Good morning, Medford, Friday, July 10
Congratulations are in order this morning for a Medford resident who has published a book on a timely subject. Plus, here's a look at happenings today and through the weekend.
Long-time West Medford resident and community organizer Henry Milorin knows a thing or two about how government works. He came to the U.S. from Haiti when he was a young man, and since then he has been involved in government at both the state and local level. Milorin and his wife Evelyne have a son with autism and know first-hand what it takes to find services for people with disabilities.
Milorin knows a thing or two about how government works because he has lived it, and, as a community organizer, he has helped other people navigate it.
Now, Milorin has written a book, "The Maze of Local Government," in which he draws on his decades of experience to demystify the workings of government. On the back cover, the book is described as an "empowering guide through the bureaucracy jungle" and "a vibrant civic roadmap" to help people who want to make a difference in their communities.
During a National Caribbean Heritage Month celebration in June, Milorin was honored as Community Organizer of the Year." In his post on Facebook, he wrote, "I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for this recognition, especially during a time my community is facing many challenges."
When Milorin reached out to GKM to let us know about the publication of the book, he said he began writing it in 2019, and when the pandemic hit in 2020, he found he had time to dive into it. The book was published in August, 2025.
Congratulations, Henry.
And, on the subject of government, Will Dowd's look at the debate between Sen. Ed Markey and challenger Seth Moulton will drop this morning.
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, July 10
Senior Center Activities: Walking Club at 9:30 a.m.; community drumming circle at 9:30 a.m.; Latin dance class with Judit at 10:30 a.m.; Chinese English class at 11 a.m.; Haitian Senior Social and Activity Group at 1:30 p.m.
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 for a discussion about new and interesting books.
Paddle Boston – Medford from 12 to 8 p.m. at the Condon Shell. Walk-up anytime to rent a boat. Limited advanced reservations also available. Last boat goes out at 7 p.m. All boats must be returned by 8 p.m. (Saturday and Sunday hours are 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
Outdoor Play with Miss Cindy - All Ages! from 2 to 4 p.m. at Magoun Park, sponsored by Medford Family Network. Parent/child interactive activities including circle time, problem solving activities, games we used to play.
Block Monsters for Tweens at 3:30 p.m. at Medford Public Library for tweens and teens in grades 5-8 to design their own monsters using rotating blocks. Registration required.
School Committee special meeting at 4 p.m. via Zoom. On the agenda: recommendation to approve the updated Chapter 74 Viability Form for the new
Medford High School project.
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.
Cape Crush w/ One Fall / Hell Beach / Good June perform starting at 7 p.m. at Deep Cuts.
Saturday, July 11
Baby Wearing Support Group at 9:30 a.m. at Medford Public Library with consultant Christy Reisig to try out new baby carrier styles. Register.
Beginner Sewing from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Medford Public Library for adults and teens 16+ to learn to sew on a Brother sewing machine. Register.
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.
The Quiet Language of Fire – A Conversation about Clay & Transformation from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Arts Collaborative Medford. This is a Drawn Together Circle facilitated by Rev. Wendy Miller Olapade. Register.
Chess Club from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Medford Public Library. Medford Chess Club meets up in the Cafe Space at the Library on Saturdays from 10-12pm in July and August.
Spanish Fun Time at 10:30 a.m. at Medford Public Library for children ages 1-4. 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.
Goth Yoga with Crystal Rose Yoga at 11 a.m. at Deep Cuts. All levels vinyassa to the sound of new wave, dark wave, and post-punk.
NAACP Mystic Valley Branch Reparations Committee meeting at 12 p.m. via Zoom. If interested in finding out more or joining the committee, contact reparations@mva-naacp.org.
Lark and Berdie Bee Pop-up Shop from 12 to 3 p.m. at Colleen's. Hope Mabry will be selling local honey from backyard hives in Medford, sourdough bread, homemade honey soap and more.
Medford Chess Club from 1 to 3 p.m. at Medford Public Library.
"Bringing Home the Beach" Storytime at 2:30 pm. at Moon and Back Bookstore.
Reading Frederick Douglass Together at 3 p.m. at West Medford Community Center, rain or shine. Invited guests from across Medford and beyond will read excerpts from the July 5, 1852, speech in which Douglass took exception to being asked to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence and decried the hypocrisy inherent in an American liberation story that did not include enslaved people. Special music and poetry will also be presented and refreshments will be served.
WAAX w/Jo Krieger beginning at 7 p.m. at Deep Cuts.
Sunday, July 12
The Collector Expo - Card Show! from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Great American Beer Hall. Purchase tickets in advance.
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. at Medford Brewing. Choose from several different loops or create your own. All are welcome.
The Jam Down By Riverside from 1 to 4 p.m. at Arts Collaborative Medford. This is a potluck event. Read the "what to expect" section for details.
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.
