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Reading, PA As you stand in the middle of Reading, (pronounced Redding) Pennsylvania it’s hard to believe that in a short three hours by car you could be in Washington, DC. In two and ½ hours the mighty city of New York, or in just over an hour the birthplace of American Government, Philadelphia. Standing in Reading one feels like you have stepped backward into time. Perhaps it’s the horse-drawn wagons of the Pennsylvania “Dutch” or Amish people. The covered bridges that dot the landscape in and around the county, or the fact that this small city nestled in the farmland has existed since 1730 and many of the original buildings still stand today. Reading is a city that takes pride in its heritage and it’s German, Polish, Irish, and Italian and Ukraine roots. Even today, it’s not uncommon to find these languages spoken on the street and mixing freely with English. Readings’ history as a major industrial center during the early part of the twentieth century has not been forgotten. The Philadelphia and Reading Railroad was incorporated in 1833 and would eventually become one of the largest rail systems in the Nation. A visit to the Railroad museum will open your eyes to the sweat and tears it took to build this country. Over time however the cities industrial heritage declined and Reading soon became a “commuter” city, with its inhabitants working in Philadelphia or other nearby city and living in Reading. There is always something to do in the city and surrounding Berks County however. The cities’ Sovereign Center (www.sovereigncenter.com) is the venue for concerts, symphonies and art and theater shows. The Sovereign Center also serves as the convention center and home for the local ice hockey team. Another local favorite is the Ringgold band (www.ringgoldband.com), formed in 1852 and once was conducted by renowned march Composer John Phillip Sousa. His last performance ever was of the “Stars and Stripes Forever” performed by the Ringgold band. Old chestnuts and marches to modern symphonic pieces are all within this famous group’s reach. Berks County is well known for its Amish and Mennonite population. The Amish and Mennonites are a religious sect that stress humility, family, community and living separate from the world. Their craftsmanship in furniture, quilts, food and other goods is well known. The term “Pennsylvania Dutch” is often applied to this group but is in fact a misnomer. The term has little to do with the Netherlands and is in fact a variation of the word “Deutsche”, or German. To learn more about the Amish I recommend visiting the Reading Museum or visit them on-line at www.800padutch.com/amish.shtml. Yes, even the Amish have a website today! Traveling by car around the area one can see many examples of their lifestyle and customs. As you travel be sure to stop at one of the many romantic covered bridges in the area. The covered bridges are sometimes called “kissing bridges” for reasons I’ll let you decided. All though not as well known as California or France, Pennsylvania wines are all reasonably priced and surprisingly good. Various vineyards will give wine tasting and tours. Please contact the Reading and Berks County Visitor Center at 800 – 443 – 6610 for more info or visit the website at www.readingberkspa.com [L=www.readingrage.com]Reading Rage[EL] Part of the third division, or Premiere Soccer League, the Rage has existed since 1996. They are one of the more successful teams in the PSL, always being a playoff contender although they have yet to capture the brass ring of a championship. The Rage were also named the Pro League Organization of the year in 1996, the highest honor a USL club could attain at that time. The Rage also has an official mascot Toro the Bull. The Rage roster usually is blessed with a distinct international flavor. Theyv'e had players on their roster originally from England, Ireland, Poland, Brazil, Nigeria, and Bosnia in their history. They also tend to have a strong group of local homegrown talents with strong ties to the area. In 2000, Archie Moylan, the founder of the Rage passed away. This lead to the USL establishing the Archie Moylan Award to recognize a member of the USL family that has shown great courage or dedicated humanitarianism. Ray Buss Field Grass pitch with the following dimensions: 120 x 70 yards Capacity: 3000 Colors: Red, Black, and White Directions: Tickets: Can be obtained at the gate on match day, by visiting their website at [L=www.readingrage.com]www.readingrage.com[EL], or calling the office at (610) 375–4405. Rage ticket prices are $6 for adult and $4 for children 12 & under. Refreshments: The usual stadium fare of soft drinks, candy, popcorn and such can be found at the refreshment stands found underneath the stands. The stadium is a smoke and alcohol free environment. Merchandise: T-shirts, replica jerseys and other Rage Merchandise can be purchased at the game in the concourse area. Starting in the 2003 season the team hopes to have merchandise available on their website, www.readingrage.com. Media: The official Team website is at www.readingrage.com and is updated regularly during the season only. Print coverage is sparse and is normally found in the [L=www.readingeagle.com]Reading Eagle[EL] or the [L=www.berkscountynews.com/sports]Berks County news[EL]. The local TV stations sometimes broadcast post-game highlights. Fan Culture: Being one of the more successful Division three teams in the league one would expect the Rage to have an active fan club and cheering section. Sadly nothing seems to exist on an organized basis. The fan base in largely family with children and friends of the players. All and all it’s a nice night out under the stars to catch a football game. Around Town Restaurants The Inn at Reading [L=www.alpenhofonline.com]Alpenhof Restaurant[EL] Sheraton Reading |