Good morning, Medford, Wednesday, April 15
Today we've got music, meetings galore, art sessions, kids' activities, trivia, and a talk by journalist Audie Cornish. Plus, the resources of, and ways to get involved with, the Mystic Valley Area branch of the NAACP.
We are confident that spring is here to stay. We hope we don't jinx it by saying that. But, there's been a noticeable uptick in bird activity as they sing away, build nests, and get ready to lay eggs, if they have not already done so. By the way, if you enjoy birding, the Mass Audubon Birdapalooza is coming up May 15-17.
Did you know? The NAACP's Mystic Valley Area branch (MVA-NAACP), which represents Medford, Winchester, Malden, Arlington, Everett, and Woburn, has a number of issue-oriented committees. These committees include Economic Development & Housing, Reparations, Political Action, Education, Legal Redress, and Environmental Justice.
Plus, through their website, you can find listings of events being hosted locally and by the NAACP, and you can sign up for the newsletter to stay up to date.
In her April newsletter, MVA-NAACP President Jillian Harvey wrote, in part, “Across communities, April invites us to honor histories, deepen our awareness, and come together in shared hope and responsibility,” and she listed a number of celebrations that take place in the month of April. These include Arab American Heritage Month, Ramadan and Eid al‑Fitr, Passover, Easter, and Earth Day.
The next general membership meeting will take place Monday, April 27, at 7:30 p.m. Keep an eye on the website for details.
Happening in Medford today
If you have an event happening in Medford in the coming days, send the information to gottaknowmedford@gmail.com so we can add you to our calendar.
Senior Center activities: MBTA Charlie Card support and tech help at 9 a.m. - Call ahead; Zumba Gold with Emily at 10 a.m.; Tai chi at 11 a.m.; Bingo at 1 p.m.; Movie at 1 p.m.
Sisters in Sweat Exercise Group at 9:30 a.m. at West Medford Community Center Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Walking and other self-led, low impact activities.
Library Board of Trustees meets at 10 a.m. at the Medford Public Library.
Baby Wiggle music class at 10:30 a.m. at the Medford Public Library. For babies ages 3-16 months and their caregivers. Includes hands-on activities. Register.
Kids' Home School Maker Club at 11 a.m. at Medford Public Library. Kids ages 8-12 are encouraged to engage with a scientific concept through a hands-on maker activity and to socialize with other participants. Registration required.
Liquor License Commission meets at 1 p.m. at City Hall and via Zoom. They will be reviewing: applications for several one-day licenses for upcoming events; several applications for licenses for companies participating in the Farmers Market; a change-of-manager application for Medford Kappy's.
Tech Help Drop-In Hour at 2 p.m. at the Medford Public Library.
Drop-In Playtime from 2 to 4 p.m. at Medford Family Network Family Center.
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.
Go Mustangs! Home games today: JV and varsity girls softball, Middle School girls and boys track & field, varsity girls tennis, JV and varsity boys volleyball, varsity boys lacrosse.
Wednesday Wax from 5 to 9:30 p.m. at Medford Brewing. Bring your records to spin.
High School Building Committee meets at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom only. Agenda includes approval of a total of $281,206.66 in invoices for March, 2026: LeftField $25,000; SMMA $90,000; Environmental & Site $166,206.66. Agenda also includes a schedule update and MSBA eligible versus ineligible cost review.
Journalist Audie Cornish speaks at 17th Edward R. Murrow Forum on Issues in Journalism at 5:30 p.m. in person at Tufts and via Zoom. Registration required.
Small Business Resource Office Hours at 6 p.m. at Medford Public Library. Hosted by Medford Economic Development Planner Kayla Myros.
Peg Doll Book Reviews from 6 to 8 p.m. at Medford Public Library. For kids ages 4+ to decorate a peg doll avatar and help create video book reviews.
Affordable Housing Trust Fundraising Working Group meeting at 6 p.m. via Zoom only. Agenda includes Resource Fair planning and reviews of the Planning, Development & Sustainability Open House and key takeaways from the fundraising discussion at the April Affordable Housing Trust Board meeting.
Medford Community Chorale rehearsals are at First Baptist Church in Medford Square at 6 p.m. for youth/young adults and at 7 p.m. for the full chorus. Auditions are not required. All welcome.
City Council Planning and Permitting Committee meeting at 6 p.m.
High School Study Session at 6:30 p.m. at Medford Public Library. Drop-in program for teens in grades 9-12.
Community Development Board meeting at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom only. Agenda includes public hearings on matters related to: conversion of 85 Main St. to a retail sales use; proposed construction of a new Tufts aquatic center; Medford Square district zoning amendment.
Conservation Commission meeting at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom and live-streams. On the agenda are public hearings, proposed intersection improvements in Medford Square, and discussions about ongoing and future projects.
Live Figure Drawing Sessions from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Arts Collaborative Medford. There is no instructor, but a studio monitor will be available to assist models and participants. Bring your own drawing materials.
Medford High School Building Project Community Forum #3 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. Agenda includes review of the final six design options. There will also be a Q&A.
Trivia Wednesdays at 7 p.m. at The Ford Tavern. Fast-paced trivia with Kevin Richman.
Make + Mingle open studio from 7 to 9 p.m. at Arts Collaborative Medford. Free drop-in to create among other artists and artist-types. Bring your own art project to work on.
Black Viiolet / Electric Heaters / Mod.Rockr perform at 7 p.m. at Deep Cuts.
Melissa Etheridge: RISE at 8 p.m. at the Chevalier. The Grammy-winning artist performs rock, soul, and storytelling.
Tufts Chamber Music at 8 p.m. in Distler Performance Hall at Tufts. Students present works for strings, winds, brass, and piano.
In case you missed it
State Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven wrote about why she voted No on the Social Media Bill.
Special to Gotta Know Medford
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.
