Good morning, Medford, Friday, August 14
Happy Friday, everybody. We're sending you into the day with news about the Blue Envelope Program and the GKM monster 3-day calendar.
Gov. Maura Healey on June 25 signed off on legislation designed to help communications between police officers and people with autism spectrum disorder, especially during traffic stops.
It's called the Blue Envelope Program, and although it is now codified in state law, it is not new. Many police departments in Massachusetts, including Medford, had already signed on to use the program, which was developed through the collaboration of Mass. Chiefs of Police, Mass. State Police, Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts, and The Arc of Massachusetts.
The envelope identifies the driver as a person with autism and has guidance for both the driver and police officer. The driver can store their license and registration in the envelope. During a traffic stop, they can hand the envelope to the officer.
“The blue envelope program is a simple and highly effective way to make traffic stops safer for drivers and law enforcement," Sen. Jason Lewis said in a press release. "Since the Massachusetts State Police first started testing the program, blue envelopes have been seen to improve communication and reduce stress, and I’m grateful that we’re taking the next step to make this a permanent policy.”
Medford Police joined in 2024 and have blue envelopes available at the station at 100 Main St. The envelopes can also be ordered through the state.
Have you or a loved one used the Blue Envelope Program? Would you like to share your experience? Email me at gottaknowmedford@gmail.com.
By the way
Yesterday, I posed the question, "Do you like it that retailers roll holiday merchandise out months beforehand?"
Here is what one Medford resident said, "Stores are taking the fun and anticipation of the holidays away, and just making them for their own profit. It's a shame."
Happening in Medford today and over the weekend
If you have an event that you would like to have listed in our calendar, send the information to gottaknowmedford@gmail.com.
Friday, Aug. 14
Senior Center Activities: Walking Club at 9:30 a.m.; Chinese/English class at 11 a.m.; The regular Senior Center lunch will be grab-and-go.
- Mystic Valley Aging Services annual summer barbecue at 12 p.m. Sign up with Fay in advance.
Sisters in Sweat Exercise Group at 9:30 a.m. at West Medford Community Center. Walking and other low-impact activities for seniors.
Coffee and Books at 10 a.m. at Medford Public Library. All welcome to have coffee and discuss books.
Outdoor Play with Miss Cindy from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Magoun Park for all ages. Parent/child interactive activities, including circle time, problem-solving activities, and games we used to play. Hosted by Medford Family Network.
Family Mini Golf from 12 to 3 p.m. at Medford Public Library. Play nine holes and pick up your weekend reads. Registration required.
Paddle Boston – Medford from 12 to 7:30 p.m. at the Condon Shell, weather permitting. (Saturday and Sunday hours are 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.) Walk-up anytime to rent a boat. Limited advanced reservations also available. Last boat goes out at 6:30 p.m. All boats must be returned by 7:30 p.m.
Street Art from 2 to 5 p.m. at Medford Public Library for teens in middle school and high school to practice skills on small pieces of wood before designing a large art piece to display in the teen section. All materials will be provided. Registration required.
MakerSpace Drop-In from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Medford Public Library for adults and teens age 16+ to work on personal projects or ask the in-house expert about how to use the space and equipment.
Emily Robb, Honey Radar, and Heathen Shame perform live beginning at 7 p.m. at Deep Cuts.
Medford Jazz Festival from 7 to 9 p.m. at West Medford Community Center, with live performances and vendors selling food and apparel. Vertigo Trio+ will perform at 7 p.m. and Reese Pike Trio will perform at 8 p.m.
Saturday, August 15
Family Story Time at 10 a.m. at Medford Public Library for children ages 3-7 to explore new concepts with books and songs. Parents and caregivers are welcome to join in.
Art Explorers: Under the Wave Printmaking Make-and-Take Workshop from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Arts Collaborative Medford for kids ages 5-10. Alex Kessler will lead the workshop.
Chess Club from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Medford Public Library. Medford Chess Club meets in the Cafe Space at the Library on Saturdays at 10 a.m. in July and August.
Spanish Fun Time for children ages 1-4 at 10:30 a.m. at Medford Public Library. Children are encouraged to fully engage with the movement and games and to use as much Spanish vocabulary as possible. Registration required.
Spanish Fun Time for children ages 5-11 at 11 a.m. at Medford Public Library. Registration required.
Tech Drop-In Hour at 11:30 a.m. at Medford Public Library. An IT volunteer will be available to help you with anything tech related.
Marathon Fundraiser for Camp No Limits from 12 to 1 p.m. at F45 Training. Anna Costello is running the New York City Marathon to raise funds for Camp No Limits, which provides access to recreational, educational and support programs for youth living with limb loss and limb differences.
Medford Jazz Festival from 1 to 3:15 p.m. at West Medford Community Center, outside (weather permitting), featuring live performances and vendors selling food and apparel. Farayi Malek Quintet will perform at 1 p.m. and Mina Cho Quartet will perform at 2:15 p.m.
Brazilian Independence Day Celebration from 1 to 4 p.m. at City Hall. This is a free, family-friendly event featuring live music, authentic Brazilian food, and kids' activities, and it is open to all.
Brews, Beats & Bites with Medford Brewing from 1 to 5 p.m. at Clippership Pop-Up Park. Family-friendly event with live music, food trucks, and craft beer.
ShellFest hosted by State of Nature from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Condon Shell. A free event featuring live music.
Story time at 2:30 p.m. at Moon and Back Bookstore. The book will be "Toad on the Go," by Jashar Awan.
White Blends with Mark the Wine Guy from 3 to 5 p.m. at Kappy's Medford. RSVP.
Acoustic with Tyler Casavant from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Beer Garden at The Great American Beer Hall.
Fat Creeps, Boston Cream, and Solid Gold Dancers perform live beginning at 7 p.m. at Deep Cuts.
Sunday, August 16
Sound Bath with Hendrik from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Arts Collaborative Medford. Bring a yoga mat or meditation cushion. There will be cushioned chairs available.
Mystic Walkers at 11 a.m. at Hormel Stadium. All ages and abilities are welcome to join. The group will decide where the walk will go.
Kier Byrnes Freedom Runners at 11 a.m. starting at Medford Brewing. Choose from several different loops or create your own. All are welcome.
First Baptist Church Coffee Hour at 12 p.m. Informal coffee hour in Memorial Hall following services.
Medford Historical Society and Museum is open on Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Current exhibit is, "1776 and beyond," but there are also many other resources to explore.
Medford Jazz Festival from 2 to 5 p.m. at West Medford Community Center, outside (weather permitting), featuring live performances and vendors selling food and apparel. and Nicko Guerrero Trio will perform at 2 p.m. Berklee’s Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice will perform at 3 p.m. The Ally Project will perform at 4 p.m.
In case you missed it
Will Dowd had a roundup of the nine questions that will be on the ballot:
Will Dowd
