Reading community group to clean up playground

Michelle N. Lynch, Reading Eagle, Pa.
·3 min read

Apr. 8—The Reading Iron Community group will hold a playground cleanup at 11 a.m. Saturday.

Meet at Reading Iron Playground on Gilson Alley, between Laurel Street and Neversink Alley.

For more information visit the Community Cleanup Facebook page.

----Friends of Hopewell Furnace will present a virtual program, Hex Signs and Other Symbols Found on Barns, with barn expert and author Greg Huber of Lehigh County, 1 p.m. Sunday. No registration necessary.

From a computer, tablet or smartphone, click on the following link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89046478186?pwd=dTQ5bWU1eEVQc0lhMTR2dkx6bmJCZz09&fbclid=IwAR2Ti1Y9yjyN3xFHSJ_HwOIrS7YcfvyuZIT65VovIav4Pk-tb5tTKPvDvM0#success. Use meeting ID 890 4647 8186 and passcode 134065.

----One Love Project will hold its first city cleanup of the year.

Themed One Love, One City Spring Cleanup, the event will take place from noon to 4 p.m., April 18 in the area around the Third and Spruce Recreation Center, 320 S. Third St., Reading.

The nonprofit teamed with the LGBT Center of Greater Reading and Zoo Much Fun for the event.

"One Love Project considers it important to always join with other organizations to continue building a stronger Reading community," Javier A. Flores, public relations contact for the organization, said in a news release.

For more information email oneloveprjct@gmail.com or visit One Love on Instagram or Facebook.

----The Council on Chemical Abuse will present a free, virtual event, Party with Purpose: Don't make alcohol the focus of your party.

The Zoom event from 6 to 8 p.m., April 21, will feature fun and educational presentations, games and demonstrations on how to make delicious mocktails.

"We all know that the most important part of any party is friendship," Alicia Kline, prevention specialist for COCA, said in a news release. "Party with Purpose will provide you with all the information you need to host a fun event without alcohol, and to protect yourself and your guests if you choose to serve alcohol."

In addition to the games, the event will include presentations on alcohol policy, underage and binge drinking, party-planning ideas and tips on keeping guest safe when alcohol is served.

The first 50 registrants will be mailed a swag bag with gifts and information prior to the event. All attendees will have an opportunity to win prizes by participating in games, including a trivia contest.

Preregistration is required. For more information or to register, visit cocaberks.org/partypurpose.

----Registration is open for Girls on the Run of Berks County's virtual 5K fundraiser.

Themed Lace Up Power On, the event is planned as a celebration of the GOTR program and its resilience over the past year. The virtual 5k is open to the public, and all proceeds benefit GOTR.

Participants can complete the 5K on their own in the place of their choice from May 28-31.

"A virtual 5K can be a great way for families and friends to support the GOTR program while being active and having fun," Kirsten Haas, executive director, said. "For Spring, we added more registration options to help with fundraising, including a raffle, and we added a GOTR store as well."

A goal of $5,000 was set, Haas said, noting funds support scholarships for girls in the program.

The GOTR fitness and life skills program is open to girls in third through eighth grades in Berks and Schuylkill counties.

Those wishing to support GOTR without committing to the virtual 5k can choose the "donation only" option at registration, www.gotrberks.org.