After an hour-long presentation, Town Meeting voted to approve $2.2 million for a feasibility study and schematic drawings for the Killam Elementary School project on Thursday. The school was built in 1969 and, though well maintained, has had no significant renovation since that time. During the presentation Director of Facilities Joe Huggins, Police Chief David Clark, and Fire Chief Greg Burns described some of the deficiencies in the current building, which include lead in the water, lack of Americans with Disabilities Act compliance, electrical system deficiencies, water infiltration into the basement, security concerns, as well as the lack of modern fire suppression equipment.
The first ceremony took the opportunity to pause and commemorate those who served in the Vietnam conflict by unveiling a new monument that recognizes the sacrifice of all who served in Vietnam, specifically memorializing the seven Reading residents whose lives were lost in that conflict. The new memorial is a dignified black stone marker located by the RMHS main entrance with the roll call of those seven men listed along with their graduation year and the date on which they were killed in action. The ceremony was highlighted by comments from RMHS Assistant Principal Jessica Theriault and retired Brigadier General Jack Hammond, a Reading native.
Principal Sarah Leveque also shared regarding programming concerns at the school “There is a lack of space for the complexity of student needs, including special needs areas, spaces for multilingual learners, and small group support.” Leveque explained. She elaborated that there are a few classroom spaces that can only be accessed through other classrooms, a library that is located in open space that is sometimes used as a corridor, and closets being repurposed for instructional and meeting space. She also noted the lack of data connections throughout the building. [Read More]
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After significant debate, Town Meeting voted 126-8 to approve a bylaw banning the use of disposable food service containers by food establishments in Reading. The ban applies to restaurants, mobile food vendors, schools, civic or church organizations, and the town of Reading. It also applies to food prepared and packaged in grocery stores in town but does not apply when foods in stores or restaurants are prepared outside of town. Town Counsel Ivria Fried pointed out to the members that the town can only regulate what occurs in the community and that the language and parameters of the bylaw were based on what the attorney general has approved in other communities. The new bylaw also does not apply to packs of polystyrene products that private customers can purchase for home use. |
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Climate Advisory Committee (CAC) chair David Zeek shared that polystyrene is a neurotoxin and a probable carcinogen. He shared that it is harmful to wildlife, not biodegradable, and almost never recycled. Zeek indicated that alternatives made out of paper, foil, plant-based materials, and other plastics are available to businesses as substitutes for polystyrene products. CAC member Genady Pilyavsky presented some price comparisons between the various products from an online vendor that showed little to no price differential between the products. Pilyavsky mentioned that the CAC sponsored three forums for businesses, and though they were lightly attended, there was little pushback to the ban at these forums.
Select Board member Carlo Bacci made a motion to indefinitely postpone the article, asking that time be given for supply chains and prices to stabilize. Bacci indicated that while the website cited in Pilyavsky’s presentation was legitimate, it did not accurately represent the costs associated with the ban. He presented his research, indicating a more significant price differential between the various products than previously shared. “This [ban] would place an undue burden on our small businesses,” Bacci declared. [Read More]
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Since 1992, the Common Lighting Fund has come under the care of the Reading/North Reading Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber publicizes and organizes the holiday event and solicits large and small donations from member businesses and the general public. At times the Chamber has requested and received funding support from the Reading 350th Celebration Trust Fund.
It was not always so. In the early days, funding came from the town budget. For many years, Reading contracted with a private firm to handle the dramatic display. That all changed at the May 1976 Town Meeting. We were in a belt-tightening era just three years after the energy crisis. After lengthy debate over the propriety of the government’s use of tax dollars to sponsor the celebration, by a vote of 86 to 85, the lighting’s appropriation was removed from the budget, and a new era began.
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Following the vote, then Chronicle editor Bruce Morang reflected on the decision. He opined: “This vote was not done idly and not without serious debate, but the question remains unanswered whether or not this community and its people have a sense of community and a sense of what that festival of lights means to each heart that contemplates it.” His question was soon answered in the affirmative. Business owner, longtime Town Meeting member, and future Select Board member, Marvin Rosenthal, rallied both the business community and the general public. He declared, “We’re going to raise the entire amount by asking people for nickels, dimes, and dollars, and we’re going to have a lighting display that is part of all of us.” His efforts resulted in the establishment of a fund to purchase bulbs which he donated to the town. He also set up a maintenance program for years to come.
In 1982, a new fund was established in order to expand on Rosenthal’s efforts. A trio of local business executives: Bruce Morang (Reading Chronicle), Walter Arsenault (Harrow’s Pies), and Arnold Burger, opened a bank account and convinced townspeople to fill its coffers. Without missing a beat, this fund kept the holiday spirit alive in the center of town for ten years until the Chamber assumed leadership in 1992.
In 2006, the 30th year of the modern era of our common lighting, the vision displayed by Rosenthal and all who rallied to the cause encountered another challenge. Significant tree growth required more lighting than the power supply could safely accommodate. New technology provided an answer. At that time, Bob Keating, from the Town’s Forestry Department, explained the benefits of LED lighting as a solution. A successful test was run on the two pear trees on either side of the walkway to Town Hall. In subsequent years, the incandescent bulbs on the remaining trees were gradually replaced by LED bulbs, using the funds raised by and donated by the Chamber. [Read More]
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By a 3-2 vote, the Select Board directed the Town Manager to display a Christmas Tree and a Menorah on the town common to demonstrate the Select Board’s and the Town of Reading’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in the community. The display is to have a message included that highlights this intent. Select Board members Christopher Haley and Carlo Bacci were the dissenting votes. Select Board chair Mark Dockser supported the plan, “It is important that we as a government group take a stand on diversity,” Dockser suggested. “We need a lot of education on how this works.”
Haley shared his frustration over having to call an extra meeting of the board for the issue while paying for the time of two members of Town Counsel to be present. Haley also expressed his opposition to the plan. Haley posed the argument that limiting the display to symbols of only two religions defeated the purpose of inclusivity. “Including only two items of thirty-something other faiths is not inclusive of anything,” Haley stated. “Include everything or nothing at all.”
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Bacci agreed with Haley’s sentiment while also echoing Haley’s distaste over the process. He said he “was fuming” when he saw that two attorneys were going to be present. Bacci agreed that taking a “broad view” of these issues was best to protect the town’s interests. While expressing concern over the process, Select Board members Jackie McCarthy and Karen Herrick voted in favor of the display. “I do think that process matters,” McCarthy stated. “We [typically] discuss at one meeting and vote at the next meeting.” [Read More]
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PRESENTED BY THE READING – NORTH READING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
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Mark your calendar for the return of the in-person Tree Lighting celebration on the common!
Each year the Chamber plans and hosts over 1,000 people in Reading Square to highlight our charming downtown. This celebration entertainment and attractions for all to enjoy.
- Santa Photos at Reading Coop on Haven Street from 2 - 4 (come early!)
- Cocoa and treats at Eastern Bank, 123 Haven Street
- Colonial Chorus Carolers 3 - 4 in Eastern Bank
- S'mores on the cobblestones (while supplies last)
- Trolley rides - pick up by Venetian Moon on Woburn Street
- Austin Prep Chorus from 3 - 3:30 on the cobblestones
- Mrs. Claus at Venetian Moon
- Horsedrawn Hayride pick up at Christophers Lot
- Live Ice Sculpture on the Common
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It’s Also History: Tales & Tidbits from Alan’s Archives
Alan Foulds is a local historian who has written several historically related articles in addition to his book, “Boston’s Ballparks & Arenas.” He is a major contributor to the writing of “At Wood End.” Mr. Foulds is also Reading’s Town Moderator.
This podcast takes a look at forgotten or partially hidden pieces of our past – those that didn’t make the headlines or history books but help to tell a complete story. You might never have heard of them, even though they’re in your own backyard. They are important links to the past that become lost in the shadows of the major events of our region. Despite their obscurity, these tales & tidbits from the archives are meaningful, can be downright interesting, and are also history. [Read More]
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Dear Editor:
We are writing to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to everyone who joined us at the Hillview Country Club on Saturday, November 19 for the 15th annual Reading Senior Citizen Thanksgiving Dinner. Thanks to the generous financial support of our sponsors who helped underwrite the event, the dinner is free and open to all senior citizens from Reading.
This year’s celebration marked the first time since 2019 that we were able to gather indoors with hundreds of our friends and neighbors to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season. Guests enjoyed a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings while being entertained throughout the afternoon with music and dancing courtesy of DJ Alan LaBella.
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As in years past, we encouraged those attending the dinner to bring canned goods and other food donations to help fill the shelves at the Reading Food Pantry. We are truly grateful for the overwhelming response we received for our annual solicitation of food donations. Thanks to the generosity of those who attended the dinner, the food pantry will be able to assist more local families in need during the holiday season. [Read More]
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Chief David Clark issues the following statement following the not-guilty verdict for Officer Erik Drauschke related to the fatal 2018 police shooting of Alan Greenough:
“The judicial process has concluded and Officer Drauschke has been found not guilty of manslaughter by a jury of his peers.
“The decision to use deadly force against a human being is the most difficult moment in the life of any police officer, I know that Officer Drauschke will carry the burden of having made that choice.
“This is a solemn moment, regardless of the verdict, and I would like to thank the jury for their thoughtful consideration of the facts in this case. I also offer the collective condolences of the men and women of the Reading Police Department once more to the family of Alan Greenough for their loss.” [Read More]
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Kick off your holiday season on Saturday and Sunday, December 3 and 4, by visiting Reading Education Foundation’s (REF) 20th annual Festival of Trees, a winter wonderland of decorated holiday trees donated by local families, organizations, businesses, and schools that festival visitors can win for themselves! This signature REF fundraising event, held at Reading’s Parker Middle School, is a magical and memorable community holiday tradition for adults and children of all ages. Fun can be had for all ages while raising money that REF provides to the Reading schools through teacher-initiated grants. [Read More]
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This holiday season, believe in magic … believe in kindness … believe in hope as Colonial Chorus Players presents Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Radio Play. Based on the beloved holiday movie, the story centers around a department store Santa who claims to be the real deal, which leads to a court case to prove his identity and whether Christmas miracles really do happen.
This production is presented as a live 1940s radio broadcast, with an ensemble cast that brings a few dozen characters to life on stage: Josh Hyatt, Ann Marie King, Ken McElroy, David Murgo, Ellie Orsburn, Tom Ostrowski, Kevin Pierson, and Laura Raynor. The show is directed by Bob Beckman and Fred Gallagher, and produced by Maryellen Kenney. [Read More]
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It is the eleventh year of QP’s perennial crowd favorite, “Suburban Holidays,” and QP will present six new short plays to kick off the holiday season, including one from local Boston area playwright, Margie Semilof, and two directed by local Reading residents Mary Ellen Macri and Donna Corbett.
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BRENDAN MANNING Class of ‘23
Favorite Book: “Skunk Works” by Ben R. Rich
Favorite Quote: “It’s not the battles we lose that bother me; it’s the ones we don’t suit up for.” Toby Ziegler, The West Wing
Favorite Subject: American Revolutionary History
Clubs/Activities: FIRST Robotics Competition Team 4761 (The Robockets), RMHS Marching Band, RMHS Mock Trial, Middlesex County 4-H Fife and Drum Corps, Scouts BSA
Plans After Graduation: Brendan plans to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
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Highlights from the Reading Police & Fire Logs
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