The Reading Post

Reading Democratic Town Committee Select Board Candidate Forum
2026-03-18 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Pleasant Street Center, 49 Pleasant St, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Reading, MA — The Reading Democratic Town Committee invites the community to attend upcoming Reading Candidate Forums and hear directly from candidates running in this year’s contested local races.
School Committee Forum
Monday, March 16
6:00–7:00 PM
Reading Public Library
Select Board Forum
Wednesday, March 18
6:00–7:00 PM
Pleasant Street Center
Both forums will be broadcast live on Reading Community Television.
These events are open to the public—learn more about the candidates and the issues facing the community.

Reading Climate Advisory Committee to Host Composting Workshop
2026-03-19 18:00 - 20:00 | Reading Public Library, 64 Middlesex Avenue, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Free March 19 event at Reading Public Library will teach residents how to start composting at home
Reading, MA — Join the Reading Climate Advisory Committee for an engaging and practical workshop all about how you can start composting at home—no experience required!
Whether you’re curious about reducing household waste, improving your garden soil, or supporting a more sustainable Reading, this event will give you the tools to get started.
What You’ll Learn

How composting benefits our community and the environment
Simple ways to begin composting in your own home
How to utilize Black Earth Compost for convenient curbside food‑waste pickup
Tips for making the most of the Town of Reading’s composting resources

Featuring Guest Speakers

Experts from Black Earth Compost
Members of the Reading Composts!

Bring your questions, your curiosity, and a neighbor!
This event is free and open to all Reading residents.
Let’s work together to reduce waste and grow a greener community.
We hope to see you there!

Quannapowitt Players Present Something Intangible
2026-03-20 20:00, 2026-03-21 20:00, 2026-03-22 14:00, 2026-03-27 20:00, 2026-03-28 20:00, 2026-03-29 14:00, 2026-04-03 20:00, 2026-04-04 20:00 | Quannapowitt Players, 55 Hopkins St, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Bruce Graham’s drama explores the clash between art and commerce at a Hollywood animation studio as World War II begins, running March 20 through April 4
Reading, MA — There are two very different brothers who run a Hollywood movie studio known for its’ cartoon dog, Petey Pup. The creative brother wants to produce a feature-length animated film set to classical music. His loyal brother manages everything else. Set against the backdrop of the US’s entry into World War II in 1941, this thinly veiled critique of a certain cartoon mogul highlights the tension between art and commerce as the world face and adapt to new challenges.
Directed by Andrew Boncoddo, and featuring Adam Heroux, Nick Miller, Jenny Fielding, Gordon Ellis & Nathan Mabanglo-Burgett, “Something Intangible” will open March 20th and runs through April 4th.
Single tickets are $27, $25 for Seniors/Students, $20 for Groups of 10+, 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 Police Department to Wear and Offer Unique Patch to Raise Awareness of World Down Syndrome Day
2026-03-21 | MA
READING — Deputy Chief Christine Amendola and Community Service Officer DaLonn Pearson are pleased to share that the Reading Police Department will once again wear special uniform patches throughout the month of March in recognition of World Down Syndrome Day.
World Down Syndrome Day is recognized on March 21 each year. It seeks to raise awareness of Down syndrome and to help people better understand and support those who have the genetic condition.
In recognition of World Down Syndrome Day, the Reading Police Department will wear World Down Syndrome Day patches on their uniforms throughout the month of March. The department is also offering the patches to community members in exchange for a donation to a local charity, Samantha’s Harvest.
Samantha’s Harvest is a Reading-based non-profit organization that works to raise funds and awareness to improve medical, educational, and recreational programming for people of all ages with Down syndrome.
The nonprofit, started by the Gibbs family, is named after their third child, Samantha. She is currently a cosmetology student at Minutemen Tech, working at a salon in Boston and at the 1928 Club at TD Garden. She also works as a counselor at Five Star Theatre Company each Summer.
Community members who want to obtain a patch should send a $10 check made out to Samantha’s Harvest, along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope, to the Reading Police Department, care of Officer DaLonn Pearson, 15 Union St., Reading, MA 01867. Officer Pearson will mail the patch or patches back to those who request them.
In honor of Samantha’s Harvest’s 25 years of operations, a documentary about Samantha and her life is being made, which will screen in November.
Samantha’s Harvest hosts three events throughout the year: Sips for Samantha’s Harvest, March 7 at Bunratty Tavern, Samantha’s Harvest 5k Family Run/Walk on June 7, and Samantha’s Harvest Charity Golf Open on Sept. 11.
For more information about Samantha’s Harvest, visit: https://samanthasharvest.org/

“Our Little Empire”: A Talk with Rev. Dr. Clyde Grubbs
2026-03-22 11:30 | Unitarian Universalist Church of Reading, 239 Woburn St, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
March 22, 2026, 11:30 am
Unitarian Universalist Church of Reading
239 Woburn Street Reading, MA
Reading, MA — The Love is a Verb Social Justice Team of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Reading is proud to invite the public to a talk by the esteemed Reverend Dr. Clyde Grubbs. Rev. Dr. Grubbs, a UU minister and indigenous activist, will be speaking on Sunday, March 22nd at 11:30AM in the Sanctuary. His talk, entitled ‘Our Little Empire,’ focuses on the centuries that human communities have sought to define themselves by the power they projected to the world. It is a perfect lead up to the next “No Kings Day” protests scheduled for March 28th.
The Rev. Dr. Clyde Grubbs is a Unitarian Universalist minister who has served congregations in Indiana, Quebec, Massachusetts, Texas, Florida and California. He presently is serving as Minister at Large of the Tuckerman Creative Ministries for Justice and Healing, Spiritual Director for Blue Hills Spiritual Direction, and as the Affiliate Community Minister for the First Parish UU-Canton, a Neponset River UU Community.
Clyde has been a member of the Diverse Revolutionary Unitarian Universalist Multicultural Ministries (DRUUMM) since its founding. Clyde also has served on the UUMA Executive as its portfolio holder for Anti-racism, Anti-oppression and Multiculturalism and later served as a member of the UUA Board of Trustees.
Clyde honors his Native American heritage (Texas Cherokee) which informs his spiritual understanding and practice as well as his anti-racist and anti-oppressive commitment. He has worked for peace, justice and equality since he was in the Unitarian Universalist youth movement.

Get Trained in Mental Health First Aid
2026-03-24 17:00 - 19:00 | Reading Public Library, 64 Middlesex Avenue, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Reading, MA — The Reading Coalition for Prevention & Support will host a free Mental Health First Aid training for adults this spring. The course offers community members a chance to learn and practice quick action plan for supporting someone experiencing a mental health challenge.
The training will be led by Taunya Jarzyniecki, LMHC, LADAC 1, and will take place at the Reading Public Library from March 24 through April 14. Sessions run Mondays from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m.
This evidence-based program is open to all adults interested in strengthening their skills and confidence in responding to mental health concerns. Registerhttps://conta.cc/4k600Mw

Women & Leadership Panel to Highlight Local Leaders at Reading Public Library
2026-03-26 18:00 - 20:00 | Reading Public Library, 64 Middlesex Avenue, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Event hosted by the Office of Equity and Social Justice will feature prominent Reading women discussing leadership, equity, and civic engagement on March 26
Reading Public Library (RPL), Reading, MA — Celebrate the contributions and talents of women in our community at a special panel discussion presented by the Office of Equity and Social Justice and the Women’s League of Reading.
Women & Leadership will feature a dynamic, moderated conversation with distinguished women leaders from across Reading, exploring themes of leadership, equity, history, and civic engagement. Panelists include Acting Town Manager Jayne Wellman; Whitelam Books owner Liz Whitelam; Deputy Chief of Police Christine Amendola; Pastor Mary Curlew; author and Chief Investment Officer Sarah Samuels; and Women’s League of Reading Vice President Alyssa Spinale.
The evening will also include a cello musical selection and poetry readings by a local artist. Light refreshments will be served.
Community members are invited to attend this engaging and inspiring celebration of Women’s History Month on Thursday, March 26, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Reading Public Library.
For more information, visit:
https://readingpl.libnet.info/event/1569917
This event is organized by Partners and Allies for Inclusive Reading (PAIR) and sponsored by the Office of Equity and Social Justice, the Women’s League of Reading, the Town of Reading, and the Reading Public Library.

Reading Recap Candidate Forum - Select Board
2026-03-26 19:00 - 20:00 | MA
Events Scheduled for March 26 and March 27

Reading, MA — March 2026 — Reading Recap is pleased to announce its 2026 Local Election Candidate Conversation Forums, designed to help voters learn more about the candidates in this year’s contested local races ahead of the municipal election on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Contested seats this year include the Select Board and the School Committee.
All forums will be held at:
2 Haven Street, Suite 301
Reading, MA
Please note: There will be no public seating for these events.
Residents may watch the forums live on:

YouTube: https://youtube.com/ReadingRecap
Facebook: https://facebook.com/ReadingRecap

Additionally, RCTV will be broadcasting the forums on local television.
The events will follow the same well-received format used last year. Charles Robinson will return as moderator, and Marianne Downing will serve as the questioner for both sessions.
Candidate Participation
All candidates in both contested races were invited to participate.
For the Select Board, Carlo Bacci, Sal Bramante, and Tony D’Arezzo have accepted the invitation. Karen Herrick was invited but declined to participate.
For the School Committee, all candidates — Geoff Coram, Erin Gaffen, and Lori Hayes — have confirmed participation.
2026 Candidate Forum Schedule

Select Board Candidates
Thursday, March 26
7:00–8:00 PM
School Committee Candidates
Friday, March 27
8:00–9:00 PM

Each one-hour session will include timed questions, structured discussion, and the opportunity for candidates to share their priorities and perspectives on key issues facing the Reading community.
“Providing voters with clear, accessible, and neutral information remains core to our mission,” said Christopher Haley of the Reading Recap team. “We are pleased to once again offer structured, informative forums ahead of early voting, which begins on March 28.”
Video recordings will remain available on Reading Recap’s YouTube and Facebook pages for residents who cannot watch live.
For questions or additional information, please contact:
info@readingrecap.com

Reading Recap Candidate Forum - School Committee
2026-03-27 20:00 - 21:00 | MA

🌿 Reading Town Forest 2026 Bird Walks 🐦
2026-03-28 08:00 - 10:00 | Reading Town Forest, Strout Ave, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Reading, MA — Join us for a series of free guided bird walks in the Reading Town Forest, led by Dave Williams.
Meet: Strout Avenue (near the town compost area)
Time: Saturdays, 8:00 – 10:00 am
Dates:
• March 28
• May 2
• June 20
• August 29
What to bring: Comfortable shoes, water, and binoculars.
Loaner binoculars will be available.
Birders of all experience levels are welcome.
Sponsored by the Reading Town Forest Committee and the Reading Trails Committee.

Early Voting in Reading
2026-03-28 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-03-30 07:30 - 17:30, 2026-03-31 07:30 - 19:00, 2026-04-01 07:30 - 17:30, 2026-04-02 07:30 - 17:30 | Reading Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Reading, MA — In-person Early Voting will take place at Town Hall (16 Lowell Street) on the following dates:

Saturday, March 28: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Monday, March 30: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday, March 31: 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday, April 1: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday, April 2: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Please Note:
• Early Voting is ONLY at Town Hall
• Election Day voting will be ONLY at the RMHS Field House
For more information, visit: https://www.readingma.gov/254/Elections

Laughter’s the Mane Attraction at the Reading Lions Comedy Night
2026-03-28 19:00 | Wakefield Elks Lodge, 63 Bay State Road, Wakefield, MA, 01880, United States
Reading, MA — Have a great time out with friends and family on March 28 at the annual Reading Lions Comedy Night.
The Reading Lions Comedy Night returns to The Wakefield Elks, doors open at 7:00 pm for an 8:00 pm show on Saturday, March 28.
This year’s outstanding lineup includes local funny man Paul D’ Angelo. Also appearing, the master of observational humor, Steve Bjork, and hilarious Sam Pelletier. Hosted by Dave Rattigan, you’ll enjoy a night of big laughs, fun raffles, BYOF, and a cash bar. Gather up your family, neighbors, and friends and get your tickets today.
The evening’s proceeds will fund charities supporting our community: the Reading Food Pantry, scholarships, wellness exams, vision care, and more.
Tickets are $25 each and available from your friendly Reading Lions Club member or email mclough410@gmail.com. Tables seating 8 or 10 are available. Mark your calendar and we’ll see you there!
The Reading Lions Club proudly serves the community of Reading and other surrounding towns. Our fundraisers support charities in our towns and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts including Mass Lions Eye Research, Reading Food Pantry, and many others. If you are interested in joining a fun, dedicated club with a mission to serve, please contact Marla Clough at mclough410@gmail.com.

Improv Comedy Night Brings Big Laughs at Colonial Chorus Players
2026-04-04 19:30 | Colonial Chorus Players, 1249 Main Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Accidentally On Purpose takes the stage April 4 in a fundraiser for Colonial Chorus Players, featuring Reading’s own Patrick Beckman
Reading, MA — If laughter is the best medicine, get to the Old Hose House Theater stat on Saturday, April 4, for a dose of wild and unpredictable improv comedy with Accidentally On Purpose featuring Reading’s own Patrick Beckman.
The evening begins at 7:30 PM at 1249 Main Street in Reading. Tickets are $20 general admission, available at the door with cash, Venmo, or PayPal only. This event is a fundraiser for Colonial Chorus Players, with all proceeds benefitting their ongoing campaign to put a new roof on their historic building.
Accidentally On Purpose will have audiences in stitches with their quick wit and hilarious antics. No two shows are alike, so all audience members are sure to have a unique and lively evening of entertainment. Please note: Due to its improvisational nature, the comedy can get a little R-rated at times.
For more information, visit www.ccp1961.org.

Whitelam Books to Host Reading Resident Dave Williams to Share Birding Expertise
2026-04-08 19:00 | Whitelam Books, 610 Main Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Whitelam Books is pleased to welcome Reading resident and avid birder Dave Williams on Wednesday, April 8 at 7:00PM. Dave will be presenting a talk entitled “Words on Birds”. Whitelam Books is located in downtown Reading at 610 Main Street, near the intersection of Haven Street and Main Street.
This event is free and open to the public – all are welcome!
About the Event:
A former elementary and middle school science teacher in Reading, Dave is a graduate of Mass Audubon’s “Birders Certificate Program”, a year-long study of birds. He also attended Maine Audubon’s Hog Island Field Ornithology program. Dave has been birding for more than 45 years in Alaska, Texas, SE Arizona, Florida and throughout New England.
Presently, Dave works part-time at Mass Audubon’s Joppa Flats sanctuary in Newburyport where he leads bird walks. Dave loves to share his passion and enthusiasm for birds with others. Come join him and learn all about what’s happening with birds in and around Reading!

Ayelet Katz to Demonstrate Painting Techniques in Reading
2026-04-08 19:30 | First Congregational Church of Reading, 25 Woburn Street, Reading, MA, United States
New England artist to present oils and watercolor demo April 8 at First Congregational Church

Reading, MA — The Reading Art Association will host a demonstration by New England–based artist Ayelet Katz on April 8 at 7:30 pm at the First Congregational Church on Woburn Street in Reading.
Katz works primarily in oils and watercolor, with plein air painting central to her artistic process. She is currently studying with Eva Cincotta, a member of the Rockport Art Association and an active participant in the Malden Sketch Group. Katz also serves as an art instructor at the Everett Art Association.
Entrance to the demonstration is through the side door of the church on Sanborn Street.

Representative Jones Holding District Office
2026-04-10 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, April 10 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 District Aide, Brittany Carisella, at Brittany.Carisella@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.

CROFT is Coming Home to RMHS for Special Screening
2026-04-10 19:00 | RMHS Performing Arts Center, 62 Oakland Road, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
April 10 at 7:00 PM – One Night Only
READING, MA — The documentary CROFT will return to where the story began with a special one-night-only screening at Reading Memorial High School on Thursday, April 10, at 7:00 PM. The event will include a post-film Q&A with filmmaker and Reading track legend Hal Croft.
The film tells the remarkable story of Hal Croft, a Reading Memorial High School teacher and track and field coach whose program achieved an unprecedented 29-year undefeated dual-meet streak — 252 consecutive victories — a national record. Beyond the track, Croft was a beloved English teacher who inspired generations of students and athletes.
A Vietnam War veteran, Croft returned home to build one of the most successful high school track programs in American history, influencing thousands of students. His career earned him honors, including National Track Coach of the Year and the Disney/McDonald’s National Teacher of the Year award.
Today, living on Cape Cod in retirement, Croft reflects on a life marked by achievement, challenge, and lasting impact. The documentary follows his journey as an educator, mentor, and competitor whose legacy continues to resonate.
Tickets for the April 10 screening are available now. Seats are limited.

AprilFest Set for Reading Common April 16
2026-04-15 17:00 - 20:00 | Reading Town Common, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Community celebration hosted by the Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce features music, food, fire tables, and family-friendly fun from 5–8 PM

Reading, MA — The Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce invites the community to celebrate spring at AprilFest on the Reading Common, taking place on Thursday, April 16, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM.
Originally planned as the Chamber’s annual WinterFest in March, the event was postponed due to heavy snow covering the Reading Town Common. With warmer weather and open space now available, organizers are excited to bring the celebration to life as AprilFest.
First established in 2022, WinterFest—now AprilFest—serves as the Chamber’s annual outdoor celebration of downtown Reading, designed to bring the community together in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere as winter transitions into spring.
This free event, made possible by local sponsors, will feature a variety of activities and attractions, including fire tables and s’mores, live music, local food vendors, beer and wine, and illuminated ice sculptures. Attendees can also explore booths hosted by local businesses and craft artisans.
Community members are encouraged to stroll through downtown, visit local shops and restaurants, and reconnect with friends and neighbors after the long winter season.
For more information, visit the Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce.

Rep. Haggerty to Hold Community Office Hours
2026-04-16 10:30 - 11:30 | Pleasant Street Center, 49 Pleasant St, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
State Representative Richard M. Haggerty (D-Woburn) will be holding office hours, Thursday, April 16th, 2025.
The office hours will take place from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at the Woburn Senior Center, and at Caffé Nero, 676 Main Street, Reading, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM.
Representative Haggerty, or a member of his staff, will be on hand during these hours to meet with Woburn and Reading residents. The office hours will be held on a first-come, first-served basis with no prior appointment necessary.
“Reading and Woburn residents are welcome to attend my office hours if they have any questions or need assistance with legislative or government matters,” said Representative Haggerty. “My office is always happy to provide help and serve the community however we can.”
If constituents are unable to attend any of these sessions, they can contact his office at (617) 722-2575 or email his Staff Director, Zack Dhaliwal, at Zack.Dhaliwal@mahouse.gov. Representative Haggerty can also be reached directly at Richard.Haggerty@mahouse.gov.
