Meet Me in Medford | Milva McDonald, Neighborhood Ambassador

By 4Squares Residential Group with Judi 411

When we introduced our new series highlighting Medford's Neighborhood Ambassadors, we talked about the people who are raising their hands, leaning in, and helping strengthen the connection between residents and City Hall.

This month, we're introducing Milva McDonald.

If you've spent time volunteering, attending community events, or following civic initiatives around Medford, there's a good chance you've crossed paths with her—even if you didn't realize it.

Today, Milva serves as chair of the Neighborhood Ambassador Initiative, but she's far more interested in building connections than collecting titles. Whether through neighborhood conversations, volunteer leadership, local arts, or civic engagement, she's spent years creating opportunities for people to connect with one another—and with the city they call home.

Read on to learn what brought Milva to Medford, why she's passionate about community building, and what she hopes the Neighborhood Ambassador Initiative will become.

What brought you to Medford, and what made you decide to stay?

I moved to Medford about 32 years ago after coming to Boston for college. I've lived in West Medford ever since—first on Auburn Street across from the Brooks Elementary School and now on Monument Street.

We've really grown to love it here. What I love most about West Medford is how friendly the neighborhood is. Neighbors know each other, they help each other out, and it really feels like a neighborhood.

I also like how walkable it is. I can walk to the commuter rail, the post office, the bank, and local businesses. It's close to the Middlesex Fells, the Brooks Estate, and the Mystic Lakes. I like having all of that nearby.

Building community has been a recurring theme throughout your time in Medford. Tell us a little about that.

I've always found myself getting involved in different ways.

When my children were growing up, I homeschooled them, and I co-founded a statewide secular nonprofit, Advocates for Home Education in Massachusetts, that continues today. I spent a lot of time talking with families, helping people find resources, and connecting them with one another.

I also served on the steering committee that launched the Mystic LGBTQ Support Network, which eventually became part of Arlington's Rainbow Commission. More recently, I chaired Medford's Charter Study Committee. Another group I've been involved with is Mothers Out Front Medford. The group does the annual Pumpkin Smash after Halloween - where kids and/ adults get to smash their pumpkins at smashing stations then it all gets composted. We also do the Kids Bike Swap and just about a month ago we managed to get new-to-them bikes to 40-50 happy kids!

One of the things I've really come to appreciate about Medford is how many people volunteer their time on boards and commissions. There are so many people quietly doing important work behind the scenes, and I don't think everyone realizes how much those volunteers contribute to keeping the city running.

I'd also love to see Medford eventually establish an LGBTQ+ commission, similar to Arlington's Rainbow Commission, and a Women's Commission like the one in Somerville. I recently attended an event hosted by Somerville's commission, and it made me think about what something like that could look like here.

There are so many ways to get involved in a community, and I'd love to see even more opportunities for participation.

How did the Neighborhood Ambassador Initiative come about, and what do you hope it becomes?

When the Mayor announced the Neighborhood Ambassador Initiative, I applied because I thought it sounded like a great way to get involved. I thought I was applying to be one of the ambassadors, but instead she asked me to chair the group.

The idea behind the ambassadors is to enhance communication between residents and City Hall.

There are already many ways people can learn about what's happening in Medford—the City website, newsletters, social media, Medford Community Media, and more—but we still hear people say, "I didn't know about that." People are busy, and it's easy to miss things.

Ambassadors are another way to enhance that communication.

I think of it as a two-way street. Ambassadors hear from residents and bring those concerns back to City Hall. We can't necessarily solve someone's problem, but we can help connect them with the right resources or make sure the right people hear about it.

It's also about community building. Maybe someone wants to organize a neighborhood cleanup or a block party and doesn't know where to start. An ambassador can help connect them with the right resources or the right people.

The program is still in its early stages, and I'm excited to see how it evolves. One of the things I hope it does over time is encourage more civic engagement. Maybe someone realizes there's a board or commission that matches something they care about and decides to get involved. I'd love to see more people discover all the different ways they can be part of the community.

What are some of your favorite places around Medford?

One of my favorite places is the dam at the Mystic Lakes.

My husband and I have a tandem bicycle, and we like to ride down there. It's a great place to watch birds, especially the eagles, and during the right season, you can see the herring run.

I also love the Farmers Market. Besides the wonderful vendors, there's always something going on—music, activities, and people gathering together. It's one of those places that really brings the community together.

Another favorite is Arts Collaborative Medford. There's so much happening there between the exhibits, workshops, the gift shop, and community events. You don't have to be an experienced artist to participate. There are so many opportunities to make something, meet people, and experience all that's happening there.

And then there are some of my favorite neighborhood spots—Goldilox Bagels, Colette Bakery, Bella Ravioli, and Magnificent Muffin. Those are places I'd happily bring someone who's new to Medford.

Photos, clockwise from upper left: The dam between the Mystic Lakes, bagels from Goldilox, a Pride flag, Milva's husband and grandkids at the Panther Cave in The Fells.

If your best friend told you they were thinking about moving to Medford, what would you tell them? I'd tell them they'll love it.

I'd encourage them to explore the city. Go to the Farmers Market. Visit the Arts Collaborative. Spend some time at the Mystic Lakes. Stop into Goldilox for bagels, Colette for pastries, and Bella Ravioli for pasta.

I'd also tell them to visit medfordma.org, scroll to the bottom of the homepage, and sign up for the City's alerts and newsletter. It's one of the best ways to find out what's happening in the community and start feeling connected.

Have a question or an idea?

The Neighborhood Ambassador Initiative is designed to strengthen connections throughout the community. If you'd like to learn more about the program, have a question about City resources, or share an idea about your neighborhood, Milva would love to hear from you.

You can reach her at medfordneighborhoodambassadors@gmail.com.

Meet Me in Medford is one of the ways 4Squares Residential Group celebrates the people, places, and everyday connections that make this city feel like home.

As we continue to highlight Medford's Neighborhood Ambassadors, we'll also keep introducing you to the local business owners, volunteers, artists, educators, community builders, and neighbors who help shape life here in ways both large and small.

Want to follow along? Subscribe to the 4Squares Residential Group newsletter to learn more about the Neighborhood Ambassadors and the people who make Medford such a connected community.