Good morning, Medford, Monday, June 15
Happy Monday, everybody. Today, we're talking Boston Avenue vis a vis the MBTA's Bus Network Redesign updates and a meeting coming up tonight.
If you have concerns about what is happening on Boston Avenue, take a look at the MBTA's bus route redesign proposed updates, specifically proposal number 2, which, according to the MBTA, will "improve Medford access." There will be an informational meeting tonight at 6 p.m., and attendees will be able to comment. It will be held virtually via Zoom, and you must register to attend.
These updates are proposed for the Bus Network Redesign (BNR) plan that was adopted in 2022. Implementation of that plan began in 2024, and now changes to it are being proposed.
In its description of proposal number 2, the MBTA writes, "We're proposing three options to increase frequency and improve transit connections along Boston Ave, benefiting riders in Medford, Arlington, Somerville, and Cambridge..."
The three options outlined on the website are:
"Option A: Extend Route 80 to Arlington Heights and maintain existing routing on 67 and 350. This would provide Arlington residents with direct access to key transfer points."
"Option B: Retain Route 94. This would provide Medford residents with direct access to Boston Ave."
"Option C: Re-route the 96 bus to Boston Ave away from George St. This improves frequency on Boston Ave. Route 96 becomes a frequent bus route providing 15 minutes or better service."
What about that World Cup?
Many establishments in Medford will be streaming the World Cup games today, which include Spain vs. Cape Verde, Belgium vs. Egypt, Saudi Arabia vs. Uruguay, and Iran vs. New Zealand.
Happening today in Medford
If you have an event that you would like to have listed in our calendar, send the information to gottaknowmedford@gmail.com.
Senior Center Activities: dominoes/cribbage at 10 a.m.; Poetry with Carol at 10:30 a.m.; Al-Anon support group at 10:30 a.m.; chair yoga with Rosa at 11 a.m.; whist for all levels at 12:30 p.m.; country line dancing at 12:45 p.m.; chair volleyball at 2 p.m.
Guided Nature Walk from 9:15 to 11:30 a.m. at Bellevue Pond with Friends of the Fells with naturalist Jeff Adams to identify plants. Reserve your spot.
Sisters-in-Sweat Exercise Group at 9:30 a.m. at West Medford Community Center. Walking and other self-led, low impact activities.
Medford Public Library Board of Trustees meeting at 9:30 a.m. at the library and via Zoom. Agenda includes the director's report, future meeting dates, and an executive session.
Circle Time Story Time at 9:30 a.m. at Medford Public Library. Hosted by Medford Family Network. For children up to 2 years old. Registration Required.
Chair and standing yoga at 11 a.m. at Medford Public Library. Gentle yoga for everyone.
Circle time Story Time at 11 a.m. at Medford Public Library. Hosted by Medford Family Network. For children up 2-5 years old. Registration Required.
Fresco Painting at 3:30 p.m. at Medford Public Library for kids ages 8-12. Kids will explore fresco painting by painting on ooblek.
Drop-in Button Making at 3:30 p.m. at Medford Public Library for teens to design and put together their own pinback buttons.
School Committee will meet in regular session at approximately 6 p.m. (following a 5 p.m. executive session). The meeting will be held in City Hall and via Zoom and can be watched via TV and streaming channels. Agenda includes: approval of bills, payrolls, budget transfers, and meeting minutes; superintendent and subcommittee reports; Mustang Moment; Roberts Elementary HVAC update and recommendation to approve; recommendation to approve updated MPS handbooks; budget update and approval; Student Advisory Council presentations; presentations of the public; high school building project; and more.
MakerSpace Drop-In from 6 to 8 p.m. at Medford Public Library. For adults and teens 16+.
MBTA informational meeting about bus network redesign will be held virtually at 6 p.m. The meeting will focus on transit connections on Boston Avenue. Click here to register.
Queer Family Meetup from 6 to 8 p.m. at Medford Public Library. All ages are invited to join this meetup designed for families in which one or more members identifies as LGBTQ+.
CAD Skill Share from 6 to 8 p.m. at Medford Public Library for adults to work on CAD projects. Library volunteer Hanjoo will be available for advice and troubleshooting help.
"Lost: Amelia Earhart's 3 Mysterious Deaths and 1 Extraordinary Life," with author Rachel Hartigan at 7 p.m. via Zoom. Sponsored by Medford Public Library. Click here to register for this event and you will receive the Zoom link.
The Cowboys / Adult Learners / Orange Whip perform beginning at 7 p.m. at Deep Cuts. Purchase tickets in advance.
Did you know?
The Medford Historical Society has a series of maps of walking tours you can take around the city. These include:
- Brick by Brick – See the significant brick buildings and one of the brick yards. You can download the map as a PDF.
- Early History: 17th and 18th Centuries – Sites include 1720 Royal Oak Tavern, Salem Street Burying Ground, and Royall House and Slave Quarters.
- Over the Mystic River Route – The walk is marked by signs throughout town with the Over the Mystic river route logo.
- Historic Sites Tour – It covers early Medford families, transportation and waterways, and industries.
In case you missed it
Nell reported on the Building Committee picking the final design for the new high school.
Nell Escobar Coakley | Staff Writer
