Reading
Morning News
Thursday, September 18th, 2025
Good morning, Reading. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Council on Chemical Abuse’s Berks Recovery Walk will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Reading as participants walk a mile from Recovery Coaching Services at 505 Penn St. to Berks RISE Recovery Center at 702 N. Eighth St. A celebration will follow in the courtyard — marking a month of events to support recovery from substance use disorder. Reading Eagle
- ➤ Officials tore down the old restrooms and rebuilt them with increased capacity and modern amenities—like automatic flushing toilets and heated epoxy floors—at the Oley Fire Company Fairgrounds ahead of the 78th annual Oley Fair running Sept. 18-20. Community members have praised the updates for their cleanliness and ease of maintenance. Reading Eagle
- ➤ The Oley Valley Community Fair opens today at 9 a.m. at the Oley Fire Company Fairgrounds on Jefferson Street and will run through Saturday until 10 p.m. The 78-year event draws visitors from across the country and offers livestock judging, food, rides, music, and contests — improved restrooms, free admission, and convenient parking add to the fair's appeal. Reading Eagle
- ➤ Judges are selecting winners for the America250PA Apron Contest today at the Oley Fire Company Fairgrounds as part of the 78th Annual Oley Valley Community Fair, which runs through Saturday. Five cash prizes between $200 and $20 were provided by Luft Logging—contest entries are being judged on appearance, creativity, workmanship and design to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. Reading Eagle
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Fleetwood Bank announced a three-year Blue Ribbon sponsorship for the Oley Valley Community Fair—committing $10,000 this year and promising to present trophies at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday while its team runs a booth for the three-day event; the bank has supported the fair since 2006 to back local agriculture and will host a bingo fundraiser on Oct. 26 to benefit local nonprofits. Reading Eagle
- ➤ Restaurant Blackbird closed its doors in West Reading after operating for a few months in the former Beer Wall space on Penn Avenue. The owners said they accepted an offer from a local business that needed more space—ensuring all staff received new jobs. Reading Eagle
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ ReadingFilmFEST 2025 returns in Reading from October 9 to October 12 for four days of independent movies – over 65 films will be shown with more than 40 filmmakers from the U.S. and England, and special events include StudentFEST on October 9 plus an opening gala on October 10 at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts. Berks Weekly
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Berks County Intermediate Unit opened its first early learning center at the GoggleWorks campus in Reading’s Sixth Ward to serve 34 children with two Head Start classrooms, a playground, a large group instruction room, and office space—marking a new step in early education and community growth. Local leaders including state Sen. Judy Schwank, Jim Boscov, and Christi Weitzel praised the center—saying it will boost workforce opportunities and local development. WFMZ-TV
- ➤ Kristin Gehris was named the School and Community Engagement Director at the Yocum Institute for Arts Education. She brings over 20 years of experience in nonprofit work—having led grant projects and community partnerships—and she will work with schools and local groups to strengthen art education. Berks Weekly
- ➤ Weis Markets donated $6,895.70 to Oley Valley Elementary School on Tuesday as part of its Weis 4 School 2024 program—customers help local schools by linking their Weis Rewards cards when they shop. Berks Weekly
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Reading Social Security office at 201 Penn St. is closed until further notice for HVAC repairs that were needed after high temperatures affected the building — phone and online services remain available and customers are encouraged to use another office for in-person help. Reading Eagle
- ➤ Reading officials announced that the city received a $250,000 grant to make energy-efficient investments that will upgrade commercial and public buildings. The grant works with the CRIZ program and the nonprofit Green Building Alliance to spur growth—making Reading the only city in Pennsylvania to get money from the Municipal Investment Fund. WFMZ-TV
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ On September 16th, Berks high school teams played in field hockey, golf, volleyball and water polo, with Fleetwood beating Reading High 4-0 and Hamburg defeating Lancaster Catholic 7-1 in hockey, Twin Valley outscoring Coatesville in golf, and Wilson winning a four-set match over Exeter in volleyball. Cumberland Valley won both boys’ and girls’ water polo contests over Exeter — final scores were 16-6 and 11-7. Reading Eagle
- ➤ High school boys soccer in Berks saw Conrad Weiser earn a 3-0 win over Twin Valley with Abu Barrie scoring twice while Reading High won 1-0 over Gov. Mifflin on a penalty by Anthony Rodriguez. Other matches had Schuylkill Valley, Tulpehocken, Kutztown and Wilson winning tight contests—goalies made key saves throughout. Reading Eagle
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The Music Of Hans Zimmer and Others
8-9:30 p.m. — Santander Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the epic scores of Hans Zimmer and more in a captivating live performance.
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Aaron Lewis Concert
3:30-9 p.m. — Santander Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening with the Grammy nominated former Staind frontman as he promotes his new solo album.
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Aeros and Autos Car Show
9 AM – 2 PM — Reading Regional Airport — Kids 8 and Under Free — Experience a unique showcase of classic cars and aircraft at this community-oriented event.
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X Revolucion Salsera Live
9 p.m. — El Primo Bar & Grill — Ticket prices vary — Dance the night away with X Revolucion Salsera and enjoy drink specials.
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