The Coalition for Prevention and Support, formerly known as the Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse, presented its annual report to the Select Board on Tuesday, highlighting its activities for the past year. Coalition Director Erica McNamara shared three organizational goals that fit into a strategic prevention framework plan. The first goal which McNamara listed as most challenging is building community collaboratives. The second is reducing substance misuse, and the third is promoting mental health. “[We] don’t just want to make a splash in the community, but we want to have a ripple effect,” McNamara shared. The Coalition sponsored 115 activities during the past year, reaching 2,100 individuals in town. [Read More]
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A Proclamation for Bill Russell |
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A proclamation honoring the life and legacy of former Boston Celtics great Bill Russell, who recently passed away, was made by the board by a vote of 5-0. Russell once lived in Reading in the 1960s but was forced to leave due to racially motivated harassment. Town Manager Fidel Maltez shared that in March of 1963, Town Meeting approved a similar resolution to the one proposed. Select Board member Jackie McCarthy suggested a slight amendment to the resolution adding a clause that the town will “support efforts to learn from and gain inspiration from [Russell’s] values as he lived them.” “This was an awful thing that happened, and I am in favor of doing something we can do to try to make amends,” Select Board member Karen Herrick commented. [Read More]
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On Monday, the Community Planning and Development Commission (CPDC) reopened the public hearing for a proposed 40R development at 459 Main Street, currently the site of 128 Tire. The 21,864 square foot proposed building would house 1,471 square feet of retail space on the first floor with four one-bedroom units, seven two-bedroom units, and one three-bedroom unit on the upper three floors.
Amy Allen, speaking for peer review consultant Green International, outlined questions that arose as part of the peer review of the traffic study. Green International recommends a left turn prohibition from the proposed garage to ease pressure and increase safety on Washington Street. Allen also recommends enhancing pedestrian accommodations, such as new crossing lights and improved visibility walkways at Main Street and Washington Street. Modernized traffic signal lights are also recommended for the intersection. Allen also inquired as to whether or not safety vehicles such as ambulances could enter the garage and if the garage has enough spaces for the proposed retail space. [Read More]
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The following article is based on an Around Reading feature. Follow Around Reading on social media Facebook | Youtube | Instagram
Fat Larry’s Ice Cream and Sandwich Shop has been operating since December 2021. Owner Crystal Hodson shared that she wanted to do something to invest in the downtown area of Reading. “We . . . wanted to have something fun to offer for people to come down to and hang out,” Hodson explained. The shop is named after Hodson’s father, who suggested the name.
Fat Larry’s offers a variety of deli meat sandwiches using Boar’s Head products, as well as a selection of Ice Cream from Shaw’s Farm in Dracut. “We have a very loyal lunch crowd,” Hodson offered. She also shared that the top-selling sandwich is the Turkey Apple Cheddar sandwich. “It outsells all other sandwiches 3-1,” Hodson exclaimed. [Read More]
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Beer Garden on the Common
Saturday, August 20, 2022
2 – 8pm
Featuring: WHBC x the Scott Bros
Pizza World
Half and Half
Plus: Music, games, etc
Bring your kids
ID required for beer garden
Sponsored by: The Friends of Reading Rec
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The Reading Rotary Club is proud to present the 14th Annual Reading Fall Street Faire on Sunday September 11. It’s back and better than ever! Drawing thousands every year to downtown Reading, it’s one of the most beloved Reading traditions.
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This year’s Fall Street Faire will include:
- A 9/11 remembrance prior to the Faire
- Live entertainment on three stages
- More than 150 local businesses, clubs, and non-profits
- Antique car show
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3rd Annual Cornhole Classic Tournament
- Dedicated children’s area with games and activities
- Amusement zone with inflatables
- Delicious food choices
- Beer garden and tailgate area to watch the Patriots play on a big screen
If you want to be a part of it, now is the time. [Read More]
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It’s become a tradition at the Reading Fall Street Faire – the Cornhole Classic Tournament. Every year the Fall Street Faire Committee invites interested residents to enter and compete to be named the best Cornhole player in Reading. All players are invited to enter – from casual backyard players to hardcore Cornhole enthusiasts. Organizer and Rotarian Sheila Clarke says, “The great thing about Cornhole is pretty much anyone can play. It’s fun and easy and always a good time.” Last year father/daughter team “Daddy’s Girl” took home the crown after facing down impressive competition. There’s some excitement to see if they return and can repeat their victory.
The Cornhole Classic Tournament, now in its third year, is held on lower Haven Street. It is part of the Reading Fall Street Faire Tailgate area that includes the Patriots game streaming on a big screen and a beer garden (for those 21 and older).
Cornhole Classic registrations are now open The Cornhole Classic is tournament-style and professionally run by Wicked Cornhole. Registration begins at 1, and bags fly at 2. There is a $60 fee to enter a two-person team. The top two teams win cash prizes, but Ms. Clarke says what everyone is really playing for is bragging rights. Register for your spot to play at fallstreetfaire.com. [Read More]
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RBP Project to Close out Summer Concert Series |
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This Sunday, August 14, 2022, will be the last concert of Reading Recreation’s Summer Concert Series at Memorial Park. The featured band “RBP Project” plays music of the 60s & 70s in the Rock/Blues/Jazz genre.
There is street parking on Charles Street and Harrison Street, and there is a small parking lot off of Salem Street. Bring your blanket or chairs and enjoy these free summer concerts.
There are no rain dates for our summer concerts. For information regarding weather cancellations, please visit the home page of our website at readingrec.com after 5:00PM on the day of the concert. We will try to post the cancellation notice as close to 5:00PM as possible, but please understand that a last-minute cancellation could happen. [Read More]
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I am dismayed and deeply concerned at the sudden and unexpected announcement from Governor Baker and MBTA General Manager Poftak that the MBTA will be taking the unprecedented step of shutting down the entire Orange Line for a month, starting on August 19.
Tens of thousands of people daily depend on this subway line to get to work, school, medical appointments, and more. This action is going to have a disproportionate impact on low-income workers, students, and others who depend heavily on the Orange Line and don’t have the luxury of just being able to work or study from home.
While this decision may be the best way to accelerate needed maintenance and safety upgrades and improve service reliability, the way it is being implemented is disgraceful. Why was this action not taken during the height of the pandemic when far fewer people were depending on public transit? Why are riders, employers, and colleges only being given two weeks notice before such a huge disruption takes place? Why didn’t the MBTA do a better job addressing maintenance and safety issues for years and instead allow the situation to deteriorate so badly? Why are so many details about this plan and alternative transportation options still being worked out, creating so much uncertainty for the entire greater Boston region? This is unacceptable! [Read More]
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Highlights from the Reading Police & Fire Logs
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