Members of the Select Board gave thanks to outgoing Town Manager Robert LeLacheur on February 15. It was LeLacheur’s last Select Board meeting as Town Manager. Select Board member Anne Landry thanked LeLacheur for the town’s solid financial position that made Reading look attractive to a strong pool of candidates. Member Carlo Bacci stated, “I have had the privilege of working with one of the best town managers in the state.”
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 reported on the transition between town managers highlighting that LeLacheur has “handed him a finished budget document.” In addition to “keeping the lights on,” Maltez shared that the top priorities as he begins his role will be to focus on the Finance Committee budget meetings in March and preparation for Town Meeting in April. The Select Board will work with Maltez on setting goals after he has been in the role for 60 days. [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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By a vote of 3-0, the Reading Board of Health decided to rescind the indoor mask mandate on February 10, effective immediately. The mask instituted the mandate on January 6 in an attempt to curtail the speed of the omicron COVID-19 variant. Board of Health chair Dr. Richard Lopez began the discussion by reminding the public that the board only has authority over specific spaces, which does not include the public schools. The mask mandate in the schools is determined by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Reading School Committee. Lopez also shared that licensed daycare centers are outside of the board’s authority, as is the Reading Public Library. Lopez noted that all correspondence received by the board in relation to the schools had been forwarded to the School Committee.
Public Health nurse Christine Harris reported forty-two active cases in Reading as of February 10. Harris explained that these numbers are “significantly down” from the previous week. She also noted that there are currently no known clusters in town.
Lopez shared data with the board that led him to recommend rescinding the mandate, including a 7.8% positivity rate in town. “Rescinding the mandate makes sense,” Lopez suggested. “But I would not hesitate to reinstate it if necessary.” [Read More]
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Before the holidays, friends and family of Reading native, John Edward Hoyt gathered at the Hillview Golf Club, 149 North St., North Reading, to dedicate a bench by the putting green in his honor and to celebrate his love of sports, country, community, and family. The son of Reading’s Sally Hoyt and the late Brendan Hoyt, John passed away suddenly in 2019 at his winter home in Florida.
A lifelong resident of Reading who endured heart surgery as a child, John was a gifted athlete, lettering in Football and Baseball, and was inducted in 1965 and 1966 to the MA Athletic Hall of Fame and the RMHS Athletic Hall of Fame. While in high school, Jack volunteered as a caddy at Hillview where he learned the game of golf, leading to a lifetime of competitions and tournaments along the East Coast and Florida.
After his graduation from Reading Memorial High School in 1966, John joined the Army as a Paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division, serving two tours of duty in Vietnam, and was awarded four distinguished Military Medals of Honor by the US Government for outstanding service to his country, including the Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM) for consistent acts of heroism and meritorious service and the Bronze Star for Valor and heroic service in a combat zone. In civilian life, John attended Graham College in Business and Broadcasting and built a life around golf in Florida and Massachusetts. [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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