Good morning, Reading.

VOiCEup Berks marked its 10th anniversary on July 24 at the Reading Public Museum (Rooted in Service) and honored volunteers, including young leaders Luca Mele and Athena Worley, with awards for community impact.

The organization transitioned to an independent 501(c)(3) earlier this year to expand its mission.

Run4Sam returns on Sunday, August 16 at Gring’s Mill Park in Berks County, featuring a 4-mile run, a 2-mile walk, and a kids fun run for children 12 and under.

Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. as volunteers help support scholarships, local nonprofits, and new park improvements.

Animal Rescue League of Berks County hosts free pet adoptions for animals 6 months or older from Friday, Aug.

14 through Sunday, Aug. 16 (sponsored by Tom Schaeffer’s Camping and Travel Center) in Cumru Township. Visitors must complete an adoption profile and meet with a counselor to find the right pet.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated the new, improved Meals on Wheels program which now delivers meals to about 650 seniors in Berks County + marking a fresh start for local service.

Late Saturday night just before midnight, a two alarm fire on Edgedale Court in Wyomissing claimed the lives of three pets, the fire chief said.

Chick-fil-A in Exeter Commons Shopping Center will close at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Aug.

13 for a 16-week remodel that adds 800 sqft to the kitchen, a new drive-thru door, and interior upgrades (with staff receiving wage support) ahead of an early December reopening.

Reading artist Theron Cook is painting columns in the Pagoda lobby with Japanese motifs to brighten the historic landmark.

His three-week project, which includes cherry blossoms and koi fish, is nearing completion for a late summer reopening.

A public works official and an environmental expert offered tips to help residents stay cool and save money amid an unusual heat wave.

They recommended efficient windows + outdoor awnings, setting thermostats to 78°F and visiting cooling centers to reduce the risk of heat stroke.

Pennsylvania’s attorney general is urging Congress to let new hemp rules take effect in three months, which will ban delta-8 and delta-10 consumables.

Local hemp growers warn the regulation could harm legal CBD businesses + a $1.4 billion industry.

Temporary protected status for Haitians has ended, leaving Berks locals uncertain about housing, family and work.

Alex Civil of (Bring the Change) said the rule change affects local doctors, artists and factory workers and may hurt community businesses.

PennDOT crews are repairing drainage, widening shoulders and sealing cracks on key roads in Berks County from Aug.

10 through Aug. 14; motorists should expect lane closures and detours — work is scheduled from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and weather may delay progress.

Berks Community Health Center announced that founding President and CEO Mary Kargbo is retiring after 14 years of service and will remain with the center (until Sept.

12) to ensure a smooth leadership transition. A community reception is scheduled in September to honor her contributions to local healthcare.

Berks County will host six free sessions every Thursday from Oct.

1 through Nov. 5 at the Area Agency on Aging office (400 E. Wyomissing Ave, Mohnton) as part of a pilot program aimed at reducing overdose deaths among older adults. Residents can register by calling 6104786500 by Sept. 17.