The Week Ahead: February 13-17

What's going on this week? Good question. Here's the scoop to keep you in the loop.

Monday, Feb. 13

Boats. The is under sail all week at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. In addition to sales on the newest boats and products from the region’s leading dealers and retailers, the 2012 show will feature nine days of family-friendly activities and education for novice and experienced boaters.

Meetings. There are several meetings on Monday, including the Council on Aging, which meets in the Game Room at 6:30 p.m., the Board of Library Trustees, which gathers at at 7 p.m. and the Cultural Council which meets at the Library at 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 14 (Valentine’s Day)

Board of Selectmen. The Board of Selectmen meet on Tuesday in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room at the . Among the items on the agenda is a public hearing with regards to the town’s policy on amplified sound. Click here for the full agenda.

Meet and Greet. The Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Tuesday at on Main Street. Residents are invited to and enjoy complimentary coffee and pastries.

Characters. Lord Timothy Dexter was a prominent citizen of Newburyport who was well-known for his many eccentricities. People are still debating whether he amassed his fortune by being an extremely shrewd businessman or if he was just plain lucky. Jim McAllister of Derby Square Tours will appear at ’s on Tuesday at 10 a.m. to tell stories about Lord Timothy Dexter and other colorful characters from our region’s history.

Gluten-Free. On the second Tuesday of every month, the Natural Food Exchange hosts an , run by the Healthy Villi, a group dedicated to supporting those with celiac disease and their families in New England. This meeting is open to ALL celiacs, newly diagnosed, or diagnosed 20 years ago. It is an opportunity to discuss anything relevant to a gluten-free lifestyle. Come and share information on restaurants, college experiences, recipes, or to find out about the latest research. All questions are welcome. The group is a wonderful resource. No sign-up is required.

Sports. The Reading High girls and boys basketball teams are both in action Tuesday night at home against Arlington, with the girls tipping off at 5:30 p.m. and the boys getting underway at 7 p.m. Click here for the complete RMHS schedule.

Wednesday, Feb. 15

Economic Development. The Economic Development Committee meets Wednesday night at the Town Hall’s Berger Room at 7 p.m. Click here for the agenda.

Caucus. Registered at the , Meeting Room, 64 Middlesex Avenue on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at precisely 7:30 p.m. to elect 14 delegates and 3 alternates to the 2010 Massachusetts Democratic Convention. Delegates will be divided equally between men and women. Registration opens at 7 p.m.

Open House. Are you shopping for a nursery school for your child for the 2012-2013 school year?  on Wednesday Feb. 15 between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. You'll have the opportunity to meet our director, staff and some current parents to learn more about our program. We look forward to seeing you!

Berries for Beauty. Debbie Drechsel, Northeast Educator from Genesis Today, will . She'll discuss the roles they play in digestion, detoxification, immune health, cellular rejuvenation, vision, mood and more. Come and separate fact from fiction regarding these much hyped super fruits. 

Sports. The RMHS action is on the ice Wednesday as both girls and boys squads skate against Arlington High in Middlesex League Large School Division play. The boys play at the Spy Ponders, while the girls take on Arlington in the friendly confines of . Both games start at 6 p.m. Click here for the complete RMHS schedule. Austin Prep. The Lady Cougars hockey team skates against Notre Dame of Hingham at home this evening, with the puck slated to drop at 6 p.m. Click here for the complete Austin Prep schedule.

Thursday, Feb. 16

Business Forum. focused on using the internet and social networking to grow businesses and connect with customers. The forum, held with the Malden Chamber of Commerce, will highlight ways for small businesses to utilize social networking platforms like Facebook and Twitter and other methods to increase a small business’ exposure. The forum is the fourth in Senator Clark’s small business series being held around the district.

Books. will meet at the Senior Center, 49 Pleasant St., on Thursday, Feb. 16 at 1 p.m. to discuss One Good Dog by Susan Wilson. The discussion will be led by Barbara Currie. Copies of this book are available at the and at the . All adults are welcome to attend this program, and no registration is necessary. The group meets in the Senior Center Lounge on the second floor.

Beauty. The Hallmark Health Cosmetic and Laser Center invites you to join them for some sparkling refreshments while learning how to enhance your beauty at the Center’s on Thursday 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. The Center is located at the Hallmark Health Medical Center, 30 New Crossing Road in Reading. The evening of beauty is designed to pamper you with complimentary cosmetic and laser consultations, chair massages, prizes and the opportunity to meet the Center’s new registered nurse, Stefanie Magnant. To pre-register for your complimentary massage and consultation, please call 781-213-5130. Availability is limited. Please note this event is alcohol free.

Great Decisions. Would you like to learn more about U.S. foreign policy in an engaging community forum? The Library will host a for nine weeks.  The series begins on February 2 and continues on Feb. 9, 16, 23, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 (with a snow date of April 5). This series will discuss many of the important foreign policy topics facing the United States.

Sports. The Reading High girls and boys indoor track squads are in action Thursday at the MIAA Division II Indoor Track Championships at the Reggie Lewis Indoor Track Center. The start time is still TBA. The boys hockey team is also in action, squaring off against powerful BC High at starting at 7:45 p.m. Click here for the complete RMHS schedule.

Friday, Feb. 17

Dance for a Cause. What better way for teens to have a little fun while supporting a wonderful local animal charity than to attend the ? Tickets are $10 at the door and admission includes a raffle for a $25 iTunes gift card. Youth ages 14 and up are welcome at the event and all proceeds benefit Protection of Animals in Wakefield Society, Inc. (PAWS).  Come enjoy live music by the band “The Change Up” along with pre-recorded music. Snacks and water will be sold at the event.

Winter Classic! Come join Reading Youth Hockey as it sponsors this open to all Reading residents running Feb. 17 through 19 at 9 a.m. on Castine Field near the Birch Meadow Athletic Complex. This tournament was originally scheduled for February 3-5, the date has been postponed due to unseasonably warm weather. The tournament will be 4 on 4 (with teams of 6) who will play 14-minute games with the goal of being crowned the Winter Classic champion of 2012 for each division. Proceeds will benefit Reading Youth Hockey and the Peter Doherty Scholarship Fund.  

Office Hours. House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. will be on Friday for constituents of the 20th Middlesex district from 10 to 11 a.m. at the . “Office hours are a great opportunity for my constituents to meet with me or a member of my staff and to ask any questions they may have, or voice any of their concerns”, said Representative Jones. Constituents are encouraged to visit at their convenience during office hours and will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointment is necessary.

Sports. The Rockets hit the hardwood in full force on Friday, with the boys taking on Woburn on the road starting at 7 p.m. and the girls facing the Lady Tanners in Woburn at 5:30 p.m. The RMHS swim team competes at the state meet at Harvard University starting at 8:30 p.m. Click here for the complete RMHS schedule. Austin Prep. The AP boys and girls basketball teams both play Friday, with the boys at Shawsheen Tech, while the girls take on the Rams at home. Both times are still TBA. Click here for the complete Austin Prep schedule.