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Reading Downtown Improvement

District Authority

 

 


January Downtown Happenings 

The Downtown Digest is Published by the

Reading Downtown Improvement District

 

Keeping Downtown Reading Clean and Safe Since 1995

 
happy new year 2
Irish toast
In the New Year, may your right hand always be stretched out in friendship, never in want. 

YOUR DISTRICT STAFF STAFF 

Here to serve you 

645 Penn Street, Suite 505

Monday - Friday

8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Office: 610-376-6424

Fax: 610-376-6912

Ambassador Direct: 484-955-0315

 

Chuck Broad, Executive Director, 610-376-6424, ext 22  

charles.broad@downtownreading.com

 

Lynn Patton, Office Manager, 610-376-6424, ext 21

lynn.patton@downtownreading.com 

 

Merle Cattani, Ambassador Mgr, 610-376-6424, ext 23

merle.cattani@downtownreading.com   

 

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MAIN STREET SURVEY2
DOWNTOWN EVENTS

 

Mon Dec 31, 2012
New Year's Eve

7:30pm Reading Symphony Orchestra - New Year's Eve
Sovereign Performing Arts Center 136 N. 6th Street Reading
The group, Jeans 'n Classics, returns to Reading and teams with the Reading
Symphony Orchestra!


Tue Jan 1, 2013
New Year's Day

Sat Jan 5, 2013
7:05pm Reading Royals vs. Elmira Jackals 
Sovereign Center and Reading Eagle Theater 700 Penn Street Reading 


Sun Jan 6, 2013
4:05pm Reading Royals vs. Wheeling Nailers
Sovereign Center and Reading Eagle Theater 700 Penn Street Reading

 

Thu Jan 10, 2013
7pm Disney on Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic
Sovereign Center and Reading Eagle Theater 700 Penn Street Reading
oin the celebration as 65 of Disney's unforgettable characters from 18 beloved stories come to life in Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic! You will be captivated
by the one and only Mickey Mouse, the irresistible Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio and many Disney Princesses. Be thrilled by exciting moments from The Lion King; Mulan; and Disney-Pixars Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, and Toy Story films; in a skating spectacular filled with magical Disney moments you will remember forever as Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic!

7:30 pm Psychic Sylvia Browne
Sovereign Performing Arts Center 136 N. 6th Street Reading
Intimate Evening of Insight & Live Readings.  Sylvia Browne is a world renowned spiritual teacher, psychic, author, lecturer and researcher in the field of parapsychology. Sylvia is well known for her dynamic, genuine, down-to-earth style and personality. She lectures, teaches, and counsels people from Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Sylvia manifested her psychic ability at the age of three, in her home town of Kansas City, MO. For many years she shared her gift with friends
and family, and became very well known for helping people to see their future. Moving to California in 1964, she continued assisting people privately. Sylvia then wanted to make a professional, legally sanctioned, organization to further her research into the paranormal.  This goal was realized in 1974 when Sylvia incorporated The Nirvana Foundation for Psychic Research, a nonprofit organization (now known as
Sylvia Browne Corporation). Since then, Sylvia has helped thousands of people gain control of their lives, live more happily, understand the meaning of life, and to find God in their own unique way.          


Fri Jan 11, 2013
7pm Disney on Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic
Sovereign Center and Reading Eagle Theater 700 Penn Street Reading

Sat Jan 12, 2013
11am Disney on Ice celebrates 100 years of Magic
Sovereign Center and Reading Eagle Theater 700 Penn Street Reading


3pm Disney on Ice celebrates 100 years of Magic
Sovereign Center and Reading Eagle Theater 700 Penn Street Reading


7pm Disney on Ice celebrates 100 years of Magic
Sovereign Center and Reading Eagle Theater 700 Penn Street Reading

 

Sun Jan 13, 2013
1pm Disney on Ice celebrates 100 years of Magic
Sovereign Center and Reading Eagle Theater 700 Penn Street Reading  

5pm Disney on Ice celebrates 100 years of Magic
Sovereign Center and Reading Eagle Theater 700 Penn Street Reading

8pm Lewis Black
Sovereign Performing Arts Center 136 N. 6th Street Reading

LEWIS BLACK, Grammy Award-winning stand-up comedian, is one of the most prolific and popular performers working today. He executes a brilliant trifecta as stand-up comedian, actor and author. His live performances provide a cathartic release of anger and disillusionment for his audience. He is a passionate performer who is a
more pissed-off optimist than mean-spirited curmudgeon. Lewis is the rare comic who can cause an audience to laugh themselves into incontinence while making compelling points about the absurdity of our world.


Thu Jan 17, 2013
6pm Winter Jam 2013
Sovereign Center and Reading Eagle Theater 700 Penn Street Reading

"As we prepare for Winter Jam's 18th year, weare more passionate than ever about the ministry that drives the tour,"said Eddie Carswell, creator of Winter Jam and founding member ofNewSong. "Led by TobyMac, this year's line-up represents thediversity-and future-of Christian music. And we are thrilled that NickHall will be back with us to share the Gospel message, as that hasalways been the heart of Winter Jam." For more info visit:www.jamtour.com. 

Fri Jan 18, 2013
7:05pm Reading Royals vs. Cincinnati Cyclones
Sovereign Center and Reading Eagle Theater 700 Penn Street Reading 


8pm Morrissey
Sovereign Performing Arts Center 136 N. 6th Street Reading

Morrissey, is anEnglish singer and lyricist. He rose to prominence in the 1980s as the lyricist and vocalist of the band The Smiths. The band was highly successful in the United Kingdom but broke up in 1987, and Morrissey began a solo career, making the top ten of the UK Singles Chart on ten occasions. Widely regarded as an important innovator in indie music, Morrissey has been described by music magazine NME as "one of the most influential artists ever", and The Independent has stated
"most pop stars have to be dead before they reach the iconic status he has reached in his lifetime".[2] Pitchfork Media has called him "one of  the most singular figures in Western popular culture from the last twenty years"


8pm The AOELUS QUARTET
The WCR Center for the Arts, 140 N. Fifth St

 

Sat Jan 19, 2013
7:05pm Reading Royals vs. Elmira Jackals
Sovereign Center and Reading Eagle Theater 700 Penn Street Reading


Mon Jan 21, 2013
Martin Luther King, Jr's Day  

1:05pm Reading Royals vs. Elmira Jackals
Sovereign Center and Reading Eagle Theater 700 Penn Street Reading

 

Fri Jan 25, 2013
7:30pm Miranda Lambert & Dierks Bentley
Sovereign Center and Reading Eagle Theater 700 Penn Street Reading

Two titans of country music, Miranda Lambert and DierksBentley, will join forces in 2013 for the Locked & Reloaded Tour. Thetour bring a big dose of country heat to the bitter cold days ofwinter. "Making music for our fans is the best job in the world,   "Lambert declared in a statement. "It's especially great being able totake to that music on the road with someone I respect as an artist andhuman being. This will be a tour of 'epic bada-ery.'" That, we do notdoubt! Bring on the epic bada-ery. Her tourmate, Bentley, concurred,saying, "Some of my favorite times on tour over the years were withMiranda and her crew. We have a lot in common musically and our fans dotoo. It's going to be a killer year." Strap yourselves in, countrymusic fans, because Lambert and Bentley are going to work their tailsoff to ensure that they deliver the best night(s) of music theypossibly can, especially during the doldrums of winter. You now have something exciting to look forward to during the cold, drab season!


Sat Jan 26, 2013
7:05pm Reading Royals vs. Las Vegas Wranglers
Sovereign Center and Reading Eagle Theater 700 Penn Street Reading

 

Sun Jan 27, 2013
4:05pm Reading Royals vs. Las Vegas Wranglers
Sovereign Center and Reading Eagle Theater 700 Penn Street Reading

 

Wed Jan 30, 2013
7:05pm Reading Royals vs. Wheeling Nailers
Sovereign Center and Reading Eagle Theater 700 Penn Street Reading


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Reading Public Library

libraryThe Teen Department at

The Reading Public Library

100 South Fifth Street

 Reading, PA  19602 ~ 610-655-6350

 

 ~~TEEN RESOURCES~~  

  

  

BERKS TALK LINE


Reading Public Library has a Main library and three branches serving the Berks County community. For more information, log on to www.reading.lib.pa.us or call610-655-6365.

  
 
National Crime Prevention Picture
                                  WINTER DRIVING SAFETY  MCGRUFF
We Americans certainly depend heavily on our automobiles for pretty much everything we do. With this dependence comes some complacency or I should say a level of comfort that we get ourselves into when it comes to safety in our beloved vehicles. There are obvious things that most of us are more than likely prepared for such as dead batteries or a flat tire. And then there are those situations that will catch us off guard such as the crime of a carjacking or the theft of our vehicle or its contents. In this article we will be discussing tips and techniques for your winter driving safety as old man winter begins to tighten his grasp.

 

There are certain items you should ALWAYS have with you in your vehicle for winter driving emergencies such as jumper cables, lock de-ice, first aid kit, flashlight, road flares or emergency markers, shovel, sand, a plastic bag with toilet paper, extra cell phone battery or a pre-paid phone card, ice scraper, tire chains or cables, air compressor (just in case you forgot to check your spare tire), a bag with some winter clothing, a blanket, some water, washer fluid, coolant, tools, maybe some energy bars or other food items, etc.

 

I know it's a big list but by having a few of these simple everyday items you can make a roadside emergency bearable. There are many roadside emergency kits on the market today you can buy that have most of the items listed above and sometimes a lot more. These kits will run from $25.00 to over $100.00 in some cases and as anybody who has ever needed help in the middle of a snowstorm will tell you it's a small price to pay for some piece of mind. Personally I have always found that it is better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.

 

You may have to do some searching for some of these kits but a little work can go a long way. There is one item I particularly like, Stanley 500 AMP Battery Booster.  It is a self-contained battery pack with jumper cables120 PSI compressor for less than $100.00 available at  http://www.carsafetyproducts.com  This product will allow you to jump-start your car without the need of another vehicle, charge your cell phone or fill a flat tire. They also have other auto safety items that you will find useful for winter driving. You can also do a search for "roadside emergency kit" online and it will return a plethora choices for you. I recommend picking a kit that will adapt easily to the available space you have in your car and the amount and distance of winter driving you will be planning on doing. 

 

Also if you follow these simple tips below you will find your winter driving will not only be safer but an emergency will not be as traumatic as it could be.

  • Make sure someone knows where you're going and approximately what time you should arrive.
  • Stay on main roads and take the most direct route. Even though it is pretty outside winter is not the time to be exploring new roads.
  • Make sure your cell phone is fully charged or bring your car adapter.
  • If you must stop, remain inside your vehicle as much as possible and use a bright distress flag or hazard lights to draw attention to your vehicle. Stay with your vehicle! DO NOT WANDER OFF.
  • Ladies if you are traveling alone or even with friends and are stranded DO NOT get into another vehicle where you do not know the occupants. 
  • If you are trapped in a blizzard run your engine and heater for only 10 minutes every hour. Do not forget to open your windows slightly and in the event of a lot of snow accumulation clear the tailpipe of your vehicle.
  • During night hours, keep the dome light on or your emergency flashers so rescue crews or those looking for you will easily spot you. 
  • Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle.

By employing a little prevention you can make your winter driving safe and enjoyable. For more information visit the following link:  www.dot.state.pa.us 

WHEREVER YOU AREJUNK

 

Lock you valuables in the trunk or take them with you.  Don't tempt a thief by leaving your keys, cell phone, GPS unit, satelite radio, camera, sports bag, briefcase or purse in full view.  If you take your valuables, NO ONE ELSE CAN!!    

 

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Do you know any shopping, dining, happenings, or other inside information you think would be appropriate for the D.I.D. "Downtown Digest" or If you are a new business or would like to receive our electronic version of the "Downtown Digest/Downtown Happenings"  E-mail us at: info@downtownreading.com or please feel free to contact our office 610-376-6424email

 

 

Like us on Facebook   

 

 

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Ambassadors Scheduleambassadors
6:30 am - 11:00pm M-F 
10:00 am - 6:30 pm Sat

Times are subject to change according to scheduled events

If you need to report a non-emergency incident or to arrange for an escort, call the Ambassador's cell phone 484-955-0315

ALL EMERGECY'S DIAL
911
Quick Linksquicklinks

Berks Arts Council

  

Berks Community Television

 

 Berks Women in Crisis   

 

Fall Festival of the Arts 

 

Gallery Above Penn Square 

   

GoggleWorks Center for the Arts

 

Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce & Industry   

 

 Greater Reading Convention & Visitors Bureau  

 

Miller Center for the Arts 

 

Penn Corridor

 

Reading Eagle Theatre

 

 Reading Movies 11 & IMAX   

 

Reading Express Indoor Football

 

 Reading Public Library   

  

 Reading Royals Hockey 

     

 Sovereign Center    

 

Sovereign Performing Arts 

 

 Take a Ride  

 

The board of directors of the Reading Downtown Improvement District Authority will  be holding its public meeting on Monday, January 21st  @ Noon.  The meetings are held at the DID office, 645 Penn Street,
5th Floor.

 
DOWNTOWNDOWNTOWN LIVE 
bctv logo2

 

 

 

Our BCTV show airs the 2nd Thursday of every month (January 10th) at 6:00 pm.  It features interviews with restaurant owners, chefs and other business owners within the Downtown Improvement District and highlights upcoming events. The show is produced by Barbara Tarczynski and hosted by David Kersley.  The show can be viewed on Comcast Channel 2 and Service Electric Cablevision Channel 19.  

To view archived editions, click here 

 

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DOWNTOWN / MAIN STREET PROGRAM
Promotion & Marketing Meeting
marketing 
The Reading Downtown Improvement District Authority together with the Main Street Program conduct meetings to promote Downtown Reading.  These meeting take place on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:45 am.  The meetings are open to anyone interested in promoting downtown reading.  The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 15th  at the Outside In - 601 Penn Street, 2nd floor.
DOWNTOWN DININGdining
B&W wine image

4th & Penn Street Cafe Restaurant

(Formerly Batista) 

400 Penn Street   

610-478-4077  

 

6th Street Deli

34 N. 6th Street      

610-927-5423 

   
Aashiyana Indian Cuisine

16 S 4th Street      

610-736-0843

 

Abraham Lincoln Hotel

Like us on FaceBook  

100 N. Fifth Street

610-372-3700  

 

American Coffee House    

601 Penn Street

610-374-9385


American  Coffee House

450 Penn Street     

610-685-0802


Boston House 

950 Penn Street

610-373-8831


Café 631  

631 Washington Street 

610-685-5905

  

Callowhill Café 

134 N. 5th Street, 1st floor

610-736-0209

 

Crown Chicken 

533 Penn Street     

610-750-5957

 

Crystal Palace  

56 S 6th Street      

610-373-9174

 

DeCarlo's Bar & Grill 

240 Penn Street     

610-378-8121


Domino's Pizza   

310 Penn Street    

610-376-8501

 

Forest Inn 

904 Penn Street    

610-372-4421


Galley Restaurant

  154 N 6th Street    

610-374-7207


Golden Bowl  

  850 Penn Street    

610-371-8680

 

High Level

1034 Penn Street

610-743-5997


Hunan

334 Penn Street    

610-376-8088

 

    16 N 6th Street     

610-376-9901

 

Italian Village  

  46-48 N. 6th Street     

610-750-7416
484-706-6412

 

Judy's on Cherry

332 Cherry Street  

610-374-8511

 

L' Arte della Vita

Abraham Lincoln Hotel

100 N. 5th Street 

610-372-3700

 

Maria's Restaurant & Lounge  

408 Penn Street   

610-375-7922


Marvel Ranch  

359 Penn Street    

610-373-7141

 

Melody's Tavern

Abraham Lincoln Hotel 

100 N. 5th Street

610-372-3700  


Mezcal's 

150 N 6th Street  

610-685-5272


 Mi Casa Su Casa 

Like us on FaceBook

"Open Mic" 1st Saturday
 of the Month
320 Penn Street

610-375-1161

 

Off the Avenue Cafe Downtown

Like us on Facebook
50 N. Fifth St., 1st Fl
610-236-9600 

  

Outside In Restaurant & Bar

601 Penn Street, 2nd Fl

 610-478-1919

 

Panevino Italian Restaurant

Like us on FaceBook

25 N. Second Street

Suite 5

610-376-1101

 

 Pauline's Soups  

501 Penn Street    

610-375-6055

 

Peanut Bar 

332 Penn Street    

610-376-8500


Penn Street Tavern  

220 Penn Street    

610-208-0202


Philly Pretzel Factory 

500 Penn Street    

610-478-1790

 

Quiznos  

645 Penn Street    

610-288-3085


Russo Pizza  

527 Penn Street    

610-375-8030


Sandi's Salads  

401 Penn Street   

610-372-0166

 

Scalia's 

555 Penn Street   

610-373-7310

 

Speckled Hen

30 S 4th Street

610-685-8511

 

Subway 

549 Penn Street    

610-374-9290  

 

Tweety's Fried Chicken

62 South 6th Street

610-898-4101  

570-238-4633 

 

Ugly Oyster

21 S 5th Street 

       610-373-6791     

   

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