Good morning, Reading.

The Garden Club of Reading hosts its third annual 'Not Just Plants' sale at the Reading Public Museum’s Stone Terrace Big White Tent on Saturday, May 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Held rain or shine+ cash, debit, and credit are accepted; visitors buy plants, decor, and gardening supplies.

ARL and NNN are offering free TNVR vouchers in several townships, including Bern, Caernarvon, and Leesport, to cover spay/neuter and vaccination costs for community cats as kitten season begins.

Residents should contact local offices for eligibility and scheduling — a proactive step to control rising cat populations.

Tom Sturgis Pretzels, Inc. in Cumru Township is celebrating National Pretzel Day all month by giving away pretzel bags and offering 10% off pretzel tins online (customers can sample 4-piece chocolate-covered pretzels this Saturday during store hours from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.).

Kutztown University’s Small Business Development Center is hosting the third annual Illuminate Berks County event (6-9 p.m. Wednesday, April 29) at GoggleWorks Center for the Arts to offer free networking, dinner, and professional headshots for 150-200 local entrepreneurs, students, and community leaders. Local banks and manufacturers are funding the event to boost business growth.

Local students will showcase eco-friendly fashions at an Earth Day event on Thursday in Reading (highlighting sustainable designs) as part of the community celebration.

Bulls, Bands & Barrels returns to Santander Arena on July 11 with country music and rodeo events, and ticket sales start Friday at 10 a.m. with prices beginning at $40.

The Reading Public Museum will open Shaun the Sheep: Flock This Way! on Saturday, May 16, offering an interactive exhibit for children ages 3 through 9 that features hands-on activities based on the beloved film character and will run until Sept.

6.

Dr. Susan Looney of Reading Area Community College was honored as the American Association of Community Colleges CEO of the Year on Monday, April 14 in Seattle (award announced at the AACC Annual Convention).

Her leadership boosted graduation rates and expanded career programs at RACC.

Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania held its Take the Lead event (a mentorship program) on April 14 at the Redner’s Event Center where high school Scouts shadowed local women leaders (Meggan, Radha, Monica, and Karen) while raising funds for camp scholarships.

Last week, PennEnvironment and Berks County officials toured Manatawny Creek Winery’s solar array in Amity Township to see how its clean energy setup benefits the business.

The winery plans to replace its old panels with new, efficient ones to cut electricity costs.

Norfolk Southern’s overhead bridge at Penn and Second Avenues in West Reading will be power-washed and repainted starting Monday, Apr.

27 at 8 a.m. Drivers will face lane closures and delays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday during the two-week project (weather permitting), which is grant funded.

Reading Hospital received national recognition from Forbes and Newsweek for its high-quality patient care.

Hospital officials credited the awards to its skilled staff and expanded specialist team, marking the fourth consecutive year the hospital was honored on a national list.

A $700K state grant will transform two historic Penn Street buildings into 12 units+studios, shops and retail space.

Restaurant owner Cheryl Aston is leading the project to boost new housing and business opportunities in downtown Reading.

Ephrata Rhythm & Brews

12-5 p.m. — Thomas P. Grater Community Park — Cost varies — Celebrate local craft beverages and music while enjoying a variety of food trucks in a spring park setting.

Peso Pluma Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Santander Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience the unique musical style of Peso Pluma, a trailblazing artist with millions of monthly listeners.

Sepultura Concert

6:30–8:00 p.m. — Nightclub Reverb — Tickets start at $78 — Experience the electrifying live performance of Sepultura in Reading, PA.

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live: Glow-N-Fire

12:30-2:30 p.m. — Santander Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience the thrill of your favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks in a spectacular live show.