Good morning, Medford, Tuesday, March 31
Two Medford families lost everything in a fire on March 18. We've got information on the Go Fund Me campaigns. Also, we've got some did-you-knows and a list of things happening in Medford today.
Jumping right to it this morning. The fire in Medford on March 18 displaced two families, and Go Fund Me campaigns were started for both. We want to update you on how those are doing.
Nick and Brianna Valente started a Go Fund me to help Emilie and Josh, who lost everything in the home they lived in for 20 years. The Valentes wrote, "Thankfully, Emilie and Josh made it out safely, which is what matters most, but they lost the majority of their belongings. Like so many families in situations like this, there was little time to grab anything as the fire spread quickly through the home."
They are hoping to raise $7,000 to help cover: a security deposit and first month’s rent; basic household items and furniture; clothing and everyday necessities; Immediate expenses during this transition. As of March 30, people had donated $3,742.
Jacquelyn Jenkins started a Go Fund Me to help Robert and Carrie. Jacquelyn wrote, "Robert has always been a pillar of the Medford community. As a Medford firefighter for 27 years, he dedicated his life to helping others in times of crisis. Now, he and [daughter] Carrie are facing a crisis of their own.
Jacqueline is hoping to raise $20K for Robert and Carrie to help with everything from housing to clothing, furniture, and everyday necessities. As of March 30, people had donated $1,715.
For both families, every donation, no matter how much, will make a difference.
Happening today in Medford
Baby Lapsit at 9:30 a.m. at Medford Public Library. Drop-in storytime that includes songs, bouncy rhymes, and gentle movement activities for babies up to 24 months old.
Retirement Board meeting at 9:30 a.m. at City Hall.
Senior Yoga with Rosa Brown at 11 a.m. at West Medford Community Center.
International Culture for Seniors at 1 p.m. at the Senior Center. Learn about different countries and cultures.
Understanding Basic Estate Planning at 1 p.m. at the Senior Center. A free workshop with the Law Office of Dale J. Tamburro, PC. Bring three questions with you that you would like answered. Call 781-396-6010 to register.
Winter Farmers Market from 3 to 7 p.m. at The Great American Beer Hall. Meats, cheeses, breads, specialty food and drink, and artisan items.
Go Mustangs! Boys volleyball and lacrosse teams have home games today.
Medford city Council and Community Development Board joint meeting at 6 p.m. at City Hall and via Zoom.
Trivia Night at Medford Brewing 7-9 p.m. Teams of 2-6 will compete in a traditional 6-round trivia quiz.
Did you know?
- NAACP Mystic Valley Branch Youth Council is open to anyone under the age of 25 who lives in the Mystic Valley area. Among the purposes and aims of the Youth Council are to inform youth of the problems affecting African-Americans and other racial and ethnic minorities and to advance the economic, educational, social and political status of African-Americans and other racial and ethnic minorities. Learn more and fill out an application at https://www.mva-naacp.org/youth-council.
- Keep Medford Beautiful (KMB), which is a chapter of Keep Massachusetts Beautiful, now has a steering committee. KMB was created last year, and these Medford residents have been chosen to serve on the steering committee: Chair Alison Beucler, Vice Chair Chuck Bartlett, Mayor's Office Rep. Lisa Colaianni, and members Michele Mahoney, Peter Mellor, and Alberta Wakefield. They will work to establish and support cleanups and beautification projects across the city. By the way, you can still sign up to be a volunteer or an ambassador for the May 2 city-wide cleanup.
What we're working on
- Crystal is covering the Urban Forest Management Plan.
- Nell will sit down with Library Director Barbara Kerr, who is retiring after many years of service.
- Wendall will have an update on the lawsuit filed against the city because of the Values Aligned Local Investments Ordinance.
- Chris is working on an update about the city's budget priorities.
In case you missed it
Speaking of budgets, here's a look at this year's school budget and a peek into next year's numbers.
Nell Escobar Coakley | Staff Writer
