Medford Happenings

Week ahead – Oct 6th to Oct 12th

October 6, 2025

Once upon a time, the Chevalier Theater had been left to rot, sink into being condemned as a building and essentially left for dead. With Herculean effort from many civic groups, the Chevalier is BACK! So are the Violent Femmes as they play the Chevalier on Thursday Oct 9. Tickets are going fast – https://www.ticketmaster.com/an-evening-with-violent-femmes-medford-massachusetts-10-09-2025/event/010062CCEDB5A1D1

Don’t miss out on other events at the Chevalier – https://chevaliertheatre.com/event-calendar/

Ribbon Cutting at the Carr Park Skate Park
Tuesday, October 7 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

The City is inviting the community to help officially cut the ribbon on the new Skate Park at Carr Park on Tuesday, October 7 at 4 p.m. This latest feature of Carr Park will be open from 8 am to 8 pm and gives skaters a chance to practice their skills in a safe environment. Hope to see you there!

ONLY TWO MORE WEEKS before they are done for the year, if you haven’t had a chance to attend, absolutely go! https://medfordfarmersmarket.org/

Music

Please check out the following sites to see who will be playing locally. See why Medford is the new cultural center of MA!

Deep Cuts Featuring Maximum Rock n Roll – open tue-thurs 12pm-9pm, fri & sat 12pm-11pm
HOURS MAY CHANGE FOR EVENTS
21 MAIN ST MEDFORD, MA 02155
(781) 219-3815 – https://www.deepcuts.rocks/events

Medford Brewing Company – The best community bar in Medford! You will not see a more civically engaged business. If there is a major event in Medford, chances are they are there, serving their outstanding array of craft beers! They feature different events and that info can be found below. OPEN MON – THURS 3PM TO 10PM, FRI/SAT 12PM TO 10PM AND SUN 12PM TO 8PM
https://medfordbrew.com/events/
30 HARVARD AVE. MEDFORD MA 781-874-0406

Mrs Murphys Live Irish music every day! 25 SALEM ST. MEDFORD MA 781-874-0527 – https://www.mrsmurphs.com/

The Ford Tavern – Live Irish music. The Ford also features Trivia night every Wednesday from 7pm – 9pm. 61 LOCUST ST. MEDFORD MA 781-874-0406 https://www.thefordtavern.com/

ART

Arts Collaborative Medford – OPEN Tuesday – Thursday: 12-3pm
https://artscollabmedford.org/ – This weeks events are on the main page of the website.
162 MYSTIC AVE Medford, MA 02155

The Coalition for Arts, Culture and a Healthy Economy (CACHE), their venerable calendar can be found here – https://www.cacheinmedford.org/event-calendar/

The Medford Public Library – featuring Arts, Crafts, Book events, they literally host all events. https://medfordlibrary.org/events/ Summer hours end August 31st. They are OPEN MON – THUR 9AM to 9PM, FRI 9AM to 6PM and SAT 9AM to 1PM. 111 HIGH STREET MEDFORD 781-395-7950
Oktoberfest!

October 5, 2025

Yesterday, the Medford Chamber of Commerce hosted one of the most well-attended events of the year—Oktoberfest. Whether you came for the food, the trinkets, or the festive atmosphere, this event truly had it all. The weather was spectacular—unseasonably warm and sunny for fall—which only added to the day’s success. More than just a celebration, Oktoberfest offered a chance to connect with local residents and business owners alike.

Our “man on the street” attended this year’s festivities as a curious resident rather than a reporter. So while this isn’t a full review, consider it a reconnaissance mission for next year, when the Medford Happenings crew plans to cover the event in full. One thing is certain: of all the events held in the city, this was the best attended.

First Stop: Gotta Know Medford

L – R Wendall Waters, Chris Stevens and Nell Coakley

We kicked things off by visiting the Gotta Know Medford table and had the pleasure of meeting Nell Coakley, Chris Stevens, and Wendall Waters in person. While city gadfly John Petrella has already made their acquaintance, the rest of our crew had not. With so much happening in Medford, their mission to provide local news is more vital than ever. Since the Medford Transcript folded years ago, the city has lacked a dedicated news source. These women have picked up the torch and are running with it—especially important in an election year. Please support their work: Gotta Know Medford

Local Vendors and Familiar Faces

The Medford Happenings crew made a stop at the Medford Soap Company booth and picked up some handmade soap: Medford Soap Company. We also ran into Patrick Clerkin, who’s campaigning for a city council seat this November 4. Also in attendance was city council hopeful Melanie Tringali. Rumored to be in attendance were John Intoppa and Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn, though we didn’t get a chance to speak with either.

Page Buldini was, as always, present with her kids. It’s great to see her continuing to engage with the community. Though her bid for city council didn’t pan out, she remains resilient and forward-thinking. As a board member of the Chamber of Commerce and a local business owner, she continues to serve Medford well: Page Aesthetics

Spotlight on Local Entrepreneurs

Also in attendance was Allison Goldsberry, a former writer for the Medford Transcript and now the founder of a health and fitness company geared toward women over 40. We hope to feature her soon to discuss her approach to wellness: Heart, Soul & Strength Wellness

Community Pillars

Celia Lee was manning the table for Arts Collaborative Medford (ACM): Arts Collab Medford. Celia is a tireless contributor to the city, serving on the ACM board and volunteering with the Friends of the Medford Public Library. She’s a fixture at nearly every major city event—and a joy to speak with. She might even share a few sewing tips if you ask!

Looking Ahead

Unfortunately, the Medford Happenings crew was double-booked this week and couldn’t provide the full coverage this event deserved. That will change next year. In the meantime, we’ll be speaking with Laura O’Neill from the Chamber of Commerce in the coming days. Stay tuned!
The complicated relationship between Tufts University, the city of Medford and the city of Somerville.

October 4, 2025
The PILOT program between Tufts University and the City of Medford is a voluntary financial arrangement meant to offset the university’s tax-exempt status, but its lack of formal documentation and transparency has raised concerns—especially when compared to Tufts’ more structured agreement with Somerville.

🏛 What is the PILOT Program?

The Payment In Lieu Of Taxes (PILOT) program allows Tufts University, a nonprofit institution exempt from property taxes under Massachusetts’ Dover Amendment, to make voluntary financial contributions to the cities of Medford and Somerville. These payments help compensate for city services Tufts benefits from—such as police, fire protection, and infrastructure maintenance.

💰 Benefits to Medford

Tufts currently pays Medford:
- $450,000 for its main campus
- $250,000 for the Joyce Cummings Center
- $759,100 in property taxes on taxable buildings
- Part of $5.8 million in annual community benefits shared between Medford and Somerville
These contributions support city services and help reduce the financial burden on Medford residents.

** Shortcomings of the Medford Agreement
- No written contract: The most recent PILOT agreement, negotiated in 2018, was a verbal “handshake deal” with no formal documentation.
- Transparency issues: Residents and officials have struggled to access records. Public records requests were met with high fees and labor estimates, prompting legal concerns.
- Limited community input: The agreement was negotiated without broad public engagement, leaving many residents unaware of its terms or impact.
** Comparison with Somerville
In contrast, Somerville’s PILOT agreement with Tufts is formalized and publicly accessible. It includes:
- Monetary contributions
- Student support programs
- Access to athletic fields for youth
- Structured community feedback: Somerville held public meetings and surveys to gather input before renegotiating the agreement.
This structured approach has made Somerville’s PILOT more transparent, inclusive, and responsive to community needs.

Summary
While Tufts’ PILOT payments benefit Medford financially, the lack of a written agreement and limited public oversight undermine its effectiveness. Somerville’s model offers a more accountable and community-driven framework that Medford officials and residents are now pushing to emulate.

Sources: The Tufts Daily City of Somerville
Flu and Covid Vaccine clinic Oct 15

October 4, 2025

The Medford Board of Health is hosting a flu and COVID vaccine clinic on Wednesday, October 15 from 3-7pm at Medford City Hall – Room 207.

This clinic is for anyone ages 6 months and up. Pre-registration is required. Sign up using this link: https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/medford… or by calling the Multilingual Resource Line at 781-475-5644.
The Charter, what it is, why it matters

October 4, 2025

The Charter is Medford’s foundational document for city governance, and updating it is a vital step toward a more modern, transparent, and accountable local government.

Good morning. Yesterday afternoon, we had the great pleasure of speaking with Milva McDonald and Ron Giovino—two individuals whose dedication and hard work have been instrumental in shaping Medford’s proposed new City Charter. If you haven’t met them, you should. And if you care about the future of Medford, you should thank them.

So, what is the Charter?

The Charter is essentially Medford’s constitution. It defines how the city government operates—how decisions are made, who holds power, and how that power is checked and balanced. Medford’s current charter is over 40 years old, and while it served its purpose in the past, it no longer reflects the needs, values, or expectations of today’s residents. The new charter is the result of over a decade of advocacy and careful review, aiming to bring Medford’s governance into the 21st century.

Why does it matter?

Because the Charter affects everything. It determines how responsive and transparent your city government is. It shapes how budgets are created, how officials are elected, and how residents can participate in civic life. A modern charter means clearer rules, better accountability, and more opportunities for public input. It’s not just a document—it’s a blueprint for a better Medford.

On November 4, voters will have the chance to approve this new charter. It’s a rare opportunity to make a lasting impact on how your city is run. So read it, understand it, and vote yes if you believe Medford deserves a government that reflects its people and its potential.

For much more information please check out the site: https://www.medfordcharternow.com/
Oktoberfest THIS SATURDAY!

October 2, 2025

Yes complete with a Pet Costume Parade at 2pm! Unfortunately we did not get enough time to prepare for this event this year to have live coverage, however, not all is lost! We will have someone attending the event and they will bring back photos and better still an interview with Laura O’Neill! She is the executive director for the Medford Chamber of Commerce, she’ll sit down with us and we’ll discuss the event in full. For now, this should have already been on your calendar, we’ll see you there this Saturday!
Week ahead – Sept 29th to Oct 5th

September 29, 2025

This is by far the busiest time of year for the residents of Medford, check out the highlights for this coming week!

All are welcome to attend Tufts Community Day on Sunday, October 5 from 11AM-2PM on the Academic Quad of Tufts’ Medford/Somerville campus! Please join us for this family-friendly day of live performances, kids STEM activities and crafts, research presented by Tufts faculty and staff, touch a truck vehicles, community resource tables, a free barbeque lunch (while supplies last) & more!

Visit cday.tufts.edu for more details and to find out how to sign up to host a resource table at Tufts Community Day.

ONLY THREE MORE WEEKS before they are done for the year, if you haven’t had a chance to attend, absolutely go! https://medfordfarmersmarket.org/

Join local businesses and food vendors for live music and local performances at Oktoberfest. Games by Medford Recreation and the smoke house by Medford Fire Department. Event is 12-4pm and then from 4-5pm we have a special Trophy Stop Celebration with the Boston Glory with additional games and activities. Bring your pet in costume for our pet costume parade at 2pm. For list of vendors, performance schedule and more info: https://docs.google.com/…/1S7O8n5fyT5Eg3GAeKq6h…/edit…

Music

Please check out the following sites to see who will be playing locally. See why Medford is the new cultural center of MA!

Deep Cuts Featuring Maximum Rock n Roll – open tue-thurs 12pm-9pm, fri & sat 12pm-11pm
HOURS MAY CHANGE FOR EVENTS
21 MAIN ST MEDFORD, MA 02155
(781) 219-3815 – https://www.deepcuts.rocks/events

Medford Brewing Company – The best community bar in Medford! They just wrapped up a wildly successful Books and Brews event this past Sunday. They feature different events and that info can be found below. OPEN MON – THURS 3PM TO 10PM, FRI/SAT 12PM TO 10PM AND SUN 12PM TO 8PM
https://medfordbrew.com/events/
30 HARVARD AVE. MEDFORD MA 781-874-0406

Mrs Murphys Live Irish music every day! 25 SALEM ST. MEDFORD MA 781-874-0527 – https://www.mrsmurphs.com/

The Ford Tavern – Live Irish music. The Ford also features Trivia night every Wednesday from 7pm – 9pm. 61 LOCUST ST. MEDFORD MA 781-874-0406 https://www.thefordtavern.com/

ART

Arts Collaborative Medford – OPEN Tuesday – Thursday: 12-3pm
https://artscollabmedford.org/ – This weeks events are on the main page of the website.
162 MYSTIC AVE Medford, MA 02155

The Coalition for Arts, Culture and a Healthy Economy (CACHE), their venerable calendar can be found here – https://www.cacheinmedford.org/event-calendar/

The Medford Public Library – featuring Arts, Crafts, Book events, they literally host all events. https://medfordlibrary.org/events/ Summer hours end August 31st. They are OPEN MON – THUR 9AM to 9PM, FRI 9AM to 6PM and SAT 9AM to 1PM. 111 HIGH STREET MEDFORD 781-395-7950
Interview with George Scarpelli

September 27, 2025

This was our last studio appearance as the next several weeks are booked solid.

George is running for City Council this year because he believes Medford deserves better—better representation, better transparency, and better leadership. His commitment to this city runs deep, shaped by years of collaboration, community-building, and a relentless pursuit of progress that puts people first.

He’s not just talking about what makes Medford a community—he’s helped build it. From working with Rick Caraviello to bring the new Medford Public Library to life, to partnering with Michael Marks as a founding member of ACM and turning the dream of the ACM – Arts Collaborative Medford into reality on Mystic Avenue, George has been at the heart of Medford’s most meaningful civic achievements.

But his fight hasn’t been easy. On critical issues like zoning—where thoughtful planning should guide our future—George has often stood alone. As the sole dissenting vote on the City Council, he’s faced the challenge of pushing for common-sense solutions in a chamber increasingly dominated by a single voice.

That voice belongs to the Our Revolution slate. And that’s the problem.

Despite their progressive branding, the OR slate has shown little interest in the democratic values that define true progressivism. There are no dissenting viewpoints, no room for opposing opinions, and no meaningful debate. What Medford gets instead is groupthink, political theater, and decisions made behind closed doors.

George believes Medford deserves a council that reflects its diversity—not just in identity, but in thought. By voting out the slate, you’re voting in a more representative, responsive, and independent City Council. That’s what George has been fighting for every day he’s served.

This November, George needs your vote. But so do Patrick Clerkin, Nick Giurleo, Paul Donato, Nate Merritt, Melanie Tringali, and—of course—a man who needs no introduction, Rick Caraviello. What sets these independent candidates apart? They come from different districts, different backgrounds, and different perspectives. Together, they represent the real Medford—not a political brand, but a vibrant, diverse community.

Let’s bring balance back to the council. Let’s give Medford the leadership it deserves.
New day rising with Patrick Clerkin

September 27, 2025

Yes the title is salacious enough and even click baitey, however this marks our first foray into web based videos. As we have an extensive backlog of interviews, rather than keep all of our guests waiting, we have expanded our platform. We’ll still be doing work out of the Medford Community Media studio, however given the candidates interviews, the studio is booked solid for the next three weeks. So to test the waters, we asked Patrick Clerkin, candidate for the Medford City Council, if he would be willing to help us in this first run. This is an entirely new interview segment with updated views on the issues and solutions for Medford. If you weren’t persuaded to vote for him before, you might be now. Enjoy!
Mystic Celebration TODAY!

September 27, 2025

Please join us this Saturday, Sept. 27th from noon-4 pm for the 14th annual Mystic River Celebration at the Condon Shell along the banks of the Mystic River in Medford! This year, we will be featuring 25 artist vendors selling their handmade wares ranging from paintings to functional pottery to beaded jewelry to textiles and more! Additionally, we will have over a dozen local non-profit organizations present to share information about our community and ways to become involved.

The festival will also feature four bands including Chris Hersch and the Moonraiders ( instrumental country/jazz twang), Bosstown Heavy (reggae grooves), Paul Burch and Friends (Americana rock and bluegrass), and The Grown Up Noise (Indie pop-rock).

There will be dance performances by Tufts Bhangra Dance Team and the Guardians of Isadora Dancers, plus a poetry reading with Medford’s Poet Laureate, Max Heinegg.

Festival-goers can enjoy food from our food vendors including middle eastern street food from Chicken and Rice Guys; samosas and curries from Samosa Man; unique frozen treats from Natural FruittiBerri; and coffee, tea, cold drinks, and Filipino pastries from Lola’s Coffee and More.

Our younger attendees can get their face painted by the amazing Zing! Facepainting, and play with Knucklebones and the Medford Family Network. The Winthrop St. Community Garden (a short walking distance from the Condon Shell) will also be open for tours.

This event is great for people of all ages, and is free and open to the public. The space is handicapped accessible and there are portable toilets on the premises.

Now more than ever it is so important to come together as a community and to support the arts. We hope to see you there! Please check out the full line up of participants on the CACHE website. https://www.cacheinmedford.org/mystic-river-celebration/

A huge thank you to our primary sponsor Brookline Bank for the many years of support and generosity. And thank you to Tufts University and Wegmans for their commitment to Medford and to the arts. The Mystic River Celebration is supported in part by a grant from the Medford Arts Council, a local commission that is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the City of Medford.