The Reading Post

Friends of Reading Seniors 60 Plus Sponsors The Life Transition Binder Workshop
2026-06-17 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Pleasant Street Center, 49 Pleasant St, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Reading, MA — How many times have family members been faced with the major responsibility of helping an elder (or any other relative/friend) who is no longer able to manage their affairs without any or very little information?
The Friends of Reading Seniors 60 Plus is sponsoring Sandra Batra’s “Life Transition Binder Workshop” at The Pleasant Street Center. The program is designed to help individuals organize vital personal, financial, medical and legal information. The workshop spans 4 weeks in which participants will work with Sandra to complete their own Life Transition Binder.
The sessions will be held on May 27, June 3, 10 & 17 from 10:00-11:30AM at the Pleasant Street Center. Space is limited to 30 participants, with a few spots remaining. Registration closes on May 6th. To register call the Pleasant Street Center at 781-942-6794.
This program will be invaluable for seniors and will ease the path for those family members entrusted with supporting future needs. The Friends of Reading Seniors 60 Plus encourage our peers to participate.
If you are interested in this program being provided in the evening or on a weekend, please email “The Friends” at friendsofreadingseniors@gmail.com

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Comes to Reading
2026-06-19 19:30, 2026-06-20 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-06-21 14:00 - 17:00, 2026-06-26 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-06-27 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-06-28 14:00 - 17:00 | Colonial Chorus Players, 1249 Main Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Colonial Chorus Players brings the Tony Award-winning musical comedy to the Old Hose House Theater June 19–28
Reading, MA — lu•gu•bri•ous (adjective)—extremely sad and droopy. “If you’ve been feeling lugubrious lately, a ticket to The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Colonial Chorus Players is just what you need!”
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is the uproarious, heartwarming, Tony Award-winning musical about six quirky middle schoolers who are competing for the spelling championship of a lifetime. Along the way they disclose hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, while learning that winning (and losing) isn’t everything.
Performances of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee are June 19, 20, 26 & 27 at 7:30 PM and June 21 & 28 at 2 PM at the Old Hose House Theater, 1249 Main Street, Reading. Advance tickets are $30 for adults and $25 for seniors and students at www.ccp1961.org. Remaining tickets will be sold at the door 30 minutes before showtime with cash, Venmo, or PayPal only. All seats are reserved seating.
The ensemble cast features Sophie Bauder, Link Bowen, Nurilys Cintron, Molly Devin (swing), Cara Guappone, Adele Leikauskas, Aiden O’Neal, Shayna Plotnik, Adam Sell, and Josh Telepman. Directed by Jamie Cook, with musical direction by Jakob Michaels.

Reading Friends and Family Day 2026
2026-06-20
Reading Lions Club invites community groups, businesses, and families to join the 21st annual Town Day celebration on June 20, featuring a Kids Fun Run, fireworks, and a full day of summer festivities
Reading, MA — Save the date! The Reading Lions Club’s 21st annual Reading Friends and Family Day (RFFD), also known as Town Day, takes place on Saturday, June 20, 2026. This is Reading’s annual start-of-summer community event. Special events include a morning Kids Fun Run and the Friends of Reading Recreation evening Fireworks!
The Reading Lions Club sponsors and organizes Reading Friends and Family Day (RFFD) as a celebration of Reading, and we invite you to join in the festivities. We welcome the over 60 groups that returned to last year’s event and look forward to welcoming new participants.
Community members come for the food, crafts, games, touch-a-truck, petting zoo, giveaways, entertainment, and to learn about local organizations and businesses. Since its inception, community participation at RFFD has tripled. As a result, this fair is a great opportunity to meet the public, share your mission, welcome new members, or advertise your services.
Don’t miss this fun and promotional event. There are also opportunities to help sponsor Reading Friends and Family Day. Find out more about Registration (deadline to register is May 23rd) and Sponsorship at readinglionsclub.org.

Celebrate Freedom at Reading’s Annual Juneteenth Festival
2026-06-20 13:00 - 17:00 | Reading Town Common, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Community celebration at the Reading Public Library will feature performances, local art, food, and opportunities for reflection and connection
Saturday, June 20 from 1:00-5:00 PM
Reading, MA — Celebrate Juneteenth with a family-friendly afternoon on the Town Common. This year, the Festival features a Community Conversation held at Old South Church at 1:30 p.m., and a Cultural Arts program with music, student performances, and more. There will be face painting and activities for children, food, and a pop-up market.
Here’s a look at what’s happening!
1:00–5:00 p.m.

Music, food, and activities all afternoon long!

1:00–1:30 p.m.

Official Opening, Proclamation, and Community Reflection

1:35–2:20 p.m.

Join us at Old South Church for a facilitated Community Conversation on freedom, equity, belonging, and community.

2:30–3:15 p.m.

Cultural Arts program with music, student performances, and spoken word presentation.

For a complete list of vendors and to learn more about the program, visit our calendar:
https://readingpl.libnet.info/event/16416711
Thanks to funding from Mass Humanities and Friends of the Reading Public Library, you’re also invited to come to the library and take part in a special community event, Reading Frederick Douglass Together, on Wednesday, July 1.
The community will come together to read excerpts from Frederick Douglass’ 1852 speech, What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?
If you’d like to join in and read a part, please email jgould@noblenet.org for details.

GSA Soccer Clinic Returns to RMHS This Summer
2026-06-26 08:00 - 10:00
Four-day program led by Coach Paul Orlando offers skill development and fun for players ages 5-12.
Reading, MA — Join former EMass All-Star and high school coach Paul Orlando for a fun, four-day clinic at RMHS Turf 2, July 27–30. Players from both RMHS varsity soccer teams will be on hand to help young athletes develop their game.
July 27–30
RMHS Turf 2
Ages 5–7: 9 AM–12 PM
Ages 8–12: 9 AM–3 PM
Register today at readingrec.com or call 781-942-9075.

Reading PorchFest
2026-06-27 12:00 - 18:00
Volunteer-run festival aims to top 100 acts as performers and hosts sign up for 2026 celebration of music and community

Reading, MA — Despite all the snow still on the ground, it’s time again to start thinking about PorchFest.
Reading PorchFest returns for its eighth year on Saturday, June 27. Links are now up at ReadingPorchFest.com for those who wish to perform, to host a band or solo act, or maybe both.
Reading PorchFest was born during the town’s 375th anniversary in 2019 and has grown every year since. Last year, the festival boasted 99 separate musical acts at 46 locations, including driveways, front yards, and, of course, porches. We hope to break the 100 mark this June.
To take part in this all-volunteer effort, visit the website, check out the instructions, and join in for the 2026 edition.
As we get closer to the event, the website will feature a gallery of performers, and on the Facebook page watch for music snippets featuring samples of many of the upcoming performances. A complete map and schedule will be posted about a week before the event.
It is always a great day, filled with entertainment combined with community spirit.
Make sure to save the date – June 27 – running from noon until six pm.

Whitelam Books to Host Book Launch with Children’s Author Monica Acker
2026-06-28 15:00 - 16:00 | Whitelam Books, 610 Main Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Reading author returns June 28 to celebrate The Legend of Leo: A Dandy-Lion Tale with a free family-friendly event and book signing
Reading, MA – Whitelam Books is delighted to welcome back children’s author Monica Acker as she celebrates her new picture book, The Legend of Leo: a Dandy-Lion Tale, on Sunday, June 28, at 3:00PM. Join us for this family-friendly event for readers of all ages. Whitelam Books is located in downtown Reading at 610 Main Street, near the intersection of Haven Street and Main Street.
Books will be available for purchase and signing. This event is free and open to the public – all are welcome!
About the Event:
Join us as we welcome longtime friend, Reading neighbor, and author Monica Acker to celebrate her new book, The Legend of Leo: a Dandy-Lion Tale. This laugh-out-loud picture book will have kiddos engrossed and adults enjoying along with them.
This is the tale of Leo, an ordinary dandelion…
“I beg your pardon! I am anything but ordinary. I am a dande-LION, king of all beings. Golden-maned, wise, and humble, I rule over all. See how this beast bows before me?”
“Umm, I believe that cat is simply taking a nap on you.”
“Nonsense. This wise reader knows I am magnificent. ROAR!…*GASP* Why are you laughing? Stop that laughter!”
Tailor-made for hamming it up while reading aloud, The Legend of Leo: A Dandy-Lion Tale is a silly and thought-provoking story that has fun with our collective desire to think ourselves special. Be prepared for plenty of giggles and requests to make wishes on dandelions.

Reading Public Library to Host Community Reading of Frederick Douglass’s Historic Fourth of July Address
2026-07-01 18:30 | Reading Public Library, 64 Middlesex Avenue, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
July 1 event will feature a public reading and discussion of “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” as part of the statewide Reading Frederick Douglass Together program supported by Mass Humanities
Reading Public Library (RPL), Reading, MA — Community members in Reading will gather on Wednesday, July 1, at 6:30 p.m. for a public reading and facilitated discussion of Frederick Douglass’s landmark 1852 speech, “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?”
The event is supported by The Friends of Reading Public Library and Mass Humanities through its Reading Frederick Douglass Together (RFDT) grant program. This year, the grant will fund 76 readings across the Commonwealth. If you are interested in participating in the reading, please contact Jocelyn Gould at jgould@noblenet.org for more information.
First delivered in 1852 at Corinthian Hall in Rochester, New York, Douglass’s speech remains one of the most powerful reflections on American democracy, freedom, and racial justice.
“As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, Mass Humanities encourages people of every age, background, and experience in cities and towns across Massachusetts to gather, to commemorate, question, and recommit to the promises made in 1776,” said Brian Boyles, Executive Director of Mass Humanities.
Since the first Reading Frederick Douglass Together event was held on the Boston Common in 2009, the program has grown into a statewide civic tradition. In 2025 alone, with $130,000 in grant support from Mass Humanities, more than 8,000 children and adults attended 71 public readings in 48 municipalities in every corner of the state.
“These readings give everyone in our community—residents, students, organizations—a chance to sit with Douglass’s words and reflect on why they still matter, more than 170 years later,” said Reading Public Library Director Amy Lannon. “That’s what libraries are here for, and we’re proud to bring this experience to Reading.”
RFDT events have been staged by a diverse group of organizations across the Commonwealth, from museums and historical societies to social justice organizations, social service providers, elementary and high schools, colleges, universities, and houses of worship. RFDT is made possible with the support of the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
The event is free and open to the public.
About Reading Frederick Douglass Together
For more information about the Reading Frederick Douglass Together program, contact Wes DeShano, Communications Manager, at wdeshano@masshumanities.org or by phone at 413-203-6241, ext. 102.
About Mass Humanities
Mass Humanities is the state’s affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Through grants, programs, and community initiatives like Reading Frederick Douglass Together, Mass Humanities supports public programs that spark conversation, deepen understanding, and strengthen civic life across Massachusetts.

Senator Jason Lewis Announces July Office Hours in Reading
2026-07-06 13:30 - 14:30 | Pleasant Street Center, 49 Pleasant St, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
State Senator Jason Lewis will be holding Office Hours in Reading on Monday, July 6, 2026, 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).
Another option for residents who would like to meet with Senator Lewis is to attend Virtual Office Hours, which will be held on Monday, July 20, 2026, from 2-3 p.m. on Zoom.
For further information or any questions visit SenatorJasonLewis.com or contact his office at (617) 722-1206 or Jason.Lewis@masenate.gov.

Senator Jason Lewis Announces July Office Hours in Reading
2026-07-06 13:30 - 14:30 | Pleasant Street Center, 49 Pleasant St, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Reading, MA — State Senator Jason Lewis will be holding Office Hours in Reading on Monday, July 6, 2026, 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).
Another option for residents who would like to meet with Senator Lewis is to attend Virtual Office Hours, which will be held on Monday, July 20, 2026, from 2-3 p.m. on Zoom.
For further information or any questions visit SenatorJasonLewis.com or contact his office at (617) 722-1206 or Jason.Lewis@masenate.gov.

Representative Jones Holding District Office Hours
2026-07-10 10:15 - 11:15 | Pleasant Street Center, 49 Pleasant St, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
July 10 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, July 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.

Colonial Chorus Players - My Dearest Friend
2026-07-10 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-07-11 14:30 - 16:30, 2026-07-11 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-07-12 14:30 - 16:30 | Colonial Chorus Players, 1249 Main Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
One weekend only, the Old Hose House Theater hosts a complimentary production celebrating America’s 250th anniversary through the letters, love story, and legacy of John and Abigail Adams
Reading, MA — This July, to commemorate the nation’s 250th, Colonial Chorus Players is honored to present My Dearest Friend, a new play about John and Abigail Adams by Peter Manos.
Both a history lesson and a love story, My Dearest Friend is about the founding of the nation revealed through the rich, witty, and passionate correspondence between the second U.S. President and the First Lady.
Directed by Laura J. Bilodeau, My Dearest Friend is a Time Travel Theatrical production that is being performed at multiple venues throughout New England. Two pairs of actors—Peter Cavicchio & Carla Perrotta and James Hunt & Katie Broach—bring the couple to life on stage.
For Reading native Peter, being in this cast gives him the opportunity to play opposite his spouse in real life, Carla. “Engaging emotionally with Carla on stage is so easy,” he says. “Having the relationship we have off the stage makes those long, quiet moments, heartfelt moments, and moments of pain and loss in the play feel that much more natural.”
Performances of My Dearest Friend are one weekend only at the Old Hose House Theater, 1249 Main Street, Reading. Peter and Carla are featured on Friday, July 10, at 7:30 PM and Saturday, July 11, at 2:30 PM. James and Katie perform Saturday, July 11, at 7:30 PM and Sunday, July 12, at 2:30 PM.
Tickets are complimentary, but reservations are suggested. Reserve up to four tickets in advance at ticketstage.com or pick them up at the theater 30 minutes before showtime.

Reading Public Library Launches Summer Reading Program and Writing Contest
2026-07-22 | Reading Public Library, 64 Middlesex Avenue, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Community members of all ages can participate in reading challenges and submit original work for the “Reading Is Revolutionary” writing competition
Reading, MA—This summer, discover how Reading is Revolutionary at the Library! We’re celebrating 250 years of independence with a Summer Reading program for children (ages 6 and up), teens, and adults starting June 22.
Register online at readingpl.org/summer-reading, and then come to the library to pick up your reading Passport and begin! Passports contain 12 reading challenges. Complete the challenges, have your Passport stamped at the library, earning prizes along the way.
To commemorate this momentous year, the Reading Public Library Foundation is sponsoring a Writing Contest for all ages: children (ages 6 and up), teens, and adults. Writers may submit up to five pages (poetry, memoir, fiction, or nonfiction) that fit the theme, Reading Is Revolutionary. Submissions are due by July 22 and will be judged by a panel for each age group. Prizes will be awarded on August 5.
For more information, visit: readingpl.org/foundation-writing.
We thank both the Friends of the Reading Public Library, who sponsor many programs including Summer Reading and Summer Sizzlers, and the Reading Public Library Foundation, whose support made possible the new Library Terrace, RPL Digital Archives, and Library Lockers.

Wakefield Porchfest
2026-08-29 12:00
Saturday, August 29th
Celebration of Live, Local Music Sets Date for 3rd Annual Townwide Event
Rain Date on Sunday, August 30th

WAKEFIELD, MASS. – The Wakefield Porchfest Committee has selected a date for Wakefield Porchfest 2026, which will return to town on Saturday, August 29, 2026, with a rain date the following day, Sunday, August 30th. The exact time for the event has yet to be determined, but will be announced later this year, along with registration details for bands and hosts. The 2026 event will be the third annual community-wide festival, which is focused on promoting local live music across the town, with music acts hosted by homes and small businesses.
“The final weekend of August will be the perfect time for an end-of-summer celebration of live local music, and an opportunity for our community to come together before the start of school and the busy fall season,” said Porchfest Committee member Nate Johnson. “Wakefield is lucky to have one of the country’s best Fourth of July celebrations at the start of summer, and we hope Wakefield Porchfest can become an annual tradition to close out the season. We’re looking forward to getting work underway to make this the best live music event in the region!”
The 2026 event builds on the success of the previous events in 2024 and 2025, which each drew over 100 musical acts at 50 to 60 host locations around Wakefield. The community-wide event is coordinated by a group of volunteers who collaborate with musicians and the Wakefield residents, homeowners, and small businesses who host performances.
Some additional details announced by the Committee, in addition to the 2026 event date:

Registration for hosts and musical acts will also open later in the spring. Residents or businesses interested in hosting musical acts, or those interested in performing, should register on the Wakefield Porchfest website to receive an update when registration opens;
Those interested in becoming a sponsor for Porchfest 2026 can reach out via email to sponsor@wakefieldporchfest.com to communicate interest and learn about our sponsorship options; and
The exact time for the 2026 event will be announced later in the year.

Earlier this year, Wakefield Porchfest co-founder Ike Adams received the Wakefield Human Rights Commission’s Community Service Award for 2026, an honor awarded during the Town’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on January 19th. Adams was nominated by local community members Eileen Rooney and Ben Blackstone, a high school musician, who introduced him at the event, which was shown live by WCAT.
In his acceptance speech, Adams highlighted the many volunteers, hosts, musicians, sponsors, and music fans that help deliver a celebration of live music and of the community.
“We made a day all about music and filled the town with it, twice so far,” said Adams. “My goal moving forward is simply: more music, more volume, more often, more styles, more variety, more venues, more bands, more fans, more music in places we haven’t heard it yet, more people playing or singing for the first time, and more people picking back up after a long break. If any of this sounds like something you’ve been considering, this is your invitation.”
This program is funded in part by a grant from the Wakefield Arts Council, a local agency which is supported by Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. Wakefield Porchfest also receives funding and in-kind support from businesses and residents across the community.
Wakefield is one of more than 200 communities that host a Porchfest, according to organizers in Ithaca, NY, which launched the first iteration of the community-focused music event in 2007.
