This is the archive of previous Norfolk Notes.
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3/31 11:58pm Responding to a post from 3/24, 12:58pm: Pondville is [already] receiving inmates from Shirley minimum[.] In addition, I don't understand the statement that the "degree murderers, arsonists, inmates convicted of heinous stabbings, shootings etc" would be moved to an appropriate security setting. These inmates are already in place at Pondville and more will be added. A security classification only changes due to disciplinary, behavior problems or outstanding legal issues. To imply that level 3 facilities do not house these inmates is truly misleading. Also, if Pondville changes to a level 2 (pre-release center) the total number of inmates the building is licensed for would not change, nor would the fact that the types of felons mentioned above would be eligible for placement at level 2 and unsupervised while to and from job sites, religious services, counseling, NA and AA meetings etc. [T]o get to level 2, an inmate must be 18 months to their parole date or discharge date. The only inmates without either is the 1st degree murderer. Remember that level 3 facilities have run at a lower population over the last year.This is why 2 of 3 facilities closing are level 3 in addition to a level 2 facility which closed last fall (Park Drive). I don't want to sound negative about this whole story, but the people writing are not familiar with Community Corrections policies, procedures and lastly, the inmates classified to these facilities. I don't want to cause unnecessary alarm, but the citizens of Norfolk should know and be aware of the situation and be advised on what is happening, especially when they are being asked to give up $180,000.00. - [Name withheld]
[Is this for real? If all convicts (other than first degree murderers) can eventually become eligible for level 2 classification (i.e., when within 18 months of release), then we could expect to eventually receive a rather sordid lot. And why here? It's not like Norfolk is bustling with economic activity, or convenient transporation links to more urban areas. What, will they bag groceries at our to-be-built supermarket? - Wm.]
3/31 11:06am Happy Easter Sunday!
3/30 12:51pm An interesting article caught my eye in yesterday's (3/29) Boston Globe. Sociologists have found that teenagers who watch television are more prone to act violently as adults than those who don't, and the likelihood goes up with the amount of TV watched. Jeffrey Johnson, one of the co-authors of the study, is quoted summarizing his conclusions by saying, ``Our findings suggest that, at least during early adolescence, responsible parents should avoid permitting their children to watch more than one hour of television a day. That's where the vast majority of the increase in risk occurs.'' I often grumble about conclusions drawn from correlation studies, but I found this one just plain silly. Some parents have a firm concept of what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior, others not. Some have an opinion on what entertainment is appropriate for youngsters, others not. Some parents expect their children to live by their creed, others not. Some parents choose to stand up to their kids, others not. Those who do, choose role models, set limits and enforce rules not because it is recommended by researchers, but because they understand that they are the right things to do. Acting out and/or controlling aggressive instincts are both learned; the parents' role is to train children to acceptable behavior. This is about more than television watching. The mere fact that some parents choose to limit TV viewing to no more than one hour per day, and put up with the the tussles that this decision can entail, stronly suggests that they would be willing to impose their understanding of right and wrong in other areas as well. I wouldn't be surprised to find their kids to be more courteous and considerate, to use please and thank you, ask for permission, share, be more diligent, and to be more pleasant to be around. And others not. Look around you, and you'll know exactly what I mean. Which brings us around 180 degrees: it's not that parents should restrict their kids' TV viewing to be responsible, it's that having rules, choosing appropriate entertainment and role models, and teaching and enforcing limits are all signs of responsible parenting. And all of which is just a very convoluted way of re-discovering that responsible parents will teach their children right from wrong. With all due respect, Professor Johnson - duh. - AR
3/29 9:49pm Two reminders from the Norfolk Community League - the Third Annual Nearly New Consignment Sale is on April 6, and the NCL is accepting disbursement requests for area groups and causes until April 15. Click on the links for more info.
3/28 12:18am Thanks Paul for info on Hangglider - being a devout coward I decline to volunteer for a ride. I hope the present 71 year old pilot makes it to 72!!! - JO
3/28 9:25am Do you think they ever have Dunkin' Donuts or Town Pizza at the White House? Now you can find out! Come listen to "Dinner at the White House - a Feast of History" on Sunday, April 7th, 2:00 at the Norfolk Public Library. Judy Bernstein will host the program and will relate anecdotes about White House guests, menus, customs and manners that reflect the social history of our nation's capitol. Those who remember her last appearance here with "The Proper Bostonians" will certainly want to catch her latest effort. This program is open to all library patrons at no cost - please come and bring a friend! - WS
3/27 9:09am To JO - The brave soul you noticed flying overhead in his home made flying machine is a 70 plus year old man from Bellingham. He has been flying around on that machine for a number of years. I don't know his name but I know he was written up in the Worcester Telegram and Gazette a while back. NCTV would love to go on a flying tour with him, but we would have to get a volunteer for that because I'm terrified of being up higher than I am when I'm standing up. I'll get in touch with him if I hear from any volunteers. Call NCTV at 508 384-4448. - Paul Guertin, NCTV Station Manager
3/27 9:07am Just a note for anyone interested in an up close and personal look at the new Patriots CMGI field. NCTV went on a tour with Patriot's PR boss Stacey James last week. The tour is on channel 8 at 2:45pm and 9:45pm every day this week and next. It was an eye popping tour of the newest of all NFL stadiums. For those of you who have season tickets, this could be your first look at the field from the stands. As an added bonus, some of you might also want to catch NCTV's interview with www.norfolknet.com's webmaster, Andras Radics at 4pm and 7:30pm everyday this week and next. Plus, for those of you who want to know what's going on in town, Channel 22 broadcast's NCTV's interview with Town Administrator Bob Markel at noon and 7pm everyday this week and next. To find other great shows, click on the NCTV Schedule in the left side column of the home page of norfolknet. - Paul Guertin, NCTV Station Manager
3/26 11:59pm Did anyone beside me see the brave soul hangliding over the center of town about 4.20pm, Monday, 3-26? I was coming from Boardman onto Main St. Came from the direction of town center and was headed toward Franklin about 30 degrees to the left of Main. With tongue in cheek - do we have a bylaw against this? Altitude estimated at 400 feet/ speed about 30-40mph. - JO
3/26 12:26pm Regarding the missing playground equipment at Kid's Place, according to the latest Recreation Department bulletin, it (through a grant from Norfolk Community League) has purchased a new piece of equipment geared to the 3 and under ages. I don't have any idea of when the installation of the new piece is to be completed. The brochure notes a grand opening will be celebrated on May 1st at Kid's Place. - TS
3/26 9:22am Snow in the morning, two days in a row now? I'm touched. It's very kind of Winter, really, to oblige me this way, but it's TOO LATE! - Wm.
3/26 8:39am I will try something different to see if it works out. I will stop Italicizing contributed posts; instead, all posts will simply be signed with initials. All contributed posts are signed, and lately I've been being good about signing all of my ramblings as well, so this really does not represent a change other than the loss of Italics. I liked Italics because my browser (Netscape on Unix, using the X-Windows fonts) renders rather attractive text. Under Windows it is less so, so it's no great loss. In fact, having seen how Internet Explorer renders the page, most users out there might see it as an improvement. The practice of Italicized and non-italicized posts started a while after the page went up (see the earliest posts), and was used to distinguish the occasional contributed or quoted message. Since then, we're receiving a lot more posts, so it could be argued that the distinction has grown meaningless. - Wm.
3/26 8:31am Hooray for Selectman Jack McFeeley! I don't always agree with the stands Jack takes on town issues, but I generally find his reasoning logical and thoughtful. At last night's Selectman's meeting he made clear, understandable arguments - especially about the Community Preservation Act and the Advisory Board's warrant articles. I'm hoping in the next few weeks that we can have a discussion of the CPA and our town's fiscal situation. To begin with though, I would have to agree with a procedural point that Jack made last night: the Advisory Board seems to have overstepped its authority. Based on what I've gleaned from past town meetings, our Advisory Board is not a Finance Committee - as it is in some towns. In some towns the Advisory Board is really a Finance Committee and it prepares the budget in the months before the annual Town Meeting starts. It also prepares financial articles (which are agenda items). My understanding is that this is not what our Advisory Board is supposed to be doing. Look at the Spring 2001 Warrant. It is the Board of Selectman who prepare the budget (with the help of our professional Town Administrator and Finance Director). The Advisory Board simply reviews the warrant articles and advises the citizens as to how they think these items should be voted. No offense intended, but I didn't vote for Advisory board members thinking that they would be shaping the budget in such a heavy handed and out of bounds manner. The Advisory Board advises. (This reminds me of a funny line from the Mamet movie Heist. The Joe (Gene Hackman) says he's cashing out of his life of crime because he doesn't need any more money. Mickey (Danny Devito) counters: "Everybody needs money. That's why they call it money!"). Now, with that bit of trivia out of the way, let the games begin. Community Preservation Act. We voted it in twice and some Advisory Board members have become activist in trying to kill it in order to make their own plan for an override more "palatable." If we keep the CPA in place, we get matching funds from the state. If we lower it to .5% (instead of the current 3%) we lower our matching money from the state. So we're going to reduce our available funds for the town in order to make a tax increase more tasty? Does that make any sense? Not to me. Thanks again, Jack, for taking a principled stand. -DAF
3/25 9:48am I went to Kids Place on Boardman St. the other day and a portion of the equipment has been removed. I know it was probably removed due to safety issues but I was wondering if anyone knew if they were going to replace it with something else? I go there frequently and I must say, it is a great place for our little ones to play on equipment sized just for the younger set. - JW
3/24 12:58pm Here is some more information about the prison closings, extracted from another private e-mail, portions of which we quote below with permission. Attached was a note to MH, saying ``Bay State Correctional is not a Pre-Release Center.'' We also understand that the message quoted here has been forwarded to the DOC public affairs office for comment, so we may yet have an official, attributed position posted here :-) - Wm. [3/24 9:20pm Update: we had it pointed out that ``... the statement that Pondville inmates are working in the community unsupervised is truly false. Inmates are supervised constantly by either DOC Staff, or Police Officers in the surrounding towns, including State Police.'' This indeed sounds correct; Pondville is listed as a Class Level 3 facility, which is characterized as ``Access to the community is limited and under constant direct staff supervision.'' (per the DOC classification)[ . . . ] MCI-Norfolk and BayState will probably not be getting many, if any, of the inmates from the closed facilities. [...] [N]othing has yet been decided. At Shirley there are three prisons and the Shirley minimum security is the only one closing (a level 3 security). Norfolk is level 4 and would not get these inmates. Bay State is also a level 4. Pondville is a currently level 3 three but even if they get inmates they will most likely get the inmates from MCI-Lancaster, which is security level 2 and 3, unless it goes to pre-release status. There are currently about 100 inmates at Lancaster; half are women. These inmate are already in a work-release program. The women aren't coming to any of the prisons in Norfolk or Walpole. The statement "Don't be fooled that Pondville only holds non-violent offenders. [...]" is correct, except that as part of the change in classification from a level 3 to a pre-release all of the "degree murderers, arsonists, inmates convicted of heinous stabbings, shootings, you name it" would be moved to an appropriate security facility. [...]
It is likely that if Pondville changed to Pre Release Status, the inmates would change but the number of inmates would not likely change.In Bridgewater, there are 5 prisons, one is closing - Southeastern Correctional Center. From what I understand most of the security level 4 inmates will be relocated within the Bridgewater Complex. One of the prisons at Bridgewater at the Boot Camp is nearly empty so the relocation of inmates from SECC to the Boot Camp is the most likely. SECC also has a minimum security portion and they will probably go to the Old Colony (also at Bridgewater). In total there are about 1,000 inmates affected by the closings. A majority are at SECC and most will stay in Bridgewater. The general plan is to relocate inmates at a prison closest to where they are currently incarcerated. Therefore, Shirley inmates would likely go to Gardner or Concord where there are level 3 facilities. The other plan being considered is to return many inmates to the control of the County prisons where they should have been in first place but were shipped to the State Prisons due to overcrowding at the County level. This would have no impact on the Norfolk Prisons. Lastly, Pondville already has "inmates working in the community unsupervised." However,] the inmates must account for their time whenever they are on work assignments and must report back to the facility every day. In contrast, the possible change to a Pre-Release facility means that inmates would be permitted to access the community unescorted. - Wm.]
3/24 12:28am Yes, the weather is wacky, but those spring bulbs seem to be doing just fine... The white ones in the foreground are snowdrops; the pale lavender ones behind are crocuses. The picture was taken after the first, lesser snow shower - Wm.
3/23 9:51pm There are some interesting figures available on the DOC website. Clicking on: the Research and Stats bar at the left of the home page brings one to: http://www.state.ma.us/doc/Research/index.html. At the top right under "Whats New" is a link to http://www.state.ma.us/doc/Research/quarterly.html quarterly reports. Choosing the bottom link (4th Quarter 2001 Overcrowding Report) brings one to http://www.state.ma.us/doc/PDFS/4TH_01.PDF [MA DOC Quarterly Report on the Status of Prison Overcrowding 4Q 2001, released January 2002.] where the following was extracted from Figure 1: With an average daily population of 9343 with a design capacity of 8032, Table 1 concludes that the Department of Correction operated at 116 % of design capacity (statewide). 2000;
For institutions within or partially within Norfolk:
Population in DOC Facilities Oct 1, 2001 - Dec 31, 2001The Average Daily Population divided by Design Capacity represents the percent overcrowding. Note: The website page for BayState listed its capacity at 296. Fig 1 shows 266. The website page for Pondville listed its capacity at 204. Fig 1 shows 100. These are significant differences which should be explored. The website page for MCI Norfolk showed an Avg Daily Pop of 1250; Fig 1 shows 1365 [...].
Facility AvgDaily
PopulationDesign
CapacityAvgDailyPop
/Design Cap, %Cedar Junc 695 633 110 % MCI Norfolk 1365 1084 126 % Bay State 272 266 102% Pondville 121 100 121% - BH
[We also received an e-mail about the previous set of inmate counts: ``The Norfolk population is a few hundred short of the actual number [of 1250]. The web site has not been updated for some time. Also, Walpole is up in the 800's, and I am not sure if this includes the 200+ housed in the DDU. The Department [of Corrections] will give you the correct inmate population by calling the facility directly, or calling the main office in Milford. '' According to the PDF report linked above, the average daily population at MCI Norfolk was 1439 during the period 4Q2000 - 3Q2001. - Wm.]
3/23 9:24pm Following up on the prison topic, here is the press release announcing the closing of three facilities (SECC Bridgewater, Lancaster, and Shirley-minimum). - Wm.
3/23 8:24pm It seems like there are a couple of different issues regarding the prisons in town. The prison mitigation money issue seems straightforward enough. They pay us for services and for lost tax revenues and we provide services. Well, no money = no services. I can't believe this will be allowed to stand. As for the movement of prisoners into the nearby prisons from Shirley, Bridgewater, and Lancaster - I find this less of a threat. There are laws - you can't just shove more prisoners into the buildings that have a stated capacity that is smaller. As for pre-release: Bay State Correctional is already pre-release, isn't it? The idea is to correct the behavior that landed the person in jail and let them out eventually. We aren't just throwing offenders away forever. - MH
[I believe Pre-Release as used here is a technical term with a more specific meaning; in particular, it seems to mean unsupervised access of the inmate to the community - Wm.]
3/22 9:11am More info on websites for the Massachusetts Department of Correction and the prison facilities within the Town of Norfolk or partially within the Town of Norfolk (Cedar Junction): List of DOC facilities MCI-Cedar Junction at Walpole (population not listed on webpage) MCI Norfolk (average daily population of 1250 inmates) Pondville Correctional Center (Capacity 204) Bay State Correctional Center (Capacity 296) - BH
3/22 8:57am For new parents and grandparents: Here is an index [click on link] to some childrens' song lyrics on a great website for kids songs if you want to sing some to a baby or child as you dance it around the house. Some of the songs include MIDI audio tracks for the melody. - BH
[It's a nice, non-commercial site run by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences - Wm.]
3/21 11:09pm To PR: I just saw your question posted 3/9 in regards to the food pantry. The Norfolk Food Pantry is at the Emmanuel Baptist Church on Rockwood Road. It is in a small building that used to be a garage located to the left of the church behind the office building. The Food Pantry is open every Saturday from 10-12 and donations are accepted at that time also. - KF
3/21 8:41pm What happened, everyone run out of words all at once? The past two days I was scrambling to keep on top of the volume, and today - silence! Anyway, what I really wanted to mention was that yesterday was Norfolknet's busiest day ever, with the site getting 280 hits from 132 unique IP addresses. I just want to thank everyone for making this possible, and making it fun! - Wm.
3/21 8:41pm We received this e-mail calling our attention to administrative changes slated (proposed? planned? scheduled?) for MCI Pondville. (The point is raised in the second paragraph.) Anyone know what this is about? or how it differs from how Pondville is/was operating previously? - Wm. I just finished reading a newspaper article [possibly today in Globe West] stating that Jane Swift will not be giving the Town of Norfolk its money for housing state prisoners here. The amount was around $180,000.00. In addition, 3 state prisons in Shirley, Bridgewater and Lancaster are closing. Where do you think they will put these inmates? Thats right! MCI-Norfolk, Walpole and Pondville. With the expansion of Norfolk and Baystate, the number the state is supposed to be reimbursing the town for should be much higher than the amount we are not going to get. The selectman should demand an accurate count of the populations at these sites.In addition, Corrections is planning to turn Pondville into a Pre-Release Center. That means that the inmates will be working in the community unsupervised, with sporadic checks being done once or twice a month. They can attend church, the library, town meetings, educational programs etc. Don't be fooled that Pondville only holds non-violent offenders. Second degree murderers, arsonists, inmates convicted of heinous stabbings, shootings, you name it. Only sex offenders are not allowed there. Though Pondville has done a good job in the past with controlling the population, it has been a minimum prison where inmates are always supervised by staff. In speaking with employees of the Department, they are concerned that Norfolk is not an ideal area for a Pre-Release. The Selectmen have not brought either issue to the table. Why not? The towns of Norwood and Walpole were so vocal about this several years ago, the Corrections Department closed the Pre-Release component. I would like to hear others' views on this. - [Name withheld]
3/21 11:04am Right on, VR! Bourque's is swell. Does anyone know if there is any relationship between Bourque's and the former Bruin's hockey star Ray Bourque? I hear a lot of hockey discussion there when I'm munching down a farmer's omelette every weekend. If someone knows a planning board member with email access, maybe you could give him a nudge and ask him to make a post here. Anyway, I'll contact the Mashpee folks and see what it would cost to get them to send a speaker. -DAF
3/20 10:11pm To KG: for a little small town family restaurant, at least for breakfast and lunch, try Bourques ... locally owned, pleasant staff, good food, great fries. It's the kind of place where the regulars chat with your kids, and where the cook remembers what you like; he puts our order on the grill as soon as he sees us walk in the door! - VR
3/20 9:06pm If we have to have commercial development in the center of town, I would love to hear from the Mashpee Commons developers. I've read a number of articles by DPZ and agree with their ideas. I also wonder if the people of Norfolk could just pitch in and buy the property back from Borelli. I know that sounds nutty, but if the property doesn't perc now, then what's it worth on the open market? (my husband is reading over my shoulder, saying "if we had a Trader Joe's here, we'd never have to leave Norfolk!" Yeah, and we'd have to institute a town-wide exercise plan!) - HPK
3/20 6:47pm To Wm. [re: the post by MA:] [ ... ] In theory, the Planning Board had probably hoped to have something like Mashpee Commons in the downtown area; instead they just got more of the same ... only bigger. - WB
3/20 4:21pm I think there should be a CVS uptown to walk to easily and a little small town family restauraunt ... something that you could walk uptown and have all day ... maybe a waterslide!! that would be awesome, only if there was no water ban - KG
[Make that a Brooks, and I'll go along with that . . . We've not been particularly pleased with our CVS experiences - Wm.]
3/20 2:53pm To DAF, Ten plus years ago the planning board had the vision of making Mashpee Commons the model for Norfolk Center. Ten plus years later, what do we have, a larger moonscape. - MA
[How so? I don't understand the reference. Ten years ago is before my time here; could someone elaborate? - Wm.]
3/20 1:23pm I agree that we don't need another large supermarket, but a Trader Joe's closer to us sure would be wonderful! And a bakery to give an alternative to all of the high-calorie stuff is a great idea. Love Panera Bread, I get there when I can, wish it were closer! - CR
3/20 1:22pm When we talk about bringing businesses to town to provide revenue, just how does the town benefit? Are we looking at just the real estate tax or are there other taxes that would come to the town and if so what percentage would the town get? What type of money are we talking about $100, $1000, or $10,000? Are there any hidden costs for the town associated with businesses, such as increased town services; highway department cleaning up trash, police response, water usage, perhaps town counsel for legal permits or other, street lights, road construction. In other words, if the center gets developed, do my taxes go down $10 or $1000. Let's just assume the money is not redirected to other projects right away! - SF
3/20 12:14pm DAF has made a great suggestion. Bring in a group who has had experience and visible results. A similar story was featured in the Boston Globe a few weeks ago that compared the positive changes made in Roslindale versus the falling apart of West Roxbury. Roslindale saved their center by bringing in small gourmet restaurants and cute family owned shops (BUSINESS BLUES IN WEST ROXBURY Published on March 4, 2002. Author(s): Corey Dade, GLOBE STAFF). Roslindale also had hired a group to help them make these changes. My wife and I often comment how ugly Norfolk center is. We can't believe how bad such a small area was made to look so easily. Norfolk center can be saved. Shops brought closer to the sidewalk invite people into their stores. Gardens and wandering paths get people out of their cars. If the area Borrelli is developing is used for larger stores and has a Mall feel you can kiss the town center good-bye. In my opinion the colorful store fronts across from the Library are not bad, more of that kind of construction would be beneficial. Also, as a supporter of some of the "Save the Ponds" groups (Kingsbury Pond is disappearing) I fear a large development will continue to demand resources we cannot supply without detriment to these beautiful and historic natural places. My family patiently went through a very long (2 plus years) process of acquiring the permits to build a home in Norfolk. I happily complied with Norfolk's strict adherence to MA conservation and building laws and codes. It was clear to me that preserving the natural beauty of Norfolk was important to town administrators. Let's not give way to the bigger pressures that big cash can add. Note to KG: Arcades don't work anymore. Kids get better graphics and game play on their TV's and computers. Most have gone out of business. But right Idea. - CS
3/20 10:40am I think SF should open a comedy club on the Borrelli land! I laughed out loud. Seriously though, I think NS hits the nail on the head - Borelli would have built it already if there were any takers. And we just witnessed the largest peacetime economic expansion in American history between 1993 and 1999. If we couldn't get a developer in there then, I doubt we'll see one until the next expansion . . . whenever that is. Has anyone been to Mashpee Commons on Cape Cod? This development is often cited as a model for approaching new development and suburban infill. Perhaps we could get someone who worked on Mashpee Commons to come and give a talk in our town? I'm willing to make the contact and set it up if people would be interested. Since they are charged with leading the town with respect to subdivision of land, site plan approval, and so forth, perhaps the Planning Board could weigh in on this issue in our public forum? - DAF
3/20 7:35am Happy Vernal Equinox!
Today at 2:03 in the afternoon EST marks the beginning of spring. This is the point in time at which the Earth's axis will be tangential to the cylinder of its orbit around the Sun. The Northern hemisphere will be tilted toward the Sun from now until the Autumnal Equinox, resulting in a warming of temperatures and the eventual arrival of summer. I guess either in celebration of it, or just to thumb her nose at us, Mother Nature has chosen spring to dump four inches of snow on us. What happened to winter?! - Wm.
3/19 11:25pm To KG - The schools are where dances should be held. The new soccer place describes what you are looking for, place to eat, hang, talk, and watch indoor soccer games PLUS if your legal have a beer - NS
3/19 11:21pm If a supermarket were interested in that site then we would not be having this discussion. It would have been built long ago. The Globe article hints that Borelli has plans for a supermarket but doesnt say a supermarket is interested. Its simple marketing and we do not have the population to support one. IMHO, Borelli is going wait this out until someone from the Town approaches him to buy the moonscape. It looks like he has stopped mining there over a year ago. Any developer would not leave the land in its current state for that long without some ROI......unless he can't sell it or bring in tenants that want to be there. I disagree with the idea that it would be a good site for a pharmacy based on the same argument as the supermarket. CVS is the only one these days building. They do their homework and build where it makes sense. The just finished 2 in Franklin within the past 3 years. We also have a Brooks in Franklin. Way back when I said on this board that the new Patriots stadium project will start long after this project and finish long before this project... I was hoping I was wrong.....No such luck though. - NS
[As to the lack of construction, there was something about not having enough soil left covering bedrock to meet septic requirements - Wm.]
3/19 10:04pm I would have to say that there definitely needs to be a recreation center or a type of place where teenagers can hang out, where dances for older kids could be held, or places where you can meet people and hang out. A tiny food court could be inside for when you get hungry. Pool tables, an ice cream shop, an arcade, etc. would be fun. - KG
3/19 9:47pm Does anyone in town know what is going on at the train station - specifically the portion with the handicapped ramp access? As a daily commuter on the train I have recently observed the following: 1) Some type of discharge is being dropped in-between the tracks - dark color, slippery film? What affect can this have on our groundwater since most of us are on private or town wells? 2) There has been some digging by the MBTA near the path through the woods. It looks like two short white pipes for perk tests have been put it. One to the right of the path (looking from the train station) and the other one near the woods left of the path beyond the gravel piles toward the bridge. Why are they doing perk tests? Or are they venting something? 3) Some orange stakes have been placed (for surveying purposes?) - one close to the train tracks, a second on the path to the Kids Place, a third further up the path that is level with the ground. Again what is going on? 4) The drain pipe at the overhead (the one closest to the bridge) has been missing for several years. Water from the overhead pours down and ices up in each storm. Is this ever going to be replaced or is someone just going to slip in front of a train some day? I would appreciate any input on these issues from town officials or committees. I would hate to see the MBTA create another Moonscape type fiasco on the other side of the tracks!! - WLS
3/19 9:18pm BRAVO, BRAVO, BH, my sentiments exactly. The comment about the Transfer Station not being there had me scratching my head, then I started thinking that maybe I just dreamed that the Transfer Station used to be, ah, "A DUMP" complete with vermin to be shot on quiet, lazy Sunday afternoons. The pungent odor was just swell (swill) on a Sat. morning when we drove there hoping not to get a flat or stuck while chucking our garbage and our lunch. It was no dream, it was real and I love the Transfer Station, where, by the way, the townsfolk seem to gather all the time selling, campaigning or lobbying. Recently someone said, "Be careful what you wish for, it might just come true." - JW
3/19 4:36pm I agree with everyone on the town center. I go the new Super Stop and Shop in Foxboro (RT140) and it only takes about 10 minutes to get to. A supermarket of any size would fail because the only people that need to go to it are Norfolk residents and there aren't enough of us (thankfully). Honestly, if the store was too limited I might still go to Foxboro. I've said on this board before that an ice cream shop/cafe type place would be perfect. They don't require thousands of weekly patrons to make a profit. Another restaurant would also be good (Horse & Carriage and Eaglebrook do pretty good business) and definitely a pharmacy. I think most people would want an area where you can go with your family and hang out and talk to other townspeople. Isn't that why town centers were created??? The best part (to look on the bright side) is that because nothing exists now, it can be done right - any kind of strip mallish look would be disgraceful. - JP
3/19 3:56pm To PLG: As you wrote: "As far as making the center of town a nontax generating, tax eating, grass-growing `greenery,' that we will have to pay someone to mow and keep up, I'd rather see something useful and attractive." Please explain how land owned by someone else would be non-tax generating and why would the Town be responsible for mowing it. Maybe I missed something, but the humor filled discussion talked about getting some green on the "pale emptiness" which is not owned by the Town. In all seriousness, if you look at the cycle of urban development in major cities across the U.S. there is a resurgence of reclaiming developed areas into open space, green space and common areas to replace old buildings that have been abandoned, burned or torn down. Maybe, just maybe Norfolk is ahead of its time. A point to make, over the past year the City of Atlanta converted over 2.5 acres of land in their downtown into green space and parks. Look at plans for the area in Boston now occupied by the Southeast Expressway. Most of the area is slated to be green space. I doubt Norfolk will go back to the point where cows will be grazing on a green or common but I do take exception that green space is not useful and not attractive. I put my vote in on the other issues . . . the jelly beans are so five minutes ago, I'll go back to deciding on gummy worms, gummy fish and gummy bears. - AB
3/19 2:59pm To DAF - I'm not sure what kind of business you ran, but $1,500 for rent for that space represents a great deal more than a pittance. It seems to be the single best reason for why that space is not now rented, along with the amount of work (and money) required to bring it up to presentable standards. But you might have gotten me wrong; with the new supermarket in Foxboro I don't have any great desire to have a supermarket in the center of town. Actually, it would never make sense to have a retail entity of that size on that property. But I do like the idea of an ice-cream, bakery, antique type of enterprise. And I believe it should be space that generates tax revenues which a park would not do. Let's be a little creative and stop making the choices just McDonalds or a park. At the moment the only location that I'm aware of that is available for a small business to take up residence in this town is the already mentioned old pharmacy. I know for a fact that if there had been other spaces available several years ago, I would have opened a business here myself. But $1,500 for that space was absurd and still is. Everyone wants what she/he feels what is best for the town. My hunch is if we could put hyperbole and fear mongering aside, we could come up with something really special. - PLG
3/19 2:27pm OK here's the solution to all our problems; well everything but the smoking issue! They say the soil at the old town hall is too soft to build a fire station. Well, move the topsoil from the old town hall site to the rec fields on Route 115 so those get finished and open; remember we need more than 1/2 inch of topsoil this time. Now move the moon rocks from the center to the old town hall site and build the new fire station. Then move the highway department to the center and build a golf course at the dump. Then, here's the best part, we open a store and sell the extra moon rocks covered with frosting and jelly beans to raise money to expand the library. P.S. Don't we already have a 'gray' field in the center of town! - SF
3/19 1:01pm Thank you BH, JW - KC
3/19 12:59pm Thank you to PLG for the clarification - but it doesn't change the fact that the shop space has been empty for years now. $1,500 a month is a pittance for rent for a business. As long as we're correcting my inaccuracies - I went to Star Market in Franklin last night and it is no longer be half empty - there is a sign in one of the long vacant spaces that says "Coming Soon! The Curtain Store." So that would leave only a few thousand more square feet to be filled in. But, my point still holds - Norfolk cannot support a shopping mall. We have vacant space as it is. Also, I'm not sure what a supermarket or pharmacy would do to solve PLG's lament: "there is nothing for a teenager, or adult for that matter, to do in this town." I for one would rather see my kids playing baseball or soccer or photographing the animals at Stony Brook rather than cleaning up trash from fast food franchises or hanging out at the local drugstore. That's how I grew up, and it sucked. I like HPK's idea (except for the rampant consumption part :-) ). Why not a bookstore/cafe/ice cream shop? Or, is that too "upscale?" Don't get me started on this...whenever I hear someone in town say "Hey, this isn't Dover" I get peeved. Just because we didn't pay more than $250,000 for our house doesn't mean my kids have to live in a town of McDonald's, CVS, and the other mass market crap. Norfolk Food Mart isn't "upscale." In fact, I get my coffee there every morning for less dough than my wife does at Dunkies, but she likes The Great One...I digress. Small shops like the Norfolk Food Mart are part of what small town living is all about. I like the smallness of it. I don't need a selection of 500 different types of caffeinated beverage and donuts with jellybeans on them. (By the way, what is up with that, anyway? Isn't frosting enough? Now we need jellybeans on our high fat donuts lathered with sugary frostings? I think, I've come up with a new Norfolknet debate that will bring out the people who don't get riled about the smoking/no smoking issue. Jelly beans/no jelly beans!. I say down with jelly beans! - DAF
3/19 11:23am Congratulations to the Board of Selectmen for affirming private property rights! They recently decided to allow restaurant owners the freedom of having a smoking section. A small business owner who pours one's life and money into a business should have the right to choose how he/she operates that business. Business owners make decisions, such as whether to have a smoking section, based on what their clientele wants. The best test of a business owner's decisions is the free will of people who choose to support or not support the business. Norfolk's restaurants have remained successful by meeting the desires of enough people in the area. - RN
3/19 11:18am Regarding the Transfer Station: When I moved to Norfolk, decades ago, there was no neat, clean, well-run Transfer Station such as we have now. We had a good old Town Dump, (in the same location where the transfer station is now only much larger) where we threw trash, paper, garbage, glass bottles, tin cans, and so on. We threw the trash where the dumpkeeper told us to throw it, while looking closely at things others had discarded, with a view to recycling on a small scale. The trash stayed in a heap until it was burned, or blew away in a mild wind, or until it was taken or bulldozed and covered. Much of the neighborhood had paper trash from the dump blowing around. Some of us reportedly brought guns to the dump, with the aim of improving our proficiency while reducing the rat population. Truly it was an adventure to go to the dump, partially because one had to be careful to avoid getting the car stuck in the mud and partially because, much as Forest Gump said, you never knew what you were going to get. The idea of upgrading the dump into a transfer station began just a place in the dump to load containers to be taken away, since open dumps were going out of favor. The trash was tossed up and sometimes over the high sides of the container. A public-spirited citizen designed the zig-zag walled locations for the containers. Now people threw their trash down into the containers, a vast improvement. Then the pavement was added, the compactor was put on line, much more organized recycling was done, and thus we had the neat, clean, fairly sanitary (compared to the open dump) transfer station. The Highway Department personnel do a great job running it. A suggestion for RB: Ask not what the Town can do for you. Ask what you can do for the Town. We need volunteers for organizations and committees. Consider helping. - BH
3/18 9:27pm The Norfolk Community League (NCL) is currently accepting requests from area groups and causes for one of its annual disbursements. The deadline for submission of requests is April 15, 2002. Click here for more information.
3/18 9:14pm We are reminded that the NCL's Nearly New Consignment Sale is approaching; it will be held at the H. Olive Day school cafeteria on April 6, from 9:00 to 11:00am, with a half-price sale following from 11:30 to 12:30pm. Read more here.
3/18 8:58pm To KC & JW: The Transfer Station was not there when I moved to town. By not following the proper public review process prior to its construction, the town deprived me and others the right to have input to the process and the opportunity to minimize the negative effect it could have on our neighborhood. The Highway Garage was there when I moved to town, so therefore I knew what I was getting into and have offered no comments regarding it. Although I was fairly certain that the rules were broken back about 12 or so yrs. ago, we can thank someone else for bringing the problem to light. - RB
3/18 8:54pm I say "HATS OFF" to the Norfolk Board of Health on their recent interest in banning smoking in restaurants and bars. Norfolk has very few eating establishments and it is a well known fact that the majority of people these days are NON SMOKERS. During a recent visit to the Horse and Carriage restaurant we had to wait a few minuets while our table was being cleared. As many should know, this establishment has a small lounge in which to wait (inside) for your table. This lounge is a smoking lounge! We being non smokers did have a choice, wait outside in the cold for our table or venture into what we consider a health threat, an area inside full of smoke! Well, with great reluctance, the four of us waited in this smoky room for 20 plus minutes. I think that it is the minority smokers who feel OK about clouding up our clean air with their soot, that it is they who should venture out into the cold! - BF
3/18 6:25pm To my knowledge the reason the old pharmacy closed (not moved out or away) was because the pharmacist retired. The location is up for rent for more than $1,500 per month. I have checked on this three times in the past four years and the owner won't budge on the rental amount. I for one would love to have a pharmacy in town along with any number of other stores and amenities that some folks seem to think ruin rural towns. The fact is there is nothing for a teenager, or adult for that matter, to do in this town. Norfolk seems to be a true bedroom community that wants to stay as far away from the rest of the world as it possibly can. As far as making the center of town a nontax generating, tax eating, grass-growing "greenery," that we will have to pay someone to mow and keep up, I'd rather see something useful and attractive. - PLG
3/18 4:57pm If we build it in the center, I wish for a Trader Joes Market. A nice small whole foods store that would fit in nicely and attract a customer that would save a trip all the way to Bread and Circus This store is on a much smaller scale and would add and not take from current convenience stores in town. - PR
3/18 4:03pm If I had energy and vision, I'd start a little store that catered to kids and teenagers, on the site of the old pharmacy. A nice place to spend your allowance, buy a gift for a friend, get party favors or whatever the latest trend might be. In other words, different stuff than you can buy in a chain store, but still appealing. Demographically speaking, there should be plenty of teen and pre-teen disposable income in town. Ah, but then I think about the perils of a society bent on rampant consumption . . . Anyway, that's on my wish list. - HPK
3/18 1:05pm I'm with KG. Mr Borrelli mentions a pharmacy in the Globe story. Well, we had one in town center and they moved out. The place where it used to be (next to the Norfolk Food Mart) is still empty after several years. If Norfolk town center is such a great place to put a pharmacy, then why did they leave? And why has no business come to snatch up that space for some other purpose? If anyone wants to see what is in store for Norfolk town center if the Planning Board and Borrelli move forward, just take a ride to the Franklin Star Market (East Central/Chestnut Street). Poor Horace Mann must be spinning in his grave. They named a half-empty strip mall after "The Father of American Education." Franklin has around 30,000 inhabitants (about three times Norfolk) and they can't sustain that Horace Mann plaza -- and they get help from those of us in Norfolk and Wrentham who use that grocery store. A recent PriceWaterhouseCooper study finds that "greyfield malls" - that is, failed malls that become sad, empty eyesores, represent approximately 7% of existing regional malls in the US, with an additional 12% of regional malls moving towards greyfield status over the next 5 years. Which is to say - Borrelli is thinking that while other small malls are in decline, that somehow Norfolk will sustain a new one. This reminds me of the golf course. Some people wanted a golf course, so we did all sorts of gymnastics to try to elude logic and build it (and wasted taxpayers money on the way). Eventually, logic prevailed. When will logic win out with the moonscape? - DAF
3/18 12:11pm I have to agree with KG with regard to supermarkets. I believe that Medway will be getting a Shaw's in the near future. So that means all of the surrounding towns, except Wrentham, have at least one major supermarket. While some have commented on a Bread & Circus type store, I do not know if it would be feasible. In order to be successful it would need to pull from other towns. Bellingham and Franklin already have this type of market. Sometime ago, the NorfolkNet discussion had a 'wish list' of ideas for what people wanted in the center. Perhaps it would be interesting to do it again and see if opinions have changed. About the only thing I would like (not need) to see is a pharmacy on the scale we once had and a nice dinner restaurants like Tyler's, Horse & Carriage, or Eagle Brook. Yes, I know that the surrounding towns also have restaurants, but it would nice to take a walk up town and have dinner. Mind you I only suggest these ideas if there is going to be development. My first choice would also be a 'green center'. Who knows . . . maybe NorfolkNet could start selling moon-rocks to raise money for grass seed! - SF
[I also like the idea of a green in town center, which is one reason I mind the loss of both the level space and the large maples to the library expansion. Short-term gains that work against our long-term interests . . . Oh well, if you'll stand with me on the corner selling rocks, I'll stand with you. Though we'll have to buy some topsoil first before we can plant the grass seed! - Wm.]
3/18 9:13am The problem with the 'town's center' is not Paul Borrelli's alone . . . coming from Franklin you first encounter a defunct package store then across the street a vacant lot before the Borrelli property. I don't like a developer telling the townspeople what we need. Why not spread the loam that was present (as topsoil) over the property and plant grass-seed and plan on a green center (rather than a populated one). Stores should develop from a real need - those stores remain in town. I fear having vacant storefronts (a couple years from now) that cannot find tenants. Why does the concept of a supermarket entice so many? What is wrong with having to travel 4 miles in any direction to shop (ie, Millis, Walpole, Foxboro, Franklin, Bellingham, etc.)? I believe this area is already saturated with supermarkets . . . and supermarkets thrive on volume. If you saturate the area then they start to weed out. - KG
3/18 12:32am I think I addressed the issue of the "Transfer Station" last year ah, the dump, the landfill, the transfer station. Let's please leave well enough alone. It looks fine, at least it looks different than it did 37 years ago when there were, I want to say, NO HOUSES, on the "Dump Road" but there may have been one or two. As for the Highway Dept. I agree with KC, they are a great bunch and do a great job from right where they are right now. Medway branch is a very nice, quiet neighborhood, with very nice people. Like the rest of this town, we all have issues that we have to deal with, theirs was there when they moved in. DEAL . . . - JW
3/17 11:47am Happy St. Patrick's Day!
3/17 11:46am Wm.: The Highway Department fit just fine when it was built. If people did not like it when they looked at houses they should have looked twice - KC
3/17 11:25am Apropos development, today's (Sunday) Boston Globe has the article by Lisa Kocian about what's happening with our downtown. I loved the phrase ``pale emptiness,'' it evokes the perfect image. - Wm.
[3/18 9:17am Update : sorry, I should have included the link to the archived Norfolknet posts on this topic. There have been quite a few over the last couple of years; like the Notes, the archives list posts newest-on-top. - Wm.]
3/17 11:00am To RP: The Keeney Pond Development is located off the end of Castle Road and loops around to Grove Street (off Union Street). Admittedly there are numerous ``trophy houses'' being proposed for this development but a majority of the lots are too small to build a million dollar home on every single lot. The developer - Professional Developers - is very in tune to the aesthetics of keeping large trees on the lot and working with the topography of the land . . . unlike another developer in town that seems to like to clear cut everything. - AB
3/17 8:37am Despite what the naysayers say about the slowing economy, our little town continues to grow. The recent issue of "The Country Gazette" reports a new 100 acre site for 48 $1Million-plus homes being developed. The area is being called "The Preserve at Keeney Pond". What part of town is "Keeney Pond"? Maybe if I hit the Lottery, I can move there! - RP
3/16 7:10pm TO RB - I think the highway department was there when you came to town. Why did you take so long? Now we should move it? You must want to sell. You must have had to do a lot of digging to find that old law. What should we do, move them out of town? Highway department, leave them be, they do a [terrific] job - KC
[I don't think RB meant for the highway department to be moved, just to have it fit better in what has become a residential neighborhood - Wm.]
3/16 2:34pm Residents that live near the Highway Dept. and Transfer Station should be aware that there will be a meeting on March 20 @ 8:00 pm to hear comments on a Special Permit to allow for the continued operation of the Highway Dept. in a residential district. Apparently the Highway Dept. garage and the Transfer Station never obtained the required Special Permit(s) when originally constructed. This is an especially important meeting because it will allow residents the opportunity to request that mitigating measures be taken to minimize the impact of the use in a residential district. It is also conceivable that the ZBA could be convinced to not grant the Special Permit. I have written the board to request that measures be taken to deal with issues such as trash on surrounding streets, traffic, movement of unattractive structures like the guard shack etc. from view, planting of more screening etc. I recommend others do the same. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to improve the appearance of our neighborhood and increase property values. - RB
3/16 12:09pm Background on WDIS, formerly WJCC, originally WJMQ. The station was built as WJMQ by former Mass Secretary of State John M. Quinlan, (JMQ) who the last I knew was a publicity guy for the Big Dig. There were some good programs then, including an oldies program by Richard Peters of Norfolk, a former pro announcer/DJ. Another local guy who was an announcer/DJ was Howie Taft, who may still be in town. It was a good little station, which had commentators such as Janet Jeghelian, a former selectman in some local town and political pundit who later appeared on Boston TV. Quinlan sold WJMQ to John Crohan of Canton, who licensed it as WJCC (after his wife Caroline's initials), run by the Caroline Broadcasting Company. Crohan actually went to area businesses selling ads on the station. The station never made much money, either for talent or for station furnishings. Small stations take a lot of dedication to thrive. (Per www.bostonradio.org) John Crohan of Canton died July 25 (1999) at Norwood Hospital. Crohan served as general manager of the old WCOP in Boston and later as owner of WPEP in Taunton and WJCC (now WDIS) in Norfolk before founding the Talk America Radio Network. Crohan was suffering from brain cancer. He was 69 years old. After that the station was run by Discussion Radio as WDIS. The Talk America Radio Network was sold and is no longer based in Canton, MA. (see www.talkamerica.com) Discussion Radio was owned by an attorney in Brockton and Hyannis, AlbertE. Grady, who shopped the facilities around. As of 3/15/2002, Grady is still the owner [. . .]. Al Grady used to have some discussions on legal topics. I haven't heard him lately. Per www.bostonradio.org the authorized power is only 1000 watts, with a directional antenna array (to avoid interference), with an Adult-Contemporary format. The station is daytime-only. The station may remotely operated, since apparently there are no hourly station identification announcements. All of the content seems to be off of a satellite. (The FCC reportedly no longer issues daytime-only licenses, so a facility thus licensed is of limited value.) [ . . . ] Their antenna was hit by lightning a couple of years ago and they were knocked off the air for 6 days. - BH
3/15 10:03am WDIS as 12/00 was owned by Discussion Radio Inc, of Brockton, Ma. 508-583-8562 President of the Company was Albert Grady - This info was obtained from the FCC - MA
3/15 10:02am Great article in the Thursday's Walpole Times Sport Section on KP Walpole Hockey Squirt team. Many of the kids are from Norfolk. - PR
3/14 8:59pm Back in the early 80's, the Norfolk radio station first went on the air. Many of you reading this probably don't know that we have our very own station. That's probably because no one listens to it. And that's a real shame because "the little station on the hill" on Rt. 115 near 1A used to be very popular. There were several great music shows (Jazz, Oldies etc.), live broadcasts of the King Philip sports teams, and some great local talk shows. Over the years, it's gone through a few different owners and changes in call letters (WJMQ, WJCC, and now WDIS) but it's still on the air at 1170 on the AM dial although the signal isn't very strong these days. I don't know who the current owner is, and when I drive by it, I never see any cars in the driveway. The shows appear to be "piped in" via satellite from out of state with no local announcers. But it would seem that, with the right management, it could once again be a viable asset to the town. Does anyone have any info about who owns it? - RP
3/13 7:09pm Here's an interesting AP story - a person's general fitness level is a better predictor of longevity than looking at specific risk factors. And apparently it's not endurance that matters, but maximum exercise capacity as measured by oxygen consumption. Of course, all of these correlation-based studies can be reversed, too; ie. being so out of shape as to hardly be able to walk is not conducive to longevity. Just another way of telling us that that daily walk around the block really is good for us. - Wm.
3/12 10:06pm If you've bought a Hewlett-Packard printer recently (between April 2001 and February 2002), check whether it uses a Longwell power cord (the name ``Longwell'' is molded on the plug between the blades.) Longwell Electronics is voluntarily recalling the cords that shipped with HP printers, and HP is offering a free replacement; contact HP for information at (877) 917-4378. More information about this product recall is available on the Consumer Products Safety Commission web site - Wm.
3/11 12:03pm Hello, The Franklin YMCA is having a Breakfast With Bunny on Saturday March 16, 2002 from 9:00-12:00. Please call for a reservation at 508 528-8708 ext 126. The cost is $3.00 per child and $6.00 per adult. Bring your camera! Thank you, Mary Varr
3/11 11:52am Call for volunteers: Do you want to know what's going on downtown? The Boston Globe is trying to answer some of the questions that residents have posted on this site concerning downtown development. It would be helpful in writing an article to talk by phone with some residents who have concerns. Please call reporter Lisa Kocian at 508-820-4231. Thanks, Lisa
3/9 11:00pm The Norfolk, Wrentham and Plainville D.A.R.E. Summer Camp recently announced the dates for this years upcoming season. For students who will currently be exiting the sixth grade - camp dates have been set for June 24th - 28th 2002. For students exiting the fifth grade - camp dates have been set for August 12th - 16th 2002. Camp registration forms have not been sent out as of yet. For any further information on the camp - please call Officer Steve Plympton at (508) 541-3330 or email plympton@norfolk.k12.ma.us - Officer Steve Plympton, D.A.R.E. Officer, Norfolk Police Department
3/9 5:50pm ABC News had a piece [last night] about how it is possible to order prescription drugs from Canada via the Internet. The article is here, and a brief synopsis follows: Ordering prescription drugs on-line from Canada is cheaper. There is a website in the US which forwards prescriptions to a doctor in Canada willing to review them and write the same prescription. The prescription drugs are mailed directly to the patients from a pharmacy in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The Food and Drug Administration says that technically the practice violates federal laws. But a spokesman says the FDA looks the other way and does not enforce them. "We don't want to punish seniors," he said. The website where one orders the meds is www.canadianmedsusa.com. - BH
3/9 5:48pm Does anyone know if the food pantry accepts food at any time of year? I know the school collects food at certain times of year. If they do, where is the drop off and what are the times? Thanks - PR
3/8 8:58am The Norfolk Board of Health is sponsoring a rabies clinic for dogs and cats of residents of Norfolk and surrounding towns on Saturday, April 6, from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. at the Town of Norfolk Highway Garage on Medway Branch Road (across from the Transfer Station). The cost is $8.00 per animal and will be given by Dr. Shelley Sandler, D.V.M. For more information, please contact the Norfolk Board of Health office at 508-528-7747. - Betsy Fijol, Norfolk Board of Health
3/8 8:44am The Metro West section of the Boston Globe ran an article on Sarah Del Mastro's early childhood second-language education playgroup, Communities Supporting Second Languages. The article is accessible on-line here; see also the CSSL web site, which has lots of useful resources for parents coaching their children with Spanish. - Wm.
3/8 8:37am There is an interesting article about copyrights and the public good on FindLaw's legal commentary site. There are other essays on issues currently in the spotlight, including several dealing with the legal issues arising from our pursuit of terrorists. - Wm.
3/5 8:12pm The Garden Club of Norfolk would like to extend and invitation to the general public to attend a presentation by Carol St.Germain, ``Gardening with Feng Shui,'' to be held at the Freeman Centennial School MacBride Auditorium on Wednesday March 13 at 7:00 PM. Feng Shui means literally wind-water and is the 5,000 year-old Chinese environmental art of placement. Learn about the importance of balance and the flow of energy in the garden. Public Admission $5.00. - DC
3/4 1:12pm To WB: According to the Assessor's office, the $400K purchase listed in the Country Gazette was for the new water tower site in the southern end of town, near 115-1A - VR
3/4 9:14am I understand that all of Norfolk's streets are scenic roads. Please call Lois Boucher, administrative assistant to the Planning Board, 508-528-2961, for more information. Refer to the plot plan of your property to determine your boundaries. The state statute governing scenic roads is at this URL. "After a road has been designated as a scenic road any repair, maintenance, reconstruction, or paving work done with respect thereto shall not involve or include the cutting or removal of trees, or the tearing down or destruction of stone walls, or portions thereof, except with the prior written consent of the planning board, (etc.)." Refer to the Norfolk Zoning Bylaws for setback requirements. Copies of the Zoning Bylaws are available for sale by the Town Clerk. - BH
3/3 5:50pm It may have been a gray and wet day, but the flowers enjoyed the humid warmth. A good half-dozen heads of crocuses opened, along with a number of snowdrops. - Wm.
3/3 1:56pm Are all the streets in Norfolk designated as scenic ? If so, is there a limitation on how close to the road/street one can encroach ? - JO
3/2 11:49pm I just picked up a burning permit [. . .]. Anyone wishing to burn brush must initially go to the fire station to receive a permit and copy of the burning regulations. The open burning season began 1/15/2002 and continues through 5/1/2002. Note that brush (only) can be burned. Grass, hay, leaves, stumps, tires, and lumber cannot be burned. - BH
3/1 9:31pm In the Country Gazette dated February 27, 2002 on page 5cc there is a property transfer identifying the Town of Norfolk as the buyer of land owned by J. Lorusso. The amount of the real estate deal was $400,000.00. As there is no address associated with this parcel, does anyone know where the parcel that was purchased is located? Thanks, WB
3/1 4:20pm Needed: Coaches & Assistant Coaches for our [Lion's Soccer] U-14 division. Would be a great volunteer project for an interested varsity soccer player. Commitment one (1) practice per week and one (1) game on Sunday @ 12:00, 1:30 or 3:00. E-mail me. - CS
3/1 1:53pm I am not talking about the complex we just put in, [but] the one at Routes 1A and 115. The one that is inside, that is in need of a street light. - KC
3/1 10:54am To JM and KC - The new fields will be open for geese only! Whenever the fields do open (???how long does it take for grass to grow???) it is almost certain you will need a permit and probably a fee will be charged. As for a street light - there are no lights at those fields for evening recreation, therefore there should be no one there when it is dark. And before we put a street light there, how about a guard rail or fence - there is a parking area, where there will be many children, right next to a extremely busy road! Instead of planting trees, many of which have already died, in the parking lot, someone should have thought of what will stop, or at least slow down, a small child (parents know the lightening speed that a child can move if no one is watching even if only for an instant) from running into the road or even a car who doesn't negotiate the curve in the road at that area from plowing into the parking area. - LWK
2/28 8:52pm Town election will be held on Tuesday, May 7, 2002 in the H. Olive Day school auditorium. For the list of positions open, filing deadlines, absentee ballots and other election-related information, please see the Town Clerk's page. - Wm.
2/28 4:21pm Does anyone know if the new fields on Rte 115 will be open this spring? My neighborhood would like to use the field, since it is close by, for a softball game and cookout. Would a permit be needed and, if so, how difficult would it be to obtain? Thanks! PS - Yes, we have an awesome neighborhood that does many things together . . . nice to see that being neighborly still exists, even better when you are part of it! - JM
2/28 12:31am The Norfolk Community League is hosting a talk by Dr. James Popkin, medical oncologist with Caritas Norwood, about breast cancer. Additional details available here.
2/27 3:12pm On Pond St./Route 115 at the sports complex should we have a street light? It is very dark there at night. The street light committee should check it - KC
2/27 2:41pm Don't look now, but we are experiencing a lovely moment of winter. Even as I type this heavy large snowflakes are falling all over the city, covering the rooftops, trees, and the spring flowers back home. - Wm.
2/26 9:55am Mark your calendars early, the Norfolk Men's Softball League is sponsoring a charity run to help purchase a handicapped-accessible water cooler for the new Senior Center. Sunday, April 21, 11am at the Senior Center. More details on the Calendar. - Wm
2/26 9:38am How about 2112 for a palindromic date? See website nando.com palindromic for more fun - JO
[Hey, I remember NandO.com! If I recall correctly, it used to be the North Carolina News and Observer, and it was one of the very first publications to make it on-line. Back in their early, techy days they had the cutest slogan: ``all the news that's bits we print.''. - Wm.]
2/22 11:21pm When does the town meeting take place to undo the golf course proposal? I understand that this is mandatory. - JO
2/22 4:26pm You also missed the 20-02 2002 20-02 at 8 pm and two minutes last night :) This happened only one time when it was 10-01 1001 10-01 and will never happen again. - AW
2/22 9:27am Who in the town should I talk to about getting a crosswalk painted in front of the playground on Boardman Street? Of all the places in the town that need one I would think this area would be a high priority. The safety of our children should come first. Thanks. - PD
2/22 9:26am Happy 2-0-2 day! I may have missed 2002-02-02, and even 2002-02-20, but here is another opportunity. So happy 2002-02-22, enjoy! - Wm.
2/21 10:38pm Is that old, dusty heirloom in the attic actually a highly valued antique?!? You can find out during the Norfolk Public Library's next program: ``The Ins and Outs of Collecting Antiques,'' hosted by Henry Callan, Antiques Dealer
When: Tuesday, February 26th at 7 pm
Where: Norfolk Public Library
Why: Get one of those old treasures appraised for free!
Who: All library patrons are welcome--bring a friend!- WS
2/21 10:50am Seems like the Winter That Never Was is already over. Last night I was out at 11pm, and it was downright cozy! There was a balmy breeze, warm and comfortable. Sweatshirt weather. Fifty degrees at midnight in February; no wonder the snowdrops are almost blooming - Wm.
[2:13pm Update: snowdrop, schmodrop! We now have a crocus in bloom! - Wm.]
[10:32pm Update: some pictures from this morning - the first one shows the snowdrops as they appeared today, the second is another bunch that look like the first group looked at the end of January. Hardy blooms, mild winter - Wm.]
2/19 5:20pm Can anyone supply information about the plans and status of the building projects going on up in the center of town? I am interested in gathering information about both the first project going up by the MBTA parking lot beyond town hall and the second one going on to the southwest of town hall, in the woods near the town water tower. Thank you. - (Name withheld by request - Wm.)
[As a starting point, previous discussions regarding the downtown development (or lack of it) has been archived separately (click this link) - Wm.]
2/15 9:20pm [Re: post of 2/13 2:05pm - what happened to the rock outside the Pond Homestead]
That rock is currently next to the front walk leading to the former chapel. See the photos which show the inscription and the location. - BH
2/15 10:33am To CR, Wachusetts Mt. is in Princeton, Ma. It is actually on Rt. 140. That's the scenic and LONG route, so take Rt. 495 N. to Rt. 290 W. I think it is the 25B exit. then go to the W. Boylston Rt. 140 exit, 23 B. follow Rt. 140 to the mountain; the access road will be on your left. Don't go to the lodge, take the access road to the visitors house. You can park there and get maps for the various hiking trails. There are facilities there, but not on the summit. - JW
2/14 8:24pm This is a delayed response to the posting from the person looking to learn how to make stained glass. The Boston Center for Adult Education has a class coming up soon. Their website is www.bcae.org and the class I am referring to starts in March. The instructor is a glass artist associated with the School of the Museum of Fine Arts and features a solo glass show at the Fuller Art Museum. I'm thinking of taking it myself as I have a window-sized opening between my bedroom and front entryway I'd like to close off tastefully while still letting light in. Hope that helps and that my response isn't too late! - Sincerely, MD
2/14 10:22am The minutes of the year 2001 meetings of the Selectmen are available on the town hall documents page. - Wm.
2/14 10:16am Happy Valentine's Day!
2/13 6:07pm This is for NS who is looking for a babysitter. My daughter is a babysitter and has experience. If you are interested please e-mail us. - PR
2/13 2:05pm To: BH thanks for the pictures and update on Cressy Memorial There used to be a rock outside the Pond Homestead that said. "Pond Homestead Baptist Camp 1940" Any idea what happened to it or is it still there??? - Thanks, ED
2/13 11:01am It helps to keep the high-tech revolution in perspective. This article in the Oregonian is about parents that have come to believe that relying on computers in elementary school to provide a basic education may be fundamentally flawed and counter-productive: Emphasizing computers doesn't seem to enhance students' creativity and could even stifle it, says Lauren Sheehan, Swallowtail's director.It's an interesting article for calling in question current political wisdom while hinting at the larger question of whether technology is to be used as a tool or to compel our devotion and become our master.[ . . . ] A 1998 study by the private Educational Testing Service of nearly 14,000 fourth- and eighth-graders found the more time students spent practicing math using computers in school, the worse they scored on math tests.
[ . . . ] ``We want them to eventually see what a computer can do for them,'' Sheehan says, ``but only after they know what they can do for themselves.''
- Wm.
[For an articulate discussion of these points in more depth, including some really great quotes, see this interview with Clifford Stoll.]
2/12 4:55pm My family and I enjoy hiking. Could someone please advise us on where Mt. Wachusetts is, and the best way to get there? Thanks! - CR
[Both the Wachusett Mountain State Reservation and Wachusett Mountain ski area sites give directions, though the directions are better off the ski URL - Wm.]
2/12 11:03am Hello! We are searching for a Norfolk teen babysitter for our two daughters (ages 8 months and 3 years) for some weekend evenings. Mom and dad need some alone time! We would like someone who has experience with children these ages and who enjoys spending time with kids. We have babysitters that we are using now, but would like to find someone local for convience sake :0) If you know of anyone in town that you would highly recommend please let us know. Thank you. - NS
2/11 3:09pm I don't ski, but I love Mt. Wachusetts. We have been going there for over 35 yrs. The first time we went, my oldest child was about 4 months old. He is, well, he's over 35 now. We go there in the spring, summer and fall. It is a great place to go hiking. Lots of marked trails, from fairly easy ones, to a bit harder ones, but none that are too hard for most. You can also drive to the summit and Boston is easily visible on a nice day. There is a pond with large goldfish (Koi?) in it, but last year they were talking about removing them because they are not native to the area and the spotted salamander is in danger of being wiped out there. There is a visitors center, part of the way up, that you can get maps of the trails and see the various birds and animals that live there. The "Old Indian Trail" is a popular climb for all, even the little ones can do it with a bit of encouragement and the big people can carry them when they tire. I have been with 2 year olds that made it with just a little help from mom or dad. Also, there is no admission fee to climb or drive. Go and see for yourself and have fun. - JW
2/10 3:45pm This was a busy week-end for us, but I did get to go skiing at Wachusett Mountain. I only go once or twice a season, and I'm not very good, but it sure is fun. I've finally reached the point where, under good snow conditions, I can not only handle all the runs, but can do so without hesitation. Skiing is more fun when it's more exhilarating than terrifying; I'm pleased to have made the transition :-) - Wm.
2/10 3:10pm That chapel is now a private home, No. 1 Old Pond Street, off of Valley Street, [a stone structure with an A-roof.] See photo (taken Feb 9, 2002). The words Cressy Memorial and the date 1909 appear over the front door. Those of us in the Pondville area knew the area as the "Baptist Camp". There were some wood-frame buildings, shown on page 57 (lower left) of the book "Early Norfolk Revisited" (published by The Town of Norfolk, 1970) There was also a large in-ground pool, filled in since about 1970, I believe. The camp was used as a summer camp for kids. The owner was the "Boston Baptist Bethel" up into the 1970's. The new owners of the chapel had to get a special permit or variance in order to convert the structure to a residence. - BH
2/10 11:09am To AL, the Brooks Pharmacy in Franklin is great, I too left CVS after the attitude and long waits. I have never had to wait more that 15 min. for a prescription once. Call in refills are ready in no time. Prices are much lower also. - JW
2/8 3:40pm To JO: The reason for the increase in taxes and the overides is that the Selectmen and Advisory Board will not do the job they were elected and appointed to. The selectmen will not take the fiscally responsible stand on budget increases because they are always looking toward the next election and don't want to alienate any voters and the Advisory Board does not want to alienate their neighbors and friends. It's about time these two boards act fiscally responsible for the good of the town. - EH
2/8 2:34pm We received an interesting historical question about old Norfolk, maybe someone knows the answer: Can you tell me if and where the Pondville Chapel is located also known as the Cressy Memorial built in 1909. Any info would be great. Thanks in advance - Wm.
2/8 2:33pm To AL: We've been very happy with the Brooks in the Star/Ames plaza in Franklin. The staff is friendly, the waits are short, and our dog's prescription there costs us $7, compared to $22 at CVS! - VR
2/8 1:10pm Does anyone have any Pharmacy recommendations? The poor service at the Millis CVS has finally pushed us to look for alterenatives. - Thanks, AL
2/7 2:08pm The Norfolk Housing Authority is accepting applications for Housing at Hillcrest Village. Applicants must be elderly (60 years of age) or disabled. Qualified residents pay 30% of their adjusted income for rent. Interested, please call 508-528-4800 to request an application or stop by the office at Hillcrest Village from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. - Jan Moore, Executive Director
2/6 9:02am It is apparent that the residents are all taxed out so todays announcement that another shortfall is on the scene is all the more reason to hold the line . I submit that there should not be another overide and the hard decisions should be made to prevent another tax increase. I suggest that someone go back for four years to see that taxpayers have more than done their share . I suggest a freeze immediately. - JO
2/5 11:05am Does anyone know if any Patriots live in Norfolk? It would be great to have a mini rally with one of our own on town common. I know there are players living in Wrentham, Medfield, Franklin and Walpole, but haven't heard of any in Norfolk. - JP
2/5 11:03am The Norfolk Republican Town Committee will be meeting this Thursday, February 7th. [Details on the Calendar] - RG.
2/4 11:40am Mid-morning today I had to slow to let a deer cross the road in front of my car. A slender doe carefully picked its way across the pavement. As I was about to resume my drive I had to brake again for a robust, larger one that jumped out of the bushes and bounded after. It's fun living in this town - Wm.
2/3 7:52pm While everyone was partying at pre-game get-togethers, we spent the day recovering from colds. Lee's just now getting over a bad case of flu, and we are trying hard to dodge the same. While others played in the street, she cuddled up on my lap and we played "Ace Goes Home." She likes this game; I try to stack the cards into ascending sequence, and between games she uses the mouse to select a new background for the deck. In the past she's even invented songs to sing for the animated designs, but today she was too drowsy. It suits her, it suits me, and quietly, while the country reveled, we basked in each other's company on a mellow Sunday afternoon. - Wm.
2/3 3:58pm A search for "MA Stained Glass" using www.google.com found a "Stained Glass Store Search". One on the list had a link: http://www.nickates.com/ This store is a retail and wholesale art-glass supplier at 175 Main St, Avon. Phone 508-580-1220. On the "store search" site for that store, they say they have classes for beginning Stained Glass, Intermediate, and Advanced, plus lead "came" (grooved pieces) construction and seasonal workshops. Hope this helps - BH
2/1 3:51pm Does anyone know of anywhere in the MA/RI area that offers a class on making stained glass? Any leads much appreciated. Thank you. - JT
1/31 10:53pm Everything you always wanted to know about Social Security (but were afraid to ask!) Wednesday February 6th 7:30 PM at the Norfolk Public Library. There will be a brief presentation and then an open question and answer session. Speaker: Kurt Czarnowski, Regional Communications Director for the Social Security Administration (and Norfolk resident). . . from a poster at Town Hall 1/31/2002 - BH
1/31 11:13am The other night President Bush called for every American "to commit at least two years - 4,000 hours over the rest of your lifetime - to the service of your neighbors and your nation." Well, if you're looking for someplace to volunteer, why not consider here in Norfolk? There are plenty of opportunities on town boards and committees looking for another set of hands or another brain (ahem...please keep your funny comments about the Website Committee to yourself, Andras). Or, if you can't make a consistent volunteer commitment for any number of reasons, but still want to help, please check out Boston Cares at http://www.bostoncares.org. It's a non-profit organization dedicated to making volunteering accessible to everyone, no matter what their personal or professional circumstances may be. You can volunteer once a week, once a month, or once a quarter and there are over 100 different activities each month in and around Boston. -DAF
1/30 11:58pm TO EBS: Good Luck in your community and house searching efforts. My family have lived in Norfolk for two years now. We are from a city of 70,000, so we did have to adjust to living in a smaller town. Norfolk is a quiet, peaceful place to live, but it's not for everyone, as many services aren't available in the town. They can be found, however, within a 15 to 20 minute drive time in the surrounding towns. There are some hiking trails in town, I'm not sure of the policy on dogs. A real treasure is Stony Brook Nature Sanctuary, great hiking trails, but dogs aren't allowed on them. There are two elementary schools in town, one K-2 and the other for grades 3-6. We have a 5th grader and have been very happy with the education that he's receiving. The junior high and high school are in a regional school system involving three towns. If you have a child at this level, it would be important to understand this system, take a look at the schools, and understand the issues currently being discussed before making a decision on buying a home. It's a good idea to talk to potential neighbors, or someone that you may already know who lives in town. Best of luck in your search! - CR
1/29 4:59pm Hello to All, This is my first visit to this site and think that it might be the best place to hear from interested Norfolk citizens. My husband and I are house hunting in Norfolk and are looking for input as to why we should buy in Norfolk. Good schools? Nice community? How about the commute to Rt. 9 and Rt. 128? How about walking trails with a dog? We would love any thoughts that would influence our decision. Thank you for your time. - EBS
1/29 11:46am Ahhh, I am loving this weather. I feel bad for the skiers and snow people but for the commuters and others in general I am positively giddy. Actually went to Kids Place the other day and it was almost crowded, slippery, but packed with little ones. My grandson (almost 2) was so cool. He rode his little motorcycle down there, parked it, and sauntered over to the others kids, so proud of his "ride." He almost pulled it off til his feet hit the ice and up in the air and down he went. So much for cool. - JW
[ 1/29 1:23pm Update: Don't look now, but on our back deck it just hit 68 degrees! It's a wonderfully warm sunny day; enjoy it now, tomorrow will be 20 degrees colder - Wm. ]
1/28 11:24am It seems life is uneventful these days in Norfolk. This certainly is the case at our house, so much so that I found it noteworthy to observe that the onions and garlic we planted last fall did just fine under the snow, and are still thriving. We've been reading a lot; I re-read some books I own (Dick Francis and sci-fi), finished the second volume of Tolkien, and for a breather have started to read Arthur C. Clarke's Rama series. Tolkien is fun, but dense and slow going. It never struck me before, but when I first read the Lord of the Rings I had been speaking English for just a little over three years - enough to be fluent, but not well enough to comfortably handle the author's prodigious vocabulary and quaint turn of phrase. As for town news, I happened to notice that the senior center driveway was getting light poles. I never really noticed it, but the parking lot and driveway were not lit other than by the spotlights on the building itself. Well, that's the news that isn't (that's Garrison Keillor's line; I'm shamelessly cribbing it from his Prarie Home Companion show :-) - Wm.
1/24 9:21am The Woodside Montessori in Millis is one of the schools that participates in the Campbells soup label program. I'd be happy to pick up labels from town residents for Woodside; if you have a collection, please e-mail me. - VR
1/24 9:20am This is for the individual who has Campbell Soup labels - Blessed Sacrament School in Walpole does collect them - their address is 808 East St., Walpole. A large number of Norfolk families attend that school so you would be benefiting people from your own town and they would greatly appreciate the help. Neat snow outside! Dry, light powder, easy to shovel, fun to kick while walking in. Good day for shoveling the driveway, then just lazing about the house. For me, that means puttering on the computer, though I also started re-reading the Lord of the Rings trilogy (I read them in 9th grade, so it's been a while). I also chanced across some of my old tapes from my freshman year in college, so I'm typing here listening to country oldies from the early 80's. Ahh, they don't make nostalgia like they used to . . . :-)
1/24 12:20am On Sunday, January 27th at 2 p.m., the Norfolk Public Library will host a roundtable discussion for members of local book groups, individuals who would like to start a book group or individuals who would like to join a book group. We will discuss: - what a book group is, - how various groups choose books, - which books have been good discussion books, - how books are "rated," and, - "housekeeping" details (how members are notified, how many in group, where meetings are held,etc.) This promises to be an enjoyable afternoon talking about books. We hope that each book group in town will send a few representatives to share with the rest of the groups. This would also be a perfect opportunity for someone who is interested in finding a "good fit" to learn about what's available in town. This will be very informal, but, we hope, fun. Please come and feel free to bring a friend! - WS
1/24 12:13am To BH, I also collect Campbell's Labels for Education even though the Norfolk TPA doesn't collect them. If you shop at Roche's there's a canister in the front of the store where you can drop them off. Evidently at least one school in Roche's district uses Campbell's Labels. - AL
1/24 12:11am For those who've been snowed in - it could be worse - VR
1/24 12:05am Yes, we have a pattern, each route has a section of town. Main roads are plowed first (Main, Union, North, Rockwood, etc). Then the side roads. Each route has both types of roads. Usually within an hour or so all roads on the routes have been done at least once. Nobody gets plowed in on purpose that is except those on KC plow route . . . . just kidding KC. - Ski Washkewits, Norfolk Highway Department
1/23 6:53pm Oh dear. This morning I woke up thinking, "Geez, what if PD has a bad back and shoveling 6 feet of snow is a real hardship?" Then I remembered an elderly neighbor who had a heart attack shoveling snow in the blizzard of 1978. I felt like a jerk. My apologies for perhaps not choosing more words more wisely, PD. I do think you misunderstood my comment, however. I wasn't trying to imply that you weren't sufficiently somber or supportive of people in NY, DC, and PA. I was just voicing a feeling I have - that the tragedy of 9/11/2001 briefly woke us up to the world outside Norfolk and the US. It brought front and center the reality that we are lucky to have our homes, our democratic freedoms, and our supermarkets with an abundance of food. Heck, we even have folks who will plow snow out of the way so that we can drive our cars around. In the past I'd felt that the discussion on Norfolknet had become polarized, with lots of bitching and back-biting about the most trivial of matters. As you say: "This forum is for the people of Norfolk to discuss and share ideas." This was my idea - that we could have a discussion about what we can do to maintain not a morose attitude, but to maintain our heightened awareness of the much we have and how our world needs changing. Even in our little town. - MH P.S. They plow me in every time, too! :-)
1/23 5:38pm To PD: the plow only pushes to the right; it is not a 4-way plow like a pick-up has. Big trucks, they plow the same on all the street unless they push down then back up the road and then push down; then they would put it all on your side. It would only be done if they could not turn around at the end of your street. - KC
1/23 1:29pm To KC, thanks for the response. The problem with our street is it is narrow so there really is not much left to push to the other side of the street when they ultimately reverse direction. When plowing, do they do streets randomly or do they follow a set pattern? On my street they always appear to start in the same direction, which puts the snow on my side. Thanks. - PD
1/23 11:29am If you or anyone you know would be interested in teaching Spanish after school to children in Norfolk, please apply to Global Child at www.globalchild.com or contact Amy H. at (508) 553-9465. Our winter/spring semester begins February 4.
1/23 11:27am To MH, thanks for the attack on my "minutiae" problems (I can see you are one that does not get plowed in). These "trifling matters" are a part of life, they do not stop because of a national tragedy. I ask a simple question and you want to turn it into everything from failing our children to dismissing the tragedy of September 11th. I can assure you that I have done more for the people of the September 11th tragedy than most people in this country, never mind Norfolk. This forum is for the people of Norfolk to discuss and share ideas. Nothing says we solely have to mourn people and conditions around the world through this forum. This coming Sunday, sit down at 12:30, relax, and enjoy the Patriots. Tell me what is wrong with being "normal"? Life goes on. BTW, anyone else out there getting plowed in every snow storm? - PD
1/23 11:24am To PD: most plows are right sided plows, and only go one way - it is called a fixed plow. I am sure the plow starts in center of the road and moves it to the side. If you have 6ft so does your other side. I know, I have been plowing for 30 years. Stop a plow and to look at it, the driver will let you. PS: don't ask him after 10 to 20hr after he's been plowing, he is tired. Good luck. - KC
1/22 4:58pm A sure sign that things are getting back to "normal" in our little town: complaints about minutiae like the direction snow plows take down our streets. Part of me rejoices in this return to the trifling matters of everyday existence. And part of me is saddened to learn that the mindful window that was opened in September is slowly closing. Thoughts about the future we are building for ourselves and our children are being crowded out by Patriots playoff fever. Voiced concerns about the condition of our fellow humans in the Middle East and North Africa are growing quieter and the drum of flea bites and snow plows and mole hills beats again. - MH
1/22 11:50am Okay, here is a crazy question for everyone. Is there anyone else besides me that goes crazy every time there is a snow storm and your side of the street gets plowed in every time? Every snow storm my side of the street gets plowed in first. I have never seen a plow go in the opposite direction first (last year I had six foot mounds on the sides of my driveway and there was next to nothing across the street). Sounds a bit trivial, but I would like to see the snow plows vary their directions and routes. I can certainly call the highway department and make the request, but I wanted to see if there were other people that felt the same way I do. Thanks. - PD
1/22 9:27am To BH, I don't think that the Norfolk elementry schools participate in the Campbells Label program anymore. They do collect the Box Tops for Education from the General Mills cereal and food. - PR
1/22 12:24am Is there a local Norfolk collection point for Campbell's Soup "Labels for Education"? I have a bunch of Campbell's labels and wonder which Norfolk school collects them, and where they should be dropped off. I understand that the schools can redeem the labels for free merchandise from Campbell's. - BH
1/21 2:29pm Wasn't that a nice dose of winter we got Saturday night? Folks across the country were able to enjoy it with us. The Patriots game was spectacular. The snow was beautiful and best of all, the Norfolk roads were in great shape on Sunday. WTG. Highway Dept. - JW
1/20 12:41pm - Wm.
1/17 9:14pm We were sent this photo with a just short note, ``Talk about seemingly contradictory land uses. This sign really does exists in Tewksbury, Massachusetts.'' Looks like Tewksbury found the right combination of unusual interests to support a field dedicated to the pursuit of happiness - Wm.
1/17 12:54pm Ok, where can I send in my request for the *real* winter to finally show up? It rarely goes below freezing, there is only a tiny bit of slushy wet snow, and in general, it feels more like late November than January. Feel free to disagree, but I like my 95 degree summer days balanced by a nice brisk 15 degrees in winter :-) - Wm.
1/15 4:19pm Happy Anniversary of Sorts . . . Today is the anniversary of the Great Molasses Flood in Boston. Unfortunately 21 people died and countless horses. - AB
[1/18 8:53am Update: Here's a copy of the link that appeared here on 11/7 about The Great Boston Molasses Flood. Thanks, JW! - Wm.]
[1/18 9:06am Update: I poked around a bit and found more information [ 1, 2, 3, 4 ] about the Molasses Flood. Bits of trivia: January 15, 1919, 12:40pm, 2.320 million gallons, 46 degrees, 21 dead, 150 injured, 6 years of litigation, 3000 witnesses, over $1million in damages. - Wm.]
1/15 4:06pm King Philip Walpole Youth Hockey will be conducting 3 registrations for the 2002-2003 hockey season, all during the month of February. [R]egistrations are on a first-come, first-served basis. [P]riority is always given to skaters currently in the program. [Dates are 2/2, 2/3, 2/9; see the full announcement for complete details - Wm.] - BD
1/14 5:40pm I sent over a notice about Pack 125 Blue and Gold Banquet [it's below, dated 1/7 - Wm.] I need to confirm the time and price. The time is 4-7pm [on Feb 24] and the price is $8.00 per ticket. - JM
1/12 6:23pm If you missed Norfolk Lion's Soccer Registration last week, you still have another chance - Register for Spring 2002 on Thursday, January 17th at the HODay School Library from 3:30 to 6:30. Registration forms may also be picked up in the lobby of the Norfolk Public Library and mailed in. Don't delay - registration deadline is February 2nd. Questions, need more information? - email me. - HK
1/11 12:24pm Is there a women's softball league in Norfolk? If so, please email me at jenndallas1@earthlink.net Thank you. - JT
1/9 11:30am Ever wonder which wine would go best with that special meal? What type of wine should you give as a gift? Wonder no more . . . Local wine expert, Bob Harkey, will be presenting a one night program, "Introduction to Wines", on Wednesday January 16th at 7:30 pm at the Norfolk Public Library. There is no fee for this program and it is open to everyone. Feel free to bring a friend! For more details please contact the library. Thank you, Friends of the Norfolk Library
1/7 9:20pm It looks like we can stop worrying about the long-long long-term fate of our planet. It was believed that the Sun would eventually swell into a red giant star and engulf the Earth about 7.5 thousand million years from now. Well, according to this article, that theory is incorrect; the Sun will not enlarge sufficiently to capture our planet, and Earth will be spared, pushed to a farther orbit. Mercury and Venus, however, are still out of luck. This process will leave Earth as the innermost planet of our solar system, giving it a front-row seat to observe the eventual collapse of its red giant sun into a white dwarf barely larger than itself. It'll be a cold, dark time, with the sun a just a bright pinprick in the perpetual twilight sky. - Wm.
1/7 12:16am King Philip/Norfolk Men's Softball - This over 30 league is now accepting registration for the 2002 season. Games are slow pitch and are ASA sanctioned. If you are interested in joining a team, or if you have a team that would like to join the league, please contact league president Craig K. at 508-520-0163 for more information. Registration deadline is February 1st. - CK
1/7 12:07am Pack 125 Norfolk Cub Scouts announce their Blue and Gold Banquet will be held at the Franklin Lodge of Elks 1077 Pond St. Franklin from 4-7pm (time to be confirmed by Wed. Jan 9). See our 2nd Year Webelos move up to Boy Scouts. These Scouts should be proud of their accomplishments and we will honor them in a special ceremony. Dinner and entertainment will be provided. Ticket price TBA by Wed. Jan.9. For advance ticket info please contact John M. 508-553-3921. No tickets will be sold at the door. - JM
Update: the time is confirmed as 4 - 7pm on February 24, and the price is $8. - Wm.
1/6 3:06pm Animal Control has found two cats (one a calico with a yellow collar, the other an orange and white tomcat), and has two others up for adoption. Please check the animal control home page for descriptions. - HNP, Norfolk Animal Control
1/5 5:23pm Beginning Thursday, January 10, the new schedule for Norfolk town offices will take effect. On Thursdays, all town offices will remain open until 7:00 p.m.,an additional three hours. On Fridays, town offices will close at 1:00 p.m. This change in town office hours is intended to accommodate residents who need services but cannot come to Town Hall during the normal work day. The new schedule is being implemented on a trial basis for three months. Your comments are invited. Bob Markel Town Administrator markel@virtualnorfolk.org
1/5 5:21pm I saw the note by PG about the photo off of 115. Actually the "great pond" as we call it has only been around since 1950. We have an oblique arial photo that was taken 1938 (we think from blimp or a biplane). This shows the the corn fields and pasture in the area now occupied by Bay State Correctional and the area of great pond is pasture. The Stop River is barely visible. We have another photo from 1954 taken just after the Walpole Prison was completed. This photo shows the causeway dam that was constructed and created the pond. The pond is visible but about 1/4 of the size it is today. - AB
1/4 11:20am Great photo of that land/pond off 115. I know it's a big secret but there is great fishing in that pond to this very day. - PG
1/3 10:45pm to Paul Guertin: Many Thanks for these interviews with the Town Administrator. I look forward to viewing them and learn many things whiles watching. Thanks very much! - NS
1/3 10:07pm For a glimpse of old-time, pre build-up Norfolk, here's a snapshot of one of the inadvertent conservation lands in town, the state land off Route 115. Actually, make that *real* old-time, as in pre-settlement Norfolk, since a hundred years ago most of town was pasture for grazing and animal feed. (The state land does not permit public access; the photo was sent to us by someone who had occasion to go out there) - Wm.
1/2 11:20am To all the readers of Norfolknet.com, NCTV airs comprehensive interviews with Town Administrator Bob Markel every month. These interviews try to get information out to the public about most of the pressing issues and concerns of Norfolk residents. The current interview runs a full hour and there is discussion of most of the issues that dominated the public arena during 2001 and will likely be of concern in 2002. This interview is aired everyday at 10am, 5:30pm, and 10:30pm on channel 8 and everyday at 1pm and 9pm on channel 22. For those of you who want to know about such things as the status of the Municipal Golf Course, street excavations, the Council on Aging building status, what's happening regarding the restricted age project at the Southwood hospital cite, the new library, the new King Philip North school and many other issues, please tune in to channel 8 or 22. And if you have any questions you would like for Mr. Markel to answer, please call NCTV at 508-384-4448 or write to NCTV at P.O. Box 181, Norfolk, MA 02056 and we will ask him your questions at the next interview. These interviews have been conduced and aired since August and will continue for the foreseeable future. Thank you, Paul Guertin NCTV Station Manager
1/1 10:23am Happy New Year!
