Home Blog Page 8

Museums and Cultural Organizations Receive $190K in Relief Funding

Reading Magazine
-
0
Museums and Cultural Organizations Receive $190K in Relief Funding

State Reps. Tom Caltagirone and Mark Rozzi and State Sen. Judy Schwank announced three Berks county organizations received more than $190,000 from the COVID-19 Cultural and Museum Preservation Grant Program. The program, funded through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, is meant to offset lost revenue caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting shutdown order.

The Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) today approved the following grants:

  • GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, $66,263
  • Foundation for the Reading Public Museum, $85,280
  • Reading Symphony Orchestra, $39,083

Funds may be used to offset lost revenue for eligible cultural organizations and museums that were subject to closure by the proclamation of disaster emergency issued by Governor Tom Wolf on March 6, 2020, and any renewal of the state of disaster emergency and that experienced a loss of revenue related to the closure.

“During this difficult time, it’s rewarding when we are able to reach out to local organizations to provide support,” Caltagirone said. “I am relieved to see three local organizations will receive the help they need.”

“I’m hopeful these grants will help our local organizations and help diminish some of the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Rozzi said. “This year has been one unlike any other, so it’s rewarding to see federal funds going back to our community to help some of the organizations in need.”

“Arts and cultural organizations play a critical role in improving the quality of life and economic vitality of Reading and Berks County,” Schwank said. “These funds will help our local organizations weather the impact of COVID-19 and continue to serve our community.”

Ancient Civilizations Gallery brings Mummy Nefrina to life with Hologram

Reading Magazine
-
0
Ancient Civilizations Gallery brings Mummy Nefrina to life with Hologram

Long-time resident of the Reading Public Museum, mummy Nefrina, comes to life in the new Ancient Civilizations Gallery exhibit. The renovated exhibit utilizes state-of-the-art technology with an updated and fully automated control system which will allow Nefrina to appear as a hologram and tell visitors the story of her life.

Funded through support from Museum Board member Jerome I. Marcus M.D., and the JerLyn Foundation, planning and creative design for this project began in March of 2020 led by Berks County companies NeoPangea and Burkey Construction.

Brett Bagenstose, founder and creative director of NeoPangea, states, “Nefrina has been a source of wonder and education in our community for 90 years. We are so honored to partner with The Museum as well as Burkey Construction, to modernize the exhibit and to bring her story to life.”

Installation is set to begin mid September with the grand-opening reveal on September 26 at The Museum’s annual fundraiser, Night at The Museum.

“Many of us at Burkey Construction remember seeing Nefrina for the first time when we were kids, so to be part of the team that brings her new exhibit to life is very exciting” said Vice President of Burkey Construction, Matt Forrer.

“Working with a company like NeoPangea, as well as The Museum, has allowed our Custom Service division to really get creative. Knowing Burkey’s contribution will bring life, excitement, and continued education to children and visitors for decades to come is truly a privilege.”

The Museum worked with Egyptologist Melinda Hartwig, Ph.D., Curator of Ancient Egyptian, Nubian, and Near Eastern Art at the Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University to ensure her appearance and narrative were historically accurate, and the actress tapped to portray Nefrina was selected based on Nefrina’s appearance in the forensic bust, created by renowned forensic artist Frank Bender, more than a decade ago.

John Graydon Smith, Director and CEO of The Museum states, “Bringing Nefrina ‘to life’ through this remarkable experience will transform her gallery in such a dramatic way that she’ll now be showcased in a setting befitting her status as The Museum’s star.”

Nefrina lived approximately 250 BC, and arrived at the Reading Public Museum in 1930, on loan from the University of Pennsylvania — later purchased by the Museum in 1949. Over the last 90 years, she has achieved celebrity status with generations of visits from school students and families.

Dunkin’ Awards Berks Student with $2,000 Scholarship

Reading Magazine
-
0
Dunkin’ Awards Berks Student with $2,000 Scholarship

The Dunkin’ Community Cruiser made a stop in Berks County Thursday afternoon to honor Berks Catholic graduate Ethan Kraycik, local recipient of the eleventh annual Dunkin’ Regional Scholarship Program.

Out of 1,500 applicants, Dunkin’ and Scholarship America selected 25 students Regionally, to receive an academic scholarship to an accredited two or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school of their choice for fall 2020.

Dunkin’ awarded a total of $50,000 to the 25 recipients who were selected based on their academic records, demonstrated leadership skills, and overall commitment to their schools and local communities.

“I think it’s really cool for Dunkin’ to host an event like this when everyone is social distancing, this is a bigger event than I thought it was going to be” said Ethan.

“It’s great to be able to have money for college and help me purse my first year.”

To celebrate the scholarship, Dunkin’ hosted an Iced Coffee break at the Kraycik residence in Amity Township for family, friends, and neighbors.

Dunkin’ representatives provided Ethan a certificate of achievement and a special gift at the event. Ethan will be attending Drexel University in the Fall.

Since its inception in 2009, Dunkin’ has awarded more than $450,000 in scholarships to 275 outstanding high school seniors and college students.

Exeter Entrepreneur Opens Mobile Kitchen Remodeling Business

Reading Magazine
-
0
Exeter Entrepreneur Opens Mobile Kitchen Remodeling Business

Exeter Township resident Michael Stratton has worked locally as a business consultant for years, but has always had an aptitude for design and craftsmanship. Striking out on his own, Stratton is now the local franchise owner of Kitchen Tune-Up, a national kitchen remodeling company known for updating kitchens & cabinetry.

Serving communities throughout Berks County and the Lehigh Valley, Stratton hopes to make kitchen updates hassle-free for homeowners.

“With my background in sales and business, I knew this was the perfect opportunity to expand my portfolio locally. I’m so excited to help local homeowners make their kitchen dreams come true” said Stratton.

With a background that includes working in business consulting, operations, and sales as well as nine years in the US Air Force, Stratton’s experience has given him the foundation to launch and grow his business locally.

“Michael is a fantastic addition to the Kitchen Tune-Up family. We have all the confidence in him to carry on the Kitchen Tune-Up tradition,” said Heidi Morrissey, president of the Kitchen Tune-Up Franchise System.

“He is exactly the type of trusted partner homeowners in Berks County need to support their remodeling project.”

In addition to residential clients, Stratton will offer kitchen remodeling for commercial customers.

Stratton added that while most kitchen remodeling services can take weeks, leaving kitchens inaccessible, his process with Kitchen Tune-Up can finish work in as little time as one day.

“I am so proud to be part of a company that has built its reputation on trust, top service and amazing results,” added Stratton. “These are qualities which I believe are critical in the success of any business, and am proud to be part of a company that values them so highly. I am as motivated as ever and Kitchen Tune-Up is a major reason why.”

Girls on the Run Berks Gearing up for Fall Season

Reading Magazine
-
0
Girls on the Run Berks Gearing up for Fall Season

Through more than 38 sites across Berks County, Girls on the Run Berks has served more than 700 girls since being locally established in 2013. Ready for a new season, GOTR has opened registration for the 2020 Fall season.

Teams are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis and the season starts September 21. GOTR Berks is a leader in delivering evidence-based, life skills curriculum to girls of all abilities.

For the 2020-2021 school year, GOTR Berks is offering flexible program models to accommodate the changing and unpredictable school year due to the pandemic.

“These virtual community teams make it possible for girls to stay active and engaged during the pandemic as well as make friends with girls from other schools,” explains Tania Hollos, GOTR Berks Program Coordinator.

If schools and sites are in session, GOTR Berks afterschool programming can be delivered in-person, with enhanced safety measures including physical distancing modifications. If schools and sites close, the program can be easily transitioned to a virtual model, with lessons that mirror the in-person program.

GOTR says this fluid programming model ensures that participants will experience the social, emotional, and physical outcomes of the program while allowing local teams to adjust to changes in the school and community health guidelines throughout the season.

GOTR Berks is also offering 100% virtual Fall programming delivered by trained coaches in a safe virtual space, with lessons that mirror the in-person Girls on the Run or Heart & Sole programs. Virtual programming will include physical activity and social-emotional learning, providing girls with an opportunity to still build meaningful connections with their peers and caring adult role models. Additionally, for the first time GOTR Berks is hosting community-wide all virtual teams.

1...789...63Page 8 of 63