The Melrose Messenger

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.

Outdoor Preschool At Pine Banks Park Enters Fifth Year

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) opens a third class at the Pine Banks site.

Student Internships Offer High School Seniors Hands-On Experience

The transition from high school to college is transformative and exhilarating, but inevitably challenging.

Mount Hood Park Association: Protecting Melrose’s “Green Jewel”

City Council Budget Hearings: The Quick Version

The City Council officially began its Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) budget process last week - and we're here to give you the highlights!

School Committee This Week: Staffing, Technology, and Contract Negotiations

This week’s School Committee meeting addressed class sizes and staffing and the district’s technology plan. Meanwhile, the MEU and the School Committee may be getting closer to agreeing on contracts for next year.

Otis W. Bishop Park Rededicated to World War I Soldiers

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.

Amber Payne On The Future of News

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.

New Sign for Mary Livermore Park Unveiled

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.

City Budget Released; City Council Budget Process Begins

The City Council officially began its Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) budget process on Monday evening when Mayor Jen Griograitis addressed a joint session of the City Council and School Committee and presented her proposed budget for the City Council’s approval.

3rd Annual Upstairs Downstairs Showed Off The Big Yellow House

Last weekend, the third annual Upstairs Downstairs event returned to Follow Your Art Community Studios, showcasing a variety of local artists who work out of or with Follow Your Art, along with the studios where they work.

Child Dies After Tree Falls On Winthrop School Playground

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.

Melrose Symphony Wraps Up 108th Season

Historic Memorial Hall was absolutely alive tonight — every seat nearly filled, every note carrying through the hall like it has for generations.

19th Annual Melrose Arts Festival Draws Big Crowds

The 19th annual Melrose Arts Festival filled Memorial Hall this past weekend with a vibrant mix of stunning artwork, live music, and a strong sense of community, all under one roof.

Red Hawk Robotics Place in World Championships

Welcome home to the incredible Melrose High School Red Hawks Robotics team!

Modified Plans for Chipman Ave VFW Building Under Review

This week the Planning Board reviewed modified plans for a mixed-use residential building to replace the current VFW building at 14 Chipman Ave in the Melrose Highlands.

School Committee Approves Budget for 2026-27 School Year

This week, the School Committee voted to approve the budget for the Melrose Public Schools for the 2026-27 school year, wrapping up their role in this year’s city budget process.

Engine 2 Groundbreaking Marks Start of Fire Station Construction

Last Friday, a groundbreaking ceremony officially kicked off construction on the Engine 2 fire station on Tremont Street.

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.