AROUND TOWN

From Fan to Business Owner

Danielle Zeamer discovered Clean Eatz about two years as a customer. She says simply, “I got weekly meal plans and fell in love with the concept. It saved me so much time and gave me healthy and delicious meals I could eat on the go with an extremely busy lifestyle.” Now she’s brought Clean Eatz to Wyomissing. Zeamer explains that Clean Eatz is multifaceted: it’s an eat-in café with an amazing menu for everyone, including food for kids; a graband-go area with frozen meals that Zeamer likens to grocery store shopping (shop those you like and stock up); and a weekly meal plan service that changes each week and allows customers to shop online. No subscription is required. Café meal favorites include the build-a-bowl option as it’s customizable and the “Watch Your Waist Wrap.” Asserts Zeamer, “We do all the work for you so you can have more time for the things you need. We’re here to help you gain, maintain or lose weight and to create a lifestyle of clean eating.” Open daily. For more info visit cleaneatz.com. – NIKKI M. MURRY

A New, Unique Event Space Opens

Looking for an out-of-the-ordinary event space with a spectacular view? You can find it, perhaps unsurprisingly, at Berks Nature. The Rookery opened this past March and is an environmentally responsible and aesthetically respectful addition to the existing camp of The Nature Place. Set atop Berks Nature’s Preschool, the airy interior and rooftop patio can host up to 300 with a lookout over 100 acres of Angelica Creek Park. Berks Nature’s intent is to utilize The Rookery to expand its educational programming and to rent the space for additional income to support the nonprofit. Says Berks Nature President Kim Murphy, “This additional space will enable Berks Nature to significantly increase our impact in the community by helping to connect thousands of people to nature.” The Rookery addition emphasizes sustainable architecture, too. Energy efficiency is addressed by using sheep wool insulation and natural light is maximized through ample window design and placement. For more info visit berksnature.org. – NIKKI M. MURRY

Nature Appreciation at Heart of Junior Gardener Program

Are you the parent of a young nature lover? If you answered “yes,” then the Junior Gardener Adventure Program at Riverview Garden and Gifts in Temple is a must to check out. Aimed at children age 7 to 12 years and their parents, participants stop in for an adventure journal and parents sign up to receive Adventure Challenge emails. Each Friday morning a new challenge is released for parents and children to tackle. Alternately, parents can join a dedicated Facebook group for the updates. Children should document their adventures in their journals by drawing, writing, taking pictures and the like. Once four challenges have been completed, stop back in to claim an Adventure Award in the form of a sticker, pin or a prize from the prize bin. The program runs year-round and adventures are released suited to every season. Says Alaina Salks at Riverview, “One of my favorite challenges is the nature mandala. You collect objects from nature and make your own mandala from what you found.” Learn more by visiting online at gardensandgifts. com/junior-gardener-program. – NIKKI M. MURRY

Kutztown Folk Festival Back In-Person

Head to the Fairgrounds in Kutztown July 2 through 10 for the Kutztown Folk Festival, America’s Oldest Folklife Festival, as it returns to in-person status.

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Crafts.

The festival features more than 200 of America’s finest craftsmen and folk artists, including such mediums as papercutting, pottery, metalworking, chair caning and much more.

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For the Kids.

There are activities galore for children, including a popular petting zoo, puppet making, story time, sing-along music and barn star drawing, just to name a sampling.

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Great Eats.

Food is absolutely a festival highlight. Make room for a fullcourse Pennsylvania Dutch meal, some funnel cake, apple dumplings or corn fritters. New this year is the Fresh Fest Market with healthier offerings featuring local ingredients.

Want to learn more? Visit kutztownfestival.com.

Blast Off for Independence Day

FirstEnergy Stadium will be home to not one, but two opportunities to view grand fireworks displays Independence Day weekend. On both July 2 and 3 after the 6:45pm Reading Fightins game, attendees can enjoy Mega Blast Fireworks, billed as the largest fireworks show in stadium history. For more info visit fightins.com.

Quirky & Cool Inside the Nitro Bar

BY KELLY TANGER| PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE NITRO BAR

Nothing is more fun than spending time with friends and family, mixing conversation with nostalgia. Adam Cocuzza, creator and co-founder of Nitro Bar in West Reading, creatively blends a little old and a little new, while also honoring a piece of Berks County history. Built in 1913, the building at 416 Penn Avenue was once the West Reading Motor and Hardware Company, a bustling automotive dealership. Years later, it became well-known as A to Z Vacuum. Today, Cocuzza has reawakened the automotive history of the space, incorporating auto-related memorabilia throughout.

Walk Into History

Step into the Nitro Bar you’re walking into a snapshot of history. As your eyes roam the walls, you’ll discover an array of Reading automotive memorabilia. A few items to take special notice of include the photos and mural of the Reading Standard Motorcycle, which was built around the time of WWI. As you look beyond the photos to the brick walls and follow the wall up to the ceiling, both are pieces of the building’s original structure from 1913. Keeping the automotive history and the essence of Reading and Berks County on the surface, Cocuzza says, “was a way for me to capture the history of the building, capture the history of the area and keep the food very historical to Berks County.” Unique Food

Speaking of food, the Nitro Bar offers plate after plate of unique, mouthwatering items to sink your teeth into. One of the top sellers is the burger. While not anything fancy or complicated, it’s the comfort food many of us love. Cocuzza says, “It’s just a down-to-earth simple bar burger.” He adds, “We also feature a modern take on the old Berks County bar and diner items.” This spin on the menu includes a Lebanon Bologna Cheesesteak, featuring a delicious hoagie roll filled with shaved Lebanon bologna, caramelized onions, cheese sauce and a few other special add-ins. Accompany this with an ice-cold Reading Premium beer. Other great options to explore include house-pickled red beet eggs, the Dutch platter, seasonal desserts like Shoofly pie, fastnachts and more. Wednesdays feature half-off wings, and Thursday sees All-You-Can-Eat Mussels.

Delicious Drinks

Every delicious meal should be paired with an equally delicious drink. Staying true to Reading-Berks roots, local beers are served, with Reading Premium always on tap. Out of the 16 taps, six are nitro taps, creating a creamy and smooth drink texture. For the cocktail lovers, you’ll find spirits handcrafted with Nitro Bar’s own mixes and simple syrups. Let your mind drift back to the Prohibition era and enjoy a classic Manhattan, a refreshing martini or choose from a number of other satisfying options.

Whether sitting at the bar or gathered around a table with friends, be sure to take notice of the wooden surfaces. Both the bar and tables were handcrafted by our neighboring Lancaster Amish community, giving a true rustic look and feel. Another aspect to notice is the complete absence of televisions. Cocuzza shares, “We really want people to enjoy our company, enjoy each other’s company and have a proper experience.”

FUN FACTS

Nostalgic Entertainment. Have fun playing shuffleboard, an 8-bit arcade game or pick a tune on the jukebox with at least 100 vinyl records inside. Live music is featured every Tuesday night. Environmental Commitment. In their effort to go green, no single-use plastics are used, drinks are served with paper straws, and solar panels are positioned on the roof.

IN THE LIMELIGHT WITH Heather Zimmerman

Executive Director of the Kutztown Folk Festival

BY CHRISTINA J. STEFFY | PHOTO BY JOHN A. SECOGES, SECOGES PHOTOGRAPHICS

Heather Zimmerman is still new in her executive director role with the Kutztown Folk Festival, a world-renowned event that draws 100,000 visitors over nine days. She is ready to honor this traditional celebration of PA Dutch culture while leading changes for a new generation of attendees.

Why did you decide to take on this role with the Folk Festival? I grew up in Berks County, and I graduated from Kutztown University (KU), so I heard about the Festival my entire life. Although KU is right across the street from the Festival, I didn’t attend as a student, but I attended after graduation. I then worked in hotel sales and operations for 30 years, and we often partnered with the Festival in some way. When the executive director role opened up, I felt my hospitality experience prepared me for it, and I was up for a new career challenge.

You started in June 2021 when the Folk Festival was in its second virtual year due to the pandemic. What was that like? It was interesting. I started at the end of June, so the virtual Festival was almost over. But I was here in time to get our Fall Fest off the ground, and this was good practice for the larger Festival. We plan to continue Fall Fest, and we have some new things coming to the Folk Festival this year. Right now, I’m really looking forward to my first Folk Festival experience and seeing everything come together.

Can you tell me more about Fall Fest and your new Festival programming? Fall Fest is a day-long event in town with various vendors, entertainers, artisans and fun and educational events. We also have a Farm-to-Table dinner in the fall, which is provided by Kutztown’s Rodale Institute. During the Folk Festival this summer, we’re adding a “home sweet homegrown” dinner on the field after the Festival closes for the day; this will be provided by Kutztown’s Hive restaurant. We’re also adding a farm fresh market on the Festival grounds to offer different types of food to attendees.

What’s the farthest anyone has traveled to attend the Folk Festival? We can confirm we’ve had guests from as far away as Germany. In fact, one of our entertainers, Dr. Michael Werner, is from the part of Germany where many Pennsylvania Dutch families came from.

It sounds like planning the Festival is a lot of work, especially since you have a small staff. How do you relax when you have some downtime? Yes, it keeps us busy. Other than myself, there are two regular staff members who work year-round. We hire additional Festival staff closer to the event. But when I get to relax, I like to spend time with family and friends, read, take walks and do home projects.

LEARN MORE.

National coverage. The Kutztown Folk Festival has been covered in national news outlets like USA Today and The Washington Post.

Dutch or German? “Pennsylvania Dutch” is used to refer to local Pennsylvania German heritage because, when German immigrants settled in the area, “Dutch” was a blanket term used for German citizens.

John Dusko: “Color Speaks”

BY MARIAN FRANCES WOLBERS

John Dusko is legendary in his commitment to painting Berks County scenes and people. A prolific artist drawn to pastoral and urban images alike, Dusko knows that his oils, pastels and drawings stir up fond nostalgia in oldtimers who “remember when” — even younger citizens and newcomers to the Reading-Berks area become visibly moved when they experience the gentlemanly painter’s impressionistic canvases.

Dusko’s artwork carries viewers on a dreamlike journey, capturing the movement of wind in trees and waterways; the energy of darkening clouds that forecast an impending storm; the palpable heat of a still, hot summer day. In all seasons, Dusko’s brushstrokes pay homage to marshes and fields, paved roads lined with trees, stone houses and faded brick-red barns. With loving care, Dusko portrays numerous industrial forces as well, such as the trains, the Reading Railroad and the laborers. was a good impressionist — studied at the Academy in Philadelphia. He was so sure I had to go to the Academy — he knew some people in there — when I’d graduate from high school.” And so he went.

Along came the Korean War. “I’m a veteran,” says Dusko. But after the war, “I thought, what would I do to make a living? So I went to the School of Visual Arts in New York City. I talked to one of the instructors, he gave me advice to work up a portfolio, and I took it to various ad agencies. At Beaumont Heller & Sperling, I got a job there for a number of years.” Illustration was big then. “Then American Casualty in Reading called me one day. They said, ‘We need an illustrator.’ I did go there, as they offered me more money. I was married and having children by then.”

Then, “I got interested in the history of Reading. I’d go out to do paintings of Penn Street, the Reading Railroad and the Outer Station.”

Blue Marsh Calls

Of everything Dusko has painted, it’s landscapes that he loves best. “Landscape at Blue Marsh in particular,” he says. “I do a lot of things over at Blue Marsh. It’s just about the atmosphere there. It talks to me. I just find it interesting.”

He confesses, “I still love pastels. I started a lot of work with pastels, but the problem with pastels is that pieces need to be framed under glass. So I got back to oils.” With his distinctive style — the essence of life — so evident, Dusko’s art represents the very persona of Berks.

REVELATIONS

Road to Reading

“I’m originally from Pottstown. Starting when I was about 14, I was always interested in art. From Day One, I loved to draw,” he says. “I saw an article in the paper about an artist giving art lessons. My mother called…and so I’ve been painting scenes since that time. I just turned 89.” He adds, “Color speaks. I consider my work impressionistic. My instructor, George Walters,

Dusko smiles as he shares, “My favorite artist is French — Degas.” I lived in Japan for two years, in Yokohama. I painted when I could while there, and I sold them — those Japan paintings.

GRCA Works to Make it Great to Live and Work in Berks County

BY JULIE LARISON, Senior Director of Membership Services, GRCA

As a nonprofit aligned to serve the needs of Berks County’s broad and diverse business community, the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) is dedicated to developing the people and places that advance the economic wellbeing of our region. We are a staff of experts working collaboratively across teams and functions to advance, champion and engage individuals and organizations for the greater good. In our work, we support and produce a variety of programs and services that make a positive impact on the everyday life of Berks residents. When we are doing great work together, we are greater!

ADVANCING Economic & Workforce Development

We advance the economic development of Berks County by attracting job creators and partnering with local companies to expand their businesses. ∙ Secured and administered $3 million in funding through Pennsylvania Industrial Development

Authority (PIDA) and CFDI Rapid Response Program ∙ Expanded local business opportunities with 130+/- acres of land ∙ Attracted 27,000 visitors to Meet Greater Reading and Select Greater Reading websites in the last year ∙ Supported more than 150 companies in our

Manufacturing Industry Partnership program and regional Manufacturing Summit ∙ Served more than 200 companies with workforce and professional development needs ∙ Produced nearly 30 training programs to support innovation and leadership in local companies

CHAMPIONING Business & Community

We champion the needs of business and community and are the only Chamber in Berks that represents business at the city, regional, state and federal levels. GRCA members sent: ∙ 63 letters to the Berks County Commissioners ∙ 57 letters to Gov. Wolf’s office ∙ 183 letters to U.S. House and Senate members ∙ 120 letters to PA House and Senate members We advocate for: ∙ Modern, safe, efficient and reliable infrastructure ∙ Economic recovery and investing in economic growth ∙ Providing a skilled workforce ∙ Regulatory reform and government collaboration ∙ Balanced land use and responsible development ∙ Balanced labor and employment laws ∙ Affordable and accessible employee benefits ENGAGING Networks & Learning

We engage diverse audiences through numerous inperson and virtual events and offer resources and programs that foster connection and collaboration. ∙ 24 annual Women2Women events and workshops ∙ Monthly De Mujer a Mujer events and programming ∙ Family Business Alliance Summer Symposium and

Fall Forum workshops and networking events for small business ∙ Monthly Chamber Networking Experiences ∙ 20 free consultations from our Team of Experts program for small businesses ∙ Outreach and support for Latino-owned businesses through the Latino Business Network and financial education workshop series ∙ Provided leadership development programs for more than 400 individuals to advance their skills and careers

UPCOMING EVENT

Join us for GRCA’s Annual Picnic, Aug. 9, 4:30 to 8:30pm, at FirstEnergy Stadium, Reading. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit greaterreading.org.

AROUND TOWN B SCENE

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FOURTH ANNUAL DAYSPRING HOMES, INC. A STAKE IN THE FUTURE EVENT. 1. Jason & Stacy Grube. 2. Jerry & Carolyn Holleran. 3. Joe & Rita Jurgielewicz. 4. Daneka & Mark Cairnie. 5. Chad & Megan Rutherford. 6. Tom Minick & Vicki Swain. 7. Mike Swain, Bebe & Tom Shahady. 8. Anne & Chris Muvdi. 9. Michael Kleibscheidel & Vi Phan. 10. Josh & Stephanie Tremble. 11. Brandon Epting & Liz Toigo. 12. Kelly & Matt Ruth. 13. Kelly & Bill Ruth. 14. Peter & Deborah Graf. PHOTOS BY HEIDI REUTER.

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BONUS PHOTOS!

Check out BerksCountyLiving.com/ b-scene-photos for these and more photos.

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WYOMISSING PUBLIC LIBRARY 2022 KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY. 1. Stephanie Rawden & Mark Ratcliffe. 2. Tyler Rawden, Victoria Rawden, Noelle Ratcliffe & Grant Rawden. 3. Scott & Colleen Stamm. 4. Eleny & George Zeppos. 5. Chris & Jean Heinley. 6. Mark & Wendy Dougherty. 7. Lori Pichardo & Jim Cinelli. 8. Mike & Lindsay Romeo, Jenni & Darryl Mueller. 9. Mark & Laura Waetjen. 10. Kate Alley & Tom Kosmala. 11. Corinne Brumbach & Seth Adams. 12. Meg & Dr. Chris Valente. 13. Katie & Jeff Rothstein. 14. James & Amanda Spencer. 15. Michelle McCartney & Tyler McCarty. 16. Lisa Tiger & John Herman. 17. Karen & John Arnold. 18. Sarah & Dr. Brian Reedy. 19. Jenny, Alison & Pam Pakradooni. 20. Amanda Levering, Jay Schweid & Stephanie Rado Taormina. 21. Bill & Kate Thornton. 22. Vicki & Bill Jenckes. 23. Jean & Randy Miller. 24. Greg & Mary Ellen Wells, Glynis Fitzgerald. PHOTOS BY KRISTA MOYA PHOTOGRAPHY.

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BONUS PHOTOS! Check out BerksCountyLiving.com/b-scene-photos for these and more photos.