Category Archives: Information

The Dignity Index

Posted on March 29, 2026 | Leave a comment

The Massachusetts Municipal Association had Tim Shriver speak to everyone at the opening of the Massachusetts Municipal Association annual convention this year in January about his Dignity Index, a way to lower the tone of disagreements in our political discourse. At first I discounted the value of the presentation, but after listening to him I think we all could do better by following his suggestions to measure our conversations against the Dignity Index and try to get ourselves to the Dignity Index 7 & 8 levels in our discussions with others:

Building Skills for Dignified Disagreement Honoring someone’s dignity can be difficult, especially when situations get heated. Follow these steps when stress rises – and join the movement with others working to ease divisions, prevent violence, and solve problems by choosing dignity over contempt. Be curious, not furious When there is a disagreement, approach it with curiosity, using language that invites dialogue. Regulate then debate When you start to get upset, pause and take a breath before speaking. Challenge ideas, don’t attack people Speak your truth but do it with dignity. Acknowledge knowledge When someone else makes a logical or interesting point, acknowledge their point. Build up rather than tear down Advocate, explain, and build up your idea rather than just attacking others’ ideas and/or dehumanizing people. Listen to understand, not to respond Really listen to the other person and consider summarizing briefly what you heard. Credit: R. Keeth Matheny Each one of us is born with inherent worth, so we treat everyone with dignity—no matter what.” “ We fully engage with the other side, discussing even values and interests we don’t share, open to admitting mistakes or changing our minds.” “ We always talk to the other side, searching for the values and interests we share.” “ The other side has a right to be here and a right to be heard. They belong here too.” “ We’re better than those people. They don’t really belong. They’re not one of us.” “ We’re the good people and they’re the bad people. It’s us vs. them.” “ Those people are evil and they’re going to ruin everything if we let them. It’s us or them.” “ They’re not even human. It’s our moral duty to destroy them before they destroy us.” “ Lea rn mo re at dignity.us Ease Divisions. Prevent Violence. Solve Problems. Each one of us is born with inherent worth, so we treat everyone with dignity—no matter what.” “ We fully engage with the other side, discussing even values and interests we don’t share, open to admitting mistakes or changing our minds.” “ We always talk to the other side, searching for the values and interests we share.” “ The other side has a right to be here and a right to be heard. They belong here too.” “ We’re better than those people. They don’t really belong. They’re not one of us.” “ We’re the good people and they’re the bad people. It’s us vs. them.” “ Those people are evil and they’re going to ruin everything if we let them. It’s us or them.” “ They’re not even human. It’s our moral duty to destroy them before they destroy us.” “ Lea rn mo re at dignity.us Ease Divisions. Prevent Violence. Solve Problems. Learn more at dignity.us

Leave a comment

Posted in Elections, Information, Massachusetts Municipal Association, Political

MCAP Webinar – 3/19 at 7PM – how parents can promote their children’s self-efficacy

Posted on February 26, 2026 | Comments Off on MCAP Webinar – 3/19 at 7PM – how parents can promote their children’s self-efficacy

From Krissy King, MPH, Substance Use Prevention Coordinator, for Medfield Cares About Prevention (MCAP) –

On March 19 at 7 PM, Medfield Cares About Prevention is partnering with the regional Building Bright Brains youth wellness campaign to bring New York Times bestselling author Jessica Lahey to caregivers through a FREE live webinar. Learn the latest science-backed insights about how parents can promote their children’s self-efficacy during a time when many teens report feeling checked out, distracted and overwhelmed. 

Bright Brains Strong Futures Jessica Lahey Register now! Thursday March 19 7pm Educator & New York Times Best Selling Author Building self-efficacy, school engagement, and healthy decision making in grades 5-12 Brought to parents & caregivers for FREE by: In collaboration with: live webinar tinyurl.com/BUILDINGBRIGHTBRAINS @buildingbrightbrains @buildingbrightbrains508

Comments Off on MCAP Webinar – 3/19 at 7PM – how parents can promote their children’s self-efficacy

Posted in Children, health, Information, MCAP - Medfeild Cares About Prevention, Teens

MEDFIELD OUTREACH – Winter Newsletter

Posted on January 16, 2026 | Comments Off on MEDFIELD OUTREACH – Winter Newsletter

From Viktorria Glissendorf, MPH, Prevention Coordinator, Medfield Outreach –

SHARE: Join Our Email List Upcoming Events & Current Offerings Photovoice GalleryWalkthrough Join us for a gallery walkthrough of theMedfield Photovoice student art project on January 22 from 3:30–4:30 p.m. at the Medfield High School Library. Through avariety of expressive media includingphotography and digital art, Medfield HighSchool students explored the interpersonaland community environments shaping theirhealth and well-being. The reception willalso feature spoken reflections fromselected Medfield students, accompaniedby live music from the Medfield GuitarClub.
SHARE: Join Our Email List Upcoming Events & Current Offerings Photovoice Gallery Walkthrough Join us for a gallery walkthrough of the Medfield Photovoice student art project on January 22 from 3:30–4:30 p.m. at the Medfield High School Library. Through a variety of expressive media including photography and digital art, Medfield High School students explored the interpersonal and community environments shaping their health and well-being. The reception will also feature spoken reflections from selected Medfield students, accompanied by live music from the Medfield Guitar Club. Parent Coffee Hour Thursday, January 29 from 10:30-11:30 AM @ Medfield Public Library We are excited to offer a Coffee Talk for parents and guardians of tweens and adolescents! Have a cup of coffee with us as we share tips on talking with your kids about technology use and discuss successful strategies families have used to navigate digital safety in a changing world. No need to RSVP, just show up! SPACE Treatment Contact Medfield Outreach to schedule! We are pleased to announce that we are now offering SPACE treatment, which stands for Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions. The SPACE treatment approach centers on empowering parents to make changes in their own behavior, rather than directly trying to change their child's behavior. Participants in the program will learn two primary strategies: how to respond more supportively to their anxious child and how to gradually reduce accommodations made for their child's symptoms. QPR Training Contact Medfield Outreach to schedule! Did you know that you don't have to be a professional to offer hope and help to those considering suicide? Medfield Outreach can provide a FREE 2-hour QPR: Suicide Prevention Training for Medfield residents, aged 18+. All you need is a group of 8-15 people willing to learn how to offer hope in a time of distress. Call your friends and schedule a training today! Medfield Mobile Task Force Presents: Screenagers January 26 | 7:00 PM | Medfield High School Auditorium To thoughtfully address the opportunities and concerns arising from technology and social media, Medfield Public Schools convened a Mobile Technology Task Force, a collaborative forum bringing together students, parents, educators, and members of the Medfield School Committee to examine the role of mobile technology in our schools and community. Medfield Outreach is proud to partner with Medfield Public Schools on this initiative. On January 26th at 7:00 PM in the Medfield High School auditorium, the Mobile Task Force will host a screening of the award-winning film Screenagers. Through insights from authors, psychologists, and brain scientists, Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition reveals how tech time impacts kids’ development and offers solutions for empowering kids to navigate the digital world and find balance. For more information, please contact Jeff Marsden at jmarsden@email.medfield.net. Wait until 8th Pledge The Wait Until 8th pledge empowers parents to rally together to delay giving children a smartphone until at least the end of 8th grade. Let’s protect the elementary and middle school years from the distractions and the dangers of a smartphone in Medfield. Did you know that 12% of Medfield parents have already signed this pledge? We would love for you to join us. Click here for more information and to sign the pledge. 7th Grade Wellness Visits Recap Throughout November, nearly 200 7th graders in Mr. Woods’ Wellness classes took field trips to Medfield Outreach! Students learned about the social services available to Medfield residents, the many ways communities can work together to prevent substance misuse, the positive health impacts of gratitude, and opportunities to join MCAP-advised clubs like Medfield Youth Leadership Program and Medfield BREATHE. At the end of the visit, students were invited to post to our Gratitude Wall. These visits were a valuable way to familiarize students and their families with the resources Outreach offers, as well as an opportunity to learn how community substance use prevention works in Medfield. The Research Corner Learn what the research says about substance use, mental health, and wellness! This edition, we are highlighting the the health benefits of dry January and the positive trends in high school cannabis consumption trends in Medfield. Health Benefits of Dry January - What the Science Says Thinking about kickstarting your 2026 with Dry January? One study found that going 31 days without alcohol had noticeable health benefits for regular drinkers, even without changes in diet and exercise. By the end of the month, participants who abstained from alcohol showed improvements in: Insulin resistance Weight Blood pressure Liver function Cancer-related growth factors In the long term, cutting back on alcohol can improve mood, sleep, cancer risk, and immunity. Ready to hop on the “sober curious” trend this January? Click here for 40 fun mocktail recipes to enjoy all month long. Source article: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29730627 Cannabis Positive Community Norms Did you know that on average, people tend to overestimate the prevalence of substance use in their communities? From college campuses to high schools, people consistently misperceive the likelihood that the people around them are using substances. In Medfield, the vast majority of middle and high school students do not use cannabis (marijuana), and that percentage has followed a downward trend over time. Through sustained education, public health awareness campaigns, and other multi-sector prevention initiatives aimed at creating healthy communities, Medfield has seen a significant decrease in the percentage of students who use cannabis. By continuing the conversation at home, you can reinforce these healthy decisions with the youth in your life. Click here to access our Adult Guide for Substance Use Prevention with tips for talking to youth about substances. iDECIDE: Evidence-Based Substance Use Education for Youth To support high school students who would like to learn more about substance use prevention, we are offering a voluntary psychoeducation program developed in partnership by Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, the MA Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Institute for Health and Recovery (IHR). iDECIDE is an educational program intended to inform students of brain development, neurobiology, risk and protective factors, industry tactics, and healthy alternatives to substance use. This program is intended to support students in making informed decisions about their substance use and health. Click here to complete the iDECIDE interest form, or email Krissy King at kking@medfield.net for more information. Ready to join get involved in this important work? Attend a meeting! Medfield Outreach Advisory Board - the 4th Monday of every month | 6:00-7:30 PM | Medfield Outreach office Medfield Coalition for Suicide Prevention (MCSP) - the 4th Wednesday of every month | 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Zoom Medfield Cares About Prevention (MCAP) - the last Wednesday of every month | 4:30 - 5:30 PM | Hybrid: In-person at the Medfield Outreach Office & via Zoom *Email medfieldoutreach@medfield.net for more information and Zoom links! Connect with us! Would you like to receive the next edition of our newsletter directly to your inbox? Subscribe today! Subscribe Medfield Outreach | 88R South St Door 12 | Medfield, MA 02052 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice

Comments Off on MEDFIELD OUTREACH – Winter Newsletter

Posted in Children, Events, health, Information, MCAP - Medfeild Cares About Prevention, MCSP - Medfield Coalition for Suicide Prevention, Medfield High School, Medfield Outreach, Schools, Teens

MEC “Heat Pump Pizza Party” 1/29 at noon at COA

Posted on December 18, 2025 | Comments Off on MEC “Heat Pump Pizza Party” 1/29 at noon at COA

From Emily Lowney of the Medfield Energy Committee –

IN COOPERATION WITH THE COUNCIL ON AGING INVITES YOU TO A LUNCH AND LEARN HEAT PUMP PIZZA PARTY Learn how to make your home more comfortable, energy-efficient, and climate-friendly! JANUARY 29, 2026 12:00 PM THE CENTER ICE HOUSE ROAD, MEDFIELD Please RSVP by calling the COA at 508-359-3665 by January 27th

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.

Comments Off on MEC “Heat Pump Pizza Party” 1/29 at noon at COA

Posted in Climate, Council on Aging, Energy Committee, Green, Information

Pond Info Session, 7pm, 11/6

Posted on October 22, 2025 | Comments Off on Pond Info Session, 7pm, 11/6

Join the Medfield Conservation Commission on November 6, 2025 for an informational update on the recently completed 2025 Medfield Ponds Aquatic Vegetation Assessments.

2025 Medfield Ponds Aquatic Vegetation Assessments LINK TO ASSESSMENTS :
https://www.town.medfield.net/DocumentCenter/View/9117/Medfield-Ponds_10152025?bidId=

November 6, 2025 at 7:00 PM ZOOM LINK:
https:/medfield-net.zoom.us/j/82216588639?pwd=Y2h3VXZ0RHkxNHFCZEpReGtEemFrdz09
Pass Code 280739

Comments Off on Pond Info Session, 7pm, 11/6

Posted in Conservation Committee, Environmental, Events, Information, Uncategorized

Boston Magazine says we are #8

Posted on February 28, 2025 | Comments Off on Boston Magazine says we are #8

Medfield came in #8 on Boston Magazine’s 2025 list of best places to live in Boston. Medfield ranked highest on our housing, then our safety, then our education, then our employment. To me not the usual expected names above us.

This fits with my idea that one way we lower our real estate taxes is by building housing without municipal costs, like Old Village Square (maybe $600K positive to town in revenue over costs per year), because people do want to live in Medfield.

Top Places to Live in Greater Boston 2025: Every City and Town Within I-495, Ranked

Comments Off on Boston Magazine says we are #8

Posted in Information

Angel Run sponsorship opportunities

Posted on October 14, 2024 | Comments Off on Angel Run sponsorship opportunities
MEDFIELD FOUNDATION INC. ANGEL RUN DECEMBER 8, 2024 11:30 AM Medfield High School Medfield, MA Be an Angel, Run for Medfield
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Angel Sponsor - $5,000 Prominent logo display on race T shirt distributed to over 900 local participants Prominent logo display on race day banner, website and social media Recognition as an Angel Sponsor on a stand alone social media post • Recognition as an Angel Sponsor on race day • Opportunity for promotional product giveaway during packet pick-up or race day (provided by sponsor) Six runner registrations • Halo Sponsor - $2,500 Logo display on race T shirt distributed to over 900 local participants • Logo display on race day banner, website and social media Recognition as a Halo Sponsor on race day Four runner registrations Wings Sponsor - $1,000 • Logo display on race T shirt distributed to over 900 local participants • Logo display on race day banner, website and socia l media • Recognition as a Wings Sponsor on race day • Two runner registrations fl • Glitter Sponsor - $500 • Listing on race T shi rt distributed to over 900 local participants • Listing on race day banner, website and social media • Recognition as a Glitter Sponsor on race day Sponsorship Deadline: October 31, 2024 This is the deadline for inclusion on the race T shirt. ·- --- - -~~~ -- - -- - - - ___ _,,..,,...,_. _ _ .,. ___ --- - -~ - --- '- - - - ---- - - -- - - - Yes. we would like to sponsor The Angel Run 5K at the: □ $5,000 Angel Level □ $1,000 Wings Level D $2,500 Halo Level □ $ 500 Gl itter Level D I am not able to sponsor this year, but I would like to make a donation of $ _ ___ _ Name and Title _ ________ ___ _ __________ _ _ _ _ _ _ Company or Organization ___ _________ ____ ________ _ Email ___ ______ _______ _ Phone _ _____ _ _ ___ _ _ _ Address--- - - ----- ------------------ ---- City _____ ___ _______ _ ___ _ _ State __ _ Zip ____ _ Make checks payable to Medfield Foundation. P.O. Box 745, Medfield, MA 02052
support our community during the season of giving. Medfield angels like you have raised over $280,000 which has been distributed to Medfield residents in need in partnership with Medfield Outreach. Join us this year and BE AN ANGEL. Register to run, walk or stroll and help us raise money to support our community. * Angel Run wos created rn 2006 by family and friends in memory of Natasha Domeshek. The Medfield Foundation and our community has proudly continued lhe ,\nge/ Run tradition since 2012. ·uoqoJOdJo:::> e1qo11Jm.p l!JOJd - uou (s) (:::>)l09 unJ 1ee1un10A %00t o S! !.:lv-J ·p1e1Jpev-i 1:::>odw1 A1eAmsod lOLH s1uo16 6uqnqp1s1p puo 'peeu U! 8S0lfl JOJ spunJ 6U!S!OJ ·se/\qO!l!U! l!JOJd-uou 10:::>01 6uqJOddns Aq A11unwwo:::> sp11nq (!.:lv-J) uoqopuno.:J P18!JP8v-J eL.a - "ONI NOl.lVaNno.:1 a , El I :I a 3 N .,..______. MEDFIELD FOUNDATION INC. Be an Angel, ANGEL RUN DECEMBER 8, 2024 11:30 AM Medfield High School Medfield, MA Run for Medfield

Comments Off on Angel Run sponsorship opportunities

Posted in Business, Charity, Children, Entertainment, Events, Information, Medfield Foundation, People, Recreation, Sports, Teens, Volunteers

Medfield TV’s Scarecrow Spooktacular this Saturday,10/19

Posted on October 7, 2024 | Comments Off on Medfield TV’s Scarecrow Spooktacular this Saturday,10/19

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 (corner of Route 109 and Route 27) in Medfield, MA. This all-ages event will bring a jack-o-lantern-sized smile to your face this Fall!


There will be music and entertainment throughout the day on the main stage. Be sure to wear your best costume and enter the costume contest, sponsored by GEICO of Braintree! Visit the vendors’ and sponsors’ booths, and take a ride on the UCC hayride. And don’t forget to vote for your favorites in the Scarecrow Competition!

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

Comments Off on Medfield TV’s Scarecrow Spooktacular this Saturday,10/19

Posted in Charity, Children, Entertainment, Events, Information, Medfield TV, Recreation, Teens, Uncategorized, Volunteers

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

Posted on April 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 in Children, Climate, Council on Aging, Energy Committee, Entertainment, Environmental, Events, Green, Information, Medfield Environmental Action, Transportation

School Committee – Informal Virtual Meeting with 2 Members – 12/12, 7-8PM

Posted on December 6, 2023 | Comments Off on School Committee – Informal Virtual Meeting with 2 Members – 12/12, 7-8PM

From Michelle Kirkby –

Medfield School Committee Virtual Informal Conversation via Zoom
Medfield School Committee Virtual Informal Conversation via Zoom 

Medfield School Committee to Hold Virtual Informal Conversation

The Medfield School Committee extends an invitation to the community to meet individually with two members of the Committee on Monday, December 12, 2023 from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. via Zoom.

Because only two members will be present this is an opportunity for an informal conversation to discuss any issue that may fall within the Committee’s areas of responsibility.

Please fill out this form – https://tinyurl.com/MedfieldSC12423 by 5PM on December 8.

This will give SC members an opportunity to get additional info on potential discussion topics. The Committee intends to hold these sessions periodically throughout the year. Attendees will be required to have their cameras on and state their name and address to participate.

Please email scchair@email.medfield.net with any questions.

Comments Off on School Committee – Informal Virtual Meeting with 2 Members – 12/12, 7-8PM

Posted in Information, Schools