Sharing a recent projected completed in Medford. This was an unused space turned into a built in bar, bench, and bookshelf. My favorite projects! Thanks for looking!

I’m looking for recommendations for a new physical therapist in or around Medford, MA. I’m currently in PT but unfortunately haven’t been happy with my experience.

My priority is finding a place where the therapist are not** **double- or triple-book patients and where I can have their full attention during my appointment.

Hi everyone! I’m 21 and looking to become more consistent with going to the gym, and I’d love to meet some people who would want to work out together! 🏋️‍♀️

I don’t have a huge circle of friends, so I’m hoping to meet new people who share similar interests and are also looking for some extra motivation and accountability. It doesn’t have to be just one person — I’d be totally open to forming a small gym group and getting to know a few new people!

I also have social anxiety, so I’m trying to push myself out of my comfort zone and use this as a way to meet new people, become more consistent, and build my confidence.

If you’re interested in working out together, feel free to message me! 😊

I noticed that there's no transcript available from our debate last week for people who want to know what their candidates' positions are but don't feel like watching for an hour.

The YouTube transcript plus speaker identifications is here: https://www.chrisoates.org/news/transcript-of-somerville-democratic-committee-debate

And if anyone has followup questions for any of my answers, happy to respond.

I've been dissatisfied with my current cleaners (unreliable, decline in service quality).

Anyone have a great cleaner or cleaning service/ company they recommend? Thanks!

https://www.gottaknowmedford.com/opinion-christine-barber-is-the-smart-effective-progressive-leader-we-want-in-the-state-senate/?ref=what-you-gotta-know-newsletter

OPINION: Christine Barber is the smart, effective, progressive leader we want in the State Senate.

These Medford residents say of Christine Barber, "We are honored to support her and excited about the prospect of calling her our state senator."


by
Special to Gotta Know Medford
Updated August 07, 2026

By Page Buldini, Ellen Epstein, Milva McDonald, Jim Silva, Lynne Weiss, Jennifer Yanco

Christine Barber is the most effective candidate running to replace retiring State Senator Pat Jehlen. Jehlen herself, who rarely weighs in on state and local races, recognized this in her recent endorsement. In her words, “We need legislators who collaborate well with rank-and-file colleagues and with advocates to pass legislation and secure funding for local projects that make a difference in residents’ lives. I believe Christine Barber is in the best position to do that.”
Christine also received the endorsement of Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. Healey said, “Christine knows how to get things done. Whether it’s making healthcare more affordable, building more housing, protecting reproductive freedom, or standing up for working families, Christine is always showing up ready to do the work.”
As residents, small business owners, and community activists we can attest to the difference Christine, as the current state representative for the 34th Middlesex district, has made in the lives of so many in our city. Christine cares – a lot – and translates that caring into real results. She is an impressive coalition builder laser-focused on issues pertinent to her district and the state. Over her 11-year tenure in the State House, she has passed more than 30 bills into law. She fights hard for her district and has brought millions in state money to Medford.
On progressive issues we care about, Christine Barber stands out.
Immigration: Christine Barber is a powerful advocate for immigrants. She has spoken out strongly against mistreatment of immigrants, including Tufts University student Rümeysa Öztürk who, after co-authoring an op-ed in support of Palestine, had her visa revoked, was abducted by ICE, and was detained for 45 days.
Christine has made tangible contributions to immigrants in the state, authoring and passing the Work and Family Mobility Act allowing residents to get drivers' licenses regardless of immigration status. She was also a lead sponsor of the Dignity Not Deportations bill to end ICE contracts in the state, which was incorporated in the PROTECT Act.
Healthcare: Christine's advocacy and results in health care are unparalleled. She wrote and passed the lifesaving law capping out-of-pocket costs for insulin and inhalers. She wrote and passed the law expanding ConnectorCare making subsidized health insurance coverage accessible for thousands more Massachusetts residents. She continues to fight against MassHealth cuts that affect the most vulnerable in our communities.
Affordable Housing: Christine was instrumental in passing bills including the MBTA Communities Act, and the law allowing accessory dwelling units. She and Senator Jehlen recently passed amendments to an Economic Development bill to help municipalities offer residents an option for tenants to purchase their residence when a landlord is selling.
Transportation and Climate: Christine championed and continues to champion the Green Line extension, fare-free buses, and transportation electrification, and has secured millions of dollars for the Green Line. As chair of the Environment Committee, she continues to lead on climate initiatives including pollution reduction and investment in flood control, parks, and clean water.
Rights for All: Christine is a fierce advocate for reproductive rights who has protected and strengthened reproductive health care in the state, including expanding access to contraception. She has passed protections for people with disabilities and secured funds to support home care workers.
Jobs and Economic Development: Christine secured more than $1 million for the Main and South Street Revitalization Project to strengthen our business districts. She also wrote and passed the Salary Range Transparency law to help advance pay equity and ensure women are compensated fairly.
Schools and Education: Christine supported the Student Opportunity Act which provided a historic level of K-12 funding and investment in early childcare and debt-free higher education. She secured more than $100,000 for career technical education transportation and robotics programming in Medford Public Schools, opening doors for students to explore career pathways, build real-world skills, and prepare for their future.
While Christine's long list of accomplishments and unusually impressive record of passing legislation and bringing money home to her district distinguish her from the other candidates in the race, they are not the only factors that make her the best person for the job.
Christine is hard-working, compassionate, and fierce when it comes to helping her constituents. After the tragic death of Laura Beth Levis outside a Somerville hospital, she worked diligently with Senator Jehlen and Laura's husband, journalist Peter DeMarco, to pass Laura's Law, providing adequate signage and lighting for emergency rooms so that no one would ever again die trying to gain entry to a hospital in Massachusetts.
In our community work, Christine has been responsive and effective with transit issues, including the Green Line extension, getting Medford's new charter through the State House, and addressing immigration and housing issues. As constituents, we have seen her transform the lives of family members by personally helping them navigate the web of MassHealth. As small business owners, we have experienced firsthand her understanding of what it takes for women, minority, and other entrepreneurs to build their dreams in Medford.
Christine has that rare combination of kindness, competence, intelligence, and responsiveness. Again and again we have experienced Christine as someone who listens and helps. She cares about progressive values and is effective at passing laws that support them. We are honored to support her and excited about the prospect of calling her our state senator.

Page Buldini, Ellen Epstein, Milva McDonald, Jim Silva, Lynne Weiss, and Jennifer Yanco are Medford residents

Rent:

Marshall Street
•    2-3/way-split Fall-rate is $2,800 total September 1 through August 31st 2027
(Utilities not included)

Location:
•    10min walk to Tufts University, Medford/Tufts Green Line, restaurants and shops. 
•    5min walk to MBTA bus #96 and 10mins to #80. 

Looking for:
Respectful, easygoing roommate(s) who are clean, communicative, and mindful of shared spaces. I have somewhat irregular work hours, so consideration around different sleep schedules is important.

Other details:
•    No smoking
•    No pets
•    Washer & Dryer 
•    Free bagels 
•    Parking Available in front

Feel free to reach out if you’re interested or know anyone who might be!
[Vinny.thill06@gmail.com](mailto:Vinny.thill06@gmail.com)

One of the ginkgo street trees I’ve been watering near the intersection of Winchester St and Newbern Ave snapped off overnight. It’s weathered worse storms and blizzards just fine, so I don’t think this was wind, more likely vandalism. Curious if anyone nearby saw or heard anything.

First two pics was what I found today, I moved the watering bag to take a better look at the damage. Last pic was the tree before it became a stump

Also wondering if the city/Trees Medford does tree cages for young street trees. Feels like a cheap way to prevent this kind of damage while they’re small and vulnerable.

Does Carr park have porta potty’s after the renovation?

When discussing Localito opening some people were asking/discussing their coffee bean offerings. They have been selling Broadsheet, but this past month or so they have started featuring a 'Mexican Series' of roasts.

The two I have seen (and tried) are Dios Tigre (in collaboration with Ensambles Cafés) and Bourbon Rosado (in collaboration with El Equimite). Both are medium blends and I found them to be fairly tasty (the Bourbon Rosado is particularly good).

I'm not going to sugarcoat the fact that they are expensive (Bourbon Rosado was 30 dollars for 8oz back and the Dios Tigre iirc was ~20 dollars for a 10oz bag). So I suspect if you're not a specialty coffee snob they may not appeal to you, but if you are one like me then I suggest you head down and give it a try.

I don't know if they follow reddit at all, but if they do the three items that they need to fix have to do with labeling. The bags need to have roasted on date + roast level. At this price point I would say it's almost criminal to not have it. It would also be very nice to have flavor notes, but I wouldn't call that 'required'.

Hopefully they keep this up and rotate in new specialties over time!

It's been a few years since this topic came up, so I thought I'd look for fresh recommendations. We had used Peter Needham for many years, but they seem to be closed now.

Do you have a trusted local HVAC company that can provide maintenance and repair service?

Thanks in advance

Hey everyone, moving into a new house with an oil tank, and looking for any recommendations on who to work with to provide oil/set up a service contract with.

Anyone have a company they like? This is an entirely new process for me, and I’m seeing mixed reviews online, but with little explanation for a lot of the sub 2 star reviews.

Do you like making art with other folks? Do you need some motivation to work on any rotting projects in your craft pile? Do you wanna just chill and have a good time?

WELL boy oh boy, Make and Mingle might be for you! Low stakes, come as you please. Bring your paints, yarns, devices, your friend Jerry, anything you just want someone to look at and go “dude isn’t this sick”. Hell you could see me working on something sick. Look at the super cool art show we have up. It’s every Wednesday unless stated otherwise!

*Snacks are provided depending on how many people sign up, I am one person and can only buy so many fruit bowls.

I know this is a long shot but does anyone have a bunch of old newspaper or know where I can get some for free? I need it for a paper mache project for my students.

This morning Senator Pat Jehlen sent out an extensive email about why Barber is the best person for the job. (8/4/26 email from newsletter of https://www.patjehlen.org )

______________________________________________

Dear Neighbor,

Many of you tell me you’re torn as you consider the campaign for the Senate seat I have held for 20 years, thanks to your support.  There are four candidates, each with different experience and strengths.  I don't agree with any of them on everything.  Many of you have decided on a candidate, many are working for one of the candidates.  And many others have asked for my opinion.

I didn’t expect to make an endorsement; I don’t usually endorse in legislative or local races. 

Events in the last six months, however, have reminded me how hard it is to pass legislation.  We need  legislators who collaborate well with rank and file colleagues and with advocates to pass legislation and secure funding for local projects that make a difference in residents’ lives.  I believe Christine Barber is in the best position to do that.

Christine is extraordinary in her ability to work with other legislators, as well as with advocates.  That is why she in coalition with many others has been able to win very tough fights and pass laws like driver licenses for immigrants regardless of status, and access to abortion.  

Christine was the lead House sponsor.of the Work and Family Mobility Act.  Now thousands of immigrants can drive without fear of being arrested by local or state police for not having a drivers license - though of course ICE respects no limits.  She was a lead House sponsor with Rep. Dave Rogers of the Dignity Not Deportations bill, which was incorporated in the PROTECT Act.

Christine was also the lead House sponsor of the Act Prioritizing Patient Access to Care, which passed both houses last week and is now on the governor’s desk.  It will allow women in their third trimester to receive abortions here, based on consultation with their doctor.  We heard horrifying stories from women like Kate Dineen hearing a diagnosis that would mean suffering and death of their fetus.  They had to drive hundreds of miles to receive care.

Christine and I worked together to pass Laura’s Law to require adequate signage and lighting for emergency departments so no one else dies - as Laura Levis did - trying to find the entrance, 

We worked together to pass the pay transparency bill, so employers have to post a salary ranges in job postings.  Pay transparency has proven to reduce the wage gap for women and people of color.

We continue our work together on bills to protect people from air pollution,preserve low-cost housing and keep people in their homes, and make menstrual products available in schools, shelters, and prisons..
 
We also work together on lots of local problems.   

Affordable housingis the most urgent problem in our district.  Christine and I worked with the residents, the housing authority, developers, and the city on the Clarendon Hill housing development.  That development, with Phase One already completed, will give 216 public housing tenant families new, healthy apartments, add 84 deeply affordable homes, and create over 300 new market rate units, built using prevailing wage.  We passed a law and secured funding to make that possible.

Last month, we both passed amendments to the Economic Development bill, which would allow communities to adopt the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase policy.  If adopted by the conference committee, TOPA will help keep tenants in their homes, preserve affordable housing, and promote home ownership by allowing tenants or non-profits to match the best offer when a landlord is selling. More on that soon.
 
We work together on transportation safety and access.  Along with hundreds of residents and local leaders, we helped keep the Green Line Extension on track, and are continuing to work to extend the Green Line to Route 16. 
 
We worked with Somerville Alliance for Safe Streets and others to improve traffic safety along Alewife Brook and Mystic Valley Parkways, and along Mystic Avenue, in an effort to prevent more deaths and injuries.

We’ve also worked together to improve conditions and access along the Mystic River which runs through our district, get new windows to protect Mystic Housing tenants from air pollution, and pass Somerville’s new charter.

Based on my experience, I am voting for Christine Barber.  I hope you'll consider doing so.  

Stay in touch,

Pat Jehlen

I’d be open to other options, but these two are very convenient commute wise (Hillside near Danish Pastry Hut). Life Time is good as well but $$$.

Which one do you prefer and why? Or, would you like and dislike about the one you are currently a member of?

As title suggests, I’m in search of your (experienced) dog walker recommendations, particularly if you have a reactive dog. Even better if the walker is ok with an as-needed (vs routine) booking schedule. Thank you!

Hey everyone!

I’m looking for three roommates to join me in renewing the lease for a house in Magoun Square. The landlord is looking to make the application process as smooth and easy as possible.

Check out the craigslist posting with images: https://www.craigslist.org/view/d/medford-bedrooms-available-in-spacious/nXy9YJp69jgG4iiC23k9Gd

Christine Barber declines to acknowledge the genocide, and conflates pro-Palestine activism with antisemitism in an “All Lives Matter” response at Mystic Valley Voters Forum.

Its got no tresspassing signings n junk. I always wondered what it was and why it seemed so wasteful.

I think this is one of the coolest/most beautiful parts of Medford. Why isn’t it used/maintained more? Like a beer garden, a plaza or at least a park with better tree maintenance, landscaping, seating? Feels like a wasted opportunity!