YOUR DISTRICT 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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FUTURE D.I.D. EVENTS
Sponsor opportunities available for all upcoming events
 2013 Downtown Reading Treasure Hunt Saturday, May 4th  25th Annual MidDay Cafe Series Planning Stages:
Fall 2013 - Fall Festival at the Gateway Winter 2014 - Ice Festival
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DOWNTOWN EVENTS
Monday, April 1
April Fool's Day
Tuesday, April 2
6:00pm Kate Wirsing, Slam Poet
Miller Center for the Arts, 4 North Second Street, Reading, PA 19601
Thursday, April 4
Berks Got Talent
Miller Center for the Arts, 4 North Second Street, Reading, PA 19601
Friday, April 5
7:30pm Dianne Reeves and the RSO - Jazz Fest
Sovereign Performing Arts Center
RSO 100th Anniversary Celebration Dianne Reeves and the Reading Symphony Orchestra.
7:30pm Keiko Matsui - Berks Jazz Fest
Miller Center for the Arts, 4 North Second Street, Reading, PA 19601
Saturday, April 6
7:00pm Incognito ft Maysa - Jazz Fest
Sovereign Performing Arts Center
7:30pm Kurt Elling & the Kutztown University Jazz Ensemble - Berks Jazz Fest
Miller Center for the Arts, 4 North Second Street, Reading, PA 19601
Sunday, April 7
7:00pm Fourplay - Jazz Fest
Sovereign Performing Arts Center
7:30pm Arturo Sandoval - Berks Jazz Fest
Miller Center for the Arts, 4 North Second Street, Reading, PA 19601
Berks Jazz Fest Performance
Tuesday, April 9
8:00pm Brit Floyd
Sovereign Performing Arts
Having performed to over a half a million fans around the world since its first show in Liverpool, England in January 2011, The World's Greatest Pink Floyd Show, Brit Floyd, returns to the USA in February, March & April 2013 to present P-U-L-S-E 2013, The Pink Floyd Ultimate Light & Sound Experience, a stunning new three hour show featuring note-for-note performances of five full album sides, including 'Wish You Were Here', 'Animals', 'The Wall', 'The Division Bell', and, in celebration of the 40th anniversary, Pink Floyd's classic defining album, 'The Dark Side of The Moon'. Inspired by the record breaking 1994 'Division Bell' Tour and including the trademark Pink Floyd arch and circle light show, and brand new Floydian animation and projection, P-U-L-S-E 2013 will be Brit Floyd's biggest show yet. Musically perfect and visually awesome, the new show will recreate the legendary, enigmatic Pink Floyd in its many forms, from '60s psychedelic pop band to '80s stadium-straddling behemoth and the reunited dream-come-true of Live 8. Musical director, guitarist and vocalist Damian Darlington knows every detail, every nuance of every Floydian moment, and the band's execution of all Pink Floyd's greatest works will make each familiar track sound fresh and pristine. Solo projects aside, this is as close to Pink Floyd as you will now ever get.
Friday, April 12
11am - 2pm 2nd Annual "A Walk Through History"
Multiple properties within the Downtown Improvement District
Sample Reading's rich historical and architectural legacy. This self-guided walking tour takes you through the very heart of Reading from its founding in 1748 to the present. Sites will be identified during the tour with informational sandwich boards and balloons. They can be visited in any order, and most will be open both inside and out. Complimentary tour guide booklets will be available at the each site on the days of the tour or from the DID office in advance. The following properties are featured: 1) Pauline's Soups (State House), 501 Penn Street 2) Women's Christian Temperance Union Fountain 3) Stichter Hardware Building, 505 Penn Street 4) Hopewell Mennonite Church, 45 S. 6th Street 5) Berks County Courthouse, 615 Court Street 6) Trinity Lutheran Church, 527 Washington Street 7) Friends' Meetinghouse, 112 North Sixth Street 8) Sovereign Performing Arts Center (Rajah Theatre), 136 North Sixth Street 9) Women's Center for the Arts (Women's Club), 140 North Fifth Street 10) Abraham Lincoln Wyndham Historic Hotel, 100 North Fifth Street 11) Berkshire Building (Berkshire Hotel), 501 Washington Street 12) Baer Building, 527 Court Street 13) Christ Episcopal Church, 435 Court Street 14) Keystone "CNA" Courtyard, 434 Court Street through to 426 Penn Street
6:00pm Cocktails & Classics
RSVP for Cocktails and Classics
GoggleWorks in Reading
Cocktails & Classics will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Library's service to the community. The evening will feature food from local caterers and restaurants and music provided by the Seth Mellon Trio. Highlights will be both a silent and a live auction. The public is invited to attend.
7:30pm Cyrill Aimee & the Surreal Band - Berks Jazz Fest
Miller Center for the Arts, 4 North Second Street, Reading, PA 19601
Saturday, April 13
11am - 3pm 2nd Annual "A Walk Through History"
Multiple properties within the Downtown Improvement District
Sample Reading's rich historical and architectural legacy. This self-guided walking tour takes you through the very heart of Reading from its founding in 1748 to the present. Sites will be identified during the tour with informational sandwich boards and balloons. They can be visited in any order, and most will be open both inside and out. Complimentary tour guide booklets will be available at the each site on the days of the tour or from the DID office in advance. The following properties are featured: 1) Pauline's Soups (State House), 501 Penn Street 2) Women's Christian Temperance Union Fountain 3) Stichter Hardware Building, 505 Penn Street 4) Hopewell Mennonite Church, 45 S. 6th Street 5) Berks County Courthouse, 615 Court Street 6) Trinity Lutheran Church, 527 Washington Street 7) Friends' Meetinghouse, 112 North Sixth Street 8) Sovereign Performing Arts Center (Rajah Theatre), 136 North Sixth Street 9) Women's Center for the Arts (Women's Club), 140 North Fifth Street 10) Abraham Lincoln Wyndham Historic Hotel, 100 North Fifth Street 11) Berkshire Building (Berkshire Hotel), 501 Washington Street 12) Baer Building, 527 Court Street 13) Christ Episcopal Church, 435 Court Street 14) Keystone "CNA" Courtyard, 434 Court Street through to 426 Penn Street
7:30pm David Benoit, Chuck Loeb, Brian Bromberg, Eric Marienthal, with the Reading Pops - Berks Jazz Fest
Miller Center for the Arts, 4 North Second Street, Reading, PA 19601
Sunday, April 14
7:30pm David Benoit, Chuck Loeb, Brian Bromberg, Eric Marienthal, with the Reading Pops - Berks Jazz Fest
Miller Center for the Arts, 4 North Second Street, Reading, PA 19601
Monday, April 15
Tax Day
6:00pm Dinner Prior to Fiddler on the Roof
Sovereign Performing Arts Center
Tossed Salad Fresh Fruit Salad Beef Stroganoff Potato Crusted Cod w/ Dijon Sauce Parsley Buttered Noodles Green Beans Almondine Dinner Rolls Assorted Cheesecake Coffee, Tea, Iced Tea & Water Cash Bar Available
Location : 2nd Floor Ballroom
7:30pm Fiddler on the Roof
Sovereign Performing Arts
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, the Tony Award® winning musical that has captured the hearts of people all over the world with its universal appeal, embarks on its North American Tour. Based on the stories of Sholom Aleichem, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF has been lauded by critics again and again, and won the hearts of people all around the world. Filled with a rousing, heartwarming score, which includes "Tradition," "Matchmaker, Matchmaker," "If I Were A Rich Man" and "Sunrise, Sunset," FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is a timeless classic. No other musical has so magically woven music, dance, poignancy and laughter into such an electrifying and unforgettable experience. Relive a glorious tradition of the musical theatre with FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. Group discounts are available. For additional information, to be placed on our group sales mailing list, or to purchase group tickets, please contact Tammy Bateman at 610-898-7229 or tbateman@sovereigncenter.com. Event Sponsor(s) Weidenhammer
Tuesday, April 16
6:00pm Film and Discussion: To Kill a Mockingbird, Alvernia University
Miller Center for the Arts, 4 North Second Street, Reading, PA 19601
Free and open to the public.
Friday, April 19
1:00pm Adventures in Fiji, Rick Howard, Miller Center Illustrated Lecture Series
Miller Center for the Arts, 4 North Second Street, Reading, PA 19601
7:30pm Adventures in Fiji, Rick Howard, Miller Center Illustrated Lecture Series
Miller Center for the Arts, 4 North Second Street, Reading, PA 19601
Saturday, April 20
8:00pm Berks Ballet Theatre
Miller Center for the Arts, 4 North Second Street, Reading, PA 19601
8:00pm 2012-2013 Reading Symphony Orchestra #5
Sovereign Performing Arts Center
Midori, Violin
Delius-The Walk to the Paradise Garden
Brahms-Violin Concerto
Mendelssohn-Scottish Symphony No. 3
Monday, April 22
Earth Day
2:00pm Film & Discussion: Gasland, RACC Environmental Studies
Miller Center for the Arts, 4 North Second Street, Reading, PA 19601
Free and open to the public.
Tuesday, April 23
7:30pm Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet Band
Sovereign Center
Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band will return to the road this spring for the first leg of their Rock And Roll Never Forgets 2013 Tour. Seger has written and recorded many timeless classics through his career including Turn The Page, Night Moves, Mainstreet, Against The Wind, Hollywood Nights, Like A Rock, Rock And Roll Never Forgets, We've Got Tonight, Old Time Rock And Roll, Her Strut, You'll Accomp'ny Me, Travelin Man/Beautiful Loser, and Katmandu. Seger, a Rock And Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, has sold over 52 million records in the U.S. including 11 platinum and seven multi-platinum RIAA-certified album awards.
Friday, April 26
7:30pm ETHEL String Quartet with Robert Maribal, Miller Center Downtown Performing Arts Series
Miller Center for the Arts, 4 North Second Street, Reading, PA 19601
8:00pm Joan Rivers
Sovereign Performing Arts
My Life in Show Business: 135 Years and Counting In a new speaking tour, comedian, TV host, CEO, and icon of American culture, Joan Rivers will give audiences a frank, touching and hilarious look at her life and the challenges she has met during almost 50 years in show business. At an age when many entertainers are rendered irrelevant by trends or tabloid scrutiny, Rivers continues to beat the odds and is enjoying more success than ever. Joan Rivers is a bestselling author, Emmy Award-winning talk show host, Tony-nominated actress, Celebrity Apprentice winner and a host of E!'s Fashion Police. She is a writer, director, and savvy businesswoman who has overcome great odds to reinvent herself and her career time and time again. Her newest book, I Hate Everyone... Starting With Me, was released in 2012. Share an intimate evening with the legendary Joan Rivers.
Saturday, April 27
8:00pm Jason Hawes and Steve Gonsalves from Ghost Hunters
Sovereign Performing Arts Center
Join Jason Hawes and Steve Gonsalves - listen to them talk about their scariest experiences, see unreleased footage from the show, and ask them questions about themselves or perhaps a ghostly experience of your own! Contact between humans and spirits from the afterlife is not as farfetched as is it seems. Jason Hawes, Steve Gonsalves and their team have worked to track down the presence of paranormals across the country. Learn their methods for tracking the paranormal! Plus, participate in a special live Q&A with the T.A.P.S. Team
8:00pm The BRENTANO STRING QUARTET
The WCR Center for the Arts, 140 N. Fifth St., Reading
Sunday, April 28
2:30pm The BRENTANO STRING QUARTET
Sanctuary of Trinity Lutheran Church, 527 Washington St., Reading
7:30pm Tedeschi Trucks Band
Sovereign Performing Arts Center
Support Act: Jaime Woods Tedeschi Trucks Band, the 11-piece ensemble led by husband-wife team Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi, have proven themselves one of the hottest, most uplifting acts on the road today. Formed in 2010 when Derek and Susan decided to set aside their successful solo careers and join forces, Tedeschi Trucks Band has since been touring the globe - and accruing fans and accolades in the process. Fronted by Trucks' signature slide-guitar sound and Tedeschi's pliant, honey-to-husky voice, TTB -- as their fans know them -- delivers a hearty roots-rich musical mix with the power to renew faith in live music. Their joyful, spontaneous energy, and overflowing musical talent, have helped Tedeschi Trucks Band reach pinnacles of accomplishment that most bands spend a career trying to reach.
Tuesday, April 30
6:30pm Sesame Street Live! Elmo's Super Heroes
Sovereign Performing Arts
Calling all super heroes! Super Grover has lost his super-ness! Never fear, the fabulous five Super Heroes are here -- featuring Elmo as Captain Fuzzy! Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Zoe and all their furry friends are on a quest to put the "super" back in Super Grover. Singing and dancing their way through fun lessons on healthy habits, they discover how exercise, rest, nutritious food and good hygiene can save Super Grover -- and turn your children into Super Heroes, too! You'll be feeling good when Elmo's Super Heroes! Come to town!
Sunday, May 5
Cinco de Mayo
Olivet Boys and Girls Club Kiss A Pick Fundraising event
Riverfront Park
The event will be held at Riverfront Park opposite the Penske downtown Reading District on Riverfront Drive and we are expecting upwards of 1000 attendees. The event will consist of performances by Reading High School dance troupe, Olivet Boys and Girls Club Artistic Group performances, anticipating a live radio broadcast all culminating in a Guinness World Record attempt to break the record for gathering of most Abba impersonators. We have a live full Abba impersonator band coming from New York City to play for the venue. Event Flyer
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The Teen Department at
The Reading Public Library
100 South Fifth Street
Reading, PA 19602 ~ 610-655-6350
~~TEEN RESOURCES~~
Click on the topic for more information
BERKS TALK LINEReading 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 call 610-655-6365.
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TIPS ON PUMPING GAS
I don't know what you guys are paying for gasoline.... but here in California we are paying up to $3.75 to $4.10 per gallon. My line of work is in petroleum for about 31 years now, so here are some tricks to get more of your money's worth for every gallon:
Only buy or fill up your car or truck in the early morning when the ground temperature is still cold. Remember that all service stations have their storage tanks buried below ground. The colder the ground the more dense the gasoline, when it gets warmer gasoline expands, so buying in the afternoon or in the evening....your gallon is not exactly a gallon. In the petroleum business, the specific gravity and the temperature of the gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, ethanol and other petroleum products plays an important role. A 1-degree rise in temperature is a big deal for this business. But the service stations do not have temperature compensation at the pumps.
When you're filling up do not squeeze the trigger of the nozzle to a fast mode If you look you will see that the trigger has three (3) stages: low, middle, and high. You should be pumping on low mode, thereby minimizing the vapors that are created while you are pumping. All hoses at the pump have a vapor return. If you are pumping on the fast rate, some of the liquid that goes to your tank becomes vapor. Those vapors are being sucked up and back into the underground storage tank so you're getting less worth for your money.
One of the most important tips is to fill up when your gas tank is HALF FULL. The reason for this is the more gas you have in your tank the less air occupying its empty space. Gasoline evaporates faster than you can imagine. Gasoline storage tanks have an internal floating roof. This roof serves as zero clearance between the gas and the atmosphere, so it minimizes the evaporation. Unlike service stations, here where I work, every truck that we load is temperature compensated so that every gallon is actually the exact amount.
Another reminder, if there is a gasoline truck pumping into the storage tanks when you stop to buy gas, DO NOT fill up; most likely the gasoline is being stirred up as the gas is being delivered, and you might pick up some of the dirt that normally settles on the bottom.
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WHEREVER YOU ARE
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 610-376-6424
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Ambassadors Schedule
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
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IN THE NEWS
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The board of directors of the Reading Downtown Improvement District Authority will be holding its public meeting on Monday, April 22nd @ Noon. The meetings are held at the DID office, 645 Penn Street,
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DOWNTOWN LIVE
"Reading has Entertainment for Everyone"
"Friends of Chamber Music"
Live Interview with Dr. Thomas Souders, Manager, Friends of Chamber Music of Reading.
"BCTV Dance Party Telethon"
Live Interview with Mike Zerkowski (aka M Z Hammer)
Local DJ and entertainer
"Play Ball with the Fightin Phils"
Live Interview with Eric Scarcella, Director of Public and Media Relations, Reading Fightin Phils
Hosted by David Kersley & Karen Haver. Our BCTV show airs the 2nd Thursday of every month 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 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
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 forTuesday, March 19th at the Outside In - 601 Penn Street, 2nd floor.
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DOWNTOWN DINING
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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
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
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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