Justin Bortz was born in Reading, the youngest of ten children. His father, Wayne, son of Earl Bortz, well known for founding Bortz Chocolates, the manufacturer of novelty chocolates which created many of the beloved confections local children grew up with. The brothers established several manufactu
As the growing season concludes, most of us are contemplating a trip to the market or grocery store to gather our fixins for the upcoming feast. Our relationship with the fresh produce is little more than selecting, paying for and preparing the food which graces our table. For the serious gardener,
Danielle Hathaway was born in Philadelphia along with her twin sister Dana. At age six, her mother passed away, the twins were raised by their grandparents in Havertown, Pa. “Even as a child, I was always drawing, coloring and painting, and I always loved music.” as Danielle recalls some of her earl
On November 20, 1943, a US force of approximately 35,000 troops from the 2nd Marine Division and the Army’s 27th Infantry Division began the amphibious assaults on Tarawa Atoll. The American invasion was part of Operation Galvanic to capture the Japanese-held Gilbert Islands. It was the first US off
Crystal Kowalski was born in Philadelphia where her father’s family of violin makers from Italy immigrated to and settled decades earlier. She grew up in the Paoli area and attended college at Drexel University where she majored in Economics. While at Drexel, she met her husband Vince and they were
As a native of southeastern Pennsylvania, a young Michael Fitzgerald took a student teaching position in the Wilson School District and stayed. He enjoyed a career as a public educator in the Technical and Engineering Department at Wilson Senior High School, retiring in 2022. Michael’s story was typ
Our life experiences are valuable assets which allow us to provide support and establish connections with other people. For local therapist, Cynthia Thomasset, establishing herself in a private practice later in life has allowed her to offer a unique perspective to the clients she serves. “As a youn
Not many children can claim a vocal performance debut in front of an audience at the age of four, however, Tamara (Tammy) Black and her three-year-old brother, Rich, sang at their first wedding together at those tender ages. “My mother, Francine Black, is a career musician, and I grew up singing eve
Plans for a beautiful October wedding for Lauren Ludwig and Kyle Conrad, were scheduled to take place on October 29th, 2011. Not only would the day mark the beginning of their life together, but would serve as the highlight of their story and their lifelong friendship. “Kyle and I grew up together a
Garrett Hyneman is a 2025 Governor Mifflin graduate who is heading to Lehigh University this fall. “I will major in mechanical engineering, environment and sustainability, with an emphasis on green energy. I will be running division one cross-country as well. I received a half tuition trustees schol
More than just the writer of this story, I’ve had the opportunity to watch this young man throughout his life and witness his enthusiasm, positive attitude, and work ethic. Today, Ramón Márquez is the ninth-grade building principal for the Wilson School District, raising three children with his wife
For more than a decade, Steven Newsham has been a familiar face to riders of the Berks Area Regional Transportation Authority (BARTA). As both a part-time bus operator and the president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1345 (ATU), which represents his fellow operators, Newsham has built his se
When Wyomissing High School sweethearts Daniel Macrina and his wife Vanessa were married, their dreams of having a family and building a life together were much like any other couple starting out. Their first child, Aurora, entered their lives, a healthy and spunky little girl who, a few years later
For more than two decades, Josh Spudeno, owner of Green Spider Tree Service, has made a living doing work most people wouldn’t dream of attempting: climbing high into dangerous trees, working near live power lines, and dismantling massive limbs piece by piece. The job has left its mark — in the past
Lifetime resident Michael Pinto has fond memories growing up in the Shillington community. Riding his bike through the tree-lined streets, summertime at the pool, attending Mifflin schools, and witnessing the Governor Mifflin Community Days inaugural festival and fireworks display during the 1976 Bi
When Detective Sergeant Kevin Quinter entered into a career in law enforcement with the Wyomissing Police Department in 2008 he was a husband and father of three young children. Law enforcement provided an opportunity to make a secure living in order to support his family while protecting and servin
The mark of a devoted educator often lies in one’s personal mission to promote a love of learning wherever it takes them throughout their career and beyond. For Bern Township resident, Dr. Solomon Lausch, a passion for learning and instilling that same passion in others continues past his life-long
While the lights atop Mount Penn have dimmed for the time being, one of the Reading Pagoda’s most charming souvenirs continues to shine—now from a new location. The Pagoda-themed Penny Press machine, a nostalgic favorite for visitors and locals alike, has officially been relocated to Reading City Ha
For Amanda Salen, working for the U.S. Postal Service wasn’t always part of the plan. But it’s quickly become more than just a job — it’s a calling that’s taken her from delivery routes to clerical roles, through career changes, and even into harm’s way.Salen, a Part-Time Flexible (PTF) Clerk with t
At just 24 years old, Dominic Lombardo has already spent nearly a decade in emergency medical services. As a paramedic and clinical coordinator at Muhlenberg Area Ambulance Association, Lombardo not only responds to life-threatening emergencies across northern Berks County—he also trains the next ge
Twelve heavy bomber crew members from PA were Prisoners of War in the Tokyo Military Prison when it was destroyed during an American firebombing raid on May 26, 1945. Volunteers with the non-profit Stories Behind the Stars (www.storiesbehindthestars.org) have written memorials honoring the twelve PA
Longtime Shoemakersville letter carrier Robert Oswald was honored Friday morning for 40 years of dedicated service with the United States Postal Service. The celebration, held at the Shoemakersville Post Office on Franklin Street, brought together colleagues, friends, and community members to recogn
A once-forgotten Cold War-era fallout shelter tucked into a hillside near the Greenhouse in City Park has been given a new lease on life. City officials recently guided members of the media on a rare tour of the underground structure, now cleaned and renovated for future use after sitting largely un
For Rick Perez, CEO of the Olivet Boys & Girls Club of Reading & Berks County, the journey from wide-eyed club kid to community leader has been anything but conventional. A Reading native, Perez’s connection to Olivet began during a pivotal time in his childhood, and over the years, that relationshi
