Meet the New Town Manager
New Town Manager Fidel Maltez shared in an interview with RCTV’s Sherri VandenAkker his prediction that the coming years are going to “be a bright time for Reading.” Maltez opened the interview by sharing his journey to Reading from his birth in Managua, Nicaragua, to his move to the United States, early education in Miami, Florida, and three years of professional work in China.
Incoming Town Manager Fidel Maltez, a participant in the meeting, added, “I cannot think of a better man to take the baton from.” LeLacheur wished Maltez well. “Don’t worry about my shoes; your shoes are good enough,” LeLacheur shared.
Maltez comes to Reading after having worked for the city of Chelsea for the past five years, most recently as its Director of Public Works. “Everyone I have met [in Reading] has been very welcoming and excited for the future of Reading,” Maltez shared. He continued, sharing that the importance of public service was instilled in him by his father and that the lesson of “continuous improvement” is one that he has taken from the private sector.
Maltez reported that as he has begun his tenure, he has been engaged in meeting staff and residents in town touring facilities such as the police station and the high school. “My primary goal is to be visible and accessible,” Maltez indicated. “I am learning from the residents about their priorities.” On his first day on the job, he strolled through the downtown, speaking with business owners and residents alike. “You want a downtown where residents and visitors want to come,” Maltez opined.
Maltez also shared that he has met with Superintendent of Schools Thomas Milachewski “a handful of times” and believes that the relationship between the two leaders is critical. “Having a wonderful and healthy school department is something we are all invested in,” Maltez stated. Maltez also indicated that determining the fate of the Killam Elementary School is a key issue for the town. [Read More]
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On the recommendation of School Superintendent Thomas Milaschewski, the School Committee voted 6-0 to end the mask mandate in schools as of 12:01 am on February 28th.
The subject, third on the committee’s agenda, began with committee chair Tom Wise outlining how the issue would be tackled. He said they would begin with a presentation by the school administration, followed by comments and debate by school committee members. Next would be comments by private citizens, limited to those who signed up in advance to speak and each limited to two minutes.
Dr. Milaschewski began his remarks by thanking the town for its support. He offered special thanks to the staff and, especially, the nurses. He continued, saying that he and the staff have been engaged in complex conversations, encouraging differing points of view. He recognizes that “all don’t see eye to eye, but we all want the same thing for our schools.”
He then explained the logistics of rescinding the mandate. First, he said, masks would still be required for buses, health offices, and waiting rooms. Also, the mandate remains in place for five days after isolation and is recommended for those who are not vaccinated. The administration reserves the right to return to mask usage in short-term cases where spikes in the virus are identified: individual classes or sports teams, for example. He said the administration would be driven by the data. [Read More]
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With just over six weeks until the April 5 local election and with the deadline to return nomination papers having passed on Tuesday, Town Clerk Laura Gemme has shared the list of residents who have returned nomination papers for the various town-wide offices up for election this year.
Three persons have returned nomination papers for the two available seats on the Select Board. Incumbent Mark Dockser of Beaver Road, Nancy Tawadros of Libby Avenue, and Jacqueline McCarthy of Beacon Street are all prepared to run for positions on the board. Incumbent Anne Landry had previously announced that she is not seeking reelection to the Select Board. Both seats are for three-year terms.
Four candidates have returned nomination papers for the two available three-year seats on the School Committee, incumbent and current School Committee chair Thomas Wise of South Street, incumbent long-time School Committee member Chuck Robinson of Prospect Street, former short-term School Committee member Geoffrey Coram of Ridge Road, and Brian Curry of Haverhill Street.
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Tin Bucket has become a staple small business in Reading over the last several years. Tin Bucket is a gift shop and creative space for people to learn artistic skills on their own through a variety of different opportunities.
Owner Pam Keating opened up Tin Bucket on Woburn Street in 2015. As an art and graphic design major in college, Keating has always had a passion for creating and a flair for aesthetics.
After starting her family, Keating stayed at home to raise her children but always talked about opening her own store. In the meantime, Keating completed projects from her home for herself or for others.
She began her journey after her youngest child started kindergarten. Keating began conducting paint parties out of a Corre Barre studio. Paint parties are events at which those attending are provided with the materials to make a painting and learn new techniques and simple ways to make a somewhat complicated piece from the instructor.
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When the owner decided to shut down the studio, they had suggested that Keating take over the space, and she went for it, feet first.
In 2015, Keating turned the store into a creative space and a gift shop for local residents to express themselves and find homemade products and is essentially a “one-woman show,” Keating said. “It’s been better than I expected,” Keating said.
Local artist Suzanne Pollack works closely with Keating, teaching some Tin Bucket workshops and selling some of her artwork.
“[Keating] has been so supportive of me and has always encouraged me to sell my artwork there. She always offers her space to me to run any type of workshop or art class that I want,” Pollack said.
According to Pollack, Keating creates a welcoming space with an inviting and warm energy. [Read More]
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Did you miss the Tree Lighting Celebration last year? The Chamber did, too! So much that we are hosting a new outdoor festival, Winterfest, on Thursday, March 10 from 5 – 7 PM in Reading Square. Mark your calendar to join us for fire tables and s’mores on the common, lit ice sculptures, and hot chocolate, all compliments of our local business sponsors. The kids will enjoy selfies with Olaf, and music and interviews will be hosted by North Shore 104.9FM, which will be broadcasting live from the event. Bring cash and your ID and enjoy the beer garden and snacks from food trucks. Local businesses will be open late and many will offer special promotions for March madness as well!
“The Chamber of Commerce is excited to host a new, outdoor event for the community,” commented Jenniffer Rogers, 2022 Chamber President and Loan Officer at Leader Bank. Jenniffer continued “we encourage everyone to get outside, see neighbors and friends and enjoy downtown and our local businesses”
Come stroll the downtown, enjoy the festivities, pop into stores and restaurants, and make memories in Reading Square. The ice sculptures will be lit all weekend long. More information may be found at the chamber website at readingnreadingchamber.com. [Read More]
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EMILY MARTELL Class of ‘22
Favorite Book: The Selection Series by Kiera Cass
Favorite Quote: “I have to remind myself that some birds aren’t meant to be caged. Their feathers are just too bright.” Red, Shawshank Redemption
Favorite Subjects: AP Biology and Math
Clubs/Activities/Athletics: Ski Club, Mental Health Awareness Club, Habitat for Humanity, Cradles to Crayons, Samantha’s Harvest, Best Buddies, Rocket Ambassador, National Honor Society, Captain of Soccer and Softball, Volunteer in the Athletic Trainer’s Office, Employed at Dandi-Lyons
Plans After Graduation: Emily plans to attend St. Anselm College in the fall to major in Nursing.
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CLAIRE JENKINS Class of ‘22
Favorite Book: Band of Brothers by Stephen E. Ambrose
Favorite Quote: “How am I supposed to know the good times I’m in, if the good is only seen when looking back at them?” Zach Bryan
Favorite Subjects: AP Photography (with Ms. Dailey)
Clubs and Activities: Track, Photography, employed at Michaels Craft Store
Plans After Graduation: Claire has applied to the United States Coast Guard Academy. She is also interested in the University of North Carolina- Wilmington and East Carolina University.
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Highlights from the Reading Police & Fire Logs
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