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Hey Reading, hope your week’s off to a good start!

In today’s wallet-friendly edition: TAO Japanese Steakhouse & Bar replacing a local favorite, St. Patrick’s Day with Rogue Diplomats, and women’s archery night + lots of fun things to do for free.

Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Reading protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.

📰 In the news

New support for local businesses: The Chester County Economic Development Council is expanding into Berks County after U.S. Treasury certification and a $2 million state grant. New resource centers and training are planned in Reading — get all the details.

Discover your fit on campus: Penn State Berks will host Make Your Mark for admitted students on Saturday, March 28, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., in Franco Building Room 101, with advance registration required — get all the event details.

Local eatery changes hands: Wyomissing’s Willoughby’s on Park will close March 14, with a new family planning TAO Japanese Steakhouse & Bar at the site, featuring upgraded hibachi and omakase, opening date not announced — get details on the rebrand.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

Highlights this week:

• Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Rogue Diplomats
• Groovemasters headline Jazz Fest kickoff luncheon
• Walk creekside, spot wood ducks, enjoy treats

🫶 We got your back

Hoagie nostalgia hit: Since 1949, Screpesi’s Sandwich Shop has kept Reading smiling with fresh rolls, stacked Italian subs, the signature ham-on-roll, and saucy meatballs from a Sicilian family recipe. Perfect when you crave dinner that tastes like tradition without dirtying every pan you own.

Fresh-air reset: When the week’s glare gets old, City Park is an easy switch-off. Tree-shaded strolls, a splash pad, and an all-abilities playground keep the kiddos happy, while you sit, breathe, and let that to-do list fade for a minute.

For Pokémon and more: If your kid (or inner kid) loves ripping packs, swapping pulls, and browsing plush, figures, and blind boxes, Key Items Collectibles delivers the goods, plus a friendly, no-judgment vibe. A quick stop turns into a mini quest you’ll actually enjoy this week.

Why your last diet didn’t work: Sustained weight loss is nearly impossible with diet alone. Your body literally fights back by making you hungrier the moment you start restricting calories. That’s why more doctors are recommending GLP-1s. The best part? Getting them has never been easier. We compared three programs to help you find the right fit. See which ones stood out →

Your data is for sale right now: There are over 400 websites selling your info to marketers, political campaigns, and scammers. They’ve got your phone number, home address, relatives’ names… you name it. That’s how robocallers seem to know everything about you before you pick up. You can remove your info one site at a time, or pay a service to do it for you. Here’s what we recommend →

📆 Free events worth checking out

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🚸 Hiring School Crossing Guards @ Reading Public Library | Tuesday (3/10) at 9:30 AM – Reading’s looking for school crossing guards, so pop into the Reading Public Library to apply, be the friendly face at the crosswalk, and earn $19.50 an hour. Short before and after school shifts, real neighborhood impact, and a great excuse to perfect withering driver glare.

📖 Trail Tales @ Grings Mill Recreation Area (Wyomissing) | Tuesday (3/10) at 10:00 AM – Round up your tiny trailblazer for a park-side storytime that actually wears them out. Trail Tales mixes a nature theme, a read-aloud, and a simple craft, with surprise critter cameos, all geared for ages 3-5. It’s free, just register to snag a spot.

📚 Sensory Friendly Library Time @ Wyomissing Public Library | Wednesday (3/11) at 9:00 AM – If your kiddo prefers calm over chaos, bring them to the library Wednesday at 9, before the doors open to the masses. Miss Liz, Miss Daniella, and the crew set up sensory-rich play for toddlers and preschoolers, cozy, welcoming, and free for families.

🐎 Mustang Nation Learning Expo 2026 @ Governor Mifflin High School (Shillington) | Thursday (3/12) at 6:00 PM – An evening at Governor Mifflin High School and GMACC means one thing, a free, hands-on showcase of what kids are actually learning across every grade, subject, and hallway. Students and teachers play tour guide through interactive exhibits, clever lessons, and passion projects.

🏹 Women’s Archery Night @ Daniel Boone Rod and Gun Club | Friday (3/13) at 6:00 PM – Tired of aiming for inbox zero? Women’s Archery Night is a relaxed, drop-in evening just for women, totally free, with bows, arrows, and instruction provided. No experience or membership needed, just show up, exhale, and try a new hobby.

♿ Redefine: Indoor Cycling/Rowing @ IM ABLE Foundation (Wyomissing) | Saturday (3/14) at 9:45 AM – Adaptive indoor cycling and rowing for ages 16+, this class blends spin-style energy, coach-led intervals, and accessible equipment to build endurance, strength, and confidence. Expect sweat, support, and music, not judgment. Free thanks to donors, you’ll need a REDEFINE plan, so reserve now.

🍳 Free Community Breakfast @ West Lawn United Methodist Church Community Center | Sunday (3/15) at 8:30 AM – Sunday mornings, West Lawn United Methodist opens its doors for a free community breakfast where neighbors actually talk to each other. Whether you’re a coffee-and-donut minimalist or a pancakes-and-sausage enthusiast, expect warm hospitality, local chatter, and the kind of belonging you can’t DoorDash.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Reading report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 76°F – Low: 54°F – Precip: 2%

Sunny, with a high near 76. West wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: Patchy fog after 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 54. South wind 0 to 5 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 76°F – Low: 45°F – Precip: 53%

Patchy fog before 8am, then a chance of rain showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 76. South wind 0 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: Rain showers likely before 11pm, then showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. Southwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Are you quietly overpaying for car insurance? 🚗

Premiums have been climbing across Pennsylvania but most folks won’t notice until they’re hit with a higher bill when it’s time to renew.

That’s exactly what happened to me. I had the same policy for half a decade. Autopay was on, it was out of sight and out of mind. Turns out I was blindly paying way more than everyone else I knew.

If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too – here’s the comparison tool I used.

This house is wild

Classic Colonial charm meets modern ease in this 4-bed, 2.5-bath home. A renovated owner’s suite shines with a heated soaking tub and spacious tile shower. Cathedral ceilings with skylights and a two-story foyer elevate the plan. The island kitchen boasts granite, double ovens, and a downdraft gas cooktop. Brick fireplace living area, finished basement, patio, and in-ground pool complete it.

Take a peek inside →