Editorial Freelance Staff
Writer Kristin Kramer
BCL writer Kristin Kramer is the director of marketing and development at Reading’s GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, the largest, most comprehensive interactive arts center of its kind in the country. This Berks native is dedicated to the Greater Reading community and volunteers many hours serving on various boards and committees, including as vice president of the Greater Reading Young Professionals (GRYP), as co-secretary for the Yocum Institute for Arts Education, Wyomissing, and as a member of the Penn Corridor Initiative Marketing Committee. Kristin, who received her BA in journalism from Lehigh University, Bethlehem, previously served as Sovereign Bank’s public relations manager and oversaw the bank’s business breakfast series held throughout Sovereign’s northeast footprint. Prior she served as BCL’s editor-in-chief from 2003 to 2007, and oversaw the successful transition of the magazine from bi-monthly to a monthly publication. She created several new components of BCL - many which you still read in each issue. Kristin’s career began at Solomon McCown & Co., a full-service public relations and strategic communications agency in Boston, Mass. Kristin enjoys taking classes at Down Dog Yoga, traveling, spending time with friends and family, and working on green initiatives including the launch of Zero Emissions Active Gear. To contact Kristin, e-mail Kkramer923@gmail.com. Photo by Robyn Jones.
Writer Michelle E. Biggerstaff
Starting with the very first issue of Berks County Living – April 2000 – writer Michelle E. Biggerstaff has contributed to the magazine, writing on a wide variety of topics. Her first BCL article focused on music, one of her passions. Michelle’s work appears regularly in many print and on-line publications. In addition to writing, she is an editor for a Las Vegas-based website developer. Michelle has worked in the media since the early 1990s. After graduating from Kutztown University with a bachelor’s degree in telecommunications and journalism, she worked in broadcasting for a number of years. Following jobs in radio, as an on-air personality and production director, and television, producing programs for WCAU-TV in Philadelphia and WHP-TV in Harrisburg, she moved to print reporting. Michelle worked as a writer for The Reading Eagle for several years in the 1990s before joining the staff of TV Guide Magazine as a writer and editor. After five fun years reporting on Hollywood, she chose to freelance full time, so that she could devote her attention to raising her two daughters, Isabella, 10, and Lilith, 6. Michelle lives in Brecknock Township with her husband Mike Arevalo and their two beautiful daughters. You can contact Michelle at mearevalo@yahoo.com. Photo by Heidi Reuter.
Photographer Heidi Reuter
Since 2005, photography by Heidi Reuter has lit up every issue of Berks County Living. As BCL’s food and fashion photographer, Heidi provides tantalizing photographs for the “Dining Out” section and hot shots of clothing, models and more for “The Look.” She also regularly contributes to BCL features, including the annual “Best of Berks” issue each December. A native of Berks, Heidi earned her bachelor’s of art degree in art and communication from Muhlenberg College, Allentown, and her master’s of art degree with merit in photographic journalism from the University of Westminster, London. After living in London for a few years she decided to return to Berks County in 2005 to found her own photography business, Heidi E. Reuter Photography. She loves to photograph children, weddings, food and commercial projects. Heidi also teaches photography at Alvernia University, Penn State Berks, the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts and the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Highlights of her career include photographing Prince Charles, JayZ, Russell Simmons and the band Fall Out Boy. A traveler, Heidi’s favorite cities are London and Prague in the Czech Republic. When she is not taking photos she enjoys attending concerts, playing soccer, playing tennis and skiing. Her work can be found at heidireuter.com, or you can contact her at heidi@heidireuter.com. Photo by Heidi Reuter.
Photographer John Secoges
John Secoges found his passion as a teenager and turned it into a business over the last 20 years. He is the owner of Secoges Photographics, a studio that prides itself on quality photographs and customer service. His photographs can be found virtually everywhere – on billboards, in magazines including Berks County Living, and in advertising pieces, as well as above the fireplaces or on the coffee tables of private homes throughout the country. After graduating from Holy Name High School, John attended Rochester Institute and Technology (RIT) and earned a degree in Fine Art & Photography. He came back to his hometown of Reading and worked in many aspects of the photography industry including developing film for labs, working in a dark room, selling cameras and working as a photo editor for various publications. He served as a photojournalist for the Reading Eagle for 17 years, during which time he received many first-place state prizes for his captivating photos. To contact John, visit secogesphoto.com or call 610.927.3577. Photo by John Secoges.
Writer Rebecca Martin Doubek
Rebecca Martin Doubek is a Berks County transplant from Denver, Colorado. She moved here in 2004 and opened Firefly on Penn, a gift boutique in West Reading. She began writing for Berks County Living in 2005.Rebecca grew up in Littleton, CO, where she developed a passion for newspaper writing. She graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Sociology. She first worked for a small newspaper in Castle Rock, CO, as a reporter, writing and taking photos. Eventually she became sports editor of the newspaper and co-hosted a sports talk show on cable television. She also worked in radio, public relations, marketing, and as an educational materials consultant for Harcourt School Publishers. After becoming a mother in 2002, Rebecca used her writing background and new role as a parent to create “The Mommy Diaries” column, which was picked up by a local newspaper in Colorado. After Rebecca moved to Berks, “The Mommy Diaries” became a regular feature in Berks County Living. Rebecca is active in the West Reading community and sits on the board of the West Reading Main Street Foundation and Penn Corridor Initiative. She is also involved with local events including Taste of West Reading, Fall Festival, Holiday Glow, Art on The Avenue and West Reading Wine Walk. Rebecca and her husband live in West Reading. She has an eight-year-old daughter, Gracie. You can reach Rebecca at rebecca@fireflyonpenn.com. Photo by Donovan Roberts Witmer.
Writers Jeff & Betsy Woytovich
BCL writer Betsy Woytovich graduated from Holy Name High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Shippensburg University. Prior to having children, she was employed as the managing editor for Health Management Publications in Wayne, PA. Betsy currently serves as the executive director for the Children’s Alopecia Project (CAP), a non-profit organization founded by her husband Jeff and dedicated to helping children living with the incurable autoimmune hair loss disease alopecia. She also works part-time as a bookkeeper for Kuhn Funeral Home, West Reading. Betsy is the proud mother of four daughters, Helena, 13, Maddie, 12, Sofie, 10, and Amelia, 6. She also enjoys reading, writing, shopping and running. You can contact Betsy at betsywoytovich@yahoo.com. BCL writer Jeff Woytovich graduated from Wilson High School and earned a political science degree from Durham University through online and correspondence learning. Jeff, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, serves as radio host of the No Status Quo Radio Show on www.BoomerGenerationRadio.com, and along with Betsy writes dining reviews on www.BetterAskBrad.com. Jeff is the founder of the non-profits CAP and Helping Care for Cora, the organization that was the catalyst to bringing ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition to Berks. During the build, Jeff served on the lead team as the media liaison. He is also a co-founder of the Circle of Life Coalition; serves on numerous boards in Berks, Schuylkill and Dauphin counties; and assists non-profit organizations through WOYTOVICH Consulting. His full-time employment is as the Brand Marketing Manager at the Freedom Automotive Group, Hamburg and Harrisburg. Jeff is happy to report that he has been married to his best friend since 1994 and that they have four wonderful daughters. You can contact Jeff at jefferywoytovich@yahoo.com. Photo by Anneliese Gehris, Photography By McDonough.
Writer Jon Pacific
Jon Pacific, a Wyomissing native, never envisioned that he would someday be a food writer for a magazine. “My favorite meal was probably a cheese steak,” says Jon. But after graduating from Lancaster Country Day School in 1990, his culinary world began to open up when he attended Rollins College in Winter Park, FL. “My friend’s father owned a French restaurant, so we ate there all the time for free,” he says. After leaving Florida, Jon spent 15 years moving around the country, experiencing new foods along the way. “When I moved to Vail, CO, I tried a lot of wild game for the first time,” he recalls. “In Atlanta, I worked at an English pub that served French country.” Jon’s next move would be to Providence, RI, where he enrolled in Johnson & Wales’ culinary arts program. He later moved to Nantucket, where he cooked at the Nantucket Golf Club and helped start a catering company on the side. He continued his education at Northeastern University in Boston, then moved to Chicago. After five years in the corporate world he started his own sign company, which has gradually morphed into the web development company he co-owns today, 508 Web Services. He began writing the “Dining Out” section of BCL in 2008. “At 508 one of our specialties is developing user-friendly, web-based content management systems with capabilities like integrated social media, blogs and video, which is perfect for our clients in the restaurant industry that need to keep their customers informed,” says Jon. “Between BCL and those clients I feel like I get to keep one foot in the business.” Jon and his wife Madeline moved back to Berks County in 2006, where they live with their 18-month-old twins, Lincoln and Addison, and their Great Dane, Gracie. You can reach Jon at jon@508WebServices.com or 484.706.9320, or visit www.508webservices.com. Photo by Heidi Reuter.
Writer Christin Kelley
BCL writer Christin Kelley has been putting the Miss in the Must-Haves since 2008. She lovingly keeps readers abreast of the latest trends, unique local gems and fabulous finds for all facets of a seriously stylish lifestyle. A proud Berks County native, Christin received her Bachelor’s of Art degree in Communication Arts and Sciences from Pennsylvania State University. Taking a job at SSM Group, Inc. as a marketing coordinator, she returned to her roots and her passion to help revitalize the city of Reading and its urban core. Christin is a member of various committees, most notably the Greater Reading Young Professionals (GRYP) board, where she currently serves as the liaison for the Ride to Prosperity initiative. Christin can be found around town enjoying the Penn Corridor, the Pagoda and the pigeon pose in yoga. She is an avid trail runner with the Pagoda Pacers, enjoying the gift of the area’s trails and towpaths. An East Coast girl at heart, she loves visiting the Big Apple and the City of Brotherly Love, both brimming with culture and couth. But she is also a fan of small-town historic districts and the wide-open spaces of the West, all just waiting to be explored. When not at home enjoying city living in the Centre Park Historic District of Reading, Christin can be found traveling the globe seeking adventures and Must-Haves great and small. You can reach Christin at christin.kelley@gmail.com. Photo by Heidi Reuter
Writer Dorothy Lehman Hoerr
BCL’s 10th anniversary this year is also a milestone for Dorothy Lehman Hoerr, who has been writing for the magazine since its founding in 2000. Her work has covered everything from theater to turf grass, politicians to pumpkin patches. But her favorite part of writing for BCL is the people she meets. In 2005, she was privileged to interview John Updike for “In the Limelight.” In 2010, she treated BCL readers to her ” Extreme” series, a two-part celebration of the community effort to build Trisha and Cora Urban a new home thanks to ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Dorothy originally came to Reading from her hometown of Pottsville to study English and communications at Albright College. Since earning her master’s degree at Rosemont College, she has taught writing courses for several local colleges, including her alma mater. Currently, she is enrolled in the Leadership Berks program at Alvernia University, where her service-learning project involves fundraising for the Reading Public Library. Most days you can find Dorothy at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, Reading, where her 12-year-old daughter dances with Berks Ballet Theater, or walking her two adopted dogs in her Lower Alsace Township neighborhood. She looks forward to 10 more great years with BCL. You can contact Dorothy at dlhoerr@verizon.net. Photo by Dr. John Pankratz.
Writer Anneliese McDonough-Gehris
Anneliese McDonough-Gehris comes from a family of photographers and is proud to be the third generation to follow this career path. While her formal education is in accounting, she knows that she has found her true passion with photography. Her family’s business – Photography by Dennis L. McDonough – was traditionally dedicated to wedding photography, but Anneliese has branched into many different facets of the field, including contributing photos to Berks County Living. She was the behind-the-scenes photographer for the recent visit by ABC’s TV show, Extreme Home Makeover: Berks Edition. Since her involvement, the family business has grown by nearly 200 percent. She attributes that success to offering unparalleled customer service. One of the things she finds most rewarding is when a former bride has children and immediately calls and requests maternity shots, baby pictures and family pictures. Customers are treated like they are one of the family. In the corporate field, Anneliese represents Berks and Lehigh counties as part of a team of photographers that are dispatched for commercial projects from corporations all over the world. Since each new day brings a new project or request, her job is never dull and she loves every minute of it! You can reach Anneliese at 484.651.7952 or visit photosbydlm.com. Photo by Anneliese Gehris, Photography By McDonough.
Writer Amanda Dietrich Zeigler
Writing, fashion and Berks County are three of Amanda Dietrich Zeigler’s favorite things. Fortunately for her, she’s been able to combine them every month by writing Berks County Living’s fashion section, “The Look.” Amanda has been writing for BCL since November of 2005 and loves to show readers how fabulous and fashionable life can be in Greater Reading. Pulling from her retail background and her individual sense of style, Amanda shops the county to find fashionable treasures each and every month. With a new career - Amanda recently began serving as the brand manager for Sorrelli Jewelry in Kutztown – and a new husband -Amanda married Jon Zeigler in September – she is starting a new chapter in her life and is happy to do it right here in Berks County. Born in Allentown, Amanda moved with her family to Reading when she was 10. She graduated from Shippensburg University with a degree in communications and out of college found her fashion dream job at the former Doneckers in Ephrata. She spent 10 amazing years at the retail destination. Now, back in fashion again, Amanda has found the opportunity to stay local while pursuing her dream at Sorrelli Jewelry. Amanda is also active in the Greater Reading Young Professionals (GRYP) and is serving as the GiGi co-chair for the second year in a row. You can contact Amanda at amandadzeigler@gmail.com. Photo by Heidi Reuter.
Photographer Kevin Brett
You may see Kevin Brett and his camera at the summer Bandshell Concerts in Reading, at Berks Jazz Fest or photographing events at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, where he operates a studio. While he offers all types of photographic services, Kevin’s true passion is his fine art photography, and his work has been honored with national and international awards. He finds it very challenging to take everyday, overlooked objects and capture them such that the viewers can extract feelings from personal experiences of their own. As with other media such as drawing, painting and sculpture, great effort is made to have everything within the compositions become valuable characters in the motionless plays captured through the lens. The use of unusual and dramatic angles gives the photographs views intended to make seemingly insignificant items more powerful and emotional. Kevin shares his talents as a volunteer for many local non-profits including the Animal Rescue League, Genesius Theatre, the Pennsylvania Greenway Sojourn and the Berks Art Council. His commercial clients include GM, U.S. Airways and Adelphi Kitchens. A native of Berks County, Kevin works and lives in Berks with his lovely wife, Sherri, and two wonderful sons, Kyle and Ryan. To contact Kevin, e-mail kbrett@soul-imagery.com or visit www.soul-imagery.com. Photo by Kevin Brett.
Photographer Mike Noble
For more than three years, Mike Noble has contributed both photography and writing to Berks County Living magazine. He started his photography business in 2007, after several stints in photo studios in Manhattan and here in Reading. He also shot architectural photography while working in the Marketing Services department of Glen-Gery Brick.
Mike describes himself as a “generalist,” having skills in many genres of photography including product, food, architecture and events. His first love, however, is photographing people. Making that connection with the subject that brings out the personality under the everyday mask is a very rewarding experience. “Once you make that connection, anything is possible,” says Mike.
In addition to his BCL contributions, Mike does work for local and regional customers including builders, architects, and marketing firms, and he also does private work for families. His goal is to increase his magazine work with larger publications and, hopefully, to move into photojournalism. You can see Mike’s work on his website at www.noblephoto.net. Photo by Mike Noble.
Writer Marcia Weidner-Sutphen
Marcia Weidner-Sutphen’s writing career began in January 2002 in the editorial room at the Reading Eagle newspaper, after earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in professional writing in 2001 from Kutztown University. She had a story to report about her brother-in-law Craig Conrad of Colorado, who was formerly of Exeter and had carried the Olympic Flame for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. Marcia remembers having a “scared to death” feeling when she picked up the phone and introduced herself to seasoned Reading Eagle reporter John Forester, story assignment editor at the time. “Relax,” he said, “it’s just me … John Forester.”
Calling the newspaper in addition to providing a handful of writing samples cemented a full-time position at the Reading Eagle for Marcia. While working in the demanding environment of the daily newspaper, Marcia received priceless training and guidance from her colleagues on style, concise writing and deadlines. She contributed news, entertainment and lifestyle features and covered government and school board meetings. She left the newspaper in 2006 in the midst of layoffs and is currently freelance writing for BCL’s “Living in Style” section. She also writes community news stories for The Greater Reading Merchandiser. Her advice to young journalists is to be fearless and take action. To contact Marcia, e-mail her at weidnersutphen@gmail.com. Photo by Heidi Reuter.
Writer Jonna Moore
Jonna Moore grew up in the Oley Valley reading books, writing poetry, drawing and playing with the family’s ever-growing herd of horses. After graduating from high school, Jonna studied English and professional writing at Kutztown University where she received her bachelor’s degree and graduated summa cum laude. Jonna joined the Berks County Living staff as an intern in February of 2008 and has been writing as a freelancer ever since. She enjoys meeting all the people and experiencing the places highlighted within the pages of BCL and sharing their stories. Currently, Jonna is working for National Penn Bank’s Topton office as a financial services representative. She has also started writing her first children’s book and plans on combining her love of writing and poetry with her artistic talent to complete it as both author and illustrator. In her spare time, Jonna loves kayaking and hiking with her boyfriend, Mark, and spending time with friends and family. She also has fun horseback riding on the trails in and around Berks as well as camping with the horses on overnight stays. She looks forward to continuing her writing with BCL and discovering all that Berks County has to offer. You can contact Jonna at JnnLsMrm@aim.com. Photo by Danita Moore.
Writer André a D. Much
BCL writer Andréa D. Much prides herself on creating epic adventures and new destination experiences to share with readers. Specializing in destination and lifestyle feature-based writing, Andréa aims to increase her magazine work with exposure in larger publications. “Every feature I create for BCL is an opportunity to connect with someone new and celebrate their story,” says Andréa.
A Berks native whose parent and grandparents immigrated to Reading from Germany in 1952, Andréa has a heritage fitted to the landscape and history of the area. Andréa received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English/Professional Writing from Kutztown University in 2008, just after she began as an intern for BCL in 2007.
Aside from seeking local adventures, Andréa can be found frequenting her favorite places in Berks, like the Penn Corridor, GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary and the Berks County Wine Trail. Andréa also manages public relations efforts for Bell Tower Salon, Medi-Spa and Store in Wyomissing. She dedicates time to her community by volunteering for the Animal Rescue League and Keystone Area Goodwill.
Andréa’s freelance work includes copywriting and editing various styles of professional and creative writing. To contact Andréa, e-mail andreadmuch@msn.com. Photo by Heidi Reuter.
Writer Christina Steffy
Christina has always been a writer, whether she was journaling, trying her hand at poetry, or delving into writing projects in school. Her first memory of publishing her work was in fifth grade, when she and her classmates wrote books about pioneers as part of a history lesson.
That love of writing followed her through college. She graduated from Kutztown University with degrees in speech communications and English/professional writing and minors in Spanish, political science and public relations. She fell in love with research during her internship at Reese in Wyomissing and fell in love with libraries as a student employee at KU’s Rohrbach Library, so she decided to pursue a master’s degree in library science from Rutgers University, trekking to New Jersey one day a week to complete her degree while putting her writing skills to use as a freelancer for BerksMont News, the Reading Eagle, Saint Joseph Medical Center Foundation, and Sunbury Press.
She’s currently a part-time editor for Sunbury Press, and shares her love of writing with others as a writing tutor and as an adjunct English instructor at Reading Area Community College.
You can learn more about Christina and view samples of her work at cjsteffywriting.com. Photo by David J. Reimer, Jr.
Writer Kandace Wertz
BCL writer Kandace Wertz enjoys creating stories about Berks County’s exciting destinations, rich history and dynamic people.
“I like meeting area residents and sharing their fascinating stories with others,” she says. “I also enjoy spreading the word about the county’s unique attractions and businesses.”
Kandace works full-time as a senior communication specialist for Penske Truck Leasing in Green Hills. She is responsible for writing company newsletters, blog stories and intranet content, as well as other various internal communications.
With a degree in journalism and a vast writing background in the newspaper, non-profit, healthcare and transportation industries – along with a genuine interest in people – Kandace is a good fit for the BCL writing team.
“I consider myself lucky because I have chosen a career path that enables me to do something I truly enjoy: writing,” she says. “Plus, I’ve met a lot of wonderful people along the way who have inspired me on many levels.”
Kandace is a busy mom to three children: Zach, 11; Alaina, 8; and Ethan, 8. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, exercising, baking and reading. To contact Kandace, e-mail
kandacewertz@yahoo.com. Photo by Heidi Reuter
Writer Jennifer Hetrick
Jennifer Hetrick joined BCL a year ago, introducing readers to the fourth Berks County Poet Laureate Craig Czury in the February issue.
Having graduated from Clarion University of Pennsylvania with a degree in philosophy and English writing, she also writes for The Reading Eagle, Hamburg Area Item, Lancaster Farming, MidAtlantic Farm Credit’s Leader, the Perkiomen Valley and Limerick Patch websites and the Copper Development Association’s Copper in the Arts.
More than a year ago, she started her own positive-only local news publication known as News, Not Blues, based out of Boyertown. Monthly, she donates contemporary poetry books to the Boyertown Community Library through News, Not Blues, including books by Berks County poets.
Last month, she had a creative nonfiction essay about her mother published in the book Western Pennsylvania Reflections: Stories from the Alleghenies to Lake Erie. Her blog, the garden harlot, easily explains her penchant for hiking and photographing scenes of plants from unexpected viewpoints. A lot of her freelance writing focuses on farms, local food, sustainable energy and green-speak. To reach Jennifer, write to newsnotblues@gmail.com.
Writer Donna Reed
Donna can’t remember a time when story telling and writing weren’t parts of her life. Her dad told vibrant stories (in English and Pennsylvania German) of life on the family’s Muhlenberg Township farm while her mom stressed good penmanship and prose. The farm and 1960s-era Muhlenberg were fertile muses.Donna graduated from American University in Washington, DC, with degrees in communications and political science. She worked out of the National Press Building with press access to the White House and Capitol. Donna logged 23 years as a Reading Eagle reporter, editor and columnist. After leaving the Eagle, she was elected to Reading City Council and is now in her third term. Her blog, “City Hall Revisited,” appears on www.readingeagle.com. Donna has written for local, state and national publications. Editor of the 2008 Pagoda Centennial Tales, she is founder of the Pagoda Writers Group. She is writing the late state Sen. Mike O’Pake’s biography for Reading Eagle Press and is editor of The Historical Review of Berks County. Donna is married to Tom Knause, Eagle city editor. Their son, Harry T.R. Knause, is about to turn 21.
