My regular monthly selectman office hours are at The Center on the first Friday of every month from 9:00 to 10:00 AM (this Friday).
Residents are welcome to stop by to talk in person about any town matters. Residents can also have coffee and see the Council on Aging in action (a vibrant organization with lots going on).
I can be reached via my cell phone at 508-359-9190 or my blog about Medfield matters, where any schedule changes will be posted.
Comments Off on Office Hours this Friday 9-10AM
Posted in Select Board matters
Garlick Mustard is an invasive that is best controlled by hand pulling before the seeds disburse and disposing of the pulled plants in a plastic bag in the trash. Now is the time to walk around with a trash bag and hand pull it.
The article below is from Better Homes & Gardens – https://www.bhg.com/how-to-get-rid-of-garlic-mustard-11734604
The key to getting rid of invasive garlic mustard is to catch it before it goes to seed.
By
Updated on June 18, 2025
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Garlic mustard is a problem in dozens of states, considered an invasive species in some, a noxious weed in others. Its notoriety is well deserved. Garlic mustard is a rapidly spreading, highly aggressive weed that pushes out valuable native plants, creating an ecologically damaging monoculture. Here’s how to deal with this plant pest before it takes over your yard.
It’s hard to say which garlic mustard has more of: catchy nicknames or unappealing traits. Botanically known as Alliaria petiolate, this aggressive non-native herb also goes by the names hedge garlic, poor man’s mustard, garlicwort, and jack-in-the-hedge, among others. Although it’s not the ugliest plant when in bloom in spring, those tiny flowers are a harbinger of bad things to come. Soon after they fade, a tidal wave of seeds develops, spreading the plant even more.
Originally from Europe and Asia, garlic mustard was originally introduced to North America in the 19th century for its herbal and medicinal uses and as an option for erosion control. It’s primarily found in the Northeast, Midwest, and Northwest and has spread to 37 states and 6 Canadian provinces.
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Just one plant can produce more than 7,000 seeds during its short life. With so many seeds, garlic mustard quickly forms dense stands that out-compete native vegetation. Emerging earlier than many other plants, it shades out native plants, and before long, has the upper hand in the competition for nutrients and moisture.
Although it prefers moist, well-drained soil, garlic mustard is extremely adaptable. In addition to various soils, it also accepts a range of lighting conditions from full sun to full shade. And if that isn’t enough to ensure its dominance, garlic mustard has one more trick up its sleeve: It’s allelopathic. This means its roots exude chemicals that suppress the growth of nearby plants, including tree seedlings needed for forest regeneration.
The resulting monoculture harms the biodiversity of native ecosystems. affects native insect populations, such as butterflies, looking for food sources and plants to lay eggs on.
Garlic mustard is a biennial, so it forms short rosettes of leaves at ground level the first year, then shoots up flowering stems 2-3 feet the second year. Leaf shape varies, depending on the age of the plant. First-year leaves are rounder with scalloped edges. By the second year, leaves become more triangular and heart-shaped with sharply toothed edges.
Garlic mustard is easiest to identify in late spring of its second year when leafy stalks are topped with small, white, four-petal flowers. Other identifying features include a garlicky smell when leaves are crushed, and if you dig up a plant, you’ll see the white tap root has formed into an S shape near the top.
As biennials, garlic mustard plants only live two years, so it’s important to keep them from setting seed and starting a new generation. Here are the best ways to eradicate garlic mustard and stop them from going to seed.
The best way is also the simplest: hand-pull plants, preferably after rain when it’s easier to extract the tap root. Pull at the base of the plant and try to remove all of the tap root. If possible, remove garlic mustard before it flowers. Once seeds develop, they easily burst and disperse from the long, thin seedpods, so pulling up a plant can inadvertently sow the next generation.
Use a sharp space to sever the plant’s tap root 1-2 inches deep. This removes the crown of the plant, which can resprout new stalks if left in place.
When you see garlic mustard starting to flower, cut or mow them down before they set seed. Do this throughout the spring flowering season, as additional flowers may form after your first session.
Don’t leave plants on the ground, because pulled plants can still produce mature seeds. Also, don’t try to compost garlic mustard or put it out for collection by municipal compost sources, because composting may not reach temperatures hot enough to kill the seeds.
Instead, place garlic mustard in a sealed plastic bag, label as “invasive plants,” and put in the trash. Large amounts can be secured under heavy, dark-colored plastic tarps to allow solar heat to kill the seeds, but this requires time (has to be done for a year or more) and space (can be unsightly and therefore best hidden from view).
Posted in Uncategorized
From Assistant Town Administrator, Brittney Franklin –
Fri, May 15 |
Medfield Town Hall
May 15, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Medfield Town Hall, 459 Main St, Medfield, MA 02052, USA
Join Rep. Tarsky on Thursday, May 15 at 6:00 PM at Medfield Town Hall for a community Town Hall meeting.
This event will include a brief overview of recent legislative activity, including the state budget and other initiatives impacting our district, followed by an open Q&A and discussion.
Whether you have a specific question, want to learn more about what’s happening at the State House, or simply wish to be part of the conversation, all are encouraged to attend.
We hope to see you there! If you can’t make this one, we have other events scheduled in Dover on May 21, and Needham on May 28.
As always, please feel free to reach out by email Joshua.Tarsky@MaHouse.gov if you have something you would like to discuss.
Posted in Legislature, State
This past Monday the Medfield Energy Committee and the Schools flipped the switch to officially make the solar array at the Memorial School operational. Thank you to both for making it a reality.
The Medfield Energy Committee plans more solar arrays for more school roofs as new roofs are installed and to follow up on a canopy solar array in the Medfield High School parking lot.
Chris Gordon of the Medfield Energy Committee
Town official jointly flip the switch.
FROM THE PATCH
Posted Tue, May 12, 2026 at 10:04 pm ET
Memorial School Students at “Flip the Switch” Solar Installation (Courtesy Image)
Town of Medfield “Flips the Switch” on New Solar Installation at Memorial Elementary School
374 kW project marks a major milestone in Town’s Net Zero 2050 Climate Action Plan
Medfield, MA – On May 11, the Town of Medfield hosted a “Flip the Switch” ceremony at the Memorial Elementary School to celebrate the completion of a new 374.40 kW solar array. This project represents a significant step forward in the Town’s commitment to renewable energy and long-term fiscal responsibility.
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The celebration brought together town leadership, project partners, educators, students, and community members on a beautiful sunny morning to mark the milestone. Speakers included Dr. Jeffrey J. Marsden, Ed.D., Superintendent of Medfield Public Schools; Eileen Murphy of the Board of Selectmen; Christopher Gordon of the Medfield Energy Committee; Penni Conner of Eversource; and Byron Woodman of Solect Energy. The event featured a ceremonial ribbon cutting, followed by a special “Flip the Switch” to commemorate the recent activation of the project. Residents, parents, and attendees joined the celebration, along with two first-grade classes from Memorial Elementary School.
Students created handmade posters for the event; one class designed colorful “Flip the Switch” signs, while another learned about renewable energy and created step-by-step posters explaining how solar power works. Adding to the excitement, the new solar array generated enough electricity this past April to fully power Memorial Elementary School for the month, with excess energy benefiting the town through carbon credit savings on municipal energy bills.
“The solar canopy is a great accomplishment for the town that will help secure our environmental and fiscal health for long after these children at Memorial walk through the halls of Medfield High School for graduation,” said Christopher Gordon, Member of the Medfield Energy Committee.
The Memorial Elementary installation is the latest and largest addition to Medfield’s solar portfolio, joining two existing operational sites: the Department of Public Works (DPW) building (216.50 kW) and the Thomas Blake Middle School (122.88 kW). Together, these projects demonstrate Medfield’s proactive approach to reducing its carbon footprint and energy costs through strategic infrastructure investments.
“We are implementing solar to help save the town money, reduce energy usage, and lower our carbon footprint, so this is truly a win-win-win all the way around,” said Penni Conner of Eversource. “This particular installation alone will save the town over half a million dollars over 25 years.”
The project was developed and installed by Solect Energy through the PowerOptions Solar & Storage Program. By leveraging this partnership, the Town was able to utilize pre-negotiated contracts and a power purchase agreement (PPA), ensuring a seamless development process without the burden of upfront capital costs.
“PowerOptions exists to make clean energy projects affordable and achievable – and Medfield’s new solar canopy is exactly what that looks like in practice,” said Walter Gray, Program Director at PowerOptions. “Our group procurement program opened the door with competitive pricing and a streamlined process, but it was Medfield’s determined leadership that carried this across the finish line. This solar canopy is more than an energy asset; it’s a lasting symbol of what a committed community can accomplish – and an inspiration to students and residents for decades to come. PowerOptions is proud to have helped make this happen.”
The expansion of on-site solar generation aligns directly with the Town of Medfield Climate Action Plan (TOMCAP). Following the 2021 resident vote to support a Net Zero 2050 goal, the Town has prioritized strategies identified in its Townwide Masterplan and Municipal Vulnerability Plan to transition toward a cleaner, more resilient energy future.
“The installation of solar canopies requires a strong collaboration between multiple parties, and we’re incredibly grateful for the teamwork and partnership of the Town of Medfield, the School District, Eversource and Solect to successfully complete the solar canopy,” said Byron Woodman, Senior Business Development Manager at Solect Energy. “We look forward to continuing to support Medfield as they expand their sustainability and solar initiatives and deliver long-term savings to the community.”
With the Memorial Elementary system now fully operational, the Town of Medfield continues to set a regional standard for municipal sustainability, turning climate goals into tangible results for the community and its students.
About the Town of Medfield
The Town of Medfield is committed to a sustainable future, guided by its Net Zero 2050 climate goal and the Town of Medfield Climate Action Plan (TOMCAP). Through the leadership of the Energy Committee and collaboration across town departments, Medfield continues to implement green initiatives, including large-scale solar and energy efficiency upgrades, to protect the environment and enhance the quality of life for all residents.
About Solect Energy
Solect Energy is a leading provider of solar and energy storage solutions for businesses, schools, cities, towns, and nonprofits in the Northeast, with 900+ installed projects totaling 185+ MW. Headquartered in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, Solect is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pattern Energy Group. Visit us at: solect.com.
Media Contact: Elaine Vescio, Senior Marketing Manager at Solect Energy, evescio@solect.com or 508-612-3000
About PowerOptions
PowerOptions is New England’s largest energy-buying consortium for nonprofits and the public sector, with more than 800 members across Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine and Rhode Island. A nonprofit serving other nonprofits since 1998, PowerOptions’ solar program has completed over 300 projects totaling 120+ megawatts. Learn more at poweroptions.org.
Posted in Climate, Energy Committee, Green, Schools
(6) The Town shall restrict development on Parcel B to approximately 12 acres
of Parcel B. Prior to disposition or redevelopment of any portion of Parcel B
and in any event no later than two (2) years after the conveyance of Parcel B
to the Town, the Town shall place an Agricultural Preservation Restriction
upon the remainder of Parcel B, containing approximately 27.877 acres, in
accordance with the provisions of the letter dated December 16, 2008 from
the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, a copy of which is
attached to this Agreement as Exhibit J.
(7) On or before the date which is one (1) year after the conveyance of Parcel A
and Parcel B to the Town, the Town shall place an Agricultural Preservation
Restriction upon the property known as the “Holmquist Property” in
accordance with the provisions of said letter from the Massachusetts
Department of Agricultural Resources .
(B) Survival/Enforcement. . . . in the
event that the Town does not establish the Agricultural Preservation Restriction on
Parcel B or the “Holmquist Property” in accordance with clause (A)(6) and (7),
respectively, above or require a purchaser of Parcel B or the “Holmquist Property” to
do the same, the Commonwealth may cause title to Parcel B to revert to the
Commonwealth by (i) giving written notice to the Town which notice shall state that if
the Town does not establish said Agricultural Preservation Restriction within ninety (90)
days of said notice, the Commonwealth may record with the Norfolk Registry of Deeds
a notice stating that title to Parcel B has reverted to the Commonwealth. Upon
satisfaction by the Town of the Town’s Surviving Covenants set forth in Section 6(A)(6)
NB – 1. No Obligation to Designate the 12 Acres & 2. No Fear of Reverter If Not Designated Due to 90 Day Notice & Opportunity to Cure – i.e – we would designate the 12 acres during the 90 days provided to cure after getting any notice.
For a quarter-century, the Medfield Foundation (MFi) has been a quiet engine behind some of the town’s most beloved landmarks and essential services. This year, the organization marks its 25th anniversary, and the Select Board has officially proclaimed May 10th through 16th as “Medfield Foundation Week.”
Since its founding, the MFi has supported over 50 local non-profit initiatives—such as the Hinkley Playground or the Straw Hat Park—raised funds for those in need through initiatives such as the Angel Run, and distributed more than $176,000 in grants to local nonprofits that positively impact Medfield. To celebrate this milestone, the foundation is inviting the entire community to get outside, explore our town, and join the festivities.
What’s Happening During MFi Week?
How to Join the “Map! Snap!” Raffle
Participating in the challenge is simple and offers a chance to win a Grand Prize:
Give Where You Live!
As a 100% volunteer-run 501(c)(3), the Medfield Foundation relies on the generosity of neighbors to fund initiatives like the Community Assistance Fund, local grants through our Legacy Fund endowment, and local fiscal sponsorships. Consider donating to the Medfield Foundation to keep our community thriving in these uncertain times! Visit the MedfieldFoundation.org and make a donation today! All the proceeds directly benefit the town. Large or small, your donations ensure that Medfield remains a vibrant shared community and truly makes a difference!
“We want to celebrate the last 25 years by looking forward to the next 25,” says Abby Marble, the Medfield Foundation President. “It’s a great opportunity to enjoy the spring air and see exactly how your support makes a difference.”
For a full schedule of events and the interactive challenge map, visit MedfieldFoundation.org and follow them on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
Posted in Medfield Foundation, Uncategorized
From the Democratic Town Committee chair, Becca Kornet –
Good morning and happy Friday to all!
The Democratic Town Committees of Bellingham, Dover, Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Norfolk, Plainville, and Wrentham are co-sponsoring a debate for the 7 Democratic candidates for Norfolk County DA on June 17 from 7-9PM at Medfield High School (88R South St Medfield). The debate moderator will be Kevin Kalkut.
Click here to RSVP: https://www.mobilize.us/massdems/event/916954/
Our planning committee (which may expand, and which will primarily focus on logistics and not on question content) currently includes Mendy Tarkowski, Candice Sullivan, Bruce Sawayer, Zac Calvano, and me. See attached flyer for more info, and feel free to share with your networks.
Hope to see you there!
Posted in Elections, Information
DOR has circulated the Cherry Sheets with the newly released Senate UGGA figures, in which Medfield gets about $60K more than in Gov’s version and about $90K more than in the House version:
Posted in Budgets, Financial, Legislature, State
Chris Gordon and Penni Conner of the Medfield Energy Committee have orchestrated this achievement –
Posted Wed, May 6, 2026 at 6:25 pm ET
Flip the Switch Event To Celebrate New Solar Canopy At Memorial School
The Town of Medfield will hold a “Flip the Switch” celebration on Monday, May 11, at 10 a.m. in the north parking lot of Memorial School to mark the official launch of the new solar canopy installation.
Medfield School Superintendent Jeff Marsden, Director of Finance and Operations Michael LaFrancesca and Memorial Principal Missy Bilsborough will be attending the event and brief remarks will be made from several speakers. Other Town Administration officials and members of the Select Board have also been invited. Memorial School students will also participate in the ceremony. Members of the Medfield community are also invited to attend as the Town celebrates a major step toward clean, cost-saving renewable energy.
The Medfield Memorial Elementary School solar canopy system has a capacity of 374.4 kW DC.
The project was completed in partnership with Solect Energy, a nonresidential solar and energy storage developer and integrator serving the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Hopkinton, the company provides services including design, development, installation, financing, and ongoing operations and maintenance.
Posted in Climate, Energy Committee, Green, Schools
Medfield Select Board member
I started this blog to share the interesting and useful information that I saw while doing my job as a Medfield select board member. I thought that my fellow Medfield residents would also find that information interesting and useful as well. This blog is my effort to assist in creating a system to push the information out from the Town House to residents. Let me know if you have any thoughts on how it can be done better.
For information on my other job as an attorney (personal injury, civil litigation, estate planning and administration, and real estate), please feel free to contact me at 617-969-1500 or Osler.Peterson@OslerPeterson.com.
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