Reading's Historic Pagoda Seeks Funding for Essential Repairs

Issue #013

November 8th, 2023

In this issue of Reading Local Scoop

 📆. Enormous List of Events This Coming Week!

 🏯 Reading's Historic Pagoda Seeks Funding for Essential Repairs

 🏫 Exeter Township School District Approaches Finalization of $30 Million Capital Spending Plan

 🔥 Reading Fire Chief Discusses Tactical Response to Chemical Building Blazes

 ⚾️ Fleetwood Advances in PIAA 2A Soccer Tournament While Kutztown Falls in 1A Playoff Heartbreaker

 🏒 San Jose Sharks Break Free from Historic Losing Streak with Victory Over Flyers

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EVENTS

 This Week’s Events in the Reading PA Area

Wednesday - November 8th

Thursday - November 9th

Friday - November 10th

Saturday - November 11th

Gingerbread House Dupe w/ AnitaTrinket - 10 AM

Art for Arf's Sake Auction - 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM

All Ages Line Dancing @ Gouglersville Fire Co #1 - 8 PM - 11 PM

Sunday - November 12th

Reading's Historic Pagoda Seeks Funding for Essential Repairs

Reading’s iconic Pagoda is in need of crucial repairs, and local efforts are underway to fund the restoration of this historic landmark. The last significant renovations to the Pagoda took place around 2000, and since then, various elements such as railings, walls, walkways, and steps have deteriorated.

The total cost for both exterior and interior renovations is estimated to be close to $10 million. Marcia Goodman-Hinnershitz, president of the Foundation for the Reading Pagoda, emphasizes the need for financial support from both the city and the community to preserve the structure. The Foundation has already allocated $100,000 for the cause and is collaborating with the Berks County Community Foundation to establish a donation fund, simplifying the process for community members to contribute.

Goodman-Hinnershitz is also seeking to boost public awareness and support through an upcoming meeting with the Berks Alliance. The aim is to secure the future of the Pagoda, a unique piece of Reading's history and a symbol of the city's heritage.

Exeter Township School District Approaches Finalization of $30 Million Capital Spending Plan

The Exeter Township School District is finalizing its capital spending plans after evaluating three potential budgets. The Board of Directors has settled on issuing two $15 million bonds over consecutive years, totaling $30 million in debt. This strategy, as advised by financial consultant Jamie Schlesinger, is expected to generate more in interest earnings over time than the cost of the bonds, allowing the district to fund all proposed projects.

Interest rates for the bonds have leveled between 4.5% and 6%, with the district's credit rating and audit results due soon, which will determine the final interest rate. The bonds are anticipated to attract major institutional investors, with a second board resolution necessary before the second issuance.

In sports-related matters, the district's cooperative football program with Antietam School District may cause Exeter to move up from 5A to 6A classification, unless the agreement is terminated by December. Current Antietam players may continue playing for Exeter, but no new players will be accepted under this arrangement.

The school board's upcoming agenda includes approving new representatives for the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee, a special education tuition agreement, a tax rate resolution, and a significant special education grant agreement with the Berks County Intermediate Unit.

Reading Fire Chief Discusses Tactical Response to Chemical Building Blazes

Reading Fire Chief James Stoudt shared insights from tackling two recent fires at the old Lincoln Chemical Building. The first incident occurred on Halloween, where firefighters initially entered the building to combat the blaze. However, when the fire reignited days later, deteriorating conditions forced the incident commander to withdraw crews from the interior attack.

The fires, which produced heavy smoke, led to a public safety alert advising nearby residents to stay indoors with windows and doors shut. Despite concerns, Chief Stoudt believes the smoke did not pose a significant threat as it did not directly impact the chemicals stored within.

Investigations are ongoing, with multiple agencies including the Environmental Protection Agency and the Coast Guard involved. Chief Stoudt regards the incident as an important learning opportunity, particularly for less experienced firefighters, noting the significance of the event beyond its size due to its complex aftermath.

Reading Local Scoop - Sports

Fleetwood Advances in PIAA 2A Soccer Tournament While Kutztown Falls
in 1A Playoff Heartbreaker

Berks County's Fleetwood and Kutztown High Schools embarked on their quests for state soccer glory with contrasting fortunes. Fleetwood, competing in the 2A category, secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Masterman, with Tanner Smith initiating the scoring early in the game. David Millisock later increased their lead, and goalkeeper Wylie Loy's impressive saves ensured a clean sheet, setting them up for a quarterfinal clash with Blue Mountain.

Meanwhile, Kutztown faced a tougher challenge in the 1A tournament, ultimately succumbing to Delco Christian in a dramatic finish. After leading 3-2 in the second half thanks to Colin Diehl's goal, Kutztown conceded a late equalizer, pushing the game into overtime and then to a tense penalty shootout. Delco Christian's Jacob Matthews made crucial saves in the shootout, leading to Griffin Schmitt's decisive goal, ending Kutztown's impressive season.

San Jose Sharks Break Free from Historic Losing Streak with
Victory Over Flyers

Flyers

The San Jose Sharks have ended their dismal start to the NHL season by defeating the Philadelphia Flyers 2-1, thereby halting an 11-game losing streak that tied the record for the worst season start in league history.

The Sharks' win was fueled by Anthony Duclair's goal and assist, along with a solid performance from goalie Mackenzie Blackwood. Despite the Flyers' efforts, which included outshooting the Sharks and the return of their top center Sean Couturier from injury, they couldn't secure the win.

The Flyers' power play struggles continued, failing to score in four attempts, while the Sharks capitalized on one of their five power play opportunities. The Flyers look to rebound in their next game against Anaheim, while the Sharks aim to continue their newfound momentum against Edmonton.

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