AROUND TOWN BERKS BITS
Get Ready to Get Jazzy The 31st Annual Berks Jazz Fest kicks off April 1 and runs for 10 days. Here’s a taste of what fans can look to enjoy this year…
FirstEnergy Stadium Tackles $16.5 Project
The next time you head out to watch your Reading Fightins, FirstEnergy Stadium may look a bit different thanks to a $16.5 million improvement project. In December of 2021, the Commonwealth dedicated $7.5 million toward the effort that will see the renovation of several areas and will add a building located in right-center field that will host player clubhouses, field manager and coach offices, a female locker room, training rooms, player dining areas with a kitchen, batting tunnels, bullpens, a weight room and supporting areas for both the R-Phils and visiting teams. When not used by the team, the spaces will be able to be utilized by organizations, businesses and individuals looking to host events at the stadium yearround. Says General Manager Scott Hunsicker, “We are excited for the future of FirstEnergy Stadium, as we continue to work hard to ensure that America’s Classic Ballpark remains a family-friendly show piece for our Baseballtown Region and something that we all can be very proud of.” – NIKKI M. MURRY
1A Traditional . Opening. Addressing Mental Health Needs
From its name, you may not understand the mission of Clear Water Wellness in Wyomissing. Opened in 2017 by Renee Stoudt and Toni Ray after working in the mental health field for years and identifying significant barriers to treatment, the pair aimed to create an environment that was different. Says Toni, “We wanted people to get the support they need and deserve.” At Clear Water Wellness the culture is welcoming and comfortable. There are specially trained therapists committed to tailoring a therapeutic experience just for you. Clients include children, adolescents and adults, and individual and group therapy are both offered in a variety of specialties, including dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, trauma informed care and even art therapy. When walking through the door, you may be greeted with a wagging tail and a wet nose courtesy of Latte, the star of the animal assisted therapy program. And another assistant is in training. Learn more at cwwellness.com or visit @ClearWaterWellnessLLC on Facebook. – NIKKI M. MURRY
It will all begin with the Harold B. Leifer Memorial Luncheon at the Peanut Bar Restaurant in downtown Reading featuring The Groovemasters with bassist Bennie Sims, keyboardist Cliff Starkey and saxophonist/vocalist Erich Cawalla.
2Big.Names.
Headliners will include the likes of Wynton Marsalis, David Sanborn, Brian Culbertson, Najee, Bela Fleck and ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro.
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Ladies’ Night. On April 9, the
DoubleTree by Hilton Reading will play host to “Celebrating Women in Jazz” featuring iconic vocalists Patti Austin and Maysa Leak. Both ladies are known worldwide for their brilliant vocals. For more info visit berksjazzfest.com.
Prioritizing Animal Lives
Opened last July, Humane Pennsylvania’s Freedom Center for Animal Life-Saving in Reading has been years in the making. Built on the old Humane Society of Berks County site, the former facility was long overdue for a re-do of sorts. The Center is home to pet adoptions, stray pet housing and pet owner support programs, including the nationally one-of-a-kind Healthy Pets Walk-In Clinic, a quick and affordable means of providing veterinary care for pets and their owners. The focus is on keeping pets happy and healthy at home, rather than waiting for situations to become dire and having animals surrendered to the shelter environment. If you’d consider an animal a household companion, it’s probably served at the Center. While cats and dogs most commonly receive aid, rabbits, birds, reptiles and even fish are welcomed. Want to learn more or stop by to visit? Find the Center at 1801 N. 11th St., Reading; call 610.921.2348 or visit humanepa.org. – NIKKI M. MURRY
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MARCH 2022 | berkscountyliving.com
Have a home improvement project planned?
In search of inspiration or professional resources? Head to the 17th Annual Southeast Pennsylvania Home & Garden Show set for March 4-6 at the Morgantown Center. For more info visit showtechnology.com/shows/ sepa-home-and-garden-show.
