Community News

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Local news about your town and neighbors

Meeting Recaps
Letters to The Editor
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Taylor Gregory Taylor Gregory

Overnight fire on Libby Avenue displaces family

Just before 2:00 am on Thursday, September 4, Reading Fire crews responded to a reported house fire on Libby Avenue. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy fire conditions at a single-family home. A second alarm was immediately transmitted, bringing in additional resources to assist with the fire attack and conduct searches for potential victims.

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TRO Editor TRO Editor

MBTA turnback track & rail improvements forum

This meeting will provide members of the Reading community with an opportunity to become fully acquainted with the MBTA’s proposed Reading Turnback Track and commuter rail service improvement plans associated with it. The meeting will also address questions raised by attendees at a public meeting addressing this project held in February of this year.

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TRO Editor TRO Editor

Reading homeowners: don’t miss these tax relief deadlines

Senior Circuit Breaker Applications: must be received by September 30, 2025
All Other Personal Exemptions: apply by November 15, 2025 to be reflected on January and May tax bills

If you’re a Senior, Veteran, Blind, Surviving Spouse,or facing Financial Hardship, you may qualify for tax relief.

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TRO Editor TRO Editor

Suicide Prevention Month in Reading

This is a time to come together, raise awareness, and support mental health in our community. Join the Town of Reading's Health Department and Coalition for Prevention & Support to show compassion and remind one another: You are not alone. Help is available, reach out, listen, and share support.

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Taylor Gregory Taylor Gregory

Explore the Reading Town Forest on a guided Bird Walk

Are you curious about the feathered residents of the Reading Town Forest, as well as the many seasonal visitors who stop by during migration? The Town Forest Committee is hosting a guided Bird Walk with experienced birder and educator Dave Williams on Friday, October 4, from 8:30 to 10:30 am.

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TRO Editor TRO Editor

Classic film Jaws returns to the giant screen at New England Aquarium for film’s 50th anniversary

As the film marks its 50th anniversary, Jaws will return to the giant screen at the New England Aquarium’s Simons Theatre with nightly screenings Sept. 4-6. The film tells the story of a massive great white shark that terrorizes a summer resort town where a police chief, a grizzled fisherman, and an intrepid marine biologist battle the bloodthirsty animal.

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TRO Editor TRO Editor

All Hands needed for Reading Fall Street Faire

After months of planning and preparation, Reading Fall Street Faire is coming next Sunday, September 7.  We need Rotarians and friends to volunteer.  Please come and bring your friends and family.  It promises to be a great day.

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Taylor Gregory Taylor Gregory

Senior property tax relief available: apply by September 30

The Town of Reading is reminding eligible residents that applications are being accepted for the Senior Property Tax Exemption program. This exemption provides qualifying seniors with property tax relief of up to $2,730 for the 2024 tax year.

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Taylor Gregory Taylor Gregory

August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month

Each August, communities across the country recognize National Breastfeeding Awareness Month - an opportunity to highlight the many benefits of breastfeeding for both babies and parents, as well as to share resources and support for families.

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Taylor Gregory Taylor Gregory

Bylaw Committee to hold public forums on potential snow shoveling bylaw

The Reading Bylaw Committee will hold two upcoming public forums to gather input on a potential Snow Shoveling Bylaw.

  • Tuesday, September 16 at 7:30 pm - Virtual only

  • Wednesday, September 24 at 7:30 pm - Hybrid (in-person at the Reading Public Library Community Room and virtually via Zoom)

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Taylor Gregory Taylor Gregory

2025 Dog licenses: late fees and fines approaching

Have you licensed your dog for 2025 yet? If not, now’s the time!

Dog licenses were due by March 31, 2025. As of April 1st, dog owners who have not yet registered will face an additional $50 fine. Tickets will be issued on September 1.

Licensing your dog is not only a legal requirement, but also helps ensure the safety and accountability of pets in the community.

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Taylor Gregory Taylor Gregory

Reading celebrates Green Community Designation

Town staff, community members, and state legislators gathered last week to celebrate a milestone years in the making: Reading has officially been designated a Green Community by the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER). The recognition follows a six-year effort by local and state leaders to secure eligibility for towns with municipal light plants, culminating this spring in Reading’s successful designation.

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