Young people with lived experience in the foster care system will present research-based projects on critical child welfare issues at Boston CASA's first in-person Youth Advisory Board (YAB) Forum on November 1. Four youth will deliver 10-minute presentations featuring original research, personal insights, statistics, and actionable recommendations on topics ranging from improving residential programs to communication gaps between foster youth and DCF caseworkers.

As a result of the federal government shutdown, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the funding that powers this benefit are currently uncertain. As such, please see the resources below for those who may have their SNAP funds impacted by the shutdown, and how residents can help support local resources for neighbors experiencing food insecurity.

Town Manager Matt Kraunelis is pleased to announce that Reading is a recipient of a $100,000 Small Town PARC Grant.

American History enthusiasts - take note! On November 5, Dr. William Fowler, Distinguished Professor of History Emeritus at Northeastern University, joins us in person to discuss his latest book: George Washington and the Creation of the American Republic. Despite new access to Washington’s writings, biographers often overlook the period from 1781 to 1789. Yet in these critical years, he quietly shaped the nation's future, guiding it toward a strong central government.

Each October, communities around the world come together to honor Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month - a time to remember the lives lost too soon and support families who have experienced the heartbreak of miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant death.

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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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.

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.

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).

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!

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.