Good morning, Medford, Thursday, April 2
We're talkin' chocolate today and a cool fact about how its journey to Medford begins. Then, we have a rundown of events, meetings, and activities taking place today.
So many good things happening in Medford to let you know about today. The city is coming out of its winter slumber and registrations are opening for summer activities for kids. And, the city received a significant grant to help plan upgrades to improve access for people with disabilities.
But, first, let's talk about chocolate. Easter, in addition to being one of the holiest times on Christian calendars, is a big chocolate holiday. How those chocolate eggs and bunnies get to your local CVS in Medford is a journey that starts with a tiny pollinator in a far away place. That's if, of course, those treats are made with real chocolate and not just flavoring.
In its write up on what is colloquially called the chocolate midge, the National Park Service (NPS) says, "Every bite of chocolate we eat starts off as seeds in pods that grow on Theobroma cacao, a tree whose name translates to 'cacao, food of the gods.' Enter chocolate midges—without the midges, there would be no chocolate!"
Cacao trees grow naturally in warm and humid tropical environments in Central America, South America, Africa, and Asia. But, now, most chocolate comes from cacao trees grown on commercial plantations, which are not necessarily suitable habitat for midges. That's a problem.
In addition, large commercial plantations are more susceptible to plant pests.
According to the NPS, "Approximately one third of the world crop of cacao is lost every year because of plant pests and diseases."
However, there is a movement afoot to change this dynamic. As has happened with coffee, people are realizing the benefits of crops grown in smaller quantities and in their native habitat.
"In some parts of the world," NPS writes, "efforts are being made to grow cacao on small farms nestled in and around natural rain forest ecosystems to address these problems, salvage a $50 billion-a-year industry, and keep chocolate itself from becoming endangered!"
May the chocolate midges live long and prosper.
Happening today in Medford
Spanish Class with Gabriela at 9:30 a.m. Eight-week series starts April 2. Call 781-396-6010 to register.
GKM informal office hours at noon at Mrs. Murphy's. Nell and Wendall hope you come by to say hi, make a suggestion, ask a question, file a complaint, etc.
Senior Knitting at 1 p.m. at West Medford Community Center. Beginners can learn from experienced crafters.
Paula's Book Club at 1 p.m. at the Senior Center. This month's selection is "Still Alice," by Lisa Genova. Books will be provided. Call Paula at 781-396-6012 to reserve your space.
Space Photography for Tweens at 3:30 p.m. at Medford Public Library. For students in grades 5-8. Registration required.
Go Mustangs! JV boys baseball team home game against Winchester at 4 p.m.
"Ecos y Reflejos" paintings by Edward Rocha. Opening reception at 5 p.m. at EventThem Studios.
Family Maker Night at 6 p.m. at Medford Public Library. Test out something new or work on a project of your own. Ages 8+ welcome, accompanied by an adult. Register.
Open Mic Night at 7 p.m. at Medford Brewing hosted by local musicians, Zion Rodman and Christian Colegrove.
Caeltish performs at 8 p.m. at Mrs. Murphy's.
Did you know?
- Medford has secured nearly $90,000 in a Municipal ADA Improvement Grant from the Massachusetts Office on Disability. The funding will allow the city to create a new self-evaluation and transition plan to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. The grant program supports planning and making capital improvements. Medford received funding in the planning category to do a comprehensive review of all programs, activities, and services offered by the city and outline the actions to make them accessible.
- Fells Forest Camp registration is now open. Programs begin in June for children ages 4-12 to develop their curiosity, critical thinking, and sense of connection with nature. Other programs include Art in Nature (ages 6-7 and 8-9), The Forest Up Close (ages 8-10), Science and Discovery (ages 7-9), and Trailblazers (ages 10-12).
In case you missed it
Our news partner Will Dowd of the Marblehead Independent has a story on an immigration lawyer throwing her hat in the ring for Governor’s Council in Massachusetts’ 6th District, which includes Medford and a number of other communities.
Will Dowd
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