Good morning, Reading.

Progressive Insurance is backing a program by the Corps Foundation that will supply over 5,450 free, adult-size life jackets to boaters at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sites—one of which is Blue Marsh Lake.

The loaner stations let boaters borrow life jackets free of charge and return them at the end of the day to help reduce drownings.

Opportunity House has announced it will launch the Beacon House Food Pantry — a collaboration with Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank — at 821 Schuylkill Ave. The pantry will operate on Thursdays and Saturdays to ensure local families have regular access to fresh, healthy food.

Leesport Deputy Chief Todd Boughter said his department held Junior Firefighter Day demonstrations from 1:30 to 3:00 yesterday to teach young people how to use a fire hose, fire extinguisher, and rescue rope — a key effort as the department seeks five or six new volunteers — which he hopes will boost volunteer support in the community.

Christine M. Valdes, 34, is accused of fraud after she falsely claimed a Reinholds address on her Progressive insurance policy to lower her rate and later filed a claim for damages following a Queens accident—she turned herself in on March 6 and is now awaiting further action in Berks County Court.

Kutztown University has named Dr. Andrew Veit as managing director for the Wells-Rapp Center for Mallet Percussion Research and he will begin on Aug.

11. He comes from the University of Texas Permian Basin where he led percussion studies and will guide the center's research, outreach, and programming — a hub for preserving rare mallet percussion artifacts.

Twin Valley Elementary Center students painted a new mural with the theme 'Kindness is Magic' as part of the Kindness Collaboration and unveiled it during the Evening of the Arts event on May 8.

Teacher Katie Trainer led sessions where nearly 420 students (from kindergarten through fourth grade) worked together to create the colorful mural displayed in the large group instruction room.

32-year-old Efrain Nuñez beat a stage II colon cancer diagnosis while working full time and completing an internship—he is now in remission.

He will walk across the stage at Arcadia University tomorrow to earn his master’s degree in counseling as the first in his family to reach this milestone.

On May 12, officials announced that a new crisis intervention center opened at the Berks County Services Center to help first responders handle emergencies.

The initiative was presented by Jackie Weaknecht + John Adams + Pam Seaman.

The Wyomissing Spartans won their first girls lacrosse championship on May 13 + it marked a historic title for the program.

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.

Fightin Phils vs. Erie Sea Wolves

2:45 PM — FirstEnergy Stadium — Affordable tickets available — Experience the thrill of Double-A baseball as the Fightin Phils take on their rivals in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Ride the Helldiver Experience

9 AM – 5 PM — Mid Atlantic Air Museum — Admission fee required — Take an unforgettable ride in one of the only flying SB2C Helldivers in the world during WWII Weekend.