They say variety is the spice of life. If that’s true, then get ready for some real heat! There are so many opportunities to try something new in Berks that we couldn’t pick just a few, so we are sharing enough for each week of the year. Get out your calendars!
Professional Development
1. Auctioneering
Reading Area Community College
10 S. 2nd St., Reading
610.372.4721, ext. 5708 | racc.edu
Start practicing your chant! Get the skills and training you need to pass the Auctioneer Licensing Exam and to establish your own auction house. This 10-week program is held each spring, with an additional 60-hour practicum required.
2. Babysitting
American Red Cross
701 Centre Avenue, Reading
800.REDCROSS | redcross.org
Take classes online or in-person and earn your two-year certification in anything from Babysitting Basics through Advanced Child Care. Get the first-aid, emergency, behavioral and leadership skills you need to go pro and earn more. Visit redcross.org for the local schedule.
3. Basic Computer Skills
Spring Township Library
78C Commerce Drive, Wyomissing
610.373.9888
Get one-on-one tutoring in the basic skills needed to operate a computer, access the Internet, browse social media, and use email. You’ll be surfing in no time with the help of youth volunteers. Day and evening hours available by appointment.
4. Computer Coding
Penn State Berks
Tulpehocken Road, Reading
610.396.6000 | berks.psu.edu
Do you speak Java? Join PSU’s Coding Boot Camp and create a strong foundation for a career as a computer programmer. The course is open to current students and the public. Registration for fall closes Aug. 17.
5. Medical Massage
European Medical School of Massage
2913 Windmill Rd., Ste. 12, Sinking Spring
610.670.6100 | emsom.edu
Join the only medical massage school in the region that trains you to help patients with pain and injuries. EMSOM’s hands-on training program has a 100 percent employment rate. Enrolling Oct. 16, 2017, and Feb. 19, 2018. Financial aid is available.
6. Teen Writing
Muhlenberg Community Library
3612 Kutztown Rd., Laureldale
610.929.0589
These are not your normal writing prompts! Brush up your writing skills with other local teens using creative, interactive and atypical writing methods across genres, like write-around-the-circle and blackout poetry. Write, share and discuss with the club every third Wednesday.
Personal Development
7. Organization
The Clutter Crew
610.914.3483 | thecluttercrew.com
Get organized: check. Be more productive: check. Learn how to get more out of your workday, work smarter not harder, and meet your deadlines with Vali Heist’s help. Lunch and learns, workshops, and club meetings available by appointment.
8. Cooking
The Culinary Classroom
402 S. Tulpehocken Rd., Reading
610.374.2674 | theculinaryclassroom.com
Want to be the next top chef? Start with the basics or hone your skills while preparing Mediterranean or French cuisine with Chef Linda Bell. Cook, learn, eat and laugh at weekly classes, or join a 6-week Culinary Fundamentals series, meeting every fourth Sunday.
9. Basic Japanese Conversation
“Sushi, Please” with
MWE Services
Schoolside Plaza, Ste. 206, Leesport
610.406.3525 | MWEinstitute@aol.com
No passing food with chopsticks? Find out why with a crash course in introductory Japanese language, culture, etiquette and social protocol. This 3-part training program is great for travel, business, or just fun! Schedule private classes with Marian Wolbers.
10. CPR
American Red Cross
701 Centre Avenue, Reading
800.REDCROSS | redcross.org
Be prepared for anything with first-aid and pediatric first-aid training from the Red Cross. Learn to recognize and respond to a variety of injuries, as well as breathing and cardiac emergencies. Courses available throughout the year online and in-person.
11. Healthy Living
So Fit
100 N. Carroll St., Reading, 484.793.2168
@cashsofit on Facebook
Get ready to feel empowered and to embrace your self-esteem. This free class aims to educate the community on healthy living and fitness topics. Personal and group fitness training also available. All ages welcome on Saturdays from 11am-2pm.
12. American Sign Language
Berks Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services
2045 Centre Avenue, Reading
610.685.4520 | bdhhs.org
Help the deaf break the communication barrier by mastering the grammar and linguistic structure of their native language. Level I-III courses run for 8 weeks, March through May, and are available for ages 12 and up.
13. Self-Defense
Boka Combat Systems & 5th Street Powerhouse Gym
5306 N. 5th Street Highway, Reading | 484.282.0499
@bokacombat on Facebook
Be prepared for real-life situations with skills in mixed martial arts, military- and law enforcement-style fighting tactics, and weapons training. Beginners are welcome and can work through earning belts at their own pace. Classes held Thursdays and Saturdays. Protect yourself and have fun, too!
Arts & Crafting
14. Hand Lettering
Bedeckle
Birdsboro
@Bedeckleon Facebook, Etsy
Master basic strokes and letters in this fun, foundational brush calligraphy class. Whether you have perfect cursive or chicken scratch, you’ll leave this 3-hour workshop with the skills (and starter kit) you need to improve. Check Facebook for the next available class!
15. Comic Art
Studio B
39A E. Philadelphia Avenue, Boyertown
610.367.8066 | studiobbb.org
Learn the anatomy of a superhero and create your own characters with Jean Esther. Drawing and painting instruction is for all levels, ages 7 to 18. Instruction in other styles also available. Classes held Wednesdays and Thursdays through the fall.
16. Ceramics & Mosaics
Design Time Studios
337 W. Main St., Birdsboro
610.404.8428 | birdsboroartstudio.com
Glass art is easier than you think! Let your imagination run wild with hundreds of designs and a variety of projects to choose from. Fire ceramics in the on-site kiln or create your own mosaic. Studio is open daily, with private parties available.
17. Crafting
Michael’s
2763 Papermill Rd., Wyomissing
610.736.3430 | michaels.com
No matter the season, Michael’s has a craft class for you. Their full schedule of weekly classes for children and adults ranges from cake decorating and jewelry making to painting, drawing, knitting and crochet. All projects are on-trend and in-season.
18. Creative Painting
Creative Spirit Painting at Junk to Jazz
2308 Lancaster Pike, Reading
215.622.3308
@creativespiritpainting on Facebook
Get step-by-step instructions for painting seasonal subjects on canvas, shutters and slates on your own or with a group. Painting parties for all ages are held on Wednesdays and Sundays, with open studio time and private parties available by appointment.
19. Virtual Reality Painting
GoggleWorks Center for the Arts
201 Washington St., Reading
610.374.4600 | goggleworks.org
Set up a room-scale virtual reality session using Google’s virtual reality Tilt Brush program, and take home your own digital virtual reality painting in this cutting-edge art class. Class schedule available online; fall classes begin Sept. 11.
20. Smartphone Photography
GoggleWorks Center for the Arts
201 Washington St., Reading
610.374.4600 | goggleworks.org
We rely on our smartphones for capturing and sharing special moments in our lives. Learn the technical aspects of how to snap the best shots from your phone while exploring the creative side of smartphone photography. Fall term begins Sept. 11.
21. Wineglass Painting
Blush and Brushes Art and Wine Studio
Shillington
484.388.1663 | blushbrushart.com
Wine down and relax with this guided glass and mug painting class. Weekly classes in art education for all levels are available in studio and at local wineries, using recycled and eco-friendly materials. Canvas painting and open studio time also available.
Performing Arts & Music
22. Acting
Yocum Institute for Arts Education
1100 Belmont Avenue, Wyomissing
610.376.1576 | institute-of-arts.org
Learn the basics or build your skills while working through monologue and scene work (with a little liquid courage) at Yocum’s BYOB Cocktails, Leads and Lovers class. A full schedule of classes for students of all ages is available online.
23. Knitting & Crochet
Yarn Gallery
628 Penn Avenue, West Reading
610.373.1622 | yarngal.com
Learn the basics of knitting and crochet while completing beautiful handmade seasonal projects, or join more advanced classes to perfect your shaping, design, fit and finishing techniques. A schedule of weekend classes by experience level is available online.
24. African Drumming
Pathways to Healing
1817 Bernville Rd., Reading
610.373.7935 | pathwaystohealingpa.com
Expert drummer Tammi Hessen will lead you through the ancient traditional rhythms of West African Djembe and Dununs drums. Express the beat of your own soul in this fun group class. All levels are welcome on Sundays from 9-11am.
25. Ballet
Berks Ballet Theatre
GoggleWorks Center for the Arts
201 Washington St., Ste. 401, Reading
610.373.7577 | berksballettheatre.com
Everyone from tiny dancers to prima ballerinas can find a class to meet their needs in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz and modern dance at Berks Ballet Theatre. Courses for all ages organized by level are available on a weekly schedule.
26. Baton Twirling
Marilyn’s Dance Studio
24 N. Cedar St., Kutztown
610.683.7725 | marilynsdancestudio.com
Get the benefit of more than 50 years of experience and find your love of dance in this all-ages class. Practice twirling, precision marching and movement and be performance-ready in no time. Full class schedule available online.
27. Guitar
Richmond Street Music
16 S. Richmond St., Fleetwood
610.496.8796
@RichmondStreetMusic on Facebook
Learn to play your favorite styles and experiment with new music in private or group lessons for guitar, bass and music theory before showcasing your skills at local events or student concerts. Lessons for all skill levels available by appointment.
28. Kindermusik
5 locations around Reading
610.374.6288
Kindermusik at TLC, Reading PA on Facebook
Early music and movement education provides the foundation for future success. Help your child develop social, pre-math, reading and creative skills while developing a love of music. Classes are held once a week from September through June, enrolling now!
29. Music & Movement
Julie Arts with Julie Schuck
1103 N. 12th St., Reading
610.373.7585 | @JulieArts on Facebook
Voice, piano or guitar? Ballet, tap or jazz? Get an overall experience with music and movement and learn where your passions lie with practice in one or multiple disciplines. Lessons are for all ages and are available daily from 9am-9pm by appointment.
Exercise/Health/Outdoors
30. Beekeeping
Berks and Schuylkill Beekeepers, Berks Agricultural Center
1238 County Welfare Rd., Reading
610.678.7630
@BerksSchuylkillBeekeeper on Facebook
Join the buzz and enjoy the countless benefits of keeping bees and using their products. Get started working with the association hive and learn proper techniques and how to cope with issues from experienced and professional beekeepers. Membership required.
31. Gardening
B&H Organic Produce
211 Twin County Rd., Morgantown
484.955.1098 | bhorganicproduce.com
Green Teach gardening and agricultural courses offer technical information and hands-on greenhouse and field work to teach you about growing, nutrition and healthy living. Classes available for all ages, including Little Sprouts. The next sessions begin in January 2018.
32. Golf
Manor Golf Club
153 Bran Rd., Sinking Spring
610.678.9597 | themanorgolfclub.com
Get golf-ready in just five days! Learn the game or get back on the green with PGA professionals who cover the basics and provide on-course lessons in small groups. Reservations for summer and fall sessions still available.
33. Fencing
L’Arte Della Bellica
206 N. Whiteoak St., Kutztown
En garde! This six-week introductory course will teach you how to move around in a sword fight and the seven basic strikes of longsword fencing. Learn more at the Aug. 19 open house, or join the next session, beginning Aug. 29.
34. Archery
Reading Archery Club
2910 New Holland Rd., Reading
610.796.3699 | events.dcnr.pa.gov
Knock, aim, fire! Get an introduction to archery with the Reading Archery Club at the Nolde Forest Environmental Center. This free program is held periodically throughout the year and all equipment is provided. Watch the web for future dates.
35. Eventing Horseback Riding
Foxtale Farm
12 Foxtale Lane, Oley
610.987.9309 | foxtalefarm.com
Beginners through advanced riders of all ages will learn to communicate with and understand their horse while learning to ride or practicing English-style hunter jumper or eventing riding. Private lessons for all ages can be scheduled by appointment.
36. Environmental Education
Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center
2910 New Holland Rd., Mohnton
610.796.3699
All ages are welcome to explore the botany and waterways in Nolde Forest’s more than 665 acres of deciduous woodlands and coniferous plantations. Classes include educational hikes with seasonal points of interest and run throughout the week.
37. Ice Skating
Body Zone Sports & Wellness Complex
3103 Paper Mill Rd., Wyomissing
610.376.2100 | bodyzonesports.com
Build confidence and learn the fundamentals of ice skating with a world-class progressive curriculum designed for success from first steps to the mastery of advanced skills. No skates? No problem. Plenty of complimentary pairs for students are available. Eight-week programs for all ages and abilities run Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday beginning Sept. 9.
38. Roller Skating
Skateaway
2275 Lancaster Pike
Shillington
610.777.4000 | skateaway.net
You’re never too old to learnhow to skate! Practice balance,starting and stopping, timing,and how to fall properly, then stick around after class for an open skate to show off your new skills. Classes offered weeklyon Saturdays.
39. Park Service Education
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
1700 Hawk Mountain Rd., Kempton
610.756.6961 | hawkmountain.org
This program combines experimental education on the mountain with meaningful community service to teach civic engagement while incorporating instruction, action and reflection. Placements are available throughout the year for ages 16 and up.
40. POUND
Erica’s Rockout Fitness, Etchfit, Reading
New Beginnings Fitness and Nutrition, Hamburg
@EricasFit on Facebook
Join this full-body jam session and combine Pilates, cardio and plyometrics with lightweight drumsticks for a rockin’ hard workout. POUND is for all ages and stages; just beat to your body’s rhythm. Classes run five days a week.
41. Swimming
Body Zone Sports & Wellness Complex
3010 Paper Mill Rd., Wyomissing
610.376.2100 | bodyzonesports.com
Get an easy introduction to water and begin to develop competitive strokes in preparation for swimming as a sport or a life skill. Fall Swim School classes are available for infants through adults beginning the week of Sept. 11.
42. Yoga
Bldg 7 Yoga
220 N. Park Rd., Bldg. 7, Wyomissing
484.755.5705 | bldg7yoga.com
Build yourself and your basic Vinyasa practice with a beginner class that works on alignment and comfort with foundational postures. A wide array of all-levels classes including heated power yoga, restorative and mellow flow are also available. Vinyasa Basics held Thursdays at 7pm.
43. Youth Gymnastics
Berks Gymnastics Academy
325 Morgantown Rd., Reading
610.372.8454 | berksgymnastics.com
If they can walk, they can tumble! Tumble Buddies introduces children up to age 3 to the gym. When they are ready they can join the Tumble Tots on the bars, beam and trampoline. Enrolling now for 10-week sessions beginning in September.
Parenting/Youth
44. Considerate
{Consider It!} Workshops
Kind Living Designs
610.223.0304 | kindlivingdesigns.com
Give your child a safe space to connect with these fun, interactive workshops focused on strengthening emotional intelligence using mindfulness and empathy to bolster bravery, self-esteem, resiliency and leadership skills for youth. Call to book your workshop.
45. Pollywog Art & Literacy
Wernersville Public Library
100 N. Reber St., Wernersville
610.678.8771 | berks.lib.pa.us
It’s never too early to begin your child’s education! Students up to age 6 and their caregivers can join local artist Ron Schiding for early literacy and art classes. Free classes are held September through April on Tuesday mornings.
46. Tinkergarten
Wyomissing Park, Gring’s Mill Recreational Area
tinkergarten.com/leaders/jessica.connot
Discover how to be a kid again by learning and playing with your child in nature. Classes are designed to develop core life skills through enjoying healthy, engaging experiences outdoors. Full schedule for ages 18 months to 8 years available online.
47. Youth Yoga
Massage & Yoga Center
3815 Perkiomen Avenue, Reading
484.797.9592 | massageandyogacenter.com
Inspire mindfulness, self-esteem and coordination with Mindful Kids Yoga, a beginning asana practice integrated with imaginative play and music. Classes help build confidence, awareness, emotional intelligence and healthy living. The next 6-week session begins Sept. 5.
More Fun Ideas!
48. Motorcycle Riding
Classic Harley-Davidson
983 James Drive, Leesport
610.916.7777 | classicharley.com
Get the skills you need to hit the road with confidence with the HD Riding Academy. Experience the Harley lifestyle and earn your motorcycle license. The next four-session course begins Aug. 19, with more in September and throughout the year.
49. Dog Training
Good Dog 101
4677 Irish Creek Rd., Bernville
610.488.5279 | gooddog101.net
Learn to train your dog using reward-based techniques that will teach good manners and fun tricks while helping you communicate better with your pet. Beginner agility through competition-level classes available year-round. Weekend classes beginning late fall.
50. Sporting Clay Shooting
M&E Sporting Clays
1414 Moselem Springs Rd., Hamburg
610.451.9806 | mesportingclays.com
Go “golfing with a shotgun!” Clays are shot on courses with various stations, rather than at standard distances or angles like traditional trap shooting. Instruction available for groups of 1-4 people. All ages and levels are welcome.
51. Thrifty Shopping
Goodwill (Various Locations)
3001 St. Lawrence Avenue, Reading
Join Goodwill fashion blogger Kirsten Keim-Shendge for Thrifting 101 events. Get her tips and tricks for filling your closet on a budget, then put your skills to work on a treasure hunt at the Goodwill Outlet Center. Upcoming schedule available on the blog.
52. Ceramic Crocks and Fermentation
GoggleWorks Center for the Arts
201 Washington St., Reading
610.374.4600 | goggleworks.org
In this two-day workshop you will first create your own fermentation crock in the ceramics studio, then join a hands-on fermentation demonstration and workshop where you will ferment your own cider. Leave with recipes and a full crock! Fall classes begin Sept. 11. ν
