Category Archives: Charity

Soles of Medfield Running Club loves the New Life 5k Trail Run

Posted on April 14, 2021 | Comments Off on Soles of Medfield Running Club loves the New Life 5k Trail Run

This Running Club loves the New Life 5k Trail Run

By Tod Dimmick

Soles of Medfield Running Club is one many teams with deep local roots that will participate in the New Life 5k Trail Run. We asked John Trigg, one of the Club organizers, about Soles of Medfield, and why they love this particular event.

Trigg said that Soles of Medfield has members from all around the “greater Medfield” area, including Medfield, Millis, Sherborn, Norfolk, Walpole and other towns. “We started as a loose collection of friends and neighbors training for a half marathon in 2015, and the team snowballed from there,” he said. He added that what evolved from a mailing list to a Facebook group is now a formal non-profit running club with a regular schedule of runs of all lengths. Trigg says team members come from all experience levels; from ‘couch to 5k’ to ultramarathoners. He said, “We’re just here to provide community and support.”

“The New Life 5k Trail Run is one of our favorite events,” Trigg said. “Not only is the event local, and benefits such a great organization, but the route and use of the state hospital sets it apart from just about every other 5K.  The course is challenging, but provides great scenery all the way around. Runners of all levels will enjoy it.” Trigg said he loves that the New Life 5K Trail Run benefits the mission of the New Life Furniture Bank of MA.

New Life Furniture Bank of MA collects high-quality, gently-used furniture and household essentials that are made available at no cost to individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness. In the midst of the pandemic in 2020, New Life found a way to safely serve almost 500 families.  The Medfield-based not-for-profit organization operates a Walpole Donation Center, and serves the MetroWest and Greater Boston area.

This year, the 5k organizers hope that participants will have the choice of whether to participate in-person on May 8th at Medfield State Hospital, or virtually between April 17th and May 8th.


New Life 5k Trail Run registration is open at www.newlifefb.org/5k, with discounts for teams of four or more.  New teams are welcome. The registration fee is $30. T-Shirts are available for purchase. Those interested in being a sponsor, volunteering, donating home furnishings, or making a financial contribution are encouraged to visit www.newlifefb.org.

Other teams participating this year include Team Babson, Yates, Walk Ins Welcome, UCC Medfield Trail Blazers, Eliot Church XC, and others.

Soles of Medfield welcomes new members. Learn more at solesofmedfield.com and on Facebook and Instagram. Questions are welcome at solesofmedfield@gmail.com. “Maybe run with us to see if you like who we are and our runs,” Trigg suggests. “Come find people to run with.”

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Posted in Charity, Entertainment, Events, Medfield State Hospital, Nature, Recreation, Sports

New Life 5k Trail Run Update

Posted on April 12, 2021 | Comments Off on New Life 5k Trail Run Update

From Tod Dimmick –

Here’s an update on the New Life 5k Trail Run. Six teams have entered already!

Tod
***

New Life 5k Trail Run Update

Now is the time to register for the 2021 New Life 5K Trail run. The event is open for runners, walkers and everyone in between. Participants have the choice of registering to run in-person on May 8th at Medfield State Hospital, or virtually between April 17th and May 8th. Each year the event brings out hundreds of enthusiastic supporters. Last year, the “Virtual 5k” was a tremendous success, after organizers offered one of the first virtual races in Massachusetts. Virtual runners participated last year from as far away as Australia!

The in-person component will only occur if Massachusetts moves into the stage of Phase 4 that allows Road Races.  The organizers will determine whether or not the in-person event will occur by April 30th (If the in-person event is not permitted, in-person registrations will become virtual registrations). The in-person 5k Trail Run will include measures to ensure safe participation, such as staggered start times throughout the day on May 8th.   

The virtual component will be structured much like last year. Participants create their own 5k route, or use fitness apps like MapMyRun and Strava, and then complete their route anytime between April 17 and May 8. Participants can log their times on RaceWire. On May 9, results will be posted and awards will be given.

The event benefits New Life Furniture Bank of MA, which collects high-quality gently-used furniture and household essentials that are made available at no cost to individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness. New Life has remained vigilant throughout the pandemic and has continued to serve people in need by finding creative and safe ways to operate online and with minimal contact.  In 2020, New Life served almost 500 families.  The Medfield-based not-for-profit organization operates a Walpole Donation Center, and serves the MetroWest and Greater Boston area. New Life provides a meaningful option for folks who are downsizing, renovating or disposing of a loved one’s property to donate their gently used goods and furniture. 

New Life 5k Trail Run registration is open at www.newlifefb.org/5k, with discounts for teams of four or more.  New teams are welcome. The registration fee is $30, and T-Shirts are available for purchase. Those interested in being a sponsor, volunteering, donating home furnishings, or making a financial contribution are encouraged to visit www.newlifefb.org.

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Posted in Charity, Events, Medfield State Hospital, Sports, Volunteers

MCPE’s OneMedfieldOnward

Posted on March 29, 2021 | Comments Off on MCPE’s OneMedfieldOnward

From Clair Meehan for MCPE –

MCPE”s #𝙊𝙣𝙚𝙈𝙚𝙙𝙛𝙞𝙚𝙡𝙙𝙊𝙣𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙 campaign starts TODAY!

All year, you have asked how YOU CAN HELP get our kids back into the classroom as safely as possible, and Monday is the time to come together and make it happen!!

Today we officially launch a 5 day fundraising initiative to help cover needs that have emerged as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as air filters, disinfecting spray and wipes. Keeping our kids, teachers, staff and administrators safe is critical, but it’s not free. Join us next week by making a donation and encouraging your friends and neighbors to do the same!

To learn more, or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit the MCPE website.

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Posted in Charity, MCPE - Medfield Coalition for Public Education, Schools

Pamela Bates, Matthew Parillo, and Kirsten Poler join MFi board

Posted on March 20, 2021 | Comments Off on Pamela Bates, Matthew Parillo, and Kirsten Poler join MFi board

Medfield Foundation names 3 to its board of directors

The Medfield Foundation has announced that Kirsten Poler, Matthew Parillo and Pamela Bates have been appointed to its Board of Directors. These appointments reflect the growth of MFi and its initiatives and contributions to the town. The MFi Board of Directors governs all Medfield Foundation events and campaigns, administers associated funds and works with local nonprofit groups.

“The work of MFi and our organizations is more important than ever in these times and our Board composition must evolve to support outreach to new residents and families in Medfield. With these changes, MFi has further increased the makeup of our board in terms of gender and career experience,” said Evan Weisenfeld, president of Medfield Foundation.

Poler is a trusts and estates lawyer who practiced at Palmer and Dodge and Wellesley College until relocating to London 20 years ago.  While in London, Kirsten worked to raise money for various nonprofits which included trekking to Mt Everest base camp for Women for Women and running several London Marathons for the NSPCC.

Having moved back recently, Kirsten has worked on behalf of the Annual Fund for Civic Leadership at the Boston Foundation, The Charles River School, and her alma mater, Amherst College. Kirsten is enjoying getting to know all things Medfield and has also joined the Conservation Commission and the board of the Cultural Alliance of Medfield.  Kirsten lives with her husband and youngest daughter and many assorted animals on their farm.

Parillo is a Massachusetts native who lives in Medfield with his wife and two children. He is the assistant vice president of communications at Brandeis University’s Institutional Advancement division. He is responsible for directing an integrated and strategic communications effort to support fundraising and constituent engagement initiatives. He has coached soccer for Medfield youth and has taught sailing at a public sailing center. He also serves as an advisor to Footnote, a MassChallenge online media company that brings academic research and expertise to a broader audience.Get the Inside Massachusetts Politics newsletter in your inbox.

Bates resides in Medfield with her husband and two children in the Wheelock School and Medfield Children’s Center. She is the chief operating officer at Shorelight, a Boston-based global education company partnering with top-ranked, nonprofit North American universities to build innovative programs and services that help talented students thrive and become global citizens. She serves on the Parent Board of the Medfield Children’s Center, volunteers for her alma mater Wheaton College (Norton) and as a mentor for Lead5050 focused on increasing opportunity for women in international education.

For information about the foundation, visit https://www.medfieldfoundation.org/

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Posted in Charity, Medfield Foundation, People

Lueders are Civic Founders of MFi Legacy Fund

Posted on March 18, 2021 | 2 comments
Photo by Colleen Sullivan

Mike & Connie Lueders and Lueders Companies are Civic Founders of the Medfield Foundation Legacy Fund

The Medfield Foundation (MFi) is pleased to announce Mike & Connie Lueders and Lueders Companies as Civic Founders of the Medfield Foundation Legacy Fund.

Mike and Connie Lueders believe in and support the Medfield community and the mission of the Medfield Foundation Legacy Fund. Mike and Connie said, “Having been residents of this community for 36 years, we have experienced the unity, support, and common goals shared by MFi. We are honored to be part of the Medfield Foundation Legacy Fund and Civic Founders.”

The Medfield Foundation Legacy Fund is an endowed fund of the Medfield Foundation, and is working to raise an initial endowment of $1 million to support non-profit and community initiatives in town. By supporting these initiatives now and in the future, the Legacy Fund seeks to assure that Medfield will have the continued support for its current and future families and provide financial resiliency to meet community needs. The endowment is being raised through “Founders” like Mike and Connie Lueders and Lueders Companies.

For almost 40 years, Lueders Environmental, Inc. and Lueders Tree & Landscape, Inc. have provided personalized landscape care services with a more thoughtful approach to the environment. Lueders Environmental provides Lawn and Plant Health Care Diagnostics and Services. Lueders Tree & Landscape, Inc., focuses on expert pruning of Ornamental Trees and Shrubs. To learn more, visit Luedersco.com.

If you too appreciate your Medfield community and would like to leave your mark on Medfield’s future, please consider becoming a Founder of the Medfield Foundation Legacy Fund. Learn more about the Legacy Fund at http://medfieldfoundation.org/legacy-fund.

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Posted in Business, Charity, Medfield Foundation, People

𝙼𝚞𝚛𝚍𝚎𝚛, 𝙼𝚢𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚢, 𝙸𝚗𝚝𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚞𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚂𝚌𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚊𝚕: 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙳𝚊𝚛𝚔 𝚂𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝙼𝚎𝚍𝚏𝚒𝚎𝚕𝚍

Posted on March 15, 2021 | Comments Off on 𝙼𝚞𝚛𝚍𝚎𝚛, 𝙼𝚢𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚢, 𝙸𝚗𝚝𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚞𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚂𝚌𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚊𝚕: 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙳𝚊𝚛𝚔 𝚂𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝙼𝚎𝚍𝚏𝚒𝚎𝚕𝚍

From Liz Whitcher for the Medfield Coalition for Public Education –

𝙼𝚞𝚛𝚍𝚎𝚛, 𝙼𝚢𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚢, 𝙸𝚗𝚝𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚞𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚂𝚌𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚊𝚕: 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙳𝚊𝚛𝚔 𝚂𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝙼𝚎𝚍𝚏𝚒𝚎𝚕𝚍 Yes, even Medfield has some scandalous history! Tickets include your choice of 3 entrees from Basil and access to a live virtual history talk with Richard DeSorgher! Optional add-ons include our signature cocktail-the Dark and Stormy and 2 of Richard’s books on the history of Medfield! #OneMedfield For more information and to sign up: https://www.medfieldcoalition.org/medfield-history-night

Comments Off on 𝙼𝚞𝚛𝚍𝚎𝚛, 𝙼𝚢𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚢, 𝙸𝚗𝚝𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚞𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚂𝚌𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚊𝚕: 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙳𝚊𝚛𝚔 𝚂𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝙼𝚎𝚍𝚏𝚒𝚎𝚕𝚍

Posted in Charity, Events, History, MCPE - Medfield Coalition for Public Education, Schools

New Life 5k Virtual Trail Run

Posted on March 11, 2021 | Comments Off on New Life 5k Virtual Trail Run

From Tod Dimmick for the New Life Furniture Bank –

The 2021 New Life 5K hopes to offer both virtual and in-person components


The fourth annual New Life 5K Trail Run will take place this spring. The event benefits New Life Furniture Bank of MA and its mission to provide essential home furnishings to individuals and families who are transitioning out of homelessness.

The New Life 5k in all its forms is open to runners, walkers and everyone in between.  Each year the event brings out hundreds of enthusiastic supporters. Last year, the “Virtual 5k” was a tremendous success, after organizers offered one of the first virtual races in Massachusetts. Virtual runners participated last year from as far away as Australia. This year, the organizers hope that participants will have the choice of whether to participate in-person on May 8th at Medfield State Hospital, or virtually between April 17th and May 8th.


The in-person component will only occur if Massachusetts moves into the stage of Phase 4 that allows Road Races.  The organizers will determine whether or not the in-person event will occur by April 30th (If the in-person event is not permitted, in-person registrations will become virtual registrations). The in-person 5k Trail Run will include measures to ensure safe participation, including staggered start times throughout the day on May 8th.   

The virtual component will be structured much like last year. Participants create their own 5k route, or use fitness apps like MapMyRun and Strava, and then complete their route anytime between April 17 and May 8. Participants can log their times on RaceWire. On May 9, results will be posted and awards will be given.

New Life Furniture Bank of MA collects high-quality gently-used furniture and household essentials that are made available at no cost to individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness. New Life has remained vigilant throughout the pandemic and has continued to serve people in need by finding creative and safe ways to operate online and with minimal contact.  In 2020, New Life served almost 500 families.  The Medfield-based not-for-profit organization operates a Walpole Donation Center, and serves the MetroWest and Greater Boston area. New Life provides a meaningful option for folks who are downsizing, renovating or disposing of a loved one’s property to donate their gently used goods and furniture.

Registration is open at www.newlifefb.org/5k, with discounts for registration before April 12, and for teams of four or more.  The registration fee is $25 “early bird” and $30 regular. T-Shirts will be available for an additional fee. Those interested in being a sponsor, volunteering, donating home furnishings, or making a financial contribution are encouraged to visit www.newlifefb.org.

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Posted in Charity, Children, Entertainment, Events, Medfield State Hospital, Nature, Sports

Tim & Linda Bonfatti – MFi Legacy Fund founders

Posted on February 13, 2021 | Comments Off on Tim & Linda Bonfatti – MFi Legacy Fund founders
We give to the Medfield Foundation Legacy Fund because we believe deeply in the local initiatives it supports, like Medfield Outreach and Medfield Cares About Prevention. Having this strong community charitable foundation helps make Medfield a special place and is the reason why we have lived here for over 25 years. Linda & Tim Bonfatti We invite you to join us. To learn more, please visit: medfieldfoundation.org/legacy-fund

If you too value what Medfield has meant to your family, invest in its future by becoming a Medfield Foundation Legacy Fund founder too.

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Posted in Charity, MCAP - Medfeild Cares About Prevention, Medfield Foundation, Medfield Outreach

Holistic Wellness Center becomes First “Civic Founder” of Medfield Foundation Legacy Fund

Posted on February 2, 2021 | Comments Off on Holistic Wellness Center becomes First “Civic Founder” of Medfield Foundation Legacy Fund

Photo credit – Jenny Moloney Photography

Holistic Wellness Center becomes First “Civic Founder” of Medfield Foundation Legacy Fund

The Medfield Foundation (MFi) is pleased to announce that Holistic Wellness Center, LLC (HWC) of Medfield has become the MFi’s first Civic Founder of the Medfield Foundation Legacy Fund. Holistic Wellness Center is owned and operated by Darrah March O’Connor and Sarah Schochet Henken. HWC is an independent wellness center that offers the best in holistic healing treatments that include (but not limited to) Acupuncture, Massage Therapy, Reflexology & Energy Work. HWC has been operating since 2010! In addition, HWC offers the best in Holistic, Metaphysical and Fair Trade goods hand selected from around the world. Historically, HWC has offered many related workshops which they plan to resume when it is appropriate and safe to do so again. Holistic Wellness Center is located in the Medfield Crossing Shopping Plaza on route 27 – right here in Medfield!

The Medfield Foundation Legacy Fund is an endowed fund of the Medfield Foundation, that seeks to raise an initial endowment of $1 million to support non-profit and community initiatives in town. By supporting these initiatives now and in the future, the Legacy Fund seeks to assure that Medfield will be able to do more of the special things in the future that make Medfield the great community that it has been for so many people and their families, and provide financial resiliency to meet future community needs. The endowment is being raised through “Founders,” who commit to contributing at least $5,000 over five years.

Sarah Henken said “We are delighted to join with the Medfield Foundation to help Medfield by means of the Legacy Fund, and we hope other businesses will consider participating as well. HWC is honored to be the first Civic Founder.” The Civic Founders are businesses who contribute at the Founder level.

If you too appreciate your Medfield community and would like to leave more of your mark on Medfield’s future, please consider becoming a Founder of the Medfield Foundation Legacy Fund. See more about the Legacy Fund at http://medfieldfoundation.org/legacy-fund/.

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Posted in Business, Charity, Downtown, Medfield Foundation, People

MFC’s letter to Medfield

Posted on January 14, 2021 | Comments Off on MFC’s letter to Medfield

From Susan Maritan, Medfield Food Cupboard Publicist –

Dear Friends of the Medfield Food Cupboard,

We are starting off the New Year with a big THANK YOU to the Medfield community for its overwhelming support during this most unsettling year. The outpouring of generosity this holiday season will be remembered as the one with the biggest impact in our 29-year history. 

The entire town – individuals, businesses, faith-based organizations, schools, town departments, and community service groups – pitched in with monetary donations, food, and volunteer hours to ensure we remained open and that our shelves, refrigerator, and freezer were filled. Your efforts  continue to make a difference every day in the lives of over 200 residents who rely on us for emergency and supplemental food. 

We served more households and children than ever before, a significant accomplishment given Covid restrictions. Your support provided needed relief to individuals and families facing financial hardships and created a happy holiday for many children, seniors, and parents. Community groups provided presents, stockings, blankets, hand-knitted gloves and hats, pies and breads, Christmas trees, gingerbread house kits, and passes to the Winter Light Show, to those who otherwise may have gone without.

We look forward to working together in 2021 as we continue to operate under the challenges of this pandemic and strive to meet increased demand for our services. Your meaningful gifts of money, food, and time are helping to alleviate food insecurity for our neighbors in need. Gratitude from clients, smiles on children’s faces, dinners on tables, and food in the cupboard for tomorrow’s meals are the best start to a New Year for one and all. Thank you, dear neighbors, for making this possible. 

Susan Gorog and Tracey Rogers
Co-Presidents, Medfield Food Cupboard

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Posted in Charity, Medfield Food Cupboard