Melrose Steps Up For Ukraine: Monday Minute

Welcome to the Melrose Minute, made with your Monday Tuesday morning in mind. This space will evolve over the next few weeks, so if you have any suggestions please email mike.carraggi@patch.com.

Melrose is 4,473 miles away from Kyiv, the Ukraine capital under siege as Russia invades the sovereign democratic country in a war playing out across television screens and social media feeds.

The city is answering the call for help by former local resident and Sunflower for Peace volunteer Aliona Paladi, who took to Facebook to ask for donations for those being impacted by the war.

Mayor Paul Brodeur's office is collecting donations of medical supplies beginning Monday through March 10, with everything given being redirected via Sunflower for Peace to assist Ukrainian orphans, those displaced and others affected by the conflict.

Residents can drop off supplies, which are listed below, to Brodeur's office on the second floor of City Hall. City Hall is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Learn more about the nonprofit Sunflower for Peace here.

Urgently needed medical supplies include:

• Aspirin
• Antibiotic cream
• Antiseptics
• Burn aid
• Eye wash
• First-aid bandages
• Gloves (medium and large size)
• IV starter kits
• Medical scissors
• Medical tourniquets
• Multi-trauma dressings
• Ibuprofen
• Tylenol

What to watch for

All in one: The City Council will discuss making the pandemic-induced switch to consolidating all polling locations to the middle school gym permanent." The move to the Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School Gymnasium for September and November 2020 election proved to be an operational success," the Board of Registrars wrote in a memo last summer.

MAAV: The Melrose Alliance Against Violence is hosting its 5th annual White Ribbon Day event this Wednesday at 1 p.m. The event calls on men to participate in the effort to end violence against women.

"We are pleased to once again hold this simple but powerful event where men of all ages come together to speak out and take a stand against gender-based violence," MAAV Executive Director Rebecca Mooney said. "We see men as part of the solution to ending this problem and believe it’s especially important to involve students. They will lead the White Ribbon Day pledge, where participants pledge never to commit, excuse or stay silent about men’s violence against women."

The event will be broadcast on MMTV. The forecast is calling for 40 degrees and mostly sunny skies.

"I recognize that ending globe-wide violence against women is an unrealistic goal for our modestly sized City," Mayor Paul Brodeur said. "However, I believe that if enough men in our community can take 15 minutes out of their day on March 2, White Ribbon Day can make a lasting impact here in Melrose."

Visit www.maav.org or contact MAAV at 781-662-2010 for more information.

Open house: St. Mary of the Annunciation School will host an open house for the 2022-23 school year Sunday, March 6, from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 3, from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 pm. at 4 Myrtle St. The school offers a 3- and 4-year-old preschool, full-day kindergarten and a before-and-after school program. Pre-registration for the Open House is recommended but not required. Visit www.stmaryschoolmelrose.org/ or call 781-665-5037 for more information.

Mayoral coffee: Mayor Paul Brodeur continues his Good Morning with the Mayor initiative by inviting residents to join him at La Qchara Friday from 8-9 a.m.

What a treat

The Medeiros family baked and sold dog treats, raising more than $350 to donate to "Roll To DC" trip for local Vietnam veterans in September. L-R: Patricia Medeiros, Vivian, Eva, and Amalia Medeiros.

WHAT I ATE IN MELROSE LAST WEEK

Rising Eagle's key lime pie.

Local business shoutout

"I wanted to send along a business appreciation! (Sadly) I've never gone into the flower shops but I went into Affairs to Remember on Valentines Day (of all days) to look for balloons for my daughter's birthday. The staff was SO helpful and friendly and HAPPY on likely one of the busiest days of the year for them! I had no idea they had balloons (never going to venture to Party City again!) and just such a great, cheerful staff. Really enjoyed my experience there!"

Week in weather(.com)

Upcoming meetings

Feb. 28 — Appropriations and Oversight, 7:15; Commission on Women, 7:15; Planning Board, 7:30

March 1 — Beebe Estate Board of Trustees, 7:30

March 3 — Appropriations and Oversight, 7:30