Good morning, Medford, Tuesday, June 2
Happy Tuesday, everybody. Today, we're talking about how your tax dollars are spent. 'Tis the season. And, we have the scoop on Medford in Motion.
A four-part series of events sponsored by the library will explore how changes in infrastructure and modes of transportation changed Medford over the decades. "Medford in Motion" kicks off tonight with a talk at Medford Public Library and will be followed by three walking tours. All four events will be led by local historian Dee Morris.
Programming Librarian Rowan Wheeler said Morris "has been hard at work in our local history archives for the last few months" and will be sharing an "absolute treasure trove of stories about everything from traveling nurses to sleigh racing to the neighborhoods impacted by the creation of I-93."
Morris's talk will be tonight at 7 p.m. in Bonsignore Hall. Then, on June 13, Morris will lead the first of the three walking tours, "Local History Walking Tour at Haines Square and Fellsway West," and registration is now open. The other tours will be on July 18 and September 26.
In its write-up of Medford in Motion, library included: "The Mystic River brought us prosperity, yet we could not resist experimenting with its flow and shape. Railroads not only turned commuting to Boston into an art form, but also attracted a variety of people to settle here. Women discovered that riding a bicycle inspired an attitude of independence. Closer to our own time, construction of Interstate 93 improved our mobility. However, it destroyed an historic neighborhood near the Square."
A word about our feature photo this morning, and then we're on to the full calendar. The photo is a screenshot of part of the Police Department's proposed FY2027 budget, which will be discussed at the City Council Committee of the Whole meeting tonight, which starts at 6 p.m. The proposed budgets for public works, schools, and traffic will also be discussed.
If you are interested in learning about how your tax dollars are spent, the budget meetings are for you.
Happening today in Medford
If you have an event you would like to have included in our calendar, send the information to gottaknowmedford@gmail.com.
Senior Center events and activities: ChairFit Rhythms at 9:30 a.m.; knit and crochet at 10 a.m.; core and balance at 10:30 a.m.; international culture at 1 p.m.; bone health nutrition at 1 p.m.; Pride Month activity at 1 p.m.
We Heart MFN Spirit Week – Friends of the Medford Family Network is sponsoring a week-long celebration to honor Marie Cassidy and Medford Family Network. Follow the link to learn about all the events. Here are just two that are happening today:
- Taste of Medford – The Establishment: As part of Spirit Week, if you dine at The Establishment today, part of the proceeds will support We Heart MFN.
- Pajamas, Music & Plushes with singer/songwriter Lindsay Munroe from 5 to 7 p.m. at The Great American Beer Hall. Wear your favorite PJs and bring your best stuffed friend.
Playgroups at the Park with Medford Family Network from 9 to 11 a.m. at Tufts Park. Art activities, balls, bubbles, parachute play, storytelling, music and movement.
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.
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.
Senior Yoga with Rosa Brown at 11 a.m. at West Medford Community Center.
Drop-in Playtime from 2 to 4 p.m. at Medford Family Network Family Center.
Sewing Machine Badge Class at 3 p.m. at Medford Public Library for adults and teens 16+ to take the 101-level class with sewing instructor Molly to get certified to use the MakerSpace sewing machines. Registration required.
Kids Drawing at 3:30 p.m. at Medford Public Library for kids ages 8-12. All skill levels welcome. Registration required.
3D Printing Workshop 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.
Environmental Justice Committee of NAACP Mystic Valley Branch meets at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom.
Teen Maker Night from 6 to 8 p.m. at Medford Public Library for teens in middle school and high school to explore and experiment with different making tools. Registration required.
City Council Committee of the Whole meeting at 6 p.m. in City Hall, via Zoom, on TV, and via streaming channels. This is the seventh meeting regarding the budget. The mayor is scheduled to give a presentation. The following departments are also scheduled to attend: Parking; Police, traffic supervisors, and Traffic Commission; Medford Public Schools; Department of Public Works (general fund) – cemetery, engineering, forestry, highway, parks; Public Works – water and sewer.
Adult Board Game Night from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Medford Public Library for adults. The library will have a selection of board games but you are welcome to bring your own to share.
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.
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, from classics to contemporary titles. This month's selection is, "Biography of X," by Catherine Lacey.
Medford in Motion: A History from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Medford Public Library. Historian Dee Morris will share stories and an unconventional exploration of how changes in infrastructure and modes of transportation changed Medford. Morrison will also lead walking tours in June, July, and September.
Trivia Night at Medford Brewing from 7 to 9 p.m. Teams of 2-6 will compete in a traditional six-round trivia quiz.
Paint Nite from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Great American Beer Hall. Purchase tickets in advance.
Wicked 80's featuring DJ Panda beginning at 7 p.m. at Deep Cuts. All 80s, all vinyl.
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.
In case you missed it
Nell reported on Medford school officials saying 'no' to School Choice, updating language in two state policies, and tabling a discussion on updates to the student handbooks.
Nell Escobar Coakley | Staff Writer
