Growing up in North Reading in a bygone era

Published in the March 8, 2018 edition

VIRGINIA SLEP

NORTH READING — What was it like to grow up in North Reading in the ‘40s and ‘50s? On Monday, March 12, the Friends of the North Reading Council on Aging will present Virginia Slep, who will share exactly what it was like.

The program will take place at the Edith O’Leary Senior Center in the Third Meeting House on the Common (157 Park St.) at 7 p.m. Her name may sound familiar since she has written a number of articles in the Transcript on just that subject.

Virginia moved to North Reading with her family to their house on Mount Vernon Street in May 1948. She attended the Batchelder School for grades 1–9 and then went to the new NRHS when it opened in September 1957 for grades 10–12. She was a college English major, earning a bachelor of arts and a master of arts, and then taught high school English for 35 years, retiring in 2009.

She teaches a Creative Writing Workshop at Regis College in the Lifelong Learning Program. She also has a Ph.D. in Clinical Hypnosis and has a private practice in Wayland.

This will be an interactive program, encouraging audience participation. If you grew up in North Reading during this period, or before, we hope you will take part contributing to the vast wealth of knowledge about “Growing Up in North Reading.” Maybe you went to school with Virginia! Also, this is an excellent way for new residents to learn about their town.

Refreshments will be served and all ages are welcome as usual.