions?

This is an incredible arts sandbox that we get to play in,

and I don't know if there's any other place like it. We have so much to appreciate because here you can play, create, experiment and make mistakes. You can have a real bomb of a venture, and people will come out and support you. Nobody can tell me that you can't create art in this community, whether it's theater, film or visual arts.

Q:

When you’re not telling stories through film or theatre, what do you enjoy doing?

At the core, I'm a teacher, and I try to weave teaching into everything that I do. Teaching at the college level has been a real gift because it's kept me connected to generations beyond my own. I learn a lot from students, and at the same time I enjoy finding creative ways to get people hooked, interested

and excited, which helps with engaging students. The hard part for me while filming this documentary as a teacher is that I'm not teaching. I'm in it. I'm experiencing it. I have to let the amazingly talented professionals I’m surrounded by teach me and guide me to tell the story.

Learn More

Stay Tuned.

Il Mio Posto a Tavolo (My Seat at the Table) will wrap in September and debut in 2025. Visit marabellallc.com for the teaser and to see contribution options.

The Stories Continue. Marabella wrote The Lessons of Caring as a source of inspiration and support for the contemporary caregiver, drawing on his experience with his parents.

The Secret Garden

AT A LIGHT IN THE ATTIC MODERN SPEAKEASY

COMPILED BY NIKKI M. MURRY

PHOTOS BY TANIA COLAMARINO, AMA PHOTOGRAPHY

What’s special about this featured drink?

The color green was at the forefront of the idea, which led to using green juice recipes. Gin and juice have always been a popular pairing. Botanical gin comes in all forms these days, and Revivalist Spirits in Elverson had the perfect garden botanical gin to pair with the chosen green juice recipe. Says Sager, “This drink represents all my hard work over the years preparing, testing, creating and researching craft cocktails. I wanted to define the taste of spring in a cocktail.”

TIPS:

• Do not peel the cucumbers or apples; skin remains on when juicing for added flavor/color.

• Shelf life of juice is 3-4 days.

• When building your cocktail, if you double strain it using a wire mesh bar tool, you’ll get added volume.

For what occasion would you recommend this cocktail?

Anytime it's refreshing and crisp. Even if you are not a fan of gin, give it taste if you enjoy fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables.

Pair it with…

A Light in the Attic Modern Speakeasy’s shareable dish, Rosemary Bomboloni.

A Light in the Attic Modern Speakeasy 719 Penn Avenue, 2nd Floor, West Reading alightintheatticwr.com

HAVE A DRINK WITH MELISSA SAGER, BAR MANAGER

Sager has held a spot in the industry for more than 20 years now, working many of those years at a popular local Irish pub. She says, “Over time, I wanted to expand my knowledge of craft cocktails and new trends in the bar industry. The last several years I have really focused on mixology and continue to research any new ideas. Creating my own infusions and a variety of syrups helps me craft a wellbalanced cocktail for the customer to enjoy. Sager started at A Light in the Attic Modern Speakeasy (ALita) in January of 2024. She explains, “I was eager to bartend at a local modern speakeasy and share what I have learned over the years. Working at ALita has helped to keep the creative juices flowing. We want to make the customer feel at home but with the vision of dining in a big city atmosphere. Myself and ALita continue to strive for unique dishes and cocktails to keep our customers excited to try something new.”

Recipe: The Secret Garden

Ingredients

- 2 ounces Green Garden Juice (English hot house cucumbers, Granny Smith apples, fennel and mint)

- 1 ounce Tarragon simple syrup

- ½ ounce fresh lime juice

- 1 ounce egg white (for volume)

- 2 ounces botanical gin of choice

- Ice

Tools Needed:

- Vitamix blender (to juice ingredients)

- Mesh strainer (to strain pulp)

- Rubber spatula

- Airtight container

- Shaker

- Coupe glass

Instructions

1. Make green garden juice in blender. Strain pulp. Use rubber spatula to press down pulp to get the most juice possible and store in an airtight container. Add a splash of lime juice to slow oxidation of green juice.

2. Dry shake all ingredients.

3. Add ice for wet shake and strain into a coupe glass.

4. Garnish with a dried edible flower.

THOUGHTS FROM THE CHAMBER

Bringing Bobcat to Berks

BY BELL MEDIA GROUP & GRCA MARKETING TEAM

PHOTO BY LAUREN ADELE LITTLE PHOTOGRAPHY

Editor’s note: The following story was written as a part of a GRCA member storytelling campaign. To read the entire story behind Crownstone Equipment and Bobcat of Reading, scan the included Flowcode. This series is sponsored by Bell Media Group.

In recent years, Route 61 and the surrounding area have become a mecca of business and industry. Investments by the manufacturing, logistics and technology sectors contribute to an exciting tapestry of growth and commerce and Bobcat of Reading is one of the next big players on the scene. Planned, built and opened amid the turmoil of the COVID-19 pandemic and driven by a core philosophy of solutionsdriven service, Bobcat of Reading’s story personifies resilience, ingenuity and determination.

The origins of Bobcat of Reading can be traced back to the establishment of Crownstone Equipment in April 2018 by McGrew Enterprises, LLC. Crownstone Equipment was founded with a strategic goal in mind: to develop successful dealership locations. Anticipating the acquisitions of Bobcat of York and Bobcat of Adams County, Crownstone Equipment swiftly expanded its footprint by adding Bobcat of Frederick later that year.

Bolstered by founder Greg McGrew's extensive experience

in the construction equipment industry, Crownstone Equipment solidified its presence, opening Bobcat of Hagerstown in February 2020, followed by the acquisition of Bobcat of Lancaster in March 2020.

The company was on the fast track for growth, with its eyes fixed on a sixth location in Berks County all in under five years. Crownstone commenced construction on Bobcat of Reading in February 2022, a project supported by the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA), which played a pivotal role in the project by facilitating the sale of 14.4 acres of land at the northwest corner of routes 61 and 73 in Ontelaunee Township.

Rooted in a legacy of customer service excellence and market acumen honed through McGrew Equipment Company, Crownstone

epitomizes a commitment to superior service and selection. The choice of the Crownstone name pays homage to the geographical influence of the dealerships, reflecting the historic crownstones lining the Pennsylvania and Maryland border, emblematic of the community's heritage and resilience.

Upcoming Event

Join GRCA on Aug. 20 from 4:30 to 8:30pm at FirstEnergy Stadium for its Annual Picnic. Don’t miss the home run derby, great food and the second annual Cornament! Visit greaterreading.org/events for more information and to register.

Did you attend a fabulous event with friends or co-workers? Share it with us! Email photos in the form of a jpeg file as well as captions to BCLeditor@BerksCountyLiving.com for consideration.

Greater Reading Chamber Alliance Annual Dinner

Featuring Keynote Speaker Brian Westbrook. PHOTOS BY WAYNE BECKER AND JASMINE NINNI, ZERBE PHOTOGRAPHY. 1.

Ann Marie Haus & Jennifer Deck. 2. Mickenzie McLucas, Adelle Schade, Jessica Prutzman & Joe Hnatishion. 3. Scott Goetz, Kathy Harrop, Brian Westbrook & Bob Harrop. 4. Front: Deb Schlouch, Tiffany Micale, Adam Lawler, Mike Doutrich. Back: Barry Schlouch, Brian Westbrook & John Perate. 5. Emmanual Poly & Herlande Orion. 6. Front: Marvin Yancor-Lima, Colby Blankenbiller, Yupha Muzyka, Travis Bieber. Back: Ryan Brunner, Michael Martinsky, Brian Westbrook, Aaron Ayala, Scott Burky & Michael Koch. 7. Front: Jessie Nelson, Heather Weidenhammer, Christine Luckenbill. Back: Jeffrey Heimel, Dustin Folk, Brian Westbrook & Mike Smith. 8. Leah Fassnacht & Audrey Krupiak. 9. Front: Michael Marrero, Kim Harmsen, Zac Bugay. Back: Patrick Russell, Michael Duff, Brian Westbrook, Aaron King & Jeff Werner. 10. Brian Westbrook & Kayla Hayick. 11. Front: Blyss Moyer, Eric Zalek, Devon DiBwiase, Chris Birch. Back: Mimi Bosoanca, Ann Marie Haus, Jennifer Deck, Brian Westbrook, Ebony McNeil, Brian Cole & Spiros Kasapidis. 12. Sara Kuzma-Stump, Lucine Sihelnik, Sara & Dennis Kline. 13. Lucine Sihelnik, Michael Papp, Nicholas Lambros, Jonathan Weaver, Bryan Boyer & Sara Kuzma-Stump. 14. Lynne Burns, Melanie Manwiller & Curin Romich. 15. Alex MacKenzie & Alex Swavely. 16. John Perate & Brian Westbrook. 17. Front: Donna Reed, Eddie Moran, Ann Marie Grill. Back: Michael Rivera, Dante Santoni, Brian Westbrook & Christian Leinbach.

WHAT TO DO & WHERE TO GO

COMPILED BY KYLIE FRAIN

MARK

NORMAND

Following his 2023 Netflix special, Soup to Nuts, comedian Mark Normand is traveling across the states and Canada on his Ya Don’t Say tour. For more info and tickets visit santander-arena.com/ events/detail/mark-normand.

7pm | Santander Performing Arts Center | Reading

PURE JERRY

Chill out and enjoy Pure Jerry, a Jerry Garcia tribute band, as a part of Concerts in the Park presented by Berks County Parks & Recreation. Grab a bite to eat at the Greco's of Lititz food truck. The event is family friendly and free. For more info visit berkspa.gov/ departments/parks-and-recreation/calendarof-events/2024-events/pure-jerry.

Smokey's 80TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

Aug. 10

Celebrate Smokey the Bear’s 80th birthday by playing games with him and friends, enjoy visiting food trucks and learn about how to preserve our forests. Free admission. For more info visit berkspa.gov/departments/parks-andrecreation/calendar-of-events/2024-events/ smokey-s-80th-birthday-celebration.

Berks County Heritage Center

Join Breast Cancer Support Services of Berks County at the 9th annual Pink Passion for Fashion Show. Cheer on breast cancer survivors and the healthcare community. For more info visit facebook.com/BCSSBerks.

11am-2pm | DoubleTree by Hilton | Reading

24

Star Watch Atop HAWK MOUNTAIN

View and learn about the night sky with educators from Moravian University. See celestial objects such as the moon, Mars, Saturn, clusters and galaxies. Rain date is Aug. 31. Tickets are $20. For more info and to register visit hawkmountain.org/events/ star-watch-atop-hawk-mountain.

8-10pm | Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Kempton

TASTE OF Hamburg-er Festival

With more than 30 burger stands — all competing for the Best Burger award — two beer gardens, vendors and more, the fun doesn’t stop at the 21st annual Taste of Hamburg-er Festival. The event has free admission and is rain or shine. For more info visit tasteofhamburger.com.

Downtown Hamburg

BENEFITS

Aug. 10

Birds and Brews

Enjoy an evening of live music, unlimited beverage samples and a dinner sponsored by The Brickhouse Grill to benefit Hawk Mountain Sanctuary’s conservation mission. $65 (or $35 for those not tasting). For more info and to register visit hawkmountain.org/ events/birds-brew.

5-8pm | Hawk Mountain Sanctuary

Aug. 10

Brake the Cycle of Poverty Bike Ride

Ride through scenic landscapes on this bike ride to benefit Friend, Inc. Community Services. The ride offers options for every level with 62-, 40-, 25- and 10-mile routes. At the end of the ride, make sure to hang out for food and live music by the Hannah Violet Trio. For more info and to register visit friendinc.org/brake-the-cycle-of-poverty.

7am-2pm at Kutztown University

CLASSICAL MUSIC

Aug. 17

Mahler's First

Come out to hear Mahler Symphony No. 1 in D Major performed by the Berks Sinfonietta Chamber Orchestra. Tickets are $20. For more info and tickets visit berkssinfonietta.org/concert/mahlers-first.

7:30pm | Atonement Lutheran Church Wyomissing

Aug. 17

Summer Sings - Women in Music

The Reading Choral Society will host its last summer community sing for the year with Guest Director Dr. Amy Voorhees. The featured music will be from women composers and musicians such as Elaine Hagenberg, Carly Simon, Andres Ramsey, Jocelyn Hagen and Melissa Dunphy. Free admission; lunch will be provided. For more info visit readingchoral.org/community-sings.

10am-3pm | Immanuel United Church of Christ | Shillington

Peaches

THIS MONTH

Sept. 2

Ringgold Band

The 172-year-old community band will be performing a Labor Day Concert to celebrate the holiday. The Ringgold Band director is Chuck Ebersole, and the band has more than 60 community members. For more info visit ringgoldband.com/concert-schedule.

10am-Noon | Berks County Heritage Center Reading

FAIRS & FESTIVALS

Aug. 5-10

Kutztown Fair

Enjoy games, rides, live animals, music, Grandstand Shows presented by Action Track and more. There will be live music from various genres on both the Main Stage and in the Beer Garden. For more info visit kutztownfair.com.

Mon-Fri: 4-10pm, Sat: 2-10pm | Kutztown Fairgrounds | Kutztown

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Aug. 18

Nature Play - A Rewilding Program

Join Forest Therapy guide Robert Sarnoski to learn how connecting to the environment can strengthen physical, cognitive and emotional well-being. This event is rain or shine and has free admission. For more info and to register visit events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/nature-play-arewilding-program.

10am-Noon | Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center | Reading

SPORTS

July 30-Aug. 4, Aug. 13-18

Reading Fightin Phils

The Fightins will face off against the Hartford Yard Goats and the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. After the Aug. 3 game, enjoy the largest firework display in stadium history. Normal firework displays are every Thursday through Saturday night. For tickets, game times and promotions visit milb.com/reading.

Various start times

FirstEnergy Stadium | Reading

THEATER/DANCE

Aug. 9-18

Beautiful:

The Carole King Musical

Journey through Carole King’s life in this inspiring true story turned musical. Follow her through her teenage years in Brooklyn to landing a spot in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. For more info and tickets visit genesiusdifference.org/beautiful/.

Genesius Theatre | Reading

WINE

Aug. 11 & 30

Yoga in the Vineyard

Join Trina from Empower Yoga for a relaxing 45-minute session for individuals of all yoga levels. A morning session is offered on the 11th, and a sunset session is offered on the 30th Tickets are $17. For tickets and more info visit setterridgevineyards.com/calendar.

11th at 11am, 30th at 7pm Setter Ridge Vineyards | Kutztown

A Premier Fine Dining Restaurant in Reading

Birthdays,

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TASTE OF HAMBURG-ER

Tees & Tanks

BY HEATHER BAVER

Top off your summer ensemble with a variety of colorful shirts. We’ve got the whole family covered with tops, tees and tanks to suit any mood or occasion. Party with friends, chill out, dress up or kick back — whatever you have planned, it’s all about having fun with your look.

1. SWEET NOSTALGIA.

Celebrate a favorite childhood character with the next generation. This kid-sized turquoise tee features Strawberry Shortcake and Custard, the cat, in all their original glory. Combine it with bright shorts or a skirt and jelly sandals to accentuate the retro style.

Girls' Youth Strawberry Shortcake Shirt $31.49 | 80stees.com

2.

COOLEST CLASSIC.

Out of all fabrics, linen reigns supreme at keeping you cool. This breezy buttondown features a fun daisy print, and its versatile style makes it ideal for wearing on summer vacations. Pair it with your favorite twill shorts and sandals for heatdefying sophistication. Daisy Print Blouse (available in two colors) | $88 | Adam N’ Eve Boutique

3. MOTIVATIONAL MASCOT.

This panther may be napping, but with its comfy, relaxed fit, this tee is perfect for being on the move. Combine this all-cotton tee with loosefitting shorts in all colors of the rainbow for impeccable style on or off your board.

Nike SB Sleepy Panther Tee | $45 Holistic Skate Shop

4. MUSICAL ENTHUSIASM.

Style this graphic tee with a straw cowboy hat, jeans and boots and embrace your inner rocker. For the ultimate accessory, pick up a guitar and practice some tunes. Or cue up a playlist of your favorite artists and host an impromptu dance party.

Juniors' Graphic T-shirts, From No Comment, Attitude Not Included, Self Esteem and Freeze | Sizes XS-XL | $20-$28 Destinations, Celestial, Country Western, Embellishments & Washed Styles | Boscov’s

5.

THE NEON.

Pair this racerback tank with leggings and running shoes and hit the gym in style. The 100 percent recycled Speedwick fibers banish sweat. The neon yellow hue will brighten your spirits as you ramp up your routine and reach all of your fitness goals.

Reebok Workout Ready Mesh Back Tank Top | $25 | Target

6. TIE DYE REIMAGINED.

Timeless tie dye gets a whole new vibe on this halter tank top. Pair it with shorts and skirts for a variety of cool looks. The neutral hues go with everything. Layer up with a denim jacket to enjoy this top into fall.

Tie Dye Tank | $27 | The Mint Leaf

8. LUXE LACE.

7. GAMING LEGEND.

Celebrate old-school entertainment. This distressed design includes the classic Atari logo and OG joystick and looks great with a baseball cap and relaxed jeans. Organize a game night and wear it when you and your friends play through your library of enduring arcade adventures.

Red Joystick Atari Shirt

11. STAR POWER.

Eyelet lace adds textured sophistication to a classic white tank top. A lacey neckline dresses up this shirt even more. Wear this spaghetti strap tank with a long, gauzy skirt for an elegant look or go casual with your jeans that always fit perfectly.

Lace Scalloped Tank | $32 | The Mint Leaf

kinds of casual looks. Pair it with denim or track shorts, sandals or sneakers, and head out to the playground and get active.

Cat & Jack™ Boys’ Printed T-Shirt

$6 | Target

COTTON CHIC.

Rejoice, long sleeves fans. Made from 98 percent cotton, this stylish top will keep you comfortable and protect your arms from the sun. Flower décor and embroidery on the front and back exude elegance. Pair it with jeans, shorts or flowing skirts for a relaxed, polished vibe.

Gretta Zueger Top (available in three colors) | $68

Adam N’ Eve Boutique

Peachy stripes grace a tee designed in partnership with skateboarding trailblazer Lizzie Armanto. As a fun detail, a lemon patch on the chest includes Armanto’s initials. For a sporty ensemble, wear it with chinos and skate shoes and head out to the skate park.

Vans Lizzie Armanto Mini Tee for Women | $39.50 Holistic Skate Shop

SOURCES

80stees.com

Adam N’ Eve Boutique

309 W. Main St., Kutztown 610.683.8117

Boscov’s

Locations in Exeter, Muhlenberg, Wyomissing and Park City Mall, Lancaster 610.779.2000 | boscovs.com

The Mint Leaf

1008 Stinson Dr., Leesport 610.615.5134 | themintleafshop.com

TheMintLeafLLC

Target

Locations in Exeter, Muhlenberg, Wyomissing | target.com

1 2. COMIC STYLE.

Salute your favorite character with this soft graphic tee. Spiderman strikes an actionfilled pose on a brilliant blue background. Wear this soft cozy tee anytime, whether for lounging at home or as a conversation starter with like-minded fans when you’re out and about.

Men’s Graphic T-shirts | Sizes S-XXL

$9.99 each | Boscov’s

Smoothies & FROZEN DRINKS 5

BY HEATHER BAVER

with refreshing, frosty beverages. Slow down and catch up with a friend or take an opportunity to kick things up a notch. It’s your summer; you get to decide. Either way, you’re in for a asty experience. For meals, desserts, pick-me-ups and more, savor these exciting drinks.

Meal in a Cup.

Get plenty of nutrients in one delightful drink. Savor sweet, tangy blueberries

Pop of Flavor.

Drink, bite and have fun with next-level b

Topped with whipped cream, this strawberry sensation is made with milk, strawberry ice cream, strawberry chunks and popping boba. Choose strawberry or mix things up with your favorite boba flavor. With every bite, these sweet spheres release a burst of tantalizing juice.

riseup.nutrition.reading

Caffeine Craving.

Boost your energy in the tastiest way possible. This cold brew is enhanced with the flavors of that quintessential campfire treat: s’mores. Toasty marshmallows, creamy chocolate and buttery graham crackers harmoniously combine with the complex flavor of Reading’s premium beans. Relax, sip and power through the rest of your day.

S’mores Cold Brew

$6.25 for 16 oz., $7 for 24 oz. Reading Coffee Co.

316 W. Main St., Birdsboro 610.582.2243 | readingcoffee.com

Strawberry Milk Shake with Strawberry Popping Boba | Medium: $6, Large $7 Winnie Tea Bar Avenue, West Reading 610.743.5754

Muhlenberg thewinnieteabar.com

Berry Delicious.

flavors of its delectable cookie namesake and enhances them with ice cream and sweet chocolate syrup. After you’ve tried this enticing flavor, mix and match over a dozen flavor possibilities to create masterful mash-ups.

Oreo Cremesation Milkshake

Franklyn’s Breakfast, Burgers & Shakes 1007 Penn St., Reading franklynsbbs

Go for maximum fruit. This smoothie is packed with the dynamic flavor combo of strawberry and banana and blended with vanilla yogurt, agave and house-made almond milk. Made with a mix of fresh and frozen fruit, there are no artificial ingredients or ice to water down the creamy lusciousness of this beverage.

Berry Good Life Smoothie | $8 for 16 oz. | City Girl Juice 4606 Penn Avenue, Sinking Spring | 484.869.2248

WIN IT!

Score one of three prizes this month: a $20 gift certificate and the featured milkshake from Franklyn’s Breakfast, Burgers & Shakes, a $20 gift certificate to Rise Up Nutrition or a $10 gift certificate to City Girl Juice. Good luck!

Tips for Young Professionals

Just

getting your feet wet in the working world, or are you in the beginning

stages of what you hope is a lifelong career? If you answered “yes,” we have some advice we hope you’ll take to heart.

Adopt a Daily Routine with Self Care in Mind. Building healthy habits early can really pay off in the long run. Think about setting a reasonable bedtime to ensure you get enough sleep and set a morning routine that allows you to start your day feeling ready to tackle whatever tasks are in front of you.

Accept Constructive Criticism. No one ever got anywhere by solely receiving pats on the back. Be open to feedback and use it as an opportunity to improve.

Set Boundaries. You may feel inclined to say “yes” to every ask of you, to accept every invitation to an outing and more, but beware of burnout. Give yourself grace and time to recharge. Everyone around you will be better for it.

Mind Your Social Media Manners. With the prevalence of social media and the tendency many have to overshare, you want to make sure you’re putting a professional face forward online. You may also want to check your privacy settings.

Pack a Lunch. Seriously. Buying day in and day out can really add up. Instead, make a lunch date with your co-workers that make use of a breakroom or take some time outside to refresh. Save the money you would have spent and build an emergency fund instead.

Keep Learning. Be open to opportunities to take continuing education classes or to pick up a new skill that may apply to your job. You can also learn by being a good listener and by making a point to ask questions when you have them.

Berkshire Investment Group

Berkshire Investment Group is an independent wealth management firm that has been aiding clients for more than three decades. Their experienced team has served multiple generations of clients and their families by offering comprehensive financial planning and investment strategies customized to each individual’s and family’s needs.

From the beginning, the firm has been affiliated with LPL Financial, the largest independent broker/dealer in the nation, as reported by Financial Planning magazine, 1996–2023, based on total revenue. Berkshire Investment Group is well regarded in the industry for providing personalized service and comprehensive advice and guidance. They provide a variety of services, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, IRAs, retirement planning, wealth management programs, retirement plan rollover services, annuities, employer sponsored plans, life insurance and college 529 plans.

1408 Penn Avenue, Wyomissing 610.371.0665

berkshireinvestmentgroup.com

Bill Moser, a REALTOR® with CENTURY 21 Gold, is currently ranked one of the Top 21 Producers in the company.

Bill’s knowledge in residential real estate, financial lending expertise and the family real estate dynamic has given him a unique perspective when representing both buyers and sellers. He offers a high level of service, a thorough knowledge of the market and a personal dedication and commitment to his clients’ goals. A licensed REALTOR® since 2008, his background includes a degree in engineering and personal experience as a mortgage broker.

Direct: 610.207.5686

Office: 610.779.2500, ext. 8429 bmoser@c21gold.com c21gold.com

Blueprint for Leadership

Prepares individuals from underrepresented groups for community leadership roles through a 7-week program.

Emerging Leaders United

Growing the next generation of leaders (ages 21–45) through volunteerism and philanthropy—offering a mix of volunteer, personal/professional development and networking activities.

Leadership Berks

Trains and develops individuals to serve in nonprofit leadership roles through a 9-month, curriculum-based program with participants meeting once a month. The next class kicks off in September 2024.

Volunteer Center

Individuals, families and employee teams can connect to a variety of volunteer activities.

Be a part of good things in Berks County!

Visit uwberks.org or call Jean Morrow at 610.685.4587

PROFESSIONAL PROFILES

Choosing your child’s Atonement

Deciding where your child begins their formal learning experience is an important decision that goes beyond who can reinforce ABCs and 123s. The early years are critical to child development, and studies have shown that children who attend preschool have more school success and better life outcomes than those who do not, even many years later. No pressure, right?

So, what should you look for when deciding where to enroll your child? Consider how teachers interact with the students, how the learning space is designed and if that learning is play-based and if it’s culturally responsible by embracing diversity and inclusivity. Your child can get a great experience in many different types of environments; you know them best and should get a feel for the best fit. Taking the time to schedule a visit at more than one location may help in making your decision. They should be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Atonement Christian Preschool has been a beloved ministry of Atonement Lutheran Church since 1976. Our experienced staff provides early childhood education that promotes the spiritual, socialemotional, cognitive and physical development of every child in a nurturing learning environment. We offer a variety of classes and extracurricular activities for children 18 months to 5 years old.

COMPILED

BY

NIKKI M. MURRY

While our area college campuses are home to the faculty, staff and students working and enrolled there, these points of higher education also make an effort to connect with the greater Berks Community too. Learn more about some of the fun you’ll find at each.

Explore Taylor Swift, Gender and Communication and other special topics at Penn State Berks

This fall, Penn State Berks new course titled Taylor Swift, Communication. Cross-listed as both a Communication Arts and Sciences and a Women’s Studies course, it takes the unique approach of examining Swift’s cultural and musical impact and her portrayal in the rather than focusing on Swift’s marketing strategies or how her lyrics fit into literary canon like many other courses.

The course was developed and is taught by Dr. Michele Ramsey, Associate Professor of Communication Arts and Sciences and of Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies.

It just ‘hits different’

The class provides an overview of the impact music has on personal identities, the historical intersections of music and politics and gendered expectations of female performers. It focuses on the career and media treatment of Swift and other female artists, challenges faced by young female musicians as they move from adolescence to adulthood and the public battles they have faced with other celebrities and media representations of those battles.

DIREK TAKMATCHA /ADOBESTOCK

Students have time to connect and build community by doing activities that encourage active learning. At the end of the semester, Ramsey and students plan to hold a communitywide final project.

Ramsey admittedly hasn’t been a longtime “Swiftie.” However, she took an interest in Swift when she noticed the amplified online

criticism of Swift’s songwriting, accusations of her lip synching and Swifties dancing in movie theatres and at her performances — which inspired her to create this course.

with a better understanding of the expectations and pressures placed on women in our culture. And, of course, Ramsey plans on making this an experience students will remember “all too well.”

The course encourages students to enter their ‘Berks Era.’”

Ramsey mentions three key objectives. First, she wants students to understand the ideological power of the media to influence ideas about who we are and who we want to be. Secondly, she cites how powerful the messages in Swift’s songs are and how they have evolved. Finally, Ramsey is interested in how the messages of Swift’s songs can empower fans to “speak now” and reach fans from all age ranges and demographics.

As Swift is a Wyomissing native, offering this course in Swift’s hometown makes it a rare experience for students. The course encourages students to enter their “Berks Era,” studying the importance of something they love and leaving

Penn State Berks is offering other special topics courses, including Identity, Citizenship and the Rhetoric of American Horror Film, Mental Illness and the Movies and Witches and Witchcraft from the Middle Ages to the Present, just to name a few.

With an enrollment of approximately 1,900 students, Penn State Berks offers a worldrenowned education with small class sizes and individualized attention. Students can enroll in one of the college’s 24 baccalaureate or associate degrees or take the first two years of one of the University’s 275 degree programs that can be completed at another campus. For more information, visit berks.psu.edu.

Albright College’s Freedman Gallery

Exhibits Thought-Provoking Works

The Freedman Gallery, one of Berks County’s most important cultural resources, is nestled on the quaint campus of Albright College in the northeast corner of Reading in a historic neighborhood at the base of Mt. Penn’s western side. The gallery opened in its first location, now known as Klein Lecture Hall, on Oct. 3, 1976, and was primarily founded by three Albright alumni: Harry Koursaros, Albright art professor and department chair; Jerome Dersh, a local dentist and art collector who contributed and helped the college acquire many of its important outdoor sculptures; and Doris Chanin Freedman, a

renowned art advocate who served New York City as the first commissioner of cultural affairs, chair of the Public Art Council and president of City Walls. Freedman also served on Albright’s board of trustees at that time and led the philanthropic efforts to establish the gallery, named after her, and its esteemed permanent collection.

Today, the permanent collection includes work by Romare Bearden, Alexander Calder, Elizabeth Catlett, Robert Colescott, Salvador Dali, Jim Dine, Francoise Gilot, Lee Krasner, Claes Oldenburg, Robert Rauschenberg, George Rickey, Bridget Riley, James Rosenquist, Leonid Sokov and Rufino Tamayo, among many others.

By 1990 the gallery, with its ambitious and thought-provoking annual exhibition schedule, had outgrown its original space.

Construction began on the new Center for the Arts (CFA), which brought together fine art, music and theatre and relocated the Freedman to its existing space. The $6.5 million project received a prestigious grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and broke barriers with Adele Santos as the architect who conceived the unique design of the building with the central integrated sculpture in collaboration with the artist Mary Miss.

PHOTO

Since its inception, the Freedman Gallery has hosted nearly 350 exhibitions and annually offers a rotation of approximately 10 to 12 shows in its three gallery spaces. From solo to group shows, the gallery’s exhibitions feature a range of media (painting, sculpture, video, photography) by emerging and established artists from across the U.S. At the end of each spring, the season closes with a highly anticipated juried student art show, and last year, the gallery revived its summer program by offering a group show that featured 10 local artists.

For more information about Take Ten 2024, follow on Facebook and Instagram @albrightCFA or visit albright.edu/freedman. There is no charge for admission, and the opening lectures and receptions are also free and open to the public.

These events offer a great opportunity to meet artists and enjoy refreshments while catching up with friends. To be added to the mailing and/or monthly e-newsletter lists, email dtanner@albright.edu. For hours of operation, call 610.921.7715.

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PHOTO BY JOHN PANKRATZ, PH.D.

Sparking Innovation: Alvernia's O'Pake Institute Leads the Charge

BY KRISTOPHER NOLT

In the heart of downtown Reading, Alvernia University’s O'Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship stands as a beacon of innovation and community transformation. Established with a commitment to fostering entrepreneurial spirit and economic growth, the O'Pake Institute has rapidly become a cornerstone of regional development and a nurturing ground for future leaders.

The inception of the O'Pake Institute traces back to a legacy of developing ethical leaders with moral courage at Alvernia. Originally founded as the Center for Ethics and Leadership in 2008, the institute was renamed in honor of PA State Senator

Michael O’Pake in 2010, reflecting his dedication to community service. The O'Pake Institute evolved into its current form in 2019, expanding its focus to encompass economic development and entrepreneurship.

Over the past five years, the O'Pake Institute has become a dynamic ecosystem where students, entrepreneurs and community partners converge to ignite change. At its core, the O’Pake Fellows Program epitomizes the university's commitment to experiential learning. Students across disciplines engage in real-world projects, gaining invaluable skills while contributing to local businesses and nonprofits through the SPARK Business Incubator.

“Being a part of the O'Pake Institute has shaped my professional career immensely; I have had amazing opportunities throughout my time at O'Pake to be a part of high-level projects helping clients achieve their goals to elevate their business," says O’Pake Graduate

PHOTO BY JENNIFER WEASNER AND ALVERNIA UNIVERSITY

Assistant Jack Cossa, MBA '24.“Without O'Pake I would not be the young aspiring professional that I am. The experiential learning you receive through O'Pake is the first class that I would recommend to any Alvernia student who is looking to enhance their experience.”

The Spark Business Incubator has nurtured more than 300 small and established businesses, providing them with

essential resources, mentorship and funding. Since its inception in 2020, it now has physical incubator space for tenants in the John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne and expanded services at Alvernia’s Pottsville CollegeTowne location. Clients of the incubator, like Now All Must Evolve (N.A.M.E.) founder Jermell Mitchell, praise Alvernia students and the staff of O’Pake for their assistance.

“The O’Pake Institute has been a true blessing,” says Mitchell. “From the moment I sat and talked to the staff, I knew they could see and believed in my mission. Finally, I could see I was in the right place.”

Looking to the future, the O’Pake Institute has plans to expand its reach across the Greater Berks County and Eastern Pennsylvania regions, deepening its work in the City of Reading with its expansion into the former American House building and continuing to replicate its unique studentpowered entrepreneurial model across the U.S.

“We look forward to the unique studentpowered entrepreneurial model being replicated across the globe with partners who are aligned with Alvernia and the O’Pake Institute’s mission to integrate business incubation, community partnerships, [and] staff expertise with the student experience,” says Alvernia VP and Chief Operating Officer of the O’Pake Institute Rodney S. Ridley Sr., Ph.D., RTTP. “This will allow us to continue making an impact on the entrepreneurial landscape and economic development in the communities we serve but, most importantly, on the lives of our students.”

Percussive Innovation Unveiled:

The Wells-Rapp Center for Mallet Percussion Research at Kutztown University

Tucked within Kutztown University (KU) lies the Wells-Rapp Center for Mallet Percussion Research, a beacon of rhythmic exploration and education for all. Named after two emeritus faculty members from KU’s music department, Dr. Richard Wells and Dr. Will Rapp, the center, which opened in spring 2023, boasts state-of-theart facilities equipped with marimbas, vibraphones, xylophones and more. Beyond its role as a practice and performance space, the center serves as a dynamic hub for history, research and collaboration. Several exhibits celebrate the rich

history of mallet percussion, including the instrument’s international origins, women in percussion, the Green brothers and Clair Omar Musser, the visionary credited with bringing the marimba to classical music. Faculty and students engage in innovative studies on instrument design, acoustics and historical repertoire. Through workshops, masterclasses and performances, the center extends its reach to percussionists of all ages and levels, fostering a culture of creativity and exploration.

During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Rapp, who serves on the center’s board of directors, remarked, “Little did I realize when I brought Clair Omar Musser to Millersville University in 1979 to conduct a reunion concert of members

of his 1935 International Marimba Symphony Orchestra that we would be here today in a facility preserving his legacy as well as many other important mallet percussion artists who shaped the history of this beautiful instrument.”

Community outreach is central to the center's mission. From beginner workshops

to professional collaborations, the center enriches the cultural landscape through vibrant performances and interactions. By inviting guest and international artists, it elevates musical experiences for audiences far and wide.

As the Wells-Rapp Center continues to evolve, its impact on the community grows stronger. With a commitment to excellence, innovation and inclusivity, it invites all to join in the journey of percussive exploration and discovery.

Learn more here: bit.ly/3JYkhlV.

What’s on Stage at: Reading Area Community College’s Miller Center for the Arts

The Miller Center for the Arts is a 500-seat theater located on the campus of Reading Area Community College (RACC) and is a hub of cultural and artistic events in Reading. It is home to world-class artists, community events, countless rental activities and RACC student productions. From Grammy-winning musicians to captivating modern dance performances, there is truly something for everyone. This fall, Grammy Award-winning Walking in Memphis singer-songwriter Marc Cohn will be performing. Cohn is best known for his soulful voice and poignant lyrics. And Ailey II, the esteemed modern dance company from

the legendary Alvin Ailey, promises to deliver breathtaking performances that showcase the talent and spirit of young dancers.

In 2024, the Miller Center is proud to host several educational performances. Local oboe player and composer Jill Haley returns with her latest album, Alaskan Soundscapes, inspired by her artist-in-residence experiences in various U.S. National Parks. Additionally, they are excited to introduce a new addition to the lineup National Geographic Live. This fall, Tree Canopy Ecologist Nalini Nadkarni will take the stage to delve into the fascinating wildlife and scientific wonders found above our heads. Students and community members alike will gain a fresh perspective on the world around us, both below and above, after experiencing this presentation!

Perfect for families, John Westford the Illusionist is coming too. This magical night promises not only mind-bending illusions but also John's famous quick wit, bringing something new and special every time. This time around, John has something really big up his sleeve, a trick so large that he needs the big stage to make it happen!

If you are a fan of soulful blues and electrifying rock, don’t miss your chance to experience the North Mississippi Allstars live! Founded by brothers Luther and Cody Dickenson, this band combines forces with the talented Jesse Williams on bass and Lamar Williams, Jr. on vocals to bring incredible chemistry to the stage.

Another band of brothers is slate to take the stage as well. The Gatlin Brothers is a Grammy Award-winning trio known for their American country and Southern gospel tunes. Their tight harmonies and heartfelt performances have made them a beloved fixture in the country music scene.

In addition to its regular season of shows, the Miller Center is the proud home to RACC’s new Theater Arts Program. Adding another layer of excitement, free performances that showcase the talent of RACC students are offered to the public. In previous years, audiences have been treated to productions such as Young Frankenstein and Something Rotten.

There is always something going on at Reading Area Community College and the Miller Center! For more information or to check out recently announced shows visit millercenter.racc.edu or call the box office at 610.602.6270.

MILLER CENTER for

in Greater Reading

BY JON FASSNACHT

It’s the universal language. Music can pump up or soothe, motivate or relax, get you through a tough time or vividly evoke good times. You can enjoy it passively, appreciating its creation from the hands or throats of a consummate professional, or actively, making it on your own. Greater Reading is home to nearly a dozen organizations that offer numerous ways to do both.

Arts

Founded in 1969 as Berks Arts Council, this organization is best known for presenting three area festivals highlighting music professionals the worldrenowned Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest, the bluesy offshoot Reading Blues Fest and the recently reimagined Berks Summer Fest. But the group, which aims “to inspire, engage and unite our community through arts education, collaboration and presentation,” also supports the area’s aspiring amateur musicians. The Jazz Fest’s music education program, getJazzed, offers workshops and summer camps, jam sessions with top-tier musicians and scholastic music festivals. A partnership with Music Educators of Berks County led to the Senior County Music Festival, the Junior County Music Festival, the 6th Grade Band & String Fest and the 6th Grade Song Fest. The organization also offers the Young Artist Scholarship program, supporting those pursuing careers in the arts.

For more info: berksarts.org Make a donation: berksarts.org/donate

Berks Opera Company

This organization isn’t quiet about its goals, proclaiming in large font at the top of its website, “We Make Noise!” In fact, the noise created by the students of voice instructors/music educators Francine Black and daughter Tamara led to the organization’s incorporation in 2009. The students wanted to tackle more challenging material, so the Blacks founded Berks Opera Company, aiming to teach artists how best to perform it and teach audiences how best to appreciate it. Along with performing in traditional venues, Berks Opera Company artists take the art form directly to the people with Spring and Autumn Opera Nights at Judy’s on Cherry in Reading and performances at the American Diner in West Reading. It also performs operatic versions of shows for children in collaboration with the Yocum Institute for Arts Education and Reading Theater Project. Other community outreach efforts include Unleashing Your Inner Opera Fan, which consists of presentations highlighting an upcoming Metropolitan Opera Live in HD simulcast, and special programs at area colleges. Plans for the 2024-25 season include a party in August with a bluegrass band and opera singers, a barbecue and wine tasting; a staging of holiday favorite Hansel & Gretel in collaboration with Albright College; and a professional production in summer 2025.

For more info: berksopera.org

Make a donation: Click the PayPal link at berksopera.org.

Berks Sinfonietta

Aspiring to be a hub for classical music in Berks, this nonprofit chamber orchestra has goals that expand beyond simply performing and promoting the music. According to its mission statement, Berks Sinfonietta wants to build camaraderie among its players, the audience and the community; aims to create a diverse and inclusive organization that reflects the area; and hopes its multigenerational and eclectic ensemble leads to mentorship through music. Its commitment to diversity extends beyond its members; it regularly spotlights music composed by women, people of color and living artists, an attempt to quash the narrative that classical music only consists of compositions by white men from centuries past. Founded in 2014, Berks Sinfonietta experienced growth during its first few years before COVID relegated its concerts to Zoom. Since resuming in-person performances, the orchestra has resumed growing its audience, allowing it to add a seventh concert to its 2024-2025 schedule. Its 11th season kicks off Aug. 17 with a performance of Mahler’s First Symphony at Atonement Lutheran Church in Wyomissing.

For more info: berkssinfonietta.org Make a donation: berkssinfonietta.org/donate

Friends of Chamber Music Reading

This nonprofit aims “to foster classical chamber music of the highest caliber,” making it accessible by presenting concerts with no admission fee. During the early years after its founding in 1953, the organization offered two concerts from one ensemble each year. It has since expanded to present six performances by six professional ensembles. Its mission also includes bringing those artists into area schools to educate and inspire the next generation. The group’s 2023-24 season featured performances by the Amernet Quartet with Matthew Bengtson on piano, the Aeolus Quartet, the Weiss Kaplan Stumpf Trio, the AYA Piano Trio, the Dalí Quartet and the Brentano String Quartet. The 2024-25 season will kick off in the fall. All concerts take place in the WCR Center for the Arts on N. Fifth Street in Reading.

For more info: chambermusicreading.org

Make a donation: Click the “Donate” link at chambermusicreading.org

KU Presents!

The original Performing Artists Series at Kutztown University started in 1988 with a mission of “bringing worldclass live arts that can entertain, educate and enrich” and “providing access to a variety of performing arts in the broadest sense to patrons of all ages.” Its initial season featured three performances; its just-concluded 2023-2024 season tallied 11. Its offerings are split into two categories: the Performing Artists Series and the Family Series, the latter of which is aimed at young audiences. Artists who have performed at the university include Grover Washington Jr., The Wallflowers, Roseanne Cash, the Branford Marsalis Quartet, Audra McDonald, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and Mark Morris Dance. The organization also collaborates with the Kutztown University Arts Society to present shows and workshops for K-12 students in an initiative called P.L.A.Y. (Promoting the Love of Arts in Youth). The Arts Society covers the costs for visiting artists, production and transportation. Each season, KU Presents! works with the artists to offer master classes, workshops and meet-and-greets for Kutztown students.

For more info: kutztownpresents.org

Make a donation: Donations can be added to any ticket purchase.

Miller Center for the Arts

Located on the Reading Area Community College (RACC) campus, the Miller Center for the Arts solved the city of Reading’s Goldilocks problem. Before the 500-seat theater opened, the downtown had no place to stage performances by artists who were too popular for the city’s smaller venues but not enough of a draw to pack the 1,800-seat Santander Performing Arts Center. Enter Arrow International founder Marlin Miller, who worked with RACC’s leadership to conceive and construct the Miller Center, which spawned the Downtown Performing Arts series. About to kick off its 17th season, the series has presented renowned dance troupes, comedians, live theater performances, children’s entertainment and a wide range of musical offerings, including Judy Collins, Three Dog Night, Taj Mahal, Mary Chapin Carpenter and Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest shows. It also showcases student productions by RACC’s theater department, allowing students to perform at the venue multiple times a year. Additionally, the Miller Center hosts community events and is available for rental.

For more info: millercenter.racc.edu

Make a donation: Click the “Donate to the Miller Center for the Arts via the Foundation for RACC” link at millercenter.racc.edu.

Reading Symphony Orchestra

One of the nation’s oldest continuously operating symphonies, the Reading Symphony Orchestra has enriched the Berks community since 1913. Performing a diverse repertoire spanning classical to contemporary, the orchestra has shared the stage with illustrious guest soloists, including soprano Renée Fleming, pianists Yuja Wang and Fabio Bidini, violinists Midori and Pinchas Zukerman and guitarist Jason Vieaux. Among its educational and outreach programs are the Reading Symphony Youth Orchestra and Junior String Program, which allows students to perform advanced orchestral pieces under the tutelage of professionals; the Orchestra Zone program, which provides free, private instrumental music lessons to underserved students in the Reading School District; and the Masterclass series, which allows community members to learn from visiting soloists. Its 2024-2025 season kicks off Sept. 28 with a program highlighted by a performance of Brahms’ Symphony No. 1

For more info: readingsymphony.org

Make a donation: readingsymphony.org/become-a-donor

Reading Pops Orchestra

Composed of musicians from the Greater Reading area and surrounding counties, the Reading Pops Orchestra has entertained lovers of all kinds of music since 1969. (“Pops” designates a symphony orchestra that performs semiclassical music or arrangements of popular music.) Reading Pops’ eclectic repertoire includes well-known classics along with pieces by American contemporary composers, such as George Gershwin and Leonard Bernstein, and popular tunes from Broadway musicals and Hollywood soundtracks. Its concerts include the Sunday with the Pops Series at the Miller Center for the Arts; Nutcracker performances with Berks Ballet Theatre; Side-by-Side Concerts, featuring area high school students performing alongside Pops musicians; the annual Fathers’ Day and Juneteenth Celebration Concert at the Green Valley Chateau Tent; and the Concert in the Park at the Wyomissing Stone House.

For more info: readingpops.com Make a donation: readingpops.com/donate-support

PHOTO COURTESY READING POPS ORCHESTRA

Yocum Institute for Arts Education

It has a different name and resides at a different location than when it was founded, but the Yocum Institute for Arts Education has been an integral part of Berks County’s arts fabric for nearly a century. Established in 1934 as the Wyomissing Institute of Fine Arts, Yocum enriches the community through arts education, performance and programming. The institute’s classes include visual arts, theater, dance and martial arts along with residencies, summer camps, kindergarten and preschool, plays and musicals and gallery space. In its music wing, outfitted with five private studios and one large studio, Yocum offers classes and private instruction in voice, guitar, ukulele, piano, woodwinds and bagpipes. Music classes are also offered. Its Berks Piano Quartet, featuring accomplished keyboard players recommended by area teachers, has performed more than 60 concerts throughout the region. Yocum also offers Jazz on the Avenue, a monthly concert series featuring live jazz performances in its Schumo Theater.

For more info: yocuminstitute.org

Make a donation: yocuminstitute.org/donate

Birding

Making Friends with Berks County’s ( & Beyond) Community

BY DONNA REED

PHOTOS BY JOHN A. SECOGES, SECOGES PHOTOGRAPHICS

John Secoges really loves to shoot birds.

In fact, he does it nearly every day.

He entices them to his Spring Township backyard with all kinds of avian yummies suet, seeds and those oh-so-savory mealworms. He’ll stand nearly motionless, focus on his

articles and other features. The award-winning photographer started his 36-year-long professional career at the Reading Eagle and went on to establish his own business, Secoges Photographics, also based in Spring Township, specializing in corporate, scholastic and event photography.

Like many small businesses, Secoges Photographics experienced a downturn when COVID brought the world to a stop in March 2020

NORTHERN FLICKER FEEDING BABIES

SHARP-SHINNED HAWK

A Sense of

Intrigue

Primarily stuck at home, John found himself intrigued by the different kinds of birds stopping by the feeder or cavorting in the birdbath on the patio just outside the kitchen door.

Picking up his iPhone and then the various lenses of his professional camera, he began documenting the birds.

He and Josh, then a middle schooler, bought a bird book at the local grocery store to start identifying the different species.

A call followed to Secoges’ former colleague, Reading Eagle photo editor Bill Uhrich. A member of the legendary Baird Ornithological Club and the author of A Century of Bird Life in Berks County Uhrich was the go-to guy to guide father and

son through migratory habits, including stops and feedings.

Soon it became clear that the Secoges’ backyard was visited every day by nearly 20 different species.

How they perched in different trees, shrubs and the arborvitae in and surrounding the backyard became another point of interest.

Seeing their behaviors, John placed a trio of feeders in the open middle of the yard near those perching areas.

BLUE JAY

Appetizing Treats

“The first thing I learned is that birds feed by sight,” he says.

The feeders, all on poles with baffles to hinder squirrel access, boast a variety of styles, sizes and contents. There is a green-roofed house for suet, which attracts woodpeckers that hang on upside-down to feed. There is a plastic domed flat feeder, a great place for the blue birds’ mealworm feasts. Cylinder feeders are pretty much universally enjoyed by all kinds of birds. In mid-May, John sets up a hummingbird feeder filled with sugar water to catch the fast, tiny birds on their treks north.

It's important, he notes, to rotate the types of foods offered both from seasonal and species attraction standpoints. It’s also kind and considerate to the birds to keep the feeders clean, avoiding mold buildup and other bacteria that could contribute to disease.

A frequent visitor, the Carolina wren, has proven to be John’s favorite.

Other documented guests include the blue birds, blue jays, northern cardinals, cedar waxwings, robins, a variety of woodpeckers, mourning doves, house finches, sparrows and warblers.

Among the least welcome but most frequent visitors, from John’s perspective, are the omnipresent European starlings, who seem bent on chasing the other birds away and consuming as much feed as possible.

They are unable to gain upside down footing on the woodpecker feeder. Using feeding cylinders made of or filled with safflower seeds also deters because the starlings’ beaks are incompatible with the seeds.

KEEPING PEOPLE WARM SINCE

(LEFT TO RIGHT) RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER, AMERICAN GOLDFINCH, WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH

Who’s Come to Dinner

As of mid-May, with a few years of experience in the care and feeding of backyard birds, John has documented an enviable variety taking advantage of his hospitality.

“To this day, I have no idea how 52 species have found their way to my backyard,” says John. “I often wonder how many I’ve missed.”

One of those missed is relatively common around here the Baltimore oriole. While some of its kind may have stopped by, not one has been “shot” by John.

Among the most fleeting visitors are scarlet tanagers, which maybe spend a day or two in late spring, followed by cedar waxwings, which also make a pit stop. Other elusive visitors have included the eastern wood-pewee, the pileated woodpecker and indigo bunting (more commonly seen at open spaces like Blue Marsh but photographed by Josh on the retaining wall).

Also photographed was a banded homing pigeon, which stuck around for four or five days.

in 2020, and disoriented,” John says.

some “generational” avian families that have made the Secoges backyard an annual migratory stop.

Carolina chickadees are regulars as are tufted titmouses. Northern flickers seem to nest in a nearby tree every year, and John enjoys watching them fledge.

NORTHERN CARDINAL (MALE)

LIVING IN STYLE

Nature & Technological Nurture

John’s ability to capture these varieties of birds in detail is a testimony to his talent and the technology he employs.

As Bill Uhrich notes, John’s use of a wireless, mirrorless (e.g. silent electronic shutter), remote camera enables spectacular photos. The birds take little to no notice of the object (camera) near them, but sensors note their presence. John can get the perfect shot simply by focusing with his iPad, even his iWatch from his kitchen table vantage point or anywhere, really.

“This is the next level of technology,” says Uhrich. “No more sitting around motionless to get the best shot. The detail he’s able to get with birds and small wildlife is no less than spectacular.”

No more sitting around motionless to get the best shot. ”

Both men say expensive equipment is not necessary. Modern cellphones boast amazing quality shots. When using professional cameras, John says 70- to 200-millimeter lenses will be fine.

“There’s no need for real high-end equipment,” John says. “Use what you have. If you’re shooting through a door or window, make sure there’s not a screen there that can hurt your photo.”

Uhrich, who lives in an East Reading rowhome near the foot of Mount Penn and a block from City Park, asserts that no yard is too small to create an avian feeding environment.

“Our backyard attracts all sorts of migratory and foraging birds,” he says, the most common city birds being chimney swifts, house sparrows, cardinals, starlings, robins, wrens and even peregrine falcons. The chimney swifts (up to 10,000 of them) roost annually in the late summer at the Reading High School chimney.

“That’s something to see!” he says.

EASTERN BLUEBIRDS

BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE

& Hideaways

Like Uhrich, the Secoges also live near a hill the South Mountain and benefit from its proximity and their own landscaping.

The smallish backyard, made cozier by a stone retaining wall, nonetheless is surrounded by mature trees, arborvitae, bushes like lilacs and annual and perennial flowers. All provide harbor and sustenance for the birds. Indeed, a fallen trunk is part of the landscape, an avian smorgasbord of sorts with a steady supply of bugs feasting on its decomposing innards.

The retaining wall also provides hiding places to protect the birds and small wildlife from visiting Cooper’s and sharp-shinned hawks who find them tasty treats. Indeed, during a recent visit, John noted a pile of likely mourning dove feathers, telltale leftovers.

A favorite chipmunk, nicknamed Stubby due to his short tail, scurries back and forth from the patio to the wall, munching on fallen food and the peanuts John occasionally offers the chipmunks and squirrels.

“I think his whole day job is to avoid being eaten himself,” John laughs.

John sources his equipment and feed from the Wild Birds Unlimited, located in the nearby Shillington Towne Center.

NORTHERN CARDINAL (FEMALE)

Equipping the Hobby

Owner Heather Peterson and store manager Dwight Schell note 2024 marks the franchise’s (there are also stores in Allentown, Lehigh County and Wayne, Delaware County) 40th anniversary. The local store, which moved to its current location in 2021, is celebrating its 30th year in Berks.

Peterson and Schell say the pandemic created a spiked interest in backyard birding, and a number of new customers began taking the hobby seriously. That families, parents and children are taking collective joy in backyard birding has considerably altered the usual demographics of the hobby.

“We have a 6-year-old customer who really knows his birds,” says Schell, who also noted a mom with her four homeschooled children visited to kickstart their new adventure

The common queries they pose to the new birders include the kind of backyard space (open or wooded, large or small, rural or more urban), where feeders may be placed (in trees, on a deck, on a pole system or even window boxes) and deterring those pesky squirrels baffles on the bird feeder posts are very effective.

Some will come in with a whole list of equipment they want; others will just start with one feeder and food.

“We ask, ‘What kind of birds do you want to attract?’” says Schell, noting the 14 varieties of bird seed in inventory are appealing to different species.

Peterson says it’s also important to consider the season. For instance, birds find the least natural food in later winter and early spring, so that’s an important time to provide feed. Summer and fall are prime for birds finding food in the wild, but by late November, filled backyard feeders are again important.

As does John Secoges, Schell stresses the importance of a water source to attract birds. Be it fancy or basic, a bird bath is always a good investment. The movement of water is especially enticing. To that end, wigglers battery- or solar-powered have become popular. Providing a heating element in the winter is also understandably appealing to the birds.

COMMON GRACKLE

The Birdman of Berks

Peterson is enjoying her interaction with the of local birding, Jack Holcomb of WEEU radio’s venerable Jack’s Backyard, which runs Saturday morning from 8 to 10am. Wild Birds Unlimited is a sponsor of the show that hundreds tune in to speak with Holcomb and get his experiential advice.

One might call Holcomb an accidental birder.

“The boss (General Manager K. Richard Creitz) called me into his office in August of 1965 and said: ‘You are doing a talk show on birds.’ It was a syndicated program from an ad agency in Baltimore,” Holcomb recalls. “As you know, I played it straight and learned. The Baird Ornithological Club, Hawk Mountain and many good people guided me along the way.”

In 1965, he had already been part of the WEEU staff for nine years, starting when the station was located on Penn Street and manning the 4pmto-midnight slot. His birding show aired Mondays through Fridays for 15 minutes. When the ad agency exited in the mid 1970s, the program continued with Jack and was called Bird Talk.

From December 1979 through January 2001, Holcomb served as host for the mainstay morning Feedback program, weaving bird talk around and through contemporary news topics. Though he retired from full-time employment, he maintained his affiliation with WEEU with the fledging Jack’s Backyard, which continues growing its loyal audience.

“I learn something every week from my listeners and find that we all are concerned about the health of our natural world,” he says.

At 90-something, Holcomb is cheered by a renaissance in the avian avocation. Though the program is about nature in general, he estimates about 85 percent of the calls focus on bird life and listeners’ observations.

“Although the numbers have been increasing on all fronts in recent years, I would believe there are more backyard birdwatchers,” he says. “However, because of this interest, more people are wanting to learn more and venture out to look at more birds.”

John and Josh Secoges, Bill Uhrich and Jack Holcomb all believe the observation of birds goes far in soothing the soul.

“It’s peaceful, just watching the birds eat and identifying them,” says Josh, now 18, a recent

Wilson High graduate and incoming Bloomsburg University freshman.

“It does wonders for mental health, especially during the isolation of the pandemic,” says John. “If you have a bad day, the activity of the birds will pull you up. It’s really been beneficial to me, including keeping my camera skills sharp. It’s been a real plus, and now I’m just enjoying it.”

Full Salute!

TO SALUTE RISTORANTE ITALIAN

BY MARIAN FRANCES WOLBERS | PHOTOS BY HEIDI REUTER

When Berks County Living first covered Salute in 2016, the consummate restaurateur and host Giovanni Giannotti had set out on a path to bring 100 percent authentic Italian cuisine to this region. Per his vision, he was already inviting Italian chefs to contribute, learn and share their culinary talents in his kitchen; he delighted in introducing them to the U.S. while simultaneously introducing their regional specialties to patrons. Eight years and a worldwide pandemic later, Salute has proven its staying power, not just surviving but thriving. Tables are full most nights, and now there are four Italian chefs cooking, with two more at his pizza business, Dante's 900. When celebrating special occasions or the end of a long day, Berks Countians regularly think of Salute first. It’s fine dining one can count on, combining standard favorites mixed in with Italian specialties one is unlikely to encounter except in Southern, Central or Northern Italy. This year, says Jessica Giannotti, they’ve added more: “We’re authentic Italian, but we’re not just Italian food — we also have steaks, seafood and many other dishes.”

Giovanni still invites chefs to Berks County. “The chefs come here and cook each dish exactly as it’s made in the home country,” says Jessica.

Crème Brûlée

Genovese

Divine Genovese, Naples-style Eggplant, Scrumptious Bruschetta

The drinks are great, including well-chosen Chianti and other wines, but virtually everything from the bar satisfies. Their Rob Roy Italiano, served with a side pitcher, warms you all the way down.

If you’re lucky, Chef Benny from Marche (pronounced Mar’ kay), might visit your table to chat. According to Jessica, one of the most popular dishes he makes is Genovese, from Campagna. “The beef is cooked for hours, so it literally melts in your mouth,” she says. Chef Benny adds, “It’s eight or nine hours for the beef to get ready, and it ends up a bit sweet because for every pound of beef, I put in a LOT of white onions.”

Meat gets added to pasta called casarecce, short little “straws” or tubes with straight-line openings down one side and the other. Cheesy and meaty, this dish is satisfyingly chewy and meaty, addictively so.

Chef Benny also creates a special dish from Naples that comes in a cup containing thin-sliced eggplant fried (without bread ing), luxuriating in a rich baked tomato sauce. Chef Benny claims, “This is the real thing…and the sauce makes the difference!” For fullest flavor and savory effect, this pasta-less eggplant is oven-baked with fresh mozzarella and tangy Parmesan cheese, plus aromatic basil leaves. “Don’t use spoons,” Chef advises. “You eat it with a fork!” On the side: rectangles of

baked bread chips for dipping and scooping. Truly a taste of heaven for Eggplant Parm lovers, the combo of acidic and mild, silky, chewy and crunchy reflect Chef Benny’s passion: “I like to play with the consistencies, with the textures.”

Salute’s Bruschetta appetizer has always been a must-order, and — as if it’s even possible — it’s even more amazing today. Chef explains they’re starting with Southern-style, crispy-firm, deep-toasted (charred) bread, and “it has to have a lot of tomatoes on it!” One swig of Chianti, then one chomp into Bruschetta, and the experience is instantly juicy beyond juicy, garden-light and crispy, as a rounded, gentle Balsamic vinegar kisses the chopped tomatoes, onions, peppery arugula and basil. What a crazily complex, textural treat! “We’re a little more oriented toward the Center and the South with this,” explains Chef Benny. “I like to use different flavors — sweet, bitter, salty — to make the perfect dish.”

Oh-So-Tender Ribeye and Marvelous Mediterranean Sea Bass

Steak lovers will swoon over Salute’s Ribeye. It’s impossible to tease out exactly what makes this entrée so darned delicious, but surely it’s that combination of prime-cut meat, somewhat charred, prepped with seasonings that serve to superbly amplify the beef flavor. This entrée may be paired with veggie sides, but consider setting your sights on Salute’s roasted, smashed and roasted-again potato. OMG yummy. Candied carrots top off this feast. Naturally, Salute gives equal devotion to treasures from the sea, with an outstanding FlashFried Calamari and, on certain nights, an octopus dish that one diner remarked was “the best I’ve ever had — and I even had this in New Zealand!”

For an exquisite fish entrée, Jessica advises, “We have three different kinds of Branzino — so the customer can choose.” The Mediterranean Sea Bass is handsdown fabulous. The gorgeous white fish lifts easily onto your fork, having been topped with an herbaceous “non-breading” that hugs the bass itself. It’s simmered with cherry tomatoes, garlic, capers, white wine and Calabrese olives. For a side, extra-virgin olive oil and toasted garlic enliven bright-green broccolini.

The final act? Ask Jessica, whose mouthwatering desserts include Crème Brûlée, Chocolate Lava Cake, a delicately tart Limoncello Cheesecake and specialty cannoli.

Garlic Bread Bruschetta

Eggplant Parmigiana

Gratinated Branzino

Ribeye (Prime Cut)

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