The magazine format lends itself to telling certain kinds of stories — ones that offers a deeper understanding of a person, a group, or a place. In many ways, our inaugural issue of 08055 Medford reflects the unexpected mix of stories you can expect to find in upcoming issues.
“We teach from the belief that mental health and physical health grow together,” says Megan Artman, the co-owner of MY Studio Yoga in Medford. That’s the idea behind our new profile series, “Mind & Muscle,” which explores the wellness philosophies and practices shaping the town’s fitness and wellness community. In this issue, Kelly Wittman chronicles how Artman and Pam Perini came to open MY Studio Yoga, why they find yoga restorative, and how they balance the demands of running a business with their commitment to well-being.
Our feature tracing the story of Cross Keys, a one-room schoolhouse that first opened in 1857, tells both the history of the building and how Pat Alvino, a retired teacher, developed the living history program now hosted by the Medford Historical Society. Katrina Janco captures why it has become “the best field trip” some students have ever experienced, and one that truly exemplifies the name “living history.”
This issue also contains our “Take A Bite” series, where we get to know a local restaurant and its offerings. Here, Jennifer Amato explores the culinary inspiration behind Illiano Cucina Mediterranea and why the restaurant, which specializes in old-world dishes and seafood, has remained a local favorite for more than 35 years.
And of course, each issue of the magazine offers strong photography that helps tell the story of the people and places on the pages.
I hope you find these stories insightful, interesting, and entertaining.
Enjoy!
