The Week Ahead: January 23-27

Here are the highlights of what's going on around town this week.

Monday, Jan. 23

Public budget hearing. The School Committee will hold a public hearing Monday night to discuss the proposed fiscal year 2013 budget. The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Superintendent’s Conference Room at Reading Memorial High.

Other meetings. The Board of Assessors meets on Monday at the Town Hall, while the Community Planning and Development Commission will also be in session, beginning at 7:30 in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room at the Town Hall. Here’s the agenda.

Office Hours. State Representative Jim Dwyer (D-Woburn) will be holding office hours at the Reading Public Library on Monday, between 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. in the library conference room.

Sports. The Austin Prep boys hockey team is in action Monday, as they travel to Lawrence for a tough road test against Central Catholic—a Super 8 team last year—at Valley Forum. varsity ski team also has a meet today, facing Manchester Essex at Bradford Ski Area.

Tuesday, Jan. 24

Selectmen budget talks, part two. The Board of Selectmen, joined by the Finance Committee and the Board of Assessors, will meet on Tuesday night in the community room of the Reading Police Department. Here’s a look at the agenda.

End of life discussion. Life is Precious:. Dr. Peter Cataldo, a noted author and the Chief Healthcare Ethicist for the Archdiocese of Boston, addresses a very relevant topic in today's political and healthcare arena: bioethics and end-of-life issues, specifically Catholic teaching on medical care at end-of-life. The presentation will also cover the upcoming ballot petition, the "Massachusetts death with Dignity Act."  It is more important than ever that people remain informed and educated in this area. All are welcome!  Please plan on attending on Tuesday, January 24th @ 7:30 PM at the St. Athanasius Parish Activities Center. This program is sponsored by the Joint St. Athanasius/St. Agnes Adult Education Committee.

Pre-school open house. Come find out about the (CCP); a non-profit, non-denominational preschool program located at Old South United Methodist Church on the Common. Please join us for our Registration Open House Tuesday, Jan 24, 7-9 p.m. 

Sports. The Reading Memorial High School basketball squads are both in action Tuesday night, and both face the Spartans of Stoneham on the road in a Middlesex League crossover battle. The girls play at 5:30 p.m., while the boys tip-off at 7 p.m.

Here’s the full Rockets’ schedule. The Austin Prep Cougars boys basketball team plays at home Tuesday night, taking on Boston’s Cristo Rey at 6:30 p.m. The Cougars indoor track team takes on Cathedral High at the Reggie Lewis Track Center at 4:30 p.m. Here’s the a link to the full AP schedule.

Wednesday, Jan. 25

RMHS open house. Reading Memorial High School to learn about the range of curricular offerings at the high school at the first of two informational evenings on Wednesday, December 7. "Future Freshman Night 1: Curriculum, Content, & Choices” is the first of a two part series. On this night, RMHS administration and department leaders will provide an overview of curriculum, instruction, and a rich range of course offerings available at the high school to meet the needs of all learners. An overview of special education programs and services will take place at 6:30 p.m. the Guidance Office before the general presentation in the Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m.

Comedy. In its third year of being "Funny to the Core," the returns to Boston with five nights of local, regional and national comedic entertainment. From January 25th to January 29th, 2012, the Festival will unite five of Boston's best comedy stages in showcasing the talent of the Hub's funniest stand-up and improvisational comedians. Supported by Magners Irish Cider, the brand is a strong advocate for comedy festivals worldwide. For tickets and show times, attendees can go reserve their spot at http://www.magnerscomedyusa.com.

Conservation. The Conservation Commission meets Wednesday night in the Selectmen’s meeting room at the Town Hall starting at 7 p.m.

Sports. The RMHS athletic squads have a full day of action on Wednesday, as multiple teams are in action. Click here to see who plays, where and when. Austin Prep also sees three girls teams in action today. Click here for details.

Thursday, Jan. 26

Citizenship. The Reading Public Library will hold a class this evening to prepare prospective applicants for U.S. citizenship. The class will discuss the naturalization process, the role of elected officials and will provide assistance with the filling out and filing of necessary documents.

Sports. The RMHS swim team hits the pool Thursday at Lexington in Middlesex League action at 6 p.m. The Austin Prep boys ski team has a tri-meet Thursday at Bradford Ski Area. The Cougars will face St. John’s Prep and North Andover High School at 3 p.m. Click here for more details.

Friday, Jan. 27

Battle of the bands. Come on down to Reading High in the Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. on Friday, January 27 for the Fourth (and final) Annual Reading Rocks It! .

Tickets are $5 and will be sold at the door. For more information on this event and the bands involved, check out the events Facebook page by clicking here.

Sports. The Reading High basketball squads are both in action on Friday at home against neighboring Wakefield. The girls start at 5:30 p.m., while the boys tip-off at 7 p.m. The girls gymnastics team also faces the Warriors, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Click here for more details.