Recapping Everything in Reading, MA

🎞️ March Matinees: Original Theatre, Suffolk England "Being Mr. Wickham"
2024-03-13 14:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Reading Public Library, 64 Middlesex Ave, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
If you have ever wondered what became of the dastardly character of George Wickham from Pride and Prejudice, this streamed theatrical production from Suffolk England will satisfy your curiosity! Starring Adrian Lukis (who played George Wickham in the 1995 BBC television adaptation) “Being Mr. Wickham,” picks up George’s story thirty years after the end of Jane Austen’s fabled tale. Is he still married to Lydia? What’s happening to the extended family in Pemberly and beyond? Join us to find out!
The Original Theatre Company is devoted to making “theatre that thrills, excites and engages audiences.” Its touring productions have graced stages all over the UK and in the US since 2004. It is recognized as one of the leading digital theatre producers in the UK, and was awarded a Critics Circle Theatre Award for exceptional theatre-making during COVID’s lockdowns.
March Matinees is a midday Spring series where we broadcast live-on-tape productions from English-speaking theatres near and far.

🎨 Reading Art Association March Demonstration
2024-03-13 19:30 - 21:30 | First Congregational Church, 25 Woburn Street, Reading MA, 01867
Reading Art Association will he hosting a watercolor demonstration at the First Congregational Church on Woburn Street in Reading on March 13, 2024. Our demonstrator will be Michele O’Neil. The demo will start at 7:30 PM on March 13, 2024. The entrance to the demo is the middle side door on Sanborn Street.
More details about the demo and directions to the Church are on the RAA website, www.readingart.org
Contemporary artist Michele O’Neil resides on the coast of Cape Ann. She has been working with watercolor and oil paints for almost two decades, expressing a love for the landscape of her home and abroad. This reverence for her surroundings brings her canvas and brushes “en plein air” allowing the energy of the experience to lead her creative process. Michele’s bold watercolors are an attempt to try to capture the energy and fleeting moment of her experience. If she travels, her easel travels with her so that any opportunities of inspiration are not wasted. Michele has studied and taken workshops with several famous contemporary artists. She has won numerous awards across Cape Ann and continues to be an active part in the classical art community.
You can see some of her work at her web site, https://www.oneilfineart.com/about

❄️ Winterfest 2024
2024-03-14 17:00 - 20:00 | Town Common, 680 Main Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Our Third Annual Winterfest is shaping up to be another great event. If you’ve never been, you have missed out on seeing hundreds of your local customers socializing and sipping on Reading Common as the March sunsets.
This year, there will be fire tables and s’mores on the Common, a beer garden featuring Hypothecary Ales, Wandering Soul, and Small Change Brewing, food vendors, lit ice sculptures, and photos with Olaf.
This is a rain-or-shine event.

🤖 RMHS Robotics Competition
2024-03-16 10:30 - 20:00, 2024-03-17 09:00 - 18:00 | MA
The Reading Memorial High School robotics team, FRC Team 4761 ‘The Robockets’ will be competing in the North Shore District qualifying event next weekend (March 16th & 17th) by NE First which combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. Kicking things off at 10:30am Saturday morning will be their opening ceremonies followed by fast-paced 3 v 3 matches involving 40 high school teams from around the region. Sunday will have matches throughout the entire day. Stay for 5 minutes or 5 hours. Come cheer for our robot! It’s Free! A complete schedule can be seen below.
The event takes place at the Hawkes Field House located at Reading Memorial High School, 62 Oakland Rd. Follow the FRC Team 4761 on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FrcTeam4761.
Additionally, we will be covering portions of the event and possibly live streaming parts as well. Stay tuned and best of luck Robockets!

🎶 Creative Arts Sunday Concert Series: Global Harmony (rescheduled)
2024-03-17 14:00 - 15:00 | Reading Public Library, 64 Middlesex Ave, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Join us for a journey into the diverse rhythms and melodies from around the world with musician Roald Wilson. Roald is certified in World Music Pedagogy by the Smithsonian Institution and is known for his diversity of musical interests.
Enjoy a program of surprise and delight as Roald plays a selection of his extraordinary collection of world instruments. Global Harmony will be a unique and fun experience where music transcends borders and cultures, telling the story of humanity’s vibrant diversity.

🎶 Celtic Music Concert with Ulster Landing
2024-03-18 19:00 - 20:00 | Reading Public Library, 64 Middlesex Ave, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Boston-based group Ulster Landing specializes in traditional folk music of the Celtic regions including Ireland, Scotland, Brittany, and Cornwall. Its musicians bring a great diversity of styles together into a delightful blend perfectly suited to St. Patrick’s Day celebrations (and even the day after St. Patrick’s Day!). You’ll hear music ranging from beautiful Scottish airs to toe-tapping Irish reels, trancelike Breton tunes to the energetic “crooked” dances of Cornwall. Join us and get ready to for a panoply of lovely melodies, roaring rhythms and all around good cheer!

🎭 The Comedy of Errors
2024-03-22 20:00 - 22:00, 2024-03-23 20:00 - 22:00 | MA
Quannapowitt Players Presents William Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors” from March 22-April 7.
It’s double the trouble and double the fun as we follow the mishaps and mayhem created by Antipholus and Dromio of Syracuse as they search for their lost family. While in Ephesus, the pair is thrown into a quagmire of mistaken identities, jealous wives, stolen goods, and an enigmatic nun who holds the key to solving the riddle. Set in the world of 1920s silent films inspired by the great movie clowns Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and Harold Lloyd, mix-ups and comedy chaos abound in Shakespeare’s furious fast-paced farce!
Directed by Elizabeth Ross and assistant director, Hannah Baker, “The Comedy of Errors” features Michael Mazzone, Peter Duerst, Jacey Rutledge, Sara Dion, Jenny Fielding, Laura Liberge, Ted Overholt, Brian Sensale, Kerry Anne Kilkelly, Eli Baker, Mary Parker, Robin Abrahams, Dani Dorrego, Audrey Carman, Michael McAfee, and Piano Player, Daniel O’RourkeTickets are $25, Seniors/Students $23, and can be purchased online at www.qptheater.com/box-office/, or by calling the QP Box Office at (781) 942-2212 for reservations. Cash and checks only at the door. Friday and Saturday performances are at 8PM. The Sunday 4/7 performance is at 2PM.

📝 In Person: College Admission and Creative Summer Planning
2024-03-25 18:00 - 19:00 | Reading Public Library, 64 Middlesex Ave, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Unpack the secrets to college admissions and creative summer planning IN-PERSON with Collegewise’s expert counselor, Lizzie Leonard!
We’ll help answer the following questions:
How should you be spending your high school summers?
Does attending a university’s pre-college summer program really help you get in?
What programs (if any) are worth spending your money on?
Our presenter will be in-person to answer these questions (and more!) so you can leave with clear steps to help you craft your own perfect summer schedule.
To attend, please register using the link provided below.

📽️ March Matinees: The Stratford Festival, Ontario, Canada. "Merry Wives of Windsor"
2024-03-27 14:00 - 18:00 | Reading Public Library, 64 Middlesex Ave, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
If you have preconceptions of Shakespearean productions as featuring men in tights whose necks are festooned with uncomfortable-looking Elizabethan ruffs, throw them away!! There are few theatrical companies on the planet who produce Shakespeare’s plays with the panache and gusto of Ontario’s Stratford Festival. This version of Merry Wives of Windsor sets the 400+ year old play in the 1950s.
Join us for this final iteration of March Matinees: it may well change your idea of what an afternoon with The Bard can be!

🥡 Reading Scholarship Foundation Fundraiser at Mandarin
2024-04-05 11:30 - 22:30 | Mandarin, 296 Salem Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Does your family love Asian food?
Do you dread figuring out what to make for dinner?!
Why not take the night off from cooking and support the Reading Scholarship Foundation at the same time?!
On Friday, April 5th, the RSF is hosting a restaurant fundraiser at the Mandarin Reading Asian restaurant! (296 Salem Street in Reading).
Dine in OR order take-out and the Foundation receives 20+% of sales!
The Mandarin Reading is open for lunch or dinner (11:30 AM – 10:30 PM), and our fundraiser runs all day!
Please see our flyer for more information and please bring your flyer to the restaurant on Friday, April 5th. Thank you!

🪩 2024 Friends of Reading Rec Annual Daddy/Daughter Dance
2024-04-05 18:00 - 20:00 | Hawkes Field House at Reading Memorial High School, 62 Oakland Road, Reading, MA
Join us at the 2024 Friends of Reading Rec Annual Daddy Daughter Dance for a night of fun, laughter, and unforgettable memories!
April 5, 2024 from 6-8pm.

😄 Reading Lions Club Comedy Night
2024-04-06 19:00 - 21:00 | Wakefield Elks, 63 Bay State Rd, Wakefield, 01880, United States
Spring into laughter with the Reading Lions on April 6!
Enjoy a night of comedy with your friends, family, and the Lions! The Reading Lions
Comedy Night returns to The Wakefield Elks with 4 amazing comics on April 6.
We’re thrilled to present some of the funniest comics in the area: a Boston Magazine
“Best of Boston Comedian”, Paul D’Angelo, plus Mitch Stinson, Jeff Koen, and Dave
Rattigan. Bring your family, neighbors, and friends to enjoy a night of laughs, fun raffles,
BYOF, and a cash bar. The evening’s proceeds go to Lions charities which support our
community via the Food Pantry, scholarship fund, wellness exams, vision care, and
more.
Tickets are available from your friendly Reading Lions Club member for $25 each, tables
seat 8 for $200. Mark your calendar and we’ll see you there!
The Reading Lions Club has proudly served the community of Reading and other
surrounding towns for more than 75 years. Our fundraisers support Mass Lions Eye
Research, Reading Food Pantry, and many others. There are few feelings in life that are
as great as being able to help those in need, and to do it with a fun, dedicated group of
club members makes it all the more enjoyable. If you are interested in learning more
about us please contact Marla Clough- mclough410@gmail.com.

🎨 Reading Art Association April 10 Painting Demonstration
2024-04-10 19:30 - 21:30 | First Congregational Church, 25 Woburn Street, Reading MA, 01867
Reading Art Association will he hosting an oil painting demonstration at the First Congregational Church on Woburn Street in Reading on April 10, 2024. Our demonstrator will be Rosalie Sidoti. The demo will start at 7:30 PM on April 10, 2024. The entrance to the demo is the middle side door on Sanborn Street.
More details about the demo and directions to the Church are on the RAA website, www.readingart.org
Along with being a national award recipient, Rosalie was recently honored with the coveted Alden Bryan Memorial Medal for her work along with awards from prestigious organizations such as the Copley Society. Rosalie believes in the importance of continued teaching and mentoring and was a Masters Program Supervisor at Tufts University for many years. Rosalie lives on Cape Ann, where natural beauty abounds and is home to her creative inspiration. Rosalie Sidoti earned her MA and BFA degrees and continued her graduate education for many years though a series of exchange programs with the Ruskin School of Fine Arts, Oxford University, England.
You can see some of her work at her web site, https://rosaliesidoti.com/

🍕 Reading Scholarship Foundation Fundraiser at Bertuccis
2024-04-11 11:00 - 22:00 | Bertucci’s, 45 Walkers Brook Drive, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Enjoy your Bertucci’s favorites with family & friends while earning funds in support of: the Reading Scholarship Foundation today, April 11th 11:00am – 10:00pm. VALID AT ALL BERTUCCI’S LOCATIONS. Visit www.BERTUCCIS.com to find your closest store.
Bertucci’s will donate 15% of the proceeds back to the organization
Simply present this flyer or enter the unique code below when ordering online: 405-934-889
VALID ON TO-GO, DELIVERY, CATERING & DINE-IN
Valid on all dine in, to go, catering and delivery purchases tracked via the unique 9-digit code assigned to the organization. Excludes tax and gratuity. Not valid with any other offers, discounts or towards the purchase of gift cards. Flyer valid at participating Bertucci’s locations on date listed only Flyer distribution at-site dining event is strictly prohibited.
To learn more about our fundraising program, visit: BERTUCCIS.COM

✍️ How to Write Great College Essays (In Person)
2024-04-25 18:00 - 19:00 | Reading Public Library, 64 Middlesex Ave, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Unpack the secrets to writing effective college essays IN-PERSON with Collegewise’s expert counselor, Lizzie Leonard!
Perfecting the personal statement or brainstorming the supplemental essays can be a daunting task, especially when students apply to multiple colleges. Our experts are sharing their top approaches to essay writing and how students can take their essay writing to the next level.
This essay writing webinar will share insight on:
* The personal statement and supplemental essays
* How to approach writing each essay
* Strategic advice on essay writing that impresses colleges
* What to avoid in college application essays
Our presenter will be in-person to answer these questions (and more!) so save your spot to discover the secret sauce to strong essay writing.
Register using the link provided below.

🪧 Pleasant Street Senior Center Open House
2024-04-27 09:00 - 11:00 | Pleasant Street Center, 49 Pleasant Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
The Council on Aging invites you to an Open House to tour the Pleasant Street Senior Center.
The Council on Aging and the Reading Center for Active Living Committee have been actively working on plans for a new senior/community center for Reading. If you vote in Reading local elections, and/or are a Board/ Committee/ Town Meeting member this tour will give you an opportunity to better understand the center’s value to Reading residents and the need to address the building’s shortcomings that currently exist.
Be an informed voter, please visit the Pleasant Street Senior Center and learn more.
When:
Saturday, April 27th from
9-11am
Where:
49 Pleasant Street Reading
Questions: councilonaging@ci.reading.ma.us

🏷️ MODified Yard Sale
2024-04-27 09:00 - 11:45 | 6 Chapin Avenue, 6 Chapin Avenue, Reading, 01867
Our last yard sale was 2019! We are excited to announce it is BACK!
Mission of Deeds is a non-profit organization providing new beds and gently used furniture and household items to individuals and families in need in Middlesex and Essex counties. We have been in operation for more than 30 years in downtown Reading and furnished almost 17,000 homes. We assist people in need transitioning out of homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, fire and flood victims, and anyone in need as vetted by a professional in an official capacity. We do not receive government funding.
We often receive donated items that are not suitable for clients but have value. As a fundraiser to buy new beds and fund the general operations of the organization, we host a yard sale. Due to COVID, we have not hosted a yard sale since 2019. The community, staff, and volunteers were eager to bring it back! This is not your typical yard sale. All items are high quality and available at bargain prices. Hundreds of people attend the yard sale and we have a line that forms before we open! It is one of the more well-known events in Reading.
Rain date of April 28.
There will be an extremely limited early admission option. Stay tuned for those details. Yard Sale opens at 9:15 AM to the public and will end at 11:45 AM. There will be baked goods for sale and raffles to enter.
No parking available on-site.

🚲 Bike Recycling and Give-Away
2024-05-03 11:00 - 2024-05-04 15:00 | RMLD, 230 Ash Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
ReadingCares and the Reading Climate Advisory Committee are thrilled to announce the highly anticipated return of the annual Bike Recycling and Give-Away. The public is invited to donate their used bikes (in good condition) at RMLD, 230 Ash Street, on Friday, May 3rd from 11am-12:30pm and on Saturday, May 4th from 9am – 11am. All donors will receive a voucher to return on Saturday to choose a free bike.
The donated bikes will be cleaned and inspected, the tires will be pumped and minor repairs will be made. These refurbished bikes will then be offered for adoption at no charge to donors at noon and to the general public at 12:30pm. This is a great opportunity to get rid of bikes that are no longer being used and to give them a second life. If you just have a bike to get rid of, if you want a new bike for yourself, or both, we encourage you to participate in this community event. Bikes for riders of all ages are needed.
The event is co-sponsored by ReadingCares and the Reading Climate Advisory Committee with support from RMLD and the Town of Reading. The Reading Police Department will be on hand to promote bike safety.

🎨 Reading Art Association Spring Exhibit and Sale
2024-05-03 19:30 - 2024-05-04 15:00 | First Congregational Church, 25 Woburn Street, Reading MA, 01867
The Reading Art Association will he hosting our Annual Spring Exhibit and Sale on May 3 and 4 at the First Congregational Church of Reading, Sanborn Street, Reading MA. The show times are Friday, May 3, 2024 7:30 to 9:30 PM, Saturday, May 4, 2024, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The Friday night show will open with a reception from 7:30 to 9:30 PM.
The Spring Show is once again presenting the Art and Bloom display in conjunction with the Reading Garden Club. Five paintings will be on display at the show with a floral interpretation of each of the paintings created by members of the Garden Club. This is a spectacular display, and you don’t want to miss it.
You can see an example of the display at our 2023 Spring Show on our website at http://www.readingart.org/spring2023.shtml
The exhibit is open and free to everyone, so come for a few minutes or come for a few hours.
More information about the Reading Art Association is available at our website, http://www.readingart.org/

🗳️ Special Election Early Voting
2024-05-04 09:00 - 2024-05-09 17:30 | Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
To fill a Select Board vacancy, in-person early voting is available at Town Hall on the following dates and times:• Saturday May 4th – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM• Monday May 6th – 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM• Tuesday May 7th – 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM• Wednesday May 8th – 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM• Thursday May 9th – 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM

🏡 Friends of the Reading Public Library House Tour
2024-05-05 13:00 - 17:00 | MA
The Friends of the Reading Public Library are excited to announce the return of the Friends’ House Tour, May 5, 2024! This is our longest running fundraising event, last held in 2018. The 2024 Tour features several beautiful and unique homes of Reading. Eight generous homeowners have opened their homes to support the Reading Public Library. Take note of the details each has incorporated to make their home special. Many have extended their vision outside as well.
Ticket booklets are $25 per person and available at the Reading Library, and at Whitelam Books. Ticket booklets are $30 on the day of the tour.
Thanks to our many generous sponsoring advertisers and ticket sales, this is our biggest fundraiser, supporting many, many programs at the library throughout the year.
For more Friends information visit friendsofreadingpl.org

🎶 “Melodies of Memory” Reading Community Singers Spring Concert
2024-05-11 19:30 - 21:00 | Reading Memorial High School, 62 Oakland Rd, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
The Reading Community Singers are pleased to present their Spring Concert – Melodies of Memory – On Saturday, May 11 at 7:30 pm, at Reading Memorial High School. Elijah Botkin, Artistic Director, will be conducting, and Joe Beninati will be Accompanist.
Among the “Memories” and “Melodies” to be shared will be “Danny Boy”, “A Jungle Book” medley, “Animal Crackers” and “Music Vibrates in the Memory”, to mention a few. In addition, Botkin has also created special arrangements for some of the music that the Band will be playing.
Special Guest Performer for this Concert is Camille Hodgkins, who will be awarded RCS’s Scholarship for 2024. Ms. Hodgkins is a graduate of Melrose High School, and is currently furthering her music education at UMass Amherst, towards becoming a private vocal coach and performer.
Come take a trip down memory lane and join RCS for Melodies of Memory! Advance Tickets are currently available via the RCS website: https://ReadingCommunitySingers.org/tickets/, from any Chorus member, and will also be on sale at the door.

🗳️ Special Election Day
2024-05-14 07:00 - 20:00 | Hawkes Field House at Reading Memorial High School, 62 Oakland Road, Reading, MA
To fill a Select Board vacancy, voting takes place from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM at the Reading Memorial High School Field House.

♻️ Paper Shredding, Rigid Plastics, Electronics & Styrofoam Recycling
2024-05-18 09:00 - 13:00 | Department of Public Works, 75 New Crossing Rd, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Saturday, May 18, 2024
DPW Garage, 75 Newcrossing Rd
9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Paper Shredding – One box limit per household
Rigid Plastics – Plastic toys, chairs, containers, etc.
Electronics – Recycle your old Electronics! No CRT TV’s / Monitors, or Major Appliances
Styrofoam – Clean, white #6 PS preformed block and sheet, No food containers of any kind, and No Colored Styrofoam.
Simple Recycling – Textile Collection. Scheduled pickup service through www.SimpleRecycling.com

Residents only – no businesses
For more info: www.readingma.gov

🪴 Reading Garden Club Plant Sale
2024-05-18 09:00 - 13:00 | Town Common, 680 Main Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Save the date, Saturday, May 18th. All proceeds go back to our projects in Reading such as Adopt an Island; Scholarships; Educational Programs; and plantings at Town Hall, War Memorial, Library, and Parker Tavern.

🚔 Annual Police Open House
2024-05-18 11:00 - 14:00 | Reading Police Station, 15 Union Street, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Our annual open house is coming up! May 18th. From 11:00 to 2:00. Nonstop fun and entertainment.

🇺🇸 Memorial Day 2024
2024-05-27 09:00 - 13:00 | Laurel Hill Cemetery, 16 Lowell St, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Please join us as Reading remembers the service and sacrifice of all men and women who died in service to our country.
PARADE AND CEMETERY SERVICES
9:00 AM Parade begins at the American Legion on Ash Street. All Veterans are welcome to attend.
9:15 AM Services at Laurel Hill Cemetery
10:45 AM Services at Forest Glen Cemetery
11:30 AM Services at Charles Lawn Cemetery
12:00 NOON Services at Wood End Cemetery

💸 Spring 2024 Financial Forum
2024-05-28 19:00 - 21:00 | Reading Public Library, 64 Middlesex Ave, Reading, MA, 01867, United States
Spring Financial Forum: Tuesday, May 28 at 7pmJoin Town staff and elected officials for a discussion of the current capital projects before the Town on Tuesday, May 28 at 7pm. The event will be held in the Community Room a the reading Public Library.
