Happy Birthday, Reading Patch

Today we celebrate Reading Patch's third birthday! Three years ago, Reading Patch launched and has been a community hub in town ever since.

On this special day, I'd like to thank all of our loyal readers, contributors, bloggers, followers on Twitter and Facebook and of course those of you who have allowed us to tell your stories and helped make our articles come to life. We wouldn't be Reading Patch without you!

Let's took a look at the top 10 articles from the past year:

1. RPD Officers Honored After Assisting in Boston After Marathon. Reading Police Officers Mike Fitzgerald, Mike Lee and Matt Edson were honored at a Board of Selectmen meeting for assisting in Boston after the marathon bombings.

2. Portland Pie Now Open. Welcome to Portland Pie-- That's what you'll hear when you walk through the door of Portland Pie on Haven Street. The spacious eatery opened earlier this summer and is already creating a buzz around town.

3. Blizzard of '13 in Reading. The blizzard of '13 will always be remembered, but not for power outages and accidents in town. As a result of the blizzard, Reading saw about two feet of snow and residents spent a lot of time shoveling. 

4. Bunratty Tavern Owner Hoping for August Opening. Back in January, Eilish Havey and her husband Jim were hoping to open the Bunratty Tavern in May. However, the process is not moving as quickly as they would like and the couple is now planning for an August opening. 

5. Paint and Sip Business Proposed for Reading. Reading resident and owner of Atlantic Framing Judy Barolak recently proposed a paint and sip business to the selectmen. The business would be a studio for painting classes where participants can enjoy a glass of wine or beer.

6. Town Celebrates Peter Hechenbleikner's Career. Over 200 people gathered at the Hillview Country Club Thursday evening to celebrate Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner's career. He was Reading's first town manager and he held the position for 26.5 years.

7. Math Curriculum Changes Create Concerned Parents. The Reading Public School District implemented changes to the math curriculum due to Common Core standards, and parents believe that the changes will not prepare their children for college.

8. 38 Minors Charges With Possession of Alcohol in Reading. Late last year, officers reported to a house party where over 40 youths were present without adult supervision, police said. As a result of the party, 38 minors were charged with possession of alcohol and one youth was charged with furnishing alcohol to minors, according to police.

9. Public Hearing on Medical Marijuana Moratorium. The Reading Community Planning & Development Commission want to hear from residents about a plan to stop medical marijuana dispensaries in town for at least a year.

10. Vanilla Cream Pie Never Tasted So Good. I kept my promise to Reading and North Reading residents and took a pie in the face after reaching 1,000 fans on Facebook.