Cookbook author and TV chef Pati Jinich will lead a program Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. in the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts in Reading in a program presented by the Jewish Federation of Reading\/Berks. Jinich is a bestselling author and host of PBS\u2019 \u201cPati\u2019s Mexican Table.\u201d She will be sharing stories from her book \u201cFoods of La Frontera,\u201d exploring connections between food, family, culture and identity. Tickets are $36 and include a copy of the book.<\/p>\n
RSVP at readingjewishcommunity.org<\/a>, by emailing info@jfreading.org of calling 610-921-0624. Sponsorship opportunities are available.<\/p>\n The program is part of Literatour Berks, the federation\u2019s program that brings literary programming to the community.<\/p>\n \u2018How People Make Things\u2019<\/p>\n The exhibit \u201cHow People Make Things\u201d is on view at the Reading Public Museum through Jan. 10, linking familiar childhood objects to a process of manufacturing that combines people, ideas and technology. Inspired by the factory tour segments from \u201cMister Rogers\u2019 Neighborhood,\u201d it offers hands-on activities using real factory tools and machines to create objects. Learn more at readingpublicmuseum.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n Book signing<\/p>\n An autograph party will be held Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 4 at Friedens Lutheran Church, 537 N. Main St., Bernville, featuring local authors Paul and Kathy Miller. Copies of \u201cBlue Marsh and the Pleasant Valley-One Last Look\u201d and \u201cMemories of a Bygone Era-History of the South Mountain Resorts at Wernersville\u201d will be available for cash or check. The Bernville Heritage and Cultural Society will present a display of historical artifacts related to the area. Call 610-678-4219 to learn more.<\/p>\n YMCA open house<\/p>\n The YMCA of Reading and Berks County celebrates the grand opening of its new tennis and pickleball courts with an open house Oct. 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Sinking Spring YMCA, 4920 Penn Ave. Visit YMCArbc.org\/racquet-sports<\/a> or call 610-678-0484.<\/p>\n Spirit on Tap<\/p>\n Spirit on Tap presents \u201cMyths By Which We Live\u201d with Craig H. Bennett on Tuesday at 10 a.m. in Studio B, 39A E. Philadelphia Ave., Boyertown. The related Soul Cafe program presents \u201cThe Three Keys to Contentment\u201d with Marcia Rowe Oct. 20 at 9:30 a.m. in West Lawn United Methodist Church, 15 Woodside Ave.<\/p>\n \u2018Blue Mountain Killer\u2019<\/p>\n The Spring Township Library, 78 C Commerce Drive, Spring Ridge, presents \u201cBlue Mountain Killer: The Tale of Matthias Schaumboch\u201d on Oct. 27 at 6 p.m. Local author Joe Swope shares the story of a tavern owner in northern Berks County who is said to have killed and dismembered as many as 14 people, becoming the source of gruesome tales handed down through the generations.<\/p>\n Apple dumpling sale<\/p>\n The Fleetwood Grange Apple Dumpling Sale is set for Nov. 10, with pickup between 12:30 and 5:30 p.m., 2864 Moselem Springs Road. Dumplings are $4.50 each. Order deadline is Oct. 31. Call Eileen Schuler 484-793-2860.<\/p>\n Pig stomach sale<\/p>\n The Swamp Lutheran Church in Reinholds holds its annual Pig Stomach Fund Raiser Oct. 24 from 1 to 3 p.m. Cost is $39 each. Order in advance by calling 717-336-2849 by Oct. 16. Proceeds will go toward church kitchen improvements and maintenance. The church is at 275 Swamp Church Road.<\/p>\n Talk rescheduled<\/p>\n The World Affairs Council of Greater Reading is holding a luncheon Oct. 21 from 11:30 to 1:15 at Alvernia University\u2019s McGlinn Conference Center. It was rescheduled from Oct. 14. Elizabethtown College Professor Dr. Oya Dursun-Ozkanca will discuss Turkey. Pay by check or cash at the event. See wacreading.org<\/a> for details.<\/p>\n Basket raffle<\/p>\n St. John\u2019s Reformed Church, 4001 Penn Ave., Sinking Spring, will host a basket raffle Nov. 7 from 10 to 2. Food and baked goods will be for sale. Park behind the church or across the street at Penn Avenue and South Hull Street.<\/p>\n Book drive<\/p>\n Barnes & Noble at Broadcasting Square in Spring Township is teaming with Blandon-based Judith\u2019s Reading Room are teaming up for a book drive from Nov. 1 to Dec. 15. The goal is to fill \u201cbook deserts\u201d in low-income schools, libraries, bookmobiles and day care centers. Customers are invited to purchase an extra book or two to support the drive. Donations will support early literacy and reluctant reader initiatives as well as providing books for Lehigh Valley Hospital\u2019s Hackerman-Patz House for patients and their families.<\/p>\n