Category Archives: Uncategorized

Library of yesteryear

library 100th postcard

Per the 20 year capital plan and facilities report (558 pages) the Board of Selectmen received this past week on the town owned buildings, the library and other town buildings have expensive maintenance needs.  From memory the front steps of the library need about $20,000 of fixes, the old front door in the picture needs weatherstiping, and the many library façade bricks need repointing.

I hope I will be permitted to release the full report to residents after the report is presented to the Board of Selectmen this evening.  It is really well done – complete, instructive at best, and worrisome at worst.  Owning and maintaining building is clearly expensive, but the maintenance must be both scheduled and performed.

Angel Run Reminder – Early Bird Registration closes 11/1. Please register today!

angel-run-2016

Greetings Angel Run Friends,

Early Bird Registration for the 12th running (or walking) of the Angel Run closes on November 1st. Don’t miss out on the lower price and your chance to get one of the famous Angel Run shirts. Note the run is on 12/3 and will start at 12:30pm, earlier than in years past.

Thank you to those who have already registered. If you have, be sure to pass this email along to your friends so they have the chance to register. If you haven’t already registered, we ask that you not wait until the last minute.

Registration is online at www.medfieldfoundation.org/angel-run. After November 1st you may still register online however the price goes up and there is no shirt included. You may also print a registration form to send in by mail. Be sure to send it early as forms received after 11/1 will be considered late.

Once again this year we will be offering bib tag timing to provide you the most accurate time possible.Due to the Philip St. bridge closure we will again follow the modified course route from last year which is not an officially USATF certified 5K. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Finally, this year we will again have a special separate starting corral for competitive runners, though this time you decide what competitive means. Be sure to note if you want to be in the competitive section on your registration.

Register Now!

needham-bank

Once again Needham Bank is the Exclusive Presenting Sponsor
of the 2017 MFi Angel Run.

Thank you to the team at Needham Bank for their
continued generosity towards Medfield.

 

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

Cheers,

The MFi Angel Run Team

AR

 

 

State Senate election today

I want you

State Senate election today

Only about 150 voters by 8:20.

Election coverage

Senate hopefuls bring in big names for last campaign stops

 senator warren

ATTLEBORO — With voter turnout expected to be on the low side for a special Senate election Tuesday, both parties brought out their big names over the weekend to push people to the polls.

The independent candidate in the district, Joe Shortsleeve of Medfield, doesn’t have a party to back him, so he relied on “flash mob” events across the district to gin up interest in the race.

Democrat Paul Feeney of Foxboro got help from a steady stream of party leaders, including U.S. Rep. Joseph Kennedy, Sen. Ed Markey and Sen. Elizabeth Warren.

Republican Jacob Ventura, who was endorsed by Gov. Charlie Baker last week, campaigned with Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito and party officials in Walpole Sunday.

Various turnout predictions say only about 15 percent of registered voters in the Bristol and Norfolk District will cast ballots Tuesday in the special election to replace former Sen. James Timilty, who resigned.

That means the election could be decided by only the most loyal of partisan voters.

Ventura and Feeney want as many of those loyalists from their party to turn out and used big-name leaders to motivate the base.

Shortsleeve, meanwhile, needs to attract independents and disaffected party members to the polls in a district that is 60 percent independent, or unenrolled.

“All I’ve got is the people. I don’t have a party,” Shortsleeve said.

Feeney most definitely has a party — the Democratic Party — and its leaders have gone all out for him.

Kennedy campaigned Friday, Markey on Saturday and Warren on Sunday.

Warren came to American Legion Post 312 in South Attleboro Sunday and told about 50 campaign volunteers that special elections are “tricky. It’s all going to be about turnout.”

She urged the volunteers to knock on as many doors as possible between now and Tuesday to get Feeney supporters to the polls.

Feeney, she said, has dedicated his life to helping working class families and they share the same middle class values.

She said Feeney is a clear alternative to the two other candidates who support President Donald Trump and his policies favoring “the thin slice at the top.”

Feeney said his concern for working people is reflected in his issues of improving health care, establishing a $15 minimum wage, and providing equal pay for equal work by women.

Ventura and Polito spent Sunday evening walking down Red Gate Road in Walpole, knocking on doors and encouraging citizens to vote in the election.

“Walpole is a very important town in this district and we’re trying to win it,” Ventura said. “I’ve been in almost every neighborhood in this town meeting with voters.”

Polito said thanks to his background, Ventura is an ideal candidate.

“He’s worked in the private sector and understands those interests,” she said. “To have his leadership when it comes to balancing budgets with fiscal discipline while being responsible is something that Governor Baker and I value.”

Shortsleeve said he and a band of supporters drove around the district over the weekend, holding “flash mob” events.

Word would be sent out on social media about where to meet up and supporters would show up at places with signs and wave to passing motorists.

“A whole bunch of people would just show up all at once,” he said, adding it was a high-energy event.

The special election involves a district that includes half of Attleboro, part of Sharon and all of Seekonk, Rehoboth, Norton, Mansfield, Foxboro, Walpole and Medfield.

Jim Hand may be reached at 508-236-0399 or jhand@thesunchronicle.com. You can follow him on Twitter at @TSCpolitic

ELECTION tomorrow

vote.2

State Senate Election is Tomorrow

Running are:

  • Republican is Jacob Ventura
  • Independent is Joe Shortsleeve
  • Democrat is Paul Feeney

 

Derbyfest this Saturday

Dwight-Derby House-2

The first Annual Derbyfest is this Saturday (21st). Don’t miss out! It is only $5 per adult over 21. We will have a beer tasting by 7th Wave Brewing Medfield’s new and only brewery, mini tours of Medfield’s oldest house, the Dwight and Derby Exhibits for your enjoyment and our Dwight-Derby Shoppe will be open for your convenience. You can buy a ticket ahead by contacting Cheryl at 508-359-7264 or cheryl’omalley@verizon.net or pay at the door. Don’t miss the fun!!

 

Do spread the word! Thank you!!!

Cheryl O’Malley

President

Friends of the Dwight-Derby House

38 Pleasant Street

Medfield, MA. 02052

7 Frairy Street

www.dwightderbyhouse.org

Facebook: Friends of the Dwight Derby House

508-359-7264

 

 

 

MA Fall Selectmen Meeting

Gus and I are getting educated about being selectmen today at Massachusetts Municipal Association’s fall selectmen meeting in Boylston. Interesting exchange between Gus and one presenter, as both are leadership consultants.

I always learn useful information, and get insights from fellow selectmen colleagues.

BoS minutes for 9/17

NB – new earlier deadline this year for any warrant articles for the annual town meeting (ATM) – warrant articles should be submitted by December 1.

Meeting Minutes September 19, 2017 Chenery Meeting Room draft PRESENT: Selectmen Peterson, Marcucci, Murby; Town Administrator Sullivan; Administrative Assistant Clarke Chairman Peterson called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and announced this meeting is being recorded. He asked for a moment of appreciation for our Troops serving in the Middle East and around the world. 71 North Street / LIP PROJECT Present Developer Robert Borrelli, attorney Jim Murphy, Ed Lyons architect and GLM site engineer Rob Kurick. Mr. Murphy remarked that we are here this evening to present Mr. Borrelli's proposed plan for his second Local Initiative Project at 71 North, next door to the first LIP at 67 North Street, which should be ready for renting November 1. This project will have eight units, two of which will be affordable, the remainder rental. If the state approves this development all eight will be counted towards the Town achieving safe harbor. The plan as shown is very similar to 67 North Street. It was explained that 71 North will have three parking spaces and an easement will provide 44 spaces at #67. Mr. Borrelli will need to have a site plan review and a ZBA hearing is required. VOTE: On a motion made and seconded it was voted unanimously to support this project and assign Michael Sullivan to provide any necessary assistance along with the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals FY19 BUDGET GUIDELINES Present: Warrant Committee members, Tom Marie, Barbara Gips, Joanna Hilvert, Sharon Tatro; School Committee member Jessica Reilly The Warrant Committee and the School Committee was invited tonight to have a preliminary discussion about what we may be facing leading up to annual town meeting. Mr. Sullivan distributed a packet of financial information that included tax levy fy15-fy19, estimated local receipts for fy19, status of water and sewer enterprise funds, outstanding debt by bond issue and a preliminary list of warrant articles. This year in order to make things run more smoothly, the Selectmen advise that warrant articles should be submitted by December 1, January 2 is the date for anyone who has changed their mind about an article; final submission by January 15 to allow Town Counsel complete a legal review. This time frame should allow the Warrant Committee time to schedule meetings to review the proposed articles and the review of departmental budgets. The goal is to avoid last minute submissions as we had last year. Mr. Sullivan estimates a 2.5 to 3% tax increase and suggests a 3% increase in budgets. He also made note that we need to reduce the amount of free cash we have been using to balance the September 19, 2017 Page two budget. He remarked that he has learned that Facilities Director Jerry McCarty has completed a 20 year capital plan which will be very helpful to develop a more solid financial plan; tentatively Jerry is scheduled to come to the October 17 meeting for discussion. It was noted that the Warrant Committee will meet on Monday nights at the Public safety Building. SPECIAL STATE ELECTION WARRANT This election is to fill James Timilty's Senate Seat. There are three candidate; Jacob Ventura, Paul Feeney and Joe Shortsleeve. Polls are open 6AM to 8PM in Medfield VOTED unanimously to sign the October 17, 2017 Special State Warrant PENDING ITEMS: State Hospital Master Planning Committee Guidance Selectmen Peterson and Marcucci reviewed and made comments to Selectman Murby's draft dated July 7. Selectman Murby amended the document to include those comments that outlines the Selectmen's support for a special town meeting. Selectman Peterson and Marcucci reviewed and approve VOTE: On a motion made by Selectman Marcucci, seconded by Selectman Murby it was voted unanimously to approve the Selectmen's Guidance to the State Hospital Master Planning Committee dated September 19, 2017 as amended with Selectman Murby's editorial comments Town Goals The Selectmen have been working on preparing a list of goals for the past several weeks. Selectman Murby has refined all the comments and prepared a draft document. Selectman Murby said that he thinks it would be a good idea to invite residents to review and make comments/suggestions; Selectmen Peterson and Marcucci agree. The document now needs to be formatted to be used on the web. This is a task for Selectman Murby to complete. VETERANS' SERVICE OFFICER Mr. Sullivan remarked that the result of his conversations with both Westwood and Dover is that they have no interest in joining with Medfield for veterans' services. LICENSES AND PERMITS (CONSENT AGENDA) Granted as noted by the Chair: Medfield Coalition for Public Education to post signs announcing fund raising campaign Medfield Green to post signs advertising October is Green Month at the Transfer Station Medfield Lions Club to post signs promoting annual Chowder Rest on November 4, 2017 Boy Scout Troop 89 permission to post sign announcing 22nd annual Christmas Tee Pick-up September 19, 2017 Page three A one-day liquor permit to Katie Walsh owner of Capsule Lifestyle for a Sip and Shop event at her store Thursday September 28 Block Party Permits granted; Stonybrook Road September 23; Pederzini Drive cul-de-sac for September 30; Cypress Street October 21 High School Student Council to hold a Sleep out for the Homeless September 20 TOWN ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE Mr. Sullivan remarked that the beavers are hard at work in several locations in Town. Beaver trapping season begins December 1. He extended appreciation to MEMO and Russ Hallisey for a great job organizing Medfield Day; announced that on October 5 a meeting is scheduled with John Kelly to discuss his proposed plan for the Dale Street project. Selectman Marcucci will attend. SELECTMEN'S REPORI'S Selectman Marcucci said that Medfield Day was great, good crowds; extended kudos to DPW for the good job on the Route 109 construction. Selectman Murby said that the Sherborn Fire Chief attended the ALS Study Committee meeting, an impressive man., very well spoken. The committee is moving forward making some progress. As he is Chairman of the Trust Fund Committee he said that a meeting will be called soon to discuss the recent OPEB report. Mr. Murby will be out of Town returning later in the afternoon on Sunday October 1 he will some of the festivities celebrating the library's centennial. Selectman Peterson enjoyed the Dwight-Derby House 20th Anniversary Gala remarking it was a wonderful event. He mentioned that registration will open soon for the 12th annual Angel Run to take place on Sunday December 3, 2017. ADJOURNMENT On a motion made by Selectman Marcucci at 9:30 PM seconded by Selectman Murby the meeting adjourned.20170919_Page_220170919_Page_3

BoS on 10/17

The agenda and back up materials can all be seen via this PDF 20171017-agenda

 

 

20171017-agenda_Page_2

NYT article on anxiety among adolescents

This really interesting article was shared by Medfield Youth Outreach Director, Dawn Alcott with Medfield Cares About Prevention (MCAP) and Medfield Coalition for Suicide Prevention (MCSP).  The article reports on extremely high levels of anxiety (30%) among all of our youth.

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Just could not avoid sending this link to a terrific article from the NY times about youth anxiety and depression.

 

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/11/magazine/why-are-more-american-teenagers-than-ever-suffering-from-severe-anxiety.html?_r=0&WT.mc_id=SmartBriefs-Newsletter&WT.mc_ev=click&ad-keywords=smartbriefsnl