Nearly 100 residents have recovered from COVID-19...

May 28, 2020 by

More town amenities re-open during Phase 1 Published May 28, 2020 By MAUREEN DOHERTY NORTH READING — In its weekly update, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) informed the town on Thursday, May 21 that the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases affecting North Reading had totaled 183, which included 119 residents and 64 patients living at or associated with the Royal Meadow View nursing and rehabilitation center. Of this combined total, 99 patients had recovered by May 21, which is an improvement of 11 patients from the previous week, while the North Reading Health Department continued to monitor 70 patients, an increase of two. There had been no change in the number of reported fatalities attributed to the disease from either the May 14 MDPH report or the May 12 local Board of Health report, by which time...

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Virtual Memorial Day tribute still moving...

May 28, 2020 by

Published May 28, 2020 By MAUREEN DOHERTY NORTH READING — North Reading’s veterans who died in combat were not forgotten on Memorial Day even without the ability of the town to host a traditional Memorial Day parade led by the North Reading Minit and Militia and the Marching Hornets, and celebrated by people of all ages in the town. What was to be the 46th annual event hosted by the Minit and Militia was sidelined due to COVID-19 and social distancing requirements. But the town and various veterans groups, inspired by Veterans’ Services Director Susan Magner and her Veterans Events Committee and the VFW, rallied around the flag anyway to create the virtual Memorial Day celebration. Small flags were still placed beside the graves of each veteran interred in the town’s three cemeteries —...

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Julia Valenti named to Herald’s All-Decade team...

May 28, 2020 by

Published May 28, 2020 NORTH READING — Julia Valenti, a 2016 graduate of North Reading High School, was recently named to the Boston Herald’s All-Decade track and field team. Valenti was one of the best pole vaulters in the history of NRHS. She won two All-States titles as a Hornet, clearing 11-9 and 12-4. Her back-to-back All-State victories in 2015 and 2016 were a program first. Valenti was a four-time Div. 4 champion and holds the division record with a vault of 12-0 3/4. Valenti also holds the NRHS record in the 100 hurdles. She went on to compete at Dartmouth College where she won the the 2019 New England spring championship. Valenti was an All-Ivy League Team member four times in the pole vault: twice in 2018 (indoor and outdoor) and twice again in...

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Richard E. Merriman, 94

May 28, 2020 by

U.S. Navy veteran, H-O train enthusiast Published May 28, 2020 WILDWOOD, Florida — Richard E. Merriman, 94, of Wildwood, Fla., went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, April 28, 2020. Dick Merriman was born September 15, 1925 in Buffalo, N.Y. to Harry and Hildred (Eisenhaure) Merriman. He was raised in North Reading, Mass. and upon graduating high school in 1943 he entered the U.S. Navy. The Navy sent him for specialized training at both Dartmouth and Yale, and he was then transferred to Great Lakes in Chicago where he completed his service in 1946 at the Fleet Home Town News Center. As a WWII veteran, he was thrilled to be a part of the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. with other vets in 2014. While in Chicago, Dick met and married Eleanore Johnson in 1949. He moved to Baltimore in...

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William G. Faria, 87

May 28, 2020 by

The Singing Godfather was beloved teacher, drama coach Published May 28, 2020 LYNNFIELD — William G. Faria, 87, of Lynnfield and formerly from the North End of Boston and Revere, died at his home on Friday, May 22, 2020. Born in Boston on August 14, 1932, he was the son of the late Carlos P. and Rose (DeBellis) Faria. He was a graduate of Boston English High School, Fitchburg State College, and received his Master of Education from Salem State College. Bill was a U.S. Air Force Korean War veteran who served as a Staff Sargent from 1952-1956. Bill worked for the Raytheon Corporation and taught at Lynnfield High School, Shawsheen Technical High School, Revere High School, Malden High School and Mass Bay Community College. He was a beloved teacher of electronics and life...

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BREAKING NEWS! Small business owners, respond today to apply for federal aid; town will assist with application...

May 26, 2020 by

Posted: Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at 12 p.m. Indicate your interest to the Town Planner in this potential funding opportunity NORTH READING — The town of North Reading is working with surrounding towns and our regional planning agency to apply for financial relief for small businesses, through HUD.  This program would provide up to $10,000 in financial assistance to microenterprises or businesses with five or fewer employees, one of whom owns the business.  If your business falls into this category and your own household is low or moderate income, please contact Town Planner Danielle McKnight (dmcknight@northreadingma.gov), indicating your interest in the program.  If we are successful, funds could be used for cover business costs, such as rent, staffing, and utilities. (It won’t cover major equipment purchases, real estate purchase or construction.) “You do not...

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