🌱 What this health-center merger means for patients at Reading clinics

Hi there, Reading! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☀️

Before we get to what's happening, a big thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Reading PatchAM possible. Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

• Mariachi Rey azteca — (484) 794-5389

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

In today's newsletter:

• What this health-center merger means for patients at Reading clinics
• Will Reading's new vacancy fees finally crack down on blighted properties?
• How a new Reading U Visa policy could change crime reporting.

Also on today's calendar: Luau Party at Manor at Market Square and 7 more events.

Today's riddle: Why did the man leave his watch in the bank? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
Today's Reading Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's Best Mobile Network in the US according to Ookla Speedtest®. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Reading Patch AM possible.
Find a T-Mobile store near Reading.

Weather forecast:

• Tuesday: Mostly sunny and less humid, with a high of 86 and low of 63 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
• Wednesday: Sunshine mixing with clouds, temps: high: 88, low: 66.
• Thursday: A shower and t-storm; humid, with a high of 81 and low of 65 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Union Community Care announces merger with Berks Community Health Center (lancasteronline.com) — A major merger will bring Union Community Care together with Berks Community Health Center, which operates three facilities in Reading, keeping all services in place for now. The deal adds 125 Berks employees and folds Reading's clinics and mobile unit into a larger regional network, aiming to strengthen affordable care for vulnerable residents while awaiting regulatory approval, likely before late 2026.
   

2. Reading proposes expanded vacant property registry to target blight (readingeagle.com subscription) — Reading officials want to dramatically expand the city's vacant property registry, adding about 2,500 long-empty buildings and charging escalating fees to push owners toward repairs or new uses. The proposed ordinance, modeled on Lancaster's program, has broad City Council support and could launch as soon as September if approved.
   

3. Reading considering formalizing U Visa certification process (readingeagle.com) — Reading City Council is weighing a formal process for the police department to certify U Visa requests, which could make it easier for immigrant crime victims to seek protection while aiding investigations. Local attorneys, advocates, and residents from Reading urged clear timelines, written explanations for denials, and safeguards so future administrations maintain the policy.
   

4. Dates Announced For 2026 This Is Hardcore Festival (metalanarchy.com) — Hardcore fans in Reading can mark their calendars: the 2026 This Is Hardcore festival is set for December 19–20 at Club Reverb in Reading. Organizers say the 20th-anniversary edition will honor the fest's DIY roots, with more lineup and ticket details coming soon, plus an Instagram live update this Tuesday evening.
   

5. Mance Warner, Steph De Lander Pulled From Indie Event Due To AEW & ROH Taping (411mania.com) — AEW Collision and ROH are taping in Reading this Saturday, pulling wrestlers Mance Warner and Steph De Lander from an indie show in Alabama. Local wrestling fans can expect a nationally televised event in town, while New South Pro Wrestling reshuffles its Millbrook Reloaded card and promises to reschedule the pair for a future date.
   

📸 Around Reading

Subscribe

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Reading

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Tuesday August 18
• Bereavement Group
  Greek Festival/Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church 1001 E Wyomissing Blvd, Reading, PA 19611
  6:00 pm
• Daily Vespers
  Greek Festival/Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 1001 E Wyomissi
  6:00 pm
• Sunday School Teachers Meeting
  Greek Festival/Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church 1001 E Wyomissing Blvd, Reading, PA 19611
  7:00 pm
Wednesday August 19
• Adult computer Class: Basic Canva Intro to Digital Design
  Reading Public Library 100 S 5th St, Reading, PA 19602, USA
  2:00 pm
• Middle School Open House
  Reading SD Reading, PA 19601
  6:00 pm
• RSD School Board Committee of the Whole Meeting
  Reading SD 800 Washington St, Reading, PA 19601, USA
  6:00 pm
Thursday August 20
• Orthros and Divine Liturgy
  Greek Festival/Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 1001 E Wyomissi
  8:15 am
• Luau Party at Manor at Market Square →
  Manor at Market Square, 803 Penn St, Reading
  1:00 pm
• TL: Fiber Studio
  Reading Public Library 100 SOUTH FIFTH STREET, Reading, PA 19602
  3:00 pm
Friday September 4
• Fall Charcuterie Workshop →
  Ridgewood Winery, 2039 Philadelphia Ave, Birdsboro
  6:00 pm

📣 Reading Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Tuesday August 18
• Personnel Committee →
  Wyomissing Borough, PA Calendar, 22 Reading Blvd, Wyomissing
  12:00 pm
• Greek School Meeting
  Greek Festival/Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church 1001 E Wyomissing Blvd, Reading, PA 19611
  4:30 pm
• BE Back-to-School Night (Pre-K & K)
  Governor Mifflin SD Mohnton, PA 19540
  5:30 pm
• Daily Vespers
  Greek Festival/Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 1001 E Wyomissi
  6:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Two Lutheran brothers stopped by RBGGRAFX this week while sharing their message around the neighborhood — and before we knew it, the block turned into a 7‑second funk session.
  What I love most about Reading is moments like this: people from different backgrounds crossing paths, sharing kindness, and bringing a little joy to… (Nextdoor Southeast Reading)
• Stopped at Wawa on the corner of Museum Rd.
  Paid CASH for items which came to $2.38. Gave cashier $2.40. They no longer have "Pennies" so I paid 2 cents MORE. Can you imagine how that ADDS… (Nextdoor Grings Hill Estates)

• Kentucky Fried Chicken posted a job opening for Team Member in Reading. Apply here.
• BJ's Wholesale Club posted a job opening for Meat Clerk Part Time in Reading. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Reading here.

Ok Reading! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: So he could save time! (Thank you Lorraine S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

• Help us grow by suggesting local news sources.
• Shape this newsletter with your feedback.
• List items for sale or services offered

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

Share to NextDoor     Share to Facebook