The Melrose Messenger

YMCA's LiveSTRONG Program Promotes Fitness for Cancer Survivors

The Melrose Family YMCA, with its historic building in the center of downtown, is a mainstay of community life. The YMCA provides a wide range of programs and services to people of all ages and needs.

Melrose Family Room Finds a New Home at Melrose Highlands

In December, the Melrose Family Room, which has been a resource for young families in Melrose and surrounding communities for over 35 years, moved from its longtime home in the Green Street Baptist Church to a new space at Melrose Highlands Congregational Church.

Local Writers Find Community at Follow Your Art Writers Studio

For the last five years, writers in Melrose have enjoyed a place to write and a community of fellow writers at the Writers Studio at Follow Your Art Community Studios (FYACS). Members of the Writers Studio include published authors and aspiring writers, and they represent a range of genres.

A Conversation With Young Adult Author Kip Wilson

Last month, Melrose-based author Kip Wilson launched her latest book: All the Love Under the Vast Sky, an anthology of short-stories-in-verse for a young adult audience.

Molly’s Bookstore Celebrates Two Years as Melrose’s Local Bookstore

Molly’s Bookstore celebrated its second anniversary. In the two years since it opened, Molly’s has become an anchor in Melrose, offering not only books, but also a place for people of all ages to gather and find community.

Opening Doors Project To Host Black Legacy Project Concert

The Opening Doors Project will present a concert by the Black Legacy Project’s touring band on Sunday, March 2nd at 7pm at the Melrose Unitarian Universalist (UU) Church. The concert will be accompanied by a conversation led by Melrose-based singer-songwriter and Opening Doors Project co-founder Alastair Moock.

New Collaborations Are Cooking in The Kitchen

On Saturday, The Bread Shop had its grand opening at The Kitchen, drawing people of all ages who were eager to pick up loaves of fresh bread and try out breakfast sandwiches and coffee.

Follow Your Art To Host a Variety of Community Events This Winter

Follow Your Art Community Studios (FYACS) is offering a number of new events aimed at community members with a variety of interests, experiences, and skill levels.

Melrose Police Chief Kevin Faller Reflects on Two Years as Chief

It’s been two challenging and productive years since Kevin Faller was hired as the Melrose Chief of Police in December 2022. Previously, Faller was a Medford police captain and a 28-year veteran of that city’s police force. He was seeking a new challenge in his law enforcement career when he applied for the Melrose position, which became available upon the retirement of former Chief Michael Lyle.

Read More

Melrose-Based Middlesex County Baby Café Hosts Fundraiser for Breastfeeding Support

On February 12th, the Middlesex County Baby Café, which provides a free, drop-in breastfeeding support group in Melrose at the Church of the Nazarene, will be hosting a fundraiser at T’ahpas 529 to further their mission of helping parents in the region make breastfeeding work for them.

Hometown Comedian Julie Nolan Hosts Residency at Knights of Columbus

Melrose native Julie Nolan, who is familiar to many Melrosians from her work on MMTV and her comedy shows in the area, will be launching a new set of monthly shows at the Knights of Columbus.

New Faces, Same Mission at Veterans’ Services Office

This fall, the Veterans’ Services Office for the City of Melrose welcomed a new district director and Veterans’ Service Officer (VSO).

The Food Drive Celebrates Four Years of Local Food Rescue With Harvest Fundraiser

On Saturday, November 9th, The Food Drive will be hosting its third annual Harvest fundraiser to support the organization’s mission of local food rescue.

New Fire Chief Prepares for Changes Ahead

On Wednesday, October 23rd, John White was officially installed as the new chief of the Melrose Fire Department. This same ceremony recognized the promotions of several other officers in the department, and the hiring of a number of new recruits. Chief White’s appointment had been approved by the City Council on October 7th.

Buckalew’s Celebrates 10th Anniversary as Main Street Icon

Buckalew’s General Store celebrated their 10th anniversary with a daylong extravaganza featuring apple crisp, cider, tastings, and more. The Main Street anchor has gone through a number of changes throughout its 10 years in Melrose, but owner Robin Peevey has always focused on creating fun and building community for Melrosians of all ages.

Beethoven Society Returns for 98th Season of Free Concerts

The Beethoven Society of Melrose launched their 98th season with a free concert at Melrose Highlands Congregational Church on Saturday, September 21st, at 3 pm.

Horace Mann Bike Bus Kicks Back into Gear

As September approaches, the Horace Mann Bike Bus is preparing to run for its second school year. The bike bus is an organized bike ride that encourages kids to make biking to school part of their regular routine.

Sit ‘N Knit Yarn Store Celebrates 4th Anniversary

This past weekend Sit ‘N Knit celebrated their 4th anniversary under the ownership of Jennifer Schnorrenberg Goldenberg. The yarn store provides crafting supplies, expertise, and a community for crafters of all kinds.

Racial Justice Work Receives Community Support Following Incidents in Schools

Racial justice groups have received an outpouring of community support in Melrose following recent incidents in the Melrose Public Schools (MPS). Two local anti-racist groups - Friends of Melrose METCO (FOMM) and the Racial Justice Community Coalition (RJCC), which recently merged - are looking to expand their work this year to turn that support into a larger movement for racial justice in Melrose.

Melrose Kind Carries On Its Mission After Founder Steps Down

In June, Melrose Kind founder Maribeth Darwin announced that she was stepping down from her role in the organization after nine years at the helm. This leadership change will not alter the organization’s mission, which is to spread kindness throughout Melrose and make a difference in the lives of neighbors who are in need.

SDM Foundation Celebrates 8 Years of Technology Education on Main Street

This month will mark 8 years since SDM Foundation opened its doors on Main Street. In that time, they have provided thousands of hours of free technology lessons for people in Melrose and beyond.

Follow Your Art Celebrates 5th Anniversary This Year

Follow Your Art Community Studios (FYACS) will be kicking off their 5th anniversary celebrations next month with a fundraiser on June 7th.