Good morning, Reading.

The Berks County Area Agency on Aging hosted its 12th Centenarian Luncheon Wednesday at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Reading to honor 22 centenarians with a ceremony that included a luncheon, cake presentation, entertainment and recognition of military service for five honorees.

More than 100 guests joined family, friends and county commissioners to celebrate these milestones—marking a local tribute to long-lived residents.

Investigators looked into a three-alarm fire in downtown Reading that damaged three buildings and forced nearly 40 people to seek help from the Red Cross on Thursday—damage to building 113 and its neighbor was worsened by a chimney-like courtyard design and the ATF is now assisting with the investigation.

Nelson-Jameson will open its new 45,000-square-foot facility in Fairview on Sept 10 to better serve food processors and hire three food safety experts—expanding its local operations—and boost capacity through renovations.

The center sits on an 8.4-acre lot with an adjacent 20-acre parcel reserved for future expansion—showing the company’s commitment to the region.

A Reading man was arrested for burglary after he broke into a Wyomissing home this week—police said doorbell camera footage showed him checking the door, entering the back after walking around the side, and taking a can of Coke before he was picked up at a nearby playground.

Tony DeMarco, executive director of the Foundation at RACC, said the nonprofit made a massive impact on Berks County by distributing nearly $1.9 million in scholarships and raising over $15 million for the Weitz Healthcare Pavilion project — showing its critical role in supporting local students. County commissioners approved the 2026 town hall meeting schedule — featuring events at Boone Area Library, Bethel-Tulpehocken Public Library, and others to give community members direct access to government updates.

Berks County Board of Elections approved operating hours for ballot drop boxes ahead of the Nov.

4 municipal election; the boxes will be open from Oct. 20 to Oct. 31 on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extra hours on Nov. 1 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Nov. 2 from 12 Noon to 4 p.m., Nov. 3 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Nov. 4 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the County Services Center in Reading, South Campus in Mohnton and Reading Regional Airport. Election officials also authorized processing mail-in and absentee ballot applications as they are received and set poll worker pay at $200 per day — the highest rate allowed by law.

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.

Dusty Slay Comedy Show

7-8:30 p.m. — Santander Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of laughter with Nashville's stand-up comedian Dusty Slay.

Los Tigres Del Norte Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Santander Arena — Tickets start at $81 — Enjoy live performances from the legendary band Los Tigres Del Norte in Reading, PA.

Beethoven Symphony No. 9

7:30-9 p.m. — Santander Performing Arts Center — Tickets available — Experience Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, a powerful celebration of unity and the human spirit.

Treaty Oak Revival Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — Santander Arena — Event rate parking available — Experience the energetic blend of Red Dirt country and punk rock with Treaty Oak Revival.

Avatar: The Last Airbender In Concert

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Santander Arena — Tickets required — Experience the epic journey of Avatar: The Last Airbender through a live orchestra performance of its beloved score.

Times Past, Time's Passed: An Exhibition of Paintings by Robert Seabourne

You are invited to the reception for an art show of paintings by Robert Seabourne that pay tribute to the beauty & history of the Oley Valley. The show runs from October 1-25, at The Crossroads Guitar & Art in Gilbertsville.