Melrose Public Schools

For Immediate Release Contacts: Jim Bracciale and Sarah Bolha, Melrose Cultural Council Co-Chairs Email: melrosecultural@gmail.com Melrose Cultural Council Announces Second Funding Cycle for 2025 Projects Melrose, MA: The Melrose Cultural Council (MCC) has opened a second round of project funding for community-oriented arts, cultural, and interpretive sciences events and programming with broad public benefit and impact. The application cycle opens Monday, February 17, and ends Friday, March 28. The MCC’s goal is to provide financial support on a direct granting basis to a range of projects that appeal to the diverse population and cultures within our community. Information about the online application, eligibility guidelines, local priorities, and current 2025 grants can be found on our website www.melroseculture.org/apply. The MCC’s second funding cycle will total $5,500, with grants in the $250-$1,000 range. The MCC’s ability to offer this additional funding this year is due in large measure to the transfer of $20,000 from the Melrose Messina Fund for the Arts, a city- funded account administered by mayoral appointees. In September 2024, Mayor Jen Grigoraitis authorized the transfer of these funds to the MCC, which now manages this funding and awards it based upon the same eligibility requirements and priorities used in the MCC’s initial funding cycle in fall 2024. “In this transitional year, we’ve decided to open a second call for project proposals for those local artists and organizations that are unfamiliar with the MCC’s annual fall funding cycle. We’re hoping this second round of funding will bring fresh and innovative ideas for events and programming that will appeal to adults of all ages, as well as our youth, children, families, and seniors,” says Council Co-chair Jim Bracciale. “We’re expecting this next round of proposals to bring the same level of excellence, creativity, originality as our first cohort of applicants. We’re so fortunate as a city to have the caliber of talented artists, musicians, actors, dancers, and storytellers among our residents,” says Council Co-chair Sarah Bolha. The MCC’s initial 2025 funding cycle distributed over $31,000 to support to 24 arts and culture projects, spanning visual arts and performing arts as well as programming that celebrates the cultural diversity of Melrose. cultural programs to benefit residents of all ages from Melrose and surrounding communities. Grant Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must present their events and programming during the upcoming calendar year (January 1-December 31, 2025) with a local ADA-compliant venue. Applicants are urged to closely read and follow the LCC Program eligibility guidelines and local priorities on the website. Unlike past grant cycles, the MCC may now fully fund approved projects, eliminating the need for applicants to seek additional sources of funding. We do not accept requests for capital expenditures, individual scholarships, or multi-year repeating programs. We encourage first-time applications. Prospective applicants are welcome to contact the MCC to ask questions or to receive feedback on proposals before submitting. Grants are competitive and not all requests are awarded or fully funded. Priorities: Our 2025 priorities are informed by a recent community outreach survey. We are actively encouraging applications that address inclusion, diversity, and equity. Priority will be given to projects that build community through social connections and dialogue. We hope to elevate the voices and experiences of historically underrepresented groups that reflect and highlight the current and historic diversity of Melrose residents in an authentic way, through arts and culture. Projects that speak to the experience of Massachusetts artists and audiences who identify as BIPOC, Latinx, LGBTQIA, immigrant, or live with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Proposals for innovative ideas, collaborations, and new initiatives that produce free public events and activities in outdoor spaces are favorably welcomed. About the Council: The MCC is the local affiliate of the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Part of a statewide network in cities and towns funded by the legislature, the MCC is committed to supporting programs with public benefit that promote excellence, education, cultural diversity, inclusion, and equity to foster a rich and vibrant cultural life in Melrose. Grants are given to Melrose organizations and MA individuals, artists, and presenters in partnership with local organizations.

Spring Shred and Food Drive

Melrose Youth Football & Cheer Registration Information

24th Annual Trivia Bee to support the Bridge

ELPAC English Learner Parents Advisory Council Virtual Meetings March 5, April 2, April 30, June 4 7:00 - 7:45 PM https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VcWZfVgzuR-ccWNE7w64IgztLBC-FPCb/view?usp=drive_link

Opening Doors' next FREE concert and conversation welcomes the Black Legacy Project, a musical celebration of Black history. Black LP travels the U.S. bringing together Black and White artists to perform present day interpretations of songs central to the Black American experience and compose originals relevant to the pressing calls for change of our time. Links: https://www.musicincommon.org/projects Reservations https://www.eventbrite.com/e/opening-doors-presents-black-legacy-project-tickets-1145072345209?aff=oddtdtcreator

Greetings, I want to make sure that you are all aware of the WWII: Voices of Service Display and community event on this tonight from 7:00-9:00 pm. The event is co-sponsored by the Veterans Advisory Board and the Veteran Services Office and made possible by the vision, organization, and dedication of our very own Social Studies teacher, Ms. Lisa Lord. This display, in the Learning Commons, explores major events of the war through the photographs, letters, and oral histories of everyday Americans. From the attack on Pearl Harbor through the GI Bill, this traveling exhibition provides an overview of important events on the battlefield and the home front. This is the link to the exhibition guide. The exhibition commemorates WWII veterans and service members through the discovery and sharing of their stories, reminding viewers that it was individual Americans from all walks of life whose service and sacrifice led to Allied victory. Tonight's event will also include WWII artifacts, including the uniforms worn by some very significant Melrose residents as well as their letters that were sent back to Melrose. UMass Boston professor, Master Sergeant Paul Dyson, USA/MAANG will be our guest speaker. Keep Each Other Well, Mr. Merrill

White Ribbon Day, March 7

Melrose Cultural Council Announces 2025 Project Grants Melrose, MA: The Melrose Cultural Council (MCC) is pleased to announce its initial round of 2025 grant recipients, with projects spanning visual arts and performing arts as well as programming that celebrates the cultural diversity of Melrose. Drawing from 40 proposals submitted, the MCC allocated over $31,000 in funding across 24 arts and cultural programs to benefit residents of all ages from Melrose and surrounding communities. The MCC’s ability to increase the number and level of grants it supports in 2025 is largely due to the transfer of $20,000 from the Melrose Messina Fund for the Arts, a city-funded account administered by mayoral appointees. In September 2024, Mayor Jen Grigoraitis authorized the transfer of these funds to the MCC, citing at the time that the MCC’s track record of equitable, transparent, and consistent grant awards over the years was the rationale for consolidating the Messina Fund assets under the control of the MCC. “We were very fortunate this year to have the Messina Fund allocation as part of the MCC’s funding pool. Additionally, we saw a modest increase in state funding as well as the proceeds from the MCC’s first fundraising effort this past fall. Our increased funding pool will create more cultural opportunities with broad public appeal for Melrose residents and neighboring communities,” says Council Co- chair Jim Bracciale. “The caliber of the proposals we received was extraordinary, and as we launch a second wave of funding in the coming weeks to support additional projects, we have the same high expectations. While the funding for this next grant cycle will be slightly smaller, our hope is to award grants in the $250-$1,000 range,” says Council Co-chair Sarah Bolha. The full list of 2025 grantees and grant amounts is available at www.massculturalcouncil.org/local-council/Melrose . MCC grantees meet criteria laid out by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, as well as local criteria established by a 2024 Melrose community survey. The MCC is the local affiliate of the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Part of a statewide network in cities and towns funded by the legislature, the MCC is committed to supporting programs with public benefit that promote excellence, education, cultural diversity, inclusion, and equity to foster a rich and vibrant cultural life in Melrose. Grants are given to Melrose organizations and MA individuals, artists, and presenters in partnership with local organizations. Contacts: Jim Bracciale and Sarah Bolha, Melrose Cultural Council Co-Chairs Email: melrosecultural@gmail.com

Kindergarten Registration Information Night Melrose Public Schools 2025-2026 School Year Tuesday Feb. 4th at 7pm Melrose Veteran's Memorial Middle School (MVMMS) Auditorium Join us to learn more about the Kindergarten Registration Process. (Parent/Caregiver event only)

How to Start a Bike Bus March 1st.

Galentine's Mini Swap Day Wed Feb 5

Arts & Crafts Supplies Mini Swap Day Feb 1

Lacrosse registration until Jan 31 st!

Upcoming Events Programs:

Mt Hood Junior Golf Program

(w/ Trackman Golf Simulators)

Ages: 8 - 12

Days: Tuesdays

Cost:$160 per session

Time:3:30pm 5:30pm

Location:Mt Hood Clubhouse

Session I:January 28 February 18 (4 weeks)

Session II:February 25 March 18 (4 weeks)

Description:

Get ready to tee off and sharpen your skills for an exciting golf season! Our Junior Golf Program at Mt Hood is the perfect opportunity for kids ages 8-12 to build a strong foundation in golf while having a blast. Whether your child is new to the game or looking to refine their swing, this program offers the perfect mix of fun and skill development.

Each session is designed to introduce essential golfing techniques like grip, stance, and swing.Plus, kids will get to play virtual courses and compete in fun golf games using the state-of-the-art Trackman Golf Simulator. Its the ideal way to experience the game in an exciting, interactive environment that will make them eager to hit the course when the weather warms up!

Join us every Tuesday for two hours of golf fun, learning, and friendly competition.

Instructors:

Xavier Wilhelm Sagamore Golf Club

www.MtHoodGolfClub.com

Registration:

To register please visit www.cityofmelrose.org/recreation. If you have further questions please contact the Recreation Department at 781-979-4179 or recreation@cityofmelrose.org.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service January 20, 2025 9:30 am See Flyer for more details

All experience levels are invited to sign up!

Kindergarten Information Night for 2025-2026 School Year. February 4th at 7:00pm at the Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School

Teen Healthy Relationships: Parent Workshop

Register for Spring Season