Good morning, Medford, Thursday, July 9
Happy Thursday, everybody. Let's talk about doing nothing. And, then we'll get to what's happening in Medford today.
When I sit down to write the newsletter each night, my focus for the happenings is always on events and activities. And, Medford is a great place for that. There is never a shortage of wonderful things to do.
But, in the wee hours of this morning, as I was finishing this newsletter, the thought occurred to me that it might be nice to talk about places to go to do pretty much nothing. To just sit, to close your eyes and listen to the birds, to stroll without a destination in mind. And, Medford is also a great place for that.
The Brooks Estate, for example, is 50 acres, and while there are trails you can follow, there is also a pond where you can just sit and listen and be.
On the other end of the spectrum is the Middlesex Fells, which spans several communities in addition to Medford and includes 2,200 acres of forest and wetlands. You can join a group hike, learn about invasive plants, or even help pick up dog poop. But, with that many acres, there are plenty of spots to just hang out and let nature do its thing around you.
And, then there's the Mystic River and lakes.
Of course, there are many benefits to being active, but the same is true for taking some time to do nothing.
One of my favorite do-nothings is to go to a wetland and just listen, even for just a few minutes, to the sounds of frogs. What is yours? Email me at gottaknowmedford@gmail.com.
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: Men's Breakfast and Banter at 9 a.m. with Rafael and Daniel from The Gables at Winchester to discuss "What is happening with all this talk about aliens?"; 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.; monthly book club at 1 p.m facilitated by Michael Hickey; Art for Everyone at 1:30 p.m.; grief support group from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
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. This is the first of six sessions that will run on Thursdays through Aug. 13. The program is recommended for 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.
Sing Along with Matt Heaton at 10:30 a.m. at Medford Public Library for children ages 0-3.
Senior Knitting Club at 1 p.m. at West Medford Community Center. Beginners can learn from experienced crafters.
55+ Coastal Walks from 1 to 3 p.m. at Medford Public Library. Madeline Bilis, who is a reporter and the author of "50 Hikes in Eastern Massachusetts," will discuss her favorite coastal walks.
Farmers Market from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Condon Shell. Produce, meats, fish, baked goods, beverages and artisan crafts. Musical acts: Glenn Dickson 3-5 p.m.; human gazpacho 5-6:30 p.m.
Art Smart at 3:30 p.m. at Medford Public Library. Drop-in program for kids ages 5-12 to spend time learning art techniques, exploring art materials, and honing fine motor skills.
Family Concert – Matt Heaton & the Outside Toys from 5 to 7 p.m. at Wright's Pond, sponsored by Medford Family Network. There will be children's activities beginning at 5 p.m. and the concert starts at 6 p.m. Bring a blanket and pack a picnic.
Historic District Commission meeting at 6 p.m. in City Hall and via Zoom. Agenda includes: certificates of appropriateness for 21 Touro Ave. and 20 Hillside Ave. and administrative updates.
Family Pajama Movie Night from 6 to 8 p.m. at Medford Public Library. Bring your blankets and pillows and wear your PJs, if you want. The movie will be "GOAT," which is rated PG for rude humor and language, about a small goat with big dreams who gets a once-in-a-lifetime shot to join the pros and play roarball.
Peg Doll Book Reviews from 6 to 8 p.m. at Medford Public Library for kids ages 4+ to decorate a peg doll avatar, talk about the book they read, and help create video book reviews.
Summer Concerts at the Condon Shell – Susan Cattaneo Band from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Sponsored by the city of Medford.
World Poetry Salon from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Arts Collaborative Medford for anyone interested in poetry. This session will be facilitated by poet Gary Roberts and will be a relaxed, open conversation about poetry. Bring your coffee, tea, or notebook.
2Tone Tim Presents: Pub Night from 7 to 10 p.m. at Medford Brewing. A night of ska, punk, soul, reggae, new wave, and BritPop music either by a DJ or a band.
DJ Night featuring Record Rally beginning at 7 p.m. at Deep Cuts.
In case you missed it
Chris reported on decisions that were made about Boston Avenue rezoning before the process is put on hold for the summer.
Chris Stevens | Staff Writer
