Join us on Sunday, October 15, for The Friends of Reading Hospital Road Run featuring a scenic course starting at the William Penn Memorial Fire Tower. Participants will race past the historic Pagoda, through City Park and finish on Penn Street in downtown Reading!
All proceeds from the race support programs funded by The Friends of Reading Hospital. Last year, thanks to the event sponsors, The Friends funded the Telemedicine Program for Stroke Patients, Cold Cap Therapy at McGlinn Cancer Institute, a Food Service Van for Reading Recreation Commission, a Provider Van and Supplies for the Street Medicine Program, and continued support for HeartSAFE Berks County, placing over 530 AED’s in our surrounding communities.
For more information or to register, visit www.rhroadrun.com. Reading’s Premier Half Marathon, 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run. COME RUN WITH US!
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Karen Marsdale, Senior Editor
201 Penn Street • Suite 501 • Reading, PA 19601
berkswomen2women.com • 610.376.6766
Women2Women Advisory Council
Margarita Caicedo, Karen Collins, Vicki O Ebner, Toni Eckert, Lizette Epps, Kim Hippert-Eversgerd, Bethany Kirkner, Karen Marsdale, Kimberly Musko, Julia Nickey, Mary Jean Noon, Chiara Renninger, Connie Skipper, Alison Snyder, Vanessa Wanshop, Kelly Beaver
Women2Women, managed by the Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce & Industry, encourages women to create connections, gain knowledge, open doors and build strategic alliances, and much more. Our goal is to create more women leaders in Berks County by providing a forum where women from diverse backgrounds can learn, share ideas and mentor each other. Membership is free and Women2Women Magazine is a publication of the Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
Tompkins VIST Bank VA Productions Wyomissing Hair Studio
Health2Wellness
Spain and the Costa del Sol
March
March 6-14, 2018
Karen Marsdale Editor, Women2Women Magazine
President Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Women2Women Magazine EDITORIAL COMMITTEE
Tracie Barrett Sweet Street
Jessica Bezler Reading Health System
Tracy Hoffmann Hoffmann Publishing Group
Kristin Golden Mancuso KGM Marketing LLC
Karen Klein Fulcrum Information Resources
Britany LaManna Loomis Company
Karen Marsdale Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Monica Rush Penn State Health – St. Joseph
Connie Skipper Berks County Intermediate Unit
Melissa Varone MV Harenza Marketing
According to good old Merriam Webster, the definition of Summer is : a period of maturing powers. I like to think our former editor and Director of Marketing, Danielle Antos, is exploring her maturing powers in her new role at R.M. Palmer. Danielle was a dedicated Chamber colleague who returned to the workforce after staying at home with her two lovely daughters, Sophie and Bella. During her tenure at the Chamber, she started as the coordinator for the program work of Women2Women, Family Business and our Training department. She eagerly took on the role of Director of Marketing and continued the editorial work of Women2Women magazine. Not one to be complacent, she was ready for a new challenge and recently started as a brand manager at R.M. Palmer. We thank her for her contributions, and wish her the best in her new adventure.
In this issue I am delighted to feature some very progressive and accomplished women in the legal field; funeral home business; and the areas of medicine, education, building and engineering. I encourage you to read their stories and learn how these groundbreakers truly paved the way for future generations of women.
As we float through the summer days, we can’t help but address workplace attire and offer tips on appropriate styles that don’t push the “too casual” button. Our marketing intern researched and wrote this piece, and I’d like to take a moment to thank her for her work this summer. Maggie is entering her senior year at Penn State Berks, dual-majoring in Communications/ Marketing and Management. Not only did she intern at the Chamber this summer, she held two other positions with Berks County Living magazine and Brenntag. Talk about a go getter – thank you Maggie for all of your help!
Boy, if you are in your prime years of planning for a baby, do we have some useful information for you to consider. You’ll learn about budgeting for the new bundle of joy, as well as pregnancy in your 20s, 30s, and beyond. We also delve into insights on infertility, and options if you are having trouble conceiving. And, once the baby arrives, how do you balance a career, marriage, and daycare? A local businesswoman came up with an innovative alternative to traditional daycare!
And because summer months are ideal for vacation or just lazy days with some R&R, our Women2Women readers offer their ideas for staycations and Folino offers some tips for easy entertaining! So, relax and enjoy this issue. We’ll look forward to reconnecting in the fall when we unveil our 2017/2018 W2W Schedule of Programs and Events!
All the best,
Karen Marsdale
2Know
Building Trades BUSTING BARRIERS in the
By Susan Shelly, Hoffmann Publishing Group, Inc.
CATHY SLOAN’S INFLUENCE WITHIN THE HOME BUILDING INDUSTRY IS WIDELY ACKNOWLEDGED AND RESPECTED.
AS FORMER PRESIDENT AND NOW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION (HBA) OF BERKS COUNTY, SLOAN HAS SERVED AS A BOARD MEMBER OF BOTH THE PENNSYLVANIA BUILDERS ASSOCIATION (PBA) AND THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HOME BUILDERS.
In 2013, she was elected as the first woman president of the HBA of Berks County. She was elected again to serve as this year’s president, but relinquished the position when she became executive director.
And, last August she led the organization of the HBA of Berks County Professional Women in Building (PWB) Council, a result of her involvement with the National Association of Home Builders Women in Building Council. The Professional Women in Building Council encourages members to support local, state and national goals and activities. The organization represents members working in all facets of the industry as builders, architects, remodelers, trade contractors, designers, mortgage brokers and marketers.
“Being involved at the state and national level, I got to know some of the women in
the Professional Women in Building Council and I thought it would be really good for our HBA to have a women’s council,” explained Sloan , who serves on the board of trustees of the Professional Women in Building on the National Association Home Builders.
Her efforts to form a local council were strongly supported by HBA President James E. Gavin. “Research has shown that approximately 47 percent of privately owned businesses in the United States have women as the majority owner or an equal partner,” Gavin said. “The creation of a PWB council allows us to bring to Berks County an organization that has been extremely successful on the national level. We are excited to see what this council will do.”
With 11 members, the local council has established an education scholarship fund and
is planning a series of events to raise money to fund it, including a handbag bingo event and a “dress for success” runway show.
Sloan was not planning on adding the position of executive director of the Home Builders Association of Berks County to her already busy schedule. But, when the previous director left earlier this year, she stepped up and took up the reins.
“I was already serving as president of the association at that point, but when I took over as executive director I had to give up that position,” she explained. “I’m still a member of the association, but I couldn’t continue serving as president because it could have been a conflict of interests.”
She holds down the position of executive director on a part-time basis, managing the office as an add-on to her responsibilities as office manager of Aluminum Associates and president of Hartman’s Home Improvements, both in Muhlenberg Township
“I’m running both jobs,” she said. “Fortunately, I can work both at the HBA office and out of my home.”
Sloan manages her time by sticking to a strict schedule.
“I’m better at what I do when I’m busy, but that means I really need to stay on schedule. If
my
calendar,
something is not on
I can’t
do it.
But,
if
it
is on my calendar, I’ll make sure it gets done. Probably my biggest strength is knowing how to schedule my time.”
—cathy sloan
“I’m better at what I do when I’m busy, but that means I really need to stay on schedule,” she said. “If something is not on my calendar, I can’t do it. But, if it is on my calendar, I’ll make sure it gets done. Probably my biggest strength is knowing how to schedule my time.”
Over the past several years, Sloan has taken courses and earned the designations of Certified Green Professional (CGP), Certified Aging-In-Place (CAPS) and Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR).
“I really believe that it’s important to keep learning and to stay on top of what’s going on within the industry,” she said.
Her involvement with the HBA began after she married her husband, Kert, the owner of Aluminum Associates.
“Kert was always a HBA member and was active. I got curious about it, and started getting involved in committees,” she explained. “Eventually, I joined and then I was elected by the local HBA to serve as a board member of the National Association of Home Builders. I was a national board member before I even became a local board member.”
Being involved with the HBA on a local, state and national level has taught her a lot, she said, and provided a place for her in an industry that is still dominated by men.
While she is very well accepted as a woman within the HBA at all levels, Sloan said she still encounters some hesitation from customers in her position as office manager at Aluminum Associates.
Despite the very active role she plays in the business, some customers insist on dealing only with her husband.
“It’s been difficult getting some customers to accept that I have a lot of responsibility within the business,” she said. “It’s frustrating when a sales rep or a customer refuses to deal with me because I’m a woman. You’d think we’d be past that, but it’s still out there. It’s still around.”
Sloan’s goals as executive director of the HBA of Berks County are the same as they were when she was serving as the organization’s
president. She is looking to recruit new members and increase the HBA’s membership.
One way to do that is to keep students from area career and technology centers involved with the HBA so that they’ll eventually become members.
“We want to start to bring in youth to the association,” she said.
Her goals for the Professional Women in Building Council are similar to those for the HBA.
“We’re looking to make this a very strong organization that positively impacts the Greater Reading community,” Sloan said. “That’s what it’s all about.” n
Current members of the HBA of Berks County Professional Women in Building Council
Sherrie Halowell – Chair – Tompkins Financial
Louella Gray – Vice Chair – Bank of America
Stephanie Galvis – Secretary/Treasurer – Sherwin Williams
Diane Salks – Riverview Tree & Landscaping
Kristin Cossa – Keiffer’s Appliance
Pamela Shenk – Tompkins Financial
Sharon Kehres – Reading Berks Association of Realtors
Sherry Degler Xavios – Eisenhauer
Tammy Hahn – Hahn Exteriors
Becca Yeager – Turnberry Custom homes
Cathy Sloan – Aluminum Associates
The council is actively seeking to add members. Anyone interested in joining should contact Sloan at 610-777-8889 or at Cathy@HBAberks.org. You also can download an application from the HBA’s website at www.hbaberks.org.
For Educational Opportunities, Certifications, Benefits, and updated information on matters affecting the Building Industry please visit the following sites: www.nahb.org, www.pabuilders.org &
Cathy believes it takes many active members to build success. Shown here are three of her active Council members (L to R): Diane Salks, Riverview Tree & Landscape; Sharon Kehres, ReadingBerks Association of Realtors; and Pamela Shenk, Tompkins Vist Bank
Meet the 2017 Athena® Award Recipient
Annarose Ingarra-Milch
The 2017 Athena Leadership Award was presented at the 6th Annual Women2Women Spring Renewal Expo on April 25th.
Annarose Ingarra-Milch is a nationally acclaimed inspirational speaker and author of the award-winning novel Lunch with Lucille, an uplifting story with an empowering message all women need to hear: “You Are Your Best Asset, at Any Age.”
Annarose is also a serial entrepreneur, webcaster, community volunteer and retired law enforcement officer. She is the founder and president of ROI Training & Consulting, LLC, a premier professional development and business management consulting firm. Her client base spans industry sectors and ranges from coaching businesswomen to facilitating soft skills trainings for the civilian workforce of the United States Department of the Navy.
Annarose’s web-series, “The People Chronicles — Storied Women,” showcases local women who bravely share stories of how they shifted an adversity into an advantage. She is an advisor to a woman’s group The Wisdom Coalition, a mentor for a diverse group of female entrepreneurs and co-founder of a buy/sell local, entrepreneur-helping-entrepreneur initiative.
Annarose serves on the board of directors of a number of non-profit organizations and is a Stadium Commissioner for the Reading Fightin’ Phils. She is also Ms. Pennsylvania Senior America 2016, recipient of YWCA Tri-County’s Sally Lee Lifetime Achievement Award 2016, offered a TEDx talk, “Age is an Asset,” and is a Wall Street Journal Woman of Note.
Annarose lives in Reading, PA with her husband of almost 40 years, Charles. They have 3 very grown children and 4 grandchildren. Congratulations, Annarose! n
Athena Award recipient
Annarose Ingarra-Milch (left) with Karen Marsdale, President — Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Groundbreakers Who Pave the Way For Future Generations of Women
Whether they are judges, funeral directors, doctors or engineers, women continue to achieve immense professional success in a multitude of careers, despite adversity.
By Leah Williams
Judge Linda Ludgate
Retired Award-Winning Berks County Judge & Current Senior Judge
Senior Judge Linda Ludgate was blessed with strong role models and a community who supported her career goals. These models, coupled with her outspoken personality “that comes from being the youngest of 14 children,” led her to an award-winning law career, which she continues at age 74.
We talked to four Berks County women who refuse to take “no” for an answer. These women are groundbreakers, changing the way things have been done and leading the way for future improvements in primarily male-dominated occupations. They continue to excel in careers where few women have gone before them, paving the way for generations of women.
Though Ludgate began college later in life, graduating from Alvernia University in her 30s and continuing law school at Temple University, her desire to be a lawyer is grounded in her childhood. She recognized this drive during the burial of her older brother who enlisted in the army but had wanted to be a lawyer and was accepted into law school.
and People Against Rape, there were men involved too. Several of us opened our home to women and children who had nowhere to go.”
Ludgate achieved success despite pushback. There were “some people who just didn’t ‘like’ women lawyers,” let alone a woman judge. However, as a female judge, Ludgate felt she may have been more approachable in her community. “Even today I may go to a store and someone comes up to me, ‘Like ten years ago you sentenced me, now I’m sober,’” said Ludgate.
As a female judge, Ludgate felt she may have been more approachable in her community. “Even today I may go to a store and someone comes up to me, ‘Like ten years ago you sentenced me, now I’m sober.’”
After a legal career of over 30 years, Ludgate is noted for her service in criminal court. Additionally, she is a founder of Berks Women in Crisis, now SafeBerks, and is honored to have received several awards, including the 2006 “Voices for Change” award and “The Linda K M Ludgate Award for Excellence in Leadership of a CJAB Award,” named and presented by The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.
Both men and women influenced Ludgate’s career success. She reminisced, “When the group of us volunteered to begin Women in Crisis
When balancing career and family life, a challenge that often presents greater obstacles for women, Ludgate explained that “women need to know you don’t need to choose between having a career and a family. I feel a great deal of pride in having children.”
Ludgate emphasized compassion as the most important quality to have as a judge. “If you don’t have compassion, you lose part of yourself. You have to believe in yourself. And you have to do it because there’s a fire in your body to do it.”
Maria Kaufman
A local funeral director “flat out told me I wouldn’t make it as a funeral director, that women weren’t funeral directors, I was too small and wouldn’t be able to do the necessary lifting.”
Funeral Director Maria Kaufman grieves alongside each family she serves, but she knows she has the skills and compassion needed to help them through this difficult time. “It’s that knowledge that allows me to be able to witness it on a regular basis, knowing that I am able to help them,” said Kaufman.
An experience Kaufman had at age 15 influenced her decision to enter this profession. At a funeral of a close friend, Kaufman was appalled when she heard that the casket would not be open because the funeral director said, “‘the texture of her face resembled beef jerky and was beginning to peel.’ I thought that if I was ever a funeral director I would never say that to someone.”
Fast forward three years, and Kaufman was attending Alvernia University with an undecided major and a sustained interest in funeral directing. When her counselor set Kaufman up on a meeting with a local funeral director, “he flat out told me I wouldn’t make it as a funeral director, that women weren’t funeral directors, I was too small and wouldn’t be able to do the necessary lifting,” said Kaufman.
While Kaufman has not felt held back from her male counterparts, she has “felt the need to prove I belong here and that yes, even though I do things differently from you, I can get the job done.” Despite adversity, Kaufman ultimately decided to pursue funeral directing.
Kaufman wants women to know that “they have just as good a chance as anyone else to do this,” though she mentioned balancing work and home life as the most challenging aspect of her career. She describes funeral directing as “24/7, it’s not a career, it’s a way of life.” Ultimately, “without my family support, I wouldn’t be able to be a funeral director,” said Kaufman.
According to Kaufman, the most rewarding aspect of her career is “the knowledge that I was able to help someone get through a difficult time in their life...to be there for them, comfort them, and guide them through this time.” Similar to Senior Judge Linda Ludgate, Kaufman listed compassion as the most important quality to have as a funeral director.
PENN STATE BERKS
FLEETWOOD BANK
Dr. Fredericka Heller OB-GYN, Owner of Women’s Lifecycles, Reading, PA
“Every ten years a woman’s medical problems can change, from contraception to babies and menopause. It’s a very exciting, diverse, fascinating field.”
Dr. Fredericka Heller is “working two full-time jobs at 71 and having a great time.” She loves getting up in the morning and going to her own Berks County practice, Women’s Lifecycles, and “taking care of women, trying to solve their problems.”
After graduating from Vassar College with a degree in history and political science, Heller struggled with her graduate school applications for medical school, as “many schools weren’t taking women at the time.” One school “wouldn’t even interview me because I was female,” said Heller. She took pre-med courses at Albright College, received her medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania and did specialized training in OB-GYN. “That’s 14 years of school till I could open my own practice,” said Heller.
Upon receiving her M.D., Heller was one of the first women on the OB-GYN staff at Reading Hospital, and “they weren’t happy about it,” she said. Eventually, Heller realized that “none of the men would hire any of us,” so she opened her own practice. Now, women have become very popular as doctors, especially ones specializing in OB-GYN.
Heller hopes that “the changes in medicine don’t take away the fun in medicine.” Though surviving in today’s medicine as an independent physician is an immense financial challenge, being independent and having her own practice makes her happy. She especially enjoys doing robotic, minimally invasive surgery and speaking fluent Spanish. “All of that is very fulfilling,” said Heller.
Heller described the most important quality to have as a gynecologist is the “fascination with continuing to learn new things. And for myself, an interest in women’s healthcare and solving problems for women. Every ten years a woman’s medical problems can change, from contraception to babies and menopause. It’s a very exciting, diverse, fascinating field.”
Barbara Mizdail Senior Lecturer, Penn State Berks
The 1970s-’80s were interesting times for women working in predominantly male-dominated fields. “I have lots of stories from those times, most of them unprintable.”
Barbara Mizdail always liked math and science. Her curiosity and proven abilities led to her successful career as the first female engineering professor at Penn State Berks.
When Mizdail asked a high school counselor about engineering opportunities for girls, “the boys actually laughed.” Their laughter did not stop her from pursuing engineering at the University of Arizona, where she became president of the Engineers Council on campus, joined the SAE Society of Automotive Engineers and helped form the first engineering social sorority for women, Beta Rho Delta.
The 1970s-’80s were interesting times for women working in predominantly male-dominated fields. “I have lots of stories from those times, most of them unprintable,” said Mizdail. One story exemplifies her struggle: “My college advisor said I shouldn’t pursue a Master’s Degree in Engineering because I had a photogenic face, not a photographic memory….I was too pretty! I got that Masters in Engineering from the University of Michigan!”
Mizdail described teaching at the university level as the most rewarding aspect of her career. After working in the automotive industry for 30 years, she taught mechanical engineering courses at Penn State Berks. Mizdail described engineering as “a respected profession that requires integrity to serve society.”
Curiosity, a trait that Mizdail certainly has, is one must-have quality for engineers. “You don’t have to make the best grades while in school, but you have to like math and science, and be willing to ask the right questions to get the answers,” said Mizdail.
“Engineering is fun!” exclaimed Mizdail. “I saw a lot of the world as an engineer...travel is part of most engineers’ jobs. I drove on the ‘wrong side of the road’ while in meetings for Ford of England; I crossed the Hoover Dam and gambled in Las Vegas;
I ate rattlesnake and rode a Brahma bull at a Sales Conference in Arizona.”
AD SIZE CONTRACTED: 1/8 H DIMENSIONS: 3.5625" w x 2.375" h
Mizdail fears that young women today “aren’t aware of the struggles we went through to pave the way for them.” Her generation insisted on “maintaining our femininity, while showing we could be resourceful in accomplishing all that was necessary to get the job done,” she explained. Ultimately, Mizdail is excited about the interest in STEM initiatives (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and is currently volunteering her support. n
Growth 2Go
THINGS YOU MISSED AT THE 6TH ANNUAL WOMEN’S EXPO
1. Feeling amazed as we viewed the legacy and spirit of Katherine Johnson — a brilliant African-American woman behind Hidden Figures who served as one of the NASA brains launching astronaut John Glenn into orbit — through the recently taped interview with Johnson’s daughter (by Alvernia students who could have been the keynote features themselves!). And getting up close and personal with Johnson’s niece — rock-star Robin Allen!
2. Being in the presence of 400 fabulous attendees, 61 awesome vendors, 9 buzz-worthy breakout session presenters, 3 inspirational keynote speakers — both “live” and “virtual” — and 1 deserving ATHENA® honoree!
3. Experiencing the Concierge Consulting Corner, where many had a chance to talk one-on-one with professionals about starting a new business, securing financing, learning how to read business financial statements, and becoming a women-owned certified business.
4. Learning the (it’s not rocket) science behind beautiful skin with Alyce Versagli.
5. Admiring the “4-diamond brooch” inspirational message of Annarose Ingarra-Milch, ATHENA® Award recipient.
6. Stopping by Iron Roots pop-up salon for a quick (and free) gel manicure & hair style.
7. Packing the room for Robin Costenbader-Jacobsen’s presentation on “It’s My Word” on how one word can set your life path.
8. Getting your Health4cast from a real-time screening of four numbers that predict your health, and having it all explained to you by a Penn State Health St. Joseph health navigator.
9. Shouting “G.I.R.L. Power” for all to hear because we know Grit, Inspiration, Rebellion, & Leadership is what we need for career success.
10. Ending the day equipped with a renewal towards life, work, and all that in-between, checking out the styles of Boscov’s, winning gift cards and prizes, with new and old friends, and ready to conquer!
It's Budget Time...Baby
Planning for a baby is an exciting time for parents-to-be. The days are filled with anticipation for the arrival of baby and daydreams about the adventures to come. But many times new parents forget to consider the costs of bringing a baby into this world. Fortunately, there are many resources out there to guide new parents on the financial journey of parenthood. If you choose to plan ahead financially, that is one less challenge to face when the new bundle of joy arrives. Being a CPA, and mother of “two under two,” I’ve developed a list of essentials to consider as you budget for baby.
Insurance and Benefits
Even before the thought of baby, you should consider your current health insurance benefits. Once the baby has arrived, you have 30 days to add the baby to your health plan and to sign up for flexible spending accounts that allow you to save pre-tax for health care.
Research your disability insurance and ensure you have the right amount of coverage to meet your expenses while out of work.
Additionally, life insurance is an important aspect of a financial plan. Make sure yourself and spouse have coverage, and you may want to add your child as a beneficiary. Consider also setting up a will and/or trust.
Child Care
After baby has arrived, the biggest budget item to consider is child care. If one parent is considering staying home to care for the baby, experiment with living on one income well in advance of the baby’s arrival to determine how feasible it is. If both parents will return to work after baby, and paid child care is needed, evaluate the options in your area and within your budget. Many employers offer a flexible spending account which can be used to pay for a certain amount of child-care expenses a year using pre-tax dollars.
Education
Just like retirement savings, it’s never too early to start saving for your child’s education. Think “compounding interest.” Do your research and explore the educational savings accounts available, including a 529 plan.
Tax Advantages
As a family, you can save more money on your taxes. First, you can take a tax exemption for your dependents. An exemption is an amount of money you can subtract from your adjusted gross income, for having dependents (in other words, reduce the amount of income on which you will be taxed). If you elect to itemize your deductions, medical expenses that exceed 10 percent of your adjusted gross income are deductible. There are also deductions and credits available for education and child-care expenses.
Baby Supplies
When it comes to baby supplies, review your budget and prioritize the needs versus wants. Start with the monthly supplies which include diapers, wipes, formula and baby food. In lieu of formula, consider breastfeeding which not only will save you hundreds of dollars each month, but also provides for countless health benefits for mother and baby. If you elect to breastfeed, most insurance companies offer a free, or reduced-rate, breast pump for each pregnancy. When shopping for the other monthly supplies such as diapers and wipes, buy in bulk and take advantage of manufacturer coupons and loyalty programs which provide for savings on future purchases.
Outside of the monthly expenses, consider the larger one-time purchases. First you will need a car seat to even take baby home from the hospital. A priority in buying a car seat is safety and therefore the best budget-conscious strategy would be to take advantage of in-store sales.
In terms of sleep, research options to make baby the most comfortable for a sound, and fingers crossed, full night stretch of sleep. Budget for a bassinet, or something smaller than a full crib to start. Because a bassinet is only used for a short period of time, find one that you can borrow from a family member or friend. Another large one-time purchase in the budget is a crib. Consider spending more on a luxury mattress and less on the crib itself. For the crib, consider a convertible crib that converts into a toddler bed, and in some cases to a full-sized bed.
Clothing baby is fun, but can add up over time. There are many options to reduce clothing costs, some of which include consignment shops or sales and swapping baby clothing with other mothers.
When it comes to toys, or baby entertainment, the options are endless. For starters, budget for the large one-time purchases as you determine necessary. These one-time purchases may include a stroller, swing, bouncer, walker or activity center. For smaller purchases, the tale about the child preferring the box over the toy itself, continues to be true. Therefore, buy a small number of age appropriate toys to occupy baby throughout the day — an activity for inside, outside, in the bathtub, or on the go. Save up and purchase the larger, more expensive toys for birthdays or holidays. Don’t forget to explore your household items (for example the pots and pans) which can entertain a child for hours.
Overall, there is no way to predict the preferences of baby (for example with bottles, pacifiers or even diapers) so buy the minimum to start with, and then stock up once you know baby’s preferences. Additionally, get advice from the experts — other mothers/fathers that is! No one can give you better advice than parents who have been through the experience themselves.
FUN
Now, after exhausting much of your resources on the above, make sure to stash away some funds to enjoy activities and make memories with your family. Be assured that fun can be a small part of your budget — because it doesn’t take much to entertain and make your children happy. There are many free activities to consider — take a walk/stroller ride around your community, visit the local park or attend a baby lapsit program at the library.
Finally, when you are developing your budget, remember that your current lifestyle will change so more funds will free up that can be allocated to the new costs associated with baby.
Hopefully this article has you thinking of ways to develop a budget that is right for your family. n
By Kristin M. Kohler, CPA Manager, Herbein + Company, Inc.
Dress for Success Business Casual during the Summer
By Maggie Walker, Intern Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Here comes the sun.
As the summer months approach, it is hard to keep your cool in the office. Figuring out how to dress for the hot weather and remaining completely professional can be a balancing act. Some things to consider when searching for a business casual summer wardrobe are color scheme, hemlines, practicality and fabric choice.
Color schemes can help keep your cool in the hot summer heat. It is important to avoid dark colors, especially black. Darker colors will absorb the heat, making you get hotter faster and stay hotter longer. Blues are a great alternative being lighter than black but still keeping the formal feel for those days you have a meeting and have to dress a little more conventional. Black can be a great go to color because it seems to match everything. Substitute those blacks for whites and nudes as your universal colors this summer.
As the temperature rises during the summer months, so do the hemlines. People tend to lose the layers and select something a little skimpier to handle the hot temperatures. If you have a feeling it isn’t appropriate for the office, chances are it is not. Your hemline should always be around your knees when wearing dresses and skirts. Determining what is appropriate goes for tops as well. Revealing tops are not an option; your shoulders should stay covered and no midriff should be shown. Wearing looser lighter tops can help you stay dry while maintaining a conservative look.
Practicality in the office is important as well. Summer can give you opportunities to dress a little more fun and free versus bundling up for winter, but those ensembles shouldn’t encumber your practicality. A comfortable employee is going to be a more productive employee. One rule of thumb, always bring a sweater, jacket or blazer. It is over 100 degrees outside but your workplace has the air conditioning on
65 degrees. Sitting at your desk you can get a little chilly so always having a jacket on hand can make you more comfortable.
This is also a time where you throw the boots to the side and slide on some strappy sandals. Be sure to make sure your shoes are office appropriate. When getting up to speak at a meeting or walking around the halls it can be embarrassing stumbling around. Your footwear should be cute and practical at the same time. Perforated shoes are a way to keep your feet breathing. These holes will allow some cool to get to your toes without wearing flip flops or sandals.
Sometimes keeping comfortable in the summer heat is dependent on the material of your clothing you’re wearing. When sporting a jacket or cardigan you might want to grab something more delicate or lacelike. This substitute is going to be more breathable than your traditional sweater or cardigan. Another useful tip when picking a jacket is to opt for something without lining. A blazer with a lining is essentially two layers instead of one. You can avoid the extra baggage by picking something that doesn’t have that extra layer.
It isn’t just about how much you’re wearing but what it’s made from. Natural fabrics tend to be more breathable. Try to lean towards selections more like cotton, linen and silk.
Summer trends of 2017 are something to incorporate into your summer wardrobe. You can still have some summer fun in your business casual outfits. Lighter clothes can tend to look a little too relaxed for office attire. Chunky necklaces are a great way to dress up your relaxed look. You don’t have to stop there, you can choose statement earrings or bracelets too! It is always exciting to throw a pop of color into your look. Color blocking can be a fun way to add tropical hues to your midsummer garb. Color blocking is using a
bright color block to break apart the different colors in your clothing. It is also fun to use some contrasting colors to put a twist on your outfit. Some trendy color pairings are blue and orange, white and gold, pink and red, and yellow and light blue.
Summer is upon us. Make sure you are dressing the part when switching out your business casual wardrobe. Pinterest is a great place to look for trendy office attire. Dress for success this season, keeping down the temperature without losing style or professionalism. Stay cool and confident this summer in whatever you end up wearing to the office! n
• Light fabrics in slightly looser fits keep you looking office-ready while beating the heat.
• Find your “summer black” — blues work great for days when a more formal look is needed, whites and nudes are universal summer colors that complement anything!
• Layer your look for style and comfort — offices are often kept 30° cooler than the great outdoors.
• Chunky jewelry and big bags dress up more relaxed summer ensembles and make a statement.
In March 2017, State Street Global Advisors, a nearly $2.5 trillion investor, commissioned a bronze statue, “Fearless Girl,” to face off with one the most iconic statues on Wall Street, the “Charging Bull.”
The bold statement is necessary because women in America are underpaid compared to male counterparts. A Congressional report shows that the average woman earns only 79% of what a man earns. Further, according to Payscale.com, men are 85% more likely than women to be VPs or C-Suite Execs by mid-career, and 171% more likely to hold those positions late in their career.
As women, we may not be in a position to change the game but we can get better at playing the game. Before my career as a coach, trainer and speaker, I spent more than 20 years working at a Fortune 500 company. I have been in boardrooms where I was the only woman. I have been passed over by others less competent than myself. And I too at times have wondered why not me. So I studied the game, built relationships with the players and in every professional interaction, I executed those plays like it was only 20 seconds left on the clock and I had 30 yards to goal. I learned to leverage opportunities to break through barriers.
IT IS POSSIBLE for you to achieve your goals and dreams of professional success, because it’s not a game of intellect — it’s a game of skill. Scholars at the National Academy of Science have proven that 85% of your financial success is determined by your personality and ability to communicate, negotiate and lead. Those are traits that can be learned and enhanced over time.
You will be successful when you activate your G.I.R.L. POWER!
G.I.R.L. Power!
Angela Duckworth explains grit as “a skill that can help us to do anything we dream of. It’s the fine art of being able to find a solution to any problem and show real courage when attempting to fulfill a goal.” She explains the science behind why perseverance, courage, and passion are far more important than talent. Success is dependent on effort. Therefore, grit will ALWAYS trump talent.
It’s a necessity to advance. You’ll gain inspiration through knowledge. To advocate for yourself for a promotion or raise — and for lasting change — you must first figure out where power resides in the organization. What are the existing office norms for how advancement decisions are made? Is there a lot of transparency and structure to this process, or none whatsoever? In other words — know who’s in charge and what behaviors and relationships are necessary to get to your
Owner, Turner Coaching, Training & Consulting, LLC
goal. Seek out as much information as possible to chart your course to grow.
This involves fearlessness and taking risks. Michelle Gass, a former executive at Starbucks, says, “In order to achieve big success, you have to have big impact.” That’s what she demonstrated when asked to put together a growth strategy for a just-launched drink called the Frappuccino. The results were that a two-flavor side item became a $2 billion platform and the rocket booster for her career.
Your abilities as a leader are highly influenced by your personal brand. And although most people believe that hard work will get them noticed, it is crucial, but with branding you get success. For instance, have you ever noticed that the hardest worker is not always the individual who gets promoted? Keep in mind, you can’t see what’s going on if you’re
“ You are not your work — you are the forcefield delivering that work — concentrate on your delivery system — that’s an important measure of who you are — delivery is how you behave and respond in difficult situations — as you move up the ladder it ain’t about the work it’s about relationships”.
always looking down but most importantly decision makers can’t see and get to know you. Personal branding is no longer an option; it is a leadership requirement! In fact, those who have defined and live their personal brand will more naturally demonstrate executive presence and as such may find themselves advancing more quickly at work.
In a TED talk, Charlotte Beers, the author of “I’d Rather Be In Charge,” stated, “As women we need to change how we see ourselves. It is a direct hotline to how people (at work) see you, treat you and more importantly assesses
you.” However, Charlotte adds to be mindful that “You are not your work — you are the forcefield delivering that work — concentrate on your delivery system — that’s an important measure of who you are — delivery is how you behave and respond in difficult situations — as you move up the ladder it ain’t about the work it’s about relationships.”
Get off the bench and get into the game! Activate your G.I.R.L. POWER! Together we can close the pay gap, eliminate the opportunity gap and excel further in our careers! It’s Possible! Just keep going! n
When David and Cindy Wolfskill decided to expand their dairy farm, they switched to Tompkins VIST Bank.
“They’re different,” says David. “When you need something, Tompkins VIST is there immediately.”
Says David: “They really go above and beyond.” Need a local decision? Call 888-238-3330 or visit VISTBank.com.
Work 2Life
Balancing Life, Work & Family
hile it’s generally agreed that the word “staycation” first became widely used during the financial crisis of 2007–2010, the idea for taking a staycation evolved much earlier. People traded travel vacations for staycations during the Great Recession, when the savings of many Americans took a big hit, unemployment was at 10 percent and economic confidence was at ground level. But, according to some historians, the idea for taking a staycation was touted during
One of our absolute favorite “staycations” which is only 35 minutes up the road is Bear Creek Mountain Resort. All year long we enjoy going to the resort for great dining, fun festivals (for example there is an Artisan Festival coming up soon), spa packages and, of course, skiing!
We also make an annual trek to Hershey. It’s just always fun to go there, and smell the chocolate.
We’ve stayed at the campground, the Lodge, and the Hotel, and they all have their great qualities. Of course, there’s Hersheypark, but we also enjoy the concerts, the Outlets, the Museum, the restaurants.
101 Doe Mountain Lane, Lehigh Valley, PA 18062 (866)754-2822; bcmountainresort.com
100 Hotel Road, Hershey, PA 17033 (844)330-1711; thehotelhershey.com
World War II, when gas was rationed and many common items were in short supply. During that time, it was considered patriotic to stay close to home, tend to your Victory Garden and conserve fuel. And, while today it’s great to get away and gain new insights and experiences, many of us consider a staycation in Greater Reading to be anything but a hardship. We asked some of our readers to tell us about their favorite staycation activities. Here’s what they told us.
Crowne Plaza Reading of course! We have an amazing back patio and pool area. Great food, bar and dancing at GoodNites Lounge. Book a room for the weekend.
1741 Papermill Road, Reading, PA 19610 (610)376-3811; www.crowneplaza.com
— Carolyn Shultz Spano, DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE CATERING — CROWNE PLAZA READING
A stay at Homewood Suites Reading and a hike through Gring’s Mill with a picnic — they have a really nice patio with grills and a pool.
2801 Papermill Road, Reading, PA 19610 (610)736-3100; www.homewoodsuites3.hilton.com
— Anne Cesarz Drupp, ASSISTANT STORE MANAGER — DOLLAR TREE
Rent a cabin at French Creek State Park in the fall. www.dcnr.state.pa.us
— Nancy Joyce DeNunzio, RETIRED
Kayaking on Blue Marsh Lake or a trip to the Reading Public Museum and Planetarium.
1268 Pallisades Drive, Leesport, PA 19533 (610) 376-6337; www.recreation.gov
500 Museum Rd, Reading, PA 19611 (610)371-5850; www.readingpublicmuseum.org
— Kelly Barbon, TEACHER — MUHLENBERG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Hiking at Hawk Mountain — tubing down the river too!
www. cnr.state.pa.us
— Stephanie Breon LaManna, COMMUNITY LIAISON — HAVEN BEHAVIORAL HOSPITAL
For historical buffs....
The Thomas Kurr House in Rehrersburg, PA
347 Godfrey Street, Rehrersburg, PA 19550 (717)933-8219; www.vistitreadingpa.com
— Shelby Varone, GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Kohl Lodge at LedgeRock Golf Club and a lovely hike through Nolde Forest is a perfect day!
1 Greenbriar Dr, Mohnton, PA 19540 (610)777-9705; www.ledgerockgolf.com
— Tyler Henry, CLUBHOUSE MANAGER/MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR — LEDGEROCK GOLF CLUB
Stirling Guest Hotel and see a symphony concert!
1120 Centre Avenue, Reading, PA 19601 (610)373-1522; www.stirlingguesthotel.net
147 North 5th Street Suite 4 Reading, PA 19601 (610)373-7557; readingsymphony.org
— Ralia C. Vardaxis, LEADERSHIP GIFTS OFFICER — ALBRIGHT COLLEGE
THE THERAPY STAFF TEAM AT PENN STATE HEALTH CAME UP WITH THESE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR YOUR NEARBY SUMMER DESTINATIONS:
The Pinnacle at Hawk Mountain is a great view along the Appalachian Trail. This is a great way to get your family out this summer. www.hawkmountain.org
At the Trexler Nature Preserve visitors are welcome to hike, bike, ride horses, and fish. Located in Lehigh County all families are welcome to enjoy its wonderful views. www.lehighcounty.org
Folino Estate is a restaurant and winery located in Kutztown on Rt. 78. This is a great place to travel with friend for an evening out. 340 Old Route 22, Kutztown, PA (484)452-3633; www.folinoestate.com
Blair Vineyards holds great events and happy hours to attend year round. 99 Dietrich Valley Road, Kutztown, PA 19530; www.blairvineyards.com
Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery is a great place to visit with many fun events from Yoga & Winedown to Wine Slushie Weekend. 9850 Newtown Road, Breinigsville, PA 18031 (610)395-2468; www.cloverhillwinery.com
Mount Gretna is a wonderful visit that offers countless activities. Lunch at the Jigger Shop is always a great idea. www.mtgretna.com
Cherry Crest Farms is a great trip for every season. In the summer they provide a maze as well as various activities in the courtyard and barnyard for kids. 150 Cherry Hill Rd, Ronks, PA 17572 1-866-546-1799; www.cherrycrestfarm.com
Longwood Gardens is a beautiful attraction. You can visit once or become a regular with the memberships they provide. 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348 (610)388-1000; www.longwoodgardens.com
A tour of the Yuengling Brewery is a great adventure. Located locally in Pottsville, they are America’s oldest brewery. 420 Mahantongo St, Pottsville, PA; www.yuengling.com
Renting a farmhouse in Lancaster is something that can provide you with new experiences not far from home. Milking a cow, gathering eggs, and feeding the goats are some things your kids can enjoy at one of these farmhouse stays. www.afarmstay.com
Cameron Estate Inn & Restaurant is a luxury bed and breakfast equipped with countless amenities at the same time keeping that at-home Dutch county atmosphere. Cameron Estate Inn, 1855 Mansion Lane, Mount Joy, PA 17552; (717) 492-0111; www.cameronestateinn.com
Blair Vineyards
By Leah Williams
AN INNOVATIVEAlternative TO TRADITIONALDaycare
Businesswoman Amy Koller Aims to Restore the Career-Life Balance
Amy Koller Owner/Founder, Forever Kids
at
Heart, LLC
foreverkidsatheart.com, 484-650-3474
s a mother of two children, Amy Koller has been through the struggle of balancing her career and marriage along with the rushing around to the various after-school activities for her son and daughter. With a background in business and finance, Koller decided to design her own business model as a solution to the struggle that working parents, especially mothers, face on a daily basis. Now the founder of Forever Kids at Heart, LLC, an innovative Berks County before/after school and summer program, Koller exclaimed, “You don’t have to do it anymore!”
While traditional daycares provide before/after school programs and summer programs, Koller explained that her program is “not a daycare, not even close.” Koller had previously enrolled her own son, now 15, in daycare, but felt he was being babysat more than mentally stimulated, and she continued to struggle with transporting her son to his after-school activities.
After picking the children grades K-8 up from school, her program functions as an extension of the school day. First, everyone completes his or her homework with her staff, then they can play ping pong, foosball, Xbox, or relax on the recliners and watch a movie,
Koller’s goal is to complete the struggle of homework and after-school activities under her watch so that “parents can actually enjoy quiet time with their children.” A typical day in Koller’s program follows the schedule of work hard first, play hard later. She explained that after picking the children grades K-8 up from school, her program functions as an extension of the school day. First, everyone completes his or her homework with her staff, then they can play ping pong, foosball, Xbox, or relax on the recliners and watch a movie, all of which are not typical activities found in traditional daycares.
A major difference from traditional daycares is that Koller’s program provides transportation services to and from after-school activities,
such as practice for sports or dance. With the use of SmartCare technology, parents can receive a notification through an app on their phone when their children arrive safely to their activity or have checked in/out of the center at Forever Kids at Heart.
Koller hopes that her program will aid in “raising young adults so that they are contributors to society.” She emphasized the importance of incorporating real life lessons into any before/after school program. At Forever Kids at Heart, Koller works with the older children to develop life skills such as cooking, sewing, laundry and balancing a checkbook.
Koller’s program is not limited to working parents. “If you have a child, we’re here to help you,” said Koller. Stay-at-home parents, especially those who have multiple children, could also benefit from a program like hers, as “moms can’t be three places at once.”
Any before/after school program should “go beyond just having a positive effect on the child. It should have a snowball effect on the core of the family,” said Koller. Her only wish is that “something like this would’ve been around with my son. It would have been a lifesaver.” Her first location, in Sinking Spring, serves elementary and middle school children in Wilson, Wyomissing and Conrad Weiser School Districts as well as St. Ignatius Loyola Regional School/Berks Catholic. She is currently working to expand her program into school districts throughout Berks County. n
Pick one up at any of the locations below while supplies last, or view it online at berkswomen2women.com.
BIRDSBORO
Berks Hearing Professionals
BOYERTOWN
Dancing Tree Creations
DOUGLASSVILLE
My Dad’s Flooring
EXETER
Martin Appliance
The Spine & Wellness Center
FLEETWOOD
Simmeria Café and Bistro
HAMBURG
Gallery of Hamburg
Necessities New & Used Furniture
KUTZTOWN
Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry & Gifts
Sorrelli Jewelry
MORGANTOWN
Weaver’s Orchard, Inc.
OLEY
Evelyn & Harriette’s
READING
DoubleTree Hotel
Goggleworks Center for the Arts
Judy’s on Cherry
ROBESONIA
The Shoppes at Randler’s Village
SHILLINGTON
Goodwill Fashion Store
SINKING SPRING
Charlotte Shoppe
TEMPLE
Riverview Nursery & Garden Center
WERNERSVILLE
Five & Divine
WEST LAWN
Elegance Derma Spa
Reading Dermatology Associates
WEST READING
The Compleat Baldwin Brass Center
It’s A Gift! The Woman’s Exchange of Reading
Jan Rae
WYOMISSING
Bell Tower Salon, Medi-Spa & Store
Berks Hearing Professionals
The Chamber’s Center for Business Excellence
Courtyard by Marriott
L.A. Spa & Nail Bar
Wyomissing Hair Studio
EPART #2
BACK TO SCHOOL with Women2Women
and Alvernia University
By Angela Cremer, KGM Marketing LLC, Communications — Public Relations/Advertising, Albright College ’17
ver since Maria Reyes decided to go back to school at Alvernia University (AU) to obtain her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice in the fall of 2016, she has felt more prepared to take on new challenges at her current job at Kenneth M. Kitay & Associates, LLC. Reyes has worked there as a Legal Assistant since Nov. of 2015 and plans to stay at the law firm after graduating. “This is my dream to have that bachelor’s degree. It will help me so much knowing the legal background on the criminal justice system,” she expresses with a smile. Reyes most enjoys how “every day feels like a new adventure” at Kitay & Associates. “The learning of new things is constant, and I love that,” she explains.
Given this, it is no surprise how excited Reyes was to start her first Criminal Justice 101 course online this May. She immediately began reading through the textbooks on the day she received them. Although she considers her first online course to be “a bit of a challenge,” she is excited to see what she will take from the course within the next few months.
It was Lori Korch, Senior Enrollment Coordinator for Graduate and Adult Education at Alvernia, who encouraged Reyes to try something new and take her first online course this semester. She has been advising Reyes since she initially began considering returning to school to obtain her degree back in September of 2016. Although Reyes has only met with Korch face-to-face three times, she wishes to stay in touch with Korch after she graduates. “She is very positive and tells me that I will be able to succeed. I make an appointment to go see her every time I start new classes, and she always helps me decide which direction I should take,” Reyes kindly remarks of Korch.
The Women2Women (W2W) program has inspired Reyes through its ability to help her both financially and motivationally with
obtaining her degree. Their partnership with Alvernia helps encourage women to either return to college or begin pursuing their dreams through starting a degree program. Members of W2W receive preferred pricing on tuition at the university in addition to networking opportunities and a variety of professional development events.
Prior to beginning classes at Alvernia, Reyes had participated in a handful of W2W’s Lean In Circles. Comprised of an adept facilitator and approximately a dozen women who support one another in a trustworthy atmosphere where they can learn and grow, these two-hour monthly gatherings range from explorations to educational meetings and take place for 10 months out of the year. Reyes believes “the Lean In Circles are a very positive thing for women, no matter what age” because they help you “get inspired and gain
motivation.” Upon receiving her degree, she plans to regularly attend the Lean In Circles and become more involved with W2W and their partnership with Alvernia since they have done so much to help her.
The W2W and Alvernia University partnership offers a rolling admissions process and a number of start terms throughout the year, making it simple to enroll as an adult learner. Hillary Saylor Schulze, who is an Enrollment Coordinator for both undergraduate adults and graduate students in the School of Graduate and Adult Education, acts as a liaison to the partnership. As the enrollment coordinator, Schulze has formed a number of relationships with the women involved in the partnership. “It’s nice to be able to go out to Women2Women events and see a student who I’ve helped, or to chat quietly with someone who is still on the fence about going back to school. I’ve been impressed with the caliber of professionals who are members of Women2Women,” she acknowledges.
Schulze’s job is to guide W2W members, including Reyes, through the process of thinking about going to school to either start or finish their degree. Her background in financial aid also comes in handy during the initial steps of enrollment. In addition to monetary assistance, Schulze “can help advise you through your curriculum, talk through scheduling issues and help you talk with a tutor to get extra help if needed.” She also informs students of all the benefits of
If we can help graduate inspired learners with moral and ethical courage, we will be living our mission and contributing to the community.”
— Hillary Saylor Schulze
Maria Reyes
The Lean In Circles are a very positive thing for women, no matter what age” because they help you “get inspired and gain motivation.”
— Maria Reyes
being an AU student, which include free lectures, community connections and access to the gym.
For Reyes, the most beneficial aspect of the partnership between W2W and Alvernia is the generous discount. “Any contributions really help,” she says, expressing her gratitude. According to Schulze, in addition to time, energy and employer and family support, cost is a major barrier for many women deciding whether or not they want to go back to school or start a degree. “Flexibility and a tuition discount of 20 percent off on most of our ground programs help ease the transition,” she explains.
The O’Pake Institute for Ethics, Leadership & Public Service at Alvernia University produced a 2016 report that found that, while young people are not necessarily fleeing the area, we do need to support our talented workforce who remain here in the City of Reading and in Berks County. Schulze believes the W2W and Alvernia partnership directly benefits the community since it “supports the area’s workforce by offering flexible programs that not only inspire self-confidence and leadership, but also underline the importance of creating and maintaining a moral and ethical workplace.” She concludes, “If we can help graduate inspired learners with moral and ethical courage, we will be living our mission and contributing to the community.”
This moral and ethical courage can be found in Reyes, whose dedication to her studies and her future goals are bound to have a positive impact on our community. Karen Marsdale, president of the Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce & Industry, can easily see how excited and enthusiastic Reyes is about her future, referring to her as the “poster child for those that think they can’t” in last issue’s article about Reyes returning to school thanks to the partnership. When Reyes learned that Marsdale, who she views as “such a kind and lovable person,” had said that about her she felt “very special and got emotional.”
Reyes plans to use her positive energy by giving back to the community “in any way possible” upon receiving her degree and entering her promising future. She wishes to work for the county and be heavily involved in the criminal justice system. Reyes has lived in Reading since she moved here from Mexico at the age of 11, so she is looking forward to being able to provide and give back to the community in the same way that she is receiving from them right now. “I just feel very blessed to be part of the program and to have all the support that I do,” Reyes concludes. n
Early detection of glaucoma is key to preserving your sight.
Left untreated, glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness and the leading cause of preventable blindness. Glaucoma is a condition that causes damage to your eye’s optic nerve And because there are virtually no symptoms, many people who have glaucoma don’t even know it Vision loss begins with peripheral or side vision then progresses towards the center. Fortunately, glaucoma usually responds well to treatment, including medications, the latest minimally invasive techniques and advanced laser treatments But early detection is key to preserving your sight That’s why regular eye exams are so important Don’t take chances with glaucoma. Make your appointment today.
Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania is the leading ophthalmology practice in the region, with experienced specialists in glaucoma, cataract, cornea, retina, LASIK, pediatrics and more And all our glaucoma specialists Dr Mehul Nagarsheth, Dr Abhishek Nemani and Dr Justin Shaw are Board-Certified, Fellowship-Trained and respected throughout the medical community That’s experience you can trust When it’s glaucoma, don’t take chances Insist on Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania Learn more at EyeConsultantsOfPA com
Call 610-378-1344 for an appointment.
Our glaucoma specialists: Abhishek K Nemani, MD
Mehul H. Nagarsheth, MD
Justin M Shaw, MD
The Glaucoma Eye Center
Health 2Wellness
Insight On Treatment Options for Infertility
An Interview with Shahab Minassian, MD
Mental, Spiritual, Physical Health & Wellness
How long have you been practicing reproductive medicine?
I have been practicing reproductive medicine for 30 years. I completed my fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, and my OB/GYN residency at Abington Memorial Hospital outside of Philadelphia. I received my medical degree from Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University.
Can you describe infertility and why it may occur?
Infertility means that you have difficulty getting pregnant. Women also may be infertile if they can get pregnant but are unable to stay pregnant.
There are steps that must occur for a pregnancy to take place. these steps are:
• Ovulation a woman’s body releases an egg from one of her ovaries
• Egg Transport — the egg is picked up and moves through the fallopian tube toward the uterus
• Sperm Transport — after a man’s sperm is deposited, it moves through the vagina, cervix and uterus into the woman’s fallopian tube
• Fertilization — the man’s sperm and the woman’s egg unite in the fallopian tube
• Implantation — when the fertilized egg attaches to the inside of the uterus
Infertility can occur if there is an issue at any step in this process.
Can either the man or the woman have issues that cause infertility?
Yes, both women and men can have issues that cause infertility. Statistically, women’s issues account for about one-third and men’s issues account for another one-third of infertility cases. The remaining cases are prompted by unknown issues or combined issues of both partners.
When should I see a fertility specialist?
Women under age 35 should seek help if they don’t get pregnant within 12 months. Women older than age 35 should seek help if they don’t get pregnant within six months. However, if there are specific medical issues in the history of one or both partners, they may need to seek immediate help. For example, a couple should seek help if the female partner lacks periods or has irregular periods.
Are there “warning signs” that I should be aware of?
Concern should be heightened when experiencing irregular or abnormal bleeding or very painful periods, chronic pelvic pain, or previous pelvic infection such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. You may have compromised fertility if you have a history of pelvic surgery such as ovarian surgery, endometriosis surgery or surgery for ectopic pregnancy.
What can I expect at my first appointment?
You can expect that a detailed medical history will be taken for you and your partner, and a physical and pelvic examination are likely. A plan for diagnostic testing would be developed, and any questions you have will be answered. Your physician’s office also will seek to confirm your health plan’s coverage for infertility diagnosis and treatment.
What tests will my partner and I need to complete?
The tests a couple needs to complete depend on the results of the individual couple’s initial evaluation. A basic infertility evaluation could include a semen analysis for a male partner. An x-ray dye test (hysterosalpingogram) to check if the fallopian tubes are open and normal and blood hormonal testing in the female partner are common tests. Women over 35 or other younger patients at risk for loss of egg numbers are offered blood testing for their ovarian (egg) reserve. More advanced testing may be needed, depending on the initial test results.
How long does the process take?
The initial evaluation would typically take around six weeks.
What are some of the reasons for infertility?
Common causes of infertility include male factors such as abnormally low sperm counts, how the sperm moves or swims, and/or how the sperm is shaped and female factors such as fallopian tube blockages or scarring and ovulation disorders such as irregular or no periods.
What are the most common treatment options for fertility patients?
The most common treatment options for fertility patients include assistance with ovulation using fertility medications. Insemination techniques such as intrauterine insemination are common as well. In vitro fertilization treatment is an option for many couples.
What is intrauterine insemination (IUI)?
IUI is the injection of “washed” sperm into the uterine cavity. The sperm specimen, collected on the day of the IUI, is prepared by separating the sperm from the fluid, adding it to a small amount of sterile culture medium (“washing”) before it is injected. Some of the reasons it is offered include abnormal sperm counts, donor sperm insemination, cervix/cervical mucus abnormalities and as an additional treatment when patients are undergoing ovulation medication treatments.
What is in vitro fertilization (IVF)?
IVF is the fertilization of eggs and sperm in the laboratory after the eggs are collected during an egg retrieval procedure. The culture of embryos eventually are transferred into the uterus. In many cases, we consider it a “bypass” procedure for male and tubal factor issues.
How do physicians determine if someone is a candidate for IVF?
The indication would depend on the cause of the infertility. For example, candidates might include couples in which the male partner has a severely low sperm count or the female partner has blocked fallopian tubes. The physician also may recommend IVF if more conventional treatments fail.
How is the relationship between patients and their care team important during treatment?
It is important for patients to have trust in their care team. Good patientteam relationships, education and reliability promote patient satisfaction and understanding of the fertility diagnosis and treatment process.
What advice do you have for patients going through the process?
I’d advise that you stay well informed throughout the process. Ask questions. Pregnancy rates for various treatments will vary, depending on multiple factors, so feel free to ask what your individual rate estimate would be. Be sure to know your options for management. n
Infertility Fast Facts & Key Statistics
By Reading Health System
12.3%, or about 7.5 million, women aged 15–44 have an impaired ability to get pregnant or carry a baby to term.1
6.1%, or about 1 million, women aged 15–44 are unable to get pregnant after at least 12 months of unprotected sex with their male partner; often termed as infertile.1
11.3%, or about 6.9 million, women aged 15–44 have ever used infertility services.1
Infertility is not just about the woman. About one-third of infertility cases are caused by women’s problems and another one-third caused by men’s problems. The other one-third are caused by a mixture of male and female problems or those that are unknown.2
1 Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/infertility.htm (sourced from National Survey of Family Growth, 2011–2013)
About one-third of couples, in which the woman is over the age of 35, have fertility problems. 2
About 9% of men aged 25–44 years in the United States reported that they or their partner saw a doctor for advice, testing, or treatment of infertility during their lifetime.3
2 Source: Office on Women’s Health — https://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/infertility.html#b
1 in 8 couples (or 12% of married women) have trouble getting pregnant or sustaining a pregnancy. (2006–2010 National Survey of Family Growth, CDC) 4
Approximately 85–90% of infertility cases are treated with drug therapy or surgical procedures. Fewer than 3% need advanced reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization (IVF). (www.asrm.org) 4
3 Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — https://www.cdc.gov/ reproductivehealth/infertility/
4 Source: Resolve, The National Infertility Association — http://www.resolve.org/about/fast-facts-about-fertility.html
To hold on to a child struggling with addiction, you must finally let go.
Let us take it from here.
At Caron our comprehensive and innovative addiction treatment programs work to make families whole again. So when you have given all you have to give, let Caron take it from here. Reach out to us, and we’ll help you take the next step. Call 855-712-4332 or go to caron.org/berks
Partners in treatment with Berks County.
Getting Pregnant in your 20s, 30s, & Beyond…
How exciting…you’re thinking of having a baby!! You and your partner have probably already talked about how this new addition would bring such joy to your family, discussed the possibility of needing a bigger house or a bigger car, and thought about all the cute baby things that would soon be invading your living space. In all your thoughts of welcoming a baby into your life, did you ever consider how your age plays a role in getting pregnant and having a healthy pregnancy? Jessika Kissling, MD, OB/GYN at Penn State Health Saint Joseph Medical Group, says that age is the MOST important factor affecting fertility chances, and she has provided some information for women of all ages considering pregnancy.
GETTING PREGNANT IN YOUR 20S
Congratulations!! You are in the prime age range to consider having a baby. You are usually your healthiest in your 20s, so your body is in its ideal condition for conception, pregnancy, and delivery. Just because this is the ideal decade to get pregnant, doesn’t mean it always happens quickly for everyone. Dr. Kissling says that each month, a woman’s odds of pregnancy is around 20%. However, the great news is that 80% of couples will conceive within the first year.
GETTING PREGNANT IN YOUR 30S
Many women are still very healthy in this age range and can conceive without difficulty, as well as have healthy pregnancies and deliveries. Something to keep in mind is that fertility in women starts to decrease at age 32 and becomes more rapid after age 37. Women become less fertile as they age, because of the decreasing supply of eggs in their ovaries. Also the ease of which the eggs can become fertilized in older women is not as ideal as they are in younger women. Other conditions that can arise in this decade that can affect fertility are endometriosis and uterine fibroids , which become more common with increasing age as well. All of this plays a big part in your body’s ability to conceive, so it may take a little longer than when you were 25, but it’s not impossible!
Your overall health is very important for pregnancy in your 30s. Older women are more likely to have preexisting health problems than younger women. Because of this, women are
considered to be of an “advanced maternal age” if they conceive after the age of 35. Dr. Kissling says that’s the age when pregnancy risks such as genetic abnormalities, miscarriage, high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, birth complications, or cesarean section can increase.
Dr. Kissling also suggests that if you are in your 30s and you are not planning pregnancy for several more years, discuss your plans with your gynecologist and consider getting a referral to a fertility specialist to discuss your options.
GETTING PREGNANT IN YOUR 40S AND BEYOND
Some important things to consider in this age range are your preexisting health status and your prior pregnancy history. Women who are healthy and who have already had healthy pregnancies, can still do so into their 40s, too. Just keep in mind, with the continued decrease in fertility, conception becomes more difficult. Dr. Kissling says that by age 40, fertility has typically fallen by half and the odds of conceiving are 5% each month. The pregnancy risks that go along with being advanced maternal age continue to rise, as well.
ADVICE FOR WOMEN OF ALL AGES
Dr. Kissling stresses that no matter what age you are, there are important things ALL women should do before trying to get pregnant:
• Discuss plans for pregnancy with your doctor at visits, even if not yet actively trying
• Once you’re ready to try for pregnancy, plan a pre-conceptual visit with your doctor
• Make sure to share any plans you may have for travel outside the United States, especially to areas that are affected by the Zika virus. Definitely let your care provider know if you want to consider conceiving in the 2–6 months following travel to these areas
• If you have any medical concerns such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or take medications for another chronic condition, plan a visit with your medical doctor as well and discuss your plans for pregnancy. The best time to discuss medication changes and if things are safe for pregnancy is before you conceive
• Exercise regularly. If you are overweight or obese, consider making changes to achieve weight loss prior to attempting pregnancy
• Take 0.4mg folic acid at least 1 month prior to trying to conceive
• Quit smoking, avoid drinking alcohol and drug use n
By
Kimberly Hunter MSN, RN, NE-BC OB Nurse Navigator Penn State Health St. Joseph
By Jessika M. Kissling MD, FACOG OB/GYN Penn State Health St. Joseph
Summer Food & Wine Pairings
Entertaining a group of guests can turn into a stressful event for the hostess. Thankfully, the arrival of summer brings fresh, locally grown ingredients that translate into delicious simple dishes with the ease of prepping ahead of time. That way when the guests arrive, you’re waiting to greet them, wine glass in hand!
A classic caprese salad is always a hit and we’ve created one with a tasty twist! Using local peaches, basil from the garden, and fresh mozzarella, we also included prosciutto to add a salty flavor for balancing out the sweetness in the peach. Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and your guests will be so impressed by this beautiful, mouth-watering dish without knowing it took virtually no time to prepare!
Another great recipe to have on hand is a unique barbeque sauce. Delicious on grilled chicken, ribs, or pulled pork, the addition of red wine to this recipe creates a rich complexity to the sauce that will have your guests wondering what your secret ingredient is! It’s also a great use for any leftover red wine (if that’s ever the case).
One of the most important components to your summer dinner party is the wine
and with all the great local wineries we have in Berks, it’s the perfect match to pair local wines with local ingredients. We paired Folino Estate’s Traminette with our Peach Caprese Salad as the notes in this white wine bring out the sweetness of the peach and balsamic glaze yet isn’t too sweet to overpower the salty flavors of the prosciutto.
Peach Caprese Salad
Serves 4
Ingredients
8 ripe peaches
2 cups fresh basil
12 oz fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced
6 oz prosciutto
Balsamic Glaze
Sea Salt
Fresh Ground Pepper
Olive Oil
Directions
Begin by halving the peaches and removing the pits. Cut into thick slices. Arrange on a cutting board or any platter in layers, alternating the peach slices, mozzarella, basil and prosciutto. Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic glaze over the sal-
Another fun addition to any party is a signature drink and the season most certainly calls for a fruity sangria recipe. Blueberries are in their prime right now from our local farms. Mix up a batch of this refreshing Blueberry Mint Sangria and your guests will most certainly be offering up a toast to the wonderful hostess! n
ad and finish with a sprinkling of sea salt and freshly ground pepper. Lastly, prepare for the compliments and enjoy!
By Andrea Folino, Co-Founder & Creative Director, Folino Estates
Photos by Kristen Lopez
Blueberry Mint Sangria
Ingredients
1 bottle of white wine
4-6 oz Blueberry Syrup
(details below)
2 cups of Fresh Blueberries
Mint Sprigs
Directions
over medium heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for approximately 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Lightly press through a strainer to extract the juice. Allow to cool. Keeps in the refrigerator for 3-4 weeks and great on pancakes!
Pour the bottle of white wine into a pitcher. Add 4 – 6 oz of blueberry syrup depending on desired sweetness and how sweet the
Begin by making the blueberry syrup. Combine 1 cup of fresh blueberries, 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water in a saucepan. Heat
Red Wine BBQ sauce
Makes approximately 1 cup
Ingredients
1 T vegetable oil
1 T minced garlic
2 T minced onion
1 Cup ketchup crushed red pepper
1 T red wine vinegar
2 tsp brown sugar
white wine is to begin with. Add fresh blueberries and mint springs. Stir and keep in the refrigerator at least 1 hour to allow flavors to combine. Serve over ice and garnish with more fresh blueberries and a mint sprig. Cheers!
Enjoy this sangria at Folino Estate during the month of July as their Signature Sangria of the Month!
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
1/4 tsp dried mustard
1/4 tsp dried onions
1/3 cup red wine (a semi-sweet works best such as Folino Estate Chambourcin)
A dash Tabasco Sauce
Opening the Miller Center’s 11th Season
Directions
Heat vegetable oil in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic, onion, dried onions; stir until they start to become clear, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in ketchup and red wine. Simmer for about 2 minutes. Add the rest of the ingredients, stirring until combined. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, lowering temperature if needed.
s we are approaching the hot summer months, with additional time to be spent outdoors performing various physical activities, I wanted to take the opportunity to discuss a significant seasonal medical issue, hyperthermia or heat stroke.
What heat stroke?
Heat stroke is defined as increased core body temperature with signs of neurologic abnormality. With heat stroke, core body temperature will normally range from 104 – 111.2F°, normal body temperature being around 98.6F°. The diagnosis should be suspected in the setting of high heat situations, through either exertion or environmental factors. It occurs when the body becomes too hot and its ability to regulate its own temperature, called thermoregulatory response, is overwhelmed and cannot operate as expected. Extremes of temperature and humidity make the body less efficient at this task. Unfortunately, as you can see, this could easily occur with increased outdoor activities on a hot summer day.
3 t :
1. CLASSIC HEAT STROKE: occurs in sedentary, often elderly or debilitated persons under high heat stress conditions. Onset can be over several days.
2. EXERTIONAL HEAT STROKE: occurs in active, often young people, under conditions that produce heat stress through physical exertion or environment. Onset is very rapid.
3. HEAT EXHAUSTION: mild form of heat illness. Neurologic abnormality is absent.
What do heat stroke look like?
In the setting of high heat situations:
• Often noted for increased core body temperature >104F°.
• Neurologic abnormalities often present ranging in severity from confusion to coma. Typically confusion, agitation, irritability or decreased coordination (ataxia) will be present. These factors distinguish heat stroke from mild heat exhaustion.
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Anxiety and agitation
• Dizziness
• Muscle tenderness (myalgias)
What do I do if I feel that I may have
a heat related illn s?
First, you should remove yourself or loved one away from the heat source. In mild illness, treatment should then revolve around ways to help the body dissipate heat. These can include removing clothes, wetting skin and making certain that the body is still sweating. If sweating has stopped, this could be an emergency and should be treated quickly at a medical facility. ANY person who shows signs of neurologic abnormality, as listed above, should be transferred to a medical facility for further assessment and management.
In more significant cases, managed at a medical facility, more aggressive cooling measures may be taken. These can include cooling air blankets, ice baths, and cooled IV fluid administration. The goal is to decrease
If sweating h stopped, th could be an emergency and should be treated quickly at a medical facility.
body temperature as quickly as possible, as long term heat stroke can lead to organ damage.
Can I p sibly prevent th from happening?
Absolutely. As the summer begins, we should become cognizant of the temperature, humidity and the amount of time that we are spending outside. It is always a good idea to stay hydrated, drinking clear fluids throughout the day. Regular fluid intake will help the body in its task of thermoregulation. Breaks from heat exposure should be taken frequently if extended time outdoors is expected. Please check on elderly relatives, friends and neighbors regularly. Wearing breathable clothes and regularly applying sunscreen is also recommended… we want to also guard against sun burn, but that’s a topic for another day.
As always, if there are any questions about the topic of heat stroke, you can ask your medical provider or schedule an appointment with our group in Robesonia; we are never too busy for new patients. Have a safe summer. n
By Dr. Robert Mandel
Penn State Health St. Joseph in Robesonia. Dr. Mandel is trained for general family medicine, but also has an interest in sports medicine.
IWait, Wanna Go, Too!”
Tips on how to safely and happily travel with your pet!
One of the biggest concerns we hear from potential adopters at the Animal Rescue League is what to do with animals when the family goes on vacation. We are happy to recommend one of the many pet sitting services and boarding facilities in Berks County that will take excellent care of your feline and canine family member while you’re away.
In recent years, traveling with your pets has become easier than ever and there are many vacation spots that are considered “pet friendly.” Typically, cats do not travel well and it’s often best to leave the felines at home with a good pet sitter. There are exceptions, of course, like one of our famous rescue cats, Jonas, who accompanies his family to the shore, walks on the beach, and visits pet stores on a harness and leash. He is the exception.
I am not a fan of flying so I have not attempted to take our dogs on a plane and most likely never will. I know many folks who have and it’s getting easier for certain animals to fly in the passenger section rather than cargo. The airlines have many regulations as do individual states and other countries, so your best bet is to check with them prior to booking a flight. However, most dogs love to ride in the car and traveling with them is not that difficult if you prepare in advance. My husband and I have become accustomed to taking our dogs with us on vacation. They have accompanied us to, among other places, a log cabin in the Finger Lakes, a high-rise hotel in the middle of Baltimore, and to our vacation home in Florida. They love to go to new places and we are much more at ease when they are with us because, well, they all have some “quirky” personality traits that only we know and understand. I can’t stress enough the importance of having your pet restrained when traveling in the car — not just on vacation but at all times. Our shelter has taken in many pets that were involved in car accidents that were either severely injured or escaped from the car and were running lose. Cats should always be in carriers and dogs in crates or secured to the backseat (never the front because of airbags) with a harness. Pets should never be left unattended in parked vehicles no matter what the temperature.
It’s important to make sure the place you plan to stay is pet friendly. Most charge an additional fee and some have size or other restrictions. All of the popular travel sites list this information. It is
also important to call the hotel directly to find out the layout of the hotel and book a room that is the most convenient for you and the least disruptive to other hotel guests. We learned this lesson the hard way when we booked a room in Baltimore that was on the 18th floor and the elevator stopped at almost every one during the busy times. The pups were not amused. We have since learned to book a room on the first floor or a lower floor close to the stairs. (The good news was that there were two dog parks very close to the hotel. Baltimore is one of those “dog-friendly cities.”)
Roundtrip air fare Philadelphia - Nassau, Bahamas
Roundtrip air fare Philadelphia - Nassau, Bahamas
Four nights at the Melia Nassau Beach Resort
Four nights at the Melia Nassau Beach Resort
All resort meals, drinks and snacks
All resort meals, drinks and snacks
AAA Group Leader
AAA Group Leader Nov. 26-30, 2017 $1,509*
Call: 610-374-5600 Click: AAA.com
Call: 610-374-5600 Click: AAA.com
Visit: 920 Van Reed Rd, Wyomissing
Visit: 920 Van Reed Rd, Wyomissing
*AAA member rate, per person, based on double occupancy Non-members add $50 Rates are subject to availability at time of booking and include taxes, fees and fuel surcharges which are subject to change All pricing and included features are based on a minimum of 20 full-paying passengers
AAA TRAVEL
For a referral to an appropriate attorney, call the Berks County Bar Association ...your community of lawyers
Although this is impossible for me to fathom, there actually are people out there who don’t love animals. It’s important to be respectful of the other hotel guests and staff. Our dogs are not barkers, for the most part, but some dogs are. I would not travel with a dog that barked incessantly. Take along their favorite toys and blankets and cover the beds and furniture in the hotel rooms. Not only does it make them feel “at home,” it is being considerate of the hotel staff who have to clean the room and future guests. Be sure to take plenty of food, water, water bowls, leashes, treats, pet carpet cleaner (just in case) and their vaccination records (some hotels require them). Once you’ve reached your destination, plan to spend some time in the room getting everyone comfortable with their new surroundings. They will sniff everything. That’s ok — let them. Look around for potential hazards — in our case, all cords and TV remotes must be hidden so that our youngest dog doesn’t eat them. When you are ready to leave the room, make sure they have plenty to entertain them — chew toys, a Kong with treats, perhaps even leave the TV on to distract them from other sounds in the hotel. If you’ve done your homework, you’ve already found some fun things to do with your pups while on vacation. Dog parks are popping up all over the country and many cities encourage you to bring dogs to outdoor dining spots, concerts, and other venues. There are even luxury resorts such as the Paw House Inn located in West Rutland, VT that specifically caters to dog owners and their dogs. Sounds like my dream vacation!
One final note — this goes for any pet whether you travel with them or not — please have a tag on their collar with your information and make sure they are microchipped and the registration is correct. Animals can slip away in a heartbeat, especially if they are spooked or scared of their new surroundings. Microchips provide the best chance of being reunited with your lost pet.
You’re all set to go! Now enjoy that vacation, take a few selfies, and make some lasting memories with your entire family by your side! For more information on pet travel safety tips, visit: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/travel-safety-tips. n
By Liz McCauley Executive Director, Animal Rescue League of Berks County
READING LIST
e following list of books was compiled and recommended by the Women2Women Magazine Editorial Committee.
SAME BEACH, NEXT YEAR
by Dorothea Benton Frank
Whenever the heat of summer arrives I reach
SO MUCH I WANT TO TELL YOU
by Anna Akana
Office of Professional Development and Curriculum for anything written by Dorothea Benton Frank, New York Times best-selling fiction author from South Carolina who makes the magic of the “low country” come to life. Her humorous tales of family, friendship, and love, often steeped in the mystery of the Gullah culture, make any of Frank’s books my favorite summer read. Some of my favorites include Return to Sullivan’s Island, Shem Creek, and . I can’t wait to read her new release Same Beach Next Year.
County Intermediate Unit
LADIES OF LIBERTY: THE WOMEN WHO SHAPED OUR NATION
by Cokie Roberts
Recounted with insight and humor, and drawing on personal correspondence, private journals, and other primary sources, many of them previously unpublished, here are the fascinating and inspiring true stories of first ladies and freethinkers, educators and explorers. Featuring an exceptional group of women — including Abigail Adams, Dolley Madison, Rebecca Gratz, Louise Livingston, Sacagawea, and others — Ladies of Liberty sheds new light on the generation of heroines, reformers, and visionaries who helped shape our nation, fi nally giving these extraordinary ladies the recognition they so greatly deserve.
KAREN MARSDALE
President
Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce & Industry
In 2007, Anna Akana lost her teen sister, Kristina, to suicide. In the months that followed, she realized that the one thing helping her process her grief and begin to heal was comedy. So she began making YouTube videos as a form of creative expression and as a way to connect with others. Ten years later, Anna has more than a million subscribers who watch her smart, honest vlogs on her YouTube channel. Her most popular videos, including “How to Put On Your Face” and “Why Girls Should Ask Guys Out,” are comical and provocative, but they all share a deeper message: Your worth is determined by you and you alone. You must learn to love yourself.
MONICA RUSH
PLACE CALLED FREEDOM by
From the teeming streets of London to the infernal hold of a slave ship to a sprawling Virginia plantation, Ken Follett’s turbulent, unforgettable novel of liberty and revolution brings together a vivid cast of heroes and villains, lovers and rebels, hypocrites and hell-raisers — all propelled by destiny toward an epic struggle that will change their lives forever.
DANIELLE ANTOS
Brand Marketing Manager
R.M. Palmer Company
Ken Follett
INTO THE WATER: A NOVEL
A single mother turns up dead at the bottom of the river that runs through town. Earlier in the summer, a vulnerable teenage girl met the same fate. They are not the first women lost to these dark waters, but their deaths disturb the river and its history, dredging up secrets long submerged.
MELISSA VARONE
Marketing Consultant
MV Harenza Marketing
by Paula Hawkins
Berks
Some days you feel like you need a lift.
(And maybe a tuck.)
If you’re starting to feel that motherhood has taken its toll on your body, maybe it’s time to consider cosmetic surgery at Reading Health. You’ll experience expert, sympathetic, care in a truly state-of-theart facility — from a surgeon who also happens to be a woman.
Call the office of Christine Cho, DO at 484-628-9127 to discuss options ranging from breast lifts to tummy tucks.
You take care of the kids. We’ll take care of you.
