Reading's Pagoda Faces Critical $10 Million Restoration Challenge

Issue #018

In this issue of Reading Local Scoop

 📆. Lots of Events This Coming Week!

 🏯 Reading's Pagoda Faces Critical $10 Million Restoration Challenge

💰 Significant Increase in Gift and Estate Tax Exclusions Announced for 2024

 😴 Drowsy Driving Prevention Week: A Step Towards Safer Roads

 🏐  Top Honors for Berks Volleyball Players in Class 4A and 3A Teams

 ⚾️ Phillies Face Strategic Decisions as Aaron Nola Enters Free Agency

 🏀 Pacers End 76ers' Winning Streak with 132-126 Victory in NBA Tournament

 🥍. Premier Lacrosse League Expands to Philadelphia with Waterdogs Franchise

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EVENTS

 This Week’s Events in the Reading PA Area

Wednesday - November 15th

Thursday - November 16th

Friday - November 17th

Saturday - November 18th

Reading's Pagoda Faces Critical $10 Million Restoration Challenge

Reading's iconic Pagoda, a 115-year-old landmark on Mount Penn, requires an estimated $10 million for restoration and repairs. The Foundation for the Reading Pagoda, city officials, and community members are mobilizing efforts to raise funds. A community-wide endeavor, including a possible reallocation of $3 million in city funding and grassroots fundraising, aims to restore the Pagoda and its surroundings. The project not only focuses on physical restoration but also seeks community input on the future use of the site.

Significant Increase in Gift and Estate Tax Exclusions Announced for 2024

The IRS has announced that the annual gift tax exclusion will increase to $18,000 per recipient in 2024, with married couples able to gift $36,000 per recipient without tax implications. Additionally, the combined gift and estate tax exclusion will rise to $13,610,000. These increases offer significant estate planning opportunities, although they are temporary and set to expire at the end of 2025. Individuals are advised to consult estate planning professionals to leverage these higher exemption limits before they decrease.

😴 Drowsy Driving Prevention Week:

A Step Towards Safer Roads

Tired Modern Family GIF by PeacockTV

Representatives Dean, Blunt Rochester, and Fitzpatrick have reintroduced a resolution for "Drowsy Driving Prevention Week" in November to raise awareness about the dangers of drowsy driving. The initiative emphasizes the significant impairment caused by fatigue while driving and promotes preventive measures. With drowsy driving being a notable public health concern, this resolution aims to enhance road safety and save lives.

The resolution, H.R. 853, focuses on:

  • Officially designating a "Drowsy Driving Prevention Week" to spotlight the hazards of drowsy driving.

  • Encouraging Americans to adopt preventive measures against drowsy driving.

Reading Local Scoop - Sports

Top Honors for Berks Volleyball Players in Class 4A and 3A Teams

NCAA Volleyballs.

The Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association has recognized fifteen talented girls volleyball players from Berks in their All-District 3 teams for Class 4A and Class 3A. This prestigious selection highlights the exceptional skill and dedication of these athletes in the sport.

Class 4A First Team Selections:

  • Wilson’s Airyanna Kline: A 6-3 senior middle hitter, Kline's towering presence and skill at the net have been pivotal for her team.

  • Kassidy Means: Also from Wilson, Means, a 6-1 senior outside hitter, has demonstrated outstanding versatility and power in her plays.

  • Cameryn Niedrowki: A 5-11 senior setter from Wilson, Niedrowki's strategic setting has been crucial in orchestrating the team's offense.

Class 3A First Team Selections:

  • Berks Catholic’s Olivia Jones: Standing at 5-7, this senior opposite hitter has shown exceptional talent and leadership on the court.

  • Mikayla Riehl: A 5-8 junior middle hitter from Twin Valley, Riehl has been noted for her strong defensive and offensive plays.

  • Jordyn Robinette: From Twin Valley, this 5-8 senior outside hitter has made significant contributions to her team with her all-around skills.

Class 4A Second Team:

  • Wilson’s Nia Kendall: A 5-9 senior opposite hitter, Kendall's performance has earned her a well-deserved spot on the second team.

Class 4A Third Team:

  • Exeter’s Taylor Mack: This promising 5-10 freshman outside hitter has already made her mark in high school volleyball.

  • Katelyn Stanley: A 5-7 senior setter from Exeter, Stanley's skillful game management has been key to her team's successes.

Class 3A Second Team:

  • Berks Catholic’s Marli Emrich: A senior setter standing at 5-6, Emrich has been instrumental with her playmaking abilities.

  • Addison Hertzog: From Twin Valley, this 5-9 junior setter has demonstrated exceptional talent and strategic insight.

Class 3A Third Team:

  • Berks Catholic’s Justice Ortiz: Ortiz, a 5-9 senior middle hitter, has shown impressive play at the net.

  • Melina Stinsky: A 5-7 junior libero from Berks Catholic, Stinsky has been pivotal in her defensive role.

  • Fleetwood’s Kylie Herman: This 5-6 sophomore setter from Fleetwood has shown great potential and skill in her position.

  • Casey Levan: A 5-8 junior outside hitter from Twin Valley, Levan's all-around capabilities have earned her a spot on the third team.

This selection is a testament to the hard work, talent, and sportsmanship of these young athletes, and it sets a high standard for volleyball excellence in the Berks area.

Phillies Face Strategic Decisions as Aaron Nola Enters Free Agency

Phillies

Aaron Nola has declined the Phillies' qualifying offer for 2024, joining several other high-profile free agents in this decision. His rejection introduces draft compensation considerations for potential signing teams, especially those facing luxury tax penalties. The Phillies, along with other teams like the Braves and Yankees, are evaluating their options, which might include signing other free agents or considering pitchers without qualifying offers. Nola's decision is part of a standard negotiation strategy and does not reflect his interest level in rejoining the Phillies.

Pacers End 76ers' Winning Streak with 132-126 Victory in NBA Tournament

76ers

The Indiana Pacers snapped the Philadelphia 76ers' eight-game winning streak with a 132-126 victory in an NBA In-Season Tournament game. Key performances from Tyrese Haliburton and Obi Toppin, with 33 and 27 points respectively, propelled the Pacers to lead for most of the game. Despite a late surge by the 76ers, Indiana held on to win, improving their standing in the tournament. The Pacers face the Orlando Magic next, while the 76ers will play the Boston Celtics.

Premier Lacrosse League Expands to Philadelphia with Waterdogs Franchise

Philadelphia Waterdogs

The Philly Waterdogs have been announced as Philadelphia's new franchise in the Premier Lacrosse League. As the 2022 PLL champions and first expansion team of the league, the Waterdogs are set to bring exciting lacrosse action to the city.

The team, with deep local connections and a history of strong performances, will compete in the league's Eastern Conference and participate in the 2024 Championship Series featuring the Olympic Sixes format. This development highlights Philadelphia's expanding sports culture and the rising popularity of lacrosse.

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