From a young age Tammy Maccarthy has always had a passion for motivation. But it wasn’t until college that she realized how to truly change peoples lives, through fitness. This inspired Maccarthy to create ‘Beyond Fit’, a group fitness studio located in Douglassville.
To commemorate the grand opening of Beyond Fit, Maccathy held a ribbon cutting ceremony in conjunction with Kutztown University SBDC. Guests to the ceremony included community members, Beyond Fit clients and Pennsylvania State Senator John Rafferty.
Where did her passion for fitness come from? As a Psychology student at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Maccarthy eventually found that the best way to help people is through teaching. “I found that real change happens in the gym”, Maccarthy said. This realization made her change majors from Psychology to Strength Conditioning, in hopes to teach and motivate young athletes.
After receiving her B.S. in Exercise Science from IUP Maccarthy moved back to Douglassville. This proved to be difficult as she was hard pressed to find a gym that suited her needs. Maccarthy found that many local gyms were too impersonal. This didn’t stop her own fitness goals but Maccarthy quickly found a group of people who were missing out.
The idea for Beyond Fit was born on the gridiron. As a strength and conditioning coach for youth football, Maccarthy would frequently talk to parents during practice. She quickly discovered many of the parents on the sidelines wanted live a healthier but between work, family and daily life they just couldn’t figure out how. This motivated Maccarthy to help find something that would work for them.
Just like football practice for their kids, Maccarthy designed an outdoor bootcamp that focused on both exercise and diet advice. At first the group classes were free, however with the cool air of winter closing in Maccarthy decided to find an indoor home. Finding space locally, Maccarthy began to charge a small membership fee to cover a studio room rental.
Owning a business isn’t a piece of cake. Maccarthy turned to the Kutztown University Small Business Development Center for guidance. With business going well Maccarthy decided to take the leap and find a space of her own. Thanks to the Kutztown SBDC, Maccarthy was able to find a loan to help build the Beyond Fit studio in Douglassville.
“Beyond Fit is not your simple, at home or do it yourself program. It’s a community, a mindset and a way of life.”
“The one thing we all have in common is that we lost the ability to take time out of the day to focus on ourselves.” With the new studio, Maccarthy is now able to help members lose weight and get back to their ideal shape. Offering everything from fat loss, group classes to high school athlete training, Beyond Fit is helping the community redefine their own success.
Michael Hartman, Reading Magazine’s music contributor recently sat down with local singer/songwriter Stephanie Grace at Sulia Studios to talk about her life and new music.
Mike: I’m just wondering, how did you get involved with music and more specifically country music?
Stephanie: Yeah, so I guess most people when they hear I’m from Pennsylvania they think Philly or the big cities but I’m from Berks County, like Douglassville to be specific. Country music is actually really big here, so I grew up listening to a lot of country music but I also grew up a really shy child. I never really thought I could get up there in front of people but when I was in first grade I came home from school and I told my mom I want to sing in my first grade talent show and she was like okay yeah sure, if you think you can do that let’s let’s do.
So I started practicing every night after school got a little more comfortable performing in front of my mom you know and then came the night at the talent show and I was backstage crying I was so nervous I saw my whole school I was freaking out but I got up there and three minutes on stage was all it took for me. The music came on and I started dancing I got real into it and three minutes is all it took for me to fall in love it’s performing.
Mike: Absolutely, I would assume that getting out there and doing it for the first time that’s probably the most nerve-wracking. So I know that you were telling me recently that you were in Nashville recording your new EP can you tell us a little more about that?
Stephanie: Well I can’t tell you a whole lot now but the EP probably won’t be out until the middle of next year. I can tell you that we are releasing a new single in February and I’m so pumped for that, we’ve not put out any new music since 2014 so it’s long overdue and I’m really pumped for everyone to hear it.
Mike: That’s awesome, so what was the motivation for the new EP?
Stephanie: The last time I was in the studio I was 16, now I’m 21. I feel like people are like that’s nothing but when you’re 16 you’re still a teenager awkward high school kid and recording was so new to me. I didn’t really have a voice then I feel like, you know. I mean I did but I didn’t know how to express it. Now I just I came in the studio ready, I know what I want to say, I know how I want to say it, let’s get it out there. It was definitely a really neat experience for me.
Mike: I’m looking forward to hearing it. I have to tell you one of my favorite songs you ever wrote was loser. I believe that was from your last album and you know there’s a quote in there that says ‘sometimes losers turn into winners in the end’. I’m all about positivity. I’m a big believer in that’s where people get their start you know, sometimes they’re the shy reserved kid that just becomes the twinkling star out there so that’s so cool.
All right so one question I was dying to ask you is what are your goals for the next three years five years. You said this is the first time in five years that you’re actually out recording again, so where do you see yourself five years from now?
Stephanie: That’s always a tough question, you can’t predict the future but I can say what I hope to be doing. I hope to be touring, I hope to travel the world. I try really hard to make my songs positive and put a really uplifting message in them. I want to deliver that message to as many people as I can, so touring the world, that’s what I hopefully see myself doing in five years.
Mike: You’ve also done some School Assemblies where you help kids with positivity. Tell us a little more about that?
Stephanie: I do school assemblies for anti-bullying. You mentioned my song loser, that song for me started the whole movement. I love getting that intimate time with kids to just perform for them and take them away from class for a little bit and just loosen up and have fun, but at the same time deliver that positive message.
We’ve done so many Berks County schools, Boyertown, Daniel Boone, Muhlenberg Oley, Hamburg and Conrad Weiser. I think it’s so neat how the area has embraced it and I’m very blessed to be able to do it.
Mike: I love that anti-bullying. That’s something that really is important and we need to embrace that as a culture.
Stephanie: You know music is a great way to deliver that message. I feel like especially kids really resonate with music. I feel so blessed to be able to combine the two.
Mike: I know you’ve opened up for some really big names in the industry, people like Taylor Swift, Hunter Hayes, Charlie Daniels, can you tell us a little bit more about that and what one of your favorite memories would be?
Stephanie: Absolutely, I’ve been so blessed to take the stage before some of these artists. brothers Osbourne too and Scotty McCreery and Taylor Swift was the big one for me.
When I was nine years old I entered a singing competition, again this was in the early phases of my career, somehow won the competition and the prize was to perform at Fall Fest in Lancaster before the opening act who was Taylor Swift, back in 2006. So that for me was incredible one getting to perform at such a big event. The radio station that put on the event brought me in the little tent to meet her and she knew exactly who I was. she’s like ‘you’re were awesome up there’ and was so incredibly sweet to me. I carry that with me forever. She’s like ‘here you’re gonna stand right here’. She let me stand right next to her while she signed autographs.
At the time she was just getting started so as I’m someone who’s just getting started I’m inspired by the way she treated people, the way she carried herself and just how incredibly kind she was to me.
Mike: Wow, I seriously got goose bumps when you were talking that story that is so cool. I have one final question for you, I want to know what your favorite song is to play and if you have any messages you would like to deliver to your fans while you’re here.
Stephanie: Favorite song to play is hard. I have two answers because I feel like there’s original music and then there’s cover material which my shows I incorporate a good mix of both. I would say my favorite original song to play is probably a my song loser. Probably because of the reaction we get from people. It’s really cool to look out in the audience and see young people and adults chanting the words to the chorus with me. It’s just so empowering and that’s what I always envisioned when I wrote that song so loser is the favorite original song. My favorite cover song is probably Sweet Escape by Gwen Stefani, most people don’t recognize it by the title but any song that gets the crowd involved it’s my favorite.
A message to my fans, I love you guys, thank you so much for all the support. I always tell people when I’m in Nashville or wherever I’m at that you really need a strong support system to to fuel what you do and I’m blessed to have that. Thank you all so much.
Mike: So where can your fans find your music?
Stephanie: My website which is Stephanie-grace.com. You will find links to my Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. I have music on Spotify, iTunes, Pandora so there’s all kinds of places where you can listen.
Mike: We have one of the album’s right here.
Stephanie: This is the Life’s Okay EP. This was the last release I put out, like a full project and I’m pumped to be putting out another one of these next year so but for now you got to get the Life’s Okay EP.
Mike: Stephanie was so great having you here thank you for joining us and thank you Sulia Studios for hosting us. Go see Stephanie Grace this spring and summer somewhere near you, I’ve seen her twice and you will not be disappointed.
You could play a board game or video game, but it’s just not the real thing. That all changes with the opening of Encrypted Escape in West Reading, located below one of West Reading’s most popular restaurants Say Cheese.
Encrypted Escape immerses guests into a unique interactive experience. With only 60 minutes to “escape”, problem solving skills, creativity and team work is a must.
To go behind the scenes at Berks County’s newest escape room we sat down with Marcelo Morales, co-owner of Encrypted Escape to talk about his passion for escape rooms. In addition to the newly opened West Reading location, Morales also owns Captured LV in Bethlehem, which has been in operation since 2016.
For Morales, escape rooms are not just his business but a way of life. Since first learning about the escape room phenomenon, he has traveled near and far to try different rooms. In that time he has spoken to several other escape room owners learn the tricks of the trade. In building his own, Morales said he is proud to offer a unique experience that guests won’t see duplicated any where else.
Rooms are big and you have to divide and conquer to be successful, its not a matter of how smart you are, its how you interact with the room that makes it fun, said Morales.
There’s a lot more that goes into an escape room that meets the eye. As Morales points out its not just about technology. Many of his rooms feature what is called Generation 1 and Generation 2 escape systems, meaning they use physical locks, written clues and computers to help solve the game. From his experiences, Morales says Gen 1 and 2 offer a better experience for groups and parties, as oppose to Generation 3 and 4, which use computers to guide guests through the game.
Encrypted Escape’s first opening room features “Bikers Revenge”. Bikers Revenge takes guests back to 1996 where an outlaw gang has made their way into Reading. They have caused mayhem everywhere they go for the last 10 years. Drugs, guns, pillaging, brawls, etc…if it’s illegal, they have their hand in it.
The police haven’t been able to infiltrate this tight group and now they are recruiting kids from the neighborhood and terrorizing the city. In an attempt to stop the gang, guests are encouraged to find evidence for the police.
As you can imagine Encrypted Escape is a great place to take a group, but it isn’t just for private events. Single tickets to games are also available to play with others who book the same session. In addition to groups and private events Encrypted Escape is also setup for corporate team building.
Who can play? Encrypted Escape is best for teens and adults. According to Morales, kids under 14 will find the rooms very challenging. That doesn’t mean kids are excluded, they may not be so interested in the complexities of the game.
I love barbeque – the smoky and savory flavors, the dedication it takes to prep and cook the meats and just the sheer joy of eating it – everything about it. To me, there’s nothing better; except Jamaican barbeque, of course.
Finding really great authentic Jamaican food can be hard to find, BUT luck for you, I’ve already done the dirty work for you, and I’ve found a delicious Jamaican barbeque joint right in our back yard (or front yard, however you look at it).
The place I’m calling out is House of Jerk Dread on Penn Street in Reading. This restaurant has it all, my friends. A friendly staff, great atmosphere and amazing food is all waiting for you at HOJD, and I wouldn’t wait any longer to experience the magic.
When you arrive, you’re greeted by an amazing staff that makes their house feel like your home. Take a quick look around and you’re instantly hit with the amazing woodwork displayed on the walls and tables. The Jerk Dread himself hand made EVERYTHING you see in that restaurant. Just ask, and you’ll get the story.
The food is second to none. When you visit HOJD, you know you’re getting fresh, authentic ingredients in every dish. How do you know that? I know that because you can simply taste it in every bite of food in every single dish.
From the barbequed pork, to the jerk chicken and everything in between, HOJD is serving up food using recipes passed down from generation to generation.
It’s that time of year again to go out with the family to see the holiday lights. From stadiums to hillsides and private houses Berks County sure knows how to light the night with holiday cheer. Here are a few of the best Holiday light show displays around the county. Please note each display runs different hours and may charge for admission.
Christmas at the Stadium
Baseballtown turns into a winter wonderland this holiday season when the Fightins and Savage 61 Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram host Christmas at FirstEnergy Stadium presented by RAM Trucks. The event runs from Friday, November 24th through December 23rd. stadiumchristmas.com
Christmas on Lincoln
Christmas On Lincoln is an animated Christmas Light display in Wyomissing Pennsylvania with over 60,000 Christmas Lights dancing to music. The light display was started seven years ago by Tim Macrina and his wife Katie. www.facebook.com/ChristmasOnLincolnCourt
Reading’s Christmas on the Mountain
For 26 years the Hillside Playground Association has transformed Hillside Playground into a Christmas Wonderland. It has become affectionately known as “Christmas on the Mountain”. This free to enter display, with over a half million lights, inflatables and decorations along with Santa’s workshop has become a holiday tradition for many Berks county residents. readingschristmasonthemountain.com
Koziar’s Christmas Village
Celebrating 70 years of Season’s Greetings, Koziar’s Christmas Village has grown to a mammoth and extraordinary seasonal attraction drawing visitors from great distances as well as local families who have made Koziar’s part of their Christmas tradition for three generations. koziarschristmasvillage.com
Gring’s Mill Park
Bring your family & friends to Gring’s Mill, and walk through the illuminated park and see our light displays and decorations. Sit in the upper level of the barn by the fireplace and enjoy lively entertainment each night from 6:30-8:30 p.m. www.co.berks.pa.us/holiday-lights
‘Twas the Lights Before
Join the Calvary Bible Fellowship Church in Sinking Spring for a night of synchronized Christmas lights set to music featuring Christmas classics and Star Wars music! Light shows run every 15 minutes, December 1-22nd, 5pm – 10pm. Free hot chocolate and cookies plus a fun Star Wars kids’ activity on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights from 6-9pm. Over 80,000 lights dancing and twinkling to music. www.cbfc.net/lights-before-christmas
Murdough’s Christmas Barn
Although it’s not a lights display, you won’t be disappointed by visiting the Christmas Barn.
An enormous selection of Christmas decorations and trim, housed in a century-old barn. Family owned and operated since 1953. German nutcrackers and smokers, Annalee dolls, Byers’ Choice Caroler figurines, Old World Christmas and Christopher Radko glass pieces, Dept. 56 villages, Possible Dreams Santas, Willow Tree angels, nativity scenes, advent calendars, light sets, artificial trees, wreaths, garlands, stockings, tree skirts, cards, candles, cookie cutters, and many hundreds of ornaments! www.facebook.com/Murdoughs-Christmas-Barn
