Good morning, Medford, Tuesday, October 27

The city has published information about programs that could help local residents this winter. They include home heating assistance, help with getting or retaining healthcare coverage, SNAP benefits, and WIC program benefits.

In addition, the city is hosting a Winter Preparedness Event for Medford residents on November 19 at City Hall. Winter clothing that is collected during the drive that ends on Nov. 13 will be distributed at this event. In addition, residents can get energy bill checkups and guidance about applying for programs, get flu and COVID vaccinations, and receive free food.

Quick reminders

Early in-person voting continues this week but wraps up at 12:30 on Friday.
There are two winter clothing drives happening now:

City of Medford: Donations are being accepted until November 13 at these locations: Medford City Hall, Medford Public Library, Medford Family Network Family Center, Grace Episcopal Church, Medford Senior Center, and West Medford Community Center.
Delta Upsilon at Tufts: Donations are being accepted until Nov. 1. Drop donations in the green bin at 114 Professors Row on the Somerville/Medford line.

Today's municipal and school meetings

High School Project Interior and Exterior Design Advisory from 4 to 5:30 p.m. via the MPS You-Tube channel.
Community Preservation Committee at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall and via Zoom. Agenda includes: review of FY27 applications; UU Church small-grant application; Recreation Department – transfer funds request to Condon Shell lighting project from Tufts Park lighting project.
City Council at 7 p.m. in City Hall and via Zoom, TV, and streaming channels. Agenda includes: committee reports; request for cost analysis from the city for increased vacation time for employees; petition for a common victualler's license; request for linkage fee update; law department appropriations; possible sale of McCormick Avenue parcels; several resolutions regarding combined sewage overflows, black plastic takeout containers, and Tufts resident assistants' contract negotiations; several communications from the mayor regarding legal settlements, board and commission appointments, capital and general stabilization fund appropriation requests; public participation.

From City Hall to schools to neighborhood news, Gotta Know Medford is focused on the stories that matter here at home. We’re able to keep that reporting free because readers support it. If you’d like to help sustain independent local coverage in Medford, please consider contributing today.

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.

Early Voting from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the second floor at Medford City Hall.

Senior Center events and activities – When sign-up is required, call 781-396-6010:

ChairFit Rhythm 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.

Medford Public Library activities:

Drop-in activities

Baby Lapsit at 9:30 a.m.
Monster Mash at 10:30 a.m. Dance party open to all, but music will be geared to children.
Notary hours drop-in at 2 p.m. and at 7 p.m.

Registration required

English as a Second Language (ESOL) Class from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Wait, this is a book? Teen Book Club at 3:30 p.m. This month's book is "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe," by Benjamin Alire Saenz.
4th/5th Grade "What Would You Do?" Book Club at 3:30 p.m. for kids in 4th and 5th grade only. This month's book is "Falling Short," by Ernesto Cisneros.
Family Loteria Game Night (ages 6+) at 6 p.m.

Medford Family Network activities:

Costume Swap: During drop-in playtimes, Medford residents can drop off costumes, accessories, and dress-up clothes their kids no longer use and pick up "new" items.
Drop-in Playtime from 2 to 4 p.m. at the MFN Family Center.
Registration is required for Group for Caregivers of Neurodiverse Children.
Registration has already closed for Yahoo Crew Playgroup and Fun Galore for the 4s. There is a wait-list for the Nature Walk.

MGB Community Care Van Clinics from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Clippership Pop-Up Park. Screenings for and education around common chronic health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, plus screenings for colorectal cancer. Walk-in, all insurances accepted. If you do not have insurance, as the staff how they can help. Staff will not ask about your immigration status.

Maternal Journal from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Arts Collaborative Medford. Bring your own sketchbook. Other materials will be provided. Registration required.

Public skating at LoConte Rink from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Drop-in.

Go Mustangs!:

Home: varsity girls soccer vs. Chelsea high
Away: No away games today

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.

Trivia Night from 7 to 9 p.m. at Medford Brewing. Teams of 2-6 will compete in a traditional six-round trivia quiz.

Live Music at Deep Cuts beginning at 7 p.m. with Doctor Gasp and Deluxe Fiasco.