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Kids learn about Service Dogs at Oley Valley Library

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Kids learn about Service Dogs at Oley Valley Library

In its on going event series the Oley Valley Library hosted a special presentation from Denice DeAntonio and her service dog Finley Tuesday night, all to teach kids how to behave around service dogs.

“It’s important to teach kids about service dogs becuase its not something you see too much of here in Berks County” -Denice DeAntonio

It wasn’t too long ago when Denice suffered a hemorrhagic stroke. At the time she didn’t know how much her life would change. Recovery had it’s challenges and one of those was mobility. To regain a normal life, DeAntonio applied for and received a service dog named Finley.

Some may remember Finley from the news back in 2013. Just a few weeks after getting Finley, he broke loose off his leash while at the Wyomissing Broadcasting Square shopping plaza. He was found three days later a few miles way.

Interested in spreading awareness of service dogs, Danice learned about the Oley Library and their events from a friend. After a little bit of planning the date was set to bring Finley to the library. DeAntonio told us it wasn’t the first the first time she has spoken to a group about living with a service dog, but it is the first time she has held a meet and greet specifically for kids.

It was a fun night for the 25 attending kids. While listening to Denice, each kid had the opportunity to color their own dog on paper. The main focus of the presentation was the message ‘don’t touch a service dog while their working’. Of course, this message is not easy to understand for kids. Early exposure to the concept of a service dog, what they do and why they are used was the goal of the night.

You wouldn’t believe how many adults (some with kids) would approach me and pet Finley without permission, says DeAntonio. Learning how to behave while in the presence of a service dog is an important skill to learn as a kid. Although dogs like Finley seem friendly, they serve an important role for those who depend on them and shouldn’t be distracted.

The Oley Valley Community Library Currently Offers over 7,000 print, DVD, and audio resources on hand and regular meetings of the knitting club, Lego Club, Preschool Story Time, Adult Book Club, Networking Meetings, Public Board Meetings, Craft Nights, Senior Workshops provided through Berks Encore and Friedens Church, local author signings and poetry readings as well as The Summer Reading Program in the summer.

Closing of the Reading Bike Hub Pump Track

Jason Hugg
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Closing of the Reading Bike Hub Pump Track

Photojournalist Jason Hugg follows the volunteers and staff of the Reading Bike Hub as they meet to discuss the closure of the newly constructed Popup Pump Track. Following their meeting the group of parents, kids and community leaders head to the Reading City Council meeting to have their voices heard.

Berks County featured at the 101st Pennsylvania Farm Show

Reading Magazine
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Berks County featured at the 101st Pennsylvania Farm Show

The 101st Pennsylvania Farm Show opened its doors on Saturday featuring the over 6,000 animals, 10,000 competitive exhibits and 300 commercial exhibits from all over Pennsylvania.

“The Pennsylvania Farm Show is an opportunity for all Pennsylvanians to better understand all aspects of agriculture in our commonwealth present and future. Most importantly, have a little fun” said Governor Tom Wolf during the opening ceremony.

Let’s take a look at the delicious food, exhibitor displays and furry animals we found representing Berks County!

All Age Grand Champion Steer was awarded to ‘Happy Bear’, Theresa Stoudt of M.T.S. Longhorns based out of Bethel, PA.

Himalayan bunny ‘Sugar Plum’ from Bernville, PA having a little snack.

The crew from Dieffenbach Chips of Womelsdorf, PA handing out free samples to farm show guests.

Oley Valley High School took home Third Place for their display Sustainable Agriculture: Feeding Future Generations.

Ridgewood Winery in Birdsboro wins four awards: Silver Medal: 2015 Vignoles, Sliver Medal: 2015 Fredonia, Bronze Medal: 2014 Ridgewood Cabernet Franc, Bronze Medal: 2015 Ridgewood Gerwurztraminer.

The Pennsylvania Farm Show is the nation’s largest indoor agricultural event, featuring 6,000 animals, 10,000 competitive exhibits, and 300 commercial exhibitors. The show runs January 7-13 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and January 14 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free and parking is $15 in Farm Show lots. The Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center is easily accessible from nearby Interstate 81.

Undercover Boss visits New York & Company in Wyomissing

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Undercover Boss visits New York & Company in Wyomissing

If you watched Undercover Boss on CBS Wednesday you may have been surprised to see sights from Berks County on TV.

Filming an episode featuring fashion clothing retailer New York and Company the show follows CEO Greg Scott, pretending to be new hire “Brett”. Among visiting several of the companies locations Greg meets Amber, a Fitting Room Stylist in Wyomissing.

Amber’s job is to expedite the fitting room experience. When customers need a different size or color, Amber is able to help the customer in a timely manner. As expected, Scott didn’t have any issues finding clothes in the store, but that didn’t mean he was out of the woods.

Later on the two were able to chat about the focus of the store. Amber politely mentions that from her experience younger shoppers tend to think the clothes are for “old ladies”. Apparently, this wasn’t surprising to Greg, who says he has done a lot of work trying to shed the image by using new marketing methods.

As they do in all episodes of Undercover Boss the employees sit down to talk with the “new hire” only to find out they are the company’s CEO. While sitting down with Amber, Greg shares his gratitude in her ability to work with younger customers and offers her a chance to work with the home office on marketing. In return Amber will receive a $5,000 dollar consulting bonus.

That’s not all… if you’ve seen the show you may know featured employees usually receive extra money and this episode was no exception. In addition to the consulting bonus Greg also offers Amber $40,000 dollars to use towards her personal expenses.

Watch the full episode here www.CBS.com/shows/undercov….

What’s on the menu when Dining in the Dark?

Reading Magazine
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What’s on the menu when Dining in the Dark?

Seeing the world is a very natural part of life. But for those with a visual impairment or blindness, even simple tasks like eating a meal can be a challenge. To demonstrate this, the students from the Wilson High School IM ABLE Club hosted a unique “Dine in the Dark” fundraising event, all to raise money for a custom made adaptive bike for Jazlaya, a 3rd grade student at Whitefield Elementary.

Born with Optic Nerve Hypoplasia, which is an underdevelopment of the optic nerves causing blindness, Jazlaya doesn’t let the medical label define her or stop her from being successful in life.

Saturday’s dinner, catered by Klinger’s at the Airport served a delicious side salad along with the main course of spaghetti and meat balls. Participants were faced with the challenge of eating the meal completely blind folded with the help of student servers.

Over 200 people attended the event, which was a surprise according to David Noyes, faculty adviser of the Wilson IM ABLE Club. Expecting the turn out to be in the teens, he was overwhelmed by the support from the community. By the end of the night the fundraiser collected more than $1,000.

The mission of the IM ABLE Foundation is to remove obstacles that prevent people affected by disabilities from being physically active by providing grants, resources, fitness opportunities and motivation. We change attitudes about the potential of disabled individuals by redefining what is possible.

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