Good morning, Reading.

Chef George Adams was named Production Chef for the soon-to-open Helping Harvest Community Kitchen at 229 Washington Street in Reading and will lead daily operations and meal preparation for low-income seniors—working with Chef Amanda Richards.

The facility, now under construction, will open in spring and help provide nutritious, heat-and-eat meals.

Modesto Fiume announced his retirement as President/CEO of Opportunity House, effective June 30 — the Board has named current COO Alyssa Bushkie, a Berks County native, as his successor who will lead the organization going forward.

The Berks County Election Board approved a ballot question that asks voters to permit raising Kutztown School District property taxes to 34.29 mills—which equals a 10.63 percent increase above the Act 1 index—and it will appear on the 2025 municipal primary election ballot.

The board also forwarded a campaign finance complaint regarding a $10,000 in-kind contribution during a 2023 township race—which the District Attorney’s Office will review.

The Reading Fire Department received a donated custom-built service truck from Reading Truck Body—designed, built, and outfitted at no cost—to lower operational costs and boost community safety.

RFD officials said technician Josiah Fegley and Deputy Chief Mike Glore ensured the vehicle met their maintenance and repair needs.

The Berks County Commissioners voted Thursday to transfer ownership of the Ebling Memorial Bridge to Muhlenberg Township after a $3.76 million project replaced the bridge built in 1959 because of structural deficits.

They also declared an emergency at the Berks County Courthouse to speed up HVAC chiller repairs—letting a temporary unit be set up until a new chiller is installed in June or July.

State grants secured by Sen. Tracy Pennycuick + Rep. Mark Gillen will give over $200,000 to Boyertown, Washington Township, and Amity Township for public safety and infrastructure projects.

Boyertown will use $66,462 for YMCA renovations, Washington Township will get $30,681 for a new communications system and $100,000 for a generator, and Amity will receive $21,788 to install solar-powered speed radar signs.

Rock ‘Til You Drop

6 PM-12 AM | Adler Brewing Company | $10 at the Door | A night of local Rock and Metal featuring various talented bands.

Virtual Tour of Fairlane Gardens

9 AM - 7 PM | Fairlane Gardens at Reading | Free entry | Explore the best of senior living amenities and services through a virtual tour.

Berks Jazz Festival

8 p.m. | WCR Center for the Arts | Various ticket prices | Experience a celebration of jazz with world-renowned musicians across diverse genres over ten days.

Royal Scam at Berks Jazz Fest 2025

7 PM – 1 AM — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate classic rock as The Royal Scam honors Steely Dan at the prestigious Berks Jazz Fest.

Brian Culbertson Concert

7:30-11:30 p.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading — Ticketed event — Experience an evening of smooth jazz with Brian Culbertson.

Aubrey Logan Concert

3-7 p.m. — Miller Center for the Arts — Find tickets online — Enjoy an afternoon of spectacular music by the talented Aubrey Logan.

Open House at 203 Eric Ave

4:00-5:30 p.m. — 203 Eric Ave, Reading, PA — $299,777 — Discover a charming single-family home in the sought-after Governor Mifflin School District with modern renovations and abundant natural light.

Eslabon Armado Concert in Reading

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Santander Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience an electrifying evening with Eslabon Armado at Santander Arena.

Open House at 830 Grandell Ave

4-6 PM — 830 Grandell Ave, Reading, PA — Free entry — Explore this charming 4-bedroom home with a beautiful backyard in the heart of Muhlenberg Township.

The Thorn Performance

7-11 p.m. — Santander Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience a stunning tale of love and sacrifice through captivating visual artistry.