Good morning, Medford, Wednesday, April 1
Citing a district-wide staffing shortage, School Superintendent Dr. Suzanne Galusi notified parents that Medford schools would be closed on April 3, which is Good Friday.
We're starting this morning with a...
Did you know?
Medford School Superintendent Dr. Suzanne Galusi notified parents yesterday afternoon that there will be no school on Friday, April 3, because of district-wide staff shortages. April 3 is Good Friday, a Christian holiday that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The day will be made up at the end of the school year.
Galusi said in her letter to the community, "We recognize that unexpectedly canceling school creates real challenges for students and families. In the coming weeks, the district will be further reviewing our current policies and procedures relating to the school calendar and the use of religious holidays to ensure we can best support our students and Medford community."
This is a developing story, and we will bring you more information.
In the meantime...
On to the newsletter
We've got a yin and yang situation today. We're supposed to say "Rabbit, Rabbit" to bring good luck for the next 30 days. We're also supposed to play a trick on somebody for April Fool's Day. We're skipping the prank and focusing on the good luck rabbits.
I have a friend who sends me a cartoon of two rabbits on the first of every month, a different one each time. It's his way of saying, "Rabbit, Rabbit." I counter that with a cartoon of two frogs, my way of saying, "Ribbit, Ribbit," just because I love frogs. It's our tradition now.
Do you say "Rabbit, Rabbit" on the first of the month or do you have some other ritual? Do you wonder where the idea came from?
In an article on the Farmers' Almanac website, Melissa Mayntz writes that rabbits are a symbol of good luck and positivity in many cultures around the world. The rabbit is the fourth animal in the Chinese zodiac, for example, and, she writes, "In many Native American cultures, rabbits are tricksters or represent cleverness and problem solving for their ability to evade predators."
But, what of the phrase, "Rabbit, Rabbit"?
Mayntz writes, "The first written record of the phrase being said for luck was in the English periodical Notes and Queries (March 27, 1909). A parent noted that his children spoke 'rabbit rabbit' up the chimney on the first of each month, in the hopes of receiving a present."
There are likely other theories about the origin of the phrase, but in any case, and without further ado, "Rabbit, Rabbit!"
Happening today in Medford
Welcome April (No Fooling!) at 9:15 a.m. at Bellevue Pond, South Border Road. Guided hike for all. Children ages 10+ welcome if accompanied by an adult. Purchase tickets before you go.
Sisters in Sweat Exercise Group at 9:30 a.m. at West Medford Community Center. Walking and other self-led, low impact activities.
Memory Cafe from 10 a.m. to noon at the Senior Center. Information, support, activities, and social engagement for people (and their families) living with memory changes.
YouthWorks Employment Program information session at 3:30 p.m. via Microsoft Teams. Learn about this state-funded program that helps teens and young adults get work experience and learn skills.
Family Story Time at 3:30 p.m. at Medford Public Library. For children between the ages of 3 and 7 to explore new concepts with books and songs. Parents and caregivers welcome to join in.
Affordable Housing Trust at 6 p.m. in City Hall and via Zoom. On the agenda: fundraising and financial updates, community engagement, and a presentation by Medford Community Housing.
City Council Committee of the Whole at 6 p.m. via Zoom only. On the agenda: two resolutions regarding the city's snow response this winter. Then, the committee will go into executive session to discuss litigation.
Live Figure Drawing Session from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Arts Collaborative Medford.
Conservation Commission at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. Public hearing on National Grid Notice of Intent regarding relocation of two existing electric distribution utility poles on 0 Mystic Valley Parkway.
In case you missed it
The Medford Police Department is running its Junior Police Academy again this year, and registration opens on April 8.
