Home»Scenes of Celebration: Reading 275

My primary goal yesterday was to accumulate individual portraits for Mike Miller's and my giant Faces of Reading 275 Mural, but the individual Bicenterquasquigenary parties were so compelling that I was drawn to record some of the events: the World Affairs Council Breakfast at the DoubleTree and the formal proclamations in Reading gorgeous City Council Chambers. At once dignified, heartfelt, and meaningful, these ceremonies brought our diverse community together and built bridges to our Sister City Reutlingen, Germany and our "Mother City" Reading in the UK, both of whom sent charming and curious delegations to help mark the occasion. The celebration, led by Mayor Eddy Moran and Council President Donna Read, and deftly coordinated by Laura Reppert, put Reading and Berks County on their best behavior and demonstrated what strong local ties across international borders might accomplish.