Good morning, Reading.

Dayspring Homes held an open house and house blessing on July 29th at its Harry Avenue residence after it was rebuilt following fire damage.

Over 50 guests visited the home—Dayspring Homes highlighted its commitment to safe housing for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Opportunity House’s OppShop celebrated its 10th anniversary last week with a one-day half-price sale at its Muhlenberg Township location that supported its North Second Street shelter and day care center.

The store diverted over 1 million pounds of goods from landfills last fiscal year and will extend hours from Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., starting Aug. 18—helping more residents access its services.

PPL employees packed about 2,500 supply kits — a project for the Backpack Builders program — to help local students get essential school supplies.

A naturalization ceremony on Wednesday at the Berks County Courthouse welcomed 56 new citizens from 12 countries as they took the oath to become Americans—giving them a fresh start for their families— and join the community.

Berks LaunchBox announced that seven startups were awarded grants from the Berks County Imagine Berks Fund to support early-stage entrepreneurs with funds for prototyping, marketing and product development—recipients must file a one-page report on fund use while new applicants need to submit a business model canvas by August 15. Future funding will help these local ventures grow.

A 20-year-old Reading man, Jose M.

Taveras-Estrella, was arrested Wednesday afternoon after trying to steal two new beach cruiser bicycles from a Cumru Township home porch near Grill and he faces charges of theft by unlawful taking and criminal mischief.

After a thunderstorm Thursday, vehicles were stranded in floodwaters and about 2,000 residents lost power in Berks County.

Heavy winds and rains downed trees and wires, prompting water rescues in Reading — with parts of the city flooded by up to 2 feet of water — during the storm.

Officials with the Animal Rescue League of Berks County and the Pennsylvania Department of Health said an injured brown tabby and white kitten found near Hill Avenue in Cumru Township on Saturday tested positive for rabies and warned Wyomissing residents to keep pets indoors—residents should seek medical help if exposed.

Summer Concert Series with Vinyl Rush

6-8:30 p.m. — Jim Dietrich Park — Free entry — Experience a delightful evening of live music along the river with local food and drinks.

Toad the Wet Sprocket Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Santander Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices may fluctuate — Experience the live music of Toad the Wet Sprocket in an intimate setting.

Nate Bargatze Live Comedy Show

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Santander Arena — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of laughter with renowned comedian Nate Bargatze.

RiverFest

11 AM – 10 PM — Jim Dietrich Park — Entry fee varies — Celebrate local music and culinary delights along the scenic Schuylkill River.

Anuel AA Concert

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Santander Arena — Ticket prices starting from $128 — Experience the vibrant performance of Anuel AA live in Reading, PA.