Happy weekend, Reading! In today’s happening-today edition: Elder abuse prevention team, plein art competition, and Rebirth Fest 2026 + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.
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01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Coordinated protection for seniors: Berks County commissioners approved a memorandum on Friday to form a three-county team targeting elder abuse, promising stronger coordination and support as cases grow more complex across the counties -- see the elder abuse team.
A celebration of local artistry: West Reading’s Plein Art competition takes over Penn Avenue today, drawing artists nationwide. Juried and open plus an America 250 War category, 1776 sites, $500 awards honor Berks County -- explore the plein art scene.
Festival day logistics: West Reading’s arts festival is today. Parking restrictions begin at 7 a.m. today on Penn Avenue between 4th and 8th, with ticketing and towing. Enjoy music, food, and art -- get the full details.
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The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half — this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest -- this one's $150 off right now.* Highlights this week: |
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03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Blue crab tonight: When the crab craving hits, Crab Crazy has Maryland blue crabs steamed to order, plus shrimp, clams, scallops, and honest-to-goodness crab cakes. Round up the crew, grab extra napkins, and let garlic butter and a sprinkle of seasoning fix your week in Reading.
Your nearby nature fix: For a quick escape without leaving Berks, Quinta Las Cabanas Grove is the low-stress move this week, perfect for an easy campfire night or a simple get-together. Pack s'mores, leave the to-do list, enjoy that sweet quiet where your phone finally gives up.
Indoor golf, solved: Swing Evolutions is a year-round indoor golf spot where you can play thousands of courses on simulators that show ball speed, launch, and spin. Grab a buddy for a chill round or league prep and keep your swing sharp on Foresight and Uneekor bays when Berks weather acts up.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Around town today & tomorrowOur favorite events going on the rest of this weekend. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🧹 The Great American Cleanup @ Wyomissing Creek Trail | Saturday (6/20) at 9:00 AM – Nothing says Fourth of July prep like swapping sparklers for trash bags at Wyomissing Creek. Andrew Jordan, TCO Fly Shop, Crossett Cleaning Co., and Trout Unlimited bring the gloves, bags, refreshments. You bring neighborly charm, and call it cardio with purpose.
🏳 Community Voices @ Reading Public Museum | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – Nothing beats a community back-and-forth where you can speak up or sit back. Reading Pride’s monthly Community Voices is an open meeting for LGBTQ+ neighbors, allies, and the Pride curious to swap ideas, hear what’s cooking, find volunteer roles, build connection, no megaphones required.
🇺 AmericanaFest: America @ 250 @ Berks County Heritage Center | Saturday (6/20) at 11:00 AM – Take a breather from errands and wander into AmericanaFest, where kids pet goats, you sample food trucks, and history buffs get their fix with demos and open museums. Dave Kline leads a jam rolling into a three-act concert, all free, easy drop-in.
🌱 Seeds & Soul Music: Memorial Planting Party (Wear Orange Day) @ Baer Park | Saturday (6/20) at 12:00 PM – Baer Park is hosting a healing garden build for Wear Orange Day, honoring victims and survivors of gun violence, with 90s and 2000s R&B in the air. Free and family friendly, so wear orange, bring a snack to share, and lend hands and sturdy knees.
🌱 Rebirth Fest 2026 @ Reverb | Saturday (6/20) at 1:00 PM – Rebirth Fest is back with a wall-to-wall metal lineup, from Dysentery and The Crimson Armada to Monochromatic Black and friends. All ages, $25 advance, $30 at the door. The pit still counts as cardio, just maybe stretch first.
🎨 Plein Air Painting Workshop with Lon Brauer @ The Barn at Cacoosing | Sunday (6/21) at 9:00 AM – Trade your usual errands for a plein air painting workshop with Lon Brauer at the Barn at Cacoosing in Sinking Spring. Expect fresh air, real light, and barnyard charm that flatters even beginner strokes. Bring a hat, your favorite brushes, and your Berks County stare.
🌭 Father's Day Hot Dog Bar @ West Wyomissing Fire Co. Social Quarters | Sunday (6/21) at 12:00 PM – Give Dad a break from the grill and hit West Wyomissing Fire Co Social Quarters for a DIY hot dog bar. Load up chili, kraut, slaw, onions, cheese, the works. Dogs are $3 or 2 for $5, and dads score one free, plus cold drinks. Live music & entertainment:
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — The Reading report Weather forecastToday — High: 80°F — Low: 60°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 80. West wind 10 to 15 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 60. West wind 0 to 15 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 82°F — Low: 63°F — Precip: 0%
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