Community, creativity, and commitment: METCO Brunch and Festival of Trees bring Reading together
Participants listening to Friends of Reading METCO leaders Ilka Walkley and LaVonda Epps speak at the Festival of Trees Brunch. Photo by Taylor Gregory.
(6-7 minute read)
On Saturday morning of the Festival of Trees, the Reading Public Library was filled with conversation, collaboration, and shared purpose as the Friends of Reading METCO hosted a Festival of Trees Brunch in the Library’s Community Room and Conference Room. The gathering brought together families, students, advocates, and town leaders, underscoring a collective commitment to equity, education, and community partnership.
Building METCO connections in Reading
Kids working together to build the tallest tower of cups at the Festival of Trees Brunch. Photo by Taylor Gregory.
The brunch marked an important step forward for Reading’s METCO community. Hosted in partnership with the Friends of Melrose METCO, the event announced the development of Reading’s first local METCO plan and created space for dialogue, planning, and relationship building.
Organizers expressed gratitude to Select Board members Karen Herrick and Karen Rose-Gillis, both of whom were in attendance, for their ongoing support of the METCO program. Their presence reinforced the importance of municipal leadership standing alongside students and families.
Also acknowledged was Lara Durgavich, School Committee member, who was noted as the only committee member to respond directly to students regarding their concerns and who voted in favor of exploring the potential name change of Joshua Eaton Elementary School. Her engagement is highlighted as an example of responsive leadership.
Family with matching Trolls jerseys, pictured left to right: Keivon, King, Tyshawn, and Tia Walker at the Festival of Trees Brunch. Photo by Taylor Gregory.
The brunch was further supported by Albert Pless, Director of the Office of Equity and Social Justice (OESJ), along with dedicated volunteers Linda Snow Dockser and Sherilla Lestrade, who provided invaluable help and support throughout the event. Special thanks were also extended to Ilka Walkley and LaVonda Epps, leaders of Friends of Reading METCO, for their ongoing advocacy and organizing.
Adding to the warmth of the morning was a joyful moment of a family with matching Trolls shirts, featuring Tia, Tyshawn, King, and Keivon Walker, a reminder that METCO is rooted not only in policy, but in family and connection.
Before heading over to Parker Middle School for the Festival of Trees, organizers shared upcoming opportunities, including:
Mother-Son Sneaker Ball - a fun, fashion-forward event especially for sneaker enthusiasts
METCO Advocacy Day - scheduled for April 13 at the Massachusetts State House, encouraging families and supporters to make their voices heard
Festival of Trees: a record-breaking weekend in Reading
Donated trees at the Festival of Trees held at the Parker Middle School. Photo by Taylor Gregory.
The Festival of Trees, held Saturday, December 6, and Sunday, December 7, at Parker Middle School, once again transformed the cafeteria into a winter showcase of creativity, generosity, and community spirit.
According to event organizers, an estimated 4,000 people attended over the weekend, making this the largest Festival of Trees to date. This year marked a major milestone with 101 donated trees, surpassing the long-standing goal of reaching 100 trees.
Total funds raised for Reading Public Schools
The Reading Education Foundation (REF) reported that this year’s Festival of Trees generated an estimated $50,000, the largest fundraising total in the history of the event. These funds will directly support innovative grants and programming across Reading Public Schools.
Standout trees and creative highlights
“The Seussical Story Sequence” tree donated by Reading Cooperative Bank to the Festival of Trees. Photo by Taylor Gregory.
Visitors were treated to an extraordinary variety of themes and designs, including:
Tree 33 - Reading Cooperative Bank: “The Seussical Story Sequence”
A bright green Grinch-themed tree filled with Dr. Seuss books and beloved characters.
Tree 67 - Francis Drive: “Best Neighbors Ever”
“Celebrating December 6:7” with Gen Alpha lingo and scratch tickets. This tree earned the honor of Most Creative Tree.
Tree 76 - Reading Public Schools, Multilingual English Learners: “One World, Many Voices”
A powerful display featuring the flags and languages represented across the Reading community.
Tree 80 - Eastway/Granger Ave Neighborhood: “Eastway/Granger Family Game Night”
Decorated with Monopoly money and a wide array of classic board games.
Tree 82 - Reading Education Foundation: “BELIEVE”
The biggest tree in the room, donated in memory of Laurie Hilliard, a founding board member of the REF who passed away this year.
In addition, the title of “Most Spectacular Tree” was awarded to the stunning Rise and Shine Tree, donated by RISE Preschool - a golden tree that organizers described as absolutely breathtaking.
Honoring Laurie Hilliard
Golden ticket atop a donated tree at the Festival of Trees. Photo by Taylor Gregory.
This year’s Festival of Trees was held, subtly and respectfully, in memory of Laurie Hilliard, whose dedication helped shape the festival into what it is today. Many of her friends and family attended the event, stopping by the REF tree created in her honor. Organizers shared that her presence was deeply felt throughout the weekend.
The main REF tree, decorated annually by Alyssa Gallegos, Principal of the Barrows School, once again served as the centerpiece of the festival - beautifully designed and rich with meaning.
Entertainment, food, and festive fun
The festival offered something for everyone, including food trucks on the Parker back lawn, such as LaQchara Express, Cupcake City LLC, Empower on Haven, Fred’s Franks, and Del Sur Empanadas.
Entertainment throughout the weekend included performances by:
Reading Community Band
RMHS Select Choir, Jazz Band, and Color Guard
Parkapella & Parker Ensemble
Reading School of Guitar
Coolidge Middle School performers
Festive games with the Reading Education Foundation
A beloved tradition continued as Eileen Litterio, a retired Reading Public Schools teacher, delivered her annual reading of “The Polar Express.” This marked her 22nd year participating in the Festival of Trees, a moment cherished by families across generations.
Supporting innovation in Reading Public Schools
RMHS Choir performing at the Festival of Trees. Photo by Taylor Gregory.
Funds raised from the Festival of Trees, including the record $50,000 raised this year, directly support grants that enhance learning opportunities across Reading Public Schools. Recent grants include:
Audiobooks for all elementary schools
Professional development in executive functioning
Coding robots
LEGO engineering for an 8th-grade elective
Xylophone for the school band
Green screen for library and computer science programs
A new smart board at the high school
Teachers can apply for rolling grants under $500, while larger initiatives are reviewed through the annual formal grant process.
Gratitude for volunteers and leadership
Organizers emphasized that none of this would be possible without the dedication of high school and adult volunteers, whose time and energy powered the weekend. This year’s festival was particularly meaningful, led by a largely new planning board: Jess Lynch and Julie Silbovitz, who stepped into leadership with guidance from longtime board member Andrea Nelson, current REF President Megan Fidler-Carey, and former President Laura O’Neill, who stewarded the event for a decade.
From thoughtful conversations at the METCO Brunch to record-breaking generosity at the Festival of Trees, the weekend demonstrated the strength, creativity, and compassion at the heart of the Reading community.
Crowd gathered for the Parkapella & Parker Ensemble performance at the Festival of Trees. Photo by Taylor Gregory.
