Good morning, Medford, Thursday, June 18
We're starting with Big Brothers Big Sisters honoring a Medford resident for his five-year (and counting) commitment to making a difference in the life of a young man.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts (BBBSEM) has named Medford resident Jay Joshi and Quinn Singer-Torres, 15, as one of the agency's 2026 Matches of the Year.
Joshi and Singer-Torres were paired in 2021, when Singer-Torres was 10 years old. When the pandemic social restrictions were lifted, they began exploring Boston together, visiting the New England Aquarium, beaches, and museums, and logging countless miles on the MBTA, which happens to be one of Singer-Torres’ great passions.
According to the press release submitted by BBBSEM:
They also learned quickly that they didn't need to fill every moment with activity or conversation. Within the first year, there grew easy moments of silence between them, a small thing that says a great deal about the kind of trust they built.
"I've really appreciated the opportunity to explore Boston while building a bond with Quinn," says Jay. "While I could've explored the aquarium, beaches, and museums by myself, it wouldn't have been nearly as rewarding. I've learned to view each of these experiences with a newfound perspective and appreciation while seeing them through Quinn’s eyes."
Since the match began, Singer-Torres has grown from a curious 10-year-old into a confident, creative 15-year-old who runs his own YouTube channel, produces videos, sells his own merchandise, and is an accomplished musician. His family enrolled him in BBBSEM in part to ensure he had consistent, individualized support and a trusted adult male presence in his life. Through it all, Jay has shown up, steady, dependable, and genuinely invested in Singer-Torres' world.
"If I never had a Big, I would probably be much less confident speaking to people in public," says Singer-Torres. "Jay and I have spent many of our outings out in public, and those experiences helped me become more comfortable. It's always nice to have an adult in your life, other than your parents, who you can talk to about whatever is going on."
Happening today in Medford
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.
Win 2 tickets to Aries Spears at the Chevalier: The Chevalier Theatre is offering 2 free tickets to the June 26 Aries Spears show, plus dinner at LongCross Bar & Kitchen. Follow the link to Instagram to see details on how to enter.
Senior Center Activities: COA Board meeting at 10 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 Michael Hickey at 1 p.m. – call 781-396-6010 to reserve your seat; Art for Everyone with Tom at 1:30 p.m.; LGBTQ+ meet-and-greet at 2 p.m.
Playgroups at the Park from 9 to 11 a.m. at Dugger Park. Hosted by Medford Family Network. Arts, games, music, movement and storytelling.
Drop-in Playtime from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Medford Family Network Family Center.
Toddler Time at 10:30 a.m. at Medford Public Library for children ages 2-3 to read books, sing songs and learn gentle movement activities.
Drop-in Grandparents Group from 12 to 1:30 p.m. at Medford Family Network Family Center.
Senior Knitting Club at 1 p.m. at West Medford Community Center. Beginners can learn from experienced crafters.
Farmers Market from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Condon Shell. There will be produce, meats, fish, baked goods, beverages and artisan crafts. John Civello will perform from 3 to 5 p.m., and Nightshade will perform from 5 to 7 p.m.
Lego Club at 3:30 p.m. at Medford Public Library for kids ages 5 and up to take on a challenge build or just make their own creation.
Juneteenth Flag Raising and Festival from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. There will be poetry, remarks, and a community meal, and the Willie J. Laws Band will perform. Free and open to all.
Historic District Commission meeting at 6 p.m. at City Hall and via Zoom. Agenda includes: certificate of appropriateness, 21 Touro Ave.; corrected meeting minutes from April 9, 2026; minutes from May 14 meeting; administrative updates.
Adaptive Craft Night from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Medford Public Library for individuals ages 11-22 who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. Registration required.
Peg Doll Book Reviews from 6 to 8 p.m. at Medford Public Library for kids ages 4+ to decorate peg doll avatars and help create reviews of books they have read.
High School Building Committee meeting at 6:30 p.m. at Bistro 489 at the High School, via Zoom, on TV, and via streaming channels. Agenda includes: review of space changes for efficiency, approval of authorization for project status report to be submitted to the MSBA, and approval of construction manager request for approval.
Medford Brooks Estate Land Trust Board meeting at 7 p.m. via Zoom. Agenda includes: financial snapshot, fundraising, grant opportunities and priorities; follow-up of community input during May meeting; caretaker and board seat updates; manor window repairs; review of May 31 Honeysuckle Walk and planning for future events; updates on projects and initiatives; newsletter.
Jesus The Dinosaur / Puppy Problems / Lake Saint Daniel perform beginning at 7 p.m. at Deep Cuts.
In case you missed it
Gotta Know Medford Staff
