In this issue of Reading Local Scoop

 📆 Lots of Events This Coming Weekend!

 🚉 

📚 Season's Readings: A Festive Library Event for Young Readers

 🎤 Doc & Bubba's Presents: An Evening with The Sour Grapes Trio

 🏒 Predators Topple Flyers 4-2, Snap Philadelphia's Points Streak

⚽️ Philadelphia Union Bolsters Squad with Three New Draft Picks in 2024 SuperDraft

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 This Week’s Events in the Reading PA Area

December 22nd

• Seasons Readings - Exeter Community Library - 9 AM - 2:30 PM

• Koziar's Christmas Village - 5 - 10 PM

• Holiday Lights At Gring's Mill - 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM

December 23rd

• Seasons Readings - Exeter Community Library - 9 AM - 2:30 PM

• Koziar's Christmas Village - 5 - 10 PM

• Hideaway Ugly Sweater Party Featuring Dipped @ Esposito's Restaurant & Pizza - 6 PM - 2 AM (Dec 24th)

• Sour Grapes Trio @ Doc & Bubba's - 6- 9 PM

• Holiday Lights At Gring's Mill - 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM

December 24th

• Christmas Eve Show and Jam Hosted by Erich Cawalla & Bennie Sims at The Peanut Bar Restaurant -

Berks County Boosts Rail Project with Strategic Board Appointment

The Berks County Commissioners have made a significant appointment to the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority Board by voting in David Hunter, the executive director of the county planning commission. Hunter replaces Jim Gerlach, who resigned due to his retirement from the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance.

Commissioner Christian Y. Leinbach, chair of the authority, expressed optimism about Hunter's appointment, noting that it symbolizes a well-balanced representation from the involved counties – Berks, Chester, and Montgomery. This collaborative effort aims to re-establish passenger rail service between Reading, Pottstown, and Phoenixville, connecting with Philadelphia.

Leinbach praised the exceptional teamwork among the three counties, particularly highlighting the role of the planning departments and directors in this endeavor. Hunter's addition to the board is seen as a strategic move, especially with the Federal Rail Administration's recent acceptance of the proposed line into the Corridor Identification and Development program, marking a significant step towards realizing the passenger rail restoration.

In addition to Hunter's appointment, Reading Mayor Eddie Moran was reappointed to a five-year term on the board, set to expire at the end of 2028. Leinbach mentioned that moving forward, appointments to the authority would be for five-year terms. Moran expressed his commitment to seeing the passenger rail project become a reality, acknowledging the progress made towards this long-awaited goal.

The meeting also marked Commissioner Lucine E. Sihelnik's departure, as her term as a county commissioner came to an end. Sihelnik had been appointed earlier in the year to replace Kevin Barnhardt. Leinbach commended Sihelnik for her contributions and expressed regret that she did not run for the commissioner position.

Season's Readings: A Festive Library Event for Young Readers

Exeter Community Library is hosting a delightful seasonal event called "Season's Readings" through December 23rd. This event is a wonderful opportunity for children aged 4 and older to engage in the joy of reading while celebrating the holiday spirit.

At this event, children are invited to read a picture book or any book of their choice for 10 minutes to one of the children's librarians. This activity not only promotes literacy and a love for reading among young readers but also creates a warm, festive atmosphere in the library.

As a special holiday treat, participating children will receive an animal ornament from the Children's Library Winter Tree. This token serves as both a memento of their participation and a festive decoration to cherish. It's important to note that these ornaments are available while supplies last, adding a touch of excitement to the event.

The "Season's Readings" event is a beautiful blend of literary enrichment and holiday cheer, making it a perfect activity for children during the festive season. It's a unique way for the library to spread happiness and encourage reading among the younger members of the community.

Doc & Bubba's Presents: An Evening with The Sour Grapes Trio

Doc & Bubba's, a popular venue known for its great atmosphere, amazing food, and drinks, is set to host an entertaining evening featuring music from The Sour Grapes Trio. This event is scheduled for Saturday, December 23, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, at their location on 4312 New Holland Road, Mohnton, PA 19540.

Guests are invited to enjoy what promises to be a perfect evening filled with delightful culinary experiences and refreshing beverages. The Sour Grapes Trio, known for their engaging musical performances, will be the highlight of the night, adding a vibrant touch to the already lively setting of Doc & Bubba's.

This event is an excellent opportunity for those looking to spend a relaxing evening out, whether it's to savor the food and drinks, enjoy the music, or simply soak in the ambiance of one of the area's most cherished spots. The combination of The Sour Grapes Trio's music and the venue's renowned hospitality is sure to provide guests with a memorable experience.

Predators Topple Flyers 4-2, Snap Philadelphia's Points Streak

In a thrilling encounter, the Nashville Predators got the win over the Philadelphia Flyers with a 4-2 victory. Philip Tomasino was the standout player, scoring twice for the Predators, including a decisive goal late in the game. Cole Smith and Gustav Nyquist contributed to the win, with Nyquist sealing the deal with an empty-net goal. Colton Sissons provided valuable support with two assists. The Predators, in impressive form, have now won eight of their last ten games.

The Flyers, despite the loss, showcased their skills with Morgan Frost scoring a goal and an assist, and Sean Couturier also finding the net. However, their nine-game points streak came to an end with this defeat. The game reached a pivotal moment when Tomasino fired a wrist shot past Flyers' goalie Samuel Ersson, breaking the 2-2 tie.

Ersson and Predators' goalie Juuse Saros were both in fine form, making 28 and 30 saves respectively. Despite the loss, the Flyers remain in a strong position in the Metropolitan Division, having won seven of their last nine games.

The match also saw an unlikely goal from Frost early on, and a moment of concern when he was injured following a major penalty against Nashville's Yakov Trenin. Fortunately, Frost returned to the game later on.

Looking ahead, the Predators will host Dallas, while the Flyers are set to face Detroit before a brief Christmas break.

Philadelphia Union Bolsters Squad

with Three New Draft Picks in

2024 SuperDraft

The Philadelphia Union, after a three-year hiatus from participating in the MLS SuperDraft, made a significant move by selecting three players in the 2024 draft. The Union chose forward Stas Korzeniowski from Penn, midfielder Zach Bohane from Stanford, and goalie Francesco Montali from Boston University.

Despite the Union's active draft, these players face challenging odds of making it to the first team. The Union recently strengthened their squad with the signing of midfielder Nick Pariano and left back Isaiah LeFlore, increasing their roster to 27 contracted players for the upcoming season, excluding the draftees who are likely to start with Union II.

Korzeniowski, a standout at Penn, was chosen as the 53rd overall pick. At 6-4 and 193 pounds, he has impressive physical attributes and has shown his prowess on the field with eight assists, six goals, and 20 points, earning him first-team All-Ivy honors as a sophomore. Bohane, selected 63rd overall, comes from Stanford where he had a remarkable season contributing eight goals and 11 assists. The Californian midfielder's international experience with the De Anza Force club adds to his profile.

Montali, the 82nd pick, hails from St. Thomas Aquinas in Florida and has twice been named the Patriot League goalie of the year. His .737 save percentage and 0.83 goals-against average played a key role in leading his team to a league title.

The Union's history with drafted players is mixed. Holden Trent, a previous draft pick, made the roster but didn't appear in a league game. The last drafted player to play an MLS game for the Union was Jack Elliott in 2017.

In a strategic move, the Union traded their first-round pick to Inter Miami for Damion Lowe and acquired a third-round pick from Austin for Bohane. The Union also made a significant move by signing forward Chris Donovan to a new contract, securing him until 2025 with options for 2026 and 2027. Donovan's contributions include a goal and an assist in 18 MLS games, and he played a crucial role in the Leagues Cup semifinal and MLS Cup playoffs.