Good morning Reading! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: October's First Friday in Downtown Reading! and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What do you call a belt that is made of watches? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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1. Adalyn Rose Foundation's 7th Annual Empty Stroller Run and Walk Returns to Reading (bctv.org) — Reading families affected by pregnancy or early childhood loss are invited to Jim Dietrich Park on Sunday, Oct. 25 for the Empty Stroller Run and Walk, a 5K and community walk supporting bereavement services. The Adalyn Rose Foundation's flagship event, founded in Berks County, raises funds for hospital remembrance resources, therapy assistance, and support groups while giving participants a meaningful way to honor their babies together.
2. Reading School Board appoints HR director as assistant superintendent (readingeagle.com) — Reading residents should know the school board has narrowly approved promoting its human resources director, Dr. April Halligan-Rostek, to assistant superintendent in a surprise 5-4 vote added mid-meeting. Several members objected to the rushed process and lack of details on her role, salary, or start date, while the board also created new district positions including an attendance clerk at Reading Innovation Academy.
3. Reading police reaching out to homeless encampments (readingeagle.com) — Reading police and city officials are increasing outreach to people living in tent encampments along the Schuylkill River and Thun Trail as colder weather nears, emphasizing services over sweeps. Working with local nonprofits, they're planning case-by-case decisions on clearing camps, expanding inclement-weather shelter options, and urging surrounding municipalities and Berks County to share responsibility for visible homelessness beyond Reading.
4. Demolition underway at fire-damaged warehouse in Reading (readingeagle.com) — Demolition has begun at the former Lincoln Chemical Co. site in Reading, where two 2023 arson fires and hundreds of abandoned chemical drums prompted a $1.8 million EPA cleanup. With hazardous materials now removed, the property near South Ninth and Laurel streets is slated for revised redevelopment plans, including parking and storage to support a nearby automotive business.
5. Running Toward a New Life: Recovery, Discipline, & Purpose (bctv.org) — A new BCTV program produced in downtown Reading shares Christopher's path from addiction to 18 months of sobriety, highlighting how running, discipline, and purpose reshaped his life. Local viewers are also invited to learn how they can create or submit their own shows for the community-focused channel.
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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: A waist of time. (Thank you Martin L. for sending it in!)
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