Saturday, September 20th, 2025
Good morning, Reading. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 20th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Digital passports are available for the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance’s Go Taste Berks Passport Challenge for $25. The monthlong event begins November 1 and lets participants scan QR codes—earning points and rewards as they visit local restaurants, bars, cafes and markets. Reading Eagle
- ➤ Youth Volunteer Corps of Reading ended its program year on August 31 by honoring dozens of youth changemakers who volunteered thousands of hours to strengthen Berks County. Thirty students earned recognition for completing 35 hours or more and others reached milestones of 100 or even 1,000 hours—award winners led projects addressing food insecurity and mental health—that show strong community leadership. Berks Weekly
- ➤ The Pack Dash 5K will run at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 12 at Alvernia and will start and finish at the Flynn PLEX—runners will go through Hill Campus, Angelica Park and Berks Nature to support Hope Fund and Clare's Cupboard. Early registration costs $25 until Sept. 19—fees on race day will be $30 with T-shirts available while supplies last. Alvernia University
- ➤ Betty Bleiler of Keystone Villa at Fleetwood, who will turn 95 next month, is a longtime helper at Trinity Lutheran Church in Topton and has sewn over 245 dresses for children overseas this year. She also makes blankets from old fabric and donates them to senior homes across Pennsylvania—showing that one person can bring hope and care to many. Berks Weekly
- ➤ The Literacy Council of Reading-Berks will relocate from Spring Township to downtown Reading at Tec Centro Berks early next year — its new space on the 400 block of South 6th Street will help the nonprofit serve more residents while keeping its programs active across Berks County. WFMZ-TV
- ➤ The Oley Valley Community Fair opened Thursday and runs until today at the fairgrounds on 26 Jefferson St in Oley. The event offers music, agricultural and art exhibits, rides, and food (9 a.m. to 10 p.m.). Reading Eagle
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Good Shepherd Lutheran Church will hold a fall festival next Saturday from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. at 4201 Stoudts Ferry Bridge Road in Muhlenberg Township, rain or shine. More than 35 local vendors will offer food, soups and crafts, the Pretzel City Chorus — Berks Harmony Quartet will play from noon to 1 p.m., and guests who donate for the Muhlenberg Churches Food Pantry and complete the STAR MAP of Vendors will be entered in raffles for a $50 gift card and $100 in scratch-off lottery tickets. Reading Eagle
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Pennsylvania's unemployment rate stayed at 4 percent in August while the state added 12,200 nonfarm jobs, marking its 28th month at or below the national level. Education and health services led gains with 3,700 new jobs—setting a record high for that sector. WFMZ-TV
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Literacy Council of Reading-Berks in Spring Twp will lose $150,000 in federal funding for fiscal year 2026 that may force cuts in literacy, high school equivalency, and citizenship classes for about 600 learners. Executive director Ryan Breisch, who said the council has served the community since 1987, is talking with lawmakers to save the money – the final plan for program cuts has not yet been set. WFMZ-TV
- ➤ Reading Area Community College celebrated the 50th anniversary of its nursing program today at the Miller Center for the Arts—students shared their experiences and the Neag Foundation, donor of the Carole Neag Nursing Center, spoke about the program's impact. WFMZ-TV
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Hawk Mountain Sanctuary will launch a free Autumn Lecture Series on Oct 4 at 5:30 p.m. with Shawn Carey recounting his adventure to the Falkland Islands—more talks will follow on bird survival and local conservation efforts on later Saturdays. Reading Eagle
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Cumru Township commissioners approved adding a second therapy police dog after Officer Oliver proved successful as a comfort animal at schools and on crisis calls. The police department will acquire and train the new dog with an extra officer—expanding services to schools, retirement communities and those needing mental health support. Reading Eagle
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ High school boys soccer games on Thursday saw Tulpehocken win 5—1 over Brandywine Heights as Connor Hussman scored three goals, Conrad Weiser beat Reading High 4—0, and Oley Valley defeated Antietam 13—0. Other results included Wilson’s 3—0 win over Twin Valley and Fleetwood’s 4—2 victory against Gov. Mifflin. Reading Eagle
- ➤ Twin Valley high school football defeated Octorara with a 49—7 win on Sept. 18 in Elverson. Senior Drew Engle led a long touchdown run while teammate Lucas Myers scored three times, helping the Raiders climb into the top six of Class 4A. Reading Eagle
- ➤ Phillies prospect Aidan Miller has turned his season around with aggressive hitting and smart base running after a slow start in Double-A Reading and now plays for the Triple-A IronPigs. His fast journey included a memorable stop at a Wawa—an unusual moment noted by manager Al Pedrique—and he will join other minor leaguers in the Arizona Fall League in October. Reading Eagle
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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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Yellow Brick Joel: Face To Face Tribute
7:30-9 p.m. — Santander Performing Arts Center — Event rate parking available — Celebrate the legendary hits of Billy Joel and Elton John performed live.
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Reading Hospital Road Run
12:00 – 3:30 PM — 420 S 6th Ave, West Reading, PA — Check registration for fees — Participate in the 1/2 marathon, 5K, or fun run to support the community.
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