I have now been the editor of The Southern Berks News for a little over a month and am still finding myself very much enjoying the position.
My favorite part of the job is when I am out in the community, attending events, talking to residents from around the area and learning what Berks County is all about.
This past weekend, I went to the ‘Re-envision Reading Writing Workshop’ hosted by the Berks Bards and Pagoda Writers at the Pagoda, 98 Duryea Drive, Reading, for part of the 15th Annual Bard Fest celebration of National Poetry Month.
My brother, James, and his friends have taken me to see the Pagoda at night but I have never been there during the day.
Well, it is quite a sight! If you have never been up to visit the Pagoda before, I recommend it.
As part of the writing workshop, participants were asked to go to the top of or outside the Pagoda to observe the views of Reading while they envision their dreams for the city.
I walked the 87 steps to the top of the landmark to see the city from the high position on the mountain.
The view from the top of the Pagoda makes Reading look like it is tucked away within the land, a calm and secret place away from the world.
Those at the workshop were asked to write poetry inspired by what they felt during the reflection and observation period.
It was great to hear how the scenic view sparked the creativity within the participants to write a poem.
Nature always has the ability to get the creative juices flowing.
While I was only there to get the story, even participating in the event from the back burner was inspiring.
I learned a couple simple ‘tricks’ to balance your brain and get both sides, the logical and the imagination, to work together that I have already been practicing.
Being surrounded by others who enjoy writing also was an inspiration for some creative work.
The workshop was focused towards Reading and the topic of what the region means to people. I have only lived around the area for a month and a half, but the area has already found a place in my heart.
I bike the Schuylkill River Trail on a regular basis, which incorporates two of my loves: biking and the outdoors. I started writing about how I feel when I bike, why I love it and what I get out of the activity.
During the two hour writing workshop, I observed many who came to the lookout to enjoy the beautiful day.
People from all walks of life including a group of bikers, families with kids, young couples, and high school cliques parked their car, (or motorcycle,) to walk around and enjoy the view.
It was wonderful to see so many people taking advantage of a historical, beautiful and important landmark of Reading.
The Pagoda was completed in 1908, is seven stories high, 28 ft. wide, 50 ft. long and stands 620 ft. above Reading and is run entirely by volunteers.
The Pagoda is only open from noon – 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, but the view draws locals and tourists throughout all hours of the day.
As the final event of Bard Fest for this year, there will be a ‘1st Thursday Open Mic’ 6 – 8 p.m. May 2 at the La Cucina Cafe, Goggleworks, 201 Washington St., Reading.
Those who attended the workshop, both of the Pagoda Writers and Berks Bards, are encouraged to come to the open mic to share the poems they wrote from the day.
I am glad that the area has so much to offer in terms of the arts and outdoor activities.
My experience in Berks County has been great so far. Feel free to contact me about any upcoming events you would like me to attend; I would love to meet you.
Enjoy the week, visit the Pagoda, and welcome to the month of May!
