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Prioritizing Health
Welcome to our Health & Wellness issue! In this month’s edition, we’ll reinforce the notion that it’s not only okay but essential to put yourself first before taking care of others.
Be it by pledging to move your body each day, investigating holistic health practices or even taking up a new hobby, we encourage you to make improving at least one aspect of your health a priority starting now! After all, you deserve it!
Need some inspiration? Check out the health journeys of three Berks residents starting on page 23. Not sure what new activity might be a fit for you? We’ve got ideas in our Check It column on page 11.
Want to learn more about alternative medicine? We explore that in our feature on page 36. And in our 5 Things on page 21, we introduce you to local holistic wellness spots you may want to visit.
Putting your health first doesn’t have to be a daunting or expensive effort. We hope this issue helps to reinforce that fact and offers you some peace of mind as you aim to live your best life!
Sincerely,
Nikki M. Murry Editor-in-Chief
She/Her/Hers NMurry@BerksCountyLiving.com
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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We’d love for you to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook! Find us at facebook.com/BerksCountyLiving.
Facebook Follow.
Learn more about the cute cat café featured on our Berks Bits page by searching “Kitt’s Café & Gandalf’s Garden” on Facebook.
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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WHAT ACTIVITY DO YOU CONSIDER ESSENTIAL FOR YOUR PERSONAL HEALTH?
“Every morning, I spend 20-30 minutes meditating and focusing on having a good day. Then I write in my gratitude journal. It keeps me grounded, reminds me of
“Sleep is essential for me. Treating my sleep apnea with a CPAP was a game changer — now I feel rested, focused and like myself again.”
– Robyn L. Jones , publisher
“I have to move in some way, every day. It could be walking the dog, a stretching routine or even in-home walking on a day when the weather isn’t ideal.”
– Nikki M. Murry, editor
“Although there isn’t much activity involved, I would have to say sleep. If I don’t get 8 hours of sleep a night, I’m a totally different person.”
– Elizabeth Beebe , account executive
“Dancing is essential for my health, mentally — not just going to classes in a studio but also jamming out in my car or twirling around in my bedroom. It keeps my spirits up.”
– Abigail Angstadt , editorial assistant
“I write in my journal before bed. It relieves stress and helps me sleep better.”
– Quynh Fisher, senior graphic designer
“Hand lettering my favorite quotes and scriptures. It’s a great creative outlet and makes a wonderful sketchbook to flip back through if I’m having a rough day.”
– Elaine Wyborski , design consultant
One entry per pet. The top 10 photos with the most votes will be featured in the July edition. Must be a Berks County resident to enter.
Featuring Mount Rushmore & The Badlands Escorted by AAA Reading-Berks EVP/COO Michael Axman
MOUNT RUSHMORE • BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK WALL DRUG • DEVILS TOWER NATIONAL MONUMENT OFF-ROAD JEEP SAFARI AT CUSTER STATE PARK DEADWOOD • CRAZY HORSE MEMORIAL
*Must book by 4/7/26 for advertised rate. Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges, Hotel Transfers, RT Air from PHL included. All rates are Per Person and are subject to change based on air inclusive package from PHL. Spotlight on S Dakota w/Mike Axman, AAA EVP/COO October 7-13, 2026 $3,399* pp, dbl occ 7 Days • 9 Meals AAA.com/travel 610-374-5600
Agent consultation by appointment.
SUBMISSION: March 3-12
VOTING: March 17-26
Fast and Fresh
If you are looking for a quick bite but don’t want to compromise on quality ingredients, check out The Juice Pod in West Reading. “Knowing what’s in your food is important,” says manager Jadon Green. “That’s why we use simple ingredients.” Their house-made juice blends, such as Pineapple Mint and Avalon Green, are the perfect pick-me-up, prepared with fresh fruits and veggies. Juices are the namesake of the Juice Pod; however, this cafe-style restaurant also offers an extensive food menu, including salads, specialty toasts, panini sandwiches, wraps and smoothie bowls with a base of organic acai, perfect for breakfast, lunch or a sweet treat. There is also a wide variety of smoothies, including the Kaleberry Smoothie made with kale, blueberries, banana and almond milk and the Creamsicle smoothie made with orange, banana, vanilla extract and almond milk. For more info visit thejuicepod.com.
— Abigail Angstadt
LEADERS & LE G ENDS DINNER
Support Olivet Boys & Girls Club by attending its Leaders & Legends Fundraising Dinner this month on March 30 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Reading. Here are some details…
Kitt’s Cats & Coffee
Kitt’s Cafe & Gandalf’s Garden is a family-founded-and-operated establishment offering a service like no other: coffee, cats and plants! Kitt’s Cafe is the first cat café to open in Berks County. It’s a coffee shop where customers can pay an hourly fee to relax and play with resident cats. All the cats and kittens at Kitt’s Cafe are associated with Humane Pennsylvania and are available for adoption. So far, Kitt’s Cafe has housed more than 125 cats. When asked for the inspiration behind the business, co-owner Jordan Fioravanti says it was family motivated, revealing, “My mom really loves the house plants. We all really love cats, and my sister is a pastry chef. So, I was like, ‘Have you heard of a cat cafe?’” The cafe menu includes espresso drinks, coffee and tea as well as a rotating selection of baked goods like muffins, coffee cake and the classic yet ever delicious chocolate chip cookie, made in-house by co-owner and professionally trained pastry chef Rhiannon Fioravanti. They also offer light fare like grilled cheese, breakfast sandwiches and breakfast burritos. The plants available for purchase add a lively touch to the cafe atmosphere. “Our main goal is just to be a welcoming, relaxing space,” says Jordan. For more info visit kittscafe.com. — Abigail Angstadt
1
THE THEME
This year’s theme is A Game Plan for Greatness. The evening supports local youth and celebrates those who help young people reach their full potential. The main program runs from 6-8:30pm and will feature performances by Olivet Club youth.
The Mobility Shop
Go Grava Bicycles is a bike shop in Wyomissing servicing any and all bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters. “Most shops only work with what they sell,” admits founder Aaron Johnson; however, due to its wide range of services, Johnson refers to Go Grava as a “mobility shop.” Go Grava sells a combination of new and used bikes, including big brands such as Giant and Fuji, as well as some local import bikes from North and Latin America. At Go Grava, they sell, but they also repair and refurbish, extending the life of already produced mobility items. “We try to be a value-add to the community; we get people outside no matter what,” says Johnson. Whether it’s repairing someone’s e-scooter or volunteering time at trail cleanups, Go Grava Bicycles is more than just a bicycle shop; it is a pillar of the Berks community. For more info visit gograva.com.
— Abigail Angstadt
2
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Attendees can look forward to a talk from Herm Edwards, longtime ESPN football analyst and former NFL and college head coach. The event’s chairs are Pete and Rachel Rowley. A VIP reception with Herm will be held from 5-6pm.
3 HONOREES
The evening will recognize Champion of Youth Honoree Nancy Deale, Partners for a Great Future, Boscov’s, and will include the announcement of the 2026 Youth of the Year. For tickets and more info visit onecau.se/leaders-legends
DID YOU KNOW?
SERENITY NOW. Yoga is known for aiding stress relief. While it has physical benefits, the meditation, breath work and auditory rituals often associated with the practice can help to relieve tension and stress.
MORE ZZZS.
Struggling with sleep? Yoga might help with that! The aftereffects of a yoga session aid mental calming and stress relief and in turn help with falling and staying asleep for some, research says.
Get Your Om On!
BY NIKKI M. MURRY
Is yoga on your list of things to try in the new year? If so and you live in Berks, you’re in luck — there is no shortage of places to enjoy the practice. Here are just a few…
BLDG. 7 Yoga.
This Wyomissing studio is award winning for a reason. A variety of classes are offered for all skill levels, from Vinyasa Power yoga to Hot Stone Restorative yoga. Sessions are held morning, afternoon and evening, making it easy to work one into your schedule. For new members, take advantage of the two-week trial of unlimited classes for $50. Drop-in classes are $18. Class card options and memberships are also available. bldg7yoga.com
Kula Kamala Foundation & Yoga Ashram.
At this Alsace Township facility, the goal is to reduce unnecessary suffering, enhance simple joy, improve overall health and well-being and support deeper connections for
those that are served. This includes offering yoga classes in a modern yet traditionally inspired approach to the practice that is suited to all experience levels. Cost is by donation, and $10 per class is suggested. kulakamalafoundation.org
Hot Yoga West Reading.
The first and only of its kind in the Berks County area, Hot Yoga West Reading offers the traditional Hot Yoga 26 & 2 sequence (26 postures, 2 breathing exercises) in classes ranging from 60 to 90 minutes as well as Hot Pilates, Ashtanga, Vinyasa and Restorative Yin Yoga. Morning and evening sessions are available. Private classes are also available, as are singleclass options and memberships. hotyogawestreading.com
Empower Yoga.
With locations in Shoemakersville and Kutztown, Empower Yoga’s instructors and owners are passionate about helping others live their happiest and healthiest lives
and about making a difference in their community, too. No commitment is required, featuring Yoga, Yoga Fundamentals and Full Moon Yoga. Classes are $15. empowerberks.com
The Nest Collaborative.
Set in West Reading, The Nest Collaborative looks to set you on a path to healing, growth and joy. Classes run the gamut, from Basic Yoga, Elemental Yoga and Mindful Flow Yoga to Deep Release Yoga, Strength & Mobility Flow and Qigong. Because The Nest is a collaborative, each teacher you practice with receives 100 percent of your class facility fee directly. thenestcollaborative.com
Wellspring on Main.
Whether you’re new to yoga or have practiced for years, this studio in Douglassville has a class to suit your needs. Weekly classes include Energizing Vinyasa, Gentle/Beginner Yoga, All Level Yoga, Chair Yoga
and Chill Vinyasa Yoga. Other classes are offered, too, including Mat Pilates. Massage and Reiki healing practices are available by appointment. Single classes are $15, and multiple-class cards are offered. wellspringonmain.com
April J Yoga.
At April J. Yoga in Topton, each class is thoughtfully designed to accommodate students of all skill levels, creating a supportive environment that is free from expectation. April’s focus is on educating, supporting and inspiring both beginners and experienced practitioners, thereby fostering holistic nourishment for the body, mind and spirit. This empowers individuals to deepen their practice. Both group classes and private sessions are offered. Class packages and monthly memberships are available. A single drop-in class is $18. apriljyoga.weebly.com
BY MARIAN FRANCES WOLBERS
PHOTO BY JOHN A. SECOGES, SECOGES PHOTOGRAPHICS
Mrs. Space Cadet is a Berks mom, marathoner and high-profile content creator who interviews professional athletes. Erin Azar — her real name — is on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. She has worked with USA Track & Field, made videos with NFL players and conducted Team USA Universal interviews with Winter Olympic and Paralympic athletes.
Q | Where did your nickname come from?
That came about from when I was a little girl. I still am very spacey… kind of an airhead! Forgetful. Daydreaming. On a school trip, maybe Girl Scouts, I had lost money my parents gave me to get food or something, and one of the adults on the trip said, “Erin, you’re such a space cadet.” And that kind of stuck with me. Then, I tried to put a positive spin on it as an adult, and I’m married, so… Mrs. Space Cadet.
Q | How and why did you start running?
I started to run after my third child was born, during that postpartum period when I was super sleep-deprived, just not feeling well mentally or physically. I was sitting in the recliner where I’d nurse my third baby, and I felt like I was going to crawl out of my skin. I thought, if I don’t move, I’m going to freak out (laughing)… My sneakers — I remember they had holes in them. I didn’t have a sports bra, so I put on a nursing bra, a baggy t-shirt, baggy shorts, and I ran to the end of our road
Erin Azar aka Mrs. Space Cadet
and back — which is about a mile. It was horrible physically, but mentally it kind of made me feel a little better — some stress relief, some endorphins, which I hadn’t felt in a long time.
Q | What is a struggle runner?
It’s because I never had a “good” run. I always felt like I was struggling. I was like, Oh, that was a struggle run. Then, it was, I am a struggle runner. And that turned into team struggle run once I had this big following online! I realized through meeting pro athletes and talking to them that they also have struggle runs. The struggle is universal.
Q | Were you active as a child?
I had played sports on and off growing up. But you know, when you graduate and you get a desk job, where you’re sitting, having kids… I had tried running plenty of times in the past and done all kinds of workout programs, but I quit everything. I decided I was going to run a mile every day for 30 days.
After that, I was like: What’s going to keep me running? Training for a marathon! It was completely crazy. But I knew it would force me to keep running, force it to be a habit. Now, five years later, I just go out for a run, and it doesn’t matter if I’m training for anything. It’s just part of my mental and physical toolkit. I’m also doing strength workouts. When you do lifting, you increase your bone density to prevent osteoporosis and getting broken bones.
SIDE STEPS
“We signed my husband up for the Philadelphia Marathon. He’s always the one who’s supporting me and spectating, so we had a little role reversal.”
Her dream: “I want to go to the redwood forest. It looks so magical…”
Life is busy. Finding time for something you enjoy can feel like a luxury, but it’s actually an important form of self-care. Taking up a new hobby or getting involved in an activity does more than fill up your free time; it nourishes both your mind and body. Looking for something to do that’s not only fun but good for you, too? We have a few ideas to try locally.
Make a Bouquet at Flora Home & Garden.
Flowers can really boost your spirits, and they’re a great way to brighten up your home space during the drearier months of the year. Instead of purchasing something pre-made, at Flora Home & Garden in Wyomissing you can build your own bouquet from their Bloom Bar. A handmade bouquet put together by you also makes a thoughtful gift for a friend or loved one. shopfloraco.com
Wax On.
Head to Wick Bar & Co. in West Reading to curate a candle and fragrance that’s uniquely you. Book a two-hour experience and choose a vessel in which to pour a 10-ounce soy-coconut wax candle that delivers a toxin-free, clean burn. Bonus: it’s BYOB, and you can bring your own snacks! Each candle-making experience is limited to 12 individuals. Search “Wick Bar & Co.” on Facebook.
Take the Stage.
Healthy Hobbies
BY NIKKI M. MURRY
Sit ‘n’ Stitch
Work with Nature.
Have you ever dreamed of taking the stage and performing in a band, singing, dancing or acting out a great scene? You can take a class to help make that dream a reality at the Yocum Institute for Arts Education in West Lawn. Regardless of age, there’s likely a class fit for you! yocuminstitute.org
Did you know your local public library not only offers books to borrow but most likely an assortment of clubs and activities to partake in, too? At the Hamburg Public Library, on the fourth Thursday of each month you can join the Sit ‘n’ Stitch group at 6pm whether you’re a newbie or experienced crafter. Relax and knit, crochet, do embroidery work –whatever your preference – and enjoy time working on your project with other like-minded individuals. berkspubliclibraries.org
Riverview Garden & Gifts in Temple is more than a garden center and retail shop. It’s home to plenty of fun workshop opportunities. Terrarium workshops are amongst the more popular offerings, seeing participants create the perfect homes for mini-indoor gardens, customizing their creations with plants,decorative stones and other natural accents to make a true work of art. Check out the workshop schedule online at gardensandgifts.com/events.
Get Artsy at GoggleWorks.
If you love the arts, there’s most certainly a class for you at this arts hub in the City of Reading. Workshops and courses run the gamut, from glassblowing, printmaking and ceramics to watercolor painting, felting and photography. If you enroll in a beginner course and are hooked, there’s likely a course you can take to enhance your skills. goggleworks.org/classes
Break a Sweat.
Want to take up an activity that will help you both physically and mentally? Try some indoor cycling in the TechnoGym Spin Studio at YMCA Sinking Spring. While you ride one of the 25 cycles available, you can enjoy music, black lights and party strobe lights for a highenergy, immersive experience. Beginner and advanced classes are available. ymcarbc.org/fitness
In 2007, Marco and Andrea Folino were relaxing at home reading through a lifestyle magazine when they stumbled across a feature about a couple opening their own winery. A lightbulb suddenly went off. What if they transformed 54 acres of a stalled housing development Marco’s father owned into something new? In that moment Folino Estate was born: a destination where hospitality, family tradition and authentic Italian culture blend into something greater than the sum of its parts.
Andrea and Marco’s journey from a first vineyard planting in 2014 to today’s thriving estate — complete with expansion plans and growing restaurant locations — proves that when you lead with
UPCOMING EVENT
THOUGHTS FROM GRCA
Quality without Compromise
BY BELL MEDIA GROUP & GRCA MARKETING TEAM
PHOTO BY LAUREN ADELE LITTLE PHOTOGRAPHY
genuine hospitality and refuse to compromise on quality, uncertainty becomes opportunity.
The Story Behind Folino Estate
Folino Estate’s story begins with a real estate dream that never materialized. In 2000, Rodolfo Folino purchased 54 acres in rural Kutztown along Interstate 78, envisioning a housing development under his construction company, Folino & Sons Construction. After seven years of investing time and resources while battling township and environmental regulations, it became clear the project wouldn’t move forward.
Then Marco and Andrea read about a husband and wife who had opened their own winery. “We looked
at each other and thought, what about the property?” Andrea recalls. The Folino family had decades of restaurant experience — Rodolfo had opened Valentino’s in Kutztown in the early 1980s after immigrating from Calabria, Italy, with his wife, Lidia. Andrea had a background in hospitality as well; that experience, combined with Marco’s construction expertise and their shared passion for Italian culture, made the pieces fall into place.
“A couple of weeks later, we had a vineyard consultant, and we started planning the vineyard,” Marco explains. What began as a modest retirement project quickly expanded. They wanted to get married at a vineyard and couldn’t find what they envisioned. They realized if
editor’s note
The following story was written as a part of GRCA member storytelling campaign. To read the entire story behind Folino Estate & Winery, scan the Flowcode. This series is sponsored by Bell Media Group.
they were going to do weddings, they needed to include food. Before they knew it, the concept had grown.
The first vines went into the ground in 2014. Today, more than 23,544 vines span 14 acres of rolling Pennsylvania countryside. The estate includes a winery and tasting room as well as a full restaurant, event spaces that host up to 220 guests and the foundation for future expansion — including a 40-room Tuscany-inspired resort village currently in development.
What sets Folino Estate apart is the philosophy embedded in every decision: authentic Italian hospitality, quality without compromise and creating experiences that bring people together around food, wine and celebration.
Join us on Friday, March 20 from 7:30 to 9:30am for State of the County, the new civic briefing on Berks County’s economy and development. Visit greaterreading.org/state to save your spot.
We know you can’t do business alone. Contact Dallan Yoh today to learn how to become a GRCA member.
|
LOOKING FOR MORE TO DO IN BERKS?
Explore additional events with our friends at Experience
COMPILED BY ABIGAIL ANGSTADT
MARCH 14
Just in time for Easter, join BHC Museum Curator Amber Vroman for a hands-on Pennsylvania German Scratch Egg Workshop! Scratch eggs are a traditional folk art form popular among PennsylvaniaGerman communities.
Berks History Center
Noon–3pm | Reading | berkshistory.org
WHAT TO DO & WHERE TO
MARCH 19–29
Berks Jazz Fest
This year, Berks Arts presents the 35th annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Festival, featuring dozens of concerts at various venues. Artists include Pieces of a Dream and Four80East with Jeff Kashiwa, Chris Botti, Vincent Ingala, Maysa, the Emmet Cohen Quintet and more.
Venues vary across Berks County berksjazzfest.com
MARCH 19
Gary
Gulman:
Misfit Standup Tour
Come see comedian Gary Gulman on his new tour, which features material based on his new memoir Misfit: Growing Up Awkward in the ‘80s
Miller Center for the Arts 7:30pm | Reading millercenter.racc.edu
MARCH 7
Reading Anime-Fest
The Reading Anime-Fest is the Anime collectors’ Mecca 1-day trade show convention. Admission is $20 or free for ages 11 and younger.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel 10am–5pm | Reading animefests.com/Reading
MARCH 8
TINA: The Tina Turner Musical
An uplifting comeback story like no other, TINA is the inspiring journey of a woman who broke barriers and became the Queen of Rock n’ Roll.
Santander Performing Arts Center 6pm | Reading | santander-arena.com
MARCH 4
15th Annual Women2Women Conference & Expo
Enjoy a full day designed to elevate your personal and professional growth. Immerse yourself in powerful learning sessions, meaningful conversations and opportunities to build connections with women who are shaping our community through leadership, mentorship and collaboration.
Plex at Alvernia University 8am–3:30pm | Reading greaterreading.org/w2wconference-expo
THROUGH
12 | Berks Art Alliance Show
The Berks Art Alliance annual art exhibition is on display at the Holleran Gallery this winter.
Yocum Institute for Arts Education Reading | yocuminstitute.org
THROUGH
15 | Time & Transformation: Stephanie Rado Taormina
Experience the work of local American painter
Stephanie Rado Taormina in the Cohen Gallery East. This exhibition brings together nearly two decades of Taormina’s creative evolution — exploring the belief that art, like life, is an act of becoming.
GoggleWorks Center for the Arts Reading | goggleworks.org
THROUGH
15 | Convulsive Motion: Brandon Clay Smith
Experience Brandon Clay Smith’s Convulsive Motion exhibit in the Cohen Gallery West, featuring works inspired by the awkwardness of human movement as expressed in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein
GoggleWorks Center for the Arts Reading | goggleworks.org
BENEFITS
16 | Picture Berks Healthy 2026
The annual Picture Berks Healthy benefit focuses on raising funds and celebrating the Berks Community Health Center’s mission to improve healthcare access. This year’s honorees are Donald Smith and the United Way of Berks County.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
5:30–7:30pm | Reading | berkschc.net
21 | Musical Bingo
Presented by the Reading Symphony Orchestra League. Doors open at Noon. All proceeds benefit the Reading Symphony Orchestra. West
1–4pm | West Lawn | 610.939.9351
CLASSICAL MUSIC
14 | Mozart & Haydn: The Clock
Delight in the brilliance and charm of the Classical era with a program that showcases the wit, grace and innovation of two musical masters.
Santander Performing Arts Center
7:30pm | Reading | readingsymphony.org
CONCERTS
& NIGHTLIFE
7 | Magical Mystery Doors
In this flagship show, Magical Mystery Doors brings together three of rock’s most influential bands in a way no one else does. Hits from The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and The Doors are reimagined through mashups and medleys that connect songs across catalogs.
Santander Performing Arts Center 7:30pm | Reading | santander-arena.com
10 | Joe Bonamassa
Come see blues-rock superstar
Joe Bonamassa live in concert. Bonamassa recently released his highly acclaimed 17th studio album, Breakthrough, which has been described as his most adventurous and genre-defying album to date.
Santander Performing Arts Center 8pm | Reading | santander-arena.com
HISTORICAL
THROUGH
May 3 | Rediscovering Native America: StoriesInMotion
RPM is proud to present this exhibition, which includes nearly 100 photographs by acclaimed Native American artists, exploring contemporary narratives of Indigenous communities from across the United States.
Reading Public Museum Reading | readingpublicmuseum.org
SPORTS
14 | St. Hat-Tricks Day
The Reading Royals are playing the Worcester Railers. Enjoy an evening of hockey and some St. Patrick’s Day fun, featuring a duffle bag giveaway, drink around the rink and specialty jerseys. Tickets start at $8.
Santander Arena 7pm | Reading | royalshockey.com
THEATER & DANCE
13-15
| The Greater Reading Area Dance Exchange Festival
The three-day festival celebrates dance in Berks County, bringing together adult-focused performance groups for the first time on stage.
Francis Hall Theatre Reading | jcwkdancelab.org
WHAT ELSE
4 | Craft & Vendor Show
Welcome the warmer weather at the Annual Spring Craft & Vendor Show. There will be a variety of makers, crafters and small businesses, plus some fun Easter activities!
Ready to embrace a healthier lifestyle? Check out this informative class featuring the book, Trim Healthy Wisdom. Discussions will include the latest tips, recipes and advice to help you make nutritious choices.
Bethel-Tulpehocken
Public Library | 10am–Noon Bethel | berkslibraries.org
Happening This Month?
MOZART SYMPHONY NO. 29
MOZART HORN CONCERTO NO. 3
HAYDN SYMPHONY NO. 101, “THE CLOCK”
Embrace a Clean Slate
BY HEATHER BAVER | PHOTOS COURTESY RELATED BUSINESSES
All-occasion Essential.
B Makowsky White Leather Crossbody
$29.99 | From The Heart Consignment Shop
Make this crossbody bag your first choice for any outing. The white pebbled leather complements every outfit, and the silver hardware adds a bit of shine. A zippered top and front flap pocket keep you organized, and the beltstyle strap adjusts for an ideal fit.
Iconic Sole.
Dr. Martens Loafers | size 10 | $89.99 From The Heart Consignment Shop
Slide into effortless style with these fringed loafers. The comfy air-cushioned sole is accented with Dr. Martens’ classic yellow stitches. The white shade is perfect for warm months, and it pairs well with everything from jeans and shorts to dresses and skirts.
A clean aesthetic takes center stage with Cloud Dancer, Pantone’s 2026 Color of the Year. “Cloud Dancer enhances our focus, providing release from the distraction of external influences,” notes Pantone’s Leatrice Eiseman. Whether alone or harmonizing with any color, this white hue brings serenity to your wardrobe, accessories and home.
Make every meal feel like a celebration with this handmade tableware. The sleek, minimalist design features a matte finish and will elevate your favorite recipes. The lightweight, durable stoneware is microwave- and dishwasher-safe, ensuring these dishes will last for many years of family meals.
Bow-dacious Delight.
Bow-detailed Poplin Midi Skirt | $142 Andrea Folino Boutique & Sangria Bar
Add some flair to your color-ofthe-year style. This A-line skirt’s pleated design creates a clean, tailored look and is embellished all over with fun bows. Stick with an all-white look or pair it with colorful tops for a rainbow of options.
So Snuggly.
White Throw Blanket | 50” x 62” | $59 ANITATrinket
Curl up with a book, mug of tea and this cozy knitted throw. The fresh white hue complements any color of furniture. Puffy white tassels provide an eyecatching detail when draped over the back of a sofa or displayed in a decorative basket.
SOURCES
Adam N’ Eve Boutique 309 W. Main St. Kutztown | 610.683.8117
Andrea Folino Boutique & Sangria Bar 945 Hill Avenue, Ste. 100 Wyomissing | 484.267.2939 andreafolino.com
ANITATrinket
101 S. Richmond St. Fleetwood | 484.332.7682 anitatrinket.com
Boscov’s Locations in Exeter, Muhlenberg, Wyomissing | 610.779.2000 boscovs.com
Finch + Fern 728 Penn Avenue West Reading | 484.869.5617 finchnfern.com
From The Heart Consignment Shop 4600 Penn Avenue Sinking Spring | 484.509.4441 fromtheheartconsignment.com
The Mint Leaf 1008 Stinson Dr. Leesport | 610.615.5134 themintleafboutique.com
Kohl’s 2700 Paper Mill Rd. Wyomissing | 610.371.0237 kohls.com
Scent-tastic Options.
Welsh Mountain Candle Company
Reed Diffuser | $13.99 | 16 oz. candle | $17.99
The Mint Leaf
Experience Cloud Dancer’s peaceful vibe with the warm glow of a candle or the long-lasting scent of a diffuser. Both feature sleek white exteriors. Each contains magnolia + vanilla: a dynamic blend of citrus and floral combined with white musk and vanilla bean.
Brighten up your space with Cloud Dancer. From the textured dot pattern to the gold accented bottom, this table lamp has all kinds of exciting details. The cylindrical shade diffuses ample light so you can sit back and read, craft or play games.
Embroidered Elegance.
Gretty Zueger Embroidered Cotton
Tunic | $92 | Adam N’ Eve Boutique
Welcome warmer weather with cool, lightweight cotton. A looped, wavy design adorns this breezy tunic. The sleeves include a delicate eyelet detail before billowing out into romantic flares. Wear it with leggings, straight-leg denim or shorts for a polished yet casual look.
Blissful Tranquility.
London Fog Down Alternative Comforter | Twin, Full/Queen or King | Ticketed: $99.99-129.99 Sale: $44.99-64.99 | Boscov’s
Relax with bedding that looks and feels like a cloud. This fluffy comforter is filled with hypoallergenic down alternative to keep you cozy. A pattern of stitched geometric lines holds the soft filling in place and adds a crisp, clean look to any bedroom.
Spa-Inspired.
SUPERIOR 6-piece Plush
Egyptian Cotton Bath Towel Set $110.99 | Kohl’s
Treat yourself to the ultimate after-bath experience. These Egyptian cotton towels have the perfect amount of plushy softness when you dry off. The Cloud Dancer hue adds a calming note to every color of bathroom, and the quick-dry fibers rapidly banish moisture.
Floral Accents.
Floral Button V-neck Cardigan | $164
Andrea Folino Boutique & Sangria Bar
Keep this comfy cardigan handy when you need another layer. The relaxed fit looks amazing with jeans. A V-neckline shows off your shirt, and pearly flower buttons add a decorative touch. The square pockets are ideal for warming your hands or stowing small items.
Chic Weave.
Focus Textured Jacket | $62 Adam N’ Eve Boutique
Celebrate the color of the year with textured style. This cotton waffle-weave jacket features large statement buttons and ¾-length sleeves for showing off bracelets or a watch. Play with textures and patterns, pairing with striped or solid shirts in satin, twill or knit fabrics.
5 Holistic Wellness Spots
BY HEATHER BAVER | PHOTOS PROVIDED BY RELATED BUSINESSES
2 | Heavenly Headcare.
Delux Head Spa Experience | $175 for 90 min. $190 w/add-on Brush Light Therapy
Reach a new level of relaxation with Grey Colt’s Delux service. Scalp manipulation and massage, along with a custom shampoo and mask, busts stress and promotes luxuriant hair. An included facial leaves your skin hydrated and glowing. To finish, a blowout ensures you’ll turn heads with your shiny, bouncy strands.
Grey Colt Head Spa | Sola Salon Studios 945 Hill Avenue, Ste. 26, Wyomissing greycoltheadspa.glossgenius.com
Boost your feelings of well-being by exploring holistic health and wellness services. Whether you’re seeking pain relief, trying to de-stress or aiming to boost your energy, these Berks-based practitioners are here to help you feel rejuvenated and amazing. Check out these five options to see what best suits your situation.
1 | Positive Adjustment. Chiropractic Care
| contact for pricing
Bask in the feeling of release after a chiropractic adjustment. Using a diversified adjusting technique, Core Health’s chiropractors use their expertise to provide natural pain relief and treatment for injuries or chronic conditions. Prior to their first adjustment, new patients undergo a comprehensive assessment to determine their personal care plan.
Core Health Chiropractic 1057 Van Reed Rd., Reading | 610.750.9131 | corehealthberks.com
Energizing and relaxing, acupuncture has been used for thousands of years. Sterile needles the size of a human hair are inserted into the skin to relieve pain and promote natural healing. Electrostimulation, heat, suction or liniments may be added to treat a variety of conditions, including gynecological, gastrointestinal and circulatory disorders.
Cold Laser Therapy | $30 for 15 min. session | package of 6 sessions: $150
Experience the gentle power of low-level lasers. These near infrared wavelengths deeply penetrate the skin, helping to stimulate cellular energy, reduce inflammation and encourage natural regeneration in muscles, nerves and connective tissue. This non-invasive, downtime-free therapy is particularly helpful for treating chronic pain, neuropathy, joint issues and facilitating injury recovery.
DayStar Natural | 3608 St. Lawrence Avenue, Ste. 101, Reading 610.370.4343 | daystarcommunitynaturalhealth.com
5
Axiom Healthspan IV Hydration Therapy | pricing varies (special pricing for Baja members) Feel refreshed and revitalized with IV hydration therapies. Sit back and relax as fluids and nutrients are rapidly delivered and absorbed into your bloodstream. Choose blends for hydration, energy boosting, hangover or migraine relief, immune support and more. You can even select a custom blend to address your unique needs.
Health journeys can include all kinds of unexpected detours. It’s easy to get dispirited when things go south, sometimes quickly. These three Berks Countians battled adversity and apathy but persevered. If you’re looking for some inspiration, look no further.
Anne Desjardins
ESCAPING THE LYMELIGHT
The day Anne Desjardins of Wyomissing was diagnosed with Lyme disease was one of the highlights of her life.
As odd as that may sound, the diagnosis followed seven agonizing years during which her body fell apart, with ailments piling up to the point where she made peace with the fact that she was likely dying. But every time she got checked out, doctors told her she was just stressed and depressed.
The final straw was when she became dizzy while driving. Not wanting to put the lives of other people at risk, she found a doctor who finally pinpointed the root cause of her ailments.
“I was validated in that I wasn't broken,” the Wyomissing resident says. “There legitimately was something wrong with me. They kept telling me that I was stressed and depressed, and that's why I didn't feel well. And I was like, ‘No, I don't feel well, which is making me stressed and depressed; it's the other way around.’”
Her symptoms began about 15 years ago, soon after she turned 30: fatigue, memory loss, stuttering issues, night sweats, hearing loss, insomnia.
“I try to conceptualize it for people,” Desjardins says. “It's like if I ran a marathon, I didn't sleep all night and I was hungover — that might equal what that level of fatigue was like. And then I had a strange sensation on the left side of my face that felt like my face was melting. Later on, I realized I had Bell's Palsy, and that's probably what that sensation was.”
She cried frequently and had anger issues, becoming socially awkward and reclusive, embarrassed that she couldn't remember the names of longtime friends and colleagues.
“It was hard to be a human,” she says.
After years of being told that there was nothing wrong with her, she stopped going to doctors, turning to alcohol to help her sleep. Her issues continued to intensify, including heart palpitations and loss of coordination.
“People think of Lyme disease as something that makes your joints hurt, but my joints didn't hurt until the very end,” she says. “In the beginning, it wasn't like that. And then it was just a slow, gradual decline into the pits of hell.”
After finally getting an accurate diagnosis, the long recovery began, including expensive visits to specialists, blood work and supplements.
“It took a lot to fix myself,” she says. “I was on antibiotics for 2.5 years. I changed everything about my physical being. I don't eat dairy, gluten, sugar, caffeine. I haven't had alcohol for six years. I'm very mindful about what I eat. I'm very careful with my self-care practices.”
Once she started to feel like a human being again, she began offering tick tips on social media, which led to her starting a support group and getting certified as a public prevention specialist through PA Lyme Resource Network.
She also began practicing hot yoga, which introduced her to Ayurveda, an alternative medicine system originating in India. Its pull was so powerful, she went back to school to become an Ayurvedic practitioner.
“Ayurveda is the sister science to yoga,” Desjardins says. “Western medicine only got me so far. I'm grateful for it, but I found a lot more relief through herbal remedies and alternative healing techniques.”
Her wealth of knowledge and desire to spread hope to those suffering from the disease sparked
The Silver Lyming podcast, which debuted three years ago in May, Lyme Disease Awareness Month.
“There are a lot of support groups online available, but they're usually pretty dark and scary,” she says. “So I would specifically search out stories of people who had recovered from various things to encourage myself. I wanted to give people hope.”
The disease’s reach is significant. The Center for Disease Control reported in 2025 that about 89,000 cases of Lyme disease were reported to the agency in 2023, though estimates using other methods suggest that nearly 500,000 people contract the disease annually. One of Desjardins’ close friends from high school passed away last year from Lyme-related complications. She urges everyone in Pennsylvania to be extra vigilant as the state consistently ranks No. 1 in Lyme disease cases across the country due to its climate, which is ideal for the parasites.
... I would specifically search out sto ries of peo ple who had recovered from various things to encourage myself.
I WANTED TO GIVE PEOPLE HOPE. “
The treacherous journey that dominated nearly one third of her life is finally in the rearview mirror, but it will always be on her mind going forward, especially when she’s outdoors.
“It was the hardest thing I've ever done in my life,” she says. “It took me seven years to get a diagnosis, and it took me probably seven years to fix myself. I am grateful that I've survived, but it took a lot of money. And I still have some PTSD about it. I catch myself sometimes because I'm still somewhat fearful of my body failing me.”
Anne Desjardins
TRADING THE BOTTLE FOR A BUSINESS Roger Burnish “
For a few frenzied years in his late 30s, Roger Burnish had two full-time jobs: working at a cabinet company and lying to his friends and family.
What began as hitting the bars a few nights a week with co-workers quickly became much more serious.
“I realized on my drives home that, man, I feel a lot better,” says Burnish, who was dealing with his first wife’s cancer diagnosis. “And then it progressed into me stopping every day after work and hiding.”
No one in his immediate or extended family had alcohol issues, which made him more determined to mask his addiction.
“My brothers were successful, and I didn't want to be the black sheep, so to speak,” the Leesport resident says. “So you just hide, and you lie all
the time. And it becomes a full-time job keeping track of your lies.”
His dependence soon led to a divorce, after which he says he felt like he had nothing to live for. Getting closer to an acquaintance he has known since childhood helped. They’ve been happily married for six years.
Rehab wasn’t easy. His first seven attempts were unsuccessful. But eight was enough: he has been sober since Feb. 15, 2017.
“You can go 20 times if somebody tells you, but you have to want it yourself,” he says. “And I wanted it. I was sick and tired of it.”
Physically and mentally, Burnish felt like a new man. He stopped socializing with people he realized weren’t really his friends and dove headfirst into his burgeoning business, Burnish Construction.
“I just decided I was just going to go out on my own,” he says.
“I started with a Ford Escort and some tools from Harbor Freight. And it all went well. I met the right customers. I’ve been doing business for almost 10 years. I do almost $1 million a year. And I help my wife out. She's a real estate investor.”
Burnish Construction specializes in kitchens and baths, with clients as far away as Radnor and Bryn Mawr. Next year, he plans to build a shop focusing on cabinets as that part of his business continues to skyrocket. He also wants to expand his custom millwork.
Despite being around alcohol regularly, Burnish isn’t concerned about relapsing.
“I don't get urges at all,” he says. “My biggest stress relief is playing ice hockey. I’ve played my whole life, and I play once a week in a men's league. They all drink beer in the locker room. I'm the only one who doesn’t. It doesn't even faze me. The
DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR
HELP...
smell of it doesn't bother me at all. I don't even think about it.”
His advice for anyone battling the demons with which he struggled is to check your pride.
“Don't be afraid to ask for help,” he says, “and you have to want it.”
GETTING BACK IN STEP AFTER A LONG ABSENCE Phyllis Logan
Phyllis Logan became active early in life due to her father’s service in the military. But it was her father’s active hobby later in life that truly kicked her in gear.
An avid walker, her father enjoyed traversing the trail at Gring’s Mill Recreation Area. Logan, who worked across the street at Carpenter Technology Corp. for nearly 40 years, frequently dropped him off on her way to work.
“And then one day I thought, I'm going to check this trail out,” the West Lawn resident says. “And it became the place where I solve all of life’s problems.”
Falling in love with running on the trail, she decided to put her training to use, running several 5Ks, 10Ks and the 10-mile Broad Street Run in Philadelphia. She ran her first half-marathon, the Love Run Philadelphia Half Marathon, in 2014.
After she took an early-retirement package from Carpenter in 2016, the fun really began. The added training time in her schedule allowed her to tackle her first full marathon in North Carolina.
“Then I just found races,” says Logan, 63. “I was trying to do 50 half-marathons in 50 states. I got 15 done in 15 states plus Canada. In my favorite one, we started in Detroit and then went over the Windsor Bridge before coming back to the U.S. under the tunnel. There's a spot that's in Canada and the U.S., and I took a picture there. I posted it, saying, ‘Who said you can't be in two places at one time?’
“I also did one in Kentucky. I was born in Fort Knox. And I found a race a day before my birthday in 2018 that benefited the children of Fort Knox. So that one was near and dear to my heart.”
“ I'M THANKFUL. I'M GRATEFUL. I'M BLESSED, YOU KNOW. “
But her training went off the tracks in 2020 when COVID hit. In-person races were canceled, and virtual races didn’t pack the same punch. Logan still ran for fun, but she couldn't get back into competitive running, even after the country reopened.
Never much of a gym goer, she was intrigued by a social media post from Body Zone Sports and Wellness Complex advertising a Weigh to Wellness Trim Down. The program, which kicked off in March 2025, lasted eight weeks with participants meeting for 45 minutes three times a week.
“After I retired, I didn't really have any place to be,” she says. “So this was my first time where I had to be somewhere. Mentally, it was good for me. It was the first time being in the gym, where I had goals. And one of my goals was to run a half-marathon because I hadn't run
one in five years. And I just did it in November. It was St. Luke's Half Marathon in Allentown.”
The experience was so beneficial that Logan participated in another Body Zone program later in the year called the Build and Burn Holiday Session. She also swims and attends aqua fitness classes.
When she’s not staying active in the gym and on the trails, she stays active helping out with her seven grandchildren and her 90-year-old mother.
Along with returning to fitness, she’s returning to the goals she set before COVID.
“I’ve done 21 half-marathons so far,” she says. “I don't know that I'll ever do a full again, but I won't say for certain. My goal for 2026 is to get back, do at least three halfmarathons in states that I haven't covered yet. I'm thankful. I'm grateful. I'm blessed, you know.”
“If you had to refer a family member or friend to another dentist, whom among your colleagues would you trust?”
Finding the right dentist — whether for general care or specialized treatment — can be daunting. For many people, dental visits come with uncertainty or anxiety, making the decision even more important.
Fortunately, Berks County is home to an exceptional network of dental professionals dedicated to compassionate, individualized care. To help guide your search, we’ve curated our annual Select Dentists supplement.
The dentists featured in the following pages were nominated by their peers as trusted leaders in their respective specialties. All participants were surveyed by independent research group FieldGoals.us, ensuring an objective and credible selection process.
Explore this year’s honorees and meet the professionals who are helping raise the standard of dental care in our community.
Dental Arts of Wyomissing 1075 Berkshire Blvd., Ste. 950, Wyomissing 610.678.2175 berksdentalarts.com
Continued on page 33
Michelle Lee DMD
Dr. Michelle Lee, owner of Fleetwood Dental, is proud to serve and provide comprehensive dentistry to the Berks County area for the past 17 years. She and her former partner, Dr. Richard Reddy, collaboratively served the community for 50 years in the same practice, and she continues to carry on the practice legacy. Fleetwood Dental sits in the heart of Fleetwood, providing a total patient-centered practice philosophy with a focus on treating the health of the jaw joints (Temporomandibular Joint) to proper bite/occlusion, delivering form, function and esthetics in a final smile design. She asserts, “Let’s start with the TM Joint and finish with a big smile.” She provides a comprehensive scope of dentistry that includes TMD, Bruxism (grinding and clenching), sleep apnea, Dental Appliance Therapy, Implant dentistry/full-mouth implant prosthesis and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lee has 1,000+ hours of advanced training in TMD and continues to expand her knowledge in this field because she feels passionate about the relationship between the health of the jaw joint, muscles and occlusion and its long-term benefits in creating dental wellness.
Dr. Lee received her dental degree, DMD, from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and completed a general practice residency at Abington Memorial Hospital. In addition to her time at the practice, she teaches restorative microscope dentistry at the University of Pennsylvania Dental School and integrates microscope dentistry into her own private practice. Dr. Lee approaches dentistry with precision, accuracy and brings an artistic perspective to all of her cases. She strives to deliver the care, skill and professional judgment necessary for dental excellence for each and every one of her patients. She is passionate about teaching, mentoring and giving back to dentistry and has been invited to speak at various national and local education venues. Dr. Lee started her Pankey dental education journey in 2008, serves on the Pankey board of directors and Pankey faculty and holds a Pankey Scholar distinction, with less than 100 practitioners holding this title. The goal at Fleetwood Dental is to treat patients like family and collaborate with them in a relationship-based, healthcentered philosophy of care.
Dr. Amanda Clemente
Keystone Periodontal Group
Gum disease affects over half the population aged 30 years or older. Periodontists are dentists that are extensively trained in issues relating to the gums and bone that support the teeth. From gum disease to gum recession and even gummy smiles, at Keystone Periodontal Group, we are the experts in all the supporting structures of your teeth and implants.
Our small, specialized team led by Dr. Clemente is dedicated to providing you with a personalized experience from the moment you walk through our doors. You’ll feel like family as we treat you with the utmost compassion and respect.
Dr. Clemente is a Board-certified Periodontist and Implant Specialist. She takes the time to attentively listen to your concerns and answer any questions you may have. We believe that fostering a strong patient-doctor relationship is vital for a stress-free and enjoyable experience.
Our periodontal services are individually tailored to promote overall well-being and to guide you to long-term oral health success. We provide personalized care plans, oral hygiene recommendations and regular check-ups to monitor your gum health to prevent future issues. Call us today to schedule your first visit!
At ROG Orthodontics, we’ve been proudly creating fantastic smiles in Berks County for more than 60 years. Our legacy is built on trust, experience and exceptional care with proven results. Led by Drs. Natalie Parisi, Dennis Mauro and Ashima Sharma, we are committed to providing personalized orthodontic care tailored to each patient’s unique needs in a warm, welcoming environment. Our office is more than just about smiles — it’s about creating a fun, supportive experience that truly feels like home. We build lasting relationships that span generations.
We understand how important it is to choose the right orthodontist, and we are honored to be your trusted choice. At ROG Orthodontics, every smile tells a story, and we’re proud to be part of yours. Our team is passionate about combining the latest advancements in orthodontics with a personal touch to ensure outstanding results for every patient. After all, there’s a big difference between straight teeth and a fantastic smile.
Continued from page 29
Daniel F. Ciabattoni, DMD
Green Valley Dental
4906 Penn Avenue, Sinking Spring
610.678.8395 gvdentalfamily.com
Lisa M. Ciabattoni, DMD
Green Valley Dental
4906 Penn Avenue, Sinking Spring 610.678.8395 gvdentalfamily.com
Shea M. Devine, DMD
Malloy & Devine Signature Dental
30 Commerce Dr., Ste. 2, Wyomissing
610.320.9993
malloydevinedental.com
Elizabeth Dymond, DMD
Dymond Dental
1248 Penn Avenue, Wyomissing
610.376.3929 dymond.dental
AJ Giesa, DMD
Green Valley Dental
4906 Penn Avenue, Sinking Spring 610.678.8395 gvdentalfamily.com
Shawn R. Habakus, DMD, PC
Dental Office of Shawn R. Habakus, D.M.D., P.C.
1008 Ben Franklin Hwy. West, Douglassville 610.385.4845 drhabakus.com
If you are looking for a highly personalized patient experience, look no further than Molly Hottenstein Orthodontics. As a native of Berks County, Dr. Molly wanted to bring something new and unique to orthodontics in the area. Her new office in Wyomissing combines the highest quality of care with a one-onone, personalized touch. She utilizes the newest technology and individualized treatment plans to help patients transform their smiles and gain confidence.
Dr. Molly is a graduate of Wyomissing High School and Villanova University. She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Temple University’s Kornberg School of Medicine, where she furthered her education with an additional two years of training in the Orthodontic Residency Program.
She prides herself on treating each patient like family and loves to create an unforgettable experience with every office visit. She is passionate about establishing a relationship with each of her patients and feels this is the best way to deliver the highest standard of care.
Visit Dr. Molly to begin your journey to a better smile with braces or clear aligners. Call to schedule your free orthodontic consultation. You won’t be disappointed!
Berks Oral Surgery + Dental Implant Center is trusted throughout the community to deliver outstanding results in a safe, welcoming and comfortable environment. As true surgical specialists of dentistry, the doctors are uniquely trained to manage complex procedures involving the face, jaw and teeth — making an oral surgeon the most qualified choice when it comes to oral surgery and dental implant procedures. Their advanced education, hospital-based training and surgical expertise ensure the highest level of safety, precision and longterm success.
The practice offers full-scope oral and maxillofacial surgical care with a strong emphasis on dental implants, helping patients return to eating, smiling and laughing with confidence. One of the most life-changing options available is New Teeth Today®, an innovative full-arch dental implant treatment designed for patients with missing or failing teeth. With this advanced procedure, an entire arch of non-removable, natural-looking, fully functional teeth can be placed within ONE day with ONE procedure — eliminating months of waiting and restoring smiles almost immediately.
At Berks Oral Surgery + Dental Implant Center, the team takes tremendous pride in caring for the Berks County community and beyond. If you’re seeking unparalleled compassion, advanced surgical expertise and transformative results, trust your care to oral surgeons who specialize in changing lives — one smile at a time.
Andrea Smith DDS
Owner/Prosthodontist
Berks Prosthodontics
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 ADAaccredited 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.
APOTHECARY Amazing
BY MARIAN FRANCES WOLBERS | PHOTOS COURTESY INSPIRED APOTHECARY
Stephanie Mitchell is a Registered Pharmacist and owner of Inspired Apothecary in Sinking Spring: “Where Science Meets Nature.”
She’s also a wife, mother of two highlevel athletes and a former Temple University Division I basketball player whose carefully constructed salves, ointments, oils and other mixtures help heal ailments from poison ivy to sprained ankles.
The Journey
There are many reasons why Mitchell expanded her profession beyond the usual pharmacy counter, turning her scientific knowledge and talents toward making her own products. One reason stems from the natural concern she experiences as a mom and as an athletic coach of youth players, where sprains commonly land hurt players on the sideline. She laughingly confesses, “I want my kids to get back on the courts as fast as possible!”
On a rather more serious note, Mitchell’s path to developing her Inspired Apothecary company came about from personally losing a loved one. Her work was literally inspired by her brother Steve. “He was also a pharmacist — and he passed away from cancer,” she says. Despite an initial prognosis of just six months more to live (timeline details that Steve did not specifically know), her brother set about improving his quality of life through a focus on natural nutrition and compounded remedies. He lived nine more years! Stephanie relates, “He changed his lifestyle. He changed the way he ate; he changed a lot of things. So, in that changing, I saw that he did a lot of natural things at home, too. He took a lot of vitamins, and I saw some essential oil sometimes, and I thought, ‘Oh, I remember seeing tea tree oil around his house!’
“I started researching about tea tree oil, and then I was like, ‘Hmm, I remember in pharmacy school that there are a lot of natural ingredients that have been given to us by God. But because you can’t patent those things, a lot of the drug companies won’t go further with them.’ So, these companies
I remember in schoolpharmacy that there are a lot of ingredientsnatural that have been given to us by God. But because you patentcan’tthose things, a lot of the drug companies won’t furthergowith them.So, these companies get ideas and inspiration from nature.
get ideas and inspiration from nature — for example, certain cancer medicines like Taxol (brand name), which is from a tree. But when the chemical structure changes, that’s what can create side effects. So that’s how I really put that all together.”
While working at a major pharmacy, Mitchell developed a fresh approach, which became the foundation of her entrepreneurship. “That pharmacy was quiet and calm and not busy. We were only probably doing like 500 prescriptions a week. At my current store that I help in, we have 1,000 on a Monday,” she laughs. “That pharmacy was really slow. It was kind of like a mom-and-pop pharmacy where you could actually have conversations with people. You knew a lot of people by their first name.”
The Demand
“One of the big problems people have in the summer is poison ivy,” says Mitchell, “and I would recommend hydrocortisone and other cream products, and it worked temporarily, but the customers would always come back for more help. I started mixing, and my boss was really cool. He allowed me to do a lot of things. I ordered essential oils, and I made a skin saver for poison ivy. People would then come back and ask, ‘Can you make something for me?’ Maybe they have eczema or just sprained an ankle…” Thereafter, “I started doing a lot of different things, mixing remedies according to certain needs. People would say, ‘Oh, my kid has acne.’ Or, I was asked, ‘What are good creams and ointments for cuts?’ And so I made Mom’s Magic Balm: I use manuka honey with a mixture of essential oils… One of my customers told me her dad would get bedsores, and I made a custom cream for him. And I made special soap that wouldn’t be so irritating for him.”
The Products
Passionate about helping people, Mitchell set up her own lab space at home and launched her business in earnest, whereby folks can purchase products online. “What I like to do is research a bunch of different companies and look at their star ingredients; then I figure out how to put those star ingredients together. When I look at some products, I ask myself, ‘What are all these other ingredients and products with like 20 letters in a word that I can’t even pronounce?’”
Moisturizers are a case in point. “I started making body butters, which have about 10 ingredients. Why use cheap things as the inactive ingredients when you can use something that actually moisturizes your skin while getting all the medicinal benefits from other properties?”
Tested Remedies
“I also made a pain rub because I have kids who play competitive basketball, plus I coach young kids, and I was an athlete in college. My Over Did It Crème has a base of shea butter and cocoa butter.” It soothes sore muscles, backaches, minor aches and arthritis. Athletes also love her Reset & Recovery Gel.
Other products include Nerve Pain Relief Oil. “One of the main essential oils I use here is Helichrysum oil.”
Additionally, athletes and regular folks alike use Skin Hustle Deep Cleansing Face Wash, plus Luxe Body Butter to restore, hydrate and improve rough, dry skin after bathing.
What’s up ahead? Mitchell reveals, “I am going through menopause, so I’m actually in the process of making a face oil for aging and preventive skin care.”
There’s no time like now to focus on feeling your best. Our Fitness & Wellness section spotlights local businesses dedicated to helping you do just that. Whether you’re building new habits, refining your routine, looking to holistic practices to boost wellness or just to update your workout gear, these experts are here to support you.
Omnia Integrative
Discover the joy of running and walking and experience the health benefits of an active lifestyle with the right gear! At Fleet Feet West Reading, our expert staff use advanced pressure plates and 3D foot scanners to ensure the perfect fit for your shoes and gear. Whether you’re starting your running journey or aiming to reach new goals, our running classes are designed for all levels. Join our friendly running community with weekly free runs and treat yourself during our fun-filled monthly donut dashes. Let’s make fitness enjoyable — one step at a time. Stop by and see why we’re more than a store; we’re a hub for runners and walkers alike.
get back to your
or change it up?
Design for
Wellness
BY HEATHER BAVER
Boost your mental health by creating a space that’s filled with peaceful vibes. We talked to three pros to get their expertise on ways to arrange furniture, declutter and decorate to promote feelings of comfort and security. Check out these suggestions and make wellness the focal point of your home.
Optimal Arrangements
No matter what room you’re working in, look around at your furniture placement. Decide if the layout makes you feel content or if it could benefit from a reset. “Adopt a mindset of curiosity and set aside an hour or two just to notice where you have blockages and buildups,” advises Yuriko Beaman, owner of Joy & Space LLC. “Then, let your creativity flow and envision a modified space that works for you.”
Once you start moving furniture around, keep a few guiding principles in mind. “Balance and symmetry can be important aspects to arranging furniture. It can have a calming effect on the brain and, without even realizing it, create a sense of ‘all is okay,’” explains Kathleen Schippers, owner/ founder of KJ Designs, LLC. “A general rule of thumb is to arrange furniture in a way that opens up a room and invites you in.” Schippers also likes to divide furniture arrangements even further to create different zones within a room for different activities.
To improve your mental health, Beaman suggests positioning items in ways that will reduce clutter. “If you notice that one chair or table in your bedroom is frequently covered with clothes and other stuff, take a moment to notice what is there and understand why those items are collecting there,” she explains. “Notice where your tasks and energy get stalled and see if you can remove those barriers.”
You can also discourage clutter formation with décor, Beaman adds. Instead of having an empty dining table that becomes a drop zone, “keep the table set for a beautiful evening meal with placemats and
chargers,” she advises. “It will always be ready for entertaining and can give you opportunities for regular creative decorating.”
In addition, consider the overall energy of the space. “It is important for that energy to flow easily within the rooms,” explains Mary Marshall Palmer, retired owner of Palmer Design Services. “Furniture placement and lack of physical clutter can affect that flow. Energy being stuck can directly relate to your feeling stuck.”
As you’re rearranging, don’t forget to include open space. “When I attended Parsons School for Design, a teacher once said, ‘Make sure you have dance room in every design,’” recalls Palmer. “Don’t fill your rooms to the max. That gives energy the ability to move around at will, and that’s a good thing.”
Illuminating Contributions
“Do not underestimate the importance of lighting, as it is key to how a space can make you feel,” Schippers cautions. She suggests placing table and floor lamps to illuminate key areas of a space. For rooms that have permanent ceiling fixtures, she likes to incorporate dimmers for adjustable lighting.
Besides the amount and placement of lighting, the bulbs’ color temperature plays an important role. “Soft, warm lighting creates a calm,
POWER MOVE
Arrange furniture in a way that opens up a room and invites you in.
GET READY, GET SET
Instead of having an empty dining table that becomes a drop zone for clutter, keep the table set for a beautiful meal.
LIGHTING MATTERS
Soft, warm lighting creates a calm, peaceful space.
explains. “I recommend 2700k, which has a soft yellow amber glow and creates a cozy, relaxing atmosphere.”
In addition, consider the colors of your walls. “While some studies have indicated that blue is a calming color, it’s really about your values and personal preferences,” Beaman says. “Close your eyes and picture yourself in the place where you’ve felt the most relaxed. What colors and lighting do you see there? Those are probably the colors and lighting that are best for you.”
Palmer agrees that lighting and color choices are highly personal. “I go back to loving your space,” she advises. “Look at magazines or on the Internet. See what spaces make you feel ‘ahhhhh.’ Copy that feel. One design does not work for all.”
Comfort is Crucial
“My design ‘must’ in any room is comfort!” Schippers says. Beyond seating that’s comfortable and built to last, she also likes to add blankets. “I often put a large basket in a room and fill it with throw blankets, which creates a nice design aesthetic as well as something practical and functional.”
BUNDLE UP
A basket with blankets creates a nice design aesthetic as well as being functional.
Comfort can also be increased by repairing items that need a little TLC. “Fix whatever is broken because that is very bad energy,” advises Palmer. “A broken door, hinge, chair is a constant source of annoyance. Energy really gets stuck there!” If you’re unsure how to proceed, watch an online tutorial or seek out a pro for more complicated tasks. As you revamp common spaces, Beaman likes to get the whole household involved. “Get curious about everyone’s favorite sitting spot and ask them to share why that spot is
the best with others,” she suggests. “This will help everyone in the space understand what works for others and add additional context to what needs to stay in the space.”
Schippers recommends adding art and mementos to promote well-being. “Pieces that are meaningful to you — a family heirloom, a piece that you purchased during your travels or with someone special that will remind you of that experience each time you look at it,” she notes.
As time passes, give yourself space to change up these displays if your feelings change. With photos, Palmer recommends asking yourself a few key questions. “Are they current? Do you feel stuck in the past by looking at your photos? Do they represent times that bring you joy?” Besides swapping items out, “I often instruct clients to display photos of places or things they want to attract in their lives. Make your home your vision board,” Palmer says.
These design tips are also applicable for personal spaces. “A bedroom should feel calming and peaceful with comfortable bedding and pillows to sink into, ambient lighting and elements that bring you happiness, like books or a photograph on a bedside table,” Schippers explains.
However, since they’re used by individuals rather than the whole household, bedrooms offer an opportunity for personalized decision-making. “If reading is a favorite activity, then set up the space for reading,” Beaman recommends. She notes that bedrooms can serve a variety of purposes. “A child’s bedroom might have an area for homework, an area for fun/gaming and an area for sleep.” To maintain a restful environment as well as accommodate these other activities, “use lighting and accent colors to differentiate the zones,” Beaman adds.
Conquer Clutter
“The definition of clutter varies among individuals, but I would define it as items that are no longer needed, valid or loved,” Palmer explains. “I think it is important to be surrounded by items you love in order to feel supported or grounded. Hate that rug your relative graciously gave you? Toss it. Always feel uneasy around that table you bought at a street sale? Put it in your next neighborhood sale.”
“I relate clutter to cobwebs, which creates a blockage of sorts,” Schippers says. “Clutter creates a barrier to peace and harmony and can make anyone feel anxious without even realizing why.”
These anxious feelings have been studied by scientists. “Longitudinal
Pro Tips
A bedroom should feel calming and peaceful with comfortable bedding and pillows to sink into.
BOOK IT
research has demonstrated that clutter impacts our stress hormone, cortisol,” Beaman explains. Fortunately, once spaces are decluttered and organized, it not only makes it easier to function, but the feelings of peace and harmony flourish.
Even so, decluttering can seem daunting at first. “The most long-term and effective way to deal with clutter is to choose what you want to keep in your space and let the rest go with gratitude,” Beaman recommends. “It sounds simple, but it can be very challenging to understand what you want to keep in your life and space.” She suggests working by category, collecting all items of one type from throughout the home, such as pens. “You might be amazed at how many pens you have,” Beaman says. “Then you can choose the ones you really like and let go of the others.”
While the decision-making process might be difficult in the short term, the long-term benefits are numerous. Besides making it easier to relax and locate items, it eliminates the nagging reminder of tasks and projects left undone, Beaman notes. As feelings of guilt and being overwhelmed decrease, they’re replaced by a feeling of control. “One of the main questions I encourage my clients to consider is, ‘Does it speak to your heart?’ instead of ‘Does it spark joy?’” Beaman adds. “They are similar questions, but having a sense of what you value is key to better understanding your overall wellness.”
If you love books, then set up a space for reading. Personalize your home with what's blockage. Ask yourself if an item speaks to your heart. If it does not align with your values, then set it free.
Using this sense of confidence, Schippers suggests creating an organizing system with containers of your choice, like shelves, bins or baskets. She also advises using labels to identify homes for various items and to make it easy for everyone in the household to maintain the organizational system.
Focus on Feelings
WELLNESS
MASSAGE
“Well-being can mean different things to different people, but I do believe a common thread for everyone is how a space makes you feel personally when you walk in a room,” Schippers explains. “Pay attention to the things that make you feel happy and peaceful, whether it’s the furniture itself, family photographs that bring a smile to your face, travel mementos, coffee table books on your favorite subject or a candle that fills the room with a soft glow and an aroma that evokes happiness. Our home should be our ‘happy place,’ so try to do everything you can to make it feel that way!” Palmer agrees. “Overall mental health can be directly related to your happiness with your home environment,” she says. “You might dread coming home from work to an environment that you feel doesn’t support you. It is important to take stock of your surroundings and make improvements that bring joy and peace to your inner and outer world.”
In addition, Beaman advises people to remember that homes are continually evolving as our needs change. “It’s important to start any project designed to improve your wellness by understanding your current mindset and making shifts towards a mindset that you want to cultivate,” Beaman explains. “Be patient with yourself and set small goals. As Carol Dwek, Positive Psychologist, says, use the power of ‘yet’ to help you reframe moments when you don’t feel successful. You may not be organized and tidy yet, but you’re on the right path.”
Yuriko Beaman | Joy & Space LLC Reading | 484.352.2844 joyandspace.com
TIME FOR A SPRIN G SPRUCE-UP
As spring arrives in Berks County, it’s the perfect time to refresh, upgrade and reimagine the places we call home. Our Home & Garden section highlights trusted local businesses that can help make your vision a reality — from beautiful new doors and custom closet installations to smart home security, expert landscaping, reliable electrical work, quality paving and skilled construction. Whether you’re planning a full renovation or tackling long-overdue projects, these professionals bring craftsmanship, innovation and care to every detail. Meet them by reading on…
Diebolt Landscape Co., Inc.
Now into our fifth decade serving Berks and its surrounding counties, Diebolt Landscape Co., Inc. continues to apply new techniques, processes and materials to ensure a more efficiently installed and sustainable product for our customers. We design and build outdoor hardscape elements such as kitchens, heated dining/ entertaining areas, swimming pools and active recreation features; through comprehensive communication, it all fits together to fulfill your needs and desires. Softscape elements are integrated using quality, guaranteed plant materials and with touches of lighting, automatic irrigation systems and running water—so relaxing that you may never want to go on vacation! Enjoy peace of mind when you call Diebolt Landscape Co., Inc., knowing that all the details have been included and our solution will provide years of pleasure and value to your property.
Putting “all your eggs in one basket” with SAH Inc. truly makes sense. While diversification may be key when it comes to investing funds, it’s the opposite when investing in the safety and security of people and property. Why, you ask? SAH Inc. distinguishes itself as the one-stop destination for unparalleled residential and commercial security, fire safety and home automation solutions integrated into one easy-to-use alarm.com app. Simply use your smartphone to receive activity alerts, video clips and reminders, plus you can easily control locks, temperature, lighting and more. Contact SAH to design a solution that meets your needs and your budget.
• Security: SAH offers a variety of advanced solutions, from basic packages to fully customized layouts, including 24/7 live monitoring services.
• Fire Safety: Early detection and rapid response are critical when fire threatens your structure. Equip your home or office with the latest in fire safety technology.
• Home Automation: Get around-the-clock, real-time connectivity to your home and property with smart home solutions by adding video doorbells, cameras, lighting, locks, thermostat and garage door controls.
Riverview Gardens & Gifts
Riverview Gardens & Gifts is more than a garden center and gift store — it’s a unique shopping experience. Our buyers are always discovering new finds, from Jellycat stuffies, blind boxes and children’s gifts to beauty products, pottery, purses, jewelry and more!
Explore our large houseplant selection along with more than 400 varieties of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, herbs, grasses and edible plants! We’re fully equipped for pond design, construction and maintenance, offering a wide assortment of pond plants, fish and pond supplies.
Check our events on our website or Facebook page to become a part of our plant community!
Founded in 2011 by owner Dave Boll, Austin Electric has grown from a residential service provider into a trusted source for custom electrical solutions for homes and businesses. The team specializes in repairs, panel upgrades, custom lighting, specialty wiring and smart home technology. Their experience includes large custom homes, timber frame and barn restorations, pool houses, finished garages and commercial design/build projects. Known for craftsmanship and attention to detail, Austin Electric approaches every project with care and precision.
From enhancing comfort and safety to powering today’s modern lifestyles, their philosophy remains simple: if it matters to you, it matters to them.
789 Commerce St., Sinking Spring 717.466.4055 austinelectricpa.com
Closet Factory
The Art of Organization
Closet Factory Allentown is a family-owned and -operated company since 1999. The Focht family brought Closet Factory to the Lehigh Valley to create perfectly designed solutions for their clients’ cabinetry needs by combining a completely custom organizational solution with innovative design style.
Committed to creating opportunities for all within the organization, the family prides itself on providing the Lehigh Valley with a national brand at a family-owned and -operated level. Bob Focht started the Closet Factory with his engineering background from Lehigh University along with Joan Focht, his wife of 51 years. Bob and Joan oversee the daily operations with daughters Melissa and Mandi Focht being involved in the day-today tasks as Operations Manager and Sales Manager, respectively.
Along with the immediate family, the family of employees stretches from the office staff to factory employees, installers and designers. Every step of the company’s process is touched by one of these amazing individuals and truly makes the experience with Closet Factory one to remember.
Left to right: husband and wife Bob and Joan Focht with daughters Mandi and Melissa
Mountaintop Construction
Excellence in Metal Roofing & Remodeling
When it comes to protecting your home and enhancing its beauty, Mountaintop Construction believes in doing things the right way with quality materials, expert craftsmanship and a long-term mindset. With more than 20 years of experience serving Central Pennsylvania, Mountaintop Construction has built a reputation you can count on.
Specializing in metal roofing, Mountaintop Construction offers homeowners a smart, durable investment that delivers both performance and curb appeal. Extra steps are taken during installation to minimize oil canning, ensuring a clean, polished appearance that stands the test of time. Metal roofing is not only visually striking, it’s also an environmentally responsible choice. Fully recyclable materials mean less product ends up in landfills, making metal roofing a sustainable option for homeowners who value eco-conscious solutions.
Metal roofs also offer impressive energy efficiency. Because metal cools more quickly in the summer months, homeowners often experience reduced cooling costs — a benefit that pays off year after year. Beyond energy savings, metal roofing significantly enhances curb appeal and increases overall home value, making it a smart choice for those thinking long-term about their roof investment.
In addition to roofing, Mountaintop Construction brings the same level of care and craftsmanship to basement remodeling, man caves and home office transformations. Whether you’re envisioning a warm, rustic retreat or a functional workspace with character, their tailored remodeling solutions are designed to fit your lifestyle and your home.
Serving Berks, Chester and Lancaster counties as well as Central and Southeast Pennsylvania, Mountaintop Construction is devoted to honor, excellence and clear communication. From new construction to restoring historic roofs, they are committed to exceeding expectations through detailed workmanship and unparalleled customer care.
Connelly Lawn & Garden
Connelly Lawn & Garden is Berks County’s premier landscape company. Whether you are looking for scheduled lawn care, to maintain your landscape or to create a beautiful backyard oasis, we are your solution. Our team of lawn and garden experts, landscape designers, fine gardeners and top-notch hardscape craftsmen can help you create breathtaking, one-of-a-kind outdoor spaces. We have proudly served Berks County since 1990. Members of the Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association.
Best Price Paving by Richard
Best Price Paving by Richard has been delivering quality paving at its best to Berks County homeowners for years. Locally owned and operated, licensed and insured, this trusted team specializes in everything they do — from asphalt driveways and parking lots to sealcoating and asphalt repairs. Known for expert craftsmanship and attention to detail, they offer free estimates, senior citizen discounts, and stand behind their work with a two-year guarantee. Their commitment to reliability and customer satisfaction has earned them the title of Best Paving Company in Berks County two years in a row, as voted by Reading Eagle readers. When you want durable results, honest service and a smooth process from start to finish, call Best Price Paving by Richard for a 10 percent discount.
610.973.9086 bestpricepavingbyrichard.com
Shank Door
& Exterior Doors for Every Application
Your exterior doors should make your home or business feel secure, look great and function flawlessly. But when doors stick, leak air or look worn down, they can hurt curb appeal and leave you frustrated.
At Shank Door, we understand how important it is to have exterior doors you can rely on. With more than 60 years of experience, we’ve helped thousands of customers upgrade, replace and service their doors with confidence. Our process is simple: we’ll help you choose the right doors, install them with our own professional crews and keep you informed every step of the way. No confusion. No mess. Just quality work done right.
Don’t settle for doors that don’t work — or that don’t represent your building well. Work with Shank Door to improve security, energy efficiency and curb appeal with exterior door solutions you can trust.
Classy & Comfy
BY MARIAN FRANCES WOLBERS | PHOTOS BY HEIDI REUTER
MIDTOWN SIP • SAVOR • SOCIAL
In the heart of West Reading is a newcomer to the restaurant buzz, created by owners who definitely are not new to creating a magnificent, thoroughly enjoyable dining experience. Tina Grande and husband-chef Raffaele bring hospitality and taste to the forefront with drinks and dining built directly into their locale’s title: they focus on sipping fine wines and cocktails while relishing savory dishes from soup to tiramisu in the socially warm company of loved ones, good friends and genial business associates.
A huge hint on how serious the couple is about good food lies in their annual commitment to spend time in Italy every summer, where their mealtime revolves around family and natural, regionally available ingredients. They bring the same love and commitment to Berks County.
Their building’s ambiance — with its brick walls and open kitchen, its elegantly designed rooms and dining nooks with black and muted gold décor, and black linen napkins — all convey fusion of home, comfort, ease and good times.
Sips & Starters to Kick off Aromatic Adventures
From Midtown’s elegant Sparkling Pear Martini — made with Absolut Pear and champagne — to an array of wines and beers, the serving
Escargot Bourguignone
FrenchOnionSoup
VealChopMilanese
MidtownMeatballs
TeresMajorSteak
French
staff will make sure you settle in quickly with a perfect beverage. They’ll also help you select from the enticing appetizer list. Popular choices include the Charcuterie Board accompanied by newly baked focaccia bread, Fried Calamari, Clams Casino and Midtown Meatballs. The meatballs are outstanding. They’re unlike any other you’ve ever had, incredibly soft and exceptionally cheesy thanks to a combination of old-time, traditional Italian flavors but also stuffed with cheese. Then they’re topped with melted provolone, which lends a salty undertone and lifts off the plate like long ribbons. A lightly tangy, mellow vodka sauce provides a warm, perfect pairing for each delightful mouthful. Yummy, satisfying and totally engaging as a starter, this dish is shareable with a date or friends despite initial inclinations to simply covet them all for yourself. Just think ahead to luscious soups, crispy salads and entrees coming up in the next course. Or take this tip from an attentive server (named Eric), who laughingly reminds diners, “Don’t forget to save room for tiramisu!”
Fabulous French Onion Soup & Mediterranean Salad
If French Onion Soup is a standard favorite, you’ve come to the right place for an unforgettable treat. It’s slightly sweet yet piquant with a dark broth that’s silky smooth, deeply rich in beefy flavor; the bowl is not only cheesy on top (dripping onto the edges in crusty circles) but also dotted with croutons that contain just enough char atop to yield a hearth-filled sensation. What makes this soup infinitely more precious than those found in many restaurants is the fact that it is not oversalted or too thick to enjoy. Certainly, one of the finest effects is revealed when tasting the onions themselves: the little crescents are translucent, tender and plump, so they melt in the mouth and are seamlessly melded and embraced within the broth’s totality.
Plan to return, though, for Midtown’s Italian Wedding Soup, Lobster Bisque and Wellness Soup. Six salad choices — including Baby Leaf, Caesar, Pomegranate and Quinoa — can quickly become meals in themselves by adding chicken, salmon or shrimp. Mediterranean Salad bursts with colorful bell peppers, lettuce greens, cukes, red onions and calamata olives, dressed with a zesty lemon vinaigrette.
FINAL TREATS
Feeling full? Clearly, “saving room” for pastries is tough to accomplish. Time for that creamy portion of Midtown’s famous Tiramisu, which is sultry, creamy, coffee-ful and utterly decadent. Cannoli also prove to be an equal match for smooth dessert satisfaction. Linger long and happily over conversation and laughter while sipping an after-dinner drink or coffee.
VealChopMilanese
Seared Duck Breast & Teres Major Steak Grilled to Perfection
The Argentinian Grill category on Midtown’s menu contains 11 superb selections. The lovely Seared Duck Breast arrives with tender slices of meat arranged in a circle, enjoying close company with a light orange mound of super smooth, delectable sweet potatoes. The duck itself delivers an ever-so-light char flavor thanks to Chef’s impeccable searing. Best of all, diners may slather meaty, slender morsels into a blissful “gravy” made from sweet black figs and Madeira wine sauce. What a smart, sensitive, incredibly tasty way to embellish this duck entrée!
Steak entrees include Bonein Ribeye, T-Bone Porterhouse, traditional Brazilian-cut Picanha Steak and Teres Major (also known
as shoulder tender). They’re all served with a trio of homemade savory dipping sauces: roasted bell pepper endowed with heat, chimichurri for an umami flair and green peppercorn for a sharp bite. In point of fact, the Teres Major Steak is fire-grilled, succulent and absolutely flavorful all by itself, so adding sauces just makes for eating fun. Wedges of roasted Rosemary Potatoes (a side) sauteed in extravirgin olive oil along with garlic and rosemary are over-the-top wonderful while roasted veggies in season, such as zucchini and squash, round out the relaxing meal
Midtown Sip Savor Social 600 Penn Avenue, West Reading 610.200.5107 | midtownwestreading.com
TeresSteakMajor
HOST EXCEPTIONAL CELEBRATIONS AND EVENTS
• Flexible ballroom and banquet spaces for galas, receptions, celebrations, meetings and corporate events!
• Event and cocktail packages o ering
fine dining and optional customization
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Event Elevations event planning and bespoke venue décor available
• Modern guest rooms and suites with complimentary shuttle service
• Complimentary garage parking for hotel guests and event attendees
Discover award-winning hospitality in the heart of Reading.
Voted #1 Hotel, Conference Center, and Banquet Facility by Berks County Living People’s Choice and recipient of Hilton’s Award of Excellence. Let’s show them the best of Berks—together.
Maggs
985 Berkshire Blvd. Suite 200 Wyomissing, PA 19610
