Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: 'Apparent Homicide' Investigation Underway In Reading, Police Say
Happening soon: Austin Prep: Fall Open House on the Reading Patch calendar

Hello Reading! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- Reading police search for suspect after deadly Center Avenue shooting
- Which Reading properties just got the green light for major changes?
- How to join Reading's new Snow Patrol before winter storms arrive
Also on today's calendar: Austin Prep: Fall Open House and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: Why did the cookie go to the hospital? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Friday: Sunshine, with a high of 68 and low of 45 degrees.
- Saturday: Sun through high clouds, temps: high: 64, low: 44.
- Sunday: Sun through high clouds, with a high of 64 and low of 55 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. 'Apparent Homicide' Investigation Underway In Reading, Police Say (patch.com) — Reading police are investigating the fatal shooting of a 49-year-old woman found inside a Center Avenue home early Thursday morning. Officers are searching for 22-year-old resident Ryan Hanafin and a black 2010 Dodge Charger, urging anyone who spots him or the vehicle in or around Reading to call 911 and not approach.
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2. 📍 Zoning Board of Appeals 10-5-26 AI Recap (readingrecap.com) — Reading's Zoning Board just approved several major property changes affecting Salem, Forest, Franklin, Green, and John Carver Road, including a three-unit Green Street project and demolition of a historic Salem Street home after artifact salvage. If you live near these streets, expect new construction, more housing units, and some short-term disruption as projects move forward under the newly granted variances and special permits.
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3. Reading Snow Patrol Launches to Help Neighbors After Winter Storms (thereadingpost.com) — Reading Recreation and Reading Elder Services are building a "Snow Patrol" volunteer team to help neighbors clear steps, sidewalks, and driveways after winter storms. Adults 18 and older in Reading can sign up now at ReadingRec.com, with individuals, families, and local snow removal businesses all welcome to join and support vulnerable residents before snow season hits.
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4. 🌆 CPDC 10-5-26 AI Recap (readingrecap.com) — Reading's planning board has finalized its recommended new rules for accessory dwelling units and sent them to November's Town Meeting, decisions that could affect adding in-law or rental units to local homes. Commissioners also advanced Eastern Gateway zoning concepts, including open space, walkability, and a new $50,000 state grant to shape future mixed-use development along that corridor.
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📸 Around Reading
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Reading
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Austin Prep: Fall Open House →
Austin Preparatory School, 101 Willow St, Reading
10:00 am
Sunday October 18
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- The Pillowman →
Colonial Chorus Players, 1249 Main Street, Reading
7:30 pm - Rumors →
Quannapowitt Players, 55 Hopkins St, Reading
8:00 pm - Book Launch with Children's Author Cynthia Platt →
Whitelam Books, 610 Main Street, Reading
11:00 am - Being Jonas Wilder — A Solo Music-Theater Evening →
Unitarian Universalist Church of Reading, 239 Woburn St, Reading
3:30 pm - the Jantelles →
American Legion Post 62, 37 Ash St., Reading
7:00 pm - the Jantelles at American Legion Post 62 →
American Legion Post 62, 37 Ash St., Reading
7:00 pm - 2026 Peabody Community Market →
Community Covenant Church, 33 Lake St, Peabody
3:00 pm - Reading Art Association October Demonstration →
First Congregational Church, 25 Woburn St, Reading
7:30 pm - A Conversation With Abigail Adams →
First Congregational Church, 25 Woburn St, Reading
2:00 pm - Sotte Voce →
West Parish Church, 129 Reservation Rd, Andover
4:00 pm - Fall Castleberry Fair →
Shriners Auditorium, 99 Fordham Rd, Wilmington
10:00 pm
Friday October 9
Saturday October 10
Sunday October 11
Wednesday October 14
Sunday October 18
Saturday October 24
📣 Reading Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Reading PatchAM possible:
- Burbank YMCA — (781) 944-9622
- VNA Senior Living — (617) 776-9800
- Austin Preparatory School — (781) 944-4900
- Partners In Rehabilitation LLC — (978) 447-1012
- Kidcreate Studio Wilmington — (781) 516-8496
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Mary (Donahue) Petrocelli, longtime resident of Reading passes away —Elizabeth Kelley Read on Patch
- Representative Jones Holding District Office Hours October 9 in Reading —Office of MA House Minority Leader Brad Jones Read on Patch
- Chili's Grill & Bar posted a job opening for QA/Expeditor - Reading Chili's in Reading. Apply here.
- Burger King posted a job opening for Team Member 3957 in Reading. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Reading here.
Ok Reading! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "Why did the cookie go to the hospital?" — Because he felt crummy. (Thank you Sanda J. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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