Genesius Theatre is hard at work preparing for their next production A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. We had the opportunity to go behind the scenes and talk to the veteran cast about their characters.
Directed by Simmon Fecho, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum takes comedy back to its roots, combining situations from time-tested, 2000-year-old comedies of Roman playwright, Plautus, with the infectious energy of classic vaudeville.
The City of Reading Police Department hosted “Coffee with a Cop” at the Queen City Family Restaurant. The Community engagement event offered city residents the opportunity to get to know the officers that patrol their neighborhood.
Parent volunteers, youth cheer and football players lined the intersection of Route 12 & 73 on Saturday to raise money for their bi-annual trip to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Ohio. The “Helmet Drive” organized by the Oley Valley Football Alliance lasted from 9am to 7pm.
In previous years the organization has raised as much as $250 an hour from drivers passing by. Looking to capture the crowds from the Oley Community Fair, organizers of the fundraiser hoped to reach their goal of $4,000 by the of the day.
The trip itself takes the Midget team (6th-7th grade) to the Pro football Hall of Fame over Columbus Day weekend in October. While visiting the team will tour the Hall of Fame, play a game on the turf field and even a trip to a local theme park.
Volunteers were pleased with the communities support, with trip cost totaling $186 per athlete parents helping collect money noted that it was a much more effective way of fundraising than selling candy bars.
For the past 5 years the Reading United A.C. has presented its Community Tribute to Service Members by hosting Hometown Heroes at the Don Thomas Stadium in Exeter Township. Unlike past years, this year’s event took place on Sunday, September 11th to not only honor local heroes but those who lost their lives in the World Trade Center, Pentagon and Shanksville.
Two charity Soccer games were played competing against the Reading United Fun League all to raise funds for The Exeter Township Fire Department and Law Enforcement United Pennsylvania. Game one featured the Exeter Township Fire Department and game two was played by local law enforcement from various Berks County Departments. Opening ceremonies began with a Bagpipe performance by Roderick Nevin, Star-Spangled Banner performed by the Fleetwood High School Chorus Group and Coin Toss by Pennsylvania Representative David Maloney (130th).
Between the two games the first Community Hero Award was presented to Mr. Keith Gaby. Gaby, who suffers from cerebral palsy, was awarded the Community Hero Award for inspiring community members through his demonstration of perseverance and courage.
For the main event, Berks County Law Enforcement took to the field to challenge Reading United Fun League. To honor Berks County’s Hometown Heroes (Officer Scott Wertz, Officer Michael Wise, Deputy Kyle Pagerly, and Chief Warrant Officer Jarett Yoder), several prominent members of the community spoke on the sacrifice firefighters and law enforcement make for the community.
Following the flag ceremony, a special presentation of the Hometown Hero Award was presented from Reading United A.C. and Representatives from A Hero’s Hero to Mr. Johannas Bilstein, a veteran of the Vietnam War.
U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Brian Flannery (82nd Airborne) talks about how the events of September 11th shaped his life.
The night concluded with a fireworks display and a performance by the Reading Buccaneers.
Officer Scott Wertz Memorial Scholarship Fund
www.officerscottwertz.com
Michael H. Wise II Memorial Foundation
www.wisememorial.com
Cyclist from far and wide gathered in Berks County Saturday for the 2nd Annual Reading 120. The international event hosted by Pretzel City Productions did not disappoint fans and spectators who lined the streets of Berks County to watch the fast action endurance race.
This years race featured a new course layout and Start/Finish line location in City Park, just below the iconic Pagoda. Along with the day of racing The Reading 120 provided several activities for both kids and adults including a Family Fun Zone, Wine and Beer Garden and Live Coverage of the race broadcast to two extra large 20′ monitors.
It’s not called The Reading 120 for nothing… The grueling 120 mile course makes its way past Oley up to Kutztown before returning back to Reading. To the average rider that would be an accomplishment on its own, however riders of The Reading 120 were required to complete 2 loops to Kutztown and back in addition to three 8 mile loops up to the Pagoda, around Mt. Penn and back to City Park.
One of the more challenging parts of the day for both riders and spectators was the blistering heat and humidity. The heat index rose to roughly 100 degrees making it a tough day for all, but that didn’t stop cycling fans from having a good time. Several pop up Party Zones were set up along the course offering spectators a way to beat the heat while they watch the race go by.
The long day certainly took its toll on everyone, however it was well worth the wait watching the caravan of riders and support vehicles fly by for the final 3 loops. The finish line lit up with excitement as the peloton made their way up the mountain, with each pass more and more tension grew as the crowed waited to find out who would win the “Toughest Single Day Race of the Americas”.
Holowesko Citadel pb Hincapie Sportwear Greater Reading Chamber Team Prize
Oscar Clark (USA) Great Reading Economic Partnership Most Aggressive
Timothy Rugg (USA) Penske Truck Leasing Best Young Rider Award
Oscar Clark (USA) Penn National Gaming King of the Mountain Award
Adam De Vos (Can) Reading Health System Best Sprinter Award
Andzs Flaksis (Lat) Third Place
Eric Marcotte (USA) Second Place
Oscar Clark (USA) Race Winner