Church of the Good Shepherd includes about 150 families from the Reading-North Reading area. The church has a Sunday school for those in preschool through high school, and a youth group. The school's curriculum "stresses the fundamentals of building a relationship with God, concern for our fellow human beings, and just enough fun to keep their attention."
The church also reaches out to help people in the community through the bargain box thrift shop in the church's lower hall, supporting the Reading Food Pantry and participating in Project Bread's Feeding Program.
The Mission of Deeds is a nonprofit organization staffed by a group of dedicated volunteers in Reading. The organization purchases beds with cash donations and distributes them, along with donated furniture and other household items in good condition, to needy families and individuals living in Middlesex and Essex counties. Since the Mission of Deeds' inception in 1993, it has provided assistance to more than 7,000 families who have been referred to them by social service agencies such as shelters, elder care agencies and hospitals.
Recipients of assistance include individuals and families from diverse ethnic, religious, cultural and racial backgrounds. More than half of the families who receive assistance are mothers and their children, many of whom have lived at shelters for homeless and battered women. Others receiving assistance include the elderly, especially those who have been abandoned by family members; middle-aged men and women who have lost their homes and possessions; and the mentally or physically handicapped who have little or no means of support. The Mission relies solely on the donation of funds, furniture and other household items for distribution to those in need of assistance. In fact, their entire workforce, excepting two staff members, are volunteers. Additional acceptable donations include tables and chairs, linens, lamps, pots and pans, and other household items in good, usable condition.
Jenny Boston Boutique is designed for women, offering jewelry, handbags, belts and accessories. The boutique has six other locations in Massachusetts. All seven can be rented out for events, such as fundraisers or shopping parties.
Dynamic Sports sells full lines of all sporting goods; hockey, lacrosse, soccer and more. The friendly customer service oriented staff will assist customers with fittings, special orders, and team uniform purchases. Dynamik Sports does screen printing and embroidering and will take any size orders. Dynamik Sports is also active with local team sponsorships and public education. Online ordering is now available.
Dynamik Sports has been family owned and operated since 1984.
The Chocolate Truffle is a privately owned chocolatier that specializes in unique and exquisite chocolates. All treats are hand-dipped and hand-rolled in Swampscott. Chocolate Truffle creates and sells chocolate pizzas, chocolate chicken wings, chocolate-covered twinkies and the CB stuffer. Their marshmallow peanut butter cup was featured as Rachel Ray's snack of the day on March 30, 2010.
Worldwide Golf Vacations is a travel agency specializing in custom-designed golf vacation getaways. Its team of professionally trained experts can assist in creating a golfer's dream trip. With 600-plus available golf courses, 120 resorts and 50 destinations worldwide, the sky is the limit. Golfers can stay within the continental United States or can venture into far-away lands like the Caribbean Islands or even Spain.
Whether it's a custom-designed or a pre-packaged deal, these vacations can include hotel accommodations, pre-booked golf games, transportation, food and more.
The Colonial Chorus Players are a nonprofit community theater group that has been around since 1962. The organization is run completely by volunteers, and is always looking for people who are interested in all aspects of theater. Even those interested in helping with concession and ticket sales are encouraged to contact Colonial Chorus.
The group's past performances include classic productions such as Nunsense, My Fair Lady, Fiddler on the Roof, Joseph and the Technical Dreamcoat and Oklahoma. ShowKidz members have performed in acts like the Jungle Book, Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Through the Looking Glass and many more popular children's musicals.
There are frequently held workshops with focuses on acting and dancing. Colonial also offers an annual summer children's theater workshop called ShowKidz for youth ages 8-13. The group also performs for fund-raisers and charity events.
See the Web site for more information on auditions, show times and how to join the organization.
Eastern Middlesex Association of Realtors is one of four realtor organizations serving the northeast region of Massachusetts. It provides many services to members, including continuing education and pre-licensing courses that are offered online and at the Eastern Middlesex Real Estate Academy, which is located at 70 Main Street in Reading. Its excellent Web site provides a wide range of information for the public as well as the realtor community.
