Melrose-based chef Jess Drench (now known to many Melrosians as Mama Jean) has a lot on her plate this year. We spoke with Drench about Mama Jean’s third birthday and her new nonprofit, Community Meal Prep Club.


This past weekend, Melrose hosted a series of events that recognized Memorial Day - not as the cheerful start to summer that it has become for many Americans, but as a solemn occasion for remembering service members who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Most weekday mornings, preschoolers in bright yellow vests can be seen trooping around Pine Banks Park - and that sight will become even more common in the fall as Boston Outdoor Preschool Network (BOPN), now entering its fifth year in Malden and Melrose, opens a third class at the Pine Banks site.


The transition from high school to college is transformative and exhilarating, but inevitably challenging.
Tucked into the corner of Trenton and Washington Street, Otis W. Bishop Park is the kind of place you might walk past without a second thought — but it holds a powerful piece of Melrose history.


Melrose resident Amber Payne spoke last Thursday night at Melrose Unitarian Universalist Church’s (MUUC) Thoughtful Thursday on a subject that is near and dear to our hearts here at The Melrose Messenger: the future of news.
I have long had admiration, maybe even an infatuation, with Mary A. Livermore. That is why I was incredibly excited to be part of today’s unveiling of the new sign that will stand at Mary A. Livermore Park on Felton Place.


The entire Melrose community was shaken by tragedy on Monday afternoon when a tree fell on the Winthrop School playground soon after dismissal time, killing a nine-year-old child.
After competing in the prestigious World Championship Robotics Competition in Houston, Texas — alongside 600 teams from across the globe — the Melrose High School Red Hawks Robotics team are home not just exhausted, but absolutely triumphant with a 32nd finish in the Newton Division and Winners of the Creativity Award!


The Melrose Running Club celebrated an incredible milestone — 30 years of running, community, and giving back.
The Melrose Little League kicked off its 2026 baseball season with an opening day parade and ceremony.


Last weekend at Memorial Hall, something special happened — veterans, their families, and community members gathered not just for a delicious brunch, but for a moment of recognition, connection, and heartfelt thanks.
Nancy Clover has created an annual tradition in March - Women's History Month - of highlighting the contributions of amazing women who make Melrose the special community it is. Read this year's profiles of Melrose women, past and present!


On Saturday, March 28, 2026, the third nationwide “No Kings Day” is scheduled to take place. Citizen groups across the country have planned peaceful protests of the current federal administration’s policies and actions.
Comella’s Italian restaurant, on Main Street, and Regina Gifts, on West Foster Street, two stores that have played a significant role in the Melrose community during their time here, have closed their doors.


This September, the new Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational High School building in Wakefield will open to students, bringing with it new learning opportunities and a new facility to replace the current aging building.
This summer, SDM Foundation will be celebrating ten years of providing free technology education to the community. The organization will see a leadership transition as well.


A new gem is opening this week — Table Four Melrose, a wine and cheese bar that brings European charm right to our city. This cozy spot is the realization of a longtime dream by Melrosian Lorrie Overgaag, and it’s one you’ll want to linger in.
Last week, Congregational Retirement Homes purchased the Green Street Baptist Church building, which came up for sale after the congregation closed its doors last year. Congregational Retirement Homes plans to remodel the former church building to create at least 30 new affordable housing units for seniors.


On Monday evening, the Historical Commission heard a presentation from developers who are purchasing the historic Benjamin Lynde House on Main Street about their plans for the property. The house was once owned by Benjamin Lynde, a minuteman who fought in the Battle of Lexington and Concord.