Fidel Maltez has been “on the job” as Reading’s town manager for just over six months. As he prepares for his first review by the Select Board, he shared that he did not know what to expect when he transitioned from his previous role as the Commissioner of Public Works in Chelsea. Maltez met hundreds of people in the past six months and has been “pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome [he has received] from all members of the community.”
Having had no previous town manager experience, Maltez has “added a few hats” to his previous role, adding responsibilities with which he had no prior interaction, such as working with Town Meeting, which he referred to as a “wonderful experience.”
“To present a $130 million budget two months into the job was exciting,” Maltez added as he expressed gratitude to former Town Manager Robert LeLacheur for helping prepare him for how Town Meeting operates.
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Maltez continued, sharing his experience with work in the area of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) which, for him, began years ago when he was in the private sector “well before these conversations were mainstream,” Maltez confirmed.
“For me,” Maltez shared, “DEI is the ability for everyone to bring their full self to work or in all aspects of life. We want all forms of diversity in Reading, inclusive of sexual orientation, racial, socio-economic, [family] background, and disabilities.” Maltez indicated that he does not think the inclusion of those with disabilities are a part of the discussion often enough.
“We all have sensitivities and things we struggle with, [DEI] is making those things okay to talk about,” Maltez stated.
Maltez also spoke regarding his personal passion for sustainability efforts. He hailed future efforts to install solar panels at the high school and Parker Middle School when the roof is replaced. “These will bring savings, but also [can be] used as a tool to teach students,” Maltez added. He expressed enthusiasm for the Reading Municipal Light Department’s electrification plans and for the $3 million project at the Maillet-Sommes-Morgan wetlands conservation land that will help mitigate the effects of stormwater issues in Reading as well as further down the Mystic Valley watershed. Maltez also noted the second performance contracting agreement with Noresco, which is projected to reduce energy consumption in Reading’s municipal buildings by twelve percent. [Read More]
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Superintendent of Schools Thomas Milaschewski shared the results of a Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) District Review with the School Committee on Thursday. The review, which was a targeted review, assessed the district in three areas: curriculum and instruction, assessment, and student support. Milaschewski shared that he was pleased that the review was about forward-facing standards and not past performance. Milaschewski also pointed out his belief that the review was a “well-done analysis” and that issues in the report aligned with issues he had already determined as a part of his entry plan. He also noted that the review was done in the context of the pandemic.
Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning Sarah Hardy presented a report summary, which determined that several curriculum areas need to be updated and aligned horizontally and vertically. However, it was pointed out that the district was already working towards this goal with its new math and english language curriculums. The report also noted that instruction in some areas could be more rigorous while still supporting the needs of all students. It was recommended that curriculum review of all materials continue, that teacher support is enhanced, and those systems be examined to provide a range of academic supports. [Read More]
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Just before 2pm Monday, August 15, 2022, Reading 911 began receiving multiple calls for a possible building fire at The Postmark building on Sanborn Street (Old Reading Post office).
When fire crews arrived, they observed heavy smoke showing from the fourth floor of a large, occupied, 5-story apartment building. A 2nd alarm was struck on arrival as crews made their way to the fourth floor to attack the fire and search the building. Due to the size of the building, the need for additional manpower, and the potential for the fire to escalate, a 3rd alarm was struck, bringing additional mutual aid companies to the scene.
Reaching the 4th floor, crews found a fire on the exterior deck, extending into the building. A quick-fire attack prevented the fire from spreading from the two affected apartments. The fire was quickly brought under control. [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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Join us Sunday, August 21, at RCTV Studios for the premiere of “A Moosterious Summer”!
For three weeks, the students of RCTV’s summer Screen Play workshop have been working hard to adapt an original screenplay into a feature-length movie. Students in the program either worked as actors or crew and helped to develop this creative project into a mystery like no other mystery! Watch as brothers Chris and Johnny, sisters Lisa and Quinn, and their new friend Jacob help summer program counselor Albert find the missing Burrow’s College Moose.
Who is behind this thievery? Will rival program counselor George get in their way as they trace the ancestry of the moose? You’ll have to come to find out!! [Read More]
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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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Chief David Clark is pleased to announce that the Reading Police Department will offer a Citizens Police Academy (CPA) for community members.
The CPA will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 13, and will run through Tuesday, Nov. 8. Classes will be held at the Reading Police Department and the Pleasant Street Center on Tuesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Through the CPA, participants will get a tour of the station, see the inside and outside of police cruisers, and learn about investigations, firearms, dispatch procedures, and crime prevention tactics via classroom teaching and demonstrations. Participants will also get to meet the Reading Police Department’s comfort dogs Cooper and Rusty.
After graduating the program, participants will get to schedule a ride along with a Reading police officer. Participants must attend at least six out of nine classes in order to schedule a ride-along. [Read More]
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A student-inspired proposal filed by House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) to establish a student stakeholder advisory committee on mental health has been signed into law by Governor Charlie Baker.
A revised version of Representative Jones’ policy initiative was included in a comprehensive mental health access bill that was enacted by the House and Senate on August 1, the last day of formal legislative sessions for the year. Senate Bill 3097, An Act addressing barriers to care for mental health (also known as the ABC Act), was signed by Governor Baker on August 10.
Representative Jones first developed the idea for a student-centered advisory board after meeting with a group of sophomores from Lynnfield High School earlier this year. After brainstorming ideas with the students, he drafted and filed language creating the board, which was adopted as an amendment to an earlier House version of the ABC Act that was engrossed on June 16. [Read More]
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Highlights from the Reading Police & Fire Logs
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