Donna Reed

Dec 6, 2024 | berkscountyliving.com | Donna Reed

There’s nothing quite so sweet during the holiday season in Berks as the Cotton Candy House in Bernville. Owners Wesley and Shawn RaupKonsavage have, for nearly a decade, created a winter wonderland filled with more than 50 decorated trees, vintage ornaments and décor and loads of lights shining from the inside and on the exterior as well.

Dec 1, 2024 | news-gazette.com | Donna Reed

Favorite holiday songs I hear in stores, on TV and sung by church choirs help to get me in the Christmas spirit, and different chapters in my life bring forth different favorites. As a child, I remember songs about Rudolph, Frosty and Santa. Living away from home for some years, I was touched by songs such as “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays” and “The Christmas Song” (better known as chestnuts roasting).

Oct 11, 2024 | berkscountyliving.com | Donna Reed

There’s an elevated place in Berks County where healing, history and hospitality have established a unique destination for nearly a century and a half. That locale is known by many as the South Mountain near the Borough of Wernersville. The mountain, really more of a large hill, has been the site of sanitoriums for both physical and mental respite and of hotels ― some truly grand ones now relegated to the local history books.

Sep 13, 2024 | berkscountyliving.com | Donna Reed

Pat McGinty is a driven man. He’s driven by history — and the drive is actually literal. Pat has made vintage vehicles his avocation. Along with his wife Courtney, he’s established a business in downtown Reading that is like no other in the area. Not familiar with the business? Chances are you’ve passed it often as you drive west on Washington Street from City Park.

Sep 8, 2024 | news-gazette.com | Donna Reed

I know there are serious things going on in the world. I know it is an election year, and people are polarized with their strong feelings about this candidate or that one. But I just couldn’t resist sharing this tail of joy I have encountered recently. Syndicated columnists George Will and Gene Lyons give readers a reason to furrow their brows and shake their heads. My intent is to bring a smile and a chuckle or two.