In this issue of Reading Local Scoop

 📆 Lots of Events This Week!

👮🏼‍♂️ Reading City Council Unanimously Appoints New Police Chief

🏛️ Foundation Donates $100,000 to Kick-Start Reading Pagoda Restoration

 🏒 Red Knights for a Night: Reading Royals Honor Local School District

 🏫 Exeter Board Approves 21% Tax Increase Amid Heated Debates

💰 Reading Allocates $400K for Emergency Winter Housing for Homeless

 🏒 Flyers get an impressive 4-1 road win over red-hot Canucks

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 This Week’s Events in the Reading PA Area

December 29th

• Intermediate/Advanced Open Pickleball - 11 AM - 1 PM

• Reading Royals Vs Worcester Railers - 7 PM

• Round1- Karaoke and Bowling - 7 PM

• NIGHTWOLF – LIVE AT RIVET! (FREE SHOW) - 7 PM

• Salsa & Bachata dance w/ Lessons inside the SunnyBrook Ballroom - 7 PM

• Double Headliner w/ Chip Chantry & Mary Radzinski - 8 PM

• WE DANCE PRE NEW YEARS PARTY w Main Street Band @ Pepper's - 8:30 PM

December 30th

• BFIT 360 - Group Fitness Class - 9 AM

• Legs N' Eggs Drag Brunch inside SoulJoel's at Sunnybrook - 12 PM

• Noon Years Eve at The Carousel at Pottstown - 10 AM - 12 PM

• PHX REC BB/+ Saturday 1-4:30pm Coed Indoor Volleyball - 1 PM

• Vik Raolji Acoustic at Hares Hill Brewing Co. - 6:30 - 9:30 PM

• Tom & Jimmy @ Bistro on Bridge - 6:30 PM – Sun, Dec 31, 12:30 AM

• Reading Royals Vs Worcester Railers - Team USA Night - 7 PM

• 90's Karaoke Party at Big Phil's Bar and Grill - 7 - 11 PM

• Ryan Shaner's Philly Takeover Featuring The BEST comedians in Philadelphia - 7 PM

• New Year's Eve EVE Line Dancing Saturday at the SunnyBrook Brook - 7 PM

December 31st

• New Year's Eve Matinee Celebration w/ The Sounds of SunnyBrook - 1 PM

• Reading Royals Vs Worcester Railers - NYE Pajama Party - 3 PM

• German New Year's Eve Celebration — Reading Liederkranz - 3 - 7 PM

• Reading Symphony Orchestra - Classical Mystery Tour: A Tribute to the Beatles - 7:30 PM

• New Year's Eve Comedy w/ Jason Salmon at SoulJoel's - 7 PM

• NEW YEAR’S EVE AT RIVET: THE TY FAHERTY BAND + SPECIAL GUEST! - 8 PM

• New Year's 2024 Celebration inside the SunnyBrook Ballroom - 8 PMThe Rockets at Creekside Bar & Grille - Limerick - 8 PM - 12 AM

Reading City Council Unanimously Appoints New Police Chief

Elias Vasquez, a veteran with 26 years in the Tampa Police Department, has been appointed as Reading's new police chief. This unanimous decision by the City Council is contingent upon Vasquez meeting training requirements. Praised for his extensive experience and ability to handle urban police department challenges, Vasquez's appointment is seen as a positive step for Reading's law enforcement.

 Foundation Donates $100,000 to Kick-Start Reading Pagoda Restoration

The Reading Pagoda, a treasured landmark, is set for a $10 million restoration, kick-started by a $100,000 donation from the Foundation for the Reading Pagoda. The city has allocated $3 million for initial repairs, but additional funds are needed for comprehensive restoration. The community is rallying to preserve this historic site, with ongoing fundraising efforts and grant-seeking strategies in place.

Red Knights for a Night: Reading Royals Honor Local School District

In a unique tribute to the Reading School District, the Reading Royals hockey team is set to undergo a temporary transformation. For a special event scheduled for March 1st, the team will adopt the moniker "Red Knights" for one night. This change is a gesture of homage to the local school district, fostering a sense of community and support.

The Royals recently unveiled limited edition jerseys for this event. These jerseys, which the team will wear on the ice, are a key element of the tribute, symbolizing the team's connection with the school district.

Moreover, the event includes a special offer for students of the Reading School District. Each student is eligible to claim two free tickets to this game, allowing them to be a part of this unique experience. Additionally, customizable jerseys will be available, presumably offering fans a chance to own a piece of this one-of-a-kind event.

This initiative by the Reading Royals not only enhances community spirit but also provides a memorable experience for students and fans alike. It's an opportunity for the team to connect with its younger audience and pay respect to the educational community in Reading.

Exeter Board Approves 21% Tax Increase Amid Heated Debates

The Exeter Township Board's final meeting was marked by heated debates and significant financial decisions, including a 21% tax rate increase for 2024. Key budget allocations were made for public services and infrastructure, amidst controversies over the Reading Country Club subsidies and reduced park and recreation funding.

Reading Allocates $400K
for Emergency Winter
Housing for Homeless

Reading City Council has approved $400,000 in funding to provide temporary winter housing for the homeless. This initiative, in partnership with Opportunity House, will utilize a former convent for shelter and include meals and care services. The project aims to address the increasing homelessness issue, especially for families and women with children.

Flyers get the Impressive 4-1 Win

over Red-Hot Canucks

The Philadelphia Flyers opened up a scoring frenzy in the second period and secured a 4-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks!