Select Board Members Chris Haley, Karen Herrick, and Jackie McCarthy - Carlo Bacci was participating via zoom. |
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Climate Advisory Committee chair David Zeek presented a proposal to the Select Board on Tuesday that would create a bylaw prohibiting food establishments in Reading from using or distributing rigid and single-use foam containers made from polystyrene. Polystyrene is indicated with the recycling number six on its packaging and is often used for take-out or leftover “doggie bags” from food establishments or for single-use utensils. The ban would include restaurants, food vendors, and other organizations which serve food to the public. The purpose of the presentation was to ask the board to support a bylaw to this effect and include it in the warrant for November Town Meeting. |
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In presenting the plan, Zeek indicated that the proposed ban would not be for items made out of other types of plastics, nor would it be a ban on the sale of polystyrene products purchased in bulk for personal use at retail establishments. It would also not apply to situations where food comes to a store or restaurant prepackaged with the material.
Zeek continued, sharing that polystyrene is the only plastic used in food packaging that is considered carcinogenic. He shared that the carcinogenic material has been shown to leak into food. Zeek also argued that polystyrene is a health hazard for wildlife; it takes over 200 years to break down in the environment and is seldom recycled.
Alternative products that could be used in place of polystyrene are paper, cardboard, foil pans, compostable materials, and other plastics. Zeek shared that 47 other communities in the Commonwealth have enacted a similar ban. [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.
The Fall Street Faire happens every year on the Sunday after Labor Day – this year it falls on September 11. To honor and remember the victims of the 9/11 attacks, there will be a brief remembrance at 11:45 on the Woburn Street Stage, near the Town Common. Reading Police Chief David Clark and Fire Chief Greg Burns will speak and lead a moment of silence.
Live Entertainment
From noon to five, Faire goers will be treated to live entertainment on three stages, including bands, solo acts and high-energy dance performances. Check out the Woburn Street Stage (near the Common), the Haven Street Stage (near the Train Depot on Lower Haven), and the Acoustic Corner.
Meet our Vendors
The Reading Fall Street Faire runs along all of Haven Street and up onto Main Street. More than one hundred local businesses, clubs, organizations, and non-profits will have booths located throughout the Faire. Stop in and see them all!
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Antique Car Show
Parking lot behind CVS between Haven and Woburn Streets
Come meet members of the North Shore Old Car Club and enjoy vintage vehicles from all eras. Rick Obey’s Entertainment DJ Nick Lamberti will spinning tunes from the 50s, 60s, and 70s all afternoon. Take a fun trip down memory lane!
Football, Beer, and Cornhole
Lower Haven Street
The Patriots game will be streaming on a big-screen TV. Faire goers over 21 are invited to enjoy a cold one in the Beer Garden. Everyone is invited to participate in the 3rd Annual Cornhole Classic Tournament. A cash prize will be awarded to the best Cornhole player in Reading. Join the fun!
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Fun for Kids
Kids won’t want to miss two different inflatable zones with bounce houses, inflatable slides, and other amusements. Inflatable zone tickets will be available for sale on the Common and on Haven Street. Younger children will want to check out the dedicated Children’s Area on upper Haven (in the Reading Cooperative Bank parking lot). There will be free crafts, games, and face painting.
Delicious Food
Throughout the Faire
Food vendors will be selling pizza, fried dough, cupcakes, cookies, popcorn, and slush throughout the Faire. Come hungry, leave happy!
Dunk Tank
Middle of Haven Street
It’s a Fall Street Faire favorite! Local leaders step up to get dunked! Town Manager Fidel Maltez, School Superintendent Dr. Thomas Milaschewski, Reading Memorial High School Principal Kevin Tracey, and members of the Select Board and School Committee have all signed up to sit in the Dunk Tank. Your $2, $5, or $20 donation to take a chance at dunking a town leader will go to support both the Reading Rotary Club/Fall Street Faire and the owners of Ruff N’Ready Dog Grooming, a small local business that recently suffered a setback. [Read More]
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The Select Board reviewed the Town Manager after his first six months on the job on Tuesday. Town Manager Fidel Maltez shared that the six-month check-up allowed the board to provide feedback and direction to him as he continues in his position. Maltez began by giving the board a brief overview of his four “big picture” goals. These include gaining the trust of the staff and the community, working with the schools, exploring economic development, and continuing infrastructure improvements. Each member present mainly provided positive feedback. “You and [Superintendent of Schools] Dr. Milaschewski are exactly what Reading needs,” Select Board member Chris Haley declared. Both Carlo Bacci and Jackie McCarthy provided advice regarding the pace Maltez has set for himself. “You are still in the Hopkinton phase, we hope, of your tenure here,” McCarthy counseled, referencing the Boston Marathon. Vice-Chair Karen Herrick added, “You listen to us, you listen to the community, you are visible in the community.”
Herrick also spoke favorably regarding Maltez’s building of relationships with the Reading Municipal Light Department, the schools, and the legislative delegation. Herrick shared she was impressed with the “amazing performance” in seeking and acquiring grants, exemplified by the state Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness grant for $2.1 million for the Maillet, Sommes, Morgan conservation area, which, when combined with the expected $1.5 million from the Federal government, should pay for the project. Maltez will have his full review in February. [Read More]
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After greeting the district’s new hires prior to the beginning of the new term, the School Committee focused considerable energy on Monday night reviewing the need for a new Killam Elementary School. Director of Facilities Joe Huggins said that the current structure, built in 1967, has been well-maintained over the years but has never had a significant renovation. The building did receive a new roof in 2010, as well as some new windows and an update to the heating system as a part of performance contracting. Still, it is not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) nor does it contain a modern fire suppression system. Huggins continued to explain that the building has lead in the drinking water, is not energy efficient, there is water infiltration through the foundation, and it has poor sight lines to the front door from the main office, creating a security concern. Some classrooms can only be accessed through other classrooms.
Huggins confirmed that the building would continue to be maintained as it is, but several large projects are required to update the building. Huggins continued, stating that if the cost of those projects reaches 20 percent of the value of the building, then regulations regarding ADA compliance and other issues will force even higher costs. School Committee member Chuck Robinson, recognizing the need for significant updates, commended Huggins and his team for their efforts stating, “The building still looks immaculate.” [Read More]
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Police Chief David Clark and Deputy Chief Christine Amendola presented an update to the Select Board on Tuesday focused on the department’s recent activities, including completing their fourth accreditation process and the work of the Civil Rights Officer. “We are well ahead of the curve on police reform,” Clark shared. The department currently has three police officer and two public safety dispatcher positions open and is actively seeking to fill them.
Other activities include the “RAD” program, lunchroom takeovers at the schools, the “Coffee with a Cop” program, visits to the YMCA, the Pleasant Street Center, and other groups, bike helmet “citations,” and the annual open house. The department has responded to 13,739 calls for service as of the third week of August. As to future plans, Clark shared that a new K-9 unit, which specializes in searches, is being trained, a new motorcycle unit has been added, the mountain bike units will be returning, and the department has replaced two cruisers with hybrid models. The department has also added an electric vehicle for use by the Coalition for Prevention and Support. [Read More]
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The Select Board presented a resolution honoring long-time resident Sally Hoyt on the occasion of her one-hundredth birthday at its meeting on Tuesday. Former Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner added his thoughts through an email, “I wanted to add my congratulations to Sally on this occasion and to wish her a long and fruitful life. As Reading’s first Town Manager, I worked with Sally when she was a member of the Conservation Commission, a Constable, a member of the Board of Selectmen, and later a member of the Council on Aging. She stands out for her volunteer efforts in a community known for its outstanding volunteers. Congratulations on your 100th birthday, Sally, and best wishes for many more.”
Select Board member Chris Haley shared that he had had an opportunity to speak to Hoyt at the Pleasant Street Center last week and asked her if she had advice for him as a new member of the board, and she said, “Just listen.” [Read More]
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A recent story on the “Chronicle” program on WCVB channel 5 highlighted the “Wee Irish Pub.” Based in Reading, Massachusetts, the Wee Irish Pub is designed to look and feel just like a traditional Irish pub but is also designed to be mobile. According to owners Matt and Craig Taylor, the idea for a mobile, rentable pub on wheels is something that they had been thinking about for some time. After a discussion around a backyard campfire and a digital design, a trailer was purchased, and the first pub was ready in September 2021. A second pub has since been added, and a third is now planned. The mini-pubs can be delivered to any location within thirty miles of Reading.
“We deliver the venue, and they have the fun,” Matt Taylor shared. The mini-pub can fit 12 people comfortably and could possibly hold 30 for that “real pub feel.” Taylor stated that the pubs are often rented for life-milestone celebrations such as birthdays. “We deliver joy,” Craig Taylor exclaimed. [Read More]
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Reading Public Schools released a music video today featuring teachers, administrators from all Reading schools, and school committee members.
"Hello Reading Public Schools, welcome to 2022-2033; we can not wait for the school year…Let’s Go!” said Superintendent of Schools Thomas Milachewski. [Read More]
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Today, the Commonwealth released $32.6 million in state FY2023 Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) grants, including $2,116,578 for the Reading Maillet, Sommes, Morgan Constructed Stormwater Wetland located between Willow Street and Lowell Street. The grant is part of $8.6 million designated for Resilient Mystic Collaborative (RMC) cities and towns, said the Mystic River Watershed Association today, aimed at supporting flood and heat resilience projects from Woburn to Revere.
House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading), State Representative Richard M. Haggerty (D-Woburn), State Senator Jason M. Lewis (D-Winchester), and Reading Town Manager Fidel Maltez joined with the Baker-Polito Administration today to announce the Town of Reading has been awarded a Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) grant in the amount of $2,116,578 for flood reduction measures at the Maillet, Sommes and Morgan Conservation Area. [Read More]
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We aim to address the food and personal care needs of our neighbors through high-quality, respectful service in a welcoming environment, with the goal of enhancing well-being in our community.
Reading Food Pantry could use your help! Items in need are:
- Kleenex
- Mandarin Oranges
- Brownie Mix
- Crackers
- Pastene Kitchen Ready Tomatoes
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The Town of Reading Downtown Trick or Treat will be taking place on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, from 4:00 pm-5:30 pm. A list of participating businesses will be published closer to the event date. [Read More]
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The Reading Cultural Council grant applications for the Fiscal Year 2023 are open from September 1 until October 17.
The Reading Cultural Council (RCC) awards grants to individuals and organizations offering cultural programs that serve the Reading community. These include school field trips, after-school programs, concerts, festivals, lectures, theater, dance, music, and film. The projects take place in schools, community centers, libraries, elder care facilities, town halls, parks, and wherever our community comes together. Applications are available on September 1, 2022, and must be completed and received by October 17, 2022. [Read More]
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Fall is just around the corner, and the Reading Public Library welcomes it with a variety of programs and services for everyone. We have some exciting new developments to share as well.
If you’ve enjoyed our outdoor events on the lawn, don’t miss the season’s last outdoor concert on Tuesday, September 20, with Eastern Medicine Singers. Bring a blanket or chair and a picnic dinner, and join us for an evening of music on the lawn.
Have you found one of our Community Reads books in the wild? Virtual discussions are happening now, and in-person discussions begin on September 15. Don’t wait, the Community Read runs until October 8. [Read More]
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Chief David J. Clark is pleased to share that the Reading Police Department will be showing support for the Reading Coalition for Prevention and Support by debuting a new patch during recovery awareness month.
The patch will be worn throughout September to raise awareness of substance misuse and mental health initiatives, as well as programs and services that focus on prevention and support.
The patch combines the traditional Reading Police patch with the logo of the Reading Coalition for Prevention and Support. The five colored ribbons on the patch each represent a different initiative of the Coalition, with green representing Mental Health Awareness; blue representing Bully Prevention Awareness; purple representing Recovery Awareness; red representing Substance Misuse Prevention Awareness; and yellow representing Suicide Prevention Awareness. [Read More]
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The Reading Post only covers the town of Reading, but we think our readers might want to know what’s happening in nearby communities. The following articles might be of interest to Reading residents. [Read More]
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Highlights from the Reading Police & Fire Logs
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