Town Rolls Out Trash and Recycling Overhaul, New Podcast Explains Changes
READING — Town Hall rolled out details on an overhaul of trash and recycling services this week, featured in the debut season of a new town podcast hosted by Town Manager Jayne Wellman.
TOWN HALL
The Town's News Flash feed announced that "exciting changes are coming to Trash and Recycling services in the Reading," though specifics were pointed to a forthcoming update rather than detailed in the release itself. The changes were also the subject of the latest episode of "Reading Between the Lines," the new podcast produced by Town Hall and RCTV and hosted by Town Manager Jayne Wellman, which the town said just dropped this week.
Also from Town Hall: the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project will continue truck-mounted aerosol spraying through the summer to manage local mosquito populations, with residents directed to a posted schedule for specific dates. Separately, the town is promoting the "Let Grow Summer Independence Challenge," a free community program aimed at encouraging childhood independence, and is soliciting resident photo submissions for a refresh of the town's website and social media channels.
The town's calendar shows several upcoming public meetings, including the Historical Commission and Conservation Commission on Wednesday, July 8, and a Department of Public Works tree hearing along with a School Committee meeting on Thursday, July 9.
COMMUNITY & ARTS
July has been marked on the town calendar as Disability Pride Month, running through July 31. The town calendar also lists upcoming observances including International NonBinary People Day and Mad Pride Day on July 14.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
"Here's How Many Beaches Are Closed To Swimming In MA" — Some Massachusetts beaches have reopened following a sewer line rupture that had caused closures last month, according to Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/reading).
"Senator Lewis and Mass. Senate Act to Lower Energy Costs While Protecting Climate Goals" — State Senator Jason Lewis's office says newly passed energy legislation is projected to save ratepayers billions while maintaining climate commitments, per Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/reading).
"🌱 Patch AM: Wrong-way Route 128 crash in Reading under state police investigation" — State police are investigating a wrong-way crash on Route 128 in Reading, according to Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/reading).
"🌱 Patch AM: Reading community notes the passing of George Arthur Gammon, Jr." — Patch reports the Reading community is mourning the death of longtime resident George Arthur Gammon, Jr. (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/reading).
"Biggest Megabucks Jackpot Ever Awaits Winner In MA" — The Massachusetts Lottery's Megabucks jackpot has surpassed a record set in 1985, according to Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/reading).
"Reading's Senior Property Tax Exemption Program Reauthorized for Another Three Years" — The state's House delegation secured passage of a home rule petition extending the town's senior property tax exemption program for three more years, per a release from the Office of MA House Minority Leader Brad Jones carried on Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/reading).
"Reading Issues Advice During Heat Wave" — Town officials issued safety guidance for residents amid a recent stretch of dangerous heat and humidity, according to Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/reading).
COMING UP
The Historical Commission and Conservation Commission both meet Wednesday, July 8. The Department of Public Works holds a tree hearing and the School Committee meets Thursday, July 9. A public hearing on a pole location is scheduled for Thursday, July 23. Disability Pride Month observances continue through July 31, and International NonBinary People Day and Mad Pride Day both fall on Tuesday, July 14.