Reading Senior Citizens Annual Thanksgiving Dinner
2024-11-23 12:15 (America/New_York) | Hillview Country Club, 149 North St, North Reading, MA, 01864, United States
Reading Senior Citizens are invited to attend the annual Thanksgiving Dinner at the Hillview Country Club in North Reading on Saturday, November 23, at 1 p.m. Doors will open at 12:15 p.m. The event will be held in the facility’s beautiful grand ballroom.
Held annually since 2008, the Reading Thanksgiving Dinner is hosted by Representative Brad Jones, his wife Linda, Representative Richard Haggerty, and Senator Jason Lewis. As in years past, hundreds of local residents are expected to attend this year’s event and enjoy a traditional turkey dinner with all the fixings. Guests will enjoy live entertainment, dancing, and singing.
“We are excited to be able to help celebrate the start of the holiday season with Reading’s seniors,” said Representative Jones. “Thanks to the support of my legislative colleagues, Representative Haggerty and Senator Lewis, as well as the generosity of the many local businesses and individuals who have partnered with us over the years, we are able to carry on this wonderful annual tradition for the community, and we look forward to seeing everyone on the 23.”
The dinner is free and open to all Reading residents over the age of 60. However, reservations are required and will be taken on a first-come, first-serve basis. For reservations for the dinner, please contact the Pleasant Street Center at 781-942-6794 by Tuesday, November 19, and ask for Linda Antinoro or Chris Kowaleski.
As we continue to support those in need in our community, we have also partnered with the Reading Food Pantry. All attendees who are able are asked to bring non-perishable, non-expired food items for donation to the Reading Food Pantry. The Food Pantry can always use coffee (regular and decaffeinated), tea, flour, sugar, baking soda, cooking oil, lunch packs of fruit, granola bars, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, laundry detergent, and tissues. At this time, the most needed items on the Food Pantry’s wish list include:

Laundry detergent
Tissues
Solid white tuna in water
Cereal

The RMHS Robockets STEM Expo
2024-11-23 13:30 - 15:30 | Reading Public Library, 64 Middlesex Avenue, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
The RMHS Robockets Team is hosting a STEM Expo on Saturday, November 23, from 1:30 to 3:30 PM at the Reading Public Library, and they invite you to come join them! Come enjoy a wide variety of STEM-related activities! Feel free to go at your own pace as you move from activity to activity! Most importantly, remember to have fun!

Parker Tavern Opens for Tours November 29 (Black Friday)
2024-11-29 12:00 - 15:00 | Parker Tavern, 103 Washington Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Are you looking for a different way to spend Black Friday, something without malls, crowds, online shopping, or any expenditure? Do you want to impress your Thanksgiving guests with a cool, enlightening—and nearby—activity?
Then hop over to Reading’s own Parker Tavern (103 Washington Street) any time between noon and 3:00 p.m. on November 29 to enjoy a special tour. Adults will appreciate the Tavern’s interesting displays of daily life in a bygone era. Kids will wonder how children 300 years ago could have managed without cell phones, video games, cars, or bicycles. And how many items may be a mystery to both age groups? Come and test your knowledge. Not sure what something is? Questions are always welcome!
This is the perfect solution for what to do the day after Thanksgiving and a great chance for folks to travel back to a time not that distant from the first Thanksgiving.
This 1694 building is one of Reading’s oldest landmarks. The Reading Antiquarian Society owns and maintains it.
We invite you to drop by Parker Tavern on Friday, November 29 from noon to 3:00 p.m. to take a peek into the past.

Quannapowitt Players Suburban Holidays 13
2024-11-29 20:00, 2024-11-30 20:00, 2024-12-01 14:00, 2024-12-06 20:00, 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.

Tree Lighting on the Common
2024-12-01 14:00 - 16:30 | Reading Town Common, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
The 31st Annual Tree Lighting on Reading Common will take place on Sunday, December 1st from 2:00 to 4:30 when Santa comes to light up the display. This event, sponsored by the Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce, is a long-time holiday favorite drawing over a thousand people from the community. This is your chance to show your support for this wonderful event and get your name in front of your local customers.

“A Christmas Carol” at Creative Arts of Reading
2024-12-01 15:00 | First Congregational Church of Reading, 25 Woburn Street, Reading, MA, United States
Creative Arts presents “A Christmas Carol” Creative Arts and the First Congregational Church of Reading’s 2nd annual co-production of “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens will perform during FCCR’s Annual Cookies & Cocoa event taking place on the same day as the Reading Annual Tree Lighting event on the town common.
Audiences are invited to attend this FREE PERFORMANCE in the sanctuary at the FCCR, which is stroller and wheelchair accessible. The performance is only 30 minutes long. Join us at 25 Woburn Street in Reading.
The cast includes local Reading residents Ingrid, Tay, and Peter Rhoads, Matthew Garlin, Esme Moss, and Ethan Dill.
Rounding out the cast are: John Murtagh as Scrooge, John Pease as Jacob Marley (and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Be), Matthew Garlin as Bob Cratchit, Steve Bermundo as Fred, Eveline Putnam as The Ghost of Christmas Past, Spencer O’Dowd as the Ghost of Christmas Present, Tay Evans-Rhoads as Mrs. Cratchit. Sebastian Putnam as Peter Cratchit, Esme Moss as Martha Cratchit, Ingrid Rhoads as Belinda Cratchit, Allison Ruddman-Putnam as Mrs. Fezziwig, Christian Moll as Belle, Spencer Moll as Young Scrooge, Peter Rhoads as Old Joe, Heather Rotundi as Mrs. Dilber, Maya Concepción as Lilly, Fred’s Wife, and Ethan Dill as Tiny Tim. The production is directed by Andrew Rhodes.
“A Christmas Carol” is free and open to the public. For more information, you may contact the Creative Arts office at (781) 942-9600 or director@weteachcreativearts.org.

Middlesex Concert Band Free Holiday Concert
2024-12-02 15:00 | Galvin Middle School, 525 Main St., Wakefield, MA, 01880, United States
Join the Middlesex Concert Band for its annual Holiday Concert, which will take place Dec. 15, 2024, at 3:00 pm at Galvin Middle School in Wakefield. The band will perform many memorable pieces, such as “The Night Before Christmas,” “Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring,” “Three Moods of Hanukkah,” and Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride.” Thanks to a generous donor, the concert is free of charge.
Joining the band again this year will be guest soprano April Foley, an accomplished singer and voice teacher with a teaching studio in North Andover. She will be narrating “The Night Before Christmas” and singing in the medley “Christmas from the 50s,” which features familiar tunes such as “Frosty the Snowman” and “The Christmas Waltz.” Foley will also be leading a holiday sing-along. The Band will also play the medley, “A Contemporary Christmas,” featuring tunes such as “Feliz Navidad” and “Jingle Bell Rock.” The program also includes a clever piece called “Minor Alterations,” which features familiar Christmas tunes transposed from a major to a minor key. That piece’s dramatic ending includes a frenzied excerpt from the finale of the Nutcracker Suite.
Finally, all will enjoy a pleasing arrangement of the calypso tune, “Mary’s Boy Child,” as well as Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride,” which comes complete with the sounds of a cracking whip and a neighing horse.
The Middlesex Concert Band’s annual holiday concert is traditionally one of its best attended concerts. Audiences will enjoy the lively program chosen for this year.
The Middlesex Concert Band’s Holiday Concert will take place Sun. Dec. 15 at
3:00 pm at Galvin Middle School Auditorium (525 Main St., Wakefield, MA). The concert is free and open to the public. For more information, visit the Middlesex Concert Band’s website.

Shop the Bock
2024-12-05 17:00 - 21:00
Reading’s much-celebrated annual Shop the Block event is on Thursday, December 5. Extended hours and specials are available from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Grab a few friends to shop and dine.
This event gives customers the chance to celebrate longer and enjoy fun shopping experiences all season long. Businesses and restaurants in Reading are working together to make this an amazing event, so be sure to follow Shop The Block’s Instagram and Facebook page.

Colonial Chorus Players Miracle on 34th Street
2024-12-06 19:30, 2024-12-07 19:30, 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

REF Festival of Trees 2024
2024-12-07 10:00 - 20:00, 2024-12-08 10:00 - 16:00 | Parker Middle School, 45 Temple Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Saturday December 7th (10am-8pm) & Sunday December 8th (10am-4pm)
At Parker Middle School – 45 Temple Street, Reading MA 01867
Our annual holiday fundraiser is a great family event! Visitors will be delighted and inspired by a winter wonderland of decorated holiday trees that are raffled off to lucky winners! Saturday evening activities consist of a special reading of Polar Express and a pajama party for kids among a forest of fun.
Decorated trees are donated by local families, businesses, organizations, and schools. With a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and themes to choose from, there is something for everyone.
Donors have decorated a tree as a family project, in memory of a loved one, to promote a cause, or to advertise their business. Decorated trees must be artificial and tree size can range from table top to 11 feet high.
Visit our blog to see winning trees in the past trees for inspiration!
Come see our Amazing Entertainment – here is the schedule for the weekend and grab a bite to eat at one of the food trucks!

Arts Collaborative of Wakefield’s Annual Winter Artisan Sale
2024-12-07 11:00 - 16:00 | Albion Cultural Exchange Building, 9 Albion St, Wakefield, MA, 01880, United States
The Arts Collaborative of Wakefield is proud to present its Annual Winter Artisan Sale in the main gallery of the Albion Cultural Exchange Building in Wakefield. Get into the spirit of the season and shop a variety of local and handmade products, including artwork of all kinds – ceramics, jewelry, mixed media, paintings, prints, photography, and other hand-crafted items. In addition, we’ll be doing our annual support of the Wakefield Food Pantry, so please feel free to donate canned and dry goods. You will find us at 9 Albion Street, Wakefield, on Friday, Dec 6, from 5 pm – 8 pm and Saturday, Dec 7, from 11 am – 4 pm. For more information about the Arts Collaborative of Wakefield, please go to artscollaborativeofwakefield.com.
The Arts Collaborative of Wakefield’s (ACW) mission is to support Wakefield and local community visual artists and craftsmen by providing opportunities for artists to network, meet and share ideas, display their work, and create partnership programs between local artists and businesses. A key component of the ACW is its online artist registry used by artists, patrons, sponsors, local businesses, and enthusiasts. The online registry allows artists to identify themselves in terms of their artwork. The registry is also a great tool for non-artists to check out what is happening in the local art community and to find an artist or craftsman whose style they like or who they want to engage for a piece of artwork. Artists register at artscollaborativeofwakefield.com. Past and recent events sponsored and coordinated by the ACW include:
Spring Art Exhibit & Sale
Fall Art Exhibit & Sale
Holiday Season Artisan’s Sale
Demonstration Nights
Art Supply Exchange / Sale
The ACW regular monthly meetings are typically the 3rd Wednesday of the month at the Albion Cultural Exchange Building (9 Albion St.) at 7pm. Feel free to come join us for a meeting! For contact info and to check out the community’s many local artists and their work. ACW Website: artscollaborativeofwakefield.com

Linden Tree Winter Potpourri
2024-12-07 19:30 | Linden Tree Coffeehouse, 326 Main Street, Wakefield, MA, 01880, United States
when: SAT. DECEMBER 7, 2024 at 7:30 pm
what: Linden Tree Winter Potpourri: MASSACHUSETTS GOT TALENT. 9 acoustic music acts featuring last year winner:Mark Zelemeyer & Friends and Kirsten Manville as MC. $10 minimum donation with a share for the Wakefield Food Pantry. Audience participation. Social hall at Wakefield Lynnfield Methodist Church at 273 Vernon St. Wakefield. Parking lot in rear of church. For more info: www.LindenTreeCoffeehouse.org or 781 246 2836.

Reading Community Singers Annual Holiday Concert
2024-12-07 19:30 | RMHS Performing Arts Center, 62 Oakland Road, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Reading Community Singers wants to invite everyone to their Annual Holiday Concert on December 7, at 7:30 at Reading Memorial High School – This year, it is entitled “Light Up the World ~ Holidays in the Movies.” They’ve been rehearsing for months a great mix of music to celebrate the season – Christmas, Hanukkah, Winter, and Family – with Classic and Modern Favorites and a Sing-Along with some very special guests. As the title suggests, there’s some music to make the Holidays even brighter – like “Getting’ in the Mood (for Christmas),” as well as selections from your favorite movie musicals! It’s a wonderful evening for all ages.
In addition to a featured youth choir, their Guest Artists this year are The Sniveling Norburys (aka The Jingling Noel-berries for the holiday season), made up of five very talented RCS members who are always sure to be entertaining.
Whatever Holidays you celebrate, take a well-deserved break from your preparations and join RCS for an enjoyable evening of Musical Merrymaking! Tickets are available from any Chorus member, as well as online and at the door, with discounts for Seniors and Students. For Advance Tickets, go to ReadingCommunitySingers.org/tickets.

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.

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.

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!

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

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!

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.

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

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.

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).

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.”
