Good morning, Medford, Tuesday, July 21
Happy Tuesday, everybody. We're talking about the Board of Health meeting today, as one of the agenda items relates to food safety vis a vis the possible opening of a new sushi restaurant.
When Real Gusto closed a few days ago, Matteo and Francesca wrote in their farewell Facebook post that, "A new ownership will be taking over the space, @ebisuyamarket, and they will share more details soon."
And, Ebisuyu will be discussed during today's Board of Health meeting, which is via Zoom at 12:30 p.m. One of the items on the agenda is "Variance Request: Sushi Rice Acidification - Ebisuya."
The acidification of sushi rice is a process that requires both a variance and an HACCP plan, which is a food safety plan called a "hazard analysis critical control point plan." Here is what the city of Medford specifies in its "Food Establishment Plan Review" document: "Specialized processes present a significant health risk if not conducted under strict operational procedures. HACCP plans and variance plans are implemented to eliminate or significantly reduce targeted hazards that may contribute to foodborne illness."
A number of other processes are listed on the document as requiring an HACCP plan, including "Custom processing of aquatic animals for sale (e.g., frogs)" and "Molluscan shellfish tanks used to store and display shellfish that are offered for human consumption (e.g., abalone). Note: this does not apply to lobsters."
By the way, also on the BOH agenda are a hearing on the Brooks Park Apartments and an update on the 30-day stay of condemnation for 40 Century St.
But, back to Real Gusto. In their farewell post, Matteo, Francesca, and the Gusto team wrote, "During the Covid years, when everything felt uncertain and fragile, you were the ones who kept us going. Every takeout order, every message, every gesture of kindness helped us push through one of the hardest periods we’ve ever faced. We will never forget that. Your loyalty and warmth carried us, and we are deeply grateful."
In their comments, community members chimed in with their favorite memories of eating at Real Gusto. One said she and her husband had their first date there. Another said, "Came from Ridgewood NJ to take my mom there every visit." Others mentioned their favorite dishes.
We wish the entire Gusto team the best of luck.
Happening today in Medford
If you have an event you would like to have included in our calendar, send the information to us at gottaknowmedford@gmail.com.
Senior Center events and activities: knit and crochet at 10 a.m.; core and balance at 10:30 a.m.; international culture at 1 p.m.
- Food Pantry – the pantry is open at the Senior Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The bags will be prepackaged and filled with nonperishable items, produce, dairy and sometimes meat. You must have your Senior Center ID with you to check in. The filled bags are heavy, so bring a cart or other means to help carry them home. Bring a clean re-usable bag that you can leave for the next food pantry.
Playgroups at the Park from 9 to 11 a.m. at Carr Park. Hosted by Medford Family Network, the event features art, music, and movement activities, parachute play, bubbles, balls, and storytelling.
Library Board of Trustees meeting at 9:30 a.m. at Medford Public Library and via Zoom. The agenda includes the director's report, new business, and an executive session.
Baby Lapsit at 9:30 a.m. at Medford Public Library. Drop-in storytime with songs, rhymes, and gentle movement activities for babies up to 24 months old and parents and caregivers.
Maternal Journaling Workshop from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Arts Collaborative Medford. Midwife, artist and mother Nerida Ackland hosts this weekly group to provide a creative outlet for some of the new feelings and challenges experienced in pregnancy and new parenthood. Registration is required.
Board of Health meeting at 12:30 p.m. via Zoom. Agenda includes: update on 30-day stay of condemnation for 40 Century St.; variance request, sushi rice acidification - Ebisuya; update on youth prevention activities; hearing – Brooks Park Apartments, 208 Main St.; monthly reportable diseases report.
TBR Book Club at 3:30 p.m. at Medford Public Library for teens in middle school and high school. This is a "no book" book club. The library will provide snacks and set up the newest teen books and some older teen favorites for teens to look through. At the end of book club, they can borrow the books before anyone else. Registration is encouraged but not required.
MFN children's concert and activities from 5 to 7 p.m. at Wright's Pond. Activities run 5-6 p.m. Vanessa Trien & the Jumping Monkeys concert begins at 6 p.m. Bring a blanket and pack a picnic. If inclement weather, visit Medford Recreation Department's website - https://medfordma.myrec.com/info/default.aspx
Bus Network Redesign public meeting from 6 to 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Register in advance.
Crochet Club for Teens from 6 to 8 p.m. at Medford Public Library for teens in middle school and high school to learn the basics of crocheting or work on an existing project. All skill levels are welcome. Registration required.
Cookbook Club from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Medford Public Library. Bring your favorite personal recipe from any cookbook. Follow link for instructions and to sign up. Registration is required.
Community Garden Commission meeting from 7 to 8:15 p.m. via Zoom. Agenda includes updates on Barry Park Garden and other community gardens.
Veteran and First Responder Recovery Group meets at 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Medford. All veterans and first responders are welcome on a drop-in basis.
NAACP Mystic Valley Area Branch – Continuing The Conversation from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monthly meeting for a "discussion centered on building and supporting community and fostering joy." Complete the RSVP form and you will receive an email with the location for the meeting.
Paint Night – Impressionist Monet Water Lilies from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Great American Beer Hall with Sampaio Boston Arts. Purchase tickets in advance.
Trivia Night from 7 to 9 p.m. at Medford Brewing. Teams of 2 to 6 players will compete in a traditional 6-round trivia quiz.
Bobana / Hesh Mesh / Mango Safari perform beginning at 7 p.m. at Deep Cuts.
Mah Jongg from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at Temple Shalom. Current and prospective members welcome to join for a friendly game, or two, of mah jongg. Send an email to mahjongg@templeshalommedford.org to be added to the email list.
Did you know?
Colleen's on High Street hosts a monthly book club for people in their 20s and 30s (and anyone who wants the scoop on great books). It's called The Scoop Book Club, and the next meeting is tomorrow evening from 7 to 8:30 p.m. This month's book selection is "Shark Heart: a love story," by Emily Habeck. Register via the library's website.
By the way, if you want to get a jump on the August book selection, it is "I Who Have Never Known Men," by Jacqueline Harpman, and copies are available at the library.
In case you missed it
Medford native Steve Coronella has a bone to pick with all those doctors writing best-sellers:
Steve Coronella | For What It’s Worth
