Dear Reading Community,

Thank you so much for placing your confidence in me as the newest School Committee member. I want to thank everyone who supported me in my campaign, and everyone who cast a ballot in this year’s election. Participation is key to democracy, and that is needed more than ever right now!

This Memorial Day Monday, May 26, 2025, The Town of Reading invites all residents to join in a day of remembrance, reflection, and gratitude. As w commemorate 250 years since the start of the American Revolution, we also pause to honor and remember all those who have given their lives in service to our country.

Reading residents went to the polls on Tuesday April 8, 2025, to cast their votes in the town’s annual local election. With competitive races and key ballot decisions, the election drew strong interest from across the community.

Reading’s Annual Town Election is happening today, Tuesday, April 8. Voters from all precincts will cast their ballots at the Reading Memorial High School Hawkes Fieldhouse, located at 62 Oakland Road.

Polls will be open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm.

The Town of Reading invites all residents, artists, and community members to join the final activation and workshop for the Arts & Culture Plan on Wednesday, April 9 at 6:00 pm at the Reading Public Library.

Spring is in the air and that means it’s time to think about mulch! We are pleased to announce that the 2025 FoRS Mulch Fundraiser is now officially open. You can order securely at our website - www.readingscouting.org.

The Town of Reading is considering two major building projects that will be funded through debt exclusions, pending voter approval. These projects aim to enhance community resources and educational facilities. Use the Tax Impact Calculator to estimate how these initiatives may affect your property taxes next year.

Together for Reading (TfR) is proud to announce our candidate endorsements for Select Board, School Committee, and Town Meeting candidates.

For many transgender and non-binary individuals, chest binders are an essential tool for gender affirmation, but accessible safe, affordable options remain a significant challenge. One local entrepreneur has set out to change that by launching a business dedicated to providing high-quality, inclusive, and accessible binders to the community.

On March 26, the Reading Democratic Town Committee and Reading Republican Town Committees co-sponsored the official Select Board Candidate Forum, providing an opportunity for residents to hear directly from candidates. The event was held in the Community Room at the Reading Public Library and was recorded by RCTV for those unable to attend in person. The forum was moderated by Jen Hillary, with Bob Holmes serving as the interviewer.

As part of the Rooted in Reading grant, the Reading Public Library (RPL) is installing a sample sensory garden designed to highlight different ways to experience nature. Sensory gardens help people connect with the environment and become more mindful of their surroundings.

A sensory garden is intentionally designed to stimulate the senses - sight, smell, sound, and touch - encouraging visitors to engage with plants and natural elements in an immersive way.

The Town of Reading invites residents to participate in a Joint Community Forum on two significant projects coming before the community this Spring: the Killam School Building Project and the Reading Center for Active Living (ReCAL) project.

My name is Rich Swanson, and I am running for RMLD Commissioner in the upcoming election. I'm excited about the opportunity. I currently work as the Director of the Energy & Climate Division at Blue Strike - a small consultancy - as an energy economist and finance specialist with experience in infrastructure planning, regulatory design, and strategic decarbonization. Specifically, I lead a team that delivers tailored sustainability and energy strategies to public and private sector clients.

The Reading Department of Public Works (DPW) has announced updates to its road resurfacing plans for Summer 2025. While several streets have already been scheduled for paving, the DPW is evaluating additional roads to be included in this year’s resurfacing efforts.

The Town of Reading’s Engineering Division is currently conducting cost estimates to determine how many additional streets can be resurfaced within the available funding. Once finalized, the updated list of roads will be released to the public.

Beginning April 8th, the Town of Reading will roll out new trash and recycling carts to all households currently receiving Town collection. This initiative aims to improve waste management efficiency and standardize container use across the community.

The Town of Reading’s Office of Equity and Social Justice (OESJ) is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming community. As part of the mission, Albert Pless, Director of Equity and Social Justice, will be hosting office hours at Town Hall throughout April to engage with residents, listen to concerns, and discuss initiatives aimed at promoting equity in our town.

The Town of Reading is committed to continuous improvement, ensuring a safe, accessible, and vibrant community for all. To keep residents informed and engaged, the Town has launched the Improving Reading page on its official website. This new resource serves as a central hub for all construction and improvement projects managed by the Town.

The Town of Reading is offering free, walk-in blood pressure screenings this April to help residents monitor their health. These screenings, conducted by the Town Nurse, provide an easy and accessible way to keep track of your blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health issues.

Brain injuries can have life-altering consequences, affecting a person’s memory, coordination, speech, and overall well-being. March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, and the Town of Reading is raising awareness about the causes, symptoms, and ways to prevent these serious injuries.

Reading residents will have the opportunity to cast their votes early for the Annual Town Election on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. On Election Day, all precincts will vote at Reading Memorial High School Field House (62 Oakland Road), with polls open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm.