Good morning, Reading.

Local Scouts collected 55,500 pounds of food for Helping Harvest on Saturday as families in Berks and Schuylkill counties will soon benefit from the donations — organizers said the food was picked up from homes and sorted at the Spring Township warehouse in time for the holiday season.

Opportunity House launched the S.T.E.P. (Supporting Transitions through Empowerment and Progression) Program to help families in Berks County move from homelessness to permanent housing.

The HUD-funded program offers 18 beds and intensive support services like job training, healthcare, and budgeting assistance while families work with case managers to achieve stability.

On November 6, 2025, Hope Rescue Mission’s LightHouse Women & Children's Center opened a new playground for families rebuilding their lives on North Sixth Street—its ribbon-cutting event drew donors, staff and community partners.

The playground features equipment for all children and a community art project—75 painted metal butterflies along the fence show local teamwork.

Last Saturday, Hope Rescue Mission hosted the Patriot 5K for Homeless Veterans at Gring’s Mill Recreation Center in Spring Township, where runners raised funds for Homeless Veteran Services.

The funds will help provide shelter, meals & job training to veterans facing homelessness.

A local bulletin board highlights diverse November and December events in Reading—ranging from a food and winter clothing drive held on November 10 to upcoming history talks, stamp collecting sessions, musical shows, and festive holiday celebrations at community centers, libraries, and churches. Organized by groups like the Antietam Valley Recreation and Community Center and Fleetwood Area Historical Society, the events will offer residents free or low-cost ways to connect and celebrate local culture.

Kutztown University is celebrating National Veterans Awareness Week by offering a 40% discount on apparel and gifts at the KU Campus Store today to military and veteran students, faculty, and staff.

Eligible military and veteran alumni must show a military ID, DD214, or driver’s license with a veteran mark — they can also contact the Office of Military and Veterans Services for a discount code.

The City of Reading will welcome the holiday season with its annual tree lighting ceremony on November 20th at 6 p.m. at the southeast corner of 5th and Penn in Downtown Reading—Mayor Eddie Morán invites residents to a festive event with live performances, treats from local bakery La Fidelita, a special visit from Santa and a lead into a holiday parade on November 22nd.

Lt. Col. Jay Ostrich said the Berks County Veterans Affairs office in Spring Township now offers free support groups for veterans and their families to help with PTSD/I, anxiety, and depression.

The center hosts biweekly peer meetings and a Vetsgiving drive for canned food and winter clothing donations through Nov 14—both efforts aim to support veterans facing mental health challenges.

Last week, part of Route 183 between Mount Pleasant Road and the bridge over Licking Creek was renamed the Staff Sgt. Norman Reifsnyder Memorial Highway at a ceremony held at his Bernville home — where state officials, family, and community members gathered to honor his World War II service. The veteran, who received the Bronze Star and Soldier’s Medal for his heroism, was commemorated as a beloved local figure and lifelong farm owner.

Some Berks towns are planning budgets for 2026 and are considering new taxes or fees to pay for emergency medical services—rising costs have made it hard for EMS providers to cover expenses.

Leesport has proposed a tax that would add $50 to a typical property bill while Washington and Exeter review their options to keep EMS running.

Oley Valley field hockey and Conrad Weiser boys soccer have semifinal matches today at 6 p.m.—Oley Valley faces Susquenita at Elco High School while Conrad Weiser plays Allderdice at Mansion Park in Altoona, with each winner moving on to Saturday's title games.

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.

Hockey Showdown: Reading Royals vs. Wheeling Nailers

7-8:30 p.m. — Santander Arena — Enjoy an exciting night of East Coast Hockey League action as the Royals face off against the Nailers.

Reading Blues Fest Day Pass

1-5 p.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading — Check website for ticket details — Experience the soulful sounds of blues legends Kevin Burt and The Three Kings.

10th Annual Boyertown Turkey Trot

9 a.m.-1 p.m. — Boyertown Community Park — Cost not specified — Celebrate Thanksgiving with a fun 5k run in Boyertown's scenic community park.

The Leaders of Humor and Love

7-8:30 p.m. — Santander Arena — Tickets required — Enjoy a night of laughter with the acclaimed comedic duo Raymond & Miguel as they bring their celebrated tour to Reading.

The Rock Orchestra By Candlelight

8-9:30 p.m. — Santander Arena — Event rate parking available — Experience legendary rock and metal reimagined with classical elegance in a stunning gothic atmosphere.