Good morning, Reading.

Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank joined community leaders and state officials last Wednesday to celebrate the opening of its new downtown community kitchen that expands meal production and offers culinary job training—funded with $459,000 from a state program.

The facility began producing meals in April and will later partner with Reading Area Community College for for-credit culinary training.

Volunteer tennis coach Henry Pilliod, 22 from Lower Heidelberg Township, was charged with institutional sexual assault, corruption of minors, unlawful contact with a minor and criminal use of a communications facility—he exchanged messages and engaged in sexual relations with a 17-year-old student after a school investigation initiated on March 30 revealed the allegations.

The Penn State Berks criminal justice program collected more than 20 used graduation caps and gowns from students, staff and alumni during the spring and donated them to the Berks County Jail for inmates to wear at GED graduation ceremonies.

Program chair Jennifer Murphy led the project as part of a criminal justice reform effort while jail warden Jeffrey R. Smith praised the initiative for giving incarcerated graduates dignity.

City Council will vote next week on a $1 million request from the Reading Housing Authority to upgrade the baseball field and playground at Oakbrook Homes.

If approved, officials will break ground within days to improve the outdoor space used by 1,600 residents — many of whom are children.

Yesterday, local and state officials held a dedication ceremony on the historic bridge to unveil a new sign naming it the PFC Lawrence J.

Deisher Memorial Bridge – honoring the Reading native who was killed in Vietnam and awarded the Silver Star for his bravery. Family members and veterans gathered near his burial site at Aulenbach Cemetery to pay their respects.

The Reading Royals signed forwards Patrick Moynihan and Jeremy Michel for the 2025-26 season.

The team’s ECHL home opener is set for Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. at Santander Arena — they will play Trois-Rivières.

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.