Community News
Local news about your town and neighbors
Foster Youth Presented Solutions for Child Welfare Reform at Cambridge Forum
Young people with lived experience in the foster care system presented projects at Boston CASA's first in-person Youth Advisory Board Forum on Nov. 1 at the Cambridge Public Library. The presentations addressed critical child welfare issues and proposed solutions backed by original research and personal insights.
Lasting Legacy: Elyse Fine Jewelers Closing After 25 Years. Big Closing Sale is Open to the Public
After more than 30 years designing and crafting jewelry that combines artistry with heritage, Richard Berberian is closing Elyse Fine Jewelers.
Reading Public Library Foundation makes a new outdoor terrace a reality
After two years of careful planning, the Reading Public Library is excited to announce the construction of a new outdoor terrace. This project was developed through collaboration between community members, town staff, and design experts, and made possible by the generosity of the Reading Public Library Foundation.
Women’s League of Reading BrewFest Raises Over $6,000 for Reading Food Pantry
The Women’s League of Reading (WLR) celebrated a major milestone this past Sunday, November 2, as their annual BrewFest at Lord Hobo completely sold out for the first time since its debut. The community came together for an afternoon of fun, food, and fundraising - all in support of the Reading Food Pantry.
Town announces paving work on Washington, Prescott, and King Streets beginning November 6
The Town of Reading is advising residents that beginning Thursday, November 6, at 7:00 am, weather permitting, roadway paving work will take place on several local streets. PJ Alberts Inc. will be applying the final top pavement layer on the following roadways:
Consistency Matters
Town Moderator Alan Foulds is known for his steady and even-handed approach when it comes to running Town Meeting. He’s been at it now for 29 years and counting. For his running club, Mystic Runners, Alan has published a weekly newsletter, chronicling the clubs events and race results for 18 years. You might say consistency is a high priority for him.
Joe Andruzzi Foundation to Host Hop Over Event at Hopothecary Ales in North Reading, MA
The Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF), providing help, hope, and a reason to smile for New England cancer patients and their families through crucial financial support, will host a ‘Hop Over’ event at Hopothecary Ales Brewery and Kitchen in North Reading, MA on Thursday, November 6.
Reading to honor local veterans on November 11
The Town of Reading’s Veterans Services Department invites the community to join in honoring the service and sacrifice of Reading’s veterans at the annual Veterans Day Ceremony, to be held on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 11:00 am at Memorial Park.
Bingo with Badges
Earlier last month, the Peter Sanborn community had the pleasure of hosting the Reading Police Department for an engaging “Bingo with Badges” event!
Reading celebrates community at Downtown Trick-or-Treat & Connected Reading night
Hundreds of families filled Main Street on Tuesday, October 28, for Reading’s annual downtown Trick-or-Treat event, visiting local businesses, Town Hall, the Pleasant Street Center, and the Police Department - all while showing off their best spooky, silly, and creative Halloween costumes.
Massachusetts Families Facing Hunger Crisis as Government Shutdown Continues
For the first time in history, more than a month into the federal government shutdown, over 1 million Massachusetts residents are facing the first month in which they will not receive any funds for food through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). There is no clarity on when SNAP benefits will resume, but for so many families, SNAP is a lifeline. They are already stretching their budgets to the max to put food on the table each day.
Choose renewable. Choose local. Choose RMLD’s Renewable Choice Program
Looking for a meaningful way to reduce your carbon footprint and support clean energy close to home? RMLD’s Renewable Choice program lets customers voluntarily increase the amount of renewable, non-carbon energy powering their home or business - going above the standard energy mix delivered each year.
ReCAL Project Moves Closer to Reality - Project Update
The Reading Center for Active Living (RECAL) project continues to make great progress. Over the past year, the Town has achieved several critical milestones, moving the project from concept into reality.
Whitelam Books to Host Double Author Story Time with Josh Funk & Nancy Goulet
Whitelam Books is delighted to welcome author Josh Funk, reading from his new Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast installment, WHODONUT? A Holiday Mystery, as well as illustrator and author Nancy Goulet, sharing her new board book, Vroom, Baby Driver, Zoom, on Saturday, November 8 at 3:00pm.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a national observance dedicated to increasing awareness, promoting early detection, and supporting individuals and families impacted by breast cancer. Each year, communities, healthcare professionals, and advocacy organizations work to educate the public and encourage regular screenings, an essential step in saving lives.
Foster Youth to Present Solutions for Child Welfare Reform at November 1 Forum
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.
SNAP Benefits & Local Community Resources
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.
Reading Awarded $100,000 Small Town PARC Grant
Town Manager Matt Kraunelis is pleased to announce that Reading is a recipient of a $100,000 Small Town PARC Grant.
Mark your calendars for two upcoming author talks at the Reading Public Library!
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.
October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month
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.