Good morning, Medford, Thursday, July 16
Happy Thursday, everybody. We're starting off with a cat this morning. Because...Kitty Connection. We've also got a note from a Medford resident about what she appreciates about the Clippership Connector. And, a reminder about tonight's 2nd Middlesex seat candidates forum.
We received an email from a reader in response to my piece in a recent newsletter asking what your favorite do-nothing is, what you do to just be. I had listed a few of the many places in Medford where you can go to pretty much do nothing, whether that is walking, listening to birds, or sitting by the river.
Ship Avenue resident Nancy White sent this:
"I love walking the Clippership Connector, one of Medford's hidden jewels. It is a scenic walking and bike path along the Mystic River. The path runs parallel to Riverside Avenue. It starts at 99 Riverside Ave. in front of the Pop Up Park and ends at River Bend Path at Freedom Way near the Andrews School. It is a safe alternative for walkers and bikers to use to escape traffic, noisy roads, and sharing narrow sidewalks with bikers. Although the landscaping is not complete (it will take three years to complete the plantings) there are some areas of shade. As you walk/bike along the path you will enjoy looking at paddle boaters, row teams, birds, swans, Canadian geese and a yacht club. The Clippership Connector meets the River Bend Path near the Andrews School; At this point you can turn around and walk back to Medford Square or you can continue your walk on the River Bend Path to Hormel Stadium, or Wegman's. For those who want a longer walk you can cross under Locust Street to McDonald Park and walk to the Fellsway and on to Assembly Row without ever crossing a street."
There are a number of ways you can contribute and connect with the community via Gotta Know. Election season is upon so, so letters to the editor immediately come to mind. But, there is also the "Crossing Paths" feature, in which you can share positive encounters that you've had around Medford. Know someone in Medford who goes above and beyond to help others? Let us know. And, of course, keep sending your calendar announcements. Our email is gottaknowmedford@gmail.com.
A quick reminder, and then we're on to today's calendar: Several community groups will jointly host a multi-community forum for the 2nd Middlesex state Senate candidates this evening from 7 to 9 p.m., at Somerville High School, 81 Highland Ave. All five candidates are scheduled to participate.
Happening in Medford today
If you have an event happening in Medford in the coming days, send the information to gottaknowmedford@gmail.com so we can add you to our calendar.
Senior Center Activities: Spanish class at 9:30 a.m.; whist at 10:30 a.m.; Core and Balance at 10:30 a.m.; conversational English at 11 a.m.; Exploring History with Mike Hickey at 1 p.m.; Art for Everyone at 1:30 p.m.; LGBTQ+ meet and greet at 2 p.m., open to all, facilitated by Janice Cole.
Gaining Perspective: Seeing Ourselves and the World Around Us at Medford Public Library July 1 through July 31 during library hours. Sponsored by the ArtsAlive Medford Foundation, this exhibit features photography and art projects created by Lakota youth, offering unique perspectives on identity, community, and the world around us.
Playgroups at the Park - Dugger Park from 9 to 11 a.m. with Medford Family Network. There will be art, music, and movement activities, parachute play, storytelling, balls, and bubbles.
Let’s Move! Outdoor Dance Classroom at 10 a.m. at Harris Park hosted by The Click and Medford Family Network. The program is recommended for Medford families with children ages 3 to 8, but all ages and abilities are welcome. No dance experience is necessary. Sign up for one or as many sessions as you want.
Toddler Time at 10:30 a.m. at Medford Public Library for children ages 2-3. Reading, songs, and gentle movement activities.
Lunch with School Committee member Jenny Graham at 12 p.m. at Bistro 489 at Medford High School. This meetup happens monthly on the third Thursday of the month.
Senior Knitting Club at 1 p.m. at West Medford Community Center. Beginners can learn from experienced crafters.
"Into the Woods Junior" at 2 p.m. at Tufts University Balch Arena Theater. Family event presented by Tufts Children's Theater.
Farmers Market from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Condon Shell. Produce, meats, fish, baked goods, beverages and artisan crafts. Musical acts: These Stains Are Who I Am 3-5 p.m.; The Incorrigibles 5-7 p.m.
Lego Club at 3:30 p.m. at Medford Public Library. Drop-in program for kids ages 5+ to create, build, and play with Legos.
Nanotape Crafts at 3:30 p.m. at Medford Public Library for teens in middle school and high school fill nano tape with different supplies to make their own squishy and bubble crafts.
Holy Guacamole! Adaptive Food Night for Teens from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Medford Public Library for individuals ages 11-22 with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The group will make guacamole and practice Spanish words and phrases. Register.
M-BELT Board meeting at 7 p.m. via Zoom. Monthly meeting of Medford Brooks Estate Land Trust.
Applying for Jobs: Resumes and Cover Letters at 7 p.m. at Medford Public Library. This is the first of two sessions to learn skills and resources to improve your job search.
Mom's Night Out from 7 to 9 p.m. at Mrs. Murphy's for Medford moms with at least one child age birth to 6 to connect and share triumphs and challenges of parenting. Organized by Medford Family Network. Registration required.
"The Adventure Zone: Story and Song" – A Grand Finale Event at 7 p.m. at the Chevalier. Launch event featuring Clint, Justin, and Travis McElroy with illustrator Carey Pietsch and editor Benjamin Wilgus to celebrate the release of their seventh and final graphic novel in the #1 New York Times-bestselling Adventure Zone series, "Story and Song."
Live Music – Fiddler and Guitar from 7 to 10 p.m. at Mrs. Murphy's, featuring Irish favorites, Top 40 hits, and "classic crowd pleasers."
Styrofoam Winos / Sweet Petunia / Jake McKelvie perform beginning at 7 p.m. at Deep Cuts.
In case you missed it
An event at the West Medford Community Center included people taking turns reading parts of Frederick Douglass's famous speech but also celebrated the unveiling of a new mural and the fact the center received $50,000 in honor of its 90 years of service to the community.
Gotta Know Medford Staff
