The Shapiro Administration today congratulated Rowan Elementary School, Green Woods Charter School, and Reading Senior High School on being named Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) by the U.S. Department of Education in recognition of their environmental sustainability efforts. “Pennsylvania’s Green Ribbon Schools are leading the way in environmental advocacy and sustainability efforts, and we commend Rowan Elementary School, Green Woods Charter School, and Reading Senior High School on this great honor,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin. “As the current Secretary of Education and f ..read more

In honor of Crime Victims’ Rights Week, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) visited the Berks County Courthouse today to highlight the county’s collaborative approach in supporting victims and the importance of Governor Shapiro’s proposed $5 million investment in the Victims Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP) in the 2024-25 state budget. “We stand with survivors of crime and want to remind all Pennsylvanians that there are programs and advocates who are available to provide support,” said Kathy Buckley, Director of the Office of Victims’ Services for PCCD. “PCCD’s ..read more

City leaders and residents gathered in Reading’s City Park Friday morning in observance of Arbor Day, an occasion dedicated to celebrating the importance of trees in our communities. This year, the city planted a total of 17 trees, 3 in City Park and 14 in Schlegel Park. The event, which took place near Rose Garden Road, adjacent to the Dove statue, aimed to highlight the significance of trees as vital assets to urban environments. Trees not only enhance the visual appeal of neighborhoods but also contribute to reducing cooling costs, removing air pollutants, and provide wildlife habitats. “W ..read more

Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania (CIS of Eastern PA) announced the formation of its Berks Advisory Board, which has been assembled to spread awareness of the nonprofit’s mission and services throughout Berks County. “By assembling a dedicated group of local leaders and advocates, we aim to strengthen our efforts in supporting students and families across Berks County,” said Sandy Green, board member of CIS of Eastern PA and community liaison and government relations assistant at Kutztown University. “Together, with the guidance and expertise of the Berks Advisory Board, we are c ..read more

Under the leadership of President & CEO Phillip Borup, the YMCA of Reading & Berks County has made significant investments to create better experiences for members, staff and the greater community it serves. After updating its business model to operate as an association in December 2023, the Y has installed new state-of-the-art equipment, grown its leadership team, continues to make facility renovations, and has begun rebranding. “The positive changes we’ve started have already created a new vibrant energy in each of our locations. It’s also powering momentum as we continue evolving o ..read more

Samantha Hagenbush has built quite the resume during her time at Penn State Berks. She’s been a mental health advocate, a three-sport student-athlete, and a consistent leader of campus clubs and organizations. On Saturday, May 4, she’ll don a new hat — college graduate — when she earns her baccalaureate degree in kinesiology with a minor in psychological sciences. Hagenbush, a Rockaway, New Jersey native, was recruited to play basketball for Penn State Berks, which is what originally drew her to visit campus. Despite the visit happening over Thanksgiving break in 2019, women’s basketball coac ..read more

Boyertown’s favorite candy store is expanding! After years of delighting customers with their vast candy selection, Rachael and Gene Kehler, owners of The Peppermint Stick Candy Store, are opening an old-fashioned ice cream parlor complete with a vintage soda fountain! This expansion is made possible by the recent relocation of Boyertown Family Dental, previously located next door. For years, customers enjoyed the humorous location of a candy store next to a dentist’s office. Dr. Jay Valenci and Rachael Kehler have enjoyed years of jokes from customers and patients! Rachael assures us that th ..read more

Pennsylvania State Police Hamburg are investigating an attempted burglary incident that occurred in the 111 Garfield Road in Centre Township on April 21, 2024 between the hours of 4:11 and 4:18am. According to a public information release report, suspect 1 and suspect 2 drove in separate vehicles to the scene, parking alongside a barn on the property of 224 Garfield Road. The vehicles were observed pulling alongside the barn on 04/21/24 at approximately 0411 hours.  Police say they arrived in what appears to be a white Honda Odyssey minivan and a white with gray trim Dodge 1500 pickup tr ..read more

The Animal Rescue League of Berks County (ARL) will host a mobile adoption event at the Exeter Township Petco located at 4607 Perkiomen Avenue, on Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 12 PM – 3 PM. Cats and dogs will be available for adoption during the event thanks to the new mobile adoption and clinic unit launched in March of this year. Adoption fees vary by pet. No appointments are necessary. All adopters must go through the ARL’s regular procedures to adopt, including the completion of an adoption profile and speaking with a pet placement specialist to ensure that the pet they select is a good ..read more

Monica Flower, manager of Tilden Township, Berks County, recently graduated from the Pennsylvania Municipal Government Academy (PMGA), a leadership and municipal education program of the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS). The 2024 class of PMGA graduates received diplomas and certificates of completion April 15 during the association’s Annual Educational Conference in Hershey. “PSATS launched the Municipal Government Academy several years ago to give township officials and staff a leg up on performing their duties,” PSATS Executive Director David Sanko said. “In t ..read more