Good morning, Medford, Thursday, March 12
Here's what's happening today in Medford. Also, it isn't too early to start talking about St. Patrick's day.
We usually call it St. Patrick’s Day. But, it’s really St. Patrick’s week because many businesses and organizations start hosting events before the actual day. And, that is true in Medford.
Tuesday, March 17, is the official St. Patrick’s Day. While it was once a religious celebration, it became over time a celebration of all things Irish. Some of the traditional St. Patrick’s Day festivities we take part in today, such as parades, were actually started in America, before the founding of the United States. History.com has a nice write-up and some video about the origins of the holiday and how it changed over time.
I bring it up today because there are some St. Pat’s events scheduled in Medford before the actual day. Here are just a few examples:
The Ford Tavern is serving a St. Pat’s menu of corned beef, shepherd’s pie, and mashed potatoes through March 20. Of course, there will be Guinness and Irish whiskey.
The Senior Center is having a St. Patrick’s luncheon with corned beef sliders Friday, March 13, at noon.
Dancing with the Celts is at the Chevalier Friday, March 13.

Happening in Medford today
Men’s Breakfast and Banter 9 a.m. at the Senior center. Breakfast and discussion about the history of sports.
Free public skating from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Loconte Rink. Drop in, no registration required. Helmets recommended for children.
“Recession Indicators” exhibit open from noon to 3 p.m. at Arts Collaborative Medford. The exhibit explores the role of consumption as capital and as a mode of politics, and questions: How do displays of (hyper)consumption further exacerbate gaps in wealth?
Senior Knitting Club 1 p.m. at the West Medford Community Center. Open to all ages and skill levels. Folks can knit, crochet, and the like with help from experienced crafters. Always looking for new members.
The Aviator and the Showman: Amelia Earhart, George Putnam, and the Marriage that Made an American Icon 7 p.m. at the library.Speaker: Laurie Gwen Shapiro, documentary filmmaker and journalist. Registration encouraged. Hosted by Medford Historical Society and Museum.
Live music with Caeltish 8 p.m. at Mrs. Murphy’s Pub

What we’re working on
Recreation Center flood: The gym floor sustained significant damage and will need to be replaced. In the meantime, some events that were scheduled in the gym have been moved to other locations. Chris will have the story.
Medford slice of life: A local resident has proposed writing a fun, slice-of-life column on a regular basis. Stay tuned.
Urban Forest Management Plan: The city is planning a presentation at the end of the month about the tree canopy and goals for future planting. We’ll look at why the tree canopy is important, including the benefits it provides to the city’s residents and businesses.
In case you missed it
According to MassBudget, the Big Beautiful Bill, which Congress approved in July, contained tax cuts that could cost Massachusetts $636 million this year.

