Community News
Local news about your town and neighbors
October is Menopause Awareness Month
October marks Menopause Awareness Month, a time dedicated to empowering women through education, support, and open dialogue about this important stage of life. The observance aims to dispel myths, reduce stigma, and promote understanding of the physical and emotional changes that accompany menopause.
Reading Democratic Town Committee Hosts Successful Annual Fundraising Dinner
The Reading Democratic Town Committee (RDTC) held its annual fundraising dinner on Friday, October 17, at the Old South Church. The event drew a strong turnout of more than fifty attendees, including Senator Jason Lewis, Representative Richard Haggerty, and Reading Select Board member Karen Gately Herrick.
Lawmakers oppose proposed MBTA Turnback Track location in Reading
State Representatives Richard M. Haggerty and Bradley H. Jones, Jr. have sent a joint letter to Phil Eng, Secretary of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, expressing their opposition to the MBTA’s proposed location for the commuter rail turnback track in Reading.
ACE Committee meeting tonight to discuss upcoming Book Club and recommendations for the Select Board
The Ad Hoc Commemoration Establishment (ACE) Committee will hold a public meeting tonight, Wednesday, October 22, at 7 pm in the Berger Room at Reading Town Hall (16 Lowell Street). A Zoom option is also available for those who wish to participate remotely.
Reading, MA Cabinetry and Countertop Company Upended by Trump Tariffs
“I’m not going to lie,” said Tracey Beck, owner of The Beck Companies with showrooms in Reading, MA and North Smithfield, RI, “this has caused us a tremendous amount of time, money, and gray hairs.” The cascading effects of these tariffs have rippled throughout their entire business, and throughout the cabinetry industry at large. Perceiving these tariffs as a potentially mortal blow, the company moved quickly to retool its operations to stay competitive and avoid the downfall they already see starting to hit their industry.
Prescott Street paving scheduled for October 22
The Town of Reading Department of Public Works has announced that paving work will begin on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 7:00 am, weather permitting. Contractor PJ Albert Inc. will be applying a binder mix on Prescott Street, between Sunnyside Avenue and Summer Avenue.
Select Board to host public meeting on MBTA Turnback Track project
The Town of Reading Select Board will hold a special public meeting on Monday, October 27, 2025, to discuss the MBTA’s proposed Turnback Track project and its potential impact on the community.
Reading Police Dept. awarded $10,032 road safety grant
The Reading Police Department has been awarded a $10,032 grant to help improve safety on local roadways as part of the Federal Fiscal Year 2025 Municipal Road Safety (MRS) Grant Program administered through the state’s Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS).
Connected Reading: An Open House for Our Community
Whether you just moved to town, have called Reading home for decades, or fall somewhere in between, you’re invited to Connected Reading: An Open House for Our Community!
Pleasant Street Center and AARP seek volunteer tax preparers for 2026 season
The Pleasant Street Center has teamed up with AARP of Massachusetts to recruit volunteers for the 2026 tax season. This is a great opportunity to give back to the community by helping others file their taxes accurately and on time.
RCTV Fundraiser at Mandarin Reading tonight
RCTV is inviting the commuity to come together tonight for a special fundraising dinner at Mandarin Reading. Guests can ejoy a delicious meal while supporting Reading’s own community television station.
RMLD Board of Commissioners to Interview Three Finalists for General Manager Position
The Reading Municipal Light Department (RMLD) General Manager Search Committee has recommended three finalists to the RMLD Board of Commissioners (Board). The Board will interview each of the finalists during the scheduled public meeting on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.
Downtown trick-or-Treat returns to Reading!
Ghosts, goblins, superheroes, and princesses - get ready! It’s almost time for Downtown Trick-or-Treat, one of Reading’s favorite Halloween traditions. Grab your costumes and head downtown for an afternoon packed with treats, laughter, and community fun.
Washington and Prescott Street paving scheduled for October 15
The Town of Reading is advising residnets that beginning Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 7:00 am, weather permitting, PJ Albert Inc. will be paving the binder mix on the following roads: Washington Street and Prescott Street.
Town of Reading hiring snowplow drivers for 2025-2026 winter season
The Town of Reading is seeking snowplow drivers for the upcoming 2025-2026 winter season. This is a great opportunity for individuals and contractors to help keep Reading’s roads safe and accessible during winter weather events.
Honoring Indigenous Peoples’ Day: recognizing history, activism, and the path forward
Each year, more cities and states are shifting away from celebrating Columbus Day and instead recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day - a change that acknowledges the harm caused by colonialization and celebrates the resilience, culture, and contributions of Native peoples. Rather than honor a figure with a divisive legacy, this day centers the voices and histories of those who have long shaped, and continue to shape, the land we share.
Reading Democratic Town Committee to host annual “Dinner with the Dems” fundraiser
The Reading Democratic Town Committee (RDTC) invites residents to its annual fall fundraiser, Dinner with the Dems, on Friday, October 17, from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at Old South Church (6 Salem Street, Reading).
Street paving scheduled for King, Prescott, and Washington Streets - October 8
The Town of Reading’s Department of Public Works has announced that roadway reclamation work will begin on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 7:00 am, weather permitting.
Reading DPW announces October cleanup and recycling events
The Town of Reading’s Department of Public Works (DPW) is helping residents prepare for fall with two key events this October focused on seasonal cleanup and responsible recycling.
Public Power Week Open House
The 2025 Power Week Open House is Thursday, October 9, 2025, 3 to 6 p.m. at the RMLD Garage, 218 Ash Street, Reading.