The Reading Post

In-Person Early Voting at Town Hall
2025-04-03 07:30 - 17:30, 2025-04-02 07:30 - 17:30, 2025-04-01 07:30 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Annual Town Election Day is Tuesday, April 8th. All precincts vote at Reading Memorial High School Field House, 62 Oakland Road. Polls will be open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm.
In-Person Early Voting will take place at Town Hall for all precincts on the following dates:

Saturday – March 29 – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Monday – March 31 – 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Tuesday – April 1 – 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM
Wednesday – April 2 – 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Thursday – April 3 – 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM

PLEASE NOTE: All Mail-In and Absentee Ballots must be received at the Town Clerk’s Office by 8:00 pm on Tuesday, April 8th, 2025.
To learn more about go to https://www.readingma.gov/254/ElectionsAdditional Info…

Joint Community Forums: Killam School & Reading Center for Active Living
2025-04-02 19:00 | RMHS Performing Arts Center, 62 Oakland Road, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Join town officials and project leaders as they come together to host two joint forums on the projects coming before the community this Spring: The Killam School Building Project and the Reading Center for Active Living (ReCAL) project.
The first forum will be held in-person on Wednesday, April 2 at 7pm at the RMHS Performing Arts Center. The second forum will be held virtually on Zoom on Wednesday April 16 at 7pm.
Both forums will cover the Killam School and ReCAL projects and the anticipated financial impact for residents.
See additional information about both projects here: https://www.readingma.gov/963/Improving-Reading.

In-Person Early Voting at Town Hall
2025-03-31 09:00 - 17:00 | MA
Reading, MA — Annual Town Election Day is Tuesday, April 8th. All precincts vote at Reading Memorial High School Field House, 62 Oakland Road. Polls will be open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm.
In-Person Early Voting will take place at Town Hall for all precincts on the following dates:

Saturday – March 29 – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Monday – March 31 – 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Tuesday – April 1 – 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM
Wednesday – April 2 – 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Thursday – April 3 – 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM

PLEASE NOTE: All Mail-In and Absentee Ballots must be received at the Town Clerk’s Office by 8:00 pm on Tuesday, April 8th, 2025.
To learn more about go to https://www.readingma.gov/254/ElectionsAdditional Info…

Tribute Concert and Hymn Sing
2025-03-30 16:00 | MA
Come hear wonderful solo and choir performances, interspersed with your favorite hymns — at our 10th Tribute Concert and Hymn Sing! We will feature local talent, New England Conservatory and Berklee College of Music graduates, and our brass ensemble, handbell choir and the Tribute Concert choir. It promises to be an uplifting afternoon of music.
Funds are raised in advance of the concert to support the work of Old South and the United Methodist Church, which seeks to make this world a better place. The concert is free (no tickets!) but there is a goodwill offering, if people feel inclined to give. Mostly, Old South wants to fill the sanctuary with people and great music, so please come join us! Old South is located at the top of Reading Square, 6 Salem St. https://www.oldsouthumc.org/
There will be a reception following the concert, too!

Reading Public Library Hosts Free Earth Month Event on Food and Climate Change
2025-03-27 19:00 - 20:00 | Reading Public Library, 64 Middlesex Avenue, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Join Us to Usher in Earth Month with a Free Speaker Presentation and Vegan Refreshments!
Reading, MA – The Boston Vegetarian Society (BVS), in collaboration with the Reading Public Library, invites the community to an enlightening and inspiring event on the role of plant-based diets in addressing climate change. The free presentation, Food and Climate Change: How We Can Be Part of the Solution, will take place on Thursday, March 27, 2025, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Reading Public Library.

As Earth Month approaches, this program will explore the significant impact of food choices on the environment and how individuals can contribute to a more sustainable future. The event will feature David Havelick, a Board Member of the Boston Vegetarian Society and an Associate Director at Harvard University’s Office for Sustainability. David, who has been vegan since 2008, is passionate about the ethical, environmental, and health benefits of a plant-based lifestyle. He also plays a key role in organizing the renowned Boston Veg Food Fest.
Following the presentation and an interactive Q&A session, attendees will be treated to delicious, planet-friendly (vegan!) refreshments.
Event Details:

What: Food and Climate Change: How We Can Be Part of the Solution
When: Thursday, March 27, 2025 | 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Where: Reading Public Library, 64 Middlesex Ave., Reading, MA 01867
Cost: Free and open to the public

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how small changes in our daily food choices can make a big difference for our planet. Whether you’re curious about plant-based eating or already on your journey, this event will provide valuable insights and inspiration.
For more information, please contact the Reading Public Library at 781-944-0840 or register here https://readingpl.libnet.info/event/12989597

Democratic and Republican Town Committees Candidate Forum
2025-03-26 18:00 | Reading Public Library, 64 Middlesex Avenue, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Reading, MA — The Reading Democratic (RDTC) and Republican Town (RRTC) Committees are proud to announce they are partnering to co-host the official Reading Candidate Forum! Previously organized by RCTV, the move to a smaller office has made hosting this year’s forum challenging. However, the two political town committees have come together to fill the gap.
RRTC Chair Eric Bergstrom said, “We are excited to share this with the community. It’s a great opportunity for our committees to come together and preserve this important event.” RDTC Chair Vanessa Alvarado added, “RCTV has done an exceptional job hosting this event. The forum allows residents to meet candidates and learn where they stand on important issues. I’m so glad all the candidates agreed to participate in this non-partisan event.”
The forum will be next Wednesday, March 26, with the Select Board forum at 6pm and the School Committee at 7:30pm. It will be held at the Reading Public Library and will be recorded and aired by RCTV (Comcast Ch. 9, Verizon Ch. 31, and YouTube). Be sure to tune in!

Quannapowitt Players Present “Don Quixote De La Center”
2025-03-21 - 2025-04-05 | MA
Quannapowitt Players Presents David Barefords’ “Don Quixote De La Center” March 21st – April 5th!
It’s Halloween at a group home for senior citizens in the rural town of La Center, Washington. Donald Quintero, an aging resident with dementia, is dressed in an improvised suit of armor for a Halloween party. He embodies a knight from the olden days, seeing the world around him as a land of castles, giants, fair ladies, and evil sorcerers. Initially, his behavior is harmless and even therapeutic for the other residents, and the staff goes along with Don’s fantasy, much to the concern of his practical-minded son, Sam. However, Don’s delusions of knightly valor start causing unintentional harm, such as engaging in wheelchair jousts against imaginary giants and battling non-existent foes. This leaves us pondering whether the remaining fragments of Donald Quintero’s identity are genuinely better than the fantasy of Don Quixote.
Content warnings: the play has references to dementia and loss.
Directed by Eric Roberts, and featuring Shawn Maguire, Jon Nuquist, Becky Ruccio, Linda Burtt, Phyllis Uloth, Victor Brandalise, Tofer Carlson, Allison Rollings, Ken Tucci, and Samantha Moon, “Don Quixote De La Center” will open March 21st and run through April 5th.
Single tickets are $25, $23 for Seniors/Students, and can be purchased online at qptheater.com/box-office/. Or for reservations call the QP Box Office at (781) 942-2212. Checks and cash are accepted at performances, as well as Credit Cards for a small fee. Friday and Saturday performances are at 8PM. Sunday performances are at 2PM.

Parker Middle School Drama Club Presents Curtains the Musical
2025-03-08 14:00, 2025-03-07 19:00, 2025-03-06 18:30 | MA
CURTAINS THE MUSICAL is playing at Reading Memorial High School on March 6th at 6:30 pm, March 7th at 7 pm, and March 8th at 2 pm. The show, put on by the Parker Middle School Drama Club, is a musical comedy about a murder mystery that takes place backstage at a 1959 Boston theater. The Parker Drama Club cast and crew are led by director Stephen MacDonald, musical director Jennifer DiMuzio, and choreographer Nancy Katz. All performances of CURTAINS THE MUSICAL are open to the general public at RMHS Performing Arts Center. Admission is $15 per adult and $12 per student/senior. Purchase tickets at https://cur8.com/19736/project/129934

Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce Winterfest
2025-03-06 17:00 - 20:00 | MA
Winterfest is back! Join us on Thursday, March 6 from 5 – 8 PM in Reading Square for this outdoor festival
Reading, MA — What is Winterfest? Winterfest is the annual outdoor celebration of downtown Reading. Established in 2022 by the Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce. It was created to bring the community together in a family-friendly environment as the coldest days of winter start to fade.
This year, there will be fire tables and s’mores, music, local food and beer vendors, lit ice sculptures, and more. Stroll the downtown, pop into stores and restaurants, and make memories.
Sponsorship reservations are now being accepted.

Parker Middle School Drama Club Presents Curtains the Musical
2025-03-06 - 2025-03-08 | RMHS Performing Arts Center, 62 Oakland Road, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
At the Reading Memorial High School Performing Arts Center

Reading, MA — CURTAINS THE MUSICAL is playing at Reading Memorial High School on March 6th at 6:30 pm, March 7th at 7 pm, and March 8th at 2 pm. The show, put on by the Parker Middle School Drama Club, is a musical comedy about a murder mystery that takes place backstage at a 1959 Boston theater. The Parker Drama Club cast and crew are led by director Stephen MacDonald, musical director Jennifer DiMuzio, and choreographer Nancy Katz. All performances of CURTAINS THE MUSICAL are open to the general public at RMHS Performing Arts Center. Admission is $15 per adult and $12 per student/senior. Purchase tickets at https://cur8.com/19736/project/129934 or scan this QR code for ticket site:

Holocaust Survivor to Share Her Story in Reading
2025-03-03 19:00 | RMHS Performing Arts Center, 62 Oakland Road, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
On March 3, 2025, Reading will bear witness to history as 97-year-old Auschwitz survivor Helga Melmed shares her harrowing story of survival and resilience. Hosted by Chabad of Wakefield, the event will take place at the Reading Memorial High School and is open to the community.
Melmed was just five years old when her schoolteacher in Berlin called her a “dirty Jew” and beat her hands. She was ten when Kristallnacht shattered Jewish homes and businesses. By thirteen, she was deported with her parents to the Lodz Ghetto, where starvation and forced labor claimed her father’s life. She was later sent to Auschwitz, then to brutal labor camps near Hamburg, and finally endured a death march to Bergen-Belsen. Weighing just 46 pounds, riddled with typhus, typhoid fever, and tuberculosis, she was barely conscious when the British liberated the camp on April 15, 1945.

Reading PorchFest – Save the Date
2025-03-01 08:00 - 17:00 | MA
The Reading PorchFest Committee announces that this year’s edition of the popular music festival is set for Saturday, June 28. As always, the event runs from noon to 6 pm.
It features music of all genres on porches, driveways, and yards throughout the town, and it’s completely free. Organizers, musicians, and hosts are all volunteers.
To participate as a musician, a host, or maybe both, check out ReadingPorchfest.com for all the information needed to get involved. Official registration will open on Saturday, March 1.
Those hoping to be spectators that day will find a comprehensive schedule and a map at the site as the date of the festival nears. Also appearing as the schedule shapes up will be a gallery of artists and music samples. To take in all the talent, one needs just to walk or ride from venue to venue to hear many types of music.
Costs for the event are partially paid for by the Reading Cultural Council.
Reading PorchFest began as part of the town’s 375th anniversary celebration in 2019, and has continued as an annual event, set each year on the fourth Saturday of June. It has grown with each edition, and early signs point to this being the biggest year yet.
Again, that’s Saturday, June 28. Put it on your calendar right now, before you forget.

Registration Open for RCTV’s Summer Workshops!
2025-03-01, 2025-02-15 | MA
RCTV Studios is excited to announce that registration is now open for its Summer Workshops! These workshops, held at Reading Memorial High School in our classroom/production space, offer students ages 10-17 the opportunity to explore video production and photography.
Photography Workshop Students will learn or refresh their understanding of photography basics, including camera settings, depth of field, shot composition, and movement. They will explore various styles of photography, such as street photography, portraits, and food photography. This class can be adapted to suit intermediate and advanced students.
Video Production Workshop Participants will gain hands-on video recording experience using RCTV’s professional camera equipment. They will also develop post-production skills with tools such as Celtx, Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Photoshop. This workshop will culminate in a final project suitable for television and YouTube. The class can be adjusted to meet the needs of more advanced students.
Screenplay for Actors This two-week collaborative workshop teaches students how to perform for the big screen. They will study screenplays, develop characters, and shoot on location. This workshop includes at least two field trips beyond RCTV and multiple off-site filming opportunities.
Screenplay for Crew Students will learn the art of filmmaking by mastering shot composition, lighting techniques, and cinematography. This workshop includes a minimum of two field trips and additional off-site filming opportunities. Participants can sign up for one or both weeks.
For more information or to register, email classes@rctv.org.

Senator Jason Lewis Announces Virtual Office Hours for February
2025-02-18 14:00 - 15:00 | MA
State Senator Jason Lewis will be holding Virtual Office Hours on Tuesday, February 18, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
This will replace the regularly scheduled Virtual Office Hours on February 17, due to the celebration of Presidents’ Day.
Any constituent of Senator Lewis is welcome to attend Office Hours, with no appointment necessary, to discuss any personal issue or legislative feedback with the Senator and his staff.
Virtual Office Hours are held on Zoom. To join the meeting, please visit SenatorJasonLewis.com, use the following link, or enter the meeting information on Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83854164671?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 838 5416 4671
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Each constituent meets privately with the Senator during the Zoom session.
Senator Lewis also holds regular in-person Office Hours in each community of the district (Malden, Melrose, Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield, and Winchester).
For further information or any questions, visit SenatorJasonLewis.com or contact his State House office at (617) 722-1206 or Jason.Lewis@masenate.gov.

Representative Jones Holding District Office Hours
2025-02-14 10:15 - 11:15 | Pleasant Street Center, 49 Pleasant St, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
February 14 at Reading’s Pleasant Street Center
BOSTON – House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) will be holding his monthly district office hours in Reading on Friday, February 14 from 10:15-11:15 a.m. at the Pleasant Street Center, located at 49 Pleasant Street.
During office hours, Representative Jones or a member of his staff will be available at the center to meet with constituents on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointment is necessary.
“I encourage Reading residents to stop by the Pleasant Street Center during office hours to discuss any issues of concern they may have, including questions about legislation and accessing government services,” said Representative Jones. “We are always happy to assist in any way we can and to be a resource to the community.”
Constituents who are unable to attend local office hours can schedule an appointment to meet with Representative Jones at a more convenient time by calling (617) 722-2100 or e-mailing his Director of Local Affairs and Scheduling, Sara Doran, at Sara.Doran@mahouse.gov. Representative Jones can be reached at Bradley.Jones@mahouse.gov.
Reading office hours take place on the second Friday of every month at the Pleasant Street Center.

Reading Art Association Traci Thayne Corbett Oil Landscape Demonstration
2025-02-12 19:30 | Reading Art Association, 25 Woburn St, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Guest Traci Thayne Corbett on February 12

Traci Thayne Corbett is doing an oil landscape demonstration that will be held at the First Congregational Church in Reading. The demo is February 12 and starts at 7:30 pm. Entrance to the demo is in Guild Hall at the church. Use the middle side door on Sanborn Street.
Traci is best known for bold compositions and expressive brushwork and depicts rustic marine scenes, landscapes, and portraits. Her work creates a sense of emotion and movement.
She is a juried member of the Rockport Art Association and Northshore Art Association and has studied with many painters.
Traci is the Executive Director of Cape Ann Art Haven and Vice President of Cape Ann Plein Air.
Please join us for an informative night. You can learn more about Traci on her website: artcloud.market/artist/traci-thayne-corbett.

RMHS Drama Club Presents “An Unoriginal Original”
2025-02-09 14:00 | RMHS Performing Arts Center, 62 Oakland Road, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Feb 7th & 8th at 7:30 pm, Feb 9th at 2:00 pm
RMHS Endslow Performing Arts Center, 62 Oakland Rd, Reading, MA 01867
Reading, MA — Get ready for a wild ride in the RMHS Drama Club’s fast-paced comedy, “An Unoriginal Original”! This uproarious one-act play takes a sharp and hilarious dive into the world of “ART-ificial Intelligence,” where creativity meets technology in the most unexpected ways. Watch as the cast navigates a chaotic and comical exploration of what it means to be truly original in a world of endless influences and algorithms. From surprise twists to laugh-out-loud moments, this show promises to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Don’t miss this truly one-of-a-kind production, which will be entering the prestigious METG One Act Play Festival in March!
Adapted by the Cast | Directed by Mrs. Natalie Cunha | Assistant Directed by Ms. Katie Donovan
Tickets: rmhsdrama.org
Facebook: facebook.com/share/1De85epEgu/

RMHS Drama Club Presents “An Unoriginal Original”
2025-02-08 19:30, 2025-02-07 19:30 | MA

Colonial Chorus Players Presents Barefoot in the Park
2025-02-07 - 2025-02-23 | Colonial Chorus Players, 1249 Main Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Meet Paul and Corie Bratter, newlyweds who are blissfully in love after six whole days of married life. One’s a free spirit, the other is by the (law) book. One’s a doer, the other’s a watcher. Can they find their happily ever after in their tiny Greenwich Village apartment with no heat, no bathtub—and no privacy?
Colonial Chorus Players presents Neil Simon’s 1963 romantic comedy Barefoot in the Park February 7–23, 2025, at the Old Hose House Theater, 1249 Main Street, Reading. The cast features Lauren Casey, Michael Mazzone, Sue Brother, Glenn Wakeley, Benjamin Brennan, and Lou Palumbo under the direction of David Costa.
Tickets are $25 for adults and $22 for seniors and students, and are available online at ccp1961.org and at the door 30 minutes before showtime with cash or Venmo. For more information, visit ccp1961.org or follow CCP on social media @ColonialChorusPlayers.

Reading Lions Club Food Pantry Drive
2025-02-01 - 2025-02-25 | Reading Public Library, 64 Middlesex Avenue, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Now that the winter holidays are winding down, join the Reading Lions Club as we help the Food Pantry re-stock its shelves for spring! Participating is as easy as adding a few more items to your carriage on your next weekly shop. Drop them off at the Reading Public Library, where the donation gathering spot will be located right in the ground floor lobby. We’ll be gathering donations from February 1 through February 25.
Donations such as canned goods, grains, shelf-stable items, paper goods, and laundry detergent are all welcome in this general drive. You can also check the Food Pantry’s Facebook page for any current needs. As always, the Food Pantry welcomes monetary or gift card donations, as well. Thank you for your kind donation!
Since 1983, the Reading Food Pantry (readingfoodpantry.org), a registered non-profit, has provided food assistance to more than 200 households in our town. Whether it’s on a temporary or ongoing basis, Reading Food Pantry volunteers collect and distribute food, paper goods, and personal care products to those in need.

Reading Center for Active Living January Public Forum
2025-01-28 19:00 | Pleasant Street Center, 49 Pleasant St, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
If you missed the Reading Center for Active Living forum on December 17th, you can view the recording from RCTV here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GB2jH2JV1V8. The next public forum for the project will be held on Tuesday, January 28, at 7pm at the Pleasant Street Center. Refreshments will be served, and it will also be aired on RCTV.
Do you have feedback or thoughts to share on the project, or want to learn more? Visit the website at readingma.gov/recal or reach out to ReCAL@readingma.gov.

Quannapowitt Players Presents Lauren Gundersons’ “The Revolutionists”
2025-01-24 - 2025-02-08 | Quannapowitt Players, 55 Hopkins St, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
January 24 – February 8!
Reading, MA — Four beautiful, badass women lose their heads in this irreverent, girl-powered comedy set during the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror. Playwright Olympe de Gouges, assassin Charlotte Corday, former queen (and fan of ribbons) Marie Antoinette, and Haitian rebel Marianne Angelle hang out, murder Marat, and try to beat back the extremist insanity in 1793 Paris. This grand and dream-tweaked comedy is about violence and legacy, art and activism, feminism and terrorism, compatriots and chosen sisters, and how we go about changing the world. It’s a true story. Or total fiction. Or a play about a play. Or a raucous resurrection…that ends in a song and a scaffold.
Content warnings: the play has references to violence, colonialism, and racism.
Directed by Michelle Fisher and featuring Allison Rudmann Putnam, June Dever, Shawna Ciampa, and Nancy Finn, “The Revolutionists” will open on January 24 and run through February 8.
Single tickets are $25, $23 for Seniors/Students, and can be purchased online at qptheater.com/box-office/. Or, for reservations, call the QP Box Office at (781) 942-2212. Checks and cash are accepted at performances, as well as Credit Cards for a small fee. Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 PM. Sunday performances are at 2 PM.

Reading Arts and Culture Action Plan – Community Showcase Event
2025-01-22 18:00 - 20:00 | Reading Public Library, 64 Middlesex Avenue, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Please join us on January 22, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Reading Public Library for a Community Showcase event. The Town of Reading and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) will be presenting goals and strategies from the Arts and Culture Action Plan that will help the town to support the existing work of creative, arts, historical, and cultural organizations in Reading. Come learn about the plan and share any feedback on the plan goals and strategies!
For more information, please see the attached flyer and visit the project website. All are Welcome!

Senator Jason Lewis Virtual Office Hours for January
2025-01-21 14:00 - 15:00 | MA
State Senator Jason Lewis will be holding Virtual Office Hours on Tuesday, January 21, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
These Virtual Office Hours will replace the regularly scheduled date of January 20 due to the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Any constituent of Senator Lewis is welcome to attend Office Hours, with no appointment necessary, to discuss any personal issue or legislative feedback with the Senator and his staff.
Virtual Office Hours are held on Zoom. To join the meeting, please visit SenatorJasonLewis.com, use the following link, or enter the meeting information on Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83854164671?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 838 5416 4671
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Each constituent meets privately with the Senator during the Zoom session.
Senator Lewis also holds regular in-person Office Hours in each community of the district (Malden, Melrose, Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield, and Winchester).
For further information or any questions, visit SenatorJasonLewis.com or contact his State House office at (617) 722-1206 or Jason.Lewis@masenate.gov.
