AROUND TOWN

Stepping up for Kids in Need

There is a shortage of foster parents across the United States. Locally, SafeGuards Foster Care is an agency that has been providing programming for pre-teens and adolescents since 2000. The organization’s mission is to protect children, strengthen families and change lives through the prevention of child sexual abuse and the operation and management of a comprehensive, integrated, community-based system of care for children and their families. Explains Program Director Jennifer M. Mongi, “The program relies on the work of our trained foster parents who act as positive role models and provide homes to youth who ordinarily may not have the opportunity to reside in a family atmosphere. This allows youth to make meaningful strides to fulfill their personal goals.” Interested in helping and learning more about being a foster parent? Mongi stresses that “foster parents are everyday people who are looking to make a difference and don’t know where to start.” Reach out by email at familyrecruitment@rsots.com, call 610.372.1484 or visit facebook.com/ safeguardsfc. — NIKKI M. MURRY

Freshly-Baked in Hamburg

Home-based in Hamburg but partnering with local retailers in Berks and Lehigh counties to share the fruits of their labor, The Daily Loaf, owned by Anna Shiffler and Zane Zwillinger, bakes up healthy and delicious goods. Says Anna of the business that got its start in 2012, “When we began, just making whole grain sourdough bread made our bakery unique. Now there are a few more sourdough bakers in the area, and we are grateful that the health trend is catching on. Many people think of sourdough as just one type of bread, but we are making many varieties of bread leavened with sourdough culture and without commercial yeast.” But The Daily Loaf is now more than bread. The micro cottage bakery with a focus on wholesale also sells pastries that can be found at the West Reading Farmers Market on Sundays, for example. “Our laminated pastries, such as croissants and puff pastry are a crowd favorite,” says Anna. “And our Country French Loaf and Multigrain Loaf are some of our bestselling sourdough loaves.” Want to learn more? Visit dailyloafbakery.com or find “Daily Loaf Bakery” on Facebook and Instagram. — NIKKI M. MURRY

Lori’s Candy Station Stop in at this Berks Candy Station

Love a good sweet treat? Head to Lori’s Candy Station in Robesonia. Explains owner Lori Brown, “We are known for our homemade chocolates, but we offer a range of candies from Jelly Belly, Birrn truffles, all the popular candies and the hard-to-find nostalgia brands too, as well as hand-dipped ice cream and water ice, cinnamon-glazed nuts and more.” Truly, there’s something for everyone. Lori dips all her homemade chocolates by hand and uses a secret recipe in making her customer-favorite peanut butter cups. She also offers custom-molded chocolates, party trays, gift boxes and baskets for any occasion. In the summer, visitors can’t get enough the milkshakes. At the heart of the business is Lori’s affinity for her customers. She explains, “I pride myself on knowing my customers, and I have watched a generation grow up, and now they are bringing their children in to give them the same experience they had as a child.” For more info call 610.693.6441 or visit loriscandystation.com. — NIKKI M. MURRY

Celebrate Cinco De Mayo

Looking for some delicious eats and drinks to indulge in this May 5th? Here are a few spots to consider right here in Berks…

1.

Freshly Squeezed.

Head to Shirley’s Café & Tequila Bar in Laureldale where they specialize in freshly-squeezed drinks, tequila and specialty drinks as well as craft beers and a full bistro menu. Try a Paloma, the most beloved cocktail in Mexico. shirleystequilabar.com

2.

Loco for Tacos.

If you’re craving tacos, head to West Reading’s Let’s Taco Bout It on Penn Avenue. The Luchador-inspired restaurant serves authentic Mexican street food and tacos include the Senior Ramon, Eagle Powers, The Nitty Gritty and more. letstacoboutit.net

3.

Traditional Cuisine.

Looking for a fantastic family meal? Head to Tlacuani Mexican Restaurant Bar & Grill in Temple for favorites like Mole Poblano, Chiles Rellenos, Pollo Con Rajas and desserts including flan, churros and fried ice cream. tlacuanimexicanrestaurant.com

Spring into summer with a vendor and craft bazaar in Hamburg.

On May 16 from 1 to 4pm, Culture Shock Performing Arts Center will host a bazaar aimed at supporting local business. Shop and try your hand at winning a raffle prize. For more info call 610.562.440 or visit on Facebook @cultureshockpac.

FROM ROCK STAR TO HORTICULTURIST: How Mutschlers’ was Born

BY KELLY TANGER | PHOTOS COURTESY OF MUTSCHLERS' FLORIST & RARE PLANTS

A Seed is Planted

A rock star turned avid horticulturist (yes, you read that right), Bob Mutschler dreamed of working in the horticulture field since the age of 4. Before achieving that childhood dream though, his life was filled with a plethora of experiences that ultimately led him to where he is now: rooted for more than 20 years as owner of Mutschlers’ Florist & Rare Plants in Birdsboro. Before the doors of Mutschlers’ opened, Bob spent his younger years playing lead guitar in a rock band and opening for well-known musicians like The Beach Boys and Fabian. While it was an amazing chapter of life that allowed him to save money and put himself through 10 years of college to earn his bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D. degrees, the seeds of horticulture were ever-blossoming in Bob’s heart and he continued to pursue his dream. A Business Well Harvested

Before Mutschlers’ became the thriving business it is today, it originally opened as Bob’s wife’s flower shop 38 years ago. At the time, Bob was teaching horticulture at Penn State as well as co-writing a book on how to run a flower shop. After retiring from his teaching career, he joined his wife in running the business, working side-by-side for many years and watching the shop grow and thrive.

Today, Mutschlers’ is rarely advertised, yet extremely popular. With a clientele that extends from the local community to customers from around the world, this plant paradise has a twostory greenhouse attached to a home that boasts room after room of beautiful, rare plants. Bob shares, “Everything that we have in the greenhouse can go in the average home. Just because it’s rare doesn’t mean it’s harder to grow, just harder to find.” Bob will welcome you the moment you set foot inside and will excitedly offer a small tour with a side of stories and abundant knowledge. Not only will you surround yourself with the many vibrant colorful orchids and soothing shades of greens, but the plants you gaze upon are some of the rarest that you will discover. Some have aged 100 years and can reach prices as high as $60,000. Also rare are the fish ponds that are home to gorgeous koi fish, some appearing black in color but dazzling a cobalt blue when the sunshine hits them just right. Or perhaps you’d like to peek at the rare shark in the greenhouse. Whatever you desire, your eyes will be amazed at all the sights. As Bob declares, “It gives us something that people wouldn’t see otherwise. It’s like a destination shop.”

Spreading Roots

Bob loves to share his knowledge with others. One way he achieves this is by offering classes during the year. Participants learn hands-on the correct way to plant and care for orchids or acquire skills in the beautiful art of bonsai.

Staffing mostly college students to help them gain experience and donating the vast majority of their profits to charity, giving back and spreading the love of horticulture is at the heart of Mutschlers’.

DID YOU KNOW?

Prison time. In his earlier years, Bob set up a program at a Florida state prison teaching those who were sentenced for life how to grow orchids.

Surprise Inside. Mutschlers’ is settled in a 250-year-old house that was part of the Underground Railroad. Take a peek at the secret door in the floor when you visit.

IN THE LIMELIGHT WITH Carolyn Shultz Spano

Director of Development at Bethany Children’s Home

BY ALI BECHTEL | PHOTO BY JOHN A. SECOGES, SECOGES PHOTOGRAPHICS Carolyn Shultz Spano has dedicated nearly her entire career to helping local nonprofit organizations raise awareness and funds within our community. As Director of Development at Bethany Children’s Home she is putting her skills to work to help area youth who have been victims of trauma not only to cope, but to thrive.

Can you tell me a little bit about Bethany Children’s Home? We’re a very unique and specialized residential facility for youth. We offer a variety of trauma-based therapeutic and spiritual services for ages 10 to 21. Most of our youth have had severe trauma in their life and typically come to us through one of 22 local county court systems. And depending on why they’re here, they will stay with us anywhere from six months to three or four years.

What kinds of programming do you offer? We have a clinical team that offers both individual and group therapeutic services, and we also have amazing art and recreation departments. Our goal is simply to improve their life and prepare them. Our Transitional Living program teaches them independent living skills, and the Supervised Independent Living program allows them to stay right here on campus after they graduate, as long as they are working or going to school full-time.

Do you have any events in the works? Unfortunately, due to COVID, life has changed very quickly. We are hoping to host our annual summer concert series this year. We’re located on a beautiful 365-acre campus, and we’ll be hosting four local bands in a way that is very COVID-friendly. We’re also just trying to be really creative with using virtual platforms for large raffles, a virtual lip-sync contest – just thinking of new ways that we can continue fundraising and staying in contact with our continued donors.

How did you get involved with Bethany? Bethany has always been very near and dear to my family, particularly to my dad. I was on campus many times with him. He passed away in 2015, so when this opportunity came up, I just felt it was where I needed to be. I started my career in nonprofits with the Easter Seals and the American Heart Association, and also worked for the Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce for eight years. I have three kids, one is at Temple and two are in the Conrad Weiser School District, so I feel like I have the opportunity to honor my dad but also to really help our local community.

With such a background in nonprofits, are you involved in any other organizations in Berks? I’m very involved with AFP – The Association of Fundraising Professionals. It’s a great way to bounce ideas off people running similar programs, and they’re doing a great job with virtual events. But I miss networking. I’m a hugger! Our president is also fairly new, so prior to last March we were everywhere. We attended chamber events, Women2Women events, but of course that all stopped. We’re at a really exciting place at Bethany, and I don’t think people realize what an amazing place it is here and how many youths we help. So, we just need to keep getting out there.

DID YOU KNOW?

Good Views, Great Cause.

Want to catch one of Bethany’s summer concerts? Keep an eye on the events calendar at bethanyhome.org or follow them on Facebook @BethanyHome1863 for details.

Making It Official.

Bethany Children’s Home has recently been accredited as one of only four “specialized setting” agencies in Pennsylvania for youth transitioning into adulthood.

8 WAYS TO ENJOY THE OUTDOORS

BY NIKKI M. MURRY

Warm weather has returned! Celebrate the spring season by getting outside, breathing in the fresh air and smelling the fresh-cut grass. Looking for some ideas for enjoying some outdoor time? We’ve got a few for you here.

1Hiking & Hawks. One of Berks County’s gems is surely Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Kempton. Visit and enjoy wildlife including raptors soaring above while you tackle hiking a course suited to your skill level. Looking for something extrachallenging? Make a day of it on the River of Rocks. hawkmountain.org 2 Walk About. There are numerous places of beauty to take in nature via walking trails in Berks. A particularly pretty spot is around the Reading Public Museum along the Wyomissing Creek Trail. You might even spy some ducks along the way. It’s the perfect place to take your leashed canine companion for some exercise. readingpublicmuseum.org

3A Perfect Pedal. Head to Hamburg to hop on the Schuylkill River Trail. The seven-mile stretch here is the Bartram portion that spans the Kittatinny Ridge into Auburn in Schuylkill County. The low-grade surface is perfect for riding, as well as walking and horseback riding, too. schuylkillriver.org/schuylkill-river-trail 4Enjoy a Meal. Want to stay close to home but feel like you’re spending a day at the beach? Take in lunch or dinner at the Beverly Hills Tavern’s open-air Beach Bar. We recommend the share pails featuring peel & eat shrimp, snow crab clusters, hard shell crabs and the like. beverlyhillstavern.biz

5Go Shopping. Score some fresh produce, delicious meats, farm fresh eggs, baked goods and more in West Reading at the outdoor Farmers Market held along Penn Avenue during the late spring through fall months before it heads indoors. growingrootspartners.com/westreading

6Get on the Water.

Be it by canoe, kayak or small motor boat, Blue Marsh Lake in Leesport is perfect for a day on the water. Pack a picnic to enjoy on board or in the lunch area. Don’t forget to head to the Visitor’s Center to check out the dam overlook. nap.usace.army.mil/Missions/ Civil-Works/Blue-Marsh-Lake 7A Day on the Greens. Love to play golf or interested in learning? Berks is home to many beautiful golf courses, both public and private. In Sinking Spring, head to Best of Berks winner Manor Golf Course to play the 18-hole championship-style course or if you’re new to the hobby, for some lessons from a pro. themanorgolfclub.com

8Catch Dinner. Love to fish for dinner or just for some catch-and-release fun? There are lots of great spots in Berks. Consider Lake Ontelaunee in Ontelaunee Township, Kaercher Creek in Windsor Township, or Blue Marsh Lake in Leesport. Also popular is fly fishing at the Tulpehocken Creek, affectionately known as “The Tully.” riversflyfishing. com/local-fishing/tulpehocken-creek-fishing

Spoil Mom this Mother’s Day

BY LEAH FASSNACHT, Director of Communications & Marketing, GRCA, 606 Court St., Reading,

This is your official and last reminder that Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 9. If you haven’t bought anything for your mom or mother figure in your life, don’t panic, there is still a little time. Plus, I have a whole list of gift ideas that are found right here in Berks County, and, better yet, support Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) members.

A to Z Vacuum & Fan

350 N. Park Rd., Wyomissing A vacuum? I know. I know. It’s akin to buying your wife a gym membership or treadmill when she didn’t ask for one, but hear me out. As the proud owner of a robot vacuum, I can tell you that it is so satisfying to be able to sit on the couch and read a book or watch a movie with my daughter while my robot vacuum does all the work for me. A to Z Vacuum & Fan carries a line of Miele vacuums, which includes a robotic option. Go Fish! Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar

301 S. Hull St., Sinking Spring Food — always a good choice. Food that is not as easily recreated at home is even better. As a busy mom, any day I don’t have to cook dinner is a good day. Check out the Real Crab Roll stuffed with crab, avocado and cucumber to experience a classic sushi roll. Feeling more adventurous? Try the BBQ Bombshell specialty roll filled with tempura shrimp, spicy tuna, avocado, cucumber, red pepper, a BBQ-infused wrapper, scallions and Saigon sauce.

Advanced Skin Care, Laser & Body Contouring Center

1260 Wyomissing Rd., Wyomissing Book an appointment now and give mom a pampering experience. Some offerings include a soothing seaweed mask and a deep pore cleansing facial. As an added bonus, all treatments are customized to your skin type. Bob Fisher Chevrolet

4111 Pottsville Pike, Reading Make it a Mother’s Day to remember and go big. Bob Fisher Chevrolet offers a great selection of new and used cars, trucks and SUVs. In addition to a great selection, the dealership offers free lifetime state inspections, a Preferred Owner Program and price matching. Mom can ride in style and safety after a trip to Bob Fisher Chevrolet.

All of these options are a great way to thank mom and let her know how much you care. Now, it’s time to send this column to my husband for some lastminute inspiration. 

UPCOMING EVENT

Berks Women2Women presents “Starting a D&I Council in your Workplace,” Tuesday, May 4, 8:30 to 10am. Event will be held virtually. Register at berkswomen2women.com

TOO MANY DISTRACTIONS AT HOME?

JOIN CATALYST NOW.

Catalyst is a professional shared workspace located in Wyomissing where you can work, meet with clients and host meetings. This space follows COVID-19 protocols, and cleanliness is a top priority.

Free Wi-Fi connections Free coffee Free parking Lounge areas & beautiful artwork Networked color copier/printer White boards & A/V equipment Lockers Conference calls capabilities Kitchen area with refrigerator & microwave Two conference/ meeting rooms Handicap accessible Convenient parking

TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT? What to Bring to Camp

COURTESY SMYMCA CAMPS

For those parents sending their children to camp, be it for a day or a week, a packing list is essential. Here is one to cover both situations, courtesy South Mountain YMCA Camps and its staff members.

DAY CAMP To Take

O Close-toed, comfortable walking shoes O Clothing that can get dirty (and a change of clothing, because camp happens) O Rain jacket or poncho O Clean cloth mask O Swimsuit (worn to camp) O Beach towel O Sunblock O Water bottle O Small backpack/bag O Nut-free packed lunch and snack O You may also consider: swim goggles, flip flops/sandals, bug spray, jacket or sweatshirt

OVERNIGHT CAMP To Take

(suitable for a week)

TIP: Be sure to label your items with your name!

O 1-2 pairs sweatpants/jeans O 5-6 pairs shorts O Rain poncho/jacket O 3 pairs thick hiking socks O Jacket or sweatshirt O 6 pairs cotton socks O 6-10 pairs underwear O 2-3 long-sleeved shirts O 5 t-shirts O Hat O Sneakers, flip flops O 2 swimsuits O 2 bath towels, beach towels, washcloths O Laundry bag O Pillow and pillowcase O A set of twin sheets, blanket O Pajamas O Sleeping bag with sack O Water bottle O Flashlight/headlamp O Shampoo, conditioner, soap O Brush/comb O Toothbrush, toothpaste O Sunscreen, Chapstick, bug spray O Reading material O Stationary, pre-addressed stamped envelopes O Inexpensive camera

O Cell phones and tablets O MP3 plays, computers & video games O Smart watches O Knives, weapons O Fireworks

Leave It

O Aerosol spray O Wheeled shoes, skateboards, inline/roller skates O Trading cards, sentimental collectibles, toys O Money O Jewelry O Alcohol, drugs O A bad attitude – camp is what you make of it!