Category Archives: Trails

Eagle Scout Noah Hutchinson

Posted on May 6, 2025 | Comments Off on Eagle Scout Noah Hutchinson

From Hilli Passas –

Troop 10 celebrates their newest Eagle Scout, Noah Hutchinson

On Saturday, May 3rd, 2025, Troop 10 honored their newest Eagle Scout, Noah Hutchinson, at an Eagle Court of honor at the UCC, Medfield.  Noah’s scouting career started in Pack 8888 in Suzhou, China, then on to Pack 22 in Natick followed by Pack 113 Medfield. In Troop 10 Medfield, he found a place to grow, thrive, make life long friends and learn vital life skills such as Wilderness First Aid for his highlight trip canoeing 50 miles in the wilderness at Maine High Adventure.  For Noah’s Eagle project he planned the Native Pollinator Garden at the Medfield Rail Trail on the corner of Harding and West Mill streets, procured a variety of native plants,  planted and cared for the garden. The pollinator garden not only serves local wildlife, but adds to the delight of visitors and, as a demonstration garden, provides education on native plants. 

Noah is an accomplished Senior at Medfield HS; singing in Soundwaves HS A Cappella choir; playing rugby for Wrentham Barbarians; is a black belt in karate and serving as a student teacher at Villari’s in Natick.  He is a lifeguard at Kingsbury Club. This summer, he will train as an EMT. In the fall he is heading to Quinnipiac University to study Biomedical Science and play club rugby.

Medfield is lucky and grateful to have many active Scouts who carry out service projects and help make our town a great place to live.

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Posted in Events, Medfield Rail Trail, People, Scouts, Teens, Trails, Volunteers

New Life & Soles 5K – 4/27

Posted on March 15, 2025 | Comments Off on New Life & Soles 5K – 4/27

New Life Furniture Bank of MA and Soles of Medfield 

Announce 5K/10K Run and Fun Run

Medfield, MA – March 17, 2025 – New Life Furniture Bank of MA, in partnership with the running club Soles of Medfield, is proud to announce the second annual New Life 5K/10K Run and Fun Run, taking place on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at McCarthy Park & Fields (44 Hospital Hill Road). This community-driven event welcomes participants of all abilities—from competitive runners to casual walkers, as well as those with dogs or strollers—for a day of fitness, philanthropy, fun.

The event will begin at 9:00 AM with a Fun Run, providing an excellent opportunity for younger participants and families to get involved. At 9:30 AM, the 5K and 10K races will commence, offering a challenge for seasoned runners, while also accommodating those who prefer a more relaxed pace. Official timed results will be provided by Second Wind.

This event offers an opportunity to not only challenge oneself physically but also to support an important cause. Proceeds will directly benefit New Life Furniture Bank of MA, helping provide essential furniture and household items to individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness. Additionally, 10% of funds raised will support the Soles of Medfield Scholarship Fund, reinforcing the event’s broader mission of community enrichment.

“Every step taken on race day contributes to the journey of a family transitioning out of homelessness,” said Andy Crossley, Executive Director of New Life Furniture Bank. “Whether participants are running, walking, or cheering from the sidelines, this event fosters a sense of unity and purpose.”

To register and learn more, please visit newlifefb.org/race.

New Life Furniture Bank of MA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals and families in need by providing essential furniture and household items at no cost through a network of referring agencies. The organization envisions a future where no one is forced to live, eat, or sleep on the floor. Through the generosity of donors and volunteers, New Life transforms empty spaces into homes, restoring dignity and comfort to those in transition. To support, donate, or volunteer with New Life Furniture Bank, please visit newlifefb.org.

Soles of Medfield is an inclusive community group of runners of all distances and all paces.  Learn more at www.solesofmedfield.run

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Posted in Medfield State Hospital, New Life Furniture Bank of MA, Soles of Medfield, Sports, Trails

MASSDOT recommends roundabout at RTE 27 & West

Posted on June 4, 2024 | 2 comments

Maurice Goulet, Director of the DPW, told the Select Board at its meeting last Tuesday that MASSDOT prefers that the town improve the intersection of RTE 27 and West Street by installing a roundabout instead of new traffic signals. That intersection has more motor vehicle crashes than any other in Medfield – hence the concerns and need to improve its safety. Mo said that if the town defies the MASSDOT preference for the roundabout and opts to install new traffic signals instead, that it will likely cost the town $800,000 more than if the town built the roundabout.

There is a Federal earmark secured by Congressman Auchincloss involved for what I recall as $1.2m. to improve that intersection, but which Chris Potts writes in her Medfield Insider (quoted below) as $1.3m., and which I understood from Mo may be at risk if the town goes against the MASSDOT recommendation for a roundabout. Mo said the result is that the town will pay $800,000 more if we do a new traffic signal instead of a roundabout.

Based on the limited information provided to the Select Board to date, I prefer both installing the roundabout and saving the $800,000. Select Board members Murby and Murphy said they preferred new traffic lights.

See a couple of my past posts about roundabouts:

Poynton, England’s $4m fix could hold solutions for Medfield’s Rte. 109
Rte. 27 roundabouts?

I especially like the roundabouts in Norfolk Center and the one in Wellesley at the base of the hill by Babson College (RTE 135 and Wellesley Avenue) that Wellesley recently redid to make the lanes smaller and better angled so as to slow speeds.

Mo Goulet shared with the Select Board a possible preliminary design of the roundabout from the MASS DOT traffic engineers, part of which is shown below.

The following longer account of the presentation on the matter at the Select Board meeting was taken directly from the Medfield Insider:



Select Board Members Debate Roundabout   While efforts by Congressman Jake Auchincloss resulted in Medfield receiving a $1.3 million state earmark for West Street/Route 27 intersection improvements, the funding comes with a catch: Medfield may be forced to construct a single-lane roundabout.   As noted by DPW Director Maurice Goulet in a recent discussion with Select Board, due to the earmark, the project must go through a review by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, which is adamant about installing roundabouts, if at all possible.   The alternative preferred approached of installing dedicated turn lanes with traffic light improvements is estimated to cost $1.7 million, while a roundabout is estimated to cost $1.8 million, with additional costs for land-takings and easements.   Select Board members Eileen Murphy and Gus Murby said they were opposed to a roundabout at the West Street/Route 27 intersection and expressed concerns about vehicle speed, and dangerous pedestrian crossings and biking routes, while member Pete Peterson said he is in favor of the roundabout because he has seen them work well in other towns, and trusts the opinions of state engineers.   If the town were to pursue turn lanes instead of a roundabout, it is likely the project would need to be self-funded. After an extensive (and at times heated) Select Board discussion, Goulet will gather more information and try to make a case to the state about foregoing the roundabout option, even though he’s not optimistic about the outcome.

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Posted in DPW, Trails

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

Posted on March 27, 2023 | Comments Off on NLFB’s 6th annual 5k Trail Run and Kids Fun Run – 5/13

From Tod Dimmick –

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

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

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

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

The  Medfield-based non-profit organization operates a Walpole Donation Center and serves the MetroWest and Greater Boston area. New Life provides a meaningful option for folks who are downsizing, renovating or disposing of a loved one’s property.  

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

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

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Posted in Bellforge Arts Center, Charity, Children, Entertainment, Events, Medfield State Hospital, Teens, Trails

New Life 5k Trail Run on 5/7 updates

Posted on April 25, 2022 | Comments Off on New Life 5k Trail Run on 5/7 updates

From Todd Dimmick –

New teams enter the New Life 5k Trail Run on May 7th

New Life is excited to host its 5th annual Trail Run on Saturday, May 7th on the Medfield State Hospital grounds (at Hospital Rd. & Service Dr., Medfield, MA). The route winds through the beautiful Charles River Reservation, and the event is open to runners, walkers and everyone in between. Many teams have already entered the Trail Run, including A Team, Eliot Church XC, GNRC, Iwaki America, MAKT, Millis UCC on the MOVE, Shamrock Shuffle, Soles of Medfield, UCC Medfield, Unicorn Amazing, and Westwood First Parish Church. These teams include runners from across eastern Massachusetts. New teams are welcome and are easy to set up. 

To celebrate being back in person after two years of virtual runs, New Life has partnered with the Cultural Alliance of Medfield to provide live music on race day. Also, the Furniture Matters club of Medfield High School will introduce a Kids Fun Run for children 4-10 years old.

Trail Run registration is open at www.newlifefb.org/5ktrailrun. Registration is $30 until May 5; and $35 on race day. On-site Kids Fun Run registration will be $5 (cash or check). There is a $5 group discount for teams of four or more when the registrations are made at the same time.  On-site registration opens at 7:30 on race day. The Kids Fun Run starts at 9:00, and the Trail Run starts at 9:30, with live music to follow. The first 300 people to register will receive a t-shirt on race day.

The Trail Run benefits New Life Furniture Bank of MA and its mission to provide essential home furnishings to those in need. The Medfield-based not-for-profit organization operates a Walpole Donation Center, and serves the MetroWest and Greater Boston area. New Life provides a meaningful option for folks who are downsizing, renovating or disposing of a loved one’s property.

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


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Posted in Charity, Children, Entertainment, Events, Medfield State Hospital, Nature, Recreation, Teens, Trails

Still time to enter

Posted on May 1, 2020 | Comments Off on Still time to enter

New Life Virtual 5k

New Life Virtual 5k open to May 10

The New Life Virtual 5K is still open for runners, walkers and more through May 10. The event benefits New Life Furniture Bank of MA and its mission to provide essential home furnishings to those in need.

Runners and walkers register the same way they would for a conventional run, at www.newlifefb.org/virtual5k, where they can also create or join a team. Participants create their own 5k route, or use fitness apps. Teams or individuals may even choose to row 5k on erg machines, or to bike. Entrants complete their personal 5k anytime up to May 10, and runners and walkers log their times on Racewire. On May 11, results will be posted and awards will be given in traditional categories, as well as in new, creative categories like most creative course. Participants are encouraged to post photos with the hashtag #NewLifeStillRunning or send an email to trailrun@newlifefb.org. Over 250 people have already registered for the event, including runners from as far away as Melbourne, Australia.

The Virtual 5k offers an important opportunity for supporters who seek a way to do something positive and proactive while still being safe. “Folks joining the Virtual 5k not only support the New Life mission, they also are a welcome part of a community doing something that matters,” said Ron Yates, co-founder of New Life Furniture Bank. “That’s especially important right now. And, running in the virtual 5k is a healthy thing to do. Everyone wins.”  

The Virtual 5k raises funds that are critical to New Life’s ability to serve its clients. “The economic impact of COVID-19 is hitting our clients hard,” said Rich Purnell, Executive Director of New Life. He added that, “in the coming months, we anticipate a surge in requests as many families will be displaced from their homes.”

New Life Furniture Bank of MA collects high-quality gently-used furniture and household essentials that are then made available at no cost to individuals and families in need. The Medfield-based not-for-profit organization operates a Donation Center in Walpole, and serves the MetroWest and Greater Boston area. New Life provides a meaningful option for local residents who are downsizing, renovating or disposing of a loved one’s property.

To register, go to www.newlifefb.org/virtual5k. Those interested in being a sponsor or making a financial contribution are encouraged to visit www.newlifefb.org.

new life virtual 2020

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Posted in Charity, Entertainment, Events, Sports, Trails, Volunteers

QR signs are up and running on Medfield’s historic buildings

Posted on July 9, 2018 | 1 comment

This is a really cool and a really useful Eagle Scout project by Caillian Sheehy.  Given our critical mass of historic houses in town, Medfield has an opportunity to be a destination for those interested in things historic.  We just need a good “Medfield Trail” for visitors to follow, and now we have a good start on that history trail.

The material below was an email from David Temple of the Medfield Historical Society.  I believe that the Medfield Historical Society funded Caillan’s project.

Dwight-Derby House-3

QR signs are up and running on Medfield’s historic buildings

For his Eagle Scout project, Caillian Sheehy created signs (using the library’s 3D printer) with QR codes on the Peak House, the Dwight-Derby House, the old meetinghouse, the grist mill, the Baptist church, the historical society, Vine Lake cemetery, and the Inness studio.

 

When you go to any of these historic sites, get out your smart phone and use it to read the QR code.  (If you don’t already have one, free downloadable QR code reader apps are widely available.) You’ll be led to the historical society web site, with more information about each historical site, and you can play the one-minute audio intro that Caillian recorded for each site.

 

When Caillian first approached me, I thought it was a great idea – why didn’t we think of this before? But Caillian had the idea and made it happen. Bravo, Caillian!

 

In your reply, please include my original message.

David F. Temple
President, Medfield Historical Society

Co-chair, Medfield Historical Commission

1 Comment

Posted in History, Teens, Trails

New Life’s 5K

Posted on February 15, 2018 | Comments Off on New Life’s 5K

This from Susan Maritan –

Registration is Open for New Life’s 5K Fundraising Run/Walk

New Life Furniture Bank is excited to announce its 1st Annual New Life 5K Trail Run. This fundraising event will be held at 9 AM on Saturday, May 5th at the scenic Medfield State Hospital grounds in Medfield, MA.

Come out for a day of competition and fun in the fresh air at a beautiful and natural venue for the area’s most avid runners, walkers and everyone in between. (Pets welcome too!) The New Life 5K Trail Run is open to the public, and all ages are encouraged to run, jog or walk in what promises to be an annual family event not to be missed!

Registration is open now! The first 200 registrants will receive a free t-shirt. To register or for additional information, go to www.newlifefb.org/5ktrailrun.

New Life Furniture Bank is a 501(c)3 non-profit that collects high-quality gently-used furniture and household essentials and makes them available at no cost to individuals and families in extraordinary need.

New Life has made a difference in the lives of thousands of people transitioning from a homeless environment, victims of fire, military veterans and refugees, among others.  Visit us at newlifefb.org.

New Life 5k

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Posted in Charity, Children, Entertainment, Events, Medfield State Hospital, People, Recreation, Seniors, Teens, Trails, Volunteers

Sidewalk planning

Posted on September 7, 2016 | Comments Off on Sidewalk planning

sidewalk

In response to a citizen discussion on Facebook, at the Board of Selectmen meeting last night I brought up appointing a citizen “Sidewalk Study Committee.”  I have been advocating for better planning around sidewalk construction ever since I noted years ago that the then process seemed ad hoc and came mainly from DPW Superintendent Ken Feeney. I thought the town needed more thoughtful and robust planning, and a process open to resident participation.

Last night, in response to my suggestion to appoint a citizen “Sidewalk Study Committee,” Mike Sullivan opined that he preferred using the moribund Safety Committee, which is where sidewalk planning was sent to die several years ago (as that committee was then newly created with Mike, Ken, and the MPD Chief and had only one independent resident member).  After sidewalks were turfed to that then newly created Safety Committee by my then selectmen colleagues, about five to six years ago, we never heard back from that committee about sidewalks.

Last night my fellow selectmen did not support appointing a citizen study committee at this time, but Mike Marcucci opined about the need for a more robust planning process about future sidewalk construction and also financing their construction via bonding – as we cannot easily afford to pay for them out of the operating budget. That makes me hopeful that a majority of the selectmen want planning about sidewalks, and to actually spend money to build them.

To me it all about making safe connections to the downtown from each part of town. I can imagine that trails could also be used. In my part of town, the Bay Colony Rail Trail when built could connect and funnel most of the North side of town down to Harding Street at West Mill Street – and then the connection to the downtown would have to be figured out from that point.  Although we really need to also look at the more direct route along Harding Street from the town line at Dover.

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Posted in Medfield Rail Trail, Planning, Select Board matters, Trails, Uncategorized

MAPC map of whole area

Posted on August 2, 2016 | Comments Off on MAPC map of whole area

The MAPC also shared their map showing the existing trails (in green), trails in the wroks (in yellow), and those they hope to create (in red), for most of eastern Massachusetts.

20160729-MAPC-whole area

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Posted in Medfield Rail Trail, Trails, Uncategorized