Posted onJune 6, 2025|Comments Off on Sustainable Yard & Garden Tour – Sunday, 6/22, 3–5:30 pm
From Helen Dewey, of Medfield Environment Action –
Sustainable Yard and Garden Tour
Medfield Environment Action will be hosting another Sustainable Yard and Garden Tour on Sunday, June 22, from 3 – 5:30 pm. Attendees will travel to four different gardens in Medfield. The homeowners will walk attendees through the yard and provide an overview of their garden and what makes it sustainable. Homeowners will discuss what they have planted, how they maintain it and any equipment that they use. The garden on Pine St and the one on Stagecoach Rd. were featured in the last tour in September, 2024. Come see the gardens in full bloom in June! It will be set up like a crawl in which folks move from garden to garden, at specific times, providing their own transportation. Car-pooling is encouraged! There is no cost to attend, and all are welcome. Register ahead of time at tinyurl.com/SustainableGardenTour-2025 to receive more information about each garden and any weather related updates.
Why would one want to strive for a yard that has a low impact on the environment? Conventional yard care can be time consuming, is destructive to the eco-system and harmful to an entire food web. For example: poison the grubs, birds are harmed by eating the grubs, use chemicals to achieve green grass, storm water becomes contaminated, moreover turf offers nothing in the way of food for nature. In addition, children and pets can be harmed when exposed to grass and yards with a lot of chemicals.
The homeowners on the tour will show how a sustainable, low impact yard is a work in progress but the benefits include lower maintenance costs, cleaner air to breath, (no gas powered leaf blowers), improved visual appeal, no secondary poisoning through the food web, re-use or composting of leaf materials on-site, conserving water, supporting biodiversity, “the living earth”, precious time available to focus on other activities and a sense of helping rather than harming, everybody wins.
Whether you are an avid gardener interested in learning some sustainable practices that you can implement or just curious as to what it is all about, join us on Sunday, June 22 to take a walk around some beautiful, thoughtful and eco-friendly gardens in Medfield. The flyer with the addresses of the gardens is posted on the MEA website, meamedfield.org. Any questions please email meamedfield@gmail.com
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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.
Posted onMarch 31, 2025|Comments Off on Medfield’s earth month ecochallenge 2025
From Kate Blood –
NB – HYPERLINKS IN JPG VERSION ABOVE DO WORK IN THE VERSION BELOW
earth month ecochallenge 2025 April 1 – April 30 Attention Families- In celebration of Earth Month in April, we’re inviting you to participate in an online, worldwide ecochallenge. Please consider participating with your family as one of our Sustainable Medfield team members. This is a wonderful, educational, accessible and dynamic opportunity for shared family experiences. Pick up one piece of trash each day in April… Ditch fast fashion – shop second hand… Watch a movie together on an earth- related theme of your choosing… Borrow from our “Library of Things” – avoid buying more stuff… Take a walk in one of our beautiful local conservation lands… Ride your bike to school one day a week – skip the drive… Skip plastic – BYO bags/coffee mugs/water bottles to refill when out and about… These are just starting points – for those of looking for actions with more heft? Perhaps save a rainforest, clean up an ocean, reverse global warming… There’s plenty for you too. All that said, spring is busy – we get it. The steps are simple: 1) Click this link to become a member of the “Sustainable Medfield” team. 2) Set up an account for you and/or your family. 3) You and your kids choose from hundreds of different earth-minded options, ranging in effort and output. Select actions that feel manageable, meaningful, and motivating. We’re excited for the amazing things our community will collectively accomplish in April! For more information, contact Sustainable Medfield – sustainablemedfield@gmail.com. Warm regards, Kate Blood – ecochallenge Coordinator for the Medfield Community and member/volunteer with: Sustainable Medfield, MEA (Medfield Environmental Action) This event/activity is not sponsored by the Medfield Public Schools.
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Posted onMarch 16, 2025|Comments Off on Curbside Compost Collection Now in Medfield
From Jackie Alford –
Curbside Compost Collection Now Available in Medfield
Medfield residents can easily reduce their organic waste by participating in the new curbside compost collection program provided by Black Earth Compost. This program is the easiest way to divert food scraps from the trash and build a resilient local food system.
How It Works Participants receive a curbside collection cart and certified compostable bin liners to sort their food scraps into. All food scraps, including meat, bones, dairy, soiled paper products, and certified compostable products, are accepted. The material is picked up every other week and taken to one of Black Earth’s four local compost facilities, where it is mixed with carbon, like leaves and sticks, to make finished compost. Participants receive a voucher for a free cubic foot bag of compost, redeemable at participating garden centers in the spring.
Environmental Benefits Curbside composting is gaining momentum as cities and towns across the state support these programs to meet the MA DEP’s Waste reduction goal of 30% reduction by 2030. In addition to reducing waste, composting addresses several environmental crises: • Builds Healthy Soil: Compost improves soil ecology and adds nutrients, leading to healthier foods and higher yields. • Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions: It reduces methane created in landfills and sequesters atmospheric carbon in the soil, supporting our climate. • Protects Our Waterways: Composting reduces reliance on synthetic fertilizers and improves soil moisture retention, reducing runoff. • Creates Resilient Communities: It supports the local agricultural system, reducing our dependence on imported goods.
Subscription and Pricing Subscription plans for every other week pick up are $89.99/6 months or $16.99/month, plus the cost of the bin. The price lowers for everyone as more people sign up. When 350 Medfield households are signed up or pre-registered, the price will be lowered by 20%.
Location: Fellowship Hall, First Floor, UCC Medfield, 496 Main Street Medfield, MA 02052
Fair: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Event Promotion: Please share Medfield TV’s promotional video on Facebook and Instagram, invite your friends to the Facebook Event page, and also share any of the attached graphics with your email newsletter subscribers.
Posted onSeptember 30, 2024|Comments Off on “Medfield Decarbonizers” webinar, 7:30 PM, 10/8 via Zoom
From Helen Dewey of Medfield Environment Action =
Climate Action in Medfield
Thinking about installing heat pumps in your home or getting solar panels? Maybe your current car needs to be replaced and you are thinking about purchasing an electric vehicle? These are the most impactful actions one can take to decrease their carbon footprint as well as greenhouse gas pollution in the town of Medfield. Many fellow residents have done just that, and you can hear from some of them on Tuesday, October 8th at 7:30 pm. The Medfield Energy Committee dubs them “Medfield Decarbonizers”. Who are they, you might ask? They are Medfield neighbors who drive electric vehicles, have installed solar panels or heat pumps and they are a great resource for anyone considering these investments!
Medfield Environment Action (MEA) and the Medfield Energy Committee (MEC) are hosting a “Medfield Decarbonizers” webinar on Tuesday, October 8th at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Medfield Decarbonizers have taken action to reduce the carbon output of everyday activities such as driving a car, heating and cooling a home or using electricity. Hear the experiences of fellow neighbors regarding their purchases and everyday use of these sustainable technologies and ask them your questions. In addition, learn why one panelist chose to opt up to “Medfield 100”, which supplies 100% renewable electricity through Medfield Community Electricity.
Preregister for the free webinar at tinyurl.com/decarbonizers and the Zoom link will be sent to you. For more information visit meamedfield.org or email MEAMedfield@gmail.com with any questions. Visit the MEA website to see videos of previous, educational webinars. MEA is proud to network with Sustainable Medfield and MEC working together towards Medfield’s Net Zero 2050 Goal.Climate Action in Medfield
Thinking about installing heat pumps in your home or getting solar panels? Maybe your current car needs to be replaced and you are thinking about purchasing an electric vehicle? These are the most impactful actions one can take to decrease their carbon footprint as well as greenhouse gas pollution in the town of Medfield. Many fellow residents have done just that, and you can hear from some of them on Tuesday, October 8th at 7:30 pm. The Medfield Energy Committee dubs them “Medfield Decarbonizers”. Who are they, you might ask? They are Medfield neighbors who drive electric vehicles, have installed solar panels or heat pumps and they are a great resource for anyone considering these investments!
Medfield Environment Action (MEA) and the Medfield Energy Committee (MEC) are hosting a “Medfield Decarbonizers” webinar on Tuesday, October 8th at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Medfield Decarbonizers have taken action to reduce the carbon output of everyday activities such as driving a car, heating and cooling a home or using electricity. Hear the experiences of fellow neighbors regarding their purchases and everyday use of these sustainable technologies and ask them your questions. In addition, learn why one panelist chose to opt up to “Medfield 100”, which supplies 100% renewable electricity through Medfield Community Electricity.
Preregister for the free webinar at tinyurl.com/decarbonizers and the Zoom link will be sent to you. For more information visit meamedfield.org or email MEAMedfield@gmail.com with any questions. Visit the MEA website to see videos of previous, educational webinars. MEA is proud to network with Sustainable Medfield and MEC working together towards Medfield’s Net Zero 2050 Goal.
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Posted onSeptember 12, 2024|Comments Off on Sustainable Yard and Garden Tour – 9/22
From Helen Dewey –
Sustainable Yard and Garden Tour
Medfield Environment Action will be holding a Sustainable Yard and Garden Tour on Sunday, Sept 22, from 3 – 5:30 pm. Attendees will travel to four different gardens in Medfield. The homeowners will walk attendees through the yard and provide an overview of their garden and what makes it sustainable. There may not be as much blooming as at other times of the year, but homeowners will discuss what they have planted, how they maintain it and any equipment that they use. It will be set up like a crawl in which folks move from garden to garden, at specific times, providing their own transportation. The fourth yard will be a self-guided tour. There is no cost to attend, and all are welcome. Register ahead of time at https://tinyurl.com/Sustainable-Garden-Tour to receive more details about each garden and any weather related updates.
Why would one want to strive for a yard that has a low impact on the environment? Conventional yard care can be time consuming, is destructive to the eco-system and harmful to an entire food web. For example: poison the grubs, birds are harmed by eating the grubs, use chemicals to achieve green grass, storm water becomes contaminated, moreover turf offers nothing in the way of food for nature. In addition, children and pets can be harmed when exposed to grass and yards with a lot of chemicals.
The homeowners on the tour will show how a sustainable, low impact yard is a work in progress but the benefits include lower maintenance costs, cleaner air to breath, (no leaf blowers), improved visual appeal, no secondary poisoning through the food web, re-use or composting of leaf materials on-site, conserving water, supporting biodiversity, “the living earth”, precious time available to focus on other activities and a sense of helping rather than harming, everybody wins.
Whether you are an avid gardener interested in learning some sustainable practices that you can implement or just curious as to what it is all about, join us on Sunday, Sept 22 to take a walk around some beautiful, thoughtful and eco-friendly gardens in Medfield. The flyer with the addresses of the gardens is posted on the MEA website, meamedfield.org. Any questions please email meamedfield@gmail.com
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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.
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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.
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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.
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