In this issue of Reading Local Scoop

 📆. Lots of Events This Week!

 🦺 GoggleWorks Advances Art Park Expansion Ahead of Winter

 🏛️ Pennsylvania Community Colleges Face Financial Strain Amid State Funding Delay

 🔥 Quick Response Averts Tragedy in Wyomissing Apartment Fire

👮🏼‍♂️ Identity Fraud Case Unfolds at Wyomissing Comcast Xfinity Location

 👮🏼‍♂️ Resolution Reached in Cynthia Baver's 2001 Homicide Case in Reading

 🏈 Eagles' Week 15 Game Against Seahawks Moved to Monday in NFL Schedule Shake-Up

 🏒 Flyers' Comeback Falls Short in Intense Overtime Battle with Devils

Interested in submitting News or an Event?

Reading Local Scoop Wants to Hear From You!

 This Week’s Events in the Reading PA Area

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

GoggleWorks Advances Art Park Expansion Ahead of Winter

GoggleWorks Center for the Arts in Reading is actively undergoing an expansion of its Art Park, the first phase of a larger, multi-year project. Executive Director Levi Landis highlighted the progress and the introduction of new facilities, including green spaces and a restaurant. The project aims to provide new opportunities for community engagement and is expected to be completed by early summer. Fundraising efforts for the next phases are also in progress, underscoring the center's commitment to enhancing its offerings.

Pennsylvania Community Colleges
Face Financial Strain Amid
State Funding Delay

Pennsylvania's delay in passing appropriations for its 15 community colleges, now five months overdue, is causing financial strain and operational challenges for these institutions. Community colleges like MCCC are taking drastic measures like borrowing and using reserves to maintain operations. The funding shortfall impacts a wide range of educational programs and services, affecting students and the broader community. The situation highlights the urgency for state funding to support the vital educational roles of community colleges.

Quick Response Averts Tragedy in Wyomissing Apartment Fire

In a dramatic rescue in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, firefighters, aided by alert neighbors, saved two adults, a child, and several animals from a burning apartment complex. The incident occurred late Tuesday night at a building on North Wyomissing Boulevard.

Resident Steven McBee recounted the harrowing experience, where he was trapped by flames and couldn’t escape down the stairs. It was only after his girlfriend alerted him over the phone about the fire on the porch that he realized the gravity of the situation. Neighbors played a crucial role in the rescue, with Monique being the first to call 911 after noticing the fire and thick smoke, taking action, waking other residents by yelling and banging on windows.

The fire, which started on the back balcony of a second-floor apartment, was quickly escalated to potential entrapment as more calls came in. Wyomissing Fire Chief Colin Hackman reported that the firefighters arrived swiftly and controlled the situation within 30 minutes. They successfully guided McBee and his dog down the steps to safety and helped other neighbors escape through a window.

Despite the challenges posed by the cold night and slippery conditions, no injuries were reported. The grateful survivors, including McBee, expressed their thanks to both the firefighters and their neighbors for their life-saving actions. The fire caused an estimated $50,000 in damage, and the Red Cross is assisting those affected. The fire marshal is currently investigating the cause of the fire.

Identity Fraud Case Unfolds at Wyomissing Comcast Xfinity Location

On November 17, 2023, an incident involving forgery unfolded at the Comcast Xfinity location in Spring Township. Local police were called to the scene after reports of a male attempting to open an account and obtain a phone using a fraudulent ID. Upon arrival, officers took Paul Andre into custody.

Andre is facing charges of forgery, specifically under the charge code 18-4101 (A2), which pertains to unauthorized acts in writing. This incident occurred at 2777 Paper Mill Road, Wyomissing, PA 19610, bringing attention to the issue of identity fraud in the area.

Resolution Reached in Cynthia Baver's 2001 Homicide Case in Reading

Berks County officials are set to reveal significant developments in a long-unsolved homicide case from 2001. The county's district attorney's office, alongside the Reading Police Department, has scheduled a joint news conference for Friday morning at 10:30 a.m. to discuss these breakthroughs.

The case in question involves the death of Cynthia Baver, which occurred on April 7, 2001, in Reading. After more than two decades, authorities have finally solved this cold case, bringing a long-awaited resolution to a mystery that has lingered in the community. The district attorney's office plans to provide more details about how the case was solved during the upcoming news conference.

Eagles' Week 15 Game Against Seahawks Moved to Monday in
NFL Schedule Shake-Up

The NFL has flexed the schedule for the Philadelphia Eagles, moving their Week 15 game against the Seattle Seahawks from Sunday to Monday night. This marks the first instance of a game being rescheduled to a Monday since the NFL introduced the flexibility in its scheduling policies.

Fans who have purchased tickets for the game at Lumen Field will still be able to use them for the rescheduled match on December 18, as confirmed by the Seahawks organization. Additionally, all mobile tickets will be automatically updated to reflect the new date and time.

In a related schedule change, the Kansas City Chiefs, who were originally set to play the New England Patriots on that Monday, will now face them on Sunday, December 17, at 1 p.m. This adjustment has been welcomed by some Eagles players, as it allows for additional rest following their significant Week 14 game against the Dallas Cowboys.

Flyers' Comeback Falls Short in
Intense Overtime Battle with Devils

The New Jersey Devils secured a thrilling 4-3 overtime win against the Philadelphia Flyers, highlighted by Luke Hughes' quick overtime goal. Alexander Holtz, Jack Hughes, and Tyler Toffoli also scored for the Devils. The Flyers fought back from a 3-1 deficit with goals from Sean Walker and Tyson Foerster, but it wasn't enough to clinch a win. Despite their struggles, especially with a weak power play, the Flyers have exceeded expectations this season under coach John Tortorella.