Editorial: We want to hear from you — we really do! Send your compliments, gripes, story ideas and suggestions to: Editor, Berks County Living, GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, 201 Washington St., Suite 525, Reading, PA 19601 OR BCLEditor@BerksCountyLiving. com. Written correspondence must be signed and include a mailing address, telephone number and an email address, when possible.
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Pets are family, too. We’re here for you in your time of need.
Michael Kuhn
Edward Kuhn, Jr
Michael Kuhn, Jr.
A Salute to
Education & The Arts
This month’s issue celebrates two things that enrich our everyday lives: education and the arts. Where would we be without either? I don’t want to know!
Every summer, one of my favorite excursions is to New York City to catch a performance (or two!) on Broadway. In fact, I did just that the week before sitting down to write this. Every time I leave the theatre, I can’t help but appreciate the art form and how alive it makes me feel. I’m so thankful for those who dedicate themselves to bringing their talents to audiences, whisking us away from our cell phones and troubles, if even for a short period of time. Taking in a live performance is truly one of my favorite pastimes. I’ve got some great tips if you’d like to catch a show on Broadway at a discounted rate. Check out the web exclusive article at berkscountyliving.com.
We’re lucky to have an abundance of wonderful arts opportunities here in Berks County. Be it from groups like Reading Theater Project (more on page 9) or Berks Ballet Theatre (help celebrate their 50th and learn more on page 62), there is a lot to do and see close to home.
G
Vote for the 2026 Best of Berks!
The ballot is open online through Aug. 14 at berkscountyliving.com.
Our five local colleges and universities are also a fantastic source for bringing the arts to our area. Many of the decisions to do so hinge upon the priorities of local college leaders. To that end, we aim to introduce you to those in the driver’s seat at Alvernia University, Penn State Berks, Kutztown University, Albright College and Reading Area Community College starting on page 29. Looking for a way to explore your own creative side? Check out the ideas in this month’s 5 Things on page 25.
“I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy Broadway shows, concerts and even a visit to the Louvre to see the Mona Lisa. But if I could attend any arts event in the future, it would be the Golden Globes. I love movies and TV, and seeing Hollywood’s biggest stars all in one room would be unforgettable.”
– Robyn L. Jones , publisher “It has to be seeing Bruno Mars live. He’s the ultimate performer. That voice. Those moves. His charm. Looking forward to seeing him again next month in Philly.”
– Nikki M. Murry, editor
Nikki M. Murry Editor-in-Chief
She/Her/Hers
NMurry@BerksCountyLiving.com
“Seeing The Backstreet Boys at The Sphere in Las Vegas was one of the most surreal experiences of my life. It was so amazing that I feel it’s ruined concerts for me because I don’t think any other show could come close to how great it was.”
– Elizabeth Beebe , account executive
Explore with us. Follow along on Instagram as we uncover local gems, enjoy delicious dishes and unveil fun Reels. Just search BCLMag.
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Treat Yourself to Delicious Eats. They’re healthy, too! Browse Calm Eats for recipes by Wyomissing resident Daniela Modesto in our blogs section.
Browse the Archives. Check out past issues if you missed one or want to view an older article. Find them under “The Magazine.”
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“It has to be the first live production I ever saw — The Jackson 5. My mom took me when I was little, and even though I didn’t fully understand how big of a deal it was at the time, I remember the feeling of it. Mostly, I remember sitting next to her and knowing it was something special.”
– Sara Woodward , account executive
“After the Wilson High School art room volunteer, Leonard Cote, passed away in 2015, Grandview Gallery hosted an art show celebrating his life. He had such an enormous impact on me and on countless others in the over 20 years he devoted to the art students in Berks!”
– Elaine “Leah” Wyborski , design consultant
TRAIN. PERFORM.
BELONG. Where dancers become artists. Why Choose BBT?
PARENTS ARE SAYING
The curriculum & quality of training are beyond exceptional. -T.J. Impressive technique, plus resilience, artistry, teamwork, & grit.- E.K.
Celebrate America’s 250 th at Kutztown Day
Kutztown Day can be counted on for well-loved traditions like Bingo, the cake walk and a shoofly pie sale. This year, to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the country, the Kutztown Day Committee has partnered with the Kutztown Community Library, Historical Society and the local middle school to add a story walk to the children’s playground featuring art completed by students. The day is filled with activities and resources brought by the many local businesses and organizations that come out to celebrate Kutztown Day with the rest of the community. Allison Fuller, a Kutztown Day Committee Member, says it best: “Kutztown Day is much more than a one-day community event. It is a tradition that is the definition of community. On the first Sunday in August, Kutztown Park is full of families and friends, old and new, enjoying time together, food, music, activities and fireworks. Smiles are brought to the faces of many, and memories are made.” — Katie Snyder
A FESTIVAL DEDICATED TO FRIES
Do you call yourself a French fry fan? If you answered “yes,” you need to get Saturday, Aug. 15 on your calendar.
Health Sciences Studies Rooted in Reading
The future of healthcare is strong in Berks. The Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences, founded in 1889, offers programs in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Emergency Medical Services, Medical Imaging, Medical Laboratory Science, Nursing, Phlebotomy and Surgical Technology. In affiliation with Alvernia University, students also have an opportunity to earn their associate’s degree at the same time as their diplomas and certifications. Also, in partnership with the school, Reading Hospital and Reading Hospital Foundation have established scholarships for many of the programs, providing tuition assistance and career placement. Program sizes vary by specialization. All programs allow for close instruction from faculty. This year, more than 80 percent of Class of 2026 graduates were hired at Tower Health locations, and students in the nursing program can sit for their licensure directly after graduation. — Katie Snyder
No - cost After School Arts Program
The GoggleWorks Center for the Arts after-school arts program, A.S.A.P., lets children explore mediums like painting, textiles, clay work, animation, laser cutting, gardening, cooking and more at no cost to families. Classes meet Monday through Thursday and are taught in both English and Spanish. Attendees are divided into three age groups (ages 7-10, 10-13 and 13-17), allowing them to learn and create with friends from their school and from other school districts.
A.S.A.P.’s faculty is comprised of artists and teachers who are passionate about their work and the kids they teach. “I genuinely believe art is crucial to the proper formation of young minds,” says Paola Mateo, head of the program. She loves watching students growing up and spending time with friends, knowing that by graduation they have gotten to try each of the workshops. — Katie Snyder
1
8 TH EDITION.
This year’s French Fry Fest in West Reading with be the eighth installment of the event, planned for 11am to 5pm on Penn Avenue.
2 COME HUNGRY.
The event will showcase each participating restaurant or vendor’s take on fries. Choose which you want to sample and pay a la carte!
3 MORE DETAILS. Find out all the info you need to know at visitwestreading.com/ festivals-events.
A Theater for the People
BY MARIAN FRANCES WOLBERS | PHOTOS COURTESY READING THEATER PROJECT
Reading Theater Project is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that sets itself apart. Not only does RTP put on professional, dynamic plays — for example, Banshee in spring 2026 by Adam Richter, held at WCR Center for the Arts on 5th Street — but aspiring playwrights, actors and others can get involved in supportive, satisfying ways.
Artistic Director Jody Reppert has been involved with RTP spanning nine years, but his expertise in theater education goes back many years, including at Wilson High School. “I absolutely love Reading Theater Project,” he says. “We have lots of amazing people that are involved in it, and it just has such a neat, collaborative spirit. Everybody involved has a terrific work ethic and a great focus. It’s just very, very positive. I feel fortunate to be able to work there.”
In addition to putting on plays, other engaging events that RTP offers are the Five-Minute Fringe Festival; In Nature’s Studio, with outdoor theatrics on the Reading
Public Museum grounds; Playwright Table Reads; the Play Reading Series; and bimonthly Reading Reading broadcasts on BCTV.
People behind the scenes include the board of directors, creative team, generous donors and hundreds of folks who don’t act, write or even aspire to have a play produced but simply love going to the theater.
Table Reads & Staged Readings
What makes this nonprofit extra special is RTP/PTR — an acronym for Reading Theater Project’s Playwrights Table Read program. This is a monthly gathering of writers who share their works in progress, talk about plays and share tips and suggestions for writing drama. Online registration is required (see the website).
Reppert says, “I like to think that’s what makes RTP unique” compared to theatrical opportunities elsewhere. He calls it “sort of a full-circle opportunity
that Reading Theater Project has. It’s very supportive. You check any kind of ego at the door, and people are there for the right reasons. I’m really proud of the work that we do with playwrights, cultivating new work.”
In the drama world, table reads matter. That’s where a play is read aloud by volunteer actors (literally sitting around a table) so the writer can hear how the words in their script work or don’t work, or need revising. “For Banshee we had maybe three or four table reads,” recalls Reppert. “When the playwright hears it spoken into the air, the play takes on a new life. It gives them a better idea of how to move forward.”
That first, no-cost step can be followed later by a staged reading presentation, held at such places as Boscov’s Theater at GoggleWorks Center for the Arts or Wyomissing Public Library. In a staged reading, a paying audience comes to experience the play; a
FUN FACTS
EVERYONE IS WELCOME
Theater tickets and concession stand items are on a “pay-what-you-will” (i.e., pay what you can) system so that everyone can afford to see a play.
FESTIVE FUNDRAISING
RTP’s “Karaoke at the Reading Airport” fundraiser, planned for October, invites ticket holders to sing with gusto, show off cool costumes and bid on gorgeous raffle baskets. readingtheaterproject.org
director has been involved from the start, and live actors play the characters while seated onstage without scenery or full set work.
It’s all part of — ideally — achieving a potential, full-fledged play production onstage, which involves significant time, monetary backing, talent, energy and community support.
Jody Reppert, Artistic Director
Megan Schappell
Director of Special Events & General Manager of the Miller Center for the Arts
BY MARIAN FRANCES WOLBERS
PHOTO BY JOHN A. SECOGES, SECOGES PHOTOGRAPHICS
As Director of Special Events & General Manager of the Miller Center for the Arts at Reading Area Community College, Megan Schappell is one busy person. “No two days are ever the same,” she says happily, “which is one of the things I love most about my job.”
Q | What are the main areas that take up your time?
Events, events and more events!
A large part of my time is focused on event management and logistics, from coordinating rentals and campus events to overseeing contracts and ensuring every detail comes together smoothly behind the scenes. I also spend a great deal of time working on programming and planning for the Miller Center season, helping select and promote shows that will connect with our community.
Q | How far ahead do you schedule events?
We are scheduling events as far as a year in advance,
especially when it comes to major performances, campus events and community partnerships. Our calendar is packed! Thankfully, I have an incredible team working alongside me. The Miller Center truly operates as a collaborative effort, and I rely heavily on the talent, creativity and dedication of our staff to bring each event to life. We are also so fortunate to have an amazing group of volunteers who assist during Miller Center-presented shows, helping create a welcoming and positive experience for every guest who walks through our doors.
Q | When you were a child, did you foresee doing this type of work?
Growing up, I was always drawn to event planning and creating experiences that brought people together. In high school, I was the president of our all-girls club, and one of our biggest projects each year was planning the Valentine’s Dance. I was completely all in from that moment on. I have also always loved attending concerts and live events…there is something incredibly special about the energy in a room when people come together to share an experience. That feeling of happiness, excitement and connection has always inspired me and continues to drive me today. Looking back now, I think 16-year-old Megan would absolutely lose her mind if she knew this would one day become her career.
Q | What makes your job satisfying?
At the Miller Center, we are trying to give the audience a good time. I want them to go home and feel
like that concert was so awesome. The most rewarding part of my job is, without question, the studentfocused events we host at RACC. One especially meaningful event is our annual holiday shopping for students and families in need. Through the support of our community, students are able to “shop” for gifts for their families in an environment that feels safe, welcoming and dignified. Seeing the joy, relief and gratitude on their faces is something I will never take for granted.
WORK & PLAY
“I have an 8-year-old son, Caleb, and we’re usually at a baseball field or off on one of our adventures — taking walks with our shaggy dog, spending time at the pool, enjoying time together.
“I have seen and/or worked so many live shows that I lost count after 1,000!”
What’s special about this featured drink?
Everything is prepared in house… the bacon fat-washed bourbon, the orange bitters, smoked demerara and brandied cherries. It’s all made here. It’s bacon! That’s a big thing for us here at Louie’s.
For what occasion would you recommend this cocktail? Any occasion where a bonfire is possible.
The Louie’s Old Fashioned
Ingredients
2/5 ounces bacon fat-washed bourbon
¼-ounce smoked Demerara
5 dashes orange bitters
homemade brandied cherry
orange peel
ice
Instructions
1. In a chilled pint glass, add Demerara, then add 5 dashes of orange bitters.
2. Add bourbon and ice and stir well.
3. Strain and pour over fresh ice.
4. Make orange peel and express oil over cocktail. Run peel around rim of glass and garnish with cherry.
Have a Drink with Matthew Bayer
Bar Manager Matthew Bayer is a Berks County native but also a recent transplant from New York City. Says Bayer, “I have been working here [at Louie’s] for over a year now, and I love this bar and our customers.”
When he’s not at Louie’s, he enjoys spending time with his awesome wife and their adorable son.
Tools Needed
pint glass jigger bar spoon a good bar strainer (preferably double Hawthorne) rocks glass
M. MURRY
Some people come in at their lowest point. Others come in before it gets there. Some are just four years old while others are pushing 80. They speak English and Spanish. Many found their way here when a pediatrician, school counselor, coworker or loved one said, “You know, you really should talk to someone.”
Since 1902, Family Guidance Center has been the place Berks Countians in need rely upon — and more than 120 years later, it’s still answering the call.
The Story Behind Family Guidance Center
The organization now known as Family Guidance Center (FGC) traces its roots to 1902, when
THOUGHTS FROM GRCA
Answering the Call
BY BELL MEDIA GROUP & GRCA MARKETING TEAM
PHOTO BY LAUREN ADELE LITTLE PHOTOGRAPHY
Family Services of Reading and Berks County was founded in response to the socioeconomic challenges of the era. Over the following decades, two more organizations emerged alongside it — the Guidance Institute and the Children’s Aid Society. In 1966, all three merged under one name: Family Guidance Center.
The merger was a turning point. Where each organization had been solving pieces of a larger puzzle, together, they could address mental health, family support and children’s services under one roof and one mission. That mission — to promote and support the personal and
professional growth of adults, children and families in Berks County — has not changed in the nearly 60 years since.
What has changed is everything else. FGC grew from two suites at 1235 Penn Avenue to its current main office in Wyomissing, adding satellite locations in Boyertown, Hamburg and Kutztown along the way. Staff who once worked in a single setting now deliver services inside school districts, community partner sites and through telehealth platforms. A clinical team of more than 26 professionals brings specializations ranging from trauma and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
Join us on August 12 for The Picnic & Games from 4:30 to 8pm at
editor’s note
The following story was written as a part of GRCA member storytelling campaign. To read the entire story behind Family Guidance Center, scan the Flowcode. This series is sponsored by Bell Media Group.
(EMDR) Therapy to Dialectical Behavior Therapy, play therapy and autism spectrum services and cognitive behavioral therapy.
The throughline from 1902 to today isn’t any single program or service; rather, it’s a philosophy. Family Guidance Center has always oriented its course toward whoever needs help most, expanding its reach one relationship, one collaboration and one new client at a time.
“It’s always been about meeting that need,” says Kim McConnell, executive director. “We’re always looking to see what’s happening in the community and how we can offer support.”
COMPILED BY KATIE SNYDER
Riverfest
This year’s festival will celebrate its 10-year anniversary as well as the 175th anniversary of Muhlenberg Township! Riverfest is known for good food and live music, but it also spotlights crafts and home businesses. End the summer on a fun note with Riverfest.
Jim Dietrich Park Hours vary | Muhlenberg Township muhlenbergtwp.com/196/RiverFest
AUG. 11
Bryan Adams: Roll with the Punches w/ Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo
This tour marks the first time 80s pop icons Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo perform together. They join Bryan Adams in a concert introducing songs from his titular album to his concert set lists, new songs folded in with classic favorites.
Santander Arena
7:30pm | Reading santander-arena.com
LOOKING FOR MORE TO DO IN BERKS?
Explore additional events with our friends at Experience Reading & Berks County. Check out experienceberks.com.
WHAT TO DO & WHERE TO G O
AUG. 8
Boomball
If you’ve never been to a game of Boomball, you’re in for a treat! This reinvented game of baseball involves music, crowd participation and other surprises. The immersive game, nicknamed “show baseball,” combines baseball and performance with the talents of former collegiate and minor league players, softball stars and reality TV cast members!
All paws on the ground for this fun opportunity to support the Reading Police Department’s K-9 unit. The ticket price includes free beverages and a catered lunch. Participate in contests across the course or in a raffle for a chance to win a prize.
Reading Public Library 3-4pm | Reading readingpubliclibrary.org/ events-and-programs AUG. 11
Hang out with friends and have some ice cream as an end-ofsummer sendoff!
One of Berks County’s premier cycling events, Brake the Cycle of Poverty delivers a beautiful day through the rolling hills and scenic landscape across some of Pennsylvania’s most beautiful terrain. 62-, 40-, 25- and 10-mile routes offer something for everyone. Enjoy live music by Maddy Kas after the event! Friend, Inc. Community Services 7am-2pm | Kutztown friendinc.org/ brake-the-cycle-of-poverty
ART EXHIBITS & GALLERIES
THROUGH
30 | Butterfly Odyssey
View a high-energy, immersive roleplay journey in rainforest conservation that explores the sustainable business of butterfly farming.
Reading Public Museum readingpublicmuseum.org
THROUGH
Sept. 6 | Shaun The Sheep™: Flock This Way
Enjoy an interactive exhibit based on the popular film and television character. Designed for children ages 3 through 9, the hands-on exhibit builds on problemsolving themes in fun, engaging ways.
Reading Public Museum readingpublicmuseum.org
BENEFITS
29 | Summer Parrot Daze 2026
Enjoy a full day of tropical fun, great music and community spirit — all in support of Hannah’s Hope Ministries at the Beverly Hills Beach Bar, featuring the Caribbean Sunset Band with Mark James and Jimmy & The Parrots. Your $50 ticket includes entertainment, access to raffle and auction items and a lunch and dinner buffet.
Beverly Hills Tavern Noon | Sinking Spring dsnp.co//yEhEdO
29 | Roaring Stacks: A Speakeasy Soiree at the Library
The historic library will transform for one night only to host its grandest fundraiser ever. Inspire your inner flapper and don your glad rags! Cocktails, light fare and amusements will be featured throughout the stacks. There will also be live jazz, a silent auction and more. $100 per ticket. All proceeds benefit the Wyomissing Public Library.
Wyomissing Public Library
7-10pm | Wyomissing wyopublib.square.site
CONCERTS & NIGHTLIFE
July 31 | Swing Fever
You bring a blanket and the rest is covered! Swing Fever will perform live, and food trucks will be on site for a relaxed picnic concert experience with good food and comfortable seating! Parking is free.
Gring’s Mill Recreation Area 5:30-8:30pm | Wyomissing berkspa.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/ calendar-of-events
9 | Brit Floyd
The band Rolling Stone has hailed as “the premiere Pink Floyd experience” brings the soundscapes and lighting that Pink Floyd made iconic to Reading.
Santander Performing Arts Center 7pm | Reading | santander-arena.com
13 | Koe Wetzel: The Night Champion World Tour
Koe Wetzel’s genre-blending body of work has earned him a spot on the “best-of” lists of Rolling Stone, Billboard, The Tennessean and more. Wetzel mixes country, rock, hip-hop and 90s grunge in his fifth album, Nine Lives, with High Road.
21 | Mariachazo: Mariachi Vargas De Tecalitlan & Nuevo Tecalitlan Mariachi
These two Mariachi ensembles bring passion, authenticity and rich musical tradition to Reading.
Santander Performing Arts Center 8pm | Reading | santander-arena.com
FESTIVALS
2 | Kutztown Day
Kutztown Day is back with fun activities like obstacle courses, fireworks, live music and a cake walk. A new attraction this year is a history art walk to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the country with art by local middle school students.
Kutztown Park
Noon-10pm | Kutztown | kutztownday
15
| 8 th Annual West Reading French Fry Fest
The outdoor event showcases each participating restaurant or vendor’s take on everyone’s favorite food: French fries!
600-700 blocks of Penn Avenue
11am-5pm | West Reading visitwestreading.com/festivals-events
23 | Fleetwood Blues Festival of Pennsylvania
Featuring the music of Eddy Bluestone Trio, The Dave Mell Blues Band, The Blue Cadillacs and Whiskey Kreek.
Evergreen Country Club 2pm | Fleetwood | evergreenclub.org
Sept. 5 | 23 rd Annual Taste of Hamburg - er Festival
Enjoy hamburger creations galore and more foodie finds, vendor wares, fun activities and more. The event is held rain or shine.
Downtown Hamburg 10am-6pm | tasteofhamburger.com
15-31 | Autumn Hawk Migration Watch
2, 9, 16, 23 & 30
Sunlit Sundays at Berks Nature
Wake up slowly and gently with this yoga class for all levels. Aqua Om Paddle owner Kami Kiritsis guides participants through a beginner-friendly set of exercises at Berks Nature.
Berks Nature
7:30am | Reading aopaddle.simplybook.me
Sometimes it’s luck when paths cross, sometimes it’s migration and sometimes it’s both. Official counters and interpreters will be at the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary lookout to identify and help tally birds for visitors. Send them, and summer, on their way during this beautiful daily event.
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Kempton hawkmountain.org
A Premier Fine Dining Restaurant in Reading
As summer comes to an end, cooler nights on the patio await.
It is also the last chance to enjoy our seasonal specials like watermelon salad and poached cherries over biscotti ice cream, while awaiting the arrival of our butternut squash risotto and other fall creations.
Birthdays, anniversaries, or just a fun night out, come join us at Dans.
SPORTS
2 | Reading Fightin Phils “Bark in the Park” Night
Bring your pup to support the Fightin Phils as they take on the Binghampton Rumble Ponies! The game commemorates the 25th season of the mascot band! Dog tickets are $5. Bring your good luck charm and let your favorite team see a sea of wagging tails in the stands!
1-31 | Boyertown Scavenger Hunt for Couples: Show Love
Show Love is a self-guided scavenger hunt that includes challenges meant to build intimacy in relationships. If you’re looking for something fun to do with your partner, download the scavenger hunt app associated with this event and find some cool new date night spots!
Boyertown Scavenger Hunt For Couples 1pm | Boyertown | Search “Boyertown Scavenger Hunt for Couples” on eventbrite.com.
6 | Cars & Cones
A drive with the top down doesn’t always need a destination, but if you want to check out some other classic cars and enjoy an ice cream from Peppermint Stick Candy Store and Ice Cream Parlor, head to the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles.
Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles 4-6:30pm | Boyertown boyertownmuseum.org/upcoming-events
6 | Silent Book Club at Starbucks
Want company while you read? Meet other readers and have a drink during silent book club. Someone reading the same book as you? Exchange contact info for a mini book club!
Smokey turns 82! Conservation- and forestthemed vendors have planned games with Smokey the Bear-related prizes. Come show your support for this dedicated bear and learn about how you can help forests and open spaces.
Learn about herbs with Sarah Linsenmaier through a discussion of botanical history, herbalism, garden folklore and culinary uses of some herbs you may have in your garden right now.
Doors are open later, and exclusive promotions are waiting during Local Love. Visit Haul House Records, Be Mine Boutique, Holistic Skateshop, Wick Bar, Finch + Fern, Lilibea’s, Simply Bold Cafe and more.
400-700 blocks of Penn Avenue 5-8pm | West Reading visitwestreading.com/local-love
23 | Folk Printed Fabric
Add something fun to your wardrobe this summer! The workshop covers block printing and stamping as well as a lesson on modern batik dyeing. Materials are provided. Ages 16+.
10+ color/print options available in twin/twin XL, full, queen & king | $24.99
Complete your bed with a cozy crowning touch. This three-piece set includes a cozy comforter and two pillow shams for a cohesive look. Snuggle under quilted softness for an amazing nights’ sleep. Best of all, this comforter is reversible, so you can effortlessly refresh your space.
Dorm room Essentials
BY HEATHER BAVER PHOTOS COURTESY BOSCOV'S
$19.99
Ace the start of the school year by stocking your dorm room with colorful, cozy essentials. These must-have items will quickly infuse your space with pizzazz and functionality. After you have the basics covered, you can turn your attention to working, playing, resting and living it up in classy style.
Stylish Sheets.
Imperial Living 300TC 4-piece Cotton Sheet Sets available in twin/twin XL, full, queen & king | $39-$54.99
Make your bed a focal point with eye-catching cotton sheets. The 300-thread count provides the optimal balance of softness and durability, and the 100 percent cotton percale weave keeps you cool and comfortable. Select from 10 options in solid colors or prints to suit your mood.
Dial up your concentration and tackle assignments with speed. The 20dB noise reduction makes your room seem four times quieter. Choose earbuds or overthe-ear options and pair with any Bluetooth device. Enjoy music, podcasts or conversations using the built-in microphone.
Snack Master.
Ninja Blast Portable Blender | $49.99
This handheld blender transforms fruits and veggies into smoothies, protein shakes or frozen drinks with the push of a button. Remove it from the base for an on-the-go beverage that you can savor en route to your next class.
Scent-sational Strategy.
Candle Lamp | $29.99
Follow school safety rules with panache. Place your favorite scented candle on this candle lamp’s base. The elegant glass shade contains a light bulb to gently melt the wax. Unwind at the end of a busy day and bask in the delightful aromas.
Serious Shuteye.
Indulgence Bed Pillow
Maximize your rest with this soft, supportive pillow. The synthetic down material is hypoallergenic and offers plenty of plushiness. The all-cotton cover is removable for easy washing. Choose from side or back/stomach sleeper options and wake up feeling energized and ready to learn.
Upgrade your shower experience with fluffy towels. Made of 100 percent Turkish cotton, these long-lasting bath towels are quick drying — a must when your towel needs be hung up in your dorm room. Select several in your favorite shade for ample supplies between laundry days.
Convenient Cleanup.
Stick Vacuum
Conquer messes immediately with this lightweight vacuum. Switch between a traditional upright stick vacuum, handheld or wand and get the job done with ease. Keep rugs and floors spotless and banish crumbs from hard-to-reach places for an immaculate, inviting dorm room.
Create a dedicated study space. This computer desk has dedicated storage for supplies and a spacious work surface. The swivel chair stows neatly underneath and offers crucial support while you concentrate. A rechargeable lamp adds handy illumination and can be easily moved throughout your room.
5 Places to Spark Creativity
BY HEATHER BAVER | PHOTOS PROVIDED
2 | Community Connection.
Visit Craft Foundry and participate in workshops like jewelry making, bookbinding, macrame and more. Invite friends for a memorable experience and leave with beautiful, unique creations you’ll cherish. Don’t forget to browse the store for delightful handmade gifts.
Craft Foundry at Tollhouse Farm Workshops range from $45-$125 (depending on materials and duration) | Private lessons and gift cards available. | 152 Toll House Rd. Oley | 267.977.8499 | craftfoundry.com
4 | Fascinating Fun.
Science Explorers offers interactive assemblies and partners with afterschool clubs so kids ages 4-11 can experience activities like launching rockets, bubbling chemical reactions or making different types of slime. To expand the learning opportunities, Inspiration Science promotes STEM careers with traveling programs for ages 3-103.
Science Explorers and Inspiration Science | 10 W. Wyomissing Avenue Mohnton | 610.810.5203 | scienceexplorers.com | inspirationscience.org
From stress relief to better cognition, creative pursuits are full of positives. They’re a great way to meet new people. You also get to make some pretty cool things as a result of your efforts. Check out these amazing places around Berks dedicated to helping people broaden their creative horizons.
1 | Feel the Beat.
Stretch yourself and explore diverse dance styles. Yocum Institute’s Academy of Movement offers ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, tumbling, musical theater and more for ages 2 and up. Students of all experience levels can expand their confidence and artistry as they engage with the music and build their skills.
Academy of Movement at Yocum Institute for Arts Education
Fall class registration begins Aug. 1 | Adult classes start in September. 3000 Penn Avenue | West Lawn | 610.376.1576 | yocuminstitute.org
3 | Sonic Sensation.
Enhance your musical appreciation by learning an instrument. Menchey School of Music provides one-on-one private lessons for people of any age or skill level. Bond with fellow musicians and show off your talents at recitals and community events.
Menchey School of Music Shoppes at Wyomissing 762 Woodland Rd. | Reading 484.577.4944 | mencheymusic.com
Get inspired by Studio B’s stunning themed exhibits. Adults and kids are encouraged to flex their creative muscles by expressing themselves using a variety of media. Join a painting or collage class or swing by for a craft night. Explore writing workshops or check out Saturday nature-themed activities for kids.
Studio B Art Gallery
Classes and workshops for kids and adults: $30/class Friday Craft Night: $25/person Parties for up to 12 participants: $27 Community street activities: Free 39A E. Philadelphia Avenue | Boyertown 610.563.7879 | studiobbb.org
YOUN G PROFESSIONALS Berks Countys’ up-and-coming
Success takes many forms, and the professionals featured in the pages that follow are proof that talent, passion and dedication can lead to meaningful careers across a wide range of industries. From healthcare and real estate to financial services, counseling and beauty, these individuals have built reputations for excellence while making a positive impact on the lives of those they serve.
In this special section, we introduce a select group of Berks County professionals who are shaping their fields through expertise, innovation and a commitment to their clients and community. Their stories reflect the drive that continues to move Berks County forward. We invite you to learn more about these accomplished professionals and the work that makes them stand out.
Dr. Matthew Hagan
Double Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon | Berks Plastic Surgery & MedSpa
It is rare to find a plastic surgeon as credentialed and experienced as Dr. Matthew Hagan this early in his career. After training and practicing across the country, he chose Berks County to put down roots and build the next chapter.
A double board-certified plastic surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Dr. Hagan trained at the University of Illinois Chicago under craniofacial, aesthetic and reconstructive surgery experts. He then spent five years in private practice in Idaho Falls.
Now practicing alongside Dr. Brian Reedy at Berks Plastic Surgery, Dr. Hagan brings his expertise to one of the region’s most established practices. He performs face, breast and body plastic surgery, but facial aesthetic plastic surgery is where he has built his deepest expertise, including rhinoplasty, facelift, blepharoplasty and neck lifts. With technical precision and an artistic sensibility, he works to create refined, natural results that enhance your features while preserving what makes you uniquely you.
He relocated to Wyomissing with his wife, Erica, and their three daughters. He brings a commitment to delivering his very best to every patient, a dedication reflected in every consultation and every surgical result.
Whether you’re interested in facial rejuvenation, body contouring or breast surgery, Dr. Hagan and the Berks Plastic Surgery team are dedicated to creating a personalized treatment approach that aligns with your vision and goals.
Lords & Ladies Salon and Medical Spa
For more than 40 years, Lords & Ladies Salon and Medical Spa has been dedicated to launching successful careers for aspiring beauty professionals. Through a strong focus on education, mentorship and real-world experience, they’ve created a culture that helps emerging talent build confidence and achieve long-term success.
With four or more advanced graduate programs offered each year, new professionals are welcomed into a hands-on salon environment where they develop technical expertise, guest experience skills and the business knowledge essential for a thriving career. These programs are designed to ease the transition from cosmetology school to salon life, providing the guidance and support needed to
become confident, successful artists.
“We’re not just training service providers; we’re creating opportunities for lasting careers,” says Ashley Rivera, Head of Recruiting and HR. “From the start, our team is committed to coaching, encouraging and supporting each individual. Seeing new professionals grow into accomplished and confident leaders is incredibly rewarding.”
At Lords & Ladies, they know that great careers
are built through mentorship, proven systems and a commitment to continuous growth. With ongoing education, collaborative teamwork and a supportive culture, every team member gets the tools needed to elevate their craft and reach their full potential.
Whether you’re beginning your beauty career or you’re an experienced professional seeking your next opportunity, Lords & Ladies provides the resources, technology and education to help you succeed. Their innovative environment ensures your career doesn’t just begin there; it continues to grow.
Ready to invest in your future? Discover current openings and see why Lords & Ladies is where beauty professionals build lasting careers. Visit https://careers.lordsandladiessalons.com.
Bill Moser
Bill Moser is a dedicated REALTOR® with CENTURY 21 Gold and a proud member of the highly successful Lisa Tiger Team. Recognized as one of the Top 21 Producers in the company, Bill has built a reputation for delivering exceptional results through expert guidance, market knowledge and an unwavering commitment to his clients.
Known for his personalized approach and strong attention to detail, Bill is committed to providing a seamless real estate experience from start to finish. Whether helping first-time buyers find their dream home, guiding growing families through a move or assisting sellers in maximizing their homes’ value, he consistently delivers the highest level of service and professionalism.
As part of the Lisa Tiger Team, Bill provides the local expertise, strategic guidance and personalized service that buyers and sellers deserve.
Alex J. Patterson
Elizabeth Fortuner
Alex J. Patterson, CPA, is a financial planner and investment advisor representative at Financial Planning Advisors, Inc. He assists with the firm’s wide range of financial services, including retirement, investment, estate, insurance and, of course, tax planning.
He brings valuable tax expertise to the team, leveraging his background as a Certified Public Accountant to help clients navigate complex tax considerations and implement more tax-efficient strategies. His knowledge enhances the firm’s ability to provide comprehensive, integrated planning aligned with each client’s financial goals.
Alex has been a CPA in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania since 2013 and is a member of the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Financial Planning Association and Berks County Estate Planning Council. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Rachel, and their three children.
Elizabeth Fortuner oversees Marketing, Communications and Community Relations at Berks Counseling Center, where she plays a critical role in advancing the organization’s mission of delivering comprehensive, integrated behavioral health services. She leads the development and execution of strategic outreach and communications initiatives that elevate community awareness and strengthen partnerships across Berks County. Guided by a commitment to social impact and reducing stigma, Elizabeth ensures that individuals and families are informed of and connected to essential mental health, substance use and wellness resources. Through her leadership, she enhances visibility, accessibility and engagement, supporting BCC’s vision of promoting recovery, resilience and whole-person care.
Eric P. Miller has spent nearly two decades redefining expectations in Berks County real estate: responding when other agents wouldn’t, understanding the local market like a true native and treating every negotiation as if it were his own.
Voted Best Realtor in Berks County two years running by Reading Eagle Readers’ Choice, Eric has earned it across every level of the market, from first-time buyers competing in multiple-offer situations to seven-figure properties with layers of complexity. A lifelong Wyomissing resident, athlete, coach and father, he brings that same personal investment to every client, regardless of price point. Eric thanks his customers for their trust and referrals, the best compliment in this business. If you want the very best for you and your home, contact Eric today.
Who takes the lead at Berks County’s local colleges and universities? It’s often whomever is in the “president” position. Get to know those in charge at Albright College, Alvernia University, Penn State Berks, Kutztown University and Reading Area Community College and learn more about each.
PRESIDENT DEBRA M. TOWNSLE Y
TRANSFORMIN � ALBRI G HT COLLE � E WITH VISION AND EMPATH Y
Despite unprecedented challenges facing U.S. higher education, Albright College is positioned for both student and institutional success under the thoughtful, accomplished leadership of President Debra M. Townsley, Ph.D. With a distinguished 40-year career that includes roles as president, academic dean and business professor across multiple institutions in five states, Townsley is widely recognized for her unique ability to
steer complex institutional turnarounds with clear vision and deep empathy. A nationally respected author and lecturer on strategic institutional planning, her impactful, community-centered work has earned significant recognition closer to home. She received the 2025 Amigo Award from Centro Hispano Daniel Torres on behalf of the college for its deep commitment to the Greater Reading community, specifically praising Albright’s
efforts to expand affordable educational access and language programs for local families. Additionally, she was personally named to City & State Pennsylvania’s 2026 Above & Beyond list, which honors 50 of the most influential women leaders making exemplary contributions to public service and education statewide.
Upon arriving at Albright in July 2024, Townsley immediately targeted the college’s financial hurdles without losing
We are deeply committed to providing students with state–of—the-art
sight of its foundational commitment to student life. To date, she has strategically stabilized the college’s financial footprint while boosting enrollment and investing resources into the student experience.
“Albright is an exceptional institution where students find their ‘spark’ — their passion to pursue real purpose,” Townsley explains. “Our mission is to foster a campus environment where cutting-edge classroom discovery directly matches the vibrancy of our student community.”
Driven by a commitment to helping Albright students live their best lives now and in the future, she and her team have dramatically energized the college’s offerings in 2026. To prepare graduates for a rapidly evolving workforce, Albright introduced high-demand majors in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
“We are deeply committed to providing students with state-of-the-art resources and collaborative spaces that foster academic excellence,” Townsley says. “By aligning our new technical programs with high-demand industries, we are fundamentally reshaping the educational experience to drive longterm student success.”
At the same time, the college is enhancing its vibrant campus community by launching five new NCAA Division III athletic teams, including men’s and women’s ice hockey, men’s and women’s wrestling and women’s flag football. The highly anticipated hockey programs will take the ice at Wyomissing’s Body Zone Sports and Wellness Complex in an exciting partnership utilizing the facility’s NHL-sized rink that is ideal for the college’s competition in the Middle Atlantic Conference. This expansion to 28 Albright varsity teams underscores its institutional philosophy that balances forward-thinking learning with lifeenhancing experiences built on the playing field.
Ultimately, the college’s growth is anchored in a clear, central principle that Townsley carries into every boardroom and campus initiative: “Every decision we make must move students forward.” With that cultural compass firmly in place, the future at Albright College is looking brighter than ever.
Your Create Comeback
“I
— Thomas Wickersham Master of
PRESIDENT
� LY NIS A. FITZ � ERALD
UPHOLDIN � THE HEARTBEAT OF ALVERNIA UNIVERSIT Y
BY JON FASSNACHT
When Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D., became Alvernia University’s eighth president in 2023, it represented a nod to the past with an eye toward the future.
In size and scope, Alvernia could hardly be more different today than it was when the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters founded Alvernia College in 1958. The student body has grown from 30 Sisters to a mosaic of nearly 3,000 students. And
its footprint, which originally comprised a single building, has expanded into the picturesque Hill Campus along with auxiliary locations in downtown Reading and Pottsville, with another site soon to open in Allentown.
Along with its physical expansion, Alvernia has greatly increased its online offerings, helping it to attract a growing number of adult students.
“Our foundresses were innovative and responsive to the needs of the community,” says Fitzgerald, who joined Alvernia in 2019 as senior vice president and provost. “We’ve always said, ‘What can we do to stay who we are and also grow into where we’re most needed?’”
The university’s first three presidents were women, so Fitzgerald’s ascension
What can we do to...grow into where we're most needed?
marked a return to its roots. But as the first female president who wasn’t a Bernardine Sister, she also signaled transformation. That marriage of history and values with growth and modernization has become her mission statement.
“Alvernia has always been a traditional liberal arts institution informed by the greater world,” she says. “And that’s what is allowing us to really thrive right now.”
SOLAR: Culture of Care (Support, Opportunity, Love, Access, and Resources) — a network of services and support that ensures students have the resources they need to succeed — is an example of quantifying and operationalizing something that always existed.
The initiative is especially meaningful to Fitzgerald, a first-generation college student.
“When a first-gen student comes to college, they’re carrying the hopes and dreams of their whole family,” she says. “And I try to embrace that when I talk to our students. Every dollar we spend is a student’s dollar. We don’t have a big endowment. So, if we’re going to spend money on something, it needs to be the right thing for our students.”
The American House at Reading CollegeTowne, located in downtown Reading across the street from Alvernia’s John R. Post Center, is a particular point of pride. The renovated site will include a café run by students of the John Paul II Center for Special Learning and a community-based health center created through a partnership with Berks Community Health Center (BCHC), providing students with internships and experiential-learning opportunities while providing a needed service to the area.
The alliance with BCHC is among the growing number of community and business partnerships forged by the
university, allowing Alvernia to expand opportunities for students while providing a pipeline for local employers.
“Partnerships are the heartbeat of what we do,” she says. “Through our partnerships with local employers, we’re learning what experiences students need to be better prepared. We don’t just help students get life-sustaining jobs; we also make our community better.”
The former theater kid helped take the idea of community to the stage during the spring. Directed by husband-and-wife Broadway veterans Timothy Shew and Jane Brockman, Godspell united Alvernia students, faculty and staff with members of the community. Fitzgerald even made a cameo appearance in a few of the stagings.
“One of the things I’ll probably be most proud of at the end of my presidency is bringing that to life,” she says. “I hope we can do more collaborations with other universities and community arts organizations. I always think we’re better together.”
CHANCELLOR RADHA PYATI
MAKIN � AN IMPACT ON PENN STATE BERKS AND COMMUNIT Y
On any given day, you may find Dr. Radha Pyati having lunch in the campus cafeteria with students she has just met, attending a community organization board meeting or participating in a student event during the evening.
During the last three years since Dr. Radha Pyati assumed the role of Chancellor and Dean of Penn State Berks, she has made a profound impact on both the college and the local community. Her
commitment to student access and success within an inclusive learning environment, along with her mission of forming strong relationships within the community, has had tangible results.
One of Pyati’s main priorities is ensuring that Penn State Berks is accessible and well-equipped to serve the needs of all underserved populations, including the growing Hispanic and Latino communities in the Greater Reading area.
Pyati regularly meets with the college’s Latino Advisory Council, a group of community leaders, and learns about ways the college can serve the community. As a result, Penn State Berks has developed a deeper understanding of the issues that Hispanic and Latino families face, and the college has expanded involvement with such organizations as Centro Hispano Daniel Torres, the Berks Latino Chamber of Commerce, and others.
The Office of Inclusive Excellence was also established under Pyati’s leadership. Their mission is to foster cultural connection, celebrate diversity and create an inclusive community across the campus.
In the community, Pyati serves as a member of the board of directors of the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance, where she holds the role of treasurer, and on the board of its affiliate, the Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce and Industry. She also serves on the board of Berks County Workforce Development, Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center and the United Way of Berks County.
In an effort to better serve local industry, Pyati led efforts to establish the Manufacturing Innovation and Learning Lab, or “The MILL.” Equipped with advanced tools for robotics, smart manufacturing and automation, the MILL at Penn State Berks is connecting students and faculty with small- to mid-sized
regional manufacturers who are looking to modernize but may need guidance, prototypes or support.
During her tenure at Penn State Berks, Pyati has been recognized for her efforts. The Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania (GSEP) recently honored her with their prestigious “Take the Lead Berks Award,” presented to leaders in both their professional industries and communities. She was also honored by the statewide media organization City & State PA, who named her one of the 2024 Trailblazers in Higher Education.
Pyati is an accomplished researcher, teacher, chemist, author, award-winning environmentalist and a leader in STEM education. Prior to joining Penn State Berks, she served as the Dean of the College of Sciences and Mathematics at West Chester University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Ohio State University and a doctoral degree in chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
KEEPING PEOPLE WARM SINCE
Your destination to complete your fireplace upgrade. Our knowledgeable sales staff is here to help guide you through the process.
Kring’s offers sales, service and installation of fireplaces, stoves and inserts, powered by gas, wood, pellets and electric.
PRESIDENT PHIL CAVALIER
STREN � THENIN � KUTZTOWN UNIVERSIT Y ’S DEEP ROOTS IN BERKS
When Dr. Phil Cavalier took the helm as the 13th president of Kutztown University in July 2025, he brought with him nearly three decades of experience in higher education. Having served as a senior academic leader across several institutions, most recently at the University of Tennessee at Martin, Cavalier stepped onto the KU campus with a clear direction: to cultivate the “whole person” while aggressively
aligning the university’s strengths with local community and economic growth.
Reflecting on his first year in office, Cavalier admits to being deeply impressed by the sheer liveliness and supportive infrastructure of Kutztown University.
“I didn’t realize how expansive the services on this campus are to support a wide range of students,” he notes, pointing to highly successful initiatives that go far beyond standard academic support. For
Cavalier, the campus mirrors the tight-knit feel of a premier residential college where student life, the arts and a vibrant culture are constantly active and alive.
But his leadership extends well beyond the campus perimeter. Cavalier has spent his first year falling in love with Berks County, immersing himself in the local community and exploring the landscapes of Reading. From cheering on the Reading Royals at Santander Arena to establishing a prominent
KU is directly shaping the economic resilience of Berks County.
presence at local high schools, he has been consistently impressed and energized by the rich diversity of the modern Berks region.
Cavalier has made it a point to engage with elected and community officials across the region. These collaborations are resulting in action at KU, with new academic programs, such as engineering, being established to meet the demands of the modern-day student.
“Berks County is an incredible place, and I want Kutztown University to be present and at the forefront of our residents’ minds as they navigate their careers,” Cavalier notes. “Things that happen at KU are impacting our greater community on a daily basis, and we will continue to prioritize student-centered learning within a supportive environment.”
As Berks County celebrates its historic 275th anniversary, Cavalier views Kutztown University — established 160 years ago to serve local counties — as a driver for the region’s upcoming chapters. To
meet the evolving modern workforce demand, Cavalier is actively building out a specialized local business advisory group.
Under his guidance, the university’s Career Development Center is rapidly scaling up external experiential learning and corporate internships.
Crucial to this regional transformation is maintaining Kutztown’s identity as an affordable, high-quality public access institution. Recognizing the complex demands of the modern workforce, Cavalier is debuting new infrastructure
this fall to support non-traditional and working students outside normal operating hours, including launching fully online cohorts in general business.
“Our role from the beginning has been to serve the community in many ways,” Cavalier emphasizes. “By preparing undergraduates not just for their first entry-level role, but to be highly adaptable leaders capable of thriving in their second or third careers, Kutztown University is directly shaping the economic resilience of Berks County.”
CLOSE TO HOME AND A WORLD AWAY.
THE YEAR BY THE AACC.
PRESIDENT SUSAN LOONE Y
INCREASIN � EDUCATIONAL SUCCESS FOR RACC STUDENTS
Dr. Susan Looney, president of Reading Area Community College, was recently named the 2026 CEO of the Year by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). The award was announced this April during the AACC Annual Convention in Seattle.
The national honor recognizes Dr. Looney’s leadership and impact on student success since becoming
president of RACC in 2018. Under her direction, the college’s graduation rate increased from 8 percent to 32 percent, more than quadrupling in eight years. She has also secured millions of dollars in public and private funding, helping expand RACC’s career and technical education programs and increasing educational opportunities for students throughout Berks County.
“I am deeply honored to be selected as the AACC CEO of the Year,” says Dr. Looney. “This recognition is incredibly meaningful to me, but it truly belongs to the entire RACC community. I am privileged to do this work alongside the most dedicated and talented faculty and staff I have ever known.”
The AACC CEO of the Year award recognizes exceptional leadership in
student success initiatives, shared governance, leadership development, advocacy and participation in statewide and national community college efforts.
Dr. Looney’s personal journey makes the recognition especially significant. A former high school dropout who later attended community college, she credits higher education with transforming her life. That experience has shaped her commitment to ensuring community colleges remain affordable, accessible pathways to opportunity for students seeking a better future.
Since taking office, Dr. Looney has become a strong advocate for community colleges at both the local and state levels. Her leadership has helped position RACC as a top-performing institution focused on workforce development and career readiness.
The American Association of Community Colleges represents nearly 1,200 two-year colleges and more than 12 million students nationwide, serving as the leading advocacy organization for community colleges in the United States.
LEARNIN G EARLY A G E from an
The early years are among the most important in a child’s development, laying the foundation for lifelong learning, growth and success. Here, we highlight a few Berks-based early learning centers that provide nurturing environments, dedicated educators and engaging programs designed to help young minds thrive and to kickstart a love for learning.
Atonement Christian Preschool has been serving the families of Berks County for 50 years! Our experienced staff provides a play-based early childhood education that promotes the social-emotional, physical, cognitive and spiritual development of every child in a nurturing learning environment. We offer a variety of classes for children 18 months to 5 years old. Join us as we celebrate our 50 th anniversary with a Family Carnival on Sunday, Sept. 13 at 10am!
Scholar & Athlete
St. Ignatius Loyola Regional School
2700 St. Albans Dr., Reading 610.678.0111 | stignatiusvikings.org
St. Ignatius Loyola Regional School is a vibrant Catholic school serving students in pre-K through grade 8. Rooted in faith, academic excellence and service, we nurture the whole child while inspiring a lifelong love of learning. Our dedicated faculty, strong community and enriching programs help students grow into compassionate leaders and faithful disciples. Learn more at stignatiusvikings.org.
For more than 115 years, Lancaster Country Day School’s curriculum has been rooted in academic excellence. From Preschool through 12th grade, our students are encouraged to discover and pursue their passions in a supportive independent school environment.
BY MARIAN FRANCES WOLBERS
PHOTOS BY KATIE GING
BERKS
BALLET THEATRE
Conservatory of Dance (BBT) is known as the premier dance organization in Southeastern Pennsylvania, founded in 1976 by Carol Ennis. Today, Nathan Bland is the artistic director and owner of BBT, which makes its home in the studios at GoggleWorks Center for the Arts in Reading. The tradition of classical ballet and dance education lives on and thrives with Bland at the helm. He is an accomplished professional soloist, performer, choreographer and instructor who has danced literally around the world. With his wide and deep network of stellar performers and choreographers across the USA and internationally, Berks County students enjoy taking master classes with the best of the best and can also aspire to a career in ballet and dance. Training is provided by instructors to support each individual’s ability and enjoyment at all levels and ages.
THE HALF-CENTURY BIG ANNIVERSARY
Bland explains just how busy Berks Ballet Theatre has been as it marks 50 years of success. “We’ve been intentional about making the entire season feel like a celebration, not just a single event,” he says. “We opened the 2025-2026 season with a 50th anniversary logo, began with The Nutcracker, and continued with our original production, ChoreographyLAB, which allows BBT dancers to explore their choreographic voices.”
This spring featured a well-known, much-loved ballet to Reading. “We continued the season with Swan Lake, Acts II and III, at the Miller Center for the Arts,” says Bland. “That was a statement. Swan Lake at 50 is exactly the kind of production that says this organization has arrived and has staying power. We’ll carry our celebration into the 2026-2027 season, opening again with three performances of The Nutcracker on December 19 and 20 at Kutztown University’s Schaeffer Auditorium.”
He adds, “Fifty years isn’t just a number. It’s proof that something real has been built here in Berks County, and we want the whole community to feel that weight alongside us. We want you in the audience — so that you can really experience the full picture of what we offer and what we have been working on.”
Choosing Which Ballets to Perform
There are important factors involved when choosing which ballets to offer and setting schedules for public performances. Bland describes the decision process: “It’s a combination of artistic ambition and developmental strategy. I’m always asking: what will push our dancers forward, and what
will give our audience something genuinely worth seeing? Those two things aren’t in tension; they reinforce each other.
“We’re a pre-professional ballet company, so the repertoire must be both technically and artistically meaningful,” he continues. “I’m not interested in producing work that plays it safe. Swan Lake this past season was a deliberate choice. It’s one of the most demanding pieces in the classical canon, and our dancers rose to the challenge. Every programming decision starts with that standard — what challenges us, what honors the art form and what gives our community access to ballet at a level they might otherwise have to travel to Philadelphia or New York to see.”
Dancers of All Ages
“The BBT Conservatory offers classes for ages two through adult, and Berks Ballet Theatre (the performing company) usually
begins around age 10 and continues through high school or for recent graduates,” says Bland. “The dancers are training and rehearsing for 20 to 30 hours, depending on the upcoming production. Many of our dancers have gone on to dance professionally or at a collegiate level. We have two recent grads in professional companies now, and many of our most recent graduates are dancing in college.”
Artistic excellence abounds.
“We have some of the most talented young people in our studios, and seeing them create for their peers in ChoreographyLAB is fascinating and exposes the community to new ideas,” says Bland. “We also regularly perform outside Berks County at prestigious competitions, where our dancers are recognized among hundreds of other dancers and awarded scholarships by world-renowned judges. That kind of recognition matters; it tells our community that what’s happening in our studios belongs on any stage in the country.”
A R T A R T
Coming Up
The Nutcracker is a tradition and “a huge part of BBT’s identity,” says Bland, “but it’s not all that we are. Our spring ballet changes every year to give the dancers and the community variety. Also, we do our big summer intensive, where I bring in guest teachers throughout the four weeks. Recently, I had Jillian Davis come, who is actually a Berks County native.” Davis is with Connexions Contemporary Ballet in New York City. Additionally, BBT usually has two other pieces that are choreographed by professional choreographers.
Timeless Art & Allure
Like many ballet artists, interest in dance began in Nathan Bland’s childhood. He grew up in California, and when he was around eight or nine years old, his parents enrolled him and his younger sister in a local studio for summer camp. Says Bland, “It just happened to be something that I kind of took to. I very much took to tap dancing first.” But ballet took over. “As time went on, ballet became my main focus. By age 11 and 12, I was doing ballet five days a week. I went on to study during the summers at American Ballet Theater and Joffrey — and that took me to moving my senior year of high school to Pittsburgh to train.” His professional career started right out of high school.
“Ballet has shaped how I see everything: discipline, beauty and the relationship between effort and expression,” Bland
says. “It’s an art form that asks everything of the body and the mind simultaneously, and what emerges when those two work together is unlike anything else. But what I’ve come to understand more deeply as a director and teacher is that the training itself — the daily work of showing up, pushing through and performing under pressure — builds something in a person that extends far beyond the studio. We’re teaching our dancers how to operate in a high-stress environment, how to work within an ensemble while still bringing their individual best and how to present themselves with confidence and composure no matter the circumstances. Those are life skills. Discipline, resilience, professionalism — ballet demands all of it, and when young people internalize that, it follows them into every room they’ll ever walk into.
“Our goal isn’t just to produce strong dancers. It’s to give them the tools to succeed in all areas of their lives. There’s a reason ballet has survived for centuries. It isn’t fragile; it’s rigorous. It evolves while staying grounded in something classical and enduring. For me, being inside this world — training dancers, setting choreography, running an institution with a 50-year legacy — isn’t separate from who I am. It is who I am. And I think that’s true for anyone who really commits to this art form. It changes you in ways that last well beyond the stage."
Yocum Institute for Arts Education’s Academy of Movement
3000 Penn Avenue, West Lawn
610.376.1576 | yocuminstitute.org
Yocum Institute for Arts Education’s Academy of Movement provides high-quality dance education for students of all ages, from toddlers taking their first steps in dance to adults pursuing a lifelong passion. With classes in a variety of dance styles led by experienced instructors, the program emphasizes technique, creativity and personal growth. Registration is now open for the upcoming season.
LimeLight Dance Studio
LimeLight Dance Studio recently moved to a brand-new location in December of 2025. We are dedicated to excellence in dance education, and our studio offers high-quality training in a positive, encouraging atmosphere. We empower dancers to develop confidence, artistry, discipline and a passion for dance that extends far beyond the stage. Visit our website for more information!
Dance Your Dreams Studio of Dance inspires students of all ages to grow as artists, athletes and confident individuals. Through exceptional dance education in a positive, familyfocused environment, dancers develop technique, creativity, discipline and lifelong friendships. Offering classes for recreational and competitive dancers alike, Dance Your Dreams is dedicated to helping every student discover their potential, build confidence and shine both on and off the stage.
Brett Yerger’s
INDUSTRIAL REST Y LE
BY KARLA R. JENSEN
PHOTOS BY JOHN A. SECOGES, SECOGES PHOTOGRAPHICS
He’s not a magician, but his aesthetic talents lean into magic. He’s not a chemist, but he’s got the mind of an alchemist. He doesn’t claim to be a carpenter or a scientist, but his creations, including his one-of-a-kind dwelling, are as complex as Frankenstein’s laboratory, with his unique found objects, skill and ingenuity. In 2020, when artist Brett Yerger, Leesport, set out to tailor his 2006 then newly built home to reflect his evolving taste, he tapped into a well of imagination and talent. Yerger’s home base, his lab, his studio and his thought process, are a splendid, spellbinding spectacle to behold.
The Electrical Engineer
“I always excelled at art,” admits Brett. “A teacher at Schuylkill Valley, Evelyn Braun, saw things in me and taught us so well. I recognized how I could see mathematical stuff in my mind, especially symmetry. I am drawn to functional organization
with rhythm and rhyme.” Yerger graduated from Penn State with an associate’s degree in electrical engineering and worked for World Electronics, Laureldale.
“If I see something, I rely on my own inspiration and add my own twist,” admits Brett. In reference to projects that have materialized within their home, Brett says, “My wife, Nicole, and I are both Type A personalities. We envision an idea, then are driven and particular to complete them.” Little did he know that their home would become his playground, his canvas and the raw material a lifetime to complete.
The Self-taught Contractor
Yerger ended his career as a formal electrical engineer around the time Covid-19 hit. His mother, Kathy, had previously
moved into an adorable and practical attached addition in 2016 after her husband (Brett’s father) passed. Yerger suddenly found himself with a large unfinished basement to mold, just as he would one of his pottery pieces.
“Before the death of my father,” Brett reflects, “we emptied my grandmother’s home in Mohrsville, an old home I admired. We incorporated the doors to keep our St. Bernards out of certain areas.” He pointed to a makeshift barrier between the living room and front door. He also added a substantial concrete garden fountain from that property to his back deck near his pool but was unsure how to move it. “I woke up to an idea at 3am, pulled together wood and built a hoist on wheels,” he explained, although
he and his family joke that the contraption looks like medieval gallows. “Brett’s ideas come from necessity,” says his mom. “He creates what he needs.”
Home Alone
Retired and home alone, Yerger examined nearly every corner of his house, blank or otherwise. He upgraded materials and designs to transfigure and recast the interior of his house with the focused intent, flair and determination of a Broadway set dresser. This transformation occurred gradually with elbow grease, patience and time.
Painted vintage hay trolleys unexpectedly serve as kitchen lighting and dangle from tin ceiling tiles. Glass showcases custom figurines and redware pottery among Yerger family heirlooms. Rustic wood is
Brett’s ideas come from necessity... He creates what he needs.
married with distressed brick throughout this industrial thoroughfare of the main floor. He added molding, doors and brick backsplash and floors in the kitchen. “I wanted a textured floor and used threequarter size normal brick to achieve that old English look I desired.” The entire house started to take on a rustic industrial warehouse look, and the family approved, so he continued.
The Acquisition Phase
With industrial roots, Yerger drilled down deep, literally, focusing on his grandfather’s and father’s mechanical
abilities passed down to him. “I spent months looking for, and acquiring, special pieces,” Brett explains. “I spent hours sorting bins and bins of hardware from Dad.” He wielded his mentor’s tools, utilizing Yerger hardware from decades past. With expert care, he placed an old pool table salvaged for its sturdy slate as the heart of his art studio.
He carted home a bulky-but-sadlooking hardwood butler’s pantry from Philly that he rescued before the landfill claimed it. He rescued a rusty but recognizable classic Chevy pick-up gate, vintage lighting pieces, oversized tractor funnels, palettes, iron plumbing pipes and more. These came together as puzzle pieces of his dream home.
He rescued a rusty but recognizable classic Chevy pick-up gate...
“I build things to accomplish my goal and don’t like asking for help,” says Brett. “I never laid a brick floor and never want to again, but I learned something.” He also recalls how he disassembled and reassembled items to move into his basement, sometimes with friends or family, other times on his own.
Art Studio & Vintage Magnetism
The lower level is a magnet, a place so unusual and rewarding that it’s hard to pull away without lingering. The landing is Brett’s gallery for completed work, mostly
pottery projects, and a special memorial to his father, Dennis, a Vietnam veteran. The beautiful, refurbished butler’s pantry welcomes guests further down the hallway with colorful and more substantial pottery pieces: vases, crocks and pitchers. A casual living and game room with a Chevy truck gate as a focal point and a grand bar with inverted vintage chicken feeders housing the bar’s lighting, bar stools, palette-laden cabinetry and paneling, sliding barn doors and a magnificent, restored shuffleboard takes one’s breath away. Skull lighting, framed
artwork, prints and details are a reflection of genius at work, and the maverick Mr. Yerger has a grand story that goes with every piece.
On the opposite end of the basement is Brett’s massive art studio. Pottery molds, paint, brushes, tools, bins and unglazed pieces await his attention. Kilns are prepared to bake into existence remarkable pieces of his genius.
I never laid a brick floor and never want to again, but I learned something.
Many signature redware pottery pieces reflect the influence of his mentor, Lester Breininger.
He remembers, “I met Lester in 1998. My sister’s husband introduced us. I loved antiques and history, and Mr. Breininger had been looking for students to help with pottery pieces. I ended up at his home in Robesonia. Lester studied Stahl Redware Pottery. I became part of a brotherhood and acted like a sponge, learning from him. We’d call his house and spend hours there.” Now, Brett owns special pieces of the Breininger collection and creates his own similar PA Dutch-style pottery for others to enjoy. “My style of pottery is definitely from my own ideas,” says Brett, “but other potters influence me, such as
Nolde Forest Pottery,” he adds. “I continue to respect the tradition and try not to mirror it, but carry the style forward.
“I go through phases of art production,” says Brett. “I work in pottery, then electrical and lighting, then woods.” Yerger made several pieces of furniture for his daughter, Helene, for college and has also reupholstered chairs. “I would get frustrated focusing on the same thing all the time. Something happens in my life to guide me to work on some specific type of medium,” he says, pointing to an old kerosene lamp he decked out with flame bulbs to create ambiance in his home.
How does he separate work on his home from his art?
“When nothing at home requires my attention, I find something
to do in my studio, often with my daughter, Helene. She and I made paper and journals, then she sold them. Creativity hits me like a wave; I have ideas in my head and have much more to create. I recently found ribbon weaving at a gallery in Tennessee. The pieces were fusion pottery — a mix of glass and pottery, where colored glass melts to create the look of shattered glass.”
An Old Soul in a Newer Home
Besides reimagining the space in his three-level home in six years or less, Yerger has framed walls, gutted the kitchen, designed the floor and laid brick. He’s moved a huge classic shuffle board with the scoreboard intact, created lighting out of whiskey bottles and
plumbing pipes and more. Not surprisingly, Brett creates custom cornhole games, has used electricity to burn through wood and designs hanging planters and nesting boxes for flowers. If he hasn’t accomplished the job, he probably hasn’t tried it yet.
His soul, albeit an old one, is reflected in the carpentry, the science and mathematics he has poured into his living and breathing dwelling. The house is full of stories and successes.
His style is not unlike discovering the amazing talent, perspective and style from a graffiti artist who leaves his or her mark under an unsuspecting overpass. Just when you think, “Wow, that guy should be a professional,” we discover the likes of Brett, who has respected tradition and style but carves his own path forward with a modern appearance along with confidence and humility. Just as surely as he carves his own initials or name deep into his clay, he has chiseled and shaped his character into this eclectic home for him and his family to enjoy.
He’s proven that he’s up for any artistic or aesthetic challenge.
CONTACT THE ARTIST
Look Brett Yerger up on Facebook, find his pottery, lighting and more at the Hamburg Arts Gallery or email him at theyerger@comcast.net.
TURNING ORDINARY ROOMS INTO SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY
3 Great BBQ Spots
BY MARIAN FRANCES WOLBERS | PHOTOS COURTESY RELATED BUSINESSES
Grab an icy lemonade or cold beer and sit yourself down with mouthwatering barbecue made at any of these locales. All three places serve their own versions of Texas-style brisket!
1 | Heart and Hearth Cuisine
Barbecue is a clear specialty here. Co-owners Colleen Fitzgerald and Jim Adkins reveal this destination is more of a deli with a back room on the small, cozy side — not like a big full-service restaurant. But pitmaster Jim sure stays busy as “the man behind the smoked meats” with a lot of takeout business. “We get large cuts from a very reputable butcher down the road at Dietrich’s,” he says, “and then we process the barbecue and most of our deli meat here in-house, from the brines and marinades and rubs on up. The smoked pastrami, the smoked turkey and roast beef are all done
in-house. We actually finish all three of those in the smoker.”
The focus of their barbecuing? “Brisket, pork, chicken, baby back ribs — and we do a smoked meatloaf as well. We have a growing contingency of folks out there who want good, clean, chemical-free food. Definitely the ingredients we start with go a long way.” Favorites are Carolina-style pork and Texasstyle brisket. “I will finish each of our barbecue meats with a braise specific to its flavor profile. That gives it taste, texture and quality unlike anything you’re going to find anywhere else.”
He adds, “Our brisket is second to none. It has a velvety texture and quality to it because it has a whiskey braise on it. That pulls in a lot of folks. Our house sauces also generate interest. We do a smoked habanero peach sauce, which goes extremely well with our pork and on our smoked chicken; it’s like a total flavor bomb, a balance of sweet and heat.”
Heart and Hearth Cuisine
466 W. Main St., Kutztown 484.648.4230 heartandhearthcuisine.com
2 | Backwoods Brothers Authentic Texas Cuisine
Chef and owner Tyler Dengler is straight up confident about his craft. “We do Texas-style barbecue, so it’s all about our homemade dry rub. We make all of our sauces in-house, and we serve them on the side instead of slathering meat with barbecue sauce. You put the sauce on it at your own discretion.”
All meats are cooked inhouse, says Chef Tyler. “We have a smoker trailer out back, and then we have one that we use to cook overnight inside.” Reflecting on what makes that brisket so special, he muses, “I think part of it is just that people love brisket, and Texas is really known for beef brisket. I lived down in Texas for six years after I went to culinary school, and then I kind of brought my favorite part of Texas back to Hamburg with me. We’re very community oriented. I’m running a restaurant in my hometown, which is pretty exciting to me.”
And the rubs? “They’re secret,” he laughs. “Every
pitmaster kind of has their own secret recipes.” He also offers pulled pork and pork ribs, St. Louis style. “We use our own dry rub, and — again — the sauce kind of goes to your discretion. We have three homemade sauces: original barbecue, spicy barbecue and honey barbecue.”
Backwoods Brothers
Authentic Texas Cuisine
272 S. 4 th St., Hamburg
484.665.3641
backwoodsbrothersbbq.com
WHAT TO ORDER?
“Literally everything’s fairly popular with us, but our most popular is definitely our beef brisket, which is cooked anywhere from 12 to 14 hours.”
3 | Stampede Barbecue
Its name conjures up herds of cattle, so it’s no surprise that Stampede is beloved for its slow-cooked meats and authentic Texas-style barbecue. There’s a companion craft beer business, too, with the only wood-fired brewery in Pennsylvania.
According to Buse Ozdil, frontof-house manager and catering manager, “Our most popular meats are our brisket, pulled pork and pork ribs. First of all, we get all of our meats from a local farm, so that makes the biggest difference, plus we are smoking with a special kind of wood that actual, real Texas barbecues use. Our wood comes straight from Texas.”
A family-owned business, “the father is Tim Detweiler, and the sons are Ryan and Evan,” says Buse. “Ryan is our pitmaster and the head of the kitchen, and Evan is our general manager and our brewmaster.” In fact, Ryan is the reason they started making barbecue. He studied at college in
Texas, and the family made a trip South. “When they tried Texasstyle barbecue,” Buse explains, “they were like, ‘We should start doing this!’ — and they found connections for making the best quality and style of barbecue. We recently had a customer from Texas who complimented our brisket, saying it was the best she’d ever eaten.”
Stampede also makes wings on Wednesdays, turkey, sausage, half-chicken and prime rib on Thursdays. Sides include corn bread, hush puppies, BBQ beans, mashed potatoes and housemade applesauce.
“We cater food a lot,” says Buse, “for bridal showers, baby showers, birthday parties — all kinds of events.”
Dr. Andrea Smith is the founder of Berks Prosthodontics. A prosthodontist is a dental specialist who has completed dental school plus a three-year Advanced Prosthodontics residency at an ADA-accredited graduate program focusing on technical excellence in the restoration and replacement of teeth. Prosthodontists are THE acknowledged experts in dental implant restorations, crowns, bridges, dentures, cosmetic dentistry, and full-mouth implant prosthetics such as Teeth-in-One-Day or All-On-4.
A Berks County native, Dr. Smith received her Bachelor of Science degree in Pre-Medicine from Penn State University, where she graduated as Class Valedictorian of the Eberly College of Science. She then attended the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in New York City, where she again graduated as Class Valedictorian with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. After receiving her dental degree, Dr. Smith completed three years of specialty training in the field of Prosthodontics at UCLA’s Advanced Prosthodontics Residency Program, followed by an additional one-year residency at UCLA in Maxillofacial Prosthetics, making her one of only 350 Maxillofacial Prosthodontists worldwide.
Dr. Smith returned to our area in 2009 to become the first female Clinical Director of the Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic, the oldest clinic in the world devoted to the treatment of children born with facial birth defects, a position she held for seven years.
In 2015, Dr. Smith opened Berks Prosthodontics in Wyomissing, bringing her specialty training back to her hometown. At Berks Prosthodontics she sees patients with a wide variety of dental concerns, such as broken or missing teeth, uncomfortable dentures, extensive tooth wear, or dissatisfaction with the appearance of their smile. More than 100 area dentists, oral surgeons and other dental specialists trust her to handle their patients’ complex or cosmetic dental needs. From a single perfect tooth to state-of-the-art full mouth reconstruction, Dr. Smith strives to provide all of her patients with an unparalleled level of care.
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