Good morning, Reading.

Alvernia University received a large gift from the Breidegam Family Foundation to renovate the old American House at Reading CollegeTowne and work with Berks Community Health Center to build a new health center — the project will help more people get care in our community.

It will serve 2,000 extra patients each year and offer over 50 hands-on learning experiences for health students — construction is set to begin in 2025.

Pfizer employees (from Collegeville) volunteered on Wednesday to hang drywall at a Habitat for Humanity home on West Buttonwood Street.

The team helped build affordable homes in Reading as part of a community effort.

On Wednesday night, an electrical problem sparked an accidental fire at the Springfield Veterinary Hospital on Princeton Avenue in Spring Township that caused water damage of about $100,000+ officials said the hospital will repair the damage and reopen soon.

IWCO will close its Tilden Township facility later this year after a significant lease increase made operations unsustainable—this move is part of a broader strategy to strengthen growth while the company works with affected staff.

On April 23, a ceremony was held at the Jewish Cultural Center in Wyomissing—descendants lit memorial candles and read the names of Holocaust victims to honor survivors and those lost.

Students at Reading High School celebrated the grand opening of Castle Cafe, a student-run coffee shop run by the Super Senior program—this project gives students hands-on experience in coffee making, inventory, and food safety.

The initiative also has students helping with mail deliveries, horticulture, and community service to build real-world skills before graduation.

The Berks County Commissioners approved modest daily rate increases of about 3% at Berks Heim Nursing and Rehabilitation effective July 1 and named Sadie Delpais as nursing supervisor effective May 7 at an annual salary of $98,273—private room rates will rise to $489, semiprivate to $457, rehabilitation private to $500 and rehabilitation semiprivate to $474. Commissioner Christian Y. Leinbach said the commissioners will attend a ribbon cutting today at Reading Aviation at the Reading Regional Airport—they will also host an aviation career fair on Oct. 10 for high school students, college students and adults.

Reading Symphony Orchestra - Let's Dance

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Santander Performing Arts Center — Cost not listed — Experience a captivating blend of symphonic music and ballet featuring the Joffrey Ballet Studio Company.

Open House at 2622 Perkiomen Avenue

8-10 p.m. — 2622 Perkiomen Ave — $309,000 — Explore this spacious home featuring four bedrooms and a large backyard in Reading, Pennsylvania.

Vince Gill Concert

7-9 p.m. — Santander Arena — Last-minute tickets available — Experience the musical talents of Vince Gill live in Reading, PA.

Healthy Kids Running Series Spring 2025

4-8 p.m. — Shiloh Hills Park — Entry fees vary — A fun and engaging running series encouraging kids to embrace an active lifestyle.

Schuylkill Navigation Bicentennial

10 AM – 4 PM — Berks County Heritage Center — Free displays, fee for lectures — Explore canal history through engaging lectures and historic artifacts at the heritage center.