Posted onNovember 29, 2022|Comments Off on Henry Marcel – Medfield’s Holiday Lights Maestro
Henry (Hank) Marcel was the first Medfield Foundation Volunteer of the Year in 2008, primarily because he was single handedly responsible for doing MEMO’s holiday tree lighting downtown for decades.
Below is that 2008 Medfield Foundation Volunteer Awards proclamation:
MEDFIELD FOUNDATION RECOGNIZES HENRY J. MARCEL AS ITS MEDFIELD VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
The Medfield Foundation proudly proclaims Henry J. Marcel as its Medfield Volunteer of the Year. Henry Marcel is a large steady man with an even larger and steadier presence, whose contribution to making the Town of Medfield a better place have been both constant and impressive for many, many years. Henry, or Hank, has often worked behind the scenes without fanfare or recognition to deliver highly visible, easily recognizable, and much appreciated things to Medfield for decades. Hank has impacted the Town of Medfield in three main areas. First and foremost, Hank is the one who has lit our downtown with holiday lights at Christmas for decades. Second, Hank is the one who has done all the work to electrify Medfield Day and to do the other grunt work that makes it happen for 27 years. Third, Hank is a long time volunteer Medfield Fire Department firefighter, who is often seen proudly wearing a Medfield Fire Department tee shirt.
Hank has been Medfield’s Mr. Christmas, having organized and presided over stringing Medfield’s Christmas lights for MEMO for over twenty-five years. Observers in the know in recent years are used to seeing Hank out and about the downtown in the cold every year after Thanksgiving stringing the lights in Baxter Park, in front of Lord’s, at the Town House, and in front of the First Parish Meeting House. However, the keen long time observers will know that Hank started out decades earlier by actually shutting down his then electrical contracting business, Medfield Electric, for weeks every Christmas, and paying all his employees to help him to string the Christmas lights on every tree up and down Main Street, trees that are now exist only in memories. Over time, the Christmas lights became focused on Baxter Park. In recent years, Hank has buried electrical conduit under the park to facilitate setting up his displays, and he has been adding a tree in any year he can, to make a larger display. MEMO buys the Christmas lights.
Henry’s smile grows ever wider each year as he watches the faces of the town’s children light up in joy during the tree lighting count down, as the lights on the trees come one a tree at a time, culminating with the lighting of the Christmas tree. What an annual gift from Henry to the residents of Medfield to provide so much joy and happiness to so many children and their families.
The annual Medfield Day event is literally powered by Hank, as he creates and operates several whole electrical services for the events locations, calling on his extended group of electrician friends, such as Larry Kilkenny, to make it all come together and in time. Hank has been one who has worked from before dawn until after dark to make Medfield Day happen: he has lined the booths, coordinated the set-up and break-down, doing whatever tasks needed to be done, and he ran the event several times. When the Medfield Night Fireworks were added, Henry was delighted to work on them, despite making his Medfield Day hours longer, especially when he saw how much pleasure the fireworks gave to so many people.
Hank started on the Medfield Fire Department in 1974 under the direction of Chief Ryan. In one untoward incident in 1986 Hank was working at a car fire, when the vehicle rolled and pinned him between two cars breaking his leg. In 1992 he became the Fire Alarm Superintendent and he still oversees the operation of the town’s fire alarm system. Hank semi-retired as a firefighter in 1998, no longer responding to calls, but he remains a resource for electrical problems at the Department.
The Medfield Foundation is proud to name Henry Marcel its first Medfield Volunteer of the Year.
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Permanent Planning and Building Committee (posted Sept 28, 2022)
If interested in a board or committee that is not listed, or not sure which one might be the best fit, please contact Town Administrator Kristine Trierweiler to discuss further and learn more. Kristine Trierweiler can be reached at ktrierweiler@medfield.net
The Angel Run is back! Join us for the 17th running (or walking) on Sunday, December 4th at 12:30pm.
Registration is Now Open! Early bird registration submissions received by October 28th, 2022 are $30.00 per person and will include the 2022 Angel Run shirt.Â
The Angel Run is a community “fun” raiser and family event. It brings members of our community together during a festive time of year to generate funds in support of Medfield families in need. In 2006, family and friends organized the run in remembrance of Natasha Domeshek. The Medfield Foundation Inc. (MFi) took up the holiday tradition in 2012. Since then, the proceeds support town residents in need through the MFi Public Need Fund. CLICK HERE TO REGISTERThe Route The Angel Run course is a USATF certified 5K. The Angel Run utilizes electronic disposable bib timing to ensure accurate results for all participants. The race begins at Medfield High School and ends in front of Blake Middle School.  Angel Run Shirt Commemorative Angel Run shirts are available to participants who register by the early bird deadline of October 28, 2022. Please note that shirts are available in Adult and Youth sizes. Please pick your size accordingly. Â
Your shirt and race bib will be available for you to pick-up this year during the Medfield Holiday Stroll scheduled for December 2nd, as well as at Medfield High School on December 3rd and race day, December 4th. Stay tuned for more details!
Parking There is plenty of parking at both Medfield High School and the attached Blake Middle School. For overflow parking, we suggest using Metacomet Park which is only a few blocks walk to the starting line.
Our Presenting Sponsors We would like to acknowledge Needham Bank and The Louis & Mary Kay Smith Family Foundation and thank them for their continued support.
About The Medfield Foundation Charity The mission of Medfield Foundation, Inc. (MFi) is to enrich the lives of Medfield residents and build a stronger community by supporting private fundraising initiatives that address un-met public needs.  In 2021, MFi received 38 requests for assistance. Rent assistance continues to be the number one most common type of request. As a community foundation, we have had the privilege of working with many organizations and individuals in our town to raise over $3 million dollars that has been directed back to Medfield since our inception in 2001.  Participation in MFi initiatives like the Angel Run have a direct impact on Medfield residents in need. “There is so much to say about this foundation that words could never express. I have so much gratitude for everyone who is a part of this and consistently helps families such as myself. A few years ago, my lease was up for renewal and the rent increase was more than I could handle. This foundation donated a portion of the rent, which allowed me to situate my bills and funds to be able to help me be prepared for the upcoming months. The amazing souls apart of this program have honestly been a blessing and got my family and I out of multiple ruts. I hope all families in need can continue to receive their help and gratitude. Thank you again for all that you do!” – Recent recipient of MFI support.
To learn more about MFi please visit our website at http://www.medfieldfoundation.org.We look forward to seeing you in December!  The MFi Angel Run Team
Posted onMarch 30, 2022|Comments Off on Hinkley Playground Rebuild Launch Event – 5/15, 11-2:30
Medfield Foundation supports new town initiative
Hinkley Helpers aims to improve playground at Hinkley Park, hosting launch event on May 15
Hinkley Helpers, an initiative of The Medfield Foundation, Inc. has announced it has launched. The group is raising funds to contribute to a rebuild of the Hinkley Playground in coordination with Medfield Parks and Rec.
Hinkley Helpers was formed by a group of parents and residents to fundraise to create a best-in-class, new, safe and creative playground at the current Hinkley Park site.
According to Kelly Fallon, Hinkley Helper’s Founding Chair,” We believe all children deserve a safe, clean and inclusive place to play.”
“The mission of Hinkley Helpers is vital to support the thriving town of Medfield and this initiative plans to raise private funds for public good and an improved playground at Hinkley Park”, said Kirsten Poler, president of Medfield Foundation.
Hinkley Helpers invites the public to attend the Hinkley Playground Rebuild Launch Event on Sunday May 15 from 11 AM – 2:30 PM at Hinkley Park, 51 Green Street Medfield featuring events for kids, face paint, and local food vendors Chubbs’ Ice Cream, Medfield House of Pizza, and The Hot Dog Wagon.
About Hinkley Helpers
The Hinkley Helpers are a group of passionate parents and frequent Hinkley Playground visitors who are eager to fundraise and design a new playground at Hinkley Park in Medfield, MA. The committee is open to all and actively seeking new members.
The Medfield Foundation (MFi) is a 100% volunteer run 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable corporation whose mission is to enrich the lives of Medfield residents, build a stronger community, and facilitate the raising and allocation of private funds for public needs in the town of Medfield. Its signature initiatives include the Angel Run, Volunteer Awards, Legacy Fund and Youth Leadership.
Posted onFebruary 7, 2022|Comments Off on Moderator seeks members for charter review committee
From the Moderator –
The Board of Selectmen voted to request Scott McDermott, Town Moderator, appoint seven members to a charter review committee to draft charter amendments or bylaws which will govern the appointment of Medfield’s next school building committee. The committee will offer their amendments or bylaws as an Article for consideration at our Annual Town Meeting on May 2. The appointment of the committee was authorized by the passage of an article sponsored by citizen petition at the 2021 Annual Town Meeting. The Moderator expects that the thrust of committee’s work will be from late February to early April. Any Medfield registered voter interested in serving on the committee should send an email to Scott at: medfieldtownmoderator@medfield.net no later than February 15.
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The Board of Selectmen is seeking volunteers who wish to serve on a Town board or committee. If interested, please contact Town Administrator Kristine Trierweiler by email at ktrierweiler@medfield.net with a letter of interest. Boards and Committees also welcome associate members.
Boards and Committees currently seeking new members include:
If interested in a board or committee that is not listed, or not sure which one might be the best fit, please contact Town Administrator Kristine Trierweiler.
Posted onApril 12, 2021|Comments Off on New Life 5k Trail Run Update
From Tod Dimmick –
Here’s an update on the New Life 5k Trail Run. Six teams have entered already!
Tod ***
New Life 5k Trail Run Update
Now is the time to register for the 2021 New Life 5K Trail run. The event is open for runners, walkers and everyone in between. Participants have the choice of registering to run in-person on May 8th at Medfield State Hospital, or virtually between April 17th and May 8th. Each year the event brings out hundreds of enthusiastic supporters. Last year, the “Virtual 5k” was a tremendous success, after organizers offered one of the first virtual races in Massachusetts. Virtual runners participated last year from as far away as Australia!
The in-person component will only occur if Massachusetts moves into the stage of Phase 4 that allows Road Races. The organizers will determine whether or not the in-person event will occur by April 30th (If the in-person event is not permitted, in-person registrations will become virtual registrations). The in-person 5k Trail Run will include measures to ensure safe participation, such as staggered start times throughout the day on May 8th.
The virtual component will be structured much like last year. Participants create their own 5k route, or use fitness apps like MapMyRun and Strava, and then complete their route anytime between April 17 and May 8. Participants can log their times on RaceWire. On May 9, results will be posted and awards will be given.
The event benefits New Life Furniture Bank of MA, which collects high-quality gently-used furniture and household essentials that are made available at no cost to individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness. New Life has remained vigilant throughout the pandemic and has continued to serve people in need by finding creative and safe ways to operate online and with minimal contact. In 2020, New Life served almost 500 families. 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 to donate their gently used goods and furniture.
New Life 5k Trail Run registration is open at www.newlifefb.org/5k, with discounts for teams of four or more. New teams are welcome. The registration fee is $30, and T-Shirts are available for purchase. Those interested in being a sponsor, volunteering, donating home furnishings, or making a financial contribution are encouraged to visit www.newlifefb.org.
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.