The Reading Post

Senator Jason Lewis Announces Virtual Office Hours for March
2026-03-16 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
BOSTON—State Senator Jason Lewis will be holding Virtual Office Hours on Monday, March 16, from 2 p.m. to 3 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.
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.

Reading Democratic Town Committee School Committee Candidate Forum
2026-03-16 18:00 - 19:00 | Reading Public Library, 64 Middlesex Avenue, 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 Democratic Town Committee Select Board Candidate Forum
2026-03-18 18:00 - 19:00 | Pleasant Street Center, 49 Pleasant St, Reading, MA, 01867, United States

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
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
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

🌿 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.

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.

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.

Voices of Hope to perform Curtains at North Shore Music Theatre
2026-04-19 14:00
A Killer Musical Comedy Takes Center Stage
Get ready for a night of music, mystery, and nonstop laughter when Voices of Hope presents Curtains at North Shore Music Theatre on Saturday, April 18, at 8:00 PM and Sunday, April 19, at 2:00 PM. Set in 1959 at Boston’s historic Emerson Colonial Theatre, this wildly entertaining musical comedy begins with a bang when the leading lady of a Broadway-bound show is mysteriously murdered on opening night. A theater-loving Boston detective jumps in to solve the case, leading audiences through a hilarious backstage “whodunit” filled with clever twists, dazzling dance numbers, and the unforgettable Broadway sound of Kander and Ebb (Chicago, Cabaret).
This lively production combines classic Broadway glamour with a meaningful cause. Featuring a talented local cast from Reading and the surrounding area, Curtains delivers high-energy entertainment while supporting cancer research through Voices of Hope, a nonprofit that has raised more than $1.2 million for the Termeer Center for Targeted Therapies at Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute. Join us for an unforgettable theatrical experience—come for the mystery, stay for the music, and help make every ticket count in the fight against cancer.
Tickets are $60 (Inner) and $50 (Upper) and can be purchased by calling 978-232-7200 or visiting www.nsmt.org. Performances take place at North Shore Music Theatre, 54 Dunham Road, Beverly, MA.

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.

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.
