By 4Squares Residential Group with Judi 411
Welcome to Meet Me in Medford, where we spotlight the people who make this city a vibrant and connected community. Medford isn’t just a place—it’s an experience shaped by the stories and dedication of its residents.
This month, we’re introducing School Committee member John Intoppa, a lifelong Medford resident with a passion for connection and community. From his childhood days spent exploring neighborhood backyards to his deep appreciation for the small businesses that make Medford unique, John’s story is one of hometown pride. Whether it’s advocating for mental health, finding hidden gems in Haines Square, or sharing his vision for the city’s future, John exemplifies the spirit of Medford as a place where involvement transforms lives.
Let’s dive into John’s Medford—his favorite spots, his reflections on growing up here, and why he believes Medford is truly what you make of it.
What makes living in Medford so special is the diverse mix of residents—some are lifelong locals, while others have moved here from afar. You’re a Medford native. Tell us about growing up in Medford.
I was born and raised in Medford, specifically in North Medford/Fulton Heights, and I've lived in the same house my whole life—23 years and counting. I wouldn't have it any other way.
I attended Medford schools, starting at what is now Missituk Elementary and then Andrews Middle School. I chose Andrews because I loved their art department and because my elementary school teacher, Mr. Szykniej (Orchestra), taught there, too. After that, I graduated from Medford High in 2019 and went on to study industrial design at MassArt.
Now, I work at MassArt as the program coordinator of student engagement, focusing on community building and social-emotional learning outside the classroom. I oversee the MassArt Activities Council, handle catering & supply orders for the student government association, manage veterans programming, civic engagement and work with student orientation. In short, I make the campus feel like a community. It’s a lot of fun, and I can definitely see how my experience growing up in Medford shaped my work today.
That’s a great segue into discussing your path to public office and your run for School Committee. What inspired you to run?
I got into public service in high school, running for class president a couple of times before finally winning senior year. I loved the work, even though student government mainly focused on planning prom , some decision-making, and with things like special events. The real turning point came when I was venting about something at the dinner table, and my mom suggested I run for the School Committee jokingly. I had no idea you only had to be 18, so we pulled the papers the next day.
While I had an overall positive experience in Medford Public Schools, I noticed areas that needed improvement, particularly mental health and school safety—often interconnected issues. As a student with a 504 plan and ADHD, I faced challenges navigating support systems and saw the stigma surrounding mental health & disabilities firsthand. At the same time, growing up during the era of school shootings like Marjory Stoneham Douglas and Sandy Hook left me deeply concerned about outdated safety protocols. These experiences drove me to run for office, advocating for better mental health support and modernized safety measures to create a more secure and supportive environment for all students.
I believe it’s essential for students and families to see themselves reflected in the people who represent them. As a theater kid with tattoos and ADHD, I wanted to be someone the community could connect with and relate to. That’s why I always keep my sleeves rolled up, wearing my tattoos with pride. I’m not hiding who I am—I want others to feel empowered to embrace who they are, too.
I grew up inspired by so many people in the community—teachers, coaches, and school leaders—who were deeply involved in every aspect of school life. They showed what it meant to truly be present and connected. Whether it was State Representative Paul Donato reading with the Kiwanis Club at our elementary school, former School Committee Members Kathy Kreatz and Mea Mustone at every drama & athletics event, or City Council Member George Scarpelli coaching our AAA baseball team, these people cared and showed up. Seeing their commitment made me want to be that kind of person for students—a role model who is visible, engaged, and dedicated to building community.
Since being elected to the School Committee, one of my favorite moments was reading to a first-grade class in the same classroom where I was once a student. It was a full-circle moment for me, showing how deeply connected I felt to this community.
It’s clear that connection and community mean a lot to you, and you’ve mentioned some incredible role models. I’m curious—what was your neighborhood experience like growing up in Medford?
Growing up in my neighborhood was great. The way our backyards were connected made it easy for the kids on the block to hang out and do everything together. I love the small area around Haines Square. It was such a tight-knit community with great spots like Modern Hardware, where I worked for four years. Working with George and Dave was a highlight—it's really a hidden gem in the neighborhood.
The neighborhood has so much personality, with places like North Medford for Little League and traditions like watching the Fourth of July fireworks. We’d head to a spot on the hill where you could see the Boston skyline. We’d watch them start on TV, sprint outside, and have the best view without needing tickets. Moments like those, combined with the camaraderie among neighbors, defined the sense of community. People looked out for each other, and I feel fortunate to have experienced that.
What are some of your favorite hidden gems here in Medford? If someone were just arriving in Medford, what or where would you encourage them to go first?
I’ve got a few hidden gems in Medford that mean a lot to me, especially as someone with a severe nut allergy. Finding places where I can eat safely without constantly being on edge has always been a challenge, particularly growing up. But the small business community here, especially the restaurants, has been incredible.
Dempsey’s was always a go-to for me, and in North Medford, the spots around Haines Square have been lifesavers. For example, the Iris Family Restaurant in Haines Square is amazing. It’s a comfort food spot with a mix of Hispanic and American dishes. I’ll never forget my first time there—I told Noe there about my allergy, and he went above and beyond. He checked everything, and when he couldn’t guarantee the hamburger roll was safe, he got creative and made me a cheeseburger sub instead—that kind of care sticks with you.
Other staples for me are Joan at The Magnificent Muffin, where they’re always super accommodating despite having nuts on-site, and places like Raso’s Bar & Grille, The Ford Tavern, and Goldilox. Goldilox, being more of a bakery, could’ve been tricky, but they’ve always been phenomenal.
These places aren’t just about the food—they’re about the sense of comfort and trust. I know I can walk in, and either they already know my allergy from seeing me regularly, or they just take it seriously. It’s such a relief. I haven’t tried some of the newer spots, like Deep Cuts, but my old reliables—Dempsey’s, Goldilocks, and The Magnificent Muffin—are hard to beat.
Clockwise, from top left: Youth baseball at Gillis Field in North Medford, bagels from Goldilox, fireworks in Boston, John Intoppa and the School Committee at City Hall.
What would you suggest to someone who was considering a move to Medford?
If someone asked me about moving to Medford, I’d probably say, “Buckle up!” because there’s always something happening here. While we might not have a ton of nightlife, being so close to Boston means getting to spots that do is easy. That said, the housing market is a challenge—it’s expensive, and finding a place takes effort.
On a serious note, I’d tell them to get involved in the community because Medford is what you make of it. Being part of local events and organizations or getting to know people makes a huge difference. I was lucky—my parents were super involved, so I grew up tagging along with them and building connections from a young age. That’s shaped how I experience Medford even now.
We’re a city that’s always evolving, and while there’s still room for growth, the more you engage, the more rewarding it is. Medford is a place where a little effort goes a long way toward feeling at home and thriving.
Inspired by John Intoppa’s commitment to community and his vision for improving Medford Public Schools? Connect with him to learn more about his initiatives, share your ideas, or explore ways to collaborate.
Reach out to John at jintoppa@medford.k12.ma.us or follow him on Facebook to stay informed about his work on the School Committee and his efforts to shape the future of Medford schools.
You can also explore his work as an industrial designer and sculptor at www.johnintoppa.com.
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