West Reading Avenues Spring 2015

Spring 2015

Greater Reading’s hub for arts, shopping and entertainment

JazzJubilation

Salon & Spa Gift Cards for Any Dollar AmountPamper Packages with Catered Lunch & Gift Ideas for Any Occasion

299 Penn AvenueWest Reading, PA Phone – 610.376.8481

Mon. – Thurs. 9 AM – 9 PMFriday 9 AM – 6 PMSaturday 9 AM – 4 PM(open at 8 A.M. Sat. for bridal parties)Closed Sunday

unitedartistssalon.com

Honored to be part of West Reading • Established 1987

Hair Care • Massage Therapy • Advanced Skin Care • Nail CareWaxing • Laser Hair Removal • Bridal Packages Traditional & Airbrush Makeup • Body Wrapping

lovewestreading.org 3

WELCOME //// from the editor

Andréa D. Much, EditorAvenues Magazine

[email protected]

Finally – it’s time to get in the swing of spring! Whether you’re in town for the majestic musical performances or the delicious dining and picnic-in-the-park pairings, there’s a taste for

adventure at every age level and interest here in our neighborhood.

This time of year, a jazz fever rises over Greater Reading. The Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest features ten days of exciting performances by the top stars in blues, jazz and, R&B. Known to be one of the largest, most comprehensive festivals in the country, the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest celebrates 25 years as it sweeps across dozens of venues around the area this spring.

Thankfully, this contagious jazz fever inspires local restaurants to delight our senses with bold new seasonal ingredients as cafes and art galleries surprise us with musicians performing at a variety of hometown favorites. Even if you don’t have a concert ticket this season, there are plenty of snazzy happenings – like Reading’s first craft beer fest or the season finale of the Reading Symphony Or-chestra or the Armed Forces Day Parade popping up on Penn Ave.

Whether you’re running the town for errands or pub runs; destined for shopping or dining, there’s plenty of food and entertainment pairings that are widely imaginable for one small town. Plan to visit the Penn Corridor and create your own jazzy itinerary of spring activities – bike rides on the Schuylkill River Trail, Sunday brunches on the Avenue, skateboarding and basketball at the park, dinner and theatre downtown. Once you have a taste of West Reading, we hope you enjoy its own special signature flair.

See you on the Avenues!

WelcomeSprIng!

601 Penn Ave. • West Reading610.372.0019

BUSINESS INSURANCEProperty and Equipment

Liability InsuranceAutomobile and Truck Fleets

Workers CompensationProfessional Liability

Group Medical, Disability, and Life

610.376.3959 • Fax: 610.376.26101150 Berkshire Boulevard, Wyomissing

www.andersonbrokers.com

Insuring Your SuccessBecause Your Success is Important to Us

Salon & Spa Gift Cards for Any Dollar AmountPamper Packages with Catered Lunch & Gift Ideas for Any Occasion

299 Penn AvenueWest Reading, PA Phone – 610.376.8481

Mon. – Thurs. 9 AM – 9 PMFriday 9 AM – 6 PMSaturday 9 AM – 4 PM(open at 8 A.M. Sat. for bridal parties)Closed Sunday

unitedartistssalon.com

Honored to be part of West Reading • Established 1987

Hair Care • Massage Therapy • Advanced Skin Care • Nail CareWaxing • Laser Hair Removal • Bridal Packages Traditional & Airbrush Makeup • Body Wrapping

4 Avenues Spring 2015

Art Plus Galleryartplusgallery.org

Berks Arts Councilberksarts.org

Berks Jazz Festberksjazzfest.com

The Gallery Above Penn Squaregalleryabovepennsquare.com

GoggleWorks Center for the Artsgoggleworks.org

Greater Reading Chamberof Commerce and Industrygreaterreadingchamber.org

Greater Reading Convention & Visitors Bureau

gogreaterreading.com

Greater Reading Economic Partnershipgreaterreading.com

RACC - Miller Center for the Artsracc.edu/MillerCenter

R/C Reading Movies 11 & IMAXrctheatres.com/loc_reading.asp

Reading Downtown Improvement District

downtownreading.com

Reading Public Museumreadingpublicmuseum.org

Reading Symphony Orchestrareadingsymphony.org

Santander Arena (Previously Sovereign Center)

santander-arena.com

Santander Performing Arts Center(Previously Sovereign

Performing Arts Center)santander-arena.com

Schuylkill River National & State Heritage Area

schuylkillriver.org

West Reading Community Revitalization Foundation

wrcrf.org

West Reading Main Streetlovewestreading.org

Wyomissing Boroughco.berks.pa.us/wyomissing

The Yocum Institute for Arts Educationinstitute-of-arts.org

Helpful Arts, Culture & Business Links

Located in West Reading

for over 75 years, Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home has been providing caring, professional

care to their community for

three generations.

610.374.5440 739 Penn Avenue, West Reading, PA 19611 kuhnfuneralhome.com

Edward J. Kuhn, Jr., Supervisor

Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home

Estate Jewelry • Limited Edition Artisan Jewelry One-of-a-kind accessories for you and your home

Brickerville House Specialty Shops 2 East 28th Division HighwayBrickerville, PA717.627.2420 www.VintageJewelryDesign.com

Hours: Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri: 10-5 • Thurs: 10-7 • Sat: 9-5

Come Visit Brickerville’s Hidden Treasure!

VintageJewelry Designby Linda Martin

10-5


CONTENTS //// spring 2015

CONTACT INFORMATIONPublisher, Tracy Hoffmann Hoffmann Publishing Group, Inc.

Design, Kim Lewis

2921 Windmill RoadReading, PA [email protected]

ADVERTISING610.685.0914 ext. [email protected]

BOROUGH BUSINESSWest Reading Borough500 Chestnut StreetWest Reading, PA 19611WestReadingBorough.com610.374.8273

WEST READING MAINSTREET PROGRAMWest Reading Community Revitalization Foundation500 Chestnut StreetWest Reading, PA 19611WRCRF.org610.685.8854

View the Digital Version of West Reading Avenues online at lovewestreading.org

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

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

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

IN THE KNOW & ON THE GO

New & Improved On the Avenues

Reading Health System Expansion

West Reading Summer Basketball League

Penn Avenue Corridor Conceptual Plan

A Retailer’s Perspective

Spring on the Avenues

Jazz JubILaTIONWynton Marsalis to open Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest

2015 Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest Schedule

Local Events

TaSTE WEST REaDING

Dining Out on the Avenues

REaDING MaIN STREET

The Other Side of the Bridge

aRTS & CuLTuRE

Art Plus Gallery: Spring Features

IN EVERY ISSuEFrom the Editor

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IN THE KNOW & ON THE GO //// new & improved

New & Improved on the Avenues

winedown presents The Distilled whiskey room

As winedown café & wine bar prides itself on serving the best quality wines by the glass; The Distilled whiskey room will take pride in serving the best whiskey from all over the world. Sometimes there is no greater plea-sure than to hang out with one whiskey for a while and really get to know it. With a line-up of blends that include Scotch, Bourbon and Rye, we will have something for everyone to enjoy. At The Distilled whiskey room, ex-plore the terrific distilleries from around the world, both big and small, in 1 or 2 ounce tastes, neat or in a crafted cocktail, prepared as you like it.

The Distilled whiskey room will have limited hours open only Thursday 4-11pm, Friday & Saturday 4pm till midnight.

winedown café & wine bar The Distilled whiskey room 622 Penn Ave. West Reading 610-373-4907

ANNIVERSARIES

When a merchant meets their one year milestone in business, it’s an important mark on an exciting journey. The mix of new and old businesses offers unique tales of how they planted their early roots around the Penn Corridor. Sometimes a business idea transforms from a home workshop into a storefront on the Avenue. Other times, a landmark business becomes reinvigorated under new ownership. Stop in the shops to find out for yourself how your favorite businesses began to blossom here in West Reading.

Jan Rae Celebrates 1 Year New Ownership anniversary

With a rich forty-four-year history of of-ferings, including alterations and ward-robe styling services, Jan Rae has always been one of Reading’s premiere fashion destinations. Now, under new ownership, Jan Rae’s fashion inventory has been re-freshed with hip classics throughout the super chic inventory. New owner Susan Golembiski is dressing women to help find the sacred moment of discovering their best individual self within an outfit.

Jan Rae612 Penn Avenue, West Reading610-372-9935www.janrae.com

whiskey room

the

allison Clothing & Co. Celebrates One Year on the ave

Just over a year ago, Allison Clothing Co. began as a pop-up shop for the holiday season. Now, it’s just one of the great businesses welcomed onto the Avenue in 2014. Sort through a selection of whimsical note cards, natural soaps, paintings, mosaics and super soft cottons hand dyed by the owner, Allison Shannon, herself. Drum Circles are hosted by Mark Seaman every 3rd Friday from 7 – 9 p.m. Visitwww.facebook.com/allisonclothing-company for other store happenings!

Allison Clothing & Co. 522 Penn Avenue, West Reading 484-794-8676


MOVING AROUND THE AVENUES

Neo Pangea’s New Digs

Berks County’s brightest idea hatchers have moved their global headquarters! Having outgrown the digital boutique on Penn Avenue that Neo Pangea has called home for six years, the team of innovative purveyors patiently awaited a three-month reinven-tion of the physical space at 516 S. 5th Avenue, West Reading. This new atmosphere for this advertising and design studio had a strong emphasis on minimizing the environmental impact. Efforts to renew existing resources and to use reclaimed materials were just a few efforts made during the glorious renovations. Inside, a bank vault sealed with a lead-lined blast door

serves as a charming reminder of the community bank that had its roots in this building. A conference room awaits beyond the medieval-style sliding doors and a colorful selection of aged tile near the modern kitchen and bar area are composed entirely of post-consumer recycled paper. You were wondering where to find West Reading’s largest dry-erase board? Or a space cap-tain frozen in carbonite? It’s right here at Neo Pangea, where all the brainstorming for brilliant ideas begins.

Neo Pangea215 S. 5th Avenue, West Readingwww.neo-pangea.com

Jewelry • Home décor • Wedding gifts •

Hostess gifts• Pottery •Pillows• GlasswareCh

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It’s a Gift! is stocked with high-quality items perfect for special occasions or a bit of self-indulgence. Many of our items are unique, one of a kind and artisan made. We have an incredible selection of

infant, children’s, women’s and home decor items. Thanks to the efforts of our dedicated volunteers, our nonprofit shop has been able to contribute a portion of every sale to Berks Women in Crisis. A gift from the Woman’s Exchange is definitely

a gift that gives twice!

720 Penn Avenue, West Reading, PA 19611 | 610-373-0960 Tues •Wed • Fri •Sat 10-6, Thurs 10-7, Closed Sun & Mon

Visit our new website! ItsaGift.org

An epic move doesn’t have to be far away. And when you begin a great business in West Reading, who really wants to move far out anyway? Two local businesses recently re-rooted from their locations into creative new quarters! In addition to checking out what’s new on the block, see who’s moving around the Avenues. . .

We provide personal and commercial coverage.


NEW OWNERSHIP

694 Reading Ave, West ReadingCell: 610-914-6792 Office: 610-373-2212

Down Dog Yoga & Wellness Center Under new ownership, Down Dog Yoga Wellness Center is

maintaining the flair of previous owners, Todd and Camille Grube. A student of the previous owners, Anthony Kocur has maintained the studio’s vibes of Eastern philosophy while incorporating elements of Kung Fu and Tai Chi. At the Down Dog studio, there are both yoga classes that are of traditional flow and classes that borrow techniques that echo Martial Arts conditioning. Anthony’s style of transitions helps to promote long-lasting chang-es within the body by utilizing movements to strengthen the core. For a deeply meditative practice that explores the metaphysical nature of being, David Dragonfly, owner of Dragonfly Studio & Gallery at 308 Penn Avenue, leads Hatha Yoga influenced by Kundalini Yoga traditions.

Down Dog Yoga & Wellness Center 525 Reading Avenue, West Reading 610-373-7181www.ddyoga.com

Fig & Will

While we were sad to see the whimsical gift shop, Hello Bluebird, close shop after five fabulous years on Penn Ave., the children’s consignment shop, Fig & Will, is arriving at 609 Penn Avenue this spring. “We are very excited to have a front porch area and more space for events!” says Rita Ditsky, owner. Just a short scoot down from its previous home on the 500 block, Fig & Will is filling its new home with spring favorites like Lilly Pulitzer and Matilda Jane.

Fig & Will609 Penn Avenue, West Reading610-373-3400

IN THE KNOW & ON THE GO ////


bella Jules: Editor’s NoteIn featuring Bella Jules as our Retailer’s Perspective

article in our Winter 2015 issue, we regrettably used a stock photo of a gown which hardly represented the types of gowns and styles carried by Bella Jules. We understand the importance of branding and reflecting current styles and colors, and recognize that the photo may have led our readers to surmise that this photo was reflective of the apparel available within Bella Jules. It was not! Hence, we wish to take this opportunity to share some photos of representative gowns, sup-plied by Bella Jules. We wish you happy shopping!

Bella Jules Fashion Boutique, LLC700 Penn AvenueWest Reading, PA 19611610-208-0600www.bellajulesboutique.com

PROM2015

A Full Service Commercial Printing Company Since 1936

101 South First Avenue, West Reading, PA 19611Ph: 610.375.8581 | Fx: 610.375.4102www.riecksprinting.com |

Are customer service,quality, deadlines andprice important to you?

They are to us.




Reading Health System Expansion To Enhance State-of-the-Art Care, Patient Convenience

Reading Health System is embarking on a major construction project that will enhance its ability to provide world-class healthcare. But the benefits don’t end there. The improve-

ments also will increase patient comfort and convenience. The construction project — called the 7th Avenue Project —

will result in a nine story, state-of-the-art facility that will include an energy efficient central sterile processing area, state-of-the-art technologically sophisticated operating and procedure rooms, five floors of private patient rooms, and an expanded Emergency Department and Trauma Center.

The project, which increases Reading Health System’s square

footage by 20 percent, will be completed in 2016. What does this mean for patients and families? For starters, it means that surgical patients will recover in the

best healing environment possible. Studies show that private rooms reduce infections and provide a quieter, more conducive setting for recovery after surgery. The private rooms will be inviting and will offer comfortable space for visitors.

The 7th Avenue Project also will provide patients with the confidence that they are undergoing surgery in one of the most technologically advanced surgical centers in the region. The oper-ating rooms will be twice as big as the current operating rooms in order to more comfortably accommodate robotic, interventional and other minimally invasive technology.

Six of the new surgical suites will be hybrid operating rooms, which means they can transition from a laboratory for catheter-izations and other exploratory procedures to a surgical suite if the

physician determines during the initial procedure that surgery is needed.

The project also will expand the Emergency Department and Trauma Center to include 15 additional emergency treatment rooms and four additional trauma bays. Time is of the essence during trauma care, and by placing the Operating Rooms next to both Trauma and the Emergency Department we have virtually eliminated transporting our patients across the hospital for im-mediate surgical care.

Located along Seventh Avenue on the west side of the Reading

Hospital campus, the new facility will adjoin the N-Building, the hospital’s newest clinical building. Reading Health System sought input from health system physicians, nurses and staff in designing the new facility, and that input will enhance the patients’ experience as well as the professionals’ ability to provide advanced services.

Because serenity and peace of mind are important components

of health and healing, the new facility will have an expanded “healing garden” with water features. The building also will have a green roof (the third-largest green roof on a healthcare facility in the country), and patients and their families will be able to utilize the open roof if they choose.

Reading Health System is embarking on the 7th Avenue Project

with one goal in mind — to enhance its specialized care and the healthcare experience for patients and families in Berks County and the surrounding counties. For more information, call Reading Health System at 484-628-4357.


Heading down to the playground to play ball and meet other basketball players has a deeper significance in this neighborhood. Down at the West Reading playground,

just east of the Reading Public Museum, you may find basketball players from the West Reading Summer Basketball League dribbling around on the basketball courts, gearing up for upcoming games.

What more could a young basketball player ask for – playing their favorite sport beyond high school, college or adult age–levels and having the opportunity to play in sunny Sacramento, Cali-fornia? “I would’ve loved the opportunity myself,” says Ed Kuhn, Supervisor of Kuhn Funeral Home, West Reading.

Mr. Kuhn continued to dream up a place where basketball could be played for all ages and ability levels. In 1965, the West Reading Recreation Board established the West Reading Summer Basketball League and Ed Kuhn has since been named the Founder and League Commissioner. His League Co-Commissioner is Sal Racuglia.

The Basketball League is comprised of three teams from Berks County and two teams in Lancaster County. Players in the Pro Nelson Memorial League are boys presently in 8th and 9th grades who are selected onto teams by their coaches, who are older high school basketball players.

The David Smith Memorial Adult League is named for a West Reading resident who played sports at Wyomissing Area High School. Considered a “B Level” competition league, this one is open to men who are seventeen years or older and reside in Berks County.

The third Berks County league, the Ron Krick Memorial High School League, is comprised of high school players who still have

eligibility remaining the fol-lowing winter season. This league is named after Ron Krick, a former All-Ameri-can from West Reading High School.

In 1972, the Sacramento, California – West Reading Basketball Exchange was formed. In this Exchange, the teams of West Read-ing and Sacramento alternate visits every other year, participating in several basketball tournaments and touring the region. These players are selected by a panel of twenty-two voters that includes Reading Eagle sportswriters, WEEU sports staff, high school coaches and referees, among others. Both programs raise their own money to meet the financial requirements of travel. This year, the West Reading Summer Basketball League is gearing up for sunny Sacramento!

As the weather warms up, take in a night of basketball and enjoy the wonderful West Reading Playground, a short walking distance from the Penn Corridor through the charming neighborhoods or down Museum Road past the Reading Health System grounds, just across from the Reading Public Museum. When the weather is cooperative, the games are played at West Reading Playground. If not, the games are played indoors either at the old Wyomissing High School gym, the West Reading Middle School gym, or at the West Reading Elementary School. The upcoming season begins in May and games are free and open to the public.

In the words of Mr. Kuhn, “The prestige of having players from Berks County participate in this program for years and years to come is my dream.”

For more information, visit www.westreadingbasketball.com.

West Reading Summer Basketball League

CEL

EBRATING 50 YEAR

S


In 2004, the Berks Economic Partnership (now Greater Read-ing Economic Partnership) requested that local architectural firms contribute conceptual designs to assist with defining the

existing commercial corridor from Penn Avenue in Wyomissing to Penn Street in downtown Reading. Along with helping to identify corridor limits, the work was to isolate specific sites and building interests along the corridor that best represent priority development opportunities. Kautter & Kelley Architects (K&KA) created a 3-D planning model for a 3.5 mile distance of Business Route 422 along which three distinctive commercial districts were delineated. Several sites with varied attributes were analyzed and schematic conceptual designs for each were created.

The corridor forms an assemblage of residential, commercial, entertainment, and financial zones, vital to the economic, social, and cultural well-being of greater Reading. Three districts, distinct in character, function, and purpose, are formed by the naturally

Keeping the Dream Alive! PENN AVENUE CORRIDOR CONCEPTUAL PLAN

occurring breaks in the flow of the vehicular traffic plan, topog-raphy, and municipal borders. Their varied character forms a unique stretch of commerce that is complimentary and mutually dependent; a picturesque suburban boulevard, a traditional Main Street retail district, and a potentially vibrant urban core. Sasaki Associates of Boston was subsequently commissioned to complete a thorough “Corridor Development Plan.” The Sasaki study utilized the corridor database established by K&KA.

In 2005, in tandem with the Corridor Development Plan, Sasaki Associates created a Development Plan for the RiverPlace Devel-opment Corporation focused on the Schuylkill River waterfront in Reading. The planning study recommended several design initiatives seen as key to the successful long term development of the river’s edge. One of these was a public boardwalk and nature trail. K&KA was selected to provide the initial design and planning work and a conceptual design was developed as a component of the Greater Reading Schuylkill Riverfront Development Master Plan.

The “West Shore Boardwalk” is a project commissioned by RiverPlace to create a network of paths and public spaces located on the western bank of the Schuylkill River between the Penn Street Bridge and the Reading Area Community College (RACC) Pedestrian Bridge. The project completes a pedestrian and bicycle loop with Reading’s eastern bank of the Schuylkill River, West



Reading, and the Wyomissing Creek Trail. Included in the project are numerous amenities, such as public plaza space, elevated boardwalks and piers with seating and lighting, observation landings, nature trail, new native landscaping, and way-faring and educational signage about the river.

The urban recreational destination is designed to stimulate and support economic development, providing the com-munity with a cultural asset of enduring value. The project is divided into five phases expected to be completed in five years. This project, however, has not yet materialized but we’re hoping to keep the dream alive in fostering continued dialog for urban revitalization efforts.

About the DesignKautter Kelley Architects was the record architect for

The West Reading Main Street Foundation program that brought streetscape enhancement, facade improvement, and a positive marketing plan to the Penn Avenue business district that you see today. The project aimed to make Penn Avenue more attractive, safer, and easier to negotiate while creating stability on the commercial corridor. The scope of the work incorporated new traffic patterns, curb and sidewalk extensions, re-established crosswalks, universal accessibility, and visual enhancements such as landscaping, street lighting, banners, street furniture, new curbs and sidewalks, and signage.

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From AllentownTake I-78 West to 222 South towards Reading. Continue on 222 South towards Lebanon/Lancaster. Take 422 East towards Pottstown. Take the Penn Avenue, West Reading, or Penn Street, Reading exit.

From PhiladelphiaTake I-76 West to the PA Turnpike (toll road 76W). Take 76 West to the Morgantown exit 298. Proceed through the tollbooth to I-176. Continue for approximately 10 miles and take the 422 West exit. Take 422 West to the Penn Street, Reading, or Penn Avenue, West Reading exit.

From BaltimoreTake I-95 to Baltimore Beltway (I-695W), then to I-83 North to York, PA. From there take Route 30 East, to Lancaster, then 222 North to Reading. Merge on to 422 East towards Pottstown. Take the Penn Street, Reading, or Penn Avenue, West Reading exit.

From HarrisburgTake the PA Turnpike East to Reading exit 286. Continue on 222 North to Reading. Merge on to 422 East towards Pottstown. Take the Penn Street Reading, or Penn Avenue, West Reading exit.

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IN THE KNOW & ON THE GO //// directions


Swimsuits. Doesn’t the thought of that tiny little piece of summertime staple cloth-ing just send a chill up your spine? Tugging at the cups to prevent a pool side wardrobe malfunction. Hiking up the bottoms as they weigh down with ocean water. And, my most feared, the band slip up that has you exposed in all your glory.

Well, here is some good news… it doesn’t have to be that way. With the advent of a swimsuit that is sized like a bra, all those embarrassing mishaps can go right out the window. To explain when I say ‘sized like a bra’ – that is exactly what these are. Most styles will have a band that starts at a 30 and goes to 38 and the cups will run anywhere from D through H. The bonus of these swimsuits too is that they fit much easier than a bra. The swimsuit fabric has a lot more stretch than that of a bra so coverage is a little easier to achieve. My two favorite brands that offer true bra sized swimwear are Freya and Fantasie. Let’s start with Freya.

Freya works in brilliantly colored fabrics

with unique and somewhat funky prints. Their bikini tops are either a sweetheart or a halter plunge style. They also offer a variety of tankini styles that run slightly shorter at the waist. My winner for the 2013 season from them would be Hello Sailor – a nau-tical inspired white stripe and polka dot on a blue lagoon background all accented with a red bow in just the proper place. What I like about this swimsuit set is the padded sweetheart bikini top; it has ample coverage so a game of beach volleyball won’t have you running for a cover up. The cup is slightly lined so unexpected cold water won’t be an issue either. My favorite pairing for this top is the 50s style retro shorts; they provide just the right coverage and look great on a variety of body types.

I always describe Fantasie as the older sister to Freya. Fantasie tankini tops tend to run a little longer through the waist and usually will sit at about the hip. Their bikini tops are available in a variety of styles including full coverage and bandeau. Although still available in wonderful colors and prints, they are a little more subtle than Freya. The best seller from Fantasie this season would have to be the Guadeloupe Twist Front Tankini in Radiant Orchid. The top is a full coverage top that has an ingenious pull string side that can be tightened to give a shorter pro-file which makes this the perfect suit for a long or short torso. With two full coverage bottom options, it is certainly a suit you will feel comfortable wearing.

Speaking of bottoms, there is a secret to getting the best fit with your swimsuit bot-toms, too. One simple rule – don’t go too big! First, don’t go too big with coverage. If you have a shorter fuller leg, you will generally look better with a tap side or side tie bottom. A short style or skirted bottom will actually make your legs look shorter. A tab side or side tie will set higher up on your leg and give the illusion of more length since more is exposed. Second, size. Don’t think an extra-large will provide better coverage than a large. If you go too big in size, once the bottoms get heavy with water, they will just slide down and become baggy. You want the bottoms to fit snug against your derriere and for the fabric to lay nice and flat.

As you know, Memorial Day marks the beginning of swimsuit season – so Happy Shopping and remember don’t be so super critical in the dressing room. Swimsuits should always be both fun and comfortable. There are two easy steps to get the perfect bikini body: 1. Get a bikini. 2. Put it on your body. Enjoy the summer!


Contributed by Robin Horman, Owner, Lilibea’s

A Retailer’s Perspective:

Resort S easonLilibeas613 Penn Ave.West Reading, PA 19611 610-685-6685www.lilibeas.com

16 Avenues Winter2014

IN THE KNOW & ON THE GO //// events

Springon the a•v•e•n•u•e•S

West Reading Farmer’s Market Winter OperationsVF Outlet Center Designer Place (outside of Reading China and Glass) (Saturday, March 14th & 28th, April 11th & 25th & May 9th from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. )

Continue to shop top selections from the West Reading’s own producer-only farmer’s market through the winter season! Now offered for the first time, the West Reading Farmer’s Market moved its winter operations to the Designer’s Place at the VF Outlet Center. Look for your favorite vendors and find out what they’re doing to gear up for the summer har-vest! Shop the locally made herbal hand soaps, fresh goat cheese, organic produce and coffee brewed by the cup! Starting May 17th, the West Reading Farmer’s Market re-turns to its home, located in the 500 block of Penn Avenue (same side as the West Reading Drug Store). www.wrcrf.org/farmersmarket

ENJOY LOCAL ART ! painting l photography l sculpture

pottery l fabrics l jewelry l bookscards l prints and other small items

11-5pm Weds.- Sat. 10 -4pm. Sun.

ART PLUS GALLERY

604 Penn AvenueWest Reading, PA19611610-375-9122www.artplusgallery.weebly.com

Find Fine Art gifts from $5.00 to $500.00

Toland Farm Wholesome GoodsBetula’s BotanicaMama Patel’s So Good Soup & SaladB&H Organic ProduceSheila’s Crunchy Delight

St. Peter’s BakeryFreeland MarketBenchwarmer’s Coffee Co.Amazing Acres Goat DairyLaura’s GardenStoudt’s Fruit Farm . . . and others.

Check the Facebook Page! www.Facebook.com/WestReadingFarmersMarket

CSa Produce Pick-ups in West Reading! A blossoming neighborhood with deep ties to its surround-ing farmland, West Reading is a hot-spot for Community Shared Agriculture, or CSA, pick-ups. This locally-based food distribution of agriculture is brought to the borough by growers sharing and educating the community on the har-vest they are providing to this area. Weekly shares of fruit, vegetables, eggs, cheese, bread and even mushrooms arrive for CSA subscribers through at least two local farms:

Eckerton Hill Farm of Lenhartsville, PA offers a twenty- two week produce share with add-ons of eggs, bread, cheese and mushrooms. Weekly pick-ups are held at three locations, including West Reading, Bethlehem and the farm itself! Registration ends April 1st. Visit www.eckertonhillfarm.com for more details.

Pick everything you want or leave it up to the trusty team at B&H Organic Produce! Half and full shares arrive from Morgantown, PA, packaged in boxes and delivered to a central drop-off in West Reading.

In 2008, B&H Organic Produce began as a 1/8 acre produce garden serving the West Reading Farmer’s Market, Hartz Natural Foods in Morgantown and a 10-member CSA. Each year, production has grown, last year serving not only the Farmer’s Market and Hartz Natural Foods, but 2 restaurants and a CSA membership that has grown to 80 shares!

Winter Market Vendor Listing

17lovewestreading.org

2nd Fridays on Penn ave. 400-700 blocks of Penn Avenue, West Reading(The 2nd Friday of Every Month from 5:30-8:30 p.m.)

Between the amazing selection of restaurants and unique array of boutiques, discover signature cocktails and one-of-a-kind finds throughout this strolling neigh-borhood. Look for the 2nd Friday logo in participating shop windows for in-store specials and events! Throughout the year, 2nd Friday inspires a new theme to add to the adventure on the Avenue. www.lovewestreading.org

Jazz on the avenue600 Block of Penn Avenue, West Reading (2nd Friday, April 10th)

Even if you didn’t get tickets to Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest this spring, there’s plenty of jazz to celebrate around the Avenues. Kick off the opening night of Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest during 2nd Friday as jazz musicians will be featured among the local restaurants and galleries. Find out about more Jazz on the Avenue happenings by visiting www.lovewestreading.com.

Jazz at the West Reading TavernCharlie Wanyno Trio (Saturday, April 11, 2015 - 9:00pm - 11:30pm) Bryan Betts Group (Wednesday, April 15, 2015 - 7:30pm - 10:00pm) Lars Potteiger with Skip Moyer and Bill Tesar (Thursday, April 16, 2015 - 7:30pm - 10:00pm) Corty Byron (Friday, April 17, 2015 - 9:00pm - 11:30pm) Ken Gehret and Chris Heslop(Saturday, April 18, 2015 - 9:00pm - 11:30pm)

Moms in Mind600 Block of Penn Avenue, West Reading (2nd Friday, May 8th)

Whether you’re shopping for mom or with her, we’ve got moms in mind this 2nd Friday! Take advantage of special in-store offers or better yet – bring her to the Avenue for Sunday brunch! Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 10th. www.lovewestreading.org

Pub Runs600 Block of Penn Avenue, West Reading (Friday, March 13th at 6:15 p.m. Friday, May 22nd at 6:15p.m.)

If you missed the St. Paddy’s Day Pub Run (a 4-mile fun run in St. Pat-ty’s Day wear) that begins at A Running Start on Friday, March 13th at 6:15 p.m., you missed a fun-run that ended with the fulfillment of an engraved pint glass that runners could fill at the Barley Mow post-run. Save the date for Friday, May 22nd, when A Running Start plans another great run that ends with duck fries at the West Read-ing Tavern and Like A Running Start on Facebook for more details! www.arunningstart.biz


Take the Kids!The bear PrinceMiller Center for the Arts4 N. 2nd Street, Reading Friday, March 27th at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 28th at 11:00 a.m.* and 2:00 p.m.

This adaptation taken from a Mexican folk tale is an enchanting production that blends jazz and opera music, storytelling and movement to allow audiences of all ages to share the secret of Prince Oso. This magical, colorful tale is presented by Berks Opera Workshop and Primary Stages of the Yocum Institute.

*Children’s craft activity follows the 11 a.m. performance. Reg-istration strongly suggested by calling 610-607-6270 for more information and box office tickets. www.RACC.edu/MillerCenter

Easter at The Museum Reading Public Museum Sunday, April 5th from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Join in a long-time Easter tradition here at The Museum! Participate in an egg hunt, meet the Easter bunny, make Easter crafts and more! No reservations necessary, All activities are free with admission!www.readingpublicmuseum.org


Reading’s Craft beer FestSantander Arena 700 Penn St., Reading (Saturday, April 18th from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. General Admission)

The first of its size and scope in downtown Reading, the inaugu-ral Reading Craft Beer Festival offers an unlimited sampling of over one hundred beers. Beer en-thusiasts will not want to miss out on the representation of more than fifty craft breweries, near and far. All attendees must be over 21 years of age. www.readingbeerfest.com

black Violin Miller Center for the Arts4 N. 2nd Street, Reading(Saturday, April 25th at 7:30 p.m. )

In the case of the revolutionary music group Black Violin, jazz, hip-hop, funk and classical music are not genres – they’re ingredients. Black Violin merges their classical music training with their love of hip-hop, funk and jazz with four-strings apiece – and a backbeat. Stay for a post-perfor-mance meet-and-greet with the musicians! Tickets are $27 for Adults, $15 for Students and can be ordered by calling 610-607-6270. www.RACC.edu/MillerCenter

Reading Theatre Project presents The Marriage Expo(sé)(Opening Night is Friday, May 1st and runs through May 10th.)Olympian Ballroom at 603 Penn Ave

The Reading Theater Project is a multigenerational collective of performing artists who create new theater in Reading, PA. Since 2003, Reading Theater Project has given local professional performing artists an artistic home, with opportunities for col-laboration, development, showcasing, and personal growth.

“We wanted to tell the story of modern marriage, and we wanted to push our theatrical style. We’re calling it an “Expo(sé) because it’s modeled after an Expo, but our production is exposing truths about marriage and relationships,” says Artistic Director Vicki Graff.

At The Marriage Expo(sé), audiences will be able to sit and watch the performance or move about the venue to explore the booths. Actors will be interspersed with audi-ence, with the play unfolding all around the room. Expect to see music, dance, improv, and scripted performances. The production is supported by the Berks Arts Council and The West Reading Tavern. To purchase tickets or for more in-formation, please go to ReadingTheaterProject.com or call 484-706-9719. Ticket are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. www.readingtheaterproject.com/improv

Jazz under the StarsReading Public Museum (Thursday, April 9th)Doors open at 5:30 p.m., Music begins at 6:30 p.m.)

Celebrate the unofficial kickoff to Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest in the area’s favorite Jazz Space! For an “out of this world” jazz experience, head on over to the Neag Planetarium at the Reading Public Museum. Featuring The James Supra & Sarah Ayers Quartet, two Lehigh Valley award-winning musicians deliver a dynamic acoustic format of soulful harmonies and powerful solos. And, the musical performances are enhanced by the visually-stunning atmosphere of the theatre’s dome above! Tickets are $20 and pre-registration is strongly suggested.www.readingpublicmuseum.org

Quick and Dirty Sketch Comedy and ImprovStudio 213 GoggleWorks (Saturday, April 18th at 8 p.m.)

See the Quick and Dirty at their new home at the GoggleWorks! The Quick and Dirty group creates and presents theatre that is relevant to the Greater Berks County, Pennsylvania commu-nity. Featuring improv, sketch comedy, stand-up and music, the performances are fun, interactive and original. Tickets $10. www.artful.ly/reading-theater-project

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629 Penn AveRear Entrance West Reading, PA 19611 [email protected] everybody-pilates.com

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IN THE KNOW & ON THE GO //// events


berks County armed Forces Day Parade

(Saturday, May 16th at 9 a.m.)Penn Avenue, West ReadingCome down to the Penn Corridor for the morning and wave in delight as the fire trucks, parade marshals and marching band parade down the Avenue! Another West Reading Must-See, the Berks County Armed Forces Day Parade is one of the oldest-running parades in the area and celebrates the individuals of the armed forces that make our world a better place.

Reading Symphony Orchestra Season Finale(Saturday, May 16th at 8 p.m.)Santander Performing Arts Center136 N. 6th St., Reading

Another season of the Reading Symphony Orchestra ends with a bang! Exciting selections of Dvorák, Glass and Mahler will be performed. For ticket info, visit www.readingsymphony.org

Fig & Will features maternity and children's consignment as well as an array of baby gifts and one-of-a-kind furniture and accessories.

520 Penn Avenue, West Reading 610-373-3400

Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10am-5pm; Saturday 10am-3pm

�gandwill.com609 Penn Avenue, West Reading


Jazz JubILaTION ////

Wynton Marsalis to open Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest25th Annual Celebration set for April 10-19, 2015

JazzJubilation


The 10-day fest features the best in contemporary

and traditional jazz, fusion, blues, R&B, gospel

and more. More than 150 events at large venues,

clubs and restaurants throughout the Reading area—

something for everyone.

Berks Arts Council is now entering its fifth decade of supporting and promoting the arts in our community. Berks Arts Council began in 1971 when a group of local

artists and art aficionados decided Berks County needed an agency to promote and unite all of the arts. The organization has seen many changes over the past 43 years, but the core beliefs have remained the same: to promote the arts and the community. Berks Arts Council recently updated our mission to reflect what we see as the historic and future mission of the Berks Arts Council – to cultivate, support and promote the arts in our community. In support of our mission, Berks Arts Council presents the following activities:

Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest: Founded in 1991, Berks Jazz Fest is a 10-day music festival celebrating Jazz, Blues, World Music and R&B. This is one of the largest, most comprehensive festivals in the country. Berks Jazz Fest features more than 45 main stage concerts spread throughout a variety of venues in the area and partners on approximately 130 local, non-ticketed events in local restaurants, community organizations, churches and clubs. In addition to the musical offerings, there is a visual art exhibition, Frank Scott Memorial Art Show: The Art of Jazz. The 2014 exhibition included 70 pieces in a variety of media from 47 artists.

Bandshell Concert Series: For 24 years, the Bandshell Concerts have been presenting high-quality national and international artists in City Park in downtown Reading. The goal of this series is to showcase a wide variety of music that is accessible to anyone within the community and is not readily heard at other venues. The casual atmosphere encourages audiences to come out and “take a risk” on music they may not be familiar with as

well as encourages attendance by families without the concerns of cost or keeping the children still for a formal concert. The concerts are barrier free music: no cost, no tickets, and walkable for many of our audience members.

Greater Reading Film Festival/ Hidden River Film Initiative: This series was founded as a film festival to celebrate and cultivate local and independent film. While the festival was put on hiatus for strategic planning, the film series continues to screen films and host film discussions.

The Pagoda Awards: Created in 1993, the awards are an evening dedicated to recognizing the lifetime achievement of Berks Countians who have made an impact on the arts in our community.

Fast Lane Art: A juried art exhibition featuring student and professional artists. Six works are selected to be displayed on billboards throughout the county.

The weekly Arts Blast e-newsletter with Berks County arts events, calls for artists and items of note.

The Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts (PPA) re-grant program of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, through which Berks Arts Council re-grants almost $50,000 to projects in a three-county region in two funding streams, Project and Program.

Berks Arts Council also works with local organizations to offer visual art exhibition opportunities to promote the work of local artists. For more information, call 610.898.1930 or visit www.berksarts.org.

Yolanda Adams


FRI, APRIL 10 7 p.m. Guitar MasterPAT MARTINO TRIO featuring Pat Bianchi, Carmen IntorreJazz Base at the Crowne Plaza Reading: $39

7:30 p.m.: Opening Night ConcertJAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ORCHESTRAWITH WYNTON MARSALISSantander Performing Arts Center: $59 and $49

7:30 p.m.: Fabulous Friday Funkathon: Part IDANCE HALL DOCSBuilding 24 Live: $25

10 p.m.: Opening Night PartyBONEY JAMESCrowne Plaza Reading Ballroom: $49

10:30 p.m.: Reading Jazz ConnectionGREG HATZA & TIM PRICE ORGAN QUARTETJazz Base at Crowne Plaza Reading: $10 cover

MidnightGERALD VEASLEY’S MIDNIGHT JAMSweet Street Desserts Jazz Tent at Crowne Plaza: $25

SAT, APRIL 11 1:30 p.m. Live from SeattleRANDY HANSEN: The Jimi Hendrix ExperienceBuilding 24 Live: $25

2 p.m.: WHUR 96.3 FM DayMINDI ABAIR & THE BONESHAKERSCrowne Plaza Reading Ballroom: $45, two concerts

7 p.m.BRIAN BROMBERG with special guest ANDREW NEUJazz Base at the Crowne Plaza Reading: $30

7 p.m.: WHUR 96.3 FM NightTHE SOUL OF JAZZSantander Performing Arts Center: $49

7:30 p.m.: WRTI 90.1 FM NightJAZZ ORCHESTRA OF PHILADELPHIAdirected by TERELL STAFFORDMiller Center for the Arts: $40

7:30 p.m.: Back by Popular Demand! Music of Stevie Ray VaughnTOMMY KATONA & TEXAS FLOODBuilding 24 Live: $25

10 p.m.: WHUR 96.3 FM NightINCOGNITOCrowne Plaza Reading Ballroom: $49

10:30 p.m.ANDREW NEUJazz Base at Crowne Plaza Reading: $10 cover


SUN, APRIL 12 10 a.m. buffet/11:15 a.m. show: Sunday Jazz BrunchURBAN JAZZ COALITION & FRIENDSSweet Street Desserts Jazz Tent at Crowne Plaza: $40

1:30 p.m.: Ultimate Tribute to the Original Allman BrothersLIVE AT THE FILLMOREBuilding 24 Live: $25

2 p.m.: Soulful SundayGERALD ALBRIGHTCrowne Plaza Reading Ballroom: $45, two concerts

7 p.m.: Smooth Jazz Cruise NightBRIAN CULBERTSONSantander Performing Arts Center: $49

7:30 p.m.: The Signature Jazz Cruise on Seabourn NightDIANNE REEVESMiller Center for the Arts: $49

MON, APRIL 13 7:30 p.m.: Reading Eagle Community ConcertU.S. ARMY JAZZ AMBASSADORSCrowne Plaza Reading Ballroom: FREE

TUES, APRIL 14 7:30 p.m.: Reading Eagle Community ConcertU.S. ARMY JAZZ AMBASSADORSSunnyBrook Ballroom, Pottstown: FREE

7:30 p.m.: Special Anniversary EventBERKS BOP BIG BANDBuilding 24 Live: $38

WED, APRIL 15 7 p.m.: Hidden River Film Initiative20 FEET FROM STARDOM (Film)R/C Reading Movies 11 & IMAX

7:30 p.m.: Legendary DrummerBILLY COBHAM’S

‘SPECTRUM 40’ BANDCrowne Plaza Reading Ballroom: $42

7:30 p.m.: Special Anniversary EventBERKS BOP BIG BANDBuilding 24 Live: $38

Jazz JubILaTION //// events

2015 Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest Schedule

Kirk Whalum

Brian Culbertson


THURS, APRIL 16 7:00 p.m.: Music of Django Reinhardt and moreDJANGOHOLICS ANONYMOUSJazz Base at Crowne Plaza Reading: $15

7:30 p.m.: Classic Rock, Blues GuitaristPAT TRAVERS BANDBuilding 24 Live: $25

8 p.m.: 25th Anniversary JamBERKS ALL-STAR JAZZ JAMCrowne Plaza Reading Ballroom: $49

FRI, APRIL 17 7 p.m.: Honoring Masters of FusionALEX BUGNON, GERALD VEASLEY, CHEILI MINUCCI, CHRIS FARR, and RODNEY HOLMESJazz Base at the Crowne Plaza Reading: $40

7 p.m.: An Evening WithWILL DOWNINGScottish Rite Cathedral: $49

7:30 p.m.: WRTI 90.1 FM NightSTRINGS ATTACHEDMiller Center for the Arts: $40

7:30 p.m.: Blues at The InnJAMES HUNTER SIXThe Inn at Reading Ballroom: $39

7:30 p.m.: Fabulous Friday Funkathon: Part IITHE ORIGINAL GROOVEMASTERSBuilding 24 Live: $25

8 p.m.: BRE PresentsTEDESCHI TRUCKS BANDSantander Performing Arts Center: $39.50- $75

10 p.m.: Smooth Jazz Cruise NightJAZZ ATTACKCrowne Plaza Reading Ballroom: $45

10:30 p.m.: Sax SummitNATHAN BELLOTT, SETH EBERSOLE, ANDY MOHLER, GREG WILSONJazz Base at Crowne Plaza Reading: $10 cover


SAT, APRIL 18 10 a.m. doors/ 11 a.m. auctionBERKS JAZZ FEST AUCTIONJazz Base at Crowne Plaza Reading: FREE

1:30 p.m.: Eric Clapton RetrospectiveCRAIG THATCHER BANDBuilding 24 Live: $25

2 p.m.: Smooth Jazz JJZ DayNICK COLIONNEplus MARION MEADOWS & PAUL TAYLORCrowne Plaza Reading Hotel Ballroom: $45

7 p.m.: Acoustic GuitaristMARC ANTOINEJazz Base at Crowne Plaza Reading: $35

7 p.m.: WDAS/WJJZ NightFOURPLAYScottish Rite Cathedral: $49

7:30 p.m.: A Journey into the Future of JazzKIND OF NEWMiller Center for the Arts: $40

7:30 p.m.: Steely Dan TributeTHE ROYAL SCAMThe Inn at Reading Ballroom: $25

7:30 p.m.: Sweet Southern SoulROYAL SOUTHERN BROTHERHOODBuilding 24 Live: $39

8 p.m.: Celebrate SinatraLOU DOTTOLI and the SOUNDS OF SUNNYBROOK DANCE BANDSunnyBrook Ballroom, Pottstown

10 p.m.: WDAS 105.3 FM NightREMEMBERING JOE SAMPLECrowne Plaza Reading Ballroom: $45

10:30 p.m.: Classic Rock Meets Contemporary JazzTHE JOST PROJECTJazz Base at Crowne Plaza Reading: $10 cover at the door


SUN, APRIL 19 10 a.m. buffet: Sunday Jazz BrunchFRANK VIGNOLA & VINNY RANIOLOThe Inn at Reading Ballroom: $40

10 a.m. buffet: Brassy Sunday Jazz BrunchÉLAN TROTMAN, JEFF BRADSHAW, JOEY SOMMERVILLECrowne Plaza Reading Ballroom: $40

3 p.m.: Jazzin’ Up the PopsNEW YORK VOICES and the READING POPS ORCHESTRAMiller Center for Arts: $40

7 p.m. GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JAZZ CELEBRATIONScottish Rite Cathedral: $49

DianneReeves

Boney James

Jazz JubILaTION ////


Winedown café presents The Distilled whiskey room.As winedown café & wine bar prides itself on serving the best quality wines by the glass; The Distilled whiskey room will take pride in serv-ing the best whiskey from all over the world: Scotch, Bourbon, Rye & blends.

The Distilled whiskey room will have limited hours open only Thursday 4-11pm, Friday & Saturday 4pm till midnight.

winedowncafe.net622 Penn AvenueWest Reading, PA 19611

THURS, APRIL 9 6:30 p.m.: Jazz Under The StarsTHE JAMES SUPRA & SARAH AYERS QUARTETReading Public Museumwww.readingpublicmuseum.org

SAT, APRIL 11 6:30 p.m.: Tribute to Frankie Valli & Other Jersey LegendsBOBBI VALLIJimbo’s @ Bellevue Plaza Hallwww.jimbosteaks.com

7:00 p.m.FRANK DiBUSSOLO & DAVE DePALMA QUARTETState Theatre in Boyertownwww.statetheatreboyertown.com

7:00 p.m.JOHN KING DANCE BANDGrill Then Chill Bar and Lounge610-373-1136

7:30 p.m.DAVE MELLReading Country Club610-779-1000www.exetertownship.com

9:00 p.m.CHARLIE WANYO TRIO featuring BENNIE SIMS and DAVE SANTANAWest Reading Tavern610-376-9232www.westreadingtavern.com

TUES, APRIL 14 11:30 a.m.: Jazz LunchMIKE EBEN’S FROM THE HIPBoscov’s East Greenery Restaurant

WED, APRIL 15 11:30 a.m.: Jazz LunchSKIP MOYER TRIO featuring TONI LYNNEBoscov’s East Greenery Restaurant

7:00 p.m.: Berks Arts Council’s Night of Independent Film Series20 FEET FROM STARDOMR/C Reading Movies 11 & IMAXwww.berksarts.org

7:30 p.m.BRYAN BETTS GROUPWest Reading Tavern610-376-9232www.westreadingtavern.com

THURS, APRIL 16 11:30 a.m.: Jazz LunchPRETZEL CITY JAZZ BANDBoscov’s North Greenery Restaurant610-779-2000

7:30 p.m.LARS POTTIEGER TRIOWest Reading Tavern610-376-9232www.westreadingtavern.com

FRI, APRIL 17 11:30 a.m.: Jazz LunchERICH CAWALLA QUARTETBoscov’s North Greenery Restaurant610-779-2000

7:30 p.m.SKIP MOYER TRIOReading Country Club610-779-1000www.exetertownship.com

9:00 p.m.CORTY BRYONWest Reading Tavern610-376-9232www.westreadingtavern.com

SAT, APRIL 18 2:00 p.m.BEN MAUGER’S ROARING

‘20s VINTAGE ORCHESTRA & DIXIELAND BANKWilson West Middle School610-678-5691

7:30 p.m.JOHN KING DANCE BANDBerks YR Club610-376-1303www.berksyrclub.com

7:30 p.m.TIZ & OLD SCHOOLReading Country Club610-779-1000www.exetertownship.com

9:00 p.m.KEN GEHRET & CHRIS HESLOPWest Reading Tavern610-376-9232www.westreadingtavern.com

SUN, APRIL 19 10:00 a.m.ERWIN CHANDLER’S GAMUTUnited Church of Christ/Temple610-929-2020www.ucctemple.org

3:00 p.m.BENNIE SIMS QUARTETGrill Then Chill Bar and Lounge610-373-1136

4:00 p.m.MARIA DAMORE QUARTET featuring ANDY ROBERTSFirst Baptist Church610-375-2211www.firstbaptistreading.org

Local, Smaller Venue EventsJazz JubILaTION //// events


When it comes to food, give it some thought… because if it’s anything worth craving, it’s worth finding! Fortunately, West Reading has always been home to

excellent atmospheres that offer a wide variety of dining sensa-tions. In this small, yet vibrant neighborhood, you won’t have to wander far to find delicious specialties, entrees and desserts. Restaurants, cafes, taverns and assorted eateries are hidden in the pockets around the blocks of the Penn Corridor. Stroll the Avenues and look for your old favorites or try a bite at one of the best new establishments in Berks County!

While some local restaurants have been in business for more

than forty years and others are fresh to the block, ALL of them have something fantastic to offer from their kitchens. 2014 was a big year for the restaurant scene in West Reading and the scene

is only getting tastier. From a Calabrian-style brick oven pizza place to a beer garden patio outside of a craft beer bottle house and West Reading’s very first brewery, the bold directions for the taste buds are boundless.

An old-fashioned Italian cellarette awaits you on your next romantic dinner date. An up-scale wine bar establishes a level of sophistication with the most extensive wine-by-the-glass list. Have a meal the way Situ would’ve made it. . . Or Nonno for that matter! Complete a taste tour de France and seal the deal with a chocolate souflet and French-pressed coffee.

No matter your taste or desire, there are dozens of restaurants featuring incredible fortes. So what food are you in the mood for? Here’s an Avenue that answers the question.

TaSTE WEST REaDING ////

Dining Outon the Avenue


The abe Saloon & Victorian LoungeThe Abraham Lincoln— A Wyndham HotelHistoric Hotel Restaurant & Bar100 N. 5th Street, Reading610.372.3700

aladdin Mediterranean RestaurantAuthentic Mediterranean Cuisine 401 Penn Avenue610.685.6677

The barley Mow Craft beer House719 Penn Avenue 484.926.2094

brewer’s bar & GrillSports Bar & Restaurant 101 S. 3rd Avenue610.375.8760

building 24 Restaurant, Bar & Nightclub1115 Bern Road, Wyomissing610.375.2700

Cafe boldCafé & Coffee Shop550 Penn Avenue484.651.1049

Chatty Monks brewing Co.Brewery & Restaurant 610 Penn Avenue 484.818.0176

Chef alan’s american bistro Mediterranean-Infused American Bistro525 Penn Avenue610.375.4012

Chen Vegetarian HouseChinese & VegetarianRestaurant709 Penn Avenue610.374.2288

Chicken Supreme & Sammy’s SteaksChicken, Ribs, Seafood & Sandwiches410 Penn Avenue610.376.6149

Courtyard by Marriott American Bistro & Bar150 N. Park Road, Wyomissing610.378.1137courtyardreading.com

Georgio’s PizzaPizza, Sandwiches & Italian Restaurant500 Penn Avenue610.750.7199

GNa Italian Ristorante & Pizzeria Authenic Fine Dining Italian Restaurant, Take-out Service & Bar421 Penn Avenue610.376.1155

Go Fish! Seafood Market & Sushi barSeafood, Sushi Bar & Seafood Market 619 Penn Avenue610.376.6446

Great Wall Chinese RestaurantChinese Cuisine532 Penn Avenue610.685.8585

Hauté Chocolate CafeExotic Chocolate Confections & Drinks711 Penn Avenue610.373.4455

Jimmie Kramer’s Peanut barTraditional American Restaurant & Bar332 Penn Street, Reading610.376.8500

Judy’s on CherryMediterranean-Inspired Fine Dining Restaurant322 Cherry Street, Reading610.374.8511

Mi Casa Su Casa CaféAuthentic Caribbean Cuisine320 Penn Street, Reading610.375.1161

Mike’s Taste of PhillyPhilly Style Cheesesteaks & Sandwiches449 Penn Avenue610.898.1331

Mom Chaffee’s CellaretteAuthentic Italian Restaurant148 Tulpehocken Avenue610.374.5733

Nonno alby’s brick Oven PizzaHandcrafted Wood Oven Pizza Restaurant701 Penn Ave., West Reading610.376.1011

610 PENN AVENUE • READING, PA 19611

(484) 818-0176 • CHATTYMONKS.COM

WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY: 4PM-10PM

FRIDAY & SATURDAY: 11AM-12 MIDNIGHT

SUNDAY: 11AM-8PM

CHEW CHANT CHILL

Dining Out ListingsTaSTE WEST REaDING ////


Panevino Rustic, Regional Italian Cuisine25 N. 2nd Street, Reading610.376.1101

Papillon brasserieCasual French Cuisine615 Penn Avenue610.376.0601papillononpenn.com

Say Cheese! Restaurant & Cheese Artisanal Cheese Shop & Full-Service Restaurant600 Penn Avenue610.406.5390

The Speckled Hen Cottage Pub & Alehouse30 S. 4th Street, Reading610.685.8511

SubwaySubs & Salad Fast Food450 Penn Avenue484.709.2198

Taste of CrepesEuropean Crepes Restaurant617 Penn Avenue610.685.2001

Third & Spruce Café Casual Bar & Restaurant238 South Third Avenue610.376.5254

Van’s CafeAuthentic Vietnamese Cuisine448 Penn Avenue610.741.6466

ViVÁ bistro & Lounge Contemporary Euro- Mediterranean Bistro & Bar901 Hill Avenue, Wyomissing610.685.5299

West Reading Diner24-Hour Diner 411 Penn Avenue610.376.5565

West Reading Tavern & Restaurant Restaurant & Tavern 606 Penn Avenue610.376.9232

Willoughby’s bar & GrillTraditional American Bar & Restaurant305 N. Park Road, Wyomissing610.816.7467

Winedown Cafe & WinebarIntimate Café and Wine Bar622 Penn Avenue610.373.4907winedowncafe.net

The WorksAmerican Restaurant & Bar with Gameroom Arcade1109 Bern Road, Wyomissing610.375.2700

TaSTE WEST REaDING ////


REaDING MaIN STREET PROGRaM ////

A strong commitment to community revitalization and historic preservation has earned the Reading Downtown Improvement District (DID) designation as an ac-credited National Main Street Program.

Achieving this designation calls for adhering to commercial district revitalization performance standards set by the National Main Street Center®, a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The standards are tough to attain, noted Charles R. Broad, DID’s Executive Director and also the Reading Main Street Manager.

“We worked hard to receive this designation,” Broad said. “It shows that we’re very

focused on our mission of creating a vital, productive and commercially active envi-ronment in downtown Reading.”

The Reading Main Street Program has a board of directors that meets regularly to ensure the program is staying on course. The board is chaired by Jack Gulati, a local entrepreneur who has operated a variety of businesses and who currently owns the Reading Royals hockey team.

Other board members are Ellen Horan, President and CEO of the Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Sean Moretti, who owns Destination Realty, LLC in Reading and is also a real estate broker; Brian Fichthorn, who is a financial project manager with Brentwood Industries and board president of Genesius Theatre; and John Kramer, Director Emeritus of the Center for Community Leadership at Albright College. In addition, there are five committees under the Main Street Program that focus on various aspects of downtown revitalization. They are: Promotion; Design; Organization; Economic Restructuring; and Safe, Clean and Green.

The Reading Main Street Program’s performance is annually evaluated by the Penn-sylvania Downtown Center, which works in partnership with the National Main Street Center to identify local programs that meet 10 performance standards. These standards set the benchmarks for measuring an individual Main Street program’s application of the Main Street Four Point Approach® to commercial district revitalization.

The Other Side of the Bridge ... The Reading Main Street Program

By Carl Brown Jr., Special Projects CoordinatorReading Downtown Improvement District

The Reading Downtown Improvement District provides cleaning, security and marketing services for a specially desig-nated commercial district in the city, and also sponsors several events and activities throughout the year, including MidDay Cafes and the Reading Holiday Parade.


Evaluation criteria determine the communities that are building comprehensive and sustainable revitalization efforts and include standards such as fostering strong public-private partnerships, securing an operating budget, tracking programmatic progress and actively preserving historic buildings.

Established by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1980, the National Main Street Center helps communities of all sizes revitalize their older and historic commercial districts. Working in more than 2,200 downtowns and urban neighborhoods over the last 34 years, the Main Street program has leveraged more than $59.6 billion in new public and private investment.

DID’s latest major event was Reading Fire + Ice Fest held in mid-January of this year in downtown Reading. “The festival attracted hundreds of attendees, who were mesmerized by ice sculpture competitions and large interactive ice sculptures such as a giant ice slide and a 40-foot ice train,” Broad said. “The three-day event also featured live musical performances, a variety of food trucks, a chili cook-off and a Snowfall Ball.”

Fire + Ice Fest

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Meet the Artist: Victoria Troutman, mixed media works with pen & ink

Victoria Troutman has a distinctive style which infuses her prolific creation of mixed media pen and ink paintings. An avid traveler since retiring from teaching elementary school, she takes her sketchbook wherever she goes. Special places inspire her to turn sketches into paintings, adding color with watercolors, acrylic paint or colored pencils. She says,

“I like to imagine and believe that I am in the present expe-riencing a sensational past and being able to share the same with the viewer.” Vicki also paints everyday objects; her still life paintings are especially appealing in the use of complimentary color schemes and unusual color contrasts.

A member of the Art Plus cooperative for fifteen years, Vicky believes in the interactive role of art in one’s community. She paints in her Womelsdorf home and has exhibited around Berks County, often arranging for shows for Art Plus artists in non-gallery venues. (Currently, Art Plus artists are exhibiting at Say Cheese and in the West Reading Tavern, also on Penn Avenue.)

A “Meet the Artist” reception for Victoria will be held 2nd Friday, April 10, 5-8 pm. Her works will be on exhibit in the Featured Member’s Alcove March 4-May 2.

Also in March and April, the Awakenings and Discoveries exhibit of other member’s works—pottery, jewelry, fabric art, sculpture, photography, and painting—will be ongoing, guest artist Audrey Bordonaro will be showing oil and acrylic paintings, and art work by Berks Encore will be displayed in the Outreach Gallery. All this under one roof!

by Judy Ballinger photos by Blair Seitz

Spring Features

Art Plus Gallery604 Penn Avenue

Wednesday-Saturday 11-5pm, Sunday10-4pm.

2nd Friday March 13: Opening for Guest & Outreach artists2nd Friday April 10: Meet-the-Artist reception for Victoria Troutman

2nd Friday May 8: Opening Reception for May-June exhibits


GARDEN PARTY JUNE 2 AND 3 *

JOIN US FOR THE OUTDOOR FAMILY GATHERING OF THE YEAR

The timeless tradition of The Friends of Reading Hospital’s Garden Party will be held June 2 and 3* from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the 6th Avenue Clock Tower entrance of Reading Hospital.

Experience what families and friends have enjoyed for decades:

• great food• activities and games• plants and flowers• live entertainment

• FREE parking at Vanity Fair with FREE shuttle service

• and, so much more!

This year marks a milestone for The Friends of Reading Hospital as they celebrate 125 years of supporting Reading Hospital and community projects such as Partnership for a Healthier Berks County and HeartSAFE Berks County.

To learn more about this year’s event, visit www.readinghealth.org/gardenparty, or call 484-628-8477.

*Rain date: Thursday, June 4 Anniversary1 2 5 t h

West Reading Avenues Spring 2015

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