Category Archives: Volunteers

MFi volunteer awards featured in Hometown Weekly

Posted on February 8, 2018 | Comments Off on MFi volunteer awards featured in Hometown Weekly

See the article in the Hometown Weekly today –

MFi opens volunteer award nominations

voty 2017 photo of nominees

The 2017 nominees. Rear: Tracey Rogers, Tracy Fedak, Anne Phipps, Nancy Irwin, and Mary Pat McSharry. Front: Jim and Patti Schwartz, Jean Mineo, and Lily Doctoroff. Photo by Colleen Sullivan. 

Do you know someone in Medfield who volunteers countless time and energy to a worthy community cause or initiative? If so, now is your chance to recognize that person as part of the Medfield Foundation (MFi) volunteer awards.

Anyone interested in submitting a nomination for one of the 2018 Medfield Foundation volunteer awards can complete the form online at http://www.MedfieldFoundation.org. Completed forms must be submitted by February 28.

The MFi’s 2018 volunteer recognition reception is scheduled for 3 -5 p.m. on Sunday, April 8. The public is invited, and assured to be moved by the volunteers’ stories of what they do. Since 2008, almost over 100 residents have been nominated for recognition by their fellow residents.

The Medfield Foundation, Inc. is a volunteer-run private nonprofit, tax deductible 501(c)(3) corporation created in 2001 to raises private monies for public purposes in the Town of Medfield. The MFi allows donors to designate their donations for particular purposes. The MFi also allows motivated groups to raise monies for Medfield purposes under the rubric of the Medfield Foundation. To date, the MFi has raised over $1,800,000.00 for the Town of Medfield, recently started an endowed fund (the MFi Legacy Fund), and celebrated over one hundred volunteers.

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Posted in Medfield Foundation, Volunteers

Medfield Press – full article – Nominations open for volunteer awards

Posted on February 3, 2018 | Comments Off on Medfield Press – full article – Nominations open for volunteer awards

voty 2017 photo of nominees

The 2017 nominees, back row: Tracey Rogers, Tracy Fedak, Anne Phipps, Nancy Irwin, and Mary Pat McSharry. Front row: Jim and Patti Schwartz, Jean Mineo, and Lily Doctoroff. (Photo courtesy Colleen Sullivan)

Nominations open for volunteer awards

By Peter Cox

Posted Feb 2, 2018 at 10:42 AM Updated Feb 2, 2018 at 10:42 AM

The Medfield Foundation has opened nominations for its Volunteer Awards.

If you know someone in Medfield who volunteers time and energy to a worthy community cause or initiative, they may be the perfect candidate for the award.

Anyone interested in submitting a nomination for one of the awards can complete the form online at www.MedfieldFoundation.org.

Completed forms must be submitted by　Feb. 28.

The MFi’s 2018 volunteer recognition reception is scheduled for　3 to 5 p.m.　on　Sunday, April 8.

“The public is invited, and assured to be moved by the volunteers’ stories of what they do,” the group said.

Since 2008 almost over 100 residents have been nominated for recognition by their fellow residents.

The categories of the award are Volunteer of the Year, Youth Volunteer of the Year, and the Lifetime Achievement Award for those with over 15 years of service.

“It’s quite a special event for everyone who attends,” resident Patti Garofalo said. “We all leave there feeling happier and very proud of our town for cultivating such terrific, kind people and volunteers.”

The Volunteers Awards are based entirely on the nominations submitted by the public, solely on the provided information.

The Medfield Foundation, is a volunteer-run private nonprofit, created in 2001 to raises private money for public purposes in the town of Medfield.

The MFi allows donors to designate their donations for particular purposes. To date, the MFi has raised over $1.8 million for the town of Medfield, recently started an endowed fund (the MFi Legacy Fund), and celebrated over 100 volunteers.

 

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Posted in Medfield Foundation, Volunteers

MFi volunteer awards in Medfield Press

Posted on February 2, 2018 | Comments Off on MFi volunteer awards in Medfield Press

Medfield Press article appearing in the paper this week.

Medfield Foundation accepting nominations for volunteer awards

The 2017 nominees.  Pictured, from left, back row, Tracey Rogers, Tracy Fedak, Anne Phipps, Nancy Irwin,  and Mary Pat McSharry; front row Jim & Patti Schwartz, Jean Mineo, and Lily Doctoroff (Courtesy photo / Colleen Sullivan)

Posted at 11:48 AM

Residents interested in submitting a nomination for one of the 2018 Medfield Foundation volunteer awards can complete the form online at http://MedfieldFoundation.org.

Completed forms must be submitted by Feb. 28. The MFi’s 2018 volunteer recognition reception is scheduled for 3-5 p.m. April 8. Almost over 100 residents have been nominated for recognition by their fellow residents since 2008. The Medfield Foundation Inc. is a volunteer-run private nonprofit, tax deductible 501(c)(3) corporation created in 2001 to raise private monies for public purposes in the town of Medfield. To date, the MFi has raised over $1.8 million for the town of Medfield, started an endowed fund and celebrated over 100 volunteers.

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Posted in Medfield Foundation, Volunteers

MFi OPENS NOMINATIONS FOR VOLUNTEER AWARDS

Posted on January 29, 2018 | Comments Off on MFi OPENS NOMINATIONS FOR VOLUNTEER AWARDS

voty 2017 photo of nominees

Photo of the 2017 nominees.  Rear: Tracey Rogers, Tracy Fedak, Anne Phipps, Nancy Irwin,  and Mary Pat McSharry.  Front: Jim & Patti Schwartz, Jean Mineo, and Lily Doctoroff.

Photo by Colleen Sullivan

THE MEDFIELD FOUNDATION OPENED THE NOMINATIONS FOR ITS 2018 VOLUNTEER AWARDS

Do you know someone in Medfield who volunteers countless time and energy to a worthy community cause or initiative?  If so, now is your chance to recognize that person as part of the Medfield Foundation volunteer awards.

Anyone interested in submitting a nomination for one of the 2018 Medfield Foundation volunteer awards can complete the form on-line at   http://medfieldfoundation.org/volunteer/.  Completed forms must be submitted by February 28, 2018.

The  MFi’s 2018 volunteer recognition reception is scheduled for 3 -5 PM on Sunday, April 8 at The Center. The public is invited, and is assured to be moved by the volunteers’ stories of what they do.  Since 2008 almost over 100 residents have been nominated for recognition by their fellow residents – this year let us include your favorite volunteer.

The Medfield Foundation, Inc. is a volunteer-run private nonprofit, tax deductible 501(c)(3) corporation created in 2001 to raises private monies for public purposes in the Town of Medfield.  The MFi allows donors to designate their donations for particular purposes.  The MFi also allows motivated groups to raise monies for Medfield purposes under the rubric of the Medfield Foundation.  To date, the MFi has raised over $1,800,000.00 for the Town of Medfield, recently started an endowed fund (the MFi Legacy Fund), and celebrated over one hundred volunteers.

 

 

 

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Posted in Medfield Foundation, Volunteers

Volunteer at Angel Run next Sunday

Posted on November 27, 2017 | Comments Off on Volunteer at Angel Run next Sunday

Rose Colleran invites everyone to help with Medfield’s biggest family run event, either before or after you participate, the Medfield Foundation’s Angel Run –

angel-run-2016

We are still in need of volunteers in key areas (see below).

  • Party set up Saturday
  • Bakers and donations of supplies
  • Cheering and course directing
  • Route decorating
  • Registration
  • Party set up and clean up Sunday
  • Parking assistance

Please sign up via the Sign Up Genius link.

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/904084eadaa2da20-volunteer2

 

NOTE FOR SUNDAY: Please park at the Metacomet playground lot and walk over to MHS.

Thanks!

 

Rose Colleran

Nutrition & Fitness Counseling
Check out my blog: Healthy Food for Hectic Lives

617-947-4896

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Posted in Children, Events, Medfield Foundation, Recreation, Sports, Volunteers

New Life Serves 1000th Client!

Posted on July 12, 2017 | Comments Off on New Life Serves 1000th Client!

From New Life Home Refurnishing –

newlife

New Beginnings and Milestone Moments at New Life Home Refurnishing

 

New Life Home Refurnishing had great reason for celebration last month in welcoming its ONE THOUSANDTH client! For three and a half years, the New Life furniture bank, a Medfield nonprofit organization, with a warehouse in Walpole, has been connecting gently used furniture and household donations to help individuals and families emerging from homelessness. These donations have a tremendous impact on clients who have fallen on hard times, providing them not only with much needed furnishings, but also the hope of a fresh start. As volunteer Barbara Yates reflected, “Today’s 1000th client milestone was a very special one for me and for the other volunteers at New Life. It has truly been a privilege to play a small role in providing individuals and families with a comfortable chair, a pretty lamp and best of all, a bed for them and their children.”

 

The 1000th client was a single mother, referred to New Life by a Metro-West shelter, who has now transitioned her family to a subsidized apartment in the area. For a month, she and her son lived in their new home with only two beds and two beach chairs. “I’m so happy to have a job in the area and that my son has his own room”, she said. “He plays in his room a lot – he so enjoys having a space to call his own.” Her positive attitude and pride showed as she talked about being able to walk to work to her job at a local restaurant.  As she discussed her apartment, she described the joy of sitting in her chair, breathing the fresh air, appreciating the quiet of the neighborhood, listening to the birds and reading from her Bible. Her enthusiasm was even greater after she left the warehouse expressing her hope for the future – the goal of New Life for all of its clients. Her moving truck departed with a kitchen table and chairs, a couch, an armchair, bedroom furniture, linens and a wide array of kitchen items.  These items are more than home furnishings; they are symbols of the new beginnings at the core of the New Life model, which would not be possible without the generosity of supportive communities and donors.

 

If you are interested in getting involved with New Life, as a donor or volunteer, we welcome your service and ask you to visit our website newlifehr.org.

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Posted in Charity, Volunteers

Town loses stellar VSO, Ron Griffin

Posted on April 28, 2017 | 2 comments

ron griffin 2

Ron Griffin to Retire as Veterans Service Officer

Ron Griffin emailed town officials yesterday to confirm his long planned, and much deferred, retirement as the town’s Veterans Service Officer, leaving huge shoes to be filled.

First and foremost, I want to thank Ron for his exemplary and expansive service to the Town of Medfield, its veterans, and really, by his extension of the scope of the VSO work, to all of our residents.  It has been one of my great pleasures to see how he used that VSO position to make so many things happen to honor the veterans, but also to involve so many facets of the town in the process.  Thanks to Ron the Blake Middle School students now meet annually with veterans, Medfield Foundation volunteer of the year honorees receive flags flown over the Capital, the town this year is honoring Vietnam War vets, and the town now celebrates all veterans on Veterans Day with a breakfast in their honor served by the Medfield High School students from their Warriors for Warriors club.  Also, through his Legion connections, housing for veterans is now being explored at the Legion.  Ron is clearly a leader of both vision and action.

The defeat of Ron’s motion to amend the Veterans Service Officer budget at the annual town meeting (ATM) was the low point of that meeting.  That was when I first learned that the Warrant Committee was not supporting that funding request, and the issue had not been discussed by selectmen.  In hindsight, I wish I had added a plea for support on its behalf, since the expanded position could have coordinated with Medfield Youth Outreach and the Council on Aging to serve those most in need in Medfield (see Ron’s proposal below).

Below are Ron’s email, and then Ron’s previously presented plan for the expanded VSO position.  Maybe a future town meeting, as a tribute to Ron Griffin and his extraordinary service to all Medfield residents, will enact his recommendations:

==================================================

April 27, 2017

Dear Selectman Pete Petersen, Mike Marcucci, Gus Murby and Town Manager Mike Sullivan

In October of 2015 I submitted my intention to retire at the end of that fiscal year.  I gave advance notice so as to give the town time to prepare a solution to the states full time service officer requirement and to find a suitable replacement.  When neither was accomplished by the end of that fiscal year, I agreed to continue in my position until December 2016 with the understanding that the town would be able to find a replacement and achieve state compliance by that time frame.  Now the 2018 fiscal year is approaching and to the best of my knowledge there has been no advancement by the town to fill the position nor actions planned to secure compliance to the State’s General Law.

This places me in the intolerable position to abandon my post, which I will do at the end of this fiscal year.

As the position of Veteran Service Officer carry’s with it appointments to the Memorial Day Committee and Committee to Study Memorials, I am resigning from those committees as of July 1, 2017.

As the town moves forward to find solutions to serve it’s veteran population I fear it will encounter difficulties.  If the town tries to fill the position and not also meet compliance with State law, the appointment will be rejected by the State.  In addition the state might freeze certain Veteran reimbursements through the Cherry Sheet until the town is in compliance.  The State is under some pressures to take actions on the few communities that are not in compliance with State Law in providing Veteran Services.   I fear Medfield will become the example used to prod other communities into compliance.  I also fear that the veteran community statewide along with the media, will strongly vocalize and condemn the town for its non-actions to bring the town into compliance with the state law.  I also fear the Town of Medfield will be depicted as hostile community to veterans.  This will greatly sadden me, as I know the Town of Medfield is one of the most supportive veteran communities in the state.

It is also possible that none of my fears will materialize.  However it is these undesirable real fears along with a strong concern to insure that the valuable services provided by this office continue without interruption that has motivated me to continue my duties throughout this past fiscal year.

Please understand, I regret the actions I am taking now.  I trust you can agree that I have done all that I could to insure that an orderly transition of my position was achieved.

Until then, I remain at your service.

Ron Griffin
Medfield Veteran Service Officer

=================================================================

March 22, 2017 Subject - VSO Job description expansion - Office of Veteran and Community Services I am very aware that the following is not within the context of my responsibilities and has not been solicited. However, it is being offered with the intent of advancing the town toward compliance with State Law requiring the Town of Medfield provide full time access to Veteran Service Officer services. I fully agree that the current Medfield veteran population is in rapid decline and not large enough to warrant full time services, however the law uses town population to determine the requirement. Last year I submitted a budget for a full time position and I have done so this year as well. So I would like to offer rational to expand the duties of the VSO, while preserving its primary function. I met with Warrant Committee member Tom Marie to discuss my 2018 budget proposal and essentially had this same conversation. The VSO Position administrative overview The veteran Service Officer must be the primary function of the VSO position, however others duties may be assigned. The VSO position must be occupied by a veteran. The VSO position requires subject knowledge and certification on general areas specific to veterans and their families. Providing knowledge and information the VSO identifies benefits and guides clients through various matrices toward acquiring them. The pathway mostly consists of benefit explanation, developing the correct documentation and delivering it to the correct resource. The VSO does not determine, deny or ratify benefits and is non judgmental in offering assistance to any individual. However, the VSO does administer Massachusetts Chapter 115 benefits. Expanding VSO duties Where much of a VSO’s expertise is in subject explanation, documentation development and resource identification it is probable that these skills can be used on other non veteran related programs needed by the town’s citizens. Generally NEEDS based programs do not require unique expertise and many community programs may only require the dissemination of information. Needs based programs already exist that are managed by various town departments, sometimes under-utilizing the expertise of the person managing them. All to often, citizens are denied assistance because they simply do not know it exists. Often our citizens most in need of services are the least able to acquire them on their own. Because discussions about these services are provided in a confidential private setting, there is little visibility that these assisting services ever took place. Generally the community population who are not exposed to these services are seldom aware of the their need nor of their importance. Each of you probably have had an experience with one of our citizens who had an issue and had no idea where to turn for help. My experience is that generally what is missing is an understanding of the problem. Yes, occasionally our bureaucratic systems do error and when they do, it is usually very difficult for an individual to correct. In today's society, little can be accomplished without computer knowledge and internet access. Paper forms are now restricted and agency's often defer to web based solutions. More often computers are the decision makers and generating correspondence while the human analysis works to understand the computers choice rather than applying a solution. Often agency's do authorize electronic access to their systems that help identify individual issues. There is a BOLD line that separates assisting in a situation and owning that situation. I do not propose that this position administer any benefit (other than Chapter 115). That bold line is too easily crossed due to a natural compassion that develops with the client. While it is appropriate to provide guidance toward appealing undesirable results, it is not appropriate to participate in the appeal as that would require specific professional expertise. Development of VSO knowledge and skills can easily take more than a year. Knowledge development of non Veteran needs assistance will be substantially less. Identification of non veteran based services can be developed independently, but the following programs are offered as potential candidates. Non- Veteran Needs based services already provided by Medfield (The following is a collaboration list identified by Dawn Alcott, Chelsea Goldstein-Walsh, Cheryl Lavallee and Ron Griffin) Assistance with filling out applications: SNAP (formerly the food stamp program) Mass Health Other health insurance through health care connector SSI/SSDI when appropriate Department of Mental Health Department of Developmental Services SHINE (Medicare) Fuel Assistance Assistance with locating food resources: SNAP Medfield Food Cupboard A Place to Turn Natick (individual or family can go every 2 months for 2 weeks of food with a new social service referral each time…we have many families involved in this United Way program and we do their referrals every two months) Abundant Table Home Delivered Meals (if over age 60) (this is common when a senior is in the home of a family we serve) Assistance with financial help SMOC Housing Home Committee Angel Run Fund (we screen many referrals for ARF…usually 2-5 per week) Fuel Assistance (as SMOC representative for Medfield Community both MYO and COA do applications for residents) Assistance with obtaining basic necessities (clothing, furniture, etc.) New Life Home Refurnishing: (Furniture Resource)Must be referred by social service agency. That agency coordinates client visit on their behalf. This is a once in a life time referral…so it is a thorough and complete as possible process. Dress for Success Boston: (Clothing) Social service agency referral needed. A woman returning to the work force or changing careers can get one interview suit/outfit and an additional outfit following hire. Other agencies: ARC of Southern Norfolk County (for respite funds to hire caregivers and other programs) I hope you will consider the information provided as an opportunity to better utilize the VSO position to better serve all of our citizens. Ron Griffin Medfield VSO20170322-rg-veteran and community services position march 2017_Page_2

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Posted in Budgets, Medfield High School, People, Schools, Town Meeting, Veterans, Volunteers

Donate to ANGP

Posted on April 28, 2017 | Comments Off on Donate to ANGP

From Tracey Rogers, ANGP Co-chair –

ANGP-2

Please support the CLASS of 2017 by making a donation to this year’s All Night Graduation Party (ANGP). Medfield’s ANGP is a time-honored tradition that has provided a safe and fun way for Seniors to celebrate on graduation night for 25 years. The party held at the Medfield High School could not take place without the support of our community. Graduation Day is Sunday, June 4th, for 218 Medfield Seniors. Use the blue form in the ANGP flyer that was recently sent to all Medfield residents or simply mail your contribution to MHS All Night Graduation Party, PO Box 38, Medfield, MA 02052. On-line donations can be made at medfieldhspto.org.  THANK YOU!

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Posted in Charity, Events, Medfield High School, Volunteers

Town clean up tomorrow

Posted on April 21, 2017 | Comments Off on Town clean up tomorrow

From Jonathan Chechile –

=========================================================

Looking forward to seeing everyone at God Loves Medfield! Come clean up the community, and then enjoy lunch from Cutlets.

God Loves Medfield |
Don’t forget your rake! We will be providing extra’s, but please bring a pair of gloves and a rake. We will be providing bags for trash collection.
godlovesmedfield.com

April 22, 2017

Community Celebration: 12 – 3:00 pm

Service Projects: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

 

Instructions and notes:

Don’t forget your rake! We will be providing extra’s, but please bring a pair of gloves and a rake. We will be providing bags for trash collection.

If you are planning on serving at a downtown location, please meet at Gazebo Park next to the Medfield Public Library: 468 Main Street, Medfield, MA 02052 for a quick time of welcome and then Location Captains will be heading to Baxter park, Meetinghouse Pond, or the Dwight Derby house.

If you are planning on serving at the Charles River Cleanup, Kingsbury Pond, Medfield State Hospital, or Hinkley Park, please meet at the worksite. There will be a Location Captains there to greet you.

 

  • If you are planning on serving at the Charles River Cleanup, please do not bring kids under 10, as we will be working along West Street as it passes over the Charles, and along the banks.
  • Note for Scouts. Den Leaders will be communicating with the pack as the where you will be meeting, and what time to meet if other than 9.
  • Note on Community Service hours. For Scouts and any/all in need of community service hours, the Location Captain will have a form to give you confirming you served.

Community Celebration: 12 – 3:00 pm

Meet at Gazebo Park next to the Medfield Public Library: 468 Main Street, Medfield, MA 02052.

Food will be served a little after 12 thanks to Cutlets, and Ice cream and drinks will be provided thanks to Brothers Marketplace.

After everyone is served, representatives of the Medfield Green, the Lowell Mason House, and other community partners and friends will give updates on projects they are working on, and then there will be games and fun for the whole family!

 

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Posted in Downtown, Volunteers

Medfield Foundation volunteer awards

Posted on April 15, 2017 | Comments Off on Medfield Foundation volunteer awards

voty 2017

Photo by Colleen Sullivan        Patch article and many photos

2017 Medfield Foundation Volunteer Awards

The 2017 volunteer awards were held at the Center on March 19, 2017.  The volunteers nominated by fellow residents this year, shown in the group photo above (except Lida Frawley, who was ill), were:

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

Jim Schwartz and Patti Schwartz for their combined 77 years of service to the BSA, 46 years of it in Medfield, for Medfield Boy Scout Troop 89.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Tracy Fedak and Tracey Rogers for chairing, running, and inspiring the hugely involved and successful All Night Graduation Party (ANGP) for the past 3 years.

Linda Frawley for 13 years of lead-by-example service organizing and leading the 400 girls, aged 5-17,  in the Medfield Girl Scouts.

Nancy Irwin and Mary Pat McSharry for creating and running the SWAP area at the Transfer Station for the past 8 and 4 years, respectively.

Jean Mineo for founding the Cultural Alliance of Medfield, the Holiday Stroll, implementing the Straw Hat Park, and working on the Medfield State Hospital Master Planning Committee.

YOUTH VOLUNTEERS

Lily Doctoroff for organizing Bigger than Bullying, starting a Gender Equality Club, and working with the Medfield’s Vine Lake Preservation Trust, Medfield State Hospital Master Planning Committee, New Life Home Refurnishing, National Honor Society, and Medway Family Shelter.

Anne Phipps for helping build a school in Kenya, assisting at a camp for seriously ill children, volunteering for Project Teamwork, Student Council, Medfield Cares About Prevention, peer tutoring, Dean of Students Advisory Board, Putting for Patients, Medfield Food Cupboard, and Digital Learning Day.

Special Recognition:

Lily Doctoroff is the 2017 Youth Volunteer of the Year.

Jean Mineo is the 2017 Volunteer of the Year.

Jim Schwartz and Patti Schwartz receive the 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award.

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Posted in Medfield Foundation, Volunteers