Reading Magazine

01/01/2026

Reading New Years Eve Fireworks

12/25/2025

The Reading Pagoda lights blink signaling to children across Berks County that Santa is on his way.

11/20/2025

Tillman Sims has spent the last decade transforming his own story into a movement for Reading’s youth. As co-founder of TLC Fore Reading PA, he and his team have built a year-round slate of programs—from mentorship and education series to the Adventure Series and holiday “IMPACTMAS” projects—all designed to inspire curiosity, build character, and show young people that their presence is impactful.

Tillman Sims co-founded the organization TLC Fore Reading PA with Lenny Pan and Chama Carwll ten years ago. TLC stands for Teaching, Learning and Community. TLC evolved into a community development organization, the organization introduces the values of TEACHING – LEARNING AND COMMUNITY through th...

11/13/2025

Santo Marabella’s life is a remarkable blend of resilience, creativity, and community impact. From his early years in an Italian orphanage to becoming a driving force behind Reading’s film and arts community, his journey is one of gratitude, perseverance, and giving back.

Today, his work as a filmmaker, educator, and community leader continues to uplift others — including his newest documentary exploring his own adoption story.

Dr. Santo D. Marabella has been a resident of Reading, Pa. for most of his life. Born in Italy in 1960, and placed in an orphanage, he was adopted in 1961 by his parents Sam and Anna who brought him to live with them in Reading and with whom he resided until he left for […]

10/04/2025

⚾️ Growing up in Glenside, Javier Garcia discovered his love of sports through Reading School District programs. Today, he’s turned that passion into a career as a teacher, coach, and mentor — guiding students both in the classroom and on the field.

Growing up in the community of Glenside in Reading, Javier Garcia developed an interest in sports which were offered through the Reading School District. He participated in soccer, baseball and basketball, then in high school, baseball became his main focus. At this time, he began to seriously consi...

09/24/2025

Earlier today, local officials and community members gathered for the ribbon cutting of Sunset Mexican Ice Cream Shop at 733 Lancaster Avenue in Reading. Guests celebrated the grand opening with complimentary tastings, music, and a look inside the newly renovated space.

Sunset Mexican Ice Cream Shop celebrated the grand opening of its second location this week with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 733 Lancaster Avenue, marking a new chapter for the five-year-old business and a milestone in the revitalization of the corridor.

09/16/2025

From school choir in southeast Reading to leading roles on stage, Angel Alvarado has been shaping his voice — and his future. Now a sophomore at Albright College, he’s balancing performance, leadership, and service while inspiring others along the way.

As a 7-year-old at 16th and Haak Elementary School in East Reading, Angel Alvarado knew that there was a voice deep down inside him just waiting to burst forth in song. “I sang in the elementary school choir, and I was always the loudest!” he recalls. “These early days in choir definitely soli...

09/12/2025

Opportunity House will host its annual Garden Party on Thursday, September 18, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 430 N. Second Street in Reading. The event will celebrate the garden harvest and recognize the volunteers and participants who make it possible.

Opportunity House will host its annual Garden Party on Thursday, September 18, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 430 N. Second Street in Reading. The event will celebrate the garden harvest and recognize the volunteers and participants who make it possible. Food will be provided by members of Reformation Ev...

09/12/2025

Votes would bring 7-10 free annual concerts to GoggleWorks’ new Thorn Alley stage.

GoggleWorks Center for the Arts is now in the running to bring a free outdoor music series to Reading starting in 2026. With funding from the Levitt Foundation—a national funder that supports the largest free outdoor concert series in America—Reading hopes to qualify as a finalist to receive a L...

09/10/2025

The City of Reading will host the Fourth Annual 6th Ward Block Party on Saturday, September 13, offering an afternoon of live music, food, and community celebration.

The City of Reading will host the Fourth Annual 6th Ward Block Party on Saturday, September 13, offering an afternoon of live music, food, and community celebration. The event will run from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Lauer’s Park Elementary School, 251 N. Second Street, and is free and open to the publi...

08/22/2025

🌟 From Puerto Rico to Reading, Wanda Holdren turned her grandmother’s dream into a lifelong journey in dance. Today, she leads WH Dance Academy, inspiring students of all ages while bringing Latin culture to the stage — from local showcases to international competitions.

At the age of 4 years old, Puerto Rican born dancer, Wanda Holdren began a journey that was a dream her grandmother had for her entire life, to become a professional dancer. When Wanda came to the United States from Coamo, Puerto Rico in 1990, she had years of training intensively Julie Mayoral Danc...

08/08/2025

For nearly 35 years, Pastor Bruce Osterhout has been a constant presence in Reading’s Glenside neighborhood, transforming Christ Lutheran Church into a hub for youth programs, family support, and community partnerships. From afterschool tutoring and summer camps to food pantries and women’s programs, his ministry has impacted generations and embraced the neighborhood’s diversity.

In 1986, when Pastor Bruce Osterhout accepted his first call as a youth minister at Christ Lutheran Church in Roanoke, Virginia, he brought with him all of his experiences growing up in Southern California that inspired him to choose a career in ministry. “I was active in the church my entire life...