Wyomissing Neighbors?
Transcription
Wyomissing Neighbors?
Wyomissing APRIL 2016 An E xclusive P ublication Meet Larry & Dorothy O’Rourke Photo by Maria Stamy, Maria Stamy Photography Neighbors for the Residents of Wyomissing and Wyomissing Hills I M P O RTA N T PH O NE NU M BE R S www.n2pub.com © 2016 Neighborhood Networks Publishing, Inc. PUBLISHER John Bieber, 484-269-9824, John.Bieber@N2Pub.com READING/ WYOMISSING 911 Welcome to the new Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Reading/ Wyomissing. Convenient to VF Outlet, First Energy Stadium, Santander Arena, Maple Grove Raceway, Alvernia University, Albright College and PSU Berks Campus. You’ll always find the courteous service you deserve, plus all the little things you expect from Fairfield Inn & Suites during your stay. Ask us about The Fairfield 100% Guarantee where we promise you’ll be satisfied or we will make it right. • • • • • • • • • • • • 610-375-4436 Wyomissing Fire Dept Non-Emergency 610-375-6101 Wyomissing Police Dept Non-Emergency 610-376-7481 Wyomissing Borough Hall 610-478-6240 Berks County Sheriff 800-222-1222 Poison Emergency 610-378-4011 PA State Police Non-Emergency, Kenhorst Blvd PHOTOGRAPHERS 484-628-8000 Reading Health System 610-378-2000 St. Joseph Medical Center 610-378-1247 Wyomissing Post Office Schools I I I Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Reading Wyomissing 21 Meridian Boulevard Reading, PA 19610 610.376.4400 Vanessa.Sheidy@marriott.com www.marriott.com/rdgfi LEBO’S 610-670-0180 Wilson School District 610-374-4031 Wyomissing Area Jr./Sr. High School 610-378-9431 Wyomissing Hills Elementary School 610-378-0739 West Reading Elementary School 610-374-8361 Berks Catholic High School 610-372-1722 Berks Technical Institute 610-396-6000 Penn State Berks Campus 610-373-3316 Sacred Heart School Wyomissing Parks & Recreation Berks County’s Premier Window Treatment Provider 610-376-7481 Director 610-376-7481 Picnic Grounds Reservations 610-376-3032 Happy Hollow Playground 610-288-2818 Wyomissing Hills Playground 610-685-4358 Swimming Pool 610-373-5919 Stone House 610-371-5850 Reading Public Museum Maria Stamy, Maria Stamy Photography, Facebook.com/MariaStamyPhotography Kerri & Mark Searfoss, Commercial Art Images, M.Photog.,CPP, Cr.,PPA Certified Searfoss Photography, www.SearfossPhotography.com Hospitals Brand new hotel opened July 2015 Marriott Rewards Points Complimentary hot & cold breakfast The Market (24/7 food & beverage pantry) Complimentary in room coffee/tea & coffee maker Microwaves & mini refrigerators in every room Indoor heated pool Modern fitness center Complimentary day passes to Body Zone Sports Complex Meeting space Ample parking Free wireless high speed internet access I Ambulance, Fire, Police Tania Colamarino of Ama Photography, www.Ama-Photography.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lori Rochino Stephanie Kalina-Metzger Virginia Rush COPY ASSISTANT Rosarene Kunkle CREATIVE TEAM Jeni Moser Alex York Courtney Richards For PROM take the New 8 passenger Lincoln MKT Super Stretch Utilities Bicycle Sales & Service 44 Years in Business Haro - Fuji Dealer | Bike Accessories Draperies • Valances • Bedding • Blinds Shades • Shutters • Upholstery 2200 Penn Avenue | West Lawn, PA 19609 610-678-3191 www.LebosPedalParlor.com 3461 Penn Ave, Sinking Spring 610 . 777. 7288 2 Wyomissing Neighbors • April 2016 www.ShadeTreeInteriors.com 888-544-4877 Met-Ed Electric 610-373-7999 UGI Energy Services 610-375-2772 Refuse Authority Western Berks 610-678-4400 Water Authority Western Berks 610-376-1756 Sewer Authority 800-342-5775 PPL Electric Utilities DISCLAIMER: Any articles included in this publication and/or opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of N2 Publishing but remain solely those of the author(s). The paid advertisements contained within the Wyomissing Neighbors magazine are not endorsed or recommended by N2 Publishing or the publisher. Therefore, neither N2 Publishing nor the publisher may be held liable or responsible for business practices of these companies. NOTE: When community events take place, photographers may be present to take photos for that event and they may be used in this publication. April 2016 • Wyomissing Neighbors 3 This list has been created to give you easy access when searching for a trusted local vendor. Please take some time to familiarize yourself with the businesses sponsoring Wyomissing Neighbors magazine. These local businesses are proud to partner with us and make this magazine possible. Please support these businesses and thank them for supporting Wyomissing Neighbors! ATTORNEY - FAMILY LAW DOLEVA LAW Kristen Doleva-Lecher, Esq. 606 Court Street, Suite 200 Reading, PA 19601 (610) 375-3700 WWW.DolevaLaw.com AUDIOLOGY AND HEARING Berks Hearing Professionals (610) 404-8025 www.BerksHearing.com BLINDS AND WINDOW TREATMENT Shade Tree Interiors Kim Updegraff 3461 Penn Avenue Sinking Spring, PA 19608 (610) 777-7288 www.ShadeTreeInteriors.com DECKS / OUTDOOR LIVING Wyomissing Structures 1 Montrose Blvd Shillington, PA 19607 (610) 743-5660 www.WyomissingStructures. com DENTISTRY COSMETIC, FAMILY & GENERAL Grove Dental Group 228 State Hill Road Wyomissing, PA 19610 (610) 816-6308 www.Grove.Dental DOG SERVICES Godfrey's 4267 New Holland Road Mohnton, PA 19540 (610) 777-5755 www.GodfreysDogdom.com 4 Wyomissing Neighbors • April 2016 DRY CLEANERS & LAUNDERERS Hollywood Cleaners, LTD. 834 Penn Ave Wyomissing, PA 19610 (610) 375-4515 HollywoodCleanersltd.com EYE CARE Carim Eye & Retina Center, Ltd 2630 Westview Drive Wyomissing, PA 19610 (610) 376-1981 www.CarimEye.com FAMILY FITNESS Colonial Fitness 172 Shillington Road Sinking Spring, PA 19608 (610) 777-7801 www.CHBSports.com FLOORING/RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Boyer's Floor Covering Inc. 3020 Kutztown Road Laureldale, PA 19605 (610) 921-2088 BoyersFloorCovering.com FOOD & CATERING Russo Foods and Market Inc. 1150 Bern Road Wyomissing, PA 19610 (610) 898-1918 www.RussoFoodMarket.com FUNERAL HOME Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home 739 Penn Avenue West Reading, PA 19611 (610) 374-5440 www.KuhnFuneralHome.com FURNITURE AND HOME DÌ©COR Decorating Den Interiors Yvonne Staskel Yvonne Staskel (610) 777-3313 Yvonne.DecoratingDen.com FURNITURE/WINDOW TREATMENTS Saylor House Jennifer Inners 1291 Penn Avenue Wyomissing, PA 19610 (610) 816-7161 www.SaylorHouse.com GARAGE DOORS SALES & SERVICES County Garage Door Rt. 73, 723 Blandon Road Fleetwood, PA 19522 (610) 987-9201 www.CountyGarageDoors.com GARDENING/LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE Just Bushes Richard Hurter (610) 376-2588 www.JustBushes.com GIFT GALLERY It's A Gift! run by the Woman's Exchange 720 Penn Avenue West Reading, PA 19611 (610) 373-0960 HAIR AND NAIL SALON Vanity Hair & Nails 840 North Park Road Wyomissing, PA 19610 (610) 373-9924 HOME FOOD DELIVERY Doorstep Dairy (717) 283-4060 doorstepdairy.com HOME HEALTH CARE Advance Home Health 634 Penn Avenue West Reading, PA 19611 (610) 685-2960 AdvanceHomeHealthCare.com HOUSE & PET SITTING Reehl's House and Pet Sitting Cody Reehl (484) 334-5076 INSURANCE-AUTOHOME-LIFE-HEALTHBUS. Chester Perfetto Agency, Inc. 40 Commerce Drive Wyomissing, PA 19610 (610) 678-0373 www.PerefettoInsurance.com INVESTMENTS / FINANCIAL PLANNING Good Life Financial Group Merra Lee Moffitt 30 Commerce Drive Wyomissing, PA 19610 (610) 628-2055 www.Welcome2TheGoodlife. com/MerraLee JEWELER Justin Bortz New World Jeweler 438 Penn Avenue West Reading, PA 19611 (610) 373-1101 www.justinbortz.com KITCHEN DESIGN/CUSTOM CABINETRY Quaker Maid Kitchens of Reading 4203A Pottsville Pike Reading, PA 19605 (610) 921-2045 www.quakermaid.net LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT & CONSTRUCTION Earth Turf and Wood (717) 721-3530 www.earthturfwood.com Golden Oaks Landscaping 4741 New Holland Road Mohnton, PA 19540 (610) 772-2071 GoldenOaksLandscaping.com LAWN CARE & PEST CONTROL Green Giant Lawn Care (610) 944-0408 www.GreenGiantLawnCare.com LIMOUSINE & TRANSPORTATION Rhoads Limousine Service 1816 Weavertown Road Douglassville, PA 19518 (610) 689-4600 www.RhoadsLimos.com MOTORCYCLES Classic Harley - Davidson 983 James Drive, PO Box 708 Leesport, PA 19533 (610) 916-7784 www.ClassicHarley.com NATURAL HEALTH WELLNESS CLINIC Natural Hope Center Karen O'Connor 310 W. Wyomissing Blvd West Lawn, PA 19609 (610) 743-4788 www.NaturalHopeCenter.com ORTHODONTICS ROG Orthodontics 1268 Penn Avenue Wyomissing, PA 19610 (610) 374-4097 www.FantasticSmiles.com POOL AND PATIO Fehl's Pool Patio Stoves 5369 Allentown Pike Temple, PA 19560 (610) 929-5794 PRINTING, MARKETING & GRAPHIC DESIGN Keystone Instant Printing Raymond Zdradzinski 220 North Park Road Wyomissing, PA 19610 (610) 378-1107 KeystoneInstantPrinting.com April 2016 • Wyomissing Neighbors 5 REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS Craig Stringer PAGODA REALTY & Property Management 2307 Penn Avenue West Lawn, PA 19609 (610) 985-7700 x101 www.PagodaRPM.com RESTAURANT Emily's 3790 Morgantown Rd Mohnton, PA 19540 (610) 856-7887 www.EmilysBerks.com Yellow House Hotel 604 Memorial Hwy Fleetwood, PA 19522 (610) 689-9410 www.YellowHouseHotel.com Lisa Tiger Century 21 Gold, 3970 Perkiomen Ave Reading, PA 19606 (610) 779-2500 RESTAURANT & BAKERY Giannotti's Berkshire 1714 State Hill Road Wyomissing, PA 19610 (484) 332-0116 Rae Wheelan BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY Home Services 2607 Keiser Blvd. Wyomissing, PA 19607 (610) 372-3200 www.RaeWheelan.com RESTAURANT SPORTS BAR & PUB Brewer's Bar & Grill 101 South 3rd Avenue West Reading, PA 19611 (610) 375-8760 www.BrewersBarAndGrill.com TRAVEL & CRUISES C K Tours & Cruises 5 South Centre Ave., Suite 102 Leesport, PA 19533 (610) 916-2923 WWW.CKTOURS.COM BREAKFAST – LUNCH – DINNER– CATERING – PARTY TRAYS - BAKERY – LOUNGE The Giannotti Family Commitment: Superior Service & Delicious Quality Food SENIOR MOVING/ DOWNSIZING/ ORGANIZATION Transition Connections Mary Clark 2306 LaSalle Dr., Suite 201 West Lawn, PA 19609 (484) 372-0824 TransitionConnections.com SKIN CARE/MASSAGE Skin Care By Alyce Alyce Versagli 906 Penn Avenue Wyomissing, PA 19610 (610) 685-2575 www.SkinCareByAlyce.com 1714 State Hill Road, Wyomissing 610-372-6101 Since 1992 Golden Oaks Landscaping has served Wyomissing and all of Berks County. Rae Wheelan Your Wyomissing Neighbor, Friend & Realtor! 4741 New Holland Road, Mohnton, PA 19540 610-777-2071 Listing - Buying - Valuation - Staging - Investment - Relocation "Financial Security through sound real estate decisions" Design • Landscaping • Water Features • Pavers • Imitation Rock Products • Property Maintenance • Pools & Outdoor Living www.GoldenOaksLandscaping.com Pop a Balloon Spring Sale Pick Your own Discount & Receive 5% to 50% OFF – Rae Wheelan Materials Only When you Select Your Flooring & Pop a Balloon in Our Store. Labor Not Included. Orders must be placed during sale dates. Not valid with any other offers or prior purchases. Labor not included. Rae Wheelan, Realtor c 484.769.2458|o 610.372.3200, x3205 RaeWheelan@gmail.com|www.RaeWheelan.com Facebook: Rae Wheelan Homes 6 Wyomissing Neighbors • April 2016 Email: GoldenOaks1@verizon.net April 1st - 30th SPRING SALE BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HomeServices Homesale Realty | For 93 92 years Boyer's has provided quality and expertise to Wyomissing and all of Berks County FREE ESTIMATES Shop-At-Home service 5% 25% 10% 50% CARPET, VINYL, HARDWOOD, LAMINATE, CERAMIC TILE Open Mon. & Fri. 9-5 | Tues., Wed. & Thurs. 9-8 | Sat. 9-3 | Closed Sunday 3020 Kutztown Road, Laureldale, PA 19605 April 2016 • Wyomissing Neighbors 7 610.921.2088 www.BoyersFlooring.com The Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance Of Delaware/Lehigh Valley Wyomissing resident Shelly Meitzler is a stay at home wife and mother of three children. She is also caregiver and advocate for two of her children, Ashlin and Mason who have Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC). Tuberous sclerosis is a rare multi-system genetic disease that causes benign tumors to grow in the brain and on other vital organs such as the kidneys, heart, eyes, lungs, and skin. A combination of symptoms may include seizures, intellectual disability, developmental delay, behavioral problems, skin abnormalities, lung and kidney disease. Publisher’s NOTE As I am working on this April issue on March 10 at 6:46 p.m., it is 72 summertime degrees in beautiful Wyomissing. I’ve often thought that the only thing that would make Wyomissing a better place to live would be a beach with an ocean. I had the great pleasure to meet Larry O’Rourke a few months ago. His neighbor Patty Rhoads introduced me to Larry. I have met hundreds of wonderful Wyomissing people since starting this publication and I must put Larry O’Rourke in the top 1 percent of the most interesting, accomplished, modest and kind gentlemen I have had the privilege of getting to know. Larry and his lovely wife Dorothy are our cover story this month. Larry’s story is too large to write, so what we did was focused on just a few parts of his life; Larry is a veteran of the Manhattan Project that helped the United States end World War II. His career business accomplishments are impressive but I know Larry would say his greatest accomplishment is his family and his long loving marriage to his wife Dorothy. Included here is a wonderful tribute to Bob Cananna, a longtime Wyomissing Hills mail carrier who passed away last January written by Lori Rochino. This month we featured three of our advertising sponsors as a way to give you a closer look at their businesses and what makes them different. Content is never a problem for Wyomissing Neighbors and we appreciate all of those who have introduced us to stories and helped 8 Wyomissing Neighbors • April 2016 us connect the dots. And of course our door is always open to new ideas. Let us know what you think about our magazine and we invite you to be part of it. Visit our Facebook page Wyomissing Neighbors and follow us on Twitter @ WyoNeighbors. As a resident of Wyomissing, this publication is being provided to you at no charge. The cost of producing, printing and mailing each monthly magazine is covered by our great advertising partners. All we ask of you in return is to consider our advertisers first when you need a product or service. If you own or run a business, or you can recommend a business that does excellent work, please contact me for advertising information to be part of our Wyomissing Neighbors network. Shelly is a volunteer with The Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance of the Delaware/Lehigh Valley. She became involved when her oldest daughter, Ashlin, was initially misdiagnosed locally with Shaken Baby Syndrome. “A second opinion gave us the diagnosis of TSC,” Shelly said. “There was a need for local support as well an awareness of this disease and what it can do to a person affected. The Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance is dedicated to finding a cure for tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) while improving the lives of those affected. I have been a part of the Alliance for 12 years. I serve as the Vice Chair of the Delaware/Lehigh Valley and Walk Co-Chair of the Step Forward to Cure TSC.” volunteer spotlight SHELLY MEITZLER – Ashlin McFadden, Shelly Meitzler, Mason Meitzler and Mikenna McFadden Inset Photo: Shelly Meitzler, Mason Meitzler, Matt Meitzler, Alysa Bainbridge and Ashlin McFadden In her work with The Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance, Shelly Meitzler is active in community outreach and awareness. “We are the grassroots effort to stay in contact with our legislators in Washington, DC for continued funding for research, funding, and to be a person of support for other families affected by TSC.” Shelly said she and her family benefit by being part of The Alliance. “It’s therapeutic to know you are doing all you can for a disease that is rare and has no cure. It helps you have power when dealing with a disease that can leave you feeling powerless as it manifests in any and all organs. TSC is the leading genetic cause of autism and epilepsy.” “Our family and extended family is involved in volunteering along with friends like Bridget Simmons who is co-chair of the Step Forward to Cure TSC Walk at Gring’s Mill. We appreciate all the others who help families like ours that care for children with special needs.” Thank you Wyomissing! John Bieber Publisher, Wyomissing Neighbors John.Bieber@N2Pub.com To support or become involved with The Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance, go to www.tsalliance.org, or join them on Saturday, May 7, 2016 for the 12th annual Step Forward to Cure TSC walk at Gring’s Mill, 2083 Tulpehocken Road, Wyomissing, PA 19610. Walk information can be found at www.facebook.com/StepForwardPA. If you volunteer for a great cause or know someone whose volunteer efforts should be recognized, please email John.Bieber@n2pub.com. April 2016 • Wyomissing Neighbors 9 1989 saleen custom MUSTANG CONVERTIBLE By John Bieber S teve Stoudt showed me a rare convertible beauty. This 1989 Saleen Custom Mustang convertible in black with gold trim is a late ’80s muscle car. Steve Saleen created Saleen Automotive in the early 1980s in California to customize production cars and turn them into high-performance sports cars. This ’89 convertible has a 5.0 HO High Output V-8 engine and 5 speed manual transmission. It is one of 165 convertibles out of 600 cars total for that year. Stoudt Auto Sales is located at 1350 Carbon Street, Reading 610-375-8595 10 Wyomissing Neighbors • April 2016 Tell us about your mechanical friends. Every car, boat, airplane or motorcycle is special and each of them has a story. Share you machine’s story and tell us What’s in Your Garage. Email John. Bieber@N2Pub.com April 2016 • Wyomissing Neighbors 11 Thun & Janssen 150th Birthday Anniversary By Virginia Rush Quaker Maid Kitchens of Reading Inc Rt. 61, 4203A Pottsville Pike Reading, PA 19605 Visit our Showroom of Creative Ideas Built-In Cabinetry & Shelving Kitchens Baths 610-921-2045 Family Rooms Complete Remodeling www.QuakerMaid.net Custom Cabinetry to Fit Every Budget Need Serving Berks County since 1960 Please call for an appointment. Chester Perfetto Agency, Inc. “All Forms of Insurance” Automobile / Homeowners Competitive Rates for Individuals 50+ Call Us to Review Your Plan! (610) 678-0373 40 Commerce Drive, Wyomissing PA www.perfettoinsurance.com Medicare Plans Available! 12 Wyomissing Neighbors • April 2016 Let us help you with your spring clean-up and prune winter storm damage is your local expert at pruning, trimming, and removing dead wood. Call today for a FREE, no obligation consultation! 610-376-2588 M - F 8AM - 6PM Limited Reservations Available. justbushes.com This year commemorates the 150th anniversary of the births of Ferdinand Thun (1866–1949) and Henry Janssen (1866– 1948). Interestingly, both men were born in the same industrial city of Barmen, Germany, within six days in February and within a half mile of each other. Never meeting in Germany, the A very young Thun and Janssen two men became friends while working for separate braiding companies in New York. In 1892, they formed a partnership that combined the financial brilliance of Ferdinand Thun with the mechanical genius of Henry Janssen, and they started a braiding machine manufacturing company in Reading. This growing business moved to Wyomissing in 1896 and began blossoming into three world-class industries known together as the Wyomissing Industries. Thun, Janssen and their partners created opportunities and excellent working conditions for workers from all over Berks County. By 1936, there were over 9,000 employees at the Wyomissing Industries. In 1906, Thun and Janssen helped established the Borough of Wyomissing. They helped in the development of building hundreds of homes in Wyomissing and abutting West Reading and the 18th Ward of Reading. They were part of the group of men who had the vision that established Wyomissing as the first planned community in Pennsylvania, one of the first zoning plans, a mixed-use housing program, with public schools, playground and swimming pool, parks, thousands of trees, and other well-run public services. Thun was president of the Wyomissing Borough Council for 37 years. Philanthropy was also a joint venture for Thun and Janssen. Along with their partner, Gustav Oberlaender, they donated land and substantial sums of money to build the Reading Hospital, the Reading Public Museum and the Wyomissing Library. Today, their good works live on through their respective foundations. In honor of their 150th birthdays, WLVT PBS TV39 in Bethlehem, created a documentary on the lives and accomplishments of these fellow immigrants entitled Wyomissing: An American Dream. The film is soon available on PBS, and the Reading Public Museum’s Neag Planetarium will host a special public showing on May 4. Ferdinand Thun, Henry Janssen and Gustav Oberlaender Helping Seniors in Comprehensive services to assist • seniors & families in all facets of the moving process. • Organize & implement Transition Plan. • Sort & organize belongings. • Coordinate move with moving company. • Develop floor plan and set up new residence. We treat you with the dignity & respect you deserve. Transition Connections, Inc West Lawn, PA 19609 484-372-0824 www.TransitionConnections.com TCInfo@transitionconnections.com Bonded and Insured April 2016 • Wyomissing Neighbors 13 @ SINCE 1928 MiniThon Wyomissing Junior/Senior High School & SHIRT LAUNDRY Serving Wyomissing for 88 YEARS Master Tailoring • Wedding gown fittings and alterations • Vintage clothing restoration Seamstress on-site at Wyomissing location • Master tailor on-site at Supreme Cleaners location Clothing storage A Family Tradition For 88 Years REDEFINE YOURSELF… WE DID! Exeter 3993 Perkiomen Ave. Daily 7am – 7pm Sat. 8am – 3pm 610.370.9003 Newly Renovated Facility and Rates New Better Value Than Ever Before COLONIAL FITNESS FLYING HILLS FITNESS For Fun. For Fitness. For Sport. For Health. Call Or Stop By Today | Two Great Locations CF: 610.777.7801 FH: 610.775.9651 Sinking Spring Flying Hills www.chbsports.com 14 Wyomissing Neighbors • April 2016 Wyomissing students raised $43,709.25 O n March 5 and 6, the student-led Wyomissing High School Mini-Thon raised $43,709 during a 12-hour marathon dance that required students to remain on their feet the entire time. Students collected donations from families and friends. The events benefits children fighting cancer, children who are suffering through cancer treatments, supporting families who may have lost a child to cancer and it celebrates those who have overcome the disease. Reading 1142 Rockland Street Daily 7am – 7pm Sat. 8am – 3pm 610.929.0754 Shillington Supreme Cleaners, Wyomissing 1643 Lancaster Avenue 834 Penn Avenue Daily 6am – 7pm Sat. 8am – 3pm Daily 6am – 7pm Sat. 8am – 5pm 610.775.0325 610.375.4515 Sinking Spring 4700 Penn Avenue Daily 6am – 7pm Sat. 8am – 3pm 610.670.7699 HOLLYWOODCLEANERSLTD.COM April 2016 • Wyomissing Neighbors 15 business profile Merra Lee Moffitt Good Life Financial Group, Wyomissing Photo by Mark Searfoss, Searfoss Photography Merra Lee Moffitt, wealth manager and senior partner of Good Life Financial Group in Wyomissing, grew up in Oley Township, Berks County, and at an early age she learned the value of money and what it was like being without it. “My family grew up poor, and I decided at seven years old that I was going to be in charge of the money and I was going to have some. Since then, I was always reading everything that I could about money and I always saved 10 percent of my earnings.” Merra Lee has a reputation as a strong networker and hosts open houses at her own office and at other business owners’ locations. “We do six or eight a year, and they are purely for business owners and managers to meet and do real networking.” Approaching her clients’ needs from the long term is important to Merra Lee. “I’m always being the champion for the 84-year-old you. If you’re my client, I’m looking at how we are going to get you to where you want to be. Because in your 80s, most people can’t work, they don’t want to give up things, they want to have the life style they want and not run out of money when they’re 90. People have to know that you care about them before they will let you take care of them.” Keeping up on the financial markets, investments and world news takes considerable time. “I read six newspapers every day. I also attend seminars and classes to maintain different levels of certification,” Merra Lee said. We asked Merra Lee what her vision is for the future of her business. “I’m always trying to learn about the new financial products to see if they are useful, to see if new concepts are worthwhile. I generally have a policy that I try not to sell things to people that I wouldn’t own myself. Some things sound like they make a lot of sense, but sometimes they don’t. Every business wants to grow, I want to serve families and do good work and be someone the cli- ents would be happy to refer people to me. It means sticking to the knitting and growing organically.” “I am very fortunate that when I started this business, I did not need to sell and I wasn’t pressured to live off commissions. I was comfortable telling a client that the plan they had was OK, even if that meant I didn’t sell them any investments. I like focusing on the other person. I love helping people and I think of them first. Like I said before, I focus on my clients needs so they will be prepared when they are 84. I want to help them get there.” Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Good Life Advisors LLC. Good Life Financial Group and Good Life Advisors LLC are separate entities from LPL Financial. Merra Lee Moffitt CMFC, AWMA, CFP®, AIF Good Life Financial Group, 30 Commerce Drive, Wyomissing, PA 19610 610-628-2055 * 610-488-7353 Email: merralee. moffitt@lpl.com www.Welcome2theGoodLife.com/MerraLee Merra Lee Moffitt Merra Lee did not start her career in finance. “I have a computer science and psychology degree from Millersville University and I started as a programmer in the software industry. My husband and I lived in California where I ran my software consulting company with 25 employees and 15 subcontractors. Early on, I wanted to help other women, especially other women business owners, because when I was building my business, no one was there to help me. I always wanted be in finance, but my experience was in software. I quit that to be in the financial field to help other people.” “We didn’t want our kids to grow up in California. We wanted them to grow up where people have a lot of common sense like here in Pennsylvania, so we came back to Berks County.” That service is by itself a product that a client could come in and buy as fee based financial planning that I can do because I’m a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional, and we are an Investment Advisor Representative. Then if the client wants to implement the plan, we need a variety of things; we need a retirement account that could have stocks, bonds, mutual funds and exchange traded funds,” Merra Lee said. “As an independent, we have a multitude of products to choose from. Then to mitigate the risk in life, if a client needs life insurance or long term care insurance to make sure all of the possibilities of the things that can go wrong are covered, we could sell those. We have a huge array of those companies and products available to address most needs.” Merra Lee started her financial advisor career in 2002. In 2012 she joined Good Life Financial Group. “With our clients, we typically start with financial planning, which is a written document that takes where you are, how much you spend, where you’re saving, how much you intend to spend at retirement, and where all of your assets are, and we predict how they might grow in the future to figure out if they are going to have enough to retire when they want to, where they want to, in the lifestyle they want to and not run out of money. “Our clients are from all walks of life. I love working with entrepreneurs. Because I built my own small business from my desk and a phone, I understand a lot of the cash flow issues that small business owners see; the ups and downs they go through, expansions and recessions. They are trying to build a comfortable financial life in the midst of all the changing conditions and also trying to pay the least in taxes and pay themselves. Clients refer me to their family and friends. I’m in my fourteenth year and I have clients that I had since year one.” 16 Wyomissing Neighbors • April 2016 PURCHASE RAFFLE TICKETS TO HELP DR. NAT K-I-S-S Maycie May WITH EACH TICKET, YOU’LL BE ENTERED TO DECORATING DEN INTERIORS CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS | FINE FURNITURE | WALL & FLOOR COVERINGS BEDDING | LIGHTING | ACCESSORIES WIN FREE BRACES $10/TICKET OR 3 FOR $25 FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT DR. NAT AND PURCHASING TICKETS, VISIT FANTASTICSMILES.COM ALL RAFFLE TICKET PROCEEDS SUPPORT THE OLIVET BOYS & GIRLS CLUB ORTHODONTICS SPONSORED BY W Y O M I S S I N G | D O U G L A S S V I L L E | From inspiration to reality. WWW.YVONNE.DECORATINGDEN.COM | 610-777-3313 OUR IN-HOME CONSULTATION IS COMPLIMENTARY. P O T T S T O W N *RESTRICTIONS APPLY April 2016 • Wyomissing Neighbors 17 husband, Andy Cavanna, Bob says hi. It was hilarious!” She continued, “I loved his sense of humor and he had the best laugh. My dad would've done anything for me. That's the kind of man he was.” Robert William Cavanna Wyomissing Mail Carrier Remembered Brothers Richard, Joe & Bob Cavanna Gina Cavanna said, “I met Bob through his sister, at the time, my best friend. We both divorced and dated for two years and got married. Best day of my life! We had been together for 28 years and married for 26 of them.” By Lori Rochino Wedding photos by Tania Colamarino of Ama Photography, Ama-Photography.com Bob & Gina Bob Cavanna Christina Cavanna-Faddis & Bob Cavanna Robert “Bob” Cavanna, 61, was no ordinary mail carrier but he was a hero, a Wyomissing Hills neighborhood fixture for 15 years and a friend to pets. Bob passed away on January 7, 2016 at his home. A loving family man, Bob was ready to retire the following week after 30 years of service with the United States Postal Service. Longtime resident Marti Jamison said, “Bob was more than ‘the mailman,’ he was our mailman. His presence here in The Hills is sorely missed. Now whenever the mail truck makes its rounds through the neighborhood, Bob will be thought of. He will always be remembered with fondness by those he served. We truly loved him.” In 2014, WFMZ-TV reported Bob as a man who watched out for the Wyomissing community when he was the first to discover when an elderly man could have potentially died in his house. Bob’s action resulted in him receiving a civilian award. Bob Cavanna delivered all of life’s important letters and mail and he delivered treats to the neighborhood dogs - signature animal crackers, sometimes attached with handwritten notes addressed with the pet’s first name. Bob was born in West Reading on August 25, 1954, to Josephine Corvelli and the late Joseph Cavanna. He graduated from both Central Catholic High School and the McCann School of Business in Reading, PA. One Funeral Home One Focus Where passionate service is the standard. Edward J. Kuhn, Jr. | Michael R. Kuhn 610.374.5440 • 739 Penn Avenue, West Reading 18 Wyomissing Neighbors • April 2016 In 1989, he married Gina Marie Buchert. Bob’s children are Christina Cavanna-Faddis and Vincent T. Cavanna. His stepchildren are Ryan K. Shuman and William R. Shuman. He left behind three siblings, a brother Joseph M. Cavanna, his twin brother Richard Cavanna (also a mail carrier) and a sister Michele A. Cavanna Heydt. Bob has 14 grandchildren and a cat named Rambo. Bob’s daughter Christina recollected, “My dad was a good man and I was very proud of him. One story I love is the day after I got married, my dad called me and left a message that I was to tell my For fun, Bob golfed, bowled and played softball for the post office for many years. Vincent, Christina, Gina, Bob & Ryan Vacations included trips to Las Vegas and Hawaii. Gina recounted, “We actually bought a timeshare when we went to Hawaii. Talk about a laid back vacation, we went swimming the one day in the ocean and should have read the posted signs better. It said ‘Warning: Man o’ War warning.’ Thanks to the Lord we didn't get stung! We didn't go swimming after that.” The Cavannas also spent summer vacations in the Poconos. Gina said, “I will miss everything about Bob. He was and always will be my world. Packing his lunch, getting his animal crackers everyday, his drinks for home and work. I miss him terribly and always will. Bob is the best thing that ever happened to me.” As part of the fabric of the community, Bob is remembered as one of the people that made Wyomissing a great place to live. Another longtime resident Anne Seltzer said, “Bob was the kindest and most caring person. When our boys were waiting for college acceptance letters, he would drop off the mail early in the morning so they didn't have to wait all day.” She remembered how he cared enough to take time to talk to the neighbors and inquire about their families and their health. In 2014, Bob’s caring nature saved a man’s life. Proud to be Printing in Wyomissing since 1998 COMMERCIAL PRINTING DESIGN INVITATIONS ANNOUNCEMENTS & MORE! Spring GETTING MARRIED? COME SEE THE CUSTOM INVITATION SPECIALISTS! New customers mention this ad and receive 25% off your first order into 2016 220 NORTH PARK ROAD, WYOMISSING, PA 19610 610.378.1107 • www.keystoneinstantprinting.com Reehl’s House and Pet Sitting Serving Wyomissing, Reading and Berks County Dependable Care When You’re Not There! Cody Reehl ReehlWalking@Gmail.com 484-334-5076 Bonded and Insured Experienced. Responsive. Passionate. DOLEVA LAW Family Law | Divorce | Custody | Support Kristen L. Doleva-Lecher, Esquire. 606 Court Street, Suite 200 Reading, Pennsylvania 19601 Phone: (610-) 375-3700 Fax: (610) 375-3701 www.dolevalaw.com Kdoleva@dolevalaw.com April 2016 • Wyomissing Neighbors 19 precious pets Maddy shaking her ears dry Maddy at quite time Maddy S h e L o v e s To P l a y All of Madeline’s friends call her Maddy. This young 19-month-old girl loves to run and play and she will retrieve balls all day long. Jay English rescued Maddy at All 4 Paws Rescue, Inc. in Chester Springs, PA. Jay said, “Maddy’s mother was an Australian Cattle dog and we believe her father was a German shorthaired pointer. Maddy is shy with strangers at first, but she relaxes pretty quickly and is one of the happiest dogs you’ll ever meet.” When we first met Maddy she was visiting Beth Bennett in Wyomissing. Jay English lives in Mohnton and has a large yard and a clear pond for Maddy to chase balls into. Maddy loves the water and she knows how to stay cool on a hot day. Please share your Precious Pet with us! Email your information to John. Bieber@N2Pub.com and we can help put your story together. 20 Wyomissing Neighbors • April 2016 April 2016 • Wyomissing Neighbors 21 featured family Dorothy & at Paducah, KY. Afterward he was electronic devices manager at Union Carbide and became an expert in the specialty metal tantalum and was Executive Vice President of the Natural Resources Group of Gulf+Western. He and Dorothy moved to Berks County in 1978 when Larry was Vice President of Cabot Corporation and President of Kawecki Berlyco Industries in Reading, PA. During his retirement in the early 1990s, Larry consulted with the Kazakhstan government regarding development of their tantalum processing. The O’Rourke Family: Dan, Tom, Dave O’ Rourke, Susan Loskutoff, Steven & Paul O’Rourke with Dorothy & Larry seated Dorothy has been the grounding force for Larry and their children as mother and housewife since 1947. They are very proud of their six children. Dorothy spends parts of her days reading and doing word puzzles. Larry is dedicated to her and he is a joy to talk with. His positive attitude is infectious. Today Dorothy and Larry spend most of their time together at home. Lawrence S. O'Rourke By John Bieber Photography by Maria Stamy, Maria Stamy Photography, Facebook.com/MariaStamyPhotography Make-up & Hair by Shelly Sellers and Gretchen Levan of Vanity Hair & Nails, Wyomissing This year Wyomissing residents Dorothy & Larry O’Rourke will reach a milestone together that very few married couples achieve. October 18th 2016 will be the 69th wedding anniversary of a marriage that began in Buffalo, NY. Dorothy and Larry have shared a lifetime together raising six very successful children who have added to the O’Rourke family with grand and great-grand children. Their lives have included many friends, world travel and Larry’s successful business career. But Larry’s career path began with a historic and colossal American undertaking – The Manhattan Project. In 1943 Lawrence S. O’Rourke was already a member of the US Army Reserves, when he was called out of Canisius College in Buffalo, NY, where he was a physics major, and sent to Army basic training at Camp Upton, Long Island, then to Camp Roberts, California for 13 weeks of Infantry training before being sent as a part of a select group of other college educated soldiers to Ohio State University for a crash course in mechanical engineering. Upon completion, Larry was sent in civilian clothes – for security reasons, to begin working on the Manhattan Project at Columbia University in New York City. O’Rourke was among the first group of 50 men of the SEDs (Special Engineer Detachment) who worked at Columbia University beginning Janu- 22 Wyomissing Neighbors • April 2016 Thanks to Cynthia C. Kelly who wrote “A Guide to the Manhattan Project”. mangia ary 1944, where he helped research and develop the gaseous diffusion process for the separation of uranium isotopes. After nine months, O’Rourke’s group moved from the Pupin Physics Lab, to the Nash Motor Building, 129th & Broadway where he worked in a basement laboratory, on barrier material to separate uranium that would be used at the K-25 plant in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, to develop and deploy America’s first atomic weapons used to end World War II and the war with Japan. Dorothy and Larry O’Rourke In 1945, Larry O’Rourke was transferred to Oak Ridge and continued to work as an engineer on research and development of a barrier material at K-25. Dorothy gave birth to their first two sons, Tom and Paul, in Oak Ridge. Larry O’Rourke also spent time at the Houdaille-Hershey Plant in Decatur, IL where he helped install and train people on how to test the barrier material that was being developed. After the war, O’Rourke stayed with the project and in 1950, at 27 years old, he became diffusion cascade superintendent Larry has spoken with groups like the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum in Reading at their World War II weekend events about his career and his participation with the Manhattan Project. He has spoken several times at Albright College at the invitation of Claudia Strauss. Larry attended the 70th Manhattan Project reunion in Washington, DC with his son Dr. David O’Rourke of Wyomissing. Larry said “My role at Columbia and Oak Ridge was important, but I was only one of tens of thousands of people.” salute Easter Trays - Cookies - Pastries BRIDAL & BABY SHOWERS | PARTY TRAYS APPETIZERS | ENTRES | SANDWICHES SALADS | DESSERTS | COLD BEER TO GO AWARD WINNING CATERING Larry second from left, with his Army buddies HOMEMADE ITALIAN PASTRY 1150 BERN ROAD WYOMISSING, PA 19610 WWW.RUSSOFOODMARKET.COM April 2016 • Wyomissing Neighbors 23 lawn & garden GET OUT THE SALAD FORKS SPRING VEGGIES ARE HERE! By N2 Staff Writer, Amy Lynne Howlett VEGGIE LOVERS, REJOICE! Spring is finally here and it’s time to get back in the garden. Although things are warming up, spring weather can still be erratic, so set your garden up for success by planting cool-season spring crops that won’t back down from Mother Nature! Larry wearing a Russian hat given to him by Kazaks 1991 PICK YOUR STARTING LINEUP If you’re antsy to start planting during early spring, start with vegetables that are most likely to thrive in cooler weather. In general, greens and root vegetables have the best chance of rooting in cool soil. On the hardiest end are spinach and lettuce, which can sprout with soil between only 35 and 40 degrees. Spinach is also more frost-resistant than other veggies. When the soil is slightly warmer plant greens such as kale, cabbage, Swiss chard and collards; root vegetables including radishes, beets, carrots and turnips; and other cool season favorites like broccoli and peas. Some gardening pros swear that the hardiest cool season vegetables taste best when planted in colder weather! Larry working some hand-made testing equipment at Columbia University With thoughtful selection and extra care, you can enjoy the harvest of early spring! READY, SET … Most gardeners watch the thermometer to determine the start of gardening season, and it is true that late frosts threaten vegetables with foliage above ground. However, a common misconception in gardening is to focus on the temperature of the air rather than the soil. It is actually the soil temperature that most affects a seed, and occasional periods of warm spring weather may not sufficiently warm the soil to begin spring gardening. Pick up a soil thermometer at your local garden center to ensure the soil is at least 35 – better yet 40 – degrees before planting. Don’t have a soil thermometer? Improvise by using a kitchen meat thermometer plunged 2 inches into the soil; just be sure to wash it before checking your Easter ham! GO! It’s the day you’ve dreamt of all winter long – time to dig in the soil! Before planting it’s a good idea to prep the soil since it might be wet from rain or melting snow. Lighten and fortify the soil by adding compost or another organic matter. Then aerate the soil by gently lifting it with a garden fork. Aerating encourages 24 Wyomissing Neighbors • April 2016 healthy soil by incorporating the compost and adding oxygen to the soil before planting. If cold, compacted soil prohibits planting in your area, you can circumvent the issue by using raised beds or containers, which generally warm up sooner than the ground. Row covers are another option, but keep in mind that the air underneath the heavy plastic can get very (possibly too) warm on sunny days, so be sure to cut slits to ventilate. Save NOW while reinventing your home with a new garage door from Clopay ® Now is the time to improve the curb appeal and energy efficiency of your home with a beautiful new garage door from Clopay, maker of America’s Favorite Doors. Act now and you can save up to $180 in rebates on select doors and LiftMaster® openers. Don’t miss this special opportunity to reinvent your home and save! From March 1 – April 30, 2016 SAVE UP TO $ 180 IN REBATES ON SELECT GARAGE DOOR AND OPENER PURCHASES 723 Blandon Rd. (Route 73) Fleetwood, PA 19522 (610) 944-8562 (610) 987-9201 © 2016 Clopay Building Products Company, Inc., a Griffon company. April 2016 • Wyomissing Neighbors 25 business profile & New Rhoads Transportation Inc. Rhoads Limousine Service Inc. New Rhoads Transportation, Inc. Douglassville, is a third generation family business started in Douglassville, Berks County by David Kutz who in 1928 actually built the first school bus for the Amity School District, now Daniel Boone School District. Upon his death in 1964, the business was sold to his daughter Elizabeth and her husband Jay Rhoads. They ran the school buses until their retirement in 1990 when New Rhoads Transportation was acquired by their son Steve Rhoads. Steve and Sally in Lincoln MKT stretch limo The Rhoads companies consists of New Rhoads Transportation Inc., specializing in public school bus transportation and charter bus and coach transport; and Rhoads Limousine Service Inc. provides airport transfers, shuttle service, and handicap accessibility transportation and even more personalized special event transportation such as weddings, proms, sporting events, concerts and theater trips and parties. Steve Rhoads’ sister, Sally Rhoads, is a minority partner and serves as Secretary/Treasurer of the company. Sally said, “We grew up in this business. It has always been part of our lives. Steve has been involved non-stop. I also worked in the corporate world and returned to the business in 2001. Nephew, Jimmy Riegner, is shop supervisor focusing on maintenance and mechanical repairs of all vehicles.” Rhoads fleet of nearly 70 vehicles includes school buses, school vans, coach buses, trolleys, wheel-chair coaches, mini coaches, executive shuttle buses, executive series town cars, stretch limousines, an 8 passenger stretch Lincoln MKT, an 18 passengers stretch Hummer and a nine-passenger Mercedes executive vehicle and others. Approximately 75 employees keep Rhoads on the highway serving their clients with excellent service. Customers calling into Rhoads can expect to speak with Kevin Klumpp, Valerie Moser, Authur Kissling and Brad Sherker. Sally Rhoads showed us a col- 26 Wyomissing Neighbors • April 2016 (L to R) Arthur Kissling, Kevin Klumpp, Sally Rhoads, Brad Sherker and Steve Rhoads lection of thank you notes and emails from dozens of clients she has saved over recent years. All Rhoads drivers are company employees, thoroughly screened, and are required to be fingerprinted, have Child Abuse Clearance, Criminal Background Checks, and Drug Testing prior to being hired. All drivers are subject to random drug testing throughout the year as well. Sally said their least busy time is January and February. “The rest of the year has become quite consistent. Prom season is always exciting and now weddings seem to occur all year long; not just spring and summer. We can provide service to anywhere requested. We recently took a smaller group to Iowa.” “We truly appreciate all our customers and we have gotten to know many of them quite well over the years. We see all kinds of things under all circumstances. Recently we used our wheelchair coach in a funeral procession for a local funeral home. We have an elderly woman who visits her deceased husband’s grave Amity Township School buses circa 1938 several times a month. We take her to the cemetery, wait, and bring her home. We respect our clients and give them the most personal care we can.” Sally and Steve Rhoads in coach bus “Our goal is to continue to grow our business while keeping our safe, clean, and efficient company standards,” Sally said. “Additionally, we will be offering various tours, In Our Backyard theme starting late spring 2016. This will offer small groups to travel in our coach buses to destinations in the area and beyond, that sometimes we take for granted or don’t realize exist.” Steve Rhoads is the President of the Philadelphia Regional Limousine Association. Steve said, “New Rhoads Transportation, Inc. and Rhoads Limousine Service, Inc. offer efficient service in new and clean vehicles. No job is too small or too large for us. We pride ourselves with maintaining our excellent reputation and upholding the family business.” Steve A. Rhoads, President Sally A. Rhoads, Secretary/Treasurer 1816 Weavertown Road, Douglassville, PA 19518 www.RhoadsLimos.com 610-689-4600, 800-528-3569 April 2016 • Wyomissing Neighbors 27 music to our ears Sheds - Playsets - Gazebos - Lawn Furniture - Roofing - Fencing - Railings - Decks - Porch Swings MAY 2 TO 8TH BIG SALE SPENCER BARBERA W y o m i s s i n g ’s " M u s i c M a n " Spencer Barbera is a Wyomissing High School senior who has earned a special place on the Wyomissing High School stage. This month, Spencer is playing the lead role of Harold Hill in Wyomissing Area Senior High Drama Club’s production of Meredith Willson’s The Music Man, April 29 and 30 at the high school auditorium. Spencer Barbera “I first got involved with singing when I took Junior High Concert Choir, in the seventh grade and I started studying piano after I got my Eagle Scout, in 2013. I enjoy choral ensemble music and Broadway - show music.” Spencer said “Unlike now, when I was in Junior High, music was not something many guys in my grade did. It really was a great opportunity for me to stand out, and chorus was somewhere that I felt comfortable being myself and was respected for my dedication to music.” SALE PRICES ON ALL ITEMS Hours: Monday thru Friday: 9am – 4pm Saturday: 9am – 2pm Closed Sunday FREE ICE CREAM FLOWERS - BUNNIES - CHICKS 1 Montrose Blvd. Shillington, PA 610-743-5660 • www.WyomissingStructures.com Spencer and his cast-mates put in long hours of practice. “I practice about five hours a week for voice, plus three-hour Music Man rehearsals every Monday through Thursday, and two hours for piano.” Spencer Barbera and Jocelyn Dialectos Spencer Barbera “I perform twice a year with my full high school concert choir at our winter and spring concerts, twice a year with my high school drama club during our fall thing and spring musical this year – April 29-30, The Music Man. Usually once a year I sing with my school’s select chorale ensemble on our annual trip, and with my school’s premier a cappella ensemble, Camerata at concerts, faculty meetings, nursing homes, and Hershey Park. I love the things I've learned and the friends I've met while doing the music programs at Wyomissing. I can't imagine my high school career without our incredible music department." Spencer said he was inspired to take up piano by his grandmother. “Before she passed away, she told me that her one regret in life was never learning how to play piano, and that anyone who knows how to play is “instantly the life of any party.” The right people have been there to help Spencer along the way. “Without a doubt my chorus teacher Mrs. Sharon Luyben who, since my seventh grade year, has shaped me from a kid who was interested in singing, to a serious musician. Also, my piano teacher Stephen Longenecker, whose expertise and passion for music always inspires me to push myself through my own selfimposed boundaries.” Spencer Barbera knows that music will always be important to him. “Music will continue to be my outlet for the rest of my life, though I don’t plan to pursue it as a career. In college, I don’t plan on majoring in music, but I will certainly participate in an a cappella group or choral ensembleand likely minor in theatre.” Do you or a friend or family member have a musical story to tell? If you are a vocalist or musician, we invite you to share your story with us by emailing or contacting John.Bieber@N2Pub.com. 28 Wyomissing Neighbors • April 2016 Name that Pest Contest First three people with the correct answer will win a genuine Green Giant T-shirt! Email answers to: Info@GreenGiantPest.com or text: 610.603.6207 Hint: This bee chews wood! *For more info on last month’s pest visit: GreenGiantPest.com/namethatpest GreenGiantPest.com April 2016 • Wyomissing Neighbors 29 Godfrey’s has the perfect gifts for any dog, any size, every time! Gift Cards Available for DOG TRAINING – RETAIL STORE – THE DOG PARK “Puppy Start Right” classes Raw Foods – Care Needs – Toys - Gifts Training & Dog Sports Canine Gym Nutrition Counseling 610-777-5755 OPEN: 4267 New Holland Rd. Tues - Fri 10- 6 | Sat. 10- 4 www.GodfreysDogdom.com Mohnton, PA 19540 (5 miles south of Reading on Rt. 625, New Holland Road, Knauers) Sun 11- 4 Closed Mondays Wyo? WHERE IN "Like Us" on Facebook Heidi Silverman was the first person to correctly identify the locations of all March Wyomissing area photos. See if you can be the first April “Eagle-Eye of Wyomissing.” Email your answers as quickly as you can to John.Bieber@N2Pub.com. 30 Wyomissing Neighbors • April 2016 April 2016 • Wyomissing Neighbors 31 featured home 1520 Reading Boulevard, Wyomissing C indy and John Lis are the owners of Wm. H. Diller Jewelers, 601 Penn Avenue, West Reading. As well as being a jeweler, John also has an accomplished 25-year construction background which includes developing and building the 32 townhomes of Wyomissing Court. So in 1994, when John Lis put his mind to building his own home at 1520 Reading Boulevard, he incorporated all the good builder craftsmanship, quality and finishes anyone would expect. Cindy Lis said, “We did a lot of detail things in the house, like under the front staircase, we ran the hardwood under it and turned it into a closet with a door. John welded all the steel. Everything is very well done. If you’re a builder and building your own home, you will add all the bells and whistles.” Cindy and John Lis built their amazing Wyomissing home on an empty lot that had an abandoned fishpond on it. Cindy said, “When we bought the sub-divided lot, there was nothing there except a fish pond. We went there with coolers and took out all the big goldfish and we found them a new home at Waterloo Gardens.” The 6,687-square-foot-two-story home has five bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms, finished basement, three-car garage, beautiful landscaping and all the features one would expect in this upscale Wyomissing home. get oticed. www.n2pub.com 1520 Reading Boulevard is currently for sale and Lisa Tiger of Century 21 Gold, Wyomissing, is assisting with the sale. Lisa can be contacted at 610-207-6186. 32 Wyomissing Neighbors • April 2016 April 2016 • Wyomissing Neighbors 33 business profile Green Giant Lawn & Tree Care The Green Giant team Pest Control by Green Giant Industry: Lawn Care, Tree Care, Vegetation Management & Pest Control Daniel F. Rothermel and Daniel K. Rothermel, Sr Josh Moser – General Manager, Sandy Paris – Office Manager, Tom Walters – Quality Assurance Manager Dan Rothermel is a Wyomissing resident and he is a partner with his father Daniel K. Rothermel as owners of Green Giant Lawn & Tree Care and Green Giant Pest Control located on Rt. 662, Fleetwood. Dan Rothermel is President and CEO. Dan said “We purchased the business from the original owner in January of 1990. The company was founded in 1982 as a lawn care company - lawn fertilization, weed control and related services. I have always been very interested in plant material and landscaping. In 1989, I had graduated with a B.S. in Landscape Architecture from West Virginia University. My dad had spent his career at Carpenter Technology as an attorney retiring as Vice President & General Council in 1989. He was looking for a second career and wanted to own his own business. When Green Giant came up for sale, it looked like a good business opportunity as well as a nice opportunity for the two of us to work together. So we bought Green Giant.” Green Giant has two divisions under one large roof; Green Giant Lawn & Tree Care and Pest Control by Green Giant, both providing a wide array of interrelated services. Josh Moser is the General Manager and has been with Green Giant for over 10 years. With 20-25 employees, they serve Wyomissing and all of Berks County, Lehigh Valley, Chester County, Montgomery County and Lancaster County. The pest control division began in 2011 and is having rapid growth. 34 Wyomissing Neighbors • April 2016 Tom Waters, Dan Rothermel, Heather Gift, Josh Moser, Ruthe Burns and Sandy Paris “One of the things that I believe sets us apart in both divisions of the company, is our ongoing effort to make it easy for our customers to do business with Green Giant.” Dan Rothermel said. “Our goal is to reduce the effort a customer has to put forth when dealing with Green Giant. If we succeed, it is almost certain we will have loyal customers and our customers will be so pleased they will recommend Green Giant to their friends and family.” the technician and, more often than not, they will do the service call same day. Dan said “One example of response time that is a little extreme, is hotel customer in Lancaster called about an ant problem. While on the phone with the customer, our dispatcher texted our technician who happened to be close by, and he walked into the hotel while the manager was still on the phone with our dispatcher. Supposedly he looked like he saw a ghost trying to figure out how this happened – not realizing our dispatcher had texted the technician during the call.” When customers call Green Giant, they do not get a call center; they will speak with live, local people. “We don’t require contracts. We don’t want to force someone to stay a customer because of a contract. We want our customers to do business with us because they want to. We can communicate whichever way is best for them. We added a dedicated texting number so customers can text us if that’s easier. A customer can take a few seconds to send us at text message requesting a service call. We will get the service call processed immediately.” With a pest call, it is usually a safety issue and it can be emotional for the customer. “They want the wasp nest taken care of now because they want their kids to be safe out playing in the yard. Ants in the kitchen aren’t going to kill anyone but people get creeped out and they want them taken care of right away. We know the importance of the customer’s sense of urgency.” Dan Rothermel said, “We also have a quality assurance program that is run by Tom Walters who has been in the industry for over 25 years. He does nothing but inspect our work, look for ways to improve our processes and provide continuous training. We also have a program where we will have pest control technicians swap routes 3 or 4 times a year. It’s good to have a second set of eyes on each job. They then compare notes. It’s a way for everyone to up their game a little bit.” Green Giant has tracking devices on company vehicles so a dispatcher can look at large TV screen with a map and see the location of the closest qualified technician to a service call. The dispatcher will text Green Giant has a veteran field technician crew. “Our average employee has been with us for about 10 years. We know who we are sending to our customer’s homes. Our people are drug tested; we do criminal background checks and run a motor vehicle report. Homeowners need to be comfortable with who they are allowing on their property and into their homes. I live in Wyomissing and we have a lot of customers in Wyomissing who all want good service and good follow-up. We will follow-up with the customer until the problem is resolved. If the customer is not satisfied, our job is not done. We don’t put the burden on the customer to contact us again.” A growing area Green Giant is working on is “Green” products. Dan said “I don’t know of any other companies in the area that are doing as much testing of environmentally friendly pest control products as we are. There are quite a few natural products that work very well. We had a great result with a woman who was nine months pregnant and had a bed-bug issue. She needed to control the bed bugs but didn’t want traditional pesticides. We had been testing the product and it was working very well but this was a pretty severe infestation. The bottom line is that it worked perfectly. Follow-up inspections showed absolutely no activity. The material used was a cedar oil based product. It even smells good, like cedar. The product is labeled a G.R.A.S. product (Generally Regarded as Safe) by the EPA. It is also better for our technicians. Our customer was very happy to have this option.” Dan Rothermel said the best way to measure their service performance is to ask his customers. “We survey them to measure how we are doing. 96% of those responding told us we are very easy or easy to do business with. We are constantly trying to improve on that.” April 2016 • Wyomissing Neighbors 35 classic recipe the ORIGINAL Rice Krispy Treats T Ingredients 3 tablespoons butter 1 package (10 oz., about 40) JET-PUFFED Marshmallows OR 4 cups JET-PUFFED Miniature Marshmallows 6 cups real Kellogg's Rice Krispies cereal Instructions We strongly encourage you use the real name brand ingredients. Why mess with perfection? 1. In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat. 2. Add KELLOGG'S RICE KRISPIES cereal. Stir until well coated. Giving your loved one the option of in-home care is a wonderful gift. Advance Home Health can make it work with services that address the diverse needs of in-home clients and those who love them. Trust Advance Home Health for healing, well-being & quality of life in the comfort of home. 634 Penn Avenue West Reading, PA 19611 (610) 685-2960 www.advancehomehealthcare.com 36 Wyomissing Neighbors • April 2016 Inside the “Lambertville House Hotel” Lambertville, PA A Great Weekend Getaway his might sound like a no-brainer that everyone in the world knows, but this classic, delicious snack has been making memories for kids and parents alike for generations. This is a recipe that we all should memorize. In-Home Nursing & Rehabilitation Services – Care in the Comfort of Home pretty, quirky & fun 3. Using buttered spatula or wax paper evenly press mixture into 13x9x2-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Cool. Cut into 2-inch squares. There are hundreds of things to add to the mix from nuts to colorful sprinkles. Have fun and go crazy! Best if served the same day (if they last that long). Share your favorite recipes and food stories with your neighbors by emailing or contacting us at John.Bieber@ N2Pub.com. Bon appétit! If you’re yearning for a change of scenery after our long winter, Lambertville, NJ, located on the banks of the Delaware River is perfect for a weekend getaway. Lambertville was recognized by Forbes in 2013 as one of the “15 prettiest town in America” and ranked number five among the “Quirkiest” by Travel & Leisure in 2014. Lambertville is similar to New Hope in that it’s walkable and located directly across from New Hope linked by a bridge. The vibe is a bit different - more relaxed, quieter and more conducive to a lazy stroll. Galleries Galore – Famous for an artist colony formed there more than 100 years ago, Lambertville is known for its selection of art and is home to a plethora of galleries. You can spend hours admiring artwork in the galleries dotted along the streets. From small galleries like The River Queen on Church Street, to mega-galleries like Jim’s of Lambertville located on Bridge Street, there’s something for every taste. Overnight Lodging – Try the Lambertville House Hotel if you enjoy rich in history, hospitality and being located in the heart of the action. In 1812, Captain John Lambert built this stone tavern and inn. The hotel originally operated as Lambert’s Inn and served as a stagecoach stop that provided lodging to Presidents Andrew John- By Stephanie Kalina-Metzger son and Ulysses S. Grant, dignitaries, and business leaders traveling the main route between New York and Philadelphia. Described by many as luxurious and comfortable, this historic haven has been awarded the AAA Award of Excellence for the past 14 years. Each room offers a fireplace, robes and jetted bathtubs. Relaxing on the spacious front porch is a favorite pastime of guests. duck pot pie and jambalaya. For dinner, Anton’s at the Swan is top on my list. Chef Chris Connors is an expert in the kitchen and changes his menu with the seasons. It’s a great place for a date, with a romantic elegantly appointed dining room and attentive service. Stephanie Kalina-Metzger is a freelance writer based in Camp Hill, PA. She specializes in food and travel, with an emphasis on Pennsylvania tourism. Her blog Cheese Plates and Room Service can be viewed on Facebook, or the web at www.cheeseplatesandroomservice.com. Antique Enthusiast’s Enclave – Lambertville offers antique shops in abundance. The People’s Store, is located in a building that dates back to 1839. There you’ll find four floors of antiques from the collections of 45 dealers. Dining to Suit All Tastes – Stroll around Lambertville and you’ll discover finding a place to eat is easy. A good suggestion is Rojo’s Roastery, especially if you appreciate a great cup of coffee made from sustainably grown beans and roasted in state-of-the-art equipment. For lunch try the Lambertville Station. There you can order anything from snapper soup, to sandwiches, wraps, salads and even April 2016 • Wyomissing Neighbors 37 April & May WHERE IN THE WORLD Wyomissing IS Neighbors? LOCAL EVENTS Penn State Master Gardeners will offer a Spring Gardening Series of how-to topics for gardeners on Wednesday evenings April 13, 20, 27 at Berks County Agricultural Center in Bern Township. All classes will be held in the Ag Center Auditorium, 7:00-9:00 p.m. April 13, “Vegetable Smorgasbord” participants will spend time at multiple learning stations to explore vertical, container and raised bed gardening, rotation, companion, succession planting, and more techniques for great crops. Fee includes optional tour of the Master Gardner Vegetable Demonstration Garden at 6:30, before the 7 p.m. class session. April 20, “Common Garden Pests and How to Manage Them,” will focus on recognizing and understanding pests of landscape plants, vegetables, and flowers. Instructors will offer down-toearth strategies for prevention and low-impact intervention. Participants may choose individual classes or may register for the whole series. Class sizes are limited to permit hands-on learning and time for discussion. Registration is required, class fee of $9 per person per class. Registration information can be requested from the Penn State Extension office in Berks County, 610 378-1327, or viewed online at http:// extension.psu.edu/berks April 23 Earth Day at Happy Hollow Playground, Wyomissing. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Rain date is Sunday, April 24, 1–4 p.m. April 29 & 30 – Wyomissing Area Senior High Drama Club’s production of Meredith Wilson’s The Music Man at the high school auditorium. Show times are Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m. and one matinee performance Saturday 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $12. for adult and $8. for senior citizens and students. April 30 – Bark For Life at Ridgewood Winery benefitting the April 27, “Bulbs and Ephemerals in the Spring Garden” Master Gardeners will lead participants into the Demonstration Garden to visit early-blooming plants up close. The class will continue indoors with advice on selecting, planting, and maintaining these appealing harbingers of spring. Yellow House Hotel a delightful departure… Surrounded by the rolling farmland of the Historic Oley Valley, Yellow House Hotel provides a delicious retreat from the everyday. Built in 1801, Yellow House has upheld its reputation for the best variety of seafood & steak. Casual fine dining in warm 19th Century surroundings. Pub-lounge area. Comfortable overnight hotel accommodations. Banquet facilities available. 11 TIME WINNER - BEST COUNTRY HOTEL RESTAURANT IN BERKS COUNTY! 6743 Boyertown Pike (Routes 652 & 662) Luncheon: Mon – Sat 11:30-2pm Douglassville, PA 19518 Dinner: Mon – Thur 5-9pm, 610-689-9410 www.YellowHouseHotel.com Fri – Sat 5-9, Sunday 2-7pm Carl & Patricia DeGrazia are also owners of Emily’s Sunday Brunch: 11:00 – 2pm EMILY’S Local & Sustainable menu in an 1827 Historic Landmark SEASONAL MENU FROM LOCAL FARMERS Open Easter & Mother's Day 3790 Morga ntown Road Mohnton, PA 19540 INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ESCARGOT, FILET MIGNON, SCALLOPS & RISOTTO, DUCK, SALMON, VEAL, CRAB AND ASPARAGUS 5 Dining Rooms & Spacious Outdoor Deck seats 100 for rehearsal dinners, banquets, bridal showers. Available for private parties on Sunday and Monday Serving Lunch – Tuesday-Friday 11:30 am – 2 pm Serving Dinner – Tuesday –Saturday 5-9 pm Closed Sunday & Monday Available for private parties 7 days a week Reservations recommended 5 Dining Rooms, Unique Bar and Spacious Outdoor Deck See www.EmilysBerks.com LIVE MUSIC ON FRIDAY NIGHT for latest menu 10 minutes south of Reading on Rt. 10 Lauren and Kaeden Alvey in Grafenwohr, Germany, holding a copy of Wyomissing Neighbors American Cancer Society. 12–4 p.m. Bring your dog to a great doggie social event. Ridgewood Winery is located at 2039 Philadelphia Ave. (Rt. 724) Birdsboro, PA 19508. May 7 – Kentucky Derby Party to support the Wyomissing Public Library. 4 p.m. in a private Wyomissing residence. Individual Most of us take good reading material with us when we travel, so just like Lauren and Kaeden, you should take a copy of Wyomissing Neighbors with you on your next trip, vacation, cruise, or climbing to the top of a mountain. Send us a photo of you and Wyomissing Neighbors on your next adventure! It will be fun to see where we can go. Locally, at the beach, across the United States or whatever far corners of the Earth we can reach. At the end the year we will list of all the different cities and countries Wyomissing Neighbors has traveled to and who took us along for the ride. Email us at John.Bieber@N2Pub.com. We love your photos! Send us your pictures of parties, events, birthdays, anniversaries, formal or casual, out for a walk, out to dinner, kids at play or just friends around a backyard cookout. It’s fun to see yourself and neighbors in print! Email to John. Bieber@N2Pub.com. tickets $75. For tickets: http://wpl-derby-party-6.eventbrite.com. Sponsored by Customers Bank. May 7 – 12th Annual Step Forward to Cure TSC Walk will be held at Gring’s Mill. No participation fee but a donation is requested. Registration begins at 11 a.m., walk begins at noon. This event is held rain or shine. There will be a light lunch provided and a Silent Auction. For information contact Shelly Meitzler 610-568-8183. You can also view the walk website at: http://giving.tsalliance.org/site/TR/Step_15/ StepForward?pg=entry&fr_id=1252 or follow us on Facebook at www. facebook.com/StepForwardPA. May 19 – Wyomissing Neighbors Evening at Saylor House, 5-7 p.m. Come out for an evening of fun and making new friends at Saylor House 1291 Penn Avenue, Wyomissing. Jennifer Inners has invited readers of Wyomissing Neighbors to visit the two floors of her beautiful home interiors showroom. Enjoy a glass of wine, a beverage and hors d’oeuvres. Meet some of our Wyomissing Neighbors advertisers and your neighbors in the elegant atmosphere of Saylor House. Please RSVP to John.Bieber@N2pub.com. May 20 & 21 – Relay for Life of Central Berks at Schuylkill Valley High School. Fun, food, events and games for all ages. Starts 6 p.m. on May 20 and goes continuous to closing at 12 p.m. May 21. Benefits the American Cancer Society. May 28 – Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony – Parade kicks off at 9:45 a.m. at the Wyomissing Hills Memorial Park and Playground. 38 Wyomissing Neighbors • April 2016 A lot of the good ideas we get here at Wyomissing Neighbors come from our readers. This is a great example – Lauren and Kaeden Alvey sent us some photos of themselves with a copy of Wyomissing Neighbors while they are in Grafenwohr, Germany. Kaeden is a US Army Paratrooper and Combat Medic stationed there with the US Army Garrison Bavaria. Kaeden said “We love Wyomissing Neighbors and we discovered it goes great with a bottle of Kapuziner.” Thanks Kaeden, we’ll have to get a bottle and try! On US Military base in Grafenwohr April 2016 • Wyomissing Neighbors 39 Featured properties may not be listed by the office/agent presenting this brochure. Source Multiple Listing Service. All information herein has not been verified and is not guaranteed. Supplied by Lisa Tiger - Wyomissing Realtor - 610-207-6186 (Direct) Address Neighborhood List Price Sale Price Sold Date DOM Beds Baths SqFt 1320 Old Mill Road Wyomissing $1,200,000 $1,090,000 11/24/15 441 6 4.5 6,376 1164 Old Mill Lane Wyomissing $1,200,000 $900,000 10/16/15 84 5 4.5 7,525 1168 Reading Blvd Wyomissing $875,000 $800,000 10/19/15 218 4 4.5 5,856 26 Hummingbird Road Wyomissing $595,000 $585,000 01/22/16 1 4 3.5 3,708 5 Phoebe Drive Wyomissing $575,000 $500,000 01/08/16 270 4 3.5 3,954 320 Logan Avenue Wyomissing $524,900 $515,000 10/14/15 236 3 2.5 2,840 1914 Squire Court Wyomissing $415,000 $395,000 12/30/15 12 4 2.5 3,648 71 Cardinal Road Wyomissing $425,000 $405,000 11/24/15 523 4 2.5 4,398 2004 Lincoln Court Wyomissing $369,900 $362,500 01/16/16 39 4 2.5 3,004 1501 Old Mill Road Wyomissing $349,900 $335,000 01/29/16 37 3 2.5 2,598 1324 Dauphin Avenue Wyomissing $330,000 $302,500 12/14/15 173 4 2 2,692 Want to Buy or Sell in Wyomissing? Call Lisa Tiger The Wyomissing Expert! 610-779-2500 610-207-6186 (Direct) LisaTigerHomes.com Alyce Versagli SkinPen Micro-Needling Acne Scarring, 3 treatments. Stretch Marks, 1 treatment. 607 S. Trent Avenue Wyomissing, PA 19610 Listed Price: $1,850,000 MLS# 6491022 1164 Old Mill Lane Wyomissing, PA 19610 Listed Price: $1,200,000 MLS# 6585582 SOLD SOLD 8 Hummingbird Road Wyomissing, PA 19610 Listed Price $799,000 MLS # 6513603 1627 Meadowlark Road Wyomissing, PA 19610 Listed Price: $735,000 MLS# 6485550 1415 Parkside Drive N. Wyomissing, PA 19610 $435,000 MLS# 6651449 28 Junco Drive Wyomissing, PA 19610 Listed Price: $390,000 MLS #6463444 1170 Old Mill Lane Wyomissing, PA 19610 Listed Price: $1,050,000 MLS# 6498008 Lot # 1 Reading Blvd. Wyomissing, PA 19610 Listed Price: $899,000 MLS# 6686508 2005 Regency Drive Wyomissing, PA 19610 Listed Price: $859,999 MLS# 6372039 1520 Reading Blvd. Wyomissing, PA Listed Price $850,000 MLS # 6377743 1505 Reading Blvd. Wyomissing, PA 19610 Listed Price: $495,000 MLS# 6693584 5 Bobolink Drive Wyomissing, PA 19610 Listed Price: $479,000 MLS# 6697818 1306 Old Mill Road Wyomissing, PA 19610 Listed Price: $315,000 MLS# 6573178 1813 Squire Court Wyomissing, PA 19610 Listed Price: $$259,000 MLS# 6692467 SOLD 1517 Reading Blvd. Wyomissing, PA 19610 Listed Price: $695,000 102 Robert Road Wyomissing, PA 19610 Listed Price: $525,000 MLS# 6540878 2040 Lincoln Court Wyomissing, PA 19610 Listed Price: $379,000 MLS# 6739431 205 Logan Avenue Wyomissing, PA 19610 Listeded Price: $365,000 MLS# 6686075 Skin Firming, 1 treatment. SkinPen’s state-of-the-art technology is designed to improve damaged or aging skin by utilizing the body's healing response to naturally repair itself. 906 Penn Ave. Wyomissing l www.SkinCareByAlyce.com l 610.685.2575 40 Wyomissing Neighbors • April 2016 Wyomissing Homes For Sale! SOLD RN/Medical Aesthetician Over 20 years of experience. Over 34 Mil li Dollar on s Sales 2 in 015 SOLD SOLD April 2016 • Wyomissing Neighbors 41 Wyomissing Sales | Service | Installation Neighbors Readers' Night Out • • • • • • May 19, 5-7 p.m. Come out for an evening of fun and making new friends at Saylor House 1291 Penn Avenue, Wyomissing. Jennifer Inners has invited readers of Wyomissing Neighbors to visit the two floors of her beautiful home interiors showroom. Enjoy a glass of wine, a beverage and hors d’oeuvres. Meet some of our Wyomissing Neighbors advertisers and your neighbors in the elegant atmosphere of Saylor House. Please RSVP to John.Bieber@N2pub.com. Pools & Hot tubs Hearth Products Patio Furniture & Grills Fence & Railing Installation Retractable Awnings Wild Bird Seed & Feeders Fresh, local food from Lancaster County delivered every week to your home. Transform your back yard from the place you never want to go... to the place you never want to leave. Is life beyond your back door boring? We specialize in creating back yard spaces that will have you opening your back door every chance you get. So whatever the scope of your project, from a beautiful patio to a complete outdoor living space, we’ll work with you to make it the centerpiece of your property. doorstepdairy.com /doorstepdairy /doorstepdairy /doorstep_dairy 5369 Allentown Pike - Temple, PA 19560 P 610.929.5794 F 610.929.0728 Fehls.com Vanity Hair & Nails Celebrating 20 years in Wyomissing Welcoming New Clients with 20% Off First Visit Call us at 717.721.3530. Or see ideas for your dream back yard on the web at EarthTurfWood.com. Leaders in Exquisite Landscape & Hardscape Creations Denver, PA Contractor # PA002772 42 Wyomissing Neighbors • April 2016 Ginger Wunder Jayme Burkey 840 North Park Road | “Park Plaza” Suite 11 | Wyomissing, PA 19610 Salon Hours: Tues. 10-8 Wed. & Thurs. 10-9 Fri. & Sat. 9-3 Phone: 610-373-9924 April 2016 • Wyomissing Neighbors 43 Neighbors PA_Wyomissing Wyomissing PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID WILMINGTON NC PERMIT NO. 40