Berks County Living June 2022 by Innovative Designs & Publishing, Inc.

REGION’S PREMIER LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Whiskey & Watches S tyle

MEET BERKS COUNTY

MEN IN BUSINESS

with

SOME LIKE IT

HOT

ON THE JOB, THAT IS

June 2022

10 SPOTS TO

Splash

THIS SUMMER

Happy Hour

Cheese store opening soon!

Tues-Thurs 5pm-7pm with 50% off bottles of wine $5 house wine Live Jazz Every Wednesday 5pm-8pm

600 Penn Ave West Reading, PA 19611 | 610-406-5390 | saycheese-restaurant.com

y r e v e c i s u m ! t h Live g i n y a d s e Tu

* 1/2 Off Wings every Wednesday

All you can eat Mussels every Thursday

nitro-bar.com 416 Penn Ave,West Reading, PA

GOGGLEWORKS SUMMER CAMPS ‘22

Weekly camps from June 20th - Aug. 19th AGES 6-17 Summer Camps are now registering! REGISTER HERE

Scan code or go to goggleworks.org to learn more

Scholarships available! Scan code or go to goggleworks.org to learn more

GoggleWorks Center for the Arts

201 Washington Street Reading PA, 19601 goggleworks.org • 610.374.4600 GW_BCL June_2022.indd 1

LEARN MORE

STREAM ON TiVo Stream brings together all the live, recorded, on demand, and streaming entertainment you could ever want in a single experience.

secv.com/tivostream 800.344.0347

9am — 6pm Daily Kutztown Fairgrounds

KUTZTOWNFESTIVAL.COM

contents JUNE 2022

features

28 Careers that Sizzle

Meet three Berks County residents that relish working in the heat.

32 10 Places to Splash

This Summer

Cool off at these cool spots when the temperatures get unbearable or for a bit of fun.

plus: 4

38 departments 8 AROUND TOWN • Berks Bits

• IronSpire Complex: New Owners, New Name… Same Great Place

• In the Limelight with Ryan Keagy • Bar Stool: Life’s a Beach

• Thoughts from the Chamber

13 FIVE THINGS

Items for the Perfect Cocktail Party

14 THIS MONTH

What to Do & Where to Go

16 THE LOOK

Whiskey & Watches

34 LIVING IN STYLE

Inside the Reading Area Firefighters Museum

38 DINING OUT

Jimmie G’s Railroad House

SPECIAL AD SECTIONS FARMERS MARKET VENDORS SPOTLIGHT pg. 7 WINERY & BREWERY SPOTLIGHT pg. 19 MEN IN BUSINESS pg. 20

JUNE 2022 | berkscountyliving.com

VOLUME 23, NO. 6 | JUNE 2022

PRESIDENT/CEO Paul Prass VICE PRESIDENT/COO Lisa Prass PUBLISHER Robyn L. Jones EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Nikki M. Murry

OUR FAMILY

SERVING YOUR FAMILY SINCE 1935

ART DIRECTOR Quynh Fisher CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Heather Baver Donna Reed Christina J. Steffy Kelly Tanger Marian Frances Wolbers CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Tania Colamarino, Ama Photography Carrie Kizuka Photography Heidi Reuter John A. Secoges, Secoges Photographics ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVES Elizabeth Beebe Denise Conlin Sue Ottenheimer Sara Woodward

leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com Donna M. Leibensperger Parr Funeral Director Supervisor

Derek M.D. Leibensperger Funeral Director Supervisor

65 S. 4th St., Hamburg - 610.562.7823

Todd J. Kennedy Funeral Director

223 Peach St., Leesport - 610.926.2737

ACCOUNTING Donna Bachman Sarah Varano CIRCULATION MANAGER Andrea Karges COPY EDITOR Gigi Romano

The Spine and Wellness Center Dr. Patrick Borja • Dr. Tyler Rank • Dr. Charles Bucklar

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Kimberly Liu

Empowering you to live a healthier, happier life!

In partnership with:

DESIGNS & PUBLISHING

2021

how to contact us EDITORIAL: 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 2548, Orlando, FL 32802. 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 2021. 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.

Auto/Work Injuries Chronic Pain Daily Aches Disc Issues Headaches/Migraines Sports Injuries

3933 Perkiomen Ave. Reading PA, 19606

610.779.4588

Spineandwellness.org berkscountyliving.com | JUNE 2022

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Staff Speaks We figured June, being the intro to the summer season, was the perfect time to tell you all about what’s hot in Berks County. In our new Hot Issue, we encourage you to jump in and join in the fun. From fun places to splash around and cool off at (page 32), to perfect picks for hosting a cocktail party (page 13), to a delicious and fun drink recipe to serve (page 11) we know you’ll discover something new to enjoy. On page 28, we introduce you to three residents that make it their job to work in the heat. Be it by fighting fires, by working with fire or by firing up your muscles and soul, they share their passion for what they do. We’ve also given a nod to the guys this month in our Men In Business section on page 20. We hope you’ll take the time to read more about these gentlemen and just what they have to offer you as a potential client or customer. Love whiskey? Stylish timepieces? Then The Look on page 16 is must-see content for you. Get a peek at what local retailers have to offer and treat yourself or someone you love to something special. Father’s Day falls on June 19, after all. Happy reading!

What’s your favorite way to cool off on a hot day? “Floating in a pool with a cool drink and a good book.” – Robyn L. Jones, publisher “Spending a day at the beach and soaking my feet in ocean water.” – Quynh Fisher, art director “Sitting in the shade on my back deck with a good book and a glass of wine with ice.” – Elizabeth Beebe, account executive “Finding a shady spot (preferably under a palm tree) to enjoy an ice-cold Corona and flip through a magazine.” – Nikki M. Murry, editor

Best,

One More Thing

Want to see your profile in our next Men In Business special section? Reach out to Robyn L. Jones, Publisher, at rjones@ berkscountyliving.com.

NIKKI M. MURRY She/Her/Hers

Editor-in-Chief NMurry@BerksCountyLiving.com

“We head to the Wyomissing Hills pool – our favorite!” – Sara Woodward, account executive

On BerksCountyLiving.com: Whip Up Delicious Recipes. They’re healthy, too! Browse Calm Eats by Wyomissing resident Daniela Modesto in our blog section. Browse Past Issues. Just click the “Issue Archive” link and flip through months past, share with friends, post articles to social media and more. 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.

A PEEK AT BERKS.

JUNE 2022 | berkscountyliving.com

COCKTAIL RECIPES.

Visit our “Drinks for Cooling Off” board on Pinterest for more drink ideas to serve at your cocktail party or event. Search Berks County Living Magazine.

FACEBOOK FOLLOW.

Learn more about how you can help the environment by following Kemerton Refill & Refresh on Facebook at @kemertonrefill.

ON THE COVER

REGION’S PREMIER LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Whiskey & Watches S tyle

MEET BERKS COUNTY

MEN IN BUSINESS

with

SOME LIKE IT

HOT

ON THE JOB, THAT IS

June 2022

10 SPOTS TO

Splash

THIS SUMMER

View the stylish watches, smooth drinks and slick photos by photographer Carrie Kizuka in The Look starting on page 16.

NIKKI’S PHOTO BY TANIA COLAMARINO, AMA PHOTOGRAPHY | MAKEUP BY THERESA VIOLETTE

Hot Spots. Hot Season. Hot Reading.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

FARMERS MARKET VENDORS SPOTLIGHT

Foods of the Mediterranean

Boscov’s Fairgrounds Farmers Market 2934 N 5th St. Hwy., Reading 610.816.5267 | mediterraneanfoodpa.com

EDWARD J. KUHN, JR., SUPERVISOR

MICHAEL R. KUHN, SUPERVISOR

SAMANTHA K. SMITH, SUPERVISOR

Get this Growth Story! - ROI 14X in 18 Months!

Erwin Forrest President, Keith Hoeing & foreman Alex Brochu Custom Home Builders

HOW DOES A FAMILY BUSINESS SCALE FOR GROWTH? They hire the Family Business Experts.

610.336.0514

Take your family business to the next level with Compass Point.

Compass Point Consulting LLC

fambiz_matters

@compasspt

www.compasspt.com

www.compasspt.com/client-stories/erwinforrest

GROWING

CHRISTOPHER W. WARKER, SUPERVISOR

Foods of the Mediterranean, a family owned and operated business, specializes in vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free recipes, including more than 60 salad and dip offerings. We also have the best gyro in town! We make our grandma’s recipes, just the way she made them, passed down through the generations going back 1,000 years. Our food is organic, all-natural, additive-free, preservative-free and low in sodium. Catering is available.

Adelphia Seafood

Boscov’s Fairgrounds Farmers Market 2934 N 5th St. Hwy., Reading 610.921.8393 | adelphiaseafood.com "Seafood Made Simple" that's what you get visiting our Fairgrounds Market location. Try our popular Take n' Bake dinners, heat n' eat products and several crab-stuffed items. We do the work; you pop them in your oven, and dinner is served in 20 minutes. Don't forget our salads, fresh sushi, and soups. Friendly staff... satisfied family. berkscountyliving.com | JUNE 2022

AROUND TOWN BERKS BITS

Get Reading this Summer

Berks County Libraries do their part in encouraging area youth to keep reading each summer with dedicated summer reading programs. From offering up fun themes and prizes, there’s something for reading fans and those on the fence, too. Here are just a few benefits to consider…

Crafting the Perfect Cocktail

Kacie and Chris Griffith met working at a bar. Being social creatures who love a good drink and hosting events at home, they decided to enter the bar scene by opening The Bar Cart in West Reading. Says Kacie, “We wanted to mirror our business off folks coming over to our home for a drink.” The Bar Cart visitors engage with each other while music plays in the background, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. The establishment’s cocktail menu changes every weekend, allowing Kacie and Chris to highlight different spirits and distilleries and to provide customers with the opportunity to discover a new favorite cocktail. The bar stocks bottles of various liquors for sale, including rum, whiskey, gin and tequila, all used in their on-site creations making up the drink menu. The Bar Cart also supports the Berks County area by hosting popups featuring local chefs and artists each month. Visit in person at 713 Penn Avenue or online at thebarcartpa.com. – KIMBERLY LIU

1Improved . Reading Skills. Affordable Custom Closets with Future Flexibility

Greg Ahart has been a cabinetmaker for more than 30 years. While working on a home remodeling project, he came up with a custom closet organizing idea based on simple parts introducing versatility in the closet system at a more affordable price point. After receiving a US patent and showcasing his design at the Philadelphia Home Show, Victory Closets was off and running. The system allows homeowners to reconfigure their closet system anytime, so it can change to meet their future needs. Ahart says, “It’s designed and built locally in Berks County. We keep the product simple, and pricing is straightforward, so it is a very laid-back process. It typically takes only a few weeks from design through installation. You can send us your closet dimensions and get a quote with a 3D design, or you can request a free in-home consultation.” Want to learn more? Visit victoryclosets.com. – KIMBERLY LIU

Business Aims to Decrease Product Waste

When Berks County native Nicole Meckley discovered just how much waste her family produced, she decided she wanted to work to eliminate it. Meckley says, “We only have one planet. If we, as a human race, don’t care about the waste that we produce, that’s essentially saying we don’t want our planet to live on any longer for our children and our children’s children.” Meckley set a goal of introducing different products to help reduce our waste and to help educate others within the community. With that, Kemerton Refill and Refresh, a zero-waste refill shop with the goal of decreasing waste produced by single-use disposable products, was born. The store, located in the Village Shopping Plaza in Wyomissing, offers daily products for household and personal care that are either refillable, reusable or compostable, such as shampoos and coffee beans. Customers can buy one container to keep, bring back, and refill. Bonus: each product is also produced by a vendor who knows the environmental impact their products have. For more info visit kemertonrefillandrefresh.com. – KIMBERLY LIU

JUNE 2022 | berkscountyliving.com

Reading during the summer months keeps your child’s mind active and helps to prevent the “summer slide,” a pronounced dip in children’s reading skills.

2Ahead . of the Curve.

Studies suggest children who read more demonstrate better fluency, vocabulary and comprehension.

Anytime, Anywhere.

Reading can happen with an in-hand book or even on an electronic tablet. Both can be transported just about anywhere, making it an ideal activity to take along on summer holidays. Want to learn more? Visit your nearest library and get more info at berkslibraries.org.

Celebrating Pride

June marks Pride Month, an especially important holiday detailing the history of the LGBTQ+ community’s journey in finding acceptance in the world. There are many ways to share in celebrating Pride, including donning rainbow colors and flying the rainbow flag, designed by Gilbert Baker, and a representation of the movement first created in 1978.

AROUND TOWN

Though the complex has a new name, much of what Stoudts has represented for the last 50+ years, including the Biergarten, is still operable and ready to provide enjoyment for the whole family. As the property continues to grow, areas such as the pavilions in the back of the complex, could one day house a farmers market. Great things are happening at the IronSpire Complex to keep you coming back.

Great Event Venue

IronSpire Complex New Owners, New Name…Same Great Place BY KELLY TANGER | PHOTOS COURTESY OF IRONSPIRE COMPLEX

ew ownership of the former Stoudts Black Angus facility in Adamstown, now the IronSpire Complex, offers an array of shops, food offerings, event space and a fun time to be had by all who visit. Purchased in May 2021, the new owners — also owners of Dentech Industrial — named The IronSpire Complex from a combination of attributes. “Iron” comes from the use of working with a lot of iron at Dentech Industrial, along with the many iron gates at the complex, while “spire” comes from the actual spire once atop the large clock tower on the building. Having a heart for the area, the new owners quickly got to work creating the IronSpire, which has continued to blossom and grow significantly in the last year.

What Can I Do There?

Walking into the IronSpire Complex is like walking into a town in and of itself while the property retains many of the beloved aspects of Stoudts, having a 50-year history. As one of the owners and partner Jonathan Fry says, “We just want to make a great place, kind of like a destination place. You can go there and get some beer and food, go to the various shops, and antique while you’re there. When you go, you can do multiple things.” One activity includes shopping at unique spots like Bargain Bosses, offering a selection of paper and other office supplies, or Tiffany’s Bridal Boutique. The infamous Angus Antiques — a roughly 60,000-square-foot antiques mall — is still open Sundays for enthusiasts. Uncover fascinating items to bring home and cherish or just stroll through the complex. Be sure to take a break from all the fun to refresh with great eats and drinks at Columbia Kettle Works.

Hosting an event at the IronSpire Complex provides your group a beautiful atmosphere and ample space, whether it’s a company holiday gathering, a chamber event or something else altogether. Fry says, “We run wedding events and other corporate events in the beer hall area; it’s an open-air kind of space, a unique place.” Envision saying your “I dos” amongst a rustic backdrop set in the open-air garden with its iron gates and archway. Beautiful green foliage, trees and sparkling string lights adorn the area. The main event can be hosted outside and easily moved to the interior where large garage doors line the wall and can be lifted up, enhancing the outdoor ambiance. All-in-all, Fry says of IronSpire, “It’s a place you can come and have a great time, and we are going to continue to reinvest in the facility to bring it up to a standard where people can have an enjoyable experience.” FUN FACTS Must-do. Angus Antiques is one of the largest indoor, under-roof antique malls. It’s known for offering high-quality antiques with more than 50 years in the antique business. Getting married? Ironspire is a one-stop wedding spot. From J. & Co. Hair Salon, Tiffany’s Bridal Boutique and Ironspire’s event space for the ceremony and reception, it’s the perfect wedding venue.

berkscountyliving.com | JUNE 2022

AROUND TOWN IN THE LIMELIGHT there was a racetrack behind the market. He realized the potential for success, so he took a good chance that paid off. This spot became so successful that my grandfather eventually gave up the other locations to focus solely on this one. What do you enjoy most about your role? I really enjoy carrying on the family legacy and maintaining the same quality and success we’ve had over the decades. I’ve seen a lot of family businesses start to go downhill by the third generation, and my goal is to not let that happen. I enjoy the good pressure of carrying on that legacy. I also enjoy working with the good competitors we have here at the market, and I love the customers. We have lots of loyal customers, and some even remember my grandfather. How long have you worked in the family business? All my life. I started working on the farm at eight or nine years old. I would also come into the market to help set up. In high school, I worked here on the weekends. I took a year off after graduation, but that was the only time in my life I didn’t work here. Since I was 21 years old, I’ve been in management roles. I took over the business from my father, Paul Jr., in 2021. Other than supporting local businesses, what are the benefits of shopping at a farmers market? There are so many quality food items at farmers markets. Sometimes it’s not easy to find those items in regular grocery stores and, when you do, they might not always be as fresh. At the Boscov's Fairgrounds Farmers Market, there’s a family atmosphere. Vendors and customers get to know each other, and you can trust the vendors to get you the high-quality products you need.

IN THE LIMELIGHT WITH

Ryan Keagy Owner/President, Paul L. Keagy Produce

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

Running the market takes a lot of work, but how do you relax in your free time? I work over 70 hours a week, so I don’t have much free time. But when I do, I like to spend time at home with my wife, or we go to small, locally-owned restaurants. I also like to be outside playing sports and hunting.

LEARN MORE.

For three generations, Boscov’s Fairgrounds Farmers Market has been home to Paul L. Keagy Produce. Ryan Keagy, Paul Keagy, Sr.’s grandson, proudly carries on the family tradition of providing the community with quality local produce.

Love pineapples but hate cutting them? No problem. Keagy’s has a selfservice PinaBar Pineapple Corer to easily core and peel your pineapples.

Your family business has been at the market for more than 70 years. Why did your grandfather choose this location? We were one of the market’s founding vendors. At that time, my grandfather also had stands at a few other markets. I’m not sure of the exact reason he chose to take a chance at a newly formed farmers market, but he always liked to take chances in business. He saw the growth and excitement happening in this area; at the time,

Curbside convenience. Keagy’s makes it easy for you to enjoy fresh, local produce with its online ordering and curbside pickup.

JUNE 2022 | berkscountyliving.com

BAR STOOL

LIFE'S A BEACH Ingredients

remaining pineapple for garnish). Submerge pineapple in coconut vodka. Let it sit at room temperature overnight, or for up to seven days. Squeeze out pineapple into coconut vodka completely. Discard pulp and strain into pitcher or bottle. 2. Preset the garnishes by taking the remaining pineapple and slicing into quarter-inch-thick rings. Cut each ring in half on a bias to create half-moon size “beaches” that will take up the top half of the martini glass. Stab the “beach” with an open cocktail umbrella piercing through. Just on the underside of the pineapple “beach,” pierce one gummy shark. Set aside. 3. Shake all drink ingredients in your shaker (except Sprite) with a little bit of ice. Strain into martini glasses, top with splash of Sprite, and float your “beach” garnish in half of the glass, letting the ocean foam splash against the shore. 4. Sip, snack and enjoy!

◊ Two shots of pineapple-infused coconut vodka (see how to infuse in instructions) ◊ Equal parts pineapple juice, splash of blue curacao, splash of sour mix (store bought would be fine, or buy homemade sour mix at Coastal Grille) ◊ Splash of Sprite ◊ 1 pineapple ◊ Drink umbrellas ◊ Gummy sharks

Tools Needed

◊ ◊ ◊ ◊

Shaker (preferably metal) Strainer Martini glasses Preset garnishes

Instructions

1. First, make your pineappleinfused coconut vodka. Store bought coconut vodka is fine if you prefer. Take your pineapple, cut the top and bottom off, skin the sides, use about three quarters of the pineapple roughly chopped in a container (reserve

Life’s a Beach at Coastal Grille

COMPILED BY NIKKI M. MURRY

PHOTOS BY TANIA COLAMARINO, AMA PHOTOGRAPHY

What’s special about this featured drink? It’s the perfect blend of coconut vodka infused with fresh pineapple, shaken into a rich blue foam and sure to make a splash with your friends! Says bartender Morgan Schnader, “The most fun part is the unique garnish of a floating pineapple ‘beach’ complete with umbrella and a surprise, with a bite lurking in the blue ocean cocktail below.”

For what occasion would you recommend this cocktail? It’s definitely

great for an outdoor party, when having friends over on your patio, or as a drink to enjoy by the pool.

AROUND TOWN

HAVE A DRINK WITH

Morgan Schnader Morgan Schnader bartends at Coastal Grille in Wyomissing and has been with the company since 2012. Her favorite thing about bartending there is being able to craft not only ordinary cocktails such as cosmopolitans, Manhattans and martinis, but also creating drinks for the vast specialty cocktail menu. Some of her favorites are the featured Life’s a Beach, as well as the Coastal Baybreeze and Such a Pain Killer. When Morgan isn’t behind the bar at Coastal Grille, you can find her with her three Pit bulls: Riley, Lola and Ellie. She is a recent graduate of the Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences, earning a degree as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. Regarding her time at Coastal Grille, Morgan says, “Coming to work sometimes doesn’t really feel like coming to work. It feels like home. There are so many great regulars and coworkers who have become like family that it makes it enjoyable every day.”

PAIR IT WITH…

the Coastal Grille’s Coconut Shrimp appetizer or any of the fresh fish offerings topped with mango salsa.

COASTAL GRILLE 2713 N. Meridan Blvd., Wyomissing | 610.743.4006 | coastalgrille.com | Facebook @coastalgrille berkscountyliving.com | JUNE 2022

AROUND TOWN THOUGHTS FROM THE CHAMBER ALLIANCE

Celebrating Father’s Day BY AMISH JINDAL, Communications & Marketing Intern, GRCA

Father’s Day not only honors fatherhood, but it also recognizes the influence fathers have on their families. It’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate the contributions that the fathers in your life have made and to show your love by making them feel special on this day. Many GRCA member businesses can help you do just that. Here are a few that have special offerings for Father’s Day. From golf to motorcycles, there are plenty of options available to suit any father’s taste.

an ACE Rewards member to unlock the most deals, which can be done while in store or online. While hardware stores are often the go-to destination for power tools for dad, ACE Hardware employees have helped customers choose some fun and practical gifts like waxes, cleaners and sponges for car care. Other great gift ideas include fire pits, gardening supplies (pots, soils, shovels), Gorilla Glue®, BBQ sauces and rubs, Ego™ & Stihl® outdoor power equipment, YETI® drinkware and coolers, bird houses and outdoor seating.

Manor Golf Club

Classic Harley-Davidson

Manor Golf Club, Reading, is offering promotions on gift cards, lessons and pro shop items, which can be purchased online or at the golf club. Owner Cheryl Heckman says the club’s exceptional instructors offer lessons to golfers of all abilities and ages. So why not improve dad’s swing or teach him a new sport and form a lifelong hobby? Golf is a wonderful way to connect with family and enjoy the outdoors, so consider spending time at the Manor this Father’s Day. Remember that this holiday is a big day for golf, so plan on booking tee times in advance. Contact the Manor at 610.678.9597 to book tee times or to inquire further about promotions.

Weaver’s ACE Hardware

Weaver’s ACE Hardware, with locations in Fleetwood, Douglassville and Sinking Spring, is running a Father’s Day Sale Event from June 8 to 20. This sale will have specials with a focus on gift ideas for dad. Some of the items include toolboxes, power tools and grills. The store recommends becoming

Classic Harley-Davidson, Bernville, offers a great selection of apparel, as well as new and used motorcycles. If you are looking for a bike for a gift, this is the place to go. It has one of the most extensive inventories of motorcycles in Berks County. If you need to learn how to ride, Classic Harley-Davidson provides a Learn to Ride program. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course is designed to get anyone comfortable on a bike and gives you the skills you need to ride with confidence. Extensive Father’s Day promotions are available at Classic Harley-Davidson. Visit the dealership for more information or call 610.916.7777. UPCOMING EVENT Berks Women2Women presents “Love yourself as much as you love chocolate,” June 14, 8:30am, Alvernia University’s Francis Hall Theatre, Atrium & Amphitheatre.

WE ADVANCE.

WE CONNECT.

WE CHAMPION. WE ENGAGE.

WE ARE GREATER TOGETHER. WWW.GREATERREADING.ORG 12

JUNE 2022 | berkscountyliving.com

FIVE THINGS

FIVE

Items for the Perfect

Cocktail Party B Y H E AT H E R BAV E R

Celebrate the summer season with drinks, music and sumptuous snacks. Cocktail parties are a breezy, festive way to gather with neighbors and friends to enjoy delicious drinks and warm evenings. We’ve got five amazing accoutrements to take your hosting game up a notch and to make your next soiree extra special.

1. Brilliant

2. Cool

Capture the flavors of summer in one savory, crunchy bite. This bruschetta is made from juicy, chopped tomatoes tossed with extra virgin olive oil, salt, oregano and fresh basil. Serve on toasted bread brushed with the Russo family’s Casa Ligaro olive oil and pair with olives for snacking. Bruschetta, $5/lb., Casa Ligaro Extra Virgin Olive Oil, $12.99 (500ml), $17.99 (1 liter), $19.99 (first press unfiltered 1 liter), Russo’s Gourmet Foods Market, 1150 Bern Rd., Wyomissing, 610.898.1918. russofoodmarket.com

Serve your drinks with style. Fun and functional, these vibrant stemmed glasses will help keep your wine the perfect temperature. Four different hues add a touch of colorful elegance to your party. Pair them with the four matching water glasses and offer your guests a variety of refreshing libations. 14-ounce Stemmed Wine Glasses, $13 each, 6-ounce Water Glasses, $12 each, Saylor House, 605 Penn Avenue, West Reading, 610.816.7161. saylorhouse. com

Bruschetta.

Combination.

Win It!

3. Epic Appetizer.

Create a custom spread of meats, cheeses, olives, crackers, fruit and veggies. Crafted by Salvo Salvage, this charcuterie board offers a beautiful base for you to artfully arrange your guests’ favorite nibbles. Choose from maple, walnut or oak and display a colorful variety of treats for tasty, bite-sized fun. Charcuterie Board by Salvo Salvage, $69, Anita Trinket, 101 S. Richmond St., Fleetwood, 484.332.7682. anitatrinket.com

4. Superb Sampler.

Delicious with wine, these three distinctive cheeses will delight your guests. Creamy with a hint of sweetness, Pecorino Toscano finishes with a mild peppery flavor, while Alta Badia has an intense, complex taste that’s sharp, tangy and toasted. For a sweet, tropical fruit flavor and nutty finish, savor Piave Vecchio. Pecorino Toscano, $19.50/lb., Alta Badia, $20.95/lb., Piave Vecchio, $17.95/lb. Monte Lauro European Gourmet, Boscov's Fairgrounds Farmers Market, 2930 N. 5th St. Highway, Reading, 610.939.0446. montelauro.com

5. Pearls of Wisdom.

Keep your beverages cool and classy. Eliminate the mess of melting ice and put some frosty flair into your glass. Stash these rose quartz wine gems in your freezer and add them to your favorite wine or cocktail. Leisurely sip while these pink orbs keep your beverage chilled and undiluted. Twine Rose Quartz Wine Gems, $24.95, Folino Estate, 340 Old Route 22, Kutztown, 484.452.3633. folinoestate.com

Enter online this month at berkscountyliving.com for your chance to win a wine tasting from Folino Estate (ages 21+), or a $25 gift card from Anita Trinket. Good luck! berkscountyliving.com | JUNE 2022

June

THIS MONTH

what to do & where to go COMPILED BY NIKKI M. MURRY

June

SPRING GARDEN TOUR

Morning Tour: 10:30am -2pm; Afternoon Tour: 4-7pm, Centre Park Historic District (beginning 700 block of Centre Avenue), Reading.

Visitors can select their tour time and enjoy access to 10 residential gardens and special activities including music, treats from the Great American Creamery, art exhibits, an educational bee exhibit and more. The morning tour allows for a Brunch add-on, and the afternoon tour allows for a Garden Party add-on. For more info visit centreparkhistoricdistrict.org/events/ event-two-frbpz.

June 17

June 11

THESE VALLEYS AND MOUNTAINS: BERKS LEGENDS

11:30am-5:30pm, Kutztown Park, Kutztown.

12th ANNUAL TASTE OF KUTZTOWN WINE & BEER FESTIVAL

BERKS OPERA PRESENTS

June 26

Presented by the Kutztown Rotary Club, attendees can stroll grass pathways and enjoy the shade while sampling and purchasing tasty foods, wine, beer, mead and cider, as well as shop products from an array of vineyards and artisans. Rain or shine. Free to the public. Tickets are required for wine/beer tasting. Ages 21+. For more info visit tasteofkutztown.com.

8:30-11:30am, Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center, Reading.

June 18

7:30pm, Miller Center for the Arts, Reading Area Community College.

In the new opera by Chris Heslop with libretto by Vicki Haller Graff and direction by Joel Richard Gori, explore how Mountain Mary left a legacy of loving spirituality and profound healing while Matthias Schaumbacher left the opposite: a legend of greed and violence. How have the seeds planted in the stories of these two people grown in this place we call home? For tickets and more info visit millercenter. racc.edu/berks-opera. 14

JUNE 2022 | berkscountyliving.com

RUN FOR THE AGES 10K TRAIL RUN The only trail race with an age-graded start on the East Coast. Top age group performers have a great shot at the overall title. The race is challenging, yet runnable, with trails in beautiful Nolde Forest. A portion of event proceeds benefit the Friends of Nolde Forest, a nonprofit group helping to maintain Nolde Forest. For more info visit pagodapacers.com/Races-Results/Races/Run-forthe-Ages-10k-Trail-Chase.aspx.

28TH ANNUAL ART ON THE AVENUE

11am-7pm, Penn Avenue, West Reading.

The festival spans four blocks and boasts more than 200 artists and vendors, including food stands, live music, local business sales and more. Free and open to the public. For more info visit visitwestreading.com.

CONCERTS & NIGHTLIFE

June 17

BETHANY CHILDREN’S HOME SUMMER CONCERT SERIES KICK-OFF: JEFF KRICK, JR.

Shop Our

7pm, Bethany Children’s Home, Womelsdorf.

Bring your chair or blanket and enjoy an Elvis Tribute by Jeff Krick, Jr. Gates open at 6pm, and the show starts at 7pm. $5 per car parking. For more info visit bethanyhome.org.

Farm Market!

June 25

BETHANY CHILDREN’S HOME SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: THE RINGGOLD BAND

1-3pm, Bethany Children’s Home, Womelsdorf.

WeaversOrchard.com

Bring your chair or blanket and enjoy the sounds of The Ringgold Band. Gates open at noon, and the show starts at 1pm. $5 per car parking. For more info visit bethanyhome.org.

FESTIVALS

June 3-5

31ST ANNUAL WORLD WAR II WEEKEND

Various hours, Mid Atlantic Air Museum, Reading.

Enjoy re-enactments, history and memorabilia galore, as well as an exciting line-up of WWII aircraft gracing the sky, including the giant Boeing B-29 Superfortress and the tiny “L-plan” liaison singleseaters. For a full line-up, schedule, ticket pricing, ordering and more, visit maam.org.

SPORTS

June 7-12, 14-19 & 28-July 3

READING FIGHTIN PHILS

Various start times, FirstEnergy Stadium, Reading.

Come out and cheer on your R-Phils as they take on opponents including the Altoona Curve, Portland Sea Dogs and Somerset Patriots. For tickets and more info visit fightins.com.

WHAT ELSE

June 9-25

BERKS COUNTY BEST KEPT SECRETS TOUR Various stops in Berks County.

Grab your ticket to an unusual shopping and food adventure featuring 40 off-the-beaten-path businesses hand-picked for their uniqueness. You travel place-to-place in your own vehicle, enjoying special free items the business picked just for tour attendees. You can do it all in a day, or take up to the full 16 to complete your tour. You choose. For more info and tickets visit bestkeptsecretstour.com.

WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED IN THIS MONTH? Submit your event on our website at BerksCountyLiving.com.

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO? Check out our online calendar!

berkscountyliving.com | JUNE 2022

THE LOOK

Whiskey & Watches BY NIKKI M. MURRY

P H OTOS BY CARRIE KIZUKA PHOTOGRAPHY

You deserve to treat yourself. Whether you love a smooth, stiff drink or a slick timepiece, there’s a spot in Berks where you can find it. For those in the market for themselves or for a loved one, the pages that follow are sure to serve up some inspiration.

THE WHISKEY

Fabulous Four.

Hand-selected barrels showcase the best of all grains in this small batch Manatawny Stillworks Select Four-Grain American Whiskey that features toasty coffee and cocoa notes. Cast Strength: 118 Proof. $78, The Bar Cart

THE WATCH

Inner Workings.

For fans of intricate detail, this timepiece features Swiss movement and is made of stainless steel and titanium. Bonus: it’s water resistant, too. Locman Three Hands Automatic Skeleton, $1,755, Van Scoy Jewelers

JUNE 2022 | berkscountyliving.com

THE WHISKEY

Old Meets New.

Straight rye whiskey is aged 4 to 5 years in high-char new American oak barrels before being transferred into toasted wave stave barrels for an additional 18 months. The result is a delightful caramel, toffee, hazelnut and toasted coconut flavor. Sagamore Spirit Double Oak Rye Whiskey, The Whiskey Bar Next Door THE WATCH

Auto Enthusiasts.

Created as a result of a partnership between Frederique Constant and the Austin Healy car brand, the dial on this collector’s piece is adorned with the legendary deep, bold green color of the Healy company. Bonus: it comes with a replica car, too. Frederique Constant Vintage Rally Healey Automatic, $1,895, Murphy Jewelers

THE WHISKEY

An Ode to Agriculture.

The 95-proof bourbon is an heirloom grain to glass representation of Pennsylvania agriculture. It’s a must-have local liquor to have in your home bar collection, carrying notes of milk chocolate, butter, leather and stone fruit. New Liberty Bloody Butcher Bourbon, $49.99, The Bar Cart

THE WATCH

Estate Great.

This one-of-a-kind tricolor equestrian rose gold large open face pocket watch and chain is certified by the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers. It’s the perfect piece for an antique collector to put on proud display. $1,745, Gipprich Jewelers, Inc.

berkscountyliving.com | JUNE 2022

THE LOOK THE WATCH

Titanium Triumph.

Shinola has crafted another stunner that’s incredibly strong and lightweight all at once. It’s highly accurate with SW200-1 Automatic Movement. At 30ATM, it can handle the deepest, iciest dives and is suited for an elegant dinner, too. Shinola’s The Ice Monster Automatic, $1,795, Murphy Jewelers

THE WHISKEY

On the Rocks.

Order this rich, complex 15-year-old bourbon when you’re looking for something smooth and sophisticated. Offering bold flavor up front, it carries a lot of weight mid-palate and has a deep, wonderful finish. Jefferson’s Reserve Very Old Straight Bourbon, The Whiskey Bar Next Door

THE WHISKEY

Go for the Gold.

Hand-bottled, this 4-year-old bourbon is a double-gold winner carrying a nose of maple and blackberry with a mild taste of vanilla pastry cream. Limited-run, 100-Proof. Made in nearby Elverson, Pennsylvania. Resurgent Straight Custom Cask Bourbon. $52.99, The Bart Cart THE WATCH

Black Beauty.

Clean and sleek, the design of this piece was inspired by the lines of military helicopters. It features Eco-Drive technology, dual time zones, luminous hands and a three-hand dial. Citizen Promaster Nighthawk, $495, Van Scoy Jewelers

SOURCES

The Bar Cart 713 Penn Avenue West Reading 610.927.5141 thebarcartpa.com Gipprich Jewelers, Inc. 103 W. Lancaster Avenue Shillington 610.777.7034 | gipprich.com Murphy Jewelers 16 Jetson Drive, Hamburg 610.562.2528 murphyjewelers.com Van Scoy Jewelers 1121 Penn Avenue Wyomissing 610.374.9330 vanscoy.com The Whiskey Bar Next Door 624 Penn Avenue West Reading 610.373.4907 whiskeybarnextdoor.com

JUNE 2022

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

340 Old Route 22, Kutztown, PA 19530 folinoestate.com Folino Estate is a little piece of Italy in the middle of Kutztown, Pennsylvania. Family-owned with traditional Italian roots, we have the food, wine and atmosphere to make you feel as though you’re a world away. Enjoy our selection of wine while dining from our menu of authentic Italian fare in the Tasting Lounge!

Imbibe

a Bit

Wine enthusiast or craft beer lover, Berks has you covered as it is home to countless award-winning wineries and breweries alike. Grab some friends, make a day of it, and be sure to drink and drive responsibly. Here are a couple of spots to get you started…

See you soon. Salute!

Saucony Creek Brewing Company 15032 Kutztown Rd., Kutztown Franklin & Seventh Sts., Reading sauconybeer.com

Saucony Creek Brewing Company explores the limits of brewing craft beer and preparing unique, flavorful cuisine at our pub locations in Kutztown and Reading. Whether you are quaffing a pint at our bar or enjoying a meal with a group of friends while chilling to our weekend live music, you’ll have a great experience. We look forward to serving you!

berkscountyliving.com | JUNE 2022

WINERY & BREWERY SPOTLIGHT

Folino Estate

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

MEN in BUSINESS

To be a successful business man, you don’t have to have a big name like

Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates or even Warren Buffet. Success doesn’t

always mean earning billions of dollars, after all. It can mean serving

a community in need. It can mean happily employing a team that lives locally and that gives back. It can mean offering Berks residents a service that’s reasonably priced and of great quality.

On the following pages, you’ll find some great examples of men in

business in Berks that exemplify success. They represent an array of professions and offer an assortment of services.

So read on to see how through extending excellent customer service

and offering quality products, these gentlemen have enjoyed success. You just may want to look one – or more – of them up to lend a hand in the not-too-distant future.

JUNE 2022 | berkscountyliving.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

MEN in BUSINESS

Brian Cuccaro, Co-Owner & Brad Stephenson, Co-Owner New Castle Lawn & Landscape The New Castle team is led by co-owners Brian Cuccaro, one of New Castle’s founders, and Brad Stephenson, a graduate of Berks Career & Technology Center. Brian meets with HOA clients, attends community board meetings and is responsible for spearheading the company inclusivity initiative promoting a bi-lingual culture. Brad complements that initiative by overseeing and developing the tight-knit family culture at New Castle. He’s active in the community and with interest groups, bringing what he learns from local leaders to the table. Brian and Brad believe building a great team involves giving people the power to make decisions instead of providing them with the answer. Because of their team, New Castle is thrilled to have received significant accolades in 2021, including being named one of Reading’s Top 50 Businesses by the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance, earning the Reading Eagle Readers’ Choice Award for Best Lawn Care and Best Landscaping, and Berks County Living’s Best of Berks award for Best Landscaping Company. Beyond helping customers to achieve the beautiful properties of their dreams, New Castle Lawn and Landscape is big on giving back to local nonprofits. New Castle team members go above and beyond to provide exceptional customer service and products. The business provides a full range of high-end landscape design and build services, as well as ongoing care and maintenance programs for lawns and landscapes. Learn more at newcastle94.com, call 610.796.7818 or visit them on social media!

3 East Point Drive Birdsboro 610.796.7818 newcastle94.com

Adam Cocuzza

Say Cheese! • Nitro Bar • West Reading Motor Club

Adam Cocuzza, responsible for Say Cheese!’s reopening, utilized time during the restaurant’s shut down to improve the business. Visitors and cheese enthusiasts would surely agree! The eatery has recently added a new bar serving creative cocktail creations and looks to open its cheese shop this summer. Visit on Wednesdays between 5-8pm and enjoy live music. As it stands, the unique and eclectic market at Say Cheese! has been expanded from its once limited space into a neighboring storefront, with new products galore for customers. There’s a freshened-up website, too! It’s no surprise as Cocuzza has a wealth of experience when it comes to restaurant openings and management. But Say Cheese! was his first personal, family opening, making it an extra-special spot for him. After the Say Cheese! opening in 2012, Adam went on to establish the recently re-opened Nitro Bar and the acclaimed West Reading Motor Club down the street on Penn Avenue, the winner of a Townie Award from the Pennsylvania Downtown Center that is slated to open next spring. What else is on the agenda for Cocuzza? Noodl in West Reading. Look for the spot sure to satisfy your ramen craving to open late this summer. West Reading, PA saycheese-restaurant.com nitro-bar.com West Reading Motor Club

berkscountyliving.com | JUNE 2022

MEN in BUSINESS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

George Ortiz

Bill Moser Bill Moser Century 21 Gold Century 21 Gold

REALTOR REALTOR® Bill Moser, a REALTOR® with CENTURY Moser, a REALTOR® with 21Bill Gold licensed in 2008, isCENTURY a gradu21of Gold licensed inHigh 2008, is a graduate Wyomissing School and ateaof High Schoolfrom and has BSWyomissing degree in Engineering has a University. BS degree Bill in Engineering from Lehigh worked as a civil/ Lehigh University. Bill worked asyears a civil environmental engineer for five engineer for 5 years before dedicating before dedicating himself to a career to a career in real estate. inhimself real estate. Bill comes from a real estate family. His mother, Tiger, is afamily. REALTOR® Bill comes fromLisa a real estate His with CENTURY 21 Gold, and his dad, John Herman, is theisowner of CENTURY mother, Lisa Tiger, a REALTOR® with 21 Gold and a principal NAIJohn Keystone Commercial & Industrial. CENTURY 21 is Gold, and hisin dad, Herman, is the owner of CENTURY 21 His knowledge in residential real estate has given him exceptional Gold and is a principal in NAI Keystone Commercial & Industrial. experience in working with buyers and sellers. Hehim offers a high level of His knowledge in residential real estate has given exceptional expeservice, to hisa clients’ goals. rience inpersonal working dedication with buyersand andcommitment sellers. He offers high level of service, Bill and his wife, and Ashley, have just welcomed their first child, a son, personal dedication commitment to his clients’ goals. Paxton and reside in Wyomissing. Bill, his wife Ashley, their 1-year-old son Paxton and their black lab, Piper, reside in Wyomissing. Office: 610.779.2500, ext. 8429 Office: Direct:610.779.2500, 610.207.5686 ext. 8429 Direct: 610.207.5686 bmoser@c21gold.com bmoser@c21gold.com c21gold.com c21gold.com

American Barber and Beauty Academy Founder and CEO

If you love your Berks County barber, chances are they were trained at the American Barber Academy (ABBA). After struggling to find qualified barbers to work at his Shillington barber shop, George Ortiz, Founder and CEO, had a vision. If he couldn’t find them, he was going to build them. And that he did. In 2012, American Barber Academy was founded, and since has graduated hundreds of students that have gone on to become business owners or who are employed at your favorite local barbershop. In 2020, ABA rebranded as American Barber and Beauty Academy and relocated to the former AW Golden dealership on Lancaster Avenue. The campus was transformed into a 10,000-square-foot state-of-the-art education center that also offers Cosmetology and Esthetics programs. 733 Lancaster Avenue, Ste. A Reading 610.927.5664 americanbarberbeauty.com

Dr. Kenneth J. McAlpine, Jr. and Dr. Stephen C. Longenecker

Dr. Kenneth J. McAlpine, Jr. and Dr. Stephen C. Longenecker Bone & Joint Care Center

Dr. Stephen Longenecker is noted as a top orthopaedic surgeon in the region. A Berks County native, Dr. Longenecker is fellowship trained and values a progressive, team-approach to patient care. He is the medical director for the Reading Hospital’s Joint Replacement Program and has over thirty years’ experience providing patients with the best-possible outcomes by perfecting less-invasive and computer-assisted techniques for total joint replacement. Dr. Kenneth McAlpine, Jr. joined our practice in 2019, bringing expertise and training in the latest advancements in comprehensive, fracture, and emergency orthopaedic care. Dr. McAlpine’s fellowship in adult reconstruction provides him with unique abilities to treat and manage complex revision surgeries and infected total joints. He has developed a focus on robotic-assisted partial and total joint replacement as well as direct anterior hip arthroplasty. At the Bone & Joint Care Center we take a holistic and patient-centered approach to your care. Our entire team is dedicated to working collaboratively to provide numerous surgical and non-surgical options that will help you relieve pain, regain mobility, and restore your quality of life.

JUNE 2022 | berkscountyliving.com

OUR PROVIDERS Stephen C. Longenecker, MD Kenneth J. McAlpine, Jr., MD Denise M. Donahue, MD Daniel S. Hawkins, PA-C Jessica A. Ertel, PA-C 301 South 7th Avenue, Ste. 365 West Reading 484.628.2663 boneandjointreading.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

MEN in BUSINESS

Mark Reynard MPS Custom Pools President

MPS Custom Pools is the evolution of Mark's Pool Service, a company that was started in 2010 as a swimming pool service and renovation company. The company has grown over the years and now builds custom concrete-vinyl and fiberglass swimming pools to complement the existing renovations and service divisions. MPS Custom Pools is a family-owned business that strives to design and build the dream backyards of its clients. MPS Custom Pools will work with clients at every stage of the process, from the design and planning to the construction and finishing stages. MPS Custom Pools can not only build or renovate a swimming pool for its clients, but can handle every aspect of the entire project such as the fencing, hardscaping and accessories including lighting, outdoor kitchens and retaining walls. Mark Reynard has over 30 years of experience in the swimming pool

industry, and the MPS Custom Pools staff offers years of experience in all aspects of the industry. MPS Custom Pools also services the pools it builds, meaning they can do weekly valet, openings and closings. Says Reynard, “Our objective is to be the one-stop-shop for all our clients’ backyard projects.” Want to see what MPS Custom Pools can do for you? Call for a free, no obligation estimate.

202 S. 6th St., Emmaus 484.866.0561 mpscustompools@gmail.com mpscustompools.com

berkscountyliving.com | JUNE 2022

MEN in BUSINESS MEN in BUSINESS

special advertising section

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Samuel G. Samuel G. Padovani Padovani RE/MAX ofRE/MAX Reading of Reading REALTOR

Drew Ritter Drew Ritter Advantage TeleMessaging, Inc. Advantage TeleMessaging, Inc. Owner & President

REALTOR Buying or selling a home can be one or selling a home decisions can be one ofBuying the most important of the most important you make. It can also be adecisions stressful you make. ItThankfully, can also be athere stressful experience. are experience. Thankfully, there are agents like Sam Padovani out there to manage these transactions. From agents like Sam Padovani out there to manage these transactions. From the moment you first meet Sam, you will realize you are in good hands. the moment you first meet Sam, you will realize you are in good hands. His passion for the real estate business is evident. He prides himself on His passion for the real estate business is evident. He prides himself on staying ahead of the curve in a continuously changing industry. staying ahead of the curve in a continuously changing industry. Sam has been in the real estate industry for over a decade. He is proud Sam has been in the real estate industry for over a decade. He is proud to be a part of the top producing team at RE/MAX of Reading. Over the to be a part of the top producing team at RE/MAX of Reading. Over the past year, Sam, together with business partners Emma Bressler and Matt past year, Sam, together with business partners Emma Bressler and Wolf, assisted over 140 clients with buying and selling real estate. RE/ Matt Wolf, assisted over 140 clients with buying and selling real estate. MAX of Reading was also recently recognized for having the most units RE/ MAX of Reading was also recently recognized for having the most soldunits in the country for a single office in 2021. sold in the country for aRE/MAX single RE/MAX office in 2021.

Owner & President Advantage TeleMessaging, Inc., is a multiAdvantage TeleMessaging, Inc., is aanswering multiaward-winning, international award-winning, international answering service based in West Reading, and repservice based in West Reading, represents almost 700 clients and throughout resents almost 700 clients throughout the United States and Canada. thestarted United States andas Canada. Drew Ritter, Owner/President, working an agent on the Drew Ritter, Owner/President, started working as an agent onshe thewas phones in 1994 when his mother started the company. When phones in 1994 when his mother started the company. When she was ready to retire, Drew acquired Advantage TeleMessaging, Inc. in 2008, ready to retire, Drew acquired Advantage TeleMessaging, Inc. in 2008, during the recession, and drastically re-envisioned his company’s future during the recession, and drastically re-envisioned his company’s future in order to re-shape what people think of answering services and contact in order to re-shape what people think of answering services and contact centers. He succeeded. centers. He succeeded. Drew Ritter applied this strategy once again as COVID-19 shutdown Drew Ritter applied this strategy once again as COVID-19 shutdown some of his own clients and caused mass layoffs. In uncertain times, some of his own clients and caused mass layoffs. In uncertain times, Advantage TeleMessaging, Inc. continues to grow. They answer of their Advantage TeleMessaging, Inc. continues to grow. They answer all ofalltheir clients’ phones, especially those affected by COVID-19, and even continue clients’ phones, especially those affected by COVID-19, and even continue tooffer offerjob jobopportunities opportunities the wake of unprecedented unemployment. to inin the wake of unprecedented unemployment.

O: 610.670.2770 O: 610.670.2770 C: 484.955.9599 C: 484.955.9599 Sam@SamSellsBerks.com Sam@SamSellsBerks.com ForFor more information, please log more information, please log to SamSellsBerks.com on SamSellsBerks.com on to

529Reading ReadingAvenue, Avenue,Ste. Ste. 529 11 WestReading Reading West 610.372.5551 610.372.5551 advantagetelemessaging.com advantagetelemessaging.com

Adam John C. Perate M&T Bank Cocuzza Senior Vice President Say Cheese! Nitro Bar

Nathan Bland

Berks Ballet Theatre

John leads a team of Middle Market commercial lenders in Berks and the Lehigh Valley, specializing Conservatory of Dance in manufacturing, distribution, transportation, wholesale and retail, to name a few. He likes to West Reading Motor Club Owner and Director say that we are in the people business, and that developing a relationship with our customers Adam Cocuzza, responsible for Sayto know their business is key. and getting Nathan Bland is the Owner and Did you know M&T stands for Manufacturers and Traders? Founded in 1856of in Buffalo, NY, M&T has Cheese!’s reopening, utilized time Director Berks Ballet Theatre garnered the experience to serve people and businesses of all sizes with a unique, personal approach. during the restaurant’s shut down Conservatory of Dance, the premier M&T is aeatery reliable, conservative bank with a strong and stable long-term It is proudBland to to improve the business. The danceperformance. school in Berks County. regularly to stakeholders while maintaining consistent credit standards. has redesigned its space to accommodate social distancing andprovide an superior returns has traveled the world as a dancer and choreographer, working for What sets improved experience for diners. The unique and eclectic market has M&T apart: professional dance companies and organizations. With a passion for One of the top 11 banks in the country with approximately $200 billion in assets, 22,000 • for been expanded into a neighboring storefront, with new products custeaching, he enjoys educating and inspiring young dancers who gain employees, and a network of more than 1,000 branches that spans 12 states from Maine to tomers. There’s a freshened-up website, too! It’s no surprise as Cocuzza valuable experiences and life lessons through dance. Virginia and Washington, D.C. has a wealth of experience when it comes to restaurant openings and The conservatory boasts 50+ years of expertise in providing high-quality • M&T is big enough to deliver the products and resources of a large bank, but is a community management. But Say Cheese! was his first personal, family opening, dance training to its students. With four state-of-the-art studios located bank at heart. making it an extra-special spot for him. After the Say Cheese! opening within GoggleWorks forpeer the Arts, offer students various ofthe profits and one ofCenter only two banksthey to report a profit every • 174 consecutive quarters in 2012, Adam went on to open the Nitro Bar and West Reading Motor class and performance opportunities year-round. quarter since 2007. Club down the street on Penn Avenue, winner of a Townie Award from The conservatory to in-person classes by following strict John proudly resides in Bern Township with hisreturned wife, Michelle, and their three children: Rocco, the Pennsylvania Downtown Center. safety protocols toinkeep faculty, students and their familiesJohn safe.and Virtual Dominic and Gianna. He is an active volunteer the community, and while not working, that are designed for at-home education are also available. Michelle stay busy with theiroptions children’s sports.

West Reading, PA Saycheese-restaurant.com nitro-bar.com West Reading Motor Club 24

JUNE 2022 | berkscountyliving.com

50 N. 5th St., 3rd Fl., Reading 201 Washington St. 610.378.3938 | jperate@mtb.com | mtb.com Ste. 401, Reading berksballettheatre.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Grandview Financial

ROG Orthodontics

Financial Advisor

A commitment to excellence and unparalleled results is the driving force behind Dr. Dennis Mauro and the team at ROG Orthodontics. ROG is proud of their longstanding reputation as leaders in local orthodontics. As the only Circle of Excellence Incognito® provider in Pennsylvania, top users of Damon® braces and a top Invisalign® provider, Dr. Mauro knows that aesthetic options such as braces on the inside of the teeth and clear aligner therapy are crucial to satisfying today’s savvy, informed patients desiring FANTASTIC smiles. ROG is committed to underserved children in our community. ROG’s Project Fantastic Smiles Program serves disadvantaged youth through scholarships for free braces every month. The doctors and team of ROG Orthodontics also maintain an active relationship with many nonprofits in Berks.

Wyomissing, Pottstown & Douglassville 610.374.4097 fantasticsmiles.com

MEN in BUSINESS

Steve Hofmann

Dr. Dennis Mauro

Steve Hofmann is a founding member of Grandview Financial Partners, Wyomissing, a financial advisory firm that helps families and businesses to create, grow, manage and transfer wealth. The firm is partnered with some of the oldest and most respected financial institutions and insurance companies in the United States. “I treat my clients the way that I would want my loved ones to be treated – with patience, respect and a diligent attention to their needs and objectives.” In addition to his work at Grandview, Steve is a member of the Berks County Estate Planning Council and volunteers as Endowment Chairman for the local Boy Scout Council. Steve resides in Shillington with his wife, Erica, and his two college-aged sons, Tom and Mark. 9 Bristol Court, Wyomissing 610.780.0976 steve@grandviewfinancialpartners.com grandviewfinancialpartners.com

ORTHODONTICS

Nathaniel Halter Halter Landscaping Inc.

Owner

Nathaniel Halter (pictured), owner and president of the Halter Companies, and his brother, Colin Halter, started a small neighborhood landscaping business about 12 years ago. Little did they know their hard work would lead them to where they are today. The Halter family of companies has certainly exceeded their expectations. Halter Landscaping Inc. was just the beginning, servicing and maintaining private homes and businesses in the surrounding area. Halter Maintenance LLC. takes pride in and was created to keep the Daniel Boone Area School District safe and well maintained. The business also serves local rental properties for property management. Halter Tree Service LLC., was created to facilitate Halter Landscaping, giving us the opportunity to better serve our clients with tree trimming and more. We have more than 35 employees and Nate is looking to grow the company in the coming years. The family of companies will be expanding this year to include Halter Materials LLC. This new company will sell mulch, stone, hardscape materials and many outdoor necessities. We are building a brand new location on Benjamin Franklin Highway in Douglassville, set to open this summer. Please reach out to us with any landscaping, hardscaping and maintenance needs. 948 Ben Franklin Hwy E. Douglassville 610.404.4106 halterlandscaping.com

berkscountyliving.com | JUNE 2022

MEN in BUSINESS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Ryan Keagy Paul Keagy Produce

Owner

Paul Keagy Produce has been serving customers for over 70 years, and it’s in its 3rd generation of ownership. We love and appreciate all our customers and we want them to have a great experience shopping with us, and getting the quality produce they deserve! We pride ourselves in hand selecting all of our produce each week to ensure our customers get the best produce around that will meet their needs! We hope to see you soon! At the Boscov’s Fairgrounds Farmers Market 2935 N. 5th St. Hwy., Reading 610.921.2696 paulkeagyproduce.com

JUNE 2022 | berkscountyliving.com

Brett Diamond, AAMS® Financial Advisor 3701 Perkiomen Ave Suite 1 Reading, PA 19606 610-621-2512

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

MEN in BUSINESS

Power Kunkle Benefits Consulting Leadership. Support. Solutions.

Mark Kunkle

Andrew Schreffler

Scott Troy

Colin Kunkle

Mark is a founding partner and has 35 years of experience in the insurance industry, providing employee benefit services to business owners and executives nationally. His experience working with diverse businesses throughout the region has helped him identify the key challenges employers face. Mark brings a valued perspective when assisting his clients with benefit decisions.

Andrew, a graduate of The Hill School and Gettysburg College, is an Executive Vice President of Benefits. His responsibilities include new business development, management of existing clients, and the overall strategic planning of the agency. He is an active member of the Greater Reading Chamber Business & Community Advocacy Council.

Scott, a Wilson High School and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill graduate, is the Director of Client Services. He manages the PK team of client services professionals and ensures business partners receive an outstanding experience.

Colin, a Wilson High School and Ursinus College graduate, joined Power Kunkle in 2015 and serves as an Account Executive on our Strategic Accounts team. In addition to new business development and management of existing clients his role is to identify problem areas through analyzing claims data.

President

Executive Vice President

Director of Client Services

Account Executive

999 Berkshire Blvd., Ste. 100, Wyomissing 610.685.1790

pkbenefits.com berkscountyliving.com | JUNE 2022

It's GettInG

hot

CAREERS THAT SIZZLE

In here! B Y H E AT H E R B A V E R | P H O T O S B Y H E I D I R E U T E R

In some careers, high temperatures are a pivotal part of the job. We talked to three Berks County professionals who thrive in the heat. No matter how hot it gets, these individuals are passionate about their work. They approach each day with enthusiasm and find fulfillment helping and teaching people.

JUNE 2022 | berkscountyliving.com

Hot GlaSS Studio ManaGer at tHe GoGGleWorKS center for tHe artS

Scott KrenitSKy

“I HAVE THE MOST AMAZING JOB

in the world,” says Scott Krenitsky, Hot Glass Studio Manager at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts. “I’m in charge of running a fantastically built studio for the most incredible material in the world, working for a HUGE arts organization that has an immeasurable impact on the immediate community.” Krenitsky felt “completely mesmerized” when he first witnessed glassblowing as a child. While studying at Temple University’s Tyler School of Art, he took a glassblowing elective and “absolutely fell in love with it — it’s the most fascinating and addictive material in the world!” The experience led to his dream career. According to Krenitsky, “Glassblowing is the process of using a hollow blowpipe to literally blow a bubble into the molten glass at the end to then manipulate into a desired shape (mostly vessels).” For people interested in learning glassblowing, he suggests taking a class at a public access studio. “It generally takes about five years of experience to become proficient,” he says. With its large space and variety of equipment, the GoggleWorks Hot Glass Studio is an excellent resource for people to learn and perfect their skills. It’s also tremendously hot. “We have two furnaces that hold 500 pounds of glass each, but we only keep one hot at a time since it stays over 2,100 degrees 24 hours a day,” says Krenitsky. The facility’s four reheating chambers, known as glory holes, are even hotter — 2,300 degrees, according to Krenitsky. “We also have five large annealing ovens that allow the glass to slowly cool down from 960 degrees to room temperature,” he adds. Artists wear protective gear that includes safety glasses, face shields, kevlar gloves and sleeves. Along with these protective layers, summer weather adds to the heat. “It can get up to about

130 degrees in the cooler areas in July and August,” says Krenitsky. As Studio Manager, Krenitsky maintains the tools, equipment and space, provides demonstrations and answers questions. He also teaches classes and workshops. Many of Krenitsky’s artistic creations are sold in the GoggleWorks store. “Cups have been really popular over the last several years, and I make a lot of seasonal items like pumpkins, ornaments, snowmen and trees.” He also creates custom work for visitors. “One of my favorites is a demonstration called “You Create, We Make” for visiting groups (mostly children),” he explains. Before the

visit, participants create a drawing and description of a possible glass item. During the group’s visit, “we reveal the drawing we chose and create the piece live in front of them.” Krenitsky remains enchanted with glass and loves “seeing and feeling how heat, gravity and centripetal force all play a role in the outcome. It’s absolutely amazing!” He also enjoys the excitement of revealing completed work. “When the pieces go in at about 1,000 degrees, you really can’t truly see what the colors will look like at room temperature, so it’s a bit like Christmas morning every time we take the first peek into the oven.” berkscountyliving.com | JUNE 2022

owner of BLdg 7 yoga

Linda Zogas

“YOGA IS MEANT TO WAKE YOU UP

and discover your connection to the power of the universe,” says Linda Zogas, owner of BLDG 7 Yoga. “Using your intuition as your guide, you can change any circumstance in your life.” Zogas’ interest in yoga began when she was a fitness teacher. “After my first Bikram class, I did not look back,” she recalls. “Once I found the style of yoga that spoke to me best — Baron Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga — I followed his training regimen of five separate weeks over a period of two years.” Zogas took education courses and submitted yoga teaching videos. “Yoga Alliance has since set a standard for what yoga teacher training really encompasses and what yoga teacher credentials should look like,” she says. Yoga participants can reap advantages by turning up the heat. “Your body responds to heat the way cold glass does,” explains Zogas. “If you heat it, it becomes pliable. Muscular motion creates heat that softens your tissue and makes you malleable.”

JUNE 2022 | berkscountyliving.com

Certain types of yoga are intended to be done at hotter temperatures. “Bikram yoga started his business with the room being 104 [degrees],” says Zogas. “This was because of the stationary postures of his practice.” In contrast, Baptiste Yoga is practiced in a 90-degree environment. “This style is Vinyasa — connecting breath and movement and not stopping,” adds Zogas. Besides the heat in the room, yoga also creates heat within a participant. “The strong flow of a power practice fuels your inner furnace, and the breath fans that fire,” says Zogas. Breathing is an integral part of yoga, and can help a person work with the heat. Increasing the temperature has health benefits, an aspect of Baptiste Yoga Zogas calls “healing heat.” Relaxing and restorative, “this healing heat melts away tension,” says Zogas. “Sweating is important to natural healing. It enables the body to release toxins and excess fluids.” The Fire Room is BLDG 7’s biggest space for practicing hot temperature yoga. “We

have a heated floor and pump in heat from the ceiling,” says Zogas. “We have — even prior to the pandemic — a system that allows for outside air to be pumped in for a continuous flow of fresh air while maintaining the heat.” Since 2015, Zogas’ role at BLDG7 has evolved from main teacher to “being more of a mentor and taking classes and helping new teachers flourish and shine.” One constant has been the connections she has forged with her students. “I am grateful to them for allowing me to guide them through the yoga journey that helped them shape their lives,” says Zogas. For Zogas, yoga is part of life’s bigger picture. “We mostly think of yoga in the physical form on our mat,” she says. “On or off of the mat, it is all yoga. It is more than the postures, or meditating, or eating to cleanse. Continually refining your practice on the mat allows you to mature spiritually and to truly trust and appreciate the strength and light that is within you.”

firefighter and Lead phySicaL trainer with the reading fire department

Luke SchuLtz

“I AM PROUD TO BE A FIRST responder in this city,” says Luke Schultz, firefighter and lead physical trainer with the Reading Fire Department. A graduate of Reading High, Schultz has pride and gratitude for his home city of 30 years. “I am a firefighter for Reading responding to emergencies in the same neighborhood I grew up in. It is a way for me to do my small part in providing some help and security to a city and its residents that helped me become the person I am today.” Schultz became interested in firefighting while working as Reading’s City Carpenter and later as Public Properties Manager. He visited Reading’s firehouses to see if they required repairs or upgrades. “The lure of excitement sparked my interest,” says Schultz, recalling the thrilling sight of “fire engines, ladder trucks and watching the guys respond to calls.” After being hired with Reading’s Fire Department, Schultz trained at a fire academy for nine months. He earned national firefighting certifications “through a series of classroom time, practical hands-on drills and practice burn sessions at the Berks County Fire training site as well as on-the-job training with our senior firefighters.” New recruits also needed to earn their national EMT (emergency medical technician) certification. Schultz wears full “turnout gear” to protect himself from fire’s extreme temperatures. “A common row home fire can reach temperatures up to 1,500 degrees,” he says. “Flashover (fire spreading very rapidly due to intense heat) happens at 1,100 degrees. As firefighters we are generally in a burning building prior to or after flashover temperatures.” Weighing 75 pounds, turnout gear includes “firefighting boots, bunker pants, a turnout coat, firefighting hood, structural firefighting gloves, a firefighting helmet and our SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) pack with a mask.” As lead physical trainer, Schultz helps “new recruits become the best versions of themselves so they can have long, healthy

and safe careers.” He finds it fulfilling to watch new members grow and learn. “The amount of confidence they gain from physical training spills over into other aspects of their life and creates such a positive environment.” On a typical day, Schultz is at the firehouse from 7:30am to 6pm. After stowing his firefighting gear on the engine, he completes a “truck check” to make sure everything is working. Scheduled trainings are next. “This could be forcible entry techniques, rope rescue review, fire hose deployment practice, etc.,” he says. During the shift, the firefighters complete housekeeping tasks to keep

the firehouse clean and work on physical conditioning in the gym. The team is ready for incoming calls at a moment’s notice. “We are responding to emergencies on the fire engine as they come in,” says Schultz. For anyone considering firefighting, Schultz advises: “Keep a positive attitude always; stay in shape to do the job, don’t know everything and be willing to learn from the senior guys. Take the time to talk and learn from firefighters who have been on the job for a long time. Their experience is invaluable.”

berkscountyliving.com | JUNE 2022

Splash PLACES TO

THIS SUMMER CO M PI LE D BY R O B Y N L . J O N E S & N I K K I M . M U R RY

It’s officially the season of bright sunshine, hot temperatures and more time spent outdoors. Looking for a way to play on or in the water? We have 10 suggestions to get you started.

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GET WACKY ON WEDNESDAYS. Follow the Reading Recreation Commission on Facebook at @ReadingRecreationCommission to discover which fire hydrants they’ll be opening up for kids to splash around in as part of their Wacky Wednesdays program. readingrec.org

JUNE 2022 | berkscountyliving.com

HEAD TO THE PARK.

Pendora Splash Park in Reading, that is. The fairly new park, complete with splash pads and sprinklers, is a perfect place for youth of all ages to cool off and have fun with friends on a hot day. readingrec.org

CREEK CRAWL. Visit Berks Nature to snorkel in Angelica Creek. Open to the public, those interested can sign up for the program that starts with a lesson in safety and a talk about what you might see, including baby trout, macroinvertebrates, Chubs, Darters and more in their natural habitat. Wetsuits, goggles and snorkels are provided. Programs are planned for June 18 and Aug. 20 at 1pm. Pre-registration and a fee required. berksnature.org

WATCH THE GAME.

Did you know you can enjoy time in the pool at FirstEnergy Stadium in Reading as you cheer on the Reading Fightin Phils? It’s true! It’s the perfect spot for birthday parties, family reunions and more. milb. com/reading/tickets/pool

FOR THE DOGS. Some dogs enjoy a nice dip in the pool, too. They can do it at the annual Doggie Dip at Ken Grill Pool. The event is held in conjunction with the Animal Rescue League of Berks County and proceeds benefit the nonprofit. Another option for dogs that love to get wet, or those just needing a good bath, is a visit to Mister Car Wash for their self-serve pet wash. At $1 per minute, there are four soaps, one conditioner and two dryer speeds. berksarl.org mistercarwash.com/ location/reading

EXCELLENT EXERCISE.

Time in the pool is great for the body. If you’re a water bug of sorts, sign up for the Aqua Fitness Classes at Body Zone Sports and Wellness Complex in Wyomissing. Options include Aqua Tabata, Aqua Jog, Water Walk & Tone, Aqua Strength & Stride, Sea Sculpt and more. bodyzonesports.com

PADDLE ON. Get out on the water at Blue Marsh Lake and enjoy some paddleboarding, yoga or floating meditation with Aqua Om Paddle. The business encourages a holistic approach to health and wellness through mindful movements. aopaddle.com

COMMUNITY POOLS GALORE. Many

Berks communities offer community pools where residents and non-residents can pop in and enjoy an hour, or a day, using the facilities for a fee. Most, if not all, offer memberships that can be a beneficial savings for frequent visitors. Some also offer swim lessons, senior swim times and more. Check with your local community pool or recreation program for more info.

HEAD TO THE MOUNTAIN. South Mountain

YMCA Camps in Wernersville, that is. Home to an AquaClimb, children and families enrolled in a camping program can access the climbing water wall that turns the average pool into an adventure. The SMYMCA pool features plenty of other opportunities for fun, too, including a slide, diving board, volleyball net, basketball nets and about a dozen fountains. smymca.org

OUT IN THE OCEAN. Looking to explore the seas? Sign up for scuba lessons with Scuba Venture in Reading. Their Open Water Diver program includes a minimum of four classroom/pool sessions, two days of open water training dives, digital training materials, dive tables and more. scubaventure.net berkscountyliving.com | JUNE 2022

LIVING IN STYLE

here’s a bunch of fired up folks south of Penn. Many days of the week, you can find them hanging in and around the old Liberty Fire Company No. 5 building at Fifth and Laurel streets. These individuals are united in a cause – one that’s both tangible and teachable. And that cause, showcased in a solid brick and mortar late 19th-century structure, is known as the Reading Area Firefighters Museum, which they’ve been instrumental in creating. Among those fired-up fellows are two retired City of Reading fire chiefs, William H. Rehr III, museum president, and Richard I. Boyer, a board member. And, living in the shadows of the “Liberties” (the building/company’s nickname) — in the neighborhood he’s always called home — is another retired fire chief and former president of the Liberties, William I. Stoudt. Sr. It’s not the fire that blazes through these men’s veins. Rather, it’s the honor and devotion to the service of fighting fires and saving lives and properties that has defined their lives’ work and careers. And it’s something they are determined to share with the public.

INSIDE THE

READING AREA FIREFIGHTERS MUSEUM BY D O N N A R E E D P H OTO S BY J O H N A . S E C O G E S , S E C O G E S P H OTO G R A P H I C S

ON A MISSION

The Reading Area Firefighters Museum’s mission, they state, is to preserve, educate and exhibit the firefighting history of Berks County communities and the City of Reading. Rehr and Boyer are part of the 24-member board, half of which are very active volunteers. “We are here two to four days a week working on the inside and the exterior,” says Boyer. Rehr says there is a standing Thursday morning work detail. In addition, board members volunteer as docents when the museum is open to the public Thursdays from 9am to Noon and Saturdays 10am to 2pm. Other times may be available by appointment. JUNE 2022 | berkscountyliving.com

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Offered for $2,800,000 MLS#PABK2013128 The fire service has been a way of life for generations of their families. When it comes to the history of the city, the Reading Fire Department predates American independence. It was formed March 17, 1773 as a volunteer fire department known as the Rainbow Volunteer Fire Company and is often acknowledged to be the oldest in the nation. In 1854, the “Liberties” took occupancy in a building at Fifth and Laurel. In 1875, firefighters demolished the old firehouse and constructed a new two-story original building. In the 1890s, a third floor was added. The building remained under the Liberties ownership until late 2010 when it was sold to the city for $1 after a new fire station was constructed across the Bingaman Street Bridge on Lancaster Avenue in the 18th Ward. The Liberties, even before the museum was established, was a city landmark. Every holiday season, the Victorian brick structure was outlined and illuminated by thousands of Christmas lights. Until just recently, it was home to the infamous LARK, a lumbering amphibious vehicle in service by the Reading Scuba Team for nearly half a century until it was retired in 2020. Today, behind the large garage doors where the LARK roosted for so long, is a treasure trove of firefighting memorabilia, likely one of the most complete and authentic in the country.

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STILL STANDING BY

The firefighters of 1854 still hold watch over the station – an extraordinary original collage featuring individual photos of each man is on the main floor museum. According to Rehr, the collage was restored a dozen years ago by the Conservation Center in south Philadelphia and its ornate frame by the Philadelphia Art Museum thanks to a grant secured by the late state Senator Michael A. O’Pake. Rehr, Boyer and their colleagues have the back stories of almost every piece of equipment and memorabilia in the place. They value being able to share those stories with the thousands of visitors, including school children, who have toured the museum. Most recently, they hosted 400 Tyson-Schoener Elementary students and staff who took the short walk down S. Fifth Street to the museum. Children’s groups can view and experience a different type of tour and can be part of the teachable “Home Safety Awareness.” Rehr says it’s fitting the neighborhood kids learn to love the museum as, it turns out, its creation was a labor of love initiated by the late Arline Ratajczak, the late Frank Bryson and by Chief Stoudt, Sr. The three long-time nearby residents were the backbone of the First Ward community group centered on the preservation of the local architecture, including the iconic fire station, from the 1980s into the 21st century. With the blessing of the administration of former Mayor Tom McMahon, City Council and then-state Representative Thomas R. Caltagirone, who was able to secure a number of grants, by 2002 the museum really began to take shape. Just as volunteer firefighters

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LIVING IN STYLE

constructed the building, their latter-day counterparts took active roles in its restoration and the collection and curation of local artifacts for the museum.

A HOT TALE AND COLLECTION

As Rehr likes to say, the story of firefighting from the bucket brigades of the early 1700s to state-of-the-art engines and ladder trucks are showcased. Among the items featured are a 1771 broadside, salvage bag and bucket from the Union Fire Company No. 1 bucket brigade; 18th-century firefighters’ helmets; axes, hoses, firefighters apparel dating back more than two centuries; and scores of photographs, medals, lanterns and political posters. The posters were part of what Rehr calls “the beer and baloney” elections that started in 1867 for first fire chiefs and assistants. (Today, of course, promotions to these ranks are merit-based.) Rehr, a dedicated volunteer with the Berks History Center, was instrumental in that institution’s donation of a large collection of firefighter helmets, buttons and badges. The fire museum’s curator, John Trimble, spearheaded the effort to display the thousands of artifacts in an organized manner, grouping like objects together. That endeavor, with clear explanations of items, has greatly assisted in helping visitors understand the evolution of firefighting, from the bucket brigades to the present. While each artifact has its own fascination factor, clearly the most popular attractions are 36

JUNE 2022 | berkscountyliving.com

the pumpers and engines displayed on the first floor. A circa 1770 Bernville fire pumper, small enough to easily fit inside a first-floor room, greets visitors as they enter the museum. In the bay are three restored firefighting vehicles: a circa 1923 truck that replaced the last horse-drawn steam engine in Reading, the completely restored (off the frame – meaning taken entirely apart and restored to detail at a valuation of $195,000) 1931 Liberty Fire Company truck in service through 1966 (driven the last three years by Chief Stoudt Sr.), and the circa 1937 Pirsch truck. The latter, in service through the 1950s and 1960s, was a part of both Rehr’s and Boyer’s early years in the fire department. “This is a part of our personal history,” says Boyer. “We can relate to it because we lived it.” A recent addition (on loan) is a circa 1812 pumper (modernized in 1846 and 1851) owned by the Womelsdorf Fire Company. That joined a 1909 steam pumper, a 3.5-ton apparatus delivered in August 2020 from the Schuylkill County Fire Museum on loan there from the Berks History Center before being sold to the Reading museum. Rehr and Boyer say these acquisitions/loans are evidence that the museum is a regional institution, hence the official name of the Reading Area Firefighters Museum.

BEING CALLED TO THE SCENE

Also displayed in the bay is Box 109 from the Gamewell Fire System that served the city from 1873 until 1982. A pattern of rings that stroke

in the fire stations told the companies where to respond to a working fire. For the most part, the strokes were memorized, but a sign posted nearby the boxes was a welcome assistant. In addition, the system was also in local newsrooms, enabling press to respond. Rehr explains that it worked on the principal of the telegraph. Early on, dry cells at City Hall powered the system. The Liberties, like many fire companies to this day, was a social destination. The third floor, added in the 1890s, was designed to provide a recreation/leisure space for the volunteer firefighters. The addition became a necessity with the constant swirl of activity, much of it centered in the spectacular second-floor Wanamaker Room. Long before the local influence and philanthropy of the late Albert Boscov of the department store empire, there was another retail mogul by the name of John Wanamaker who counted among his Gilded Age society friends a number of Readingites in the fashionable downtown area. At their urging, it is believed, he donated a number of furnishings he had displayed at the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in his hometown’s Fairmont Park to the Liberties. Those furnishings, intact and restored in the high-ceilinged room anchored by a huge and exquisite period chandelier, offer a glimpse to the ambiance moneyed Victorians experienced in the late 19th century. Visitors to the Liberties have marveled at this room for years, but in 2014, it was at risk of destruction. An 18-hour radiator steam leak in 2014 stripped the woodwork of its staining and heavily damaged the walls and much of the furnishings. “Thankfully, almost everything survived that was under glass,” says Rehr, recalling his distress at witnessing the damage.

IN GOOD COMPANIES…

A $23,200 grant from the Building Industries Exchange of Reading through the Berks County Community Foundation helped with many of the repairs, particularly the woodwork, including the stairwell and wainscoting, and the walls. A successful call went out to the public for help in restoring the 19 damaged pieces of furniture. Individual sponsors stepped forward. Only four small sofas await restoration. Rehr and Boyer praise the assistance of the local business community. In 2016, Berkshire Systems completed donated equipment and installation (valued at $39,000) for the museum’s fire alarm and security system. The combined efforts of Berks Fire and Water Restoration, Yeager Supply and Essig Plumbing and Heating – at a cost in excess of $30,000 – resulted in the

reconstruction and ADA accessibility of the old first-floor restrooms. Also contributing to the building restoration was Gary Meals of Birdsboro whose Eagle Scout project involved a team to restore two basement rooms. The magnificent third floor has also been restored, including a $10,000 restoration of the original maple wood floors and antique display cabinets donated by the Reading Public Museum. The original circa 1895 pool tables have also been restored, including – amazingly – the original billiard balls. Many of the artifacts destined to be displayed in those third-floor cases have been temporarily moved to the first floor pending installation of an elevator in the southeast sector of the building. Restrictions placed by the city fire marshal keep the public from entering those top rooms. Local architects at Muhlenberg and Greene have designed the elevator as part of a $2 million updating project that calls for it as well as a new HVAC system. The board is working with the city, the owner of the building, to make these capital repairs and investments, looking at possible ARPA funding as a part of the equation. Rehr and Boyer take a great deal of pride in the praise lavished on the RAFM by museum professionals throughout the country. Some have come from California to volunteer. One Chicago fire museum official called it possibly the finest in the country. Former Mayor McMahon agrees. “They’ve made a name for themselves,” he says. “It’s one of the best examples of volunteerism for a long period of time in this area. If you go through the museum and see the material accumulated, you can see the real camaraderie and sharing between companies.” Rehr and Boyer are hoping to enlist a younger generation of volunteers. One of them, perhaps, might be the city’s newest retired fire chief, William Stoudt, Jr., who from childhood, has had firefighting in his genes and his name. “The Reading Fire Department, in many ways, has helped shaped the way the city looks today,” he says. “We’re out there every day and have been for more than two centuries. The more everyone understands how to stay safe, the more they understand what we do and our impact on Reading.”

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Berks County Living Readers Get A Free Consultation

Reading City Council and, in that capacity, has voted in the affirmative for policy and

funding that has assisted the Reading Area Fire Museum operations.

25th Annual

berkscountyliving.com | JUNE 2022

DINING OUT

A GOOD-TIME, FEEL-GOOD RESTAURANT

Jimmie G’s Railroad House B Y M A R IA N F RA N CES WO LBERS P H O T O S BY H EIDI REUTER

ong known as a friendly, casual neighborhood sports bar, Jimmie G’s Railroad House sits right next to the tracks in Sinking Spring, where trains actively go by, calling up memories of what Reading and Berks are most famous for. With outdoor and indoor seating, and a congenial, fun atmosphere, this restaurant is music-happy, featuring live performances every Saturday night starting at 9:30pm. Owners April and Jim Giuffrida have a faithful following, thanks to a clear understanding of what their customers love. Ask anyone working there “what’s popular here?” and you’ll get the same smiling answer: “Everything. Really!”

Chill Out with Shareable Appetizers

Head over for a night out with a date or with friends and family, and do make a reservation if you can. The kitchen is devoted to working its magic with a wide variety of noshes to accompany a cold brew or tall iced tea. Pretzel Bites with Queso Blanco — a hot, thick, mild cheese dip — are a warm, familiar treat for sharing with the whole table, as are Railroad House Wings. (Check the chalkboard for wing flavors du jour.) For a citrus-y delight, consider ordering Tequila Lime Chicken Nachos: lime-flavored tortilla chips covered with queso blanco, pico de gallo, cool avocado and tequila lime chicken. Delicious anytime is Chili — a menu standard — by the cup or bowl, ideal for diners who prefer their chili to have just a little bit of zip (nothing to burn your ears with), loaded with meat, tomatoes, beans and such a satisfying, sweet edge. It’s so filling, it could become your whole meal. Don’t skip the Soup of the Day, though. On a recent evening, the restaurant offered up an utterly cheesy 38

JUNE 2022 | berkscountyliving.com

JIMMY G'S CHEESESTEAK

Broccoli and Cheddar Soup, lusciously made so that the broccoli flavor disperses throughout the broth in tiny, mostly floret tops — so delicious.

Jimmy G’s Steak: A Berks County Classic

Some of us — okay, most of us — walk into a restaurant seeking a menu that embodies all of our favorite casual fare. Here, “Cheesesteaks and Chicken Cheesesteaks” is an actual category all its own. This is where you’ll find the iconic Jimmy G’s Steak Sandwich right on top. “The Jimmy’s G’s started on Day One,” says April. “It’s still our biggest seller.” A cheesesteak to challenge other cheesesteaks in flavor, texture and sheer mouth-pleasure, this version is awesomely addictive, melting in your mouth with its combination

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of ingredients. And it’s not that the ingredients are radical or uniquely different — quality rib-eye steak meat, sauteed onions, minced garlic, marinara sauce, American cheese and shredded tangy Cheddar… Rather, it’s the proportions, the exact “how” this cheesesteak is created in the kitchen. The lovely roll holding the sandwich together is perfectly toasted and buttery-tasting, easy to bite into. Lift a cold glass of ale to honor this longstanding favorite! Chips and a deli pickle accompany the plate, but adding classic tater tots can amplify the experience. Once you’ve tried the Jimmy G’s Steak, it will be hard to order anything else, but definitely return to taste the others: Philadelphia-Style Cheesesteak, the 7-Pepper Supreme Cheesesteak, Ranch Chicken Cheesesteak, or maybe the Pizza Cheesesteak with green peppers, pepperoni, mozzarella and marinara sauce. Also “ever popular,” says Giuffrida, is Railroad House’s succulent Hot Roast Beef Sandwich with a choice of French fries or traditional mashed potatoes. Ditto for the Hot Turkey Sandwich. As one would expect in a lively sports bar, the choices for cold sandwiches, paninis and burgers (including a vegetarian Beyond Burger) are extensive and enticing.

8-Piece Coconut Shrimp Basket

For seafood fans, fish and chips are a clear draw: the Corona Battered Fish ’n Chips never disappoints. Basket entrees are generously portioned. Scrumptious in flavor and crispy in texture is the 8-Piece Coconut Shrimp with sweet red chili sauce. It’s really coconutty. Large shrimp pieces are spread flat, then crispy fried in a batter that reminds you of a toasted coconut pie. The dipping sauce lends bite and heat to counter the sweetness. A cup of coleslaw comes chunky style, with fresh-

HOT ROAST BEEF WITH GRAVY

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APPLE WALNUT SALAD

chopped cabbage in a mild white slaw sauce — not overly tart or vinegary. If you can stand to indulge in more sweetness, select the real Sweet Potato Fries over the usual French fries. You’ll find these vitamin A-rich goodies have plenty of heft and flavor.

The Summer Salad Approach Fresh, tempting salads are perfect full summer meals, and — again — fans of the Railroad House declare their preferred combinations very clearly. Picture yourself on the outside patio, diving into a proteinaceous Apple Walnut Salad adorned with grilled chicken breast, walnuts, healthy field greens, diced Granny Smith apples, Craisins and bleu cheese. Vinaigrette dressing made with white Zinfandel completes this fruity, tart-sweet entrée. A cool Turkey Cobb and Southwest Chicken Salad (made with blackened chicken) both hit the spot on warm evenings, too.

COCONUT SHRIMP BASKET

berkscountyliving.com | JUNE 2022

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60TH ANNIVERSARY

BLANSKI ENERGY MANAGEMENT

The Blanski family has been in the mechanical contracting business since 1962. 2022 marks the 60th year that the Blanski family has served Eastern Pennsylvania and will continue to do so in the future. The company was started by Milton Blanski and Stanley Phillips as Blanski & Phillips Mechanical, Inc.

Over the years, the company has specialized in many areas, including: plumbing, industrial piping, heating, air conditioning, ductwork fabrication, HVAC service and portable boiler rentals. The key to the family’s business success has always been their commitment to providing quality service and products. In 1986, Blanski Energy Management, Inc. was formed to provide quality service for HVAC equipment and systems the company has installed. As time passed, Milton Blanski retired and handed down the company to James (Jim) Blanski, the second generation. At that point in time, Blanski Energy Management, Inc. transitioned to more of a sheet metal fabrication and installation firm and continued to service many types of HVAC systems. Blanski Energy Management has completed numerous sheet metal projects in and around the Philadelphia area since focusing on sheet metal work. Blanski worked on the Please Touch Museum, Samuel Fels High School, the Jewish National History Museum, two Swarthmore College Dormitories, Girard Music Academy, the Temple Baptist Renovation, the Temple-McGonigle Renovation, and many more projects. Outside of Philadelphia, Blanski has completed projects at Graterford Prison’s Boiler Plant and School, the Northampton Prison Renovation,

Coil Line

Yuengling Plant #2, Coatesville 9-10 Center, Lincoln University Science and Cultural Center, 3 Connective Power Plant Projects, and the Reproductive Science Institute’s Laboratory and Operating Rooms and WUXI clean rooms. Recently, Jim Blanski, CFO, has semi-retired and Nathan (Nate) Blanski, the third generation, is now in control of operations as president, continuing the company’s dedication to providing quality services and products. Blanski Energy Management has recently completed the following jobs: West Chester Science Building, the Philaport Vehicle Staging Center, Belmont Behavioral Hospital, Bimbo Bakeries, Solomon Solis Cohen Elementary and Valley Forge Visitor Center, among many others. Presently Blanski Energy Management is working on the Salem County Courthouse, New Jersey American Water, Chatham Elementary School, 545 N. Broad Street Apartments, and the Philadelphia Federal Building 7th/8th floor renovation. Blanski is providing and installing all of the duct systems on these projects. Through every generation of ownership, the company has continued to look out for its customers’ best interests by providing education and training with their partner, the Sheet Metal Workers Local Union No. 19, and by financially supporting their pension, health and welfare funds. In addition, they support local and national charities, including: the Olivet Boys & Girls Club, Reading Police, PA Professional Firefighters, Mary’s Shelter, Wounded Warrior Project, and many others. Blanski Energy Management gives back to the communities in which it operates and hopes for a better future for all.

1835 Pear Street, Reading, PA 19601

Spiral Machine, Brakes & Shop Equipment

Matt, Shop Foreman with Plasma Table

CAD Drafting

| 610.373.5273 | inquiries@blanskienergy.com

Weekday

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MONDAY-FRIDAY, 10AM-4PM 1245 Penn Avenue Wyomissing 610.373.3353 Open 6am to 4pm daily

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