Select Board Establishes Commemoration Committee

Jun 20

June 20, 2024

The Reading Post

Kevin Vendt

The Reading Select Board vote unanimously (5-0) to establish an Ad Hoc Committee Establishment Committee to celebrate the life and impact of former Reading resident and Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell. Tara Gregroy, from CATO - The Coalition of Us, stated that the committee would also focus on educating the community and acknowledging the mistreatment Russell and his family faced in Reading.

Linda Snow Dockser of CATO reminded the Board that a 2021 resolution had already called for such a commemoration, and this committee would help fulfill that commitment. The committee’s name was temporarily altered to remove Russell’s name until consent has been obtained from his family.

Select Board chair Carlo Bacci expressed concerns about the workload for current board members participating in the committee, suggesting that existing groups could achieve similar goals. CATO President Philmore Phillip argued that a town-sponsored committee would add credibility to the efforts. Select Board member Mark Dockser supported the initiative, emphasizing the value of volunteer involvement.