West Reading Avenues Winter 2022-23

Family is foundational, and having a perfect home for your family means everything. Having Peter Heim by your side to help you navigate through the multiple steps of buying or selling is key. Born and raised in Berks county, Peter is an award-winning Real Estate Broker with more than 35 years of experience.

A family man, Peter has been married to his wife Michele for more than 30 years. They have seven children and two grandchildren. Pete and his family are involved with many Berks County organizations.

This seasoned professional brings his hardworking yet fun personality to every interaction. Now Peter is proud to welcome his son Christopher onto his real estate team. Chris brings his unbridled enthusiasm, on-line savvy, and banking experience to the team. Let the Heim Team do the best job for you!

Peter specializes in customer service.

Whether listing or selling residential or commercial real estate, Peter is dedicated to helping his clients. His personal attention to every aspect of the business has garnered him more than 200 five-out-of-five Gold Star independent reviews.

“I have personally known Pete for close to two decades, and he is one of most conscientious, caring and outgoing people I know. He truly cares about his clients, and works harder than any other realtor I know. I highly recommend that you work with Pete.” – Dave R

“Pete is attentive to every detail. He made a hard journey of selling my mom’s house easier not just because he is a skilled realtor but in how much he cares about the story and people behind the sale.” – Cathleen P.

“Always a great experience working with Pete and now his son Chris as well.” – Michael S.

Peter K. Heim, CRS, GRI Associate-Broker

office: 610-898-1441 cell: 610-745-3378 email: pheim@kw.com www.peterheimrealtor.com

Peter K. Heim, CRS, GRI

Christopher Heim

CONTACT INFORMATION

Publisher, Tracy Hoffmann Hoffmann Publishing Group, Inc. Design, Kim Lewis

2669 Shillington Road, #438 Sinking Spring, PA 19608 HoffmannPublishing.com 610.685.0914

Avenues@HoffPubs.com

ADVERTISING

Alicia Lee

610.685.0914 ext. 210 Alicia@HoffPubs.com

BOROUGH BUSINESS

West Reading Borough 500 Chestnut Street West Reading, PA 19611 WestReadingBorough.com 610.374.8273

WEST READING MAINSTREET PROGRAM

West Reading Community Revitalization Foundation 20 N. 6th Avenue, 2nd Floor West Reading, PA 19611 VisitWestReading.org 610.685.8854

View the Digital Version of West Reading Avenues online at aves.hoffmannpublishing.com.

The opinions expressed in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced elec tronically or in print without the express written permission of the publisher.

West Reading Avenues is published quarterly {Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter}.

Table of Contents

In Every Issue

Arts & Culture in the Community

Letter from the Borough Council President

Love Where You Live

In the Know & On the Go

New and Improved

West Reading Map West Reading Peeps

Dirt, Music, & CHEESE… Meet Melanie Ilana Pomerantz Business Corner

Tips for Giving to Charitable Causes

In the Community

Albright College’s Club Vogue Volunteers at the West Reading Fashion Show

Pickleball Group “Serves” the Community

Volunteers Make a Difference in the Community

Feature

The Avenues Welcome Kimberton Whole Foods

Beautifying Kimberton Whole Foods - Wyomissing

The Winter Art Scene: What’s chill at Art Plus Gallery

Eat Drink & Live

Creamy Kale & Sweet Potato Salad Holiday Glow

Holiday Glow On the Avenue Holiday Shopping

Shop the Museum! Events

West Reading Farmers Market by Growing Roots Partners

Event Calendar

On the Cover – Kim Floyd, Assistant Store Manager and Perishables Department Head, Terry Brett, Owner/Founder of Kimberton Whole Foods, Jamie Mannering, Front-End Department Head and Dave Asbert, Store Manager

Letter from the Manager Living their West Life

by Mark Ratcliffe, Main Street Manager, West Reading Community Revitalization Foundation

Fall in West Reading kicked off with our Annual Fall Fest Saturday, September 17th. The weather was perfect and we saw more vendors than ever this year. We also added a new stage in the 400 block giving us 3 stages this year. Thank you to everyone who came out, it was great to see the community on this amazing day. It was also fun to see all of our new businesses out experiencing their first major event in West Reading.

Living their West Life. Since May we have welcomed 7 new businesses to our Main Street that include Ezekiel 47 Cafe, Takkii Ramen, DeLune Boutique, Reiki Balance, The Nest Collaborative Yoga Studio, The Cheese Shop by Say Cheese and Little Lotus Children’s Shop. Be sure to check them out soon and say hello!

#ShopSmall Saturday will be our biggest event of the winter season. Come down to West Reading Saturday, November 26th for music, giveaways and a free shopping bag filled with discount coupons. This is a great way to support your local community of businesses, find some unique gifts and enjoy a day on the Avenue with your friends.

The Holiday Season will again be filled with Carriage Rides, Victorian Carolers, and the Annual Tree Lighting Friday, December 2nd. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram @VisitWestReading for daily events and updates from our merchants!

When visiting our merchants tell them you saw their ad in West Reading Avenues magazine!

Visit our website for all the latest information.

Letter from the Borough Council President Where You

Love LIVE

by Ryan Lineaweaver, West Reading Borough Council President

“If you don’t love where you live, quit.” Blunt, but poignant, words of advice from the most recent Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs (PSAB) Annual Conference this past spring. Those stark words came from someone who was commemorated for 50 years of service to her borough as a council member.

And it’s absolutely true.

Thankfully, there’s a lot to love about West Reading. I mean, just look at this entire magazine dedicated to the people, businesses, events, and activities in our 383-acre borough that contains north of 4,500 residents.

But there’s so much more that makes this town tick, largely by those who dedicate themselves to the betterment of our borough. From our police and fire departments, to our borough staff, to our committees and commissions, and our mayor and borough council (yes, I’m going to toot our own horn), this town is filled with staff, volunteers, and neighbors who make West Reading the special place that it is.

Our police department does an incredible job with their responsiveness to calls, arriving on location within two minutes of dispatch. They’re continuing to be an asset to our community, attending local events, doing business checks, and continuing foot and bicycle patrols. And as of last month, our officers are outfitted with body-worn cameras –thanks in large part to a generous donation from West Reading – based Customers Bank.

West Reading’s fire department continues to be a staple of our community, relying largely on a group of volunteers that responded to 75 calls for service in September alone. These community members are relentless with their training, often spending at least one evening a week learning and preparing for all scenarios they could face. And their response time is the *chef’s kiss*, getting en route to calls in less than three minutes.

The public works department is continually taking on more responsibility, staying on top of aging infrastructure (hello, terracotta water and sewer pipes) and bringing large-scale projects back in-house to save tens-of-thousands of dollars for our taxpayers. All this while continuing to keep our town beautiful by trimming trees, managing our parkland, making our buildings more energy-efficient, plowing/sweeping/patching streets, dealing with sewer backups, submerging themselves into freezing water to fix water and sewer pipes, and fixing our fleet of vehicles with an in-house mechanic.

Our codes department will be coming back in house beginning in 2023 – providing more services and safety to our borough than ever before. They are the guardians of our quality of life in the borough, and work tirelessly to ensure that our residents and businesses have safe living and working conditions.

And who could forget our incredible office staff: our accounting team, secretary, administrative staff, recreation director, and their fearless leader in Borough Manager Dean Murray. Murray, who grew up in West Reading and served for nearly 30 years as a member of public works, keeps this borough ticking with his long hours, knowledge, and dedicated public service. This entire staff continues to be a rock for our community, being our central source of information and compliance.

Our committees and commissions are largely made up of volunteers from residents and stakeholders. From Traffic & Infrastructure, to Planning, to Recreation, to Environmental Advisory Council, to our Zoning Hearing Board – there’s very little these boards don’t touch on. These monthly meetings are the hub of community conversation and solutions to problems. If you’re seeking a solution to an issue you’ve been having, these dedicated neighbors have the brains you want to pick.

And finally, our borough council. You likely won’t find another council like ours in Berks County. Heck, you’d be hard pressed to find another one like it in the entire Commonwealth of

Pennsylvania. The average age of a borough council in Pennsylvania is roughly 66 years old. Here in West Reading, we skew two decades younger. We’ve found a blend of experience, youth, and mutual respect for each other that has put the needs of the borough first.

Sure, you’ll find us at photo-ops for ribbon cuttings, community events, and the like to support our blossoming downtown. But you’ll also find us picking up trash in the cloverleaf, on Penn Avenue, and our own neighborhoods. You’ll see us meeting for hours on end to put together the 2023 budget. You’ll see us mulching the park system, holding “free markets,” and talking with business owners and residents to solve issues and resolve conflicts. You’ll see us connecting with residents on social media, cheerleading our town’s successes, and working together to continue to make things better.

I’d like to think that we’ve really built something special here in West Reading, and have continued the legacy of those who had the foresight to invest in this town decades ago.

We all love this town, and hope that it shows to everyone who works, lives, and plays here.

In the Know & On the Go

New and Improved

We celebrate our local businesses and want to share their accomplishments and showcase everything that’s new! Be sure to check out these great shops and businesses on social media or use the contact information included below.

Alvernia University

Starting off the celebration, Alvernia is announcing that it welcomed its third straight largest class of nearly six hundred students to the local campus, including the first students planning to enter the university’s new physician associate program. The class also includes Alvernia’s first NCAA men’s hockey, women’s bowling, and triathlon athletes, and the largest class of Reading Collegiate Scholars students.

The diverse incoming class has seventy percent of its students hailing from Pennsylvania and 25 international students from Brazil, Canada, Iran, Ireland, Peru, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Venezuela.

Alvernia University College Towne 401 Penn Street, Reading 888-258-3764 www.alvernia.edu

Kimberton Whole Foods

A new and exciting October addition to the Penn Avenue corridor is Kimberton Whole Foods, joining the other great businesses at the revitalized Knitting Mills and Vanity Fair complex.

Kimberton Whole Foods is a family-owned and operated grocer and apothecary, dedicated to supporting local farmers and food artisans since 1986. Their newest location in Wyomissing offers a wide variety of organic produce, local meat and dairy, specialty groceries, wholesome grab-and-go options, and a cafe serving freshly made juices, smoothies, and coffee drinks. (Read more about Kimberton Whole Foods in our cover story on page 22 and in the Eat, Drink & Live feature on page 36.)

810 Knitting Mills Way, Wyomissing www.kimbertonwholefoods.com

Ady Cakes

Anyone looking for a sweet and beautiful treat will find an amazing assortment at Ady Cakes’ storefront on Penn Avenue in West Reading.

Central Pennsylvania’s first and only winner of the Food Network’s Cupcake Wars, Ady Cakes has been in business since 2007 and offers a wide variety of desserts including custom cakes, cupcakes, sugar cookies, cake pops, and French Macaroons.

631 Penn Ave, West Reading 610-898-4064 helloadycakes@gmail www.adycakes.com

Finch + Fern

A favorite stop for anyone who loves a beautiful and eclectic shopping experience, Finch + Fern celebrated its second anniversary on Penn Avenue.

The shop offers “thoughtfully curated pieces” for home décor and gifts and includes a delightful mix of local, vintage, handmade, global, and new inventory.

728 Penn Avenue, West Reading 484-869-5617 finchnfern@gmail.com www.finchnfern.com

Rothenberger Insurance Services

Brady West was formally introduced as the new vicepresident at Rothenberger Insurance Services.

West has the years of experience in insurance and the leadership skills to be an amazing asset to both the Rothenberger clients and team.

A full-service independent insurance agency opened by Ron Rothenberger in 2007, Rothenberger Insurance offers quality and affordable personal and commercial insurance.

436 Penn Avenue, West Reading 610-406-5827 ron@risquote.com www.risquote.com

Say Cheese! Restaurant and Cheese

An exciting addition for Penn Avenue in West Reading is the reopening of the Say Cheese! Wine and Cheese shop, now relocated right next to the restaurant.

The beautiful store is filled with an array of cheeses, plus crackers and jams, olive oil, pasta, nuts, bar mixers, chocolate, and more. Beer lovers can check out their selection of bottle beer and the addition of wine bottle sales is coming soon!

602 Penn Avenue, West Reading info@saycheese-restaurant.com www.saycheese-restaurant.com

The Little Lotus Children’s Boutique

Another welcome new addition to Penn Avenue is The Little Lotus Children’s Boutique, brought to area shoppers by owner Jordhanna White, a Berks County native who grew up in the Wilson School District.

Even though the new shop is a children’s boutique which specializes in unique and special clothing and accessories, White wants shoppers to know there are special offerings for moms in her store too!

720 Penn Avenue, West Reading

LEO Design Gallery

Another spot focused on creating beautiful moments arrived in November on Penn Avenue in Wyomissing with the addition of the LEO Design Gallery, flower shop, and rental showroom, a wedding and event showroom giving anyone planning an event the opportunity to meet and hire the best vendors from Philadelphia and the surrounding areas.

1295 Penn Avenue, Wyomissing (610) 670-6502 leodesigngallery@gmail.com www.leodesigngallery.com

508 Betsey’s Boutique 610.406.5490 510 Hawaii Kitchen 610.743.3631 512 MADE Jewelry Boutique & Studio 610.741.6676 514 Symbiote Collectibles 610.781.3859 516 Holistic Skateshop 484.577.4183 518 Regina’s 484.987.2652 520 Origen Hair Studio 610.927.6761

522 Allison Clothing Co. 484.709.2563

Alan’s American Bistro 610.375.4012

Aid 610.373.5241

Charming Nails 610.373.8189

Hive Meadery 610.376.6919

Great Wall 610.685.8585

West Salon 610.374.4006

Reading Drug Store 610.375.4366

500

BLOCK 400 BLOCK 300 BLOCK 200 BLOCK

546 [F2] Integrative Healing Arts 610.451.9577

548 [F1] Salon Avanti 610.373.3023

548 [F2] Creative Vibes Tattoo Studio 610.370.7552

600 [F1] Say Cheese! Restaurant 610.406.5390

600 [F2] Encrypted Escape Room 610.743.3041

601 Wm. H. Diller Jeweler 610.372.0019

602 Wine & Cheese by Say Cheese 610.763.1755

603 The Olympian Ballroom: Dance Studio 610.373.4880

604 Art Plus Gallery 610.375.9122

605 Saylor House 610.816.7161

606 West Reading Tavern 610.376.9232

607 Paisley Moon 610.371.9998

608 Muddy Creek Soap Co. 610.816.7474

609 Olde Penn Avenue Tattoo 484.987.7375

610 Chatty Monks Brewing Co. 484.818.0176

611 Refillable Goods 610.813.2030

641 Empire Home Center 610.926.0606 600 700

Our Time Salon

613 Lilibea’s 610.685.6685 614 Mazi Greek Cuisine 610.396.5143 615 Spoonful Thai Cafe

643 Willow Creek Brewery 484.664.0368 644 Reading City Church 610.372.2034

484.869.5617

Encompass Media 97 S. 5th Avenue 610.372.1010

Eternal Lotus Tattoo 53 S. 5th Avenue 484.987.2539

Ezekiel 47 Cafe 10 South 5th Avenue 717.926.2417

612 Zipf's Candies by Sweet Surprises 610.373.2121 610.396.5143 610.406.1667

616 Let’s Taco Bout It 484.926.2230 617 Taste of Crepes 610.685.2001 619 Beer Wall on Penn 610.743.5744 622 Winedown Café & Wine Bar 610.373.4907 623 629 Baldwin Brass Center 610.358.2469 624 The Whiskey Room 626 Kids Cuts 610.478.7167 628 Yarn Gallery 610.373.1622 631 Ady Cakes 610.898.4064 633 The Art Room

700 Bella Jules 610.208.0600

701 [Court St.] Comalli Taqueria 484.869.2824

701 Nonno Alby’s Wood Oven Pizza 610.376.1011

703 Lucky Finds Consignment Boutique 610.372.1372

O the Avenue

Four Corner Creative 621 Franklin Street 484.838.9664

Hot Yoga West Reading 120 South 3rd Avenue 610.374.2659

Baldwin Kitchen & Bath Center The Gem on Penn 610.927.5402

704 Fine Linez Barbershop 484.869.2702

3rd & Spruce Draft House 238 South 3rd Avenue 610.376.5254

610.373.4907

632 Non$tars Management 637 Be Mine Boutique 610.816.5635 639 Dressed In Love 610.451.0935 641 Celtic Myth and Moonlight

705 Fleet Feet 610.320.9097

709 Chen Vegetarian House 610.374.2288

711 Cherry’s Jamaican Delight 610.372.0100

712 Wendy’s 610.372.8905

484.987.2482 P

Allegro Dance 511 Reading Avenue 484.577.1788

B2 Bistro 701 Reading Avenue 610.898.4314

Brewer’s Bar & Grill 101 South 3rd Avenue 610.373.2968

IA Club 243 Chestnut Street I-Form Fitness Studio 521 Reading Avenue 610.743.3163

Mecca Caribbean & Soul Food 116 Franklin Street 610.396.5584

Mom Chaffe’s Cellarette 148 Tulpehocken Ave 610.374.5733

Reiki Balance 529 Reading Avenue Suite D1 484.721.0101

713 The Bar Cart 610.376.2253

715 Rise Up Nutrition

719 Barley Mow Craft Beer House 484.926.2094

720 Little Lotus Children's Boutique 215.449.9706

723 Texture Curl Bar 610.396.5189

Candlewood Suites 55 South 3rd Avenue 610.898.1910

726 Fromthesix Fitness 610.780.0432 / 484.577.4636 727 Shearer Technical 610.375.1676 728 Finch & Fern 732 King’s Auto 610.376.3892 734 Commonwealth Auto Tags 610.372.9998 739 Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home 610.374.5440 635

Customers Bank 701 Reading Avenue DeLune Boutique 12A S 5th Avenue 724.815.6621

EmJ Pilates 718 Reading Avenue 717.201.3700

Takkii Ramen 36 North 6th Avenue 610.370.7434

The Nest Collaborative 629 Court Street 610.763.1755

Trish’s Specialty Cheesecakes 20 North 6th Avenue 484.258.1992

West Reading Peeps

dirt, Music,& CHEESE…

Meet Melanie Ilana Pomerantz

By Denise Drobnick

Some people follow a path that is safe and sensible, basing all decisions on the practical and predictable. Others follow a journey of discovery, taking chances and making bold moves. It is no surprise to me that Melanie Pomerantz, known to many who enjoy the local music scene as Melanie Ilana, and the freshest new face on the Avenue as the manager of Wine & Cheese by Say Cheese, is a follow-your-passions kind of woman. Although I’ve known Melanie for several years, I enjoyed learning more about this fascinating human during a recent visit to her gorgeous new shop.

Born and raised in Berks County, Mel grew up the youngest of three sisters in a house in Drexelwood where her parents, Phil and Leslie, still live. Always a creative spirit, she took piano lessons as a child and got her first guitar at age 16. In school she was a social butterfly who was involved in musical theatre,

chorus, art, but got along with everyone. After graduating from Wilson in 2005, Mel, not feeling 100% ready to choose a major, tried to negotiate a “gap year” with her parents. They were not having it, so she decided to attend the University of Pittsburgh like her middle sister, Valerie. When her first choices musical theatre and woodworking were not options as majors, she drew upon her childhood experiences with a babysitter who had a brother with Down syndrome, and her time volunteering with special needs students in a school program called Helping Hands. She entered an accelerated program and graduated in 2011 with a master’s degree in special education. She found a creative outlet in guitar-playing roommate Cailin, who inspired her to continue being a self-taught guitarist.

After graduating, Mel stayed in Pittsburgh to work as a behavior specialist consultant, and to participate in a research study at

She applied for teaching positions in every city she ever found intriguing: San Diego, Austin, and Honolulu. And so began a 4-year teaching stint at a fully self-contained special ed preschool in the Aloha State. She continued her musical pursuits, joining a blues rock band, The Maneki Nekos, and later forming her own garage band called The Dirt Squirrels. By 2016 the stress of teaching was beginning to take a toll. This important work was more than just a paycheck to Mel and with nieces, a nephew, and an aging grandmother back in PA, Mel found herself missing home. She decided it was time to follow her passions to play in the dirt and play music back in Reading.

Mel spent 2017 at a goat farm in Honeybrook, complete with milking at 6am, working in the field, making goat cheese, and manning the stand at a farmer’s market. It was fun and not a job she found herself “taking home” at night, and she learned a lot about the farming business. She especially loved teaching baby goats to feed from a bottle. This transitional time allowed her to focus on building her musical repertoire to 3 hours of songs, a basic requirement for getting hired for gigs. Although the 40-minute commute and early starting time became tiresome after a year, to this day it was her best lowest-paying job ever.

After leaving the goat farm, Mel focused on music while getting more of her “dirt fix” at Furnace Creek Farm, a new-at-thetime medicinal and culinary herb farm run by a single mom with a mainly female staff in Oley. Mel started as an hourly worker weeding and planting but found herself taking on a larger role as she offered owner Grace Galanti suggestions for improving processes based on her previous farming experience.

West Reading Peeps

Grace began to refer to Mel as the “Chief of Staff,’ relying on her input and ideas to help build the farm from the ground up. Mel ended up staying for five years, during which time her music career also grew. Her first local gig was at Chatty Monks Brewing, where she was “discovered” while performing at open mic nights there. She soon formed the Melanie Ilana Duo with drummer Rick Tomlinson, and joined Rick’s cover band, The Soul Grooves. She also founded fem rock band Violet Coup with Merlin Lessig and Rachael Beam, a band that plays originals written by all three members.

This year a new opportunity presented itself with the longanticipated opening of Wine & Cheese by Say Cheese. With her former job experiences and having grown up in a family of “foodies” who planned entire family vacations around food rather than attractions, Mel felt qualified and ready to “come inside” when Say Cheese owner Adam Cocuzza offered her the manager position. She started in September, enjoying the excitement of stocking the product and prepping for the grand opening in October, and she has learned that she loves cheese even more than she previously thought! Mel especially appreciates the family atmosphere Adam has created among his staff, the support he offers while allowing her to have full autonomy, and the resources he has made available to create an ideal work environment. The shop recently began wine sales, and Mel has plans for many creative wine and cheese events in the future. Just over three blocks from the cozy West Reading apartment she shares with her cat, Potato, the commute is perfection.

fit for Mel. After moving away years ago she never expected to want to move back home, but now she can’t imagine living anywhere else, even after traveling this summer back to Hawaii and on a trip out west in a teardrop camper with beau Jay Santo Domingo. Her musical journey continues; she is currently finishing up recording her first album of original music, along with Rick and fellow musicians Brian Levering and Kyle Madeya at Pagoda City Records, for release in 2023. She also hosts her own open mic twice a month at Third & Spruce Drafthaus.

Mel feels like the luckiest person alive when she thinks about her friends, and she has maintained friendships dating back to kindergarten and in every place she has ever lived. She focuses on controlling the “controllables,” like her own reactions to the things that happen around her. She journals, gets plenty of outdoor time and physical activity, and shares her favorite time of year with friends by hosting Passover each year to stay centered. Every few years she makes a list of what makes her happy and visualizes how to make it come to fruition. It has resulted in a life of adventure that always leads her back home.

Tips for Giving to Charitable Causes

by Heidi Williamson, Berks County Community Foundation

As the season of giving approaches, people often open their hearts and their wallets for good causes. In some cases, donations to those causes may be deducted from your taxes, but not always. If you’re hoping to support a cause and take advantage of a tax deduction, be sure to check with your accountant or attorney before you write that check or click “give.”

“There are many caring things that people do that are not considered charitable in the eyes of the Internal Revenue Service,” said Frances A. Aitken, CPA, chief operating officer at Berks County Community Foundation. “That doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t give, but it’s good to be aware of the types of donations that do not qualify for a deduction.”

In general, donations to the following types of organizations qualify for the charitable tax deduction:

• Public charities as defined by section 501(c)3 of the internal revenue code. You can search for organizations by name at www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/search-for-tax-exemptorganizations and look for deductibility code “PC.”

• Religious organizations such as churches, temples, and synagogues.

• Nonprofit educational institutions, although be sure to check to see if your school has a foundation that accepts donations on its behalf.

• Governmental organizations, although sometimes governmental organizations such as parks, libraries, or police K9 units prefer donations be made to a “Friends” group that is a 501(c)3 public charity.

In general, donations to the following types of causes DO NOT qualify for a tax deduction:

• Donations to support a specific family or individual who is in need or who has experienced a loss.

• Donations to membership organizations that are not listed as public charities, such as private clubs, even if they are small and don’t make a profit.

• Donations to parent volunteer groups that are not under a school’s umbrella or listed as a public charity.

• Donations to start-up business ventures.

This list is not exhaustive, and regulations change often, so be sure to seek the advice of a qualified financial professional if you are unsure if your donation is tax-deductible.

“At the Community Foundation, we manage funds created by local people to provide grants for causes they care about,” Aitken said. “We’re governed by IRS rules too, so we always check the charitable status of an organization before we issue a grant. If you’re interested in the charitable deduction and you aren’t sure if the organization you’re giving to is charitable, call your accountant.”

To make a tax-deductible gift to a charitable fund managed by the Community Foundation, visit www.bccf.org and click “Give Now.” With more than 370 charitable funds under management, you’re sure to find one that provides grants or scholarships for a cause you care about. To learn more about creating a charitable fund of your own, call the Community Foundation at 610-685.2223.

Help to Raise the Voice of Every Child

The Berks Youth Chorus needs help to make the power of singing affordable for area youth.

The lives of many young people became unsettled during the pandemic, and kids experienced loneliness at home which unfortunately affected the mental health of many. Simultaneously, music programs at some schools have been either eliminated or cut back to focus more fully on academics.

Studies show that singing in a chorus encourages participants to be more disciplined, social, and teamspirited, improves their ability to memorize, and even inspires the achievement of higher grades. On a personal level, choral singers increase their self-confidence and self-esteem, traits that will benefit them for a lifetime.

The Berks Youth Chorus is responding to raise the voices of local children. No singers are turned away who are unable to pay, and 88% of the youth have received subsidies through a sliding scale tuition program.

Berks Youth Chorus is continuing to evolve and grow its membership, with its youngest ensemble, the Choristers, singing again and now directed by BYC Alum Sara Kreider. The chorus performers are singing in communities that haven’t heard the youth in years and audiences are even being entertained by music written by our singers. www.berksyouthchorus.org 201 Washington St. #506b, Reading, PA 19601

In the Community

Albright College’s Club Vogue Volunteers at the West Reading Fashion Show

by

The West Reading Fashion Show is an annual event which is loved by the whole community. At the West Reading Fashion Show the focus is on the boutiques in West Reading and designs from the Albright College Fashion Department. The Albright student, Amanda Castadon ‘21, featured in the fashion show the Winter of 2022 had her designs shown at New York Fashion Week. Albright College’s Club Vogue members were able to participate with their designs in the After Party Showcase, but simply volunteering also provides Club Vogue members with valuable experience.

While serving as volunteers, the members of Club Vogue did various tasks. Some helped behind the scenes by assisting the models in getting ready for the show as well as making sure they were lined up correctly. There were also opportunities to help set up parties, serve the guests, check tickets and usher them to their seats. Some members even got to model for the designers!

Zoe Satterthwaite, a senior studying fashion and business administration, is the president of Club Vogue at Albright College. She volunteered for New York Fashion Week as well as the West Reading Fashion Show in 2022. The vice president of Club Vogue is Erica Zielinski, who is also a senior and studying fashion design and merchandising. Her volunteer efforts in the West Reading Fashion Show started in 2019, and she helped again at last year’s show. She also got the chance to go to New York Fashion Week this year.

Sara Collins

Zoe Satterthwaite

Erica Zielinski

How did the opportunity to have Albright College students involved in this show come about?

Satterthwaite: “Emily Branch with West Reading Community Revitalization Foundation had reached out to the former Club Vogue president and David Tanner [the Dean for the Center of the Arts] and connected them to me; it’s already been a part of Albright College.”

Zielinski: “It has been going on for a couple years now.”

What got you interested in the general sense of volunteer work?

Satterthwaite: “Especially with fashion it gives a lot of experience, and knowledge in what goes on in a fashion show. It’s always volunteers [running fashion shows] so it helps the overall process for the runway shows on a larger scale. People that aren’t fashion students also get the opportunity so it’s unique.”

Zielinski: “West Reading is a good area for fashion, so it’s a good way to build connections overall, and take them [members of Club Vogue] further in their careers or hobbies.”

What was your favorite part of the volunteer work with the West Reading Fashion Show?

Satterthwaite: “Meeting the people who were on the VIP list. They were nice and getting to be backstage allowed everything to be seen.”

Zielinski (on the 2019 show): “Seeing people’s different styles, and personalities along with their excitement for the show, the various interactions, working backstage and enjoying the rush.”

On the 2022 show: “The different interactions and seeing what they are interested in about the show and their interests since they paid for their seats as well as why the people who are regulars decide to keep coming.”

What else should readers know about the volunteer efforts for the West Reading Fashion Show?

Satterthwaite: “It’s a nice way to be involved with the community and connect you with the overall community of West Reading.”

Zielinski: “It’s a good opportunity. There’s a range of different people, younger, older, etc. The models are so different from most fashion shows and are smiling; you get to see them have fun and their interactions. Students also get to continue that to their own modeling careers.”

The club is looking for volunteers to work the West Reading Fashion Show and other events the weekend of February 23rd, 24th and 25th, 2023. If interested, contact us at clubvogue@albright.edu. It’s a great experience as well as a great chance to network with local businesses and help the West Reading community.

Pickleball Group “Serves” the Community

by Diane Nolfe

When Lisa Sohn retired in January 2022, she set several goals. One was to play more pickleball and the other was to volunteer somewhere within the Reading-Berks community. Recently, Lisa blended the two passions into one new venture.

It started as a “Ladies’ Day” where each week, a group of four to six women got together to play pickleball, usually meeting afterward for food and beverages. Within a few months, the number of players continued to grow.

Friends invited friends, people saw the group playing and asked to join, and soon more people were on a very large group text. That’s when Sohn started using an app called Team Reach. Now there are about sixty members, twenty to thirty of whom play each week at the West Reading Pickleball Courts on Thursday afternoons from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

A few men show up as well and random players occasionally add to the mix. The group is inclusive, welcoming, and funloving. There is a lot of laughter and conversation along with the lively pickleball games.

Participants comment that this is their favorite day/time of the week to play pickleball. The scores are usually close but there are no losers here. Everyone who attends is a winner. Many friendships have formed, and members are mingling off the courts at cultural events, yoga classes, concerts, plays and many other community offerings. Some plan to travel together next summer to play pickleball while on vacation.

On rainy, cold days, the group heads inside to play. Recently, two locations of the Olivet Boys’ & Girls’ Clubs opened their doors to pickleball players for $5 on weekday mornings. The money collected is used to fund programs for the kids. That led Sohn to another project; providing volunteers to assist kids in learning the game of pickleball. She contacted the Ladies’ Day members and was able to purchase 24 paddles and balls with their generous donations. Then she organized about a dozen volunteers from the pickleball community to facilitate two after-school sessions per week for students who want to learn the game.

Volunteers at Olive Boys’ and Girls’ Club for the Pickleball 4 Kids program.

The program is in its early stages and so far, about twelve to eighteen students have experienced the game with the support of adults who love to get together and play the game.

Lisa Sohn gets things done. She is a humble leader who loves people of all ages and is passionate about planning events. The Olivet project also demonstrates how much she values her community.

Volunteers Make a Difference in the Community Volunteers Play Important Role in Patient Recovery, Staff and Family Support

by. Reading Hospital – Tower Health

Persons with a passion for helping others, interested in providing their expertise for the good of the community, and who want to meet new and interesting people are encouraged to join the Reading Hospital Volunteer team. Hospital volunteers deliver a range of services to patients, visitors, and staff. They provide office support, a helping hand, and support the Reading Hospital care team. Volunteers can choose from a variety of departments and programs in which to serve, with just a minimum commitment of two hours a week.

“When COVID arrived, we had to suspend all our volunteer roles. Now we are looking to welcome back former volunteers and find new ones to rebuild our volunteer corps,” said Charles F. Barbera, MD, Reading Hospital President and CEO. “We are always looking for compassionate individuals to be a part of our team.

“Our volunteers are essential to the health and wellness of our patients and make truly valuable contributions to our patients and team members. In addition to making a positive impact in our community, volunteers have the unique opportunity to learn more about the hospital and the important role it plays in the community.”

Susan Rehhausser, Assistant Director, Volunteer Services, said, “Our volunteers are healers in the hospital environment. I always tell people ‘Every act of kindness counts and if you have a heart and compassion to give, we have patients who need it.’”

Featured volunteer opportunities include:

Helping Hands

Being a Helping Hands volunteer keeps you on the move running errands, delivering supplies, organizing closets, and helping staff with other physical activities. Helping Hands volunteer positions include delivering food trays, answering phones, restocking patient rooms, and escorting patients to their loved ones upon discharge.

Office Support

Clerical volunteers are needed in many areas of the hospital. Work includes filing, answering phones, and additional light clerical tasks.

Emergency Department

Reading Hospital is the busiest Emergency Department in the state. Volunteers assist the medical team by escorting patients to their rooms, providing patients with comfort items, escorting family members to their loved ones, and providing additional support to staff by restocking supply shelves.

Compassionate Caregiver

These volunteers provide a kind presence and offer companionship to patients. Duties could include reading, playing games, talking with patients, and providing them small comforts such as a glass of water or a warm blanket.

Ambassadors

These individuals help patients and visitor find their way throughout the hospital when they arrive for appointments or to visit a loved one.

Barbara Romig, DNP, Chief Nursing Officer at Reading Hospital, shared, “While volunteers are not involved directly in a patient’s medical care, they do play an important part in their recovery. I’ve seen firsthand the support and care they provide for our patients, their families, and our team members and I applaud them for their ongoing efforts.”

All volunteers are required to complete an onboarding process and receive any necessary training specific to their role/department. Volunteers are also mentored by another experienced volunteer.

Additional Volunteer requirements include:

• Two references

• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccine

• Criminal background clearances

• Signing an annual confidentiality form

• Completion of annual online education Learn more or apply at: TowerHealth.org/Volunteer-Opportunities

The Avenues Welcome Kimberton Whole Foods

by Karen L. Chandler

“Seeing that this location was neighbored by so many thriving independent businesses and future-focused institutions made it evident that Wyomissing was the ideal location for our growing chain of markets. We are very much looking forward to joining the community,” said Terry Brett, Kimberton Whole Foods Co-Founder and CEO, in a previous statement.

Terry and his wife, Pat Brett, moved into their newest Kimberton location in the revitalized Knitting Mills complex with a dedication to local communities, and a mission to serve them as a market fueled by a passionate commitment to integrity, sustainable

OUR VALUES

• We care for the earth by promoting organic and biodynamic farming methods.

• We conduct our business in a respectful and ethical manner while building strong cooperative ties within our larger community.

• We support each individual’s quest to learn more about conscious choices and healthy living.

• We are committed to honoring each customer with outstanding service.

For over thirty years, Kimberton Whole Foods, a multigenerational, family-owned and operated grocery store and

The Bretts have opened grocery stores in Collegeville, Douglassville, Downingtown, Kimberton, Malvern, and Ottsville, and now bring to Berks County the benefit of their more than 200 producers providing the freshest inventory around. For many of these local vendors, Kimberton Whole Foods is their primary retailer. And Kimberton vendors are only considered local if they are based within one hundred miles of Kimberton’s Downingtown distribution center, a central location that helps local vendors increase their reach to customers while lessening distribution costs and carbon footprints.

Through 35 years of hard work, devotion, and the support of local communities, the first store has grown into a multivenue and privately-owned grocery retail operation, actively reflecting the Brett family’s commitment to local farming and the prioritization of both organic and fairly traded foods.

The ongoing growth of the Kimberton Whole Foods group remains in sync with the Bretts’ passion for integrity and sustainability in agriculture and Terry Brett is regularly honored as a model of ethical business leadership and for his valuable contributions to regional sustainable agriculture.

“Repurposing an existing building, such as the historic Knitting Mills, turns an underutilized property into a productive business within the community, without having to develop land. This revitalized building gives us ample square footage to provide a full-service shopping experience. Kimberton Whole Foods’ average footprint has grown over the years; our flagship store in Kimberton

Village offers 5,500 square feet of retail space, while our new Wyomissing location is a total of 16,500 square feet with 13,000 of that for retail. This shift to a larger footprint is a result of the business’s growth and everexpanding product selection,” Terry Brett said previously.

Back in 1986, the Bretts were managing a Chester County, Pennsylvania, farm store which sold organic yogurt made onsite at a biodynamic dairy farm with Terry hired as the farm’s first dairy processor.

Terry Brett explains that the store’s original mission was to ensure that the Seven Stars Farm could become self-sustaining. Seven Stars was incorporated in 1988, and with the Bretts’ work ethic at play, the store was “bursting at the seams.”

The Bretts moved to the Village of Kimberton in 1994 and began the journey that became the Kimberton Whole Foods Group. Always inspired to support the many communities surrounding Kimberton Whole Foods locations, the Bretts bring their Rounding Up at the Register program to their grocery stores, allowing Kimberton customers to give back to local community non-profits by rounding their sales totals up to the nearest dollar when they get to the check-out.

Anxious to help even further, Kimberton doubles all the funds raised to bring even more help to non-profits bringing support and comfort close to home.

Reflecting the Bretts’ dedication to service and community, Kimberton Whole Foods strives to give back.

“Our mission has always been to serve as a community market. It has been our longstanding belief that in order to create meaningful, lasting success – in business and in life – you must first act and serve in your local community. Rounding Up at the Register is just another extension of our mission. The beauty of this program is seeing how our customers have embraced the opportunity to give back to their communities as well,” said Terry Brett in an earlier statement.

The Rounding Up at the Register Program was born in 2020 after Director of Operations and Facilities Ezra Brett was inspired by a visit with his family to a New England co-op.

Each of the Kimberton locations features a different non-profit every month, adding up to at least 84 organizations supported by the Rounding Up program each year. Program recipients are carefully chosen through feedback from customers, Kimberton staff, and community members.

Recipients of the Rounding Up donations range from shelters and food pantries to fire companies and libraries.

“I am elated that our customers, through their daily generosity, have helped us reach this incredible milestone. With just a few “round up” pennies at a time, we’ve been able to send our united support to so many varied and deserving causes and groups. I am so very grateful for our thoughtful customers!” said Pat Brett, Kimberton Whole Foods Co-founder, previously.

Continuing with their passion for becoming a part of their local communities, the Bretts and Kimberton Whole Foods collaborated with Albright College to create a 375- square-foot mural mounted in the store.

With enthusiastic community participation on the murals, other community outreach and support, and its passion for providing healthy food options for its customers, Kimberton Whole Foods will become an integral part of its new home in Berks County.

“Wyomissing borough has been incredibly supportive in all that we (KWF) have had to undertake to bring our market to Wyomissing. And the community interest has thus far been unparalleled,” said Terry Brett in a previous statement.

Arts & Culture in the Community

Beautifying Kimberton Whole Foods-Wyomissing

by Sara Collins

Michael L. Miller is a local artist who has painted numerous murals over the past twenty years. With the help and cooperation of local organizations he has completed over fifty different art projects to engage the community. Since collaboration is a big component of Miller’s work, he tends to be working on multiple projects at the same time. Miller values his community deeply and tries to incorporate whoever he can into his work.

Before becoming a part of the Albright College’s Science Research Institute (SRI) building, Miller was an art teacher.

As an art teacher, Miller went with a friend on a mural tour in Philadelphia which inspired him to make art within the community. The inspiration being trying to beautify locations inside of Berks County with public art. One of his newest projects is an untitled mural, which will be placed in the Kimberton Whole

Foods. Miller has been working on this mural with students who attend Northeast Middle school as well as college students from Albright College. The afterschool program at the SRI building gives these middle schoolers a chance to contribute on a project that helps the community. He also has people who are not current students help with murals at times such as tattoo artists, and other community members who also would like to have a more peaceful area. For this project there were outside volunteers helping along with the students from the after-school program located at the SRI building.

This mural will be at the front of the Kimberton Whole Foods store, greeting customers as soon as they come in. Through this project they can show how public art can make someone’s day and give it a whole new meaning. If you are within the Wyomissing area you will be seeing the hard work these students put into this mural every time you visit the Wyomissing location of Kimberton Whole Foods at 810 Knitting Mills Way.

What inspired you from the Philadelphia mural tour?

Miller: “I think it was the collaborative process that attracted me to Philly. The way some control of the project’s subject and style is given to the community is something I have tried to emulate in my approach.”

Have you always valued collaboration and community?

Miller: “I see the value of collaboration is something that is important in this type of work. My own style still seems to emerge.”

What is the best part of working on a mural with various age groups?

Miller: “Each age has its own unique qualities, and often they have similarities which also fascinate me. I like the energy and wonder, especially with folks who have never painted a piece like this before.”

Who had the idea of putting this mural into Kimberton Whole Foods?

Miller: “The project came about when Kimberton approached me about coordinating the project.”

To view the various work Miller has done within his community visit https:// www.berkscommunitymurals.org/about. If you are more interested in attending events to help create the murals or to see the community coming together to make them, visit Millers Instagram (@berkscommunitymurals) and Facebook page (“Berks Community Murals”).

Arts & Culture in the Community

What’s chill at Art Plus Gallery The Winter Art Scene

There’s always something new at Art Plus Gallery, 604 Penn Avenue. The exhibit in the main gallery changes every two months to showcase new work from all 25 members of the artist cooperative. On top of that, each month their Featured Exhibit Gallery spotlights a different artist or group.

Through March, Art Plus Gallery will be open every day except Monday & Tuesday. For hours and special events visit www. artplusgallerypa.com.

JANUARY FEATURED EXHIBIT Cozy

The Emerging Artists of RACC

Two years ago, the angst and desperate hopes of young lives in the midst of a pandemic were captured by art students at Reading Area Community College. Art Plus Gallery shared this with the public in “Our Current State,” the featured exhibit at the cooperative gallery in January 2000.

Life is brighter now, and January’s featured exhibit reflects this beautifully. “Cozy” captures renewed spirit, optimism and joy among the emerging artists of RACC through a range of fine art media.

From the teeth of a pandemic to a smile.

Exhibit runs January 4-31. Reception: Friday, Jan. 13, 5-8pm at Art Plus Gallery.

FEBRUARY FEATURED EXHIBIT 30-in-30

Members & Friends of Art Plus Gallery

February’s featured exhibit will showcase the highlights of a January creative marathon: 17 intrepid members and Friends of Art Plus Gallery endeavoring to paint, craft or photograph each of the first 30 days of January, and post their progress as they go.

“Some of the artists will shoot for a new piece every day, others may tackle larger works that could each take several days. Either is fine,” explains Karen Weber, who is coordinating the event. “The goal is to create and post every day of the month, and get into that habit.”

The participating artists are Sharon Barley, Marky Barto, Robin Bisaccia, Mary Burke, Kimberlee Dawn, Susan Grabert, Maeve Lausch, Helen Reinhold, Keith Rentschler, Jay Ressler, Martha Ressler, Kelsey Showalter, Russell Slocum, Marie Stalnecker, Donna Unger, Karen Weber and LeAnn Wolf.

View the artists’ on-going progress at www.facebook.com/ DailyArtPlusChallenge, where there will be new art available for purchase every day of January!

Show runs February 1-28. Reception: Friday, Feb. 10, 5-8pm at Art Plus Gallery.

MARCH FEATURED EXHIBIT Three Takes Painting Explorations by Fran Parzanese

STARRING ARTISTS ON THE AVENUE

While you’re in the neighborhood, check out these other exhibits featuring Art Plus Gallery Members & Friends:

• Chef Alan’s American Bistro (525 Penn Ave.): Helen Reinhold’s “Discovering the Oomph in the Everyday”

• Bell Tower Salon Spa (18 State Hill Rd., Wyomissing): Art Plus Gallery’s Winter Art Scene Collection

• DoubleClick Computer (546 Penn Ave.): January: Berks County Landscapes by Russell Slocum

• Say Cheese! (600 Penn Ave.): Jan: Martha Ressler & Donna Unger. Feb & Mar: Greg Didyoung’s “In the Grain”

• West Reading Tavern (606 Penn Ave.): All-member Winter Show

• Rebel Hive Meadery (530 Penn Ave.): January: Steve Fabian & Don Gardner. Feb & March: Becky Ross & Joyce Tarach

As a long-time studio artist at GoggleWorks, Fran Parzanese ranks among the best-known watercolor artists and instructors in the area. She began rivalling her own reputation four years ago, when she dove into alcohol inks–several of her exhibits showcasing this new medium were virtually sold out.

Recently Fran turned her boundless artistic curiosity and talent to yet another new medium: water-miscible oil paints. She is proficient with traditional oils, acrylics, graphite and other media as well.

It all comes together in Three Takes–a fine art media tour de force in which Fran takes a series of subjects–florals, koi ponds, landscapes, still lifes and more–and explores each one in three different media.

Show runs March 1-31. Reception: Friday, March 10, 5-8pm at Art Plus Gallery.

Holiday Glow Holiday Glow on the Avenue

December 1st through 24th, 2022

Looking to add some sparkle to your holidays and to warm up the long, cold months of winter? The West Reading Corridor is the place to go for events that will make you laugh, spark your imagination, and brighten your spirit, no matter what your age and interests. And an event on the Avenues is the perfect companion for a great lunch, dinner, or beverage at one of the many restaurants and bars along the way!

Penn Avenue, West Reading is decked out for its Holiday Glow featuring carriage rides, music, caroling + Santa visits the first three weekends in December! Events are held rain or shine! We are encouraging you to shop local in West Reading during the season and beyond!

The West Reading Community Revitalization Foundation will be providing strolling Holiday entertainment of a Brass Ensemble and Victorian Singers on Fridays and Saturdays in December. They will be roaming the Avenue unless rain or snow then they will be under the Olympian Ballroom canopy. This will complement the festive Holiday displays and offerings from our local independent merchants!

Visit WRCRF’s website visitwestreading.org to learn more about our merchants, upcoming events, and the Sunday Winter Farmers Market.

West Reading is a vibrant regional shopping destination and cosmopolitan hub known for specialty shops and a wide variety of dining experiences.

Photo by Maria Stamy Photography

Victorian Carolers Schedule

Friday, December 2nd & Saturday, December 3rd Friday, December 9th & Saturday, December 10th Friday, December 16th & Saturday, December 17th

From 4:45pm - 6:45pm

Reindeer Photo-Op

Friday, December 2nd, 2022 at 5pm-8pm

Saylor House, 605 Penn Avenue, West Reading

Your complete holiday experience! Offering gifts, glitter, music and magic – everything to make the holidays bright. Visit the garden courtyard for a family photo with live reindeer, while enjoying a cup of hot chocolate. After, shop our retail boutique for seasonal gifts, home décor, and accessories. Ticket is REQUIRED for reindeer family photo. Tickets are 1 per family and include a digitally shared image. Please purchase tickets on eventbrite for a specific time slot, and be on time. Tickets are non-refundable. Event is rain or shine. (Reindeer will be in a covered area.)

Grinchmas at Sweet Ride Ice Cream

Saturday, December 10th, 2022 at 12pm-3pm 542 Penn Avenue, West Reading

The Grinch will be coming to Whooville (Sweet Ride) from 12:00 - 3:00 on December 10th! They will be offering Grinch menu items from 12:00 - 9:30! Stop by to see the Grinch and have some of their homemade Grinch ice cream, green homemade waffles and ice cream, Grinch Sundaes and more! “Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if

Support LOCAL West Reading Local Gift Cards

Holiday Shopping is now easier than ever with West Reading Gift Cards! Your friends and family use them just like a credit card. Our local businesses face a difficult battle competing against corporate chains and online giants, plus the global pandemic. Purchasing a West Reading Local Gift Card helps small businesses thrive in West Reading. Buying a West Reading Local Gift Card guarantees money stays local. When you spend $100 at a big box store only $43 stays local versus $68 or more when spent at local businesses (58% more)!

The West Reading Local Gift Card can be spent at all independent businesses in West Reading but not at the big chains. We do this to enhance the businesses who are the backbone of our community and make West Reading a unique place. We all want to support small businesses but shopping for someone locally can be inconvenient and confusing. Not anymore. With the West Reading Local Gift Card, we have rolled up the power of many gift cards into one convenient solution.

You can now give anyone the ultimate local gift with options they will love! One card, many choices. Buy an awesome gift and support local businesses in West Reading.

https://giverrang.com/gift-card/west-reading-pa/

Run Santa Run 2022

Come out for a Christmas adventure run through West Reading and Wyomissing. Run Santa Run 2022 is a scavenger hunt organized by Fleet Feet West Reading.

Gather your friends and family or meet some new friends at the start of the festivities to form your teams. You will be given a list of clues for the locations to earn your raffle tickets and be prepared to sing and eat cookies as part of the challenge!

You will earn entries to the raffle on the scavenger hunt, but in addition to the raffle prizes, there will be fun prizes for the best Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. The first 150 to register will receive a custom Run Santa Run winter hat.

Fleet Feet will be donating a portion of the proceeds to the food pantry at Bethany Lutheran Church. Please drop off non-perishable food items at the beginning of your adventure.

Date: Sunday, December 11, 2022

Start time: 9:30 am gather/10 am start

Location: Sly Fox, 820 Knitting Mills Way #100, Wyomissing, PA 19610 Cost: $25 per person Register online at: Run Santa Run - Scavenger Hunt by Fleet Feet West Reading (runsignup.com)

Holiday Tree Lighting

Friday, December 2, 2022, at 6 PM at Delaney Circle, West Reading, PA Join us at Delaney Circle for our 94th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony! The tradition began in 1928 when the first tree lighting was held in front of Borough Hall with only a few Council Members present. Little did our forefathers know they launched what became a tree lighting tradition. The tree lighting ceremony was moved to Delaney Circle in the 1990s where we can celebrate the night air with music, dancing, and warm wishes. Santa & Mrs. Claus will be arriving on the West Reading Fire Truck. Performances by Berks Ballet Theater, Wyomissing High School Camerata Singers, School Brass Band, Spartan Singers, and Stony Creek Chorale. Light refreshments including hot chocolate will be available for purchase. Following the ceremony at Delaney Circle join us at Reading City Church for an opportunity to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus!

Holiday House Decorating Contest

Friday, December 16th, Saturday, December 17th & Sunday, December 18th, 2022 West Reading Recreation Department would like for you to get into the holiday spirit this season by decorating your home. All registered houses will be judged on December 16th through the 18th by our Recreation Commission with final results being posted during the week of December 19th. You don’t need to be home to participate, but please turn on lights and decorations by 5:30pm on those nights to be judged by the Recreation Commission. You must pre-register by December 11th, so we don’t miss your house. The committee will look for creativity, originality, and over-all presentation. There can only be two winners, so, do your best. 1st place is a complimentary single pool pass for the season or a single playground registration for a child. 2nd place is a complimentary 6-day pool pass.

Holiday Shopping Shop the Museum!

by Lindsay Crist, Reading Public Museum

With holiday shopping in full swing, keep the Reading Public Museum in mind for unique gifts for everyone on your shopping list!

The Reading Public Museum’s Gift Shop, managed by Jeffery Fick, is a one-stop shopping destination for the children on your list, the art lover, mom, pop, and holidays hosts and hostesses on your shopping list.

For eight years, Jeffery has been able to work with national vendors and local artists to curate a wide variety of inventory year-round. But with shopping for the perfect gifts for the holidays in mind, Jeffrey stocks up on the most beloved and coveted items. The Shop features everything from LEGO kits to handmade knits!

Special for the holidays, Jeffery puts together a Holiday Gift Guide each year to help find the perfect gifts for even the hardest to please. This year will be no different! Check out the Museum’s social media pages for holiday suggestions. But for a quick guide – keep on reading!

Jeff says, “The RPM Gift Shop always aims to please. We want to offer the most unique gifts for affordable prices that people will cherish!” Jeff’s Holiday Gift Guide always features handmade cards by local artists such as Julie Longacre, Hippie Jam, Denise Jones, Michael D’addario, and Fran Parzanese. The cards feature photographs of local landmarks, hand painted designs, and holiday-inspired and winter scenes.

We always recommend a poinsettia as the perfect host or hostess gift when heading to holiday parties.

The Museum poinsettias are extra special, as they are grown right here at The Museum in our greenhouse by our wonderful Arboretum Assistants! This year the poinsettias will come in red, white, and pink!

Other gifts that never go out of style are ornaments of all shapes and sizes. Local artist known as Hippie Jam has an assortment of hand-painted ornaments, cards, prints and more! The Shop also features handmade Polish Stars by Peter Cieslukowski, also known as the Polish Star Man. The handmade stars show off only a portion of the talent located in our area and featured in the RPM Gift Shop.

Stocking stuffers and plush animals are must-have items for the children on your list and the Shop’s hand-knitted gifts will delight the whole family. The Gift Shop features handmade wool and felt accessories by local artists such as Christa Hirneisen, Woolish Whimsy by Becky Ruth, Kristin Ruth, and PJ with Felted Ewes, which will keep everyone warm, even in the coldest of PA winters!

And don’t forget the glass items and handmade jewelry by Marilyn Pounder are always a hit for the moms and other ladies in your life!

All the art lovers you know will love the prints in the Gift Shop. Prints inspired by Museum exhibitions and works by local artists keep your gift-giving both unique and thoughtful. Your art lovers will also love the handmade pottery by artists like Kim and David Kostival, which feature handcrafted Santa Claus ornaments and figurines.

Still at a loss for a gift? Gift The Museum this year! A Museum Membership will have your loved one appreciating your thoughtfulness throughout the whole year, whether they visit the exhibitions in the galleries or enjoy Star Shows in the Neag Planetarium.

Don’t miss a beat this holiday season. Shop in the RPM Gift Shop where the gifts are always unique and never ordinary.

Polish Stars created by Peter Cieslukowski

Christmas Décor by Kim and David Kostival

Knitted items by Christa Hirneisen

Holiday cards designed by Hippie Jam

Creamy Kale & Sweet Potato Salad

The holiday season brings us an abundance of dishes studded with butter, cheese, cream – decadence! Foods high in fat and salt are best balanced with acid. This Creamy Kale & Sweet Potato Salad adds zippy flavors like ginger, lemon, and spice to your plate, along with the crunch of tender kale, thinly sliced peppers, and shredded carrots. “The garnet sweet potatoes give it a vibrant color and delicious boost of flavor. It’s a healthy, feel-good dish, packed with vitamins and minerals,” says recipe creator Colin Brett. This recipe is one of many family recipes from the Kimberton Whole Foods Cookbook offers a hearty vegan and wheat-free option that can be enjoyed as a bright side dish to a rich main course or as a meal on its own.

Tip from the Author’s Kitchen

“My daughter-in-law, Molly, taught me how to massage kale, a very pleasant and relaxing process that involves “kneading” the leaves in a bowl after breaking them into small pieces and then adding lemon juice and salt. The movement of the fingers breaks down the leaves and makes them more easily digestible. It also changes the leaves’ texture, makes them darker and reduces their size, making them appear sauteed.” -- Pat Brett, co-founder of Kimberton Whole Foods and co-author of the Kimberton Whole Foods Cookbook

Kimberton Whole Foods Cookbook: A Family History with Recipes is written by Kimberton Whole Foods founder Pat Brett and award-winning journalist, author, and food writer Courtney Diener-Stokes, along with input from Kimberton Whole Foods Creative Food Director, Colin Brett, and photography by Seneca Shahara Brand. The book is available at all Kimberton Whole Foods stores.

Photo by: Seneca Shahara Brand

Pat and Terry Brett, owners of Kimberton Whole Foods, invite you into their home and family life, both of which lie at the heart of their community and business endeavors. The cookbook shares the Bretts’ family history with over 60 recipes spanning the 32-year heritage of the store and community hub. It includes seasonal inspiration for your kitchen, as well as stories of local growers and makers, reflecting the Bretts’ passionate commitment to local agriculture. The book is printed and bound locally in Lancaster County, PA.

RECIPE

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

• 1 pound jewel sweet potatoes, diced into bite-sized pieces

• 1 teaspoon olive oil

• Himalayan pink salt and ground black pepper

• 1 bunch of kale, stripped from stems and chopped

• 1 medium zucchini, cut lengthwise and diced

• 1 cup carrots, shredded

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips

• ¼ medium onion, sliced thin

• 2 teaspoons sesame seeds

DRESSING INGREDIENTS

• ½ cup vegan mayonnaise

• 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil

• 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce

• 2 tablespoons tahini

• 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• Pinch of cayenne pepper

• ½ teaspoon Himalayan pink salt

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 F. Place sweet potatoes on baking sheet and toss with olive oil, salt and pepper before evenly spreading out. Roast for 35 minutes until soft.

Place kale in medium mixing bowl and set aside. To make dressing, combine all dressing ingredients in a Mason jar with lid or small bowl and shake or whisk to combine. Pour dressing over kale and massage thoroughly to fully coat kale. Add zucchini, carrots, bell pepper and onion and toss to combine. Add sweet potatoes and top with sesame seeds.

West Reading Farmers Market by Growing Roots Partners

The West Reading Farmers Market features the very best in locally grown food every Sunday from 9am - 1pm on the 500 Block of Penn Ave + on 6th Ave thru December! Winter may be coming, but the farmers market is open year-round; see below for schedule changes! The producer-only market features locally grown fruits and vegetables, sustainably raised meats, poultry and farm fresh eggs, fresh cut flowers, artisan baked goods and breads, local beer & spirits, kombucha, hand-made pasta, local honey, and value added products made with locally sourced ingredients. We are committed to supporting and promoting the rich agricultural history of Berks County! Check out the market website www.GrowingRootsPartners.com/ west-reading for more information including the updated weekly line-up of producers or to subscribe to the market newsletter.

West Reading Farmers Market - Winter Market Schedule

500 Block of Penn Ave

November-December 2022: weekly market, Sundays from 9am-1pm (no market on Sunday 11/27 or 12/25) 6th Ave between Penn & Cherry January 2023: biweekly market, 3rd/5th Sundays, 10am-12 noon February-April 2023: biweekly market, 1st/3rd Sundays, 10am-12 noon Visit www.growingrootspartners.com/west-reading for up to date information.

*GROWERS*

B & H Organic Produce

Bleiler’s Produce Patch

Fungified Farm Keim Orchards

The Rustic Bunch Soul Bloom

*MEAT/DAIRY/CHEESE*

Amazing Acres Goat Dairy Wyebrook Farm

*BAKERS + SWEET TREAT*

The Daily Loaf

Every Soul Vegan Bakery

Green Lion/Heart Stone

N(our)ish Gluten-Free Bakery

Valentine Chocolate Co.

*FOOD MAKERS*

Digga’s Hotties

Gourmet Peanut Butter & More

Healthy Delight Cooking Oils

JVB Brothers Co.

Kevin’s Crazy Kitchen

Oley Ravioli

Queen of Hearts Honey Sundry Mornings

*DRINK MAKERS*

Deer Creek Malt

Five Saints Distilling

High Point Kombucha

Hill Road Coffee Roasters

Perk Up Truck

Sheltered Valley Cider

Sleepy Cat Urban Winery

Under the Bridge Cider

*MAKERS*

Bee Our Guest Betula’s Botanica

Happy Dance Pet Bakery

*SERVICES*

Seven Stars Sharpening

Here is a sampling of the events, programs, and exhibits you’ll find along the Penn Avenue corridor. Check out what we’ve gathered for you here to give you a taste of what all our local venues have to offer. Please visit the websites of each location for their full schedules and more details.

Holiday Glow on the Avenue

December 1st through 17th

Penn Avenue, West Reading is decked out for its Holiday Glow featuring carriage rides, music, caroling, and Santa visits the first three weekends in December. Events are held rain or shine. Brass Ensemble, Santa and his elves, Victorian singers, and more!

West Reading Farmers Markets

Weekly markets on Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the 500 block of Penn Avenue and 6th Avenue between Penn and Cherry Streets Markets feature locally grown produce, sustainably raised meats and farm fresh eggs, artisan baked good, and other products made with locally sourced ingredients.

American Adventure Exhibition December through January 14th Reading Public Museum 500 Museum Park Road, Reading Do you have what it takes to survive? Take a step back into history to find out.

West Reading Borough

94th Annual Tree Lighting

Friday, December 2nd at 6 p.m., rain date December 5th Delaney Circle, West Reading Celebrate with music, dancing, and warm wishes, and continue the festivities after the ceremony for a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at St. James Church.

Handcrafted Holiday Market

December 3rd from 10:00 to 6:00 pm. 201 Washington Street, Reading This pop-up shop is centered around artists and makers selling high-quality handmade gifts for the holiday season, including workshops, demonstrations, holiday interactives, family activities, live music, films, and a pop-up restaurant with culinary activities by DoubleTree by Hilton.

Mindi Abair’s, I Can’t Wait for Christmas

December 3rd at 7:00 p.m. VIP tickets come with a pre-show wine tasting and one of the best seats in the house! Wine Tasting from 5:00 p.m.to 6:00 p.m. Mt. Laurel Brass plays in lobby from 6:00 p.m.to 6:50 p.m.

A Christmas Story

December 3rd, December 8th, December 9th at 7:30 p.m., December 4th and December 10th at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., December 11th at 3:00 p.m. Yocum Institute for Arts Education 3000 Penn Avenue, West Lawn Switchfoot – This is Our Christmas Tour December 6th at 7:30 p.m. Santander Performing Arts Center 136 North 6th Street, Reading

Homeschool Families at the Museum

December 7th from 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Reading Public Museum 500 Museum Park Road, Reading

An exciting morning filled with special tours and hands-on projects that the whole family can enjoy. Wonderful Winter–spend the morning looking at the ways nature changes and adapts to changing seasons.

Ceramic Gnome Workshop

ALL SKILL LEVELS, INSTRUCTOR: JEFF HODGES December 7, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Goggleworks Center for the Arts 201 Washington Street, Reading

Paint a Present – Painting Party at the Museum December 7th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Reading Public Museum 500 Museum Park Road, Reading

Hardwood Cutting Board Workshop

ALL SKILL LEVELS, INSTRUCTOR: BEN RICHARDS December 8th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Goggleworks Center for the Arts 201 Washington Street, Reading

Second Friday – Holiday Edition

December 9th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Second Friday on Penn Avenue in West Reading is a time to celebrate and recognize our independent shops and locally owned restaurants!

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

December 8th at 7:30 p.m. Santander Performing Arts Center 136 North 6th Street, Reading

Merry & Bright: Songs of Christmas Cheer by Ryan & Ryan

December 9th at 7:30 p.m. Miller Center for the Arts, RACC 4 North Second Street, Reading

Cigar Band Ring Workshop

ALL SKILL LEVELS, INSTRUCTOR: MIKE DADDARIO

December 9, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Goggleworks Center for the Arts 201 Washington Street, Reading

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Broadway Version

Sponsored by Sweet Street

December 9th, 10th, 11th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, Friday and weeknight performances at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. Genesius Theatre

153 North 10th Street, Reading

Pinecone Pendant Workshop

December 10th, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Goggleworks Center for the Arts 201 Washington Street, Reading SKILL LEVEL, AGE 16 AND UP, INSTRUCTOR: MIKE DADDARIO

Holiday Ceramic Cookie Tray

ALL SKILL LEVELS, INSTRUCTOR: PAOLA MATEO

December 10th from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Goggleworks Center for the Arts 201 Washington Street, Reading

Daddy Yankee Live – Latin Music

December 10th at 8:00 p.m. Santander Arena

700 Penn Street, Reading

Run Santa Run

December 11th, gather time at 9:30 a.m., start time at 10:00 a.m.

Sly Fox Taphouse

820 Knitting Mills Way #100, Wyomissing

Cost: $25 per person Register online at: Run Santa Run - Scavenger Hunt by Fleet Feet West Reading (runsignup.com)

Sensory Mornings at the Museum

December 11th from 8:30 a.m. to 1030 a.m.

Reading Public Museum

500 Museum Park Road, Reading The Museum opens early for guests and their caretakers who require a quieter atmosphere to explore. Deadline to register 24 hours prior to the program. Library passes, discount coupons, and free passes are not valid for sensory hours. Free admission for your family’s personal assistant or one-on-one aide. The Museum is an IBCCES Certified Autism Center

West Reading Cocktail & Cookie Stroll

December 14th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., check in from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Winedown Café & Wine Bar 622 Penn Avenue, West Reading Sip, walk & enjoy the shops of West Reading. Tickets are $15 and available from loveteam.eventbrite.com.

Manheim Steamroller Christmas

December 15th at 7:30 p.m. Santander Performing Arts Center 136 North 6th Street, Reading

Events

Berks Ballet Theatre Nutcracker

December 17th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and December 18th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Schaeffer Auditorium, 15200 Kutztown Rd, Kutztown

Garden Volunteer Day: Indoor Winter Solstice

Celebrations

December 17th at 10:00 a.m. Contact tlopez@goggleworks.org with questions.

West Reading Santa Bar Crawl

December 17th from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Homeschool Families at the Museum

December 21st from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Reading Public Museum

500 Museum Park Road, Reading An exciting morning filled with special tours and hands-on projects that the whole family can enjoy! Indigenous Roots - we will learn about the first people to occupy America and the influences they have had on today’s cultures!

Floyd Final Fridays

December 30th

Neag Planetarium of the Reading Public Museum

500 Museum Road, Reading Experience this classic rock album in amazing sound and full-dome imagery! State-of-the-art technology brings back the creative combination of music and immersive art. 7:00 p.m. - Let it Snow, 8:00 p.m. - Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon, 9:00 p.m. - Pink Floyd: The Wall, 10:00 p.m. - Pink Floyd: Wish You Were Here

Noon Year’s Eve at The Museum!

December 31st from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Reading Public Museum 500 Museum Park Road, Reading Ring in the New Year a little earlier with your family at the Museum. Registration is REQUIRED due to limited spacing.

Mr. Nice Guy LIVE at 3rd & Spruce

January 6th from 8:00 p.m. to 11 p.m. 3rd & Spruce Drafthaus 238 South 3rd Avenue, Reading

Solo acoustic performing artist incorporates rock, reggae, hip-hop and original music with crowd participation.

10th Annual Duck, Duck, Beer at West Reading Tavern

January 11th to 14th with specials daily from 4:30pm-8pm West Reading Tavern and Restaurant 606 Penn Avenue, West Reading Duck appetizers, sandwiches, and entrees are featured.

Second Friday

January 13th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Second Friday on Penn Avenue in West Reading is a time to celebrate and recognize our independent shops and locally owned restaurants!

Santander Arena Reading Wedding Expo –Largest in the region

January 15th at 12:00 p.m. Santander Arena 700 Penn Street, Reading

To the Moon: Snoopy Soars with NASA Exhibit

January 21st through April 16th Reading Public Museum 500 Museum Park Road, Reading Just before the first man landed on the moon, Charlie Brown and Snoopy soared through space with NASA’s Apollo 10 mission in May 1969.

Mission Aerospace Exhibit

January 21st through May 7th Reading Public Museum 500 Museum Park Road, Reading Venture into the Maze and take off with Mission Aerospace. Explore flight, navigation, and NASA in this extensive interactive exhibition integrating the science and history.

West Reading Ice’n Spice Festival

January 27th from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., January 28th from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., January 29th from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Led by professional carver Danny Kissel, ice sculptors will be chiseling through hundreds of pounds of ice, creating something beautiful. Ice sculptures occur each day of the festival with a total of 36 sculptures along Penn Avenue, from the 400 through the 700 blocks. Spicy specials will be offered by West Reading businesses.

World Championship Ice Racing - Vengeance Tour

January 27th at 7:30 p.m. Santander Arena 700 Penn Street, Reading

Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre

February 3rd at 7:30 p.m.

Miller Center for the Arts, RACC 4 North Second Street, Reading

Second Friday

February 10th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Second Friday on Penn Avenue in West Reading is a time to celebrate and recognize our independent shops and locally owned restaurants!

Go, Dog, Go!

February 4th at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.,

February 5th at 2:00 p.m.,

February 11th at 11:00 a.m.,

February 12th at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Yocum Institute for Arts Education 300 Penn Avenue, West Lawn

Los Lobos

February 23rd at 7:30 p.m.

Miller Center for the Arts, RACC 4 North Second Street, Reading

Winnie the Pooh and other Sentimental Songs

February 9th and 11th at 6:00 p.m.

Yocum Institute for Arts Education 300 Penn Avenue, West Lawn

PBR: Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour

February 10th at 8:00 p.m. and February 11th at 7:00 p.m. Santander Arena

700 Penn Street, Reading

The Professional Bull Riders Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour is the top expansion series of the PBR.

Blue’s Clues and You

February 10th at 6:00 p.m.

Santander Performing Arts Center 136 North 6th Street, Reading

112 with SWV – Rhythm and Blues!

February 26th at 3:00 p.m. Santander Arena

700 Penn Street, Reading

Save the Dates!

West Reading Fashion Week

Thursday, February 23rd through Saturday, February 25th 2023

West Reading Fashion Show

Saturday, February 25th 2022 8PM

32nd Annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest

March 24th through April 2nd

West Reading Craft Pretzel & Beer Festival

April 29th

Venues

Art Plus Gallery… artplusgallerypa.com

Berks Jazz Fest… berksjazzfest.com

Santander Events… Santander-arena.com

Miller Center for the Arts… millercenter.racc.edu

Reading Public Museum… readingpublicmuseum.org

Reading Community Players… www.readingcommplayers.com GoggleWorks… goggleworks.org

Genesius Theatre… genesiusdifference.org Yocum Institute for Arts Education… www.yocuminstitute.org

2nd Friday

Every 2nd Friday of the month, the West Reading shops and restaurants celebrate with “2nd Friday on the Avenue” hosted by the West Reading Community Revitalization Foundation (WRCRF).

2nd Friday on the Avenue is a time to celebrate and recognize our independent shops and locally owned restaurants! Find events and more by searching Visit West Reading on Facebook and Instagram! West Reading is 100% committed to serving our community. We invite the public to share their 2nd Friday adventures on our social media. Tag us on Instagram: @VisitWestReading #visitwestreading #liveyourwestlife Facebook: Visit West Reading Twitter: @VisitWestRDG

Visit WRCRF’s website visitwestreading.org to learn more about our merchants, upcoming events and the Sunday Farmers Market. 2nd Friday on the Avenue is a collaboration between the West Reading Community Revitalization Foundation and West Reading Merchants. The WRCRF a 501(c)3 registered organization.

s put a little love in your heart!

D e d i c a t e d t o t h e g o s p e l m e s s a g e , D a y s p r i n g H o m e s p r o v i d e s a c o n t i n u u m o f c a r e w h i c h m e e t s t h e o n g o i n g n e e d s o f p e o p l e w i t h i n t e l l e c t u a l a n d d e v e l o p m e n t a l d i s a b i l i t i e s w i t h i n a C h r i s t i a n e n v i r o n m e n t . N o w h i r i n g ! V i s i t o u r w e b s i t e f o r c a r e e r o p p o r t u n i t i e s

A Y S P R I N G H O M E S . O R G