Category Archives: Uncategorized

Eagle Scout, Ben Rothstein

Eagle Scout Court of Honor this afternoon for Ben Rothstein at the UCC.

Drinking Water Warning

Drinking Water Notification .pdf

Angel Run 2018 – Register Now

angel-run-2016

Greetings Angel Run Friends,

Join us for the 13th running (or walking) of the Angel Run on Sunday, December 2 at 12:30pm!

Registration for the MFi Angel Run is officially open. Registration is available online for $25.00 per person at MedfieldFoundation.org/angel-run and runs through October 28. Register by this date to receive the always popular commemorative Angel Run shirt. After October 28 you can still register online, however the price goes up to $30.00 per person and you will not receive a shirt.

Once again this year we will be offering bib tag timing to provide you the most accurate time possible and a special separate starting corral for competitive runners. You decide if you should belong to that group. Be sure to note this on your registration.

We’ve also got great news to share as well. With the completion of the Philips Street bridge, the Angel Run will be returning to our official 5K route. A map of the route is available when you register or on our website.

New this year – The Sleigh Division!

This year runners pushing strollers can register for the Sleigh Division. Just like Santa speeds through the night with his sleigh, we know that some of our runners speed through the streets of Medfield with their Sleighs (strollers)! Awards will be given for the top male and female runners pushing a sleigh and also for the best decorated sleigh.

 

Register Now!

 

We hope to see you there (with bells on!)

Cheers,

The MFi Angel Run Team

angel run runners

Food Cupboard annual meeting 11/8

Our bylaws require that we send out an announcement in advance alerting the Mediefld community to our annual meeting.

Susan Maritan

MFC-sign

The Annual Meeting of the Medfield Food Cupboard is scheduled for Thursday, November 8th at 7:00 PM at Medfield’s Church of the Advent, 28 Pleasant St. All community members are welcome to attend.

Winter moths in check

Good ending story from WickedLocal Medfield –

http://medfield.wickedlocal.com/news/20180905/umass-experts-see-major-gains-in-war-on-winter-moths

UMass experts see major gains in war on winter moths

With the help of a parasitic fly, a group of Massachusetts scientists is declaring victory over the leaf-munching, tree-damaging winter moth caterpillar.

Winter moth larva, which feed on tree leaves, blueberry crops and orchards, have been responsible for the defoliation of tens of thousands of acres along the New England coast each year since the early 2000s.

But entomologists at UMass-Amherst now say the winter moth population is decreasing to non-pest levels thanks largely to the introduction of a parasitic fly native to Europe. The pest-reduction approach, known as “biological control,” is expected to save Massachusetts residents millions of dollars in future pesticide costs, according to researchers.

“After 14 years of effort, we have successfully converted winter moth, a major defoliation invading Eastern New England, into a non-pest, presumably on a permanent basis,” Joseph Elkinton, an entomologist at UMass-Amherst, said in a statement. “We have averted what was shaping up to be another major invasion calamity for the entire United States comparable to gypsy moth.”

Elkinton, along with entomologists George Boettner and Hannah Broadley, has been working toward this goal for years. In 2005, the group started collecting the flies, which prey specifically on the winter moth, and grew them in a controlled UMass lab.

The flies were released at 44 sites along the Massachusetts coast, and the researchers have verified the flies have successfully populated in at least 38 of the locations.

The pest-reduction effort mirrors a biological control approach that succeeded in Nova Scotia and British Columbia, Canada, where the winter moth was found prior to invading the United States. The species is originally from Europe.

Elkinton said the biological approach, which is common in fighting invasive pests around the world, is working especially well here.

″(It’s) quite rare, at least on forest trees,” he said. “In fact, I can’t think of any other example involving a major forest insect in North America.”

The flies do not prey on anything besides the winter moth, according to the researchers. And while the approach will not wipe out the winter moth entirely, it will greatly reduce the invasive species.

“The object of biological control is to reduce density of the invasive species to non-pest status,” Elkinton said. “That is what we believe we have achieved.”

Medfield Project Happiness

From Kerri Krah, seeking to add to their 700 worldwide followers –

#MedfieldProjectHappiness is spreading #happiness @ the Medfield Public Schools. Follow us on Twitter on our journey & join in our happiness challenges along the way 😀

 

Tag @HappyBlakers #MedfieldProjectHappiness #AugustAppreciationChallenge #medfieldps

daily happiness challenge july

daily happiness challenge august

Medfield hapiness project

We would really like to get folks in the community to participate. I’m looking for your ideas and also would love your participation. I’m happy to answer any questions.

Thank you in advance for your support of social emotional learning in Medfield!

Best,

Kerrie

Kerrie Krah

Speech-Language Pathologist

Medfield Public Schools

communications for all

BoS from 6/5/18

Meeting Minutes June 5, 2018 Chenery Meeting Room draft PRESENT: Selectmen Marcucci, Murby, Peterson; Town Administrator Sullivan; Assistant Town Administrator Trierweiler: Town Counsel Cerel; Administrative Assistant Clarke Chairman Marcucci called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and announced the meeting was being recorded. The Chairman asked for a moment of appreciation for our Troops serving in the Middle East and around the world. Appointments 7:00 PM Economic Development Committee; Downtown Medfield Parking Study Presentation Sarah Raposa let the Board know that unfortunately members of the EDC are not available to attend the meeting. Ms. Raposa continued saying that the Town received a state grant to gather findings about the parking situation in Medfield. William High and Cynthia Lin from Nelson/Nygaard were assigned to conduct the Downtown Parking Study. Mr. High opened the discussion reporting that data was collected in October 2017 and the result is that there are 1700 parking spaces, however only 5% of all off-street parking is publicly accessible; we only reviewed publically owned parking. During the day most people park in the North Street area and overall parking is readily available. Some recommendations on how to improve parking: encourage shared parking with businesses; striping onstreet spaces; install parking signage to indicate where the public may park and include time specific loading zones. Recommend that zoning be updated to accommodate more parking spaces. The take away from the study is that Medfield has adequate parking and with additional parking management the Town could have better parking available to the public. The Selectmen appreciate the effort and time Nelson/Nygaard gave to the downtown parking study. 7:30 PM Public Hearing/ Verizon Contract Renewal; present attorneys William Solomon (special cable counsel/liaison for the Town) and John Harrington outside counsel for Verizon Note: Selectman Marcucci recused from the hearing as Verizon is a client of his law firm 'Vote: Motion made and seconded to appoint Selectman Murby Acting Chairman Unanimous vote Chairman Murby declared the Public Hearing open to discuss public concerns regarding Verizon license renewal Attorney Solomon noted that there are few changes to this renewal from the previous contract; however, the most significant is the contract term will be five (5) years. Past contracts have been ten years and 20 communities have agreed to the five year term. Some of the changes include, adding a HD PEG channel to the standard definition channels; PEG Access Annual support is increased from 4.75% to 4.8%; capital support total $100,000 will be paid once per contract year in the amount of $20,000 plus .25% of gross revenue on a quarterly June 5, 2018 Page two basis; Verizon will provide a cable drop and monthly basic service to municipal buildings at no cost. Medfield Cable TV director Brett Poirier was recognized. He thanked Bill Solomon for his good efforts in working towards finalizing the Verizon contract renewal. Mr. Sullivan interjected that he has become aware of updated information from the state regarding payments from Verizon and Comcast that arrive for Medfield TV. It has been the Town's practice to endorse the checks and give them to cable. We now have to setup a revolving account, deposit the checks then write Town checks payable to Medfield Cable Access Corp. As there is no further discussion, Chair Murby will declare the hearing closed 'Vote: On a motion made by Selectman Murby, seconded by Selectman Peterson it was voted unanimously to declare the public hearing closed Motion made to grant the license renewal and execute the contract, term June 5, 2018 to June 4, 2023 and with the expressed hope that the current channels remain and ideally mirror those hi definition channels. Motion carried The Board extended their appreciation to Attorney Solomon, Counsel John Harrington, Michael Sullivan and Mark Cerel for their efforts during the negotiations. 7:50 PM Pocket Park Study Committee, Jean Mineo member Ms. Mineo opened the discussion by reporting that the Pocket Park Committee was established in 2013; members included Matthew McCormick, Monique Allen, Minta Hissong, Kevin Ryder, Bob Kennedy and Sarah Raposa. Through their efforts the Park opened in 2016 and this spring a new sign was installed funded by MEMO. Presently the committee consists of three members and we would agree to not being appointed. She continued saying that the maintenance at the park is minimal; grass cutting and removing trash, which Parks and Recreation has been doing. However we want to be certain that the fountain remains in good working order and to include the water is turned off for the winter season. Mr. Sullivan said that in addition to funds appropriated at 2015 Town Meeting for construction of the Park another $5,500 was added from the Downtown Improvement budget. Uncertain if any of that amount has been used up to now. Discussion ensued as to how the maintenance will continue in the future. Selectmen advised Sullivan and Trierweiler have conversation with DPW and Parks and Recreation to hopefully work out a plan and report resolution. Action Items DPW Director Maurice Goulet requests the Selectmen vote to sign Chapter 90 Project Request: 'Vote: On a motion made and seconded it was voted unanimously to sign Chapter 90 Project for Paving Main Street from Causeway Street to Millis town line in the amount of $113,000.00 and further voted to sign Chapter 90 Project Request for paving North Street from Pine Street to Dover town line in the amount of $330,000.00 June 5, 2018 Page three Also DPW Director requests the Selectmen vote to sign contract with Vanasse, Hangen, Brustlin 'Vote: On a motion made by Selectman Murby, seconded by Selectman Peterson it was voted unanimously to sign a one year contract with Vanasse, Hangen, Brustlin (VHB) Wethersfield, CT for professional engineering and material testing services in the amount of $25,000.00 and as recommended by DPW Director Maurice Goulet Landscaping Bid Ms. Trierweiler requests the Selectmen vote to award the Medfield State Hospital Landscaping Bid to Shady Tree Landscaping for a two year contract term in the amount of $93,000 and it was so voted New Cleaning Company for Municipal Buildings 'Vote: On a motion made by Selectman Murby, seconded by Selectman Peterson it was voted unanimously to award and sign a three year contract with Dynamic Janitorial Cleaning, Inc. Milford MA to perform the work at Town Hall, Library, DPW Offices, Council on Aging and Recreation Building, contract term July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2021 and as recommended by Facilities Director Jerry McCarty Proclamations Eldred Whyte 11 year elected member of the Medfield Housing Authority has resigned. A celebration will be held on Tuesday June 12, 2018. The Selectmen ae requested to declare June 12 Eldred "Al" Whyte Day and sign a Proclamation in his honor 'Vote: On a motion made and seconded it was voted unanimously to declare June 12, 2018 Eldred "Al" Whyte Day and further voted to sign a Proclamation in his honor Douglas Olsen, Music Director at Medfield High School since 1994 is leaving Medfield. The Selectmen are requested to declare June 14, 2018 as Douglas Olsen Day and further voted to sign a Proclamation in his honor 'Vote: On a motion made and seconded it was voted unanimously to declare Thursday June 14, 2018 to be Douglas Olsen Music Day in the Town of Medfield and further voted to sign a Proclamation in his honor Revision to Police Officer Appointment At the May 22, 2018 Selectmen's meeting the Police Chief requested the Selectmen vote a conditional offer of employment to a candidate. The request must now be withdrawn because June 5, 2018 Page four of a residency issue. Police Chief Meaney requests the Selectmen vote a conditional offer of employment to Michael J. Stanley, the next individual on the Civil Service list. 'Vote: On a motion made by Selectman Murby, seconded by Selectman Peterson it was voted unanimously to approve a conditional offer of employment to Michael J. Stanley Meeting Minutes Voted unanimously to accept the minutes of January 2 and January 16, 2018 as submitted Licenses and Permits {Consent Agenda) Granted as noted by the Chair: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation permission to ride through a part of Medfield October 6 for their 21st Annual Charity Bicycle Ride Charles Harris permission to place two directional signs at Route 27 and Hospital Road June 10 to June 24 for the car show at the hospital site; a one-day wine and malt beverage permit High School Football team permission to hold a car wash on August 25, rain date August 26 Zullo Gallery permission to post signs promoting their annual Arts Festival on June 16 Town Administrator Update Mr. Sullivan reported that the Transfer Station will open at 7:30 AM on an experimental basis through the summer months A new Building Inspector has been hired, start date Monday June 11. We appreciate John Naff's willingness to help during this interim period. As the HVAC system has been in operation for 20 years, Facilities Director Jerry McCarty has recommended that it go through a draining process. Selectmen Report Mr. Peterson held office hours at the CENTER June 1; resident reported manhole covers need attention. Congratulations to the high school seniors. Mr. Murby attended the Zoning Board's meeting regarding the proposed assisted living facility on Main Street saying that it was a light crowd attending, however, project heavily opposed. It was perfect weather for the high school graduation ceremony. Mr. Murby held two informational sessions at the CENTER regarding the ballot questions at the June 11 election and both sessions went well. He did not represent the Board of Selectmen but personally as he felt residents needed clarification. Mr. Marcucci reported that the Affordable Housing Trust will be meeting this Thursday evening, June 7 at the Town Garage. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:35 PM.20180605_Page_220180605_Page_320180605_Page_4

Food recalls

aaj

More from the American Association for Justice daily newsletter –

FDA warns more secondary product recalls likely over potentially contaminated whey.

CBS News (7/25, Gibson, 6.78M) reports on its website, “Consumers can expect additional recalls of products possibly contaminated with salmonella in coming days” as “believe a common whey ingredient supplied by Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI) may have been contaminated with salmonella.” FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb said in a statement on Tuesday, “As there are likely other food products made by other manufacturers that also use this common ingredient, there may be other recalls initiated in the coming days,” citing certain food products under the Hungry Man label.

TIME (7/25, Ducharme, 19.27M) reports that Associated Milk Producers “reiterated in a statement that the whey powder recall is precautionary, and that all samples have so far tested negative for salmonella.”

The Food Poisoning Bulletin (7/25, Larsen) also reports.

Kraft Heinz recalls Taco Bell brand cheese dip over botulism concerns.

The Miami Herald (7/25, Neal, 1.07M) reports that Kraft Heinz “recalled about 7,000 cases of Taco Bell Salsa Con Queso dip on Tuesday night as a precautionary measure” against potential botulism contamination. No illnesses have been reported. According to the recall notice, “Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled.” .

CDC issues warning about salmonella outbreak from live chickens, ducks.

USA Today (7/25, May, 11.4M) reports that “at least 212 cases of salmonella infections have been linked to contact with backyard chickens, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns.” The CDC says as of Monday, about 25 percent of the reported cases are children younger than five years old, and at least 34 people have been hospitalized. The article says the outbreak has been reported in 44 states and includes several strains of salmonella.

Fox News (7/26, Lieu, 16.38M), the AP (7/25), the Bangor (ME) Daily News (7/25, Curtis, 168K), and the Connecticut Post (7/25, Cuda, 318K) report.

Gallup poll: 38% of Americans think vaping is “very harmful.”

Politico Pulse also highlights a new Gallup (7/25, 35K) poll, which found that 38% of Americans viewed vaping as “very harmful,” while 82% thought the same of cigarettes and 27% saw marijuana this way. A “majority” thought all of these substances, plus chewing tobacco cigars, and pipes, are “at least ‘somewhat harmful.’”

U.S. News & World Report (7/25, Lardieri, 1.97M) reports 96% of Americans consider cigarettes to be “at least somewhat harmful” to smokers. The coverage states, “Researchers even suggest that, as cigarettes become even more tightly regulated and laws governing marijuana use continue to loosen, a day could come in which more people report smoking pot than tobacco.”

Mass AG investigates vaping company

From my American Association for Justice daily e-newsletter –

juul

Massachusetts AG investigating whether Juul Labs took adequate steps to prevent sales to minors.

Reuters (7/24, Raymond) reports Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey said at a press briefing that her office has opened an investigation into Juul Labs Inc. and online retailers Direct Eliquid LLC and Eonsmoke LLC to determine if they broke state law by “failing to prevent minors from buying their products.” The investigation intends to evaluate the effectiveness of Juul underage sales prevention efforts and what it does, “if anything” to stop its products from being sold by online retailers without age verification. The office said it was sending cease-and-desist letters to the online retailers to stop sales of Juul and e-cigarettes to Massachusetts residents “without adequate age verification systems.”

CNBC (7/24, LaVito, 4.81M) reports Healey said, “I want to be clear with the public. This isn’t about getting adults to stop smoking cigarettes. This is about getting kids to start vaping. That’s what these companies are up to. They’re engaged in an effort to get kids addicted, get them hooked so they will have customers for the rest of their lives.” Healey’s office will investigate whether the Massachusetts consumer protection statute or state e-cigarette regulations were violated.

The Hill (7/24, Wheeler, 2.71M) reports Healey “said Tuesday morning her office has sent Juul Labs subpoenas for information.” The Verge (7/24, Becker, 1.55M) reports the investigation is part of “a statewide push to end youth vaping and nicotine addiction.”

Also reporting are the Associated Press (7/24), Boston Globe (7/24, Campbell, 945K), and the Springfield (MA) Republican (7/24, 412K).

 

Swap

The Swap area at the transfer station gets more and more organized each year. It is looking really good this year.