Good morning, Reading.

A 16-year-old Fleetwood resident finished his Eagle Scout project to transform the backyard at 133 S.

Ninth St. in Reading. The renovation created a welcoming space for 13 formerly homeless residents of Hope Rescue Mission by repainting a wall, clearing weeds and adding seating, grills and a raised garden bed.

Co-County Wellness Services held its annual A Sophisticated Palette fundraiser at The Inn at Centre Park in Reading to honor longtime supporters Karen A.

Rightmire (former United Way president) and Patricia Perfect, a dedicated donor who established a memorial fund for Berks Teens.

My Gut Instinct celebrated its 13th annual Guts & Glory Community Wellness Festival at Jim Dietrich Park on Saturday, Oct.

3, drawing 250 attendees & featuring interactive health screenings, live performances, and a donation drive for Helping Harvest; the event promoted whole-body wellness with six health zones.

Gov. Josh Shapiro honored three local first responders: Officer Kristen Yeager, Fire Company Chief Jeffory Buck + Assistant Fire Chief Robert Shick Jr., as part of the 2026 Keystone First Responder Award ceremony held at the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg, where awards were given to their surviving families.

The Hay Creek Apple Festival returns to Historic Joanna Furnace in Robeson Township Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 7 to 3.

The event offers apple pancake breakfasts until 11 a.m., a flea market with 100 vendors, a dessert contest Saturday morning, and family activities.

Rod Stewart will perform at the Santander Arena in Reading on March 2, 2027, as shared on the arena's Facebook page.

Ticketmaster presale starts Oct. 7 at 10 a.m. (use code READING for access).

Today, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary volunteers and scientists count raptors on Kittatinny Ridge to track environmental changes, tallying hawks, eagles, falcons, and vultures.

The annual count averages 18,000 birds (dating to 1934) and may offer clues to local ecosystem shifts.

Lee Myles Southeast PA launched its annual Brakes for Breasts fundraiser, supporting the Cleveland Clinic Breast Cancer Vaccine Research Fund.

Through Oct. 31, qualifying brake services (at Kenhorst, Exeter and South Heidelberg) will contribute 10% to research.

Pennsylvania confirmed 1,004 measles cases in 39 counties Monday, with 198 hospitalizations and five deaths, so health officials are urging everyone to get vaccinated.

More than 53,000 doses of the MMR vaccine were given in September, showing a quick response to the outbreak.