Steve Catanese endorses Pete Peterson

Posted on March 15, 2012 | Comments Off on Steve Catanese endorses Pete Peterson

I would like to take this opportunity to publicly support the reelection campaign for Osler “Pete” Peterson to the Medfield Board of Selectmen.

Pete has consistently represented the town in a positive and professional manner. He has demonstrated sound fiscal responsibility and has always asked the difficult questions of government. In my 10 years in town of volunteering with many organizations and fundraising, I have never worked with anyone who was as knowledgeable, focused or passionate for Medfield as Pete.

Pete always strives to make information available and accessible so that we can all make better informed decisions. The Board of Selectmen’s agenda, meeting schedule and meeting minutes are consistently posted on the town website, allowing all of us to stay connected to the information. In the coming years, this town is facing important decisions from the Medfield State Hospital reuse plan, 40B housing projects and major capital expenditures such as the DPW garage and the Fire and Police building. Pete clearly presents the citizens of Medfield with the best chance for being successful with all of these projects.

I enthusiastically support Pete for reelection and encourage my fellow neighbors to do so as well.

Sincerely,

Steve Catanese
Adams Street, Medfield

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Posted in Elections

Gatehouse meeting

Posted on March 14, 2012 | 9 comments

The town has scheduled a meeting with Gatehouse about its 40B proposal on West Street for next week.  I will attend as the representative of the Board of Selectmen.  I have suggested to Mike Sullivan that he arrange to have the state approved 40B consultant, Judy Barrette sit in with the town at that meeting.

9 Comments

Posted in Affordable housing / 40B

MCAP meeting this morning

Posted on March 14, 2012 | Comments Off on MCAP meeting this morning

Inspiring long meeting this morning with Medfield Care About Prevention (MCAP), about finalizing the $625,000 grant application.  Lots of work had been done by Medfeild Youth Outreach’s Dawn Alcott and volunteer, Dr. Susan Andersen, to put the grant application together, so it can be presented to town administrator Mike Sullivan this week.  This morning the group brainstormed the remaining details Dawn and Sue needed, especially for the Environmental Changes and Strategy section.

Superintendent Maguire made the suggestion that even if Medfeild did not get one of the thirty grants being issued nationwide, that our already coalesced group should continue the discussions of how the town can best assist our youth in being safer.  Two major themes discussed were creating a culture of safety and parlaying on the strengths of the town’s education system to effect change.  I also especially liked Chris Potts’ suggestion of  mentoring as a promising strategy for changing behaviors.

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Posted in MCAP - Medfeild Cares About Prevention, Teens

Christian & Pam Donner endorse Pete Peterson

Posted on March 14, 2012 | Comments Off on Christian & Pam Donner endorse Pete Peterson

Dear Editor,

When someone raised the issue of the 40B development on West Street in the Medfield Professional’s group on LinkedIn, Pete Peterson responded expertly. When someone posted a question about geothermal heat to the Medfield Green mailing list, Pete Peterson shared his knowledge.

Mr. Peterson actively reaches out to the community. He listens to issues that are of interest or concern to Medfield residents, not only in person, but in many of Medfield‘s online communities that have come alive in recent years. He has shown initiative by taking on many complex and difficult issues in the past, even if it meant that he had to invest more of his personal time and energy.

Selectman Peterson made the political and administrative processes in our town more open and transparent for us, by posting comprehensive and timely updates about important events and decisions on his blog, Twitter account and Facebook page.

We don’t know of anything important going on in Medfield today where Pete Peterson is not involved in a leading capacity. Affordable Housing, the Medfield Energy Committee, the Lyme Disease Study Committee, the Medfield Foundation, the State Hospital project – if there is something important, Pete Peterson is involved. He is the proverbial Jack of all Trades, because he is willing to acquire expert knowledge in areas new to him, so that he can make sure that the facts are complete when a decision is to be made.

Selectman Peterson has consistently demonstrated that he cares about our town and its future. He is a hard-working, genuine, and sincere advocate who strives to make Medfield a better place. His contributions to what Medfield is today are countless, and he has certainly left his mark. Our town faces important challenges that require experienced leaders. We don’t see Pete slowing down – quite the opposite is the case. He is getting better with experience.

To us, Mr. Peterson has been filling the role of Selectman in Medfield in an exemplary fashion, and we cannot imagine a better candidate. Please join us in voting to reelect Osler “Pete” Peterson to the Medfield Board of Selectmen at the March 26th town election.

Sincerely,

Christian & Pam Donner,
Green Street, Medfield

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Posted in Elections

Clarke Building at Medfield State Hospital being demolished

Posted on March 13, 2012 | 2 comments

The Clarke Building at Medfield State Hospital now has a fence around it, which I assume is a prelude to its demolition.  Last Friday when Mike, Kris and I met with DCAM Commissioner Carole Cornelison and her staff at DCAM’s office, they told us that the demolition was going forward.  It had been planned years ago, but apparently got delayed while DCAM was doing the clean up.  I asked why only the Clarke Building was coming down, and was told that DCAM has to deal with Mass Historic to take down any others.

Mike also tells me that the Framingham Police Department will be using the Medfield State Hospital site for exercises soon.

More on our discussions with DCAM will be coming soon.

2 Comments

Posted in Medfield State Hospital

Selectmen to meet this Friday at 7:30 AM

Posted on March 13, 2012 | Comments Off on Selectmen to meet this Friday at 7:30 AM

The Board of Selectmen will meet on Friday March 16, 2012 at 7:30 AM.   Purpose of the meeting is to vote to sign the 2012 Annual Town Meeting Warrant and to go into executive session for the purpose of discussing pending land acquisition.

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Posted in Select Board matters

Patricia Patt’s endorses Pete Peterson

Posted on March 13, 2012 | Comments Off on Patricia Patt’s endorses Pete Peterson

I wholeheartedly endorse Pete Peterson!  Pete continues to be the best choice for the Board of Selectman seat he now holds.  For those of you who are new to the town of Medfield, I recommend that you review Pete’s credentials and accomplishments over the past decade.  His efforts and hard work make Medfield a desirable place to live and work.   Please endorse and vote for Pete at the upcoming town election.

Patricia Patt, Green Street, Medfield

Patricia’s earlier posted comment:

I concur with everyone in Medfield who appreciates Pete Peterson’s hard work and dedication to make Medfield a great place to live.  For over 12 years, we have watched our community thrive under his leadership.  Pete is a purveyor of transparency with a wealth of knowledge in areas important to the Town of Medfield and its residents.

I urge everyone to help Pete keep his seat on the Board of Selectman so he can continue his work.

Thank you,
Patricia Patt

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Posted in Elections

Kathleen Brennan endorse Pete Peterson

Posted on March 12, 2012 | 3 comments

Dear Editor,
I am writing to encourage my fellow Medfield citizens to join me in voting on March 26th to re-elect Pete Peterson as Selectman. I confess I can be a bit of a political cynic and probably would not be writing this endorsement had I not had the recent opportunity to work with Pete on a project near and dear to my heart.
The Medfield Foundation Volunteer of the Year Awards were initiated by Pete in 2008 to recognize the generosity of time and spirit so prevalent in Medfield.  In the years since – and nearly single-handedly -he has worked to shed a light on the unique giving character of our town, from the unsung volunteers who stuff envelopes to the committee chairs who drive the progress of good causes that benefit us all.
As a member of the committee this year, I’ve seen firsthand the level of commitment, the thoughtful consideration of complicated issues, and the attention to detail Pete brings to the table. I’ve enjoyed his sense of humor, envied his volunteer stamina, and admired his dedication to serving Medfield in so many ways, large and small. Pete’s efforts to improve life for us all are too lengthy to list here. So I will simply say we are most fortunate to have such a staunch and willing supporter of Medfield’s best interests.
Please consider casting your vote with mine on March 26th to let Pete Peterson continue to so ably serve our town.
Kathleen Brennan
7 Steven Lane
Medfield, MA 02052

3 Comments

Posted in Elections

Steve Catanese endorses Pete Peterson

Posted on March 12, 2012 | Comments Off on Steve Catanese endorses Pete Peterson
To the Editor,
I would like to take this opportunity to publicly support the re-election campaign for Osler “Pete” Peterson to the Medfield Board of Selectmen.  Pete has consistently represented the town in a positive and professional manner.  He has demonstrated sound fiscal responsibility and has always asked the difficult questions of government.  In my 10 years in town of volunteering with many organizations and fundraising, I have never worked with anyone who was as knowledgeable, focused or passionate for Medfield as Pete.  Pete always strives to make information available and accessible so that we can all make better informed decisions.  The Board of Selectmen’s agenda, meeting schedule and meeting minutes are consistently posted on the town web site allowing all of us to stay connected to the information.
In the coming years this town is facing important decisions from the Medfield State Hospital reuse plan, 40B housing projects and major capital expenditures such as the DPW garage and the Fire and Police building.  Pete clearly presents the citizens of Medfield with the best chance for being successful with all of these projects.  I enthusiastically support Pete for re-election and encourage my fellow neighbors to do as well.
Sincerely,
Steve Catanese
Adams Street

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Posted in Elections

Jane Garofalo – Medfield Foundation Youth Volunteer of the Year Award

Posted on March 9, 2012 | 2 comments

Jane Garofalo – Youth Volunteer of the Year Award — Medfield Food Cupboard

For the past two years, Medfield High School junior Jane Garofalo has been volunteering weekly at the Medfield Food Cupboard, and as part of her work, she created a “Blue Bag-it Program” to increase summer donations, according to Beth Eby, Medfield Food Cupboard president, who endorsed Jane’s nomination for the Youth Volunteer of the Year award.

“Jane became aware of the severe decrease in donations over the summer months, and came up with a fantastic and yet simple program idea, and implemented it at Shaw’s,” said Eby.

“Through the program, shoppers are presented with a special blue bag, and a list of the items that the Medfield Food Cupboard needs for that month,” Eby explained. “To get the program off the ground, Jane applied for a New ‘N Towne grant to fund the purchase of blue bags and produce flyers, and recruited student volunteers to staff a weekend table at Shaw’s to promote the initiative during the summer months. Jane’s efforts were appreciated by customers because the blue bag provided them with an easy way to separate their own personal items from Medfield Food Cupboard needs.”

Eby pointed out that on the first day of the campaign, and each time thereafter, the food donation bin was overflowing with colorful blue bags in a matter of hours.

Since its introduction, Eby says the Blue Bag-it Program has gained traction and garnered media attention, and Garofalo has received approval to make it a permanent Medfield Shaw’s initiative that has the potential to be replicated at other stores.

“From a young age, Jane has demonstrated a sincere compassion for children who are less fortunate, and without food or money to satisfy basic needs,” said her mother, Patti Garofalo.  “I believe this empathy for others inspired her to look for a way to make things better for members of her own community struggling with these same issues.”

2 Comments

Posted in Medfield Foundation, Volunteers