Articles

At Soccer Shots, character development is the foundation of their program, providing a platform for children to build confidence and develop important social skills. The Soccer Shots program provides an engaging environment that encourages children to have fun while learning the sport of soccer. Soccer Shots also incentivizes teamwork, good sportsmanship, and respect for others. Kids of all abilities and backgrounds are welcomed to join.

For 125 years, the Melrose Family YMCA has been an integral part of the Melrose community. From providing a place to swim to offering a variety of health and wellness programs, the Y is dedicated to meeting the needs of our neighbors. Whether it’s providing child care, offering enhanced fitness for seniors, or helping individuals of all ages stay healthy and active, the Y is committed to being a cornerstone in the community. Every year, the Y serves an impressive 22,000 people. The Melrose Family YMCA has been a fixture in the community since 1894. Over the years, the Y has provided programs and services designed to meet the needs of the community. With a mission to help individuals of all ages stay healthy and active, the Y offers a variety of health and wellness programs, child care facilities, and enhanced fitness for seniors. In addition, the Y serves an impressive 22,000 people annually. For the past 125 years, the Melrose Family YMCA has been a beacon in the community. From providing a place to swim to offering a wide range of health and wellness programs, the Y has been dedicated to meeting the needs of our neighbors. With its mission to help individuals stay healthy and active, the Y has become a cornerstone in the community. Every year, the Y serves a remarkable 22,000 people.

As a parent of a young dancer, you want your child to have the best possible experience when it comes to learning the art of dance. Our dance year runs from September to June, allowing your child to be immersed in a challenging yet rewarding world. We emphasize development of coordination, poise, perception, self-esteem, and physical & mental discipline in a fun and inclusive environment. We understand that cost is an important factor when it comes to enrolling your child in any activity. That’s why we strive to make our dance classes accessible and affordable for all. With our quality dance education, your child will build a special connection with the art of dance that will stay with them for a lifetime.

The Middlesex Fells has had a long and rich history. For centuries, it provided hunting and fishing grounds for Massachusett and Pawtucket (or Pennacook) Native Americans, who grew grain, corn, squash, and beans. In 1632, Governor John Winthrop named the largest body of water “Spot Pond” due to the many islands and rocks protruding through the ice. The Fells then went on to be used for farming and timber, followed by industrial activity in the mid-1800s. Finally, in the late 1800s, it was a key property in the Boston metropolitan park movement, driven by several conservationists. Today, the remaining Massachusett Tribe can be found at Ponkapoag. Parents can learn more about the Massachusett Tribe and the Middlesex Fells’ fascinating history with their children.

At Step 1 Childcare & Learning, we provide a comprehensive learning program for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and pre-K children in the Melrose, Malden, Stoneham area. We create a nurturing and stimulating environment that encourages children to explore, discover and learn at their own pace. Our caring and capable teachers offer a variety of activities and experiences to help children develop skills in areas such as language, social interactions, problem-solving, motor skills, and self-help. We place a strong emphasis on creative expression and play-based learning. We understand that parents value an open and honest relationship with their child’s teachers. We strive to create an atmosphere that fosters positive communication and collaboration between parents and teachers. Our staff is dedicated to providing a safe, caring, and stimulating environment for children between the ages of 2 months and 7 years. We are committed to helping children reach their individual potential and become confident, independent, and capable learners.

In 1994, a group of Melrose residents with a passion for the arts decided to bring the beloved ballet, The Nutcracker, to the North Shore. After a year of fundraising and forming a board of directors, they had raised enough money to pay for the beautiful costumes and scenery that make ballet productions so special. Since 1995, Melrose Youth Ballet (MYB) has made The Nutcracker an annual tradition. The production is staged annually at Melrose Memorial Hall and stars hundreds of dancers from 19 nearby communities and 33 different dance studios. Through the years, MYB has been fortunate to have many talented Artistic Directors. Denise Cecere led the production in 1995, followed by Terry Fox in 1996, Tamlyn Bernhausen in 1997-1998, Jaclyn Cronsberg in 1999, Alfonso Figuera in 2000-2001, Katie Pesce in 2002-2004, and Jaclyn Cappozzi Demianiuk and Christina Leonard-Kristan as Associated Director in 2005-2015. Travers King and Andrea Fanikos have been co-Artistic Directing since 2017. MYB is proud of its many talented Artistic Directors and looks forward to continuing the tradition of The Nutcracker for many years to come.

At Bellevue Golf Club, we offer a variety of activities for members and their families. From a round of golf on our 18-hole course to swimming in the pool, playing a game of tennis, or enjoying a meal with friends and family, there’s something for everyone. We also have a calendar full of exciting social events that can’t be missed. Wine tastings, holiday brunches, live music on the patio, unique themed dinners, and family nights are just some of the offerings. Come join us and experience all that Bellevue Golf Club has to offer.

At our music school, established in 1997, we offer private lessons on a range of instruments, including guitar, piano, bass, drums, voice, violin, mandolin, and ukulele. Our teaching staff is made up of graduates from the prestigious Berklee College of Music and experienced professional musicians, so you can be sure your children are receiving the best instruction. Through our lessons, we have helped countless students to excel in their performances both on stage and during auditions. We take pride in our track record and are confident that we can help your children reach their musical goals. Our music school is dedicated to helping children unlock their potential in a fun and creative environment. We provide private one-on-one tuition and our experienced teaching staff are here to help your children develop their skills and reach their musical goals. With our proven track record and the expertise of our Berklee College of Music graduates, you can be sure your children will get the best possible education in music.

At our school, we are dedicated to providing children in the community with a Montessori education that emphasizes the theories and principles of Dr. Maria Montessori. Our carefully structured and comprehensive curriculum is based on the physiological needs of the child and incorporates reality-based activities tailored to each child’s individual ability level and pace of learning. Our intention is to help each child develop their full potential in all areas of life. We encourage exploration and discovery as our students learn, allowing them to progress at their own rate in a safe and nurturing environment. Our program is designed to foster independence and growth in every aspect of a child’s life, from physical to emotional to intellectual. At our school, we strive to provide children and their families with a unique educational experience that respects the profound ideas of Dr. Maria Montessori. We believe that the Montessori approach is the best way to foster physical, emotional, and intellectual development in each child. Through order, structure, and reality-based activities, we ensure that each child is learning at their own pace and ability level. We strive to help them reach their full potential by encouraging exploration and discovery.

The Melrose Recreation Department is dedicated to providing exceptional recreational opportunities to residents and visitors of all ages and abilities. Our department works hard to ensure that our programs and events are of the highest quality, while also striving to keep them affordable and safe. We are proud to be able to offer a wide variety of resources and activities that help to improve the physical, social, and cultural well-being of our community. The Melrose Recreation Department is committed to providing its citizens with the best recreational experience possible. From our leadership to our events, we strive to make sure that everyone can access our opportunities, regardless of age or ability. We also take great pride in our ability to provide activities and resources that help to increase the overall well-being of our community. Whether it's through physical or social-cultural programs, our department works hard to make sure that Melrose remains a strong and vibrant place to live. At the Melrose Recreation Department, we believe in creating a better future for our residents and visitors. Our programs and events are designed to be safe, affordable, and enjoyable for all. As we continue to work towards providing quality experiences and resources to our community, we remain focused on our mission to strengthen Melrose and improve the social-cultural and physical well-being of its citizens.

We offer a wide variety of different classes and programs for all ages. Whether you are just starting out or are a seasoned musician, we have something for everyone. Each class is tailored to the student’s individual needs and interests. Our teachers are passionate about sharing their knowledge and inspiring their students to reach their musical goals. At Music 101, we strive to create a supportive and fun learning environment. Our modern facilities are designed to provide a comfortable and inspiring atmosphere for our students. We also have a variety of special events throughout the year, such as recitals and master classes. Music 101 is the perfect place to start your musical journey. Our experienced and talented staff will help you develop the skills and confidence needed to become a successful musician. We look forward to having you as part of our musical family!

At Follow Your Art Community Studios, we believe that everyone is capable of creating art. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds, identities, and economic situations. We believe that an environment of creative freedom will inspire and encourage growth and discovery in all who enter. We strive to provide access to a variety of creative arts, crafts, writing, and performance opportunities, in addition to community space for private and public events. Our goal is to foster a supportive and vibrant creative community that celebrates the beauty of the arts!

In 1971, a group of citizens from the Melrose community, including members of the First Congregational Church, set out to create the Melrose Day Care Center, Inc. (MDCC). The Church provided much needed space for the center, which has served the community ever since. Amy Spollett and Janet Runge were instrumental in starting MDCC, and both women continue to serve on the Board of Directors today. Amy's dedication to MDCC was evident as she served on the Board for 35 years before her passing in 2015. MDCC continues to thrive as a testament to the vision of the founders.