Good morning, Reading.

Local nonprofit Barrio Alegria led volunteer cleanups at Reading Rising Park and Baer Park last week.

The group worked with neighbors and a city Public Works Department crew to make the parks more welcoming — a move aimed at sparking neighborhood pride.

Mary Pohl remembers her veteran husband Rufus, who died in 2021 at age 74 from illnesses linked to his Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam War—he suffered from heart problems and Parkinson’s disease over many years.

She now supports plans for memorials honoring Vietnam veterans and war dogs, seeking to strengthen a bond among local veterans.

Emmy Award-winning magician Penn Jillette was the keynote speaker at GRCA’s 112th annual dinner on May 21st — the event celebrated 60 Berks businesses through its Business Excellence Awards.

Exeter School District was awarded $344,051 from the state's Solar for Schools Grant Program+ state Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz said the funds will support green improvements like buying and installing solar energy systems to help lower energy and property costs.

Nisha Mele, a teen from Berks (locally known for community involvement), earned the Girl Scouts Gold Award yesterday for her project that taught children about elephant conservation.

Emergency demolition of two structurally compromised Reading-owned buildings on Penn Street was nearly finished Friday after work began May 15 because the buildings posed a public safety risk.

Only the façade of the 1912 historic building at 431 Penn was saved while 433 Penn was fully demolished.

Wyomissing freshman Parth Khachane won his first match at the PIAA Tennis Championships at Hershey Racquet Club by defeating John Rohrkaste 6-1, 6-3 and will play in the quarterfinals today at 4 p.m. Berks’ two doubles teams advanced as District 3 champs Armaan Malik and Jio Garcia beat Gabe Nettleton and Michael Dubetsky while Truman Peters and Aaron Andrews beat Aveer Chadha and Harry Vicic—both doubles quarterfinal matches are set for today at 4 p.m.

Gov. Mifflin beat Central Dauphin in four sets on May 23 (25-21, 18-25, 25-22, 25-21) to advance to the semifinals of the District 3 Class 3A boys volleyball tournament.

The Mustangs will host Central York at 7 p.m. Tuesday while Brandywine Heights won its 2A quarterfinal over New Covenant Christian and will face the winner of the Berks Catholic-York Suburban match Tuesday.

Wyomissing senior Alexis Hardy won her heat in the girls 2A 100-meter dash on May 23 and advanced to today's final at Shippensburg University—Pine Grove's Viktorya Luckenbach ran 11.95 to qualify as the fastest heat winner.

In the boys trials, Brandywine Heights senior David Bates ran 11.05 to reach the final while Wyomissing sophomore Justice Hardy clocked 11.50 and other competitors posted times in the 1,600-meter run.

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.

Victor Manuelle Concert

8:00-10:00 p.m. — Santander Arena — Last-minute tickets available — Experience the vibrant rhythms of Victor Manuelle live in Reading, PA.

Run For The Ages Trail Race

8:30 a.m. — Nolde Forest, Reading, PA — $30-$35 entry fee — Experience a scenic 10K trail through beautiful Nolde Forest with age-graded starts for a fair competition.

Travel Photography Near and Far

7-9 PM — Berks Photographic Society — $10 donation for non-members — Discover the art of travel photography through engaging stories and stunning visuals.

Sommerfest Saturday June 21 Gates open at 3 Music 4-7

The Ultimate German celebration of Summer in Berks County's best kept secret. Live music by the Alpenlanders, with food and beverage available. $10 for non members $5 for members

5th Annual Pawfest Block Party

12-5 p.m. — Reading Liederkranz — Family-friendly fun — Celebrate with a day of activities honoring our furry friends and German culture.