Important updates from your fellow community members and local leaders. Choose from the following:

Any pet rescue organizations available to come & educate our community? We are a small non profit retirement community located in Melrose and would love to learn about the amazing work involved in rescues.

Please email: Activitiesatthefitchhome@gmail.com

Here's a brief summary of our Town Council meeting on Monday night:

- Town Clerk Betsy Sheeran discussed the preparations under way for the state primary on Tuesday, September 6th, and the general state election on Tuesday, November 8th. To vote in either election, you must be registered to vote at least ten days prior to the date of the election. Ballots for the primary election are being sent to all voters who requested mail-in ballots this week; these ballots can be mailed back to the Town Clerk, or dropped off at Town Hall. Residents also will be able to vote in-person at Town Hall prior to the date of the election, with full details to be announced soon. In keeping with the requirements of federal voting rights law, the Town Council voted to authorize the Town Clerk and Chief of Police to assign police officers to the polls to assure ballot security.

- Community and Economic Development Director Erin Kokinda gave updates on the master planning process, and a tourism grant recently received by the Town. There have been two public forums and two public surveys so far to inform the development of the master plan, with two more forums and surveys scheduled for the fall. A draft of the new master plan will be available for public comment next spring, prior to approval by the Planning Board. The $45,000 tourism grant that Wakefield received will be used to create a shop local campaign involving short promotional videos, a series of temporary signs around Lake Quannapowitt, and a town-wide scavenger hunt on September 17th.

- Town Administrator Steve Maio provided updates on several recreational projects in Wakefield. Installation of the outdoor fitness court at Moulton Park will begin later this summer. The fitness court will be installed near the existing basketball court, which will receive some updates as well. In addition, the Town is working with the Boston Bruins to explore the installation of a street hockey rink in the same area. Moulton Park also will benefit from some restoration efforts near the Albion Street entrance, thanks to the work of an aspiring Eagle Scout. Finally, work continues on the outdoor pickleball courts at Veterans Field, where we expect fencing and painting to be completed in the next two weeks.

- Now that the state budget has passed, we have confirmed that Wakefield's Chapter 70 educational aid and unrestricted general government aid will be increasing by a total of $1.4 million for Fiscal Year 2023, thanks in large part to educational funding increases resulting from the Student Opportunity Act. Wakefield also will be receiving earmarks of $75,000 to construct a public restroom at Lake Quannapowitt, and $85,000 for environmental sciences programs at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Stoneham and Wakefield. Many thanks to our legislative delegation -- Senator Jason Lewis, Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian, and Representative Donald Wong -- for continuing to deliver for our community!

- The end of the state legislation brought an extension through March 31, 2023 of the current accommodations allowing public meetings to be held virtually. Anticipating that the state ultimately may require public meetings to be held in hybrid format (both in-person and virtually), we are working to equip all meeting rooms in Town buildings to allow for video conferencing.

- After a year of public hearings, the Zoning Board of Appeals and Conservation Commission have approved the redevelopment of the property at the head of Lake Quannapowitt. The approved plan will include 440 housing units (down from the original proposal of 600+ units), a restaurant space, and public amenities including restrooms, free wi-fi, and a police substation. The developers also will be funding $1.75 million for the reconstruction of Quannapowitt Parkway, $600,000 of roadway improvements on North Avenue and Main Street, $1.3 million for environmental restoration of Lake Quannapowitt, and $200,000 for groundwater abatement projects.

Our next meeting will be on Monday, September 12th at 7:00 PM on Zoom and WCAT. Stay safe during the hot weather this week!

The 21st annual Walk of Hope for ALS, a 3.5-mile walk around Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield to benefit The Angel Fund for ALS Research, will be held on Saturday, September 10th. The walk begins with registration at 9 a.m. followed by the start of the walk at 11 a.m. The release of doves for those living with ALS and those who have lost their courageous to the disease will be held prior to the start of the walk. The Angel Fund for ALS Research is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting ALS research at UMass Chan Medical School in Worcester. ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a progressive, always fatal neuromuscular disease which leads to muscle weakness and as it progresses, results in total paralysis and the inability to speak and swallow while the mind and senses remain intact. Walkers of all abilities are encouraged to participate as individuals or as a team. To register as a walker or to register a team, log-on to The Angel Fund website at www.theangelfund.org or call the organization at 781-245-7070. In addition to the walk around Lake Quannapowitt, the event includes activities and refreshments for all walkers. Kings Dining and Entertainment of Lynnfield and Charlie’s on Main are among those who will provide refreshments for registered walkers. The Angel Fund will also honor those who have ALS and those who have lost their battle with the disease with the Faces of ALS walkway. Any participating team or individual who would like to honor a loved one with a sign can do so by emailing the photo to theangelfundals@gmail.com.. Donations to the Angel Fund for ALS Research can also be made online, or can be sent to The Angel Fund, 649 Main Street, Wakefield, MA 01880. All donations should be made payable to The Angel Fund for ALS Research. To assist its walkers, The Angel Fund for ALS Research has joined Frontstream.com which enables them to create their own webpage to raise money online. Registered walkers can create their page at https://secure.frontstream.com/walk-of-hope-for-als. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Information about sponsorship opportunities can also be obtained on the website, www.theangelfund.org, or by calling 781-245-7070.

Subaru of Wakefield Managing Partner Sal Barbagallo, center, recently donated 400 warm and comfortable blankets to the Melrose Wakefield Breast Health Center and Tufts Medical Center Cancer Center. The blankets will provide comfort and warmth to patients while undergoing chemotherapy treatments and for patients who need extra comfort after surgery, according to the staff.

Among those who participated in the donation presentation were (left to right) Joseph Barbagallo, Tamra Adams PA-S, Ashley Patridge, Dr. Salvatore Nardello, DO, Sal Barbagallo, Elena Ciulla, Dr. Xuan Luu, MD, Roselyn Fisher and Kelly Clark.

Elderly sitting: Overnight stay, prepare meals, do laundry etc. Experience taking care of my elderly mother and worked at E.E. Boit Rest Home for Women. Pet sitting/house sitting: Experience taking care of my sister's dog. Pet sitting at my home or yours. Amy Lopes 339-293-2544 or personal message me.

Dick Flavin to speak at Wakefield Retired Men's Club Dick Flavin, the Poet Laureate of the Boston Red Sox and award winning author will speak at the Retired Men's Club meeting Wednesday July 27 . The meeting is held. at the First Parish Congregational Church, (the stone church) on the lake . Meetings start at 9:30 The public is invited . Entrance from parking lot in rear of church.

Girls Soccer and Futsal Clinic in Reading 7/20, 7/27, 8/3 from 5:00-7:00pm at Reading High field house gym. Girls Ages 7-18 $120.00 https://aztecboston.sportngin.com/register/form/702775134

Goalkeeper Clinic from 5:00-7:00pm at Reading High Girls ages 9-18, $120.00 https://aztecboston.sportngin.com/register/form/328426324

Girls High School Conditioning at Austin Prep in Reading 7/21, 7/28, 8/4 from 7:00-8:00pm at Reading High field house gym. Girls Ages 13-18 $60.00 (train and futsal game) https://aztecboston.sportngin.com/register/form/134363308

Soccer and Futsal Camp at Austin Prep in Reading from 8/1-8/4 ages 4-6 from 11:00-1:00pm, $200.99 ages 7-14 from 9:00-1:00pm, $375.99 ages 15-19 from 9:00-11:00am, $300.99 https://aztecboston.sportngin.com/register/form/286899489

info@soccerandfutsal.com and 781/854-6308

The Wakefield Rotary Club is hosting a raffle to benefit local projects.

Boys & Girls Clubs Launching Summer Food Service Program in Partnership with City of Melrose

Here's what we covered at Monday night's Town Council meeting:

- We received an update from Wake-Up, the Wakefield Unified Prevention Coalition. Wake-Up's recent survey data indicate that substance use among Wakefield's youth continues to decline, thanks in part to the efforts of the Youth Action Team to engage with their peers at the high school and middle school. However, the percentage of students reporting symptoms of depression or contemplating self harm has remained stagnant, and is particularly high among students of color and gender queer youth. Moreover, a declining number of youth report being able to talk to a trusted adult, which can be a protective influence on youth at risk. Over the next year, Wake-Up is looking to recommend updates to Wakefield's alcohol regulations, to increase its interventions focused on the impact of social media misuse, and evaluate new social/emotional screening opportunities for elementary school students.

- The Town Council approved a request from the Youth Council to reduce its composition to 15 members, consisting of 11 high school members and 4 middle school members. We also voted to solicit applicants for the 1 open high school and 3 open middle school seats to be filled in September.

- We received an update on the status of the abandoned Molise building, located at 460-466 Main Street. The building has been vacant since Ristorante Molise closed in 2014, and the Council expressed concerns that its continued vacancy and general disrepair is harming other businesses in the area. The building owner appears to be working with a potential buyer, who is interested in developing a mixed use building at the site, pending the resolution of a prior oil leak. We asked that the building owner come to an upcoming Council meeting to update us on the status of the potential sale. We also asked the Town Administrator to investigate if there are any options for the Town to take possession of the property through receivership or eminent domain to assure that it is put to a productive use that will contribute to the vitality of Wakefield's downtown.

- Wakefield has received a $160,000 Mass Trails Grant to construct safe street crossings for the paved portion of the Wakefield-Lynnfield Rail Trail between Salem Street and the Galvin Middle School. This grant will allow us to open this portion of the Rail Trail on an accelerated timeline. We also are seeking additional state infrastructure funds to complete the portion of the Rail Trail between Salem Street and the Lynnfield town line. Construction on the Lynnfield portion of the Rail Trail is still a few years away due to the environment and engineering challenges involved in building a path through the Reedy Meadow.

- The Council expressed its thanks to the West Side Social Club, Wakefield Independence Day Committee, Wakefield Police Department, Wakefield Fire Department, and Department of Public Works for making this year's 4th of July festivities possible. After two long years, it was wonderful to have all of our excellent holiday activities back last week!

Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 1st at 7:00 on Wakefield Community Access Television and Zoom. In the meantime, please be sure to visit https://www.wakefield.ma.us/master-plan-project/pages/public-engagement to complete Wakefield's second Master Plan survey, which is focused on housing and historic/cultural resources. The survey closes on Tuesday, August 2nd -- please share your thoughts before then!

I am looking for advice on adding one of the new digital television antennas to the house so I can drop cable. Does anyone in Wakefield have any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

Attention Volunteers…The Garden at the Galvin Middle School Needs Your Help!

The Wakefield Food Pantry Garden located at the Galvin Middle School is growing, but we need help watering it during the hot summer months. Sponsored by Wakefield Co-operative Bank, the Garden, now in its 7th year, is a terrific community project for students and families of Wakefield.

The Garden of four raised beds was cultivated and planted this year by the students at the Wakefield Academy. Twenty-four heirloom “ Mortgage Lifter” tomato plants along with 8 zucchini plants were planted in early June. When the produce matures, students harvest and bring the fruits of their labor to the Wakefield Food Pantry. Summer school students will continue to water and nurture the gardens Monday - Thursday from July 11 - August 11, 2022.

How Can You Help? We are looking for dependable volunteers – individuals, families, retirees, members of organizations and clubs like the Girl and Boy Scouts - to help water during the weekends and the remainder of August 2022. If you would like to volunteer an hour of your time to water for a good cause, just click on this link https://bit.ly/GalvinGardens2022 and sign up for a specific time.

Wakefield Co-operative Bank was named West Side Social Club's (WSSC) Elite Sponsor of the 2022 July 4th festivities in Wakefield. Monies collected from sponsorships helped to fund children's events, the evening concert on the common and the amazing fireworks display over Lake Quannapowitt.

Featured from L to R: Elaine Guaetta, AVP Branch Manager, Lois Hayward, VP Chief Technology Officer/Branch Operations, Wakefield Co-operative Bank; Carol Hubbard, Co-Chair WSSC 4th of July Committee; Jeffrey Worth, President and CEO, Wakefield Co-operative Bank; Jim Phipps, Treasurer, WSSC; Committee Members Cathy Raimo and Claire Brown.

Wakefield Co-operative Bank once again sponsored the July 4th Wakefield Parade. This was the 75th July 4th Wakefield parade since 1922!

Shown below from L to R: Mohammed Bezzat, VP Business Development and Jeffrey Worth, President and CEO, Wakefield Co-operative Bank; Brian Fox, Wakefield Independence Day Committee (WIDC) Chair; Elaine Guaetta, AVP Branch Manager and Janet Rivers, Community Relationship Manager, Wakefield Co-operative Bank.

The Savings Bank recently presented a $500 donation to the West Side Social Club’s 4th of July Committee for its Independence Day activities. Raichelle Kallery, center, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, presented the donation to committee members (from left) Claire Brown, Bill Brown, Carol Hubbard, and Jim Phipps.

Happy Independence Day! Come join us on the First Baptist church property during the 4th of July parade. We'll share a spot of shade, water, architectural drawings of our new building (breaking ground soon!), coloring & bubbles for the kids, and a chance to pray if you wish. Let's celebrate our nation's birth together, and may God bless America! www.fbcwakefield.org

Officers and Directors sworn in for the 2022-23 Rotary Year

State Representative Donald H. Wong, center, recently presented a $1,000 donation to the Wakefield Independence Day Committee for its annual Fourth of July parade. Representative Wong presented the donation to Parade Chair Brian Fox, left, and Secretary and Fundraising Chair Amy Braid, right.

Here's what we covered at Monday night's Town Council meeting:

- The Council held its annual hearing to set water and sewer rates for Fiscal Year 2023. This is a complex decision, requiring us to forecast future MWRA fees, infrastructure repair and replacement needs, and residential water usage. We also try to balance the goals of minimizing rate increases in any one year, and smoothing out the impact of rate increases in future years. After a lengthy discussion, the Council approved a 3.5% increase to water rates, and a 2.15% increase to sewer rates, with no changes to service fees. For the average household, this translates to a net increase of about 2.5%, well below the rate of inflation.

- We received an update from the Department of Public Works on crosswalk maintenance and painting. Our contractors will be working overnight between now and July 4th to repaint all of Wakefield's crosswalks, as we do each year between late May and early July. We also discussed the fact that there are actually six different styles of crosswalks currently painted on Wakefield's roads. We will be working over the next few months to standardize how crosswalks are painted to create a more uniform approach going forward.

- We voted to appoint Councilor Bob Vincent as the Town Council's designated warrant signee. Having served as the Council's warrant signee for the last three years, I'm grateful to Bob for taking over this responsibility.

- Council Chair Mehreen Butt noted that the Town will have free rapid COVID tests available for residents. Any residents interested in picking up COVID tests should see the greeter at the front desk at Town Hall.

Our next meeting will be Monday, July 11th at 7:00 PM. Of course, Wakefield will be celebrating Independence Day next Monday with the state's biggest and best 4th of July parade, and an amazing series of events sponsored by the West Side Social Club. The weather looks terrific, and I look forward to seeing everyone out and about next week!