In this issue of Reading Local Scoop

 📆. Lots of Events This Coming Week!

 🗳️ Berks County Postpones Election Certification Due to Federal Ruling on Mail Ballots

 🎅🏽 All Aboard Santa's Polar Bear Express for a Magical Train Ride at Colebrookdale Railroad

 🤣 AGT Star Drew Lynch Headlines SoulJoel’s Special Comedy Event

 🤑 Muhlenberg Township Store Sells $2.1 Million Jackpot-Winning Lottery Ticket

👮🏼‍♂️ Barto Gas Station Burglary: State Police Requesting Information on Suspect

 🏈 Eagles Face Surprising Underdog Status in Home Game Against San Francisco 49ers

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 This Week’s Events in the Reading PA Area

November 28th 

•  Foster Parent Information Session - 4 - 8 PM

November 29th

• Fire and Police Committee Meeting - 12 PM

November 30th 

• Economic Development Committee Meeting @ Wyomissing Borough Hall - 8 - 10 AM

• Refuse and Recycling Committee Meeting @ Wyomissing Borough Hall - 9 - 10 AM

• Holiday Sing out at Rittenhouse - 6:30 - 8:30 PM

• Reading Royals Vs Kalamazoo Wings - 7 PM

December 1st 

• The Fab Four @ Santander Arena - 7:30 PM

• John Mulaney In Concert @ Santander Arena - 8 PM

December 2nd

• Animal Rescue League of Berks Co. Fundraiser Gala, Reading PA - 4 - 10 PM

• Reading Royals Vs Kalamazoo Wings - Christmas In Margaritaville - 7 PM

• Derek Hough - Symphony Of Dance - 7 - 11:30 PM

December 3rd

• Christkindlmarkt — Reading Liederkranz - 12 - 5 PM

• A Holiday Yuletide — Pennsylvania Philharmonic - 2:30 - 4 PM

• Soul Nation Presents: Old School Hip Hop Sunday Funday w/MC Lyte +more - 3 - 7 PM

• Festival Of Lights - 4:30 PM

• Chris D'Elia - Don't Push Me Tour - 7 PM

🗳️ Berks County Postpones Election Certification Due to Federal Ruling
on Mail Ballots

The certification of the 2023 general election results in Berks County has been postponed due to a recent federal court ruling. The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, under Judge Susan Paradise Baxter, directed county boards of election to accept mail ballots that lack accurate, handwritten dates on their return envelopes. The decision was based on the rationale that the date on the envelope does not determine the ballot's timeliness or the voter's eligibility.

This ruling affected 432 ballots in Berks County, leading to the unanimous decision by election officials to delay certification. The ballots in question include 302 undated and 130 incorrectly dated ones. The American Civil Liberties Union represented several Pennsylvania groups in the lawsuit, arguing that discarding these ballots violates the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964 and disenfranchises voters.

First Assistant County Solicitor Cody Kauffman advised pausing the certification process to include these ballots in the final tally, citing the risk of violating the federal order. The election board members agreed to count the ballots, following the legal guidance provided.

Tabulation efforts are expected to start on Tuesday, followed by a five-day review period beginning Wednesday. Write-in candidates who have filed petitions to cumulate votes will have the opportunity to amend their submissions to include any additional perceived votes.

The results remain unofficial until they are certified by the county election board. An appeal to the ruling might be filed shortly, which could temporarily halt the order. However, as it stands, the county is obliged to comply with the ruling.

🎅🏽 All Aboard Santa's Polar Bear Express for a Magical Train Ride at Colebrookdale Railroad

The Colebrookdale Railroad - The Secret Valley Line is offering a unique holiday experience with its Santa's Polar Bear Express Train Ride, scheduled for Saturday from 12 PM to 1 PM. This year, the railroad has revamped its Christmas offerings to cater to families, featuring lowered prices, new menu options, and extended time with Santa.

Upon arrival, guests will be welcomed with a souvenir-insulated mug, hot chocolate, and a cookie, served from the Cocoa car. For young riders, there's an opportunity to sit with Santa and receive a coloring book during the excursion.

Three different classes of service are available:

1. Coach Class: Passengers in Coach Class can enjoy the warmth of the train cars, meet Santa, and create lasting memories. A snack and beverage station will be available for walk-up service.

2. Family Class: Those in Family Class will be treated to butlered table service with an A La Carte menu, featuring signature beverages such as Irish Coffee and Spiked Hot Chocolate.

3. First Class: In First Class, guests can indulge in a complimentary beverage and dessert. Adult passengers will have the opportunity to conclude their trip with some champagne.

This one-hour excursion departs from and returns to Boyertown, promising a festive and memorable holiday experience for all who attend.

🤣 AGT Star Drew Lynch Headlines SoulJoel’s Special Comedy Event

SoulJoel's Comedy Club in Pottstown PA is gearing up for an exciting special event featuring the talented Drew Lynch. The show is scheduled for Saturday, December 2nd, at SoulJoel's at SunnyBrook, with doors opening at 7 pm and the show commencing at 8 pm. Ticket prices are quite accessible, with general admission at only $25 and VIP tickets at $35. The event is located at 50 Sunnybrook Road, Pottstown, PA 19464.

Drew Lynch, a comedian with a captivating story, is the star of the evening. Lynch, who became a household name with his Golden Buzzer performance in the 10th season of "America’s Got Talent," has a motto that speaks volumes: “Do something every day that scares you.” His journey to comedy was unexpected, beginning with a dream of acting that took a turn after a life-altering accident at 20, which left him with a severe stutter. Embracing this change, Lynch's resilience and authenticity propelled him to the finals of AGT, where he finished in second place.

Beyond the competition, Drew Lynch has dedicated himself to comedy, performing at various clubs worldwide. He has been a guest on the Dr. Oz show and is slated to appear on the game show "Idiot Test." Additionally, Lynch is working on a book and continues to pursue acting, now with a renewed perspective and a deeper understanding of himself.

You can get tickets here!

🤑 Muhlenberg Township Store Sells $2.1 Million Jackpot-Winning
Lottery Ticket

A lucky lottery player has hit a jackpot of $2.1 million in the Pennsylvania Lottery Cash 5 with Quick Cash game. The winning ticket, sold at Redner’s Quick Shoppe in Muhlenberg Township, matched all five balls in the November 22 drawing. The numbers drawn were 8, 17, 28, 30, and 41, bringing the total prize to $2,113,947, before tax withholdings. For selling the winning ticket, Redner’s Quick Shoppe will receive a $10,000 bonus.

Lottery winners are only identified after their prizes are claimed and tickets are validated. Winners of the main Cash 5 game prize must claim their winnings within one year of the drawing date. Similarly, any prizes won in any Quick Cash game must be claimed within a year of the ticket’s purchase date.

Those holding the jackpot-winning ticket for Cash 5 with Quick Cash are advised to contact the nearest lottery office or call 1-800-692-7481 for further instructions on claiming their prize. In addition to the jackpot winner, over 45,500 other Cash 5 with Quick Cash tickets also won prizes in the same drawing.

👮🏼‍♂️ Barto Gas Station Burglary:
State Police Requesting Information
on Suspect

The Pennsylvania State Police Troop L – Reading Barracks is seeking public assistance in identifying a male suspect involved in a burglary. The incident occurred at the Shell Gas Station in Barto, Berks County, on November 17, 2023, during closed hours. The suspect unlawfully entered the gas station and stole lottery tickets and cigarette cartons, totaling an estimated loss of $9,100.

The suspect was recorded on surveillance cameras operating a White Subaru Legacy 4-door sedan. His appearance was noted as wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, dark-colored pants, and white/black sneakers.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident or the identity of the suspect to contact the PSP Reading Barracks at 610-378-4225. For those preferring to remain anonymous, information can be provided through the Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers Toll-Free line at 1-800-4PA-TIPS (8477) or online at p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=107.

Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers offers the possibility of a cash reward for information leading to an arrest, solving a crime or cold case, or locating a wanted or missing person. The initiative encourages community involvement in ensuring safety and justice.

🏈 Eagles Face Surprising Underdog
Status in Home Game Against
San Francisco 49ers

The Philadelphia Eagles are unexpectedly the underdogs at home in their upcoming Week 13 game against the San Francisco 49ers. Despite leading the NFL with at least a two-game advantage over every other team, the Eagles opened as two-point underdogs according to DraftKings Sportsbook. The betting line has fluctuated, dropping to one point in favor of the 49ers, then moving to -1.5, and is currently at 49ers -2.5.

This underdog status for the Eagles may be influenced by the 49ers' recent performance, which includes three consecutive wins and a strong second-place ranking in point differential and DVOA. The 49ers also have the advantage of extra rest, having last played on Thanksgiving, and are likely motivated to redeem themselves following a heavy defeat in the previous season's NFC Championship Game, where their quarterbacks Brock Purdy and Josh Johnson were injured.

However, the Eagles have consistently demonstrated their ability to secure wins, often surpassing expectations. Coach Nick Sirianni is expected to leverage the underdog narrative to motivate his team, reminding them of the 49ers' disparaging comments after their loss in January.

The scenario poses a challenge for the Eagles, raising the question of whether they will let the 49ers claim an easy victory in their home stadium. Given the Eagles' track record this season, betting against them might be unwise as they have repeatedly proven their resilience and capability to triumph in challenging situations.