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Hydrant Sprinklers give kids in Reading a break from the heat

Reading Magazine
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Hydrant Sprinklers give kids in Reading a break from the heat

Four weeks ago, City of Reading Mayor, Eddie Moran, launched a new initiative called Wacky Water Wednesday. Every Wednesday through September 2nd, city fire hydrants have been opened to allow kids to play in the water.

Today, kids in Glenside and Oakbrook Homes had a chance to play in the water. In total, 15 locations have been designated by the city as Wacky Water Wednesday spots. A sprinkler device is installed by Reading Water Authority on hydrants prior to the day of the event.

The Reading Recreation Commission proposed this initiative as a way to engage with the community in a fun way. Mayor Moran said he immediately loved the idea.

“I have beautiful memories of my childhood in New York City playing outside with other kids by the fire hydrants. I am glad we get to do this in Reading and help build our young residents’ own memories,” the Mayor said.

These events are geared to youth as a way to provide relief from the summer heat and safely restore our sense of community. To avoid large gatherings, Wacky Water Wednesday locations are a surprise every week, only shared discretely with nearby neighbors.

To accommodate proper space for the events, some streets will be closed. Traffic will be directed accordingly by police. In addition, snacks and drinks are provided by Reading Recreation Commission.

19th Century Epler Schoolhouse relocates to Berks Heritage Center

Reading Magazine
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19th Century Epler Schoolhouse relocates to Berks Heritage Center

After months of uncertainty, funding difficulties, and a close call with the wrecking ball, the historic Epler School building, moved from the location where it stood for over 170 years, to its new home at the Berks County Historical Center.

The one-room stone schoolhouse, located at the intersection of Van Reed Road and Leisczs Bridge Road, was built in 1847 and operated as a school for almost 85 years until it was converted to a private residence in 1931. Last fall, the building was scheduled to be torn down to make way for the construction of a large industrial park.

When local residents stepped forward asking to preserve the schoolhouse, Greater Berks Development Fund, the building’s owner, agreed to halt the demolition and to cover half of the estimated $211,000 relocation expenses.

Raising the remaining $100,000 proved to be a challenge—in early May, after losing county funding due to the COVID crisis, the school building came within days of demolition. Friends of Epler School, the grassroots group behind the drive to save the school, turned to businesses and individuals to raise the necessary balance.

At the last minute, the schoolhouse was saved by the generosity of the community and by a substantial contribution by an anonymous donor, given as a tribute to his wife, a teacher.

Over the past few weeks, Wolfe House & Building Movers from Bernville, excavated around the school and installed a platform of steel beams under the building. Remote-controlled and computer-steered dollies installed under the platform carried the 145-ton building along the 1½ mile route to its new location.

Moving at 5 miles an hour, the schoolhouse took 6 hours to make the journey to the Heritage Center.

Friends of Epler School plan to use the schoolhouse as one of the Historical Center’s resources to educate visitors on 19th-century life in Berks County.

Little Free Library Dedicated at Shillington Farmers Market

Reading Magazine
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Little Free Library Dedicated at Shillington Farmers Market

Altrusa International of Reading-Berks dedicated a Little Free Library recently at the Shillington Farmers Market.

Altrusa International of Reading-Berks is a volunteer organization of members united in service, personal development, and fellowship. 2018 marked the 75th Anniversary of the Reading Berks Chapter. “Altrusa” is derived from “ALTR” in altruism.

This is the third Little Free Library Altrusa International of Reading-Berks has dedicated in the past three years. The first Little Free Library is located at Kid’s Cuts in West Reading and the second one is at Wyomissing Diner.

John Price donated his time and materials to build all the libraries. Alan Peer designed and donated the cooper roof. After the Little Free Library was constructed by Price and Peer, Altrusa members decorated the exterior of the library.

Boyertown State Theatre Reopens Featuring Classic Blockbusters Films

Jason Hugg
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Boyertown State Theatre Reopens Featuring Classic Blockbusters Films

Restaurants and entertainment venues are beginning to reopen indoor spaces. Taking advantage of the relaxed restrictions of the green phase, the Boyertown State Theatre reopened this week screening classic blockbuster movies.

Although the theater is open, theater manager Shannon Anthony says they are being extra cautious. Staff undergo temperature checks before working, seating is staggered to promote social distancing, and sanitization measures have been increased.

The theater does look a little different on the inside. Yellow tape on the floor now directs patrons through a one-way lane, which passes the concession stand, travels into the seating area, and finally to exit the theater.

“We did a lot of research into how to re-open safely, looking at not only our own state, but others on the best practices” said Ken Shaw, Member of the Board of Directors. “We even made our own plexi screens for the bar and ticket booth. We’re a non-profit, so we are trying to save money where we can.”

Seating is limited to 50 patrons, 25% of full capacity. Every other row of seats is blocked off.

Unlike other entertainment venues, movie theaters rely on the latest films to fuel ticket sales. According to Anthony, film distributors have push back the release dates of all “first run” movies until mid August.

“The film companies have helped us re-open by offering us sub-run films at a very discounted rates, so we can start to get people back in and comfortable with being in a theater” said Anthony. “We can now show classic movies like Jurassic Park, Jaws, and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.”

“Our goal is to educate the public that we’re back open” said Shaw. “Our schedule is the same as before COVID. All we ask is you wear a mask and leave two empty seats between you and another group.”

Ribbon Cutting Celebrates Opening of New Barber and Beauty Academy

Jason Hugg
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Ribbon Cutting Celebrates Opening of New Barber and Beauty Academy

American Barber and Beauty Academy is one of the first tenants to open at the new Lancaster Avenue Shopping Plaza, located at the former A.W. Golden Cadillac dealership property in Reading.

Moving just a mile down the road from their previous location on Route 10, founder and CEO, George Ortiz Jr., cut the ribbon on the new location Monday evening in a ceremony outside of the building.

The new state of the art campus will provide prospective barbers and stylists courses in Cosmetology, Barbering, Esthetics, and Instructor Programs.

The new facility includes 12 barber stations, 26 styling stations, 6 manicure and pedicure stations, and 10 Esthetic stations.

Over the last 7 years American Barber Academy has successfully graduated hundreds of students through their Barber Program.

Graduates have successfully opened on their own or have worked in established salons and barbershops. The academy boasts their success is attributed to the culture; If our students are not successful, we are not successful.

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