The Melrose Messenger

Three Democrats Contend for Open State Senate Seat

In the primary election on September 1st, Melrose voters will choose among three Democrats for our state senate seat: current state representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian or current Malden city councilors Carey McDonald and Ryan O'Malley.

Read our profiles of each candidate here.

Massachusetts Teachers Association Drops Higgins Endorsement Following Melrose Override Comments

Melrose Vigil Mourns ICE Killings

On Saturday morning, July 25th, several dozen residents gathered on the steps of Melrose City Hall and took part in a vigil protesting recent actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

Strummerville Ukelele Club Plays Monthly At Follow Your Art

I don't know what was louder at the Big Yellow House — the music or the laughter! Follow Your Art turns into part concert, part comedy show whenever the Strummerville Ukulele Club takes the stage.

Melrosians Enjoy Summer Stroll and Disability Pride

While summer in Melrose is traditionally a quiet time, residents have still been out and about and enjoying summer events.

City Council Approves St. Mary’s Parking Lease

In this week’s City Council meeting, councilors reversed the decision they had made during the Appropriations and Oversight Committee meeting earlier this month, and voted to renew the city’s parking lease with St. Mary’s of the Annunciation Parish.

Work Begins At Wyoming Hill Commuter Rail Station

SDM Foundation Celebrates 10 Years of Free Technology Education

For the past 10 years, SDM has been making technology less intimidating and more accessible for our community. From helping seniors navigate smartphones and computers to teaching kids coding and robotics, they've empowered thousands of people with free, patient, one-on-one technology support.

Public Safety Night Created Community Connections

Melrose Public Safety Night returned after a year's hiatus for an evening of community connections and fun for all ages.

Two Democrats Face Off In September Primary For Melrose’s State Representative

Melrose voters will see a competitive race in the Democratic primary election for state representative this fall, although the seat will be uncontested in the general election in November. Two Democrats - former Melrose City Council President Leila Migliorelli and Congressional staffer Jay Higgins - will be facing off in the Democratic primary.

Shawbak Lebanese Kitchen: A Dream 15 Years In the Making

Maya Jamaleddine has dreamed of creating a place where food brings people together. Now, that dream has become reality with the opening of Shawbak Lebanese Kitchen & Bakery.

Pickleball Players To Get New Playing Space In Ell Pond Park

Pickleball, a racket sport that has grown immensely in popularity in recent years - and has generated complaints about noise and playing space in many communities across the country - will soon see new court space in Melrose’s Ell Pond Park for local players.

Melrose Kicks Off Disability Pride Month With Mural Dedication

The Melrose Commission on Disability kicked off July, which is Disability Pride Month, with the dedication of a new mural on the side of the YMCA building.

Melrose Celebrates the Fourth of July

City Council Approves Fiscal Year 2027 Budget

The City Council wrapped up its annual budget process this week by approving the city budget for Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27, which begins on July 1st) and a number of free cash expenditures from last year’s budget.

The Farmers’ Market Is Back!

Last Thursday marked the return of the Melrose Farmers’ Market for the season - and the return of many Melrosians’ favorite weekly community gathering.

Local Historian Jim Bennett Takes A Look At Revolutionary Melrose

The lower level meeting room at the Melrose Public Library was packed on Wednesday night as Melrosians came out to hear local historian Jim Bennett give a talk he called “Did Melrose Have An American Revolution?”

New Teacher Contracts Approved: District Will See Higher Wages and Budget Stability

After months of negotiations, the Melrose School Committee and the Melrose Educators Union this week approved new three-year contracts for teachers and paraprofessionals and a one-year contract for secretaries.

A Busy Weekend in Melrose

Last weekend saw Melrosians coming out for a number of local events, including a concert, community cleanup, DPW Day, and the Pride beer garden.

Celebrating 103 Remarkable Years: Happy Birthday, Anita Schlesinger!

This Wednesday, Melrose celebrated a truly extraordinary resident as Anita Schlesinger turns 103 years old.

City Council Clashes Over Free Cash Requests

At Thursday evening’s lengthy budget hearing, the City Council voted quickly to approve a number of department budgets, while a few free cash items became unusually contentious.

Pride Flag Raised At City Hall

The Pride Flag was raised at Melrose City Hall on Monday as residents gathered to celebrate inclusion, acceptance, and the diversity that makes our community stronger.

Pre-Loved Consignment Boutique Celebrates First Anniversary

Earlier this month, Pre-Loved Consignment Boutique celebrated ONE year in business — and what a beautiful addition they’ve become to Main Street in Melrose!

Melrose Recognizes Veterans and Service Members on Memorial Day

This past weekend, Melrose hosted a series of events that recognized Memorial Day.

What’s Cooking In Jess Drench’s Kitchen?

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.