15 minute read
Pillars of the Community
Dayana BLANDON
Dayana Blandon is the Human Resources Manager for DAK Americas LLC, an Alpek Polyester Business located in Reading. DAK Americas recently acquired CarbonLite. Alpek Polyester recycles more than 12 billion bottles per year and is the largest PET bottle recycler in the Americas. As HR Manager, Blandon is busy hiring for all different positions: finance professionals, engineers, supervisors, managers, machine operators, material handlers and entry-level roles. She says, “The diverse skill sets needed allows someone coming in to an entry-level position the ability to grow within the company to a leadership role. That is my favorite part of working in manufacturing: watching employees grow into positions they never thought possible. Helping others reach their potential is extremely rewarding and why I love my job as an HR Manager.”
Blandon has a bachelor’s degree in Cultural Anthropology from CUNY, and moved her work to the Berks area two years ago, although she has been a PA resident for 11 years. She says, “When I moved to PA from NY, I was exposed to the manufacturing world, and I absolutely loved it. Seeing all the cultural backgrounds in one world, I knew I had found my home.”
Blandon is also a big fan of community outreach. She explains, “The importance of volunteering has been a significant aspect of my professional growth. It is the part of my life that grounds me and reminds me that I once had others who have helped shape my career and life. I truly believe that we all have a purpose in this life and showing others anything is possible is part of my purpose.”
Blandon is an active participant in any organization she belongs to. It isn’t about fluffing up a resume for her; Blandon sincerely enjoys helping her community through Women2Women, serving as a board member for Berks Latino Workforce Development Corporation, volunteering with soup kitchens in PA and NY as well as a mentor for high school students, and acting as a Next Steps volunteer at LCBC church for the past five years, which allows her to welcome new church members and their families. As part of Women2Women she also once gave a presentation on “Finding Your Voice & Navigating the Workplace.”
In her spare time, the mother of three enjoys traveling, photography and learning about other cultures for her own interests and professional purposes.
Mary KARGBO
Mary Kargbo is the CEO of Berks County Health Center (BCHC). She is also the elected Board Chairperson of the Health Federation of Philadelphia. A trained midwife and nurse, she holds a BS in Nursing and Masters in Maternal Care and Administration from Syracuse University, where she met her husband, Sam, who was studying for his PhD in Education. Kargbo has dedicated her extensive career to caring for the underserved for the last 35 years because as she explains, “they are the forgotten people.”
BCHC has seen tremendous growth with 14,000+ cases annually thanks to her direction. Kargbo is quite modest about her own success and reflects on the service and benefits it provides patients saying, “When I moved into administration, I missed patient care; however, I quickly realized that I am delivering the care to patients through others’ hands. I do this by equipping the staff with what they need and assure that the policies are evidencebased and that the staff stay current.”
In 2017, Kargbo was the first recipient to receive the Wilford Payne Health Center Mentor Award. Given in memory of Wilford Payne, the former CEO of a Pittsburgh CHC, the award is presented to an individual who exemplifies leadership and mentoring future community health center leaders. Kargbo was the clear choice. According to Kargbo, “This was truly a huge honor. One of the things I enjoy seeing is my staff excelling in their work and future career goals. So, I enjoy their internal promotions as well as people moving on to higher positions externally. This award was given to me by Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers (PACHC) and I was nominated by my staff, which made it very special.” She also received the prestigious APEX award.
Kargbo is the epitome of a leader. Rather than boast about receiving these well-deserved awards, she chose to thank her staff.
When asked if she could describe what it is about Berks County that makes it home for her, Kargbo said, “Though it is geographically large, the feeling is that of a small place with people that are well connected. Most of the people know each other and work very well together. This makes collaborations for the good of the population easy to put together.”
In addition to her very robust professional and personal schedule, the mother of four always finds time to serve her community further through various boards and organizations such as the Reading Area Community College Board of Directors, Opportunity House Board of Directors, the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers (PACHC) Board of Directors and Women2Women. Kargbo also gives back globally through organizations like Food for the Poor, Feeding America, paying school fees for kids in Africa and Smile Train.
SANCHEZ
Yamil Sanchez Rivera is the Chief Administrative Officer for the Reading School District. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Villanova University, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Kutztown University, and earned his Doctorate in Education from Lehigh University in Curriculum and Instruction. He is a life-long learner with more than 25 years’ experience working with schools and nonprofits and is currently back at Lehigh University pursuing an MBA.
His position at Reading School District is stacked with overseeing Equity and Diversity, Communications, Food Services, Athletics, Safe Schools, Technology, IT, Translation and Interpretation and Facilities. It’s a big job, but he’s no stranger to these types of demanding roles. In fact, his work at the United Way of Berks County was basically the training ground for the juggling of duties that he tackles now. Although Dr. Sanchez started his career as a Chemistry teacher, he was quickly drawn into the nonprofit world.
While in nonprofits, he enjoyed his community impact responsibilities of overseeing nearly $6 million in investments along with Masters and PhD studies. He knew since he was five years old that he wanted to be a doctor, but along the way he chose education as a specialty rather than medicine to inspire people. During his time at the United Way, he would frequently take his work to the streets as projects would be coming together. Dr. Sanchez says, “I was raised in this community, so I really try to be a servant leader and help by going into the field and assisting.”
So, how did he get from nonprofit back to education? Dr. Sanchez explains, “I loved working at the United Way, and I loved the people I worked with, too. When Dr. Khalid N. Mumin mentioned my current position, it was the dream job for me. I was able to be back in education, back at the school I went to, still help the community, and I’m supporting an entire school district of students. I knew it was time to make the change, and here I am.”
Dr. Sanchez further supports the community through service with the Reading Hospital Board of Trustees, Centro Hispano Board of Directors, Berks Community Action Program Board of Directors, as a United Way Cabinet member and with BCPS Berks Connections.
It’s easy to see that Dr. Sanchez considers himself blessed. When he is able to spare some free time, you’ll likely find him enjoying his new deck or renovated home. He and his brother worked on the projects together, and Dr. Sanchez learned enough to make those DIY show hosts nervous.
With Blandon, Kargbo and Dr. Sanchez generously serving as pillars of the community, it is clear that Berks County is in very good hands.
Would YOU LIKE TO BE A PILLAR OF THE COMMUNITY?
Contact any of these organizations regarding volunteering, making a donation or joining as a member: Women2Women | 610.376.6766 | berkswomen2women.com United Way | 610.685.4574 | uwberks.org Children’s Alopecia Project | 610.468.1011 | childrensalopeciaproject.org Berks Latino Workforce Development Corporation | 610.898.7774 | blwdc.org SafeBerks | 610.373.1206 | safeberks.org Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank | 610.926.5802 | helpingharvest.org Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berks County | 610.373.5544 | bigsinberks.org
Shop BERKS FAMILY Businesses
We’ve stressed how now more than ever, it’s important to shop local. Making it even more crucial is that Berks County is home to so many family businesses. When you support a family business, you’re likely supporting one that gives back to the community it calls home. Its owners may have children attending school with your children, they may shop where you shop and attend the same place of worship. The family businesses in Berks are diverse, too. On the following pages, get to know those families that can help in your family’s most urgent time of need, that can provide food for your table, provide healthcare services, who can help you find your forever home and can spruce up the garden, who can install an amazing sound system, give a fabulous hairdo, help you shop for customized gifts and beautiful jewels, too.
RIVERVIEW TREE & LANDSCAPING, INC.
Riverview Tree & Landscaping, Inc., has been a family-run company since its establishment in 1973. Riverview has been home to older and newer generations of the original founder, Donald. A. Haas. His daughter, Diane Salks, joined the business in 1984 and became president in 1996. Currently, her son, Aleks Salks, is one of Riverview’s landscape/pond designers and installers. His wife, Aleah Salks, takes on the role of garden center manager, and Diane’s daughter, Alaina, is the marketing coordinator. Visit the Salks family at Riverview and see for yourself that the genuine family-run business spirit is alive and progressing, as its founder intended it to be.
3049 Pricetown Rd., Temple 610.929.5049 | riverviewtree.com
PA# 5859
LEIBENSPERGER FUNERAL HOMES, INC.
Pictured: Todd J. Kennedy, Funeral Director; Donna M. Leibensperger Parr, Supervisor/Funeral Director; Andrea M. Leibensperger, Office Manager; Derek M.D. Leibensperger, Supervisor/ Funeral Director
In 1935, Stephen T. Leibensperger established Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., in Hamburg, PA. For more than 78 years, the Leibensperger family has served families in northern Berks County. M. Domer Leibensperger joined his father during the 1960s. Domer’s daughter, Donna; son, Derek; daughter-in-law, Andrea; and son-in-law, Todd, are now part of the family business and share the same dedication, compassion and values as their past family members. Together, they manage Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc.’s two locations in Hamburg and Leesport as well as Peach Tree Cremation Services, LLC, a pet crematory.
Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., offers a multitude of personalized funeral home services, such as funeral planning, cremation, memorials and obituary writing. The Leibensperger family is there for you throughout your difficult time and will design the best service to celebrate your loved one’s life. Remember, it’s never too early to plan. Leibensperger’s prearrangement services can help you map out your end-of life wishes, including advance directives to provide you the peace of mind that comes with knowing all the details will be handled.
Dealing with death is never easy, but the Leibenspergers can help you select the funeral service options that hold the most meaning for you and your family. Our family, serving your family, since 1935.
65 S. 4th St., Hamburg | 610.562.7823 223 Peach St., Leesport | 610.926.2737 leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com
LORDS & LADIES SALON AND MEDICAL SPA
Since 1984, Lords & Ladies has truly been a family affair -- owned and operated by Terry and Lori Derr.
After 37 years in business, this September, L&L celebrates its one-year anniversary of being a franchised company! Each location is independently owned and operated by a long-time successful employee. The all women owners, along with the participation and support of their families, continue to raise the bar and deliver an exceptional experience to their guests.
The Lords & Ladies team is always hiring stylists, estheticians, massage therapists, managers, guest service experts and more! In addition, employees now have the opportunity to take their career a step further and achieve the true American Dream by owning a L&L franchise of their own!
As the Lords & Ladies franchise company continues to grow, we look forward to serving even more communities in the surrounding areas. Be on the lookout for new locations coming soon!
Visit any of our Lords & Ladies Salon and Medical Spa locations and experience for yourself what so many Berks and Montgomery County clients have come to know and love!
1.844.725.6655 | LLSALONS.COM
THE STEREO BARN
50TH
4631 Penn Avenue, Ste. 101 Sinking Spring 610.678.2122 | stereobarn.com
The Stereo Barn was founded by Charles N. Bock in Ephrata, PA, in June of 1971. Formerly the Director of National Sales for several audio companies, his decision to strike out on his own in a barn-like building in the middle of cornfields was a bold one. His vision of offering high quality products in a relaxed, inviting atmosphere struck a chord with audio enthusiasts in Berks and Lancaster counties. “Treat your customers the way you want to be treated, and the rest will take care of itself,” he often said. Some 50 years later, those same principles apply. Owned and operated by second generation Charles H. Bock and third generation Meredith Bock, The Stereo Barn offers a wide variety of audio and video products and services for your home and business. Visit the showroom where you can see and hear some of the best equipment available. Rest assured that their team of professionally trained installation technicians can install your purchase and teach you how to use it.
Our team has more than 150 years of experience, and many clients have been purchasing from us for 40+ years. When you buy from Stereo Barn, you will always know who to call for help, and you will find our pricing is the same or less than national or online resellers. We look forward to your visit!
WEAVER'S ORCHARD
PickYour-Own Apples
Come visit the newly expanded farm market at Weaver’s Orchard! Now there’s more room to shop for delicious homegrown produce, grocery and local dairy items and fresh baked goods like pies, cider donuts, pastries and bread. Grab hot or iced coffee and espresso drinks right inside the market entrance at the redesigned Kim’s Cafe as you meander through the market. Plus, the remodeled deli is complete with a new order counter, grab ‘n’ go case and hot meal options. Online shopping and curbside pick-up or local delivery are also available.
The farm market and pick-your-own orchard is open Monday through Saturday. Pick-your-own peaches, pears, apples and sunflowers are happening now and fall festivals are around the corner! Customers can pick pumpkins and 30+ varieties of apples throughout the season. Fall Family Fun Days include hay rides, tons of fun kids’ activities, live music, hot food and much more on Saturdays from mid-September to late October! Don’t forget to shop fall décor like pumpkins, gourds, mums, asters, corn shocks and more in the garden center. Your Local
Weaver’s Orchard is located 12 miles south of Reading and 5 miles north of Morgantown. For more information, visit weaversorchard. com, find them on Facebook and Instagram, or call 610.856.7300. Orchard &
Farm Market!
40 Fruit Lane, Morgantown 40 Fruit Lane 610.856.7300 | weaversorchard.comMorgantown, PA WeaversOrchard.com Fall events every Saturday ORTHOPAEDIC ASSOCIATES OF READING, LTD.
With two convenient locations in Exeter and Wyomissing, in the former Vanity Fair Complex, Orthopaedic Associates of Reading, Ltd. has been providing professional orthopaedic treatment to Berks County communities since 1979. The experienced, knowledgeable and friendly staff is dedicated to providing the best available medical treatment in the most pleasant and comfortable manner possible.
Our highly trained physicians specialize in Arthroscopic Surgery, Hand Disorders, Sports Medicine, Total Joint Replacement of the Hip, Knee and Shoulder, General Orthopaedics, Fractures, Occupational Medicine, Traumatic Injuries and Foot and Ankle Disorders. Orthopaedic Associates of Reading, Ltd. is proud to offer Therapy Services, MRI, Telemedicine and Walk-in Urgent Care.
www.oarmd.com
Wyomissing Office 850 Knitting Mills Way, Wyomissing 610.376.8671 Exeter Office 4885 Demoss Rd., Ste. 102, Reading 610.376.8671
GIPPRICH JEWELERS
Looking for a treasured piece of jewelry for that someone special or just to treat yourself? Head to Gipprich Jewelers in Shillington. The family-owned business has been selling jewelry and diamonds, including unique estate pieces, for 77 years, marking a quality business standing the test of time. Just ask their faithful customers! Founded in 1945 by Walter J. Gipprich with a strong focus on customer service, current owners Amy and Richard Gipprich continue the tradition, aiming to provide quality products and the expertise that only comes with experience and training. Gipprich employs a full staff of three goldsmiths, a gemologist and a sales and service team that cares. They do repair work and appraisals, too. Find product updates daily on their Facebook page @GipprichJewelers.
103 W. Lancaster Avenue, Shillington 610.777.7034 | gipprich.com
JERSEY INK
We are celebrating 15 years in the custom apparel business, and we couldn’t be more proud that our roots are firmly planted in Berks County. Since 2006, our mission has been to develop meaningful relationships with our clients to continuously meet their needs and desires. During the pandemic we rose to the occasion, working side-by-side with local small businesses and teams to help them set up and run online fundraising stores. Our clients and community have always been at the heart of our business, and we look forward to the connections we continue to build long into the future.
1601 N. 9th St., Reading 610.378.7844 | jerseyink.net
