From Emily Lowney of the Medfield Energy Committee –
Medfield Energy Committee Announces Heat Pump Pizza Party
The Medfield Energy Committee will hold a Heat Pump Pizza Party on January 29th at 12:00 p.m. at the Center on Ice House Road, as part of the Council on Aging’s Lunch and Learn series. If you have ever wondered about incorporating heat pumps for heating and/or cooling your home, this is sure to be an informative community event.
Greg Sine, an energy efficiency consultant with Eversource, will discuss how investments in efficiency upgrades can make your home or business more comfortable and less expensive to operate. Greg will also discuss the technology behind heat pumps, what makes them so efficient compared to traditional systems, and how their adoption might impact your energy bill — with special consideration of the new residential heat pump rate.
The Energy Committee will also share information about a new Building Code that residents will be asked to vote on at Town Meeting in 2026. The Specialized Code, if adopted in Medfield, would require new homes to be built to increased energy efficiency standards.
Please pre-register for this event by calling the COA at 508-359-3665 by January 27th.
Posted onOctober 13, 2025|Comments Off on Energy Com. Info Sessions on Coming Specialized Energy Code – 10/22
From the Medfield Energy Committee –
Medfield Energy Committee Educates the Public about the Specialized Building Code
The Medfield Energy Committee will hold two public forums on Wednesday, October 22nd to discuss a new building energy code known as the Specialized Code. Medfield residents will likely be asked to vote on adoption of the Specialized Code at Town Meeting in 2026, and MEC is continuing to educate the public on this topic. Fifty-five other towns in Massachusetts have already chosen to adopt this code.
The Specialized Code requires new construction, only, to be built to increased energy efficiency standards. It is very important to note that the Specialized Code DOES NOT affect any existing homes, renovations/additions to homes, or historic homes. Under the Specialized Code, new buildings can comply by being built all-electric (meaning no oil, gas, or propane fuel is used anywhere in the home). If a new building’s design includes the use of some fossil fuels for heating, cooking, etc., this is still allowable under the Specialized Code, but the code requires that such buildings be pre-wired for future electrification, and to have on-site solar generation.
The Medfield Energy Committee supports adoption of the Specialized Code, given that it is an opportunity to ensure that new buildings in town are built to the best available energy efficiency standards. Additionally, enhanced state funding is available to towns that have adopted the Specialized Code and fulfilled other requirements, as part of the Climate Leaders Program, the next tier of the Green Communities program. Medfield has already received $666,000 in funding under the state’s Green Communities program, and would be eligible for continued and enhanced funding opportunities as a Climate Leaders community. These grants have allowed Medfield to install energy efficient upgrades in municipal buildings and schools when equipment needed replacing, leading to energy savings and reduced carbon emissions.
The forums on October 22nd will be held via Zoom, and will offer two separate sessions. Session 1, beginning at 5:00 p.m., will be geared towards construction professionals, and will include technical information and time for feedback. Session 2 will begin at 7:00 p.m. and is intended for the general public. The Zoom links for these sessions can be found at the MEC website: https://www.town.medfield.net/2308/Specialized-Code
Comments Off on Energy Com. Info Sessions on Coming Specialized Energy Code – 10/22
Medfield Community Electricity (“MCE”) 1st Year, Midterm Report
What is Medfield Community Electricity?
MCE is Medfield’s electricity supply program designed to provide Town residents and businesses with regulated (DPU and Town oversight) alternatives to Eversource’s Basic Service supply offering and offerings from third party suppliers by leveraging the town’s collective buying power. This program was approved by the Medfield Town Meeting in 2021, approved by the Department of Public Utilities in January 2024 and implemented month end in June 2024. Nearly 170 other cities and towns in Massachusetts, including Millis, Walpole and Westwood have similar programs.
Benefits, in summary
Price stability: contract duration 30 months, June 2024 – December 2026 with a set price.
Eversource renews its Basic Service contract every 6 months with probable rate change at each renewal.
Price competitive: all 3 MCE Plan rates have performed favorably to Eversource’s Basic Service Rate to date, saving subscribers money.
More Renewable Energy Consumption: Under MCE, there has been an increase in percentage of power consumed from renewable sources over that of Eversource Basic Service and State mandate. This has removed carbon dioxide that, otherwise, would have been emitted into our atmosphere, a positive environmental impact.
What are the program options?
3 program options: Medfield Basic, Medfield Standard, Medfield 100
Medfield Community Electricity Program Options
Medfield Basic (Equivalent to Eversource Basic Service)
Medfield Standard (default registration)
Medfield 100
Eversource Basic Service- Residential
Price
$0.1265/kWh
$0.13063/kWh
$0.14108/kWh
$0.14884/kWh
Additional Renewable Energy Content
No additional renewable energy content beyond State requirement
Adds 10% renewable energy (MA Class I RECs) beyond State requirement
Provides 100% renewable energy by adding 37% more renewable energy (MA Class I Recs) beyond what the state requires
No additional renewable energy content beyond State requirement
Program Duration
30 months: June 2024 meter reads until December 2026 meter reads
30 months: June 2024 meter reads until December 2026 meter reads
30 months: June 2024 meter reads until December 2026 meter reads
6 Months: August 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026
Enrollment (July 2025)
288
3396
72
615
MCE cannot guarantee savings beyond the current (August 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026) Eversource Basic Service 6 month term rate of 14.885 cents/kWh since future 6 month term rates are unknown. 2025 State minimum renewable energy content required of electricity suppliers – 63%
The Eversource Basic Service Rate for August 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026 is included in the chart above for comparison with the MCE offerings. All MCE options will recognize more savings in the forthcoming 6 month Eversource contractperiod (August 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026). Eversource rates in effect during the MCE program’s first year are as follows (Note: Eversource Small Business Rates have varied slightly from the Residential Rates shown here):
Eversource Basic Service Rates
Term Period
June 1, 2024 – July 31, 2025
Aug. 1, 2024 -Jan. 31, 2025
Feb. 1, 2025 – July 31, 2025
Aug. 1, 2025 -Jan. 31, 2026
Rate ($/kWh)
0.17216
0.15772
0.13241
0.14884
How are the MCE options performing?
Assuming the average residential consumption of 786 kWh/month, $ savings for the period June 2024 – June 2025 follow:
*Most Medfield residents and businesses have a meter read on or around the 23rd of the month. Exact dates are in your Eversource bill.
Small business savings over this period approximate those of residential subscribers.
Subscriber savings (above) have been accompanied by over 3 million kWh of renewable energy consumed in place of more than 2 million lbs of Carbon Dioxide (equivalent to nearly 300 cars per year) that would have been emitted from fossil fuels (https://www.epa.gov/energy/greenhouse-gas-equivalencies-calculator).
What will happen after expiration of the current contract in December 2026?
A new RFQ (Request for Quote) will be submitted to Supply providers in the spring of 2026, as was done in March 2024 for the current contract.
The MCE Town Committee (also known as the “CCA”, Community Choice Aggregation Committee), Town Administrator and Select Board must agree to an RFQ response believed to be competitive with market conditions of the time for an extended period, preferably 2-3 years duration, following December 31, 2026.
If you do not participate in MCE yet, how can you sign up?
Eversource Basic Service – You may switch from Eversource Basic Service at any time to an MCE program of choice.
You are under contract with another electricity supplier – You may sign up for the program at any time, but you should check with your current supplier for any cancellation penalties.
To join an MCE program of choice, use the form at electricity.medfield.net or call the supplier, Direct Energy, at (866) 968-8065.
FAQ regarding the MCE program
Participation is voluntary, customers may opt-in or out at any time, without penalty. Opting-out returns a customer to Eversource Basic.
Customers may switch between any of the 3 program options at any time.
Customers in the Low-Income (R2) rate class continue to receive their current percentage discount on their entire electricity bill. Budget billing customers also continue to receive budget billing for their entire bill.
Customers that receive solar electricity benefits from net metering credits, community shared solar or similar payments, continue to receive those benefits.
To opt-in or out or to switch plans, use the form at electricity.medfield.net or call the supplier, Direct Energy, at (866) 968-8065.
What changes when someone joins the Medfield Community Electricity program? There are two parts to an Eversource electricity bill – (1) Supply and (2) Delivery. Enrolling in Medfield Community Electricity changes the Supply part of an Eversource invoice only. Eversource continues to provide all Delivery services, which includes responding to power outages, and continues to manage billing and other management functions.
Where does the voluntary renewable energy come from? The voluntary renewable energy (i.e. the amount above and beyond the minimum required by the State) qualifies as Class I. Class I is the State’s term for new, regional renewable energy which, for Medfield, comes primarily from New England wind and solar projects.
For more information about the Medfield Community Electricity program, go to electricity.medfield.net
Comments Off on Medfield Community Electricity (“MCE”) 1st Year, Midterm Report
Posted onAugust 26, 2025|Comments Off on Anti-Idling Campaign’s 10th Anniversary
From Fritz Fleischmann of the Green Sanctuary Committee at First Parish –
Dear Members of the Select Board,
This is Fritz Fleischmann, a resident of Medfield. I am writing to ask for the Select Board’s continuing support of an initiative the Board endorsed unanimously in 2015.
Ten years ago, the Green Sanctuary Committee at First Parish started a campaign to educate Medfield residents about the State’s anti-idling statute and to encourage them to stop unnecessary idling of their cars. This campaign was co-sponsored by the Medfield Police Department, the School Committee, the Board of Health, as well as civic organizations, and it was endorsed by the (then) Board of Selectmen, who authorized the installation of anti-idling signs in front of public buildings – you will have seen some of these around town.
Today, while the Commonwealth experiences an increase in childhood asthma and the climate crisis has worsened, there is ample evidence that most citizens are still unaware of the statute and the many reasons for it. However, environmental consciousness has also increased: the network of Sustainable Medfield currently includes over two dozen affiliated organizations and groups. And it is with the support of Sustainable Medfield that we are now resurrecting our original campaign, further supported by the Police Department and the Board of Health. Our shared goal is not to penalize but to educate the public.
Importantly, this time around we are working in partnership with the schools. Experience in other towns shows that young people can have significant influence over their parents – persuading them to stop idling, for instance, while waiting in line to pick them up. Our initiative can also provide learning opportunities for students, generate project ideas, and strengthen community. With the beginning of the new school year, Superintendent Dr. Marsden and the principals will inform parents about the Massachusetts statute and ask them not to idle their engines outside a school building. Sustainable Medfield has chosen this anti-idling initiative as the “Action of the Quarter” for the fall.
In 2015, we created a flyer for distribution around town (see attached), and we are currently updating it for today’s use. As part of this effort, we are asking everyone who endorsed us ten years ago to affirm their endorsement for this renewed initiative. With this letter we ask you, the members of the Select Board, to give us your formal endorsement again.
Thank for your attention, and for all your hard work in service to the residents of Medfield.
Fritz Fleischmann
Comments Off on Anti-Idling Campaign’s 10th Anniversary
Posted onApril 14, 2025|Comments Off on Climate Week 2025 – events
From Helen Dewey –
Climate Week 2025
Medfield Environment Action MEA is excited to announce Medfield’s third annual Climate Week, Saturday May 3 – Saturday May 10! There will be a variety of unique events throughout the week at various locations around town that will get one thinking about climate change and ways to help. Check out the complete Schedule of Events at MEAMedfield.org. Check back frequently as new events may be added. Most events are free, and all are welcome!
For the second year, Dale Street School will celebrate “Bike or Walk to School Day” on Wednesday, May 7. Last year the event was well attended and several police officers rode along with the kids. Other transportation related activities include an Electric Vehicle Car Show on Sunday May 4, 1-3 pm at the Center at Medfield parking lot with an opportunity to test drive a Lucid. A showing of the documentary “Idle Threat: A Man on Emission” which raises awareness of the impact of unnecessary engine idling, will be on Saturday, May 3. In addition, there are nature hikes, walks along the Rail Trail and a bike ride along scenic trails in Medfield.
New this year will be a Repair Café in which you can bring your broken items (jewelry, lamps, textiles, small furniture, small appliances and locks (rekeying). Volunteer Fixers will be on hand on Saturday, May 3, 2-5 pm. Fixing is free but not guaranteed. The Medfield Swap will be open both Saturdays, Wednesday and Friday of that week. The library is hosting a Visible Mending Workshop for Denim. The annual yard sale to benefit the Council on Aging will take place on Saturday, May 3.
During the week, there will be presentations on Gardening Water Wisdom, Wind and Solar Power and Eating Sustainably with “Nuggets”. Several homeowners will provide informal demonstrations of sustainable practices such as an effective, simple, no spray mosquito control or a natural lawn and No Mow May. Another homeowner will show off his solar roof shingles and share his solar production and savings.
Shopping locally is sustainable in and of itself. Local businesses are offering various promotions throughout the week such as used clothing at the Butterfly Tree Shop, meatless pizza at Medfield House of Pizza, organic wine at Larkin’s Liquors, organic juices/smoothies at Juice on Main and art produced sustainably at Aesthetic Intent. The Peak House will be open on Saturday, May 10 offering a colonial cooking activity utilizing vegetables and greens from their sustainable garden.
Bring the family to First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church on Sunday, May 4, 1-4 pm. There will be interactive Carnival Climate related games to try, a sale of gently used clothing accessories and for $1 you can try a small, vegan “ice cream” cone.
If you are worried about the climate you are not alone! There will be several informal opportunities to sit down with others and discuss your concerns and ways of coping. Another creative outlet is Expresso Yourself Climate Action Poetry Slam which will take place on Saturday, May 10 and will donate all funds to an environmental justice organization. Learn how to knit a temperature blanket which is a visual reflection of the Earth’s changing temperature.
Mark your calendar and attend as many Climate Week Events as you would like! There is something for everyone! Email, meamedfield@gmail.com with any questions. The full schedule for Climate Week, 2025 with more details on each event, can be found at meamedfield.org. Check back often as it will be continually updated.
The state tells Medfield when it has to employ watering bans, and the state uses the water level in the Charles River as one measure of when such water bans are required. This graph shows the water level in the Charles River over the past year. I do see that the data is from the federal government, so it is possible that data may not be available in the future.
Medfield needs to regulate the water usage of private wells in town, as low water levels are a shared issue. I hope the private wells annual town meeting (ATM) warrant article that subjected the 87 private wells in town to bans which was recently withdrawn can get enacted next year.
Posted onApril 24, 2024|Comments Off on 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.
Comments Off on MEA’s EV Car Show Sunday 1-3 – test drives & ice cream!
Posted onApril 13, 2024|Comments Off on Climate Week 4/27 – 5/5
From Helen Dewey –
Medfield Environment Action is excited to announce Medfield’s second annual Climate Week from Saturday, April 27th – Sunday, May 5th. A variety of unique events for all ages are taking place throughout the week at various locations around town. The goal is to have fun, spread awareness, educate, and network with neighbors. The full schedule of events can be found at MEAMedfield.org. Any questions please email meamedfield@gmail.com.
MEA is excited to announce Medfield’s second annual Climate Week from Saturday, April 27th – Sunday, May 5th. A variety of unique events are taking place throughout the week at various locations around town. The goal is to have fun, spread awareness, educate, and network with neighbors. Any questions please email meamedfield@gmail.com.
Look for the MEA leaf at each of the Climate Week events!
Look for this sign at all participating Medfield businesses!
Events Ongoing Throughout the Entire Week
Children’s Climate Book Display at Medfield Library 468 Main St.
Butterfly Tree Shop
505 Main St.
Special discounts on sustainable and eco-friendly products/gifts
Park Street Books 504 Main St. Climate Books on Display
Larkin’s Liquor Store
20 North St.
All during climate week, stop in at Larkins to enjoy 20% off any 3 or more bottles of organic or sustainable grown wine. A great selection of both red and white wines are available for this special sale.
Juice On Main 479 Main St. 10% discount during Climate week to anyone who does any of the following sustainable actions: 1. Shares a picture on social media and tags @juiceonmain for how they have reduced their carbon footprint.
2. Walks or bikes to Juice on Main and shares a picture of themselves and tags @juiceonmain
3. Brings their own smoothie cup and shares a picture of themselves and tags @juiceonmain
Medfield House of Pizza 10 North St. Come in all week and take advantage of our meatless pizza special! Large 16″ cheese pizza only $10.
Take a walk or ride your bike along the new Rail Trail Begins at Ice House Road. 1.3 mile multi-use trail, parking available across from the entrance(Friends of the Medfield Rail Trail)
Saturday, April 27th
Friends of Medfield Seniors, Inc FOSI Yard Sale to Benefit Council on Aging
8 – 2 pm, Center at Medfield One Ice House Rd.
This is a major fundraiser for the COA. Furniture, glassware, toys, books and much more – includes a bake sale and a book sale. Donations of gently used items are welcome except no computer, printers or clothing. Donations for the yard sale will be accepted from Monday, April 22 – Friday, April 26. Hours for collection during those days are during our regular business hours or until the space is full. Any questions contact the Medfield Council on Aging (508) 359-3665. Reusing our ‘stuff’ and combating throw-away consumerism is vital to sustainability.
Fairy Walk at Bellforge 10 – 3 pm, 45 Hospital Rd.
Explore a world of magical fairy houses (fairy residences are known for having the lightest carbon footprint ever!) Fairy Walk at Bellforge
Sustainable Colonial Vegetable Garden
11 – 2 pm, Peak House, 347 Main St.
A sustainable Colonial vegetable garden with herbs and medicinal plants is to be planted next door to the Peak House. Come to the Peak House Heritage Center to see the new growth and find out more about volunteering as a gardener by growing Colonial vegetables which were vital to early Medfield families. You’ll have a small plot of your own, and can select from a Colonial seed list! Seeds and water resources are provided at no cost, as well as deer and rabbit protection. Throughout the growing season, you may harvest your own crops or donate them.
Household Hazardous Waste Day
9 – 1 pm, Highway Garage Building 55 North Meadows Rd.
Drive up, pop your trunk and we will unload the items to be discarded. Acceptable items include automotive based chemicals, oil based paint, cleaning chemicals, fertilizer and pesticides, car batteries, fluorescent bulbs and propane tanks 1 lb and 20 lb. Any questions, call DPW at (508) 906-3003.
Sunday, April 28th
Hike Up Noon Hill
Meet at 8:30 am, meet at the Noon Hill Reservation parking lot on Noon Hill Ave.
Enjoy a 3 mile walk in the Noon Hill area, exploring some new and recently improved trails along the Charles River. Led by Blanche Teyssier in partnership with Friends of Medfield Forests and Trails FMFT. Expected duration is 2 hours. Wear comfortable shoes.
Solar Shingle Roof Open House
11 – 1 pm, 17 Loeffler Lane
My roof shingles are solar panels! Come view the roof shingle array from the outside and the system equipment from the inside – also includes explanation of the Inverter and Sunny Portal logins which show real time solar production (to the point where if a cloud goes over or moves away you easily see the changes) and production graphs from recent days – view David Baime’s detailed data from several years on production, % of total electricity, total cost/savings and average price of electricity each year – info on US cities and their average annual hours of sunshine – multiple electric bills “no payment due.”
Sustainable Colonial Vegetable Garden
11 – 2 pm, Peak House, 347 Main St.
A sustainable Colonial vegetable garden with herbs and medicinal plants is to be planted next door to the Peak House. Come to the Peak House Heritage Center to see the new growth and find out more about volunteering as a gardener by growing Colonial vegetables which were vital to early Medfield families. You’ll have a small plot of your own, and can select from a Colonial seed list! Seeds and water resources are provided at no cost, as well as deer and rabbit protection. Throughout the growing season, you may harvest your own crops or donate them.
Adorable grazing baby Goats, Robot Mowers, Chickens and family friendly activities! 1 – 3 pm, First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, 26 North St.
‘Goats of Dover’ – Bring the whole family to see the friendly goats in action! Having the ‘Goats of Dover’ visit your property is an effective, environmentally friendly way to eradicate poison ivy and unwanted brush- and it’s super fun! Goats of Dover is committed to cleaning up and greening up our planet. Our services include goatscaping, goat yoga, baby goat visits, and cocktails with goats. Learn lots more at Goats of Dover
Robotic lawn mowers and other sustainable tools for yards and fields. Automated Outdoor Solutions of New England will be featuring robotic lawn mowers, a robotic snowblower, a leaf-blower, a variety of battery-powered handheld tools and more! All tools are practical alternatives to noisy gas and oil-powered lawn maintenance tools. Come see and try them out! AOS contact newenglandaos@gmail.com
Meet some friendly local chickens and learn if backyard chicken keeping is for you!
Kids craft project using recycled materials
Jenga Blocks for Extinct Species
1 – 3 pm, First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, 26 North St. Sponsored by Extinction Rebellion Check out an oversized game of “Extinction Jenga” and playfully learn about biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse with the endangered species Jenga Blocks. As species become extinct (they are removed from the tower) the tower becomes less stable.
A Climate-Themed Interfaith Labyrinth Walk
3 – 5 pm, Church of the Advent 28 Pleasant St. Walkers may arrive anytime between 3-5 pm
See flyer at adventmedfield.org
You are invited to:
Come as you are and bring your thirst for stillness in this candle-lit labyrinth walk.
Come experience this ancient symbol for personal reflection, peace, world healing, and transformation.
Come and share our interconnectedness; walk, pray, and share the burden of sorrow for all those affected by climate change, both human and non-human.
Hosted by Church of the Advent Creation Care Ministry Team. Contact: Jill Seiler-Moon (508) 241-5796, Veriditas Labyrinth Facilitator and Lay Eucharistic Minister
Visit a Diverse and Naturally Landscaped Lawn and Enjoy a Fiddle Concert
7 pm, 84 Bridge St.
Come by to see Andy Costello’s yard with almost no grass (ground covering, trees and shrubs instead) and enjoy an outdoor fiddle concert at the same time. WEATHER PERMITTING
Monday, April 29th
Ground Source Heat Pump Conversation 7:30 pm via Zoom
Good for the ‘Burbs: Our Ground-Source Heatpump Systems (Geothermal)
Medfield residents will chat about their respective homes’ high-efficiency ground-source heatpump, aka geothermal, systems. Providing both heating and cooling, they run clean and green. Kirsten and Glen Dabate will share their recent experience installing a Geothermal HVAC system to replace their aging gas furnace. For Fred and Lucinda Davis, it’s now been three heating seasons since they said goodbye to their oil system.
GSHP technology makes sense for Medfielders who anticipate needing to replace their oil or gas furnaces with a comfortable, all-electric, zero-carbon HVAC system. We’ll also mention how every Medfielder can now profitably opt-up to 100%-clean electricity. Here is the link to the Zoom meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4165522763?omn=83858241993
Tuesday, April 30th
Beginner Mountain Bike Ride
5:00 pm, Bellforge Cultural Center front lawn
Rain date Wed. May 1
Beginner mountain bike ride along Charles River in Medfield Charles River Reservation. Meet at Medfield State Hospital Bellforge Cultural Center front lawn. Led by George Lester in partnership with the SE Mass chapter of New England Mountain Bike Association
Solar Power and the Value of Your Home
6:30 pm, Medfield Library, Meeting Room in the lower level
Have you thought about adding Solar panels to your home? Is there always a financial outlay required right up front? Worried about the return on investment time frame, and what if you decided to move? What will Solar panels do for the value of your home someday when you do sell? In this presentation, David Derian of Berkshire Hathaway Page Realty offers an overview of Solar installation options, and gives answers to these and other questions.Please email davidderian@bhhspagerealty.com if you’re interested in attending so we can plan refreshments.
Wednesday, May 1st
Swap Opens
9 – 3, Transfer Station
Come see what’s happening this season to save our planet! The purpose of the Swap Area is to divert items from going into the waste stream. The SWAP AREA is a convenient drop-off spot for unwanted items or a unique “shopping experience” at a bargain price, it is FREE! Items are NOT disposed of at the end of the day (as was done in the past), items generally remain at the SWAP for a few weeks to give them a chance to be seen and taken before recycled/repurposed.
The Swap is open to Medfield residents who have a Transfer Station sticker. It is open through late September every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday 9-3. Some items when requested go to New Life, The Center, the Animal Shelter, High School Theater Group, All Night Graduation Party, and Hinkley Playground. The area is decluttered daily and packed up items go to Big Brother/Big Sister, MADD or St. Vincent de Paul.
Medfield Community Electricity
10:30 am, Center at Medfield, One Ice House Rd.
A community meeting to learn about Medfield Community Electricity, a town-run program launching in June of 2024 that seeks to offer new electricity supply options that provide more renewable energy and stable prices for all Medfield residents and businesses. Committee members will be on hand to answer any questions.
Demo/Display of Temperature Blanket (knit and crochet) 2 – 3 pm, Medfield Library
The Temperature Blanket originated with the Tempestry Project to represent global warming – a way to visualize temperature change in fiber Art. This is a knitted or crocheted blanket that uses different colors of yarn to record each day’s temperature over the course of a year. It is a visual representation of climate change. Come hear how the Tempestry Project began as a data art movement. Donna Luft will talk about the project and show how to start a blanket of your own. History and instructions will be shared. A knitted and a crocheted blanket – both in progress will be on display.
Solar Panel and Electric Vehicle Charging Open House 4:30 – 7:00 pm, 3 Hospital Rd.
Come chat with Heidi and Tripp Johnson if you’re considering solar, an EV or heat pumps and would like to ask any questions about the benefits of each or to see 7 years’ worth of $0 electric bills! Check out the 45 solar panels on our roof and the corresponding net meter equipment for the electric company reading as well as the Solar Edge data collection dashboard. Also see our Tesla Y with installed Tesla charger in our garage and an additional 240V outlet that we also installed to help charge our daughter’s Chevy Bolt when she visits. We also can speak to our heat pump heating/cooling solution at our paneled house in Maine.
Talk Tesla
5:30 – 6:30 pm, 36 Whichita Rd.
Come kick the tires (not literally!) of a 2022 Tesla Model Y. Have an up-close look at the electric vehicle and check out the frunk. Megan Sullivan will share her charging set-up and personal experience driving to and from Florida.
Thursday, May 2nd
Walk or Bike to School Day – Dale Street School
Meet at Hinkley Pond at 7:30 am
Raindate: Friday, May 3rd
Participating students will be entered in a raffle to win tokens for the school’s new book vending machine! Students are welcome to meet at Hinkley Pond at 7:30 am to join a “bike train” which will proceed to the school. Sign up by April 30th (see flyer Climate Week flyers for QR code or email medfieldbike2school@gmail.com). Bus transportation will still be available and follow the normal route and schedule.
Children’s Library Storytime
10:40 – 11:00 am Medfield Public Library Children’s Room
Storytime for ages 18 months – 5 years with a caregiver. Join Miss Andrea for songs, stories, handplays & movement activities with an Environmental theme for Medfield Climate Week. This is a great opportunity for caregivers to model singing, playing & sharing the early literacy experience with their littles! Caregivers should plan to sit with their child and participate. There will also be an Earth Month Display of books.
Fabric Scrap Wreath Workshop for Adults
6 – 8 pm Medfield Public Library
Celebrate Medfield Climate Week by helping the librarians use up their fabric scraps! Sign up to make a fun and colorful wreath made of scraps leftover from library sewing classes – or bring your own scraps from home!
Supplies are limited. Please visit the May Events page at MedfieldPublicLibrary.org/EVENTS starting April 16th to register.
Friday, May 3rd
Children’s Library Storytime
10:40 – 11:00 am, Medfield Public Library Children’s Room
Storytime for ages 18 months – 5 years with a caregiver. Join Miss Andrea for songs, stories, handplays & movement activities with an Environmental theme for Medfield Climate Week. This is a great opportunity for caregivers to model singing, playing & sharing the early literacy experience with their littles! Caregivers should plan to sit with their child and participate. There will also be an Earth Month Display of books.
Swap Is Open
9 – 3 pm, Transfer Station
Come see what’s happening this season to save our planet! The purpose of the Swap Area is to divert items from going into the waste stream. The SWAP AREA is a convenient drop-off spot for unwanted items or a unique “shopping experience” at a bargain price, it is FREE! Items are NOT disposed of at the end of the day (as was done in the past), items generally remain at the SWAP for a few weeks to give them a chance to be seen and taken before recycled/repurposed.
The Swap is open to Medfield residents who have a Transfer Station sticker. It is open through late September every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday 9-3. Some items when requested go to New Life, The Center, the Animal Shelter, High School Theater Group, All Night Graduation Party, and Hinkley Playground. The area is decluttered daily and packed up items go to Big Brother/Big Sister, MADD or St. Vincent de Paul.
Saturday, May 4th
Swap Is Open
9 – 3 pm, Transfer Station
Come see what’s happening this season to save our planet! The purpose of the Swap Area is to divert items from going into the waste stream. The SWAP AREA is a convenient drop-off spot for unwanted items or a unique “shopping experience” at a bargain price, it is FREE! Items are NOT disposed of at the end of the day (as was done in the past), items generally remain at the SWAP for a few weeks to give them a chance to be seen and taken before recycled/repurposed.
The Swap is open to Medfield residents who have a Transfer Station sticker. It is open through late September every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday 9-3. Some items when requested go to New Life, The Center, the Animal Shelter, High School Theater Group, All Night Graduation Party, and Hinkley Playground. The area is decluttered daily and packed up items go to Big Brother/Big Sister, MADD or St. Vincent de Paul.
Electronics Recycling
9 – 12 pm, Church of the Advent, 28 Pleasant St. Donation based Electronics Recycling Event in Partnership with Data Recycling New England. See flyer at adventmedfield.org for details.
Demo/Display of Temperature Blanket (knit and crochet) 10 – 10:45 am Medfield Library
The Temperature Blanket originated with the Tempestry Project to represent global warming – a way to visualize temperature change in fiber Art. This is a knitted or crocheted blanket that uses different colors of yarn to record each day’s temperature over the course of a year. It is a visual representation of climate change. Come hear how the Tempestry Project began as a data art movement. Donna Luft talks about the project and shows how to start a blanket of your own. History and instructions will be shared. A knitted and a crocheted blanket – both in progress will be on display. Complete Guide to Making Temperature Blankets
Spring Dance Party at Expresso Yourself Coffeehouse 7 – 10 pm, First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, 26 North St. Join us for International Folk Dancing with The Larger Circle Band and professional dance caller Jacob Bloom. Complimentary desserts, coffee & tea. Share a song, story, or poem in the open mic. Learn to do international folk dances! Join in the fun! Adults, teens, and children welcome. Tickets in advance: $10. Tickets at door: $12. Children $5. Funds collected will go to an environmental justice organization.
Sunday, May 5th
Electric Vehicle Car and Truck Show, Kids Craft, and Rail Trail Ride or Walk
1 – 3 pm, Sunday, The Center at Medfield parking lot – One Ice House Rd. Medfield Energy Committee, Medfield Park and Recreation, and Sustainable Medfield
Join fellow drivers and learn about their experiences with their electric cars and trucks. We have an assortment of vehicles including battery-only and hybrid models. Have you checked out the versatile Lightning pickup truck? Come on by!
The kids can create a gel leaf imprint, learn about nature and have a fun craft to take home.
Walk or ride the Rail Trail while you are there. Entrance is on Ice House Rd.
Textile and Sewing Machine Mending Clinic
1 – 4 pm, Medfield Public Library
Extend the life of your clothing and household textiles!Bring your ripped, torn, stained, and deteriorated clothes, cushions, and linens to the Mending Clinic at the library to work with a volunteer Mender for some hands-on assistance. We’ll also have folks available to look at that old sewing machine you’ve got gathering dust in your attic. We’ll help you fix it if we can and show you how to maintain it going forward. Drop in anytime to visit the Button Station to find and sew on replacement buttons. Don’t know how to sew on a button? We’ll teach you!
Registration for Mender Appointments is required. Click the links below to reserve your spot!
Children’s Clothing Swap at Medfield Children’s Center
Jenga Blocks for Extinct Species 4 – 6 grade MAP
Other Climate Awareness Activities
Annual Medfield Clean-Up Days
Sat/Sun April 20 and 21, 8 – 3 pm Call Medfield DPW to volunteer (508) 906-3003.
The Bellforge Arts Center (Bellforge) in partnership with local State Rep Marcus Vaughn is planning a sustainability fair in Medfield, MA on April 20 (10am-2pm). This event will be part-recycling drive and part-environmental and social action fair. The Green Team in partnership with Eversource will be on site hosting a recycling drive for unusual items like dehumidifiers, mattresses, etc.
The goal of this event is to raise awareness in our community about ways to get involved in social and environmental action.
There will be music and other family-friendly entertainment, food, lawn games and lots of fun!
Holistic Wellness Center
18 North Meadows Rd.
The shop employs numerous sustainable practices every week of the year. They use paper or reusable gift bags. They serve water from a 5 gal jug in compostable cups and use the same cups for lotions during treatments. Sustainable needles are used for acupuncture and mylar blankets are used and saved for each client to cut back on the need for laundry. They sell certified Fair Trade products. They have insulation made from recycled blue jeans and most lighting is LED.
****************
Thanks for your interest and support of Medfield’s Second Annual Climate Week!
Look for the MEA leaf at each of the Climate Week events!
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.
Medfield02052's Blog 