Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility My Back to School Giveaway, Penn State Berks’ Graduation Ceremony for the Emerging Entrepreneurs Academy, and more...

My Back to School Giveaway, Penn State Berks’ Graduation Ceremony for the Emerging Entrepreneurs Academy, and more...

PA Representative Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz banner image

Dear Neighbor & Estimado Vecino, 

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For Spanish readers, please read the full Spanish-language version of this email?here. 

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I hope you are well. I would like to share important information about my ongoing work. As always, please feel free to reach out to my office for help with any state-related issues. And don't forget, to stay informed,?visit my official page. You also can check your?preferences?to make sure you're signed up for?my emails.? 

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Para los lectores en?español, lea una versión completa de este boletín electrónico?en su idioma?aquí.? 

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Espero que estén bien. Me gustaría compartir información importante sobre mi trabajo en curso. Y no olvides?visitar mi página oficial?para mantenerte informado.?También puede verificar sus?preferencias?para asegurarse de que está registrado para recibir mis correos electrónicos. 

 

 

Delivering for You in Harrisburg

 

New Grants Available

The state has a handy tool to help you search for grants. Visit this page to search for grants or visit my website for the most recent list of grant programs open for applications. 

 

 

PHMC Cultural & Historical Support Grants Open Now

The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission has opened applications for its 2025 Cultural and Historical Support Grants, aimed at strengthening museums and historical societies across the state. Eligible museums and county historical societies can apply for general operating support through the Commonwealth’s Single Application for Assistance portal. The deadline is Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, at midnight. Full details and guidelines are available on the PHMC website. As always, you can contact my office for assistance with any grant program or application process.    

 

 

In the District

 

Welcoming Berks County’s Newest U.S. Citizens

I had the honor of celebrating Berks County’s newest U.S. citizens during a naturalization ceremony at the Berks County Courthouse. The event was hosted by the Berks County Bar Association and the Law Foundation. Thank you for the invitation, and congratulations to our new U.S. citizens!

 

 

The Emerging Entrepreneurs Academy Shark Tank Presentations

Last week, the Emerging Entrepreneurs Academy hosted their Shark Tank presentations at Penn State Berks. I loved connecting with the students. I was able to share my entrepreneurial journey and offer words of encouragement for the Academy’s aspiring entrepreneurs. Shoot for the stars, Emerging Entrepreneurs!

 

Emerging Entrepreneurs Academy Graduation Ceremony

I also had the honor of attending the Emerging Entrepreneurs Academy's Graduation Ceremony at the Double Tree Hotel in Reading. Congratulations to the graduates of this invaluable Academy!

 

 

Reading National Night Out

The Reading Police Department hosted their annual National Night Out this week on the 400 and 500 blocks of Penn Street, featuring a DJ, food, and fun activities for the entire family. I had a wonderful time connecting with our community!

 

 

West Reading National Night Out

We also participated in the West Reading Police Department National Night Out this week at the West Reading Playground. There was good food, a water slide, train rides for kids, and more! I was grateful to join our community’s hometown heroes from the West Reading Police, West Reading Fire Department, Borough Public Works crew, and the paramedics. It was a great time spent with our local community.

 

 

Spring Township National Night Out

Our office was also present at the Spring Township Police Department National Night Out this week outside of the police station on Shillington Road. Community members were invited to meet the police officers and members of the Township Fire Department and Western Berks Ambulance. There was music, food, and fun for the entire family! Thank you to everyone who came out!

 

 

Sinking Spring and South Heidelberg Township National Night Out

Finally, we also had a presence at the Sinking Spring and South Heidelberg Township Police Departments National Night Out this week at the Sinking Spring Playground. There were food and games to host the community, allowing residents to connect with their neighbors and local first responders. It was a pleasure to attend everyone’s National Night Out, and an honor to see so many members of our communities come out with their families.

 

Upcoming Community Events

 

2nd Friday at the Rodeo

The WRCRF is hosting 2nd Friday at the Rodeo on Friday, August 8 from 6 PM – 8 PM at the Sons of Phelan at the 6th Avenue Main Stage on Penn Avenue in West Reading. There will be acoustic musicians, a mechanical bull, a petting zoo, and more!

 

 

Helping Harvest Food Bank RACC Mobile Market

Helping Harvest Food Bank is hosting a RACC Mobile Market on Saturday, August 9 from 11 AM – 1 PM at 2nd & Chestnut Streets Parking lot. This is a drive-thru distribution, please make room in your trunk for the food before arrival.

 

 

RiverZilla 2025

RiverZilla 2025 will be this Saturday, August 9 at Riverfront Park from 9 AM – 3 PM. RiverZilla is an event that brings together community to clean up Riverfront Park in Reading, hosting a series of fun outdoor activities to follow – kayaking, biking, food, and other outdoor fun! If you would like to register for this year’s RiverZilla or have any questions regarding the event, please reach out to Bethany Ayers-Fisher at bethany.ayers-fisher@readingpa.gov.

 

 

My Back to School Event

I am co-hosting a Back-to-School event from 12-2 PM on Saturday, August 16 with Reading City Councilor Chris Miller at the Barbey Playground, 200 Schuylkill Ave. in Reading. We will have a backpack and school supply giveaway while supplies last. The rain date for this event is Sunday, August 17. We look forward to seeing our students and families there!!   

 

 

My Back to School Giveaway

I am hosting my Back to School Giveaway on Friday, August 12 from 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM at West Lawn United Methodist Church at 15 Woodside Ave in West Lawn. My office is starting the school year off right for students in the 129th District – as students will receive a FREE bookbag while supplies last. We will also be providing information on state services, higher education, and college affordability. I look forward to seeing you there!

 

As always, my team and I are here to help you navigate state programs and services. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, concerns, or ideas. If you can't make it into my district office, you can visit one of my satellite offices! Find my office information below: 

  

Centro Hispano Casa Senior Center 

25 N. 2nd St., Reading, PA, 19601 

every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

  

Spring Township Municipal Building 

2850 Windmill Rd., Sinking Spring, PA, 19608 

1st and 3rd Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

  

100 N. Front St., Reading, PA, 19601 

1st and 3rd Monday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

  

Glenside/Hensler Homes O'Pake Community Center 

880 Avenue A, Reading, PA, 19601 

2nd and 4th Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

  

We also host D.A.V Services (Disabled American Veterans) in my office 

1111 Penn Ave., Wyomissing, PA 19610 

every other Monday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

 

 

Pennsylvania State Capitol

104-A East Wing Main Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 772-1858

District Office

1111 Penn Ave.
Wyomissing, PA 19610

(484) 577-2756