Harnden Street Building Sold | 1st Annual Town of Reading Menorah Lighting | School Committee Approves RMHS Improvement Plan

By Kevin Vendt

According to documents from the Middlesex County Registry of Deeds, 17 Harnden Street, the former Walgreens Building, has been sold to JALA Hospitality, LLC of Upper Saddle, New Jersey, for the sum of $6,500,000. The deed was recorded on December 13.

The building had been under consideration for purchase by the town as a site for a new senior center to replace the Pleasant Street Center. A proposal presented to the town by BH Waltham II, LLC was for a purchase price of $7,000,000 with a $2,000,000 seller’s credit. There was an item on the November Town Warrant to discuss the issue, though it was indefinitely postponed at the request of the Select Board to give the board time to do its due diligence. [Read More]

1st Annual Town of Reading Menorah Lighting

The 1st Annual Town of Reading Public Menorah Lighting was held on Monday, December 19, 2022, at 5:30pm at Reading Town Common. The following photos were captured by Reading Post photographer Kenan Cooper. [Read More]

School Committee Approves RMHS Improvement Plan

By Kevin Vendt

Reading Memorial High School (RMHS), Assistant Principal Kathleen Buckley presented the school’s improvement plan to the School Committee on Thursday. Buckley shared that the school’s goals are aligned with the district’s strategic objectives of a sense of belonging, a challenging and engaging learning environment, and efficient operational systems.

Buckley presented four goals to the committee, starting with belonging. “We want all members of our community to feel a true sense of equity and access to rigorous programs and activities,” Buckley explained. To reach this goal, RMHS will celebrate and acknowledge the work of students and staff and increase and formalize opportunities for student participation in school. Buckley cited the recent Homecoming Week celebration as an example of this goal. [Read More]

Public Kitchen Now Open

New restaurant Public Kitchen has announced that they are now open. Public Kitchen, located at 530 Main Street, describes itself as a “Funky twist on American food.”

Posting to Facebook and Instagram, “The wait is over! PUBLIC KITCHEN READING IS OPEN” We’ll see you soon! 11:30am – 9:00pm Dine in only | First come, first serve530 Main Street, Reading [Read More]

American Bench Craft

By Isabella Pastore

Reading Memorial High School graduates Jason and Chris Angelini opened American Bench Craft in 2014 out of their parents’ basement. The Angelini brothers’ leather products have been sold to 42 countries and every state in the US, and they hope to expand their local market into the holiday season.

Jason Angelini graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a degree in mechanical engineering and worked at Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford as a civilian engineer. He then joined the Army National Guard before starting to talk about opening a business with his brother, Chris.

Chris Angelini went to Hofstra University for film production and graduated in 2010. He spent a couple of years as a locations manager in New York City, and eventually moved over to marketing in 2012. It was at his new job in the marketing firm where he learned how to do more online and digital marketing.

As Jason and Chris began discussing opening their own business, their backgrounds matched perfectly. Jason’s background in design and engineering and Chris’s background in marketing would become essential to starting their business. [Read More]

Holiday Gift Idea – History of Reading Book

Still looking for that last-minute holiday gift? – a gift that includes the opportunity to support Reading’s only local history museum – Parker Tavern. Images of America: Reading, written by Everett and Ginny Blodgett and published by Arcadia Publishing, is available by contacting the authors at evblodgett@comcast.net.

Learn a little more about Reading’s past, its many varied industries, farms, and activities. See what has changed and what you recognize that hasn’t changed. The price is $21.99, and profits from the book’s sale go to the Reading Antiquarian Society owners of Parker Tavern.

In coordination with the Reading Historical Commission, there is also a “bundle” available for $45.00, including Images of America: Reading, and At Wood End (published for Reading’s 350th celebration in 1994). All proceeds from the sale of At Wood End will go to the Reading Celebration Trust’s Preservation section.

Downtown Water Main Work to Start on Haven St. Tuesday, December 27

Detour improvements underway to ensure safe traffic flow

The Town of Reading is reaching out to residents and businesses regarding downtown construction this winter. While no town construction has been ongoing on Haven Street from Thanksgiving to Christmas, work will commence on December 27, 2022, to the end of January 2023. This work is part of the water main replacement on Haven and Gould Streets. [Read More]

2023 RMLD Historical Calendars are Available

By popular demand, the 2023 RMLD Historical Calendars are here! You can pick up your free calendar at RMLD or at any of these locations. We hope you enjoy your calendar!