Reading Hospital Rehabilitation at Wyomissing will host its inaugural Rise & Stride 1.2-mile walk on April 26 at Alvernia University to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease. Check-in begins at 9 a.m., and the walk starts at 10 at the Alvernia PLEX, 465 St. Bernardine St., Reading.
The event will bring together individuals, families, health care providers and local businesses in support of those affected by Parkinson’s disease. Funds raised will benefit Parkinson’s disease programming at the rehabilitation center, helping expand access to vital therapies, resources and support services for individuals living with the condition.
Registration is required, and the cost is $30 per participant. Day-of registrations will be accepted online only; cash payments will not be accepted. To register, visit TowerHealth.org/Rise.
Unions and higher ed
The Wyomissing Public Library is hosting a program exploring whether or not unions belong in colleges and universities. It is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday at the library, 9 Reading Blvd. Admission is free.
The presenter is Dr. John Schultz, a scholar of labor organizing and an associate professor at Peirce-Lackawanna College. His presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer period and refreshments.
‘Rachel’s Mandolin’
The Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks presents “Rachel’s Mandolin,” a concert for Holocaust Remembrance Day on Thursday at 7 p.m. in the WCR Center for the Arts. 140 N. Fifth St. Reading.
The program features mandolin and classical guitar music with Duo Mantar. It focuses on the story of Rachela Zelmanowicz-Olewski, a Jewish mandolin player from Poland who, as a young woman, played in the Auschwitz women’s orchestra. Hers a story of heroic survival in Auschwitz through the power of music. She was liberated in Bergen-Belsen and raised a family in Israel until she passed away in 1987.
Purchase tickets at www.readingjewishcommunity.org/.
Brunch program
Advent Lutheran Church’s Men’s Group is hosting a “Brunch After Worship” on Sunday at 11:15 a.m. at the church, 16 Telford Ave., West Lawn. Tower Health chaplain and author David White will discuss “The Science and Spirituality of Near Death Experiences.” Brunch will be provided and a free-will offering will be taken. Those planning to attend the brunch are asked to RSVP to George Freestone at freestga@gmail.com.
Spiritual journeys
Soul Cafe presents a program on spiritual journeys moderated by retired journalist Bruce Posten April 21 at 9:30 a.m. in West Lawn United Methodist Church, 15 Woodside Ave. Participants are invited to share their experiences and perspectives.
Quilting workshop
A quilting workshop will be held April 26 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Daniel Boone Homestead in Exeter Township. It will be led by the Hopewell Quilters. Participants will make a potholder. The cost for the workshop is $20 for Daniel Boone Homestead Associates members and $25 for non-members. Fabric and supplies will be provided.
The workshop is open to participants 16 and older. All skill levels are welcome. Space is limited to 15 participants. For more information or to register, email thedanielboonehomestead@gmail.com or call 610-582-4900. The deadline is April 16.
The workshop will be held in the DeTurk Education Center at the homestead.
History talk
The Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley is hosting a program on Rocky Springs Park April 22 at 7 p.m. at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 167 E Main St., Ephrata. Historian Cory Van Broohoven will be the speaker. The program is free. Parking lot and entrance in the rear alley. For more information, visit www.cocalicovalleyhs.org or call 717-733-1616.
Earth Day
The Wyomissing Earth Day Fair and Farmers Market takes place April 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Happy Hollow Playground. There will be local vendors, fresh goods and educational stations covering everything from recycling and water filtration to sustainability tips. It’s interactive, informative, and designed with families in mind.
On April 26, adults and kids 8 and older, can roll up their sleeves for a Macroinvertebrate Study in Wyomissing Creek. The weekend ends with sunset yoga In the Meadow session in the Parklands for people 12 and older.
Spirit on Tap
Spirit on Tap presents a discussion on the afterlife in Hebrew-Greek Scriptures led by Dr. Harry L. Serio on April 28 at 7 p.m. in Calvary United Church of Christ, 640 Centre Ave., Reading.
Craft show
More than 40 juried fine artists and craftsmen from the Reading-Berks Guild of Craftsmen will be at Renninger’s Farmers’ Market, 740 Noble St., Kutztown, on May 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free, and the event takes place rain or shine. Learn more at rbcrafts.org.
Book sale
The Friends of the Sinking Spring Library are having a book sale May 15 and 16 on the lower level of the library, 3940 Penn Ave. Hours are Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday from 9 to 2. Selection includes hardback and paperback books, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, records and puzzles. Cash and checks only.
Submit items to news@readingeagle.com.