Good morning, Reading.

The United Way of Berks County received a $100,000 grant from the FirstEnergy Foundation to double meals provided at its annual Big Cheese event to 500,000 for local children and families.

About 1,000 volunteers packed shelf-stable meal packages at Penn State Berks’ gym — local food banks are now distributing the food to families facing food insecurity.

Today, Reading Housing Authority and local officials held a ribbon cutting for the Oakbrook Community Center at Oakbrook Homes to open its Neighborhood Resource Center and Family Services Center—offering workforce classes and a chess club to meet community needs.

Met-Ed completed repairs at the Amity Township substation this week — installing a critical spare unit from Ohio that ended the frequent power outages in southeastern Berks.

The company also upgraded the line from the Birdsboro substation to boost capacity and support future growth.

Reading officials have chosen CityPark for a new outdoor ice skating rink after community concerns halted plans at Clemente Field—where construction made the field unusable.

The rink design will include a concrete pad for winter skating and other events, and a public meeting is set for Aug. 20 at 5 p.m. in CityPark—rain date Aug. 26.

Reading city officials have applied for a federal $1.2 million grant to install 5.1 miles of bike lanes—along with temporary speed cushions, enhanced signage, and painted crosswalks—as part of the Vision Zero plan to reduce traffic deaths by 2033.

They expect to learn in the fall if the grant is approved and will begin implementing the safety measures downtown.

Berks County Commissioners approved an extension of the Northeastern Berks Comprehensive Plan contract until June 30, allowing policies for regional development, economic growth, and conservation to continue through 2027.

They also reviewed a veterans report showing the local office processed 1,944 claims for $46.8 million—underscoring improved service with faster response times and two added veteran service officers.

The Twin Valley Raiders lost top players last season and coach Brett Myers said returning players like Lucas Myers, Drew Engle, and Ben Grundy will work hard to fill big roles.

The team will boost its running game and defense as it faces tough games against Wyomissing and Lampeter-Strasburg — big tests for their season.

Coach Dave Stahler led the Saints to a playoff run last season and the team will use key returners like Eric Bennethum and Palmer Reber to boost a strong 2025 season—even though they are missing running backs Bryce Gumby and Nate Rose.

They will start strong in early games—beginning Aug. 22 at Twin Valley—when senior Johnny Sauppee takes over as quarterback to drive a powerful run game.

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.

Nurse Blake

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Santander Performing Arts Center — Tickets from $53 — Enjoy a night of laughter with Nurse Blake's hilarious performance.

Zach Williams Revival Nights Tour

6-7:30 p.m. — Santander Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience hope-filled music from Grammy Winner Zach Williams on his Revival Nights Fall 2025 Tour.