Good morning, Medford, Tuesday, July 7
Happy Tuesday, everybody. We've got the skinny on a unique program founded by a Medford resident that brings Lakota youth to town each summer. And, we're not sure if we should mention it (Didn't the school year just end?), there's a supply drive in the works. And, we've got today's happenings.
The Lakota YouthStay program, which was founded by West Medford resident Joy Harris, is underway. Nine Lakota youth aged 11-14 from the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota arrived on June 30, are staying with host families in Medford and other area communities, and are experiencing many activities and events.
And, they have been busy. On the organization's Facebook page, you can follow along with their adventures and see photos. They made signs for the Red Sox game and took the T to Fenway. The youth received digital cameras to use for the week, and a member of one of the host families ran a photography workshop for them. They went to Singing Beach in Manchester one day and took a ferry to Spectacle Island on another.
They have lots more planned for this coming week, including a self-portrait workshop at Arts Collaborative Medford. And, photography and art projects created by the Lakota Youth are on display at Medford Public Library for the month of July.
Tomorrow evening, there is a public reception for the exhibit, “Gaining Perspective: Seeing Ourselves and the World Around Us,” from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the library.
A quick note about school supplies, and then we'll get to today's calendar. There's a school supply drive taking place through Aug. 17, and donations will be given to local students during the back-to-school event at City Hall on Aug. 24. This flyer has all the information:
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 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.
- MBTA Mobility Center presentation at 1 p.m. on how to use MBTA resources to plan your trip. Topics will include accessibility features on MBTA services and what services are available if your trip extends outside the MBTA service area. Following the presentation, presenters will stay to assist individuals who may qualify for the Blind Access Pass, Senior Charlie Card, or other reduced-fare programs to complete their applications. (A government-issued photo ID with date of birth is required for a Senior ID.) Reserve your seat by calling 781-396-6010.
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.
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.
Self Portrait Making with Lakota YouthStay from 1 to 4 p.m. at Arts Collaborative Medford for middle school-aged children to draw, paint, and collage alongside nine students from the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Registration required.
Sewing Machine Badge Class at 3:30 p.m. at Medford Public Library for adults and teens 16+ to get certified to use the MakerSpace sewing machines. Registration required.
Happy Bee Hotels at 3:30 p.m. at Medford Public Library for children ages 5+ to use recycled materials to make temporary homes (to take home) for pollinators that don't live in hives.
3D Printing Workshop for Teens at 3:30 p.m. at Medford Public Library for teens in middle school and high school who have not yet completed a 3D printing workshop at the library. Registration required.
MFN children's concert and activities from 5 to 7 p.m. at Wright's Pond. Activities run 5-6 p.m. Matt Heaton concert begins at 6 p.m. Bring a blanket and pack a picnic.
NAACP Mystic Valley Branch Environmental Justice Committee meeting at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. If you are interested in learning more, attending a meeting, or joining this committee, email ej@mva-naacp.org.
Mystic Valley Voters Forum will host a candidates forum Tuesday, July 7, at 6 p.m. in the Bonsignore Room of the Medford Public Library. Four of the candidates in the Democratic primary for the 2nd Middlesex State Senate seat will participate in a moderated round-table discussion on local and state issues relevant to the race.
Teen Maker Night from 6 to 8 p.m. at Medford Public Library for teens in middle school and high school to "Learn, create, break, and build things in the Maker Space." Registration required.
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.
Board Game Night for Adults from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Medford Public Library. The library will have a selection of board games but you are welcome to bring your own to share.
Read the Rainbow: LGBTQIA+ Book Group from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Medford Public Library. All are welcome to read and discuss literary and non-fiction works by and about the LGBTQ+ community. This month's title is "Blue-Skinned Gods," by S.J. Sindu. Register.
Hawaiian Beach Bliss Paint Nite from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Great American Beer Hall with Sampaio Boston Arts. Purchase tickets in advance.
Future Teens w/ Snarls and Alright, Thanks 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?
Actually, this is more of a reminder.
Medford Senior Center Food Pantry has been selected again as a nonprofit partner in the Stop & Shop Bloomin' 4 Good Bouquet Program. The Food Pantry will receive $1 for each $11.99 Bloomin’ 4 Good bouquet sold throughout the month of July 2026 at your designated Stop & Shop location, 760 Fellsway, Medford.
In case you missed it
Medford native Steve Coronella is back with his latest column:
Steve Coronella | For What It’s Worth
