By a vote of 5-0, and with the Reading ARPA Advisory Committee (RAAC) recommendation, the Select Board appropriated $900,000 of the American Rescue Act (ARPA) funding for services to senior citizens Tuesday night. In a presentation similar to the one at the RAAC meeting last week, Assistant Town Manager Jean Delios outlined the request, reminding the Select Board that seniors make up about twenty-five percent of the population of Reading and have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. “The [senior] population is much larger than what was planned for thirty years ago,” Delios noted. Delios also shared results from the 2017 UMass Gerontology Institute study, which affirmed the 140-year-old Pleasant Street Center’s inability to meet the needs of seniors in the community. This past winter, these realities led the Select Board to establish the Reading Center for Active Living Committee (ReCALC).
Delios outlined a plan that she referred to as “a bridge to the future” to provide increased activities and programs for seniors in the interim. These include bus trips, wellness programs, the rental of additional space in town, and a contracted volunteer coordinator over the next two years. Also included in the funding request is $300,000 for a feasibility study once the ReCALC finishes its work and makes its recommendations. Select Board chair and ReCALC member Mark Dockser informed the board that these recommendations could be ready sometime this winter. [Read More]
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In an effort to connect with METCO students and families, the School Committee hosted its May 26 meeting in Boston. A number of Boston parents and students were in attendance, along with three Reading principals. Among the business conducted were presentations from the Students of Color and Allies for Equity, Justice, and Inclusion and The Friends of Reading METCO.
The Students of Color and Allies for Equity, Justice, and Inclusion are a group of students from Reading Memorial High School (RMHS) seeking to create awareness, educate on significant issues, and create an understanding of how students of color feel on a daily basis. Students concluded their presentation by showing the committee two videos highlighting issues concerning equity. The Friends of Reading METCO creates events and opportunities for families to share and build relationships. Co-chair Sherilla Lestrade shared that growing relationships between Boston and Reading students and families are keys to a successful program. [Read More]
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Kickoff summer with Reading Friends and Family Day on Saturday, June 11! Nothing says summer like enjoying a day of fun activities with your neighbors, friends, and family. On Saturday, June 11 The Reading Lions Club’s 17th Reading Friends and Family Day returns! This annual summer community event – also called Town Day – will take place in the Birch Meadow area from 10:30 am-3:00 pm. All are welcome to attend RFFD, so mark your calendar!
Since 2004, The Reading Lions Club has hosted and organized Reading Friends and Family Day (RFFD) as a celebration of our town. At RFFD, you’ll enjoy games, giveaways, entertainment, food and have a chance to learn about our wonderful local organizations and businesses. Attendance has grown steadily over the years, and we know there are many new people in town who would enjoy all the activities of the day.
In addition to more than 40 community & business RFFD booths, free activities include a touch-a-truck area, miniature golf, remote control race cars, and a petting zoo. As the fair wraps up, there will be a Home Run Derby (at 2:00pm) and a Cornhole Tournament (3:30pm-6:00pm) both sponsored by Friends of Reading High School Baseball. In the early evening, listen to music and enjoy snacks from sponsored by the Friends of Reading Recreation.
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Chief David Clark is pleased to announce that the Reading Police Department will be wearing special patches in June to show town spirit and recognize graduating high school seniors
The Reading Police Department is partnering with the Reading Food Pantry in this effort, and all proceeds from patch sales will benefit the pantry.
Seniors at Reading Memorial High School graduate on June 5.
“I am extremely proud of our Seniors who are getting ready for the next chapter of their lives, and graduating high school,” said Chief Clark. “This program is a great way to bring the community together and show support for Reading Memorial High School students. The Reading Police Department would like to congratulate all seniors and wish them good luck in their future endeavors.”
Each year, members of the Reading Police Department, including both School Resource Officers, will wear the special patch on their uniforms throughout the month to honor the students whose final school year was impacted by the pandemic. The patch is also available for $10 to members of the public.
“This is also a great opportunity to give back to the those in need,” added Chief Clark. “The Food Pantry is a great organization and we are honored to be able to give back.” [Read More]
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Are you ready to Read Off the Beaten Path? RPL’s Summer Reading starts June 21 |
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Like clockwork, when June rolls around, the Reading Public Library ramps up for summer reading! A staple of library programming since….well, for a very long time, did you know Summer Reading is for all ages? While children make up the biggest group of participants, there are programs to promote reading to teens and adults. We’ve got live and virtual programs through mid-August, plus fun activities and prizes. Of course, we’re always here and ready to help you find just the right book, audiobook, e-book, graphic novel, or magazine for your mood and style!
We’re celebrating the start of Read Off the Beaten Path: Summer Reading with a couple of special events. First, on June 24 at 5:00 pm, we’re hosting a Summer Kick off Concert and Picnic on the library lawn. We’ll provide games, music, and community groups to help you enjoy the great outdoors this summer. Just bring a picnic, blanket, friends, and family. And on June 30, we’re very excited to host a program with Frances Moore Lappé. Her book, Diet for a Small Planet, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, shows how plant-centered eating can help restore our damaged ecology, address the climate crisis, and move us toward real democracy. Book sale and signing will follow. Reading’s favorite dietician, Lori Lambert-Osburn, will whip up some tasty treats based on recipes from the book, so be sure to register, and stop by at 5:15 pm. A big shout-out and thanks to the Friends of Reading Public Library for sponsoring this event. [Read More]
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Taunya L. Jarzyniecki, LCMHC MLADC, Public Safety Clinician for the Reading Coalition for Prevention & Support at the Reading Police Department will be available to meet with residents at the Pleasant Street Center and Reading Public Library. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Ms. Jarzyniecki can assist residents with brief therapeutic support and accessing resources. Ms. Jarzyniecki will be at the following locations on the dates below. There is no fee or health insurance needed to meet with Ms. Jarzyniecki and all services are confidential. [Read More]
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Dates
Wednesday (June 15)
Wednesdays (June 8, 15, 22)
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Location
Pleasant St. Center
Reading Public Library
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Class of ’22 Reading Graduates Andrew Gagnon Daniel Hackett |
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Malden Catholic High School celebrated the 87th Commencement ceremony which was the school’s first codivisional graduation including both the Boys and Girls Divisions. The Class of 2022 graduation was held live on the Brother Gilbert Stadium with 194 MC graduates and over 800 family members, faculty and staff in attendance.
The ceremony started with an invocation by MC Principal, Rose Maria Redman, and was followed by a presentation by MC’s Girls Division valedictorian, Lily Baglio of Peabody. Baglio’s address commented on the great success that has resulted from the school’s unique codivisional model and how the administration had remained present to hear and fulfill as many ideas and aspirations as possible over the past four years. She also shared a letter written to her two siblings, Brooke and Luke, who will be joining MC’s Class of 2026 with tips regarding how to appreciate the lessons gleaned both inside and outside of the classroom and the school’s strong 90-year legacy. [Read More]
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Highlights from the Reading Police & Fire Logs
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