AROUND TOWN

Local Author Pens Book Addressing Kids’ Food Allergies

When Megan Herr’s son was just six months old, her life changed within hours after he was diagnosed with extreme allergies to eggs, tree nuts, peas and dairy. One bite of the wrong food could seriously harm or kill her child, so she made it her mission to learn everything to keep him safe: from researching ingredients to how to give Epinephrine. To help spread awareness for children living with food allergies and to open dialogue between children, parents, caregivers and their peers, she wrote a book. Herr explains, “The concept I wanted for this book was for it to be fun, bright and engaging, but be equally educational.” Lucas takes his Food Allergies to Daycare explores a realworld setting that poses a challenge for young children with food allergies and explains the importance of washing hands after eating, of not sharing food, and why a child may have to sit at another table. The book is available at Get-Lucas-Book.com, and through major online retailers. Follow Herr at thealherrgymomblog.com. – KIMBERLY LIU

Walking Through a Story

Want to take a leisurely walk somewhere new? The Exeter Community Library StoryWalk® is a free, fun and educational outdoor activity where children and adults alike can see a story come to life as they stroll down the walking trail behind the library. The path is nestled in a wooded area and features a book. Its pages are spread on posts throughout the path for visitors to read. The featured book changes quarterly. StoryWalk® is open during daylight hours every day, year-round. Everyone is welcome to visit; the trail is also wheelchair accessible. “I have seen on the StoryWalk® family friends meeting for a Saturday morning activity, couples walking their dog at the end of the day, a father teaching his little one how to ride a tricycle, an elderly gentleman getting in his daily exercise, teens needing a safe space to talk on a bench and school-aged kids swapping books at the Little Free Library, all while immersing themselves in nature and enjoying the story at the same time,” says librarian Laura C. Kauffman. For more info call 610.406.9431, ext. 105 or visit the StoryWalk® Facebook page @ECLStoryWalk. – KIMBERLY LIU

A Home to Holistic Pet Care in Hamburg

Looking for a new insight into your pet’s health or for supplemental care or enrichment? The Animal Resource Co-op at Inner Peace and Wellness in Hamburg offers a host of services, including naturopathic (holistic) consultations, nutritional consultations, dog training and behavioral modification, animal communication sessions, Reiki, Pet First Aid and CPR training, nail trimming and so much more. It’s a must-visit spot for pets and the people that love them. Dogs may especially love the Zen Play Den, a private enrichment playroom, complete with tunnels and a ball pit, and cats can be boarded at the feline-only Katzen. Owners Pamela Kneass and Michelle Porter are certified Pet Tech® instructors. Pet Tech® is the premier CPR and First Aid training for dogs and cats. Kneass has been a veterinary technician for more than 25 years and continues to work at a local veterinary hospital. The next CPR/First Aid class is scheduled for June 5 at 10am at the Co-op. Want to learn more? Call or text to 570.230.8382, visit on Facebook @TheARC.InnerPeaceAndWellness or at theanimalresourceco-op.com. – NIKKI M. MURRY

Embrace Spring at Rodale

Head to the Rodale Institute in Kutztown as temperatures warm up and learn how you can aid and enjoy the outdoors with some unique programming. Here are three events to get on your calendar…

1.

Compost Like a Pro.

Sign up for the class planned for May 7 at 10am and learn how to begin composting effectively in your backyard, to quickly troubleshoot problems and to harvest and use finished compost in your garden.

2.

Hobby Beekeeping.

Bee keepers, bee enthusiasts and those just curious can learn about current issues facing honeybees, available solutions and more on May 14 starting at 10am. You’ll be able to work with live bees and to see inside an operating hive, too.

3.

Yoga on the Farm.

On May 21 at 10am, yoga instructor Elizabeth Kawa will guide attendees in soothing the mind, body and soul in this 75-minute class for those with varying levels of ability, followed by a 30-minute mediation session.

To register and for more info call 610.683.1400 or visit rodaleinstitute.org.

The Fashionista 5K is Back!

The race to benefit Laney’s Legacy of Hope, battling pediatric cancer, is being held in-person May 1 in West Reading starting at 9am, with a virtual option offered as well. Want to learn more about how you can help the cause or cheer on the participants? Visit laneyslegacyofhope.org/laneysfashionista-5k.

Mayfield on Noble: A Dream Come True

BY KELLY TANGER| PHOTOS COURTESY OF MAYFIELD ON NOBLE

It all started with a dream to open a small business. Malorie Waters decided it was time to leave her corporate job and pursue her vision. In 2019, this dream began to blossom more quickly than she’d ever imagined: while driving through the lively college town of Kutztown she passed by an empty building for rent. Malorie knew instantly that it was the perfect spot for her to sell crafts and antiques. Driven by passionate determination, she obtained the necessary permits within a mere 30 days and was on her way to realizing this new venture named Mayfield on Noble. She says humbly, “Mostly what happened was I just knew I wanted to do it and the opportunity came up immediately and I did it.” A Potpourri of Items

Looking for a unique handcrafted gift idea? The possibilities are endless at Mayfield. From handcrafted wooden signs, marble cheese boards and homemade soaps to mugs, crocheted and knitted items, antique furniture pieces, homemade jellies and so much more, there is never a lack of new and creative things to explore. All items are locally designed. Mayfield hosts roughly 75 Berks County craft vendors. Malorie says, “There are so many different things and so many vendors and most of the time, our vendors change stuff out weekly.” She continues, “There is never a lack of new and creative craft items to look at…perfect for gift giving or a nice treat for yourself.”

Be on the lookout for a wide diversity of items such as seasonal products, special art classes and fun events offered. For example, Mayfield features murder mystery dinners where everyone enjoys great food and all are active participants in the production. According to Malorie, “If you come, you are involved in the game.” In the summertime, be sure to drop in for shopping and wine slushies or grab a treat from one of the food trucks set up on weekends. Next door is Hazel’s Café, where you can relax with delicious food, tea, coffee or wine made by Berks County’s own Cork Dork.

All in all, Mayfield on Noble represents the many hidden talents of Berks County and fully supports a larger vision of shopping local.

Southern Hospitality

Step over the threshold of Mayfield and breathe in the faint aroma of freshly cut wood along with a pleasant, softly wafting scent of incense and candles burning. Allow your eyes to gaze upon a breathtaking array of crafts and antique items. The interior boasts the feel of an outdoor craft market with its large space and strings of lights leading the way. Friendly faces and greetings abound, making the experience one you’ll want to revisit. Mayfield on Noble is a family-operated business where you will be warmly accepted the moment you walk through the door. Malorie, her mom, sister, mother-in-law and other family members, offer the sweet taste of southern hospitality from Mayfield, KY, where this family originally hails from, and from where the store got its name. Always feeling a deep connection to her hometown, Malorie named her store after the place that warms her heart.

FUN FACTS

Family ties. Hazel’s Café is named after Malorie’s great-grandmother who will celebrate her 99th birthday this year! Helping hands. When a tornado hit Mayfield, KY in 2021, Malorie’s family not only visited to show their support, but also raised funds to help many of the victims.

IN THE LIMELIGHT WITH Ashley Chambers

Senior Vice President of Community Impact, United Way of Berks County

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

Ashley Chambers came to Reading from Western Pennsylvania in 2004 to attend Albright College. Upon graduation, she chose to make this community her home. She’s spent most of her time since graduation working with the United Way.

Since college, your jobs have focused on serving the community. Tell me about that experience and how it led you to your current role with the United Way. I began my career working for United Community Services in Reading. I eventually became their executive director, and in that role I was a non-voting board member of the United Way. I also volunteered for the United Way for about 10 years. I then worked as a children and youth services director for Congreso de Latinos Unidos in Philadelphia. When I saw the VP of community impact job for the United Way posted in December 2019, I applied. I was hired, and I started in March 2020, two weeks before the pandemic caused disruptions and remote work.

What volunteer roles did you have with United Way? I volunteered with the Community Impact Office, the office I’m working for now. I reviewed applications for agency partners. I served on grants committees, and I served on the technology committee. I attribute my ability to successfully onboard during the pandemic to being a volunteer in this department for so long because I was already familiar with the functions of my department.

What do you enjoy most about your role with United Way? In my role, I work with a team that identifies community needs, works with agency partners and oversees grants. The Ready.Set.READ! initiative is also part of my office. I enjoy working with people to improve the community. I also enjoy being able to provide the funds to make changes. As a funder, I believe we can truly make impactful change. It makes me happy to go to work every day knowing we’re fulfilling our mission to make Berks County better for everyone.

How can people get involved with the United Way? My office maintains the volunteer center, and we can help people identify an opportunity they’re interested in. Some examples of experiences we’ve connected people with in addition to Ready. Set.READ! are mural paintings in the city, our annual Day of Caring with various community projects, and the Big Cheese where volunteers package food for Helping Harvest food bank. Businesses can work with us on grant reviews, focus area panels, and they can even create a “wish list” that identifies their volunteer needs to help us connect them with volunteers.

When you have some downtime from all of the work you do for our community, how do you relax and have fun? I enjoy cooking and trying new recipes, working out and listening to audiobooks.

LEARN MORE.

Nurturing Young Readers. The United Way is expanding its Ready.Set.READ! program to early childcare centers in addition to schools to help encourage reading at an even younger age.

Investing in Our Community. In 2021, the United Way of Berks County raised more than $11 million to support community needs and programming in the county.

9 SPOTS FOR Family Fun

BY NIKKI M. MURRY Daylight hours are getting longer; temperatures are rising, and summer is right around the corner. Looking for some places to have some fun with the whole family? Here are nine ideas to get you started.

1Take Me Out to the Ballgame. Catch a game, or two, or three at FirstEnergy Stadium in Reading and cheer on the Fightins. The stadium has so much more to offer than the game, too. Think: delicious concessions, carnival-type games, musical entertainment, firework displays and a pool. fightins.com 2 Hole in One. Schell’s Miniature Golf in Muhlenberg Township, a championship course with 27 holes, is a mainstay that’s been enjoyed by families for more than a halfcentury. If you’ve worked up an appetite, enjoy their famous BBQ and some ice cream, too. 610.929.9660 3A Need for Speed. For a different type of competition, take it to the track, the slick track, that is. Slick Willy’s in Wyomissing offers indoor electric cart racing, reaching speeds of up to 50 mph. Visit online to learn more about pricing and specials offered during the week. slickwillyskarts.com

7All Aboard. Head to Boyertown to board a train that will take you on an excursion into a forbidden land. Colebrookdale Railroad offers themed train rides throughout the year and there’s sure to be something for everyone to enjoy. colebrookdalerailroad.com

8Treat Yourself. As we approach the end of May especially, it can really get hot. Cool off with a sweet treat at Sweet Ride Ice Cream in West Reading. Can’t decide which delicious flavor to enjoy? Buy a couple of flights and the whole family can sample to their heart’s desire. sweetrideicecream.com

9Roll with it. Unleash your inner child and lace up some roller skates. Cruise around the rink and enjoy throwback and current tunes with the entire family at Skateaway Family Fun & Sports Center in Shillington during public skate times. skateaway.net 4 Get Blinded by Science. Visit the Reading Science Center, where their motto is: “Interact. Invent. Inspire.” More than 55 interactive exhibits focused on electricity, light and sound, forces and motion, engineering and more are waiting to be explored in the 7,000-square-foot space. readingsciencecenter.org

5Reach for the Stars. Head to the Neag Planetarium at the Reading Public Museum. The weekday and Sunday show schedule programming is variable, but did you know you can also book the planetarium for private events? It’s true! readingpublicmuseum.org/planetarium

6A Day of Fun. Make the trip to Wernersville to South Mountain YMCA on designated days each May (May 1 & 8) to enjoy Family Fun Day. Activities include climbing the tower, shooting archery, creating crafts, wagon riding and more. The May 1 theme is Healthy Kids Day and will host a blood drive. Hours are 2-4pm, and attendance is free and open to the public. smymca.org

Special Programming for Family Businesses

BY AMISH JINDAL, Communications & Marketing Intern, GRCA

The family-owned and operated business Pagoda Apparel has been a role model for the community. It has not only continued to operate as a family-owned business, but has also given back to the community through advocacy and donations.

Pagoda Apparel is a print shop located in downtown Reading. The business mostly prints and creates apparel for businesses, though it also makes various other customized items such as banners, home décor and accessories.

Pagoda Apparel was initially founded in 2012 by co-owner Dele Olaewe as a side gig. He had previous experience in the print industry and wanted to create some adult soccer shirts for his friends. Over the years, the family business steadily grew, even through the pandemic. For that reason, just a few years ago, Pagoda Apparel become a full-time commitment for Dele and his wife, Barbara Olaewe.

Being a small family-owned business brings many benefits and challenges. According to Barbara, one of the main advantages is “working together as partners for the same goal.”

On the flip side, a challenge that Barbara and Dele face is that they never get away from their business. As Barbara puts it, “You don’t get to disconnect when both family members are working the same business with the same goal.” In addition, one of the hardest things for a small, family-owned business is letting others know you exist. To attain greater success, the business needs to move past word-of-mouth referrals and to intentionally connect with the community.

Pagoda Apparel has demonstrated its community values by giving back. For one, the company promotes Reading. “We like this city. We want people to know and love Reading,” says Barbara. This is reflected in their signature Pagoda logo and in their Reading souvenir line.

In addition, Pagoda Apparel has joined many philanthropic endeavors. The business donates clothes with small manufacturing defects that can’t be sent to consumers for quality purposes. Some of the beneficiaries include the New Journey Community Outreach Center and the Olivet Boys & Girls Club of Reading & Berks County.

The business has also been grateful for the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance’s (GRCA) support and family-owned business programming over the years. GRCA has helped Pagoda Apparel by featuring the business in its Rebuild Berks campaign and also ordered shirts for the staff to wear at its annual picnic.

Barbara and Dele are regular attendees of the Berks Family Business Alliance (FBA) programming. FBA is a signature program of the GRCA. It serves family-owned and operated businesses of all sizes by providing diverse programming and numerous interactive opportunities. The goal of FBA is to help to lead these special, family-owned businesses to success. If you are a family-owned business interested in joining FBA, visit greaterreading.org/berks-family-business-alliance.

Barbara and Dele see a bright future for Pagoda Apparel. They foresee growth continuing, perhaps soon being too busy for just the two of them to handle, resulting in new employee hires.

UPCOMING EVENT

Join GRCA and FBA for its Summer Symposium: The 7 Principles of Healthy Business on June 8, 7:30-9:30am. Visit greaterreading.org to register.

EmmaRose Strohl (née Boyle) Attorney, Barley Snyder 50 N. Fifth Street, 2nd Floor Reading, PA 19601 estrohl@barley.com 484-318-2494

When is the best time to create an estate plan? Will I need to update my plans for big life changes?

A: Right now is the best time to create an estate plan or ensure your current estate plan is up-to-date. The purpose of estate planning is to guarantee your wishes are upheld at any stage in your life. Recently got married and changed your name like me? An update to your will may be in order and it’s quicker than changing your driver’s license. Welcoming children? There’s nothing like the peace of mind that comes from having an enforceable contingency plan in place for your loved ones. While not every life event requires an update to your planning, working with an experienced estate planning attorney will help ensure you have the proper plan in place for your family’s future.

www.barley.com

READING • LANCASTER • WYOMISSING • YORK HARRISBURG • HANOVER • GETTYSBURG • MALVERN SCHUYLKILL HAVEN • HUNT VALLEY, MD • COLUMBIA, MD

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WEST READING FASHION SHOW. 1. Mark Ratcliffe & Mrs. Pennsylvania: Emily Kenniston. 2. Adam Cocuzza & Abbigail LeTourneau. 3. Jenny Patton & Amanda Sell. 4. Denise Drobnick & Chalain Moceri. 5. Steve & Vicki Schutt. 6. Amanda Castanon & Paula Trimpey. 7. Rachel Eskin & Emily Wagner. 8. Mechelle Bush & Louise Candelaria. 9. Rebecca Swoyer, Teresa Lubas & Tara Dianna. 10, Angela Duen & Marisa Aikman. 11. Tom Kosmala & Kate Alley. 12. Kyla Blakeney, Tammy Ettaro, Maddie Curtain & Melinda O’Neill. 13. Sabrina Showers, Ashley Rejniak & Anna Brzostek. PHOTOS BY HEIDI REUTER. 10 11

BONUS PHOTOS!

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

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