Good morning, Reading.

Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank said it will need more food and volunteers if the government shutdown continues because nearly 60,000 people in Berks County may lose SNAP benefits next month — a loss that could hit local families hard during a key holiday period — and the bank already faces a $16 million shortfall.

The IM ABLE Foundation announced its fall event Ruck and Roll — a challenge celebration of strength and inclusion — will take place on Sunday November 2 at Blue Marsh National Recreation Area in Wernersville.

The event will offer ruck races, handcycle competitions and a fall festival with campfires, crafts and food donations to aid local veteran-serving groups.

On October 14, 2025, the Junior League of Reading hosted a panel discussion titled Nurturing Equity at Exeter Community Library featuring Dr. Olubunmi Ojikutu, Dr. Jillian S.

Krause and State Representative Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz. The speakers discussed issues of period poverty and food insecurity—highlighting community efforts as a food drive for New Journey Community Outreach provided immediate help.

The Reading Area Fire Museum reopened in Reading at 501 S.

Fifth St. after a 13-month renovation — funded with over $1 million in ARPA money — that improved safety and accessibility for visitors. The museum welcomes guests on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Muhlenberg Junior High School students will perform Mary Poppins, Jr.—a musical with cherished songs and lively dance—that opens November 21 at 7 p.m. with a second show on November 22 at 1:30 p.m. and also at 7 p.m. at the school.

At Alvernia University’s President’s Dinner at the DoubleTree by Hilton Reading, officials celebrated raising $71.5 million + surpassing their $70 million campaign goal while honoring alumni, community leaders, and a community organization with five awards.

Officials said the university will convert the former American House into a state-of-the-art community health center costing $17 million + partnering with Berks Community Health Center to support students and local residents.

Reading’s Healthy Homes program has approved 21 low-income homes for repairs this fall, funded by a $1.29M HUD grant and a $170,452 city match—services include hazard assessments, lead testing, and roof repairs to help residents live safely.

The program expects to complete 32 assessments and finish repairs on nine homes by year’s end while aiming to reach 75 units before the grant ends in February.

Reading's mayor said the city is using the CRIZ program to spur growth with tax incentives for new development.

Officials completed a tax filing for a 130-acre zone and will accept formal applications after state feedback within two weeks — a plan that includes a proposal to turn the former Glidden Paint site into a shopping center — and will host a rollout event in January.

Early Tuesday, ambulance crews learned that the federal government lifted the Medicare payment hold while local leaders noted decades-long challenges in covering the cost of care.

At the Mount Penn Borough Council meeting, Council President Rick Lombardo supported forming a committee with state lawmakers to drive lasting EMS reform — a move aimed at fixing the strained system.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Bridging Pennsylvania Constructors announced that the right lane of I-78 westbound will be closed for ramp work at Exit 35 on PA 143 from October 30 to November 7 — ramps C and D closed on October 19.

Drivers must follow detour signs and allow extra time in the work zone.

The Wyomissing Public Library will offer vaccinations on Oct.

25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 9 Reading Blvd — Giant Pharmacy will provide flu shots for those 3 and older, COVID shots for those 12 and older, and pneumonia shots for those 50 and older.

In the District 3 Class 3A boys soccer tournament, top-seeded Conrad Weiser beat Donegal 4 to 0 with key goals by Owen Meredith, Owen Hunt, Sebastian Knoll and Cash Stout and will host Elco at 7 p.m. Thursday—while in the girls tournament, Twin Valley won 2 to 0 over Manheim Central and the Conrad Weiser girls lost 2 to 2 with a 4 to 2 penalty kick decision against Donedal.

Keira Benner from Wilson was voted BCIAA Player of the Year on Tuesday—she joined teammates from Wilson, Exeter, Twin Valley, and Schuylkill Valley on the All-Conference team as Wilson won the title by beating Exeter in straight sets.

Fall 2025 Job Fair

1-5 p.m. — Redner's Event Center — Free entry — Connect with local employers and explore exciting job opportunities on your career journey.

Halloween Bash

12-2 p.m. — Bernville Area Community Library — Free entry — Celebrate Halloween with crafts, snacks, and a live concert by the Reading Philharmonic Orchestra.

Michael Jackson Tribute by Who's Bad

7:30-9 p.m. — Santander Performing Arts Center — Ticketed event — Experience a power-packed tribute to the King of Pop with the longest-running Michael Jackson tribute band.

Reading Royals vs. Trois-Rivières Lions

3:00 – 4:30 PM — Santander Arena — Group Tickets from $10 — Enjoy an exciting hockey matchup with affordable group outings available.

Dustin Lynch & Scotty McCreery Concert

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Santander Arena — Event rate parking available — Enjoy an evening of hit country music with top artists Dustin Lynch and Scotty McCreery.

Reading Symphony Orchestra - Mozart and More

7:30-9 p.m. — Santander Performing Arts Center — Enjoy a night of classical elegance featuring Mozart’s beloved compositions alongside Elgar and Brahms.

Reading Royals vs. Wheeling Nailers

3:00 – 4:30 PM — Santander Arena — Group tickets starting at $10 — Catch an exciting hockey showdown with affordable group options.

Twilight in Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Santander Performing Arts Center — Last-minute tickets available — Experience the beloved score of Twilight brought to life in concert.

Alabama Concert

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Santander Arena — Tickets starting at $46 — Catch Alabama live in Reading, PA for an unforgettable night of music.