In this issue of Reading Local Scoop

 📆. Lots of Events This Week!

 ⚖️ Pennside Man Faces Murder Charges in Route 12 Rush Hour Tragedy

 🎄 Reading Hillside Playground: A Must-Visit Christmas Wonderland This Season

👮🏼‍♂️ Thanksgiving Road Safety Alert: 979 Crashes and 542 DUI Arrests in Pennsylvania

 🏒 Reading Royals Youth Hockey Opens Doors for Aspiring Young Players

🏛️ Berks County’s 2024 Vision: GRCA to Host Networking Event with Commissioners

 🏈 Eagles and Cowboys Vie for Linebacker Shaq Leonard in Free Agency Showdown

 🏈 DeSean Jackson Announces Retirement with Eagles, Named Honorary Captain

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 This Week’s Events in the Reading PA Area

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

Pennside Man Faces Murder Charges in Route 12 Rush Hour Tragedy

In a tragic incident on January 16, Matthew R. Pekuri, a 45-year-old Pennside resident, was involved in a fatal vehicular crash on Route 12 during the morning rush hour. The collision resulted in the death of 61-year-old Wanda Matuszak, a dedicated nurse at Reading Hospital. Pekuri, who has been charged with third-degree murder and vehicular homicide, is currently free on $35,000 bail pending further court proceedings.

The accident, which occurred around 6:40 a.m. in the 3600 block of Pricetown Road, involved four vehicles and led to Matuszak's death due to crushing injuries. Matuszak, a respected nurse with 40 years of service, had been recognized for her excellence in nursing in 2019.

The charges against Pekuri come after a detailed investigation by state police units specializing in collision analysis, reconstruction, forensic services, and criminal investigations. The involvement of the Berks County district attorney’s office further underscored the case's severity.

During the preliminary hearing, District Judge Steven M. Chieffo, after reviewing the probable cause affidavit, found sufficient evidence to advance the case without the need for witness testimony. Witnesses and dash camera footage indicated that Pekuri was driving recklessly and at high speed, with a disregard for the safety of others on the road. This dangerous driving behavior ultimately led to the tragic incident that claimed Matuszak’s life.

Reading Hillside Playground: A Must-Visit Christmas Wonderland This Season

The Reading Hillside Playground, now in its 32nd year, has been magnificently transformed once again into the enchanting "Christmas on the Mountain." This beloved holiday display, which is free to enter and park, is a visual feast, featuring over 5 million LED lights and pixels, an array of inflatables, and a blend of vintage and modern decorations. The 2023 season sees the addition of many new elements, raising the bar for this cherished Berks County tradition.

Highlights of this year's enhancements include new family photo opportunities, such as a life-size Santa Sleigh, and a second 4K immersive light show that promises to offer an unparalleled entertainment experience.

The setup and operational efforts for "Christmas on the Mountain" are significantly supported by the Reading High School Marine Corps JROTC. The dedication of these cadets, along with numerous volunteers, has been instrumental in preparing for the 2023 Christmas Season since September.

This festive attraction is made possible through the generous support of local businesses, with the Savage Auto Group and Axcess Industries being key contributors to both its initial creation and ongoing funding.

"Christmas on the Mountain" is located on North 14th Street in Reading and is open to the public daily until December 23, 2023. The hours are Sunday through Thursday from 5 PM to 9 PM, and Friday through Saturday from 5 PM to 10 PM. While on-street parking is available, it is advisable to arrive early during peak times due to high demand.

Thanksgiving Road Safety Alert:
979 Crashes and 542 DUI
Arrests in Pennsylvania

During the Thanksgiving holiday period from November 22 to 26, the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) reported a significant number of traffic incidents and violations. The PSP investigated a total of 979 vehicle crashes, which tragically resulted in four fatalities. Among these crashes, 73 were alcohol-related. The enforcement efforts of the PSP also led to 542 arrests for driving under the influence (DUI). In addition to these arrests, the police issued over 10,000 speeding citations.

Furthermore, the PSP emphasized the importance of vehicle safety by issuing 1,187 citations for not wearing seat belts and 133 for failing to secure children in safety seats. These figures are part of the annual Thanksgiving Holiday Crash and Enforcement report released by the PSP. The report indicates a slight increase in total crashes and DUI arrests compared to the previous year's data. The PSP's vigilant enforcement efforts aimed to ensure public safety on the roads during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

Reading Royals Youth Hockey Opens Doors for Aspiring Young Players

The Reading Royals Youth Hockey Association, in collaboration with Visions Federal Credit Union, is excited to announce their next "Try Hockey For Free" event. This engaging and inclusive program is scheduled for Saturday, January 6, 2024, from 4:15 PM to 5:15 PM at the Body Zone Sports and Wellness Complex in Reading, PA. Aimed at providing children in the community a chance to experience hockey without any cost, this monthly event is a fantastic opportunity for youngsters to get a taste of the sport.

Children born between 2013 and 2019, and new to hockey, are invited to participate in this event. Interested parties can find more information and register online. For any inquiries, Coach Joely Griffith can be contacted via email. Alongside this program, the Reading Royals Youth Hockey Association (RRYHA) is offering private lessons and clinics led by their skilled coaching staff, including Assistant Director Bryce Witman. These sessions are designed to provide high-quality, individualized hockey instruction, with each slot accommodating no more than 19 players and 6 goalies. Goalies interested in these clinics are advised to contact Coach Bryce Witman before registering.

In addition to these youth initiatives, the Reading Royals are offering various season memberships for their 2023-24 season, including six-game plans, ten-game plans, and group tickets. These are available at the Royals’ box office at Santander Arena or by phone. The Reading Royals, a proud affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers and Lehigh Valley Phantoms, have a storied history, including winning the Kelly Cup championship in 2013 and securing playoff berths in 12 of the previous 13 seasons. The team is managed by the Berks County Convention Center Authority (BCCCA), which also oversees operations at Santander Arena.

Berks County’s 2024 Vision:
GRCA to Host Networking Event
with Commissioners

The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) is set to host its annual networking breakfast with the Berks County Commissioners on Friday, January 5.

This event, an excellent opportunity for members to start the new year on a positive note, will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Reading. Attendees will get the chance to hear from the newly formed Board of Commissioners, including Christian Leinbach, Michael Rivera, and Dante Santoni Jr. Each commissioner will present their goals for the upcoming year, covering a range of topics such as economic development, smart growth and housing, broadband expansion, and the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority, among other county issues.

The GRCA emphasizes the importance of community voices and perspectives in this discussion. The event promises to be a substantive opportunity for members to engage directly with local leaders on key issues. The event details are as follows:

• Host: Greater Reading Chamber Alliance & Berks County Commissioners

• Event: Berks County Commissioners Update 2024

• Date and Time: Friday, January 5, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

• Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Reading, 701 Penn St., Reading

• Registration: $40 for GRCA members/investors, $55 for future members/investors. Registrations can be made at greaterreading.org.

The GRCA is dedicated to attracting new businesses to the community, supporting existing ones, nurturing local startups, developing the workforce for today and the future, and advocating on behalf of the business community. This event is a key part of their mission, providing a platform for collaboration and discussion between the business community and local government.

🏈 Eagles and Cowboys Vie for Linebacker Shaq Leonard in
Free Agency Showdown

In the latest developments from the NFL, the Philadelphia Eagles are still in contention to sign free agent linebacker Shaq Leonard, though he left Wednesday without finalizing a deal. The Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys are reportedly the top contenders for Leonard's services, as per NFL Network's Ian Rapaport. Leonard, known for his impressive average of seven tackles in nine games this season, is expected to make a decision over the weekend.

Leonard's choice may be influenced by his schematic fit and his past relationship with Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni from their time at the Indianapolis Colts. Despite undergoing a couple of back surgeries last year, Leonard completed a physical with the Eagles. Sirianni expressed his support for Leonard, emphasizing the importance of making the best personal decision.

The Eagles' need for a linebacker was heightened following an injury to veteran Zach Cunningham in their recent overtime win against Buffalo. The injury situation for the Eagles is further compounded with several players, including tight end Grant Calcaterra, defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, safety Justin Evans, and tight end Dallas Goedert, missing Wednesday's walk-through due to various injuries.

Amid these developments, Sirianni also focused on preparing for the upcoming game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lincoln Financial Field, juggling his responsibilities as the team's head coach.

DeSean Jackson Announces Retirement with Eagles, Named Honorary Captain

DeSean Jackson, former Pro Bowl wide receiver, is retiring as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. He will be honored as an honorary captain in the upcoming game against the 49ers. Jackson, known for his game-breaking speed and impressive plays, spent 15 seasons in the NFL, eight with the Eagles.