Osler ”Pete” Peterson
Medfield Select Board member
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.
Recent Comments
abby marble on Clean up your Medfield 4/24… Select Board member… on Lueders are Civic Founders of… Colleen Sullivan on Lueders are Civic Founders of… Anna Mae OShea Brook… on SBC tonight at 7PM Select Board member… on MHS 1887 aerial view
Category Archives: Volunteers
Clean-up Days 4/24 & 25
Comments Off on Clean-up Days 4/24 & 25
Posted in DPW, Events, Volunteers
Clean up your Medfield 4/24 & 25
SAVE THE DATE
TOWNWIDE CLEAN UP
VOLUNTEER
April 24 & 25
Department of Public Works will be holding two clean up days on April 24 and April 25 from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. For information and to sign up to volunteer, please call DPW at 508-906-3003.
Posted in DPW, Environmental, Events, Nature, Open space, Volunteers
Medfield Foundation – opportunities
Opportunities to get involved with the Medfield Foundation:
Events:
- Town meetings – Get involved distributing water and promoting MFi initiatives at Town Meeting
- Medfield Day Booth – help on Medfield Day to promote MFi and its initiatives – help with set up/breakdown, host game, distribute information, meet and greet. Help with Angel Run Booth and race registrations.
- MFi’s Angel Run – run a subcommittee or volunteer to help during the event itself. Man booth on Medfield Day. Help by doing behind the scenes work leading up to the event.
- Volunteer Awards – work with other committed volunteers to promote this important initiative. Get involved in the process, decision making and the event itself. Help fundraise for the event and coordinate all the small things that make this such a great event. Coordinate the day in which the volunteers are honored.
Administrative:
- Initiate paperwork for new funds and initiatives.
- Keep fund/initiative paperwork up to date
- Record and distribute minutes at our monthly meetings.
- Write press releases
- Enhance our PR/ Publicity/ Marketing
- Database management of email addresses and donors
- Web site maintenance – Work with our website manager to keep content current.
Fundraising:
- Grant writing – find &/or write grants for our general fund as well as our initiatives
- Fund liaison – work closely with our initiatives to give support and guidance
- Fundraising for general fund
- Volunteer Awards committee volunteer
- Search out corporate sponsors
Medfield Foundation (www.MedfieldFoundation.org). If interested, please contact me at Osler.Peterson@OslerPeterson.com or 508-359-9190.
Comments Off on Medfield Foundation – opportunities
Posted in Medfield Foundation, Volunteers
MCPE looking for volunteers
From Clair Meehan –
Medfield Coalition for Public Education (MCPE) is looking for new board members, men and women from the Medfield community with various skill sets and interests who want to have a voice in the improvements that reach our classrooms!
Board members do not need to have kids currently in the school system—just a desire to support and enrich the Medfield Schools.
This year, MCPE has specific needs for applicants with skills that would be an asset to our grant review team, graphic & web design, PR & publicity, and corporate partner fundraising. All skill sets are welcome, and we strive to have a board with diverse backgrounds.
Applications are due March 8, 2021. For more information, or to apply, please visit https://www.medfieldcoalition.org/
Comments Off on MCPE looking for volunteers
Posted in MCPE - Medfield Coalition for Public Education, Schools, Volunteers
Medfield Helping Hands, a Medfield Foundation initiative
Colleen Sullivan’s article in the Medfield Patch –
Please Consider Joining “Medfield Helping Hands”
The Medfield Helping Hands is a volunteer network that supports Medfield families in temporary crisis. Please Join!!!
Colleen M. Sullivan, Patch Mayor
Posted Mon, Dec 21, 2020 at 9:00 pm ET|Updated Mon, Dec 21, 2020 at 9:03 pm ET
Please Consider Joining “Medfield Helping Hands”
Although this time of year is stressful for most people it can be devastating for those struggling with a temporary crisis of some kind and this year with the added stresses of COVID-19, “Medfield Helping Hands” hopes to get more Medfield residents to join in helping their neighbors in need.https://72490c44d4a364f5c538a333c0a49828.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-37/html/container.html
Some people may remember this group when it was called “Medfield Angels” then it was became “Medfield Neighbor Brigade” and now it is the “Medfield Lotsa Helping Hands”. For many years this group of volunteers has been making meals for Medfield families dealing with a temporary crisis.
Joining simply means that you will be on an email list and receive notifications of local needs. Once you receive an email, you will log into your account and if possible sign up to help make and deliver a meal (you choose the date) based on the Volunteer Calendar provided.
The Medfield Helping Hands is a volunteer network that supports Medfield families in temporary crisis and they support other Medfield volunteer organizations as well.
Medfield residents, Katie Henebry, Kathleen Cahill and Laurie Nealon work with other organizations (Medfield Outreach and the Medfield Food Cupboard) to determine the needs in the community and they manage the Medfield Lotsa Helping Hands website.https://72490c44d4a364f5c538a333c0a49828.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-37/html/container.htmlSubscribe
To join, please visit https://lotsahelpinghands.com, then click on Join a Community. Under Community Name enter Medfield Helping Hands.
Comments Off on Medfield Helping Hands, a Medfield Foundation initiative
Posted in Charity, Medfield Foundation, Volunteers
2020 Virtual Angel Run & Fundraiser
2020 Virtual Angel Run & Fundraiser
Join us for the 15th year of The MFi Angel Run, we’re going Virtual this year! Run anytime, anywhere between the dates of Thursday, November 26th (Thanksgiving Day) through Sunday, December 6th, 2020 to support the MFi Angel Run and maintain a safe physical distance.
Your registration donation to the MFi Angel Run directly supports residents in need right here in Medfield and this year that need is greater than ever. The Angel Run helps raise thousands of dollars that is put back into the community to help people who have come upon hard times. Your registration helps make a difference in the lives of so many people. If a virtual 5K is not your thing, please register as a donation to the MFi during this unprecedented time.
Registration for the virtual Angel Run is now open
Comments Off on 2020 Virtual Angel Run & Fundraiser
Posted in Children, Entertainment, Medfield Foundation, Recreation, Sports, Teens, Volunteers
New Life has Re-opened
New Life Re-opening with Updated Donation Procedures
After being closed for furniture and household goods donations for the past few months due to COVID-19, New Life Furniture Bank of MA is pleased to announce that it has re-opened. New Life has updated its drop-off and pick-up procedures in order to keep its donors and volunteers safe and socially distanced.
New Life is dependent upon and is grateful for furniture and household items given by donors in the community, however, due to the pandemic, the furniture bank is only able to accept dropped off items scheduled via appointment. Those interested in donating, may go on-line to: newlifefb.org/drop-off to schedule a Saturday appointment between the hours of 9:30 and 11:30. When making an appointment, donors should carefully review the list of accepted items and be sure to note the process guidelines that donors are asked to follow. Also please note, for access the shipping dock when dropping off items, donors now need to enter the building’s parking lot via the West Street entrance.
New Life is also pleased to announce that it is resuming its furniture pick-up service in the towns of Medfield, Walpole, Norfolk and Norwood. Pick-up appointments may be scheduled on-line at newlifefb.org/pickup. In order to ensure the safety of the volunteers, drivers will only pick-up furniture and household items from donors’ garages or curbsides.
New Life is a volunteer-driven organization. A team of over 200 individuals ensures that individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness receive furniture and necessary household items. If interested in volunteering at New Life, please contact Volunteer Coordinator, Amanda Wolfe at amanda@newlifefb.org.
New Life has grown tremendously in its first six years of operation. The organization is seen as an important contributor in the battle against homelessness in Massachusetts. Since its inception, New Life has served over 2,764 households, and has gained a reputation across eastern Massachusetts as a reliable resource that provides those in need with quality, gently-used home furnishings.
Comments Off on New Life has Re-opened
Posted in Charity, Volunteers
Medfield Planning Board Vacancy – Associate Member
Medfield Planning Board Vacancy – Associate Member
Released June 30, 2020
The Town of Medfield Planning Board is seeking to fill 1-2 vacant Associate Member positions. Anyone who may be interested should submit a letter of interest to Sarah Raposa at sraposa@medfield.net by September 1, 2020.
The Planning Board is an elected town board of five members, each with a five-year term. The purpose of the Planning Board is to guide the development of the Town in the best interests of all its residents. The Board has very specific responsibilities and authorities as granted by Massachusetts General Laws and the Medfield Zoning By-Laws.
The Planning Board generally meets in the evening 2-3 times per month. Regular meetings are scheduled for the first and third Monday and there is often an additional work session scheduled. Associate member attend and participate in all meetings though are not considered voting members of the Board. This allows Associates to learn about the intricacies of the Planning Board in preparation for running in the local election.
The Planning Board is responsible for the review and approval of all subdivisions (the division of a tract of land into two or more lots) through a comprehensive process prescribed by MGL Chapter 41 Sections 81L-GG and Town Code Article 310 involving review by relevant regulatory agencies, public hearings, covenants with developers, performance bonding, and ongoing compliance monitoring.
Under “Site Plan Approval” and “Special Permits” in the Zoning By-Laws (MGL Chapter 40A and Town Code Article 300), the Board also has the responsibility to assure that prior to any new construction or significant changes to an existing structure, other than single family dwellings, such factors as community needs, abutters’ concerns, visual amenities, safety issues, and environmental and historic features on the site and in adjacent areas are considered.
Any requests for Zoning By-Law changes or amendments are also reviewed by the Board. Public hearings are held to allow input from any abutters or other interested citizens. The Board is required to provide a recommendation on any Zoning By-Law amendment at Town Meeting, where a two-thirds vote is required to approve the change.
The Planning Board serves as a resource to assist interested individuals with the process of proposing plans or projects under the Zoning By-Laws. Communications are maintained on an ongoing basis with related Town agencies including the Zoning Board of Appeals and other planning interests within the Town such as the historical entities, Medfield State Hospital, and affordable housing.
Letters should describe your interest in the Planning Board as well as any professional experience or other qualifications that will complement the Board. Relevant experience includes land use law, real estate, engineering, and construction however; planning board members come from a broad spectrum of life. Ideal candidates must be open-minded, willing to learn and put time in between meetings, and be capable of reading and understanding the Medfield Zoning Bylaws. Accordingly, please contemplate the following in your letter of interest:
- Do you have ideas about the direction the Board should be headed? If so, have you thought about integration of those ideas (meaning how the idea coalesces into existing regulations or whether new regulations would need to be created)?
- Land use boards such as the Planning Board, do not always have the kind of discretion to approve or deny a specific project that residents often think they have. It is important to recognize and avoid any conflict of interest; not to pursue special privileges, and maintain confidentiality. Are you prepared for being thought of as a villain by some and a hero by others?
- Planning Boards wear two hats, proactive and reactive, and the schedule is robust. The proactive hat is devoted to long-range planning and is often difficult to quantify as the effects aren’t recognized for several years, if at all. The reactive hat focuses on subdivisions and site plan review and the effects are more immediately seen and felt in the community. How would you rationalize your reactive hat with your proactive hat? Do you see an overlap?
For questions regarding the Planning Board or this specific position please contact Sarah Raposa, Town Planner at sraposa@medfield.net.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Volunteer to Serve on a Committee
PS: other vacancies here –
Affordable Housing Trust: Click Here for Announcement
Medfield State Hospital Development Committee: Click Here for MSHDC Announcement
Medfield Historical Commission: Click Here for MHC Announcement
Planning Board: Click HERE for PB Announcement
Comments Off on Medfield Planning Board Vacancy – Associate Member
Posted in Affordable housing / 40B, History, Medfield State Hospital, Planning, Volunteers
Girls Who Care fundraiser for MYO
From Jackie Alford and Kathy McDonald –
GWC Final Fundraiser in support of Medfield Youth Outreach!
The Girls Who Care service group (GWC) is a group of Medfield High School 2020 graduates who have been together since Kindergarten. They have completed approximately 50 service projects over the years and are excited to announce their final project! They have partnered with a fundraising company to offer a variety of items featuring a beautiful and unique logo designed by Medfield alumnus Rachel Tatro. To them, the logo represents the spirit of the MHS Class of 2020 along with the love and support they as a class have felt from the Medfield community during the unusual end to their time at MHS. They are selling these items to raise money for Medfield Youth Outreach, an organization that helps Medfield families in need access assistance and resources. Click on the link below to see almost 90 items that you can purchase with the logo on them. Great for graduation gifts, off-to-college gifts, or keepsakes! GWC will receive 35% of the proceeds for almost all of the items, and all money raised will be donated to Medfield Youth Outreach. All orders must be placed by July 3rd and will be delivered in time for MHS graduation on July 25th. Thank you for helping them give back to the Medfield community one last time before college! Click here to view the items and place your order.
Comments Off on Girls Who Care fundraiser for MYO
Posted in Charity, Medfield High School, Medfield Outreach, Teens, Volunteers
Still time to enter
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.
Comments Off on Still time to enter
Posted in Charity, Entertainment, Events, Sports, Trails, Volunteers
