Good morning, Reading.

Officials from Blue Marsh Lake, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, and the PA Fish and Boat Commission held an event Friday at Dry Brooks Boat Launch in Leesport to kick off National Safe Boating Week — stressing life jacket use and free safety checks — ahead of Memorial Day weekend.

The 98th Annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony will take place on Monday, May 25 in Shillington.

Organized by American Legion Reber-Moore Post 635, the parade will start at 10:30 a.m. at Shillington Park and conclude at Town Hall with a memorial service honoring fallen military members.

Reading’s Northeast Middle School Alumni Association honored three distinguished graduates on May 1 in the school’s auditorium at 1216 N.

13th St — Michael J. Buono, Joseph T. Cafoncelli and Josh G. Taylor were recognized for their service in education, public safety and community engagement.

The Reading Housing Authority opened Oakbrook Recreation Park this week (featuring a modern baseball field, upgraded basketball court with new bleachers, walking path, and picnic grove) for Oakbrook Homes residents.

A concession stand will open soon while final improvements like a playground and pavilion complete in fall.

Seth Toal, a Gov. Mifflin High School senior, was named Berks’ Best 2026 business winner for his academic achievements, community service, and entrepreneurial efforts.

He will attend Cornell this fall to study applied economics and management and build a career in mergers and acquisitions.

Last night, the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance held its 113th Annual Dinner at Santander Arena, celebrating 70 local businesses with an event themed on space.

Former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino spoke as winners (Category 1 and 2) were recognized for excellence.

Lillian Hoffa, the Berks’ Best 2026 visual arts winner (Twin Valley High School student), enrolled at the Art Institute of Chicago for fall and will take a glass course this summer at GoggleWorks Center for the Arts in Reading.

She plans to expand her skills with additional art mediums.

Alan 'Rocky' Rochlin, an 18-year-old Gov. Mifflin High student, won Berks’ Best 2026 in performing arts after finding an old clarinet that sparked his love for both classical and jazz music — he will attend Temple University to study music education and hopes to join a military jazz band.

Gov. Mifflin senior Elise 'Nox' Clemmens earned the Berks’ Best 2026 social studies award for academic excellence and community service — scoring 5 in 10 AP courses and volunteering at Reading Public Museum, Mifflin Community Library, and local centers — and will study sociology and psychology at Yale.

William Ferenchick, a Wilson High School senior from Spring Township, was named the Reading Eagle’s Berks’ Best 2026 winner in mathematics after applying classroom lessons to real-life projects.

He built award-winning science fair entries and plans to study engineering at MIT (18-year-old) to design future medical devices.

Wilson High School senior Harrison Eck earned the Berks’ Best 2026 computer science award by building a working electric guitar and programming a CNC router using computer-aided design.

His projects and community involvement highlight his strong practical skills and academic achievements.

Twin Valley High School senior Sloane Wolfe won Berks’ Best 2026 for communications and now plans to study political science with ambitions to become Pennsylvania’s first female senator—she built her skills through local advocacy and legal action over her school’s mascot.

Amalia Cannon, winner of Berks’ Best 2026 in world languages, will open a bilingual child psychology practice to support Spanish-speaking families.

The Wilson High senior, accepted to Cornell and Georgetown, is working to regain her Spanish fluency (inspired by her godmother).

Conrad Weiser High School senior Finnegan Miller was named Berks’ Best 2026 winner for science and environment thanks to his award-winning research on using fungi to break down plastics and filter contaminants.

He will attend Cornell to study food science and work to improve sustainable food production.

SatchVai Band

7:30-9 p.m. — Santander Arena — Not specified — Experience the virtuoso guitar performance of Joe Satriani, one of the world's most commercially successful solo artists.

Cody Tyler Live

7-10 p.m. — Bertie's Inn — Enjoy a night of music with Cody Tyler's band, offering a fusion of country and southern rock sounds.

Arizona Juggernauts vs Pennsylvania Benjamins

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Santander Arena — Check website for ticket prices — Enjoy thrilling indoor arena football with live music and great food.

Mid-Atlantic Air Museum WWII Weekend

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Mid Atlantic Air Museum — Admission varies — Experience the thrill of history come to life with authentic reenactments of World War II battles.

6th Annual Paw Fest Block Party

12-5 p.m. — Reading Liederkranz — Food and activities available — Enjoy a day of fun supporting adoptable dogs with games, vendors, and raffles.

2026 Charity Golf Invitational

7 a.m. — Golden Oaks Golf Club — Lunch included — Hit the links for a good cause benefiting FairView Counseling and The Play Therapy Center.

Stammtisch German Speaking Group

6-7 p.m. — Reading Liederkranz — Free entry — Practice your German while enjoying a cozy atmosphere full of conversation and culture.

Ben Folds Concert

8-11 p.m. — Santander Arena — Cost info unavailable — Experience the genre-bending music of Emmy-nominated singer-songwriter Ben Folds.

Berks Classic Pickleball Tournament

All day — West Reading Pickleball — Entry fee required — Showcase your skills in an exciting pickleball competition with friends.

Arena Football – Zurich Ibexx vs. Pennsylvania Benjamins

2:30-6:30 p.m. — Santander Arena — All In Pricing Available — Experience exciting traditional arena football with teams from the US, UK, and Canada.