Category Archives: Children

Medfield TV’s 2nd Scarecrow Spooktacular 10/19, 12-4 PM

From Katie Duval, Executive Director, Medfield TV –

Medfield TV’s 2nd Annual Scarecrow Spooktacular festival is scheduled for Saturday, October 19th from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM at Baxter Park in Medfield, MA. Kids of all ages are in for a treat!

The main attraction is a scarecrow contest, which registrants make in advance and bring to Baxter Park. These fun creations are put on display for the community and a panel of judges  to view. Prizes are awarded to winners in these categories: Most Creative, Spookiest, Wackiest, Most Dazzling, and Community Favorite. You can register online by visiting www.medfield.tv/scarecrow

Sponsorships and Vendor opportunities are still available! Get your brand out to the Medfield community and beyond, while supporting your local community media center. Contact scarecrow@medfield.tv to inquire.

Medfield TV is a non-profit community media center serving the residents of Medfield. All proceeds from the event support the organization’s mission to provide media access and education to Medfield residents, students, and employees. For more information, visit www.medfield.tv

Medfield TV’s Scarecrow Spooktacular – 12-4 on 10/19

From Katie Duval, Executive Director of Medfield TV –

Medfield TV’s 2nd Annual Scarecrow Spooktacular festival is scheduled for Saturday, October 19th from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Medfield TV’s 2nd Annual Scarecrow Spooktacular festival is scheduled for Saturday, October 19th from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM at Baxter Park in Medfield, MA. This all-ages event will bring a jack-o-lantern-sized smile to your face this Fall!

Local businesses, crafters, and artisans are encouraged to show off their goods by reserving space for a booth. Now through August 20th, Medfield TV is offering a $60 “Early Bird Special”. Registration increases to $75 on August 21st. Save $15 by registering today at www.medfield.tv/scarecow

Sponsorships are also available until August 20th. Email Katie Duval at scarecrow@medfield.tv if you’re interested in sponsoring this event.

In addition, scarecrow registration is also open on the site. Individuals/families, nonprofits, and businesses can register now through October 12th.

Medfield TV is a non-profit community media center serving the residents of Medfield. All proceeds from the event support the organization’s mission to provide media access and education to Medfield residents, students, and employees. For more information, visit www.medfield.tv

MEA’s EV Car Show Sunday 1-3 – test drives & ice cream!

From Chris Gordon, Medfield Energy Committee.

I just wanted to give you our latest flyer that has updated information, including we will have EV BMWs for test drives, and what my kids are most excited about, an ice cream truck.

Team Kathy!

Kathleen Thompson, RN

Representative Denise Garlick, the Board of Health, and Dale Street School Principal Stephen Grenham all honored the long time Dale School Nurse, Kathy Thompson, at the Select Board meeting this week, after her recent retirement. Rep. Garlick shared a proclamation from the Legislature, Carol Read delivered the comments below from the Board of Health, as did Dale Principal Steve Grenham. –

Board of Health’s Remarks on Kathy Thompson

November 28, 2023                                                                                   Medfield Select Board

As members of the Medfield Board of Health we extend our sincere thanks to Denise Garlick for giving us this opportunity to honor and thank our friend and fellow board member Kathy Thompson.

Kathy joined our BOH during the start of the COVID 19 pandemic, while working tirelessly to support school youth and families through unpresented times she said yes and joined us!

At that time, Town public health nursing services were contracted through the Visiting Nurse Association so basically Kathy stepped in to guide us all through COVID prior to Brenda joining the town full time.

Time and time again we have heard residents share how grateful they were for Kathy’s calm, compassionate conversations – dispelling fears and offering evidence-based guidance during illness. She attended each of our weekly Zoom meetings- offering all of us guidance and hope!

Over the 40 years or so Kathy has lived in Medfield so many of us have had the opportunity and blessing to be touched by her kindness and genuine concern for our well-being – or the well-being of our family members.

Some know Kathy as a neighbor, some know her as a fellow school parent – raising our children together, standing on the sidelines in all kinds of weather- some know her as a School Nurse and, as our Public Schools School Nurse leader for over 20 years…

Others know Kathy through her extensive volunteer work with many community organizations such as the Hannah Adams Women’s Club, as Chairperson of the Medfield Home Committee and an active member and leader of the prevention and wellness coalitions under Medfield Cares About Prevention.

Although as town residents we know her through a variety of different roles- and through her work with diverse town groups – what is clear and consistent to residents she has connected with no matter which role – are the qualities that set her apart as a person: empathy, genuineness and humility- and her consistent, quiet, unwavering commitment to go above and beyond to help and to heal…

Kathy, you have gone beyond the limits of school ages and grades and beyond the walls of our school buildings – into the community- extending yourself to philanthropic, charitable efforts, as an advocate for youth and adults to enhance mental health and to prevent substance use, to participating in the traditions of strong Medfield women to build community and champion our high school students and of course, serving faithfully on our Board of Health!

You are a hero – a true gift to our town!

Kathy, you live the definition of kindness and selfless service to others – all age residents in our community have benefited from your generosity of spirit and patience and of course your experience as a nurse practitioner. We thank you so very much!

Melissa Coughlin- Holly Rand – Carol Read- Steve Resch, Jeff Kane  

Principal Stephen Grenham, Dale Street School’s Remarks on Kathy Thompson

Good evening! My name is Steve Grenham and I am the proud principal of the Dale Street School.

I had the privilege of working alongside Kathy Thompson from 2015 until her retirement this past June.

Throughout our time together, Kathy consistently showed unwavering commitment to the well-being of every student and staff member at our school and in our district.

This was never more evident than during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the face of unprecedented challenges, Kathy’s extraordinary compassion and determination shined brightly.

  • Kathy not only visited people’s homes to ensure their health and safety, but she also made herself available at Dale Street during early mornings and late evenings for anyone who needed help.
  • In a remarkable effort, Kathy organized 16 COVID Vaccine Clinics for students and families. I want to give a special shout out to Kathy’s husband, Newton, who worked tirelessly at all of these clinics.
  • Kathy worked incredibly hard to compose numerous informative health memos for families, staff, and the administrative team to keep us all educated with the most updated information and safety protocols. I can personally attest that Kathy spent an exceptional amount of time, staying late into many evenings, to ensure we were all as prepared as possible.
  • As if that wasn’t enough, Kathy even opened up her home garage to assess and assist those in need, demonstrating an amazing display of selflessness.

Kathy Thompson’s tireless dedication to the health and welfare of the Medfield school community has left an unforgettable impact, making her an exemplary and forever cherished member of our team.

School Committee slot opens due to resignation – apply by 11/22/23

From Michelle Kirkby –

Subject: Medfield School Committee Vacancy

The Medfield School Committee has a newly open vacancy.  The School Committee and Select Board will be making a temporary appointment to fill the seat until the next election in 2024. If you are interested in being considered for the temporary appointment, please email scchair@email.medfield.net no later than Wednesday, November 22 at 5 PM. 

For additional info, please consult SC policy BBBE: https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/775/Medfield_Public_Schools/2755826/Section_B_-Board_Governance_and_Operations.pdf

Hinkley Helpers reports status

Mon, Jul 31 at 11:00 AM

Hinkley Helpers Reveals Fun, Inclusive Playground Design to be Built

$10,000 left to fundraise, final deadline to buy a brick is August 31st 

Medfield, MA, July 31, 2023 — Zipline! Friendship swings! Ninja Wall! Oh my! Nearly a year since launching its fundraising campaign, Hinkley Helpers, an initiative of the Medfield Foundation Inc., has revealed the final playground design to become a town destination at Stephen Hinkley Memorial Park. After thoughtful deliberation between the Medfield Parks and Recreation Commission and Hinkley Helpers, the two committees selected local New England playground expert Childscapes to build a fun, inclusive playscape for generations of children, parents and caretakers to enjoy. To add the zipline, Hinkley Helpers needs to raise $10,000 and will extend its buy-a-brick campaign to a final deadline of August 31, 2023.

The playground design was chosen for the diversity of play offered for all ages and abilities and considerably updates the nearly thirty-year-old playground currently at Hinkley Park. The new playground will allow for progressive play, aging up equipment to accommodate and challenge children of all ages and abilities, which was significantly requested by the Hinkley Helpers’ initial community survey. With these modern components, accessible poured-in-place ground cover, and additional benches and tables, every child and caregiver will have the opportunity to enjoy a new town destination.

“Buy a Brick” Deadline is August 31, 2023

To buy a brick, please visit https://tinyurl.com/Hinkley-Helpers, select the $150 (4×8)  or $250 (8×8) option on the “Hinkley Helper Brick Campaign,” and complete the informational form on the same site.

Mail-in forms for the bricks are also available at The Medfield Town House (459 Main Street). Please make a check payable to Medfield Foundation Inc. with a note in Memo: “Hinkley Helpers Brick” and drop it off or mail it to: 

Medfield Foundation

c/o Medfield Town House

459 Main Street

Medfield, MA 02052

Bricks must be inscribed with names only (e.g., The Roberts Family, Barbara Millicent Roberts, In Honor of Barbie, In Memory of Kenneth Roberts, etc.). “Founding Family” donors ($1,000 Giving Circle) will have a special designated engraved paver denoting Founding Family, when a paver is purchased. Hinkley Helpers aims to preserve the bricks currently at the playground from when it was last built in 1996. 

Donate today! $10,000 needed to fund Zipline!

Every contribution counts! Donate any amount – $10, $25, $500, join the “Playground Pals” or “Founding Families” by visiting www.hinkleyhelpers.com. Checks can be made to The Medfield Foundation with memo “Hinkley Helpers.” To date, “Gold Level” sponsors include The Blue Moon Bagel Cafe, Roche Brothers, and Park Street Books & Toys, and many businesses, individuals, and families have also kindly contributed. For donations and sponsorships of more than $5,000, please email hinkleyrebuild@gmail.com

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About Hinkley Helpers

Founded in 2022, Hinkley Helpers, an initiative of the Medfield Foundation Inc., is driven by a mission to fundraise, plan and rebuild a safe, fun and inclusive playground at Stephen Hinkley Park. To learn more, visit www.hinkleyhelpers.com and www.facebook.com/HinkleyHelpers.

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MFi 2023 Summer Camp Fund Appeal

Medfield Foundation 2023 Summer Camp Fund Appeal

Adults and children throughout Medfield have happy memories of summer camp. From a traditional experience in the woods to skill building to specialized camps, many Medfielders cherish these summer camp experiences and the friends they made there…

How would you feel if you were left out of that rite of childhood summers?

Before the summer camp season begins, the Medfield Foundation (MFi) board wants the town to know that there is a higher and significant need for assistance by Medfield families whose children yearn to attend camp, but because of difficult financial situations at home they would be unable to attend. It can be particularly challenging to grow up in an affluent community, but not have the resources of friends’ families. 

The Medfield Foundation encourages you to make a tax deductible donation to help Medfield children attend summer camp! There are easy ways to make your donation or to find out more:

  1. Send your check to the Medfield Foundation, PO Box 745, Medfield MA 02052. Please make your check out to Medfield Foundation, Inc and then please write “CAMP” in the memo line! 
  2. Use this link to donate:  http://medfieldfoundation.org/donate/ 

Want more information before donating? We invite you to reach out: 

MFi President Kirsten Poler, kirsten@medfieldfoundation.org

Or

MFi Treasurer and Founding Member Abby Marble  

email: treasurer@medfieldfoundation.org

Over the past six years, the Medfield Foundation Board responded to this unmet need by creating the Children’s Camp Fund. Together with the generosity of our Medfield donors, well over $45,000 has been raised, which ensured summers full of Medfield’s Parks and Recreation Summer Adventure Camp weeks, along with other Medfield based camps. Scores of children from our town experienced the special magic of a variety of summer camp sessions and swimming at Hinkley Pond. As a result of that success the Medfield Foundation Board unanimously voted to make the Children’s Camp Fund an ongoing fund, and this year hope to raise even more due to financial constraints as a result of significant increases to electricity, heating, food, and other necessities. 

We hope you will thoughtfully consider donating to the MFi Camp Fund so children who would otherwise be unable to go to camp can experience that rite of childhood summers!

And if you are need of financial assistance for your children to attend a Medfield based summer camp, please do not hesitate to contact Medfield Outreach by calling 508-359-7121 x3421 or x3422 or via email at this address: medfieldoutreach@medfield.net. 

Did you know… 

The Medfield Foundation (MFi) is a 100% volunteer run 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable corporation whose mission is to enrich the lives of Medfield residents, build a stronger community, and facilitate raising and allocation of private funds for public needs in the town of Medfield. Since its inception in 2001, the Medfield Foundation has raised over $2 million to support community-wide initiatives in Medfield. 

MFi was founded on the realization that some residents were interested in contributing more than town taxes to support projects and services that would enrich life in Medfield. Annual fundraising revenue varies each year as the initiatives and needs in the town change. You are urged to go to http://medfieldfoundation.org/.

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Submitted by Bonnie Wren-Burgess,

Medfield Foundation Inc. Board Member

NLFB’s 6th annual 5k Trail Run and Kids Fun Run – 5/13

From Tod Dimmick –

The 6th New Life 5k Trail Run hits the trails on May 13th  

New Life Furniture Bank is excited to host its 6th annual 5k Trail Run and Kids Fun Run, on Saturday, May 13th on the Medfield State Hospital grounds (at Hospital Rd. & Service Dr., Medfield, MA). The route winds through the beautiful Charles River Reservation, and the event is open to runners, walkers and everyone in between. Bellforge Arts Center will host a live DJ, food trucks, and fitness activities. 

Trail Run registration is open at newlifefb.org/5ktrailrun. An “early bird” discount  of $25 is available until April 29; after that registration will be $30 until May 11; and $35 on race day. On-site Kids Fun Run registration will be $5. There is a $5 group discount for teams of four or more when the registrations are made at the same time.  On-site registration opens at 9:00 am on race day. Children ages 4-10 are invited to join us for the Kids Fun Run at 10:00 am, and the Trail Run starts at 10:30 am, with live music to follow. The first 250 people to register will receive a t-shirt on race day.  

The Trail Run benefits New Life Furniture Bank of MA and its mission to provide gently used household furnishings to individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness.

The  Medfield-based non-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.  

“Last year, New Life served over 700 households and the demand for our services is greater than ever,” noted Rich Purnell, Executive Director of New Life. “The Trail Run is a fun and effective way to make a difference for the individuals and families we serve as we empower them with the means to furnish their homes.” Over the years, the Trail Run has become a community-building event and New Life is grateful to Bellforge for collaborating to enhance the race atmosphere.  

Those interested in being a sponsor, volunteering, donating home furnishings, or making a financial contribution are encouraged to visit www.newlifefb.org.  

Hunter’s Run coming April 2

From Matt Parillo –

Hunter’s Run Foundation

Home

Hunter’s Run Foundation was founded by Kristen Williams.  It serves to bring awareness to Organ Donation.  Kristen Williams’  14 year old son is a two time double lung transplant recipient.  Hunter had his first transplant at 21 months old.  He was blessed to have his second in July of 2015. In late 2022, Hunter had a kidney removed and is battling cancer. He is undergoing chemotherapy but still enjoys getting out and exercising all that his body will allow him.​ Hunter is hoping to be able to ride his bike around the course this year!!

We are so excited to announce April 2, 2023 will be the 8th Aunnual Hunter’s 5K Run and 1 mile Fun Run. This is Hunter’s Run Foundation’s  8th consecutive year raising funds for Boston Children’s PediatricTransplant Center. These funds go to familes who are currently in the hospital with their sick child. Funds go to help with housing, food, and parking amonst other family needs (as Boston Children’s sees fit). These funds help families focus on what is important during which could be the most tramatic time in their life.  Our 2022 donations allowed us to gift Boston Children’s Hospital $10,000. We also donated to Donate Life New England. We hope to do the same in 2023!!!

Hunter’s Run Foundation’s mission is to bring awareness to the importance of Organ Donation.  It also serves to help various organizations such as Boston Children’s Hospital and Donate Life. 

Help the Angel Run

Help out Medfield’s Most Family Friendly Event!

From Meg Foley –

We still need bananas and apples for the day of the race. The more we get donated the less money we have to spend! 🙂 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090844a8ad28a3f85-angel1

Feel free to share the link w/ friends, post it, text it! 🙂