Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 30th of May.
Good morning, Reading.
Weaver's Orchard, a family-owned farm in Berks County, is holding its Taste of Weaver's event today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Over 20 vendors will offer free fruit samples as the orchard celebrates fresh fruit season amid recent weather challenges.
Reading Fire EMS celebrated 25 years of service today as officials reported that annual emergency calls have doubled from under 10,000 to over 20,000 runs while equipment and staffing have been updated over time.
Berks County residents will enjoy the Star-Spangled Spectacular with live music, family attractions, and fireworks on July 4 at the Berks County Fairgrounds (1216 Hilltop Road) in Leesport.
Organizers say the free event will also support local nonprofits by collecting nonperishable food for Helping Harvest.
Boyertown’s Peppermint Stick Candy Store and Ice Cream Parlor are nominated for USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards; voters can cast support until noon on Monday, June 8, with winners set to be announced on Wednesday, June 17 (covering Best Candy Store and Best Ice Cream Parlor).
Production began early this year at Reitnouer Inc.'s 450,000 sqft plant near Route 73 and Route 61 in Ontelaunee Township—a $60 million facility that consolidates manufacturing operations.
The new site offers room for expansion as the company plans to increase its workforce.
A winning $10,000 a Month for Life scratch-off ticket was sold at Star Gas + Diesel in Bethel Township, earning the retailer a $10,000 bonus while offering buyers a top prize option of $10,000 a month for life or $1.6 million cash with prize claims expiring one year after sale.
Trinity Lutheran Church will begin its 275th anniversary celebrations on Trinity Sunday with festival worship at 10 a.m. and a free organ recital at 1:30 p.m., welcoming nine new members, and will continue to mark 275 years through Trinity Sunday 2027 (starting from the first sanctuary’s consecration in 1752).
The Reading Symphony Orchestra is hosting the Star-Spangled Spectacular to honor America 250—a free celebration of community and country—in Reading, with details on performances and participation to be shared soon.
The Reading School District Board approved a five-year collective bargaining agreement with RESPA at its May 27 meeting; the deal, effective from July 1 to June 30, 2031, raises starting wages from $15 to $23.27 per hour (and adds benefits and 40 new positions to support student services).
Pennsylvania state court officials report that mental health court participants saw a 72% graduation rate and 112% boost in employment from mandated treatment programs as part of Mental Health Awareness Month — with 30 counties, including four in the southeast, offering alternatives to incarceration.
Counselors Nikki Lombardo and Xiomara Cosme were named 2026 winners of the Behavioral Health and Registered Nurse Student Loan Assistance Program powered by the Diana Smith Memorial Endowment.
They will receive $3,000 over two years to support professionals in the Boyertown area to honor the late nurse’s 20-year service.
Breast Cancer Support Services of Berks County held its 11th Annual Pink Passion for Fashion fundraiser on May 17 at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Reading, where 22 models showcased local styles and raised over $125,000 to fund free support services for survivors and their families.
The Blue Mountain High School softball team celebrated their fourth district title after staging a comeback from a 6-0 and 7-3 deficit to win 12-7 against North Schuylkill.
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.
Ty Myers Concert
7:30 p.m. — Santander Arena — $39.50 — Experience the soulful blend of blues, rock, and country from rising star Ty Myers.
Barry Manilow Live in Concert
7:00 – 8:30 PM — Santander Arena — Starting at $39.50 — Experience the legendary Barry Manilow perform hits from over five decades of music history.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
Stay in the know, Reading.
Free, always. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.