AROUND TOWN

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

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

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

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…

1.

A Traditional Opening.

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.

2.

Big Names. Headliners will include the likes of Wynton Marsalis, David Sanborn, Brian Culbertson, Najee, Bela Fleck and ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro.

3.

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.

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.

All Aboard the T.R.A.I.N. Station

BY KELLY TANGER

FROM KNITTING MILL TO TRAINING FACILITY

Set in one of the original nostalgic knitting mills in Reading, which at one time was home to a train terminal in its early years, lies the T.R.A.I.N. Station. The athletic training facility opened Jan. 1, 2021 and its name reflects both Reading’s train and locomotive history as well the fitness training offered on site. The interior boasts a rustic industrial feel, showing off the Mill’s original exposed brick wall encased and intact, while also maintaining a comfortable climate for clients working out. Four individual heaters and air conditioners installed on the roof ensure all temperature and moisture levels are well controlled throughout the entire structure.

ALL ABOARD!

The T.R.A.I.N. Station, which stands for Train, Regenerate, Adapt, Inspire and Nourish, embodies four separate fitness entities, each maintaining its own set of membership fees but all living under one roof with shared spaces such as restrooms and locker rooms.

This unique collaboration of fitness facilities includes the IM ABLE Foundation, Crossfit Crossing (formerly Corps Fitness) and Berks Elite Training, all occupying a shared 7,000-square-foot space encompassing an outdoor training facility and CrossFit jungle gym, called Pag’s House, in honor of late police officer Kyle Pagerly. Phoenix Allstars, also part of the collaboration, occupies a separate, private 5,000-square-foot space. Berks Elite Training and T.R.A.I.N. Station building owner Pete Rowley says, “We were looking for a mutually beneficial relationship with those groups where we could all lease space, pay less than what we’d leased before in the market, reduce overhead and allow us to train more people and affect more lives.”

As the County’s leader in sports performance training, T.R.A.I.N. is undoubtedly impacting the lives of many. Rowley explains, “We are completely inclusive, and that’s both from our adaptive community to our able-bodied community.” Who will you find training and working out at the T.R.A.I.N. Station? Everyone from serious, competitive cross-fitters and athletes to adaptive athletes, including both children and adults with physical or mental disabilities to high school students whose dream is to make the varsity team.

Each of these training entities focuses on its own particular area while helping every athlete achieve their goals. The IM ABLE Foundation works solely with adaptive athletes, including personal training and the IM FIT group fitness program. This program runs for eight weeks and provides encouragement and support to individuals with physical or mental challenges to grow and enhance their comfortability with exercise at any skill level. Crossfit Crossing trains CrossFit athletes, from kids to adults. Berks Elite Training works with scholastic athletes, providing personal training, small group and team training; the staff is made up of highly trained professionals including a few former collegiate and professional athletes. Last, but certainly not least, is Phoenix AllStars, consisting of a team that works with cheerleaders and tumbling clients from youth to adult. With such an amazing group of talents brought together under one roof, Rowley says, “The coolest part about this collaboration is you have four businesses that are like-minded in terms of we want to help people through the vehicle of fitness, and we want to serve our community.” He continues, “At our core, we just want to be a part of the fabric of this community and help grow it.”

FUN FACTS

A Piece of History. The tracks at

the once-operable train terminal inside the Knitting Mills are still visible today, making the T.R.A.I.N. Station building an even more unique fitness experience. Purposeful Architecture. The

100-year-old renovated building still displays some remnants of its historic origins such as the exposed interior brick wall.

IN THE LIMELIGHT WITH Gordon Hoodak

Executive Director, Reading Education Foundation

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

Gordon Hoodak spent nearly half a century supporting students, faculty and staff of the Reading School District (RSD). He was a teacher for 10 years and the principal of Lauer’s Park Elementary School for 37 years. Now, he is supporting the district through the Reading Education Foundation.

Why did you choose to spend your career at RSD? I attended Penn State University for health and physical education. My goal was to become a physical therapist, but all education majors must student-teach. My teaching assignment was at RSD. I didn’t think I would like teaching, but I absolutely loved it. I couldn’t believe how much fun it was. When the semester was over, I didn’t want to leave. I was offered a teaching job at Reading and two other school districts, and I chose Reading. My first job in the district was as a physical education teacher at the former Fifth and Spring Elementary School. The kindness and camaraderie were amazing, and I’ve never left the district.

Now you’re with the Reading Education Foundation. What is the goal of the Foundation? We began planning the Foundation just before the pandemic, and then everything was on hold until later in 2020. The goal of the Foundation is to fund innovative teaching and learning initiatives and to develop our staff and faculty to be innovative educators. Too often school funding and faculty and staff time are tied up with essential business, and there isn’t much time or money for enrichment. The Foundation aims to provide grants to the district, individual teachers and community partners to provide those enrichment opportunities for students.

Can you give us an example of a program the Foundation funded? Although the pandemic delayed our work, we were still able to work with FirstEnergy Stadium on two fundraisers; one has allowed 20 students to attend Albright College’s Science Institute, and the other will help with a manufacturing program at Southern Middle School.

You’re very passionate about your work, and you have a very positive attitude. I have a sign in my office that I’ve had throughout my career: “It is what it is, but it becomes what you make it.” I know people who always see the glass as half empty, but I always see the opportunity in the challenges. You can get frustrated, but then take a step back, work on changing the bad things and realize they make you stronger. I take this attitude into my work with the Foundation. I’ve seen the good times and the challenges in the District, and they’ve made me stronger, and this motivates me.

When you have free time, how do you relax? I don’t often slow down and take time to relax, but when I do, I love being outside. I take a walk daily, and I enjoy gardening and landscaping. And I love spending time with my grandkids.

LEARN MORE

Alumni Roots. The Foundation’s 18-member board includes 17 RSD alumni and one member who is married to an RSD alum.

Ambitious Goals. The Foundation

board aims to have a $5 million endowment in the next 10 years to support innovative enrichment programs.

A Lavender Cosmopolitan

at The Pourhouse American Grille

COMPILED BY NIKKI M. MURRY PHOTOS BY TANIA COLAMARINO, AMA PHOTOGRAPHY

What’s special about this featured drink? Says

Brooke Zeigler, “I prefer this drink in the early spring because it’s a twist on a classic, with bright floral notes. It’s so simplistic, yet elegant. The lavender complements the fresh lemon juice so well.”

For what occasion would you recommend this

cocktail? It’s the perfect cocktail for any kind of spring or summer gathering. Whether sitting down for a nice dinner or for an early afternoon picnic, it’s so versatile.

LAVENDER COSMOPOLITAN

Ingredients

◊ 2 ounces vanilla vodka ◊ 1 ounce Cointreau ◊ ½ ounce lemon juice ◊ ½ ounce lavender syrup ◊ Splash of white cranberry juice

Tools Needed

◊ Shaker ◊ Strainer ◊ Martini glass *If including the syrup, a stove and pot, strainer

Instructions

Add all ingredients into your shaker, shake vigorously, and then strain into your martini glass. Garnish with a lemon.

HAVE A DRINK WITH Brooke Zeigler

Brooke started working in the restaurant industry at the age of 18 as a server and immediately fell in love with the industry, wanting to learn more. A few years later, after gaining more knowledge about wines and liquors, she was fortunate enough to have skilled and knowledgeable mentors teach her the art of mixology, understanding customers and their preferences. During her five years at the Pourhouse, she’s really come to know those who visit and just what they love. Says Brooke, “One of my favorite things about this industry is that there is always something new to be learned.”

PAIR ITWITH…

the Pourhouse’s Chilean Sea Bass, pan-seared with a brandied cherry reduction. The lavender combines with the sweet cherries and the light, buttery fish perfectly.

Prioritizing Health

BY LEAH FASSNACHT, Director of Communications & Marketing, Greater Reading Chamber Alliance

We can all agree that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected both our physical and mental health and well-being. With the spring season soon upon us, it’s time to take control of all aspects of our health to make 2022 the best yet.

Now is the perfect time to start practicing self-care, and there are plenty of Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) benefits and member businesses that can help you in all aspects of it.

Consider switching up or starting a fitness routine. Planet Fitness in Reading offers an array of 30-minute classes targeting different parts of your body — perfect for even the busiest schedules. Or if you need a more personalized fitness routine, check out Anytime Fitness in Reading. It boasts an approach to fitness that considers each person’s unique needs and goals. No one-size-fits-all approach taken.

GRCA is not only chock-full of members who can help you improve your health, but chamber members themselves can easily access exclusive programs. GRCA partnered with the YMCA of Reading and Berks County and BetterHealth, an online counseling provider. Through these providers, chamber members can take advantage of special discounts and support the wellness needs of the Berks County community.

The YMCA provides a variety of offerings in the fitness arena, including updated fitness centers, group fitness classes, youth and adult sports, personal training, aquatics programming and more. While fitness is an integral part of what the Y does, it also offers childcare services, before- and after-school programs, volunteer opportunities, transitional and permanent housing to men, women and women with children, and various other services based on the needs of the community.

BetterHelp connects millions of users with thousands of licensed therapists across the U.S. via texting, instant messaging, live phone calls and video chats. Its mission is to make professional counseling accessible, affordable and convenient so anyone who struggles with life’s challenges can get help anytime, anywhere. BetterHelp offers access to licensed, trained, experienced and accredited psychologists (PhD/PsyD), marriage and family therapists (LMFT), clinical social workers (LCSW/LMSW) and board-licensed professional counselors (LPC). It serves individuals, couples and teens and offers counseling in 44 different languages.

Part of prioritizing your health should also include making meaningful connections and setting professional goals. GRCA can assist you with that as well. The 2022 calendar is full of professional development programs, networking opportunities and signature events. Check out the one highlighted below! GRCA can connect you with the resources you need to set your goals and the people that can help you achieve them.

Let’s make 2022 the best and healthiest year yet!

UPCOMING EVENT

Join GRCA and its Family Business Alliance (FBA) for a workshop called TikTok for Business 101 on March 23, 8:30 to 10am. Visit greaterreading.org to register.

2 the conference&expo

featuring keynote speaker Molly Arbogast

Founder & CEO, POV Sports Marketing

Additional keynote & breakout speakers to be announced soon! Expo features sponsors, woman-owned businesses and nonprofits! April 20 | 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Radisson Hotel Reading