Posted onDecember 23, 2024|Comments Off on 3 Harding Street Intersection Options
VHB has provided the town its analysis of the suggested options for the three Harding Street intersections that are to be redone as part of the Medfield State Hospital site redevelopment:
At Hospital Road – 3 options.
At West Street – 2 options.
At North Street – 3 options.
These will be discussed at the Select Board meeting on January 7 and voted on January 21.
My choices are, for the combined reasons of safety and traffic flow:
3 way stop at Harding and Hospital – allows Hospital traffic to turn left in AM.
West Street stop.
Roundabout at North Street – safety and traffic flow justify the added cost.
Comments Off on 3 Harding Street Intersection Options
Posted onDecember 23, 2024|Comments Off on Legacy of Passion: The Peter Kenny Story
From Katie Duval at Medfield TV –
Legacy of Passion: The Peter Kenny Story
Peter Kenny’s story is one full of love, ambition, and passion for the Medfield Community. As Medfield TV’s Sports Director from 2007-2010, Peter’s dedication to his community never wavered, even while battling cancer.
His legacy lives on through the Peter Kenny Memorial Scholarship, given annually to Medfield High School Seniors who explore their passions through volunteering at Medfield TV.
Watch Legacy of Passion: The Peter Kenny Story on YouTube to hear his story through the voices of his family, friends, and past scholarship winners.
You can support the legacy of Peter Kenny by contributing to the Peter Kenny Memorial Scholarship fund. Visit www.medfield.tv/donate and dedicate your donation in memory of Peter Kenny and help inspire future generations to pursue their passions.
Former Town Planner, Sarah Raposa, had put the Medfield State Hospital project in for the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Planning Association’s 2024 Community of the Year Award for our work on the reuse and development of the former Medfield State Hospital site. Town Administrator, Kristine Trierweiler and Sarah traveled to Sturbridge this week to pick up the award.
The Medfield State Hospital and Steve Nolan were both honored a few years ago for the Medfield State Hospital project as well, the posting about which can be found by searching this blog. From memory Steve Nolan was the APA Massachusetts Chapter Volunteer of the Year at that time for his work chairing the Medfield State Hospital reuse committee.
I attended the Massachusetts School Building Authority meeting this afternoon at the request of the Superintendent to represent the Town of Medfield Select Board, and I am happy to report that the MSBA just voted to accept Medfield back into its program.
School Committee Chair Michelle Kirkby shared the town’s remarks and thanks.
The 2024 Grant Recipients of the Medfield Foundation’s Legacy Fund celebrated with midyear reports at the Zullo Gallery on Thursday night, December 5th. 2024 Legacy Fund Grants were awarded to the Peak House Heritage Center for a Traveling Trunk exhibit, Medfield TV for Podcast Equipment and the Dwight Derby House for their East Parlor Project, honoring one of its extraordinary residents, Mary Derby.
Director of the Gallery, Bill Pope, welcomed everyone to the Zullo, which received a Legacy Fund Grant itself in 2023 for the creation of an innovative Augmented Reality Exhibit. According to Pope, the exhibit is still hosted on the internet and can be seen around town with the app, Hoverlay.
This year’s Legacy Grants have already made a big difference. The excitement was gushing from Wheelock’s 3rd grade teachers about their plans for the Traveling Trunk as a multidiscipline time capsule in their 3rd grade curriculum.
And the energy for the Dwight Derby House has been transformed. Their East Parlor Project will honor Mary Derby, a single mother who ran a bonnet manufacturing business from her home while raising a son destined for greatness.
To paraphrase Rob Babson of the Peak House Heritage Center, he said, “Thanks to the grants from the MFi Legacy Fund, impressive talent has been brought to Medfield and ‘cross pollinated,’ amplifying and raising the quality of our offerings and excitement for our town.”
Stay tuned for news on Legacy Fund’s next “Call for Grant Applications.” To learn more, visit MedfieldFoundation.org.
The MFi’s key fundraiser, the Angel Run 5K / Run / Walk is happening this Sunday, December 8th at 11:30am at the Medfield High School. Come celebrate the season and support a great cause!
The Medfield Foundation is a volunteer run 501-(c)(3) nonprofit charitable corporation whose mission is to build community by supporting nonprofit initiatives, raising funds for those in need and distributing grants that positively impact Medfield.
The MFi Legacy Fund is a professionally managed, community-supported Endowment Fund empowering residents to make permanent gifts to improve the community and town of Medfield. Through a competitive “Pitch It” process, Medfield based non-profit initiatives or town agencies can apply for grants to benefit the town. To date, almost $100,000 in grants have been given away. Planned gifts to the MFi Legacy Fund are encouraged and will keep the granting going strong.
Posted onDecember 3, 2024|Comments Off on New Life’s Annual Campaign
From Lori Morton, Director of Development, New Life Furniture Bank of MA –
New Life’s Annual Campaign to Furnish Homes for Families in Need
As New Life Furniture Bank of MA embarks on its eleventh annual campaign drive, they are steadfast in their mission to provide furniture for families transitioning out of homelessness. It is their conviction that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, deserves a table around which to gather, a light to illuminate bedtime stories, and a warm bed for a restful night’s sleep.
The demand for New Life’s services has grown tremendously over its eleven years. “In our first year, we served 100 households,” said Rich Purnell, Executive Director of New Life Furniture Bank. This past year, the organization provided over 19,000 pieces of furniture to 750 households, underscoring the persistent need across eastern Massachusetts. “The sustained success of New Life is a testament to the unwavering support from generous donors and dedicated volunteers,” continued Purnell. “Each client served shares a unique story that not only touches our hearts but also fortifies our commitment to the cause. We hope you will join us in supporting families on their journey to transform empty spaces into homes. Your generosity makes a tangible difference; one that ripples through the lives of those we serve.”
This Giving Tuesday please consider supporting New Life Furniture Bank of MA. Gifts may be made at newlifefb.org or by check payable to New Life Furniture Bank of MA, sent to P.O. Box 573, Medfield, MA 02052.
Posted onDecember 3, 2024|Comments Off on Office Hours this Friday
Select Board Office Hours this Friday
I hold regular Select Board monthly office hours at The Center on the first Friday of every month from 9:00 to 10:00 AM, and will do so this coming Friday.
Residents are welcome to stop by to talk in person about any town matters.
Don’t miss this fun 5k to support your community! This USATF certified course is lined with decorations and packed with entertainment groups and holiday cheer; don your festive attire and get ready to run, walk, skip, or jingle your way to 5k before we celebrate at the epic afterparty!
Race Details: December 8, 2024 11:30 AM at Medfield High School
Win Awesome Prizes!
Show up for the Medfield Foundation and get rewarded! Raise money as an individual or team and fundraise to win awesome prizes. Set your own goals and send your fundraising page to friends and share on social media! Every dollar raised supports Medfield Foundation programs that strengthen our community and help our neighbors.
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.