The Melrose Messenger

Milano Park Gets A New Look

The corner of Main and Grove just got a little better! Right in the heart of Melrose, Milano Park — named for Joseph A. Milano (1882–1959), who served on the Board of Aldermen and in the Massachusetts Legislature — may be small, but it’s a true downtown oasis.

Beebe School Site Clear-Cut of Trees Due to Contractor Error

The construction of Melrose’s new police station at the Beebe School site got off to a rough start on Monday when a series of errors or miscommunications on the part of the project’s contractor and sub-contractors led to the site being clear-cut of trees.

30 Years Strong: The Melrose Running Club

This week, the Melrose Running Club celebrated an incredible milestone — 30 years of running, community, and giving back.

City Scholarship Fund Launches Inaugural Application Window

This month, the Melrose City Scholarship Fund opened for its first-ever round of applications. The Scholarship Fund is intended to support Melrose residents in education or training of any kind.

The Melrose Messenger’s Quick Guide to City Budget Season

City budget season officially began last week when the Melrose Public Schools published their proposed budget for the 2026-27 school year. Let’s do a quick rundown of what residents can expect this budget season.

City Officials Look At Pedestrian Safety At Lincoln School

Last week the Ped-Bike Committee invited city officials to observe school drop-off and pick-up at the Lincoln School.

Melrose Little League Looks Forward to Another Successful Season

Vietnam Veterans Brunch Honored Those Who Served

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.

Melrose Symphony's Annual Family Concert Delights Kids of All Ages

School Budget Emphasizes Stability, Makes Use of Override Funds

At this week’s School Committee meeting, school officials presented their proposed budget for the 2026-27 school year, which offers a glimpse of how some of the funds from the $13.5 million override voters passed in November will be spent in FY27.

The Amazing Women of Melrose - 2026 Edition

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!

City Explores Options for Police Station and Ripley School Properties

This week, the city held two listening sessions for residents to discuss their ideas for the future of the sites where the police station and the former Ripley School are located.

Indivisible To Host Rally Saturday, Aims To Promote Democracy

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 and Regina Gifts Close

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.

“Taming the Tech” Tackles Child Cellphone Use

Engine 2 Fire Station Closes; Reconstruction Begins

Earlier this month, Engine 2 was relocated to Fire Headquarters on Main Street, marking the first step in Phase 1 of the Public Safety Buildings Project in Melrose.

School Committee Looks Toward Next Year’s Budget and Beyond

In their most recent meetings, the School Committee has been preparing for discussion of next year’s Melrose Public Schools budget, which will take place later this month.

Gallery Exhibitions at Follow Your Art and Beebe Estate Showcase Local Artists

Gallery exhibitions at Follow Your Art and the Beebe Estate this month showcase many local artists working in a range of media and styles.

Paraprofessionals in Melrose Schools Seek Better Pay and Working Conditions

As the Melrose School Committee and the Melrose Educators Union work on negotiating new contracts this year, one of the issues that is under discussion is the situation of paraprofessionals in the district.

A Snowy Winter for the Melrose Department of Public Works

As Melrose deals with one of the snowiest winters we’ve had in years, the city’s Department of Public Works (DPW) has been focused on keeping roadways and sidewalks clear, despite challenging conditions.

A Conversation with Local Author Jane Roper

Political activism and art have always been essential aspects of Melrose author Jane Roper’s life - and never have they been more important to her than right now.

Melrose Public Library Hosts Legislative Breakfast

The Melrose Public Library and the North of Boston Library Exchange (NOBLE) Advocacy Committee hosted a legislative breakfast last week to connect legislators and their offices with librarians and library supporters.

State Senate: Lewis Will Retire, Lipper-Garabedian Will Run

Melrose will see changes in the lawmakers who represent us at the State House next session, with longtime State Senator Jason Lewis announcing this week that he will not seek re-election, and current State Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian announcing today that she will run for the open state Senate seat.

A Closer Look: New Northeast Metro Tech High School Building to Open This Fall

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.

Board of Appeals Continues Discussion of Proposed Summit Ave Development

This week, the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) continued their discussion of the proposed development at 34 & 55 Summit Ave in the Melrose Highlands.

SDM Foundation Celebrates Ten Years and Leadership Transition

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.

Table Four Brings Wine, Cheese, and Good Company to Cedar Park

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.