The Reading Post

Registration Open for RCTV’s Summer Workshops!
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.

Representative Jones Holding District Office Hours
2025-02-14 10:15 - 11:15 (America/New_York) | 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.

Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
2025-01-20 09:30 | RMHS Performing Arts Center, 62 Oakland Road, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Monday, January 20, 2025, at the RMHS Performing Arts Center
Join our joyful celebration of Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, January 20, 2025, at the RMHS Performing Arts Center on 64 Oakland Road. There will be a breakfast served at 9:30 am followed by an inspirational and uplifting program. You’ll enjoy performances by the RMHS Mixed Choir and the Ipswich River Community Chorus, as well as a student presentation from Students Of Color & Allies for Equity, Justice, and Inclusion (SOCA4EJI) and a special video presentation from Anna Cuevas, Video Production Instructor at RCTV Studios and Reading Memorial High School.
The keynote speaker, Ralph Bledsoe, teaches physics and chemistry at Andover High School, and he works with international teachers from the Fulbright Teaching, Excellence & Achievement program at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell. Mr. Bledsoe is Clerk for Andover Baptist Church and Vice-Chair of the Council on Aging Board for The Robb Center Andover Elder Services.
For more details, contact the Office of Equity & Social Justice, oesj@ci.reading.ma.us. The event location is wheelchair accessible and ASL translators are available on request.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service
2025-01-18 09:00 | MA
Saturday, January 18, 9:00am
Reading, MA — The 2025 MLK Day of Service promises to be a rewarding event. There are some old favorite projects, plus new opportunities. Volunteers should plan to start at FCCR at 9:00 am for a brief ceremony (plus coffee and snacks). Then, volunteers can disperse to their chosen activities, either at FCCR or offsite. Sign up for any activities you are interested in doing. Our off-site projects require registration so make sure to let us know if you are interested.
There are two worthy collections: toiletries for youth in DCF care, and food for the Reading Food Pantry. Please review each organization’s list of needs. The Director of the Food Pantry will be volunteering with us on that Saturday, and she would be delighted to talk with you about the Pantry and its mission. We will be collecting donations at the MLK event and making sure it gets to the proper location.
Our two offsite projects, both located in Reading, are also wonderful ways to help our neighbors. One is at Sawtelle Family Hospice House, where basic handy-person help is needed, and one is at Solstice House at Riverbend, where they need organizational help with their donation room.
Here is the full list of projects:

Knit or Crochet Hats to help unhoused people stay warm.
Prepare and pack meals for Lazarus House in Lawrence.
Make Fleece Blankets for Project Linus.
Dress-A-Girl sewing project for Girls Around the World.
Decorate bookmarks for the Reading Public Library.
Create thank-you cards for Reading Food Pantry Donors.
Reading Food Pantry drive to restock empty shelves.
Donate Toiletries for children and teens in DCF care.
Make minor repairs at Sawtelle Family Hospice House.
Help organize storage for Solstice House at Riverbend.Reading Cares at First Congregational Church
25 Woburn Street, Reading
9:00am Saturday, January 18th
tinyurl.com/MLKSignUps2025
ReadingCares01867@gmail.com

Coolidge Middle School Drama Club to Present Frozen JR.
2025-01-12 14:00, 2025-01-11 19:00, 2025-01-10 19:00 | RMHS Performing Arts Center, 62 Oakland Road, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Nearly 100 students from Coolidge Middle School will take audiences to the wintry kingdom of Arendelle in a three-night performance of Frozen JR. from Jan. 10-12, 2025, at Reading Memorial High School.
The musical will be held at the William E. Endslow Performing Arts Center at Reading Memorial High School on:
Friday, Jan. 10 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 11 at 7 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 12 at 2 p.m.
Frozen JR. is based on the 2018 Broadway musical and features all the memorable songs from the animated film, with music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, plus five new songs written for the Broadway production.
The Coolidge Drama Club cast and crew will expand upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the bond of sisterhood.
“I’m so proud of the students for their hard work these past several months and thankful for all the volunteer support to bring this production to life,” said Coolidge Drama director and producer Stephen MacDonald. “We are confident that this year’s production of Frozen JR. will be an enjoyable, rewarding and magical experience that will reinforce the important values of teamwork, commitment, responsibility, cooperation and fun while instilling an appreciation for the dramatic and musical arts.”
Tickets to attend shows in person or via livestream are available for purchase at https://cur8.com/projects/CoolidgeDrama.

Retracing History: WWII Stories with Vernon Chandler
2025-01-11 13:00 | Reading Public Library, 64 Middlesex Avenue, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Join the Reading Historical Commission for a compelling talk, A WWII European Tour, with former resident Vernon Chandler. Mr. Chandler will discuss the multi-country journey through Europe he took to trace the footsteps of his first cousin, Pvt. Kenneth Miller, who was killed in Germany in 1944.
Kenneth was only 19 years old when he died. Despite the best efforts of his mother, Annie, his remains were never recovered.
Mr. Chandler was so deeply moved by Kenneth and Annie’s story that he took a two-week World War II, 1800-mile driving tour of Europe in September 2022. This tour included visits to 6 American Battle Monuments Commission cemeteries and many historic WWII sites in Paris, Normandy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, and Austria.
On his trip, Mr. Chandler uncovered information about Kenneth and his unit, the 743rd Tank Battalion. He was also able to locate the place where the tank-on-tank battle occurred, which took Kenneth’s life on October 18, 1944.
Mr. Chandler will also share the stories of his visits to the WWII graves and memorials of other Massachusetts soldiers, including some from Reading.
Mr. Chandler has prepared a multimedia historical presentation, which he will give on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 1 PM in the Community Room at the Reading Public Library (64 Middlesex Avenue).
Mr. Chandler believes his once-in-a-lifetime experience is only meaningful if he shares it with others.

Rep. Jones District Office Hours
2025-01-10 10:15 - 11:15 | Pleasant Street Center, 49 Pleasant St, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
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.
“As we celebrate the start of the new year, my staff and I are looking forward to continuing to be a resource to the community and helping local constituents in need of assistance,” said Representative Jones. “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 pending legislation or to seek help accessing government services.”

Senator Jason Lewis January Office Hours in Reading
2025-01-06 10:30 - 11:30 | Pleasant Street Center, 49 Pleasant St, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
State Senator Jason Lewis will be holding Office Hours in Reading on Monday, January 6, 2025, from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Pleasant Street Center (49 Pleasant St).
Any Reading resident is welcome to attend Office Hours, with no appointment necessary, to meet with the Senator and discuss any constituent issues or legislative feedback.
Senator Lewis will also be holding Office Hours the same day in Winchester from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Winchester Public Library (80 Washington St), and in Stoneham from 12-1 p.m. at the Stoneham Senior Center (136 Elm St).

Reading Public Library Solstice Open House
2024-12-21 14:30 - 16:30 | Reading Public Library, 64 Middlesex Avenue, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Come to the library on Saturday, December 21, to kick off the longest night of the year and the library’s new Rooted in Reading initiative. Bring your whole family and friends to experience a “wonderland” open house for all ages to celebrate the first day of winter.
You’re invited to create your own solstice lantern and ornament, and check out our solstice spiral. To help keep the chill away, we’ll have a fire pit and hot chocolate. This is an outdoor celebration, so remember to dress for the weather. We can’t wait to see you!
Saturday, December 21 | 2:30 – 4:30 pm | Library Lawn
Rooted in Reading is devoted to intergenerational learning about everything from gardening to green living. You’ll be seeing new programs, updates to our green spaces outside (and inside!), as well as highlights from our established collections in gardening, nature, and more.

Dickens Holiday Marketplace and Craft Fair
2024-12-14 10:00 - 15:00 | RMHS Performing Arts Center, 62 Oakland Road, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
This event is a wonderful holiday marketplace featuring approximately 50 craft vendors exhibiting and selling their creations. The RMHS Main Street hallway will be transformed with seasonal decorations and musical performances throughout the day. We look forward to strolling carolers, Shakespearean actors, dance troupes, musicians, refreshments – and 50+ crafters/vendors, all under one weather-proof roof. Patrons will enjoy shopping, relaxing with a cup of cocoa, and taking in the holiday spirit. Free admission! Free parking!
The Dickens Fair is a fundraiser for Parents Supporting Student Theatre (PSST), which supports The RMHS Drama Club. All fundraising enhances our students’ experiences by paying for extracurricular teachers (Playwriting, Shakespeare, Improv, and Technical Directors), providing student scholarships, covering extra production costs (mic batteries, fog machines, shop tools, etc.), and 0feeding working students who spend 8 hours on a Saturday building sets!
For vendor inquiries, please contact rmhsdickensfair@gmail.com

Representative Jones Holding District Office Hours
2024-12-13 10:15 - 11:15 | Pleasant Street Center, 49 Pleasant St, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) will be holding his monthly district office hours in Reading on Friday, December 13, 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, atSara.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.

RMHS Choirs Winter Songfest
2024-12-11 19:00 | RMHS Performing Arts Center, 62 Oakland Road, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
The annual RMHS Winter Songfest concert will take place on Wednesday, December 11, at 7:00 p.m. in the Reading High School Performing Arts Center. The concert is free to all and will feature students from six different student ensembles. Celebrate the season with songs and support our talented RMHS choir members!

Eastern Gateway Open House
2024-12-11 19:00 | Pleasant Street Center, 49 Pleasant St, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Help Town staff identify and address priorities in the town’s industrial zoning district along Walkers Brook Drive. What would you like to see here in the future?
Provide input on:
– Connectivity
– Scale
– Use(s)
– Atmosphere
– And more!
Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024
7:00 PM at Pleasant Street Center
49 Pleasant Street
For more information:
Email: planning@readingma.gov
Visit: readingma.gov/egpp

Killam School Building Project Neighbor’s Open House
2024-12-09 19:00 - 21:00 | Killam School, 333 Charles St, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
The originally scheduled KSBP meeting on December 9 focusing on sustainability is being rescheduled to after the New Year. In its place, please join us for a neighbor’s open house on Monday, December 9, at 7 pm at the Killam School. Town staff & elected officials, along with the Superintendent and building Principal, will be on hand to discuss the project and timeline. Light refreshments will be served. To help us plan, but not required, RSVP to Olivia at contact@killamschool.com. The public is also welcome to attend this open house!

Quannapowitt Players Suburban Holidays 13
2024-12-08 20:00 | Quannapowitt Players, 55 Hopkins St, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
The Quannapowitt Players are proud to present the 13th Annual Suburban Holidays from November 29 to December 7. Suburban Holidays 13 is a series of short, holiday-themed plays that are sure to delight!
Single tickets are $25 for Adults or $23 for Seniors/Students and can be purchased online at qptheater.com/box-office/. Or you may call the QP Box Office at (781) 942-2212. The Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 PM. The Sunday performance is at 2 PM.

Reading Community Menorah Lighting
2024-12-08 17:00 | Reading Town Common, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Celebrate Chanukah with Friends and Neighbors. All are invited to participate in the Third Annual Community Menorah Lighting to be held on the Reading Town Common on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at 5:00 PM. The event will commence with candle lighting on the Common, followed by festivities at the First Congregational Church. Activities include a story walk, music and dancing, children’s crafts, and holiday refreshments. Please also bring a non-perishable food item to contribute to the Reading Food Pantry.

Reading Community Concert Band Holiday Concert
2024-12-08 15:00 | First Congregational Church of Reading, 25 Woburn Street, Reading, MA, United States
The RCCB has two upcoming Holiday Concert performances. The first is the Festival of Trees at Parker Middle School on Saturday, December 7, at 10 a.m. The following day, December 8, the RCCB will perform at the First Congregational Church at 3 p.m.

Colonial Chorus Players Miracle on 34th Street
2024-12-08 14:00 | Colonial Chorus Players, 1249 Main Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Radio Play
Written by George Seaton
Story by Valentine Davies
Directed by Bob Beckman
Produced by Tom Coffin and Sharyn Taitz
PERFORMANCES:
December 6–8, 2024
LOCATION:
Old Hose House Theater
1249 Main Street
Reading, MA
CAST:
Michael Barry
Kirsten Brown
Peter Cavicchio
Angela Merrill
Avery Merrill (as Susan)
David Murgo
Carla Perrotta
