A new four-day blues festival will debut in downtown Reading this November, bringing national and regional performers, free jam sessions and ticketed concerts to the DoubleTree by Hilton Reading.

Organizers unveiled details of Busker Incognito’s Blues & Boogie Weekend during a press conference Thursday at Cheers Bistro inside the DoubleTree. The festival is scheduled for Nov. 19 through 22 and is being presented by the Berks County Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and DoubleTree by Hilton Reading.

The event follows the end of the former Reading BluesFest, but organizers are approaching the weekend as a new festival rather than an attempt to recreate what came before.

Dave Kline, founder and executive director of the Berks County Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the musician behind Busker Incognito & the SHOW, said the festival grew out of a series of monthly blues and boogie jam nights launched at Cheers Bistro earlier this year.

“It’s like a progression,” Kline said in an interview following Thursday’s announcement.

Kline said Busker Incognito itself began as a three-person experiment in busking on the streets of Reading. The group eventually expanded into larger performances, sometimes featuring as many as 10 musicians.

That evolved into the monthly Blues & Boogie Jam Nights at the DoubleTree, which began in May.

“I’m all about the city of Reading and trying to do things that improve quality of life here,” Kline said. “So we said, well, let me do a monthly blues jam here. Make this a home for them.”

Kline said the response to those events helped set the stage for a larger festival. After learning the former Reading BluesFest would not continue, he approached longtime festival organizer John Ernesto about the possibility of creating a new blues event.

Rather than duplicate the former festival, Ernesto encouraged Kline to build on what Busker Incognito had already established through its monthly events.

The result is a weekend organizers say will combine traditional concerts with smaller jams and opportunities for musicians and audiences to interact throughout the hotel.

The lineup includes Mud Morganfield, the eldest son of blues musician Muddy Waters; Alexis P. Suter; John Németh; Greg Piccolo & Heavy Juice; Benny Turner; Katie Henry; Slam Allen; BC Blue featuring Bev Conklin; and Busker Incognito & the SHOW.

Morganfield and the Alexis P. Suter Band will share the festival’s Saturday evening program. Morganfield has built his own career in blues while also performing music associated with his father. His 2015 album, “For Pops: A Tribute to Muddy Waters,” won a Blues Music Award for Traditional Blues Album.

Suter is a blues and soul singer and songwriter who has released multiple albums and received recognition through the Blues Music Awards.

Another featured performer, Benny Turner, has a direct connection to another major figure in blues history. Turner is the younger brother of Freddie King, one of the musicians commonly identified among the “Three Kings” of blues guitar, and played bass with his brother during his career.

Kline said the festival is intended not only to present the music but also to introduce its history to younger audiences.

That goal is reflected throughout the festival program, which describes blues and boogie as foundational influences on jazz, rhythm and blues, rock and roll, soul, funk and other forms of popular music.

Sallie Bengtson, founder of Nola Blue Records and MoMojo Records and a Berks County native, is also part of the festival leadership team. Several performers appearing during the weekend are artists represented by her labels.

Kline said that local connection became an important part of developing the event.

“We really are into this whole thing of Reading and Berks County,” he said. “We think we have wonderful talent here, and people who have vision, and people who have creativity, and some resources to back up these kinds of events and make them happen.”

The festival will begin Thursday, Nov. 19, with a free Busker Incognito Blues & Boogie Jam Night featuring Slam Allen from 7 to 9 p.m. at Cheers Bistro.

Friday will begin with a free open blues jam and welcome party from 5 to 7 p.m. The Katie Henry Band will then open for the John Németh Band at 7:30 p.m. in the DoubleTree’s Callowhill Ballroom. Tickets for the concert are $40. A free post-concert jam will follow at 10 p.m.

Saturday’s activities will begin at 10 a.m. with a meet-the-artists program, blues workshop hosted by Kline and a blues documentary presentation. A free unplugged acoustic lunch jam featuring the Busker Incognito Trio will follow at 11:30 a.m.

BC Blue featuring Bev Conklin will open for Greg Piccolo & Heavy Juice at 1 p.m. in the Callowhill Ballroom, followed by another free jam from 5 to 7 p.m.

The Saturday evening concert will feature the Alexis P. Suter Band opening for Mud Morganfield’s band at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for both Saturday concerts are $40 each. Another free jam is scheduled for 10 p.m.

The weekend will conclude Sunday at 11:30 a.m. with a Gospel Blues Brunch featuring Benny Turner with special guests including Bev Conklin and Alexis P. Suter. Tickets are $50 and include a buffet.

Kline said including free programming alongside the ticketed concerts was an intentional part of the festival.

“If you don’t have the wherewithal to buy a ticket, or you just don’t want to buy a ticket, you don’t have to,” Kline said. “Just come and enjoy the vibe.”

Organizers also hope the event will maintain the communal atmosphere that developed around the monthly jam sessions, rather than functioning solely as a series of concerts.

The DoubleTree has become a significant partner in that effort, with much of the weekend taking place between Cheers Bistro and the Callowhill Ballroom.

For Kline, keeping the festival in Reading is part of a larger effort to continue building cultural programming in the city.

“We want to make sure that we keep having great events down here,” he said during Thursday’s event. “We just can’t fall into line and say, ‘Oh, well, that event doesn’t happen anymore. That’s a shame,’ and then walk away and hope that somebody else is going to do the next event.”

Busker Incognito’s Blues & Boogie Weekend will take place Nov. 19-22 at DoubleTree by Hilton Reading, 701 Penn St. Free hotel parking will be available for festival events.

Tickets and additional festival information are available at **buskerincognitobluesboogie.com**.

A Governor Mifflin High School student represented the 127th Legislative District during a special session of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives held Wednesday at Congress Hall in Philadelphia.

State Rep. Manuel Guzman Jr. selected Kuljeet Sangha, a 17-year-old student from Shillington, to serve as the district’s youth delegate for the session, which commemorated the 250th anniversaries of the Declaration of Independence and the Pennsylvania Constitution.

The session was held at Congress Hall, where lawmakers voted on two resolutions commemorating the anniversaries.

Sangha joined more than 80 students from across Pennsylvania as part of a civic education initiative held in partnership with America250PA. The program was designed to give students firsthand experience with state government and democracy while exploring Pennsylvania’s role in the nation’s founding history.

“Kuljeet is a true example of the dedication and leadership we hope to see in the next generation,” Guzman said. “His dedication to his school and community, combined with his ambition for the future, made him the ideal choice to represent our district at this historic session.”

At Governor Mifflin, Sangha serves as class president, National Honor Society co-president, soccer and tennis team captain, TSA TEAMS captain and student school board representative. He is also involved with Mifflin Mentors and currently serves as an intern at RPA Engineering and the O’Pake Institute.

“It’s an incredible honor to represent my community at Congress Hall and learn firsthand how our state government works,” Sangha said. “This experience has deepened my appreciation for Pennsylvania’s role in shaping our nation’s history, and I’m grateful to Rep. Guzman for this opportunity.”

Sangha plans to pursue a double major in aerospace or mechanical engineering and business, with hopes of attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His long-term goal is to establish an engineering consulting firm.

“I have no doubt that great things are ahead for Kuljeet, and I look forward to seeing all that he accomplishes,” Guzman said.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has posted an updated list of recent Retail Food Inspection Reports for restaurants and food handlers in Berks County. Inspections are a “snapshot” of the day and time of the inspection. Violations are recorded but are often corrected on the spot prior to the inspector leaving the facility. For more information on retail food inspection reports, visit: agriculture.pa.gov

On 9/3/2026, Ugly Dutch LLC, located at 19 S. 5th St., Reading, PA 19602, was inspected and found with the following violation: Raw Food (potatoes and onions) in the basement area stored open with no covering. Grease trap was leaking on basement floor. Observed boxed food stored directly on the floor in basement storage area, rather than 6 inches off of the floor as required.

On 9/3/2026, QBAN Cabana TFS3 @ Karnival of the Arts, located at 83 Community Center Dr., Kempton, PA 19529, was inspected and found with the following violation: An open employee’s beverage container was observed in a food preparation area. Corrected. Food employees observed in food area not wearing proper hair restraints such as nets or hats. Corrected.

On 9/3/2026, Memos MFF/TF3-NJ-W26TBS, located at 83 Community Center Dr., Kempton, PA 19529, was inspected and found with the following violation: Observed deeply scored cutting boards not resurfaced or discarded as required.

On 9/4/2026, International Bar & Grill, located at 400 Schuylkill Ave., Reading, PA 19601, was inspected and found with the following violations: Several raw animal foods were stored above ready to eat foods in the refrigerator. Food in the refrigerator area stored open with no covering. Cheese and meats were held above 41 degrees, due to refrigerator stopped functioning over days not open in the rear refrigerator, rather than 41°F or below as required. food was thrown out. The handwash sink located in the back patio area does not have water at a temperature of at least 100°F. (71).

On 9/8/2026, Star City Diner and Pizza Parlor, located at 600 Shoemaker Ave., Shoemakersville, PA 19555, was inspected and found with the following violation: Refrigerated ready to eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared in the food facility and held for more than 24 hours, located in the walk-in cooler and refrigerator at the cookline, is not being date marked. Corrected. Food Employee observed eating or tasting food in the cookline area. Corrected.

Several other restaurants were inspected during this time period with no violations reported: Zion Farm BBQ in Mohnton, What About Bobs in Kempton, Choice Products & Wernersville Cheese Shop in Wernersville, Reiffton Fire Company in Reading, La Casa Del Pollo Asado in Reading, Domino’s #4753 in Reading, Wawa Food Market #286 in Sinking Spring, Wawa #8179 in Robesonia, River Run Honey & Candy in Leesport, Porky’s Last Stand Smokehouse & BBQ in Robesonia, Magerks Pub & Grill in Wyomissing, Dunkin Donuts in Sinking Spring, and Countryside Fries and More in Leesport.

Two Berks County projects will receive a combined $190,876 through the 2026 Schuylkill River Restoration Fund to reduce agricultural runoff, restore streamside habitat and improve water quality.

Schuylkill River Greenways announced Wednesday that $653,402 will be distributed among eight projects throughout the Schuylkill River Watershed. The Berks County funding will support improvements at a Perry Township beef farm and seven stream restoration projects across several local watersheds.

Berks Nature was awarded $99,800 for improvements at MIL JOY Farm, 324 Virginville Road in Perry Township. The beef farm is located within the Lake Ontelaunee source-water area.

The project will add covered manure storage and livestock areas along with additional stormwater controls. The improvements are intended to prevent sediment and nutrients from reaching Maiden Creek and waterways downstream.

Berks Nature will receive another $91,076 for seven riparian restoration projects throughout Berks County.

Those projects will restore nearly 6,000 feet of streamside habitat within the Hay, Maiden, Willow, Saucony and Tulpehocken creek watersheds. Plans call for more than 1,700 native trees and shrubs to be planted across nearly 10 acres.

The plantings and other restoration work are intended to reduce runoff, stabilize streambanks and improve water quality.

The Berks County projects are among eight receiving funding this year in communities throughout the Schuylkill River Watershed. Other grants will support projects in Chester, Lebanon, Montgomery and Schuylkill counties and Philadelphia.

“These grants put resources on the ground where they can make a measurable difference,” said Tim Fenchel, deputy director of Schuylkill River Greenways. “A healthier Schuylkill River starts with healthier streams, farms, and landscapes throughout the watershed.”

Fenchel said the fund works with local organizations to address specific water-quality problems, ranging from agricultural runoff and eroded streambanks to the need for additional streamside buffers.

“What makes this fund so valuable is that we work with local partners who know these places and help them solve real water-quality problems, whether that means keeping runoff out of a stream, restoring an eroded streambank, or planting a buffer that will protect the water for decades,” Fenchel said.

The Schuylkill River Restoration Fund was created in 2006 through a public-private partnership and provides money for projects designed to improve water quality throughout the watershed.

Since its creation, the fund has distributed more than $6 million for 127 projects and helped leverage another $15 million in investments to protect and restore the Schuylkill River and its tributaries.

The program takes a watershed-wide approach, with restoration work on smaller tributaries contributing to improvements farther downstream. Projects supported by the fund include streambank restoration, agricultural improvements, streamside buffers and stormwater management.

The Schuylkill River and its tributaries provide drinking water for millions of people in southeastern Pennsylvania while also supporting agriculture, wildlife, recreation and local economies.

Schuylkill River Greenways administers the restoration fund in partnership with public agencies, utilities and environmental organizations.

The Oct. 3 Story Lane Book Fair and Market at the Reading Public Library is bringing together the best not only in local literature, but also nationally renowned authors as well.

The book fair’s organizers, Barrio Alegria and the Reading Public Library, announced Monday the celebration of literature will feature award winning authors from across the region and nation, including poet, author, and performer Javier Ávila.

Ávila has published nine books of poetry and fiction and has performed his one-man show, “The Trouble with My Name,” in over 100 cities across the country.

Ávila has received the William Aguilar Cultural Award from the American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education; 2016 Hispanic Leader of the Year Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce; the Poetry Award from Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña; and the Olga Nolla Poetry Award, among other accolades.

Ávila is slated to give his keynote remarks at 4 p.m. inside the library, after poetry workshops and a panel discussion on publishing for aspiring authors.

Anthony Orozco, director of operations for Barrio Alegria, said having Ávila and the other others to the book fair is a testament to the power of telling stories from diverse communities.

“Bringing this sort of talent, especially during Hispanic Heritage Month in a city with such a proud Puerto Rican history, is really monumental,” Orozco said. “This is more than a keynote speaker presentation, this is acknowledging where we are in our journey as a community and our abilities as literary creators.”

Ávila joins local award winning authors at the book fair, such as Lizette Epps, winner of the 2024 BookFest Book Awards’ Non-fiction Category in Society & Social Sciences on Race, Class, Culture, & Religion; and Laurel Radzieski, who won the 2026 Halcyon Award for Poetry.

Entry to the book fair is free and open to the public and will feature children activities in the early afternoon and a market with food trucks, performances, and local vendors selling their works and other items for bookworms of all interests.

Story Lane starts at 1 p.m. inside the library, with the outdoor market beginning at 4 pm. While the library closes at 6 pm, the outdoor night market continues until 9 pm. Organizers remind attendees that on-street parking is free after 6 p.m. and the 4th & Cherry Streets Reading Parking Authority garage is conveniently located right across the street from the bustle of the market.

Daniel Egusquiza, community engagement supervisor for the Reading Public Library, has been integral in crafting the book fair based on community input.

According to Egusquiza, among the many reasons to read books is a special gem of the human spirit – recognizing the beauty of our lives and their potential.

“When local authors write about streets, families, losses and small miracles they have experienced, they do more than tell a story; they give us a chance to encounter ourselves in language,” Egusquiza said. “Perhaps that is our obligation. Not merely to make room for books to be sold, but for our people to see our lives written down, passed on and understood.”

The City of Reading said four illegal or unpermitted after-hours clubs were shut down and 135 directed police patrols were conducted as part of a coordinated enforcement effort following changes to the city’s disruptive conduct ordinance earlier this year.

According to the city, the Reading Police Department conducted a six-week enforcement operation during May and June targeting locations with known after-hours club activity. The operation involved the Reading Fire Marshal’s Office, Property and Codes Enforcement and assistance from Pennsylvania Liquor Control Enforcement.

During the operation, police conducted 135 directed patrols. Four locations were shut down and placarded, and each was issued a public nuisance warning notice. The city said targeted enforcement has continued at other locations where after-hours club activity has been identified.

The enforcement followed updates to Chapter 198 of the City Code, which strengthened the city’s process for documenting disruptive conduct and holding property owners accountable when repeated incidents occur.

Under the ordinance, after two documented disruptive conduct incidents involving an occupant within a 12-month period, the property owner must begin eviction proceedings against the occupant or pursue an appeal. Failure to take the required action can begin the process of suspending the property’s housing permit.

The Fire Marshal’s Office said the four locations targeted during the operation were posted as unsafe structures because of illegal changes in use. Inspectors also documented a total of 18 additional violations of the city’s Fire Prevention Code at the properties.

Subsequent reinspections determined that the buildings had discontinued the illegal uses, according to the city. Property owners and occupants were also provided information about the legal process available to pursue changes in use.

“The provisions contained in the City of Reading Fire Prevention Code are key to the safety of occupants in existing buildings,” Fire Marshal Jeremy Searfoss said. “Our office focuses on education first, followed by enforcement when necessary. Education is key to decreasing injuries during emergencies and helping property owners and occupants understand how to safely use buildings within the built environment.”

Mayor Eddie Morán said the ordinance changes were intended to give the city additional tools to address ongoing problems involving properties being used for unauthorized purposes.

“Public safety doesn’t stop at a certain time of day, and it doesn’t stop because a property is being used in a way that wasn’t permitted,” Morán said. “We made changes to the City’s ordinance because we needed stronger tools to address ongoing problems, and now we’re seeing our departments put those tools to work. This is about making sure our neighborhoods are safe and that property owners understand they have a responsibility to what’s happening at their properties.”

Police Chief Javier Ruiz described the enforcement as a coordinated effort involving city departments and state partners.

“Our officers conducted 135 directed patrols during this operation, and we took action at locations where violations were identified,” Ruiz said. “We will continue to work with our City partners to address illegal after-hours activity and pursue enforcement when warranted.”

The city did not identify the four locations in its announcement.

Reading officials said police, the Fire Marshal’s Office, Property and Codes Enforcement and outside agencies would continue working together to identify illegal and unpermitted after-hours establishments and address activity that threatens public safety and neighborhood quality of life.

Cyclists will travel from Pottstown to Reading and back along the Schuylkill River Trail later this month as part of Schuylkill River Greenways’ annual Ride for the River fundraiser.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 19, beginning and ending at Pottstown Riverfront Park. Participants can choose from three distances, with the longest route taking riders on a 37-mile round trip from Pottstown to Reading Riverfront and back.

According to registration information for the event, the 37-mile ride will begin at 9 a.m. and follow the Schuylkill River Trail from Pottstown to Reading Riverfront, with some on-road sections along the route. Riders participating in the 37-mile option must be staged at the starting line by 8:30 a.m.

Registration for the 37-mile ride is $60.

Two shorter routes will also be available during the event, giving participants options based on their experience and preferred distance.

Ride for the River is one of Schuylkill River Greenways’ annual fundraisers, bringing cyclists onto the Schuylkill River Trail while raising money to support the organization’s work throughout the Schuylkill River watershed.

“Ride for the River gives people a chance to experience the Schuylkill River Trail while directly supporting the work that keeps the river and trail strong,” said Elaine Paul Schaefer, executive director of Schuylkill River Greenways. “Whether someone is an experienced cyclist or just wants to spend a little time riding with family and friends, we want this to be an event where everyone can enjoy the trail and feel connected to the river.”

Proceeds from the fundraiser support Schuylkill River Greenways’ work throughout the Schuylkill River Heritage Area, including maintaining and improving the Schuylkill River Trail, protecting the river and watershed, connecting communities with natural and cultural resources, and expanding outdoor recreation opportunities.

Following the rides, participants will be invited to an afterparty at Pottstown Riverfront Park featuring Sly Fox Brewing Company, Handel’s Ice Cream and other local businesses.

The event will be held Saturday, Sept. 19, at Pottstown Riverfront Park, 140 College Drive in Pottstown. Registration is available online through BikeReg.

John Paul II Center for Special Learning recently named Emmalee McCullough the Adult Program Director. Prior to her promotion, she was the program’s Quality Compliance Officer.

“We are thrilled to have Emmalee step into the role of Adult Program,” says Kaylee Simcik, Principal. “Emmalee brings a wealth of experience, a deep understanding of the individuals and families we serve, and a genuine passion for creating meaningful opportunities for every person in our program. Her experience in quality and compliance, combined with her background in direct care, case management, and supervision, gives her a unique perspective and makes her an incredible asset to our team. Most importantly, Emmalee leads with compassion, respect, and a strong belief in the potential of every individual. I am excited to see the positive impact she will have on our adult program and look forward to all that she will accomplish in this new role.”

McCullough brings more than 10 years of experience in behavioral health and social services to her new role as Program Director at John Paul II Center for Special Learning. Her experience includes direct care, case management, supervision, quality and compliance leadership. These roles have given her a unique understanding of the many different perspectives that come together to provide meaningful services. She has worked closely with individuals, families, staff, and interdisciplinary teams to ensure programs meet state and accreditation standards while never losing sight of the person at the center of the work.

“Throughout my career, I have been guided by a simple belief: every individual deserves to be treated with dignity, compassion, and respect, and every person who supports them deserves to feel valued and supported,” McCullough says.

McCullough has a bachelor’s degree in social work from Lock Haven University. She and her husband Joe reside in Fleetwood.

Located in Shillington, John Paul II Center for Special Learning (JPII) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing students and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities individualized educational programs and real-world learning opportunities. Through specialized instruction, community engagement, and innovative initiatives like Special Blends Café by JPII, the Center empowers students to develop independence, confidence, and meaningful skills for life beyond the classroom.

The inspirational journey of a young woman diagnosed with Alopecia at the age of 5 is truly a remarkable story of determination and resilience. Born the second oldest of four daughters to Jeffery and Betsy Woytovich in West Reading, Madison’s diagnosis came just as she was entering kindergarten at Sacred Heart Elementary School.

“I had a full head of hair until I turned five years old. In early fall I got my hair done in pretty braids for my aunt’s wedding, but every time my hair was brushed, my hair would come out. It all happened so fast. This was in the fall, late September,” she remembers.

“Over the next few weeks, my hair was falling out super-fast, and my parents took me to Hershey, where I was diagnosed with Alopecia and told that it looks like I might lose all of it. One month I had hair and a few weeks later, 75 percent of my hair was gone. I was just starting kindergarten and making friends. My teachers knew about it and let me wear a hat to school. Not only was I allowed to wear a hat, but everyone was allowed to wear one; everyone at the school were wearing hats and it took the attention off of me. I cannot say enough about how they approached this. My parents, Jeffery and Betsy Woytovich, always tell the story that in the beginning they wanted me to be comfortable; they say they kind of made a mistake, so no one would really see it, and I grew comfortable with that. I remember my Dad came to school and spoke to our class, and that was the reason that I wore a hat. We had a Thanksgiving play, and I played a Native American. I never wanted to wear the hat anyway. Everyone was shocked when I took off my hat, and I never put it back on. I felt comfortable and I never experienced any negative comments from the kids at school.” Madison went on to enjoy Sacred Heart and Berks Catholic High School, graduating in 2016.

Throughout her childhood Madison blossomed as a shy but confident child, although there were no other kids that she knew who were living with Alopecia. Her three sisters do not have the condition, and there were really no other kids around that could provide support and share a common ground.

“I really do owe a lot to my parents, who eventually formed a non-profit, The Children’s Alopecia Project, which forced me out of my comfort zone. I was OK, I was a shy kid, but my parents started CAP, and began speaking at schools, so I came along. I was timid and not good at public speaking. I have this confidence now because of CAP. The organization was founded in 2004 as a local support group in Reading, pre-Facebook. They found a few families, about three, and we would go bowling, and to the movies, and experience a safe space where we would not feel judged, and parents could talk to one another. The group expanded to Philadelphia and Allentown, and now it is known around the world. My parents never planned for this to happen. It is amazing how people just spreading the word made this happen. I still speak at CAP tours. My Dad spends most of the year speaking to schools around the country. I still speak to a bunch of schools and at camps. I am also on the Board of Directors and in the decision-making room for CAP – a full circle moment.”

Growing up, Madison began to evolve into her own person at an early age. “I come from a very athletic family. I got involved with theatre and I loved fashion. I feel like my love of fashion came from wanting to express myself, and it was a great outlet to do that. I took a real interest in it as I grew older, wearing bright colors, earrings, and colorful lipsticks. I was always creative, getting involved with children’s musical theatre and other artistic pursuits because I was not athletic at all.”

Upon graduation from Berks Catholic, Madison followed her passion and enrolled at Philadelphia University for Fashion Merchandising in 2020. “My goal was always to work as a fashion designer or be a model. I was in my first year at college in Philadelphia and I experienced change as a result of leaving the safe space where everyone knew who I was, to a whole new world where I had to re-explain myself and I began having a lot of self-confidence issues. I became insecure about my body and did not want to take pictures, overall feeling really insecure. We went to the beach after my first year and my sister took a picture of me on the beach and posted it on Facebook and tagged Aerie, a popular swimsuit brand by American Eagle Outfitters. The company saw it and reached out, asking to use my photo on their website, and I said yes. The photo was very well received, and they asked if they could use it in their marketing across the country and on a billboard on Times Square in New York City. It was yet another way to push me out of my comfort zone after I was signed to a modeling agency as a result. I still do modeling, although I am no longer with an agency because I am working in my fashion career; I do shoots, but it is not my full-time job.”

Being thrust into the fashion world unexpectedly gave Madison the renewed confidence to pursue her dream to work in the fashion world. “While I was in college and after college I was working for the Anthropologie brand of Urban Outfitters in the corporate offices in buying. I was there for 2 ½ years and took some time off to work at a boutique. I presently work for QVC in product development, working with a design team to source fabrics for the celebrity clothing lines; Martha Stewart, Joan Rivers, Jenny Garth. My favorite part is that I can be very creative and I can use the business side of my experience. I love meeting celebrities and the face-to-face meetings we have on Facetime.”

Madison is enjoying being immersed in the creative field of fashion that she aimed for as a young girl. She lives and works in Philadelphia, and frequently returns home for visits with her family.

“I am looking forward to growing in my fashion career. I love my career and have an amazing boyfriend, Damond, who my family loves. He has become involved with CAP along with me and he comes and speaks at our camps. We plan to marry and have a family of our own.”

A perfect role model for any young woman who may be struggling with self-image, or self-confidence, Madison has this advice. “I feel like fake it till you make it is a cliché, but for most of my life I had to push myself out there, so keep pushing until you believe it. It does not feel comfortable, but do not let anyone treat you poorly. If you say it to yourself, you start to believe it.”

Learn more at childrensalopeciaproject.org

Update – 9/5/26: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Philadelphia District has announced that the Swim Area at the Dry Brooks Day Use Area, Blue Marsh Lake, has been reopened. Bacteria readings for the designated swimming area have returned to safe levels. The swim beach has been re-opened as of September 5, 2026 at 8AM.

Original post: The designated swim beach at Blue Marsh Lake has been temporarily closed after testing detected elevated bacteria levels, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Philadelphia District announced Friday.

The closure affects the swimming area at the Dry Brooks Day Use Area, where high levels of E. coli were detected above safe recreational standards.

According to the Army Corps of Engineers, the closure is limited to the designated swim beach. The picnic area and boat launches remain open for recreational use.

Officials said testing will be conducted daily to monitor bacteria levels. The swim beach will reopen once testing shows that levels have returned to safe recreational standards.

No reopening date has been announced.