Good morning, Reading.

On Wednesday, the Berks County Area Agency on Aging hosted its 13th Annual Centenarian Luncheon at Kraras Hall to honor around 20 centenarians including veterans and a Rosie the Riveter.

Family, friends and local officials joined in the celebration with remarks and live entertainment.

Robert 'Hutch' Hutchinson turned 100 Wednesday in his Muhlenberg Township home, surrounded by family and friends across Berks County.

Hutch, who traveled the world, said he has no secret for his long life and is thankful for his adventures (a true milestone celebrated by his family).

PPL Electric Utilities hosted U.S. Assistant Energy Secretary Katie Jereza at its Walbert Training Center in South Whitehall Township yesterday to showcase smart grid technology that helps prevent outages as demand rises.

The company is backing a $100 million grid resilience project (with a 50% Energy Department grant).

Berks LaunchBox at the GoggleWorks Center has announced six early-stage entrepreneurs who will receive up to $2,000 to boost their ventures with prototyping+marketing and other essential expenses.

Applications for the next round will open in early 2027.

The Reading Public Museum will display nearly 40 original works by Norman Rockwell and N.C.

Wyeth in its new Rockwell/Wyeth: Icons of Americana exhibit, opening Sept. 19 at the second-floor Temporary Galleries; the exhibition runs until Jan. 3 and highlights the artists' iconic illustrations.

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry announced that Berks County unemployment fell to 4.1% in July from 4.5% last year, with nonfarm jobs in the Reading region dropping by 200 from June while state figures declined to 3.9%.

Reading School District has increased security for today's varsity football game against Muhlenberg High School at Shirk Stadium following recent local concerns, with gates opening at 6 p.m. + screening procedures including bag searches to help prevent delays.

State labor officials remind employers and families about the Child Labor Act rules — which limit work hours and hazardous jobs for minors during school days — as students return to classes.

The department encourages reviewing the guidelines and filing complaints online when needed.

Small businesses and nonprofit organizations in Berks and surrounding counties will be able to apply for low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans to cover operating expenses affected by the drought that began in May; loans offer up to $2 million and applications are accepted online until April 13.

Leading medical societies have issued updated flu and COVID vaccine guidelines to clear up confusion and improve fall protection.

Local clinics and pharmacies in Reading are expected to offer these vaccines soon, so residents should check for availability.

A 12-acre shopping center known as North Reading Plaza on the former Glidden site received preliminary approval from the Reading Planning Commission on Aug.

25 — the project from Shuman Development Group must address issues including traffic, stormwater management and lighting adjustments and then return for final plan approval.

Homes of Grace is developing a shared housing project in Sinking Spring for residents age 55 and older and veterans with rents about 30% below market.

The project will let residents share common areas while living independently and may serve as a model for similar housing options in Berks County.