Community Corner
🌱 What this health-center merger means for patients at Reading clinics
Also, don't miss Luau Party at Manor at Market Square on the Reading Patch calendar
Hi there, Reading! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☀️
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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
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Find a T-Mobile store near Reading. 
- 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
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🗓 Upcoming Events in Reading
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
- 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 - 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 - 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 - Fall Charcuterie Workshop →
Ridgewood Winery, 2039 Philadelphia Ave, Birdsboro
6:00 pm
Tuesday August 18
Wednesday August 19
Thursday August 20
Friday September 4
📣 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
- 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
Tuesday August 18
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!
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