The Reading Post

Town Wide Food Pantry Collection
2024-11-23 10:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | MA
Our Food Pantries are busier than ever! There will be an annual “drive-through” collection on Saturday, November 23, from 10 AM to 1 PM. As you prepare your grocery list this week, please consider adding items for those who are not able to purchase what is needed. By providing nutritious food for a meal, you are also helping to prevent serious health issues. Children and Seniors are especially vulnerable.
Each November, the First Congregational Church collects food and other items to be shared between the Reading Food Pantry, which currently serves 350 individuals, and the Neighbors in Need Food Pantry of Greater Lawrence, which serves over 5000 families each year.
Volunteers will be on the lawn off Sanborn Street, between Lowell and Woburn Streets. Items currently needed include the following:
Canned Fruit, without sugar
Canned Vegetables and Beans (not baked)
Peanut Butter
Tuna, white in water
Cereals, unsweetened
Shelf-stable Milk (like Parmalat)
Crackers, all types
Laundry Detergent
Tissues
Hot Cocoa Mix
Thank you for your generosity!

Christmas Faire at St. Athanasius Church for Christ the King Parish
2024-11-22 16:00 - 20:00 | St. Athanasius Parish Center, 300 Haverhill Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Find a treasure or start your Christmas shopping at the St. Athanasius Christmas Faire! Put yourself in the best mood for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Faire begins Friday, Nov. 22, 4 – 8 and goes to Saturday, Nov. 23, 10 – 2 at the St. Athanasius Parish Center, 300 Haverhill St, Reading, MA.
Treasures, new and gently used, are waiting to be found at our always-popular White Elephant Room. New and gently used fashion jewelry, toys, and giftware await in full and beautiful rooms. Sporting goods, décor, puzzles, baked goods, and all-new designer fashions are organized and beautifully presented for your purchase. All proceeds go directly towards our important parish work and local community outreach.
Our Faire has been a strong, annual tradition in Reading for over 40 years! Our two-day event builds fellowship and community spirit especially needed as we all adjust to our post-pandemic world.
In addition, leading up to the Faire, we are looking for your donations! This is a great opportunity to clean out your toy rooms, basements, and attics. We cannot accept clothing, baby equipment, or books. For a complete list of what we can accept, please check out our website: https://christthekingreading.org/

Antiquarian Society Hosts Biennial Meeting – A Look Back at Feast Prep, Circa 1750
2024-11-18 19:00 | Reading Public Library, 64 Middlesex Avenue, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
As you ponder hosting family and friends for Thanksgiving this year, do you ever wonder how a harvest celebration dinner (before Thanksgiving was an official holiday) was prepared over 250 years ago?
Wonder no more!
On Monday, November 18, at 7:00 p.m. at the Reading Public Library, the Reading Antiquarian Society, the caretaker organization of the Parker Tavern, will hold its biennial meeting. Following a very brief business meeting, a program will be presented, giving a little insight into what it took to create a harvest feast before 1775. Learn a bit about what our ancestors ate, what it took to put it all together, and how various foods were cooked. While some traditional dishes remain today, others, like turtle, may have fallen out of favor. Attendees will receive a copy of a few authentic period recipes to try out — or not!
Some of the Tavern’s cooking items and utensils will be used and explained during the presentation. You’ll recognize some things, but a few may surprise you!
We hope you’ll attend this retro look at how our ancestors handled a celebratory meal in their rustic kitchens. This little history lesson will likely turn into one that will give you something unexpected to be very thankful for this Thanksgiving — your kitchen!
Light refreshments will be served — but not a holiday feast sampler!

Senator Jason Lewis Virtual Office Hours for November
2024-11-18 15:00 - 16:00 | MA
State Senator Jason Lewis will be holding Virtual Office Hours on Monday, November 18, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
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.

We Will Rock You – School Edition Presented by RMHS Drama Club
2024-11-17 14:00, 2024-11-16 19:30, 2024-11-15 19:30, 2024-11-10 14:00, 2024-11-09 19:30, 2024-11-08 19:30 | RMHS Performing Arts Center, 62 Oakland Road, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Reading Memorial High School Drama Club presents “We Will Rock You – School Edition,” a jukebox musical based on the songs of the British rock band Queen with a book by Ben Elton.

Reading Remembrance Tour
2024-11-16 10:00 - 11:30 | Reading Town Common, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
This walking tour will offer a unique opportunity to learn about a significant, yet often overlooked, part of Reading’s history. As we walk through downtown, we’ll share stories that honor the individuals who lived, labored, and built their lives here under the constraints of enslavement. This tour is a step toward remembering and acknowledging our community’s past in a way that encourages reflection, understanding, and growth.

Congressman Seth Moulton’s Veterans Town Hall
2024-11-11 13:00 | MA
On Veterans Day (Monday, November 11th), I’ll be hosting my 10th annual Vets Town Hall in Marblehead. I started this tradition on Veterans Day in 2015 after being inspired by the author Sebastian Junger’s book, Tribe, in which he wrote about the disconnect between veterans and the people they serve.
Since then, we’ve built Vets Town Halls into a national movement. This event provides veterans a forum to share the pride, grief, or quiet appreciation of life that war bestowed upon us. Just as importantly, the event gives non-veterans an opportunity to listen and connect.
We will be joined by a number of special guest speakers from the community. I’ll share more information about them in the coming days.
DETAILS:
WHAT: Vets Town Hall
WHEN: Monday, November 11th // 1:00pm ET
WHERE: Abbot Hall (188 Washington Street, Marblehead, MA 10945)

Veterans Day Ceremony
2024-11-11 11:11 | Memorial Park, 53 harrison Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Join the Veterans Services Office for a Veterans Day Ceremony on November 11, 2024. The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. at Memorial Park, where the six service flag poles that were kindly donated to the Town of Reading by the Good Samaritan Masonic Lodge of Reading will be officially dedicated. All are welcome for light refreshments immediately following the ceremony at the Good Samaritan Lodge at 110 Haven Street.

Reading Art Association Autumn Art Exhibit And Sale
2024-11-09 10:00 - 15:00 | First Congregational Church, 25 Woburn St, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
The Reading Art Association Autumn Show will be held the weekend of November 8. It will feature artwork by over 90 artist members representing surrounding towns and cities.
The show will take place at the First Congregational Church in Reading on Friday, Nov. 7, from 7:30 to 9:30 and Saturday, Nov. 8, from 10:00 to 3:00. Entrance to the show is through the side door of the church on Sanborn Street.
Original works of framed and unframed art will be on display and are available to be purchased throughout the weekend.
There will be a raffle for a framed original painting. The winner does not need to be present to win when the lucky ticket is drawn on Saturday.
This will be a wonderful show put on by some very talented artists. The Reading Art Association is starting its 63rd year promoting art. For more info, go to readingart.org.

Kris Kringle Fair
2024-11-09 09:00 - 14:00 | Unitarian Universalist Church of Reading, 239 Woburn St, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
The Kris Kringle Fair will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024, from 9 am to 2 pm at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Reading, 239 Woburn St., Reading, MA. Sales will take place indoors as well as under the tent. Booths include Jewelry, Attic Treasures, Toys and Kids Books, Silent Auction, Potpourri (new items), Boutique (handmade items), Raffle, Live Music, Baked Goods, Country Store, Snack Bar and Puzzles. All spaces are handicap accessible.

Reading Art Association Autumn Art Exhibit And Sale
2024-11-08 19:30 - 21:30 | First Congregational Church, 25 Woburn St, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
The Reading Art Association Autumn Show will be held the weekend of November 8. It will feature artwork by over 90 artist members representing surrounding towns and cities.
The show will take place at the First Congregational Church in Reading on Friday, Nov. 8, from 7:30 to 9:30 and Saturday, Nov. 9, from 10:00 to 3:00. Entrance to the show is through the side door of the church on Sanborn Street.
Original works of framed and unframed art will be on display and are available to be purchased throughout the weekend.
There will be a raffle for a framed original painting. The winner does not need to be present to win when the lucky ticket is drawn on Saturday.
This will be a wonderful show put on by some very talented artists. The Reading Art Association is starting its 63rd year promoting art. For more info, go to readingart.org.

Representative Jones Holding District Office Hours
2024-11-08 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, November 8 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.

Senator Jason Lewis Announces November Office Hours in Reading
2024-11-04 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, November 4, 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, November 18, 2024, 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.

Linden Tree Concerts Presents Master Singer-Songwriter Joe Crookston
2024-11-02 19:30 | Linden Tree Coffeehouse, 326 Main Street, Wakefield, MA, 01880, United States
Joe Crookston, a gifted songwriter, guitarist, banjoist, artist, fiddler, slide guitar player, and believer in all things possible. Price: $25, under 18 $10
Reservations & Information: 781 246 2836, www.LindenTreeCoffeehouse.org

Early In-Person Voting
2024-11-01 09:00 - 17:00, 2024-10-31 07:30 - 17:30, 2024-10-30 07:30 - 17:30, 2024-10-29 07:30 - 19:00, 2024-10-28 07:30 - 17:30, 2024-10-26 09:00 - 17:00 | Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
For the upcoming General Election, early voting takes place in the Town of Reading from Saturday, October 19, through Friday, November 1, 2024. If you plan to vote early, please go to Reading Town Hall, located at 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA 01867. There is dedicated parking for early voters in the Town Hall lot.

Senator Jason Lewis to Host Town Hall on the Five Statewide Ballot Initiatives
2024-10-29 19:00 - 20:00 | MA
State Senator Jason Lewis will be holding a virtual Town Hall meeting to provide an opportunity for his constituents to learn more about the five statewide ballot initiatives on the November 2024 ballot.
The Town Hall will be held on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 from 7-8 p.m. The event will be live-streamed on the Senator’s YouTube channel (https://bit.ly/2024BallotQuestions) and a recording will also be available after the event. Senator Lewis will provide a brief description of each ballot initiative and answer questions about each one from audience members.

Whitelam Books Presents New Novel, QUEEN BESS: A Tudor Comes to Save America
2024-10-29 19:00 | MA
In-conversation event with novelist Maria Vetrano explores political fantasy that blends historical fiction, time travel, and humor
Why can’t politics be more like fantasy football?
Massachusetts author Maria Vetrano’s debut novel, QUEEN BESS: A Tudor Comes to Save America (Regalo Press), answers the question with a time-traveling Elizabeth Tudor brought to 2027 Massachusetts in preparation for a run at the 2028 presidential election.
Whitelam Books will bring Vetrano and in-conversation partner Maura K. Phelan, principal of Green Light Literary + Media, to Whitelam Books on October 29, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. for a lively author event exploring the political bona fides of a modern-day Queen Elizabeth I.
The catalyst for the event, Whitelam bookseller and event manager Jeanne Dennehy, appreciated Vetrano’s unique approach to combining political satire and historical fiction in the new novel.
“The US presidential campaign process is long, expensive, and anxiety-provoking,” said Dennehy. “What if politics were more like fantasy football? Take a brilliant, experienced leader from the past, a person without a high-profile history that would make her a target for negative media exposure and put her in a position to run for the presidency. QUEEN BESS is the anecdote we need as we navigate this presidential election season, and the months that will follow.”
QUEEN BESS isn’t just for political buffs. It’s also for fans of the Tudors.
“I’ve loved Elizabeth Tudor since I first saw Glenda Jackson portray her in the Masterpiece Theatre miniseries Elizabeth R, a show that I watched with my family when I was a child,” said Vetrano. “While I could have selected a different historical figure who might rescue American democracy, I chose Elizabeth Tudor because she was a brilliant, battle-tested ruler who secured England’s shores, restored the treasury, and ushered in the Renaissance. She did all that while retaining her power in a world dominated by men. Just imagine how she would handle other world leaders. Or Congress.”

Reading Recreation’s 10th Annual Downtown Trick or Treat
2024-10-29 16:00 - 17:30 | MA
We are excited for our 10th Annual Downtown Trick or Treat. The event this year will be held on Tuesday, October 29th, from 4:00 PM-5:30 PM. The concept is simple – Trick or Treat participants and parents will visit many local businesses we have here in the Reading Downtown area! We believe this unique opportunity will not only give children and families (adults are encouraged to dress up as well) in Reading a chance to wear their costumes one more time, but it also provides some great foot traffic and exposure to our outstanding business community. Participating businesses will have a Halloween pumpkin hanging displayed on their storefront.

Reading Community Concert Band: Mass Appeal
2024-10-27 15:00 | First Congregational Church, 25 Woburn St, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Sunday, October 27th at 3:00 PM: Mass Appeal. Come and hear a collection of pieces forged here in Massachestts We bet you’ll be surprised of the variety of music made by Massachuestts composers! We’ve a collection of fun and serious music, all very entertaining.

Annual PumpkinFest at Creative Art
2024-10-26 17:00 - 19:00 | Creative Arts, 32 Lowell Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Creative Arts is celebrating its 2nd Annual PumpkinFest Family Festival and Fundraiser on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 5:00-7:00 pm at Creative Arts, 25 Woburn Street in Reading. Pumpkinfest is free and open to the public regardless of the weather. All are welcome!
Creative Arts invites the Reading community, its surrounding towns and communities to this exciting event. There will be Halloween and Fall themed activities, games, and events, such as Halloween Arts & Crafts, Face Painting, a Best Halloween Costume Contest, Best Pumpkin Contest (carved or decorated), food and music!
