Good morning, Reading.

Helping Harvest Food Bank in Reading reported record donations this fiscal year as 12,483,834 pounds of food (a 21.8% increase from last fiscal year) were distributed valued at over $22 million; its Weekender, School Pantry, and Community Kitchen programs expanded to serve 350 partner agencies in Berks and Schuylkill Counties.

ARRO Consulting completed its acquisition of Mountain Research LLC on June 30, retaining 28 employees and expanding its offices in PA and Maryland to 13 (its drilling division remains Mountain Research Services).

This marks its second acquisition this year after purchasing Ott Consulting Inc. in January.

Today, Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site celebrates 88 years with Establishment Day, where site manager Jeff Jones will begin a summer charcoal burn (1:00 p.m.) and pour iron (6:00 p.m.) as part of a day-long series of historical demonstrations.

Berks Jazz Fest now has a new management organization to carry the festival into its 36th year — organizers say the change aims to preserve local music traditions.

Ducklings Early Learning Center will open its first Berks location at 4987 N.

Twin Valley Road in Caernarvon Township on Monday, Aug. 3. The new 11,000 sqft center offers child care for infants and preschoolers (plus before- and after-school programs with busing for elementary students).

A letter from local resident Keith Worley (Cumru Township) criticizes changes in the Reading school curriculum that shifted from phonics to whole language methods, arguing that reduced emphasis on phonics harms reading proficiency.

He urges public schools to return to phonics and spelling instruction to improve student performance.

On Friday, July 31, the Reading Area Water Authority declared a drought emergency for North Heidelberg water customers by mandating a 15% reduction in water use.

Nonessential activities such as watering lawns and washing vehicles are banned until further notice.

Reading Hospital Rehabilitation at Wyomissing welcomed its new therapy dog Teton on July 7 — the golden retriever-Labrador mix now helps patients with balance exercises, retrieving items, and practicing language on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

A recent report ranked Reading as the sixth best housing market in the country, citing strong demand, affordability + quality of life that favor local homeowners and buyers.

The ranking points to promising trends in our local real estate scene.

Work on the Broadcast District in Spring Township is on schedule as SJC Ventures builds retail, restaurant, and residential spaces.

Matt Robinson, Senior VP, said first retail tenants are expected next spring (with a Whole Foods grand opening in fall) and the apartment complex will start leasing early next year.

Phillies top prospects in Double-A Reading, including Gage Wood, Aroon Escabar and Dante Nori, are preparing for the MLB trade deadline on Monday at 6 p.m. IronPigs manager Tank Adamson said players must play hard — even amid trade uncertainty — to catch the eye of major league teams.

Brit Floyd Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Santander Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the world’s premier Pink Floyd tribute band performing classic hits in an authentic style.