Q4 2004 Norfolknet Notes, Oct-Dec 2004

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  • 12/31 3:52pm Tax bill ...yes about an $600 or more increase with a slip of paper asking for donations and still NO TOWN SEWERAGE....
    - ER

  • 12/31 12:19pm Would someone care to explain the recent real estate bill? Not only did the mill rate increase by 4.78%, but the value of my acreage increased by 34.35% and the value of the property by 12.78%. The total tax payable increased by 28.02% from 2004 to 2005. Have other people seen as large increases on their bill?
    - PCS

  • 12/30 9:48pm We all know how horrific the events have been around part of the world concerning the tsunami and the massive relief effort that is now under way. There are some great organizations that you can donate to, but be advised, some of them aren't so good handing out the money to those who need it. A lot of their donations are eaten up by overhead and bureaucracy, e.g. the Red Cross, the United Way and the UN. I gave to Samaritan's Purse which has a pretty good track record. Check out their web site samaritanspurse.org or do a little research on your own.
    - DG

    [Odd, Samaritan's Purse chose not to submit information to give.org, the Better Business Bureau's comprehensive list of U.S. charities. Their own web page includes lots of information on how they bring Christ to the spiritually impoverished third world, including that ``Advancing the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the singular objective of our financial conduct.'' But I could find no information disclosing their management overhead or corporate officers' salaries. It's comforting to know that the tsunami victims' spiritual needs will be taken care of, but I'd recommend charities that are up-front about their finances. - Wm.]

  • 12/30 6:29pm What does everyone think of the new lamps in the town center? I love the concept but the globes seem far too small for the height of the posts. Also, the material looks, well, I didn't find it to be an aesthetically pleasing choice. Who is making the plans for the town center? Is there a special committee?
    - TS

  • 12/30 6:28pm What is Pebble Hill?
    - JG

  • 12/30 8:24am To JG - Thanks for the tip - I'd always used Duraflames as I assumed they were safer because they don't spark - yikes!
    To Wm - Thanks for the tsunami information and donation links...
    - MD

  • 12/29 12:27pm Looking for a babysitter to come to our Norfolk home 3 times a week to provide part time day care for our 2 daughters ages 2 and 1. If you are interested please call Pete at 508-397-2337 for more details.
    - PS

  • 12/29 10:18am For those of you interested in helping out the victims of the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, Amazon.com has a site [here] where you can give credit card donations which will go to the American Red Cross. As of 6:30 this morning, about 19,000 Amazon users have donated $1million.
    For interesting satellite before-and-after imagery, try this site [digitalglobe.com].
    The real tragic thing here is that going one mile inland could have saved your life. And the tsunami hit India and the Maldives (and Somalia, etc) hours after the earthquake was reported. Should the dreaded (and much overhyped) La Palma island collapse/tsunami ever hit, we'd have something like eight hours notice to get upland. (Of course, the disasterphiles think that wave would be about 65 feet high when it hits Florida, so you'd have to go really really far inland.) Even small tsunami waves (the Indian Ocean tsunami was only six feet high when it hit the Maldives) can cause tremendous damage and loss of life.
    - RG

    [The Amazon page goes to the American Red Cross; other aid organizaions also accept on-line credit card payments. The Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance, Give.org, has a page that provides detailed information about all U.S. charities - Wm.]

  • 12/28 2:58pm Thank you to the Norfolk Fire Department for putting out our out of control fireplace fire! Just a word of caution to anyone using Duraflame firelogs - they are dangerous! We had ashes in our fireplace left over from several fires this winter - the ashes were from Duraflame logs. When we lit Christmas candles in the fireplace on Sunday, the match ignited the ashes that had the Duraflame chemicals on them and there was an explosion! Flames shot out into the living room and sparks hit the ceiling. When the fire department arrived there was another explosion. The fire chief told me that he does not recommend the Duraflames as they are dangerous. Best to use the old fashioned method of real wood and kindling to make a fire. Luckily there was no damage and no-one was hurt.
    - JG

  • 12/27 6:26pm After further study I'm going with a Coopers Hawk. You can tell by the eyes. Here is a link to Cornell's "All About Birds" site. A great site if you like bird watching. [click for Cornell's Cooper's Hawk page].
    - JS

  • 12/27 6:24pm Hello - I was wondering if anyone knew of any playgroups in Norfolk or the surrounding towns for 15 month olds. I would like to have my son playing with kids his age. Thank you in advance :)
    - JH

    merlin falcon, 80K

  • 12/26 8:41pm I think JS has made a correct id (Merlin Falcon). See attached photos.
    Also received an Audubon Book of Birds for Xmas with like photos. Hmm - wonder if there are any mice/voles around the Town Hall ? The nearest food depot is Dunkin Donuts.
    - JO

    [The cited page is from centralpets.com [click] - Wm.]

  • 12/26 3:37pm snowflake Merry Christmas! Hope Santa's been good to everyone!
    - Wm.

  • 12/24 5:48pm Seems that the Merlin doesn't have a spotted back, as shown in the photo. It appears to look more like a red-tailed or perhaps a broad-winged hawk.
    Has anyone seen a Merlin in this area?
    - KP

    merlin falcon, 74K

  • 12/23 12:07pm Here is a picture of the hawk at town hall. I took it yesterday from my office window. I'm no expert but it looks like a merlin falcon.
    - JS

    [As usual, click on the image for the larger view - Wm.]

  • 12/23 9:12am Another aid to help dispel the doldrums toward the 88 days to the spring solstice is to log on to The Old Farmers Almanac, almanac.com. Once on, hit the astronomy button - see astronomy tools - select sun/moon, enter zip and voila! Up pops the chart with the latitude/longitude and the sunrise/sunset data. Not only that, but you can look ahead and see when we will get home in the daylight!!
    - JO

  • 12/23 9:10am Hi TO, they took the dugouts out a few days ago.
    - NA

  • 12/23 9:04am Does anyone know what the building on the corner of Main street and Boardman is going to be? I heard it was going to be a deli but I'm not sure.
    - EW

    [The most plausible rumor we've heard is that the owner is waiting to see how Pebble Hill turns out before making a final decision - Wm.]

  • 12/21 4:25pm The Norfolk Community League and the Norfolk Lions would like to take this opportunity to thank the many wonderful people who helped make the third annual Haunted Train Ride and Enchanted Walk a huge success.
    Many generous volunteers help contribute to the $3,050 which was raised. Proceeds benefited the Santa Foundation and the Norfolk Brick Walkways Drive. More than 1200 riders and walkers came to Holmes Fields on October 23 to experience the terrors and thrills of the Haunted Train Ride. Our younger visitors enjoyed the exciting fantasy of the Enchanted Walk.
    We would like to thank the following individuals; Barry Zimmerman, Janis Daley, Norfolk Power and Equipment, Stony Brook Nature Center, The Norfolk Boys and Girls Scouts, The Leos, Pamela Tomsik, The Norfolk Fire and Police Departments and the many volunteers who helped make this a frightening night for all ages.
    And finally, this entire event would not have happened if not for the kindness and generosity of The Holmes Family. Thank you one and all!!!
    - TR, Norfolk Community League

  • 12/21 10:59am The Norfolk Lions would like to thank all of the residents of Norfolk and of the surrounding towns who purchased their Christmas Tree from us this year. We had another successful and profitable year and the monies that we generated have already begun to sift back out to the community at large for charitable purposes.
    Although there were considerable obstacles to overcome, we were blessed with a good lot location, electricity to run the lights, patrons to buy the trees and very seasonable weather conditions in which to sell the trees. This year was an exceptional year for quality. All of our trees were fresh cut and of the highest grade available.
    The Norfolk Lions takes pride in this activity and truly appreciates the public's support in our endeavor.
    There is currently a small group of trees left over that we are offering for FREE for anybody who knows of somebody that does not have a tree. Please feel free to pick one up between now and Christmas Eve. I am sure that it will make a festive addition to their holiday activities.
    Thank you for your support and we look forward to your continued patronage.
    Paul Terrio & William Hawkins, Christmas Tree Co-Chairs, Norfolk Lions

  • 12/21 8:27am Ya but, March is a mere 10 weeks away, yea, spring is just around the corner.
    - JW

  • 12/21 12:52am Happy Winter Solstice! At 7:42am this morning (per the NOAA) the North Pole will be tilted the farthest away from the sun, resulting in the shortest day and longest night of the year. Starting today, days begin lengthening again until summer solstice on June 21.
    I celebrated the last afternoon of autumn by shoveling the driveway. I started at dusk - it must have been about 10 above and blustery; by the time I was finished, it was dark and colder. Later still I noticed that the thermometer was now reading 3 degrees. Whee, winter's here!
    - Wm.

  • 12/20 4:02pm I had a question about the dugouts at the majors field at the Freeman Centennial school. They have been condemned since early last spring (a few weeks into the last baseball season). When will they be repaired/replaced?
    I had heard some nice person had offered to pay to have them replaced. Did we just red-tape him/her to death? Any updates would be greatly appreciated!
    - TO

  • 12/20 4:02pm JO, thanks for the phone book info. I will be down this week to get one! Also, the lights in Millis are phenomenal! Kids of all ages should go check them out! I think it's 6-10 pm.
    - TO

  • 12/20 4:02pm The Transfer Station holiday hours have appeared on the Town Hall page: 
    Friday, December 24, 2004	8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Monday, December 27, 2004	8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Tuesday, December 28, 2004	7 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Thursday, December 30, 2004	7 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Friday, December 31, 2004	7 a.m. - 3 p.m.
    - Wm.

  • 12/19 8:34pm Saw an awesome sight this afternoon - a stunning hawk perched on top of Town Hall surveying all - it sat there for a long time and seem to be taking in the sights - only wish I had my camera...
    - TS

  • 12/19 10:46am To the person on River Road with the Christmas decorations (leaping fish, multiple Santas, etc.): Thank you! Our family decided that your house was the best one we saw on our drive last night. For anyone who hasn't seen it -- it's about one to two miles up River Road on the right side, if you're coming from Myrtle St. We sat out front for several minutes, taking it all in. It was awesome!
    - HPK

  • 12/19 10:44am Another piece of gold(?) in the form of an earring has been turned in to the Town Hall.
    We now have the unclaimed ladies watch and the earring. It is suspected that the "losers" could be patrons of the library. Betsy Fijol of the Board of Health is the keeper of the lost items and the one for the claimants to contact.
    Please check your personal inventory and hopefully this added publicity might help.
    - JO

  • 12/18 10:34pm Lost Dog - Naugatuck Ave, Noon Hill Area. We are "baby sitting" an extremely friendly Bernese Mountain Dog who wandered off this evening. We have been combing the neighborhood but haven't found her. She is dark brown, black with white chest. She is very large and walks with a limp because of a shoulder injury. Her name is Greta and usually comes when called. She is wearing a collar with tags for Lincoln Mass. If found or seen please call (508) 528-1541 ASAP Thanks!
    - AB

    Update 12/18 11:40pm: The dog has been found! - Wm.

  • 12/17 8:54am As some of you know I man the Information Center at the Town Hall on a volunteer basis with the objective of making your visit "User Friendly" for information about your Town Hall. Toward that end I want to alert some persons who expressed a desire for a Norfolk phone book during their visits. We managed to get about 20 of the current year, thanks to the current printer, so that should will help those who can't wait until the 2005 edition comes out in Jan/Feb., especially newcomers and would-be newcomers.
    Another task I perform at the Town Hall office is to sort the incoming mail since there is time available between inquiries, certainly. Toward that end it would be appreciated if you could note which office your mail should go to. There are many pieces that have just "Town of Norfolk" without any department listed. I am sure mail gets routed to the Tax Collector when perhaps it should go to the Town Clerk or Building Dept etc.
    Your help should avoid double handling. Thanks,
    - JO, Town Hall Information Desk

  • 12/16 10:28pm In response to NB: The Purr-fect Cat Shelter in Medway has lots of kittens/cats for adoption. Their website is www.purrfectcatshelter.org and it has pictures of most of the kittens/cats available. The volunteers working there are extremely knowledgeable and friendly and will do their best to match a cat to your needs. You may want to consider adopting two cats as it's not much more work and they will keep each other company! Good luck.
    - KT

  • 12/16 5:13pm I second the motion. Let's get the World Series Trophy here!
    - DB

  • 12/16 11:15am William Zrike of Norfolk has been named to the Top Gun "Fighting Clams" Lacrosse All Star team. The team is comprised of twenty-eight high school varsity players selected from the more than 1700 participants in the Top Gun Indoor Lacrosse Leagues in Acton, Northboro and Plymouth.
    The Top Gun Fighting Clams will represent this region at the National Indoor Lacrosse Championship to be held in Hightstown, NJ over the Martin Luther King weekend. They will be joined by twenty-four teams from all over the country.
    William is a senior attackman at St. Sebastian's High School.
    - BW, Top Gun Lacrosse

  • 12/16 10:17am The Red Sox management has stated that it will bring the World Series = trophy to any town in Mass. that requests it. Selectman, can we bring = it to Norfolk? Please?
    - DS

  • 12/15 5:09pm I am looking to adopt a kitten, but having trouble finding a young (around 9-10 week old) to adopt. Does anyone know anyone who has kitten for adoption? Thanks....
    - NB

  • 12/15 8:34am To PCD, regarding baseball signup: January 8th is deadline, and you can sign up in-person, by mail, or online. Live registration will be held at the Freeman Centennial Elementary School on January 8th from 9am until 1pm. Mail-in registrations must be received by January 10, 2005, and the registration form will be available in few days at www.norfolkbaseball.com. The mailing address for registration forms is: Norfolk Little League, c/o Jim Schmidt, PO Box 176, Norfolk, MA 02056 Any mailed registrations received after the deadline will be assessed a $25.00 late fee. Lastly, online registration is available at Active.com. The direct link is: www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1173544
    - JM

  • 12/14 9:58pm Does anybody know when sign up for t-ball and little league starts for 2005 season? Any info would be helpful.
    - PCD

  • 12/14 7:21pm Regarding the roundabouts - yes, the roundabouts will be built, but after winter's over, so we won't have to practice navigating them on the icy roads.
    - Wm.

  • 12/14 6:55pm ML suggested I contact this web site. I do residential housecleaning, with 18 years experience in Norfolk/Franklin. I lived 20 years in Norfolk before moving to Plainville seven years ago, and still come to town most days of the week. I'm dependable, take my work seriously, and don't let bad weather, snow, sleet hold me up. I personally do all the work, including the little stuff - dusting, polishing, windexing, washing doors, cleaning fingerprints, emptying waste paper baskets. Price is by the job, not by the hour, and I give free estimates.
    - Debbie Taylor, Housecleaning 508-643-7396

  • 12/14 5:32pm To NH Nana- It's Causeway Street in Millis and it's even bigger than last year!
    - ATB

  • 12/14 5:31pm NH Nana - I think the farm you are looking for is on Causeway Street in Millis. I haven't been there yet myself, but I've heard great things about it! It looks like you would take 115 through Millis to Union Street, then left onto Causeway.
    - JL

  • 12/14 2:36pm I am coming down from NH Friday to visit my grandson and was wondering if anyone can give me the street name where I can find the farm that you can drive through and see the Christmas light display. I caught the tail end of the story and never found out where it was, I just knew it was in Millis. Many thanks!!
    - NH Nana

  • 12/13 12:31pm I saw in the paper Sunday that the School Committee voted to tear down Freeman-Centennial School. The theory is that this would cost less than expanding and renovating the existing building to accommodate the town's growing needs. Does anyone know what the next steps are for this project?
    - DAF

  • 12/13 12:59am Not to open a can of worms or anything, but my longing for spring (already) got me thinking about gardening, which got me thinking about summertime watering bans. I was wondering why they don't just allot each household, based upon how many occupants, a certain gallonage per year. If the household goes over, the rate per gallon goes up. Or, x-rate for the first 10,000 gallons, x-rate for the next, and so on. The reason I'm asking is this. Just because a family refrains from watering their lawn doesn't necessarily mean they're conserving water. I know this because my family water bill (family of four) was hundreds less than a friend's bill (also family of four). How is it fair that I'm not supposed to water my lawn even though I'm using thousands of gallons less than another household? Any opinions out there?
    - [Name Withheld]

  • 12/13 12:56am I am not an Art Therapist - but I am a Psychotherapist - if I can help please email me. Namaste -
    - Dobritte J Norris, MEd, Lakeview Therapies dobritte1@mac.com

  • 12/12 8:44am From DLJ - Here is some contact information for local service people:

    George Bryant in Africa
    Cpl Bryant, George
    E CJTF-HOA, J-6
    APO AE 09363

    Jim Rose james.rose2@us.army.mil
    CH (MAJ) James Rose
    167th CSG
    Camp Victory, Kuwait
    APO AE 09328

    Sheryl Lawry
    SSG Sheryl Lawry
    CFLCC PAO/14th PAD
    Camp Arifjan-Kuwait
    APO AE 09366

    - DLJ

  • 12/11 11:27pm To MJD, regarding Norfolk Lion's Soccer: If you visit www.norfolklionssoccer.com, and click the 'Registration' button on the left hand side, a registration form will come up (make sure any pop-up blockers are turned off). As you will read on the registration sheet, March 1st, 2005 is the cutoff for Spring registration; after that date, applicants may be placed on a waiting list if there's no room in the division they are applying for.
    - JM

    [Update 12/12 8:57am: If you surf light, like I do - no images, no JavaScript, no popups - the direct link to the page is norfolklionssoccer.com/regform.htm - Wm.]

  • 12/11 4:16pm Open question to the Lions Soccer folks out there... when does the Spring 2005 season start and when is the registration deadline? Thanks.
    - MJD

  • 12/11 10:27am High School Drama Play - "The Christmas Story" If you did not get a chance to see the play last night, you should see it tonight (the last performance; arrive early before tickets sell out!) The students did a marvelous job. The play is entertaining and will put you in the holiday spirit. KP High School 7:30pm (Again - arrive early to get your tickets!)
    - RE

  • 12/10 10:27am Some more details on our neighbor deployed in Iraq. Jim Rose is an Army Reserve chaplain deployed with the 167th Corps Support Group in Iraq since last December. He expects to be there until next June at least.
    The Family Readiness Group Leader for Jim's unit is seeking support for troops and their families in the form of supplies for care packages or postage. You can contact her at bclou@juno.com.
    - DAF

  • 12/10 9:20am Anyone in town who is an art therapist?
    - BFS

  • 12/9 12:17pm HPK: The wires in the flagpole on the moonscape are obviously part of the alien homing system (Help Wm!, can't find that old discussion in the archives)... [neither can I! - Wm.]
    Actually, the flag pole on the moonscape doubles as a cell tower (holds antennae for sprint and T-Mobile, I think, but I could be wrong).
    The interesting question is whether or not there will actually ever be a flag on that flagpole. According to my somewhat faulty memory the company is required to furnish a flag for the pole, but I'm not so sure we'd actually want an American flag up there, as you'd have to either raise and lower it everyday at dawn and dusk, or have it illuminated 24/7, which would be quite a sight: a huge flag about 90 feet in the air illuminated with spotlights -- you'd probably be able to see it from space. (ah! a beacon for the aliens...)
    Of course, we could have a huge flag of norfolk flying all the time (we have one, it's white with the town seal).
    Or, maybe DAF could furnish us a flag of Progressiva.
    - RG

  • 12/9 10:34am To HPK: The Flagpole on the "Moonscape" is actually a cell phone tower disquised as a flagpole. There are two carriers on it. It is common practice to disquise these towers as many people dislike seeing them. There are many more cell phone installations already permitted in town but not yet in service, all of which will go on other existing structures. See all of the complaints below concerning cell phone service in town. It seems to take a long time for the cell phone companies to act on the permits they have been given. Some permits not yet acted upon are over a year old so they have technically expired. The companies will have to ask for extensions. The only reason for the "dead spots" in town is the lack of action by the cell phone companies.
    - JMB

  • 12/9 9:42am On Tuesday, December 21, AT 7:00 pm there will be a special service called "Blue Christmas" at the Federated Church of Norfolk.
    The idea of this worship service is to provide an opportunity for those who may be grieving, hurting, in pain, lonely, or simply not connected with the public joy of the Advent and Christmas seasons, to come together in a time of worship, and to realize that they are not alone. The intensity of these seasons can magnify all of our emotions., thus making painful ones feel all the more extreme. And those who experience them often feel alienated or even guilty for having such feelings in what is seen to be a time of unbridled joy. The Blue Christmas worship service provides a setting where people can come together, acknowledge their pain and grief, and be reassured that they are not alone with their feelings-that nothing is wrong with the feelings they may be having--and to experience the message of God's unconditional love which is at the heart of this season.
    - LD

  • 12/9 9:40am DL - I found this Marine parents' site to be very informative [www.marinemoms.us page]. Unfortunately, it had the side effect of making me feel that I couldn't do much if I didn't know a specific soldier or marine over there. When my husband was in Somalia, he got a generic care package for "any marine" that he thought was left over from the Gulf War, because it took so long to sort out the mail! But you can apparently go through existing organizations to contribute - see [defendamerica.mil page]. Or another idea - there are a lot of wounded marines and soldiers coming home for rehabilitation, so perhaps you & your kids can contribute to a military hospital here in the States.
    - HPK

  • 12/9 9:39am Has anyone noticed that the "flagpole" on the moonscape is actually wired for electricity or fiber optics or something? It has a meter box outside of its enclosure that is labeled for several cell phone providers. It also has an FCC registration number which I can't recall. Just curious if others know more info.
    - HPK

  • 12/9 9:38am The pediatric dentist posts brought me back to my childhood, you know back in the ice age, my dentist was, I suppose, a pediatric dentist, I say suppose because he worked on all the kids teeth at my grammar school. We had a dentist office right next to the other dreaded principals office. No need to get picked up for an appointment, someone would come in to your classroom and give the teacher a note.The next thing you knew, you were sitting in his chair. He was as old as dirt and didn't take much time to make a child feel comfortable and after torturing us for with whatever drilling needed to be done, we went back to class to pick up where we left off. Oh yeah, there were no neat prizes either. Not everything was so good in the "good ole days."
    - JW

  • 12/9 9:37am DL: Rev. Tracey Frink, who was the pastor of the Norfolk Federated Church, has a husband who I believe is stationed in Iraq. I'm sure the church would put you in touch with her. Good luck with your project!
    - MP

  • 12/9 12:31am Is anyone interested in starting a cooking group for men & women - or is there one already going in the area that has openings? Email me at solon@massed.net.
    - SC

  • 12/9 12:29am Re: cell phones. I too have Verizon. For the most part my calls will go through. I've learned where the dead spots are and just don't call from there; i.e. City Mills and Ceder Junction. Other than that it's adequate - not great - but I can place a call if needed. Although I do have to go to my window or outside my house to get a good reception. I've used Sprint and Cingular before and had no luck with any calls at my house and many places in town. Good luck.
    - HN

  • 12/9 12:24am Driving down 115 at Tedeschi's plaza I noticed a new Century 21 real estate office in town. Does anyone know when it might be opening. It's nice to have have a Century 21 in Norfolk, I used a Century 21 for my relocation here and they were great.
    - IL

  • 12/9 12:20am DL: No wireless service works all that well in Norfolk, speaking as someone who has had all of them except Nextel. Verizon is the best by far in this region (New England & New York), in my opinion. Their customer service is equally as poor as the others, but their coverage seems to be better.
    - JM

  • 12/8 4:34pm Hi DL, I have Verizon and live a few houses down from the school have pretty good reception 3 bars. I haven't had any problems with reception around town.
    - JD

  • 12/8 11:30am A question about cell phone service in Norfolk. I currently have AT&T/Cingular's GSM service and coverage really isn't all that great in and around Norfolk. My contract is up and I'm looking to switch to a carrier with better service. I'd also like to get my daughter (KP High student) a pay-as-you-go phone for Christmas. I know too well how frustrating it can be to not get a signal. What experiences do other folks have with T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint etc. in the area? Thanks.
    - DL

  • 12/8 8:30am To LB: I agree whole heartedly with everyone's comments on Chestnut Dental. I had tried other pediatric dental offices, and had very little success. My daughter needed some pretty extensive dental work, and I was at my wits end. Then someone suggested Chestnut Dental. We now have Dr. Crissy Beard there, and my daughter actually asks me "when can I go to the dentist again?" She is very comfortable, and everyone from the receptionist on, has been a pleasure to deal with. They are absolutely fantastic with kids. I can't say enough good things about them, and as BS said, the emergency coverage is great!!!
    - CG

  • 12/8 8:27am I was thinking of asking my playgroup to make a holiday package for a someone in Iraq. I have wanted to do something with my daughters to teach them a bit about helping others this holiday season. I think it would be nice to locate someone with Norfolk ties, does anyone have a family member there? Also, do you know how long it take to ship there? I have heard of a cookie baking group for the people stationed in Iraq. My cousin joined one in Maine and made 3 doz. cookies. They were delivered to the local school to all be shipped together. This might be a good alternative too.
    If you would like to join in on the spirit of giving this season, post something and I'll let you know what happens.
    Warm wishes to all,
    - DL

  • 12/8 12:06am To LB, We have a had great luck at Dental Associates of Walpole for pediatric dental care. My daughter has had to have sealants for some spotty enamel on her back teeth and it was a breeze. Drs Petrie and Cappola have both been great! My daughter was very freaked out by the concept at first and is now very comfortable at the dentist. She says that they have very cool prizes!
    - MJD

  • 12/7 10:16pm I have to ditto everyone else's comments re Chestnut Dental. They also have wonderful emergency coverage in their Needham office until 9pm after the Franklin office is closed. This is in addition to the on-call coverage they have 24 hours a day. Can't say enough good things about them.
    - BS

  • 12/7 10:13pm DF, I can't remember if I already posted about this here, or just thought about doing so. I received a letter addressed to a woman at ## Boardman (my street and house number) in BATTLE CREEK, MICHIGAN. I checked the zip, and yes, it was the correct one for Battle Creek. Still trying to figure that one out. I regularly get mail for other people on my street or on Needham St. As critical as I am of Franklin, I never had this problem when I lived there.
    - HPK

  • 12/7 8:48pm Hi LB. As someone in the profession, I also highly recommend the pediatric dentists at Chestnut Dental in Franklin. I know them personally (and their training background). Both Dr. Shelly McBride and Dr. Krissy Beard are great. They both see my daughters. You won't go wrong at that practice.
    - JC

  • 12/7 8:47pm If you showed up at my house on Main Street Saturday and delivered mail to me that was incorrectly delivered to your house (including a motorcycle registration, which I would have missed terribly), I thank you. I saw you pull up in a minivan but couldn't get outside in time to say thanks. Hopefully you are a Norfolknet reader.
    And, as a side note, am I the only one that is not impressed with the accuracy of the postal service here in town? It's not as bad as the last town I lived in, where I received a letter addressed to someone in England... But, it's not a mail Wonderland here either... Each item has a specific address on it. How hard can it be?
    - DF

  • 12/7 8:18pm Chestnut Dental in Franklin IS GREAT! Both of my kids were terrified and they were wonderful!!
    - EM

  • 12/7 7:03pm Can anyone recommend summer camps/programs for a 6 year old boy for this summer's school vacation? If you could please reply to UGP2002@aol.com, that would be great. Thanks for your help.
    - KB

  • 12/7 4:48pm I was wondering if anyone could recommend a pediatric dentist with a friendly and understanding rapport with toddlers - my son is terrified! Thanks for any suggestions.
    - LB

  • 12/7 10:01am Thanks to the Highway Department for the lights on the trees, great job. K. C. is proud.
    - KC

  • 12/7 9:59am DM - I highly recommend that you call Chris Galasso at GT Equipment and Landscape in Walpole for tree removal. He is a real pro and your yard will be cleaner when he is gone. He takes real pride in his work and has all of the equipment necessary to do any job. His # is 508-660-8838. Tell him Brock sent you.
    - BF

  • 12/6 5:45pm TS: I agree that the Santa parade and celebration was a huge success. Fun was had by all! My only suggestion for next year would be to have some type of microphone or PA system so that everyone knows what's going on and possibly have a count-down for the tree-lighting, etc.
    - JC

  • 12/6 12:32pm Can anyone recommend a local company that cuts down large trees? Thanks
    - DM

  • 12/6 10:08am Just wanted to say what a wonderful afternoon yesterday was. The Santa Parade was a perfect kickoff to the holiday season! It was great to see the kids so excited to see Santa in the flesh. The Lions and Rec Dept did a great job at Town Hall. It's a real Norfolk tradition for our family!
    - TS

  • 12/6 9:44am To VR -the house on Causeway Street in Millis will blow you away. Its unlike anything I have ever seen. Last year you could drive up their driveway with your lights off and windows open listening to the X-Mas music on their sound system. Good Luck!
    - LS

  • 12/5 10:12pm To DL: My daughter's favorite Christmas house is in Medway, on Village Street. This year I plan to drive a loop -- down Myrtle to River Road, where we'll be sure to check out both the houses you mentioned, then back on Myrtle and Himmelfarb to Village, left on Village, and the house she likes is right around Oakland Street in Medway - you can't miss it! After pulling over to admire it in all its finery, we'll take the right onto Holliston Street, where there were a couple of houses worth checking out last year, stay on Holliston past 109, and then make the right onto Causeway Street. The newspaper had a write-up last year about a house on Causeway Street (in Millis) that apparently goes all out, so we'll hope they've kept up the tradition this year as well. And from Causeway we'll make the right onto Ridge and back to 109, and thence home to hot chocolate with marshmallows.
    Anyone have any other houses in the area to add? And, while we're on the subject of holiday celebrations, does anyone know of any upcoming sing-a-longs in the area?
    - VR

  • 12/5 9:30am In response to your search for a place to chop trees locally, I can not help you. HOWEVER, I will recommend GUMPS Farm on 115. Their trees are top quality and beautiful, I also find them to be reasonably priced. My husband and I try to support our local business and love to go there every holiday with our girls. The trees are freshly cut and clearly marked with the date. The tree we purchased this year had only been cut 5 days before we purchased it. Also, each tree has the height marked right on the tag. If you happen to be like me you think you have 10' ceilings when you pick out a tree, you get it home and they are only eight feet. We've been purchasing our trees there for a few years now and I am always amazed how few needles are in the rug when we take it down. In addition, if you haven't stopped in their gift shop, they have some very nice things and again, the prices are really good. (I love the Snowman sign, still trying to think of the perfect place to hang it.)
    Happy Holidays!
    - DL

  • 12/5 9:21am I love to drive around with my daughters to see the holiday lights and would appreciate any help in locating any houses that are particularly worth the ride in town. Also, could you give me the street cross sections too. If you don't want to mention house numbers, I can understand that. If you are also the type that loves to do this, take a ride down River Road (Myrtle to River). The first house on the left is great, however, drive down a bit and then there's a house on your right that is so worth the ride. If either of these houses are yours, thank you for making it a bit easier to accept that it is now dark at 4:30PM! My daughters love your houses and you make their day every time we drive by!
    Happy Holidays!
    - DL

  • 12/4 8:53pm I am looking for someone/a company that refinishes built in kitchen cabinets. Any ides? Thanks in advance.
    - LM

  • 12/3 8:06pm I think that TC is right about idea of "all things in moderation." Both of my children were on soy formula and we eat veggie burgers and not dogs on a fairly regular basis. I have cut back a little since I read the new reports.
    At one point when I lived in Maine, Christiane Northrup, the MD who wrote the book Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom, was my physician. She wanted me off all dairy... milk, cheese, you name it. She said that the combination of the fat and the hormones in milk, the natural ones and those added to the feed of the cows by dairy farmers, had strong links to breast cancer. She felt the risk was great enough to get off ALL dairy! Now, did I do that? No. But do I take my calcium and eat less cheese and drink less milk, yes I do. She also wanted me to decaffinate myself, dear God no! I did cut back on the Java I have to admit but I still take it with milk.
    There is a warning out about Quorn too. Check out this site for more info [here]. I'm headed to the kitchen for a Quorn and cheese sandwich!
    - MJD

    [Update 12/4 11:57am: Sorry, I sent the wrong link, it should be [this CSPI page]. - MJD]

  • 12/3 4:25pm DH: the garage door installer you're looking for is Joliqoeur Doors/Bellingham // 508-883-4522. P.S.: Most of the favorite vendors that are listed on this site can be found if you click on "Town Favorites" over to the left.
    - JC

  • 12/3 2:32pm I am looking to buy new garage doors and have them installed. I don't remember the person, but someone in the area received great service and a good price from a local business in Norfolk. Does anyone know a local business that provides this service? Thanks,
    - DH

  • 12/3 11:01am Wm: Re: the health effects of soy. More and more people are questioning the health benefits of soy these days, and while it's making me anxious as can be (my daughter has been on soy for five years), I think the discussion is a good one. For women in particular, the benefits of soy seem clear, but the potential dangers are not fully understood. Soy protein can in fact feed certain estrogen-receptive cancers (some reproductive cancers are, some are not). More needs to be done. Your posting was a sober but needed reminder that until consumers can feel safe from false marketing claims, trust food labels, and be confident that the FDA is motivated to promote public health not profits for pharmaceutical companies and food manufacturers, consumers must be diligent. Perhaps "everything in moderation" should be the approach for the time being. It is also wise to pay close attention to the "little pieces of legislation" being passed all the time, like the recent one that no longer forces food manufacturers to reveal the country from which ingredients come. Less accurate and truthful food labeling is coming as well. Beware.
    - TC

  • 12/3 8:41am Wm. - are you lamenting the fact that we worry too much about our food, or are you pointing out the pitfalls of our overly-processed food supply? Just curious. A nit-picking note about the article: as far as I know, only tempeh, and not tofu, is fermented. My mom made tofu from boiled soybeans, with the resulting liquid coagulated with epsom salts or a similar chemical and the curds pressed in a mold. Perhaps Chinese tofu is made differently? Does boiling, or the coagulating process, change the structure of the phytoestrogens? Maybe we should stop eating soy and eat Quorn (factory-grown mycoprotein) instead? I'm sure the country that voted for George Bush is ready to embrace fungi-based "chicken" tenders! I'm going to drink a big glass of vitamin-enriched, protein-enhanced soymilk now. Cheers.
    - HPK

    [Actually, I was struck by the powerful side-effects of a food that is touted safe for nursing infants. - Wm.]

  • 12/2 11:27pm I know how to avoid all that scary stuff about food and what's in it: I go shopping, I don't read the labels, I come home, cook it and eat it. Yes, ignorance is bliss.
    - JW

  • 12/2 6:33pm Found a rather frank article in The Guardian about something that's become taken for granted - soy-based foods. The report goes into lengthy detail about soy's ill effects on health, the economy and the global environment; below are some of the startling health-related concerns.
    [P]hyto-oestrogens or plant-oestrogens [...] mimic oestrogen, the powerful female hormone. These highly active compounds are found in large concentrations in soya.

    A woman drinking two glasses of soya milk a day over the course of a month will see the timing of her menstrual cycle alter.

    It has been estimated that infants who are fed soya formula exclusively receive an amount of oestrogen equivalent to five birth control pills every day.

    Aside from research linking soya to reduced male fertility, studies now link the phyto-oestrogens found in the plant to an increased risk of other types of cancer. It has also been claimed that it damages brain function in men and causes hidden developmental abnormalities in infants.

    Soya is used to 'bulk out' and bind many processed foods ... Some research estimates that soya is present in more than 70 per cent of all supermarket products and widely used by most fast food chains.

    [The Guardian]

    There used to be a time when one went to the store, bought food, cooked it, and ate it. Today, first one has to complete a dissertation on whether what one buys is fit for the table -- preservatives, steroids, growth hormones, genetic modifications, sugar, salt, cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and now: estrogen.
    - Wm.

  • 12/2 12:36pm Register now for Norfolk Lions' Youth Soccer spring season. Registration form is available on website at norfolklionssoccer.com.
    - HMK

  • 12/2 11:37am We were sent a link re. the posting on cut-your-own trees to the Massachusetts Christmas Trees Association web page [here]. It shows four nearby farms, in Wrentham, Plainville, Foxboro, N. Attleboro.
    - Wm.

  • 12/1 11:26pm I am looking for a local place to cut down our own fresh Christmas tree that will last longer. Any ideas?
    - EB

  • 12/1 11:01pm Norfolk's hazardous waste day is always the 1st Saturday of October every year. But you cannot get rid of this combination that I know of. They do take oil on Wednsdays and Saturdays but NOT any combination mixed. Sorry.
    - LS

  • 12/1 4:41pm To JO re: Stink Bugs - Ymmmm! Now I know what keeps the smile on your face, and your always sunny disposition. Note to any trying this recipe: do NOT under any circumstances, omit the chicken livers!
    - HRB

  • 12/1 2:32pm Effective next Monday, the Norfolk Public Library will no longer offer evening hours at the Centennial Library during the academic year. Elementary and middle school students are encouraged to borrow homework materials and pleasure reading from their school libraries during the school day. However, we also have a selection of children's magazines and young adult novels at the Adult Services Branch on Route 1A, as well as a full non-circulating reference collection and the ability to order materials from other libraries. If you have questions or want to know if we have materials on a particular topic, please give the public library a call at 508-528-3380.
    - Heather Pisani-Kristl, Associate Library Director

  • 12/1 2:30pm To DFL: I can highly recommend Debbie for housecleaning. Please email me via the webmaster and I can get her phone number and information to you. Good Luck.
    - ML

  • 12/1 1:29pm Thanks to all who so quickly responded to my request for the Nutcracker production! I am very excited and my daughter will be thrilled! Thanks again.
    - SM

  • 12/1 12:09pm Can anyone recommend a good house cleaning service? We are very new to this area and in need of a bi-weekly "scrub".
    - DFL

  • 12/1 9:32am SM - I found the Milford Nutcracker info on [Greater Milford Ballet Company web page].
    - MJD

  • 12/1 9:29am According to [Globe Metro West article] the Nutcracker Ballet will be performed at Milford High School on Dec. 10, 11 and 12. Tickets are available by calling the Deane Dance Studio at 508-473-3354 or at the Music Nook.
    I've also seen notices for a Nutcracker performance by Dancing Arts Center at Babson College's Sorenson Theatre in Wellesley, December 18 at 7:00 p.m. & December 19 at 3:00 p.m; contact info Karyn Edison at 508-429-7577 or www.dancingartscenter.com.
    - VR

  • 11/30 6:35pm SM-This goes back a little but there used to be a production of the Nutcracker in Milford. I think it was at the High School but put on by all of the local dance schools. I'd think you could search the Milforddailynews.com archives.
    - MJD

  • 11/30 6:31pm SM: The Franklin Center for the Performing Arts is running one, I believe the weekend of the 11th/12th, at a school in Franklin. We went two years ago and it was lovely, particularly for the 3 - 5 year old set. The Providence Performing Arts Center is doing one as well, which we saw last year. Nice theatre, more elaborate than the Franklin one, but not quite the Boston Ballet. It's a nice middle ground, the price is right - particularly for the age, and it's about 25 minutes from Norfolk and easy to park. Check out [ppacri.org Nutcracker page]
    - TC

  • 11/30 4:05pm Does anyone know of a local theatre group performing the Nutcracker Ballet this season? My 4 year old daughter has expressed an interest in seeing it but I'm not sure she's ready for the Boston Ballet production quite yet. Thanks!
    - SM

  • 11/30 11:35am Does Norfolk offer a hazardous waste disposal day? I have gas/oil mix in a gas can that has gone bad and I'm not sure how to safely get rid of this. Does anyone know where I could take this for disposal? I really enjoy this site and have gotten lots of useful information, hope you all are enjoying the holiday season!
    - KS

  • 11/30 10:32am Looking for an unique gift for that hard to buy for person? Want to skip the parking problems and headaches of the malls? Want to find a gift that will last a lifetime? Norfolk Community League (NCL) and the Garden Club of Norfolk are sponsoring Norfolk Walkways. Norfolk Walkways is offering inscribed bricks for placement on Town Hill brick walkways that will connect the Peace Garden, Veteran's Memorial and the Gazebo. A 4 x 8 brick inscribed with 3 lines of writing is $50. A larger 8 x 8 brick with 6 lines of writing is $100. Order forms can be found in locations around town or can be downloaded from www.norfolkcommunityleague.org. This is an perfect opportunity to be a permanent part of the beautification of Town Hill. In time for holiday gift giving, Norfolk Walkways will send a gift card announcing your gift along with the inscription to the recipient.
    A detailed drawing of the extensive walkway system planned for Town Hill, as well as the ability to purchase bricks, will soon be on display at Town Hall and on the town's website. In addition, monetary donations to Norfolk Walkways will be gladly accepted and will go towards the purchase of plain bricks. For further information, contact Bonnie D. at 508-528-8414 or Tara S. at 508-384-6354.
    - TS, NCL

  • 11/30 10:31am To JLH and other parents: Santa's Mailbox is at the Kids' Library in Town Hall, and letters will be accepted until Thursday, December 16th. Be sure to provide a self-addressed stamped envelope for your reply. The library's hours are approximately the same as Town Hall's, except that we open at 10.
    - Heather Pisani-Kristl, Associate Library Director

  • 11/29 10:49pm To TS - Over the last few years I have used several people/shops and the one I would recommend is Althea Rothchild. She's associated with Michael's in Medfield. The number to use is 401-226-2999. This is her cell phone. She is extremely professional and has good ideas. Since she doesn't have any overhead, her rates are very good and the final product is beautiful. She uses great seamstresses and installers. Good luck.
    - BS

  • 11/29 10:49pm To DF: I am a licensed contractor that does restoration work. I would love to come look at your barn. WM DiBacco Construction, 508-541-6360 (ask for Walter).
    - WD

    [Update 12/1 10:44pm: post by WD removed by request. WD is a contractor that does restoration work and who offered to look at DF's barn, but he was simply receiving too many calls, and asked that hist post be removed. Thanks to all for the interest! - Wm.]
    [Update 12/16 10:30pm: post restored on move to Archives. - Wm.]

  • 11/29 3:15pm I have a 24' X 32' barn that I'd like to convert into a woodshop. It was formally used as a horse barn and, thus, has a dirt floor, electricity and running water. I'm planning on constructing a wood floor in the barn but am not sure exactly how to get started. The existing dirt floor is not incredibly level -- maybe a foot's difference from one side of the barn to the other -- and I'm guessing I'll need to even that out a bit more. Also, the sills of the barn are not altogether healthy and will need to be replaced within the next few years, so I'd love not to have to actually attach the floor to the sills at this point (I'm not quite ready to replace the sills yet). Instead, I considered building several frames, setting them on concrete footings (or solidly-planted cinder blocks), attaching the frames together to create one large platform, covering it all in plywood and being done with it for now. Anyone have any thoughts on this? Or are there any contractors out there willing to come take a look and give me an estimate on what it'd cost you to do it and/or some guidelines for me to do it myself? I'd of course pay you for your time.
    - DF

  • 11/29 1:19pm I'm looking for someone to make draperies for my living room. Any suggestions?
    - TS

  • 11/28 5:30pm For JLH... call the prisons in town - they use to do reupholstering - or the night school at KP might have a class and need furniture to work on.
    - ER

  • 11/28 2:47pm To JHL - Try Custom Cushion in Medfield on Park Street down the street from the Boka restaurant. The guy does beautiful work. He has done several items for me. However, I must warn you that he is not cheap but none of the good ones are. Good luck.
    - BS

  • 11/28 9:18pm I have an old (maybe antique) wing chair I need reupholstered (and one for repair). Any local upholsterers out there you could recommend?
    - JLH

  • 11/28 9:17pm Dear JL, The South Shore Santa certainly could be the real one!! I've had both of my girls' photos taken with him since they were 1+ (although we lived closer to Braintree then). Since we moved to Norfolk though (last year) we went to Emerald Square (N. Attleboro) and that Santa was really good too!! I usually go early on a weekday morning and we get plenty of time to visit with him. Good luck and enjoy your "first" visit, although, I promise, you will look forward to many more!
    Speaking of Santa.... is the Norfolk Library (or Friends of) doing the "reply" letters from Santa this year? We have been working really hard on our letters and didn't know if we could drop off to the Temp Library or if they should really go to the post office. Any info / ideas? Thanks
    - JLH

  • 11/28 9:15pm JL - I always brought my children to the Santa in Walpole center. He sits in a little house on the common. His hours are generally posted, if you're going by. You take the pictures yourself, and they are free. He's a great Santa with his own real beard, & if you're lucky enough to see him "on vacation" in Walpole in the summer the kids get an extra thrill!
    - SC

    recpie page, 70K

  • 11/28 9:11am All the talk about stink bugs has been bugging me so I would like to share this delectable item with the net readers . Please - do not send me any samples of your cookery.
    - JO

  • 11/26 12:23pm Santa Claus will roll into Norfolk on Sunday December 5th and a host of groups will turn out to celebrate his arrival with a variety of activities.
    Santa's parade will begin at 3:30 p.m. at the Hillcrest Village on Rockwood Rd. Santa's elves, Frosty the Snowman and members of the King Philip Regional High School Band, the Norfolk Police, area Scouts and fire trucks will lead the procession along Route 115, (right) onto Liberty Lane ending at the Town Hall.
    [... continued]
    - JS, Norfolk Lions, Norfolk Santa Parade Committee

  • 11/25 8:39am Happy Thanksgiving! turkey

  • 11/24 3:25pm JL - It's a bit of a ride but the South Shore Plaza has the most beautiful Santa. I always have my girls pic taken with him. They also have a really nice looking backdrop. If you can figure out a way to get there at bedtime there is no line, easy when you have a really little one who goes to bed late. Most of the mall Santas out here have cheesy looking fake beards. The South Shore Santa's has always been real! I think he's the real Santa if you want to know the truth!
    - MJD

  • 11/24 10:58am Does anyone know of somewhere in the area I could bring my daughter to have her first picture with Santa?
    - JL

  • 11/23 12:50pm DB, Stop by on Friday. We will for the most part be setting up and pricing out the trees. But you are welcome to come in and make a purchase if you find something that you like.
    - PT

  • 11/23 12:46pm Norfolk Community League's annual Santa Breakfast and Jingle Bell Fun Run will be on December 11, 2004 at the H. Olive Day School on Main Street. The breakfast is from 9-11am. Cost is $4 for NCL members, $6 for non-members and children under the age of 2 are free!! Mr. Dave, the musical elf, will entertain the children.
    NCL's 4th Annual Jingle Bell Fun Run will take place at 11:00am on December 11, 2004. The children's race starts at 11:45am. The race day registration starts at 9:30am at the H. Olive Day School.
    [Read on for full details]
    - TR

  • 11/22 7:01pm I would just like a confirmation that the Lions Tree Sale is starting on Saturday this year. We have gotten our tree there the last few years and it was on the day after Thanksgiving. Why the change? Do we have to go elsewhere?
    - DB

  • 11/22 5:01pm The Norfolk Lions is once again setting up their Annual Christmas Tree Sales Event. This year we will be located next to the Dunkin Donuts parking lot on Main Street.
    We will begin selling Wreaths and Christmas Trees on Saturday November 27th at 9:AM thru 9:PM weekends and weekdays from 4:PM thru 9:PM daily.
    This years crop is coming in very strong with a very productive growing year due to all of the moisture. All of the trees are fresh cut and will offer excellent needle retention freshness and fragrance. There will be a mix of Balsam and Fraser Fir trees for you to choose from with heights ranging from 3' up to and including 12'.
    Bring the family and enjoy one of Norfolk Lions most notable traditions and events with the annual Norfolk Lions Christmas Tree Sales. All net proceeds goes towards Local and Lions based charities.
    Looking to join the Lions? Drop by and leave your name. We are always looking for new members.
    - Paul H. Terrio, Christmas Tree Chairperson, Norfolk Lions

  • 11/22 2:36pm For TS: My (nonpolitical) theory about the abundance of the Western Conifer Seed Bug (WCSB) last year but not this year is very simple. Last year you may have noticed that Norfolk's ubiquitous white pine trees produced a superabundance of pine cones. One friend who has lived in Norfolk for over 40 years said she had never seen so many in a single season. Driving along our back roads last fall you could see thousands of (mostly flattened) cones in the road. We have a small stand of pines, and last year we easily collected a whole barrel full (we use 'em to start fires, they're great). Now the "stink bug" (WCSB) feeds on the seeds or "pine nuts" that are found in the pine cones (see the informational links below). I think that an abundance of cones produced an abundance of bugs last autumn. This fall, our pines produced just a small number of cones--perhaps a tenth of what we got last year--and far fewer bugs.
    - HRB

  • 11/22 1:21pm To PN - I've used Phoenix Plumbing several times and have found them to be quick, reliable and good. 508-541-7800.
    - PG

  • 11/22 9:42am Can anyone recommend a plumber in the area who is reliable and reasonable in price?
    - PN

  • 11/22 9:41am Butch Vito, Highway Dept. Supt. and Richard Connors are at it again. The road project in the center of town is nearly done and there are still lots of questions. Tune in to NCTV Channel 22 at either 8am, 6:30pm or 9:30pm and watch Butch and Richard tour the new center and many of your questions will be answered.
    - Paul Guertin, NCTV Station Manager

  • 11/22 9:39am TS - Did you know that the ladybug is the official State bug of Massachusetts?
    There have been numerous releases of ladybugs in the Northeast and around the country over the last 10 or more years to help control various damaging aphids. 125,000 in 1999 and locally in 2001 during May and June over 10,000 were released in Needham/Newton area of Hemlock Gorge to help control an insect that was attacking the hemlock trees there.
    As the southern exposure of houses present a welcome warm shelter against colder weather I'm sure you'll be seeing them again.
    Here are some interesting ladybug facts:
    • In the past, doctors would mash ladybugs and put them in your mouth to cure a toothache.
    • In Switzerland, ladybugs are called "good God's little fatty."
    • You can fit 80,000 ladybugs into a gallon jug.
    • Male ladybugs are smaller than female ladybugs. .
    • Ladybugs can live for as many as three years.
    • A ladybug beats its wings 85 times per second when it flies.
    • A ladybug's spots fade as it gets older.
    • The spotted wing covers on ladybugs are made from a material called chitin, as are our fingernails.
    - BD

  • 11/22 9:35am The King Philip Music Department will present its annual Winter Pops Concert on 7pm Saturday, December 4, in the Field House of King Philip Regional High School. The concert will feature the Chorus, the Concert Band, the Symphony Band, and the Marching Band in a concert performance of "Ghost Train", the award winning 2004 show. Light refreshments and beverages will be available.
    Doors open at 6 pm. Admission price: $7 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. All tickets will be sold at the door.
    - AW, King Philip Music Association

  • 11/22 9:34am Anyone have any reasons for that change? They've all fled to Canada. Not big George Bush fans.
    - DF

  • 11/21 10:24pm Just noticed the first "stink bug" of the season. We'll have to wait and see if it reaches the magnitude of last year (lots). Our house was also hit by hundreds of ladybugs in past years, although this year I have not seen many at all. Anyone have any reasons for that change?
    - TS

  • 11/19 6:09pm JM - I have no problem legislating in the interest of public safety. Those motorized scooters are a menace in the city! Right up there with bike messengers ;) ! They are very dangerous and they definitely needed to classify them as motor vehicles. People considered themselves pedestrians when riding them. Here in Norfolk the issue may seem silly, but in town it is a big deal.
    You're right, though, some parents believe that their kid will never be the one who sustains the life-changing head injury!
    - MJD

  • 11/19 4:38pm To JW: I've seen two stink bugs in the past few days. Last year we had an invasion, so this is a welcome change. Hopefully, they won't suddenly appear in large numbers again. Why the change? Any ideas?
    - TC

  • 11/19 4:13pm JW - We have had the "stink bug" over the south side of town - I've seen about 4 in the last month or so - last year we had many more but they are still around...
    - BD

  • 11/19 8:47am In another unfortunate case of government having to take the place of good parental judgment, Lieutenant Governor Healey yesterday signed into law legislation banning the use of motorized scooters and bikes by anyone that does not have a drivers license or learner's permit in Massachusetts. In short, children 15 years or younger may not operate these vehicles under any circumstances. The law covers all scooters or bikes on which the driver sits or stands, and that are powered by electric or gasoline engines. Licensed drivers may operate them only during the daylight hours, but must wear a helmet, the vehicle must have stop and directional lights, and they must only ride on the right side of the roadway. Specifically, this legislation is aimed at stemming the number of injuries suffered by children operating gas-powered scooters and so-called 'pocket bikes', which are gas-powered mini-bikes made to look like miniature motorcycles. 85% of the injuries that occur on these vehicles are to children 15 and under. Besides being a nuisance due to their loud engines, the pocket bikes are particularly dangerous, as they can reach speeds of 35mph. Coincidentally, the most recent issue (Dec.) of Consumer Reports magazine has the results of a test they performed on several types of these vehicles; they found that the pocket bikes had poor brakes, steering, and throttle, and their overall handling made them very dangerous. Though slower, motorized scooters were found to have similar shortcomings. More information on this legislation is available on www.mass.gov, and click the link to the Governor's office. I know there are quite a few of these scooters and pocket bikes in Norfolk, and have always been amazed that there are that many parents in this town that apparently have such little concern for their child's safety and their neighbors' eardrums.
    - JM

    seed bug, 28K

  • 11/18 10:20pm Remember last year at this time, we were talking about the strange bugs that were invading our homes? I for one haven't had one of them this year. How about the rest of you? I just think it's very interesting the difference one year can make.
    - JW

    [Actually, the question occurred to me, too... See around 10/28 in last year's discussions, including this writeup on the western conifer seed bug - Wm.]

  • 11/18 10:19pm The Woodside Montessori Academy in Millis is holding two Open Houses for parents of prospective students on Sunday, November 21st and Monday, November 22nd.
    Sunday's Open Houses will be held from 1:00-3:00pm at both of Woodside's two campuses. The one at 350 Village Street is for parents of early childhood (preschool and kindergarten) and middle school (7th and 8th grade) students. The other Open House is for parents of elementary school (1st through 6th grade) students and will be held at 1073 Main Street (located across Rte 109 from Budabing's Restaurant).
    On Monday, November 22nd an additional Open House will be held at Woodside's Main Street campus, from 9:00-11:00am, for the elementary programs (Gr 1-6) only.
    These Open Houses will provide prospective parents the opportunity to tour the classrooms, meet the school's director and teachers, and learn more about the Montessori Method of education.
    - VR

  • 11/18 9:20am Just wanted a general post for a roaming cat in Pheasant Hill/Quail Run/Robin road neighborhood. There is a long haired, white w/ orange cat that is attempting to make a new home at a house in the neighborhood. If you own this cat or have lost a cat by this description, please contact the ACO so that the cat isn't removed or adopted.
    - Hilary Nolan Penlington, Norfolk Animal Control, 528-3232

  • 11/17 9:51pm NH, we used A-1 Lock & Key Service in Foxboro. The phone is 508-543-9687. They were pretty reasonable and the service man was nice.
    - MFZ

  • 11/17 9:50pm To JRP, we also used Barry John Chimney Sweeps to clean our chimney and to put on a cap. They were reasonably priced and pleasant to work with. Hope that helps.
    - MFZ

  • 11/17 9:19pm To JO, thank you for the information on how a bill is enacted and put into law. I am interested in what Mr. Sciasca said to you to give you the opinion he is not holding up the bill? [Continued on Delta House page]
    - PFD

  • 11/16 8:24pm On Saturday, November 27th, 9am-12pm The King Philip Music Association will hold its annual holiday wreath sale. 14 inch fresh double sided evergreen wreaths from Canada, only $12. In Wrentham - Center School Parking Lot; in Norfolk - Center. All Proceeds to support the King Philip Music Association Contact Pam P. at 508-528-7413.
    - AW, King Philip Music Association

  • 11/16 11:55am Anyone know of a garage in the area I can rent for the winter to store a car?
    - JM

  • 11/16 8:29am JLH-I have used Joseph's jewelers in the Shaw's plaza in Franklin. Less expensive than Vallees and the people were very nice. Turnaround time was better, too. They do not have the nice jewelry selection that Vallee's has, though, but I though that they were good for simple repairs. I grew up going to Marshall's Jewelers in Milford on Central Street. I really trust them. They reset my mom's engagement ring for me and they have done complex repairs for me too, but it's a longer ride!
    - MJD

  • 11/16 7:31am To JLH: Vallee Jewelers in Franklin (across from the Franklin Post office right on Main Street) is excellent and I highly recommend them.They repaired my engagement ring setting and we have purchased jewelry from them as well.
    - ALB

  • 11/15 11:10pm Much has been written about the "holdup" of House bill 2626 (placement of predators) in Norfolk.
    People have accused the Chairman of the Ways and Means, Angelo Sciasca, of being the impediment to movement of this bill, as does the filer, Sen. Scott Brown.
    Knowing Mr. Sciasca socially, I had the occasion to ask him if indeed he was the delay. For balance, I also asked Sen. Brown the same question.
    I then asked the Sec. of State Galvin for an informational packet on the procedure.
    Viewers can log in on the following : www.sec.state.ma.us/trs/trs/lawidx.htm This excellent guideline should dispel any erroneous information as to who is holding up what!!
    The next time either proponents or opponents cite undue delay on a bill, ask them to realize the path that has to be followed per the law. (If one doesn't like the law, then work to change it.) Better still, ask them to explain the holdup per the procedures and time line.
    Accusations should be supported by reference to the existing laws and procedures.
    I thank Sec. Galvin for an excellent treatise on the subject. What do you think?
    - JO

  • 11/15 11:08pm Does any one know of a trustworthy jeweler located in or near Norfolk? My diamond engagement ring needs the setting repaired or perhaps re-set. The ring was bought in Quincy but, I'd rather have it repaired locally. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
    - JLH

  • 11/15 2:56pm For JRP, Barry John Chimney Sweeps 508-528-1777 from Franklin have been great. They have a coupon in the Verizon Phone book. You may have to ask if you can still use it since the expiration date has past.
    - DLJ

  • 11/15 12:40pm The readers of Norfolknet are always so helpful. We need our chimney swept, and possibly a chimney cap fitted. Could any one recommend a chimney sweep in the area? Also, a piano teacher that teaches adults? Thanks in advance,
    - JRP

  • 11/14 9:46pm The Garden Club of Norfolk invites the public to its annual Holiday Greens Sale. Wreaths, arrangements, boxwood trees, topiaries & ornaments will be available for purchase. Proceeds will be used to promote the club's civic beautification in our town. Saturday, December 4, 2004 (9am - noon), at the Federated Church (Rte.115 & Main Street) in Norfolk.
    - JW, Corresponding Secretary

  • 11/13 11:52pm Webmaster note: all Delta House / sex offender related posts since Wedneday, Nov. 10, have been retroactively extracted from the main page onto their own sub-page, [here]. For historical accuracy, the Notes Archive contains a copy of the page as it existed before the separation.
    - Wm.

  • 11/13 9:26am Does anyone know why Bob Markel is leaving?
    - SC

  • 11/13 7:30am A ladies' gold watch was turned in by a town employee who found it in the parking area at the Town Hall. If I am not manning the Information Center, check with Betsy Fijol at the Board of Health Dept. to identify the item and claim same. Thank you,
    - John Olivieri, Town Hall Info Office

  • 11/12 6:14pm Where did all the people (patients) go to that were housed in Medfield State Hospital, Wrentham State Hospital, and Foxboro State Hospital? Wrentham is still open but at about 2% of what it once was. Prison? Group homes? under a bridge in Cambridge/ (homeless)?.
    - LS

  • 11/11 1:17pm I would like to stop today and thank the Veterans and Soldiers of the United States for fighting for our country. You are appreciated and commended for your bravery and heroism.
    - NM

  • 11/10 2:59pm Looking for teenagers who want to make some extra cash raking leaves. Please call 508-528-1461.
    - JJ

  • 11/10 12:54pm The school children of Norfolk donated 426 pounds of Halloween candy during the Norfolk Community League's (NCL) Sixth Annual Halloween Candy give back held on Nov. 1. The Candy was donated to the Norcap and North Cottage Rehabilitation Centers. D.A.R.E. officer Steve Plimpton discussed the program with all children whom participated. There were also two lucky winners in a drawing of two $25 Toys Ect. gift cards. Thank you to all who participated in this event.
    - TR

    [Corrected 3:03 - TR]

  • 11/9 8:51pm To JC - how could you possibly think that a shoplifting crime or stealing from one's mail box could ever compare to the violation of one's body by a sex offender?? Geez we are talking about a lifetime of damage not only to a person's body but to one's mental state for the REST of their lives - once you are a victim of this kind of crime - it's not like you can shake it off and have a chuckle when something has been taken from your mailbox. Have you not been watching the news and seeing the pain on the faces of all those violated by priests - in many cases decades ago? I think the point was raised that the Cleveland Street residents were under some sort of supervision - however, the Boardman Street resident isn't; being so close to a grade school should concern the residents of our town even more.
    To RD - we did move tot town over a decade ago and I'm still enjoying the cows and chickens waking us up at 5 in the morning! I hope this never changes!
    - KR

  • 11/9 8:47pm Does anyone know if Girard's Bistro in Franklin is still operating? The phone number has been "disconnected". If Jeff Girard has relocated, I'd be most interested in knowing where. Truly a gem of a restaurant. Thanks,
    - ML

  • 11/9 3:37pm We just moved to Norfolk and have found this web-site INCREDIBLY helpful. Are there any locksmiths in town that you'd like to recommend?
    - NH

  • 11/9 2:51pm Re the Car Lot: the ZBA's decision was appealed to the courts, so that's where that is. It's not that the town is ignoring the decision, it's that the decision isn't "final" yet, as it is under appeal. And the ZBA's decision didn't limit them to 1 or 2 cars, that was the selectmen's license (which I think is due up for renewal soon, check with them).
    Hey, isn't there a town meeting tonight (yup, it's down in the calendar section). Wm - how about putting it up top as an announcement?
    And: maybe we should pass a rule about complaining about zoning and planning activities (a la town center) only if you attended town meeting and actually voted on the warrant articles? (There's stuff on tonight which will impact the future of town center development. As there has been the last upteem Fall town meetings.)
    Okay, soapbox off.
    - RG

  • 11/9 11:24am RD - I also recently moved here from Norwood, where I was born and raised. You can't seriously compare a small town like Norfolk with a small city like Norwood. People like myself, and I'm guessing like you too, move to a town like Norfolk to get away from the sprawl. Norwood has, what, four times the population of Norfolk? Not to mention major highways, the automile, a functioning airport, and so on. It's no wonder that Norwood's infrastructure, then, is a little more advanced than ours.
    But I would take brown water over the mess Norwood is becoming any day. By the way, Norwood's cable company is terrible. The electric department is no wonder of the universe. The water is crystal clear, sure. But that's only because it is pumped FULL of chlorine and other chemicals. It tastes like pool water. There are many sections of Norwood infested with drugs, not to mention domestic violence and other violent crime. It's really turning into a hole.
    Norfolk is a wonderful place with minor problems, but I'll take those minor problems over Norwood's major problems any day of the week. Just my $.02. I don't mean to rag on Norwood. Their schools are excellent and there are many fine people still living there. It's just not my home anymore.
    - DF

  • 11/9 11:13am In response to RD's comments on my comments - I am not sure where he/she lives, but apparently they have not been by the lot recently. The issue is not with the car lot being there, but rather with the number of town meetings (one of which the owner of the car lot did not bother to show up to - because of "Patriots hangover") the abutters attended, the decision that was granted by the ZBA AND the Town Selectmen and the fact that the town apparently was not going to enforce their own edict.
    One of the issues that was raised during the meeting was the fact that the cars are sitting on wetlands that have been illegally filled. Several of the properties that back up to the car lot and these wetlands are on well water. As you stated the cars that are for sale on the lot are less than desirable and are most likely leaking various auto fluids into the protected wetlands. If you really think there are no more than 6 or 7 cars there at any one time, come by some night when the other businesses are closed and count the number of cars that say 'for sale' on the windshield.
    So, with all due respect RD, I spoke with someone from the ZBA yesterday and they said that the issue is being pursued in a higher court. My issue may not seem important to you, but it is to me, and it is to many people directly effected by the lot. I don't have small children that attend elementary school across from where a Level 3 sex offender lives, and my drinking water is just fine, but does that mean that I should not be concerned about what is going on in the town?
    - MH

  • 11/9 8:48am I have to respond and support what JC has said. I am a Master's Level Psychotherapist and I have worked with too many women that have been sexually abused as children. Not one of those women were victims of strangers. They were all victims of relatives or friends of relatives.
    - DN

  • 11/9 8:44am I am glad to see that my end of town (Rte. 115 area) is not the only place plagued by the brown and sometimes black water. We too have complained several times to no avail to the water department, We were told that (most likely) it was dirt in the pipes and it would clear up on it's own. Well let me tell you, dirt or not it is nasty and no one wants to wash themselves or clothes in it let alone cook with it or feed it to their pets. I have noticed this town has 1001 excuses not to take care of something unless it benefits them. Maybe if every other street around here wasn't being turned into an obstacle course we wouldn't have brown and sometimes black water. You have to be a stunt person to get around here it's ridiculous.
    How do these people expect to draw in "new" residents and "new" businesses if they can't supply CLEAN, SAFE water. Who wants to run to the market every time they want a drink of water or to cook dinner or to do your laundry or take a bath or use the bathroom. Not me that's for sure. Most of the people who work for the town and actually live here have private wells anyway and won't worry about the water until it comes out their taps then heads will roll.
    I moved out here from Norwood and let me tell you they are very self sufficient with their own light and cable companies as well as clean water and a public works department that takes care of business. Take a lesson, Norfolk, or your gonna find a lot more people going out than coming in.
    - RD

  • 11/9 8:42am I have lived in Norfolk for 7 yrs and nothing surprises me more than people worried about a used car lot that has been there as long as I can remember... First of all it shares space with a motorcycle repair and dirt bike sales shop and has no more than like 6 or 7 cars there at a time. I will give the alleged complainant one thing though it is not a reputable place. A friend bought a car there and a week later it died. It took her nearly a month to get a hold of the gentleman who runs the place to have them have the car fixed and another month to get them to pay a bill they had the legal responsibility to pay. I wouldn't be worried about it being there I would be worried about its legal responsibility in the quality of the cars they sell. By the way she had the car six months and it died it is now in a junk yard somewhere for parts and she spent out of her pocket nearly $3000 dollars having it fixed only to lose it. $3000 in repairs for a $2500 dollar car hmmmm... Am I worried about them having a business there? Yes, but not because it's unsightly. Come on people,please the days of milk and bread at the local farm are gone; Norfolk is not "rural" anymore. People are looking for convenience now, not cows and chickens waking them up at 5 in the morning.
    - RD

  • 11/8 10:53pm With regards to the fury over the sex offenders who reside in Norfolk, I think we should start identifying alcoholics who live near our children, or, heck -- live near any of us, because they might drive drunk and hit one of our kids playing out on the front lawn. Or how about identifying those people who have a shoplifting conviction -- they might steal from our mailboxes. Or how about those who smoked cigarettes (or worse!) when they were teenagers or who drank some of their parents' liquor before they were 21? -- They, too could be a danger to our kids! The point is, folks, we cannot keep limiting other people's rights (yes, even people who have been convicted of sex crimes have rights!) because WE want to feel safe. Besides, I understand that it is much more likely that a sexual predator is already known to the victim -- I'd want to be much more careful of "Friendly Uncle Frank" or "Cousin Charlie" than a mentally challenged individual who is under 24 hour supervision.
    - JC

  • 11/8 6:09pm TO RD: Nobody in Norfolk has forgotten about the Level 3 on Boardman Street. Senator Scott Brown along with other senators and representatives have filed a bill, Senate Docket Number 2628, which deals with the placement of sex offenders near schools, licensed day care facilities and playgrounds. It would not allow them to live within 1.5 miles of such facilities. This bill is being held up by Representative Angelo Scaccia before it can reach the senate floor for a vote. If you would like more information about this bill, please contact Senator Brown's office directly. We are still working on this bill as a community. Nobody is going to forget about any sex offender until our children are protected and laws are put in place restricting where sex offenders can live and work!
    - SD

  • 11/8 2:16pm To those who were looking for someone to plow snow this winter....I use Scott Morrison who is very reasonable and does a great job. You can reach him at 781-389-2443.
    - GEB

  • 11/8 2:11pm Re: 11/8 9:46am I am writing in connection with the used car lot ...
    Suggestion: See the ZBA web page at http://www.virtualnorfolk.org/public_documents/norfolkma_zoning/index Contact them and ask the question again: How many cars are allowed on the lot? You may look at or get a copy of the ZBA decision for that location; ask about that.
    t The earlier response, "one or two cars", does not sound correct, as no car-sales business could do business with only "one or two" cars on the lot, and it would be against Public Policy to limit a business in that way. One or two cars would belong to the employees of the business; I would expect quite a few more would be for sale.
    - RH

  • 11/8 2:11pm I read about the removal of the level 2 sex offenders from the halfway house on Cleveland Street, and I am surprised at the people in this community. Did we all forget about the level 3 sex offender living within walking distance to the Freeman Centennial school? As a parent it concerns me a little bit more that a level 3 sex offender is allowed to live in a home on a street housing a school and walk the streets as though he never did anything wrong - a little bit more than supervised level 2 offenders who have a curfew and people to answer to. Where are people's priorities? I have 3 boys, 2 of whom go to school, one of whom goes to Freeman Centennial, and let me tell you Michael N. concerns me more than the level 2 offenders do. My oldest son played football at the Freeman as well and I never left him on the property a minute alone due to this man living on Boardman Street. Apparently the parents who did and do leave their kids alone there know nothing about Michael N. and should familiarize themselves with him on the Franklin PD web site. He is a lot more dangerous than those who would have been supervised on Cleveland. Just my 2 cents on the situation.
    - RD

  • 11/8 9:46am I am writing in connection with the used car lot on Rockwood Road. Several months ago the Zoning Board of Appeals held monthly meetings (their regular schedule) and asked for the opinions of the abutters and other "townies". It was made clear during those meetings that the number of used cars on the lot was unacceptable and there was a clear precedent set in the past that sould limit the number of cars that were going to be allowed on the lot. I called the town a couple of weeks ago to follow up and was informed that the town said they were only allowed to have "one or two cars". At last count - last night - there were upwards of 16 cars there again! I will get pictures in the morning to prove my point. Does anyone know anything about this? Please don't tell me that the town wasted the time and energy of the other abutters to attend six months of meetings for something they are not willing to enforce. Thanks!
    - MH

  • 11/8 8:05am Federated Church of Norfolk cordially invites you to our HOLLY FAIR. Saturday, November 20 from 9:00 AM~2:00 PM. Coffee & Muffins 9:00 AM, Children's Shopping, Santa 10:00~11:00 AM, Luncheon 11:30 AM, Baked Goods, Cookie Walk, Handmade Candy and Preserves, Attic Treasures, Decorations, Gifts, Plants, and Crafts. At the Corner of Rt. 115 and Main St., Norfolk, MA. 508-528-0262
    - GJ

  • 11/8 8:01am To JD, regarding the Norfolk Marketplace: 'Proceeds' was probably the wrong word to use in that context. Obviously, 100% of the 'proceeds' goes to the TPA. What the brochure meant was that 10% of the vendor sales revenue goes to the TPA. In addition, all of the entry fee, raffle, and bake sale revenue goes to the TPA, as well. This is the model used by most events of this type, as it provides both enough of an incentive to attract desirable vendors from far and wide, and enough revenue to make it interesting for the sponsoring charity. I am sure we will get a report from a TPA member, but I can tell you anecdotally that several vendors were thrilled with the attendance and very impressed with how organized things were.
    - JM

  • 11/7 5:24pm Just curious how the school did with their Marketplace Fair on Saturday. What was the net results for the school? I didn't understand the line on the brochure that said "10% of proceeds go directly to the school?" I thought all the funds raised were going to the school?
    - JD

  • 11/5 8:45pm To KB - I can't tell you how many times I have had my white towels turn into tie-dye brown towels, because somebody decided to flush a water main somewhere on the other side of town. The remedy: call the water department, tell them what happened, and ask if you can stop by for a container of "yellow out" powder. The man who used to run the water department used to tell me that although it looked awful, the water was actually safe to drink, and that the brown stuff was just manganese. However, he did admit that even he would have hard time chugging it down. Back then, the water department was only too happy to hand out the Yellow Out, and it worked great at getting the whites back to white, although not so great at getting the colored fabrics back to their original color. You can also buy Yellow Out in the grocery store. Good Luck.
    - KM

  • 11/5 3:43pm To KB - In case you haven't discovered it--Ritz rust remover works pretty well in getting out the rust stains so long as you haven't already dried the laundry(heat sets the stains). Good luck.
    - BS

  • 11/5 1:08pm Regarding "Now that the 'Roundabouts' are a dead issue", what is really going on at the intersection? I unfortunately have not been following the updates on the cable station. Has the Roundabout been nixed and it's resorting back to the 4 way stop? Will there be a traffic light put back up? If it was nixed, why? So much road work was done to prep for it. Thanks for any input!
    - JM

  • 11/5 1:04pm In answer to DLJ's comments...
    Washing machine was twice filled with brown/black water, all toilets were the same as well as every faucet; yes, we have town water. We were unable to clear this up until almost 11:00 in the evening. I did ruin what was in the first load of wash.
    The problem I have with this is that there was no notification. I realize that hydrants must be flushed and training is a must but all I request is some warning so that I'm not ruining loads of laundry etc.
    - KB

  • 11/5 12:54pm To DLJ - I wasn't sure if you wanted an optometrist or opthalmologist. We use an optometrist in Millis--Dr. Rach at Millis Eye Care. She seems very thorough and does all the tests you would expect. 508-376-0800.
    - BS

  • 11/5 7:35am Can anyone recommend an eye doctor?
    - DLJ

  • 11/5 7:34am KB, Do you have town water? This week I noticed the dirty water but only in the washing machine for the first few minutes. You should call the Norfolk Water Department 508-528-1412.
    - DLJ

  • 11/4 11:19pm Now that the 'Roundabouts' are a dead issue, we can turn our attention to finishing the other town center projects. The Library seems to be making good progress and I enjoy watching the daily construction via the live webcam. The stone walls around Town Hill are nearing completion and the old Cliff's Package Store has a nice new look. It's been a long, and at times inconvenient struggle, but the end product should be something we and our grandkids will be proud of. The other 'RP'
    - RP

  • 11/4 9:43am Would someone please recommend a snow plowing service for the Norfolk area. Thank you,
    - JRC

  • 11/13 7:49am Oh, no, you all say, NOT JC writing twice in one night -- we just can't stand this any more! Well, folks, you are going to hear something here that rarely ever happens publicly, and that is that I apologize -- just a little bit -- for being so one-sided about the group home discussion. I realize now (after sleeping on this, literally, and waking up in the middle of the night with an epiphany) that the neighborhood, especially the people living right next to the group home, will most likely have a harder time selling their homes because of their locating there. No, duh, JC! That's what we've all been shouting at you! So some people (the immediate neighborhood) are disproportionally paying for society's push that marginalized people be re-entered into society. A true problem, yes.
    But, really, this whole bruhaha was fueled by the sex offender registry law, which was initiated by well-meaning people to notify people of potential dangers in their community. So what was the result of that law? It in effect blacklisted neighborhoods where sex offenders lived. Hmmmmm, was that the effect we really wanted? Is it better to label the devil in your neighborhood, at the expense of branding your neighborhood? Or would it have been better for society if we continued to do what we always have done -- watch our neighbors and our children carefully at all times, don't let our kids alone.
    Of, course (yes, I already hear you all screaming at your computers again!), we could have a third choice: make sure that convicted sex offenders who are put back into society are truly safe to be there before they are let out of the legal system. So let's work at changing the criminal code for sex offenders, so the public is assured that these people are not going to do this again. The problem that I have with the bill that Scott Brown is trying to push through the legislature is that it does not address the root of the problem -- that a percentage of sex offenders are likely to re-commit their crimes -- but just geographically limits them (a NIMBY issue); of course, there is nothing to say, in this highly mobile society, that a convicted sex offender who is banished to live in the boonies can't simply drive into a more populated area!
    And, as for the potential economic stigma that a group home of mentally disabled adults would bring to a neighborhood, I suspect that this would dissipate over time. When special needs children were first included in regular education classrooms, many parents (and teachers) were concerned that the entire class would suffer as a result. After many years, though, I believe most people feel that the change was for the better overall, as all class members (read "neighbors") were enriched by knowing people who were different. How long that will take for neighborhoods to develop that way, who knows. In the meantime, unfortunately, the immediate neighbors will possibly feel an economic repercussion. It's sort of similar to initial racial integration in a neighborhood, where some potential buyers won't even consider moving next to a (fill in the blank) family; I don't think that's generally now an issue in this town, and individuals don't lose economically as a result. Let's hope it becomes a non-issue for the mentally disabled as well.
    So, folks, I can't take much more of this thinking about this topic 24/7, and I suspect that you are all burned out as well. I hope that my postings have in some way furthered some careful thought in at least some of you, and maybe some positive action as well to address the real problems our society faces. I wish you all well.
    - JC

  • 11/13 7:48am JC - I think once again you are conveniently missing some valid points here and I think SD is totally correct in giving up on talking reasonably to you, since it seems to fuel some sort of fire within you. I will state for myself and I think it's safe to say that I could speak for several, if not all the people in this neighborhood, that we have never had a problem with mentally challenged people living in this home. WE have a problem with sex offenders living in our midst, period. I personally have a problem with people that want to justify their actions and smooth everything over, when all you have to do is pick up a paper on any given day and read about level two sex offenders re-offending and usually the second time around is more gruesome than the first. The issue here is #1 the sex offenders living in close proximity to our children and #2 the way the agency has gone about business in an underhanded and sneaky manner, leaving us feeling unsettled and vulnerable. I am too tired talking to you about this quite frankly JC and I think that people like you are really being as closed-minded as you are trying to make US out to be!!!! We know where we stand and what our viewpoints are and what our convictions are and what we feel our rights and the rights of our children are. If you want to continue your little rant about defending these poor, innocent sex offenders, than you will have to find someone else to bicker with because I don't have time to discuss this with you any longer. It is like beating a dead horse. It seems that because you no longer have any points to argue, that you are taking the low road and trying to make this about mentally challenged people and it absolutely is not and I'm quite sure you know that. It is about sex offenders...... S-E-X O-F-F-E-N-D-E-R-S.... or in other words, people who offend, sexually. It doesn't matter if their IQ is 65 or 265--the fact that they are sex offenders is the issue, period!! The minute you start putting words into my mouth I am all done talking to you. One thing is clear--either you just like to argue or perhaps it is that you are as passionate about the rights of sex offenders, as we are about our rights and the rights of innocent children. You have a right to your opinion, as do we...I do find it interesting that you never seemed to be at any of the public discussions regarding this home--why weren't you there defending these men before your fellow townspeople?? Perhaps you were but you didn't speak up since it's obviously a very hot topic and you wouldn't be very popular.... It's easy to hide behind a posting on a web page but is it productive??
    - LB

  • 11/13 7:30am A ladies' gold watch was turned in by a town employee who found it in the parking area at the Town Hall. If I am not manning the Information Center, check with Betsy Fijol at the Board of Health Dept. to identify the item and claim same. Thank you,
    - John Olivieri, Town Hall Info Office

  • 11/12 8:48pm After all of this discussion in the last few days, I have to admit that I am somewhat baffled. (Let's see if someone is willing to stoop low enough to make a comment on that!) The house on Cleveland Street was bought with state money to provide housing for people with mental retardation; do people have a problem with providing such housing to these folks? The state does not, as far as I know, provide housing specifically for sex offenders; in this case, the state has provided housing because these individuals in question are mentally retarded and cannot live on their own.
    The reason I ask if people have a problem with this is because, while much of the initial neighborhood outcry was ostensibly to protect the neighborhood children from the sex offenders, now it seems that people are questioning why that particular house was purchased for a group home at all, as seen by LB's comments: If you look at the house that this agency chose--I mean really look at it--how much they paid, the fact that it only has three bedrooms for 4 adult men, it didn't have an adequate septic system, surrounded by woods, it has a pool, which to me could put these men at risk, unless they all know how to swim...the list goes on and on... Clearly, when taking these things into consideration, this house was a very poor choice[.] Why can't two men share one bedroom? I suspect that the same people who question that the number of bedrooms was too few for four men would turn around and complain that the state was pampering these people with our taxpayer money if the rule was that only one person could be in a bedroom. (Nobody questions that private universities soak parents many thousands of dollars a year to put their young adult son or daughter in a teeny little room with two or three other roommates!) The septic system replacement is a non-issue, as it is fairly safe to say that any house over 30 years old will need to have a system replacement. And the pool and the woods... are they any more unsafe for a family with little children? As for the purchase price, the state buys houses throughout the commonwealth, I would imagine, so that those mentally disabled clients could live and work near where they grew up and where their extended families are; should we expect that the state would insist that all group homes for the mentally disabled be only in poor economic areas where housing stock is cheap?
    Eventually people were even questioning why the money was allotted for housing at all. For example, MR writes, "How many teachers, police officers, or firefighters could we hire for the $430k the taxpayers spent on that house??? Never mind the cost of 24 hour supervision. That money comes out of OUR pockets." The money is for people with mental retardation. Do we have a problem with that? We seem to readily spend money on special education for these people when they are younger, even if they have criminal convictions as teenagers (and there are many of them in that category). So now we all of a sudden want to get tough with them when they are a little older?
    Or is it, as I suspect, all of a sudden a problem because this group home happens to be in the same neighborhood as some of us, and we don't want it there? It wasn't enough that the sex offenders were moved away, now we question that it really isn't an appropriate house for a group home anyway for all sorts of reasons. Based on the dearth of reasonable responses to my previous postings' questions about what to do with these people, I don't know that too many of you are working on real solutions to this problem of other than making sure that you personally never have to brush up against it.
    - JC

  • 11/12 6:14pm Where did all the people (patients) go to that were housed in Medfield State Hospital, Wrentham State Hospital, and Foxboro State Hospital? Wrentham is still open but at about 2% of what it once was. Prison? Group homes? under a bridge in Cambridge/ (homeless)?.
    - LS

  • 11/12 10:02am Regarding the sex offenders. It is a shame that there is no way these criminals could have prevented being the subject of such negative attitudes... WAIT !! There was an option for them! They could have not committed the crimes! I don't care if they have trouble fitting into society... It is like the article in last Sunday's Globe about mothers in prison that want more time with their children.... maybe these criminals should have considered the ramifications before making the mistake. How many teachers, police officers, or firefighters could we hire for the $430k the taxpayers spent on that house??? Never mind the cost of 24 hour supervision. That money comes out of OUR pockets. Isn't it strange that if I choose not to pay my taxes to fund this, I go to jail, these people get a house that is above the median home value in the town.
    - MR

  • 11/12 9:57am JC - It was not my intent to get into a full fledged discussion with you on this subject but I guess I would like to respond to your post... First of all, let's remember who the victims are in this situation. It is not the person who was intending to rape and got caught and it is not the person who molested a child and got caught. they are not the victims. If they are having problems finding open arms to welcome them into a community, then they should have thought about that before they committed their crimes and if they were not capable of thinking it thru then, then what is to prevent them from thinking it thru now?? The victims in this stituation and other situations is the person that was almost raped and the child that was molested first and foremost, BUT also the victims in this situation are the parents and the children living in these neighborhoods that have literally had their lives changed and their way of doing things changed because the state came along and said, we're going to plop these people down here and we don't care what the zoning laws are for the town and we don't care what sort of discomfort this causes the neighbors, this is where they're going. If you look at the house that this agency chose--I mean really look at it--how much they paid, the fact that it only has three bedrooms for 4 adult men, it didn't have an adequate septic system, surrounded by woods, it has a pool, which to me could put these men at risk, unless they all know how to swim...the list goes on and on... Clearly, when taking these things into consideration, this house was a very poor choice even if you don't add in the population of children and the fact that it is set back into the woods and not easily monitored by the police. Of course the list of victims in the situation goes on and on also--how about the incident where one of these men was looking at the child across the street, not once but TWICE with binoculars??!! Is that child and the play date she had over, victims?? Of course they are--it was very upsetting to them, BUT guess what??!! They have as much as been told that they were lying about the incident by the people running the home, even though the psychologist for these men came over and removed the binoculars....So, then that bring us back into the dark ages when victims kept their mouths shut about being abused or uncomfortable because they felt nobody would believe them anyway....These little children know what they saw and yet now they are being told they made it up.....yet again not protecting the innocent but protecting the the person that caused the problem in the first place!!!! Lastly, I would like to say that anyone in this neighborhood that owns a home is a victim. The older couple I spoke about in my last post, that lives next door to this house, happens to be my parents. Never mind that my family lives two doors down from the house, it burns me up inside because I know my parents worked hard their whole lives to settle down into this new house that they built 4 years ago. They have lived in this town for almost 40 years, been law abiding citizens, paid their taxes, attended town meetings, sent 3 of us thru the school system and after retiring a few years ago, built their beautiful home--so now what....what if they want to sell their home a few years down the road, or what if they don't want to but they have to sell??? Who would want to buy a home next to a sex offender house, no matter how beautiful it is??? The point is that all of us are trapped now and probably couldn't sell our homes even if we wanted to, or if we did sell, we would have to take a huge loss. So, there you have it, we the home owners are victims of these people's crimes as well. I don't feel sorry for them, I feel sorry for the victims and maybe this is why you are finding more than just a few of us that don't agree with your overly compassionate viewpoint. Oh and incidentally, I think it's ironic that in a town like Norfolk, where housing prices are so high, that the state would pay a ridiculous amount of money for a house like the one they are living in....Norfolk is one of the towns that is untouchable by most people who are law abiding citizens just starting out, like newly weds.....and yet if you commit a sex crime, you might beable to move here....this does not make any sense!! Is this how you want your tax dollars spent???
    - LB

  • 11/11 8:21pm LB: Thank you for your calm, organized manner in explaining some of the issues dealing with the Cleveland Street group home. Their apparent behavior (I say that only because I did not experience it firsthand) certainly makes a difficult situation a little more complicated, as we are really talking about two issues rolled into one: first, the way in which THIS group home came into the community, and second, how we as a society deal with people who might be a danger to the rest of us. As I have had no firsthand interaction with the group home personnel, I cannot comment on how it was handled, although it certainly appears to have been less than productive for both sides.
    The second issue, which is what I am really trying to discuss, is how we as a Massachusetts citizenry handle these level 2 and 3 sex offenders. I truly can appreciate that people are nervous about them in their midst, and that my tolerance is obviously higher than some others', but to make the sweeping proposal that no one convicted of a sex offense be allowed to live within a mile and a half of a school, playground, or day care setting is simply unworkable. LB, you stated that one of the problems of the Cleveland Street setting is that it is wooded and near children. Can you tell me any place in Massachusetts that is outside of the 1.5 mile radius of school, playground, and daycare that is NOT wooded or near children? The proposed law conveniently excludes ALL of Norfolk (I am presuming that there is at least one licensed day care setting in Lafayette Estates), and I would guarantee that virtually every town in Eastern Massachusetts would have the same limitations. So do we send all of these sex offenders to Western Massachusetts?
    Some other questions come to mind: If a person is already living in a house near a school and is subsequently convicted of a sex offense, does he have to move away? Does his family have to move? What if he can't sell his house? As he is trying to get back into a more appropriate life, will he have to quit his job because he is forced to live too far away from his job? And what if he lives outside the 1.5 mile radius, but then a day care center is opened close by -- does he have to move away then? I am sure by now that some of you are screaming at the computer while reading my questions, thinking that I just don't get it -- these people DESERVE every problem that they get. But actually, I "get it" quite well and realize that we can't just make these sweeping proposals to get people away from us without thinking them through to see if they will work. It is OUR problem as a society, and to refuse to think of the ramifications of our actions as though we were all little children who could just "wish" the problem away with unworkable legislation is not acceptable. Currently there are approximately 18,000 convicted sex offenders in Massachusetts. If we "just send them away, far away from anywhere there are children," where do they go? "I don't care," is not an acceptable answer -- it's like demanding an expensive vacation (or whatever) without knowing how you are going to pay for it.
    If we as a society think that ANYone convicted as a sex offender is too dangerous to live amongst us (even with the "Scarlet Letter" designation of the sex offender registration law - my apologies to Hawthorne), then they all should be incarcerated for life. But our criminal laws currently say that many of them are deemed safe enough to live in general society, and that all who are released from incarceration have paid their debt to society. So what this means is that maybe we should be fighting to change the criminal code for sex offenders, not supporting what is in effect an unworkable proposal.
    A couple of people have brought up the comment that these people don't deserve living in a house with a swimming pool, all bought with our tax dollars. For better or worse, our commonwealth decided approximately 25 years ago that warehousing the marginalized people in our society in places like Wrentham, Medfield, and Foxboro State Hospitals was cruel and counter-productive, as these people would become more productive members of society if they were out in the community in group homes. Having worked in places like Wrentham State Hospital, I have to agree with the decision to move them into the community. So we are going to complain because these folks have a swimming pool? Or is it just that the sex offenders in the group home have a swimming pool? It all goes back to whether we are trying to punish the sex offenders (who have paid their debt according to the current criminal code) or to help them to take their place in society.
    I fully recognize that there are some (many!) of you who disagree with me. Please understand that I am not trying to get you more upset about a volatile situation, I am just trying to make sure that we have a full discussion of what the issues really are. If I have offended some of you in the process, that wasn't my intention. I respect that you have strong opinions, and I only hope that you can acknowledge mine as well.
    - JC

  • 11/11 1:17pm I would like to stop today and thank the Veterans and Soldiers of the United States for fighting for our country. You are appreciated and commended for your bravery and heroism.
    - NM

  • 11/11 1:20pm TO JC: This is my final comment to you. Do not put words in my mouth. I have a problem with sex offenders. All those other undesirables [...] were words you put in my mouth. And let me remind you that WE bought that house for them. They didn't purchase it with their own money. Did we also buy their victims houses, or do we leave them to fend for themselves and get their own mental care treatment that they need for the rest of their lives after being raped??? No, we take care of the criminals but not the victims. You will never see my side of the story. I will never see yours. So let's just end this now.
    - SD

  • 11/11 11:31am To JC--Just a comment regarding the idea of bringing a cake over to the group home.....I happen to know that the older couple living right next door to the home already tried to bring them some homemade bread as a good will gesture, and to introduce themselves as their neighbors. Several months ago, we had been encouraged to meet these men and told that if we just met them, that we would like them. So, after baking bread and trying to take it to them to be neighborly, this older couple was told to leave the property and they were spoken to very rudely by the person in charge. Even after calling the woman who had encouraged them to meet them in the first place, and explaining to her what had happened when they tried to meet them, there wasn't even an apology for how they had been treated.
    I really think that if the agency that runs this home had worked with the neighborhood to calm our fears from the very beginning and honestly answer our questions, it would have been very helpful. However they have done virtually nothing to work with us and in fact on numerous occasions, outright lied to us and town officials--some of which is on videotape. They have been very sneaky from the very beginning and this brings about a trust issue with those of us that are close by. If you are repeatedly lied to about various things, like how many bedrooms are in the house and not allowing town officials into the house to check because obviously they had something to hide, then why should we believe that these men are indeed being watched 24 hours a day?? If they are being watched, who's watching them and what are their qualifications?? None of these questions have been answered. I think it might be easy for some to sit in judgment of this situation and how it's been handled but I feel certain that if these people knew the whole picture regarding the handling of this situation by those in charge of this home, and how the agency has handled not only the neighbors but even the town itself, their vision might be cleared.
    SD--from the very beginning you have been working closely on this and I know you speak the truth and from your heart....there are so many in this neighborhood that thank you for that. No one is saying these men don't have a right to live in society but why put them in a situation where they are setting them up for failure by putting them in an area surrounded by woods and surrounded by children??!! If people care so much about these men, wouldn't it be the right thing to do to remove them as much as possible from temptation, so they don't reoffend and end up in a much, much less desirable place then a $430,000.00 house with a pool, on Cleveland St and with far fewer rights??!!
    - LB

  • 11/11 8:49am JC - Are you serious or are you trying to be ironic? Are you really claiming that folks who question the safety of having sex offenders in their neighborhoods are engaging in witch hunts? Are you really all that concerned about infringing upon the rights of sex offenders? Because I'll tell you, no one else is.
    Usually I am angered by the NIMBY mentality, but in this case I have to say there's no way I'd want sex offenders living in my neighborhood. With so much open space in this country, it shouldn't be too difficult to find a median strip or sand pit somewhere to build a home for wayward molesters. There's just no justification for a halfway house for sex offenders to exist in any populated area where civilized people and their children live. None.
    When you commit a sex crime, and especially against a child, you give up your stake in the 'foundation of liberty that we all so cherish.'
    - DF

  • 11/10 10:59pm To SD: I don't want sex offenders in my neighborhood, I don't want drug addicts in my neighborhood, I don't want convicts in my neighborhood. In fact, I don't want lots of different types of unsavory people in my neighborhood. And some people probably don't want ME in their neighborhood, because I think differently than they do. But guess what? We all have the right to live wherever we want, because this is America. Even if our thoughts and actions are unpopular. So let's stop the witch hunt mentality and realize that when we are hell-bent on limiting other people's rights, we are chipping away at the foundation of liberty that we all so cherish.
    - JC

  • 11/10 10:31pm TO JC: Let me remind you and everybody else who has a question about this group home situation: Do you know whether or not these men committed their crimes while they were being supervised twenty-four hours a day? Because when we met with a representative from the Department of Mental Retardation we asked that question to him, and he refused to answer it, which led us all to believe that the crimes could have been committed while they were being "supervised." So, unless you know otherwise, it is safe to assume that they committed their crimes while they were being supervised. End of story.
    As far as the ``not in my neighborhood'' attitude. Let me tell you this: I don't want it in anybody's neighborhood, not just mine. And I said that from the very beginning of all this. If you are comfortable with sex offenders, that is your problem. Stop thinking you can tell me how I am supposed to feel about them. I am not a fool. I know there are people to avoid and my children know it as well. That's the world we live in. And you can go up on your high horse if you want, but saying "I should have" and actually doing it are two different things. We had meetings with the Town Officials about this, were you there defending these men asking us to give them a chance?
    - SD

  • 11/10 3:57pm To Name Withheld by Request: Yes, it was a tragedy that you were raped by a stranger -- I certainly don't deny you that, and I hope that you are somehow able to put one foot in front of the other every day to continue on with your life. My heart goes out to you for your struggle.
    But I have to ask a few questions (which I certainly understand that you won't answer, but they are posed for the discussion at hand) -- was the stranger who raped you a mentally retarded individual who was living in a 24-hour supervised setting near you? Or was it a more random attack by someone who wouldn't be so easily categorized? I suspect that the rapist was not a group home member.
    As for my reference to other crimes (illegal drinking, DWI, stealing, etc.), my point was that we don't generally know if our neighbors and their visitors have any "hidden pasts," so we all learn to protect ourselves and our children from people in general. Just because an individual is not labelled "dangerous" by the state does not mean that he or she is not a threat to us and our children. The sex offender registry deals only with people convicted after August 1, 1981; that means that there could be older convicted offenders living right in our midst whom we don't know about! [mass.gov ref]
    To SD: The use of the word "rumors" rather than "convicted" was because this neighborhood situation happened in the 1960's -- there would be no way of knowing if these neighbors were actually sex offenders. The point was that they were identified (rightly or wrongly), and we all knew that there were some "people in the neighborhood to stay away from." So we did. End of story.
    Somehow this whole group home uproar smacks of NIMBY. And, for the record, I and my children live less than a mile from the group home myself, so maybe I should have taken a walk over with my welcoming cake to greet the new neighbors.
    - JC

  • 11/10 3:06pm TO JC: There is a difference in my opinion from "rumors flying around" and actual facts. The two men on Cleveland Street are "convicted" sex offenders. There is a difference between a "rumor" and a "conviction." I know about supervising my children. I have always supervised my children, but I do have a problem with the state putting sex offenders so close to my children. There is no safe place to live in this world, and I know it. But moving convicted sex offenders away from a neighborhood with 25 children is a good start. You can also stop with your statistics. I am not interested in my children become one of the statistics of children who get raped by neighbors rather than relatives or "Friendly Uncle Frank."
    - SD

  • 11/10 2:59pm Looking for teenagers who want to make some extra cash raking leaves. Please call 508-528-1461.
    - JJ

  • 11/10 12:54pm The school children of Norfolk donated 426 pounds of Halloween candy during the Norfolk Community League's (NCL) Sixth Annual Halloween Candy give back held on Nov. 1. The Candy was donated to the Norcap and North Cottage Rehabilitation Centers. D.A.R.E. officer Steve Plimpton discussed the program with all children whom participated. There were also two lucky winners in a drawing of two $25 Toys Ect. gift cards. Thank you to all who participated in this event.
    - TR

    [Corected 3:03 - TR]

  • 11/10 11:21am To JC and DN, As a victim of rape, by a stranger, I am appalled at your comments. How can you compare smoking cigarettes, stealing and drinking to rape? I live with this everyday of my life and will never feel safe again. I now have young children and live down the street from these offenders. Why should their rights be put above my children's rights? I would do anything to protect them from these people. As far as I am concerned they got off easy - nice house on Cleveland Street with a pool. What's next? A membership at the club? They do not deserve rights like us. We are decent citizens who obey the law. They are criminals who hurt children.
    - [Initials withheld - Wm.]

  • 11/10 11:11am I guess I didn't get my point across very well. Of course I don't think that stealing from a mailbox is on the same level as sexual molestation. A bad example. But maybe being hit by a drunk driver does just as much permanent damage as being molested, yet we don't have a huge outcry when someone who has one or more DWI's lives in the neighborhood, even though there are statistics to show that repeat offenders are more likely to be involved in a fatal crash [MADD statistics page] ; that fatal crash might involve your innocent family member or mine coming home from a late meeting or whatever.
    The point I'm trying to make is that we should all be aware of the real risks involved, not just reacting from our guts. Someone (I don't have the norfolknet posting in front of me) [11/9 8:51pm] brought up the priest molestation scandal as testimony to the damage done by sexual molestation. Does that mean that all priests are perverts? Of course not! What it means is that we as parents should never assume that a friendly priest (or neighbor or relative) is appropriate for our child to be alone with. There are always "bad" people around in our environment, always have been, and always will be. Our job as parents (yes, I have children who have grown up in Norfolk) is to teach our kids how to maneuver themselves safely in the world. As DN and I both stated, the overwhelming majority of victims of sex crimes know their perpetrators [US DOJ ref]. It is highly unlikely that a mentally challenged individual under 24 hour supervision would nab a little child playing out in the yard to molest him or her; it's statistically much more likely that that same child would be raped by a "doting" grandfather, uncle, or cousin.
    As for the upcoming Senate bill backed by Scott Brown, I feel that people are reacting to the gut feeling of fear rather than really analyzing the actual risks. A licensed child care home or center has a responsible adult watching all of those children every minute they are there -- not much opportunity for a lurking child molester to snatch a victim, at least not in the day care settings my children attended when they were younger. Likewise, a school has plenty of supervision for their charges, again, giving virtually no opportunity for someone to lure a child away. Yes, playgrounds are the least "secure" settings for our children if there is not supervisory adult presence there; so maybe we could fine-tune such a bill to limit access to playground environs by convicted sex criminals. But understand that other convicted (and potential!) sex offenders who don't live in that area could still just as easily hang around our Norfolk playgrounds after school, even if they live in another town, so this proposed bill does not really solve anything!!! All it does is give some of us the false sense of security that we are protecting our children by creating a wall around us.
    May I suggest that instead we all do the following: make sure we provide adult supervision for our grade-school children at all times, and teach them how to identify dangers and respond to them appropriately as they get older. If that means that a group of parents take turns supervising the playground after school, so be it. But please, oh please, don't miss the statistically documented threat of sexual abuse by relatives and friends of the family!!!
    SD -- Your response brought back a memory for me. I grew up in a neighborhood of closely situated houses where two middle-aged mentally challenged men lived with their parents. There were lots of rumors flying around in the neighborhood about how these brothers had a history of making sexual advances towards people; we all handled it by knowing to stay away from their house and keeping a healthy distance from either of the men as they walked to and from the end of the street to catch the bus to their jobs. We never felt that they were going to snatch us from our yards, and we certainly didn't feel that it was our responsibility to run them out of town. And to think -- those were the days when we all left our doors unlocked and we kids would say goodbye to Mom in the morning for a day of unsupervised play around the neighborhood, returning only for meals!
    - JC

  • 11/9 8:55pm TO JC & DN: If you want to compare somebody who steals something from my mailbox with a sex offender, who molested a child under the age of fourteen, you go right ahead, but for every one of you who thinks that these men have rights to live in neighborhoods with twenty-five children at their disposal, there are 100 of me who think you are absolutely mistaken. You do not know the circumstances of these individuals, and I am sure that if you did you would still try to defend their actions. I have been working on this issue since March, and I believe I know more about these people and the people who "supervise" them than you do, so until you do your homework, you should keep your opinions to yourself. Victims are not always people in the family, and if there isn't any family available, who do you think these sex offenders turn to next? I'm not apologizing for wanting these men away from my children and my neighbor's children. If you think they are so special, did you go over to their house with a cake and welcome them to Norfolk? Or are you just sitting home criticizing people who want their children protected from rapist and child molesters? As a a parent I have a right to defend my children BEFORE something happens to them. And if that is not how you go about your life that is your business.I still don't feel you have the right to paint me or anybody like me as an uncaring or over-reacting individual. Also, let me ask you this. Would you buy a house next to two level two sex offenders? Because most people would not, therefore, people in this neighborhood couldn't sell their houses. Why should we have to be prisoners in our own homes for crimes other people committed?
    - SD

  • 11/9 8:51pm To JC - how could you possibly think that a shoplifting crime or stealing from one's mail box could ever compare to the violation of one's body by a sex offender?? Geez we are talking about a lifetime of damage not only to a person's body but to one's mental state for the REST of their lives - once you are a victim of this kind of crime - it's not like you can shake it off and have a chuckle when something has been taken from your mailbox. Have you not been watching the news and seeing the pain on the faces of all those violated by priests - in many cases decades ago? I think the point was raised that the Cleveland Street residents were under some sort of supervision - however, the Boardman Street resident isn't; being so close to a grade school should concern the residents of our town even more.
    To RD - we did move tot town over a decade ago and I'm still enjoying the cows and chickens waking us up at 5 in the morning! I hope this never changes!
    - KR

  • 11/9 8:47pm Does anyone know if Girard's Bistro in Franklin is still operating? The phone number has been "disconnected". If Jeff Girard has relocated, I'd be most interested in knowing where. Truly a gem of a restaurant. Thanks,
    - ML

  • 11/9 3:37pm We just moved to Norfolk and have found this web-site INCREDIBLY helpful. Are there any locksmiths in town that you'd like to recommend?
    - NH

  • 11/9 2:51pm Re the Car Lot: the ZBA's decision was appealed to the courts, so that's where that is. It's not that the town is ignoring the decision, it's that the decision isn't "final" yet, as it is under appeal. And the ZBA's decision didn't limit them to 1 or 2 cars, that was the selectmen's license (which I think is due up for renewal soon, check with them).
    Hey, isn't there a town meeting tonight (yup, it's down in the calendar section). Wm - how about putting it up top as an announcement?
    And: maybe we should pass a rule about complaining about zoning and planning activities (a la town center) only if you attended town meeting and actually voted on the warrant articles? (There's stuff on tonight which will impact the future of town center development. As there has been the last upteem Fall town meetings.)
    Okay, soapbox off.
    - RG

  • 11/9 11:24am RD - I also recently moved here from Norwood, where I was born and raised. You can't seriously compare a small town like Norfolk with a small city like Norwood. People like myself, and I'm guessing like you too, move to a town like Norfolk to get away from the sprawl. Norwood has, what, four times the population of Norfolk? Not to mention major highways, the automile, a functioning airport, and so on. It's no wonder that Norwood's infrastructure, then, is a little more advanced than ours.
    But I would take brown water over the mess Norwood is becoming any day. By the way, Norwood's cable company is terrible. The electric department is no wonder of the universe. The water is crystal clear, sure. But that's only because it is pumped FULL of chlorine and other chemicals. It tastes like pool water. There are many sections of Norwood infested with drugs, not to mention domestic violence and other violent crime. It's really turning into a hole.
    Norfolk is a wonderful place with minor problems, but I'll take those minor problems over Norwood's major problems any day of the week. Just my $.02. I don't mean to rag on Norwood. Their schools are excellent and there are many fine people still living there. It's just not my home anymore.
    - DF

  • 11/9 11:13am In response to RD's comments on my comments - I am not sure where he/she lives, but apparently they have not been by the lot recently. The issue is not with the car lot being there, but rather with the number of town meetings (one of which the owner of the car lot did not bother to show up to - because of "Patriots hangover") the abutters attended, the decision that was granted by the ZBA AND the Town Selectmen and the fact that the town apparently was not going to enforce their own edict.
    One of the issues that was raised during the meeting was the fact that the cars are sitting on wetlands that have been illegally filled. Several of the properties that back up to the car lot and these wetlands are on well water. As you stated the cars that are for sale on the lot are less than desirable and are most likely leaking various auto fluids into the protected wetlands. If you really think there are no more than 6 or 7 cars there at any one time, come by some night when the other businesses are closed and count the number of cars that say 'for sale' on the windshield.
    So, with all due respect RD, I spoke with someone from the ZBA yesterday and they said that the issue is being pursued in a higher court. My issue may not seem important to you, but it is to me, and it is to many people directly effected by the lot. I don't have small children that attend elementary school across from where a Level 3 sex offender lives, and my drinking water is just fine, but does that mean that I should not be concerned about what is going on in the town?
    - MH

  • 11/9 8:48am I have to respond and support what JC has said. I am a Master's Level Psychotherapist and I have worked with too many women that have been sexually abused as children. Not one of those women were victims of strangers. They were all victims of relatives or friends of relatives.
    - DN

  • 11/9 8:44am I am glad to see that my end of town (Rte. 115 area) is not the only place plagued by the brown and sometimes black water. We too have complained several times to no avail to the water department, We were told that (most likely) it was dirt in the pipes and it would clear up on it's own. Well let me tell you, dirt or not it is nasty and no one wants to wash themselves or clothes in it let alone cook with it or feed it to their pets. I have noticed this town has 1001 excuses not to take care of something unless it benefits them. Maybe if every other street around here wasn't being turned into an obstacle course we wouldn't have brown and sometimes black water. You have to be a stunt person to get around here it's ridiculous.
    How do these people expect to draw in "new" residents and "new" businesses if they can't supply CLEAN, SAFE water. Who wants to run to the market every time they want a drink of water or to cook dinner or to do your laundry or take a bath or use the bathroom. Not me that's for sure. Most of the people who work for the town and actually live here have private wells anyway and won't worry about the water until it comes out their taps then heads will roll.
    I moved out here from Norwood and let me tell you they are very self sufficient with their own light and cable companies as well as clean water and a public works department that takes care of business. Take a lesson, Norfolk, or your gonna find a lot more people going out than coming in.
    - RD

  • 11/9 8:42am I have lived in Norfolk for 7 yrs and nothing surprises me more than people worried about a used car lot that has been there as long as I can remember... First of all it shares space with a motorcycle repair and dirt bike sales shop and has no more than like 6 or 7 cars there at a time. I will give the alleged complainant one thing though it is not a reputable place. A friend bought a car there and a week later it died. It took her nearly a month to get a hold of the gentleman who runs the place to have them have the car fixed and another month to get them to pay a bill they had the legal responsibility to pay. I wouldn't be worried about it being there I would be worried about its legal responsibility in the quality of the cars they sell. By the way she had the car six months and it died it is now in a junk yard somewhere for parts and she spent out of her pocket nearly $3000 dollars having it fixed only to lose it. $3000 in repairs for a $2500 dollar car hmmmm... Am I worried about them having a business there? Yes, but not because it's unsightly. Come on people,please the days of milk and bread at the local farm are gone; Norfolk is not "rural" anymore. People are looking for convenience now, not cows and chickens waking them up at 5 in the morning.
    - RD

  • 11/8 10:53pm With regards to the fury over the sex offenders who reside in Norfolk, I think we should start identifying alcoholics who live near our children, or, heck -- live near any of us, because they might drive drunk and hit one of our kids playing out on the front lawn. Or how about identifying those people who have a shoplifting conviction -- they might steal from our mailboxes. Or how about those who smoked cigarettes (or worse!) when they were teenagers or who drank some of their parents' liquor before they were 21? -- They, too could be a danger to our kids! The point is, folks, we cannot keep limiting other people's rights (yes, even people who have been convicted of sex crimes have rights!) because WE want to feel safe. Besides, I understand that it is much more likely that a sexual predator is already known to the victim -- I'd want to be much more careful of "Friendly Uncle Frank" or "Cousin Charlie" than a mentally challenged individual who is under 24 hour supervision.
    - JC

  • 11/8 6:09pm TO RD: Nobody in Norfolk has forgotten about the Level 3 on Boardman Street. Senator Scott Brown along with other senators and representatives have filed a bill, Senate Docket Number 2628, which deals with the placement of sex offenders near schools, licensed day care facilities and playgrounds. It would not allow them to live within 1.5 miles of such facilities. This bill is being held up by Representative Angelo Scaccia before it can reach the senate floor for a vote. If you would like more information about this bill, please contact Senator Brown's office directly. We are still working on this bill as a community. Nobody is going to forget about any sex offender until our children are protected and laws are put in place restricting where sex offenders can live and work!
    - SD

  • 11/8 2:16pm To those who were looking for someone to plow snow this winter....I use Scott Morrison who is very reasonable and does a great job. You can reach him at 781-389-2443.
    - GEB

  • 11/8 2:11pm Re: 11/8 9:46am I am writing in connection with the used car lot ...
    Suggestion: See the ZBA web page at http://www.virtualnorfolk.org/public_documents/norfolkma_zoning/index Contact them and ask the question again: How many cars are allowed on the lot? You may look at or get a copy of the ZBA decision for that location; ask about that.
    t The earlier response, "one or two cars", does not sound correct, as no car-sales business could do business with only "one or two" cars on the lot, and it would be against Public Policy to limit a business in that way. One or two cars would belong to the employees of the business; I would expect quite a few more would be for sale.
    - RH

  • 11/8 2:11pm I read about the removal of the level 2 sex offenders from the halfway house on Cleveland Street, and I am surprised at the people in this community. Did we all forget about the level 3 sex offender living within walking distance to the Freeman Centennial school? As a parent it concerns me a little bit more that a level 3 sex offender is allowed to live in a home on a street housing a school and walk the streets as though he never did anything wrong - a little bit more than supervised level 2 offenders who have a curfew and people to answer to. Where are people's priorities? I have 3 boys, 2 of whom go to school, one of whom goes to Freeman Centennial, and let me tell you Michael N. concerns me more than the level 2 offenders do. My oldest son played football at the Freeman as well and I never left him on the property a minute alone due to this man living on Boardman Street. Apparently the parents who did and do leave their kids alone there know nothing about Michael N. and should familiarize themselves with him on the Franklin PD web site. He is a lot more dangerous than those who would have been supervised on Cleveland. Just my 2 cents on the situation.
    - RD

  • 11/8 9:46am I am writing in connection with the used car lot on Rockwood Road. Several months ago the Zoning Board of Appeals held monthly meetings (their regular schedule) and asked for the opinions of the abutters and other "townies". It was made clear during those meetings that the number of used cars on the lot was unacceptable and there was a clear precedent set in the past that sould limit the number of cars that were going to be allowed on the lot. I called the town a couple of weeks ago to follow up and was informed that the town said they were only allowed to have "one or two cars". At last count - last night - there were upwards of 16 cars there again! I will get pictures in the morning to prove my point. Does anyone know anything about this? Please don't tell me that the town wasted the time and energy of the other abutters to attend six months of meetings for something they are not willing to enforce. Thanks!
    - MH

  • 11/8 8:05am Federated Church of Norfolk cordially invites you to our HOLLY FAIR. Saturday, November 20 from 9:00 AM~2:00 PM. Coffee & Muffins 9:00 AM, Children's Shopping, Santa 10:00~11:00 AM, Luncheon 11:30 AM, Baked Goods, Cookie Walk, Handmade Candy and Preserves, Attic Treasures, Decorations, Gifts, Plants, and Crafts. At the Corner of Rt. 115 and Main St., Norfolk, MA. 508-528-0262
    - GJ

  • 11/8 8:01am To JD, regarding the Norfolk Marketplace: 'Proceeds' was probably the wrong word to use in that context. Obviously, 100% of the 'proceeds' goes to the TPA. What the brochure meant was that 10% of the vendor sales revenue goes to the TPA. In addition, all of the entry fee, raffle, and bake sale revenue goes to the TPA, as well. This is the model used by most events of this type, as it provides both enough of an incentive to attract desirable vendors from far and wide, and enough revenue to make it interesting for the sponsoring charity. I am sure we will get a report from a TPA member, but I can tell you anecdotally that several vendors were thrilled with the attendance and very impressed with how organized things were.
    - JM

  • 11/7 5:24pm Just curious how the school did with their Marketplace Fair on Saturday. What was the net results for the school? I didn't understand the line on the brochure that said "10% of proceeds go directly to the school?" I thought all the funds raised were going to the school?
    - JD

  • 11/5 8:45pm To KB - I can't tell you how many times I have had my white towels turn into tie-dye brown towels, because somebody decided to flush a water main somewhere on the other side of town. The remedy: call the water department, tell them what happened, and ask if you can stop by for a container of "yellow out" powder. The man who used to run the water department used to tell me that although it looked awful, the water was actually safe to drink, and that the brown stuff was just manganese. However, he did admit that even he would have hard time chugging it down. Back then, the water department was only too happy to hand out the Yellow Out, and it worked great at getting the whites back to white, although not so great at getting the colored fabrics back to their original color. You can also buy Yellow Out in the grocery store. Good Luck.
    - KM

  • 11/5 3:43pm To KB - In case you haven't discovered it--Ritz rust remover works pretty well in getting out the rust stains so long as you haven't already dried the laundry(heat sets the stains). Good luck.
    - BS

  • 11/5 1:08pm Regarding "Now that the 'Roundabouts' are a dead issue", what is really going on at the intersection? I unfortunately have not been following the updates on the cable station. Has the Roundabout been nixed and it's resorting back to the 4 way stop? Will there be a traffic light put back up? If it was nixed, why? So much road work was done to prep for it. Thanks for any input!
    - JM

  • 11/5 1:04pm In answer to DLJ's comments...
    Washing machine was twice filled with brown/black water, all toilets were the same as well as every faucet; yes, we have town water. We were unable to clear this up until almost 11:00 in the evening. I did ruin what was in the first load of wash.
    The problem I have with this is that there was no notification. I realize that hydrants must be flushed and training is a must but all I request is some warning so that I'm not ruining loads of laundry etc.
    - KB

  • 11/5 12:54pm To DLJ - I wasn't sure if you wanted an optometrist or opthalmologist. We use an optometrist in Millis--Dr. Rach at Millis Eye Care. She seems very thorough and does all the tests you would expect. 508-376-0800.
    - BS

  • 11/5 7:35am Can anyone recommend an eye doctor?
    - DLJ

  • 11/5 7:34am KB, Do you have town water? This week I noticed the dirty water but only in the washing machine for the first few minutes. You should call the Norfolk Water Department 508-528-1412.
    - DLJ

  • 11/4 11:19pm Now that the 'Roundabouts' are a dead issue, we can turn our attention to finishing the other town center projects. The Library seems to be making good progress and I enjoy watching the daily construction via the live webcam. The stone walls around Town Hill are nearing completion and the old Cliff's Package Store has a nice new look. It's been a long, and at times inconvenient struggle, but the end product should be something we and our grandkids will be proud of. The other 'RP'
    - RP

  • 11/4 9:43am Would someone please recommend a snow plowing service for the Norfolk area. Thank you,
    - JRC

  • 11/3 9:39pm There is sign on the corner of Medway Br. and Tucker that reads, ``Our cat is back. Thanks to all who helped.''
    - Wm.

  • 11/3 1:12pm To KC -- Call Bill R(iddoch) at 508-528-5849. He is great and really does a fantastic job!
    - RP

  • 11/3 1:11pm Just wondering when and if there would be any future celebrations for Norfolk's DAVE WALLACE for bringing a championship to Boston! Let's not forget about the coaching staff.
    - SC

  • 11/3 10:11am To my neighbors, who are registered but never vote: forget the flags in your lawns, the Uncle Sam figures you put out in July and the red-white-and-blue windsocks. If you love your country, just vote!
    - HPK

  • 11/3 8:58am Has anyone experienced brown dirty water coming out of the faucets? Is anyone flushing hydrants or pipes and not notifying anyone? Who do we complain to? This was totally unexpected and not acceptable.
    - KB

  • 11/3 8:52am JO-Those restaurant marketing guys came to my door too and it made me uncomfortable. I am suspicious of anyone coming door-to-door in the daytime, never mind at 7o'clock in the evening. I agree...creepy!
    - MJD

  • 11/2 11:01pm Norfolk results: 
    total turnout: 5054

Bush: 2626
Kerry: 2281
Badnarick: 39
Cobb:  12
Nader: 13
Blanks: 64

Brown: 3265
McQuilken: 1545
Blanks: 171
Synoff (?): 57
Write in: 16

Ross: 2605
McFeeley: 2190
Blank: 251

Barney Frank: 2994
Morse: 1593
    Unofficial, and perhaps misheard, but as good as I've got.
    - RG

  • 11/2 10:22pm My doorbell rang at 7:30pm this evening (Tuesday) and a person appeared with a flashlight to make a sales pitch for Primavera of Millis!!!
    I can't believe that this would be done by an establishment such as Primavera, so I politely declined to carry on with the sales pitch. The person evidently came on foot and left. I called Primavera to determine the validity of the sales pitch and express suprise at the timing. I was told that they have nothing to do with it as the owner (or manager) has contracted with a marketing firm to solicit business.
    I take issue with the approach and methodology of doing business at this hour and wonder if Primavera realizes that people are reluctant to respond to a nighttime solicitation. I did not see any identification or previous notice in the newspapers that such a campaign would be in progress.
    Efforts to reach the manager were fruitless. I will ask the police if it is permissible to carry out house-to-house visits especially in the evening.
    If my wife had been home alone it would have been even more disturbing.
    - JO

  • 11/2 9:51pm According to the Globe, Norfolk voted as follows: 
    39		2,626		12		2,281
Badnarik(Lib.)	Bush(Rep.)	Cobb(Grn.)	Kerry(Dem.)
    With a total number of votes cast of 4958, that's about 85% turnout.
    - Wm.

  • 11/2 6:16pm There are less than two hours left to vote. As of 6pm, about 4400 in town have voted already, which is roughly 75% of the eligible voters. Turnout is high. Also, about 400 new voters registered for this election.
    - Wm.

  • 11/2 11:10pm Can anybody tell me who would come to my house and fix a snowblower and lawnmower?
    - KC

  • 11/2 10:30am To contact St. Jude's, use stjudenorfolk@comcast.net. This is from the front page of their weekly bulletin.
    - JB

  • 11/1 11:10pm I would like to encourage folks to vote for the approval of paramedics in town as well as an additional town ambulance in the upcoming town meeting on Nov. 11th. As a parent with a child that is on a life support system - having had more than a dozen 911 calls (some of them life threatening) I have learned first hand about our emergency response system here in Norfolk. Did people know that not only does our ONE ambulance service the entire town of 10,000+ people but it is the main ambulance to respond to prison 911 calls?? My son's condition presents itself similar to a spinal cord injury - he is a quadriplegic which as we know can happen to anyone one of us at any given time - when this happens the first minutes of care are the MOST critical. Some of the 911 calls that we have had, require paramedic support - which has to be called in from an area town. This could result in some critical time waiting for that ambulance to arrive. If another town does respond - the insurance payments go to THAT town - not ours. If we do approve what is being asked, there may be some up front initial costs, but in the long run our town will receive insurance reimbursements for all emergency calls. Please vote for this - We have a team of excellent, dedicated EMTs - please help them get to the next level of support. I hope it never does happen to you - but a life-threatening injury for you or your family member may depend on it! Thanks!
    - KR, mom to our little superman - Connor!

  • 11/1 4:04pm To MJD: Like I said it was a "small" victory for us. I agree with you about Delta Projects. They do not care where they place their sex offenders, but Senator Scott Brown does. He has a bill being held up in the house by Representative Angelo Scaccia. It is Senate Docket #2628. It has to do with the placement of sex offenders in group homes as well as changing the level of sex offenders who molest children, and restricting sex offenders from living within 1.5 miles from a school, licensed day care or playgrounds. If you want more information about this bill, I will be happy to provide it to you or you can call Senator Brown's office. We have been trying to reach Scaccia since July to see why he is holding up this bill, but he has not returned any of our telephone calls. We even went to his office personally to speak with him, and he, again, never returned our calls. His number is 617-722-2692. Feel free to call him and ask him to release the bill. Again, Senator Brown is trying to move forward to protect our children and the victims of these sexual predators, and people like Angelo Scaccia are preventing this important bill from passing. I have been involved in this since March, so if you have any more questions, please feel free to ask me. I don't have all the answers, but I do have a few. Thanks for your concern
    - SD

  • 11/1 3:56pm Wm.: I'm pretty sure a couple of the the more pointed and partisan election comments you have posted do not pass the civility test for this website, with or without your snappy commentary. You have created a separate page for this kind of stuff, so why not use it. Thank you,
    - JM

    [Fair enough; good point. I myself was wondering whether I was opening a door that I, too, would rather see remain closed. Thanks for the deciding vote. Ok, back it all goes; all election commentary is staying on the Election 2004 page. - Wm.]

  • 11/1 2:57pm How about some predictions? Here are my predictions on the winners of contested seats [... cross-posted message returned back to the Election page - Wm.]
    - DAF

  • 11/1 9:52am Great job Scott Brown. Hopefully the news of where they will be placed will be made public soon. I'm not sure if I care much for their privacy, they are criminals. Remember this Tuesday when you vote... [...continued - Wm.]]
    - MR

    [Update 11/1 4:35pm: In retrospect, I probably shouldn't have mixed election-time politics into the main discussion. Click on "continued" above to read the complete comment along with my caution about campaigning on the Elections Page. - Wm.]

  • 11/1 9:46am Wm - How big was this bug?!?! From the picture it looks like it's on a lampshade, and that it's half the size of it -- like 7" long! I'm sure this can't be, seeing as Norfolk is not situated in a tropical rainforest!
    - JED

    [I tried placing a ruler in the picture next to the mantis, but the photo didn't turn out (ruler too far, so the apparent scale way incorrect). Abdomen to head, I measured about 4 1/2 inches, or 5 inches to the end of the folded front legs. Add another inch or more for the antennae. The lampshade is on my night-stand, but the bug was big. - Wm.]

  • 11/1 9:40am Just want to let everyone know that Something Special is having a sale Friday and Saturday. 40% off all Halloween stuff.
    - RA

  • 11/1 8:23am Just wondering when the voting will begin at HOD tomorrow in the AM. Thanks! Regards,
    - DM

    [From the Calendar, indirectly from the town announcement:
    The polls will be open on Tuesday, November 2nd from 7:00AM until 8:00PM. All precincts vote in the H. Olive Day School Auditorium (rear of the building), 232 Main Street, Norfolk, MA.
    - Wm.]

    praying mantis, 55K

  • 10/31 11:53pm The pleasures of living in the country... go out for a short while in the evening, and have the wild outdoors come and invade your home. This one's an eerie bug, perfect for Halloween - it can turn its head! I noticed that after having taken the photo its head was turned toward the camera, but as I opened the front door to send it on its way, at the click of the doorknob its head whipped up to stare directly at my hand. It was spooky.
    Speaking of wilderness invading your home, just a reminder: the elections are tomorrow, Tuesday.
    - Wm.

  • 10/31 11:53pm To SD - a victory for us perhaps, but what about the next unsuspecting neighborhood where these sex offenders are placed? An irresponsible agency like Delta doesn't change its stripes just because a legislator makes a deal to get them out of town. It sounds like the resolution is about this situation, not the way in which sex offenders are placed in group homes. Is there some future suggested legislation? I am unclear here?
    - MJD

  • 10/31 2:24pm I have a treadmill that needs to be fixed. I believe it is as simple as a wire that needs to be reconnected, but I can't find anyone willing to look at it. Any suggestions?
    - DB

  • 10/31 8:20am Happy Halloween! Coinciding with Halloween this year, daylight savings time has ended. As of today, we're back on standard time; remember to check your clocks.
    - Wm.

  • 10/31 8:16am AK: You can find the Norfolk Zoning Bylaws here [here] clicking the "Bylaws" will get you the PDF version.
    In short, you need 25 feet on the side no matter where you are in town (well, that's not exactly true, if you're in downtown on Main Street and in the B-1 district it's different, but let's leave that alone). You'll need a permit from the building commissioner anyway, it might be fruitful for you to visit him and/or the ZBA's inestimable (that's in a good way) assistant Mrs. Simpson who could let you know of any red flags before you proceed. Good luck.
    - RG

  • 10/31 8:13am Re: 10/30 8:12pm I am considering putting an addition onto my house. What is Norfolk's zoning law? How far do I need to stay from the property line? - AK
    Norfolk's Zoning Bylaws can be found at the Norfolk Municipal Website, http://www.virtualnorfolk.org/ specifically at: http://www.virtualnorfolk.org/public_documents/search, and click on zoning bylaws. Also check the Building Department website, http://www.virtualnorfolk.org/public_documents/norfolkma_building/index Be aware that if you add a bedroom or bathroom you may have to increase the size of the septic system, as prescribed by the Board of Health. Check their documents at [here] Ask the departments for guidance as to how to proceed. Be sure that you are aware of all of the Zoning, Building, and Board Of Health requirements and get cost estimates from contractors, before signing a contract.
    - RH

  • 10/31 8:11am TO MJD - We were not given all the details of the meeting and the discussions that took place in that meeting. In the Sun Chronicle yesterday, they said that they were still working on all the details. They might in the future tell us where they are moving to, but they also might not in order to protect their clients' privacy issues. This was just one small victory. We still need to see to it that laws are passed for the placement of sex offenders in the State of Massachusetts, so something like this cannot happen again.
    - SD

  • 10/30 8:15pm SD - What will they do with the sex offenders? To what town will they relocate them? Was this discussed in the agreement? Just curious.
    - MJD

  • 10/30 8:12pm I am considering putting an addition onto my house. What is Norfolk's zoning law? How far do I need to stay from the property line?
    - AK

  • 10/30 8:09pm Congratulations to Cleveland St folks (and others) for their tireless work. Thank you Senator Scott Brown!!
    - PC

  • 10/30 2:17pm To those of you in Norfolk who have not heard the recent news, I want to let you know that through much hard work on the part of State Senator Scott Brown and all of our town officials, the level two sex offenders in the group home on Cleveland Street are going to be re-located within six to eight weeks. The home will remain a group home for three mentally retarded individuals, who are not sex offenders. The home will never again house sex offenders per an agreement with the Department of Mental Retardation. We will welcome these new residents to our community with open arms. I am very proud of the work that has been done by Senator Brown and our town officials, and would like to thank each and every one of them. Because of their efforts, the children of Norfolk will be safer.
    - SD

  • 10/29 10:01pm A check of the website for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston, [RCAB.org page] and a search for St. Jude, Norfolk, does not show a website. There is some directory information at: [click for page]
    - RH

  • 10/29 6:58pm The Board Members of the Norfolk Community League (NCL) are currently accepting requests for disbursement of amounts raised through its fall activities. The monies will be distributed in January 2005. If you are a member of an organization that would benefit from a donation, please visit our web site at www.norfolkcommunityleague.org for an application. The deadline for application is December 15, 2004. A completed application must be received by this date in order to be considered.
    Over the past 7 years, NCL has distributed in excess of $125,000 to local groups such as Norfolk Library, Norfolk Fire Department, Norfolk Police Department, enrichment programs for Norfolk Public Schools, Council on Aging, college scholarships, YMCA camp scholarships, Norfolk Little League, and local preschools. Please contact Jackie W. at 508-520-9637 with any questions.
    - TR, NCL Publicity

  • 10/29 7:46am Public Service Announcement for Veterans Day Observerance from Mr. Frank Gross, Cemetery Commision Chairman, Town of Norfolk:
    All are welcome to participate in the Veterans Days Ceremonies which are scheduled as follows :
    • 10 A.M. Memorial Service at the Norfolk Cemetery.
    • 11 A.M. Salute to Veterans - at the H. Olive Day School, 232 Main St. Norfolk, Ma.
    Participating at the H. Olive Day School will be the Freeman Centennial Band as well as the Girl Scouts-Cub Scouts and Brownies. Refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the ceremonies.
    All are most welcome to come and pay our respects to the Veterans who have served our country.
    Bus Service will be provided from H.Olive Day School to the Cemetery (and back) by W. T. Holmes Bus Company who have graciously donated this service.
    Bus Service departure time from H. Olive Day to the cemetery is estimated to be 9:30 to 9:45 AM. Buses will depart from the cemetery to the School at the conclusion of the services.
    Again, all are welcome to this event.
    - John Olivieri, Norfolk Veterans Graves Officer

  • 10/28 9:40pm For RP... Gorman Landscaping, 508-384-3814.
    - ER

  • 10/28 3:38pm KB - I live in Norfolk and snowplow. My rates are reasonable. Call Rob 508-528-3213.
    - RA

  • 10/28 1:16pm Does anyone have a recommendation for a lawn care service - specifically seeding and treatments for the fall?
    - RP

  • 10/28 11:24am Does St. Jude's have a web site?
    - JP

  • 10/28 9:30am LM, I saw a large black & white cat in a field on Myrtle Street yesterday. On the right hand side before you get to the Norfolk Rink. It was near the house that had a teepee set up in their yard this summer.
    - BR

  • 10/28 1:14am I think it's the small one on the right. What about the Red Sox? What a game. Yea Boston, two championship teams. - JW

    • Lunar eclipse

  • 10/28 12:06am In case you missed the eclipse (which is still not over, by the way, only about a quarter of the moon is visible), here's a snapshot taken right after totality. Sorry, this time when you click through to the larger version, you just get a 3x magnified view of the same image. The small picture is full size, and was the only non-black portion of the 1600x1200 resolution original. Looks kind of like the early photos of Mars, doesn't it?
    Completely unrelated, is the Man in the Moon the large face turned left, or the small one on the top-right?
    - Wm.

  • 10/27 5:48pm AB - I have used Randy Corwin with Housework Haters Cleaning Service. He does a good job and is reasonable. Look under "Town Businesses" and "Household".
    - JS

  • 10/27 5:45pm I work for the Town of Norfolk and also have a sign business called Vital Signs. We are making an offer to Norfolk residents to have their residence or business numbered so emergency personnel can better locate them. These signs are not to take the place of the house number but as a helpful way for our Police and Fire to find your residence in an emergency. There have been occasions when a house is difficult to find. I'm sure you have seen the signs in our neighboring town of Franklin; as with Franklin the sign is to be displayed at the end of your driveway either on your mailbox or fence post, as long as you can see it from the street. This is a very effective way for safety personnel to find you in a crisis. The sign is 12"X4", is metal with reflective blue with reflective white numbers. Forms can be picked up at the Norfolk Police/Fire stations. A portion of the proceeds will go towards our Police and Fire associations. Signs are $20.00 apiece. Any questions you can call Vital Signs at 774-244-6561.
    - SK

  • 10/27 4:37pm Looking for someone to plow this winter. Any suggestions? I noticed two other people inquired but there were no suggestions?
    - KB

  • 10/27 2:48pm Looking for someone, reasonably priced, to do fall clean up for leaves. Thanks.
    - DL

  • 10/27 2:45pm To LB - I just had Be Gone Pest Company in Norfolk (on business listings page) come in to get rid of hornets. They are great people to work with and came to our house right away. Ask for Roger.
    - JHB

  • 10/27 10:41am Is there a Veteran's Day parade or any activities planned? Where can I get more information?
    - TS

  • 10/27 10:40am Go Sox Go!! For a fun Halloween decoration, check out the scarecrow on Chestnut Street in Franklin, heading towards Star Market. Good and Funny!!
    - TS

  • 10/27 10:37am Norfolk - Looking for a way to make your mark on the transformation of Town Hill? Norfolk Community League (NCL) and the Garden Club of Norfolk announce the kickoff of Norfolk Walkways. Norfolk Walkways is offering inscribed bricks for placement on Town Hill brick walkways that will connect the Peace Garden, Veteran's Memorial and the Gazebo. [See the announcement for details and full contact info, and also the post of 10/20.]
    Look for a detailed drawing of the extensive walkway system planned for Town Hill, as well as the ability to purchase bricks, at the following fall events: Election Day on November 2nd and Norfolk TPA Marketplace on November 6th. In addition, monetary donations to Norfolk Walkways will be gladly accepted and will go towards the purchase of plain bricks. For further information, contact Bonnie D. at 508-528-8414 or Tara S. at 508-384-6354.
    - TS, Norfolk Community League

  • 10/27 8:51am Can anyone recommend someone who cleans gutters at reasonable rates?
    - AB

  • 10/27 7:15am MJD and TC thank you for your suggestions for massages. I will check them out.
    - MFZ

  • 10/27 7:08am LM - According to a library book (Lost Pet Chronicles by Kat Albrecht), indoor-outdoor cats have their own territories that they rarely stray from. Because of that, look in trees/nearby buildings/neighbors' sheds or garages where they might be inadvertently trapped. They might also be injured and hiding silently in a nearby yard, or they might have been scared by a predator and are hiding close to home. The author's tips on finding a lost cat are at www.lostapet.org/missing_cat1.shtml. Despite the real possibility of coyotes, it always feels better to know that you looked as hard as you could.
    - HPK

  • 10/27 7:02am MFZ: Try Ruth Bayer at Medfield Massage Therapy, 508-359-2882. She's helped me with migraines a lot, and she's right in Medfield Center. I know of another great person for migraine relief through massage, but he's in JP. If your husband is willing to travel, let me know and I'll get the information.
    - TC

  • 10/26 11:18pm To MFZ - I like Jackson Therapeutics here in Norfolk in that little building on 115 at the intersection of 1A. Stephanie is great.
    - MJD

  • 10/26 10:09pm To LB: Try EcoSystems at 508-520-3737. They have done extermination work for us with great success. I'm not sure about the bees but it's worth a call. Good luck.
    - BS

  • 10/26 9:09pm I was wondering if anyone could recommend an exterminator to get rid of many - 5 to be exact - rather large hornet nests. I believe they are paper hornets & yellow jackets. There are two different type of nests, three of which are located in our bathroom vents, and I believe there are two in or around our attic. Since I just stepped on one in my kitchen floor, I believe they have found their point of entry. Aside from the pain I just felt, I don't know what type of response my toddler or the dog would feel. So, on that, I would really appreciate any reference of professional help to rid my house of these pests. (I know there are sprays, however, going out in the evening in protective gear is something I don't want to do - nor do I want my husband to do - a little too in-depth for me.) Thanks!
    - LB

  • 10/26 9:09pm Does anyone know of a good massage place in the area? I want to get a gift certificate for my husband. I would especially like someone who deals with people who get migranes. Thanks for your suggestions.
    - MFZ

  • 10/26 8:29pm The Garden Club of Norfolk invites the public to attend a special presentation by Yvette Viard on "Holiday Designs in the Parisian Manner". Wednesday, November 10th, 7 PM at the Federated Church (Rte. 115 & Main Street) in Norfolk. Yvette will transform the stage into a holiday wonderland of beautiful designs. As former head designer for Winston's Florals, Yvette will demonstrate her art in a new style to delight members and guests. A $5.00 donation will help support the clubs civic beautification efforts which include floral plantings throughout the town and the local schools. As part of the new transformation of "Norfolk Town Hill", the club is providing the granite sign with the town seal for the Main Street site. Back by popular demand, Yvette's designs will be raffled after presentation. Refreshments will be served.
    - Joanne Wason, Corresponding Secretary

  • 10/26 6:27pm Has anyone near Tucker Rd. and Medway Branch seen a black and white, long-haired cat roaming around? Our elderly cat, Sammy, who looks a lot like Sylvester from TV didn't come home on Sat night (Oct 23). We're hoping he didn't become dinner for the coyote and he's hiding on someone's porch. Please call 508-553-2865 with any info. Thanks!
    - LM

  • 10/26 2:27pm I loved the decoration on Main St.! It's original, a guy (not a scarecrow) impaled on a stake. Hey, it's Halloween! I laughed out loud when I saw it on my way to work. If you think kids don't get it, expain it to them. Good Scary Fun.
    - TV

  • 10/26 10:38am Dear NDF, The Haunted Train ride is and was the original idea of the Norfolk Lions. The Norfolk Lions and the NCL have come together on this event to share the responsibilities along with donating the monies to a common cause between the two groups.
    We are glad that you enjoyed the event. Lots of planning went into its success. Many Norfolk Lions and NCL people unselfishly donated their time to offer this event to the community. Along with those two groups there was help from DECA, Norfolk Fire Fighters Association, Boy Scouts and numerous other organizations.
    Thank you for your support.
    - PHT

  • 10/26 10:36am The fifth Annual Christmas Craft Fair will be held on Saturday, November 13, 2004, 9:30 - 3:00 p.m. We will have crafters, raffles and pictures with Santa. Admission is $2.00, 12 and under free, with all proceeds going to St. Jude Holiday Charities. This is our 5th year so please come for an enjoyable day!
    - JD

  • 10/26 7:07am SRB - I'll second the recommendation of Norfolk Fence. They did a great job for us. Not sure how good their price was because we didn't bid it out to anyone else. We felt good about doing business with a local company, and they seem to be very honest and good people. I highly recommend them.
    - DF

  • 10/25 11:21pm Greetings from your Norfolk Firefighters, Saturday October 30th from 1:00 to 4:00 PM we will be having our annual open house. Please join us for free refreshments, live demonstrations, and fun activities for the entire family. We urge you to drop in, meet your local firefighters and learn of the many activities that your fire department is involved in other than Fire and Rescue.
    At this time of year we are also conducting our fund drive. Many of you have already responded generously to our request and we sincerely thank you.
    We would like to take this time to apologize for any duplicate mailings or letters addressed to your children. This year we converted from our old mailing list to a new computer generated mailing list and as some of you know we have a few bugs to work out. We thank you for your understanding, and are counting on your support so we may continue the programs and activities that are made possible through your donations. Looking forward to meeting you Saturday at the Norfolk Fire Dept. Open House.
    Sincerely,
    - Your Norfolk Firefighters

  • 10/25 6:54pm To FJ, contact Liz Bugbee for info on the Norfolk Marketplace on 11/6.
    - CW

  • 10/25 6:52pm SRB - I used Norfolk Fence and they did a great job. Located at 85 Pond Street, Norfolk. 508-384-3220.
    - PM

  • 10/25 2:41pm We went to the Haunted Train Ride this weekend and enjoyed it very much. The NCL does a really great job. Just a quick note to some of the people who went: No one enjoys waiting in a long line but it's not right to cut in front of everyone to join friends who are already in line. It's hard enough to teach children to be patient and wait their turn without the adults breaking the rules!
    - NDF

  • 10/25 12:44pm Regarding the Adirondack Club post, we were among the early sign-ons when the club was being constructed. They gave the impression it was going to be like a private country club sans the golf (except for the chipping green they never built). We thought it could be a good place for health and social reasons. Our experience was less than spectacular. For one, the kitchen was never opened (I don't know if it is yet), and they never received their liquor license so going there to get something to eat or hang out and have a drink never happened. Basically, the place turned out to be a high priced gym. As someone else mentioned, we went to the pool on a weekend and it was a joke. If I am paying so much money for something, I don't want to wade through a sea of humanity to get to the water to get enjoy my slice of water. I played mostly tennis there. The instructors were good. However, as was most things, you had to pay extra to play (court time, leagues, etc). Even when the club had a social gathering they charged you. The only things they didn't charge you for were using the pool and the exercise equipment. So, eventually we felt we were wasting our money and quit. Although I don't have the numbers to back it up, the impression I got was that the owners were struggling to pay the bills and so, resorted to reducing services and charging for every little thing. I could be off base, but that's the perception.
    - JS

  • 10/25 10:34am PCD - A search in Google brought up the following link: [Walgreens SKU#316634]
    - DTM

  • 10/25 9:53am Does anyone know of a reputable architect in the area?
    - ATB

  • 10/25 12:11am To PCD: You should be able to find them at either a hardware store or even a drug store. I'll check this week while I am out and will update.
    - David Smith, Jr.

  • 10/24 9:50pm I am really hoping that LS was not my husband, as I know he is a frequent Norfolknet visitor! I was so relieved to read of other Norfolk residents that are horrified by the Main Street/Park Street "decorations." My 3 and 5 year old daughters pass by it every day and wanted to know WHY someone would do that? I am amazed that an adult would find this entertaining. If there is anyone out there who knows these residents, maybe they could suggest that they check out Norfolknet :0)
    - NS

  • 10/24 9:42pm BR - I totally agree. As a dedicated yard saler, I would love to see yard sale signs removed at the end of the day of the sale. Additionally, I wish all yard sale signs would include an address & date, written so it could be easily read. I find old signs unsightly, and they waste time/gas for those of us out looking.
    - SC

  • 10/24 9:40pm DF - After reading the "13 family yard sale" at the Olive Day School, I see it is a Girl Scout yard sale - apparently there are 13 families with girl scouts who participated.
    - SC

  • 10/24 8:19pm David Smith Jr., Can you tell me where to find moth balls with paradichlorobenzene?
    - PCD

  • 10/24 6:39pm JT - Cancelled because of the World Series.
    - BR

  • 10/24 6:38pm The town meeting was probably postponed because of the Red Sox in the World Series. No one would have shown up!
    - JED

  • 10/24 6:37pm I think the town meeting was moved so that we could get the most people to the meeting. The world series may draw people away from the meeting.
    - SRB

  • 10/24 6:36pm We are looking for a good Fence Person in the Norfolk Area. Does anyone know someone who is good, but reasonable.
    - SRB

  • 10/24 6:29pm We have 3 Wiggles tickets for the 3:30 show on November 4. If you would like further information, please e-mail pumpkinpatch98@aol.com
    - LB

    [Update 10/26 6:29pm: Tickets have been SOLD - Wm.]

  • 10/24 9:25am Does anyone know why the town meeting was postponed?
    - JT

  • 10/23 9:05pm To those that post yard sale signs - please take them down after the sale. I have the urge to change the date to the following week. Wm do you agree??
    - BR

  • 10/23 9:04pm 13 Family Yard Sale on Saturday, October 23rd, 9-1:00, at the H. Olive Day School, 232 Main Street, Norfolk.
    13 families? Was that a typo?
    - DF

  • 10/23 8:45pm Norfolk Community League is sponsoring its sixth annual Halloween Candy Give Back on November 1st from 4-5:30 pm at the Freeman Centennial School Lobby. Bring half of your Halloween Candy to benefit North Cottage and Norcap Drug Rehabilitation Facilities. Those who bring donated candy will get a chance to win a gift certificate to a local toy store.
    - BK

  • 10/23 5:34pm To JED- if you are looking for nice facilites, kind people who are really interested in your kids and lots of family programming you should look at the YMCA in Franklin. The family membership is very resonable and facilites are brand new. I know it's just a "Y" and you may be looking for more of a "club" but I think you get a lot for your money there. There are various classes for kids from 8 months to 80 years and then some. The staff is terrific. They childwatch facilities while you work out and they have daycare and preschool/nursery school both of which are great. They don't have great outdoor swimming facilites but for that you might look at a membership at Swett Beach which is just a terrific bargain and a much nicer beach than the one at the Lake Pearl complex because there isn't the beach erosion problem. Just a couple of thoughts, take a tour of the "Y" they are proud of their prices, they give them to you on the phone! Good luck,
    - MJD

    lunar eclipse diagram, 16K

  • 10/23 1:42pm
    A unique date in the annals of baseball history will be recorded on Wednesday 10/27/2004 when for the first time a total lunar eclipse will occur during a World Series game.

    The St. Louis Cardinals will host the Boston Red Sox at Busch Memorial Stadium in St. Louis. Game 4 is set to get under way shortly after 8 p.m. ET.

    The full moon will begin its passage into Earth's dark central shadow, called the umbra, just over an hour after the game begins, at 9:14 p.m. ET. The moon will be in total eclipse for one hour and 22 minutes starting at 10:23 p.m. ET.

    Eclipses do not produce an entirely dark moon. During totality, the moon will likely glow with an eerie coppery hue, the result of Earth's atmosphere acting like a lens and bending reddened sunlight - the same light seen at sunrise and sunset - into Earth's shadow and onto the moon.

    [See Space.com article, MSNBC reprint]

    - RH

  • 10/23 1:22pm To JED: For us the Adirondack Club was not a good fit. We would not have used the facilities enough to justify the cost and the front desk attitude is not to be believed. Everytime I have been to the facility to drop my kids off for and event, etc. the front desk customer service attitude you would expect is non-existent.
    If separate facilities work for you, I would highly recommend the Park Terrace Swim Club in Plainville for the summers. The cost depends on the number of family members. For us, it was $550 for 4 this past summer since we have been members for several years. It is very casual, you bring in you own chairs but you can leave them, the surrounding area is wooded so you don't feel like you are at a concrete jungle and the people who have been running it these past couple of years aim to please. There is a snack bar where items are really reasonable, weekends are included in the summer fee and guests are $5 per person with no restrictions.
    Hope this helps.
    - BS

  • 10/23 11:03am To JED, regarding the Adirondack Club: In my opinion, a full Adirondack Club membership is not worth the money, but it's the only game in town. One way around paying for the full membership is to get a gym membership, which allows you many of the same privileges of full membership, but without an initiation fee; there are limitations on pool usage in the summer, and you have to pay for guests and children to use the pool and other facilities, but it's a pretty good deal. When it was being built, there were a lot more amenities and activities promised than were delivered, such as a full-time restaurant, and a putting green with a sand trap and chipping area. There are a lot of members who are still very angry about this, and have an ongoing problem with the management. I also think the general upkeep if the facility is fair, at best. However, the gym and pool facilities are pretty good (I can't speak to the tennis), although the lifeguards are young and inattentive, and in the summer, the pool is so crowded it looks like a big-city public pool. The childcare is very convenient, and the kids that work there seem to be pretty good with the children, though I have heard complaints that they are reluctant to change diapers. If you plan to swim in the winter, be forewarned that there is high school swim team practice most weekday mornings. I have heard mostly good things about the instructors who teach the various exercise classes. Overall, it's a good place to work out, meet friends, and bring children, but most people thought they were getting a private club when the saw the initial plans and the initiation and membership fees; what they got is a gym with pool and tennis. I haven't checked lately, but I think the initiation fee for a family membership is about $3500, and dues are about $150 per month. I believe a gym membership is about $900 per year for a couple, and you have to pay for guests and children. I think you need to decide which facilties you will use and how much you will use them before you decide whether the fees are worth it and which type of membership is better for you.
    - JM

  • 10/23 10:25am I suggest JED look into joining a different club. While they use E-mail all the time to contact their members, they won't accept anything less than an in person visit or registered mail to deal with any problems.
    When trying to cancel my membership after one year, I encountered several roadblocks in trying to communicate with club management. This resulted in additional cost.
    Your avenue of appeal will be limited as the contract requires that the monthly fees be deducted from your checking account or added to your credit card.
    While the facilities were good, customer service is not. Also at the time I was leaving, locker room theft was on the rise.
    - KK

  • 10/22 7:17pm Does anyone have, or used to have a family membership at The Adirondack Club? If so, what has your experience been like, and would you recommend them? Also, anyone know what a membership costs there? They won't give out any info on the phone (which I found annoying) and I have a very low tolerance for pushy salespeople, whom I would surely encounter if I went there for a "tour". Any info would be appreciated!
    - JED

  • 10/22 2:04pm I am in need of someone who can snowplow my driveway this winter. Can someone recommend someone local and reasonable? Thanks!
    - JAS

  • 10/22 8:33am The election is drawing near and for those of you who have an interest in the race for 9th district State Representative, NCTV has sponsored a debate between candidates John McFeeley, Democrat and Richard Ross, Republican, that is being aired on channel 22 everyday at 3pm and 8pm. Tune in.
    - Paul Guertin NCTV Station Manager.

  • 10/22 8:33am 13 Family Yard Sale on Saturday, October 23rd, 9-1:00, at the H. Olive Day School, 232 Main Street, Norfolk. Come check out the bargains and treasures that come from the attics, basements, and garages from 13 of the nicest Junior Girl Scouts you'd ever wanna meet! Proceeds from the sales will go towards supporting 4th Grade Troop 3603. Everything priced to sell, including toys, housewares, clothes, games, and lots of other great "stuff". Raffle for Oriental Rug, Kettcar, and so much more. Thanks for supporting scouting.
    - KM

  • 10/22 12:57am Finally, some of the town center telephone poles have been removed from Avery Square!
    - DLJ

  • 10/22 12:54am BK-What's an "enchanted walk?" My 4 year old was very frightened last year at the train ride. We arrived at 5 p.m but the line was so long that it was at least an hour before we got on the train. By the time we did, the "toned down" version for little kids must have ended. When the guy with the chainsaw came up to us, my daughter was freaking out. It was awful and obviously not what I expected. Funny... people are concerned about the guy on the stake down by Park Street but when I brought up the guy with the chainsaw last year, everybody thought it was fine. Go figure! Is the enchanted walk more suited to younger kids? Thanks for the info.
    - MJD

  • 10/22 12:53am One vote for the Halloween decoration on Main Street. Have you guys been to the Haunted Train ride? That decoration is on par with the train ride. I like it. Guess I'm a sicko.
    - LS

  • 10/21 8:00pm 10/23 The Norfolk Community league together with the Norfolk Lions Club will sponsor the 3rd Annual Haunted Train Ride on Saturday, October 23, 2004 from 4:30-8:00PM. It is suggested that younger children attend from 4:30-6:30PM for and enchanted walk This event will take place at the Holmes Field on Myrtle Street in Norfolk. The cost will be $3 per ride. There will be assorted spooky treats, fun and games. Come in a costume!!
    - BK

  • 10/21 7:58pm I'm wondering if anyone can help me to find John Willis-either an address or an email address. I grew up in Norfolk (we went to elementary school together-left A.J.Freeman in 1989) but I have long since moved away, and I have no idea if his family still lives around there. The internet wasn't any help, and I have something important to share. Please email me at jawessinger77@yahoo.com. Thanks!
    - Julie (Wessinger) Neumann

  • 10/20 11:20pm I was too was horrified by the Halloween "decoration" on main street, I assume that it was put up in innocence but it is really taking things a bit too far, I also hope it comes down soon.
    - CP

    [Update 10/21 10:02am: corrected initials; the stray H was my typo - Wm.]

  • 10/20 11:16pm I would like to voice my concern as well over the disturbing Halloween decoration (the figure impaled on a stake) at the corner of Main Street and Park Street. I was also taken aback when I first drove by and noticed this. With young children riding past on their way to and from school each day it is quite unsettling to look at. The homeowners must know that the school buses take that route and I hope they rethink their choice for a lawn decoration and remove it ASAP.
    - CS

  • 10/20 1:25pm Norfolk Walkways Brick Sale order forms are now available online at www.norfolkcommunityleague.org. Or click on the Organizations link and then the Norfolk Community League link on the left side of this web page. Stop by and visit our table at the Haunted Train Ride on Saturday at Holmes Field from 4:30 until 8 pm.
    Inscribed bricks can be ordered for placement at Town Hill. A 4 x 4 brick is $50 and has up to 3 lines of print. A 4 x 8 brick is $100 and can be inscribed with up to 6 lines of print. Makes a great gift! For more information, see the order form.
    Contact Bonnie D. at 508-582-8414 with any questions.
    - TS, Norfolk Community League

  • 10/20 9:45am To JW, re: Halloween "decoration" on Main Street. I totally agree with you. Halloween is supposed to be fun, whimsical, and geared towards younger children. The figure on Main Street is none of those. I hope the person(s) responsible for this will be mindful of the fact that kids go by there on the bus, and it might very well be upsetting to them. Let's hope it comes down soon.
    - KM

    [Is the figure wearing a uniform? Could this be some kind of political (labor activist) statement, unrelated to Halloween? It's certainly not your run-of-the-mill lawn decoration. - Wm.]

  • 10/20 9:45am Does anyone know the contact person/s for the craft show on Nov. 6 at H. Olive Day School?
    - FJ

  • 10/19 5:12pm The Bay Colony Productions is putting on the musical Annie at the Orpheum Theatre in Foxboro. Kaitlyn B., a Norfolk 7th grader is playing the lead and Emily G., a Norfolk 3rd grader is playing a lead orphan. Both girls are part of the red cast performing on various dates in November. For ticket information call 508-543-2787 or go to www.orpheum.org.
    - CG

  • 10/19 3:50pm To ATB & CS - I know of a college painter who does excellent work. Call him at 617-596-2286.
    - CW

  • 10/18 3:52pm NCL is announcing the sale of "Good Things To Eat From The Norfolk Community League's Gourmet Groups". The cookbooks are due to arrive in mid November, buy yours now and we will deliver it to you when they arrive.
    "Good Things To Eat From The Norfolk Community League's Gourmet Groups" is loaded with the kind of recipes you'll enjoy over and over again with your family and friends.
    Purchases of the cookbook will support the fundraising efforts of the Norfolk Community League, which has a great commitment to the community. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for Norfolk residents and strengthen community spirit.
    Cookbooks are available for $12.00 each [click for contact info]
    - TR, Norfolk Community League

  • 10/18 8:40am To ATB: We just recently finished enclosing a porch and making it a year-round room. We used Hurley Construction and they were great! They were very honest and listed all costs out on the estimate. Their estimate came in as the middle one. I highly recommend them. If you are interested in talking to them call Tim Hurley or Greg Testa at (508) 359-8720. Good luck.
    - MG

  • 10/17 11:08pm Can someone recommend an exterminiator for hornets? We have a nest somewhere outside our window and they are now in our home. After being stung twice already I am ready to get a professional in!
    - JJB

  • 10/17 11:07pm We are looking to finish our basement and remodel the kitchen. Does anyone have a contractor they have used and recommend?
    - ATB

  • 10/15 10:33pm To TC: I hold a Florida State License for (General Household Pest Control, Fumigation, Termite and Lawn & Ornamental). A potential solution for your problem with Squirrels, rodents, birds and bats is to purchase a couple of boxes of Moth Balls with the active ingredient (para-di-chloro-benzene). Not Napthalene. Paradichlorobenzene has been used as a fumigant and repellent for many years, not just for moths. I have in the past recommended that you place a few moth balls in a piece of cheesecloth and tie closed with a twist tie. I have had good success with this treatment. It is very cost effect as well. Please refer to the following web link and make your own decision. [Cornell page on paradichlorobenzene]
    - David Smith, Jr.

  • 10/15 8:46pm Seeking parents searching for family child care - I was recently licensed by the Office of Child Care Services and I would love to talk with you. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and 12 years of experience in Early Childhood. I have worked with children ranging in age from infants through school age. I am conveniently located in Norfolk on the Wrentham and Franklin lines. I can be reached at 508-520-9997 or ermakanaja@verizon.net. Thanks.
    - MG

  • 10/15 8:44pm To MR - Rocky's just repaired our car after I was rear-ended. The original estimate from the appraiser was for just the replacement of the bumper. When Rocky's got it they saw that it needed the backup sensors replaced (it's a minivan and those are very expensive). Marcia handled everything with the insurance company and the work was terrific. I recommend them highly! They are very professional.
    - MJD

  • 10/15 8:43pm Rocky's Auto Body is the best. During my two sons' teenage years we made many trips there. Rocky does excellent work, and Marcia and Sue in the office are so pleasant and helpful. I recommend Rocky's highly!
    - MP

  • 10/15 5:21pm Can anyone recommend a good exterminator? We've discovered red squirrels in our walls, and want them out. Any suggestiong would be welcome.
    - TC

  • 10/15 3:47pm Seeking full time child care for my son (16 months) in January and part of February, then one or two days a week after that. Please let me know if interested or if you know anyone who is interested. Thanks! anrpatel1@yahoo.com 508-541-6711 (evenings)
    - RP

  • 10/15 3:46pm MR - In regards to Rocky's Auto Body - they are perfectionists, who do awesome work on your vehicle as well as handling your insurance claim. They don't take shortcuts. Their work is impeccable. I've had two vehicles worked on by them, both late model, one job was quite extensive. I've had experts tell me that they would never be able to tell the vehicle was repainted if I hadn't told them.
    - DTM

  • 10/15 2:12pm Does anyone have any experience with Rocky's Auto Body in Norfolk?
    - MR

  • 10/14 10:32pm For NJD and your pesky woodpecker... We used an old foil pie plate tied to the downspout near where our woodpecker pecked. While the noise of the banging pan took a little getting used to, it deterred the woodpecker. Perhaps, he flew to you! Best of luck beating him, just don't send him back to us.
    - DS

  • 10/14 2:38pm For NJD - try a suet feeder; it worked for me. Ocean State sells suet cakes for 99 cents. Just put in the back yard hanging from a tree. Thanks,
    - PP

  • 10/14 12:46pm Town of Norfolk Annual Flu Clinic Postponed
    The Norfolk Board of Health has postponed its annual Flu Clinic. Due to the uncertainty of the influenza supply, The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) has stated that public flu clinics should not be scheduled until further notice. For more information regarding flu vaccine availability and steps you can take to protect yourself from the flu, please go to: www.mass.gov/dph/cdc/epii/flu/flu1.htm. The MDPH has also announced a toll free number (866) 627-7968 for the public to call to get up-to-date information on the flu and other flu related information.
    - Betsy Fijol, Norfolk Board of Health

  • 10/14 10:48am Have the chilly nights got you thinking about settling down with a blanket and a good book, audiobook, or DVD? The Norfolk Public Library's Adult Services and Children's branches are receiving new items weekly, and you'll find many of your favorite authors in stock. The Freeman-Centennial School Library is open every Monday through Thursday night, 4-7 p.m., with the resources your children need to complete homework assignments. With our three locations, we are serving patrons of all ages. You'll be surprised at how much we have readily available. See our website at library.virtualnorfolk.org for addresses and hours, or call us at 508-528-3380. Hope to see you soon!
    - Heather Pisani-Kristl, Associate Library Director

  • 10/14 9:10am Walpole Children's Theatre announces open auditions for their winter production of L.M. Montgomery's enduring classic of "Anne of Green Gables". This timeless story of an orphan girl and her passion for the people and things that she loves is infectious, and audiences will certainly find inspiration in the reality of Anne's challenges and joys.
    Auditions will be held at Blackburn Hall in Walpole Center on November 14th Registration begins at 12 noon and Auditions will begin promptly after registration and continue until Approximately 5 pm. Everyone ages 10 - 20 are eligible to join WCT in their 35th Year.
    [Please see the announcement for full details - Wm.]
    - Amy Snuffer, Walpole Children's Theatre

  • 10/14 9:10am To DF: We southerners would probably use a pellet gun instead of a shot gun in a suburban area. Would not want to offend any of the northern transplants. Either way, problem solved.
    - DC

  • 10/14 7:32am [This was an inadvertent duplicate of 10/13 11:55am, and was removed by request - Wm.]

  • 10/14 7:22am Re: Woodpecker who insists on pecking our house! How do we deter him from doing this and how should we fix the holes? - NJD
    NJD: I was about to buy a plastic owl at a boating supply store for our woodpecker problem when I saw your post and looked up an Audubon article [here] My wife will love to have streamers and garbage bags tacked onto the house, which is Audubon's advice. Audubon and the protective laws are for the birds, obviously. I'll fill the holes with exterior wood filler and prime it after it dries. Then I may try HNP's advice: Irish Spring soapsuds. I'll use Irish Spring soapsuds in a pressure sprayer, applied lightly to the house, not to the woodpecker directly.
    Audubon's advice:
    A large sheet of plastic, such as a painters' drop cloth or a heavy duty garbage bag, can be tacked over the wood or metal on a house. Attach the plastic sheet at the top and leave the bottom free to bunch and blow in the wind. The birds will then not be able to get a good footing on the plastic, and the movement of the plastic will help scare the birds away.

    In other areas of the house, such as corners or under eaves, bird netting (i.e., fruit tree netting, available at garden supply centers) can be stretched (keep it at least 6 inches from the surface) so that the woodpecker cannot reach the wood or metal.

    SCARE TACTICS
    Try hanging several, 6 foot long mylar streamers (found in party supply stores) ten inches apart over the damaged area. In hard to reach or inaccessible areas, extend helium-filled mylar balloons (with very long strings) directly in front of the area. The movement of these materials when the wind blows will help to deter the birds.

    - BH
    [Interestingly enough, the above article also advises against plastic owls, saying that they do not deter woodpeckers. - Wm.]

  • 10/14 12:22am Re: Woodpecker... I love this town, and its appreciation for nature. If we were down south we'd be discussing which gauge shotgun to use to fix the problem.
    - DF

  • 10/13 11:32pm To NJD - Wow. Exact same thing is happening to me and to my neighbor across the street. I think it's the same woodpecker too. Two large holes were bored in about 2 days time. I repaired the holes with wood putty, sanded, recoated, sanded then painted. Today I heard the same pecking sound and went crazy as I had waited to repair until I thought they were gone. (2 weeks). I just finished the repair over the weekend and now they are back! Same exact spot too. The wood on my house is new and free of bugs so that theory is out the window. I think they are drumming, mating calls? I do notice that they only seem to peck around the same one to two hour time frame (10-12). After another repair I will try the soap mixture deal.
    - LS

  • 10/13 11:29pm NJD - for the downy woodpecker syndrome, if easily done, try an owl placard (with glassy eyes) attached near the area of impact - or use some "free" CD's, glue on some aggies for eyes plus feet and let swing from a small stick (as a pole). I know some people who have plastic cat novelties that seem to make a bird think twice before invading the area.
    - JO

  • 10/13 11:11pm I know it's nearly Halloween and I will probably hear a lot of flak for this post, but the dummy impaled on a stake on Main St. near Park St. should be removed. I find this very upsetting to look at, especially in this day and age. I know I am not alone with this thought but I am the one opening my mouth and inserting my foot.
    - JW [a different JW than below - Wm.]

  • 10/13 11:07pm The Garden Club of Norfolk is hosting "An Evening of Holiday Design" on Wednesday, November 10th, 7 PM at the Federated Church (Route 115 & Main Street) in Norfolk. Yvette Viard of Charlotte Designs in Walpole will demonstrate Thanksgiving and Christmas designs. These will then be raffled. This is open to the public. A $5. donation will benefit civic beautification projects in Norfolk. Complimentary refreshments will be served.
    - JW

  • 10/13 11:00pm NJD: Here's a solution to try that will deter the woodpecker without harm as well as not harm your house. Grab a bar of soap that is non dyed, similar to Ivory, Caress, Dial, and melt it down in the microwave. Then add to a mixture of water thin enough to be sprayed through a bottle or applied with a rag. Apply it to the area of your house where they are pecking away, and usually the bitterness will make them find somewhere else to go. Although Irish Spring does have dyes in it, I've used it for a number of animals that have tried to destroy wooden surfaces, although I've never used it directly on exterior house paint. I've always had great luck with Irish Spring. You can always also try a predator urine but just be careful of the acid content as it might wreck your paint if it's not a synthetic type.
    - HNP

  • 10/13 10:59pm CS, I would recommend Jim Hazlett as a painter. We have used Jim before for exterior painting and he does a great job. He is reasonably priced and a local contractor. Jim is listed in the Norfolk white pages.
    - TP

  • 10/13 4:11pm Not sure who to direct this question to: We have a Downy Woodecker who insists on pecking our house! How do we deter him from doing this and how should we fix the holes? They seem to get larger everyday.
    - NJD

  • 10/13 12:27pm For Sale: 1 Pats ticket, face value, for Sunday Oct. 17th. Face value 99- Game time 1pm, section 112, row 6, seat 16. [Contact BF at box20@norfolknet.com - Wm.]
    - BF

  • 10/13 11:55am Hello, We're new to Norfolk and have a very steep driveway. Can anyone recommend a good and reasonable snow-plower? Thanks!
    - SP

  • 10/12 8:23pm Looking for a contractor willing to do some a/c and heat ductwork in our house. Everyone we've contacted won't do a small job (they want a whole house job). Any recommendations appreciated.
    - GA

  • 10/12 8:20pm On October 9th King Philip High School Marching band, The Pride and the Passion, competed against 22 other High School in a Bands of America Regional Championship at Rutgers University Stadium, in Piscataway, NJ. King Philip won overall first place in the finals.
    King Philip will next take their show to competitions in Cranston, RI on Saturday evening, October 16, in Norwood, MA on Sunday, October 17, and to MICCA state finals in Framingham, MA on Sunday, October 24. The band will finish their competitive season at Ravens Stadium Baltimore where they will present their show at the United States Scholastic Band Associations Tri State Championships on October 30th.
    - AW

  • 10/12 3:52pm Foxwoods Casino Trip - Everyone is Welcome
    Monday, October 25, 2004 - $18.00 per person
    Sponsored by The Norfolk Lively Seniors
    Your motor coach will depart at 8:00 AM from St. Jude's Church parking lot, 86 Main St, Norfolk. The return time is approximately 5:30 to 6:00 PM. For reservations, please contact Richard C. at 508-384-3783 Full payment is due upon reservation. Please make checks payable to "G&W Tours" and mail to Richard Connors, 30 Everett St, Norfolk, MA 02056 (No refunds if cancellation is received less than 48 hours prior to departure.)
    The trip includes Casino time from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM plus $10.00 for food and $15.00 for Keno and Deluxe Motor Coach Transportation.
    - RC

  • 10/12 3:49pm We need to have the trim (gutters and fascia boards) on our house scraped and repainted. Can anyone recommend a reputable painter to do the job?
    - CS

  • 10/12 2:11pm I'm looking to have all the stained trim in my house painted. Anyone have recommendations of a reliable and reasonably priced painter?
    - ATB

  • 10/12 12:50pm COME ONE! COME ALL! Girl Scout Troops 4738 and 3603, representing over 20 families, will be having a Yard Sale this Saturday, October 16th, from 9:00-noon at the H. Olive Day School. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the troops. Items to be sold will include toys, games, furniture, books, crafts and lots of other great "stuff". Stop by and help out a Girl Scout. Rain date is October 23rd. Thanks for supporting scouting.
    - KM

  • 10/12 9:18am There is information on Public Flu Clinics at URL: flu.masspro.org
    The influenza vaccine is strictly limited to priority groups.
    There is a lot of good information about avoiding the flu on this site, and there is a list of flu clinics in Massachusetts. Be sure to call the location of the clinic first, since the availability if the vaccine changes from day to day.
    NOTE: All flu clinics will be strictly following the CDC's "Priority Groups for Influenza Vaccination" listing, which can be found on the flu.masspro.org home page.
    All people will be questioned to make sure they are part of a priority group.
    - RH

  • 10/11 8:37pm From Town Hall Notices:
    The following roadways have been scheduled for overlay or leveling beginning the week of October 11, 2004, weather permitting.

    Cleveland Street - (Keith to Seekonk): 1-1/4" leveler
    Holbrook Street - (Rockwood to Millis Town Line): 1-1/4" leveler
    Medway Street - (Chatham to Myrtle): 1-1/2" overlay

    - RH

  • 10/11 6:55pm The Norfolk Fire Department will hold its annual open house on Saturday October 30 from 1pm-4pm. This year's theme is Test Your Smoke Alarms. There will be antique Fire Truck rides, FREE Papa Gino's pizza for all. Also exhibitions concerning Fire and Public Safety.
    - RC

  • 10/11 12:40pm I'm wondering if anyone in the area has done business with Ponderosa Pine Wood Products in Kingston MA? We saw them at the February Flower Show, and to make a long story short, are in breech of contract with us. We contacted the Better Business Bureau and it turns out that they have had some issues in the past year. They owed us a refund back in July and have yet to get a GOOD check back to us, the 1st one bouncing. I'd like to know if anyone else has used them? If not, Buyer Beware!!!
    - DM

  • 10/11 9:42am To: PN - Replacement windows widely range in pricing and in quality and most importantly warranty. I would like the opportunity to assist you by providing different window products for you to view and try out. Manufacturers have different lead times. Some as short as 1 week and others as long 6-8 weeks. If you are a do it yourselfer and just want some advise, I would still be happy do that as well.
    - David Smith, Jr., General Contractor, Norfolk. Ph 508-553-8996 Cell 508-250-3678

  • 10/10 11:31pm To PN - Depends on the type of window. Franklin Glass replaced the double pane pix window pretty neatly. It had lasted 20 yrs but lost its seal.
    With the right tools they replaced it in less than 2 hrs as neat as a pin (about 40 1/2 by 32 1/4).
    Take a look at websites for background of other types.
    - JO

  • 10/10 9:16pm Thanks MP - this forum seems to be the only barometer available when service issues crop up
    - PC

  • 10/10 8:13pm Does anyone know about, or did anyone hear heavy construction activity in the vicinity of the H. Olive Day School early on Sunday morning 10/10 ? It lasted about a half hour, then stopped abruptly.
    - GH

  • 10/10 11:11am We need to have some windows replaced and would appreciate recommendations on where to purchase them and also have them installed. We looked at Home Depot and they have contractors come out and do the job, was wondering if anyone has taken this route? Thanks,
    - PN

  • 10/9 9:46am We had Fred Wright in Walpole re-roof our house and install new gutters several years ago. Fred is a licensed construction supervisor and did a fine job. 508-668-0986, CS Lic. # 042738.
    - RH

  • 10/9 9:02am To PC - Yes, we were having comcast problems the past few days. I could only get only get on the Web intermittently and Email access was sporadic. I called Comcast and a very helpful technician worked with me to correct the problem. He sent a signal to the computer, I believe, and things improved after that. Give them a call if you are still having problems.
    - MP

  • 10/8 9:27am To GSN: Have also used Weatherproof Construction and had very good experience.
    - TEM

  • 10/8 9:14am To: GSN - In reference to your possible new roof. I am a local General Contractor and live in Norfolk. I currently have several projects on going in the Norfolk area and surrounding communities. I would like the opportunity to assist you.
    - David Smith, Jr, Office: 508-553-8996, Cell: 508-553-8996

  • 10/8 9:15am I have experienced here recently, one company here in town that tells everyone that I do not do my own work. I have crews that work for me as well as crews that are sub-contracted. What I would also like to inform the community about is, in the state of Massachusetts you are not required to have a builder's liscense to do roofing, siding or windows. You are only required to register as a Home Improvement Contractor. Anyone can register as an H. I. Contractor without having formal knowledge of the building trade, and their pricing is generally cheaper than one who has the Construction Supervisor's Certification. In my own opinion, your roof protects everything within your home. Shop around and find the best solution for you.
    Thank you for the format to voice my thoughts.
    Advice for one: Worry more about your character than your reputation. Character is what you are, reputation merely what others think you are.
    -- John Wooden
    - David Smith

    [Update 10/8 6:00pm: restored inadvertently omitted John Wooden quote - Wm.]

  • 10/7 9:22pm For GSN...Weatherproof Construction is the way to go 508-553-0943... Jim grew up in Norfolk and is a great guy to do business with... as I said before, "rain drops are NOT falling on my head." He does good work.
    - ER

  • 10/7 8:25pm Anybody else having Comcast service slowdown in the past couple days??
    - PC

  • 10/7 7:40pm Does anyone have any good personal experiences with a local roofer? We are looking to put a new roof on our house before the end of the year and are looking to get estimates.
    - GSN

  • 10/7 9:42am To the Citizens of Norfolk,
    The Norfolk Lions is pleased to announce that over $12,000 dollars were given away for charitable purposes in 2003. Some of those charities include: Three Graduating Norfolk Senior Scholarships, Children's Museum Passes, Santa Parade, King Philip LEO'S Club, King Philip Music Association, Lions Eye Research, Diabetes Awareness, Norfolk Fire Dept and many other worthy causes.
    The Norfolk Lions main fundraisers consist of the annual Christmas Tree Sales (this year next to Dunkin Donuts), Norfolk Community Day, Haunted Train Ride, Santa Parade and other various organized events.
    October is membership month! If you are over the age of 21 and would like to be part of this non-partisan, non-sectarian international organization and you feel the need to serve your community in a higher capacity, call 508-528-8198. We meet twice a month with a business meeting and a dinner meeting. All interested volunteers are welcome.
    To learn more about Lions International and all of the charitable causes and programs go to www.lionsclub.org.
    Respectfully Submitted,
    - Paul H. Terrio, Membership Chairman

  • 10/7 8:48am From the Town Hall Notices page:
    The Norfolk Board of Health and Council on Aging, in conjunction with the Walpole Area Visiting Nurse Association, is sponsoring its annual Flu Clinic for Norfolk residents on Thursday, November 4, 2004, from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., at the Senior Center, located at 28 Medway Branch Road.

    Because of manufacturing difficulties again this year, the flu vaccine will be available for adults at highest risk of complications from the flu only. [See the the announcement [click] for a list of high-risk categories.]

    Proof of high-risk status will be required. Being high risk does not mean that you are at increased risk of exposure to the flu. High risk means that you are at higher risk to have serious complications from the flu.

    Call the Council on Aging office at 508-528-4430 to schedule an appointment for the flu clinic.

    - RH
    [Update 10/14 12:47pm: The flu clinic has been postponed until further notice. See the post of 10/14 12:46pm - Wm.]

  • 10/6 4:23pm The Fall Town Meeting Warrant (10/26 meeting info) is online at [Town Hall page - click for PDF]
    - RH

  • 10/5 10:25am SB, try Northland Farms in Wrentham, Rt. 1A just before the Mall. They deliver. Good hardwood.
    - PW

  • 10/5 10:09am I am looking to buy some firewood. Does anyone know someone in town that sells firewood?
    - SB

  • 10/5 8:40am I noticed large construction trucks down at the Miller Street bridge so I decided to take a walk down there last evening. Quite a bit of work has been done. Just last week, you could walk or ride or your bike to the other side, but now you can't. Could this bridge really have a possibility of being done before the snow comes? It sure would make the people on this side of Norfolk VERY HAPPY.
    - PR

  • 10/4 7:10pm BD, there is a public hearing on 10/14 @ 8:00 in the Town Hall to review the proposed zoning bylaw changes. I would recommend contacting the Town Adminstrator or Planning Board Adminstrator for a copy of the warrant articles.
    - TP

  • 10/4 5:43pm JH, I switched from BFI to Dover trucking about 9 months ago. BFI promised to pick up my Christmas tree last year. After I got sick of seeing it at the end of my driveway for 4 weeks I called Dover trucking and they picked it up the next day.
    The folks at Dover trucking have been great and much nicer then anyone I dealt with at BFI. The rate for curbside pick up is $32.50 per month.
    - EB

  • 10/4 5:42pm JH - I use Dover Trucking, and I don't recall the exact amount I pay (I'm at work sitting on the phone on hold for a work item and started surfing), but I want to say that it's either $27.50 or $32.50/month for weekly. You can also do 2x/month pickup for under $20/month, but that does limit your recycling options a bit. Give them a call for an exact quote, but I hope that helps...
    - MD

  • 10/4 1:11pm How much is Dover Trucking per month/quarter?
    - JH

  • 10/3 2:57pm HN - I highly recommend Dover Trucking for trash removal. They are affordable, offer recycling of paper, plastic, cardboard, metal, and glass and their service has been terrific since we switched to them. Hope that helps.
    - MD

  • 10/3 2:51pm To HN, regarding trash service: we have used BFI for several years, and have had no complaints. I have heard people complain that it took them forever for BFI to give them one of those big, blue rolling trash bins, allegedly because of large backlog of new customers. Similarly, I've heard that getting a replacement for a damaged bin takes a while. My bill is $97.50 every 2 months. When we chose BFI, they were the only company who gave you a bin, but that has obviously changed. I have heard that Dover Trucking is trying to make a push into Norfolk, and that people were dumping BFI in order to do business with someone local. I've been seeing more and more of their bins around town.
    - JM

  • 10/3 8:39am I was talking to retired fireman last night and I asked if he remembered the name of the restaurant on Rockwood Rd. He remembers it as The Tack Room. It was a favorite haunt for a lot of the firefighters and police officers.
    - JW

  • 10/2 9:41pm Hi. Just moved to Norfolk. What is the best company for trash pickup and recycling pickup service?
    - HN

  • 10/1 10:39pm 2 Barry Manilow tickets - Any fans interested in purchasing 2 extra concert tickets for Barry Manilow's Saturday night 8 p.m. Providence Dunkin Donuts Center concert? Please write to box15@norfolknet.com before 6 p.m. October 2.
    - DLJ

  • 10/1 8:01pm To Ms. Fijol from the BOH: Why don't they plan for a second round of spraying in the fall? We have been concerned about higher rates of EEE and WNV now for several years and it's an issue until the first hard frost. Is it an issue of effectivness this late in the year or is it a budgetary issue that could be planned for? Thanks.
    - MJD

  • 10/1 2:31pm The Norfolk TPA will be hosting a presentation by the Norfolk District Attorney's Office and the Massachusetts State Police on Children and the Internet on Monday evening, October 4, at 7:00 p.m. in McBride auditorium. Topics to be discussed will include victim/offender prevention, parental liability, legal consequences and remedies. If you would like to attend this important meeting, please contact Kate M., TPA President, at 541-8555 no later than 4:00 Monday. Thank you for supporting the Norfolk TPA.
    - KM

  • 10/1 1:36pm The Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project has notified the Board of Health Office that a mosquito pool in South Walpole has tested positive for EEE this week. The Mosquito Control Project has concluded their spray program for the year but has asked our help in educating the public on ways to avoid mosquito bites. More information about EEE as well as current surveillance infomation is available at the following Department of Public Health website: http://www.mass.gov/dph/wnv/wnv1.htm
    - Betsy Fijol, Board of Health, 508-528-7747 www.virtualnorfolk.org

  • 10/1 2:28am Re: 9/30 2:08pm Anyone know anything about a zoning meeting this past week to change the zoning of downtown Norfolk to change the mix? I saw a headline but could not get the whole story. Thanks! - BD
    The following appears on the Planning Board webpage
    "Zoning hearing prior to Town Meeting will be held on Thursday evening, October 14, 2004 at 8:00 p.m. "
    There is no notice of this Public Hearing posted on the Town Hall Public Notices page.
    The Town Meeting article pertaining to this zoning article, which the Planning Board must review and make a recommendation for or against, is not available because the warrant is not on the Town website yet. Perhaps the Planning Board administrator can e-mail a copy of the article to you. See the Planning Board webpage above. The Special Town Meeting is Tuesday Oct. 26, 2004, King Philip High School 7:30PM, per the Town Clerk's webpage.
    - RH

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