Q2 2006 Norfolknet Notes, Apr-Jun 2006

This is the archive of previous Norfolk Notes.
Home

Previous Archive, 2006 Q1

  • 6/30 11:50pm   Hello JHR; The Sliver Line is a bus which runs on electricity for part of the journey and then converts over to gasoline. When in South Station follow the signs for the Silver Line which will direct you to the platform where there is a chart of Silver Line departure times (approximately every 10 minutes). Hop onto the bus and it will take you right to Logan Airport where the bus will make stops at the terminals. It surely takes away the concern for the high cost of parking at the airport or the total costs for Logan Express.
    - JTV

  • 6/30 11:16pm   JTV - I was very interested in your info regarding taking the Commuter Line from Norfolk and Silver Line to Logan, but need to ask a question. Is the Silver Line a subway or a bus. I assume it is the former but want to be sure. Thanks.
    - JHR

  • 6/30 2:49pm   Norfolk Community League would like to thank the 2006 Sponsors of the NCL Run/Walk:
    Postal Center USA, Elite Food Company, Jofran Inc., Fore Kicks, Chiquita Brands, Mitchell Pasenkoff, DMD, W. T. Holmes Transportation, Eagle Brook Saloon, Norfolk County Dental, George T. Cronin & Sons, Inc., Dalzell Volvo, Sovereign Bank, Colonial Fence Company, Inc., Family Choice Mortgage Co., Shaw's Supermarkets and Tedeschi Food Shops.
    Although the event was cancelled due to the poor weather conditions this spring, all of our sponsors have graciously donated their funds to our organization for future distributions to the community. We would like to take this opportunity to thank them and recognize them for their contribution to Norfolk.
    Thank you. Sincerely,
    - LR, Norfolk Community League

  • 6/30 10:54pm   We have found a very loved Lil' Kinz Cocker Spaniel in our shop Something Special. It is obvious that someone has mistakenly left him/her here and maybe looking for it. We are taking care of it until its owner comes to get it, but he/she is missing its owner. Thanks,
    - Nancy & Joan

  • 6/30 10:51pm   The 3rd Annual Norfolk Kids Care Ride is Tuesday, July 18th at 6:30 p.m. The ride is a charitable bike ride for kids under age 14 who want to help support the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge.
    [C o n t i n u e d . . .]
    - SM

  • 6/29 10:01pm   SDM & SM, Thank you for posting the correct Affordable 40B info regarding Norfolk Landing. Now, any info about the Affordable Housing Committee or report/study?
    - JLH

  • 6/29 9:13pm   To MJD, Our son is a very capable graphic artist and might be able to help out on this brochure project. He has examples of his work available. Contact us by email at cindy@humancomm.com
    - JR

  • 6/29 9:11pm   To SD - Norfolk Recreation sponsors a baseball program run by Frozen Ropes (Franklin based) the week of 7/10. It meets at the Freeman Centennial School 8:30-2:30 PM Monday-Friday. The cost is $170. We also run a basketball clinic the week of August 14 Monday-Friday 9-3PM. The cost is $130 per week. Please give us a call with any questions @ 508-520-1315 or check the descriptions out at virtualnorfolk.org/rec. Click on On-line registration and then Programs. Select Summer School Age Sports on the drop down menu. Hope this helps -
    - Ann Proto, Norfolk Recreation Director

  • 6/29 6:18pm   I am looking for a graphic designer to design a brochure for a small non-profit. Is there someone out there in town who freelances who might do a small job?
    - MJD

  • 6/29 3:20pm   To AM: My son has been cleaning my gutters as well as my neighbors' since he was old enough to climb a ladder. He has also done other odd jobs i.e.: painting, lawns, floor installations, driveway sealers, spreading mulch. He just graduated college and looking for some small jobs to make some extra money. He comes with great references (not just mine) he can be reached at 617-596-2286 evenings. His name is Mark.
    - CW

  • 6/29 1:53pm   Hi Wm. nice bike. I took the motorcycle training course last fall and bought my bike in April. I love it! Enjoy the roads and stay safe...
    - KAS

  • 6/29 1:51pm   Re: Norfolk Landing 40B (Developer: Norfolk Landing, LLC): The ZBA public hearing for this project closed last week. The ZBA has 40 days to issue a decision, which we expect will be an approval with conditions. The hearing closed with plans for 28 three bedroom, single family homes, 7 of which will be affordable. Construction may begin late 2006 or early 2007.
    In keeping with the usual 40B guidelines, affordable units will be dispersed throughout the site and have exterior designs that make them indistinguishable from the regular market rate homes. The affordable units will be available to, and priced for, families earning less than 80% of median income for our area as determined by HUD 2006 Income Eligibility Guidelines (Available in 'Datasets' section of HUD website, www.HUDuser.org). For example, a 4-person household earning less than $66,150 could apply for one of these units. 70% of the units will be local preference, meaning that preference will be given to those with local ties (those who live in Norfolk, work in Norfolk or have other family members who are already living here).
    This project has been a cooperative project; the Town boards and the developer have consistently welcomed and encouraged residents' participation in this process. We have been able to work with them to create a project which reduces the impact to our neighborhood (reducing the number of units, preserving a portion of the wooded passive recreation space and a vernal pool, reducing and improving visual impact, protecting water supply) while still providing for the needs of the Town and developer. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the boards, and individuals, who have given their time and energy to make this a 'friendly' 40B.
    Thank you.
    - SDM, Co-chair, Norfolk Airport Neighborhood Committee (NANC)

  • 6/29 12:28pm   DWL, Contact Leaf Guard, Neponset Street Canton, MA and ask for Dave Gibson. I had them installed this past fall and they are great!
    - JT

  • 6/29 12:27pm   Norfolk Lions Youth Soccer - the last day to register for the fall season is Saturday, July 1st. Registration forms are available at the Norfolk Public Library or on our website at norfolklionssoccer.com. NLYS is a co-ed league for children between the ages of 3 and 16 years old. All games are played on Sunday afternoons in Norfolk. For more information email norfolklionssoccer@verizon.net.
    - HK

  • 6/29 10:46am   Norfolk Lions Youth Soccer kicks off the fall season with its Opening Day Celebration scheduled for Sunday, September 10th. This is a FREE event for all NLYS players and their families!
    Be sure to check the website at norfolklionssoccer.com over the summer for more information.
    - HK

  • 6/29 8:59am   I am looking to replace my gutters. I know this was previously recommended but am unable to find it.
    - DWL

  • 6/29 8:47am   How time flies... Hard to believe it's already been four years and 30,000 miles since I enrolled in the MSF training course, bought a motorcycle and took took up motorcycling. And back roads. And motorcycle repair :-)
    It's been a fun four years. Here's to many more!
    - Wm.

  • 6/29 7:55am   RD - JMB's comments were all correct. 40B is a state statute under which a developer can circumvent local zoning if 25% of the housing in a development is " affordable". What is affordable is dependent upon the local median price. An inexpensive house in a community cannot be counted by the Town as "affordable" housing. Eastern Development is the developer for the Norfolk Commons (commercial) development, they have nothing to do with Norfolk Landing. The Planning Board did accept three site plans for the Town Center development, one of which is a Drugstore. What was that you said about people commenting before checking the facts and saying things just to have something to say?
    - SM

  • 6/29 6:28am   Re 40B's. Eastern isn't the development company of the airport 40B. Eastern is the folks who will be (eventually? ever?) developing the town center between the MBTA parking lot (upper lot) to the library, those three parcels we think of as the Moonscape.
    Eastern has been through some major permitting already, coming up with plans for retail, a restaurant, a pharmacy, and a supermarket, the long-promised Stop and Shop. Which, by the way, will be much smaller than their megastores, mostly because the site really wouldn't support a larger store; last I saw they had parking issues as is.
    As for income limitations on 40B's, there are asset limits, and income limits. The asset limits generally make it difficult for someone who has owned a house to get into a 40B (which is a good thing), and the income limits are as follows:
    For one person, $46K per year. A single person with two kids qualifies at $59K or less, and $66K for a family of four. These aren't poor people; these are teachers and young professionals in their first jobs. 40B isn't poor people housing, it's worker housing.
    - RG

  • 6/29 12:57am   My daughter took the commuter rail from Norfolk to South Station, picked up the Silver Line at SS which went straight to Logan and dropped her off right at the terminal. Her cost: $10 round trip for commuter rail, $3 round trip for the silver line.... for two people $26 round trip.... pretty economical and she said the it was not bad at all!
    - JTV

  • 6/29 12:52am   Thanks to those who have put forth hypotheses about the need for a water ban in the midst of record rainfall. I would reply with two questions:
    - if it is truly an issue of pumping capacity given that we only have two wells, shouldn't that be made clear to town residents? Surely I'm not the only one who has wondered about this, and speculation by other readers of the board is no substitute for hard facts from town officials.
    - second, if we are so handicapped that we lack the infrastructure to pump enough water from the over-flowing aquifers to meet our needs, thereby constraining the type of smart growth and development that will increase the tax base, isn't that a compelling town need that should be a very high priority in the town budget? Maybe I missed it, but while hearing lots about the need for new vehicles and other questionable expenditures, I'm surprised a basic infrastructure issue like this isn't getting more attention.
    In the meantime, I'll continue to draw as much water as I please from my private well (if only to lower the rising water table surrounding my basement!), but the real issue is the credibility of the water ban and the town's silence in responding to common sense questions about the need to restrict water usage.
    - BM

  • 6/28 9:56pm   Does anyone know of a local handyman who will clean gutters? Ours appear to be clogged and we don't have a ladder long enough to reach the roof line or the time to do it. I also need to have a new mailbox and post installed, maybe the same person could do both jobs. Thanks for your recommendations.
    - AM

  • 6/28 8:49pm   I was wondering if anyone knew of any good baseball or basketball camps/clinics for the summer for an 11 year old. Thanks
    - SD

  • 6/28 6:23pm   MT... Yep, that's our new family pet. Actually we've only met once, but that was enough. I hope he's back doing whatever snakes do. He/she certainly is intimidating. Thanks for all the help with ID-ing him.
    Regarding all the other stuff on this web, to which I've become addicted, I hope we can keep a sense of humor running through as well.
    On another note .... I'm interested in being part of a book group. Any interest?? I know there are groups out there but do not know personally of any.
    - JHR

  • 6/28 5:13pm   RD, what are you so angry about? Tell us your pains and worries so we may help you.
    - PFD

  • 6/28 5:06pm   Hmmmm... with so many experts on the subject, it would hardly seem necessary. But before anyone else steps up on the soapbox to proclaim 'expertness' on the subject, perhaps a short refresher might be in order. The exact nature of 40b can be found at the following link. You'll find that not everything bantered about here thus far is... shall we say... exactly correct?
    [mhp.net/termsheets/40BQA.pdf]
    - TK

    [This PDF turns out to be the same as below - Wm.]

  • 6/28 5:02pm   RD, about your post today @ 2:36PM: I've tried to stay away from [...] your posts, but in this last one you just pushed too many wrong buttons. I agree with your statement regarding the misrepresentation of fact and other misinformation that is often so carelessly spread around this town from so many quarters. So before I go further, I've pasted an excerpt from your last post below. Please notice, especially, the part that is underscored and in italics.
    "I think you need to brush up on your definitions; there is a difference between 40b and affordable. 40b are low income family and/or elderly housing alloted to the towns by the state for income qualified families to rent. Affordable means just what it says, it means that the homes, or in this case the condos, cannot exceed a price set by the state as affordable, again being sold to income qualified persons. Since I was at the meeting I do believe I would be correct in my post. Like I said, look up the definition of affordable and 40b." . . . "There is no drug store coming, CVS rejected the offer and no-one else has made one. I'm sorry, but I hate people who say things without checking their facts and say things just to have something to say. Oh, and as far as the lottery goes, I know all about it and have known about it since long before it was ever placed in any newspaper; our application was the first one sent to the woman who is running the lottery. ... I'm long through that process and moved on to the next step".
    How do I tell someone who hates people, who say things without verifying their facts, that they're wrong? The most tactful approach to that dilemma probably is just to attach my personal copy of the Chapter 40B fact sheet [110K PDF, here], and if you still are in doubt, to refer you directly to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts web site and to MGL Chapter 40B. I hope that you find this information helpful. Sincerely,
    - MT

  • 6/28 2:36pm   I think you need to brush up on your definitions; there is a difference between 40b and affordable. 40b are low income family and/or elderly housing alloted to the towns by the state for income qualified families to rent. Affordable means just what it says, it means that the homes, or in this case the condos, cannot exceed a price set by the state as affordable, again being sold to income qualified persons. Since I was at the meeting I do believe I would be correct in my post. Like I said, look up the definition of affordable and 40b.
    I do believe the only thing you are correct about is the fact you spoke to the wrong developer. Borelli is Town Hill condo project. Eastern Development Corp. is the airport 40b project, which is going to be called Norfolk Landing. The 11 total units on town hill will be affordable, and depending on how many homes are built on the airport property, a certain number will be given to the town to sell as affordable. When we heard of the project I believe the number quoted to us was 32.
    There is no drug store coming, CVS rejected the offer and no-one else has made one. I'm sorry, but I hate people who say things without checking their facts and say things just to have something to say. Oh, and as far as the lottery goes, I know all about it and have known about it since long before it was ever placed in any newspaper; our application was the first one sent to the woman who is running the lottery. ... I'm long through that process and moved on to the next step.
    - RD

  • 6/28 12:36pm   Playgroup: I'm starting a Saturday playgroup for parents of pre-K and younger children. It is geared towards working parents who cannot participate in weekday playgroups due to their schedules, but stay-at-home parents who would prefer a Saturday playgroup are very welcome as well. The group will meet once a month on the first Saturday of the month at 10:00 a.m., but the dates and times are flexible if it turns out they do not work for the majority of the group. The first date will be July 8, 2006 at Boardman Playground. If you would like to be notified of dates and locations for the playgroup, please email workingparentsnorfolk@hotmail.com (your email address will be kept confidential). See you at the playground!
    - KD

  • 6/28 12:29pm   JHR, Re your post of 6/26 @ 10:45 PM: The snake that you've described, along with the conditions, is probably one of two shown in the attached photo. Good luck,
    - MT

  • 6/28 10:47am   Snake ID.... I'm thinking Northern Water Snake at this point. I've learned more about snakes in the past few days than I really wanted to know. Have to say, they are not my favorite creature. Poisonous or not, I would totally freak out if one hissed at me or even tried to bite.
    - JHR

  • 6/28 10:46am   As much as I love hearing the rumors and see people get excited about something as silly as a Wal-Mart, I have a link for you about the Rockwood/Holbrook project, [here]. In my opinion it looks really nice. If you get a chance to check out the website, I think you will be relieved that there is no Wal-Mart going in. I just can't wait for Unos to open their new store at the corner of Main and Boardman!
    - MH

  • 6/28 9:26am   This a pic of a snake we found in our backyard last week. Ours was only about 5" long and obviously a baby. Ringneck Snake.
    - JW

  • 6/28 9:26am   For JHR of 6/26, Here is the web page that I use when looking to identify a snake Massachusetts Snake Page [umass.edu/nrec/snake_pit]. I suggest that JHR search "rink snakes."
    - MG

  • 6/28 8:49am   My husband asked a town employee what was going in on 115 by Millis, saying he heard rumors of a Walmart. The town employee said that it's 55+ housing and that the town selectmen would never allow a Walmart to be built in Norfolk. Thank God, we don't need one, there's 3 within driving distance. For God's sake, get out more, people.
    Also, here's an unofficial time frame for the Stop and Shop completion. I was talking last night to a manager visiting my store this week and we were talking about Stop and Shop Norfolk - there's rumor it's supposed to be complete this fall, not next fall. Keep an ear to Norfolknet; as more info becomes available I'll do my best to pass it along.
    - RD

  • 6/28 8:40am   Hi JMB, try Parrino & Sons from Walpole 1-508-668-2936, very good and reasonable, and for an electrician try Heny Cequera 1-508-660-8617. Thanks,
    - PMP

  • 6/28 12:24am   For MM - I do daycare in my home and do have openings right now. I have had my license since 1982... Call 508-528-3235... Bus stop is at my driveway...
    - ER

  • 6/28 12:20am   KG, Here is the article you are looking for dated 06/22/06:
    [Boston Globe article]
    Bills earmark $11 million for local projects
    By Jennifer Fenn Lefferts, Globe Correspondent | June 22, 2006

    More than $11 million in state funds may be flowing into the western suburbs to pay for road and bridgework, park renovations, and downtown projects that have been on hold for years.

    The Legislature approved two bills last week that would use a total of $700 million in surplus state funds to pay for local projects throughout the Commonwealth at a time when cities and towns have been struggling to make ends meet.

    ``I'll do whatever I can to bring any money to my district," said state Senator Scott Brown, a Wrentham Republican.

    Brown said he would rather see the money go back to residents in the form of a tax cut, but using it for local projects is the next best thing.

    - MG

  • 6/27 9:17pm   To MM re:daycare: please message me directly and I will provide a referral to my neighbor as a contact, thanks, Cindy.
    - CR

  • 6/27 7:34pm   My husband was out taking a walk on 6/27 on Miller Street in the morning. A small dog followed him home she is now staying with us until we find her owner. Please e-mail me if you are missing a small dog, caji74@yahoo.com. Thank you,
    - CC

  • 6/27 7:33pm   We are moving to Norfolk in July and need to find daycare (full time - 5 days) for our four year old as well as before and after school care for our 7 year old. The town-run before and after school program is full - any suggestions? Thanks,
    - MM

  • 6/27 3:35pm   To JMB, Try Fidelis Plumbing & Heating out of Franklin, licensed, just starting his own business. I have had him in for a couple of small jobs, very reliable, dependable, knowledgable and reasonable. Ask for Michael @ 508-528-8220 or email fidelisplumbing.com.
    - JET

    [Update 3:42pm: Correction - Fidelis web site is fidelisplumbing.com. Email is mike.pimental@verizon.net. Sorry. - JET]

  • 6/27 2:54pm   In response to RWD -- Another vote for Jim at Weatherproof Construction. He did our roof and did an excellent job, including the venting necessary all around the roof. Professional and very reasonable.
    - KE

  • 6/27 2:23pm   To RM: It might not be a water shortage at the supply end, but the rate at which Norfolk can get it. i.e. if everyone watered at the same time the Norfolk's cisterns (I think there are two) would go dry because we can't fill them quick enough. So the water ban is irrespective of the level in whatever resovoirs or lakes we get it from.
    - VR

  • 6/27 1:46pm   To CR: I didn't read that RM wants to water their lawn or wash the car 'every day'. On the contrary I think the question was about trusting us to limit our watering. I could legally water my lawn more with an even\odd watering ban than I would without a ban since I only would typically water once or twice a week. And often we may have plans on the 'odd' day during a weekend but would like to wash the car on the 'even' day.
    Perhaps RM is the only one following the law and simply is asking why the ban? I'm afraid the answer is going to be capacity. But what will happen next year when all the age restricted housing developments go online? Do they each have their own wells or will they be tapping from the town water? If on town water, will they be able to install irrigation systems?
    - SF

  • 6/27 11:36am   To RM: Is it really that big of a deal to water on the odd/even water schedule. After all, watering the garden every day isn't necessary and actually does more harm than good to plants, and if you need to wash your car every day then you have more issues than a water ban.
    - CR

  • 6/27 11:35am   To RD et al: The units on Town Hill are a 40B project which means that 25% have to be "affordable". These units are not "given to the town to sell" but rather the builder has to sell them at the "affordable" rate. There is a lottery in process for these units. Applications are available at the library and Town Hall. The units are affordable in perpetuity so someone cannot buy them and flip them for a big profit. Also there is more going in than Stop & Shop. There are plans for a drug store and restaurant according to Eastern Development, the owners of the land. Another 40B project of about 28 houses was just approved for the old airport. There will also be a lottery conducted for the 7 "affordable" units there. These lotteries are advertised in all the local and regional newspapers.
    - JMB

  • 6/27 11:34am   Any recommendation for a plumber for a small job (fixing kitchen faucet)? Also an electrician for a couple of small wiring repaid jobs around the house?
    - JMB

  • 6/27 10:27am   To JP, I think Emerald Square Limo is about $65 each way from Norfolk and you have absolutely no hassles at all. They are on time and have up to date equipment.
    - JT

  • 6/27 7:59am   KM, Re: Your post of 6/26 @ 10:49PM. To save time, I'm reposting a reply to a similar question, earlier this month, 6/4 5:40pm.
    CW, Re your question about gates for your pup. BJs has them occasionally, but if you're in a rush, they're almost always available at Wal-Mart. The last time I needed one, I picked it up at Wal-Mart. There were two types; one cost about $17, the other around $25. I chose the higher price one because of versatility and better quality. If you have the time to check for availability, Ocean State Job Lot or Building 19 would probably sell at the lowest price. If, on the other hand, price doesn't matter, similar gates (they're often referred to as child safety gates, or some such) are available at mass merchants such as Target, Sears, or a baby specialty store. etc.
    Good luck with your new furry friend,
    PS: The $25 +/- model is adjustable and held in place by tension.
    - MT

  • 6/26 11:29pm   JHR: it could be a northern water snake. They start out with ring in intervals at the front half of the body and then turn into more of diamond or spot pattern near the back end when they are mature. Their base color can vary but usually a tan, brown or dark brown. They usually only come to the water's edge to find food, but I guess if the water level is off kilter they might be coming further onto properties. This is also the month where they "court" so to speak.
    - HNP

  • 6/26 10:49pm   To AP: We just returned last week from a vacation flying out of Logan. In the past we have always used the Braintree Logan Express not too far from South Shore Plaza. After factoring out the costs using the websites for Logan Express and for Logan Airport Economy parking we figured out that we were only saving ourselves $20 for a two week vacation. The parking is cheaper at Logan Express, but you then have to add the $20 per person round trip bus ticket to your costs. Have a great trip!
    - HN

  • 6/26 10:49pm   Can anyone from town government explain the need to maintain the water ban during two months of record rainfall and flooding? According to today's Boston Globe, we've had 32 inches of rain this year versus a normal of 21 inches. Are we to understand that the extra 11 inches of rain--on top of 100% of normal rainfall last year--has done nothing to mitigate the mild dry spell of two years ago?
    My hunch is that the town and state bureaucrats don't think that we're smart enough to cut back water use when a "real" water emergency arrives, so they insist on treating us like children, spinning some fantastic story that although the floodwaters are overflowing into our basements, and we have at least two years of water in our wells and acquafiers--we still can't wash our cars or--God forbid!--water our gardens except on odd/even numbered days because there is a drought!!
    Those "Water Ban" signs aren't worth the metal they are printed on. C'mon, Norfolk, get a clue and take them down... just be sure to use an umbrella so the workers can stay dry while doing so!!
    - RM

  • 6/26 10:49pm   I am looking for 3 baby gates. Preferrably the type that do not require hardware fastened into the wall. If anyone has any I would appreciate hearing from you. Thanks.
    - KM

  • 6/26 10:46pm   Re airport transport: I would think that either Framingham or Braintree Logan Express would work. As for a private car, I recently used a local limo company and the roundtrip from Norfolk was $224. That's about 10 days worth of parking.
    - JP

  • 6/26 10:45pm   I'm trying to identify a black snake, probably 36 inches long, with brown rings at 1 inch intervals throughout his/her body. At mid length, this snake probably had a 2 inch diameter. We are thinking black racer snake. Any thoughts? We live not too far from wetlands so thought maybe their home got too wet. ?? Thanks.
    - JHR

  • 6/26 7:36pm   To JP There is a service in Foxboro that we have found very reliable in going to Logan or Providence airports. PCI service group, 888-515-5512, is located in the center of Foxboro, 10 Central Street. The last time we used their services it was $30 R/T with $10 for pickup at your home, and $10 for return to your home if you wish. The mode is via a van and they will be at your airline to pick you up after you give them a call when you get your luggage. Good trip and let us know your experience. I have advised other folks and they have had a good experience.
    - RC

  • 6/26 4:37pm   We are flying out of Boston for a vacation and are wondering if there is a Logan Express service nearby. Alternatively, experiences with local cab companies or car services is also appreciated. We are looking for a reasonable alternative to costly parking at Logan. Thanks!
    - AP

  • 6/26 4:09pm   To RWD, I agree with PN - Jim is great. He worked on a leak on our roof and did a great job! Good luck with the leak.
    - EF

  • 6/26 4:08pm   RWD: We can recommend Cooks Roofing at cooksroofing.com. They shingled our house and porch (which had leaked pretty badly) last week. They were punctual, professional, and courteous. The shingles look great, and nothing leaks. I told them I didn't expect to see them again for another 25 years but that I could certainly give them a good reference.
    - RM

  • 6/26 1:45pm   JP: Look out Portugal!! Nice to see Becks boot his critics. My son is showing promise in dribbling on many levels, thankfully one of which is soccer. Shoot me an email at workingparentsnorfolk@hotmail.com when you have a chance.
    - KD

  • 6/26 11:37am   I too have an electronics issue . . . was hoping to borrow a sound meter for about 15 minutes to measure the fan noise on a piece of electronics I purchased. Need to see if the fan noise is out of spec (20 dB), seems really loud to me. If you have one that I may borrow, well, that would be awfully darn neighborly of you. I may be reached at ugp2002@aol.com. Thanks very much,
    - DTB

    [20 dB is virtually inaudible. If the noise is obvious, it's already over 20 dB - Wm.]

  • 6/26 10:12am   Is anyone out there an electronics buff? I have a small project (a motherboard repair) that I completely flubbed with my soldering gear. I need a surface-mount diode replaced (I have the replacement), but not only did I not succeed to de-solder it, but in the process managed to flake off a surface-mount #472 micro-resistor nearby.
    If someone would be kind-hearted enough to help me out, I'll be forever grateful and pizza is on me! Thanks,
    - AR

  • 6/26 7:30am   Re 6/25 3:30pm Does anyone know of a local dog walker? I am looking for someone to walk my 2 small dogs during the weeks of July 2 and July 9. - PB PB I am available to walk your dogs these two weeks. Please conact me at ncleditor@norfolkcommunityleague.org
    - ES

  • 6/25 10:53pm   Does anyone know of any good rainy day activities for school age kids going on this week? I checked the library and rec department but things don't seem to be starting up until July. Thanks!
    - NS

  • 6/25 6:58pm   The 2006 summer concert schedule is on the Calendar
    - Wm.

  • 6/25 5:21pm   JPB, Thanks so much. Your info has been added to our very sketchy itinerary. I appreciate your interest and time.
    - JHR

  • 6/25 4:51pm   Mark your calendar to "Celebrate Norfolk" on September 9th, 2006. "Celebrate Norfolk" will be a day to celebrate the Grand Opening of Town Hill and the town of Norfolk. Town Hill has been closed due to the many renovations in the downtown area, including the new Norfolk Public Library, staircases, rock walls, brick walkways, "Welcome to Norfolk" sign, Veteran's memorial, memorial rose garden, the roundabouts, and the Tramp House. Now is the time to celebrate the completion of these projects.
    Join us for a day to celebrate all that is Norfolk. At 11:00 am there will be an official ceremony to open Town Hill, including presentation of the Town Quilt. After the ceremony will be a party on Town Hill until 3 pm.
    [M o r e . . .]
    - TS

  • 6/25 4:48pm   RWD: Roofer: Weather Proof Construction (Jim 508.553.0943). He's local, great reputation (has done about 7 houses in our neighborhood over the past several years) and thorough. When he was done with our roof, the place was so clean that I wouldn't have known they were here. Also, great pricing!
    - PN

  • 6/25 3:31pm   Can anyone recommend a roofer in the area? with all the recent rain, we have recently noticed a leak coming into our attic and now leaking into our bedroom ceiling. Thank you
    - RWD

  • 6/25 3:30pm   Does anyone know of a local dog walker? I am looking for someone to walk my 2 small dogs during the weeks of July 2 and July 9.
    - PB

  • 6/25 3:24pm   JHR: I lived in Arizona for a number of years. While the canyon is indeed grand, I highly recommend you take a day trip east on I-40 from Flagstaff (about 2.5 hrs). Along this route you will find some highly fascinating and educational sites: the Petrified Forest, the Painted Desert and a 1 kilometer diameter crater from a meteor strike. Trust me when I say, this is a day trip well worth it. In fact I found the Petrified Forest to be more interesting and educational from geologic and historical perspective than the canyon.
    If you travel to Arizona and miss these sites you will have missed much of what the state has to offer.
    Link to the Petrified Forrest: [nps.gov/pefo/historyculture]
    - JPB

  • 6/25 3:23pm   RD/DG: Many members of NOGO, and who voted no recently, share your views. Please contact us at our webpage www.no-go.org.
    By the way, I believe the town can in fact require certain types of housing in its affordable housing plan, which has yet to be developed. The fact that we do not have an affordable housing plan leaves us vulnerable to developers building as they wish so long as they include a certain level of affordable units. Our affordable housing plan is in fact a no go at this point. Something we are interested in "getting done".
    - JPB

  • 6/25 9:59am   JJM -- Thank you for your suggestions. We need to do lots of research but I'm starting with the info I'm getting at this website. We do like to camp but a couple of nights would be sufficient with other overnight spots as well. It sounds as though it would be best to make all the reservations in advance rather than just "winging it." It also sounds as if going down into the canyon is probably not realistic. And I gather that the North Rim is the place to go, so I'm already making decisions. There was a feature this morning on GMA on Lake Powell. It looks absolutely incredible. Thanks.
    - JHR

  • 6/25 9:52am   To JHR: We went to the Canyon a few years ago in February and it is the most beautiful sight I have ever seen. You don't however need a week just for the canyon. We flew into Phoenix, spent the rest of the day at a saguaro cactus park which was interesting, and stayed there for the night.
    The next day we headed north and stopped at the many national park sights along the way to the canyon. Everything is well marked and worth the stop.
    You will see old Indian cliff dwellings at several of these stops. We made it up to Flagstaff by noon and then took a longer route to the canyon by way of Sunset Crater (a volcanic site) and Waptuki (sp?) National Park. This was very interesting and worth the trip as well. There is miles upon miles of volcanic rock that just all of a sudden appears and you can get out and walk around on it.
    We then headed for the canyon and arrived probably around dinner time. We stayed right on the southern rim in one of the park hotels. I must say the rooms were extremely small and very expensive. It was nice though to eat our meals overlooking the canyon and seeing deer in the early morning right outside the window. Then we spent the next day just walking the rim. In February the morning temperature was probably about 35 degrees but by noon it had warmed up to about 65 and we had our jackets off. The Northern rim is closed that time of year. There was a shuttle that I took back since we had walked so far in the morning and I had run out of steam. Every view is breathtaking!
    For us one day right at the canyon was enough but I could have sat by its edge and never left it was so beautiful. Our trip back was to go through Flagstaff and pick up a scenic route that took us through a national forest (I have forgotten the name but can find it if you're interested) that ended us in Sedona. Now here you have the magnificent red rocks that are also gorgeous. You must stop to see that area. You may want to spend a few days here. We were visiting family so they knew where to take us and we got to see some of the old Indian petroglyphs away from the typical tourist attractions.
    Before heading to Sedona we did make a detour east to see the Petrified Forest. My husband and I were both disappointed with that trip. It's interesting but definitely not worth the long trip we took to see it.
    I must say that I have never been to a state that has so many different landscapes to offer with each being as beautiful as the next. It was indeed a spectacular trip.
    - VT

  • 6/25 9:51am   Hey RD... you go brother!! Stick it to the "snobs."
    - DG

  • 6/24 10:06pm   PL, thank you so much for that info. I'm happy to know a week would be enough. Yes, we are AAA members so will take that advice, too. We visited Bryce and Zion canyons many years ago with our kids when they were very young , but I'm sure the perspective would be ever so different at this point in our life!! :))
    I guess what I'm reading is the north rim is the place to go. Thanks = again.
    - JHR

  • 6/24 10:04pm   To JHR about Grand Canyon, congratulations. Going there is a lifetime experience. I am not an expert on the area but I would suggest that the National Park Service can help you. If you go to their Grand Canyon webpage at nps.gov/grca it should answer many of your questions and help you plan an itinerary that is suited to you. They have an online trip planner with maps, fees, lodging, nearby attractions etc.
    There are a number of options but most people view the canyon from the North rim, South rim, or valley (which is 5,000 feet below the rims). It is hot down there in the summer. You can also fly over but that is expensive, short and crowded. I agree with your suggestions about the donkeys. You cannot travel from one rim to the other by ground so you would either choose one location or the other to view or stay.
    We took a day trip to the South rim several years ago by flying over from Las Vegas on a tour plane. The tour included ground transportation and lunch. It was beautiful, but it was too short. We are going back this summer to see more and will bee staying in Flagstaff. We chose Flagstaff since we also will be using that as a starting point to visit Sedona and other areas as well.
    I hope this is useful to you.
    - JJM

  • 6/24 8:59pm   JHR: The Grand Canyon can be visited pretty much any time of year, though the road to the north rim is closed in late fall when the snow arrives. The Canyon is much cooler than either Phoenix or Las Vegas in summer since it is at a much higher elevation. You will have to decide if you want to visit the north or the south rim. They are about 4 hours apart if you drive from one rim to the other so you will probably have to pick one. If you want to visit the south rim, it is about 3-4 hours from Phoenix and on the way you must stop in Sedona, which is spectacular albeit pricey. (There is a wildland fire burning there as I write this). The south rim has the most tourists by far, but also has the most lodging and other facilities as well.There is also a great shuttle bus in the park that comes by frequently. If you choose to visit the north rim, you will experience less crowds, but arguably the better vistas. There are not as many choices for lodging on the north rim. My recommendation is if you have a week, fly into Las Vegas. Drive to St. George, UT (2 hours) and take what is known as the grand circle. You can easily fit in trips to Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, the north rim of the Canyon and even Lake Powell.You might also stay in Kanab, UT which is just over an hour to both the north rim and lake Powell. If you are a member of AAA, you can call them for Arizona and Utah guide books and maps. They lists lots of lodgings at all price ranges. Forget about the mule trips, thet are booked in advance at least a year out. If you want to, they have pack trips into Bryce Canyon that you could take. Whatever you decide, I promise you will have the vacation of a lifetime in some of the most gorgeous country in all the world. Have fun!
    - PL

  • 6/24 8:48pm   MJ - Here is a great drywall guy, his name is Steven his # 1-508-269-2366. Tell him Scott gave you his #.
    - SH

  • 6/24 5:53pm   I figured I would clarify the confusion over the development on town hill. Thursday evening my husband and I attended a meeting, as did several others including one of the town selectmen and present and former members of the CPC and the housing authority chairman, regarding the development on town hill. People are partially correct, the 3 buildings on the left of what will be Meetinghouse Road are 55+, what they call age-restricted, which are 2 bedroom units. However, all the way up the hill are family units, 3 bedrooms for families of 4 or more. Called Norfolk Town Center Condominiums and slated to be totally complete next year, they will be sold for market value, handled by Medfield Properties. However 11 units: four 2br (55+) and seven 3br (family) were given to the town to be sold as affordable. I know Pin Oaks is 55+, a brochure and a request to attend an open house was mailed to my mother-in-law who lives in Hyde Park.
    Holbrook Street is 55+ as well. I'm not aware of any other developments here in town 55+. These are not elderly housing, however, they are market priced condos being sold to qualified buyers and the same for town center. There will be no other construction there on town hill other than Stop and Shop when the company comes up with a building design to fit the property. I have first-hand knowledge [...], and as I said, attended a meeting regarding the development.
    As for Walmart, I hadn't heard that, but personally I don't think Norfolk needs one with one in Walpole, one in Bellingham and one in Attleboro. What purpose would it serve other than to make Norfolk look even more ridiculous than it does.
    Oh, and I have a personal message for the town resident who attended a meeting and stood up and asked why, and I quote, "we rich people should help those poor people." I have a news flash for you, I'm one of those supposed "poor people" and I probably pay more rent than you pay for your mansion. You're lucky I wasn't at that meeting, if I had been, I wouldn't have been so nice. People like you cause people like me to have more money taken from them every week in taxes to pay for your mansions and Rolls Royces and your Carribean vacations, so if I were you I [would not gripe]. Just because something is affordable doesn't mean the people trying to buy it are poor. People like you should be made to see what poor really is; I hope to actually come face to face with you and show you exactly how "poor" I really am. You're [a pretentious individual] and I hope you go bankrupt.
    - RD

  • 6/24 5:39pm   On 6/23 10:50am, RG asks, "Why can't we build any capes or ranches any more?". Unfortunately, the answer to that is the same as the answer to many similar questions... $$$$$$. Builders and housing speculators in this area can't make enough of a profit margin with smaller properties. With minimum lot size requirements, it doesn't pay to build a small house on a large lot. For example, I live in the smallest house in my neighborhood. Nothing fancy... just a tiny 6 room ranch of 1000 square feet with no garage... but a valuable piece of property underneath it. When I built it back in the early 70's, it was considered a 'starter home' for a new family of low to middle income. If I were starting a family today, I couldn't afford to buy this house because of its high assessed value. But I predict a smart speculator will come along some day who will buy it, tear it down, and build a new "McMansion" as you call them. You and I are of like mind, RG, but I'm afraid the days of new small single-family capes and ranches in this area are over and that makes me sad for the many young families who will never have the opportunity as we do to call Norfolk 'Home'.
    - RP

  • 6/24 5:37pm   The Norfolk Master Plan Citizen Survey is at URL [here] To save a 39 cent stamp, take it on-line. Note that a glossary of terms is coming soon.
    Be aware that an "economic development initiative" does not necessarily involve spending our money to buy land; it could involve tailoring particular commercial taxation for some period of time to achieve a town objective. HUD used to fund EDI grants before much of our Federal money began to be routed to Afghanistan and Iraq; see [hud.gov site] That Federal money was used to guarantee loans to small business. HUD is no longer accepting applications for that program.
    The "acquiring land" questions are of interest to gauge public interest; perhaps CPC money can be used to do the good things noted in the questions. Some of the questions, such as the sidewalks and bikeways question, do not go far enough, in my opinion. Do we need perfectly flat, six-foot wide sidewalks made of poured concrete, with 2-foot wide grass strips with large caliper tall trees planted under power lines, and sharp cut-granite curbing installed next to the roadway? No. Of course not. Just meandering bituminous (tar) sidewalks maybe 3 feet wide, routed around existing trees, no new trees where there are power lines, no new trees where the width of the grass strip cannot accommodate them, and bituminous berm to help keep the cars in the street, without the possibility of cutting the tires of various vehicles from school busses to motorcycles, as the sharp granite does. How about a lightpost every six feet with lights bright enough to land a flying saucer? No thanks. That would be another huge waste of money, initially and as long as the lightposts remain in place. The point is that we should keep Norfolk looking like a small rural town rather than a burgeoning metropolis.
    - RH

  • 6/24 4:28pm   This is not about Norfolk, but... we are seniors who have yet to visit Grand Canyon and we are a bit overwhelmed on how to tackle it to have the best experience. We are not averse to a bit of camping, and do not want to spend days on a bus. Don't think we could do a trek down on a burro. Any ideas out there? Would we fly to Las Vegas? How many days would it take? Is a week long enough? Time of year? We are adventuresome but realistic, too.
    I'd appreciate any ideas. Thanks.
    - JHR

  • 6/24 1:38pm   "Survey Says":
    Is it just me, or did anyone else notice that the Master Plan Survey (a recent Town mailing which I threw out in disgust and so apologize if I'm getting the names wrong) seems to be missing the point? I could not help but notice that almost every question was concerned with prioritizing how to spend money exploring how to spend even more money on various project proposals. My question is this: Why are we even considering these projects when we have to resort to failed overrides and borrowing to fund something as basic as vehicle maintenance and repair?
    Did the Town simply not notice we said NO with a 4-to-1 majority to fund the Vehicle "Stabilization" Fund through an override (interesting word: "stabilization"... seems like a PC way of alluding to our "unstable" budget without being responsible for it)? My thinking is that vehicles are capital equipment and belong in the regular budget, not some exempt category. If the budget does not work, then we keep working on it until it does. I believe using an override or borrowing funds for routine vehicle replacement and maintenance is irresponsible, especially in light of some of the frivolous expenses discussed recently on this board.
    The priorities of Norfolk government continue to be at odds with the reality of our fiscal situation and the sentiment expressed by the Communities' mandate on that override. I say, rather than spending yet more money to explore methods of spending even more, we should be imposing a moratorium on all spending until we have a balanced budget that funds the essentials.
    Personally, I feel this new survey reflects a distinctly prejudiced and revealing attitude in that it purports to be soliciting input from the community on how to proceed in years to come. Yet, it does not present a balanced opportunity for feedback at all: it just asks how we should spend, not whether. My survey feedback is this: stop looking for ways to spend money we don't have. Acknowledge that we are in a bind and devote your efforts to creating a balanced budget, not exacerbating the problem.
    How do you feel about that survey?
    - MJ

  • 6/24 1:37pm   KD: Hubby and I have been watching the games at home - was just looking to gather with more people to make it more exciting. Glad we're not facing Germany yet. Hope you are passing on your dribbling skills to your 2-year old.
    - JP

  • 6/24 9:08am   Just in case anyone needs this, see the Notices: free 36 inch Zenith TV.
    - Wm.

    [Update 6/28 9:55pm: the tv is gone - Wm.]

  • 6/24 9:05am   Re: 6/23 11:00pm: Country Gazette delivery in our area has been good, with the papers even double bagged on rainy days. Call 1-800-982-4023 for home delivery, or Ron Shorton, Circulation Manager, 508-626-3856. Be sure you have a street number posted to designate your home.
    - BH

  • 6/23 11:59pm   Well, my mortgage went up $50.00 monthly. Taxes, gotta love them. Thanks Norfolk.
    - JW

  • 6/23 11:00pm   Has anyone else been missing their Country Gazette for the past two or three weeks?
    - ESS

  • 6/23 8:57pm   RG (Number 1 or Number 2) asks-- ``isn't it fairer to consider the wealth of a community when considering how much money the state will send them to assist with education?''
    Please don't think of that. Actually, there is an indirect wealth component in the Chapter 70 formula. However, if we had a level playing field and could raise the extra taxes from our wealthier taxpayers then we should also consider doing what RG proposes. But we don't have that ability. We have proposition 2 1/2 which says that we can only raise our taxes by 2 1/2 % each year and we have to spread this uniformly across all taxpayers regardless of income. Why should a family in Norfolk that earns $50,000 per year pay more for their children to go to school than a family in Wrentham earning the same amount?
    If the state were to impose such an onerous requirement, would RG vote for an override to fund the extra money? This would be one of the options. Another would be to cut services. It has to come from somewhere. We already have a ``wealth'' skewed payment as part of our King Philip assessment. In other words we pay more to King Philip for our students than Wrentham or Plainville. I fail to see the fairness in this. When this extra assessment was passed in 1996 the town had to lay off several people including two policemen to fund the extra assessment. The override request didn't pass that year. We are already getting enough reductions in our state aid to education and this will only get worse in the coming years, so let's not propose additional ways to increase our financial burden.
    - JJM

  • 6/23 5:15pm   Weather permiting, the Boy Scout Car Wash will be held from 8 until 12 tomorrow, Saturday, June 24th, at the Federated Church. Also available will be raffle tickets to the Red Sox vs. Yankees game on August 20th, 6 for $5.00. Proceeds will assist will expenses for the six scouts going to the Philmont ranch from Norfolk in July.
    - CR

  • 6/23 2:10pm   JP - does being born English count? I am a naturalized Yank now--not even an accent left, I'm afraid. Will most likely be watching from home--don't think my 2 year old would fit in at the local bars. Can't believe the Coach is planning on throwing young Walcott in--so much pressure for a 17 yr old!!--but if he does well, it would be inspiring for the kids...
    - KD

  • 6/23 10:50am   Point #1: There are two RG's, those two posts below are from different people (unless I've been sleep-typing).
    Point #2: "other RG", what are you talking about? Norfolk will recieve an increase in any of the three scenarios posited by the Governor, the House or the Senate. In fact, unless something really odd happens in the budget process, the final Chapter 70 figure for Norfolk for FY 07 should be $3,342,421, as that was the amount in both the House and Senate final versions of the budget. Last year's number was $3,290,521. And KP should see aout a $500,000 bump from last year's chapter 70 figure.
    And, isn't it fairer to consider the wealth of a community when considering how much money the state will send them to assist with education?
    And, CF: Believe me, I'm not in favor of only building age restricted housing. A community is only healthy when there is a place for everyone, from elders, to those with families, to those just starting out. And personally, Norfolk is in danger of becoming a sick community as the opportunities for our children to stay in the town they grew up in disappear when the only new housing costs in excess of $500 or $600 thousand.
    Enough of the McMansions. Why can't we build any capes or ranches any more?
    - RG

    [Update 2:13pm: I'm told that should be Chapter 70, Education; Chapter 90 is Roads - Wm.]

  • 6/23 9:21am   Any English people out there? Now that we're through to the next round of the World Cup, where will you be watching the game on Sunday?
    - JP (English)

  • 6/23 8:30am   Hi Norfolk, Can anybody out there recommend a drywall guy to repair a basement wall that got wet? Thanks.
    - MJ

  • 6/22 10:08pm   I would like to clarify my earlier post. I am not saying that seniors drain the town at the same rate as those with families, but rather that no one lives for free, and everyone - old, young, childless, with children, etc. comes at a price.
    - KL

  • 6/22 10:07pm   Does anyone have an update on today's Globe article "$11M bonus for area projects?" Did Mitt Romney pass or veto it? I noticed that Norfolk didn't make the list of towns who could receive additional funds. If you missed the article, check out "11m bonus for area projects" and "Waiting for the windfall" in Thursday's Globe West.
    - KG

  • 6/22 8:50pm   RG and CF: In response to your posts...While the 55+population does not draw upon school services, we do have the Senior Center, the van, ambulance etc. Although these services are less than what it takes to educate a student, the odds are that the property taxes on the dwelling reflect that as well.
    - KL

  • 6/22 8:49pm   For those interested in the inadequate funding of public education, see www.massbudget.org/Public_School_Funding_in_MA.pdf. This easy-to-read report outlines the status of the Massachusetts and the burdens placed on local communities. It also outlines the Chapter 70 reforms proposed by the Governor, the MA Senate and MA House. Under the current proposals, Norfolk will get less money due to the new (proposed) formula which factors in the wealth (income) of each MA town.
    - RG

  • 6/22 5:39pm   CF: I wasn't aware of that. The tax distinction you speak of could be because these developments tend to be condo developments, rather than single family. There may be more abatements given in this kind of development (because of the older ages of the residents), but I had been assuming that the general tax provisions stayed the same, regardless of the occupants.
    And while these folks won't have kids in the schools (well, that's not guaranteed, I don't recall there being restrictions against folks having their grandkids live with them), I don't know that encouraging so much development of a single type is ever a good thing. Afterall, if we didn't have the school scaring the bejeebers out of parents every year, who will go to town meeting? (Said with tongue firmly planted in cheek)
    - RG

  • 6/22 5:37pm   To those of you inquiring about Highland Lake and it's swimming conditions: Since the Department of Corrections sewer line goes right by the lake and has been leaking for years, I don't think you want to swim there. The people in that area of town went through a terrible time in the mid 90's with wells coming up contaminated, etc. I, as well as my husband, witnessed the lake after a couple of major spills and it was disgusting. Banana peels, plastic forks and knives, etc. The environmental damage was quite evident. The problem has supposedly been "fixed," but I would not trust it... unless you trust the DOC [Department of Corrections - Wm.]. Talk to some of the people in the surrounding area of the lake. Any one of them will tell you about the nightmare they lived through. I suggest you find another swimming spot this summer!
    - MG

  • 6/22 5:04pm   AL: Your assumption regarding the real estate taxes of 55+ housing is not quite correct. It is my understanding a development deemed 55+ has a different tax formula than a traditional single family home. The land is taxed as a whole parcel and the individual "homeowners/unit owners" pay taxes on the dwelling only. So the taxes generated from this type of development is not the same as a traditional single family home. So 55+ housing has some advantages, but there are trade-offs.
    - CF

  • 6/22 4:31pm   To EC, re "Highland Lake is being tampered with! I just watched the water level drop dramatically from 6am to 8am this morning. This is happening again and again. ... and nobody seems to know who is tampering with it."
    My husband and I also live on Highland lake and have noticed strange fluctuations in the water level. We assumed it was seasonal but haven't really been here long enough to know the natural rhythms of the lake. We know there's a dam, but don't really understand where it is. Doesn't the water flow out into the spillway where the mill used to be under the train track?
    If you're interested, we'd love to combine forces with you to find out what's going on, and see what, if anything, can be done to improve the water level/ quality, etc. It's such a beautiful lake!
    If you're interested (plus we'd love to meet our Highland Lake neighbors) please email us through the Wm.
    - JMF

  • 6/22 4:30pm   SM - over 55 communities are great, as they do not add to our school population and bring in more tax revenue.
    - AL

  • 6/22 4:29pm   RG - What? No Wallyworld?? I may have to move out of town then....
    - JHR

  • 6/22 3:08pm   MO - Norfolk squirrels are very particular about their nuts. Maybe you and your husband just aren't nutty enough? Happy Summer :0)
    - NS

  • 6/22 2:06pm   Can I ask something? Why are there so many 55+ communities in Norfolk? Pin Oaks, the new one proposed on Rt. 115, the new Stop & Shop ones in the town center, and I believe the units off Holbrook Street on Margaux's Way are also 55+?? Is there really that much of a demand for the over 55 population? I'm just curious. Not meaning any disrespect to anyone!
    - SM

  • 6/22 2:05pm   The area on 115 by the Millis line is going to be a residential development with few small commercial properties included.
    - DB

  • 6/22 12:35pm   Is it Yo-Yo Lake, or Highland Lake? Lately, even the swans and geese don't know. One day we have a beautiful body of water--next day mud and rocks are showing. What is going on? It's about time this matter should be addressed.
    - WC

  • 6/22 12:34pm   Re the Walmart talk. Where do people get this stuff? Do they just make it up?
    Well, I think both of these were permitted before the Boomerang really got into the swing of things, so you might not be aware of what's going on there.
    Here's the story. It's going to be a mixed use development with housing (I think 55+) with a restaurant, maybe some retail, and a doctor's office. It's been through the Planning, Zoning and Health Boards, and I think the Conservation Commission too. It'll be called the Village at River's Edge. It'll be right next to Pin Oaks, which is another 55+ development on Holbrook Street. All told, I think we're looking at something like 175 units of age restricted housing (townhouse type duplexes, I believe).
    - RG

  • 6/22 12:33pm   This is in response to the questions about a possible Walmart on 115 near the Millis line. Look to the left of this page under Municipal Pages. Click on the link to the Town Admin FAQ. You will find the answer as part of the first question posted on 6/14. There is a lot of information and answers to many questions that can be found at virtualnorfolk.org
    - ELH

  • 6/22 12:32pm   To EC: Who have you spoken to about the problem with Highland lake? You say that nobody seems to know or care. It sounds to me that you haven't contacted the right people. My suggestion would be to start with the water department.
    - CR

  • 6/22 9:50am   MO: When we arrived (8+ years ago), we had lots of squirrels in our yard/neighborhood. A few years back, the fox population took off and now we have very few squirrels also - altho' this summer at least I'm seeing one or two at our bird feeder. Last year there were none and it was weird. I don't mind squirrels getting into the bird feeder as they drop food on the ground. Cardinals prefer eating there rather than up at the feeder. When the squirrels get too piggy, I send our Lab out to chase them away temporarily... :-) Hopefully your squirrels will come back too.
    About Wal-mart on 115 - I can't imagine there'd be another when we have two so close by (Bellingham and Walpole). Is there even zoning for such a large store at that site? I'd heard (here I think) a mixed-use development was going in. BTW, we all knock Wal-Mart, but it seems once or twice a year you find yourself there looking for something on sale...
    - TN

  • 6/22 9:08am   To AIL - Yes, the CARE group... I wonder if they think that it's them, who CARE, and that the rest of us don't? That the rest of us don't want "accountability and respect in education?" I find their name insulting to the majority of people in town who believe that accountability and respect means following the curriculum, and showing enough concern for the future of the students to actually take the time to formulate a daily lesson plan. It's fine if they want to show support for this individual, but don't dismiss the very real concerns of others in the process.
    - MKL

  • 6/22 8:57am   Highland Lake is being tampered with! I just watched the water level drop dramatically from 6am to 8am this morning. This is happening again and again. After all the rain we had a couple of weeks ago, the water was drained out of the lake so much that rocks on the bottom were completely exposed, and an island started to form in the middle of the lake. Then a week later, then water level was restored. Now it is back down again. Someone has been removing the boards on the dam. This needs to stop. I have lived on the lake for years, and until this year, the water level was stable. Now it is going up and down like a yo-yo, and nobody seems to know who is tampering with it. Does anyone know what is going on? Aren't there laws about tampering with wetlands and great ponds?
    This lake is a habitat for many fish, turtles, waterfowl, and other animals. These actions have environmental impact. Why does no one in town government know (or care) about this?
    - EC

  • 6/22 1:21am   Not sure where in town you live, but we have lots of squirrels in our neighborhood. Do you have plenty of trees in your area?
    - SC

  • 6/21 11:41pm   PT and everybody else.... Walmart!! That is too blasphemous to even be funny. Beyond funny!!! Say it isn't so....
    - JHR

  • 6/21 11:07pm   Does anyone know why Highland Lake is no longer swimmable? I thought I read somewhere that in the early 1900s it was a popular summer destination for Bostonians trying to get away from the city heat - that there was even a train stop on Highland Lake, bandstands, amusements, and that people flocked there to go swimming.
    I've seen quite a few people fishing in it, but never anyone swimming. Would love to know why, and also if anyone knows what would be involved in cleaning it up so it's swimmable again.
    - JMF

  • 6/21 11:00pm   JO... I believe you teach computer usage at the Senior Center. What aspect do you teach? I am interested in learning more that just email, internet use etc. I want to learn about burning CDs, and lots of the myriad assortment of tasks my computer can do that I have no idea of. Any help from there? Thanks!!
    - JHR

  • 6/21 10:59pm   PHT - Great! Wallyworld!! I can't wait. When can I expect to be able to go there and hang out with the.... umm.... people who frequent that place!!
    - JHR

  • 6/21 10:58pm   MKL: Are you referring to the CARE group? I'm not so sure how much they really "care" as they have been no-shows at some meetings I have attended, and in the 5 months they have been around, I have yet to see a plan for how they want our schools to be run. Yes, they have a mission statement, and it's not bad; in fact, I think it's a good idea to take a step back and question why our schools do things a certain way. But they need to get over their anger, stop surveying people, and move on. It is counter productive. The school year is hours away from being over. Let's chalk it up as a, well, uh, strange year, but a new one will begin in the fall, with leadership and teachers that have collected accolades year after year. Many groups in town are looking for new energetic members. These folks might consider joining one, and help Norfolk move forward, in a more positive way. Excellent post!
    - AIL

  • 6/21 9:51pm   Is it just me, or does Norfolk have very few squirrels? Since moving here about a year ago my husband and I cannot remember even seeing one squirrel!
    - MO

  • 6/21 9:50pm   Not a stinking Wal-Mart. I see the bright lights from my house now. I was hoping for a small plaza with a nice family restaurant w/bar.
    - PT

  • 6/21 8:31pm   For those interested, NOGO has a new webpage: www.no-go.org
    If you have a skill that you feel is being underused and would like to apply it to a good cause please contact us at no-go@comcast.net. We need you as we strategize for the fall town meeting. Even if you don't, please take a look at our site and let us know what you think.
    - JPB

  • 6/21 8:29pm   To JHR, I heard that the area along 115 on the Millis line was going to be a Walmart. I think it would be good for the town and area, help lower the taxes.
    - PHT

    [That's funny! :-) You're joking, right? ...right?? - Wm.]

  • 6/21 8:05pm   A recent study by the Thomas B. Fordham Foundation discussed on NPR on leading quality indicators for excellence in education states that one of the ways to ensure quality in education is to give superintendents and principals MORE autonomy in hiring and firing decisions. The report states:
    Putting all of this effort into recruitment and training will be for naught unless steps are taken to ensure that principals and superintendents have the authority to lead their schools in ways that will make them successful. We are not referring to cosmetic changes. Principals need far more authority over staffing, budgeting, hiring, spending, day-to-day maintenance, and purchasing. Principals need far greater latitude to pick their teams if they are going to be held accountable for the results. Too many superintendents, for their part, do not have the power to hold people responsible for their results. Superintendents need much greater control over district curriculum, testing and assessment, and the means for holding people accountable for student achievement.

    For Principals

    Principals need the tools to do their jobs. They are being held to account for their schools' performance. If they are to succeed in boosting that performance, they must be able to make essential decisions about how their schools will operate: to hire (and discharge) faculty on the basis of school need and individual performance rather than by seniority (and unconstrained by tenure rules), to deploy staff members when and where needed, and to reward exceptional performance. They must, to be sure, follow reasonable procedures and not indulge in caprice, patronage, or corruption-but they also must, at the end of the day, be in charge of those who belong to their team.

    Authority over personnel, however, is only part of the answer. Principals also need greater control over scheduling, discipline, budgeting, use of technology, and instruction.

    For more information see: [the Fordham Foundation article, here]
    The current efforts of a handful of very vocal individuals to usurp our school leaders' power to continue to make strong, but tough decisions, is counter-productive. School should not be summer camp; a certain amount of time must be spent on instructional teaching. All of the other teachers at the Freeman accept and embrace this reality. The teachers and administrators work painstakingly hard to try to make school as warm, secure, and exciting a place as possible. And while painting Harry Potter sets instead of teaching math makes for a fun school day, it does the children a disservice in the long run. It is also unfair to the rest of the teachers and staff who take the cirriculum seriously and work hard and play by the rules. Let's support our schools, and give credit where credit is due.
    But most importantly, let's recognize that it is also time for the majority of us in this community to to begin to speak up, as it is in our silence that we give this movement strength.
    - MKL

  • 6/21 8:03pm   I have a 5 year old boy who loves music. Does anyone have any suggestions for any instruments that he is able to start learning now and the names of any teachers that I could call? (we don't have access to a piano so that option is out for now)
    - LM

  • 6/21 3:35pm   A parent wishing to remain anonymous forwarded us an article by about non-traditional approaches to education. The story, Taking Back the Class, leads in with the incident of Eric Matez, and goes on to discuss the communities of disaffected teachers that find encouragement and support on-line, and the increasing amount of innovative educational resources available to them.
    Eric Matez doesn't know what he'll do next. To put it euphemistically, he has been given the gift of time. To put it more bluntly, Matez, a seventeen-year elementary school teacher in Norfolk, Massachusetts, is out of a job, fired in late January from the Freeman-Centennial School. His offense? Going off script.

    ... [Independent educational-technology consultant] Jim Moulton however, knows one thing: Bringing alternative lesson ideas into the classroom electrifies the students.

    "I just got back from consulting with a classroom in California, and once the teachers introduced the Web-based resources into the classroom, the energy in the room was tremendous," Moulton says. "It was amazing, actually." ...

    "Schools don't treat innovators kindly," says Moulton. "Teachers of the Year don't come back. Standardization is sapping innovative platforms in elementary schools. In a knowledge-based economy, that's suicide."

    - Wm.

  • 6/21 2:03pm   The Board Members of the Norfolk Community League (NCL) are pleased to announce the recipients of 2006 distribution awards totaling $24,782. The funds were primarily raised through the Spring Charity Gala and Auction. The recipients are: The Santa Foundation, Norfolk Recreation/ Summer Playground, Norfolk Public Schools/ Gymnastics mats, Norfolk Public Schools/ Volleyball Equipment, Norfolk Public Schools/ Art Department, Norfolk Public Schools/ Recess Rangers, Hockomock YMCA/ Norfolk Child Summer Camp, Norfolk Cooperative Preschool/ Scholarship, Norfolk Childrens School/ Scholarship, Norfolk Fire Department/ Heartsafe Program, Norfolk Fire Department/ Special Ops Squad Vehicle, Ian Cronin/ Eagle Project, Town of Norfolk/ Town Hill Flags, Norfolk Public Library/ New Building Fund, Norfolk Public Library / Museum of Science Pass, Stonybrook/ GPS Tracking System.
    [C o n t i n u e d . . . ]
    - LR, Norfolk Community League

  • 6/21 2:03pm   Re: Playdate. Boardman next Mon at 11 works for us. I have an almost 3 year old and a 1 year old. Looking forward to meeting you.
    - SH

  • 6/21 9:05am   Happy Summer Solstice! Today at 7:26am the North Pole was leaning directly toward the sun, resulting in the longest day and shortest night of the year. Summer Solstice also marks the beginning of summer.
    - Wm.

  • 6/21 9:02am   TH et al: I work, so I can't do the playgroup on Mondays--sorry! I'm up for something on the weekends or an evening get-together (see prev post). Hope you guys have a great time on Monday--we love Boardman.
    - KD

  • 6/20 4:26pm   Re SH, and other parents looking to socialize, the Boardman St. playground sounds great. Mornings are best for us, around 11am, we can bring some sandwiches and have lunch out there. - NP
    NP, SH, KD and anyone else interested. Boardman St. at 11 next Monday sounds good. (my kids are 3 and 7 mo)
    - TH

  • 6/20 4:26pm   For those wondering about Sweatt Beach in Wrentham: The beach opens on Monday, June 26th. Passes for Norfolk residents are $100 for the season. They can be purchased at the beach or at the Wrentham Recreation office. For questions, contact Jeff Plympton at 508-384-5427, the recreation director.
    - TMS

  • 6/20 3:49pm   Re: Preschools in Norfolk. My son went to 2 years of preschool at First Friends on Dedham Street (Next to Tyler's Restaurant). He had a really good experience there, and they have a great curriculum and he was more than ready when kindergarten came around. He is in first grade now, and one of the youngest in his class (he's still only 6), and he is in the top of his class in reading. All of the kids that I know that went to First Friends were reading by the end of the Pre-K year. I can't say enough about this program. They do plays, field trips, and also have wonderful music program. You can call them to see if they have openings in the fall at 508-384-0399 and can speak to Donna. She's very helpful with all questions and concerns regarding children.
    - SC

  • 6/20 3:47pm   Newcomers: Would anyone be interested in getting together one night at Eaglebrook Saloon (or somewhere else) to watch a Sox game and meet each other? Judging by recent posts, there seem to be plenty of babysitters available.
    - KD

  • 6/20 2:04pm   JHR: Would you like to pay for mandatory pickup? It's much more expensive than the system we use now, and pay-as-you-throw increases recycling rates, which keeps disposal costs down for the town.
    If you do want to pay for it, you can call Callahan or BFI. I'd rather not have to hire a bunch more public works employees...
    - RG

  • 6/20 1:14pm   Norfolk Public Library announces a Summer Reading Adventure for Adults and Teens!
    Calling avid readers of every age! The library is sponsoring a reading club for adults and teens this summer. Modeled on the success of the ever-popular summer reading adventure for children, teens and adults are invited to join in the fun. Registration is on-going through July 9th, so drop by the library to pick up a summer reading packet. There will be weekly prizes, a bookmark design contest, and a variety of fun programs throughout July and August. Visit the library website for details library.virtualnorfolk.org or drop in to sign up and get your summer reading packet!
    - Robin Glasser, Library Director

  • 6/20 11:45am   While on one of my calls, I learned today that it is really difficult to photograph fish. A long time resident in town is looking to place her fish into a new home. This has always been a passion for her but at this point she would like to part with them for the best reasonable offer. As I have limited knowledge of fish and their value that offer would have to be determined between seller and buyer but she states she'll take any reasonable offer and that the fish will have either a fish pool or pond type situation to live in (not a regular tank). There are four fish in total. There are two orange Koi that are approximately 2 1/2 years old and approximately 12-14 inches in length, and two red Goldfish of same age about 10-12 inches in length. They all live together in the same wading pool in her back yard. If anyone is interested please contact the Norfolk Animal Control Department at 508 528 3232. Sincerely,
    - Hilary N Penlington, Norfolk Animal Control

  • 6/20 9:10am   Does anyone know if there is a Norfolk 4th of July Parade and/or Fireworks Display?
    Thank you :-)
    - JH

  • 6/20 9:09am   NP: I'm a college student home for the summer and would love to babysit for you, I have many years of sitting under my belt and this will be my third summer working at the YMCA daycamp w/ 3-5 year olds. My email is jni4@cisunix.unh.edu, hope to hear from you!
    - JP

  • 6/19 9:36pm   NP, I'm interested in the babysitting position. Please call me with more info. Holly, 528-0107.
    - HC

  • 6/19 7:56pm   Re 6/19 7:45pm My husband and I work full time and we're looking for a responsible person to walk our new dog weekday afternoons. We welcome any suggestions... Thank you, - SEC
    SEC, Please contact me at ncleditor@norfolkcommunityleague.org
    - ES

  • 6/19 7:56pm   Speaking of the "dump" - does anyone think the day may come when we do not have that facility, and instead have mandatory trash pick-up? Other towns do it. What about Norfolk??
    - JHR

  • 6/19 7:45pm   My husband and I work full time and we're looking for a responsible person to walk our new dog weekday afternoons. We welcome any suggestions...
    Thank you,
    - SEC

  • 6/19 6:53pm   Re: ES: What is the operating system that the laptop used - such as Windows ME, XP, etc.? - RH RH, Windows XP. Please contact me at ncleditor@norfolkcommunityleague.org if you have further information.
    Thank you,
    - ES

  • 6/19 6:52pm   Re 6/19 12:58pm Can anyone recommend a nice teenager (your daughter, neighbor) we can use to baby-sit our kids (ages 3 and 5) ? Thanks, - NP
    NP, I've worked locally with a couple of teenagers doing volunteer work for NCL. Two of them are looking for work in the area. They have babysitter/childcare experience. Please email me at ncleditor@norfolkcommunityleague.org and I can provide further information.
    Thank you,
    - ES

  • 6/19 5:47pm   JHR & AL: From my understanding of the ZBA meetings I attended some time ago, it is going to be an over 55 community much like what has been almost completed off of Holbrook Street. If memory serves correctly, there is about 140 units planned (I could be mistaken about the number, it has been a while since I heard last) with some light commercial such as a small restaurant or pharmacy. I live on Rockwood, not far from this development, and am a little anxious about what it will do for traffic patterns in the area, but I am exciting to see what they are going to build. The properties off of Holbrook Street are actually very nice (we went inside one out of curiosity). As much as I like trees, I am not terribly sorry to lose the gravel pit where people illegally ride dirt bikes. I don't really understand the motivation for someone to spend $400,000+ to live next to the swamp (imagine the smell on hot days such as this?) and under the high tension power lines. Just proves that there is a buyer for every property.
    - MH

  • 6/19 4:41pm   JHR: I'd like to know that, too... the fall foliage on those trees was spectacular, and now they are all gone. If the developer plants trees as the "finishing touch" on the project, that will add insult to injury. What's going on there?
    - AL

  • 6/19 4:40pm   Does anyone have a recommendation for a yard clean-up service to pick up and haul away tree clippings?
    - JW

  • 6/19 4:31pm   Re: 6/19 3:46pm Hello Fellow Norfolkians: ...Just wanted to pass along a bit of information about Medway Branch Road. ...I know that it is a nice, long, straight street and most folks can get to about 55 mph from one end to the other. .. The life you save could be that of a small child!! Thanks so much for listening. - CS
    CS: Check out the Police pages on virtualnorfolk.org, especially the "Request Traffic Enforcement" page, http://www.virtualnorfolk.org/public_documents/norfolkma_police/trafficenforcement. Traffic enforcement is a problem everywhere; folks accelerate to 55 on our street in the first several hundred feet, and skid to a stop at the stop sign in 20 feet.
    - BH

  • 6/19 3:46pm   Hello Fellow Norfolkians: Just wanted to pass along a bit of information about Medway Branch Road. I know that it is a nice, long, straight street and most folks can get to about 55 mph from one end to the other. We also have the famous "Dump." It is also a great cut-through to get to 115. But, what most people don't know is that we have 9 toddlers on this road... Yep, 9 of them under the age 5... so please, please, please check your speedometers next time you pass us by. The life you save could be that of a small child!!
    Thanks so much for listening.
    - CS

  • 6/19 3:45pm   Can someone please update me on the acres of land recently cleared on 115 going to Millis? Amazing!!
    - JHR

  • 6/19 12:58pm   Can anyone recommend a nice teenager (your daughter, neighbor) we can use to baby-sit our kids (ages 3 and 5) ? Thanks,
    - NP

  • 6/19 12:55pm   A quick thank you to all interested in our wooden swingset. The first caller has come and said he will take it away. No more calls, please.
    - TN

  • 6/19 12:54pm   MG, what type of music do you want to play on the piano? Classical? Popular?
    PA and anyone else, please call Georgia at 508-528-3854 for Norfolk Grange information.
    I saw the signs promoting a local singles web site several places in Norfolk one night and they were all gone the next day. Then I saw a similar one along Route 1 for a different town.
    - DLJ

  • 6/19 8:54am   SC: We don't normally spend a lot of time outside at night and in the past haven't noticed a real problem. When we are outside we just use "OFF" with Deet and Citronella candles.
    - DMM

  • 6/19 8:23am   Re 6/18 7:35pm Hello, I'm looking for someone who can copy/back-up my files from a laptop hard drive ...
    ES: What is the operating system that the laptop used - such as Windows ME, XP, etc.?
    - RH

  • 6/19 12:11am   Swett Beach in Wrentham is a neat place. Our family has gone there for years. Good sand, lifeguard, trees, grills, bathrooms and water. A good spot to cool off and nearby.
    - JHR

  • 6/18 11:23pm   NP: My son just caught a nice 15" rainbow trout, 15" pickerel, & a good sized sun fish (blue gill?) at the pond across from the paint factory on Main St. I see people fishing often at the Charles River off 115 in Millis (just after Norfolk ends).
    - SC

  • 6/18 11:16pm   Hi, just thought I'd forward a slide show of the Norfolk Girls Travel Soccer Team from this past season. They had an amazing year and just won the President's Cup Tournament along with the Norfolk Boys Travel Soccer Team. An amazing feat for such a small town!
    The Girls Travel Soccer slide show is [here].
    The Boys Travel Soccer slide show is [here].
    - EH

  • 6/18 11:04pm   DMM: I'm still interested in how you are controlling the mosquito = population without the mosquito magnet. Could you please tell us?
    - SC

  • 6/18 10:58pm   Around 7pm this evening I saw the first firefly of the season. By my unofficial reckoning, this marks the beginning of summer.
    - Wm.

  • 6/18 7:35pm   Hello, I'm looking for someone who can copy/back-up my files from a laptop hard drive (removed from the original laptop). If anyone knows of a computer whiz who can help can they post their contact information. Thank you!
    - ES

  • 6/18 2:07pm   FH: Still possible as far as I've heard. Have always just asked one of the life guards at the main entrance building - wrote a check on the spot and got our passes. Price may have gone up, but still a bargain for the season...
    Which prompts me: Would love to hear any details about the cleanup of the town pond. Know it was approved (for funding), but is there any timetable? We like fresh water swimming in our family, so are very happy at the prospect of a place to cool off & see friends here in Norfolk during summer.
    - TN

  • 6/18 12:39pm   LMK: The mosquito magnet box lists a model number 3000MM, Rev A. It is a corded model which will cover up to one acre. Home Depot's price is $495, as mentioned the box is unopened and we would like $400. Thanks
    - DMM

  • 6/18 9:42am   Can Norfolk residents still obtain family memberships to Sweatt Beach for summer passes? If so, how do you go about it?
    - FH

  • 6/18 9:37am   Re: 6/17 1:39pm We have a liberty mosquito magnet for sale. It's still in the original box and hasn't been opened. We received it as a gift and already have the mosquitoes under control (for now) If anyone is interested, let me know how to contact you. Thanks - DMM
    and: 6/17 9:07pm Hi DMM, What model (1/2 acre, acre +) mosquito magnet do you have to offer and what is the price? By the way, how are you controlling the mosquitoes now? (Assuming you don't have another mosquito magnet). Thanks. - LMK
    A Liberty Mosquito Magnet is rated to attract in One Acre. Ref: www.mosquitomagnet.com/mosquito_magnet
    The price of a corded Liberty at Home Depot is $495. Model 3001MM. The price of a cordless Liberty Plus at Home Depot is $695. Model 3010MM. Ref URL: [homedepot.com page]
    - BH

  • 6/17 10:26pm   Today, Sunday, June 18 is the last day to complete Norfolk CARE's school survey. Click on the Take the Survey link at norfolkcare.blogspot.com.
    CARE will present the results on Wednesday, June 21 at 7:00 PM in the Community Room at the Public Library.
    - RG

  • 6/17 10:23pm   SH, and other parents looking to socialize, the Boardman St. playground sounds great. Mornings are best for us, around 11am, we can bring some sandwiches and have lunch out there.
    How about Monday mornings?
    Thanks,
    - NP

  • 6/17 9:08pm   To NP (and anyone with a 3.5 year old!): I have a 3.5 year old son and would love for him to meet new friends. If you're interested in a playdate, perhaps at Boardman St. playground or somewhere else? send me an email and perhaps we can set something up.
    - KT, davkarben@comcast.net

  • 6/17 9:07pm   Hi DMM, What model (1/2 acre, acre +) mosquito magnet do you have to offer and what is the price? By the way, how are you controlling the mosquitoes now? (Assuming you don't have another mosquito magnet). Thanks.
    - LMK

  • 6/17 1:42pm   Re: preschools... First Friends Preschool is also a great option. My daughter is going there in the fall and we have known the owner, Donna, for several years. The staff and program are great. Good luck.
    - MG

  • 6/17 1:41pm   I am looking to get reaquainted with my piano. Does anybody know of a piano teacher in the area? Thanks.
    - MG

  • 6/17 1:39pm   Re the Norfolk DPW Water Division Report - At a time of "Budget Crunching" it was interesting to see such a pricy report produced. High gloss paper and color?? Computer generated report would have supplied the same information.
    - BB

  • 6/17 1:39pm   We have a liberty mosquito magnet for sale. It's still in the original box and hasn't been opened. We received it as a gift and already have the mosquitoes under control (for now) If anyone is interested, let me know how to contact you. Thanks
    - DMM

  • 6/17 1:32pm   JL: If you are interested, we have a wooden (Creative Playthings) swingset that our boys are finished with. My husband just asked me yesterday to post it at this site on the notice board as a free, "Come and Get It." It's 10 years old, but still sturdy: 3 swing positions (we have 2 swings and a seesaw on it), plus an attached fort (w/ green canvas top), slide and red chin-up poll. "Dad" also attached 6 feet of garden hose so our little "firefighters" could wear their gear and put out the flames. Call [do not call, swingset taken] if you'd like to come by and check it out. Oh, there's also a toddler swing that can be swapped out for one of the regular ones...
    - TN

    [Update 9:01pm: the correct poster addressed should have been JL. Sorry, this was my lapse; I knew in time - Wm.
    Update 6/19 12:55pm: swingset spoken for; no more calls, please - TN]

  • 6/17 1:27pm   TH and NP: Just wanted to add an endorsement for Norfolk Children's School on Union Street. They have some great programs and a wonderful staff - most of teachers have been there for a number of years. I'm not sure at what age children can start (2.5 vs 2.9), but give Katie Merrill (the director) a call to discuss. Norfolk is lucky to have a number of quality options available for preschool.
    You might consider joining the Norfolk Community League (NCL) too. It is a civic and social group that promotes community and gives back all of its fundraising to local Norfolk groups. They have a wide variety of clubs - books groups, gourmet dinner groups, babysitting coops, and a full calendar of events. Click on the link under organizations for more information.
    Welcome to Norfolk!
    - TMS

  • 6/17 1:27pm   Re: Preschools. I have an almost 3 year old who will be starting at the co-op in the fall. I've often thought it would be nice for her to meet some of the other children who may be in her class before school actually starts (and possibly make the transition to school a bit easier on both of us!) Maybe a little playdate at the Boardman St. playground?
    - SH

  • 6/16 12:55pm   Re "We are also new to Norfolk (and also looking for a preschool for our 3 year old). I was wondering if there is a "Newcomers" club here? Thanks - TH
    TH, Welcome! Re: preschools, my kids go to Norfolk Cooperative Preschool. They have a terrific teaching staff, and the staff & school are NAEYC accredited. Since it's a parent cooperative, you have the option of volunteering to help in class; you also have the option of not participating if your schedule doesn't allow. The Co-op (located in Norfolk center, behind the Federated Church) takes field trips to the library, fire station, and Jane & Paul's Farm. The kids also took a train ride (which my kids are still talking about!) from Norfolk to Franklin, and ride the school bus back to the preschool. This past year, a yoga instructor came in from the Adirondack Club to teach a children's yoga class. "Mr. Dave" also comes in once/month to teach the kids about music, instruments, dancing, and song. They celebrate the children's birthdays, the holidays, and they also have a great end-of-year party for the children! Those kids who are moving on to Kindergarten are provided with a "School Bus Safety Orientation Day", where the kids & teachers take the school bus from Norfolk Co-op to the Kindergarten at H. Olive Day elementary. This provides the children with an opportunity to talk with the school bus driver about riding the school bus safely, and they also learn about Kindergarten. We, as parents, are always welcome to go on field trips as well as the school bus trip to Kindergarten, if our kids would like us to go. One additional benefit to the "cooperative" concept is that parents develop many great friendships with other parents in the area who have children the same age, because you're involved with the school, and with your kids. School has been over for ~2 weeks, and my kids haven't stopped talking about the friends they've made, and the fun activities they've done while at the Co-op. The director is there throughout the summer, so I'm sure she'd be happy to give you a tour; (508) 528-3660. Again, welcome!
    - LC

  • 6/16 12:19pm   TH & NP: Welcome to town! I have a 2 year old, so I'm just starting to look at pre-schools for next year. I've heard great things about the Co-op from residents. Look in the archives for posts on the subject-I asked about pre-schools a few months ago. TH--I don't think there is a Newcomers or Welcome Wagon in Norfolk - I looked about 9 mos. ago when we moved here. Maybe us actual newcomers should try to throw something together. Email me at workingparentsnorfolk@hotmail.com if you have any interest.
    - KD

  • 6/16 12:16pm   Thanks to TN and LC for your reply! I'll give the Norfolk co-op a call. We moved to a dead end street and we're pretty much the only family there, so I doubt any of you are my neighbors... :)
    To TH and anyone else who might be intrested, i'd love to meet you for a little playdate (my kids are 5 and 3.5).
    - NP

  • 6/16 11:18am   We're looking for a wooden swing set for our 2 year old. It needs to have at least 2 swings and a slide. We are looking on craigslist, but I thought I'd put a posting on here as well. If anyone knows someone who is selling or wants to get rid of a swing set, please post your email address and I'll get back to you. Thanks!
    - JL

  • 6/16 11:16am   If you're missing a gold dolpin earring, it was found in the library. See also the Notice Board.
    - Wm.

  • 6/16 10:57am   To VT: Thank you for the information on the SkeeterVac. I have never heard of them, but will definitely check them out. Has anyone owned the SkeeterVac and the Mosquito Magnet? With all the rain we are bracing for a tough season.
    Thank you again,
    - EF

  • 6/16 10:39am   Yes JJM, Vassar is still there in New York. I'm showing my age, I was thinking Harvard Graduate School of Design and writing Vassar, one of the courses I took looked at several building designs for the visual, functionality and human impacts and included the Mudd Science Building at Vassar. Sorry about that! MIT is still there, on (and near) the Charles. I didn't go there. ; )
    - AB

  • 6/16 7:35am   DM, when I was in school BU, was a hockey dynasty (can I say that?) in the early 80's. If they didn't win the National Championship there was clearly something wrong : ).
    - AB

  • 6/16 7:31am   To AB: When did MIT and Vassar move? Last I looked MIT was on the Charles and Vassar was near the Hudson not the Charles.
    - JJM

  • 6/16 7:30am   Does anyone know why the signs promoting a local singles web site were all over the rotary today?
    Does anyone also have a phone number to the Grange, or have information on who owns that building? I'd like information on membership, but cannot find anyone to call. Once the $300,000+ in renovations begin, I'd like to think I won a small piece of it as well.
    - PA

  • 6/15 10:56pm   AB - I thought about the big "H" after sending my email. The Boston part threw me but HBS and the HMS are indeed in Boston. There really is only 1 Beanpot school...
    - DM

  • 6/15 10:38pm   EF, I haven't had any experience with the mosquito magnet but we have the Skeeter Vac which is terrific. Our entire backyard seems to be mosquito free. The nice thing about it is it doesn't need an electrical hookup, it just runs on propane. I highly recommend this machine to anyone. We live in a heavily wooded area with water close by. We purchased our machine at Agway over in Franklin. You can also visit their website: SkeeterVac.com.
    - VT

  • 6/15 9:56pm   We are also new to Norfolk (and also looking for a preschool for our 3 year old). I was wondering if there is a "Newcomers" club here? Thanks
    - TH

  • 6/15 7:22pm   MSA: Thank you for responding to my post. I agree with you. I tend to believe that town officials are doing what they can to keep us out of such situations. I'm also glad you attended, even if you voted yes. This leads me to the point of my post to which you commented on and a primary goal of NOGO, which is to significantly increase participation and turnout at town meetings and elections. I'm sure you would agree that a 59% turnout would be something we as a town could be proud of. We also seek to encourage tight fiscal control over tax payer dollars, while ensuring our emergency forces don't have to beg to fund essentials; and our seniors and others of fixed incomes are taken into consideration when these decisions are taken.
    Looking forward to meeting you at next town meeting.
    - JPB

  • 6/15 7:05pm   Hey DM: What about the other Bean-pot school?!!? It's near the Charles... err, well actually on both sides of the Charles. ;- ) But then again Wentworth and Simmons and Vassar and MIT and Tufts are "near" the Charles River. I am neither Husky nor Eagle, although I have worked at BC... very nice campus!
    - AB

  • 6/15 6:58pm   I'm looking for a black top hat (plastic ok) to buy or borrow to complete my 2nd Grader's attire to be Abe Lincoln next week. I'm apparently out of season, I Party only had a ripped one. Please message cindy @humancomm.comt, or call 520-1572, thanks.
    - CR

  • 6/15 4:00pm   JS--We really like Dr. Beard at Chestnut Dental. She is great, the kids like going there and all of the staff are pleasant. We like them much better than the other well-known pediatric practice in the area.
    - MJD

  • 6/15 3:58pm   AB - Go Terriers! Hopefully you meant to say on the Charles River and not "near" the Charles River. Otherwise, you're most likely an Eagle or a Husky and I can't talk to you! ;-) Then again it's not hockey season...
    - DM, COM '92

  • 6/15 3:20pm   JS--Chestnut Dental associates in Franklin is a wonderful place for kids. They are so happy and cheerful and the kids always look forward to the huge balloons and Mr. Tickle and Mrs. Thirsty... phone is 508-520-6660.
    - BS

  • 6/15 1:06pm   Can anyone recommend a dentist in town that is great with children? Our last dentist was lacking a little in bedside manner. Thanks!
    - JS

  • 6/15 10:19am   Can anyone recommend antiques dealers or stores that specialize in early American furniture or primitives? Thank you.
    - EF

  • 6/15 9:59am   JPB, I am the gentleman that held up that newspaper headline. The point was that we were there that night discussing a $300,000 stabilization fund not a $2.6 million override. We could have been in that situation this year. I believe that our town boards are doing there best to avoid that situation.
    - MSA

  • 6/15 12:17am   RH, thanks for the reply. BTW, any traders out there in Norfolk?
    - GT

  • 6/15 12:16am   I heard the talkmaster on 650 KC Monday evening refer to the incident as being performed by two Norfolk student. Was I hearing things? [wired.com story]
    - JO

    [The AP article in wired.com talks about two Northport, NY students, not Norfolk, MA - Wm.]

  • 6/14 10:20pm   NP: Welcome to town! And if you happen to be our new neighbors across the street, I am trying to stop by with a plate of cookies to say "hello & welcome to the neighborhood" in person. It's just these last several days of school for our (13 & 9 year old) kids have me running/driving all over town and beyond.
    Hope you're finding everything (whether around Norfolk or in your new house). It's a very happy time for your family, I remember ours well... Speaking of which, Grandpa and a buddie might enjoy casting a few in the Charles on Orchard Street, just over the town line in Medfield.
    P.S.: We also sent our little guy to the Norfolk Co-op. It's a nice program and very convenient.
    Happy homecoming,
    - TN

  • 6/14 8:46pm   Re: 6/14 7:11pm I switched over to Direct TV service today. Do they carry the local government channel that is on channel 22 on Comcast? Thanks. - GT
    Sorry, only Comcast Cable has local access channels 8, 12, and 22.
    - RH

  • 6/14 7:12pm   I recall at town meeting last month a gentleman in favor of the $300K override holding a newspaper with a headline describing how the town of Norton had just passed $2.6 million override. It seems while apparently the override was passed at the Norton town meeting, it was later defeated at the polls there. The below article is provided by a member of NOGO:
    NORTON -- An astounding 59 percent of registered voters turned out Tuesday to soundly defeat a Proposition 2 1/2 override.
    [Sun Chronicle]
    Now that's a turnout to be proud of, Norfolk. Let's vote!
    - JPB

  • 6/14 7:11pm   I switched over to Direct TV service today. Do they carry the local government channel that is on channel 22 on Comcast? Thanks.
    - GT

  • 6/14 5:49pm   "...we recently moved here, and we are getting to know the area. It's fun!! Can anyone recommend a pre-school for our 3.5 year old? Thanks, NP"
    My children go to the Norfolk Cooperative Preschool, which is right in the center of Norfolk (in the back of the Federated Church, though the preschool is not affiliated with the church). They have great teachers, and take some fun field trips (to Jane & Paul's Farm, library, etc.) and my kids have learned a great deal while there. It's a parent cooperative, so if you want, you can volunteer in class, which allows you to see how the class runs, and how your child interacts w/friends & teachers in school. The director is there throughout the summer, so if you give them a ring (508) 528-3660, I'm sure she'd be glad to give you a tour.
    - LC

  • 6/14 4:06pm   Hi, we recently moved here, and we are getting to know the area. It's fun!! Can anyone recommend a pre-school for our 3.5 year old? Also, where's a good place to take Grandpa fishing around here? Thanks,
    - NP

  • 6/14 2:04pm   To RP--Try Crystal Pump Company here in Norfolk. Gets back to you immediately... great to work with--508-528-8959. Can't go wrong with Dave's either. He covers for Crystal and vice versa when on vacations.... Good luck.
    - BS

  • 6/14 1:58pm   To the Dad who wants to know, "How do I go from being ok to being great"...
    I am not a dad, I am a mom. If that makes me less qualified to answer, I understand. Reading your post made me sad but also reminds me that all of this sometimes abrasive talk about the town government is really not as important as what goes on in the individual home. How do you go from being ok to being great? Find that answer and you will be the Nobel Laureate of fathers. The answer is, there is no answer, and try as hard as we might, our kids will always find reasons to love us and hate us. The best that we can do is love them with all of our heart, even when we are so mad it makes our heads throb. Children need our love most when they seem to reject it and need it least. Sometimes just a knowing look and a smile is all that is required. Even when they roll their eyes at you for the fortieth time in row, deep down, they embrace that love.
    When parents are at the end of their lives, and children of all ages reflect on them, it is always the little things that matter the most. It truly is the small moments that they reflect upon and remember. It is not what type of car they drove, nor the big house or the trip to Disney World. It was the shared ice cream after a ball game when the game was lost after an embarrassing error, a smile and a hug for an average or below average report card, a smile and a nod when they are dressed in something that is quite black and quite scary. It is a scrapbook of every major event in elementary school that they will covet the rest of their lives. It is a picture of dad or mom holding them when they were young and gazing upon them as though they were the most beautiful and important thing in the world.
    Here's what I hope for my own daughter; that someday when I am gone, that she smiles when she thinks of me. Then I will know I have done something right.
    Press on, dear anonymous dad. you are probably greater than you ever imagined.
    Happy Father's Day.
    - JN

  • 6/14 12:36pm   Norfolk Dad: Hang in there. Remember, happiness comes not from how big the house is, how fancy the car or vacation property. This is a great town, you just need to connect with like-minded people who aren't focused on possessions, as you correctly say, come and go. As to teenagers: they can be tough no matter what situation you're in! It sounds like you're doing the right thing, no matter how diffucult, for your kids. I hope you have a nice Father's Day and can enjoy the things that are so good around you.
    - CR

  • 6/14 12:35pm   We just had our well pump replaced. Cool Water Pump in Wrentham. Bob Jones is wonderful. 508-883-4857.
    - SD

  • 6/14 12:12pm   I think one of the points AB was trying to make is that those sitting on boards have a little better information than those sitting on the other side. Anyone attending town meeting for the last couple of years, and paying even cursory attention could tell that this sort of crash was coming; we've been eating out of the "free cash" for four or five years for operating expenses, and that's not sustainable.
    Regarding some folks' dismay at the seeming grandioseness of the town center (the clock, the inlaid brick), I came upon this quote from John Ruskin, a 19th century English social critic:
    "Therefore when we build, let us think that we build (public edifices) forever. Let us not be for present delight, nor for present use alone, let it be for such work as our descendants will thank us for, and let us think, as we lay stone on stone, that a time is to come when those stones will be held sacred because our hands have touched them, and that men will say as they look upon the labor and wrought substance of them, 'See! this our fathers did for us.'"
    I don't mind a bit of gilding the lily on that project, first of all because it wasn't money that was going to be spent elsewhere in the town budget (it wasn't bricks vs. school books), and secondly because we have created something that will be beautiful and welcoming for decades, enriching our town center. I'm sure we could've saved a few bucks (and since a lot of this was state funding, it's not like it would've saved you any money off your property tax bills) and made it look like crud. I'm glad we didn't.
    - RG

  • 6/14 12:11pm   To MON: While academia and biotechnology is not Town Government, the Town is a business. I know from first hand experience that a company can work effectively with democratic decision making and be sucessful as measured by the bottom line. This is out of the box thinking that few companies effectively implement and figure out how to work within that structure and grow it. What is your point about companies are not democracies?
    You missed a key point, "there's a huge difference between properly holding someone accountable vs. inserting yourself into the process." The key word is "properly." You're just looking for heads to roll. The phrase like "hauling them on the carpet" is antiquated and comical at best. You confirmed for me that managing by spreadsheet (disconnected and at a distance) is the way you look at things (post of 6/12). Black and White. If you chose to be involved with the Town budget preparation then your gripes are legitimate. However, the annual budgets are approved by the tax payers at Town Meeting. Your comment about "tax dollars being misappropriated" is a slap in the face to those involved with the Town Meeting process.
    While I do not sit on any board in Town or professionally, I did attend and graduated from a major university in the Boston area, near the Charles River - and even took a few business courses.
    Your "management" style of "my way or the highway" does little to impress me and confirms my earlier statement that you would not be or could not be effective on a Town Board or Committee.
    - AB

  • 6/14 12:09pm   To RP: Sounds familiar. The same thing happened to us and we had to have a new pump installed. Hopefully, it's not that serious for you. Try Dave's Pump Company in Wrentham (508-883-7959). We have used him for years and he has always come through for us.
    - TEM

  • 6/14 11:13am   Our Harry Potter play will be performed on Sunday night only at the Grange Hall and not on Monday due to scheduling conflicts. Thanks for your support. It is a great play!!
    - JC

  • 6/14 11:10am   Our house well pump is popping the circuit breaker after 10 seconds of running. Can you recommend someone in the area who can repair a well pump that's inside the well? Thanks.
    - RP

  • 6/14 10:05am   To AB, What is your point? Companies are not democracies. Government is. Micromanaging has nothing to do with your tax dollars being misappropriated. Lack of management does.
    Your comments on my inability to serve on a Board add to your rambling message. For your information, I sit on two Boards, one as Trustee of a major university in Pennsylvania and the other a biotechnology company on the West Coast. Board/Commitee members that seek consensus constantly and lack the ability to stand up for common sense are ineffectual and usually lead to serious consequences for their organizations. They are better off not being there. Think about that next time you read the meeting minutes of the Advisory Board. And just because you volunteer doesn't make less you accountable.
    - MON

  • 6/14 9:56am   To JW and RH, Thank you for the information on the mosquito magnet and the rebate form!
    - EF

  • 6/14 9:53am   For all those tomato lovers out there, our self-service tomato stand is open! My husband and I have a greenhouse where we grow tomatoes to sell to Volante's Farm in Needham, and if we have surplus or 2nds, we put them out on our stand for $2.00 a bag. Right now we are flush, so each bag has at least 1.4 lbs, and our 3rds are about 3 lbs to a bag. They retail for $3.99 a pound at Volante's so it's a real bargain!
    They taste good (we won 2nd place in the Mass. Tomato Contest) and we don't use pesticides, only beneficial insects. It's self-service, so if you are in the area, just grab a bag and drop your $2 in the box! (Sorry, we can't make change.) We are at 57 Miller St, almost on the Franklin line.
    - Laura and Ian Klobucher, Duckenfield Farm, 57 Miller St., Norfolk

  • 6/13 11:50pm   MT: Based on his/her posts, I for one would definitely vote for MJD! S/he is a straighforward, no-nonsense person, who educates his/herself and seems to genuinely care. I think the point of his/her post was to say what many others already have; Don't criticize the volunteers who give their time to this town unless you're willing to step up yourself. A fair point, if you ask me.
    - TC

  • 6/13 11:30pm   Thanks MT, I am busy with another campaign right now but feel free to keep me informed. I do believe that those who complain about town government should step up. I value our elected officials, as they have a thankless job and most do their best. I serve on several town-related committees, mostly to do with school and kids, and do so because I enjoy it and feel it is part of my duty as a parent and citizen. I hope you do the same and encourage others to do so.
    - MJD

  • 6/13 10:28pm   Hello MJD, I've been in general agreement with your comments in your posts, that I've read. I appreciate reading ideas from people who are really on top of things and are straightforward with their suggestions. So, considering the advise that you offered, in your post of 6/13/ @ 6:49PM, should we be looking for your name on the a ballot during the upcoming gubernatorial race?
    The fact is, MJD, that there's already talk in town that one, or maybe all, of the three people that you addressed may already be positioning to run for office in town. Would you like to join the team?
    - MT

  • 6/13 10:27pm   I have had a Mosquito Magnet for the past 4 years. I love it, it does a great job of limiting, not eliminating the mosquito population in our yard. It also kills those awful black flies. I hope it can help this year with all the rain we have had. I checked mine just yesterday and it is filling up with mosquitoes; before this week, I hadn't seen many in it. Probably due to the cooler temps and the rain. Did I mention the rain?
    - JW

  • 6/13 8:51pm   [Update 6/14 7:23am: Post by CE in support of those who volunteer in town withdrawn by request - Wm.]

  • 6/13 8:39pm   Regarding the posts by MON of late, lots of ideas, but, call it a hunch, it is unlikely that this person would or could serve effectively on any Board or Committee.
    The following is from memo I wrote nearly 15 years ago regarding the management of a company I worked for....yes, while being critical, I also presented ideas in the memo to solve problems.
    ``Anyone who's had a micro-manager for a boss has seen the paralyzing effects first-hand. Micro-managers always rationalize their destructive behavior in positive terms like "ensuring accountability" - but there's a huge difference between properly holding someone accountable vs. inserting yourself into the process. Any task that requires thinking also carries its own context of knowledge - all those little things that contribute to why things are the way they are - and that's what the micro-manager refuses to acknowledge. However, its not so obvious that micro-management goes both ways - being micro-managed by a mob is the worst kind.''
    Since actions speak louder than words - a few things I accomplished at this company included growing the client base 40% in 14 months, turning around the financials from losing 100K per month to turning a profit at 6 months (after my arrival) - albeit small. This was accomplished by team wins and team failures (and not looking for the assumed guilty).
    - AB

  • 6/13 8:06pm   I am a Norfolk Dad and I am not making this up.
    OK. So I accept that life is God's playground. God is the dealer and he keeps on changing the deck; it's his ball and he gets to name the game. Houses, marriages, fortunes come and go in a flash, love turns sour, friends and family betray me. Throughout it all, my job is to accept these changes and be measured by my ability to preserve integrity, commitment and to do the right thing. Who I am and how I conduct myself is really the only thing I have control over. I get all this and I also get that it does not matter if I like it or not, it's just "what is".
    But there is something missing that leaves me sad and hollow, particularly as Father's Day approaches. Yes, I keep my integrity and my commitment. And I always look into my heart and strive to do the right thing; Karma is real! But the cards I hold right now include a spoiled angry teenage son who blames me for all his failures, financial ruin, a vindictive and spiteful ex-wife who alienates my children, and abuse from the Court who says it is OK for her to earn less than 1/3 of what she could while essentially heaping her mortgage on my plate under the guise of child support. One third of my take home pay goes to my mortgage, one third to cover hers and one third for everything else, despite having shared custody. Dealer: I'll take five, please!
    I love my kids and have always striven to do right by them, including having to fight an ugly custody battle just to preserve the dignity of being "allowed" to remain an active and involved father, something most men take for granted.
    Believe me; I have had my share of trials and tribulations, but at least I can stand up and walk (which makes me an automatic 5 on a scale of 1-10). I have always felt that the right thing will happen so long as I keep doing the right thing myself. But I am tired and discouraged of making do and waiting for my turn. My entire home is furnished with hand-me-downs, freebies and roadside treasures. I am tired of living a second-rate life because the ex refuses to work and contribute her fair share to our families' needs. I am tired of having to accept that I have to bust my hump every day while she works part-time and makes doodlie-squat. And I am especially tired of the Court condoning it and chastising me for daring to suggest she is underemployed.
    I am tired of having to defend myself against rampant prejudice and bias in the Court and "Family Services" who are more invested in "protecting" women and computing payments than recognizing and supporting a committed father trying to do his best. I am tired of not doing the things I want to do with/for my children because I can't afford to. I am tired of wondering what will become of me when I'm too old to work and have no retirement to fall back on because I spent it all making good on outrageous child support payments. I am tired of being treated like a second-class citizen; a sub-human with no basic civil rights. (see article [here]).
    I want to lash out at the injustice, but there is no accountability; just "The System". Every day, I drive to work and pass by beautiful homes with manicured landscaping and gigantic SUVs (not that I want that lifestyle, but it's just so in-my-face that I can't help but be impacted by it daily). I bite my lip when I hear parents at the Little League games talking about their vacation homes and trips to Disneyland and Europe, while I make plans for yet another pop-up trailer trip to the State Park. How about the time this guy was complaining about his new Audi with the aluminum body that is so prone to dents? It kills me.
    Yet there are blessing I would not trade for the world. Like when my 11-year-old lies across my lap on the couch and begs for me to scratch his back. Or when we wrestle and tickle each other to death, or just punch each other in the shoulder when he comes home off school bus. Or when he says "I don't want to go back to Mom's; I'm having too much fun." I should also say that I am blessed with a wonderful woman that loves me for who I am, not what I have. And I have my honor; nobody can take that.
    But these reprieves seem like short precious moments in an ongoing stream of disappointments and failures. How do I stop being sad and hollow? How do I stop being angry and resentful for the ex walking out on me and the kids and literally taking everything and then having the audacity to blame me for it all (when all the while, she was flirting all over town)? How do I continue being OK (or should I say tolerant) in the face of such challenges? How do I go from being OK to Great!
    So, Happy Father's Day. At least I get to see my children.
    - Anon.

    [Update 6/14 7:31am: Norfolk Dad here again. It seems the link I gave last night may have given the impression that DYS, neglect or foster care were involved in my case; none of which is the case. I apologize for a poor choice of references. A much better essay (and more apropos on Father's Day) is available [here]. Sorry if I misled you; it was unintentional (I was under a bit of stress as I was writing that). - Anon.]

  • 6/13 6:49pm   JPB, MON, and VGR - You all have such great ideas! On which committee do you serve or which elected offices do you hold or plan to run for in the near future? We shouldn't waste this kind of enthusiasm for public service.
    - MJD

  • 6/13 6:47pm   Re: 6/13 4:13pm Can anyone comment on their experience with the mosquito magnet? Do they like it? Dislike it? - EF and: 6/13 12:51pm Any advice to rid my yard of mosquitoes? We do not have any standing water, but we have a lot of mosquitoes and I need to rid the yard of them due to disease concerns. - TD
    I bought a refurbished Mosquito Magnet Defender from their website a year ago and it works fine, on mosquitoes. It looks brand new but I got a discount because it was "refurbished". It caught several quarts of mosquitoes over the summer. If I were still looking, I would look in Consumer Reports and perhaps buy another brand that attracts all flying insects, not just mosquitoes. That said, Mosquito Magnet has a rebate if one is purchased before 6/30/06. See URL: www.mosquitomagnet.com/rebate/
    Also, Norfolk County has a Mosquito Control Project (URL www.massnrc.org/ncmcp)
    The director, John Smith, has been helpful in spraying areas of town where there are a lot of mosquitos. E-mail him at: ncmcp@attglobal.net. Read their website; lots of good info, including when they spray, etc.
    - RH

  • 6/13 5:59pm   After reading the items that would have been purchased with the override, thank goodness it failed. Why do we currently lease a street sweeper? Why would the town want to buy one? Why are they buying the other vehicles?
    Why doesn't the town hire a company to come in and sweep the streets twice a year? It would be a heck of a lot cheaper that owning a $120,000 piece of equipment. There would be no maintenance costs, insurance, fuel, storage.
    Why doesn't the town lease the police and highway vehicles? It might cost more in the long run. But the savings on upkeep and depreciation should out way that.
    Just some common-sense thoughts.
    BTW, does anyone have any idea what is going to be built on the Holbrook and 115 land? Hopefully some retail and restaurants.
    - PT

  • 6/13 5:53pm   My husband's Jeep Wrangler is a little unwell and needs a service. Does anyone have any recommendations for places that they've been happy with? Thanks,
    - (not the usual) JP

  • 6/13 5:47pm   Thanks for the information on Local watchdog groups. The capital outlay group webpage hasn't been updated in 3 years, and the Advisory Committee... Well, let's just say they need some advice themselves, like Get With The Picture! Their advice reads like a rubber stamp - We Concur! We approve! Is this the root of the fiscal problem? An advisory committee that is weak-kneed and complacent? Or do they not see everything? Do they see the Big Picture, all departments working together? Or are they short-sighted. Speak up, Advisory Committee! Everyone in the town government takes your advice, and it is favorable for them; for the taxpayers, less than acceptable. For example, the Advisory Committee approved the painting of the church and everyone was happy, except the taxpayers. I wonder how many of them have children in special education classes at NPS?
    Both groups need pulled in front of the town citizens to answer these questions as well. We will need a pretty big carpet, if the town has the leadership to do it.
    - MON

  • 6/13 4:15pm   To DWL: Is Norfolk now a cult? Shall I give them every spare penny I earn? Come on! I can only assume you're not serious and are merely trying to stir the pot. Some of us have other priorities, like college savings, retirement, and in general providing for our families, and apparently, we outnumber you. I myself voted no, and not because I don't think the fund is a good idea, but because I don't want Norfolk sneaking in an override every year. If they really want the fund, they can find a way to cut some of the not-so-good ideas to pay for it. And there is always a way.
    Just for the record I go without coffee, lunches, cable, cell phones, always buy gas at HESS, change my own oil....
    - VGR

  • 6/13 4:13pm   Can anyone comment on their experience with the mosquito magnet? Do they like it? Dislike it?
    - EF

  • 6/13 4:12pm   Has anyone else been having difficulties with cable TV reception in the past month or more? We have had a Comcast technician here twice who replaced both the cable box and the interior cable wiring, yet the problem has resurfaced again. We're hoping it's not the TV. The interruptions are very brief and random. The screen freezes, goes dark, then returns (all within a second or two). Sometimes there is an accompanying clicking sound. Any feedback from Norfolk residents who have experienced the same problem would be appreciated.
    - TEM

  • 6/13 3:49pm   MON: We have several town watchdog groups; one of them is the advisory board. Another is town meeting. Last I heard the town was needing people for the capital outlay committee. That's the productive venue for a lot of this talk.
    - RG

  • 6/13 3:48pm   Hi all, I'm looking for an ESL tutor (locally) for a friend. Any ideas?
    - JPRW

  • 6/13 1:00pm   The problem with the fiscal management of the town should be addressed in an open forum with all of the leaders. The selectmen, the school board, the public works officers and anyone else who is responsible for the budgetary issues need to gather with the town and those affected and answer some basic questions. It is there duty as paid employees and given the mandate of the last override. Such as, do we put form first (clocks, mail sorters and assorted other trivial expenses, yet illuminating of thought patterns) or function (the children, elderly, public safety) first? This question will not go away anytime soon unless this addressed as a community.
    Maybe a town watch group is warranted. It would be easy to peruse the spreadsheets, if they were online and available. The current files lack detail and one has to ask for such specific information. Voting out people lacking common sense is ideal, but then the seats need filled with the willing and sensical. That takes time and we could see one or two more threatening overrides by then. Calling the paid employees of Norfolk to the carpet to account for their lack of foresight during a particularly tight budgetary period is a straightforward way to get to the bottom of the differences in values. If common sense lacks within the ranks, these people can be let go, for the good of the citizens of Norfolk.
    I ask the Selectmen. Are you capable of leading this town, calling bad decisions to the carpet, and then reporting on this to the citizens of Norfolk? Are you capable of holding town meetings with the citizens to discuss this very issue? If so, I will be there.
    PS: To DWL, a town with over 20 million in revenue should be able to afford 300,000$ for vehicles without a problem. The fact that they can't afford this signals a problem.
    - MON

  • 6/13 12:51pm   Any advice to rid my yard of mosquitoes? We do not have any standing water, but we have a lot of mosquitoes and I need to rid the yard of them due to disease concerns.
    - TD

  • 6/13 12:50pm   I have not posted previously, but the comments of DWL compelled me to do so. I opposed the override for the simple reason that taxes should only be raised as the absolute last resort, not as standard procedure. I don't believe there is anyone in town opposed to educational improvements or any other necessary expenditures. This issue, at least for me, stems from seemingly unnecessary expenditures topped off with a yearly request to raise taxes. As DWL chose to blithely treat as no concern, all expenses are rising. The same reasons that DWL used for supporting an override, gas prices, houses prices are the very reasons that folks cannot be hit with yet another expense. I myself cannot support tax increases while monies are being allocated to repaint a private property and needless raises are being given to the school administration, to name but two examples. The elimination of a Dunkin Donuts breakfast sandwich does not equate to the town becoming flush with cash. We can call this theory Dunkinomics.
    - TD

  • 6/13 12:49pm   DWL - what do you suggest we do when we have no more to cut out of our monthly budgets and we still can't afford another tax increase? Many people are on a very tight budget already with the price of gas being so high, interest rates going up, etc. before adding on a higher tax bill. This town has become much too expensive to live in as it is.
    - JL

  • 6/13 12:48pm   We just want to clarify that Community Day is not being rescheduled. Unfortunately, we could not reschedule all the groups that were going to be at the event on Saturday. In addition, there are a number of other events scheduled for this coming weekend.
    We will see you on June 9, 2007. Thank you for your support.
    - Barbara Snead, Norfolk Lions, Co-Chair Community Day

  • 6/13 10:13am   Can you please slow down while driving across the pond at Bush pond, near Lawrence St? There are swans and their cygnets sitting in and at the side of the road quite oblivious to the traffic. Thank you
    - SD

  • 6/13 9:16am   BF. Re: Old picket fence. Please send me an e-mail at stranman@comcast.net with your contact information.
    - SS

  • 6/13 9:13am   Shame on Norfolk. The override for vehicles is $300,000, which equates to $7.75 a month for new vehicles!! (Boston Globe article). If residents cannot afford this expense, then perhaps they need to assess their weekly household budget to see what they can eliminate. I myself want the new vehicles and although I do not need to eliminate something--if I had to, I would. This much talk about so little money. There is a thing call inflation! Gas goes up, house values go up and taxes go up. Stop complaining and do without Dunkin Donuts for a week.
    Click here: Voters: We're taxed to the max - The Boston Globe Globe article on Norfolk taxes.
    - DWL

  • 6/12 11:47pm   Learn the sport of Horseback Riding this Summer!! Beautiful Stable in Norfolk has openings for children and adults! Indoor and Outdoor Facilities located on a 170 acre private estate. Lessons are english style, and taught by licensed professionals. Prices Range from $35-$60. Pony rides also available. Please contact Jill @978-257-1173, or Beth @ 508-277-6246.
    - EL

  • 6/12 11:45pm   MON: Thanks for your post. I appreciate your cutting through the noise and articulating that the key to changing the ways things happen isn't by focusing on the specific expenditures, but by questioning the process by which priorities are set and decisions are made. (I for one can't stand hearing about the clock, which has become a symbol for everything wrong with Norfolk's town management. It's just a clock. But critics are justified; did we need that clock? Hardly.)
    Here's the trick, though. While it is reasonable to ask that Selectmen or town employees take the time to provide detail about the way funds are spent, the reality is that 90 percent of us are not going to have and/or take the time to pore over it and watch over the day-to-day details of town operations. That is why we elect people we presumably trust to do the job of spending our money. A citizen's watch group is a great idea, and I would love to participate. But, I still want to know that the people I VOTE for to make these decisions share my values, and are capable of understanding the complexities of municipal budgets, should I be preoccupied by say, my own job! Responsible government is a great idea, at all levels, and a worthy goal. Any way we can encourage it, I am all for it. Maybe a more lively and open exchange between candidates in future elections? Maybe a debate with a citizen's panel of questioners, selected by lottery? (I personally would have liked to know, for instance, that the former School Committee members and Dr. Scott would offer/accept a hefty salary increase in the same year they took art, music, Spanish and library away from my kid! These decisions show a set of values that are contrary to mine, and make my skin crawl! Clearly, I am not alone in that opinion.) Maybe we require candidates to tell us more about what they value and feel is important in our town?
    - TC

  • 6/12 10:16pm   From the Citizen Action Team re: Gulf Hurricane Relief: Still going strong!
    Hi there. Last fall, many of you were very kind and generous, donating, helping and supporting our Gulf Hurricane Relief effort. Well, we have stepped up our efforts and are now collecting construction items which are being moved down on pallets to Lousiana and Mississippi for us by different trucking companies. To all you contractors, builders, roofers, plumbers, electricians, etc, etc...
    We need: All kinds of items that are used to rebuild and build homes. Let us know what you have and we will see if it works for us.
    1. Toilets and sinks, bathrooms and kitchens (used or new, just clean and re-usable!)
    2. Roofing supplies
    3. Old but still usable tools
    4. Anything!! If it can still be used... we need it.
    Thank you. Please contact me at: Rubytunes@aol.com and we will work this out.
    - PRR

  • 6/12 9:47pm   In regards to this posting: 6/11 10:11pm Hello, My mother is an elderly widow in town and she needs a new roof on her house. Does anyone have any suggestions who she can trust, someone who will not take advantage of her? Thank you in advance. - BH
    We had Weatherproof Construction, Inc in Norfolk put our new roof on and they are excellent. We were very happy. Their telephone number is 508-553-0943. Ask for the owner, Jim Flannery. Tell him the folks at 143 North St. sent you. He is honest and cares about his work, which he happens oversee very diligently. You can't go wrong with them. We did have a problem with the mason we used and will never recommend him to anyone... but the roofers, they were great!
    - PR

  • 6/12 9:44pm   MON: NOGO hears your concerns loud and clear. We have plans to ramp up again at the end of the summer. We will have much better organization and a strategic plan that will broach these matters in an organized, comprehensive and respectful fashion.
    I must say this: as a sanity check (my own), I drove to town hall parking lot after church on Sunday to inspect its condition.
    With all due respect, there is no urgent work needed on that parking lot. While the lines are not fresh, they are clearly discernible and the condition of the pavement is perfectly fine. This, my friend, is an orange in the apple cart that needs to be removed.
    This is a small example of the things we can do as an organization to help the town prior to it making decisions.
    The Advisory Board (AB) and other decision makers essentially are limited to (please correct me if I'm wrong) seeing presentations, reviewing documents presented to them, and hearing oral arguments on capital requests. NOGO would like to assist the community by being many sets of eyes for the AB and others. We will attempt to get into the nuts & bolts of these spending requests and offer our opinion to the boards and at town meeting. With your help (all interested), we can become a very effective citizens' action committee. Often times, a priority is a matter of opinion. NOGO would like to ensure that our opinions are heard before articles are drafted and at town meetings.
    That said, the Selectmen will discuss vehicles tomorrow evening at their 7:30 meeting. I encourage all to watch. But regardless of what is said, please keep in mind that an opportunity existed for $200,000 from the prison mitigation money to be spent on vehicles this year and in years past.
    - JPB

  • 6/12 8:04pm   The Boy Scout Car Wash has been postponed until Saturday, June 24th, at 8:00, at the Federated Church. We could use some lawn signs from the election last week to refurbish them for use in advertisting the car wash. If you have one to donate, please message cindy@humancomm.com, or call 520-1572 for pickup, thanks.
    - CR

  • 6/12 8:03pm   Sorry for the repost. I think my original post got lost among the override posts... We're looking for a contractor to come out and do some work on our gutters, and possibly replacing some of them. Anyone have a recommendation on a good contractor for this?
    - DF

  • 6/12 7:59pm   Residents, Last week after the override shootdown (Yea!) I posted tangible steps that our town leaders should be aware of that can save money. Based on the responses it is obvious that some of you prefer to critique the messenger instead of the message (move from Norfolk, bad attitude, and other Karl Rove-like smears). Some can't handle the truth, that our town government is at times squandering some of your hard-earned tax money instead of focusing the funds where it counts... in services to the citizens of Norfolk.
    For example, it's not about the clock, it's about the thought that went into the purchase of the clock, when other services were cut (see the list from earlier days).
    It's not about the lines on the pavement either, it's about the diversion of money when other services are being cut. Lines can wait, children and special education classes can not. And it's not about the town center, its about how the funds are being spent to improve the town center.
    What is important is that dialogue carry on, and that the town employees realize that they do not have an open checkbook to purchase items (a library mail sorter, who OK'd this purchase?) and perhaps expensive equipment at the expense of other programs.
    The points raised since the override are valid. And many more have surfaced. For example - did the school governance actually increase their own salaries while cutting school programs? Was it warranted and rational? Who ordered the infamous clock? Did they realize there was another clock in close proximity? (<100 yds). Why do taxpayers have to pay to paint a church, why not paint the gas station/eyesore across the street, it has just as much peeling paint.
    In this economy, every dime counts, and the citizens of Norfolk, or any community, deserve fiscal leadership.
    Part of the answer is communication.
    The selectmen need to have periodic town meetings, I say at least twice a year, where the voices of the citizens can be heard. There also has to be accountability and prudence associated with our tax dollars. While the budget is posted online, I find it to lack detail. Let's see in the future 1) lists of town employee position, their pay, anticipated pay raises 2) list of vehicles, uses, costs and maintenance per year 3) major purchases, itemized 4) building, grounds and infrastructure costs, itemized. Any organization should have this data readily available. Especially if the organization uses 20 million plus a year to operate.
    It's time for the selectmen to hold a town meeting, hear complaints, suggestions, and take notes to query managers and employees in this town. Then maybe some faces can be placed on the initials within this community webpage.
    Management by crisis and overrides is not sound fiscal leadership, although such slogans make memorable campaign signage.
    Just remember, its not the clock, it's the thought behind it, and it can strike again.
    - MON

  • 6/12 3:13pm   This alert from a consumer protection mailing list:
    The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Public Health Advisory on June 8, 2006 concerning the possibility of birth defects in children whose mothers were taking the widely prescribed family of high blood pressure lowering drugs known as angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors in their first trimesters.

    The full text of the Public Health Advisory is available on the FDA's Web site at http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/advisory/ACEI.htm

    - RH

  • 6/12 10:09am   I was going to let JN speak for me as well since my ambulance ride took place in Medway rather than here at home. However, when recalling how prompt, professional and supportive my experience was (also with a good result, thankfully), I can't say enough how grateful I was for the assistance my husband and I received when we needed it. When (hopefully never) the day comes that you need emergency help, you're going to want the best trained staff, biggest/newest vehicle and all the luck in the world, believe me.
    Please don't discount this service and group of volunteers. They are truly life saving.
    - TN

  • 6/11 10:50pm   Kudos to JN for pointing out what most of us are lucky enough to never have to know: the paramedics who treat patients IN the ambulance on the way to the hospital do indeed SAVE lives. I had the misfortune of needing their assistance last year, and was beyond grateful at the speed with which they arrived, the care they took with me and my family, and the treatment they provided me on the way to the hospital. Thankfully, all ended well in my case. But for many, that ride is the difference between life and death. Thanks to Chief Bushnell and the entire staff, we can go to sleep nights knowing they are there when we need them. Shame on anyone for disrespecting the potentially life-saving service they provide.
    - TC

  • 6/11 10:11pm   Hello, My mother is an elderly widow in town and she needs a new roof on her house. Does anyone have any suggestions who she can trust, someone who will not take advantage of her? Thank you in advance.
    - BH

  • 6/11 10:09pm   Wm : should this be in classifids?!!?
    SMP seeks SFP. Single Male Pheasant seeks Single Female Pheasant for fun and frolicking. I live in several backyards surrounding a small pond. Plenty of bird feeders in the winter, and while the dogs bark a lot they aren't too serious about actually catching me. Though I used to have some buddies, they wandered off this winter though I keep calling for them. If interested, please meet me at the pond between Seekonk Street and Creek Drive!
    P.S.: Also interested in forming a pheasants only bachelor support group - same meeting place!
    - T.P. (The Pheasant) (c/o CI)

  • 6/11 6:35pm   SES, we have one with a gate that we may replace with a vinyl one. How can I contact you?
    - BF

  • 6/11 6:31pm   The animal control department is looking for adopters for two young cats.
    The first cat, "Patty", is the female cat mentioned before. She is all black, about 1 year old and super friendly. when she wants your attention she actually sounds like she's meowing "hello". She has a siamese looking head to her and she is an absolute sweetheart. She is litter trained and has gained a bit of weight after her ordeal (this is the one that was left behind in a house without food or water). She has been combo tested, de-wormed, and rabies vaccinated. All she needs is for her new owner to get her spayed. She would make a great pet with children and most likely around other pets.
    The second cat, "smokey", is an 8-10 week old male kitten. He was born from a feral cat who orphaned him at 3-4 weeks old. He was nursed here until he was able to make it on his own with regular cat fare and water intake. He has been de-wormed and is litter trained. He too is very friendly and a bundle of fun. He is too young for vaccinations as of now, but we did catch his mom and checked her out. She was combo tested negative, rabies vaccinated, altered and re released to live out her life. Smokey will need to be vaccinated, combo tested and neutered when he is between 4-6 months old.
    If anyone is interested in adopting please contact the Animal Control Office at (508) 528 3232. Thank you. Sincerely,
    - Hilary Nolan Penlington, Norfolk Animal Control

  • 6/11 11:04am   Sign up for the food, fun and free Senior's Fathers Day is Tuesday the 13th. Don't miss out, call the Senior Center # 508 528 4430. Sample the mooseburgers.
    - RC

  • 6/11 10:30am   Was surprised to see Holliston Oil delivering to Town Hall. Has anyone used them?
    - PRB

  • 6/11 10:02am   Regarding JPB's post about town survey: Great idea! If Norfolknet could set up a specific page to post positive ideas or trends (no gripes or complaints) for going forward and what the town as a whole values in the community and wishes to retain. From this info residents and leaders should be able to have a picture of the future of Norfolk.
    Mail postcards to all residents (maybe the local post office could be convinced to deliver free of charge.does not hurt to ask) informing them to go to Norfolknet to input ideas.
    Set up not as a series of yes/no choices but as an open-ended question and let the respondent say what they feel, on as many ideas as they wish. In the end we all may be surprised with the outcome.
    - RW

  • 6/11 12:08am   RH: Thanks for the direction. The vision document that I had in mind was more of an exercise in discovering who we are as a town, encouraging residents to become involved. For example, we could have a statement in there that indicates we seek to maintain a certain percentage of open space or are a community that values our senior citizens and understand the experience and contributions that they bring (just filling in the blanks here). I feel this would serve us well into the future and help us maintain an identity that we would arrived at as a community. Such a document would not replace current processes, laws or policy. It would not be binding. But would, I think, provide a sort of compass to even the board you speak of while they deliberate our fate.
    - JPB

  • 6/10 10:31pm   A note to the individual who suggested those who are focused on taxes should leave Norfolk, be careful what you wish for. Show me a Norfolk where 79% of the people move out, and I'll show you a Norfolk that will be none of the things you claim to prize; e.g. it will not be lovely town to drive into every day. It will not have good schools. As for low crime, we all know what happens when neighborhoods fall apart. If you truly support your assertion, would it not also then be true that your 17-year love affair with Norfolk is over, and that you might listen to your own counsel.
    - GH

    [Update 6/11 11:08am: post came from GH - Wm.]

  • 6/10 9:28pm   Re: 6/10 7:54pm JPB: Regarding planning for the future: Be aware that our State Legislature has decided that Planning for our cities and towns belongs under the control of Planning Boards, and has put the relevant duties into our State statutes. Rather than have various citizens do blue sky thinking, anyone interested in Planning can get information from the Planning Board and from state-wide organizations which specialize in that information. Check out URL: [Planning Board page]
    There you will see that a Master Plan SubCommittee is working on a revision to the Norfolk Master Plan, and you will find additional information on Planning.
    One such document is the 125 page .pdf Community Development Plan, dated June, 2004. This plan was paid for by the State.
    Note also that at URL [town board vacancies page], one may volunteer to be a Planning Board Associate Member, whereas the regular members are elected. Be aware that Planning is a tough job, with many applicable laws and regulations, and with a lot of homework, reading, and understanding needed. A background in Civil Engineering and Civil Law is a plus for a member of this Board.
    - RH

  • 6/10 7:54pm   CE: Now there's a great idea! Survey residents and develop a strategic plan for the future. Create a synergistic vision that represents the values of the community at large. Perhaps the town could build on this idea by developing a comprehensive plan to create a vision for the future. One that can provide a broad point of reference as we navigate through difficult and not so difficult times.
    Maybe a series of surveys, town forums, and other venues could be used to explore the town's values. These activities could result in a several Norfolk Vision Statements (or something like that), that could be voted on at town meeting and then at a special election. It could even require a 2/3 vote to pass.
    It would be a significant undertaking perhaps. But would hopefully encourage residents to participate in town affairs and perhaps develop a stronger sense of community and understanding of who we really are as a town. It could represent values we place on historical preservation, our senior citizens, education, how fancy we should become as a town, or not. I'm just tossing out ideas - you can fill in the blanks.
    Just thinking aloud.
    - JPB

  • 6/10 6:10pm   Wanted: Signs, either yes, or no, from this week's election, to recycle. Before you toss it, I can collect it, please call 520-1572, thanks! - CR

  • 6/10 6:09pm   The Norfolk Public Library needs to hear from you! The Library is conducting a survey to determine what Norfolk residents value (or not, as the case may be) in their public library. Survey information will also be used to draft a strategic plan for our Library that will support grant applications. The survey is available at: http://library.virtualnorfolk.org/public_documents/survey Thank you for taking the time to provide this feedback.
    - CE

  • 6/10 1:45pm   I'm looking for an old white picket fence. If anyone has one please respond.
    - SES

  • 6/10 11:33am   Just a quick note to let people know Something Special is having a Sidewalk Sale this weekend through Thursday (there is lots on sale inside too). All Klutz Books are 1/2 off, lots of kids stuff, Bath and Body products and much more. We need to make room for all the new merchandise we have coming in. Also, pick up a quick teacher gift.
    Thanks,
    - Joan & Nancy, Something Special

  • 6/10 11:32am   SM, Sounds like you have a case of sour grapes towards No-Go and JPB regarding the override vote. When you have a 80% vote against, it sends a very clear message to town officials. No-Go is a grass roots organization that was very successful in this election in making its views heard and encouraging residents to vote.
    - SM

  • 6/10 11:30am   SM seems to be quite bitter about something. Could it be that he/she was one who had a blue Vote Yes sign planted in their yard?
    If one carefully reviews my letter to the BOS [here] that they refer to, one can readily glean that their post of 6/9 3:39pm [here] is misguided or misinterpreted. I'd like to use this opportunity to [review] both their post and my letter in its entirety to clarify the matter. I'm confident that a prudent and reasonable person will see the differences between my specific citing of a particular day, and the generalities that they attempts to extract.
    That said, I too like living in Norfolk, for a number of reason. However would never suggest to anyone that they should move if they don't like something here (unless of course they are illegally here). On the contrary; I would say suit up, become involved, come to town meeting, and vote - regardless of your position on an issue. I would further say that there is a large segment of our community who feels underrepresented, many who have lived in this town for much longer than others. I would offer this caution, don't be rude and inconsiderate to the natives - I hear they have pitch folks and are much smarter than you think!
    - JPB

  • 6/10 11:29am   Hello everyone - just a reminder that the Purr-fect Cat Shelter Yard Sale has been postponed until tomorrow, Sunday the 11th, at 8 a.m. in the Medway Plaza parking lot (Rte. 109 at Ocean State Job Lot). PCS serves the homeless cats of Norfolk and surrounding towns and there are always great buys in furniture, home decorations, books, games, and toys at the sale (though I doubt you will find another tiki tissue dispenser as I did last year!).
    - HPK

  • 6/10 11:28am   DWL, I understand your postings about how other towns may not have the same advantages as ours, but the idea that people should move if they don't like the tax hikes is absurd. Please remember that while you may have moved here 17 years ago, some others were born and raised here prior to that time. My parents built my home and the same for my next-door neighbor. I, and many others, grew up here and don't feel that we should move because we can't afford the changes taking place. I want to stay in this town and still be able to afford it, not move myself, my mum and family to a new place so richer people can live in my home.
    Thanks,
    - ES

  • 6/9 4:13pm   As a former Trauma nurse, I stand with Chief Bushnell. I have been on the other end of the ambulance ride, waiting in the ER, and was always in awe of the men and woman who risk their own lives to save others. Few really know what it takes to have the courage and conviction to be a fireman or EMT. I could not believe it when I read about the an ambulance being compared to a cruise ship! How uninformed that person is!
    A paramedic is not just an ambulance driver and an ambulance is not just a quick ride to the hospital. Did you ever wonder why an ambulance is on scene with a patient in the back and not going to the hospital? Well it's because a paramedic is a very highly trained professional medical provider. Paramedics deliver treatment and medications for patients with chest pains, trouble breathing from asthma, congestive heart failure, emphysema, to taking care of trauma patients involved in any type of accident. They deliver babies, start intravenous lines, place tubes into the trachea to assist with breathing and defibrillate a patient's heart back into the regular rhythm. Ambulances are mini ERs that stabilize a patient and often save a patient's life enroute.
    Please reconsider any further negative comments on this until you have gone on a call with a paramedic and realize how important they are. They are there for you seconds after you need them, whenever you call. Everyone in town should have nothing but the utmost respect and admiration for them. They are so under appreciated it is not funny. They have one of the most stressful, underpaid jobs imaginable.
    - JN

  • 6/9 3:50pm   DWL - Thank you for saying exactly what a lot of people in town are thinking. Norfolk is a beautiful place to live and raise a family. If shopping, restaurants, traffic, noise and overcrowded schools are what you desire, then please move. We like Norfolk just the way it is.
    - MS

  • 6/9 3:42pm   Well said, Chief Bushnell. How fortunate we are to live in a town with such a well trained department. I appreciate the time you took to educate many. Keep up the good work.
    - JR

  • 6/9 3:39pm   Two days ago there was a posting of a letter to the Board of Selectmen [on 6/7 9:47pm; this one] from JPB. In that letter JPB claimed he/she "did not share or encourage" the comments made on this web site. Why was this letter submitted so late? Why wasn't it posted a week ago? I suspect JPB did encourage the comments in order to bolster his/her own arguments. I also believe JPB knows the other posters and the contrite letter to the Board of Selectmen is bunk. If you don't believe this I have a clock I can sell you.
    - SM

  • 6/9 2:22pm   The ability to exchange divergent points of view is the cornerstone of our most basic liberties.
    Certainly our community has the right to voice and discuss criticism toward issues they believe directly impact everyday living. The Fire Department also has an obligation to ensure factual information is provided to foster such discussion. Based upon recent comments on the Norfolk Net, the following has been provided:
    1. The ambulance being referred to as the "Queen Mary" is virtually identical in size and shape to the 1998 ambulance being used as our back-up. Both are Navistar, medium duty trucks.

    2. The truck being discussed replaced a 2004 E Series Ford, ambulance, which was a demonstrator model, purchased given the age and mechanical issues relating to the 1998 Navistar. However, through the input of the Town Administrator, Board of Selectmen and the Department of Public Works, the 1998 Navistar was repaired and designated the Department's back-up ambulance, staffed by call back firefighter/EMTS and/or Paramedics.

    3. Since the 2004 E Series Ford developed mechanical problems, it was replaced by the new Navistar truck. It should noted that the vendor provided a full refund of the unit's purchase price, $130,000 along with compensation for lease interest and equipment removal/installation.

    4. The new truck, a heavier duty unit, incurred an additional expenditure of $50,577. To compensate, the lease was extended an additional year to ensure the lease payments could be managed under the Department's Operations Budget. The lease was therefore changed from $45,805.92 to $36,961.48/year. The total cost for the new truck $180,577 was substantially less than equivalent trucks, a fact finalizing this purchase.

    5. Given the problems encountered with the 2004 E Series Ford, the Department's staff voiced their concerns relative to having a Medium Duty truck versus a lighter duty unit. These concerns were considered by the Town's officials as well as the vehicle's manufacturer and vendor, contributing to the decision to purchase the heavier duty model.
    Comments concerning the increase in the Department's budget solely reflects the transition to the advanced life support (ALS) program. When I was selected to serve as your Fire Chief, I was directed to develop a strategy for implementing ALS in the community. This strategy was a cooperative effort between the Fire Department's union firefighters and the Board of Selectmen, culminating with the hiring of 4 Firefighter/Paramedics, which places 3 staff on each of the Department's 4 shifts.
    To meet State Regulation, 2 Paramedics are needed to staff an ALS ambulance. Along with myself, we are now able to ensure that when the ambulance transports to a medical facility, 2 personnel remain in the station for response to subsequent emergencies. But more importantly, 2 staff are available to respond with the back-up ambulance if needed, eliminating a delay for the delivery of emergency care.
    Please know that during the first year of the ALS operations, February 2005 to February 2006, we recorded 18 persons who were "saved" by Fire Department ALS intervention. If only basic life support (BLS) care was available, these individuals would have incurred less than favorable outcomes.
    I would like again to take this opportunity to request those critical or having questions regarding the Department's operations, deployments or administration, please pickup the telephone or sit down at your keyboard and contact me or stop by the station and talk to your firefighters. The union firefighters who respond each day, along with the dedicated call firefighters, represent a unique group whose majority grew up in Norfolk and have taken a responsibility for making the community a better place to work and live.
    Disguised or anonymous comments do not benefit anyone wishing to know the truth or at the minimum respond to fact and furthermore reflects poorly upon the work of the staff and myself as their Chief.
    - Coleman C. Bushnell, Fire Chief, Norfolk Fire Department

  • 6/9 11:53am   Let's get some positives in. We have been in the town for 17 years and we love our house, like the town, and feel our taxes are still relatively low compared to other towns. We also enjoy having the commuter rail in town. Love the town hill and all the new additions to it. Oh yes, we enjoy the clock and the new lights, too. We also have children in the school system. Love Dunkin Donuts as well. Sorry, no complaints here.
    There is no such thing as a free lunch. If you want a lovely town to drive into every day, good schools, low crime then you must pay up. Otherwise, move to another town - and there are many within 20 minutes of Norfolk. These towns have lower taxes, not so great schools and no lovely town center. (ok-so a little of the town center needs developing; however, it is not really a center point in our lives anymore).
    Cheer up, ease up and stop complaining. The complainers really need to find something else to focus on for awhile other than the taxes and the town. Again, there is an alternative--move. I would choose Norfolk again--in a heartbeat.
    - DWL

  • 6/9 11:44am   This is in response to AL's post from 6/8 10:23am. You say that the answer is more businesses - are you a developer looking to push your commercial project through, or just [misled] into thinking that is the answer? We are obviously looking at different statistics, because everyone I see points to the fact that commercial development is not the answer.
    I will use Franklin as an example: commercial buildings are assessed using a different formula than residential, and as is the case in Franklin, commercial real estate has actually been declining in a time of historic increases in residential values mainly due to the ridiculous number of vacant commercial buildings in the area - thus Franklin's current financial problems. Did you know that many corporations will lease a building to themselves under a different name for a ridiculously low rate in order to bring down the value of the building (because the value in part is based on profitibility of the building) and there is absoultley nothing a town can do about it?
    Let's say that Stop&Shop builds a store in Norfolk center, which is smaller than most others, with less services than the other 2 that I can think of within a 10 minute drive, and it closes its doors after losing money for several years. How much do you think they will be paying in taxes per year for an empty building? I will bet any amount that it wont be close to the $100,000/year, $47,000/year after what it will cost the town to have it there (infracture ie: water, police, fire, highway department - you get the point) assuming the average of 47% of yearly taxes for a commercial building makes it into the town coffers which is likely to keep declining. I cannot stress enough the way to keep taxes in check is to spend wisely and preserve open space to keep commercial and residential development in check. Really, the only people who should want commercial development are the companies doing the construction and the owners of the buildings, because the reality of it is that they are the only ones who have anything to gain; and with people just assuming it is the answer, it gets easier and easier for them to push their projects through every day.
    - CR

  • 6/9 9:40am   THANK YOU, JJM for your posting. I hope it puts things in perspective for all those naysayer posters. Regardless of all that has been said and done, this is still the BEST town to live in.
    - AL

  • 6/9 8:41am   If we shouldn't gripe about the clock any more, here's a topic - the cut-granite curbing popping up like toadstools all over. Seriously, are curbs that much a must-have necessity at every intersection? Unless perhaps to keep the grass off the pavement... And granite is bound to be more expensive than asphalt. The snow plows in winter will inevitably snag and break both anyway.
    And granite is dangerous: the narrow, high-walled channels created can not be escaped in an emergency by either a bicycle or motorbike, and the edges are sharp enough that they'll scissor your tire open if you squeeze against them in a car (that was an expensive lesson. Note to the driver who barreled obliviously down the middle of Medway St.: Pay Attention!)
    So why put them in? Is it their aesthetic appeal, that "lots of money was spent here, we're a big city now" look? Trees and town commons are the heart of a New England town. Curbs are no substitute.
    - AR

  • 6/9 8:18am   MC Wrote: "Why did the intersection between Main Street and Boardman need granite curbs, signs etc. What was wrong with it before? Good question."
    MC, I like that someone else wonders about the choice to spend on a new arrangement at Main Street and Boardman. I live very close to this intersection and have noticed two unresolved problems with the changes made. Being used to the simple stop sign crossing previously, it seemed that the new set-up would help with the problem of cars who only slow down or roll right through this stop sign when entering Main Street via Boardman. You would not believe how many drivers just drive right through without a stop. The new signs/curbs have not changed this at all. It is even more dangerous for walkers because the drivers are paying more attention to the goofy multiple choice than whether or not someone is walking on the cross walk. I have nearly been hit by cars more than I can count! I loathe walking through there now. Sometimes I wish that they never built the mess to begin with.
    - ES

  • 6/9 8:16am   To LMK: The Maple trees are being eaten by the caterpillars that have been nesting through Eastern Massachusetts. I believe that they also dine on Oak leaves. The broken leaves are all over my driveway as well. The rain is a welcome note for taming their activity slightly.
    - ES

  • 6/8 10:23pm   The Norfolk Lions Club has advised us that Norfolk Community Day, scheduled for Saturday, June 10, 2006 has been cancelled due to the weather.
    No new date has been scheduled for this event.
    - BH

  • 6/8 10:03pm   It really is nice to see the number of interested people who have positive concerns about our town. If anything, the recent vote has generated an espirit d'corps in town that is healthy and good. What is most important is that we understand that 'we' are all of us in Norfolk. There is no separate 'we' and 'they'. There are also no 'us' versus the selectmen. There are no 'us' versus the schools, the planning board, or the town employees. It is the voters and not the selectmen that pass or reject an override. So when an override fails and kudos are passed around, we should thank the selectmen for the opportunity to express our will. We shouldn't fault them for proposing a perceived losing effort. Likewise, when an override passes with a majority vote, we shouldn't fault the selectmen for increasing our taxes.
    Despite some of the postings we are a remarkably well run town. Most of the towns around would trade places with us in an instant. Unlike another JM who wrote, "I'm familiar enough with the towns around to know that Norfolk probably has the smallest commercial tax base by far."
    This is not true. I am also familiar with most of the towns in our area and I know many of the municipal officials as well. Yes, if we compare residential and open space property values to the commercial and industrial classes then Norfolk does come out high on the list with a high percentage of residential property. We are 291 of 351 communities (a high number has more residential property) on the state list.
    But that is why we live here.
    However, we do not have, "the smallest commercial tax base by far." In our area Medfield (309), Dover (348), Sherborn (330), Millville (300), and Upton (303) are more residential than we are. None of these towns have serious financial problems. We have about the same residential percentage as Sharon (273). But we may not have it for long. The commercial tax base has been the highest growing tax class in Norfolk over the last seven years. The town has not been ignoring commercial development.
    But, is this what we really want?
    Wrentham (96), Walpole (149), Franklin (61), Medway (0) and Millis (219) have a significantly lower residential percentage and have more commercial property than we do. (So does Foxboro (62) but that is a special case.) The financial problems of the first four are an order of magnitude worse than ours. In addition to the crime and vehicle problems of Wrentham already noted on NorfolkNet, I spoke with a Wrentham Selectman about two years ago and asked him if the Wrentham Outlets were a net positive to their town. He said no. He also added that "when you consider the increase in auto insurance rates on the Wrentham driver", because they are now in a high accident area, "the Wrentham taxpayer is paying more." Franklin couldn't open new schools because they couldn't fund the additional costs. An official in Franklin told me that they need to control growth because they can't support the infrastructure. Medway has a zero next to it because they are so far in the hole that their tax rates haven't been set for two years. Their Town Administrator (Greg Balukonis) was let go last year and two incumbent selectmen were turned out of office in the election last month. One of those selectmen told me that the problem is so bad that it will take them years to recover. All of these communities also have lower bond ratings than Norfolk.
    If this is what we really want, then this is what we really will get. Remember the axiom, "Be careful what you wish for."
    We are getting good schools because that is where we are putting our money. We have provided a center for our seniors. We are upgrading our town center at no cost to our property taxpayer because we have used grants with state and federal money available for such purposes. We have funded a new library in part using grant money and free land donated to the town. We built our town hall primarily using state funds and no burden to our property taxes. And yes, we put up a nice looking clock using state money also at no burden to our operating budget. It also cost less than half the cost that some recent postings have incorrectly stated.
    I am proud of this and I am proud of the people in our town for supporting a well planned community with community growth. We are maintaining a rural community with provisions for preserving open space. Let us keep that community and that community spirit. We could only do worse, not better.
    Finally, looking ahead, our tax bills for August 1 and November 1 will be mailed by the end of this month. Look for a significant decrease (about half of the increase in your February 1 bill) with these bills. Do not feel that this is because the override was turned down. That change would not have appeared until your February 1, 2007 bill.
    - JJM

  • 6/8 10:01pm   Does anyone what what is happening to our maple trees? I've noticed the leaves are crumbling up on many trees in several different areas of town. Earlier in the spring I noticed the veins of the leaves were black in color.
    I would hate to lose our trees. Any thoughts? Is this happening in your yard too?
    - LMK

  • 6/8 8:01pm   Regarding the post by MC:
    How many times has the highway dept redone the intersection of Boardman and 115?
    I was keeping track - the roadway was done twice, the curbing was done three times - second time paving was at the expense of the contractor. The work was initially done to improve line-of-sight at this intersection.
    Why did the highway dept cut the embankment on Seekonk and replace it with an expensive stone wall?
    The same reason as Boardman, improve the line of sight for traffic coming onto Seekonk. I use this intersection nearly every day and have lost count of the number of times I've nearly been hit by drivers speeding around the curve which has (or had) a limited sight-line.
    How many times has the highway dept redone the intersection of Cleveland and 115?
    Twice; see response above for Boardman.
    How many times did trucks knock over (destroy) the signs at the center of the roundabout and have them put back in the same location to be knocked over (destroyed) again?
    I too asked the same question on this Board and never got an answer they probably thought I was being a smart @$$.... With the recent damage to the Union Street Roundabaout, I think the score is something like Trucks 5 or 6, Roundabout 0.
    Why did we buy a $20,000 clock (this is the figure I heard please correct me if I'm wrong) for the roundabout near the town hall?
    The aesthetics of a classic Town center is that a clock is part of the center focal point. Personally I never saw the clock until I came from the south on Route 115. I really don't understand the placement of the clock.
    Why did we spend money on fancy lights we don't need in the center and now have to pay to have them lit all night?
    Real good question! Lighting is necessary for public safety, but if my memory serves me correctly, a reason that I heard from a Planning Board member for so many bright lights is that "when they get dirty the brightness will go away." ...or something like that. Actually the funding came from State Highway funds. You and I paid a portion of the project.
    Why did we cut all the trees along the road to the transfer station and now spend money for a sidewalk? (If I'm going for a walk, its not going to be to the dump.)
    The final destination is the Senior Center... not the dump. Looks horrible if you ask me.
    Why did the intersection between Main Street and Boardman need granite curbs, signs etc. What was wrong with it before?
    Good question.
    Speaking on signs, it's a bit ridiculous the number of roadway signs in the center. I assume we paid for them.
    Highways standards require a certain amount of signage... I think the real question is where the signs themselves create a confusion (safety factor) issue with new drivers coming into the Center. Signs were paid by the State Highway Funds.
    - WB

  • 6/8 6:59pm   As a resident for a number of years, I've seen a lot of wasted spending lately and wonder why my tax dollars are not being spent wisely. Here are a few questions that run through my mind:
    1. How many times has the highway dept redone the intersection of Boardman and 115?
    2. Why did the highway dept cut the embankment on Seekonk and replace it with an expensive stone wall?
    3. How many times has the highway dept redone the intersection of Cleveland and 115?
    4. How many times did trucks knock over (destroy) the signs at the center of the roundabout and have them put back in the same location to be knocked over (destroyed) again?
    5. Why did we buy a $20,000 clock (this is the figure I heard please correct me if I'm wrong) for the roundabout near the town hall?
    6. Why did we spend money on fancy lights we don't need in the center and now have to pay to have them lit all night?
    7. Why did we cut all the trees along the road to the transfer station and now spend money for a sidewalk? (If I'm going for a walk, its not going to be to the dump.)
    8. Why did the intersection between Main Street and Boardman need granite curbs, signs etc. What was wrong with it before?
    9. Speaking on signs, it's a bit ridiculous the number of roadway signs in the center. I assume we paid for them.
    It seems to me a lot of the waste I've seen is a result of the highway dept/public works. Does someone need to justify their job/jobs by spending money on things we don't truly need at the expense of teachers, programs, seniors, etc.? I typically would not comment in a forum like this, but the recent override request to spend $300,000 more of our money - when I feel previous spending was done poorly - really just got to me. I'm assuming there is a lot more waste/unnecessary spending in other areas of the town which I don't see. My question is, how do we as residents hold those who spend money unwisely accountable?
    - MC

  • 6/8 6:41pm   ELH: I'm sure there are numerous reasons why 79% of the voters voted NO to the override. As for me, it was a matter of priorities. In my view, painting lines in a parking lot simply does not take priority over emergency vehicles - that money could have funded those vehicles and the stabilization fund. The voters have clearly spoken, the vote is over. 1,636 souls came out to vote; about 400 more than did for the Selectmen election last month. The override passed town meeting by only 4 votes. The ball has been passed to town leadership.
    - JPB

  • 6/8 5:58pm   Here are some thoughts on the recent postings about the override. It seems like many citizens are angered by the perceived ``fiscal irresponsibility'' of many public officials in town. From my viewpoint, our officials and volunteers have worked tirelessly to get to a balanced budget that started with a $2 million deficit based upon requests from the various departments. The vehicle stabilization plan was in fact ``thinking outside the box'' and was put together by hard working individuals over a 2-year period. The plan was not to ``stick it to the taxpayers'', many of whom put the plan together. It was a proactive plan to pay more money up front for much needed vehicles rather than be reactive and pay more interest and repair costs over the next 15 years. That is accountability and long term planning that should be appreciated. So please, stop pointing fingers.
    I don't know many people who do want to swallow tax increases. The reality is that state funding has stagnated over the past few years, the town can't count on using prison mitigation funds for capital expenses, the state lottery aid has only recently been uncapped and the state aid for schools has been flat, actually reduced in real dollars, so the town has to pick up much of that tab. Also, health care and utility costs have shot up dramatically. At Town Hall there isn't any fat in the budget. Many of the employees and volunteers take great pride in trying to make Norfolk a better place to live so that the next generation does not inherit the current climate of problems. The level of services this town provides should be commended.
    Please, I urge all registered voters (there are over 6,000) over the next year to attend the many posted public meetings on the budgets, attend or watch the school committee and selectmen's meetings. Watch the various government programming on NCTV channel 22. Checkout www.virtualnorfolk.org and read the local newspapers. There are many ways to get informed and involved in the budgeting process. Ask questions and you will get answers. Become part of the solution by working together we can be proud to call Norfolk our town.
    - ELH

  • 6/8 5:03pm   NSS -- My son, our resident computer whiz, can take a look at your daughter's computer, probably as early as tomorrow. (He's at work this evening, so I'm answering for him! ) His name is Craig, and he's made quite a business out of computer housecalls in the area. His cell phone is 508-560-3937.
    - JC

  • 6/8 5:02pm   CR: I like Norfolk the way it is too... Left Swellesley 8 years ago and have not looked back. Norfolk may not be for everyone, but it reminds me quite a bit of where I grew up, and my kids are thriving in the "rural" setting. Used quotes here as we are only 15 minutes from all conveniences that civilization has to offer (and a lovely city less than an hour away). It's the best of all worlds at our house.
    - TN

  • 6/8 4:48pm   I see that history is repeating itself. Looking back into the archives of NorfolkNet, I see that this time last year, we were debating the benefits of an override and we were told that if the override did not pass we would have to cut important town services like speed enforcement and the DARE program for the schools (see LS posting of 6/17/05). We NEEDED that override to save our schools and essential town services. Well, the override passed and we gave BIG pay raises to our school superintendent and her entourage of assistants. Now to hear that they are cutting art, music, the library and Spanish (amongst other programs that are bound to be cut), I am disheartened. Thank you to the NO-GO organizers that are helping to move us toward a fiscal responsible Norfolk.
    - MH

  • 6/8 4:39pm   To DLM: I hear you, but I don't see you trying to get involved with our town government. Try to remember that unlike many of our elected officials (read Romney) our selectmen actually live in our town and the taxes are coming out of their pocket just as much as yours. I also would like to point out that many of the people who work for our town also live here and last I heard, you don't make a six figure income working in town government. So, I doubt that they are ``out of touch'' with the situation. Prop 2 1/2 only works when costs only rise that much. I agree that prudence and looking to trim costs is an important part of town government, but try to remember that our elected officials are doing the best they can within the structure of state mandates. Instead of complaining about it, why don't you work to help solve the problem. Get involved in our town, run for selectman, work on a committee. Then, I'll take your comments seriously.
    - AL

  • 6/8 3:58pm   To HPK: In my opinion the only thing which could make Norfolk a more attractive place is more open space. As someone else pointed out, everything anyone could possibly need is within a 20 minute drive. I truly believe if you want to live in the city move to the city, don't bring the city to the subburbs - or is it too late?
    - CR

  • 6/8 3:36pm   Can anyone recommend a local company for computer repair? I have the basics covered - spyware, antivirus, check disk, defrag - but my daughter's HP Pavilion ZE5500 reboots randomly and is extremely slow. Any recommendations are appreciated. Thanks,
    - NSS

  • 6/8 3:11pm   To HPK: I like the way Norfolk is. I jokingly refer to it as a "one horse town" only 24 miles from Boston. Most of what I need is available within a 15 minute commute in various directions. I go to Norwood once a week and do enjoy shopping there due to more diverse options, but do feel the difference in density and can't wait to get back to Norfolk after a few hours.
    As someone said when we were considering moving here, Norfolk is a wonderful place, but it's not for everyone. Thank goodness; let it remain a quiet, peaceful place that we can enjoy without some of the problems like traffic congestion that other towns have.
    - CR

  • 6/8 3:09pm   TC (nice post) and others: I agree w/ you about the Governor holding on to his $1B surplus so he can campaign for President on it... Those monies should be released to MA cities and towns so we aren't forced to drop librarians, Spanish, art, health, music and so on. Infuriating.
    - TN

  • 6/8 3:07pm   Unfortunately, due to the continuing rain, the Norfolk Lions are cancelling Norfolk Community Day for Saturday, June 10. It was a really difficult decision because many people have put much time and energy into organizing this event. In addition, we had so much commitment from the town and community organizations, not to mention our sponsors. The fields at the Holmes' are already saturated. Even if we get a lull in the weather on Saturday, we would need to have tow trucks at the ready to pull cars out of the field, the tent could not go up, the list goes on. So, all that said, we are sorry about the cancellation and we thank everyone for their support.
    - Barbara Snead, Norfolk Lions, Co-Chair Community Day

  • 6/8 2:24pm   I've heard from a couple of fellow residents that homebuyers are not as interested in Norfolk as they are in other towns because "we don't offer as many services." As an informal poll... what are the services NorfolkNet readers think would make the town better or more competitive with other towns in the area? The only service I can think of is curbside trash pickup (and access to more retail stores/restaurants), but I would like to know what other residents think.
    - HPK

  • 6/8 1:42pm   The anticipated annual tax revenue for Stop & Shop has been quoted by town officials to be approximately $100,000, which may be hardly enough to cover services required to have it here. Commercial development may provide some relief, but as MJD and others have accurately pointed out, it is not THE solution. Other towns with plenty of businesses are struggling with the same issues. Nor is unchecked residential development THE solution, for obvious reasons.
    The solution is more likely a combination of several things: frugality; responsibility; fairness; and making smart, realistic, and fair choices, just to name a few. We should be looking for local, statewide, and national policies -- and leaders -- that truly address the needs of real working people who are trying to make ends meet, raise and educate their children to become productive adults, and provide safe and dignified golden years for our parents. We can argue till we're blue in the face about who approved the purchase of the clock (I agree, please let it rest), but let's not forget our Governor is campaigning for President on his success at securing a $1 billion budget surplus, and Norfolk K - 6 has had to cut art, music, Spanish, and health. Hello?
    We owe it to ourselves, our children, and our seniors to look beyond Town Hill to the now national problem of an overburdened middle class. Find a candidate for selectman, governor, or president who genuinely understands and cares about those issues, one who is willing to connect the dots between national and state policies and the well-being of cities and towns, and that will be a step in the right direction.
    - TC

  • 6/8 1:13pm   We're looking for someone who cleans and repairs/replaces gutters, to help prevent water in the basement. Anyone have a recommendation?
    - DF

  • 6/8 12:45pm   CR - I wonder the same thing about Wrentham. They have the huge mall which has done much to raise the crime rate and the problems with traffic. It costs them more in services like Police and Fire. They tried to pass an override recently too, I believe, so I doubt that commercial development is the panacea you are describing.
    - MJD

  • 6/8 12:18pm   Re ``The only way to solve the tax problems is to bring businesses to town'' -- Wrentham is a good example that balanced budgets are not simply a matter of more revenues. They built a gigantic outlet mall, blighted an entire neighborhood with traffic jams and associated headaches, but their shaky budget situation is still shaky.
    It's tempting to look to more money as the answer to budget shortfalls. But just like many people manage to make ends meet on very modest incomes while many others can barely live on their six-figure salaries, it's all about discipline, not need.
    We should bring businesses to town because it would be nice to have more local stores, coffee shops, restaurants. But no matter how much tax revenue is raised, there will always be more worthy causes to spend it on. Ultimately, the only way to solve the tax problems is to spend more prudently.
    - AR

    [Update 4:42pm: sorry, I meant six-figure salaries - AR]

  • 6/8 11:24am   I agree with the comments on increasing the tax base via increased businesses. More importantly this can be accomplished through the appropriate strategy that does not negatively impact the residents, enhances the current lure to live in Norfolk, and assists in providing the town residents with improved services and programs that are more on par with similar towns.
    - PEC

  • 6/8 10:23am   The only way to solve the tax problems is to bring businesses to town. What is the Town government doing to bring businesses here? On a lighter note, is community day still on or will it be postponed (due to rain)?
    - AL

  • 6/8 9:46am   If commercial building is the answer to all financial problems, why is Franklin mulling an override as well? Norfolk can survive without a huge commercial tax base, commercial and residential both cost the town money in their own way; there have been many studies which prove this. The best way to keep costs in check is to preserve as much open space as possible, the town can't afford not to.
    - CR

  • 6/8 9:23am   Can we please stop complaining about the clock. It looks nice, and, most of all, it is the least of the town's problems!! Please pick your battles and "The Clock" should be put to rest.
    - DWL

  • 6/7 11:56pm   To all, please calm down and let the impact of the no vote settle for a while. NO GO has won on this override, and I hope we will win, or compromise, on future overrides. This is such a great victory for the town in so many ways, just think about it - we as taxpayers now have a new voice in town to challenge the decisions made by our town government. All I can say is stay involved with our town's growing process, get out and vote, attend town meetings and become a member of the NO GO and get involved.
    Special thanks too John and Sean and all members of the NO GO, for their efforts to bring about a new change in our town's decision making process. I feel this is a new beginning for us all.
    - RS

  • 6/7 11:40pm   AL, how are my chances of borrowing your seven brothers from Demarest, for a couple of days. You have probably noticed that a fellow New Jerseyite, EMS, is picking on me; I'm so devastated. You remember (not so) little SW telling me that he still had the key to the lock on the vault, don't you? So whatta think? Hmmmmmmmm?
    - MT

  • 6/7 11:38pm   What's done is done. I agree with free speech and expression of opinion, but it can no longer change the outcome. Isn't it time to stop the arguing? Now that the NO vote has been cast, which I agree with, it will be up to the town selectmen to think creatively and come up with the money that is so 'desperately' needed. I agree with BM's comments about the commercial tax base (or lack of in this case). After 8 years of living in town, the 'moonscape' hasn't changed much. Some more residential lots have been built, but what IS the deal with the Stop and Shop property? How much of a tax base are we losing out on from that mess and the host of other potential businesses that could come into Norfolk once an 'anchor' store is in place? Why isn't this as big an issue to fix? While I haven't done any specific research, I'm familiar enough with the towns around to know that Norfolk probably has the smallest commercial tax base by far.
    On a lighter and completely separate topic, does anyone know if Community Day has a rain date??? I couldn't find it on the schedule of events.
    - JM

  • 6/7 11:03pm   To JPB: although I may not agree with you on everything, let me please commend you on your letter to the selectmen - respect for our neighbors and working together is what we should be striving for, not ugly words and insults (sorry MON, I don't care for your THEM vs US attitude). Again, thanks JPB for showing some class!
    - CMK

  • 6/7 9:52pm   To CMK - Read the statement I wrote again [...]. These are constructive points. Do them and the town will save money. Period. It is US (taxpayers) against THEM (those whose spend it). And I do put my money where my mouth is, in higher taxes paid than most towns in this commonwealth, with fewer real services. Turn on Norfolk cable access any night to see your taxes at work, like tonight, Linda Hurley is interviewing for the school board position, making them (School Board and Town Selectmen) squirm while pointing out the obvious divisions between the major government leaders looking out for your interests.
    Its even worse than you think [...]. Its really US versus Public Works versus School Interests versus the Planning Board. A series of "leaders" guiding interests that are more fragmented than your response. Any other fragmented thought patterns out there?
    - MON

  • 6/7 9:51pm   CMK - I'm with you!
    - CI

  • 6/7 9:50pm   As a former NJ resident, with many friends and family still there, I have to comment on EMS's post regarding his NJ 'hometown'. I've racked my brain, and cannot think of a town "45 minutes" from NYC with reasonable house prices and taxes! I have either friends or family in just about every Northern NJ County, and let me say property taxes there are nearly double those here. When we relocated here 8 years ago from Hunterdon County (Central NJ near Pennsylvania) our home in Norfolk cost 20% more than our similar NJ one, yet we were surprised to discover that taxes were a good 20% LESS than we had been paying. Speaking to a friend in NJ tonight, their property taxes on a roughly $550-650k home are $9000, other friends are paying over $10,000 for a similar value home in another county. NJ doesn't have Prop 2 1/2 - though state law requires voter approval for the school budget.
    BTW, while several posts complain about CPA, NJ has a state funded program to preserve farmland by buying development rights (their motto was "cows don't go to school"). Since our state does not take this on, I think it is great that they at least offer us matching funds via CPA.
    My two cents.
    - CI

  • 6/7 9:47pm   The following letter was sent to the Selectmen:
    Gentlemen,

    Please allow me this opportunity to inform you that NO-GO does not share or encourage many of the statements that are being posted on Norfolknet today. We consider some to be disrespectful, unproductive and reckless. As an organization we respect and admire you and your efforts to make Norfolk a better place to live.

    [C o n t i n u e d . . .]

    - JPB

  • 6/7 9:18pm   To MON... "make them sweat"?? I don't get it... aren't we all fellow citizens living in the same town? Why are you trying to "get" them? Stop writing about the past, and come up with some ideas for the future... I challenge you to join the boards/committees and put your money/time where your mouth is... I love living in Norfolk and am proud of our town center - it's a huge improvement over 10 years ago. I guess I am one of those "soccer" moms who listened to our town officials' presentations - but they didn't "scare" me, they made sense to me - you don't.
    - CMK

  • 6/7 7:56pm   Since Romney has been elected, he has been able to balance the state budget by cutting local aid the last few years. Period. This is the only reason Norfolk and the majority of cities and towns are constantly going to the voters looking for overrides. He wants to be president and it will be great PR when he announces that he balanced the budget and the State has close to a billion dollars in surplus. Let's not crucify the people running this town, but start looking to Beacon Hill.
    - LS

  • 6/7 7:37pm   To All Norfolk Residents who voted against the override-Good Job! But where were you last year? Now lets make them sweat:
    1. Remove all personal cars used by city officials. Give them a car to use when on duty only. Savings = priceless. Also, a City Vehicle should only be used for its intended use. No more parades (special interest groups), neighborhood visits on social calls. Every mile = $$$$
    2. Hold all employees of Norfolk government accountable for their jobs. If they don't like it, fire them. Plenty of other hard workers are available to take their jobs.
    3. Don't let the selectmen feed you propaganda. Last year it was selectmen pontificating and making the soccer moms nervous with a powerpoint slide show-before and after shots of more seats in a classroom. This is propaganda. Don't fall for it. They tried to do it again this year and lost. And, from what I hear, the schools have gotten worse.
    4. Sell the fancy clock and gazebo to a town that can afford it.
    5. Last but not least, Get professionals in here to manage the money. The people we have can't and buckle to an absurd vision of what this town should be.
    I've got more, but I can't wait to hear your responses,
    - MON

  • 6/7 6:18pm   In response to MJ regarding her comment about Wellesley: No, Norfolk is not like Wellesley, where I lived for several years before moving here. They have all the same complaints. The seniors there work off property tax dollars by working at the dump. The last override was rejected, there is way too much growth. The selectmen have been chastised for everything from the new library to the new crosswalks--sound familiar? Norfolk is not even close to the 'mansionization' happening in Wellesley. However, the tax rate there is lower than it is here due to the retail base they have and the over-crowding of homes, which people here seem to have the good sense to be against.
    Instead of spending so much time worrying about things that cannot be changed, do what TC suggests and pay attention to the Governor's race. Write to them. Invite them to the town to speak about the issues. Local government can only do so much. Let your voice be heard elsewhere. You seem bright and articulate, we need you to speak out beyond Norfolknet.
    - JBN

  • 6/7 6:15pm   Wow, what a joy.... thoughts of Tice's and Van Riper's Farm. I have many fond memories of going there in the 60's with my mom, dad and sister for apples and pumpkins. My favorite memory is gnawing on those mammoth candy apples and having red stained lips and fingers for the entire day! A few months ago I was visiting "home" (Ridgewood area), and on our trip back to New England my husband decided to take scenic route through Westwood and Montvale to get to 287. We could not help to feel sad about how the area has changed. Although the companies which have replaced the farms keep the land impeccably, there was something definitely missing..... families. Sad to see :-(
    - R/JV

  • 6/7 6:07pm   AL, Understand one thing - Norfolk doesn't need state of the art infrastructure and needless spending on vehicles to make government work effectively. What we need at a time of tough economic times is elected officials who can make the tough decisions to cut, and if necessary lay off, to balance the budget. I don't know if you keep up with what's going on with Wall Street and the energy problems that will face the US for years to come, but now is the time to buckle down and tighten the belt. I believe as most analysts do that we are in for tough times maybe for years to come.
    Norfolk needs to understand that the free-spending days of the 90's are over; if we don't have the $$$ in the budget then it only makes sense to make the cuts to balance the budget.
    As I understand it by the margin of victory (and I for one am very happy with the outcome), I believe a clear message was sent: no more overrides, we need to be responsible with the taxpayers' $$$. As I watched on TV the discussions and debate over this issue I tried to keep an open mind and listened to both sides. However, in the end I didn't feel that our elected officials were putting enough pressure on department heads to come up with alternative measures to purchase these must-have vehicles.
    What I did see and feel was a administration that can't make the tough decisions and pressure department heads to come up with alternatives; instead, I got the feeling that the administration wanted the override and felt bold enough that it would pass without any problems and the taxpayers should buy into this and pick up this expense (the town must have this to survive). Hey, the last override went through (which, oh by the way, was only a year ago), let's go for another override.
    I also was [appalled] by the conduct of our elected officials, using the scare tactic to try to get this override through - it seems to me we have officials who will go to any length to spend taxpayers' $$$. Enough; stop the needless spending.
    For the record I will as I have done with past overrides be politically active to defeat any further attempts by our elected officials to squander my hard earned $$$.
    - DLM

  • 6/7 5:26pm   Re: 6/7 1:17pm I am ecstatic ... MJ, your list of things you do not like has many things which were mandated by the state. Some of those things the state even helped pay for.
    Ambulance requirements are mandated by the state. Ambulances have to be large to meet the specs.
    The Library has to be built large enough so it will meet the needs of the Town for a state-mandated time to come.
    The Norfolk Town Meeting voted to put the center wires and TV cables underground.
    There may be other items with which I'm not familiar. If you will look at [town board vacancies page] you will see a lot of town committees, etc., where you could volunteer and help improve the Town. When you are appointed, be sure to read the various Massachusetts Statutes that must be followed for each and every committee. The statutes say what can be done and what cannot, and they require open meetings, etc., too.
    - RH

  • 6/7 5:23pm   Thanks for your concerns, AL. I expect ambulance service as part of my tax spending. I do not expect a mobile hospital. Come on, we really need such a monster? Is it consistent with a cash crunch? Could we have bought something less or maintained what we had and have spent the money on maintaining other vehicles? The answer seems obvious.
    Do we need a $42,000 clock and all the rest? No, these are not needs, they are luxury want items.
    Making an argument from a property value and niceties perspective for reckless spending does not make sense. Increasing property values translates to increased property taxes. But more importantly, whether you want something or not, we should not be starving our needs account to fund wants. We must cover the requirements before anything else, and then we can look (carefully) at funding the wants if there is anything left. How do you justify these various "beautifications" when our vehicle fleet is left deteriorating?
    It's not that the "vehicle stabilization fund" is a bad thing (although having to scramble and jump through hoops to maintain our fleet of vehicles is indicative of neglect and poor planning), it is that it is yet another example of not taking care of business as business would dictate. Again I say, if I were to run my life this way, I would be out of home very soon.
    You may criticize me for taking "pot shots" from the sidelines, but the fact remains, this town is running a deficit budget, and using overrides to prop-up vehicle maintenance/procurement is ludicrous. When I see this in the face of all the wasteful projects (the beautification projects you justify as improving property values), I just cringe. This in not Wellesley or Lexington, and I want the Town to stop spending my money as though it were. Pay for what we need before paying for what you want.
    Thank you,
    - MJ

  • 6/7 5:22pm   DLM: I am not exactly sure what message was sent yesterday other than the vast majority of people who voted voted against an override and thus establishing the vehicle stabilization fund from said override. Perhaps most of those who voted "no" prefer to finance the purchase of the vehicles through the debt mechanism approved at town meeting in case the override did not pass. Perhaps the thousands of voters who didn't go to the polls preferred the debt vehicle as well and decided to spend their time in another way other than casting their vote? Perhaps most of them just don't care enough about this issue to express an opinion by voting. We just don't know. While it was a resounding defeat at the polls, I would hesitate to infer a mandate from 1,300 votes and anecdotal comments on this site.
    - MM

  • 6/7 5:21pm   Well, what can we do to broaden our tax base in the town? What have we done to try to lure businesses to Norfolk? Is CVS or Stop and Shop coming, or was that just a ruse? We need to have something more than just residential property taxes for revenue in this town.
    In addition, I do admire and respect those who are serving our town by acting as selectmen and school committee members. I know that volunteering can take a lot of your time away from our primary job and your family. Thank you to those who are doing that work. I hope to give back like that some day myself. Nevertheless, back to my original question, what can we do to broaden out tax base?
    - BM

  • 6/7 5:20pm   MT -- My NJ hometown is still a beautiful and protected place to live. The town very tightly and wisely controlled the growth that was permitted. They still have beautiful places to take their children, be it the duck pond, play grounds, walking paths, horse farms or town swimming pool -- the character wasn't lost. Sure it doesn't look exactly like it did 50 years ago, but it's still the "country". To call is "metropolitan" without the slightest indication of the town I am referring to indicates your ignorance. As a town and townspeople we need to think of better ways to support ourselves other than constant increases in our taxes or decreases in our services. Look outside of Norfolk and see what others have done, pick and choose the best from each and create a plan. No one is perfect at this, but I believe we can do a better job than we have in the past.
    - EMS

  • 6/7 3:41pm   While I like the fact I won't be required to spend more money on taxes, people should realize the selectmen are in fact Norfolk residents as well, and basically volunteer their time for the interest of the town. I think they deserve a thank you for coming forward and trying to make a difference. Talk about a thankless "job." It seems to me that many people seem to think they can change everything for the better, but at election time there are never many names on the ballot. Talk is cheap; if people really feel that they can make a difference and handle being under the spotlight all the time with every decision they make, why not get involved in an elected position and truly make a difference? It seems there is great passion amongst people in town, and it should be put to good use other than on Norfolknet.
    - CR

  • 6/7 3:29pm   To MJ: I hope that if the day comes when you need an ambulance that the "silly Queen Mary" our town has is still working well enough to come and pick you up to take you to the hospital. I for one count the money that you listed for "frivolous" projects well spent. I want my town to look good and run well and all of that boosts my property values. As another poster mentioned, most of the people who work in the town government live here and I am sure that they take it as an affront the assertion that they don't manage our tax dollars wisely. And another thing, all of the posters who love to get on their high horse and malign the town officials, well, why don't you volunteer some of your time (as they do) and get involved in our government. Don't forget that the selectmen, the board of health, the school committee, etc, all do the work that they do for the town GRATIS - that means free. What are YOU doing to help Norfolk?
    - AL

  • 6/7 2:40pm   NJD: Thanks for making this day even more depressing! Say it isn't so!! I, too, remember all of us jumping into the ol' Country Squire for a trip to Tice's every fall (always on a Sunday). That's awful. I guess Paramus and Ridgewood were just too far to drive for a mall... thanks for the memories.
    - AL

  • 6/7 2:39pm   I have a student Flute for sale that is in great shape. We paid more than $500 for it and will sell it for $100, please call Bill @ 508-541-8325.
    - BM

  • 6/7 2:28pm   Dear Mr. Selectmen, I hope you get the message this time. If not, maybe it's time to step down!
    - DLM

  • 6/7 2:19pm   Well put, MJ, our selectmen and their team need to wake up and stop [leaking] away tax dollars. I feel that this administration needs to be watched like a hawk, or else our tax dollars will keep getting [leaked] away towards needless wants and not needs.
    - DLM

  • 6/7 2:18pm   As always, TC is right on! Start paying attention this summer to the Govenor's race. Do your research, which candidate speaks for and to you about the issues that matter to you and your family? Don't wait until October to get informed. The next Govenor can help fix the current mess or lead us right down the same path.
    - MJD

  • 6/7 2:16pm   AL-Get out your hanky. Not only does Tice's Farm no longer exist but in its place is a high-end outdoor strip mall. Even Van Riper's Farm across the street is gone. I have no idea where people buy their pumpkins anymore. I fondly remember trips up to Tice's; their outdoor cider spickets always amazed me. I think I'll head over to Jane and Paul's for some fresh eggs and to visit with the sheep.
    - NJD

  • 6/7 2:14pm   I have no doubt of EMS's good intentions; it seems like a well thought-out plan and maybe it was thought to be a good idea, if her/his townsfolk really wanted to go metropolitan. However, I'd ask those reading EMS's posting of 6/7 @ 11:16 AM to study it very, very carefully. I'll make no further comment except to ask, "Even if such a situation were attainable, here in Norfolk, is that the transformation and loss of character we want for our town?" Draw a picture, in your mind, of what it would look like and what it would represent to our infrastructure.
    - MT

  • 6/7 1:17pm   I am ecstatic with the outcome of yesterday's vote! Thank you everybody for the resounding NO-VOTE of confidence. I hope the Town takes this almost four-fold mandate to heart and starts reexamining its priorities and its responsibilities.
    A vehicle "stabilization" fund is just a ploy to exclude necessary and required vehicle expenses from the budgeting process. Hello... is anybody home? Granted, I'm no rocket scientist, but I think it goes like this: the budget is where vehicle expenses belong because a budget is how we manage our income and expenses, right? It's not like I get to say "I need a new car, so I'm going to use money I don't have and have not planned for" and expect to just "get" it. No, that's not how it works; you plan, save, scrimp and tighten your belt a notch or two.
    Somebody here recently asked the question: "Now what...?" Well, here's what: balance the budget! I am disgusted with the waste and decadent expenditures the Town has been lavishing on itself for years. Stop wasting my money (whether it comes from the Town, the State, or the Federal Government) on frivolous and unnecessary projects like the following:
    • A new ambulance that looks like the Queen Mary (and probably cost as much)
    • A silly decorative clock that cost $42,000
    • An overbuilt new Town Hall
    • An overbuilt new library
    • Putting utility lines underground
    • Inlaided crosswalks with granite boarders
    • Ridiculous street lights that literally blind you at nighttime
    • Stonework extravaganza on the Town "Hill" (what's left of it)
    • Fancy-dandy Gazebo
    The current economy does not warrant such decadence and it is an insult to me and my hard-earned dollars to continue squandering them this way. Please take the opportunity of this mandate to do a reality-check and start exemplifying fiscal responsible and prudence by crafting a complete and balanced budget that discriminates between needs and wants.
    If I were to run my personal finances the way the Town has been, I would be in jail very soon. It is time for the Town to be accountable and responsible, just like I am. Sure, there are nice things I would like to do... but I can't afford to. So guess what? I don't do them! Does the phrase "making do" come to mind?
    I am (just like I wish the Town would be) responsible and accountable for maintaining a tenable financial picture. If I can't do that, then I go into foreclosure, repossession; bill collectors start showing up, services get turned off, etc. I hold the Town to the same standards I apply to myself: manage my tax dollars as responsibly as I do my own; nothing more, nothing less.
    And by the way: balancing the budget does not mean firing teachers! It means eliminating waste on "looking-good" projects like some of those I mentioned. So what if the Town Hall parking lot does not have lines!!! I don't give a rat's asset! I can park my car very easily without lines... thank you very much.
    To our Town representatives: come back to reality and start running this Town responsibly! If you can't do that, then get out and we'll find somebody who can.
    And if none of this is sinking in, read my lips: "No New Taxes!"
    Thank you,
    - MJ

    [Update 6/9 8:35am: the clock was about $20K, not $42 (see posts of 6/8 10:03pm and 6/8 8:01pm). - Wm.]

  • 6/7 1:14pm   To AP A man named George Hagopian 508-384-3766 is a great piano teacher for students of all ages. He produces a piano recital for his younger students twice a year. These recitals are taped and played on NCTV channel 8. There is one on air this week at 2pm and 5pm.
    - PLG

  • 6/7 12:16pm   EMS: Just curious: did you grow up in Montvale? Sounds like Tice's Farm country; sure hope they have not sold out completely and are still selling those cider donuts!
    - AL

  • 6/7 11:53am   EMS: Sounds like the ex-farmers in your NJ hometown had a generous choice of large corporations interested in hightailing it out of NYC for more bucolic settings (read as "lower costs," no doubt). I don't believe the same situation existed in Boston when the farming families in Norfolk realized they couldn't make ends meet anymore and had to sell up, nor does it exist today. You mention one Boston company going to NH. Companies leaving Beantown aren't coming to the 'burbs, they're heading further away (out of state) for the cost incentives...
    - TN

  • 6/7 11:16am   HMK - I know several very, very rich ex (and current) farmers. I grew up in a small town in NJ that 30 years ago was almost identical to Norfolk... several family owned and run fruit farms, no traffic lights, very little business (ok - we had a grocery store) and yes, a train station for commuters to the financial district - the town is about 45 minutes outside of NYC - a perfect spot to raise a family (sound familiar?) Today the town has managed growth with tight controls -- none of the commerical business is over two stories tall and only 40% of the property may be developed, including parking. There are no mega malls, no traffic jams and no Dunkin Donuts (yes, they manage to do without). The REGIONAL high school was in the top 3 in the state when I attended in the early 80's and is still in the top 10 for the entire state. How you say did the farmers become rich and the town prosper so well -- the farmers sold parts of their land to corporations -- the likes of Merce des Benz, BMW, A&P and many other big names. Not factories, but office space -- corporate headquarters for companies that wanted to leave NY and Manhattan. Many of the companies still have the original fruit trees on their property. Loads of tax for the town and a few very, very rich farmers -- one that still operates as a working farm to this day. It was a very affordable place to live when my family moved their in 1967 -- their housing prices today make Norfolk look like a bargain (and yes, my parents still live there).
    Another example, my former employer in Boston moved 2500 jobs out of Boston in the 90's to new office space on former farm land in NH. They are now one the largest employers in NH -- again office space, not a factory in sight. The farmer that sold his land to them is also very, very rich now (as is the town).
    - EMS

  • 6/7 10:51am   Finally the town of Norfolk residents woke up and sent a strong message to the town officials: enough is enough!! This town needs to stop spending taxpayers' money foolishly. I personally thought it was foolish to bring this to a vote when it was rejected on last year's override.
    I followed the town meetings on TV with respect to this override and I thought that town officials tried to scare people buy putting a spin on it that would lead people to believe that if they didn't vote in favor of the override that future overrides would be forthcoming, as it would result in budget deficits moving forward.
    Now for some suggestions for our spend happy town officials: Stop Spending and learn to make the tough decisions.
    1. How about turning off the lights in the center of town it looks like a high security prison zone, the prisons in town have less lighting at night.
    2. Let's take another look at CPA we need to increase our commercial tax base we don't have to eliminate CPA however, I think it would be in our best interest to modify CPA to allow business to invest in Norfolk.
    3. This town has gone on a spending spree over the last couple of years, putting up sprawling buildings such as the town hall and a library that is second to none. Well, these buildings I feel are overkill, and as a result have cost the taxpayers a huge amount of money to heat and maintain. Was it necessary to build a town hall that size for a town that only has nine thousand or so residents? I think not. Now that we have to heat, cool and maintain these buildings to the tune of many tax payers $$$, if we have budgetary shortfalls it should be of no surprise to anyone. This town has also made a conscious decision not to cut services in a time of budgetary problems - is that a wise choice? I think not. When businesses have budgetary shortfalls, they are forced to make the tough decisions and make cuts such as lay-offs and implement a freeze on salaries. When will town officials wise up and do the same? In private business if companies don't make the tough decisions, management is either let go or the company folds. We need to make the tough decisions now.
    - DLM

  • 6/7 10:50am   Re I feel that senior citizens should get a partial exemption from their taxes - Is is an acceptable alternative if we don't give senior citizens a break, but instead encourage rich seniors to buy expensive condos in the over-55 housing complexes being built? The way I see it, the town can either spend money more carefully, or can just cater to a richer crowd and ignore the few who can't keep up.
    (Yes, I am being sarcastic, but there is a germ of truth in there...)
    - AR

  • 6/7 10:02am   We have a three year old who we would like to have learn to play the piano (as much as any three year old can learn to play the piano :) ). Has anyone had any experience with this or do you have any recommendations for a teacher?
    Also, when we bought our house we acquired a beautiful perennial garden, unfortunately we have no green thumb. Is there anyone who would be willing to walk us through what is there, what we should or shouldn't weed out, etc? It would help us a great deal! Thanks!
    - AP

  • 6/7 9:58am   TB is right: What Now? I too applaud a successful grassroots effort (although I am suspect of any hero worship, especially toward JPB, who on many occasions on this very site has been mean-spirited, disrespectful, and obstinate as he expressed his views.)
    Still, the issues don't disappear with this vote. We're still losing art, library, Spanish and health at the k - 6 level, which is a sin in a town with high property taxes and a population overwhelmingly committed to great education. I also agree that it's not the fault of sitting selectmen or individuals. It's a confluence of things, not least of which is a town growing faster than a largely volunteer town government can manage, at the same time that state resources, particularly for education, have dwindled steadily over the past 6 years. No-Go signs are not going to fix the larger problem.
    We need to be looking to our next Governor and elected representatives to do what is right for cities and towns. We need people who will put public education back toward the top of the list of priorities, and once and for all admit that rising property taxes are overburdening families, particularly seniors. Governors focusing on winning the hearts of those who believe banning same-sex marriage is the most pressing issue in the lives of working families are clearly out of touch, and should be sent packing, and not to Washington. Those genuinely interested in addressing the problem of property taxes, public education, and the well being of seniors need to cast their scrutinizing eyes beyond the selectmen in Norfolk and all the way to the State House. No-Go send a clear message, and that's a good thing. But it's not a solution.
    - TC

  • 6/7 9:47am   Re "Not too many years ago, these towns were made up of small farms and mostly blue collar workers. When land became more valuable as building lots, anyone with land could only see the dough, and sold to developers." - The small family farms could not make money and were forced out of business. They sold their land so that they could afford to live. I don't know any rich ex-farmers....
    - HMK

  • 6/7 9:26am   The HOD Field Day events originally scheduled for Thursday and Friday have been postponed due to inclement weather. Please look in your children's backpacks for the new dates. Thanks.
    - KM, Norfolk TPA

  • 6/7 9:24am   RJP, your point re: planning for future maintenance needs is well-taken. Every town needs to plan for these things. I believe that the Building Department, with the addition of their Facilities Maintenance program in the past couple of years, will help immensely with this planning.
    I am naturally disappointed with yesterday's vote. I am always amazed by the groundswell of opposition to smaller overrides and smaller budget items on the Town Meeting warrant, and the lack of comment on the larger budget items. Perhaps the larger items are just too big to tackle at the end of the workday? Perhaps (I'm donning my Nomex suit now) the traditional Town Meeting isn't a feasible model for modern times and a town of our size? As a resident, I think it would be useful to be reminded of how the cost of purchasing vehicles in the future has been affected by the defeat of the Vehicle Stabilization Plan. An update with numbers might sway voters when they are presented with future stabilization plans. And it will provide fodder for discussion on NorfolkNet.
    - HPK

  • 6/7 9:23am   To ND, thanks for your reply ( 6/5 4:57pm To PP re: massage therapists on Rte. 115: I had a disc problem with my neck and went to Sheila Shea who did a great job. ... - ND)

  • 6/7 9:22am   TB, No, let's not kick the T out of Norfolk. The T is part of what keeps our property value higher than other towns. The real problem is the people of Wrentham and other towns use it. We have been in Norfolk for 17 years and happen to like the convenience of the T, and I think most residents of Norfolk, not Wrentham, would agree.
    - DWL

  • 6/7 9:18am   TB: Even if the T didn't stop at Norfolk, we'd still be in the MBTA district and get assessed some amount, admittedly less. (And, by the way, it's mighty nice of you, who commute 10 minutes to work, to toss out the commuting option used by the several hundred Norfolk folks who take the train to work every day, and pay $170 a month for the pleasure). It could be worse, Walpole pays $420K per year.
    And I can imagine there are a lot of folks in Wrentham who are quite happy that the Wrentham Developmental Center is there, and not some new subdivision with 100 houses (and those awful children who come with the houses, he says with sarcasm).
    The interesting question is if the Selectmen will see the mandate in the lopsided nature of the vote. We gave them the authority at town meeting to buy the $800K worth of vehicles, regardless of whether this override passed. I would hope that they would rethink the proposed list and take a more modest approach.
    I have the utmost respect for the folks who donate their time on town boards, and who have for years, and not just woken up recently to what's going on around here. But there's a tendency in any enterprise, when it isn't directly your money, to perhaps be a little more free with spending it. I hope you appreciate the measured tones I'm taking here; I'm not saying the list we were given was extravagant, but on town meeting night I thought we could've lopped $80K off it with absolutely no regrets, and that's back when it looked like we might actually have the money. If I didn't have the money (the position the town is in now), that list should be trimmed even more.
    Prop 2 1/2 is an issue. When your fixed costs are increasing at the clip we've seen health insurance, energy, and other costs go up, the limits of Prop 2 1/2 are a problem. But Prop 2 1/2 is an important tool to ensure that towns are as frugal as possible. The law provides for overrides from time to time to catch revenues up with expenses; even a fiscally conservative town will from time to time need to increase the tax base beyond 2 1/2 limits. The problem comes when we don't deal with things head on.
    I'll give one example, although there are more. Look at fire department spending.
    In Fy 2000, we spent $357,878 on the fire department. In FY06 (this year), we're spending $1,055,026. That's a $697,148 increase, or 194%.
    Compare that to Police spending. In FY 2000, we spent $1.074,462 on the police. In FY06 we're spending $1,481,419. That's a $406,957 increase, or 37.8%.
    Now, let's keep this discussion values neutral. I am not arguing that we shouldn't have ALS. But what I am saying is that we've nearly tripled a budget since 2000, and not had a single override for it. Oh, sure, some small amount of the fire budget was included in the override last year, but that was something tiny like $40K. And since 1992 we've had something like 5 overrides for school operating expenses (outside the capital overrides we've done). And their budget has gone up somewhat in line with the rest of the town budget. The town has been asked to fund the schools, and it has responded. Where was the override to fund ALS? Am I mis-remembering?
    As many at town meeting heard ad naseum, free cash was (before the run-up in the certain budgets) to fund capital expenses. The free cash amount available this year was $400K, which would have gone a decent way toward most of the vehicle program. The thing is, though, free cash was used to plug a hole in the operating budget.
    Keep in mind, you can't count on free cash. Under the best circumstances that's the money you want to sock away for a rainy day. That $400K hole should have been plugged with an override. Between that $400K and the prison money (another source you can't really count on, JPB), there's enough money to do the capital program, minus a cruiser and three or four other vehicles off the wish list.
    The problem is, we ate a huge override last year, and the selectmen were probably, and quite accurately, concerned that the town wouldn't swallow another operating override. So you get things like this, or like last year, when the school was literally held hostage and bore the brunt of that override, while the real story was in several other departments. But think of this: if the selectmen do go forward with the plan to buy $829 thousand worth of stuff this year, the payments on those notes will eat someone else's lunch in next year's budget. I would hope that they'll reconsider the necessity of every item on that list.
    - RG

  • 6/7 12:57am   BH, Norfolk does have a Senior Citizen Property Tax Workoff Program. You should check with the Senior Center. You might get an assignment more like light office work instead of physical labor.
    - DLJ

  • 6/6 10:40pm   Now that the vote is in, I think it's time for me to put my two cents in. I live in Wrentham and work in Norfolk. Like so many of the surrounding towns, Wrentham and Norfolk have just let everyone know that enough is enough, no more overides.
    My question is, what now? These budget problems didn't arise overnight. The powers that be are not at fault. They inherited the problem. Not too many years ago, these towns were made up of small farms and mostly blue collar workers. When land became more valuable as building lots, anyone with land could only see the dough, and sold to developers. These two towns that were hidden gems soon became the place to live. With the building boom came the need for more infrastructure. The problem is, nobody noticed!! The old guard, and I say that with no disrepect, dropped the ball. When the powers that be finally noticed, they were already far behind. The only way to catch up was to increase revenue, or increase taxes. Here's one small example of how far behind Norfolk was. I came to work here in 1994. In 1992 or 1993 the Highway department had just installed two-way radios in the trucks. That means up until that time, if a truck broke down at 2am plowing on Fruit St., the driver would either sit and wait for someone to find them, walk back to the yard, or knock on doors and ask to use the phone. Pretty pathetic for 1993.
    So, what's the answer. JPB showed that with a good effort, things can happen. Now, don't stop there. Keep the effort going and find ways to solve the revenue problem. How about this for starters. Kick the "T" out of Norfolk. I was once told that the town pays around 200,000 dollars a year to have the train stop in Norfolk. Nice chunk of change to put to better use. How much does the town get for all the cars parked in the "T" parking lots. I bet nothing. The town gets 198,000 to host the prison. It should be more like 500,000. Call your State Rep. Hound them till you get results. No one wants more taxes, but we all need to come up with ideas to raise revenues. I think I'll start tomorrow by calling Rich Ross and letting him know that Wrentham wants - no, deserves - more money for hosting Wrentham Developmental Center.
    - TB

  • 6/6 9:39pm   In the words of Frank Gross, "It is a vote." Congrats to Mr. Bermingham and Mr. Moran.
    How about taking $35,000 from the Grange money, paint the place just as we did for the Federated Church, and spend the other $300,000 earmarked for that private property and give it back to the taxpayers for something they feel is important. Wasn't it the same Town Meeting that passed this override also spent the Grange money? Do you wonder if $335,000 would have passed the true test... a ballot?
    - PC

  • 6/6 9:25pm   Per NCTV Channel 22: 
    Election results of the Vehicle Stabilization Plan, June 6, 2006
Total Votes Cast: 1636
Yes  341
No  1295
----------------------------------------------------------------
Yes = 21%		[**********]
No  = 79%		[***************************************]
    Thank you, NCTV! Thank you, JPB.
    - BH

  • 6/6 9:23pm   Congratulations, Norfolk!! You came out to win and your voices have been heard. Override Vote Results:
    Votes Cast: 1636
    YES 341
    NO 1295
    - JPB

  • 6/6 8:33pm   Re: Vote Yes. ... What will happen if we stop providing maintenance to our infrastructure? I thought funds for maintaining our infrastructure were approved at Town Meeting, and that the vote today was for whether to permanently increase our taxes or not.
    - AR

  • 6/6 8:29pm   The only true way to save money is to use the state provided $200,000/year prison funds to purchase vehicles and fund the vehicle fund. Anything else comes out of our pockets with a 2 1/2 % increase each year.
    Vote NO Folks - the town's budget priorities are upside-down on this matter.
    That's no emotion; it's your money.
    If you were king, would you paint parking lots or purchase emergency vehicles with the $200,000?
    - JPB

  • 6/6 6:29pm   Vote Yes. To vote yes is to vote for a viable well thought plan. To vote no is to vote with emotion. The opposition of this plan would like you to think that voting no is the simple answer. What will happen if we stop providing maintenance to our infrastructure? I'll tell you a bigger price tag long term. Please vote Yes.
    - MA

  • 6/6 4:38pm   All indications as of 4pm are that it's going to be a close vote, folks. please come out and vote NO to the override today. This could be a mater of 4 votes!!
    If you had a broken car and a house that needed to be painted: would you paint your house or purchase a new vehicle to get to work?
    Let's say NO to spending the $200,000 prison funds that we receive each year from the state on painting Town Hall parking lot and tell the town to buy emergency vehicles with that money. This override is unnecessary.
    - JPB

  • 6/6 4:02pm   My apologies to the associate Library Director. I did not know that the siding on the Library was in fact a cement-based product. Whoever specified this material should be commended.
    I do disagree with your statement "Why don't we wait until the library actually needs to be repainted before we get upset over the cost of painting it? That will save the townspeople many years of anticipatory grief." I believe a lot of postings are saying we need to plan and budget better. We should be planning now to maintain our buildings in the future. I would gladly deal with "anticipatory grief" by putting aside some cash in anticipation of a need rather than the financial grief caused by big last-minute expenses.
    - RJP

  • 6/6 1:16pm   I am too shocked that we we ask senior citizens to volunteer to pay off taxes. I feel that senior citizens should get a partial exemption from their taxes, with we, the rest of the population, picking up the small additional tax burden that they would have incurred. Additionally, if we plow church parking lots we should also plow all senior citizens' driveways. We need to keep our senior citizens in town, and we should be enticing them to stay and not force them out!
    - DWL

  • 6/6 1:12pm   Please take a few minutes to complete the CARE Survey regarding our Schools. Survey closes on June 18. [survey link]
    Norfolk CARE thanks you. norfolkcare.blogspot.com
    - RG

  • 6/6 12:23pm   MT, in your post to ELH (whew!!) you did not mention if there will be consequences if we vote NO to the override at the polls, today. Will the Town still get the vehicles that we need either way we vote?
    Another question--What do you mean when you say that "our votes to support some of the town budgets haven't been consistently right, all these years?" And lastly--what do you base you $400 - $800 tax increase on?
    - BM

  • 6/6 12:22pm   Am I the only one completely shocked by the idea of asking our seniors to WORK OFF their taxes in order to stay in a town that many have been in their entire lives? The thought of my 82 year old grandmother (who worked hard all of her life) up at the town hall picking weeds out of the lawn so she can afford to keep her house is appalling. I understand that this program is not intended to be malicious toward the seniors, but haven't they already paid their dues? Will they have to work additional hours to compensate for this Vehicle Stabilization Fund if it passes? There has to be a better way.
    - MH

  • 6/6 11:34am   WLS - Someone stole my lawn sign during the last presidential election. I made me really think about who lives in this town and why they are so threatened by other people's opinions. I am sorry that that happened to you too.
    - MJD

  • 6/6 10:56am   Re: 6/6 12:03am. (from MT) At the town meeting, the budget is paraded before us, by town officials, as though it were more perfect than Michelangelo's finest masterpiece. It comes to us as a completed (sealed) bundle. The budget, in its entirety, is a relatively complex piece of work. Only a handful of people at the meeting can truly conceptualize what they're reading. Those of us who can comprehend it well enough to see peculiarities and raise questions usually don't get too far. Even if an irregularity is explained, we really don't know if it's the truth, and it's too late to investigate. So to answer your question about our being right or wrong in our vote to decide on the town budget, I'd say we've made a lot of mistakes in giving some of our town officials the leeway that we have with our budgets. No, our votes to support some of the town budgets certainly haven't been consistently right, "all these years".
    I agree, and I too will vote NO, as my extra money should go into my own stabilization fund rather than the Town's override fund for vehicles. I was disappointed that there was not more information in the Advisory Board booklet to make an informed decision on some items, less information than in prior years. One bit of info MT missed, in his response to question 3:
    So, to justify the need, can you tell me how many town vehicles need to have their tires balanced? How often and which vehicles? How much does the Sunoco station charge?
    The info is in the Advisory Board Recommendations booklet, page 6:
    "Currently this department (DPW) outsources an average of 100 tires per year at $30 per tire. The requested Tire Machine and Balancer ($6500) will enable this work to be done in-house, with an anticipated payback period of approx. 2.2 years." Follow-up questions might be: How many Town autos and vehicles are there, and to whom is each assigned? How many miles per year does each travel?
    - BH

  • 6/6 10:41am   Does anyone know of any updates/summaries of the center of town project with the condos, shops, restaurant, CVS and Stop & Shop?
    Thank you :-)
    - JH

  • 6/6 10:40am   I couldn't help wondering how many more voters would have shown up today = if the ballot was in multiple choice format, that is,
    (a) No,
    (b) Yes, or
    (c) Neither.
    - TEM

  • 6/6 10:39am   I am one of the individuals who felt strongly about the No-Go Vote today and had a sign on our front lawn to Vote No. However, a neighbor saw me this morning and indicated a car had pulled up next to it last evening, a man took the sign and put it in his car. It is sad that someone has to go to that extent to support their Vote-Yes. What ever happened to freedom of speech!! If anyone knows who did this and possibly took other signs, please call the Norfolk Police at 508-528-3206. Whether or not we all agree on an override is not the issue - theft is against the law.
    - WLS

  • 6/6 10:38am   After reading post after post of MT and his castigation of all the volunteer residents of Norfolk who have been successfully running this town for a couple of hundred years I fully expect to see someone with his initials volunteering to help. Or is it just easier to complain about what other people do. If MT had been even making a half-hearted attempt to know what's going on, he would know that the impending problem of the vehicles has been a discussion at Town Meeting for YEARS. Oh, that's right, you have to donate time to go to Town Meeting, so much more difficult than showing up for a single issue.
    - SM

  • 6/6 10:37am   Today is a fine day to vote:
    If you believe that passing the override saves the town money and you feel that the gain is worth the additional cost, you should vote for the override.
    If you believe that there is inefficiency or poor prioritization in what is budgeted such that the normal budgeting process can fund the savings or you feel that you cannot afford the tax increase, you should vote against.
    It's pretty simple really, and there's really no reason for angry argument.
    - RM

  • 6/6 10:20am   Before voting Tuesday, please review www.virtualnorfolk.org for the Vehicle Stabilization Fund presentation [here] Frequently Asked Questions includes Is there any other way that I can reduce my real estate tax bill?
    I believe that Norfolk was the first town to have a Senior Citizen Property Tax Workoff Program. You can check with the Town Clerk Marie Chiofolo or the Assistant Town Clerk Gail E. Bernardo. Both of them will probably be at the voting polls all day Tuesday.
    Unspent CPC Tramp House Painting funds will remain in the CPC fund.
    - DLJ

  • 6/6 12:03am   Re: The message written by ELH of 6/3 @ 10:32 PM. & 6/4 @1:01 PM. I admire your audacity in making such exceedingly ambitious remarks, but "me thinketh thou protest too much". After studying your writing, I find that its rhythm and language is strikingly similar to much of the scripted (canned) rhetoric coming out of the top offices at the town hall. I can only conclude that you and I have sat through many of the same meetings and heard the same patter, but, remarkably, we've been influenced differently by what we've heard. [...] Nevertheless, because of the similarities between your message and that from the town hall, I'm making the same comments, in my response to you, as I have when speaking with certain town officials. For now, I've just fielded a few of your points. Your remarks are in italics; for smoother readability, mine are [not].
    1. An argument has been made that the Town should have paid for vehicles right off the top all along. What cuts would you propose making from the top? The DPW is funded lower than last year, significant service cuts have been made and retiring staff are not being replaced.

      I don't think than anyone is suggesting cutting anything important from the DPW budget. They're one of our most essential services in town. It is in fact because we need satisfactory performance from our essential departments that the fat must be cut from non-essential expenditures.

    2. The Town needs to have dedicated funds to pay for capital projects.

      You're absolutely right! The mechanism for creating those dedicated funds is called fiduciary responsibility and budgetary discipline. Would you buy lollipops and ice cream to pass out to the neighborhood, while your own kids went barefoot because your income didn't allow you to buy them shoes?

    3. The Tire Balancer for example - do you want the Town to bring all of the Town vehicle tires to the Sunoco station and pay a fee or have its own balancer? It's cheaper to buy a machine.

      I'd like DPW to have a tire balancer, too. It's occasionally convenient to have one around, but it's not as essential as other items that are needed more. Heck, I'd even like a tire balancer for my own private use. In neither case do I believe that owning one is an absolute necessity. So, to justify the need, can you tell me how many town vehicles need to have their tires balanced? How often and which vehicles? How much does the Sunoco station charge?

    4. "The budget (INCLUDING the Vehicle Stabilization Fund) created by the Capital Outlay Committee, Advisory Board, BOS and other Town Officials and approved at Town Meeting WORKS".

      The reason that so many of us are presently involved in this matter is that, contrary to the compliments that you've paid to certain town officials, we see that the town budgets, as they're being prepared, do not "work", and they haven't been practical for a number of years. If the budget weren't constantly flawed, the town would not be in constant financial turmoil. Don't you realize that the budget, as it's now prepared, doesn't work? Our taxes have been increased at least seventeen times during the past ten years? Some property owners have seen their taxes double, triple, or increase by 500% or more. We're not receiving any more town services than we used to; in fact, we're receiving less. We don't need another tax override; we need a total overhaul of present government practices--a reevaluation of priorities. The runaway spending of our tax dollars by our town officials is growing at an exponential rate. Unless it's curtailed, we can expect annual tax increases of between $400 - $800 or more, within the next 4 or 6 years.

    5. Town Meeting decides how money is spent. Has the "Town" been wrong all of these years?

      That's an unfair question, but you do raise a good point. I have the utmost confidence in the town meeting style of self-government in most matters, although i'm often disappointed at the low attendance. However, when it comes to the town budget, we have a bit of a sticky wicket. At the town meeting, the budget is paraded before us, by town officials, as though it were more perfect than Michelangelo's finest masterpiece. It comes to us as a completed (sealed) bundle. The budget, in its entirety, is a relatively complex piece of work. Only a handful of people at the meeting can truly conceptualize what they're reading. Those of us who can comprehend it well enough to see peculiarities and raise questions usually don't get too far. Even if an irregularity is explained, we really don't know if it's the truth, and it's too late to investigate. So to answer your question about our being right or wrong in our vote to decide on the town budget, I'd say we've made a lot of mistakes in giving some of our town officials the leeway that we have with our budgets. No, our votes to support some of the town budgets certainly haven't been consistently right, "all these years".

    - MT

  • 6/5 10:03pm   Seabreeze Safety Associates of Norfolk announce a local radKIDS vacation program for children ages 5 through 12. The program will run Tuesday through Friday, June 27 through June 30, from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm. The cost of $95.00 per child includes tuition, a parent program manual and an activity book for each child. Space is limited and is filled on a first come first served basis.
    The radKIDS Personal Empowerment Safety Education Program for children and families addresses virtually all aspects of child safety including: internet safety, bullying prevention, sexual assault prevention, home and out and about safety, stranger danger and physical resistance to violence and abduction skills. The program is activity based, fast moving, and fun!
    RadKIDS programs are currently offered in 44 states. More then 80,000 children have completed the program. In the first four years of operation, 25 radKIDS "grads" have successfully used the skills and training they learned to escape actual abduction attempts, and hundreds more have disclosed violent incidents in their lives. radKIDS has been featured on Good Morning America, Today, Fox News, CNN News, America's Most Wanted, and The Early Show.
    For more information about the June vacation week program, to obtain a registration packet, or to learn how you can get involved with radKIDS, please contact Karen N. at 508-314-8431 or by email at karen@radkids.org
    - KN, radKIDS

  • 6/5 9:03pm   Just a reminder that there will be a $300,000 (Plus 2 1/2 % added each year) Override vote tomorrow.
    Members of NO-GO and its supporters plan to Vote NO to the override and send a message to town officials that emergency vehicles can easily be purchased with the $200,000 we received each year for hosting the prisons, and that the $200,000 should be used on emergency vehicles - not to paint Town Hall parking lot and the Senior Center. These priorities are upside-down folks.
    NO-GO would ask: If you had a broken car and a house that needed to be painted, would you paint your house or purchase a car that provides transportation to work?
    If we are to truly save money on vehicles and the financing of them, let's use the money we already have - not an other override.
    Special Election June 6, 2006
    H. O. Day School 232 Main St.
    Poll Hours: 7:00am - 8:00pm
    - JPB

  • 6/5 8:53pm   Hello there! Happy Summer, at LAST!! Just wanted to give you all a heads up since I am new to Norfolk and you. We are performing our brilliantly original music at the Norfolk Lions Community Day event! We are going to be performing at 2:30 PM sharp! on Sat., June 10th. Hope to see you there. Please, come up afterwards and introduce yourselves. I am looking forward to meeting my new neighbors!!! I want to be a contribution to this wonderful town and singing my songs is what I have to share with you.
    [M o r e . . .]
    - Pamela Ruby Russell and Her Highway of Dreams Ensemble

  • 6/5 7:04pm   Re: JO 5/31 9:39am "It's been over 3 years since I submitted a tree conservation article, essentially copying the Town of Lexington's successful program [link here], at one of our town meetings."
    I would like to help you with this effort -- please get my e-mail address from Wm. I don't care (too much) how many trees an individual wishes to cut down on his or her property but I do care that contractors (especially repeat offenders) disobey planning board rulings, pay inconsequential fees, and take "the right" to clear cut whole sections of our less and less scenic town.
    To PNR, the tree hugger, keep hugging those trees! The only reason I fear a tree will fall on my house is because of the developer's clear cutting damage.
    - TS

  • 6/5 4:57pm   To PP re: massage therapists on Rte. 115: I had a disc problem with my neck and went to Sheila Shea who did a great job. I was in very bad pain and it helped a lot. She does the massages in her home but has a dedicated area for it.
    - ND

  • 6/5 4:51pm   The TPA is still looking for a few people to help fill in Board positions for next year. Please contact Kate M., TPA President, at 541-8555 for inquiries. Thanks.
    - KM, Norfolk TPA

  • 6/5 3:25pm   This reminder is in response to a message posted by LJK on 6/4 @ 1:01 PM.
    Please keep in mind that the current issue of the tax override is to pay for the replacement of several vehicles and pieces of equipment that have fallen derelict over a period time. This crisis didn't come about suddenly, it was created over a number of years, apparently because either our top Town planners neglected to foresee an impending vehicle replacement problem, or because they hadn't ascertained that there was a workable equipment maintenance & rotation/replacement plan in place. Suddenly, last fall, Town officials sounded the alarm and advised us (or threatened us) of so many vehicles that had to be replaced at one time because of being in poor condition and out of service. Many of us with experience in meeting the administrative requirements of the corporate world could only wonder, "Who fell asleep at the switch?" and "Why?". Someone possessing an even more analytical mind than mine might suggest that this Vehicle Stabilization Fund crisis was somehow contrived, in order to force the issue in favor of another tax hike. However, since I don't, I won't. Nevertheless, would there be such a big brouhaha and would we be discussing another tax override to increase our taxes again, if the issue were made about non-essential parasitic creatures comforts that, at present, inappropriately spend a disproportional amount of our tax dollars? ....I don't think so!
    Let's not confuse the issue. Our vote tomorrow is to resolve one question and one question only. Do we, as taxpayers, want to vote the burden of another tax increase onto ourselves, or would we prefer to emphatically state to our town government that it must concentrate first on the essential town services, which should be its prime concern, and also become more responsible in the spending of our money?
    Please understand, LJK et. al., the question is simply about voting for or against our paying for another tax increase. We're not really voting for the Vehicle Stabilization Fund. That "fund" can be (and could have been) created at any time. Also, keep in mind that our vote is not about Prison Mitigation Funds, either. A number of people have justifiably suggested the use of those funds, primarily because they are highly visible and represent a substantial amount of revenue in one block. They make an excellent point, but if you don't like that, there are other sources of revenue that can be considered, also. With proper budgetary discipline, the Vehicle Stabilization Fund (should be more specifically worded, A Practicable Vehicle & Equipment Management System) can be supported by ordinary tax revenue.
    - MT

  • 6/5 1:50pm   On a lighter note, don't forget to come out for Norfolk Community Day this Saturday, June 10. The day kicks off with a road race sponsored by the Norfolk Community League at 9:00am. Community Day officially kicks off at 10:30. See the calendar section of Norfolknet for the specific schedule of events [also here]. but don't forget the Pie Eating contest at 1:00pm. Two of our selectmen, our fire and police chiefs, town administrator and town clerk (also the King Lion) will vie for the winning spot. This is a hands behind your back contest so you can't miss it. Also, don't forget to support the Boy Scouts car wash at the Federated Church before you come over. Some of these young men are also working at Community Day and deserve our support.
    All money raised at Community Day and any other Lion event goes back into supporting our community as well as supporting eye research and research that eradicates blindness.
    See you all on the 10th.
    - Barbara Snead, Co-Chair, Norfolk Community Day

  • 6/5 11:35am   I hesitate to jump into the fray, but the rancor and misinformation are mounting...
    First, the siding on the library is Hardiplank, a fiber-cement composite that holds paint longer than wood does. It was chosen for its longevity and low maintenance. Why don't we wait until the library actually needs to be repainted before we get upset over the cost of painting it? That will save the townspeople many years of anticipatory grief.
    Second, a majority of the town's employees are town residents and local taxpayers themselves. When there is an override, they feel the pinch just as much as other residents do. However, they also know that there is no waste in their offices. How many private-sector workplaces work under the same scrutiny?
    The problem lies not with the perceived "fiscal irresponsibilty" of town government, but with the restrictions of Proposition 2 1/2. Until the residents of Massachusetts acknowledge that our community needs (service to residents, maintenance of infrastructure, education) regularly surpass the 2 1/2 percent cap, we will need to pursue overrides and other ways of funding those needs. The Vehicle Stabilization Fund will help the town fund needed vehicles in a less-expensive fashion than regular financing would, and moreover, vehicle purchases will still be up for debate and vote at Town Meeting in years to come. This is not a blank check -- it is a financing mechanism.
    My views are my own and do not necessarily represent those of my employer, but you should know where I'm coming from. Those of us who work for the town -- whether volunteer or paid -- do so because we believe we can make the town better for everyone. We're not out there to waste taxpayers' money.
    - Heather Pisani-Kristl, Associate Library Director

  • 6/5 10:19am   It is unfortunate that some would resort to the type of rude behavior such as that displayed in the 'LJK' posting (6/4). Each person taking the microphone at Town Meeting, whether speaking for or against the override, identified themselves by name. Those people speaking against the override articulated their opinions, and positions, in a clear and concise manner. Many also offered alternative measures for funding the 'Vehicle Stabilization Fund'.
    For those who are proponents of the override to now assert false claims that the opponents have "no plan" is ridiculous. It would seem as though they not only failed to catch the speaker's name, but more importantly failed to catch their message. No one stood in opposition to the 'VSP' but rather the tax override to fund it.
    It is time for the residents of Norfolk to stand up and say 'NO'. As MT pointed out so well in yesterday's posting, "all that's required is financial responsibility and discipline on the part of our town money managers." Officials that run for office on a pledge of fiscal responsibility and then prepare or accept budgets with highly questionable priorities are not at all acting in a responsible fashion.
    'The bleeding must be stopped before the wound can heal.' Please get out on June 6th and send that message to Town Government. By forging a path of responsibility, and then holding town government accountable, Norfolk could effect even more savings than the 'VSP' would provide.
    VOTE 'NO'. See you at the H.O.D. School on Tuesday.
    - KK

  • 6/5 9:48am   Nobody is forcing a tax hike on us. It was voted YES in the town meeting and now it's being put to a Town Vote. You can vote yes or no, as you see fit. I'm voting YES based on the facts.
    - SP

  • 6/5 9:01am   Tramp House Painting - I too wondered why the Tramp House was looking so bad but remembered the repair was put off until the other area work was completed - which made perfect sense. I also remember $5000 to $6000 of CPC funds being allocated to the job. When the funds were requested people asked why it could not be painted by volunteers or scouts and the Historic Commission said they wanted it done professionally because "well meaning volunteers" just can not do a good enough job. I think it is great to have a scout do the work but what will happen to the funds already allocated? Will they remain in the CPC fund? With free labor it should only cost a few hundred dollars for paint and supplies.
    Also on the paint subject - I do not care what kind of paint you use, in this area even 2 coats well applied to cedar clapboards will only last 5 years or so. We just painted the Town Hall last year. Until we as the bill payers for these projects demand modern lower-maintenance commercial building materials (cement board, vinyl, PVC etc) they will need expensive painting every 5-7 years. Start saving now. We'll need $40,000-$50,000 by 2011 to paint the library.
    - RJP

  • 6/5 8:58am   To stir up a hornets nest.. How would one go about trying to get Town Meeting to vote to rescind the entire CPA tax yet keep taxing at that rate for the main budget OR get rid of the tax altogether?
    - LS

  • 6/5 8:57am   I was leaning towards voting NO, but now WILL BE VOTING NO after reading the many posts. If the Town wants to Create a Vehicle Stabilization fund this year, then would it surprise you to see if they try to create a Increase in Salary Fund?, and then a Road Repair Fund (oh yeah, right, they already did that). What do other Towns do to buy vehicles? I would assume they are built into the main budget?
    - LS

  • 6/4 10:20pm   BH: I'm not sure if such a program exists for seniors, but you can certainly come out Tuesday and vote NO to the tax override. That will save you some money. It will also send a clear message to town officials that expenses should be prioritized better to save us money.
    To some, the 1st year cost of this override tax is four cups of coffee per week - or one cup of Starbucks for those who live where the seven blue "yes" signs are planted. However, for many this is a matter of sustenance and this override will have a far greater impact. They receive a $20 or so increase in their Social Security check and the town raises their taxes $30. Is it any wonder that our silver headed friends are forced to sell their homes?
    I would encourage all who are opposed to the town unnecessarily increasing out taxes each year to call a friend and ask them to come out and vote NO to the override on Tuesday.
    - JPB

  • 6/4 10:17pm   *NO* for the tax increase. The taxes for this town are already too high as it is.
    On another note, a family on Boardman Street as an interesting little set-up on their front lawn. I have no idea what the signs say, so if they are reading this, you need to use a darker ink on your lettering. No one can read your statement when driving by without binoculars.
    - ES

  • 6/4 10:15pm   Re: 6/2 11:02am ... Why does the Senior Center need to be painted already? The building is fairly new and less than 3-4 years old. I know there were construction issues but were there also painting contractor issues? Why are we being asked to pay for the same thing twice. The paint on my house lasts at least 8-9 years. - LS
    You are right. Part of the building looks as if it was spray painted with one thin coat. Whether or not there was a primer is not evident. Whether the specification permitted this poor job, or some inspector missed, it is not clear. Good paint, such as Benjamin Moore exterior, has a 25-year limited warranty. See: [this article]
    A good paint job with good paint certainly should not need re-painting this soon. As a minimum the building should be touched up and should preferably be brush-painted, then inspected for the Town by a competent inspector.
    Clearly the paint spec and painting specification in the building procurement document was deficient to allow this building paint job to be done and accepted as it is.
    The specifications and work history should be reviewed, including the pertinent details, paint brand, and the name of the company who did the work. All of this should be made public. I would expect the brand of primer and the brand of topcoats to be specified. I would expect to see two topcoats specified. I would expect to see the dry thickness of each coat to be specified on a job of this size.
    The Board of Selectmen, as representatives of the citizens, should assign the fault for this costly condition and determine positive corrective action to prevent recurrence. The painting company should perhaps be banned from future work for the Town, and the responsible oversight Board should be called upon publicly to explain errors and omissions. There have been too many problems with municipal buildings for which there has been no adequate public explanation by any board and no money recovery from the contractor.
    The building emergency generator has a dent and rust spot on it. Someone should have reported the damaged generator cover before it rusted. The cover should have rust removed, be primed, and painted with alkyd enamel, as soon as possible.
    - BH

  • 6/4 5:55pm   This is in response to some of the messages that have been posted by people who apparently are in favor of forcing another tax hike onto us. The last increase that was voted in hasn't even appeared on our property tax bill, yet, but it will next month. Nevertheless, the proponents of another override seem so eager to push for another increase in our property taxes that the issue is being made cloudier, as clarity is being sacrificed.
    Let's get back on point, folks. On Tuesday, June 6th, we're going to the polls to vote, "Yes" or "No" to another Prop. 2 1/2 override that will again increase our property taxes another $93.00 per year. Each year, thereafter, that amount will also increase in 2 1/2 percent increments. That's the issue; we're voting to accept, or to reject, another tax increase, nothing else.
    We are not voting to decide to purchase the needed vehicles and other machinery. Regardless of how we vote, the Town will still purchase the necessary equipment. Nor are we voting for a Vehicle Stabilization Fund, as some clever word manipulation would have you believe. There is no need for an override to establish or maintain a "lock-box" named "The Vehicle Stabilization Fund"; all that's required is financial responsibility and discipline on the part of our town money managers.
    - MT

  • 6/4 5:49pm   Norfolk Senior Fathers Day Friday, June 16th at the Senior Center. Food Fun and Free. Sponsored by the Norfolk Council on Aging and the Friends of the Council a day of enjoyment is planned. Learn to play Texas Hold'em, show off your skills at the pool table or ping pong (prizes to be awarded, sorry no new car). We fire up the grills at 11:30 with Chef Marier adding MOOSEBURGERS to the normal bill of fare. Cleanup done by 1:00 to allow everyone to play cards, hit the tables or just play checkers, tiddly winks or run the obstacle course (15 miles with full pack). The day is ours with no ladies and what happens here stays here. Male guests are welcome and the center is open at 9:00 for practice. Sign up by 6/13; 508 528 4430. See you there. Volunteers are needed.
    - RC

  • 6/4 5:42pm   If the town is short of money, why then are we building a stone wall at the corner of Cleveland & Seekonk, rather than putting up a less expensive concrete retaining wall or just grading the bank? It seems we have become rather grandiose with our improvements in the past few years. They do look nice, but I have always tried to live within my means, which sometimes means opting for a less expensive & less impressive looking fix. Perhaps the town ought to try that approach now & then.
    - SC

  • 6/4 5:40pm   CW, Re your question about gates for your pup. BJs has them occasionally, but if you're in a rush, they're almost always available at Wal-Mart. The last time I needed one, I picked it up at Wal-Mart. There were two types; one cost about $17, the other around $25. I chose the higher price one because of versatility and better quality. If you have the time to check for availability, Ocean State Job Lot or Building 19 would probably sell at the lowest price. If, on the other hand, price doesn't matter, similar gates (they're often referred to as child safety gates, or some such) are available at mass merchants such as Target, Sears, etc.
    Good luck with your new furry friend,
    - MT

  • 6/4 5:39pm   On page 2 of today's Globe West, there is a short piece about how a senior citizen can work as a volunteer groundskeeper at Wrentham's Town Hall during the summer and would be eligible for up to $750 in property tax reductions as part of Wrentham's Senior Citizen Property Tax Workoff Program, now in its third year.
    Is there such a property tax workoff program in Norfolk? For seniors on fixed incomes, with taxes going up significantly every year, it would help a lot. If there isn't such a program, how do we get one started?
    - BH

  • 6/4 2:04pm   I went to the Town Meeting undecided as to how I would vote, and after hearing both sides of the arguments have decided to vote NO on the upcoming election on Tuesday. Voting YES will cost the taxpayers an additional 2 1/2 percent each year in taxes, with no end in sight of this administration managing our money in a more responsible fiscal manner. I think the gentleman representing the other side of the argument of voting NO did a fine job educating folks on alternative ways to pay for the replacement of town vehicles and why a 2 1/2 percent override is not the answer. To lash out and call him Mr NO-GO because his opinion is different than yours, LJK, seems extremely rude to me. You're entitled to your opinion, as are those who have a different point of view. Must we name call those who don't share your opinion?
    - PIN

  • 6/4 2:03pm   I am getting a puppy. Does anyone know where I can get some gates, cheap?
    - CW

  • 6/4 2:02pm   Using the prison mitigation money for vehicles will cost NO more money to the tax payer - now that's a real savings!
    Let's spend it on the vehicles. Then we can ask voters to fund painting parking lots and the Senior Center with an override.
    - JPB

  • 6/4 1:02pm   Re Voting NO costs more money. Please vote YES on June 6th. - ELH ELH - Thanks for your post. It's nice to hear another voice besides the NO-GOs. I went to TM, and I heard Mr. NO-GO ask that the Prison Mitigation funds be used, and I heard the well-thought out reasons why that would be a bad idea. I heard the arguments for the Vehicle Stabilization Fund, and they made sense. Mostly, I understood that voting YES will SAVE US MONEY. Voting NO will COST us more money.
    - LJK

  • 6/4 1:01pm   An argument has been made that the Town should have paid for vehicles right off the top all along. What cuts would you propose making from the top? The DPW is funded lower than last year, significant service cuts have been made and retiring staff are not being replaced. The Police have less staffing than they had in 1996, the Fire Department will have 3 Firefighters on duty at a time, reducing that number will cause the Town to forego our Advanced Life Support services, which literally SAVES LIVES and actually brings in revenue to the Town. The Schools have reduced or cut programs.
    The Town needs to have dedicated funds to pay for capital projects. While it's easy to say don't buy a tire balancer or seal and paint the parking lot. The Town also have to be smart enough to spend money to save money. The Tire Balancer for example - do you want the Town to bring all of the Town vehicle tires to the Sunoco station and pay a fee or have its own balancer? It's cheaper to buy a machine. Should the Town seal and paint its driveway as part of a preventative maintenance plan or spend more money later repairing the driveway?
    I would recommend getting involved in the budget process earlier and learn how it all fits together, rather than focus on one piece. The vehicle stabilization fund is a long term plan, not a band aid for a quick fix.
    Voting YES makes sense!
    - ELH

  • 6/4 12:58pm   Just curious...are there any "remember to vote June 6" signs going up anywhere in the next two days? Can we swap out the seatbelt use sign at the roundabout for a day? Can we put up signs at both schools? It's an important election, and with people running in every direction for year-end events, they may forget to vote.
    - AL

  • 6/4 10:43am   NO-GO believes that the town should have been funding emergency vehicles all along from the top of the budget. Now that we have a stabilization fund to SAVE the money to use when needed, it should be funded from the top of the budget to include the $200,000 prison mitigation money received from the state each year.
    After considering more than $2,000,000 in capital requests, the Capital Outlay Committee prioritized which would be funded with the $200K from the prison mitigation money. Their top ten priorities included painting the Senior Center and Town Hall parking lot, and purchasing a tire balancer.
    NO-GO would have purchased emergency vehicles, and seeded the vehicle fund with the remainder, and would do the same next year, and so on. And if that were not enough, we would require further cuts in other areas to come up with the money. We would certainly not prioritize purchasing a tired balancer and painting parking lots over purchasing emergency vehicles.
    If after funding emergency vehicles it were absolutely necessary to fund other items, and every other prudent alternative were taken, then, and only then, would we request an override to pay those expenses. However, painting Town Hall parking lot would not be on that list!
    Debate has been heard and was voted on at town meeting - as it was last year. The voters of Norfolk will vote on June 6th - as they did last year. They said NO then and it is our hope that they say NO again.
    By doing so, they will tell town officials that painting the Senior Center and Town Hall parking lot is not as important as purchasing police, fire and other emergency vehicles.
    The town does not average over $300,000 in vehicle replacement expenses per year. NO-GO is not pointing fingers but is offering its views. However, several town officials did in fact squarely point fingers at the voters for voting NO to this override in previous years.
    NO is not a four-letter word. Please vote NO on June 6th at the H. Olive Day School.
    - JPB

  • 6/3 10:32pm   JPB - Regarding your posting on 6/3 at 9:24 - Your argument doesn't hold water. In reality the prison mitigation money has been used for capital expenses for many years - including vehicles and non-vehicles.
    If the "Town" is painting you into a corner, who are you pointing the finger at? Town Meeting decides how money is spent? Has the "Town" been wrong all of these years?
    What is your plan besides saying "no"? It seems the Town has come up with a long term plan that is outside the box. You haven't come up with a realistic plan to pay for the vehicles other than "Use the prison mitigation money!" How are you going to pay for those other capital expenses? As HRB said, you are robbing Peter to pay Paul. I couldn't agree more. The Prison Mitigation funds are $193,000 per year. The Town averages over $300,000 of vehicle replacement expenses per year and $100,000 - $200,000 of non vehicle capital expenses? The budget (INCLUDING the Vehicle Stabilization Fund) created by the Capital Outlay Committee, Advisory Board, BOS and other Town Officials and approved at Town Meeting WORKS. What is your plan?
    Voting NO costs more money.
    Please vote YES on June 6th.
    - ELH

  • 6/3 7:11pm   MJD - We use high schooler Scott McVay for all our computer repairs (and there have been many!) He'll come to your home and is reasonably priced! If your email works, it's: redsox59@gmail.com.
    In our prior Norfolk neighborhood, all the lots were heavily wooded, or "established" as it is often called. A new neighbor moved in next door and virtually clear cut their entire lot, causing drainage issues for both us and the people behind them. Also, taking down all the trees resulted in being able to see clear into two sets of neighbors' bedroom windows, and eliminated any privacy my other neighbor had on their porch.
    While all the neighbors affected were not happy, we understand that is THEIR property. Trees are a renewable resource. But it is a shock to see them all gone. I certainly wouldn't want them coming to my house to tell me to take my trees down in case a wind storm blew them into their house. Time will pass and small trees will grow into large ones. In the scheme of life it is just an annoyance. Oh, did I mention we moved?
    - TO

    [Trees are a "renewable resource" in the same way that crude oil is: given enough time, nature will make more. One takes two human lifetimes, the other millions. Personally, I have about a half left - not enough to see either "renew." - Wm.]

  • 6/3 7:06pm   MJD - I run a home computer repair service in Norfolk. Please call 1 508 560 3937 or email ewercr@yahoo.com to schedule an appointment. House calls are available almost anytime of the week and references are available upon request.
    - CRE

  • 6/3 7:03pm   Anyone have suggestions for a camera for a 10 year old? She would like digital, and we would like a reasonable price (is $100-125 possible?).
    Also... if you are doing some spring cleaning, we have one unopened gallon of semi-gloss paint (very light pink). Free to anyone who could use it (good for a preschool or other community project).
    - AL

  • 6/3 6:51pm   Car Wash for Boy Scout Philmont Trip: There is a car wash planned at the Federated Church in Norfolk on Saturday, June 10, from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon. This is a fund raising activity on behalf of a group of Norfolk Troop 80 Boy Scouts who will be taking a 2 week backpacking trip to the Philmont scout ranch in New Mexico during the month of July. The scouts have been training for six months for the trek, which will involve 6 to 8 hours of hiking each day at elevations ranging from 5000 to 9000 feet. The price of the car wash will be $5.00. Please come by and support us on your way to Community Day!
    We will also be selling tickets for a raffle where the prize will be two pairs of tickets to a Red Sox - Yankee game on August August 20th. The raffle tickets are available at the car wash or by contacting members of Troop 80 or their parents. The price of tickets is $1 each or 6 for the price of $5.
    - JR

  • 6/3 6:48pm   Re: 6/3 9:21am Is there someone in town who fixes computers? I am having a problem with one and could use some expertise. - MJD You might consider buying software that will checkout your computer and also will provide virus scans. One such is Symantec/Norton Systemworks. See: [symantec store page]
    Be sure you buy one for your particular operating system. This software is available online and at various computer stores. NOTE: Packaged versions of Symantec /Norton 2006 products can be installed on Windows XP/2000/98/Me.
    - RH

  • 6/3 1:52pm   MJD: Have you ever heard of Plum Choice? (plumchoice.com) They'll work on your computer via the internet - used them twice in the past w/ success.
    If you're unable to get on the net, I think the closest office is Wellesley, 781-237-4800.
    FYI, heard about the company from Jim Braude on his talk radio program w/ Marjorie Eagan... Good luck,
    - TN

  • 6/3 11:15am   Can anyone tell me the route of the Norfolk Community Day 5k run next Saturday? I am a first-time runner of the race and would like to run the route a couple of times before the race if possible. Thanks.
    - PFD

  • 6/3 11:14am   SB, I can get you one of those handsome blue signs.
    - SM

  • 6/3 9:24am   The proposal to use prison mitigations funds is not thinking outside the box. It is a prudent and practiced concept of prioritizing the budget, which is universally practiced in households, industries and governments around the world - with the exception of New Orleans, perhaps. The town has painted all of us into a "perceived" corner by using the prison mitigation funds to paint the Senior Center and Town Hall parking lot instead of purchasing police, fire and other emergency vehicles with those funds.
    NO-GO urges all town residents to come out on June 6th and vote NO to this Override. By doing so you will send a sound message that our emergency vehicles can be funded without an override by using these funds and that they should be funded before painting buildings and parking lots.
    - JPB

  • 6/3 9:21am   Is there someone in town who fixes computers? I am having a problem with one and could use some expertise.
    - MJD

  • 6/3 9:17am   With the town short of money - why are they spending so much on Medway Branch Road? Not only have approximately 80 trees have been taken down and they are straightening a curve. The original purpose was to add a sidewalk but it now looks like a waste land.
    - WLS

    [Curve? I never noticed that curve until the trees were taken down. - Wm.]

  • 6/2 10:02pm   Did anyone attend the 6/1 Planning Board meeting with Eastern Development to discuss the town center development? Any news? Thanks,
    - CG

  • 6/2 10:01pm   In the final days until the vote on the vehicle stabilization proposal, here's my take. I think that the "NoGo"s have painted themselves into a corner. By opposing ANY override, they preclude consideration of a proposal that is really "thinking outside the box." Not only will it allow us to fund our present and future vehicle needs, it will also likely help our municipal bond rating--and save us tax dollars going forward. After 20 years of involvement in Norfolk, I'm tired of the cliches like "think outside the box" and "do more with less." These are slogans, not remedies.
    The proposal to fund vehicles with prison mitigation revenue isn't "thinking outside the box." It's robbing Peter to pay Paul. Our town has a remarkable history of responding to adversity with creative and committed solutions. Let's keep this tradition going.
    - HRB

  • 6/2 9:59pm   Happy birthday, Norfolknet. Your efforts are appreciated by many of us. Looking forward to enjoying your company for many more years to come.
    PS: We baked a birthday cake for you, but virtual reality still ain't all that real, so we sang a special song to you and sent a card instead. Best regards,
    - MT

  • 6/2 7:55pm   To Wm: Happy 7th Birthday indeed. I think we all owe Wm a big THANK YOU as well for providing this awesome community service to the town. If it were not for his tireless efforts none of our posts would be seen or questions would be answered.
    Here's to you Wm!
    - JPB

    [Thank you... blush... :-) - Wm.]

  • 6/2 7:20pm   Speaking of Dunkin Donuts... On my way to the train yesterday I was walking up Main Street from the OTH lot across the entrance to DD, when I was very nearly run over by a woman with NY license plates who just needed her coffee more than I needed to get to the train. Thankfully, a Norfolk police officer happened to be driving up Main Street at this very moment and saw what happened. He stopped, backed up, and went after her in the parking lot. You can't even imagine how satisfying that was.
    So, sir, I owe you a coffee and a big thank-you - I felt badly that I had to run off for my train rather than thank you personally.
    - DF

  • 6/2 7:17pm   On 6/2 11:05am, PNR wrote... "Last evening I went out to hug my favorite oak tree when suddenly a great gust of wind blew through before the thunderstorms. That tree almost blew over onto my house! I wonder how much I would love that tree if it were laying across the roof of my house.....- PNR"
    As someone who's experienced that event not once but twice, I can attest to the danger of too many trees. I live in a very wooded area of town and on the morning of March 29, 1984 during a high wind storm, two 40-foot pine trees crashed through the roof of my house and into my daughter's bedroom just missing her as she slept. The physical and mental damage was devastating. Then, two years ago on another windy day, the top 25 foot section of a 50-foot pine snapped and crashed into my driveway ripping the electrical wiring from the side of my house and damaging my car.
    Over the years, I've spent several thousand dollars removing trees which could cause damage if they fell, but I can't control the 60-footers on my neighbor's property on either side of my house. Yes, trees are beautiful to look at and they are home to many of nature's creatures. But once you've experienced firsthand the damage which they can cause, your nerves get a bit on edge whenever the weather forecast includes the words "high winds".
    - RP

  • 6/2 6:12pm   PNR - You beat me to the punch. I could have not articulated my viewpoint any better. We pay enough taxes and each home owner should have the right to determine how many trees they want on their property. Don't we have enough government oversight in our lives already?
    - PAN

  • 6/2 6:11pm   CI - so glad you enjoyed your treat at D.D.'s this am - it wasn't from me, but it did remind me of a funny story! My husband came home from work one day and asked if I had gotten my coffee that morning - I said, "yes" (as I usually did each morning after dropping my son at pre-school) - then he asked if I was surprised it was free - I told him it wasn't free and that I had paid for it. He then told me he was inside the DD when he saw me pull into the drive-thru and paid for my coffee. Some other woman in Norfolk got a free cup of coffee from my husband that morning!!
    - CMK

  • 6/2 4:13pm   Stony Brook is hosting a "Dragonfly Damselfly Gala" Wine Tasting and Silent Auction on Friday, June 16 at Rossi's Restaurant in Millis, from 7:00 to 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $50.00 per person, and include appetizers and music. This would make a wonderful Father's Day gift that you both could enjoy! Contact Pam Musk at (508)-528-3140, x25, for tickets.
    - CR

  • 6/2 3:54pm   To PT--I know the Holbrook/115 project was written up in the Boomerang. Maybe you can get a back issue at the library. All I remember is that it's a mixed-use development with over 55 housing, office space (doctor/dentist type stuff) and small stores.
    To CI--It's so nice to hear stories like yours!! Maybe I'll pay for someone's coffee tomorrow.
    - BS

  • 6/2 3:46pm   Has anyone been to one of the two message therapists on Main St. (Rte. 115)? I would appreciate any recommendations. Thanks,
    - PP

  • 6/2 2:43pm   JAS - The Tramp House is currently being sanded and painted as part of a Norfolk Boy Scout's Eagle project.
    - CI

  • 6/2 2:42pm   Wanted to thank the anonymous person who paid for my coffee & bagel this morning at the Dunkin drive-up window. I was so surprised when I went to pay and the woman told me that you had! Unfortunately, she did not know your name, and couldn't describe you... and I can't remember what car was in front of me. After being home all week with a nasty cold it was a great way to start my first day back at work! Hope you read this! Thanks!!!
    - CI

  • 6/2 2:41pm   189 Seekonk Street has a sign in front as for sale by owner.
    - CI

  • 6/2 2:40pm   AL, there is a sealcoat company in town called All-Rite Sealcoating owned by Kevin O'Loughlin, a very reputable builder in town for the last 30 or so years.
    - PRB

  • 6/2 2:39pm   For JAS, the Tramp House is maintained by the Norfolk Historical Commission. Years ago painting funds had been allocated from the Community Preservation Committee and the painting was to be done after the town center construction. More recently a Boy Scout was going to take on the project.
    - DLJ

  • 6/2 2:38pm   Does anyonw have any further information on the planned development for Holbrook/115 site? I checked the Planning Board web page and there was no info.
    - PT

  • 6/2 2:36pm   Hello, SIS: Who is this politically theatric aspiring presidential candidate to whom you referred in your post? My contemporaries and I have been debating for over a year about who will actually be on deck for the 2008 elections, as all the caucuses and rallies wind down. We've been unable to arrive at a definite conclusion. However, since they're scattered to the four corners of the earth, any information that you could give me, in confidence, here, would put me at a big advantage and will be greatly appreciated.
    Thanks,
    - MT

  • 6/2 11:41am   Happy Birthday, Norfolknet! It was seven years ago today, on June 2, 1999, that Norfolknet first appeared on the web. If you're curious what that looked like, I saved an early version of the page here.
    As you can see, the page has remained fundamentally unchanged, though I did tone down the initial colors :-) Oddly enough, scanning, reducing and editing the town seal to clean it up and make it legible took longer than creating the rest of the page.
    - Wm.

  • 6/2 11:40am   Now that we have a nice clock in the town center and everything's spruced up, what about painting the Tramp House (red building). It's a neat little historical structure but it could use a few coats. I assume this is the responsibility of the town but not sure (??). Any plans out there to get it in shape? Thanks.
    - JAS

  • 6/2 11:16am   TO AP: I strongly recommend New Enlgland Podiatry, 617-630-8280. I saw Dr. Tuperty, but there are three other doctors there as well. I was in constant pain, I went for two visits, and they provided me with the correct inserts that I needed. I can't speak highly enough of them.
    TO JG and the others for the facts and comments re: Babe Ruth baseball, thank you. I was having a discouraging Mother's moment. I know there are a lot of factors that go into baseball, and since I have an eight year old son also, I think I'll be involved with it for years to come.
    - CR

  • 6/2 11:05am   SC: I believe that the Rte. 115 / Holbrook St. site is being prepped for a new mixed use development, retail, restaurant, housing. See the Planning Board for the full plans.
    Regarding trees. I love all the trees I have on my little acre and a half of this world. There is something peculiar about them though, none of my trees or neighbors trees appear to be very old, the oldest about 50 years old. The reason for this is that not too long ago (100 years +/-) there were almost no trees. The trees were harvested for housing, ship building, fuel, agriculture, etc. But guess what? The trees grew back. Trees are one of our best renewable resources.
    Don't get me wrong, I hate the tactics some developers use by completely clear cutting the entire property, flattening it, then building their roads and houses. But I think you will find that most developers do not do this but limit the amount of clearing they do to only what is necessary. This keeps costs down and market values up. Take a look at Berkshire / Essex / Hampton Streets, limited but necessary clearing and attractive house lots. I do not feel new regulations or committees are necessary to govern trees. The Planning Board has the authority to place limits on site disruption for new developments and there are Scenic Road regulations for existing roads. New developments are also required to plant new street trees.
    Unfortunately, new roads require a great deal of space in order to meet all the regulations such as minimum/maximum grade slopes, min/max side slopes, drainage structures, utilities, etc. This does lead to clearing a large amount of trees.
    PS. Last evening I went out to hug my favorite oak tree when suddenly a great gust of wind blew through before the thunderstorms. That tree almost blew over onto my house! I wonder how much I would love that tree if it were laying across the roof of my house.....
    - PNR

  • 6/2 11:04am   Help wanted - the Norfolk TPA is looking for a few hardy souls to join the Executive Board for the 2006-2007 school year. Please contact Kate M., TPA President, at 541-8555 for information about available openings and opportunities. Thanks.
    - KM, Norfolk TPA

  • 6/2 11:03am   I checked and rechecked my facts and still got it wrong. I apologize. I reversed Norfolk 1 and Norfolk 2. Mr. Bell's team (Norfolk 2) is the last Norfolk team. And my son is on Norfolk 1, you think I would have known better. However all is not lost on my statement, and congrats are due to Mr. Fox and his league leading team.
    - JG

  • 6/2 11:02am   JPB- Thanks for the info.! Why does the Senior Center need to be painted already? The building is fairly new and less than 3-4 years old. I know there were construction issues but were there also painting contractor issues? Why are we being asked to pay for the same thing twice. The paint on my house lasts at least 8-9 years.
    - LS

  • 6/2 11:01am   Re: 6/1 10:34pm Does anyone know what happened to NCTV? The screen is just blue with no picture or sound. The programming schedule has not matched the actual programming for the past week, too? - JPB
    The intense lightning storms in our area have caused power loss at NCTV, as well as at the shared channel 12 which originates from Wrentham. As soon as the computerized programming equipment is back up and synchronized, the scheduled programs will return.
    - RH

  • 6/2 11:00am   Any recommendations for having your driveway sealed? We need to do it this year, but I am not sure who to use! Thanks.
    - AL

  • 6/1 10:55pm   SB: I can get you one of the Red & White Vote No Override signs if you want to be on the winning team.
    Take a look at the below documents. Contact me at the following email if you are interested. voteno@no-go.org
    - JPB

  • 6/1 10:34pm   Does anyone know what happened to NCTV? The screen is just blue with no picture or sound. The programming schedule has not matched the actual programming for the past week, too?
    - JPB

  • 6/1 9:49pm   Graduation should be a celebration of the accomplishment of each and every student. They have all worked hard and many have overcome and will meet incredible obstacles in order to obtain their goals. Graduation represents the honoring of these accomplishments by the school and outside selective recognition will inherently diminish the efforts of the rest of the student body. That is the reason why many schools have a tradition of not selectively granting permission to any college or other institutions to be formal participants of the graduation ceremony. It is very unfortunate that the two students who have made the honorable decision of joining the service are being used as a pawn in an aspiring presidential candidate's political theatrics.
    - SIS

  • 6/1 9:50pm   Does anyone know what is happening at the sand pits near the intersection of Holbrook St & 115? There seems to be clearcutting going on & I wondered what is happening there?
    - SC

  • 6/1 4:55pm   CR: I am truly sorry that you feel this way about our Babe Ruth baseball program. However, you are mistaken in a few areas which, for the sake of clarity, I must point out.
    The teams are not stacked, all eligible players are drafted by a team manager. Some managers and coaches are much more knowledgeable than others, some have played college and even semi-pro ball. That is one of the reasons I gave up coaching a few years back, I did not understand the nuances of the game. You referred to the "3rd team" which, for the record, is currently in second place of the 3 Norfolk 14-15 yr teams. Bested only by coach Fox's team which is in first place of the entire Norfolk / Walpole Babe Ruth program. I really think you should encourage [your son] to stick with the program, I saw the drive and commitment in him long ago. Also please understand Mr. Bell's team has lost 3 players to injury and it makes it tough to field a team every game and not have an expected level of consistency; those coaches are doing a great job and the best they can under the circumstances.
    The entire league is run by volunteers from the league president down to the equipment manager (that's me); none of us are paid to do this, we do it for the kids. Also 2 teams would mean 18-19 players on a team not giving anyone in the program a fair amount of playing time. When the teams were drafted we had 6 additional players that were lost to AAU and High School ball. That would have given us 20 players per team. I sympathize with your feelings, but maybe you could help your coaches recruit the needed players by making phone calls to other eligible players, allowing them the time better spent coaching our kids. It's just an idea. It takes a village. No disrespect intended, just had to share my feelings. I have also attached the current standings - I believe your team is Norfolk 1 2, Mr. Fox is Norfolk 3, Mr. McDonald is Norfolk 2 1. Thanx. 
    Standings:
2006 Norfolk/Walpole Babe Ruth
Standings as of 05/30/2006


    Team			W	L	T	Pts	RS	%
Norfolk 3, Fox		7	2	0	14	65	0.778
Walpole 6		7	6	0	14	97	0.538
Walpole 2		6	4	1	13	47	0.600
Walpole 3		6	2	0	12	65	0.750
Walpole 8		5	3	1	11	62	0.625
Walpole 1		5	4	1	11	48	0.556
Walpole 7		5	5	0	10	68	0.500
Walpole 5		4	5	0	8	55	0.444
Walpole10		3	5	1	7	64	0.375
Norfolk 1, McDonald	2	3	2	6	45	0.400
Norfolk 2, Bell		3	5	0	6	41	0.375
Walpole 4		3	8	0	6	76	0.273
Walpole 9		2	6	0	4	40	0.250
    - JG, Norfolk/Walpole Babe Ruth Baseball

    [Update 6/2 11:13am: I checked and rechecked my facts and still got it wrong. I apologize. I reversed Norfolk 1 and Norfolk 2. Mr. Bell's team (Norfolk 2) is the last Norfolk team. - JG]

  • 6/1 2:50pm   Hi JH, Why don't you try First Friends here in Norfolk? They have recently received their NAEYC accredited. My third child is starting with them in the fall. I have been with them every year for 5 years. They have small classes. The teachers all have early education degrees. One of my favorite things is the quality of the curriculm. They change it every year so the kids are always doing something different. My son is in the 4 hour Pre K class and a lot of the kids are reading already!! This year they even started a camp program. Also they go above and beyond with the families. We had one family whose mother was hospitalized and the teachers were driving and picking up the child every day. Give them a call you won't be disappointed.
    - JK

  • 6/1 12:34pm   Re: Landscaper Recommendation: We've been using Authentic Landscapes in Franklin for a number of years and have been very happy with them. They do our weekly lawn maintenance, have installed planing beds and walkways, and have done our spring and fall cleanups. They also do plowing in the winter. Call Eric at 508-528-7114.
    I also have to highly recommend RF Arthur for roofing, siding and windows. He just completed our exterior renovation and did an incredible job. He's honest, easy to work with, offers reasonable prices, and his team is professional and neat. He can be reached at 508-528-4424.
    - AFD

  • 6/1 12:25pm   I like you TN. Thanks for your view point. I too, attended an incredibly liberal college (Skidmore) but thankfully have learned over the years that there is more to every situation that what the headlines read ... which is why I asked here for some more information. Thank you too, to those who provided links to the updated information on this story. I'm glad the school came to its senses and the boys are getting the recognition that they deserve.
    - EH

  • 6/1 12:24pm   About the West Point thing. When I graduated in '89 we had a student who was accepted to *two* service academies (Coast Guard and Air Force) and representatives from the academies came to the Awards night affair to make a ceremonial presentation. (I've always felt bad for that Coast Guard guy - guess which academy the student went to.)
    And "banning all college representatives" is a crock. The service acadmies are not just some other college, and acceptance at such an instutition is an honor not only for the student, but also for the school.
    What a poor, poor decision.
    - RG

  • 6/1 12:22pm   Does anyone know how I can get one of those handsome, blue "Vote Yes" signs? Thank you,
    - SB

  • 6/1 10:48am   DWL: Actually, not only did the President attend Yale as an undergrad, but if memory serves me correctly, he received his MBA from ... Harvard. It isn't the soldiers who determine whether we go to war, it's the politicians, many of whom never received any military education or little to no military training/service.
    Please understand my viewpoint. I happily attended a very liberal university (Clark in Worcester), but now find myself the intensely proud aunt of a Purple Heart awarded, 2-time Iraq serving U.S. Army soldier...
    This gentleman certainly does not condone warfare lightly, by no means. But he willing serves to protect you and me so that we can sit safely (and comfortably) while posting our small comments on a public message board. It's certainly more sacrifice than I was ever willing to make. Nephew will leave the service in the fall to attend college, at the ripe age of 26. I pray that he will be received well at the university who has the privilege of accepting him for matriculation.
    - TN

  • 6/1 10:47am   Norfolk TPA Fundraiser - On Friday June 2, the TPA will be distributing cookie dough previously purchased to raise money for the Norfolk Public Schools. Note that we still need volunteers to help out with this distribution. Also note to all those who have already volunteered that the distribution spot has been changed from the pick up circle at the Freeman Centennial School to inside in the hall next to the cafeteria due to the threat of rain. Call Patti W. to volunteer at 520-8731.
    - PW

  • 6/1 10:16am   Can some one please tell me what the vote on June 6th is for?? As a life-long resident of Norfolk (and new home owner) I am growing very tired of all these overrides. Thanks,
    - SB

  • 6/1 10:11am   TN, My apologies if you feel that I blame the war on the students, as I do not. I do feel, though, that brainwashing any more young minds on the benefits of a military academy and pursuing a military career... is wrong! Sorry if I offended you. I must say that I do find it hard to believe that the president did attend such a liberal minded university and had no problem carrying out what he did. Perhaps he should have attended West Point, then maybe his actions would have been more justified.
    - DWL

  • 6/1 10:01am   Just heard word that the vacancy on the School Committee was filled with the appointment of Danielle Rochefort.
    - AR

  • 6/1 9:49am   DWL: Please don't place blame about the U.S. war in Iraq on students who wish to pursue an education at West Point and serve their country. Yes, there probably is a difference of political opinion between Harvard and West Point, but that's no reason to knock the quality of education at either school... After all, President Bush did not attend West Point. He went to another world class liberal university in New Haven, as I recall.
    DAF: Appreciated your post and send my congratulations to these young men as well. The competition to secure a place at West Point is fierce. To have two students from KP accepted in the same year is truly remarkable. I am glad the administration at KP (who did such a fine job in preparing these boys) reconsidered and will now allow the students' efforts to be rewarded in front of family and friends.
    - TN

  • 6/1 9:39am   Without West Point and other such institutions there could not be a Harvard or the good work it does for the U.S. and the world.
    Also, West Point is probably limited to our best and brightest U.S. citizens who want to serve, and its not open to our current or potential enemies.
    - SP

    [For information about the USMA, see the [2007 class profile] - Wm.]

  • 6/1 8:28am   EH, Please do not put West Point in the same league as Harvard. Harvard is a diversified and liberal minded University with a student population from all over the world. These students are the brightest and the best! Now let me ask the question, how open minded and diversified is West Point? You know the answer to that one! Let us not promote what is going on in Iraq!! We all know that was a mistake.
    - DWL

  • 5/31 11:45pm   EH, the West Point vs. King Philip kerfuffle was a tempest in a teapot. And if what you heard was what Fox "News" reported, they (predictably) misrepresented the situation to your parents and their other viewers. According to reporting from Channel Five, The Boston Herald, and The Sun Chronicle, the decision by the Principal was not anti-military. Also, they made accomodations for West Point today based on community feedback. See tinyurl.com/pu92c for more details. Congratulations to the two young men who made it in. Let us hope that the occupation of Iraq will be over by the time they graduate and assume active duty.
    - DAF

  • 5/31 11:39pm   EH, I've pasted the original story from the Herald [linked, here; follow-up story here] into this posting. Since the story first broke, the KP superintendent has reconsidered and will now allow West Point to present appointments to these two fine America cadet-candidates.
    I'm bothered by the fact that the prime educators in a school system can hold such a myopic view of the world around them. I find it difficult to trust them anywhere around my kids for fear that their influence could be contaminating!
    - MT

  • 5/31 9:45pm   AP - I've been very happy with my podiatrist, Dr. Daniel Rutowicz. He's at 450 Washington St in Dedham. (781) 461-8645. Great guy, easy to talk to, and fantastic with kids. He's got three little ones himself!
    - JD

  • 5/31 9:39pm   Not to change the subject, but I just got a call from my parents who saw on FOX national news that the principal at KP High will not allow two officials from West Point to come to graduation to present an award to two graduating seniors who will be attending West Point next year because she (the principal) is anti-war. Does anyone know the details? If this is true, and I have no reason to believe it is not, I am appalled!! How dare she! West Point is harder and, in my opinion, much more prestigious even than Harvard. Not to mention, there are kids the age of these two graduates dying right now to protect our freedoms. Someone please let me know what is going on at KP. My kids will be heading there in a couple of years and I certainly don't want them in such a narrow-minded, autocratic environment!
    - EH

  • 5/31 5:26pm   To JMF - I have a neighbor who does beautiful masonry work. I've seen his walls, wallways and fireplaces. His name is Lester Darling and his number is in the green phone book. I don't know his business number. We are sorry we didn't use him for some projects we had, but our GC had his own suggestions....
    Good luck with your project and enjoy it. We did a major renovation and had tons of fun doing it; just had to make sure we took one day at a time and remember things happen, but they can be fixed.
    - BS

  • 5/31 4:04pm   It is so heartwarming to read apologies. This is a wonderful format, and a learning tool as well.
    I was interested also to read that the land on Marshall St. was not offered to the town to purchase. Too bad. But, we can only hope that the property, when developed, will be an asset to the town. In the meantime, perhaps people can be encouraged to sell to the town, or at least try. Thanks for informing me.
    - JHR

  • 5/31 4:03pm   AP, I've used Franklin Footcare/Podiatric Physicians (528-2525) in downtown Franklin. Last time I was there, I saw Dr. Hicks, (young, female)--I liked her very much. If I remember correctly, they are or were associated with an office in Framingham.
    - GA

  • 5/31 3:46pm   To PR: I have used D&S appliance repair to replace a gasket on my refrigerator. I was very pleased with their promptness and service. I would definitely use them again.
    - MP

  • 5/31 3:45pm   BS, Thanks for recommending Kermit B. Schulz and sons to fix our central air conditioner. I called and they were here two days later. They were quick and extremely profesional. They had the problem fixed in no time. Thanks again,
    - SKG

  • 5/31 2:27pm   To CR: If my previous post offended you, I apologize. The point I am trying to make, is that for every child that may not enjoy being on the third team, there is a child who is looking to grow their skills in a more competitive environment on the first team. A top performing team allows for games outside of the town and area. Not to mention all the great things that come with playing competitive baseball early on.
    Perhaps the solution to this is 2 different groups of teams broken out by skill level. But again, the issue is how do the kids feel who do not make the top tier? I'm sorry to hear about the frustrations of your child and his teammates.
    - GN

  • 5/31 1:04pm   To CR - don't get discouraged about comments made about your contribution to this site - you have the right to air your opinions. Nothing hurts more than seeing your child experience unfairness - I'm sure you are speaking in a positive manner to your child. If the organization can improve, I think you're right in bringing the situation to others attention - good luck - I hope they are able to reorganize things so that ALL the kids have an opportunity to play, learn and win. Don't stop talking - keep it up until someone listens and responds...
    - CMK

  • 5/31 1:01pm   Regarding the Kingsbury Road information request: We live on Kingsbury Road and our lovely Cape is on the market. Although we are on the MLS (#70356645), we are not listing via a broker, and there is flexibility in the price. We are on the most picturesque portion of the pond, with our own beach area. Kingbury Pond is very clean and perfect for swimming, fishing, and non-motor boating. It remains quiet and peaceful even in the summer. If you're interested in a tour, please email davkarben@comcast.net and we'll be happy to set something up.
    - KT

  • 5/31 12:26pm   Does anyone have a recommendation for a podiatrist in the area?
    - AP

  • 5/31 12:25pm   To GN: Apparently you missed the part at the beginning to keep comments civil. How would you know what I've conveyed to my son? 14 and 15 year olds don't want the parents to interfere, even when things aren't fair. It's very frustrating, time and again to see a team lose, and the faces on the kids at the end. The kids are very aware of "who is who" on the teams and how they play. The same people tend to coach these teams, especially the older kids, and they know exactly what they're doing when they pick the players. It's comments like yours that have lead me to become an infrequent contributor to this site; I used to enjoy it so much.
    - CR

  • 5/31 12:24pm   Re: 5/31 9:39pm It's been over 3 years ...tree conservation article...
    Bravo, JO! Clearly, something needs to be done to protect the trees that make this town aesthetically livable. What is needed, in my view, is for one of the town organizations to adopt Trees as one of their interests and push for the adoption of Town regulations (at best) or guidelines (at least) to move ahead with many aspects of town arboriculture, from planning to planting to care. That may help to prevent the planting of some tree varieties in spaces too small for them, such as between some sidewalks and some streets, or too short for them, such as under utility lines, and the choice of the best variety of tree for the particular location. Having and using regulations or guidelines can protect the Town from disputes and lawsuits and any claims that some action taken was arbitrary and capricious. Careful review, with public hearings, and modifications if necessary should precede approval of the regs or guidelines. Possibly the Selectmen could create a Tree committee free of bureaucracy but with the ability to adopt and administer the Tree Regs, maybe turning them over to the DPW or Planning Board at some later time.
    - RH

  • 5/31 12:20pm   Need some repairs done on some appliances... someone recommended D&S in Franklin. Has anyone had service from them before & if so, how were they? Thanks,
    - PR

  • 5/31 11:24am   Now don't get me wrong, I would love every tree in the world to be left standing, but don't forget all houses are built where trees once stood, even the houses of the people who say they want to preserve every tree.
    - CR

  • 5/31 10:46am   The Marshall Street property was left to someone who decided to develop. The Town never had an option to buy the property.
    - SM

  • 5/31 9:55am   To JHR and AL and all other concerned about the stripping a woodlands for further development in Norfolk - that's why we should be willing to approve tax increases to support the Community Preservation Act and Open Spaces laws AND why we should all want less development of housing and commercial business in town. It's also why we will have proposition 2 1/2 overrides so that our existing tax base can support the town. We can not have both - reducing taxes and a town filled with forestry. My vote is for the forestry and my criticism with respect to the Marshall Street property is where the heck was our open spaces committee? That should have prime land for them to purchase given its abutment to the Audubon property.
    - JL

  • 5/31 9:39am   It's been over 3 years since I submitted a tree conservation article, essentially copying the Town of Lexington's successful program [link here], at one of our town meetings.
    Many people felt that that they didn't want the government telling them what to do.
    Log on to the Lexington web page to download the ordinance and evaluate the results.
    Remember - every road in Norfolk is a scenic road and subject to local control, yet there is no cooperative approach. Look at Campbell St / Lincoln Rd. Recently NCR levelled trees and some stumps are still there. Take a look at the "Call & Wait area."
    I would be willing to submit the Lexington article again if we got support that helped people understand that it's a cooperative operation with the aim to increase the number of trees in a sane manner so there is no net loss.
    In any case look at the Lexington results!!
    - JO

  • 5/30 8:45pm   JHR: If it's a development that was approved by the Planning Board, then that Board has approval over all site plans and the removal of trees. We lived through it, with Christina Estates, about six years ago, and it was heartbreaking to see logging trucks leaving 15-20 times daily, stacked with freshly cut trees, leaving abutters with a nice gravel pit to look out to. We love it now, convenient walking trails, nice neighbors, but very few mature trees in sight. This is not the way it should be and I hope it does not continue.
    - AL

  • 5/30 8:21pm   Hello everyone. First, let me just say that I'm a big fan of this site. I've been logging on regularly over the past two years ever since my husband and I bought land in Norfolk with the dream of eventually being able to build a home and raise a family here. And while we've been wending our way through the various bureaucratic approvals, our time has been well spent reading your various posts and getting to know the issues that are most dear to everyone's hearts. I almost feel like I almost know many of you, already.
    And because this site is a fabulous resource for recommendations (Angie's list ain't got nothing on norfolknet) I thought I'd cast my net and see if anyone has any great recommendations for a fireplace contractor/mason. We already have a GC but he suggested we strike out on our own with this one.
    Essentially, we're building a 2-story log home and need someone to design and build a single chimney from basement to roofline that will contain the stacks for 4 high-efficiency fireplaces (dual wood- and gas-burning). If you've worked with someone you can recommend for this project, or know a good place to get referrals, we'd be so grateful!
    Thanks in advance for your help with this
    - JMF

  • 5/30 8:19pm   For FCM: Check out this link regarding mute swans... [Maryland DNR page]
    I would comment on Canadian Geese, but that is for another time. : )
    - AB

  • 5/30 8:18pm   TMS: Regarding the stripping of trees, is there no board that has any control over this kind of activity? Can a development company do whatever they want? I have no experience with this kind of "progress," but it certainly does not speak well of all the environmental concerns that so many claim to have and want to foster. The people who live on Marshall St. must be heartbroken. Can this be addressed somewhere and not be allowed to happen again, or am I just being naive?
    - JHR

  • 5/30 5:03pm   To KDR, I think it is great that Officer Penlington posted the concern about cocoa mulch and our pets. Although it appears that Home Depot does not currently sell the tainted mulch, it appears they once did. I think her information was timely and very informative. With all due respect to the snopes website, many veterinarians have found that this mulch is dangerous to our pets. Please visit www.aspca.org and www.avma.org, two notable institutions which state that cocoa mulch can be dangerous for our pets.
    Officer Penlington - please keep your posts coming!
    - EF

  • 5/30 4:56pm   JHR: I too just saw the clearing on Marshall Street. What a shame! Even if it is for housing, it looks like the land was clear cut - not a tree standing. Even my son made mention of the loss of the homes for animals and the tall trees. What board is able to grant a permit to allow someone to cut that much down? I'd like to get their input on this.
    - TMS

    [Sounds like the Cress Brook development, off Medway and backing onto Canterberry -- just like Canterberry, for that matter. Edge-to-edge clearcut lots (no back-yard woods), bulldozed flat land (no slopes, no hills left, no texture), just houses. A few newly planted spindly sticks as landscaping. - Wm.]

  • 5/30 2:46pm   Re: 5/30 10:32am In response to ... the hazard in the cocoa mulch, the research into this issue done by Urban Legends points out that:
    Home Depot does not sell the product; There are no documented cases of any dog ever getting sick from the mulch. To all who get email or internet warnings, I recommend you check the snopes.com site before forwarding. - KDR
    A reading of snopes.com cocoa mulch page shows:
    Claim: Theobromine, a chemical found in cocoa mulch, can be harmful to pets.

    Status: True.

    The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) confirms the potential effects of theobromine and caffeine on dogs: Cocoa beans contain the stimulants caffeine and theobromine. Dogs are highly sensitive to these chemicals, called methylxanthines. In dogs, low doses of methylxanthine can cause mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea, and/or abdominal pain); higher doses can cause rapid heart rate, muscle tremors, seizures, and death.

    Eaten by a 50-pound dog, about 2 ounces of cocoa bean mulch may cause gastrointestinal upset; about 4.5 ounces, increased heart rate; about 5.3 ounces, seizures; and over 9 ounces, death. (In contrast, a 50-pound dog can eat up to about 7.5 ounces of milk chocolate without gastrointestinal upset and up to about a pound of milk chocolate without increased heart rate.)

    The article goes on to discuss the dangers of theobromine-containing substances, though some dogs do not react as others do. A medium size German Shepherd died at a friend's kennel as a result of ingesting a small Hershey bar. Our Lahsa Apso ate a half bag of Hershey's Kisses and loved them. We didn't know about it till later or else we would have taken him to the vet. He chewed and ate the aluminum wrappers too.
    - RH

  • 5/30 1:46pm   To AB & BR about the mute swans - You're so right about their being territorial but I thought that was the reason for introducing them to the ponds... to keep the Canada geese away. I could be wrong but if I'm correct, they are certainly doing their job.
    Anyone know for certain?
    - FCM

  • 5/30 1:39pm   I was wondering if anyone has had a child or knew of a child who went to the ECDC Preschool in Walpole Center on Easter Street and their experience. Thank you,
    - JH

  • 5/30 12:12pm   To CR: Based on your post, I assume your child is on the third team. Way to send the message that those not on the first and second team can't ever compete. With that type of attitude your kids will never learn to practice, train, and develop their own skills so that they can become winners. They will just learn to give up and consider themselves losers.
    - GN

  • 5/30 10:34am   CR: Am disappointed to hear of "stacking" on your Babe Ruth level... It's a shame that the kids get this treatment by parents - they know what's been done to them, and it certainly doesn't serve a very good example.
    Our 13 year old (who's an average player, but improved a lot this year w/ bigger field, slower play) has decided to stop after this year due to other interests/pursuits... Must admit after reading your post, I'm relieved. He'd have been on your 3rd team too...
    - TN

  • 5/30 10:32am   In response to Hilary Nolan Pennington: While you are correct about the hazard in the cocoa mulch, the research into this issue done by Urban Legends points out that:
    - Home Depot does not sell the product - There are no documented cases of any dog ever getting sick from the mulch
    [snopes.com writeup]
    To all who get email or internet warnings, I recommend you check the snopes.com site before forwarding.
    - KDR

  • 5/30 9:04am   King Philip Music Department Jazz Cafe will be on Monday June 5th 7pm King Philip High School Cafeteria, Wrentham. Cafe Style concert featuring a number of small Jazz combos, and King Philip alumni, Jeremy Udden. Snacks and soft drinks will be featured at the tables, and a free-will contribution may be given at the door.
    Wednesday June 7th, 7pm students from the King Philip Music Program will present a Chamber Recital; King Philip Middle school auditorium, Norfolk. Admission is free.
    - MW, King Philip Music Association

  • 5/30 9:01am   Lest we forget: May 30th is Memorial Day. It is a patriotic national holiday which is dedicated as a day where we join as a nation to actively honor our ancestors, our countrymen, our family members, our loved ones, our neighbors, our friends, and our comrades-in-arms who were killed while in the military serving their country.
    They paid the ultimate price, with their blood and their lives, to win and preserve the freedoms that all Americans and even others residing in the United States of America continue to enjoy today. The "Memorial" in Memorial Day is sometimes overlooked by many of the same people who are the greatest beneficiaries of the final sacrifices that were made by our fallen military personnel. Let's not forget the enormous, tearful cost of our liberties, who paid the price, and our heavy responsibility for preventing the American Way of Life from being torn from our hands by subversive elements within, as well as beyond, our sovereign borders. The conflict and resulting mortal sacrifices still continue to cause pain and suffering.
    Tribute attached.
    - MT

  • 5/30 8:37am   I wish that the practice of deliberatly "stacking" baseball teams would stop. I'm referring to this year's Babe Ruth teams for the 14/15 year olds. Two of the teams were given the best players, and the third team got everyone else, and apparently no good pitchers. Why must we go through the games to see this team loose to the other two Norfolk teams every time, why not just say ok, you win, and save the time and energy each week to get the outcome we know is going to happen. Some recent scores: 16-0 and 10-0.
    Also, there were barely enough players to have a third team, so with the injuries, our team is constantly having to get players from the other teams. Wouldn't it have been fairer, and better, to have had two teams this year in this age group, and divide the players up more fairly?
    - CR

  • 5/29 7:30am   MG, Thank you for the recommendation. I will call them.
    - DWL

  • 5/28 10:50pm   Attention soccer parents: There are currently several open positions on the Norfolk Lions' Youth Soccer board including U6 (Kindergarten) Division Manager, U4 (3 year olds) Division Manager, Media Coordinator, Referee Manager, Player/Coach Development, and Nets & Goals Manager. For more information email norfolklionssoccer@verizon.net. This is a great way to become more involved in your child's soccer experience!
    - HK

  • 5/28 5:38pm   NO-GO has "Vote NO Override on June 6th" yard signs available. If you would like one please contact us at voteno@no-go.org
    - JPB

  • 5/28 2:03pm   To DWL: We use Norfolk County Lawn for our landscaping. They are very conscientious and reliable and fairly priced. I highly recommend them. Give them a call at 781-603-7172.
    - MG

  • 5/27 9:39pm   WOW!! I just drove through Marshall St. Whatever is going on there??? What a disgrace!!! All those trees gone and poor animals looking for their homes and nests. I almost wept. More housing??? BAH HUMBUG!!!
    - JHR

  • 5/27 9:33pm   Early registration for the fall season of Norfolk Lions Youth Soccer ends June 1st - Forms are available at the Norfolk Public Library or on the website norfolklionssoccer.com
    - HK

  • 5/27 9:29pm   DP - Where were you last week? I just listed my beautiful 15 year young contemporary home at 94 King Street with RE Max in Franklin (Cheryl and John Macalone). The rugs are new and the hardwoods just refinished. The beautiful private backyard focuses on a 7 year old georgeous free form gunite pool. A wonderful cabana outfitted with screens and widows is on the oversized pool patio Here you can view the Red Sox on TV while the kids swim!
    - PW

  • 5/27 9:27pm   Here is the chance to volunteer for Norfolk schools fundraiser!! The Norfolk TPA needs help this coming Friday, June 2 for our cookie dough fundraiser. We are looking for 2 hour shifts but you will not be turned away if you cannot fill our specific shifts. Early shifts (before 3pm) will unload and sort the cookie dough orders and later shifts (after 3pm) will distribute orders to customers. Times we are looking for are 11:00am-1:00pm, 1:00pm-3:00pm, 3:00pm-5:00pm and 5:00pm-7:00pm. Please email at walshclan6@comcast.net or call me at 520-8731 immediately to let me know which shift(s) you can do. You will need to go to the front pick up circle at the Feeman Centennial School to do your shift. As always, the TPA (and your children) thank you for volunteering for our schools
    - Patti Walsh, Volunteer Coordinator, Norfolk TPA

  • 5/27 9:36am   Norfolk Opposition Group to Overrides (NO-GO) is offering a $50 reward to anyone who can successfully identify the person who has been stealing our NO Overrides in 2006 signs. We would ask that if you see or become aware of this crime taking place or of anyone involved with it, that you contact the Norfolk Police Department.
    That said, we invite you to view our television discussion on the upcoming override vote June 6th at the H. Olive Day School.
    It may be seen daily on NCTV: 
    	2:10 pm
	7:10 pm
	11:00 pm
    voteno@no-go.org
    - JPB

  • 5/27 9:24am   Looking for a landscaper, basically for cutting grass and fall and spring cleanups. We want someone who is very tidy and comes at least once a week.
    - DWL

  • 5/26 12:08pm   DP, I just heard about a lovely For Sale By Owner - call Nancy, 508-816-4063. Good Luck in your hunt!
    - BC

  • 5/26 9:19am   My family is looking to move back to Norfolk. Are there any homes for sale by owner that aren't being advertised anywhere?
    - DP

  • 5/26 9:16am   Kingsbury Pond is nice and if your friends are house hunting in Norfolk, we live in a cute cape with a spacious backyard across the street from Lake Populatic. This is up the street from Kingsbury Pond, and the houses are probably in the same price range. We are getting our house ready to go on the market and if they are interested they could call me @ 508-294-4052.
    - JF

  • 5/25 10:23pm   To NS - If it makes you feel any better, I am struggling with the same thing. I will have a child at HOD next year, another in preschool in Walpole, and a job in Boston! The SACC program has a great reputation and my friends rave about it, but it makes for a long day and is not available right now on some of the days I need! I am beginning my search to find someone to come to my house (luckily I only need coverage 2-3 days a week 2-3 hours each day) to help us out. I will certainly let you know if I come across anything that might be of use to you. Good luck,
    - BS

  • 5/25 10:18pm   Just wanted to pass along to the pet owning residents of Norfolk that there is a growing concern with a mulch product called "Cocoa Mulch" which is sold through Home Depot and other garden supply stores. I received an alert regarding this product through my email and after researching the ingredients involved there is a legitimate concern.This mulch is manufactured using the cocoa shell and contains a lethal ingredient to dogs and cats called theobromine (a xanthine compound similar in effects to caffeine and theophylline). If an averaged dog of 50 lbs ingests 2 ounces it will show signs of gastrointestinal upset and convulsions, and up to 9 ounces ingested can be fatal to fido. The mulch itself has a chocolaty smell which many homeowners like, and unfortunately it attracts pets as well. I just wanted to post this in hopes to avoid a potential exposure to Norfolk's furry friends. Sincerely,
    - Hilary Nolan Penlington, Norfolk Animal Control

  • 5/25 10:13pm   I'm looking for a bicycle rack for my car, the type that you can attach to the trunk. If anyone is getting rid of one please post about it! Thanks,
    - ES

  • 5/25 10:11pm   To NS: I am also a family child care provider in town. I have two school age children of my own that get off the bus. The bus stops at the end of my driveway. Feel free to give me a call if you are interested in after school care in the fall. I can be reached at 508-520-9997. Thank you.
    - MG

  • 5/25 9:42am   NT: The Wequassett Inn in Chatham is lovely... Chatham is just beautiful. Hope you have a wonderful getaway.
    - TMN

  • 5/25 9:34am   We received an e-mail from someone who's house-hunting in Norfolk, and is asking about Kingsbury Pond:
    I'm from out of town. Can you tell me what Kingsbury Pond is like during the summer months? Paint me a picture. Is it crowded and loud? Where do people park?
    - Wm.

  • 5/24 11:28pm   To NS... I am a daycare provider and have after school openings and the bus stop is at my driveway... 508-528-3235.
    - ER

  • 5/24 9:30pm   BR: I do put spiders and most other bugs outside when I find them; ants, ticks and mosquitoes don't stand a chance, though. I also have been known to catch mice in the winter that have come in out of the cold and put them in a cage til spring - of course, I don't touch them and wear gloves when cleaning them; then in the spring, I let them go. I don't know and don't want to know what happens to them after I let them go. As far as I am concerned, they are all living their lives quite well outdoors, telling their grandkids about the winter they spent at the "resort."
    - JW

  • 5/24 5:37pm   To NT, go to the Vineyard and stay at the Beach Plum Inn. If you go online, you can get a good price, including dinner.
    - JMT

  • 5/24 1:40pm   To NS--As far as I know, SACC is the only option located here in Norfolk for after school care other than in home arrangements. You could post an ad in the Boomerang and Gazette for a high school student to be at your home when the kids get in.
    The other option is the Hocomock YMCA. They pick them up in Norfolk and bring the kids over to the facility in Franklin. However, if I recall, you got home relatively early; by the time the kids got to the Y and you drove there to pick up, it might not be a great option. I'm sorry I can't help more. Good luck.
    - BS

  • 5/24 10:30am   NT - The Red Jacket Resorts are nestled on a cove in South Yarmouth. There are three or four that are sister resorts. They are oceanfront, each with pools and very children-friendly which make for a leisurely and fun time away.
    Our favorite is the Riviera Beach Resort, but I don't think it is open this early in the season. The 800 number for all the Red Jacket resorts is 800.CAPECOD. I hope it's a wonderful time!
    - MHC

  • 5/24 10:00am   I posted a few weeks back at the height of the "NO-GO talk" our need for after school care for our children for next year. The SACC program can't be the only option out there for working parents in Norfolk. Does anyone have any suggestions for school-age afterschool care? Thank you!
    - NS

  • 5/24 9:59am   A great new nail salon has opened up in Norfolk - Star Nails on Main St (in plaza next to post office). Clean, friendly and a great price ($33 for mani and pedi)
    - MS

  • 5/24 8:26am   JW, do you put spiders outside also--I do--plus any other insect or bug? Ticks don't get a second chance or flies.
    - BR

  • 5/23 11:36pm   I went by Bush Pond this morning and saw the swans and their babies, all 8 of them, alive and well on Lawrence St. I also have seen them coexists with the ducks, etc. I have also been up and very close to them without a hiss or a charge, and yes, I have been attacked by a swan in FL. Actually, he bit me. But the swans here, at least to me, have been very tolerant of my attention. Maybe they sense my love of nature and the creatures in it. I pulled a bumblebee from my pool the other day, dried him off and let him walk all over me and he said Thank You and flew away. They may not be native to this area and territorial, but then again, unless we are Native American, so are we.
    - JW

  • 5/23 11:35pm   Does anyone have any recommendations regarding a weekend stay on the cape? We've rented cottages for a week or so during the summer, but would love to get away just for this weekend and really haven't stayed at any hotels or resorts there. Thanks!
    - NT

  • 5/23 11:34pm   CR: You are singing my song! I have posted numerous times in the past about the need for sidewalks, particularly on all roads that are in walking distance of the schools and town center. I have spoken with the planning board and was one of the few in favor of funds for sidewalks when the subject arose in town meeting last year. As importantly, I consistently call the police department citing streets where the speeding is dangerous, and agree the revenue generated from speeding tickets would easily pay a police officer's (or two) salary. If you check the Boomerang for weekly police activity, you will see that the majority of those drivers stopped for surpassing the speed limit get warnings, not tickets. I too worry that this problem will only be addressed when a terrible accident happens and hurts or kills someone walking, running, or bike riding. It really is inevitable.
    For the record, I think South Street in Medfield is absolutely beautiful and the street widening and sidewalks did nothing to distract from its rural feel.
    - MHC

  • 5/23 1:37pm   CR - I'm with you. Most of the roads in Norfolk were fine for the horse and buggy, but that is not the reality of today. It seems with sidewalks in this town, the people that want them can't have them, the people that are getting them don't want them and the people that have them don't realize how lucky they are. I think of the posts to this site in the past that referenced the upgrading of South Street in Medfield as being an awful thing, but every time I drive down there on a wide and safer street with people walking or jogging on the nice sidewalk rather than in the road, doesn't seem like a bad idea at all. I wonder if CPC funds can be used to improve the towns right of ways, or to purchase land needed for some sidewalks, to be used for recreation? I would prefer to had it spent that way and keep the Grange Hall as historic as it currently is.
    - RS

  • 5/23 11:25am   To SKG--We use Kermit B Shulz & Sons (KBS). They are on 115N. We've used them for years and cannot say enough good things about their customer service. They are family owned and they hire the nicest and best people. Their phone number is 508-376-5545. Good luck.
    - BS

  • 5/23 9:54am   I took my daughter for a walk the other night and I have to tell you that at times it was a scary adventure. People driving cars are out of control with the speeds they drive and the complete lack of cosideration for other road users. While I realize the sidewalk fund failed at town meeting in the not so distant past, I wonder if it is possible to construct "paths" along the roads without going full-out with paved sidewalks. It seems to me that it would be cheap enough to at least have a place to go along the road to avoid getting hit by a car. Does anyone know if this is a possible option? I would even be willing to volunteer my time to help construct them. As for speeding cars, I truly believe that if the town hired an officer whose sole responsibility was to enforce traffic laws, they could cover the salary in speeding tickets alone. It is truly a shame not to have sidewalks and only a matter of time before someone gets hit.
    One more tip for people running/walking or riding a bike - you run against traffic and ride with it.
    - CR

  • 5/23 9:22am   BR - Hope someone sights the swan family again soon... but I wouldn't worry about people catching them. Have you ever been chased by one? I have, and they're pretty intimidating, I'll tell you. Can't imagine Mama and Papa swan allowing one of their baby cygnets to be touched without a fight...
    As for their (undesirable) species, I'm just happy they're there - ducks at the pond seem to co-exist with them peacefully enough. Perhaps in this case, there's room for all to live and let live.
    - TMN

  • 5/23 9:21am   AB - They are mute swans, and very aggresive but still beautiful. I found them this morning. Go down Lawrence St. and they are at the farthest end of Bush Pond on the left hand side--possibly staying on land at night near the house. I have seen them fight ducks and pull feathers out. The heron keeps his distance.
    - BR

  • 5/23 8:11am   We are looking for a local company to fix our central air conditioning unit. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks,
    - SKG

  • 5/22 11:22pm   Regarding the swans observed in and around Norfolk - the swans are not Trumpeter Swans. They are Mute Swans that can be identified by their orange marking on their black beak. While they are a majestic bird - I hate being a real negative person - but these swans are undesirable.
    From Massachusetts Audubon Society in Lincoln. According to Linda Cocca, coordinator of Mass Audubon's wildlife information line, ``(Mute) Swans are an invasive species,'' Cocca explained. ``They are not native to this area, and they are very territorial. They chase off other species such as ducks that have historically nested in certain local ponds and lakes. In other states, the swans have even been known to cause problems for the shellfish industry.''
    - AB

  • 5/22 11:21pm   FM, I could not find the parents or the 8 babies today?? I will stop tomorrow morning and search. The cygnets can't fly, so they have to be there. Has anyone seen them the last 2 days? I have mentioned my fear before of people trying to catch them.
    - BR

  • 5/22 6:15pm   To BR re. 8 baby cygnets - I'm glad to know the swans are breeding at last! I've watched the pair - are they trumpeter swans? A pen and cob? - through summer heat and blinding snow! Thank you for sharing this information.
    - FM

  • 5/22 1:50pm   JPB - I believe that the Lions are donating a sign to the Town for announcements that you speak of. It's coming, along with the plantings of the roundabouts by the Garden Club and other improvements to the center of Town. Completion is slated for the fall, I believe.
    - TMS

    Norfolk
    Community Day
    Events
    Schedule
    [here]

  • 5/21 11:28am   To JBH - Norfolk Community Day is on Saturday, June 10 at the Holmes' property on Myrtle Street. It begins at 10:30 am and is preceeded by the NCL Road Race. This is the 14th year for the event which is sponsored by the Norfolk Lions. The event is like an old town fair where community groups set up booths and sponsor an event or pass out literature regarding their organization. The firemen's association will be cooking for us again and spreading foam for the kids to play in, there will be entertainment, games, moonswalks, lazer tag, Big Daddy's Racing( a racing system where kids will race against each other w/remote controls), ponies, animals, etc. More detailed scheduling will be available in the Boomerang and brochures will be coming home in backpacks from the schools and handed out at the transfer station on June 3. Posters will also be going up and a spot will be played on NCTV.
    Hope to see you on June 10.
    - Barbara Snead, co-chair, Norfolk Community Day

  • 5/21 9:14am   Hello - I was wondering if anyone knew of Norfolk Pride Day and if there is one when it is usually held. Medway had theirs yesterday and it was filled with great things to do with the family. Everything from local businesses promoting their services, to hotdog stands to having kids have their finger prints/photo/dna done. Thank you.
    - JBH

  • 5/21 8:58am   Thanks to RH for posting the upcoming override election information. It would be nice if the town would place this information in a more prominent location, even the center of town. If we are to use surrounding towns as the yard stick by which to measure town spending on budget line items such as pay raises for town officials and other items outlined at town meeting, why does the town not use the same yardstick and place a prominent sign in the center of town that announces elections and town meetings well in advance?
    It seems to me that painting the Senior Center and town hall parking lot should be as important as voter turnout at elections and maximizing robust discussion at town meeting - but neither is as important as emergency vehicles that the town should have used the funds for in the first place.
    - JPB

  • 5/20 10:23pm   From the Town Clerk's webpage, URL: [Town Clerk page]
    UPCOMING EVENTS:
    Special Election June 6, 2006
    H. O. Day School 232 Main St.
    Poll Hours: 7:00am - 8:00pm
    - RH

  • 5/20 8:18pm   It's kind of fun mowing the grass by hand. It's quiet, it's relaxing, and you make the oddest discoveries. Like this fellow, ducking flat with eyes squeezed shut, blending in with the dirt, grass, and brown leaves under the tree.
    - AR

  • 5/20 7:22pm   Any recommendations for great landscapers/lawn care companies? Thanks.
    - JT

  • 5/20 3:58pm   I have used Mark DePasquale Plumbing (Walpole) for years as have many people to whom I have referred him. He is responsive when you call, great at what he does and incredibly neat when working. I have even had times where he has tried to talk me through a simple fix rather than having him come out. He also won't do unnecssary work and is one of the more honest contractors I have known. I would highly recommend him 508-668-0732.
    - EF

  • 5/20 3:56pm   Norfolk Lions' Youth Soccer now accepting registrations for the Fall 06 season for children at least 3 years old and no older than 16 years old as of August 31, 2006. All games are played in Norfolk on Sunday afternoons. Registration forms are available in the lobby of the Norfolk Public Library or on the website at norfolklionssoccer.com.
    Early registration ends June 1, 2006. No registrations will be accepted after the July 1st deadline.
    Norfolklionssoccer@verizon.net for more information.
    - CK

  • 5/19 8:09pm   Parents, Interested in selling (giving away) your used 12v battery powered ride on? Peg Perego or Power Wheels? I am looking to pick one up for my 3 year old son (don't want to spend $350). No Barbie jeeps please!! call Gavin 508-423-4257. Thank you
    - GDL

  • 5/19 8:04pm   NO-GO would like to remind all registered voters in Norfolk that a Special Town Election IS Scheduled for June 6th.
    This election is to vote on the $300,000 override that will come out of your pocket, not just this year but forever or until you vote to stop it. However, the town is actually seeking $829,000. You will not see the additional $529,000 on the ballot.
    It seems the town is in no hurry to announce the scheduled election; perhaps they are waiting for the Vote YES to the Override signs to pop-up!
    While town officials continue to argue that the number of overrides we have endured are much fewer than opponents to overrides typically cite and that opponents incorrectly call debt spending "overrides", there appears to be a certain level of incongruence between what is argued and what is documented. The below document titled "Overrides06" [link here] is posted on the Selectmen's webpage. That the document contains the same data reported on the Mass Department of Revenue website under a link titled overrides is, I think, no coincidence. As a matter of deductive reasoning, I'd say the town must report all these categories as overrides.
    Voteno@no-go.org
    - JPB

  • 5/19 5:06pm   FH - Recieved my Water Bill last Saturday.
    - PB

  • 5/19 4:01pm   Norfolk Recreation is sponsoring our first outside FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT! The movie will be on a huge screen at the Pond Street Complex on June 29. We would love your help making the final choice. The choice is between Wallace & Gromit or Hoodwinked. To cast your vote, please email proto@virtulanorfolk.org. So far, the voting is close-only 2 votes separate the movies! Thanks,
    - Ann Proto, Recreation Director

  • 5/19 4:00pm   Can anyone recommend a reliable honest plumber for toilet repair? Thank you.
    - JG

  • 5/19 3:59pm   BR, I want to know how Mr. and Mrs. Swan can justify having all those kids and burdening Norfolk's services. I know they aren't paying more taxes than I do. Also, who will pay for their excessive water usage?
    - HPK

  • 5/19 3:58pm   Every time I receive a water bill, I am glad I made the decision to purchase a high efficiency clothes washer/dryer about six years ago. Instead of using 40 gallons per cycle I use about 15. I do between 12 and 15 loads a week, so I save roughly 250 gallons per week. Although this doesn't add up to huge savings, I do save about $70/year. I've begun looking into purchasing another higher efficiency machine (a larger capacity) and have learned there are now a lot more choices. One downside is that the washer prices are higher than conventional machines, but since I have saved around $400 in water costs in 6 years, I think the payback is worth it. Energy rebates are also available. So, if anyone is looking for a new washer... take a look at the high efficiency ones. And if you already own a larger capacity one, let me know how you like it! Thanks,
    - AP

  • 5/19 3:57pm   When I opened my water bill, not only was I surprised that we were 7,000 gallons over, but there was another resident's bill enclosed with mine. So, if I we were to just toss theirs in the trash, they would be getting a demand bill, never receiving their fist bill.
    - ML

  • 5/18 11:49pm   Looking for a decent priced local ad spot that can be viewed by all Norfolk residents? The Norfolk Community League has advertisement spaces available for the June Newsletter issue. Priced at $10, which includes a heading, paragraph sized ad and your small/medium sized logo. Please contact the NCL Editor at: ncleditor@norfolkcommunityleague.org.
    - ES, Norfolk Community League

  • 5/18 11:14pm   JH - You may want to check the display on the outside of the house. Perhaps I should, but I had never thought to question the town's water reading. With your comment I thought perhaps I should. However, since it was nighttime, I went downstairs to read the meter rather than venture outside, since I recalled that there are displays at both locations. I may have awoken the neighbors with my yelp as I did the calculation; 536,790 gallons consumed in 227 days. With that I thought something indeed was wrong, and went outside to read that display. That one showed only 8700 gallons higher than the reading on the bill which was taken 41 days prior, so perhaps my bill is correct. Does make we wonder if the two displays are in sync on the measurement though. I plan to check again in another week to compare.
    - SF

  • 5/18 10:08pm   Re: Water bills - when were the water bills mailed? I have not received one yet.
    - FH

  • 5/18 10:07pm   There are still 8 baby cygnets -- if anyone cares!!
    - BR

  • 5/18 8:08pm   Hi!! Eric Matez here to ask you to come see:
    HARRY POTTER AND VOLDEMORT'S DOOM! (Book 6 3/4)
    A play written and performed by Norfolk's Prime Time Players

    WHERE: The NORFOLK GRANGE
    WHEN: Sunday's June 18th show is sold out.
    Please come MONDAY JUNE 19th at 7:00 p.m.
    Other shows will be added if necessary.

    Tickets will be available at the Norfolk Public Library beginning Mon., May 22nd
    A $3.00 donation will be asked for at the door to benefit NORFOLK TOGETHER.

    - EM

  • 5/18 8:07pm   Re: water bills - My water bill came in and said it was an estimated bill... It however estimated that I used 33,190 more gallons than my water meter actually read. A difference of $246.46. I am still awaiting a call back from the water dept.
    Everyone should check their bills carefully against what their meter actually reads.
    - JH

  • 5/18 8:03pm   To JM: Your explanation is good only for a small increase in the water bill. Mine doubled. I also take issue with the late readings, as that can cause you to jump into the higher billing rate.
    - DC

    [Looking at the dates mentioned, the last bill was for almost 8 full months of above-average (fall/winter/spring) water use. The next bill will cover the other 4 months in the year (roughly), and should be half this most recent one. - Wm.
    Update 11:49pm: Oops, the significance of the second part of the post just sunk in: if the 25,000 gallon allowance (at $5.49) is applied per each billing period, then lengthening the billing period includes more water use, thus bumps more people up to the higher rate ($7.99) for their water. - Wm. ]

  • 5/18 7:54pm   I would encourage all voters who are tired of soaring property taxes to show up at the Special Election on June 6 and vote no and shoot down the $300,000 override request to fund the Vehicle Stabilization Fund. The idea of setting aside and saving money in a restricted fund for capital items is fiscally prudent but this should be funded through the Prison Mitigation Funds and the general operating budget instead of through this override mechanism. Keep in mind that this is a permanent override and that each year outside of the operating budget the town will be assessing Norfolk taxpayer for an additional 300,000 (plus 2.5% increase for Prop 2.5 and plus 3% for the CPA act). If we don't vote down the override then in effect the town has circumvented the control over runaway spending that Prop 2.5 affords us the Norfolk taxpayer.
    If you are going to be absent and can't make it to vote during the hours the polls are open, please take a minute and fill out the Absentee Ballot Application which is a formal request to receive a ballot that you need to submit to the Town Clerk at Town Hall
    [dowload the Absentee Application PDF]
    If you need to vote via an Absentee Ballot, take a trip to Town Hall to exercise your democratic right to vote and hand deliver the Absentee Ballot Application directly to the Town Clerk and you will be given the ballot and you place your vote right there at Town Hall in advance of the election. If you choose to use snail-mail [US Postal Service mail - Wm.] please mail the Absentee Ballot Application to the Town Clerk no later than the end of this week to allow for sufficient lead time for an Absentee Ballot to be mailed to you and then for you to mail it back to the Town Clerk. The Town has a policy that in order for Absentee Ballots to be counted they need to be received by noon on the day before the election(June 5 at 12 noon)
    People need to vote down this override otherwise taxation without representation will continue unabated.
    - SM

  • 5/18 7:53pm   They did it again!! Thanks to all the wonderful Norfolk kids and parents who donated 2,000 T shirts and Flip Flops to the kids in Slidell, Louisiana. The shipping company picked up the packages yesterday, and delivery is expected next Monday. Kids, you've shown us again that some of the biggest hearts live in the littlest bodies. Way to go, guys.
    - KM

  • 5/18 7:49pm   Registration is underway for the 10th Annual Norfolk Community League Charity 5k Run/Walk. This year proceeds will go the Norfolk Community League's General Fund, which supports the community of Norfolk. Registration forms are available at the Norfolk Public Library and at the Recreation Dept., Norfolk Town Hall. Registration is $15.00 and $5.00 for kids under 11. A parking fee of $5.00 will go toward the Norfolk Lions and includes admission to Norfolk Community Day! The first 75 participants to register also receive a free T-shirt. The Run/Walk will be held at 9:00am June 10, 2006 at Holmes Field on Myrtle Street in Norfolk. Children's races will follow the 5k run at 11:00am. Registration for the kid's race is $5 for 50m/100m for children 11 and under. There will be prizes for all children!!! For more information, call Lisa at 508-520-7687.
    - LR, Norfolk Community League

  • 5/18 7:49pm   BS - The school usually sends the children a bus tag w/ their name, bus number and teacher's name in the mail before school starts. The teacher will also send a letter home to the child welcoming him/her to the class. I have 3 children that have gone through this, my last did it this year, so I don't believe they have changed the procedure. Also, the first day for kindergartners the parents are invited to come along, so you will both see the classroom and meet the teachers together. Good Luck. I'm sure your daughter is going to love kindergarten. It's a wonderful school and all the teachers are great.
    - ML

  • 5/18 7:47pm   To BS - My son attends the Norfolk Children's school. They did their bus ride a week ago. I think the other preschools did theirs during the same week, but I'm not sure. You'll need to call the principal, bus company, ? to see if you can still work out a practice ride for your daughter. If you can't, I suggest going to HOD at 8:45-9 am to watch the busses arrive at school and see how the process goes. Maybe you could visit an older friend who already takes the bus and watch how they get on in the morning. Also, I believe a bus driver will never leave a Kindergartener off at a home without seeing an adult first. (That is not true of older kids!) And yes, the little ones are assigned seats in the front of the bus so they are well monitored. Some bus drivers keep assigned seats for everyone of every grade. Also, K parents have been known to ride the bus with their little one during the first weeks of school in order to help them through the adjustment. So, you'll have that option too. Good luck!!
    The Kindergarten packet you'll receive over the summer will have your daughter's bus tag in it. They are asked to wear it for the first few weeks (at least) of school. The tag tells her name, her teacher's name and her bus number so everyone in school and on the bus will know where she should be. There are lots of teachers waiting when the kids exit the bus at school to help guide them to the right classrooms. Trust me, HOD has caring and planning for the kids down to a perfected science!
    - LM

  • 5/18 7:46pm   BS: Congratulations on your daughter's excitement about "real school." (My boys called it that when they started a while back.)
    My youngest was able to join the local preschool kids on their bus orientation day - he wasn't at an in-town preschool by then either. I don't know if this is still offered, so call and ask the office folks at HOD, they're so helpful - can point you in the right direction if you really want to try to have a test ride this spring before kindergarten starts in the fall.
    However, when kindergarten does begin in September, the newly minted kindergarten students actually have a day where they ride the bus alone (older kids stay home) and are taught hows & whys of riding the bus as well as learning how to get around the school. Wearing her name tag is important for her bus driver (and staff at the school) to identify who she is and which classroom she needs to get to... Staff await the buses and help the kids into the building and on their way. This continues even after the older students return as well. It's a lovely arrangement and works nicely.
    We have fond memories of HOD and hope you gather the same with your child. Best wishes,
    - TMN

  • 5/18 7:43pm   BS - "Move up" day is held at the end of the school year, the children meet either a teacher from the grade they are entering or their teacher, depending on whether class assignments have been completed. I'm not sure how it works for preschoolers moving into kindergarten, as my kids moved into the school in the first grade, but if you contact Mrs. Balfour and let her know your situation and that you would like your child to have the opportunity to meet with a teacher, take a tour of the school and have some questions answered, I'm sure she would happily accommodate you. I also took my kids to the school several times over the summer once I knew their classroom assignment, and we walked the route to the class from the front door. I did accompany them on the bus ride and we talked about how to get off and when, etc. We only did the bus ride to school, then we walked home because we live nearby. On our bus the kindergartners must sit in the first few rows and the driver keeps tabs on them all for the first week they wear a tag around their neck with their name and bus number. I'm not sure how this works but maybe you could get my email address from the Webmaster. I would be happy to answer any other questions you might have.
    - LB

  • 5/18 7:41pm   TF: The soccer registration that the sign at the Freeman is referring to is for King Phillip Soccer, which is for children entering the 7th and 8th grades. I'm not sure when the Lions registration will begin but normally they send something home in the backpacks.
    - LB

  • 5/18 7:39pm   To BS - Ah, you rattled the cobwebs out of my brain. My kids did get a name tag from their Kindergartner teacher before school started and it had their bus number on it. Very cute name tag designed like a bus with their bus number on it. Based on what your daughter is asking, I would call the principal at HOD, Linda Balfour. Again, my brain is telling me that the kids did get an orientation about bus safety once they started school.
    As to how to remember her stop, she's got me there. I think my kids knew when they saw me at the stop. It's amazing how you think you'll remember all this stuff, but as you move on you forget as you are engrossed in the next major milestones like the third grade science project.... Have fun. The other
    - BS

  • 5/18 9:00am   We've received lots of responses to the school bus orientation messages, but Wm's in a meeting and won't be able to post them until later today. Sorry about that! - VR

  • 5/18 12:26am   Thanks to everyone who gave me the information about the bus company. I did some more investigating about our surrounding towns, and it seems as though this orientation is run by the school and sometimes a safety officer, and usually done around the student orientation. The students get a lesson about bus safety, evacuation and overall procedures. They also get their name tags and an understanding of what to expect.
    I am hoping LB can provide me with more information about how she coordinated her ``move up'' day. My kids do not go to a preschool in town either. Were you able to ride on the bus and show your kids what happens when they get off/on? I'd be very interested in something like that. My daughter is a planner and is very excited about going, but has lots of questions I can't answer... how do I know which stop to get off at, will someone tell me or do I have to pay attention; where do I sit (I heard the little ones sit up front); are there seatbelts on the bus (no, right?); or on the first day how will someone know who I am and where I should go; why do I get my nametag at school after I ride the bus and not before? Every day is a new question!!
    I know I can not answer all of her questions, and there are some things she will just need to experience, but just the same, I would like her (and me!!) to feel as comfortable as possible.
    BS - I also like your idea about getting in touch with the school committee. I assume many parents/incoming students have the same questions/concerns. I will do that. Many thanks to all. I will let you know what I come up with.
    - BS

  • 5/17 8:47pm   NO-GO would like to advise all residents of Norfolk that a Special Town Election is scheduled for June 6, 2006.
    This is your opportunity to vote on the override. However, even if you vote no, the town will still purchase over $800,000 worth the new vehicles this year - you don't get to vote in that.
    We urge you to become involved and vote on June 6th. You may find more details about the recent town meeting, the override and the upcoming override vote in the Norfolk Boomerang.
    - JPB

  • 5/17 8:43pm   We received a letter asking about land in town; I'm posting it, hopefully someone will have some more information:
    I am inquiring about the land that is for sale, I believe it is near 100 or 104 Myrtle Street. Any info you might have would be greatly appreciated - size of lot, asking price, able to build on it...?
    - Wm.

  • 5/17 8:16pm   GA - I highly recommend EA Simpson & Sons (508.359.6464) for masonry work. They are a local company and have done some great work for me.
    - TP

  • 5/17 5:16pm   Hi EF: We are always in need of old towels and bedding for our cages, and metal pet bowls. If anyone wishes to donate, they may bring items down to the police department between 8am - 4 pm Monday through Friday. Thanks
    - Hilary Nolan Penlington, Norfolk Animal Control

  • 5/17 1:26pm   Hi - Could someone tell me where I can get a registration form for the Norfolk Lions Fall Soccer Registration. I checked their website, but there is no form yet available. I recently saw a sign at Freeman Centennial School that shows the end date for Registration as May 28th. Thank you!
    - TF

  • 5/17 11:23am   Officer Penligton, Although I don't have a dog house to donate- do you accept other donations? Or are there other ways that people in town can help you out? Thank you,
    - EF

  • 5/17 11:21am   There is nothing to be upset or excited about with your water bills. For some reason, the bills were late in getting out and the billing period was longer than usual in your latest bill which resulted in higher charges. Historically the water bills have been based on a 7 month and 5 month meter reading schedule. That is, we have been receiving an April bill that is based on a reading made sometime during the prior thirty days. We also received a September bill on the same basis. The justification for this was that the summer usage would push up the water consumption and the 7 month/5 month reading would result in a closer consumption because of the skewed billing period and this would result in a more equal bill than a 6 month/6 month cycle. This, of course, was before water bans.
    As a result of lower summer consumption, the April bills in recent years are much higher than the September bills. If you didn't use any extra water during the summer then your April bills could be as much as 7/5, or 40% higher than your September bills. This gap would be even greater if you took a vacation during the summer and did not use any water.
    The lack of a consistent reading schedule created the apparent volatile billing. For example, this fiscal year (July 1, 2005, to June 30, 2006) the September bills were read early (my bill was read August 24, 2005) and the April bills were read late (April 28, 2006, compared to March 22 last year for my readings). This late reading resulted in a May bill instead of an April bill. As a consequence, while my September 2005 bill was based on a near normal 155 day (5 month) period, my May 2006 bill is based on 247 days (eight months) of consumption. This unusually long period is the reason for the high bills. This, coupled with low water usage during my September billing cycle because of summer vacation time means that the bill I received recently should be significantly higher. It was. Look no further...
    - JM

  • 5/17 9:49am   I too almost died when I got my water bill. According to the Water Dept. we have used more water this year then in the last 6. I am puzzled by this because we are not doing anything different. We don't have a dishwasher and we have an energy efficient washing machine. In fact since my father passed away in February, my family has been staying with my mother, so no water was even used for the past 3 months. We go away on the weekends and during school vacations we weren't home either. We have checked and haven't found any leaks. I don't know how our bill can be this high. We haven't gone over 25,000 gallons in the past 6 years (we had a leak back then). This year we are 7,000 gallons over.
    - ML

  • 5/17 9:48am   Looking for recommendations for a mason to do some work on our front steps.
    - GA

  • 5/17 9:27am   High School and College Students -- Are you beginning your search for a summer job or internship? Are you graduating and looking for full-time employment? Experienced College Career Counselor available to assist you in all aspects of career development, including resume writing, interviewing and identifying potential career options. Reasonable rates. Available for individual or group meetings. Contact Kim E. at yourcareerassistant@yahoo.com or 508-384-9308. (Also available for adult counseling.)
    - KE

    [Update 11:20: corrected the e-mail address - Wm.
    Update 5/19 1:23am: fixed the click-through link - Wm.]

  • 5/17 8:51am   My children did not go to a local preschool or to kindergarten at the HOD, but I contacted the school and made my own arrangements for them to ride the bus and participate in "move up" day. The school was very accommodating and the kids had an excellent transition.
    - LB

  • 5/17 8:49am   Just a final reminder that the "Children and Internet Safety" presentation will be held tonight at 7 p.m. in McBride Auditorium in the Freeman School. All residents are welcomed to attend, but we ask that you leave the kids at home, due to the subject matter. Representatives from the Norfolk County District Attorney's Office, the Massachusetts State Police, the Norfolk Police, the Town of Norfolk IT Department, and Norfolk Schools will be available to answer your questions about such things as Online Predators, Persona Information on the Internet, Myspace.com, Responsible usage, and Parental Liability. Any questions, call Kate M. at 541-8555. Thanks for supporting the TPA.
    - KM, Norfolk TPA

  • 5/16 10:15pm   BS: When my kids were in preschool at Norfolk Children's School, one of the highlights of their last year was a ride on the school bus from preschool to H. Olive Day. The teachers went over the basics with the kids, but so did the bus driver. I'm not sure whether other preschools in town offered this. I do know the trip in connection with the Kindergarten Visit days at H. Olive Day for incoming kindergarteners. Hope that helps!
    - TMS

  • 5/16 10:14pm   To BS - The name of the town's bus company is Holmes Bus Service on Myrtle. You might also want to talk to the School Committee as I believe they may make the arrangements with the Holmes'. The other
    - BS

  • 5/16 8:23pm   Does anyone know the name Norfolk's bus company? I was surprised to hear they did not offer a school bus orientation program to help ease the transition of incoming kindergarteners. I know some of the surrounding towns that use Michael J Connolly bus service have an orientation program that is very well received. I think it would really help the students feel more comfortable about riding the school bus for the first time.
    - BS

    [That sounds interesting; what was covered in the program? - Wm.]

  • 5/16 7:19pm   Board and committee openings, from Town Hall Announcements:
    The Board of Selectmen announces vacancies and/or openings for the following Boards and Committees. Any resident interested in any of these positions should send a letter of interest to the Board of Selectmen's Office, One Liberty Lane, Norfolk, or email to Marian Harrington, Executive Assistant at harrington@virtualnorfolk.org on or before 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 8, 2006.

    ADA Compliance Committee
    Affordable Housing Committee
    Appeals, Zoning Board of
    Arts Council
    Cable Advisory Committee
    Capital Outlay Committee
    Community Preservation Committee
    Conservation Commission
    Corrections Advisory Committee
    Council on Aging
    Economic Development Committee
    Historical Commission
    Insurance Advisory Committee
    Mirror Lake Advisory Committee
    Norfolk County Advisory Board
    Permanent Building Committee
    Planning Board Associate Member
    Registrar of Voters
    Road Safety Committee
    Veterans' Agent
    Veterans' Graves Officer

  • 5/16 5:02pm   Todd - that is great news about the Town Pond!
    - MS

  • 5/16 5:01pm   The animal control department has a young cat up for adoption. She is roughly one year old, all black and very friendly. Her old owner moved away without taking her and as a result she lost weight due to not having any food or water for an extended period of time. We have had her for a month and she is starting to put on weight. She is litter trained, has been health checked and vaccinated for rabies. All she needs now is a good family. Pictures soon to follow.
    The department is also looking for a donation of a dogloo type (plastic or other non-porous material) outdoor dog house. If anyone is looking to part with one that they no longer want, please give me a call and I will pick it up. Sincerely,
    - Hilary Nolan Penlington, Norfolk Animal Control, (508) 528 3232

  • 5/16 4:58pm   Please, before the water department gets inundated with calls, a leak at the street will NOT show up on your water usage bill. Your home meter (through which water actually flows) is located well on your property, usually just before the water enters your home or in your basement. The meter attached to the outside of your home is just that, a meter (through which no water flows) to read by water dept officials. I know this because last year I stupidly hit the old corroded pipe with a board and pumped about 500 gallons into my house before the town could shut it off. My bill did not increase because of it. (except for a heavy repair bill from my plumber, it was Sunday of course) A concerned citizen who's been there done that.
    - JG

  • 5/16 2:49pm   Re: 5/16 8:59am RH - Thanks for the info. We can have underground sprinklers attached to town water? I didn't know that. - MJD
    Are automatic sprinkler systems allowed? NO - voted by the Board of Water Commissioners in 1991. Voted water restriction by-law in 1995. See: [Norfolk Water FAQ and [Town Bylaws]
    e) Automatic Sprinkler Use: The use of automatic sprinkler systems is not allowed at any time when the watering system is connected to the Town of Norfolk system or water supply.
    Conceivably a pre-1991 home could have an old sprinkler system that is no longer used, but the feed valve could leak without anyone knowing it. The Town Hill and the Pond Street Recreation fields have well water. By the way, a quick way to check for leaks for a home on town water is to shut everything off, then see if the water meter registers any water usage. If it does, keep looking for the leak until you find it.
    - RH

  • 5/16 1:09pm   Regarding unusual water usage - we had the same problem last year and it turned out to be a leak in the pipe - near the street. The water department was very helpful and repaired the leak in record time. Given its location, the repair bill was on the town, further into our yard and it would have been our bill. I can say the water department was great... did a thorough and quick job, even replanted the grass they had to dig up!
    - BC

  • 5/16 9:00am   For JPB: No problem on the reference. I did not look through the entire reg so I can't answer your question.
    - WB

  • 5/16 8:59am   RH - Thanks for the info. We can have underground sprinklers attached to town water? I didn't know that.
    - MJD

  • 5/16 8:58am   The forecast calls for some SUN on SUNday! It's time to dust off those sneakers, gather your family and friends and get outside! The Norfolk Area Runners Club will be meeting at a new earlier start time. Anyone interested in joining the club for a 1K or 5K run/walk should be in the parking lot behind Norfolk Dunkin Donuts at 8:00 AM. NARC encourages runners and walkers of all ages and abilities to join us for fun and fitness. For more information email kpsoftball@verizon.net.
    - CK

  • 5/15 10:37pm   re: 5/15 4:13pm To PRB and MJD : I too noticed the increase in the water bill. Mine referenced that we used 10,000 more gallons in this 6 month period than the last 6 month bill. It is just the 2 of us. Doesn't 35,000 gallons seem like a lot for 2 people? Does anyone know if this is an actual reading or an estimation? - CC
    See URL [DWP water rates page], and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact the DPW office at 508-528-4990.
    35,000 gallons over 180 days is 200 gallons per day, an excessive amount of water for a 2-person household.
    Check your fixtures and valves for leaks as follows: Be sure that none of the outside hose valves are leaking. Also, if you have any underground piping to sprinklers, make sure that the valves are tight and do not leak. Be sure the clothes washing machine inlet valve does not leak. Likewise, check the dishwasher for leaks. Very important: make sure the toilets do not leak; a large leak here can exist without being noticed. You can check them by putting vegetable coloring or ink in the tank. If that color shows up in the bowl within a reasonable time, the flapper valve or equivalent is leaking. That is usually a quick repair. The repair can be checked in the same way. Verify that none of the sink faucets or shower or tub faucets leak. If you didn't find any leaks, review all of this with the Water Division of the DPW.
    - RH

  • 5/15 4:24pm   The Norfolk TPA presents, "Children and Internet Safety" featuring representatives from the Norfolk Co. District Attorney's Office, the Massachusetts State Police, the Norfolk Police Department, the Norfolk Schools, and the Town of Norfolk IT Department. Topics included in this discussion will be Responsible computer usage, Chat room predators, Online profiles and personal information, and Myspace.com. The program will be held this Wednesday, May 17th, in McBride Auditorium, Freeman-Centennial School, at 7 p.m. Admission is free and open to all residents of Norfolk, and to all King Philip parents. Due to the subject matter, children and students will not be permitted to attend. If you have any questions, please call Kate M., Norfolk TPA, at 541-8555. (Please also refer to the article in today's Globe, page 1, on children on Myspace.com). Thanks for supporting the Norfolk TPA.
    - KM, Norfolk TPA

  • 5/15 4:15pm   Norfolk Girls Softball will be holding "All you can eat Pasta Night" for The Tournament Team which are heading to Mississippi this summer.
    **All you can eat Pasta Night** at Tom's Tavern Tuesday June 6th from 5pm to 9pm.
    Tickets will be $8 each or $30/family for food only, no beverages are included. Please come and support our Tournament Team and have a great dinner!!
    For Tickets please contact Pye M. (508) 520-4379 or lrmeau@comcast.net.
    - DP

  • 5/15 4:13pm   To PRB and MJD : I too noticed the increase in the water bill. Mine referenced that we used 10,000 more gallons in this 6 month period than the last 6 month bill.
    It is just the 2 of us. Doesn't 35,000 gallons seem like a lot for 2 people?
    Does anyone know if this is an actual reading or an estimation?
    - CC

  • 5/15 9:43am   Wednesday May 17th 7pm at King Philip High School Auditorium, Wrentham, The King Philip Jazz Program, including three Jazz Ensembles will present an evening of Jazz and Swing.
    King Philip Music department is excited to announce that Guest Artist Jeff Galindo will be featured. A trombonist, he is currently on the faculty of Berklee College of Music and has performed with the Boston Pops, Ray Charles, Kenny Hadley Big Band, and Clark Terry among many others. He has previously toured Japan and Europe.
    [D e t a i l s . . . ]
    Admission: Adults: $8 Students and Seniors: $5. A reception will follow.
    - MW, King Philip Music Association

  • 5/15 8:02am   WB: I forgot to thank you for the reference and source - thank you. Did you find any restrictions on how the funds can be used?
    - JPB

  • 5/14 11:07pm   WB: As I stated in my 5/14 8:25am post, the selectmen have made the relationship between the prison funds and services that the town provides to them time and time again on NCTV. Also, I did mention in my post that I thought they were to reimburse for lost revenues as well. Regardless of the reason they are provided, the issue is still one of priorities.
    This year they were transferred into a category that the town refers to as the capital budget. Spending the funds to paint the senior center, seal & paint lines in the town hall parking lot, purchase a tire balancer, and purchase a material sorter for the library do not seem to me to be more important than funding emergency vehicles. This override would not be needed for emergency vehicles if the town had used these funds to maintain the fleet over the years.
    Having said that, we still would be having a discussion over how to fund the non-emergency items, such as material sorters and painting buildings and parking lots. However, sustaining an argument to fund these types of items with an override would not last long in these tight fiscal times.
    - JPB

  • 5/14 11:06pm   Ok, but don't we expend money from our budget, to respond with our public safety resources to support the prisons? Does the State reimburse us everytime our officers or EMTs are called there? It still feels like whether or not they intend to pay us for those services, it costs us money to have the prisons in town, we can not choose not to respond and the costs could be considered covered by that "rent."
    - MJD

  • 5/14 11:05pm   MT: No, we lived north of that, in Demarest (near 9W, Closter, Tenafly). They all stayed, I hit the road.
    - AL

  • 5/14 7:07pm   AL, Re your post of 5/11 @ 11:27am. Is this another coincidence, or is it an omen? Back in the day, did your seven brothers celebrate life in the Union, Clark, or Rahway areas, by chance?
    - MT

  • 5/14 7:02pm   For the benefit of JPB and MJD: Below is a summary of the law which governs the payment to communities which host state facilities - Not just prisons, but state hospitals and other state facilities. The assessment is for the land only, not buildings.
    Chapter 58 of the Massachusetts General Laws
    Agency: Division of Local Services, Department of Revenue
    PURPOSE: To reimburse communities for forgone tax revenues due to certain types of tax-exempt state-owned land.

    REIMBURSEMENT FORMULA: Eligibility for reimbursement depends on land use and the state agency with jurisdiction over the property as specified in the legislation. Payment is for land only, not for buildings or any other improvements erected on or affixed to the land. Parcels of land that were exempt from property taxation before acquisition by the state are ineligible for reimbursement through this program. The formula is based on property value and the latest three-year statewide average tax rate. The formula is as follows:

    Municipality's Aid = PV * ET * K
    PV = Estimated property value of eligible State-Owned Land
    ET = 3 year statewide average tax rate ($14.06 for FY2005)
    K = Pro-ration factor

    PAYMENT SCHEDULE: Annually, November 20th.

    - WB
    [From the above, it seems that the prison money is rent for use of the land, and not reimbursement for services consumed. - Wm.]

  • 5/14 5:34pm   JPB - There must be a way to break out what it costs us to "host" the prisons. Public safety costs that are directly related, ambulance and the DPW portion. Subtract that and then the balance might be the "free money" to which you refer.
    - MJD

  • 5/14 8:25am   MJD: The funds are provided as compensation to the town for hosting the prisons. I have listened to the selectmen discuss this on NCTV on several occasions over the past six years. In each case the discussion focused on services provided by police, fire and DPW. Our emergency forces respond to the prison when their services are needed - but are not compensated on a case by case basis. DPW maintains and plows the roads around the prisons (and perhaps the parking lots). I believe the payments are also intended to compensate for lost revenues that would otherwise be realized if the property were developed or privately owned.
    That said, the main point is one of priorities. The $198,700 for this year will be spent on painting the new senior center and nine other items, that when stacked against having an URGENT need for top-notch emergency vehicles to rescues our families, God forbid, seem insignificant to me. A full accounting may be found in my post of 5/13 7:22am.
    It seems to me that if the town had been using these funds over the past several years to fund vehicles we would not now have the URGENT need to pass an override and finance an additional $529,000 for these vehicles.
    I reject the statements made at town meeting by several town officials that the voters caused this crisis by not voting for overrides to fund the vehicles is the past. They are blaming us!! The $198,700 that the town has received year after year (with the exception of one or two very lean revenue years that the state had a couple of years ago) would have been more that sufficient to maintain this critical public safety need.
    - JPB

  • 5/14 8:23am   CPA FAQ [page on communitypreservation.org]
    - MA

  • 5/14 8:12am   The Community Preservation Act in Brief
    The Community Preservation Act is statewide enabling legislation to allow cities and towns to exercise control over local planning decisions. This legislation strengthens and empowers Massachusetts communities:
    * All decisions are local.
    * Local people must vote by ballot to adopt the Act.
    * Local legislatures must appoint a committee of local people to draw up plans for use of the funds.
    * These plans are subject to local comment and approval.
    * If residents don't feel the CPA is working as they expected, they can repeal it.
    The Community Preservation Act provides new funding sources which can be used to address three core community concerns:
    * Acquisition and preservation of open space
    * Creation and support of affordable housing
    * Acquisition and preservation of historic buildings and landscapes
    A minimum of 10% of the annual revenues of the fund must be used for each of the three core community concerns. The remaining 70% can be allocated for any combination of the allowed uses, or for land for recreational use. This gives each community the opportunity to determine its priorities, plan for its future, and have the funds to make those plans happen.
    Property taxes traditionally fund the day-to-day operating needs of safety, health, schools, roads, maintenance. - and more. But until the CPA, there was no steady funding source for preserving and improving a community's infrastructure. The Community Preservation Act can give a community the funds needed to control its future.
    - MA

  • 5/14 8:06am   For those of us who don't know, can someone please tell us what business is going to the old gas station at the corner of Boardman and Main Street? Is it a Starbucks?
    - RMS

    [That's a good question... sample illustration provided by me, per suggestions made back on 6/15 10:33am in 2004 :-) - Wm.]

  • 5/14 8:02am   I just want share my experience with people on the Norfolk Net. Two weeks ago I had eye surgery for an old injury that created a cataract in my right eye, I could not see anything out of this eye for approx. 1 year, just very cloudy and could not focus for far vision or even close-up vision. In the past I did have Chronic Pigment Glaucoma which destroyed my pigments in both eyes, blue to hazel color. I went to Mass Eye and Ear for a check-up of my eye, did all the tests and they said we can do the surgery but with no guarantee for your surgery, we do not have the experience with your type of Chronic Pigment Glaucoma as to guarantee this type of surgery. I asked for references and they said to me, we have none. If they did they would gladly give references to me.
    Here is the punch line. I went to Milford/Frankin Eye Car and had a meeting with Dr. Goodman with my concerns about my eye. He set up a date for my surgery at Milford Hospital on May 1,2006. He removed the cataract and installed a new lens in my eye, and now I see 20/20 or even better. Hats off to his operating staff at Milford Hospital, and his staff at Milford/Franklin Eye Care and Dr Goodman for his great surgery on my eye. My recovery time was to be 2 weeks or more, I went back to work 8 days after the surgery. He is such a great surgeon and a nice person that will sit and talk with you about the surgery.
    - RS

  • 5/13 3:46pm   PRB - My water bill went up by more than $50.00. Is this a reflection of the new DPW department creation?
    - MJD

  • 5/13 3:45pm   JPB - I am probably wrong, but isn't the prision mitigation money simply a reimbursement for the services we provide to the prisons: police, ambulance, etc., and the fact that we need to have enough staff and resources to support those facilities. I seems to me that that money is spent before we even receive it. If that's not the case, please explain why you keep calling it "free money." It doesn't sound free to me.
    - MJD

  • 5/13 3:44pm   My comment on the CPA fund - good idea in theory, but if we are looking for ways to spend it (i.e. don't have clear cut goals), maybe we need to take a break from funding it... love to hear what others have to say about this... $335,000 seems to be a lot of $ for one building in town... I thought we were going to buy "open space" to preserve the rural feel of Norfolk... I didn't think we'd be funding septic systems...
    - CMK

  • 5/13 2:21pm   Re: 5/13 7:40am Folks, ... Did the override pass? - JMF Yes, the override, Article 5 of the Annual Town Meeting passed. There is an election on June 6 to confirm or disapprove the override. If the voters vote no, the override does not take effect.
    - RH

  • 5/13 2:20pm   Was shocked at the Water Bill $275. Theres just the two of us and we were away for two weeks.
    - PRB

  • 5/13 2:19pm   MC, thanks for the update. Seems to me we're close enough to the five year mark to ask the town if we should continue this CPA investment, and if so, at what rate. Comments appreciated...
    - SP

  • 5/13 7:40am   Folks, I've been waiting on tenterhooks hoping someone would comment on the outcome of the town meeting(s). My husband and I own land in Norfolk and are set to build this summer, but currently live in Jamaica Plain -- so we're Norfolk tax payers but are still registered to vote in Boston. Did the override pass?
    - JMF

  • 5/13 7:38am   SP, my understanding is that once CPA is voted in you can not rescind for 5 years but I believe you can change the percentage of the fee, and I think it is at 2.5% for Norfolk right now. Max percent for CPA is 3%. I think we could vote to reduce the % but not rescind, though I'm not completely sure of this. Also, I believe the voters - if 10 sign a petition - can request to add articles to a town warrant, so if we wanted to vote to reduce the % perhaps that would be the route in the next town warrant (next year). Another option may be to call a special town meeting with a 100+ voter petition. The following link on town meetings could be helpful if voters were so inclined: [sec.state.ma.us page]
    - MC

  • 5/13 7:33am   AB, The reason the Boomerang wrote that the "Town Pond" will be under-funded is because there was originally going to be a motion made on the floor at town meeting to increase the warrant amount to $109,000. It is a somewhat complex explanation, but I will try and simplify it.
    At the time the original estimate was required for the warrant, the Norfolk Recreation Department had been meeting with the Commonwealth of Mass. Department of Fish and Game to see if we could partner on the project. We had very strong indications that we could partner together and they would in fact share in a portion of the cost. If that was the case we felt that the original $85,000 figure was a fairly good estimate for the town's portion of the project. After the warrant article deadline passed, we in fact had another walk-through at "Town Pond" with the members from the CPC, Board of Selectman, Board of Health, and DPW. (I hope I didn't forget a group.) At that meeting we all felt it would be better to adjust the project price to the higher estimate (DPW supplied) because we had not actually received a firm written commitment from the Commonwealth. The higher estimate would include completion of all the work without the support of the Commonwealth. We also did not want to come back to the town and ask for more money. In the end we did get a written agreement from the Commonwealth to support this project and we felt that we should not ask for more then was anticipated. The real number of this project will not truly be known until we actually start the work. We hope and believe that the $85,000 number will be sufficient to fund this project. We are going to progress at a cautious pace and do not anticipate any additional costs. If in fact we can complete under this budget we will in fact return any unused monies.
    The bottom line is that with the Commonwealth's support we feel that we should be able to complete this project with the $85,000 from the CPC account. Hope that helps clarify. We did have a presentation for the town meeting outlining our plans, but we never actually got to present because of the overwhelming support from the attendees of the town meeting. We would be happy to share it with anyone that visits our offices at Town Hall.
    Once again, thank you for your support.
    - Todd P. Chisholm - Norfolk Recreation

  • 5/13 7:22am   I'd like to offer KUDOS to members of NO-GO, its supporters and all those who bravely attended town meeting to vote no to this completely unnecessary override. Folks, we lost by a mere four votes. That's outstanding given the fact that we are simply a group of residents speaking with one voice. The town clearly mobilized its political machine to support this, many yes voters streamed in within minutes of the vote and exited almost immediately after.
    Opponents to the override asked tough questions, offered alternative solutions and engaged in robust discussion.
    They pointed out that while the town places fault on the voters for voting down the vehicle stabilization override last year, it is in fact the town that has chosen not to use capital funds to maintain a healthy vehicle fleet over the years. Nonetheless, time and time again town officials stood and made clear that the voters forced the town into this dilemma.
    The town receives $198,700 per year from the state for hosting the prisons (free money). Town police, fire and DPW vehicles respond to incidents and provide services to the prisons throughout the year. Yet instead of using any of the prison funds to help fund the vehicle stabilization fund, the town chose to use it for the below items. These items were selected as the highest priority of those considered for capital spending and consumed the entire $198,700.
    1) Painting the (new) Norfolk Senior Center.
    2) Seal, line and paint town hall parking lot.
    3) Purchasing new ballot booths.
    4) Installing a burglar alarm at the (new) library.
    5) Purchase a tire & balancer machine.
    6) Purchase a material sorter for the library.
    7) Repair insulation at the HOD School.
    8) Computer upgrades for the schools.
    9) Computers and software for town offices.
    10) Computers for the library.
    Using the same $198,700 from the prison funds the town could have:
    1) Purchased two police cars $100,000/Capital item (No cost to you)
    2) Repaired HOD insulation $75,00
    3) Partially funded the vehicle stabilization fund $23,700 /Capital item (No cost to you)
    And in FY08 & FY09:
    1) Fund vehicle stabilization fund $300,000/Capital Item (No cost to you)
    2) Fund other priority capital items $97,000
    The entire town meeting can be viewed on NCTV, Channel 22 throughout the day for the next several days. I urge residents to watch and come to their own conclusions as to who forced the town into this $ 300,000 override and the need to finance an additional $529,000, to fund the vehicle stabilization fund. Yes, the total bill to you will be $829,000 + interest. That my friend does not equal $97 per year!
    - JPB

  • 5/12 6:30pm   Clean Fill Available! We are excavating a hill on our property and have plenty of fill we need to get rid of. According to my excavator, a truckload would be equal to a pile the size of a small SUV. If anyone is interested, call me 520-4783. We started work today (5/12) and will continue next week, so call this weekend.
    - CM

  • 5/12 5:27pm   Hi Todd: Could you explain as to why, as reported in today's Boomerang, the "Town Pond" project was underfunded? What efforts will be taken to correct this? Thanks,
    - AB

  • 5/12 4:32pm   On behalf of Norfolk Recreation, I would like to thank the voters for approving the "Town Pond" project. We look forward to offering an additional recreation location and opportunity for the residents of Norfolk. Everyone's input and ideas are welcome at our monthly meetings concerning this project. Thank you once again for approving the project.
    - Todd P. Chisholm, Chairman-Norfolk Recreation Commission

  • 5/12 2:43pm   BS, on 5/6 I promised you that, after the town meeting or by last Wednesday, I would reply to the questions that you asked me in your post of 5/2. As you know, the Town Meeting ran into Wednesday evening, which set my schedule off by a few clicks. Now, I'm playing catch-up with my own work and dealing with a backlog of light correspondence. My decks should be clear again after the weekend, and we can resume where we left off.
    - MT

  • 5/12 1:25pm   HRB: I certainly don't want to speak for him (her) as I think he (she) can eloquently rebut themselves, but I think that SM was referring to apathy of the voting public and not the democratic process.
    Unfortunately I could not attend the second night (not because of my dissatisfaction with the first nights outcome), but SM makes some valid points that people should listen to. This creative taxation approach and the inability to discuss the approval of a budget without line item explanations is not a good way to operate. This has proved to be an enlightening experience on how this town operates and I look forward to digging in and learning more for future meetings. I hope others will also.
    - RS

  • 5/12 12:06pm   To SM and others who have been referring to "the groups with a vested interest attended Town Meeting." I always thought that the procedure was to convince people to support an issue or program that you favor, get them to attend, and then, when the votes are counted, if your side has more votes, your position wins. I think that there's even a name for this. It's called... wait a minute, it'll come to me... it's called... it's right on the tip of my tongue... oh yeah; it's called "democracy." Remember? It's the thing we're getting those poor Iraqis to try. As Woody Allen famously said, "Eighty percent of success is showing up." That goes for Town Meetings, too.
    - HRB

  • 5/12 12:05pm   SM: I certainly was at the Town Meeting on both nights, and was taxed for my representation apparently. I still will never comprehend why we have to pay for maintenance of privately-owned property. Thanks for your mail.
    - WC

  • 5/12 11:19am   The town voted to implement CPA Funds and the CPC does a superb job, in open meetings, lining up investments and creating special programs. (I have a preference for investing in the airport property for town use). Each CPC action is heavily critiqued and then the town votes to accept or reject their special programs (the church, the grange, the pond). I don't agree with each of these, though I agree with the outcomes of the votes.
    It seems to me that some who criticize these items, especially relative to overrides, actually disagree with our original CPA implementation. If so, we might be better served by encouraging town officials to reconsider our CPA implementation in a town vote.
    - SP

  • 5/12 8:58am   Kids and I saw the cutest, tiny, albino opossum walking along our stone wall early this morning. Then, to my horror, watched the little bugger crawl under our barn! Anyone out there know if I should let him be, or is he/she a danger to people or the dog if provoked (i.e., woken up when someone goes in the barn or revs up the lawn mower). Is rabies in possums a concern around here?
    - KM

  • 5/12 7:46am   SW, Re your post of 5/11 @ 9:29pm:
    Heh, heh, heh, glad to hear from you. If I've zeroed in on your initials properly, and have correctly picked up on your coded mis-naming a means of snow travel, you probably already know that your dad and I were on many of the same missions of mercy together. Do you remember the night when we had to tie your mother, a Roadrunner, in a chair so that she couldn't follow us or otherwise interfere with our dedicated nocturnal activities?
    SW, if I have your identity correct, I should warn you, although it's already too late, that I understand even though your dad rarely if ever visits NorfolkNet, your mom is an avid follower and studies the page every morning. So you'd better be careful about letting cats out of bags or she's apt to waylay you some morning as you pass the house on your way to work.
    Last, but not least, on your lament about not being old enough to share, more fully, in the excitement of those moments, I would remind you that (if I recall correctly) as you grew older and traveled hither, thither and yon, seeking adventures of your own, you had a number of pretty glorious experiences yourself.
    Get my Email address from your folks and get in touch with me.
    - MT

  • 5/11 9:40pm   Anyone else notice a conspicuous lack of squirrels this year? Normally we'd have at least three raiding our birdfeeders by now. I can't say I've seen any lately. Fisher cats, perhaps?
    - JD

  • 5/11 9:29pm   MT, if you remember (which I don't think any of you would.... Schlitz), I was 4 at the time of the Centennial, but 1970 will always be a special year to me. My house was always filled with Anvils, Roadrunners, Phantoms and the list goes on... nothing like going in the spare room we had to find a [darn] coffin on the bed being told DON'T TELL ANYONE.... inside, what was it called, the Razor.
    I don't think there was night that year that I got home before 3 am or the party at the house would never end. Any how you gave me the key and said "Sled," (again the Schlitz), "keep this key and don't ever tell any one I gave it to you, even your Dad." And as an honorary member of the Anvils that was LAW I believe. So MEOW.... the cat is out of the bag. I figure after 35 years you won't be mad if I say it now, even thou I took a blood oath then (kids were tougher then).
    By the way, I was also the one who broke - I'm sorry, dented - the anvil. I think it was you and Chuck who gave me keys to go to the packie; never got out of the driveway..... no, that was your house and my Mom (pine trees). Hahaha, good times, I only wish I was older to really enjoy that year...... then again maybe it was better that way.
    - SW

  • 5/11 7:17pm   Norfolk Public Library, re your post of 5/11@ 11:28am - Thank you for checking the vault door for me this morning, Heather. I'm relieved to find that our secret is still safe behind a sealed steel door. Unfortunately, I suppose that means we won't be getting our thirty cents deposit back on those empty bottles.
    I've often heard said, at the nesting grounds along the rocky coast of Nova Scotia, "One good tern deserves another." Your unselfish act of exposing yourself to risk and the harsh elements to confirm the state of the vault door has prompted me to reciprocate. You've displayed an uncanny perceptive ability in associating the mysterious chilly draft throughout the library with the imprisonment in the vault, so many years ago.
    Your speculation of the cold draft being an ominous message being sent from the vault across the way may be correct. If the draft flows inward, from that direction, this would seem to further your theory. However, if you sense that the draft is flowing outwardly, from the library, I'd like to offer you an alternate thought on the matter.
    It didn't seem important enough to mention, in my previous writing, but when we captured our prisoner, in the manner related earlier, he was carrying a small book with him. Either Roger or Chuck read the title as "Sun Tzu on The Art of Wok". Naturally we thought that it was a Chinese cookbook. Our captive explained that he had checked the book out of the Norfolk library earlier that day, and that he believed that it was actually a book on military strategies. It didn't matter to us what the book was about. We were still roaring with laughter when we told him that it was too bad he hadn't read the book a week sooner; it might have helped him avoid capture. As I slammed the big heavy steel door shut that night, I saw the lad, for the last time, standing inside the crypt holding a six-pack of Schlitz in one hand and I think that it was his copy of Sun Tzu in the other.
    Heather, if you sense that this eerie chilly presence is wafting outward through the exterior walls of the library, instead inward, do you suppose that it might be an omen of another sort? Is there a message trying to be given you by whatever remains out in the crypt? Could it be that the chilly draft constantly flowing out of the building is supposed to be symbolic of the daily outflow of the late fees on the possibly overdue book, "The Art of War"?
    Thanks, again, for your assurance,
    - MT

  • 5/11 7:15pm   To BC, The Norfolk Garden Club has already been involved with the planning and maintaining of the roundabouts. The main problem they are having is what to do when the passing trucks repeatedly run over their arrangements. Also, they are looking for volunteers to join their club. Some very nice people to be involved with!
    - ES

  • 5/11 7:09pm   WC, Regarding the Grange Hall renovation vote, there were only two dissenters last night. In total less than 100 people attended town meeting and of course the groups with a vested interest attended. So I assume you did not show up to vote. I am tired of listening to people complain about soaring taxes and how the town is managed because change won't occur unless residents show up to vote.
    If we don't have a show of force at the next town meeting and vote down the override, the town will be authorized to spend $829,000 for capital expenditures funded by the establishment of a PERMANENT override of $300,000 for a vehicle stabilization fund plus a $529,000 debt exclusion, both of which will increase your taxes. Permanent override means that each successive year another $ 300,000 (plus 2.5 % plus 3% CPA funds) will be levied against your property taxes and put in a vehicle stabilization fund. The $529,000 debt exclusion will also increase your taxes.
    I agree that the town needs new capital equipment particularly for fire and safety but I have a big problem with the proposed funding mechanism which is funding these items outside of the general operating budget. The vehicle stabilization fund should be funded though the general operating budget where voters have control over the spending process through the Prop 2.5. Instead to fund the vehicle stabilization fund, our elected town officials have cleverly circumvented the spending control afforded by Prop 2.5 through a permanent override which will increase your tax bill on an annual basis.
    You may ask the question where we would find $300,000 in the general operating budget to fund the vehicle stabilization fund . Last night at town meeting we discovered (this was only learned through taxpayer inquiry at the meeting) that the town is receiving a $400,000 developer mitigation payment for 40b housing project being built up on the hill in the center of town. This $400,000 could have been put into the operating fund to fund the $300,000 vehicle stabilization fund thus obviating the need for an override but unfortunately our town officials decided to sign an agreement with the developer that obligates the town to set up an affordable housing fund and use the $400,000 SOLELY for affordable housing. Of course at the same time the CPA fund currently has $1.5 million of taxpayer money and these funds also can be used for affordable housing. Also the CPA act will levy an additional $800,000 of taxes this year. So I don't know why our town officials agreed to use the $400,000 developer payment for affordable housing when the CPA fund will have over $2 million by the end of fiscal 2007 which is more than enough money to fund affordable housing initiatives. Norfolk has never set aside any money for critical capital items such as fire trucks and we have not set aside enough money in the 2007 budget (only $250,000) to adequately fund road repairs. Yet the coffers will be overflowing with money to the tune of $2.7 million ($2.3 CPA funds, $400,000 affordable housing fund) all of which can be used for affordable housing.
    This form of creeping socialism is now impacting us on the local level and you the Norfolk taxpayer will pick up the tab. The next time you travel on Boardman Street and your vehicle bottoms in one of the many ruts caused from years of disrepair you should take comfort that that if you need it, affordable housing will be there for you.
    Please show up and vote no on the $300,000 override. There will continue to be taxation without representation unless you vote.
    - SM

  • 5/11 7:08pm   I believe that that Garden Club is going to start planting the roundabouts as well as Town Hill gardens. They will be maintaining them and, knowing the talents in the Garden Club, they will be great! A little patience is in order - I believe that the time to plant in this area is around Memorial Day, plus it is still raining! I can't wait to see how the areas will look!
    - TMS

  • 5/11 5:19pm   Lost an MP3 player coming home from work Tuesday night. Somewhere between commuter rail station and old town hall parking lot. If found, please call 508 541 3288. Thank you.
    - PAL

  • 5/11 4:57pm   TEM. On the contrary... I think it's a great idea and know that a number of towns are talking to their neighbors about implementing such arrangements including shared services (Medfield and Millis have been sitting down together). More often than not.... it's town ego that gets in the way. As for how it works - example: Street Sweepers are not used everyday during the sweeping season. Therefore, Town A uses it for say 3 or 4 weeks and then Town B for 3 or 4 weeks. You're quick to continuously insert your negative thoughts. It is a realistic and practical idea. Two adjacent towns could phase in such a plan for equipment that spends a good deal of its time idle. Yes, the piece of equipment will need more maintenance and repair due to more usage, but especially in the case of large vehicles, those costs are far less than the monthly payments on a new vehicle every so many years (cost / benefit analysis).
    Addressing your statements: (1) It's not about two towns needing to purchase the same piece of equipment at the same time. It's about two adjacent towns coordinating the retirement of old vehicles and then using a common vehicle. Even if the retirement of the vehicles is separated by years, one town would pay the other it's portion of shared expenses. (2) One town buys the vehicle and handles all maintenance and housing. The other town shares the purchasing, expenses and maybe a "handling" fee. (3) If a piece of equipment is used so much that two towns can not coordinate usage... then each town should purchase their own since it's usage is so high. Otherwise, it's all about coordination. (4) Yes.... Norfolk could rent another town's equipment.
    Don't be so quick to shoot down ideas and save the sarcastic remarks. I see that it's that type of thinking that prevents opportunities.
    - PN

  • 5/11 4:15pm   Regarding clean-up on the roundabouts -- I know other towns have plantings maintained by their garden clubs; Sherborn is an example. Perhaps the Norfolk Garden Club would be interested -- I think they already maintain various container plantings.
    - BC

  • 5/11 4:14pm   I spoke with someone from the D.P.W last week and he said they along with the Garden Club, will be sprucing up the Roundabouts, around Memorial Day.
    - JAB

  • 5/11 3:01pm   Come on, TRC, do you really want a used, second-hand fire truck trudging to your residence on Norfolk roads if your house was ablaze and you and your family were at risk? Frankly, I would prefer a state-of-the-art, brand new one myself. This is not meant to be a criticism of those like yourself who have suggested such measures or who keep suggesting that we share heavy equipment with another town. On the contrary, I think they should be commended for trying to find solutions. But let's be realistic. It seems to me that it would be highly impractical to share the cost of (and use of) trucks and equipment with another town, even if one were to ignore the legal and liability issues. I'll pose just a few questions for those who consider such an option feasible: (1) Are you suggesting that when the town of Norfolk needs a new dump truck, berm machine, or street sweeper, through some magical coincidence, there will be another town in the Commonwealth who also needs these same three vehicles at precisely the same time? (2) Assuming there is such an unlikely coincidence, which of the two towns makes the actual purchase, has it registered, pays the insurance, pays for and schedules maintenance, and houses the vehicles? (3) In the event two towns work out a mutual (but highly unlikely) agreement to share equipment, what happens when both towns need to use the same equipment at the same time? (4) Or are you suggesting that Norfolk rent the equipment belonging to another town, again, assuming there will be the highly unlikely scenario in which another town would agree to this (or somehow doesn't need the use of their own equipment)? And, finally, even if the town of Norfolk somehow agreed to share equipment with another town, what makes you think we would find another town who would agree to such an unrealistic, impractical venture? Perhaps some of these things could be worked out, but I think the complications and new problems such an agreement would cause would far outweigh the advantages.
    - TEM

  • 5/11 1:59pm   Roundabout Cleanup: An idea for consideration might be to have companies or groups "sponsor" each roundabout. The sponsor is responsible for the labor and costs of dressing up and maintaining the area (maybe to some guidelines set by the town) in exchange for a a small / tasteful sign saying "sponsored by ACME Lock Services" (sorry, all I can think of is the guy sleeping in the vault). You may have seen this done for islands at intersections in Wellesley, Westwood and other towns. Result: areas dressed up at no cost to the town.
    - PN

  • 5/11 1:58pm   Do the people of Norfolk realize that they live in a very generous town? Soon you will see lots of new Town vehicles on our pristine streets, a newly-painted and renovated Grange? We painted the Federated Church last year, and we are inviting people to take advantage of a generous down payment on a residence here. The taxpayer is picking up the tab. Let's put a lid on it!
    - WC

  • 5/11 12:36pm   Does the town have any plans to clean up the roundabout areas (i.e. the weeds in the middle with the signs bending down or laying on the ground) It could be much nicer with some plantings or even bark mulch and about half the signs. I know it costs $ but after all the work that was done to improve the look of the town common - those roundabouts are an eyesore and getting worse day by day.
    - MS

  • 5/11 12:12pm   Norfolk Round-abouts Walk for a Cancer Cure - A team of 20 Norfolk residents has formed a team called "Norfolk Round-abouts" to participate in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life event in Franklin. The 19 hour event takes place on Friday, May 19 at 5pm until noon on May 20. Teams are required to have at least one member walking the track at all times. Most team members have been personally touched by cancer and view this event as a way to try and alleviate some suffering. We are accepting donations until the start of the event on May 19th. The proceeds from this event go to ongoing cancer research and patient assistance for those battling cancer. There is a special reception at 7pm and ceremony at 9pm for survivors of cancer. We encourage any survivors in Norfolk to attend the event. Anyone with any questions or interested in sponsoring the team can contact the co-captains Tracy H. at 508-541-2388 or Tara S. at 508-384-6354.
    - TS

  • 5/11 12:10pm   Town of Mansfield is selling their fire engine. Let the town look into it. Will save $$$$$$.
    - TRC

  • 5/11 11:28am   MT, I donned my raincoat against this morning's drizzle and approached the burial crypt with trepidation. Indeed, there is a rusted Master Lock holding the heavy iron bar fast against the crypt's door and the secrets therein! Perhaps this explains the cold drafts that inexplicably waft through the library's meeting room (or maybe it's the high cost of heating oil).
    For those interested in a sunnier view of the Norfolk Centennial, there are several albums of photos and a scrapbook in the library's Local History collection. Stop by and have a look! Most of the photos are labeled with residents' names so that you can identify the celebrants.
    - Heather Pisani-Kristl, Norfolk Public Library

  • 5/11 11:27am   MT: Thanks for the entertainment! Boy, did that bring me back 25 years or so. Not to Norfolk, but to NJ where my seven brothers had some "Bud"-induced episodes in the 'hood. I might have to make a trip to the vault this afternoon!
    - AL

  • 5/11 9:10am   MA, Re your post of 4:20, today [5/10]: Your mere mention of Cliff's brings tears to my eyes. The "Packie," as Cliff's was sometimes called, certainly did help contribute to the rich history of Norfolk. I remember many happy visits to the Packie, but one night in particular, several of us stopping by Cliff's during the Norfolk Centennial while we were on our way to kidnap a member of a rival group, called the Tradesmen. We had only meant to hold him for ransom for a few hours. He was taken to the old burial vault across from the library. We sat around for awhile with our captive, enjoying our beverages, while we discussed his fate with him. It was late and he was already getting sleepy, when it was time for us to leave to collect our ransom at the Tradesmen's charter house. We threw our prisoner in the vault for safekeeping, gave him a six-pack of Schlitz, and padlocked the big steel door. On the way to our meeting, we stopped at the Packie to replenish our dwindling supplies. Later, as we were refreshing ourselves and planning how to tactfully approach the Tradesmen and exchange the vault key for the ransom, without our being captured, someone asked, "Who has the key?" I knew that I didn't have it, but the other guys all answered that they didn't have the key either. It was getting late, we couldn't find the key; we knew that our captive was sound asleep inside the vault because we could hear him snoring, so we decided to call it a night and finish our transaction the following morning, when fresher heads would prevail. One of the guys, either Al, Chuck, Roger, or Art, told me that he'd left the spare key to the padlock on my kitchen table as we were initially leaving earlier. By the time I arrived home, I realized that we hadn't met at my house that night; I had met them at the Packie, where I'd left my car. I called the three of them; we discussed it, but none of them had found the key on their kitchen table, either. They agreed to keep looking.
    A couple of months later, while the five of us we were in the Tack Room vigorously downing our coffee, Mary Longobardi asked, in her trademark soft suggestive throaty whisper, "So, which one of you guys had the key, anyway?" There was such dead silence, it was actually tantamount to the roar of a howitzer; when I realized what must have happened, the hairs on the back of my neck stood at attention so stiff that they shredded my shirt collar. We smiled knowingly, at Mary, and slowly walked away. Realizing what probably had happened, the five of us have never dared speak of it since. It was the first time any of us had ever done such a thoughtless thing.
    Only now, after all these years, as I hide in the woodwork, behind my initials, do I have the courage to ask you, or anyone else on NorfolkNet, to help me to remedy my mistake. Please, anyone, go to the burial vault and check the big steel door. If it is still locked with a Master Lock, S# 137682, I beg you, please don't open the door; you'll spoil everything. On the other hand, if you find the door unlocked, would you please try to find that six pack of empty Schlitz bottles inside, and return them to me. I want my deposit back; they're worth a nickel apiece.
    Thanx,
    - MT

  • 5/10 10:26pm   The Town meeting last night was very informative. However, two things concerned me greatly.
    1) The warrant is being used to get what the town depts. want one way or another. For example, if the override passed the town meeting, the vehicles would be purchased. If the override did not pass there was an article that was proposed to buy the vehicles anyway in a different manner (borrowing the money). No mention was made of deferring all or part of the purchase... we are trying to fix, in one year, a problem that has occurred over many years.
    2) While the vehicles may be needed, do we need to buy every vehicle/ machine new? I am not talking about an emergency vehicle, but a $135,000 street sweeper? A $35,000 berm machine? Or a $110,000 truck? Why wasn't there a proposal for sharing some of these machines with other towns? Are we so flush with money we do not have to even consider this?
    - JFO

  • 5/10 10:25pm   I'm a die hard town meeting attendee but I don't have a babysitter this week. Instead, the kids and I attended Percussion Night at KP which was held tonight. What an awesome, talented bunch of kids. We should be proud that we have such a wonderful band program in our district and that we have a future generation that is so focused. The program featured various soloists and ensembles. The conclusion featured an unbelievable ground shaking performance of the Nightmare Before Christmas. Thanks kids and thanks to the dedicated instructors. We are fortunate to have you.
    - BS

  • 5/10 10:23pm   Re: 5/7 2:10pm Has anyone a "Sunsetter" roll-out or motorized awning? Do you like it? Would you buy the same model again? Thank you! - RH
    To RH: We have a Sunsetter Rollout Awning, which came with the house we bought 3 years ago. It is an older model, as I'm not sure when the previous owners had it installed. It is not the easiest to roll out and needs two people (at least one competent mechanical person, and the other to be the helper, holding up one side). My inlaws have a newer one that has a handle that cranks (by one person), and they love it. Once it is opened, it is great. It is quite nice to be under when it is raining and you still want to be out on the deck... Good luck.
    - JLH

  • 5/10 6:06pm   All adult members of the community are invited to attend a presentation on Children and Internet Safety next Wednesday, May 17th, at 7 p.m. in McBride Auditorium. Representatives from the Norfolk District Attorney's Office, the Massachusetts State Police, the Town of Norfolk IT Department, and members of the Norfolk Police and Schools will take part in discussing such topics as Responsible Computer Use, Chat Room Predators, Online Profiles and Personal Information, Threatening and Harassing Instant Messaging, and "Myspace.com". Admission is free, but children are not allowed to attend, due to the subject matter. If you have any questions, please contact Kate M., Norfolk TPA, at 541-8555.
    - KM, Norfolk TPA

  • 5/10 5:41pm   To all those who ran for office and had yard signs made: The Friends of the Library are willing to take the "legs" from your old signs. The yard signs we use for our Annual Book and Bake Sale have been used over and over with just the date being changed each year. However, the original "legs" that came with our signs are getting a bit tired, and in some cases are completely unusable.
    So if you want to "donate," just give a call (508-384-5965) and I'll come to pick them up. Or alternatively, drop them at the library at your convenience.
    - MJG, Friends of the Norfolk Library

  • 5/10 5:40pm   I have not seen any mention of the fact that several years ago the Grange offered to sell the building to the town for a low sum ( I want to say around $50,000, but I don't remember for sure). The town declined the offer, & as I recall the reason was it didn't want to spend the money necessary to fix/maintain/insure the building.
    - SC

  • 5/10 4:20pm   HRB - The only way that we should consider giving that kind of taxpayer money to a private organization is if by accepting that money, the Grange agrees to accept all Norfolk residents as full members. That means that every resident of Norfolk would have all the rights and privleges of membership (building use etc.)
    - MJD

  • 5/10 4:10pm   PC, from what I understand the Norfolk Grange is a subordinate organization of the MASSACHUSETTS STATE GRANGE PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY INC., similar to Stoneybrook being a part of the MASSCHUSETTS AUDUBON SOCIETY. By the way, it is shame the old "Cliffs Package Store" didn't qualify has a historical building, [the owner] could have had applied for CP money to do the rehab.
    - MA

  • 5/10 3:44pm   Thanks HRB - But this does not seem to have anything to do with Norfolk. [sec.state.ma.us link]
    - PC

  • 5/10 3:06pm   Re: the Norfolk Grange - Before PC goes completely apoplectic, there is a current federal filing for:
    MASSACHUSETTS STATE GRANGE PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY INC
    50 SEEKONK ST
    NORFOLK, MA 02056
    This is a charitable organization under Chapter 501 (c) (8) "Fraternal Benefit Societies." It is not required to file a Federal Form 990 because its income is less than $25,000 per year. It is a federally recognized tax-exempt charity.
    I do not know if this organization has ownership title to the Grange property, but if it does, then its application for CPA funds would seem appropriate. The Grange is one of the scant handful of historic buildings left in or near our Town center. Preserving and protecting these structures should be a high priority for all of us. That is precisely what we created the Community Prservation Fund to do.
    - HRB

  • 5/10 2:57pm   Re: Norfolk Grange - this property is shown as exempt for taxes with a notation of Dept of Env Mgmt (now DCR) at the Tax Collector's office. The DCR researched the database for anything in Norfolk under DEM, DCR, & MDC and found nothing relating to this address. Assessors knew nothing about this property.
    Who is this property owner? Who represents them? Why doesn't this property owner pay taxes? Is any contract the Town executing a valid one? Are the signatories legally empowered to execute said contract?
    There are a lot of questions to be answered before the CPC spends $335,000 of OUR money.
    - PC

  • 5/10 2:47pm   Regarding the Grange Hall: I'm as frugal as most folks (one of our cars is 6 years old, the other, 13 years old) but the Grange Hall, now 143 years old, can get a complete refurbishment with the state paying half, so I will vote for that. As Bill Domineau, Chairman of Norfolk's Historical Commission, writes at [Historical Commission page]:
    The Norfolk Grange Hall
    28 Rockwood Road
    The Grange Hall was originally built as a Baptist Church in 1863 and used for services for 54 years up until 1918. The land was purchased for the church in 1860 for the sum of $100 by Samuel P. Blake and Lewis G. Miller from Stephen and Fanny Campbell of Racine, WS. The land was once part of the old Holbrook farm of James and Samuel Holbrook. As the Baptist population dwindled at the beginning of the century, the building was sold to the Norfolk Grange in 1921. When in 1922 the Norfolk Town Hall burned and was not replaced, many activities that would normally have been held there were conducted at the Grange Hall from 1922 to 1949. The Grange Hall became the town meeting room, the voting place and the hall where school graduations, plays and dances took place. Norfolk's Roman Catholic congregation held services here from 1947 to 1950 and even the town library was housed here, in the rear of the building, from 1922 to 1956.
    Clearly this old building is one of the valuable historic buildings in the Town, and it has served the Town over the years. If it is fixed up, it can continue on as a valuable historic building for many more years. It can get refurbished with Community Preservation funds, with the state paying half of the costs involved.. None of the cost comes out of the current town budget. The Grange members have good answers for the questions asked, and the building will be available for various functions after the fix-up, so let's support the Grange and support Norfolk's historical heritage. Thank you!
    - RH

  • 5/10 10:09am   To SM: I am with you all the way. If the Grange is privately owned, let the owners maintain the structure. After all, all homeowners are responsible for their own residences. The Town has no right to burden the taxpayer to take care of other people's property.
    - WC

  • 5/9 6:16pm   Applause is owed the Advisory Committee for the service they provide to all of us. I found their recommendations very helpful reading.
    One thing I wish they'd done is to discuss the Norfolk school budget a bit more. Maybe they didn't because:
    1. the School Committee has complete control over the budget (not just Norfolk's, it's by state statute)
    2. all we really get to vote on at Town meeting is the total amount of the school budget; we have no real say as to how the money gets spent either now or during the year (both a good and a bad thing: good because it allows for fluidity of circumstances, bad because of accountability and lack of forum for input on things, like why administration and clerical staff get such big raises when we're eliminating teachers and cutting services to our children)
    3. they didn't get answers to their questions or responses to request for information
    4. all of the above
    Thanks, everyone, for all the informative discussions on so many important issues. I've learned a lot here.
    - CAM

  • 5/9 6:15pm   PFD, Re your 5/9 2:51 post. In these lean times community preservation is more essential than at any other time in the history of Norfolk. Used properly, the money spent on community preservation will give us a much louder bang for our buck.
    - MT

  • 5/9 6:13pm   SM, Re. your post of 5/9 11:25am: You're absolutely correct in opposing the $100,000 handout (seed money) to help someone make their down payment for a (probably affordable) house in Norfolk. It is part of the creeping Socialism that seems to be becoming such a rapidly growing disease, here in Norfolk as well as elsewhere.
    Your point about the Grange is well taken.... but consider this: The Grange is a genuine part of Norfolk's history. As time goes by, it's historical value will continue to grow. Years from now (if nobody screws it up) the Grange will be of even more importance, not only in our town, but possibly throughout New England. While not yet having the status of the Parthenon, the Grange can be looked upon in awe as one reflects upon the history of Norfolk and her place within the "greater picture", United States of America. The construction of the Grange building was completed in 1860, the year before the Civil War began. It functioned first as a church, and later as the temporary Town Hall. For almost 150 years, even though privately owned, the Grange has continually provided an invaluable service to the Town of Norfolk. It has, indeed, become part of our heritage.
    Even though the Grange Building is still privately owned, it is an integral part of our identity as a town. What difference does it make who owns the building. The Town will have right of first refusal if the building were ever to be sold. There will be tight restrictions placed on the usage and function of the building, so that it will always remain an historic landmark of which we can be proud. That's the advantage of having a Community Preservation Committee. Practically speaking, aside from paying the heating, cooling and maintenance costs and having control of specifically how the Grange is operated, the Grange will continue to belong to all of us as a town.
    When you mentioned CPA funds being used to paint a private church, I guess that you are referring to the Federated Church, another historic landmark in Norfolk. Once again, in aid of maintaining our historic bearing, it's justified. If you think that's bad, how would you like the Town of Norfolk CPC to have to pick up the maintenance costs of Old Ironsides every year? Nevertheless, look at the bright (and lighter) side of the matter, SM; when you reach the age of the Grange or the Federated Church, we would, as a community, be willing to spend countless thousands of dollars to try to keep you in good repair for posterity, too.
    You mentioned something about CPA funds being used to buy land that residents can't use. I'm lost, because I don't know of any. Perhaps if you would list the properties, in question, where you see our money being squandered, it would help us have a better understanding of what's going on, without our approval
    Thanks,
    - MT

  • 5/9 6:12pm   Just a gentle reminder that donations for the children in Slidell, Louisiana will be accepted until the end of school on Friday. Your donation of a gently used T Shirt/Tank Top and a new pair of Flip Flops/Sandals will go to kids who were so horribly affected by Hurricane Katrina last year. Any and all monetary donations will also be greatly appreciated and used towards shipping these materials to Slidell. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Kate M., Norfolk TPA, at 541-8555. Thanks for your kindness.
    - KM, Norfolk TPA

  • 5/9 3:57pm   JP - There are several camps around, but some are full by this time of year. My daughter (in kindergarten last year) attended Hale Reservation in Westwood last summer for the whole summer and we liked it. She swam at least twice a day, learned lots of new songs and games and came home filthy every day (usually a good sign at the end of the day). The swimming and shade of the woods seemed to keep the heat at bay.
    Due to session scheduling this year she will be going to Franklin Day Camp, which I was referred to last year when I posted the same question as you.
    I have also heard good things about the Adirondack Club in Franklin as well. Good Luck,
    - NJD

  • 5/9 3:52pm   PFD, Even though the CPA money is out of our pockets the money still should be used in a manner in which all Norfolk residents will benefit. 10% of CPA has to be spent on affordable housing but that does not mean we have to give away money as grants. 10% is to be spent on historic buildings but that doesn't mean we have to renovate privately owned buildings. I would rather see the money build up and earn interest rather than how it has been spent to date. Also keep in mind that once CPA funds build up to a sufficient level we could then revoke the 3% surcharge in future years or reduce the surcharge to a lower %. If the 3% surcharge was reduced or eliminated residents might be more inclined to vote for an override if need be.
    - SM

  • 5/9 2:52pm   JP, for a great, well run, local camp (that also offers the rare half-day as well as pre and post camp options for us working Moms and Dads!), check out The Adirondack Club in Franklin at www.adirondackclub.com. My two both enjoy it and are back for the full summer this year. They offer tennis and swimming lessons, theme weeks (including field trips), they provide lunch and there are plenty of air conditioned spaces for heat relief. Counselors and camp directors are fun and responsible.
    We've also had good experiences at The Boston Sports Club in Franklin. Good luck!
    - CAM

  • 5/9 2:51pm   SM, that money is already out of our pockets for the CPA. We are not getting it back and it can not be used for any other purposes. I personally voted against the CPA. I do not think it is appropriate use in these lean times. As for the money for the affordable housing, this has been voted on for the past four years, and approved, but the money has never once been used.
    - PFD

  • 5/9 2:24pm   What entity is this Norfolk Grange money going to? The Norfolk Grange Hall Association, Inc. was involuntarily dissolved back in 1986 by the MA Secretary of State [sec.state.ma.us link]. What entity is this money going to? Who are the directors who would be responsible for these expenditures?
    These answers would be part of the filings as required by law if they were filed in the last 20 years, which they have not been. If you are inclined to spend Our money at Town Meeting, especially the outrageous sum of $350,000, then maybe you should know who (legally) the money is going to.
    - PC

  • 5/9 1:27pm   JW - The swans at City Mills Pond I think are young ones and there was only one there for a long time. Maybe one of them is the cygnet that survived last year at Bush Pond, as they do not return with the parents.
    - BR

  • 5/9 1:26pm   MJD - Audubon had them down as emerging May 23rd. They were correct on the orioles and catbirds as they were listed for May 7th, and we saw both birds in our yard that day. I haven't seen any turtles yet and I hope people understand not to put their hands near them as it won't be pleasant. 2 years ago on Union St. a young woman stopped her car to help a good size snapper crossing the street. I stopped and yelled to her and a fellow in a truck stopped. He took a hammer from his truck put it near the turtle's mouth. The snapper grabbed the hammer and the man proceeded to pull the snapper across the road. She would not have had a hand if she had done what she thought was a good deed. I understand the big snapper in Bush Pond is almost 3' across. People have seen it from the bridge and one man discribed it as looking like something out of a horror movie. Stoney Brook has some big ones that can be seen from the wooden walkway. An adult swan was killed about 7 years ago in Bush Pond. I thought at that time it might have been a human trying to catch it--I think the turtles would have continued eating. Swans mate for life and only get a new mate when one has died. I don't know how many people saw the work they did to build their nest up this year--they are hard workers and did a good job.
    - BR

  • 5/9 12:48pm   BR - The snapping turtles are already out. I saw a monster the other day crossing the road in front of the prison. He was at least 1.5 feet in length. Traffic stopped to let him cross. Those swans better be careful and people should not intervene and try to feed them!
    - MJD

  • 5/9 11:25am   Norfolk Parents, I was looking for experiences with camps in the area for 1st graders. I did the Y's day camp in February and was not that happy with them - way too much sitting around in a crowded room.
    Have any of you done any gymnastics camps like GAB, or a 1/2 day program anywhere that was good? How about anything with cooking or art?
    I am also concerned with the heat and the kids not being able to take a break from it. Thanks.
    - JP

  • 5/9 11:12am   I encourage all Norfolk residents to make a special effort to attend town meeting on Tuesday, Wednesday and if required, Thursday . All special interest groups such as members of the Grange Hall are certain to attend and if overall attendance is light, the special interest groups will prevail again. I have not been pleased how Community Preservation funds have been spent to do date . So far our CPA tax dollars have benefited private special interest groups and not the majority of Norfolk taxpayers. CPA CPA funds have been used to paint a private church and buy land residents can't use. Here we go again!
    Article 27 requests that we transfer $100,000 of Norfolk taxpayer's CPA money to fund an assistance program so qualified Norfolk residents and others can purchase affordable housing in Norfolk. This program will write checks to individuals as outright grants which means that your tax dollars are being spent to the increase the net worth of some other individual. This is pure and simple socialism. Why should our taxpayer money be redistributed to others? This program should be set up as a loan program. Qualified partisans could get a secured loan (subordinated to a first and second mortgage) with no interest and principal payment due until they sell the house. Under this revised plan the CPA fund would be repaid plus interest so the program would receive revolving funds that would replenish funds in the program so in effect we would have more money to distribute to qualified residents. As it is currently structured as a grant program so I strongly encourage you to vote no on Article 27.
    Article 28 asks that we transfer $335,000 of Norfolk's taxpayer CPA to benefit members of the Grange Hall by completely renovating and restoring their privately owned building. Why should we use public funds to restore a private building that the town doesn't own and a majority of the resident's will never use. The Grange members will benefit handily with a renovated building that is handicap accessible since they will be able to earn greater rental income. What do Norfolk residents get for our $335,000? Supposedly we will get our $335,000 (without interest) back if the building if ever sold . The Grange has owned this building for years and it will never be sold. I would be in favor of this proposal if ownership of the building was transferred to the town upon completion of the renovation. But the Grange members don't want to give up ownership or are not allowed to. So again I urge you to vote no on Article 28
    Please show up and vote. If you don't your hard earned CPA tax dollars will continue to be spent on painting private churches, renovating private buildings and buying land you will never use.
    - SM

  • 5/9 11:10am   No matter where one stands on the vehicle override (and after reading a bit more about section 5B stabilization funds I can see many of the arguments for that article, it's just the timing that's unfortunate, as we're feeling particularly tax-socked this year) - I certainly hope the "no-goers" and the school fans and everyone else actually sticks around for more of town meeting than their little slice of the action.
    This is one of two chances a year we have as voters to determine the direction of our community. How ticked off would you be with your congressman or woman who just voted on the three or four bills a year that directly affected them, and didn't stick around to hear the debate on the rest. Well, you may say, we pay them to vote, that's their job. Well, the job of being a citizen in a town in Massachusetts is to go to town meeting and sit through the whole thing (even the god-awful boring parts) and vote.
    (With that being said: I propose a moratorium on Powerpoint at town meeting. So few people actually know how to effectively use powerpoint anyway -- here's a hint: you don't have to read every word on the screen out loud to the audience -- and a lot of people can't even see the slides clearly anyway, so what's the point? Plus: if folks had to actually speak without a powerpoint crutch, they may concisely say what they mean and be off the stage in five minutes -- not twenty.
    Of course, the seniors would lose a lot of cookie sales from folks who get up and wander off for cookies during marathon powerpoint presentations....)
    - RJG

  • 5/9 9:29am   What value do we receive from the old vehicles? Certainly we should be able to get some return, even if wholesale, on those vehicles. How robust are our efforts at getting a better return on them? Are they always passed down to another department? If so, are the ones from those departments simply sent to the heap?
    PS: Let's not forget that the town plans on asking for yet another $300,000 for a new engine at the fire house in a few years.
    This will be in addition to the $829,000 that they will ask for tonight at the middle school.
    Folks, no matter how you break it down or what you call it, that's $1,129,000 of your money!
    - JPB

  • 5/9 8:59am   To BR: Thanks for pointing out the hazards of feeding the swans. I will comply with your wisdom and I encourage others to do likewise. Also, let's hope the swans will not be driven from Norfolk tonight by the harrowing screams of "NO!" emanating from the King Street area.
    - TEM

  • 5/9 8:57am   The town is seeking a total of $829,000 to fund the vehicles:
    Article 5 (override) would fund $300,000 if passed.
    Articles 6.2 would authorize the town to borrow $529,000 (6.2 is contingent upon Article 5 ($300,000) passing.
    Article 6.3 would authorize the town to borrow the entire $829,000 (in the event Article 5 does not pass).
    My question is why we are not using the $198,780 Prison Mitigation Revenue (Article 6.1) that we receive from the state to fund vehicles? This money is given to the town to compensate us, in large part, for services provided to the prisons. These services typically involve fire, police and DPW activities (vehicles).
    It seems to me that at least some of the $198,700 that we receive from the state for the prisons should be used for its intended and most obvious purpose. A police cruiser, I am told, costs about $50,000 - we can't pull one cruiser every OTHER year out of the $198,000?
    If vehicles are such an urgent issue, I suggest we re-stack our priorities with regard to the prison money (Article 6 at large).
    While these funds have traditionally been used for one-time needs, such as indicated in Article 6.1, I see no reason that they can't be used to support the resources that the prisons affect most directly.
    In my view, any vehicle crisis we may have is a direct result of that $198,700 not being spent on vehicles that support those prisons. Therefore, I will vote NO to the Article 5 Override and vote NO to Article 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3.
    - JPB

  • 5/9 8:49am   It still mystifies me how some people have decided how to vote, before listening to the discussion. One thing to remember, if we borrow the money - either as an excluded debt or non-excluded debt, we will obviously pay interest on that borrowed money. This interest will either affect your tax bill - if we vote to exclude it, or will reduce the money that is available for other budgets - if it's not excluded. The same goes for leasing, it will reduce the money available for other budgets - causing a reduction in services, or an increased need for a general override.
    The Vehicle stabilization fund earmarks the funds for vehicles and allows us to pay cash for more than half of our fleet replacement over the next 15 years. Come to the meeting tomorrow night, actually later today now, and the Capital Outlay committee will go through the numbers.
    By the way, I haven't heard from MG who was leasing Police cars but I have some questions? The numbers you mentioned looked like the basic cost of the cars - similar to our quotes. Costs of cages, lights, radio equipment and other Public Safety requirements are significant (15 - 20k per car). Please give me a call if you have some information that will help.
    We have looked at leasing, and have leased one ambulance because of a need when the old ambulance died. I don't think we will do it again, unless the financing changes dramatically. Municipalities can typically borrow money at a lower rate of interest than leasing companies offer because we issue our own bonds and have a reasonably good bond rating. There is no tax incentive for Municipalities to lease, since we don't pay income taxes. The strength of the vehicle stabilization fund is that we can afford to pay cash for most of our vehicles. We have put together a plan that reduces the backlog of vehicles that are beyond their scheduled replacement date, and then levels out the expenses, as much as possible, going forward.
    My last pitch, please come to the meeting and ask questions.
    Thank you.
    - Jack Hathaway, Town Administrator   508.528.1408

    [If there's $20K of public safety gear on a police car, why re-purchase it every time, why not just transfer it from the old car to the new? - Wm.]

  • 5/8 10:51pm   We parked in the small parking space on Lawrence St. then walked carefully on Park St. to near where the nest is located, It is near the end of the open water of Bush Pond. Remember, Mr. and Mrs. Swan are very protective of their babies so don't try to get too close. I wouldn't tempt them to come to the bridge on Lawrence, I fear the turtles might get the babes in the open water. I may be wrong but it seems to me they picked a great spot to nest as it is in very shallow water. Hopefully more than one cygnet will make it to adulthood this year. There is another pair of swans in City Mills Pond but I think they are too late to mate. Maybe next year. SW in Maine, I watched several red winged black birds flying around at the pond on Sunday, what a beautiful sight.
    - JW

  • 5/8 10:47pm   DAF, re your post of 5/6 12:18am: I've thought about this override issue for a long time, because I want to be sure that I say and do the proper thing for the overall good of my home town. I agree with Wm and RJG on the subject of our tax increases. "A rose by any other name is still a rose . . ." When I'm standing at the tax collector's window, paying my quarterly property taxes, shelling out a relatively large chunk of my income, the least thing on my mind is, "Oh, twiddle dee, is this new tax increase due to an override or am I just being burdened more heavily by some other type of 'supplemental property tax adjustment'?" Pure and simple, a tax increase is a tax increase regardless of the name of the sedative it's served with in order to make it more palatable; yes, it really is a matter of semantics. Incidentally, by my recollection, since the mid - late 90s, we've had about ten hefty tax increases of different flavors.
    Someone said, a few days ago, something to the effect that any tax increase is forever; it doesn't go away. In essence, that's an absolute fact here in the real world. Someone else then (correctly) argued that the advantage of a debt exclusion, as opposed to an override, is that the override is forever but the taxes applied to a (specific) debt exclusion is forgiven when the debt is paid off. As this point was stated, it's also true. However, the problem is that, because of the Town's insatiable hunger for our money, before one debt, or appropriation has been satisfied, other dire needs always seem to surface, and the cry comes from the town hall for even more revenue to meet growing expenses. So, the reality is, we taxpayers never see a property tax reduction when a debt exclusion, etc, has been paid off. That's why so many of us have seen our taxes double, triple, quadruple, and some of us have seen our taxes increase by as much as 1000%, as the money movers constantly find more uses for our money.
    Thanks to JM's excellent explanation and supplementary information, we were given a very comprehensive look at the Vehicle Stabilization Fund, which is a Proposition 2 1/2 Override issue. So it seems that if we vote for the override, our money can only automatically go into that fund for the first year. Each year after that, the selectmen will decide by a 2/3 vote if it's necessary to continue collecting taxes from us for the Vehicle Stabilization Fund override. The selectmen could also decide, in a given year, that the fund needs less than, or none of, the money for that year. Now on paper, that sounds fair. But, let's give that thesis a litmus test.
    First of all, by voting for that override, we've opened the door, again, and accepted the consequences of another override, thereby further increasing our property tax burden. Perhaps we could be somewhat comforted in thinking that after the first year, or any ensuing year, the selectmen might decide that they no longer need our tax dollars for the Vehicle Stabilization Fund and rescind that additional portion of our tax assessment. In order to test this theory, we only have to ask ourselves, "When was the last time that the town money movers ever put tax dollars back into our pockets?"
    In the final analysis, after weighing each one of the above arguments, they produce the same result: Any tax increase will be forever. It's my feeling that voting, "No" for this override, (Article 5, in the Town Warrant) will send a clear signal to the town hall that we disapprove of their present money management/fleet management practices and that they must restructure the budget so that all future spending will remain within the means of the average middle income citizenry. Vote "NO" to Article 5, as the first step to saving our town.
    - MT

  • 5/8 10:44pm   Thank you to everyone who supported the Friends of the Norfolk Library Book and Bake Sale. This is a remarkable event that truly symbolizes the strength of our community. We are thanking the many kind and generous people who worked at the sale, baked wonderful goodies (oh my the extraordinary care that was put into these delectable treats!), the employees of the DPW who went above and beyond the call of duty, and the local businesses who donated to the sale, including Rocky's Auto Body, JoFran, Dedham Savings, Foxboro Federal, Dunkin' Donuts, Roche Bros., Horse N Carriage, and Cronin Oil.
    Also, we thank the members of the Book and Bake Sale committee for their zealous devotion to the annual event: Maureen Buck, Patti McCarty, Beverly Baldoni, Mary Burger, Thayer Olson, Ann Hanssen, and Mary Jo Gothorpe. The Friends of the Norfolk Library are extremely appreciative for every one's support -- and especially for our customers who gobbled up many books! Thanks to all members of our community for a very successful fundraiser -- all of the profits are put right back into our library!
    Sincerely,
    - Patricia Cronin Sutton, Friends of the Norfolk Library

  • 5/8 10:42pm   JW, Thanks for loving nature like I do. You should see the hawk pictures I have. They have come through the screens onto our porch. The zigged when they should have zagged. I actually picked one up and put him on the deck after he crashed into the porch. It was a Coopers Hawk - I carried him to the deck then took off the fireplace gloves and patted him. It was a memory I will never forget. He flew then sat in the tree watching me. The are a beautiful bird and I was suprised by the weight of him! We have so much to be proud of here in Norfolk.
    - BR

  • 5/8 10:40pm   I saw the swans over by the bridge today because people were feeding them. Please undersatand that the snapper turtles are waiting for them. The snapping turtles start to appear about May 23rd. Yesterday the parents were showing them how to feed very close to the nest (natural grass food). Do not feed them from the bridge. We will have to start 8 minus one each day.
    - BR

  • 5/8 6:07pm   To TEM & JBN: Please don't make it a habit of feeding these animals. Granted, it's just a pair of swans and cygnets, but educating children that this is proper is not correct. The feeding of geese and ducks creates a health hazard (a mess). In addition, these animals need to be educated on the proper method of fending for themselves in order to survive. HNP, anything to add?
    - BR

  • 5/8 2:26pm   To JBN: Coming from the center of town, take Main Street toward Franklin. Passing Myrtle Street (on your right) you will come to a bridge (above the railroad tracks). Hang a left on to Park Street. Take Park past Timberline Drive and Bush Pond Road to Lawrence Street. Immediately after going right on Lawrence you will see a small parking area that fronts Bush Pond, the home of the Swan Family. Bring a couple of slices of bread. Roll up balls of the bread and toss them off the bridge. If the swans see them, they will paddle right up to you.
    - TEM

  • 5/8 2:25pm   I agree with MC, there are more than two options as stated by both me and him earlier today. However, I would not expect that data to be presented at the meetings. My understanding is that the sales presentation (not being facetious folks) will be the only one available.
    We hope all those with tough questions, good ideas, and a firm NO on Articles 5, 6.2 and 6.3 will join us at KP Middle School tomorrow evening at 7:30. voteno@no-go.org
    - JPB

  • 5/8 1:11pm   Excuse me, did I miss someone stating why leasing the needed vehicles instead of buying or financing was a bad option, or why it's not even an option at all?? I hope that this question can be clearly answered with numbers to back it up to show we have given this a real look, otherwise, NO on the fund and NO on 6.2, 6.3 (to borrow) are the only answers you can give Tuesday.
    Stating that our only options are to 'buy' or 'finance' is a false statement and I hope we have analyzed the other option financially as well. Should there not also be an article requesting the amount required to lease the needed vehicles in case neither the stabilization fund nor the option to borrow $829K (article 6.2, 6.3) passes? It sounds like even if the stabilization fund (article 5) passes we are still planning on financing more than half the amount anyhow.
    I hope that at town meeting the answer to the question on leasing will include a presentation of the financial analysis performed rather than just a dismissal such as "we looked at that and it was not financially beneficial." We should demand more information.
    - MC

  • 5/8 1:03pm   My daughter and I would like to see the swan family--could someone please tell us where the pond is located? Thanks,
    - JBN

  • 5/8 12:58pm   All are welcome to attend the next CARE meeting on Sunday, May 21 from 3-5 at the Norfolk Public Library. One of our agenda items is the CARE Survey. When it is concluded we plan to report the results to all interested parties: the public, the School Committee, the Superintendent and our Selectmen.
    [For survey info, see the post of 5/4 5:25pm]
    CARE asks for your assistance in getting out the word. Please help by forwarding this information to those with an interest in education for Norfolk children. Thank you.
    Please note date change from last posting, due to Mother's Day!!
    - JC, CARE

  • 5/8 11:38am   Jack: sign me up! I pledge $50 towards the purchase of the sign and would challenge others to pledge what they can.
    Folks: with regard to the override, I would like to respectfully advise town residents that option two that Jack refers to is not the only option you have. Option two is in fact Article 6.2 and 6.3, buried under Article 6.1. These will authorize the town to borrow funds to purchase the vehicles anyway.
    Your THIRD OPTION is to vote no on Articles 6.2 & 6.3. I encourage all who think that these vehicles can be purchased another way or another day to vote no on them as well.
    I see a FOURTH OPTION as using some funds from Article 6.1 to purchase the most needed vehicles at an early date.
    Funds identified in Article 6.1 total $198,780. These funds are given to the town under the Prison Mitigation Revenue Fund.
    The question in this case becomes one of priorities. Do we have an urgent need for vehicles or not?
    voteno@no-go.org
    Respectfully,
    - JPB

  • 5/8 9:56am   JPB - Every household in Norfolk has received a Town Meeting warrant through the mail. The annual town meeting is scheduled on the first Tuesday of May every year. The Town meeting technically includes the annual election (Article 1), which was last Tuesday, May 2. The remaining articles for Town meeting are then considered on the second Tuesday and additional days, as needed.
    I appreciate your concern over the need for a sign in the center of town, it will certainly help. One of the community groups in Town is working with the Selectmen and the DPW to purchase a sign for the center of Town as a gift. Those signs are expensive, the Wrentham sign cost $13,000. If anyone is interested in contributing to this effort, please contact me and I will connect you with the appropriate people.
    I encourage people to attend Town meeting to listen to the discussions about the vehicle stabilization fund. The issue that the stabilization fund addresses is how we pay for vehicles in the future. We have two options - borrow the money - using the same techniques we have in the past, which will cost us significant funds in interest expenses, or create the stabilization fund - which will allow us to minimize the need for borrowing. By approving the stabilization fund, the Town does not give up any of its control over which vehicles will be purchased. The Capital Outlay Committee (volunteers), will continue to make annual recommendations to Town Meeting voters, who will have the last say in which vehicles are purchased.
    Please contact me with any questions or suggestions.
    - Jack Hathaway Town Administrator, Norfolk   508.528.1408

  • 5/8 9:33am   I love the pictures of the swans. Which pond in Norfolk are they in? I would love to take my children to see them! Thanks.
    - SM

  • 5/8 9:08am   A pair of prescription eyeglasses was found on the hill overlooking the youth soccer fields at the Pond St. complex. They were discovered on Sunday, May 7th at 2:30 p.m. To claim them please email: kewimer@comcast.net. Thank you,
    - KW

  • 5/8 9:07am   Time spent by NO-GO highlighting the scheduled town meeting and override that will be voted on at it this Tuesday is, in our view, a community service. Our hope is that it will reach those who are unaware that a meeting is scheduled.
    We would like to see town residents who are currently not registered to vote go to town hall and complete a voter registration card - it takes only five minutes and the folks there are very helpful and friendly. We would like to see registered voters come to the meeting and become involved. If involvement takes the form of discussion, that is their right - if it takes the form of voting no to having their taxes raised, that too is their right.
    Our NO-GO signs around town are also viewed by us as a public service. Most sources suggest that only 41% of Americans are web enabled. We think those residents of Norfolk who are not web enabled should be informed as well.
    Conspicuously absent in this discussion is the absence of a sign in the center of town announcing the scheduled town meeting a week or two prior to the meeting - as is the case in all the surrounding towns?
    voteno@no-go.org
    - JPB

  • 5/8 9:06am   Thanks so much for the postings about the swans! We lived in Norfolk for twelve years and I made a point of walking to the pond almost every day to watch the family grow. Some years they were successful, some not. I do miss hearing and watching the red-wing blackbirds setting up their territories at the pond. Pairs of Canadian geese tried to do the same only to be chased off by the swans who had already staked their claim. It's good to know that some things never change....
    - SW, Maine

  • 5/8 9:03am   Mr. NO-GO, yes, it is your right to post, over and over the same thing, but it's also my right to vote yes, for any and all overrides, just because you've annoyed the heck out of me. I'm one of those people, that everyone talks about... I show up at town meeting, only if there is something that directly interests me, other than that, I don't make the time to show. I'm guilty of indifference. But this time around, I will definitely be there, because there IS something that interests me... voting yes, to an intelligent override, that will save me money in the long run. The town is going to buy vehicles whether we vote for this or not, so why not try and save ourselves some money long-term, and help build the groundwork for the future, rather than allow a group to blanket vote no just for the simple point of doing so. So you've succeeded in one thing with the no-go attitude... you've brought out one more YES vote that you may not have had before. Redundancy does have its uses, it's just not always the one we expect.
    - RG

  • 5/8 9:02am   Why are we still holding on to the property for the old Town Hall now that we have a new one? Couldn't we sell this property to meet other expenses like funding vehicles?
    - DLG

  • 5/7 11:21pm   I noticed that after MG made his comments regarding lease options (a potential good alternative), not one person mentioned anything about it in opposition; just an invitation by Jack Hathaway to come down and talk about the ideas. I sincerely hope that if there is an alternative we will not vote yes on this override; clearly we need to think about all the alternatives before we vote. The point of NOGO is to remove overrides as an option, thus forcing us to think of alternatives rather than fall to the same old safety net/easy way out. The point is, if we don't force the town to come up with alternatives then how can we say that alternatives were ever given a true look? For instance, how do we know that this potentially good alternative lease option that MG brought up in lieu of the vehicle stabilization fund has been given its due if we vote yes on Tuesday? Please, Wm., do not move any discussion on overrides and NOGO to a different thread; we all have a right to voice our concerns however redundant some might think they may be or however fearful some might be that the message is actually being spread.
    - MC

  • 5/7 10:31pm   Thanks to the someone - DPW?? - who spread loam and seeded the area at the intersection of North and Union. Terrific. Now if people would avoid driving on it until the grass grows, it would look great.
    - JHR

  • 5/7 9:58pm   To BG's post of 5/4, the lot on Rt. 1A near Eagle Brook is going to have a small office building on the Rt. 1A side and a self-storage facility in the rear. I think it will be better than the old, non-functioning building that was there before. A welcome addition to the business tax revenue base, I hope.
    - TS

  • 5/7 9:19pm   Hey, NO-GO, what are your alternatives to Article 5?
    - MA

  • 5/7 9:00pm   I would like to introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Swan's new family, 8 new babies, count them, 8. Just delightful. Mom and Dad are so proud and oh so protective.
    - JW

  • 5/7 8:59pm   MJD wrote: "We get it- No overrides, no discussion. Point made, I too say give him his own thread." JPB's posts are redundant to the point where I haven't been coming here as much. If as much energy went into finding an alternate answer instead of blanketing this forum with "No overrides, no discussion" marketing (along with time to make up signs for the same purpose!) think of how much could get done.
    - LJK

  • 5/7 8:57pm   I'm with NO-GO. I believe that my taxes are high enough, thank you! And while the Vehicle Stabilization Fund may be a worthwhile expenditure, the town needs to establish its priorities and fund the most important ones while staying within budget.
    - DLG

  • 5/7 7:06pm   We get it- No overrides, no discussion. Point made, I too say give him his own thread.
    - MJD

  • 5/7 5:47pm   NO-GO is opposed to the idea of creating another thread that would remove the issue of town meeting and the Article 5 override to an inconspicuous location. By the grace of Wm all have the opportunity to place posts to this site regardless of the subject.
    It is often heard in town that too few people attend town meeting. Perhaps this is precisely what is needed to increase participation. I'm confident the town is meeting state laws in notifying voters of scheduled meetings, but could more be done to advertise and encourage higher attendance, should it?? We are after all talking about our money and our town. A quick drive through town yields no indication that a meeting is imminent.
    It is clear that some in town are opposed to increased attendance. Perhaps that's why so many feel isolated and uncomfortable when they dare to attend and voice their opinions or votes. Members of NO-GO and our supporters are doing nothing wrong.
    I feel confident in stating that the US Constitution and its Amendments would validate our efforts in grand fashion!
    Tuesday, May 9, 2006, 7:30 PM, KP Middle School, 18 King Street (off Union Street). Please join us at voteno@no-go.org
    - JPB

    [It's not the topic, the topic itself is fine. And Constitutional rights, while wonderful, don't hold sway in the tiny kingdom of Norfolknetia. This page is a shared community resource; it belongs as much to the readers as to the posters, and the voices must take turns to be heard. Readers are good about reading all the way down the page and into the archives, they won't miss an announcement; flooding the page will be seen as inconsiderate. I've held off commenting because it's only two more days, and because I try to extend a platform to various voices in town. The drawback of a democratic forum, however, is that the audience gets a say in what they want to listen to. - Wm.]

  • 5/7 5:47pm   MG - Would enjoy sitting down and talking about your lease options that you quoted. We have looked at leases in the past, and have not found them financially beneficial - but we are always welcome to better ideas. By the way - we have two financial committees that help determine the financial budgets for the Town and make the financial recommendations to the Town - The Capital Outlay Committee and the Advisory Board. The Capital Outlay Committee is appointed by the Board of Selectmen and the Advisory Board is appointed by the Town Moderator.
    - Jack Hathaway, Norfolk Town Administrator   508.528.1408

  • 5/7 5:46pm   To all: There are now 8 baby swans (cygnets), and both parents had them out for their first swim today. Early this morning she had them under her on the nest with her wings covering them from the cold. Enjoy nature--the turkeys on the farm pasture--the birds singing--the deer.
    - BR

  • 5/7 2:10pm   Has anyone a "Sunsetter" roll-out or motorized awning? Do you like it? Would you buy the same model again? Thank you!
    - RH

  • 5/7 2:09pm   I'm with JW blah blah blah. Wm., could you please set up a separate thread for Mr. NO-GO. How many times a day to we have to read his same message. If he has something new to say fine, but it is the same message every time. By the way Mr. NO-GO, do you offer any alternatives to Article 5? Your campaign would be more effective if you could articulate something besides "No More Overrides." I challenge you to come to town meeting on Tuesday night with an articulate plan for a vehicle replacement.
    - CA

  • 5/7 9:57am   Personally, I would like to hear more news and comments on Mr. and Mrs. Swan and their new babies and other interesting things that we all see in our beautiful little town. Recently when I read the Norfolknet, what I read is Blah Blah Blah. Enough already with beating issues to death. Oh yeah, saw a rat crossing Boardman St. the other day, hmmm brings back memories of shooting them at the dump on Sundays when the town was oh so much more interesting.
    - JW

  • 5/7 9:54am   Please pass the word to your friends and neighbors that town meeting is next Tuesday and an override vote will take place. NO-GO is against all overrides in 2006 regardless of the reason.
    While some may take exception to this position, it is our right nonetheless. Residents of Norfolk, you need only to know that an override does not work for you at this time - you owe no explanation.
    Does anyone know why town meetings are not posted on a large sign in the center of town a week or two prior to the meeting as is practiced in many other towns around us? I'd be willing to donate a few dollars to help the town purchase one if others are interested in doing the same? 
    Date:		Tuesday, May 9, 2006
Time:		7:30 PM
Location:	KP Middle School, 18 King Street (off Union Street)
    PS: I'd like to point out that each town official with whom I have communicated, both verbally and in writing, has been cordial and very professional. It is my hope that members of NO-GO and our supporters will maintain the same posture - while remaining firm.
    - JPB

  • 5/6 7:51pm   BR: How wonderful that the swan family is featured on this website and so important. I wonder if their life has quite the same angst as that of the rest of ours? I doubt not. Just build a nest out of the way of predators and let nature take its course. Should we have a discussion at TM as to the names of the new 6 residents of Norfolk? And what about taxes to their waterfront location. It makes me wonder about life.
    - JHR

  • 5/6 7:48pm   To all that have shown interest in adopting my puppy. I just want to thank you all for your interest, I received so many emails of interest and encouragement to keep searching. Some people met the Pup, some sent emails for a description and stats on the Pup. I have found a great family in Norfolk that has adopted him this past week, big fenced-in back yard, and he has 2 other friends to play with and has trips to NH on the weekends. They are such a great family and I know he will be happy, he took to them very fast and they love him so much. Very tough to find the right home for him; a lot of screening and decision making, but all worked out for me and Shamus. Special thanks to Hilary, the animal control officer; she took the time to assist me in trying to find a good home for him above and beyond her job description.
    - RS

  • 5/6 4:52pm   To All--Mr. & Mrs. Swan are the proud parents of 6. They are adorable and very visible from Park Street.
    - BR

  • 5/6 4:47pm   NO-GO continues to urge all opposed to overrides in 2006 to attend the annual town meeting on Tuesday evening at 7:30 to vote no on Article 5. Article 5 is in fact an override. We maintain that if the override is removed as an option this will force the town to make tougher decisions, develop more creative solutions, and think outside the box.
    If you do not consider yourself as one of the top income earners in town - or even if you do - find your tax bill and other living expenses increase faster than your annual pay increase or profit margin, or just want to be part of a solution that makes Norfolk a better place for all, while ensuring reasonable services and top notch police and fire, we urge you to come and vote no to the annual run around - and yes to a better solution.
    NO-GO knows there are many town residents that have great ideas and a will to become involved.
    Our ultimate goal is not to simply say no to overrides - it is to create new discussion and ideas, bring more folks to town meetings and make the process more robust and inclusive.
    Voicing our opinions, being a dissenter to elements of the way things are currently done and desiring a better solution is a good thing and is the very essence of our New England heritage and Spirit.
    Please join us Tuesday, 7:30 PM at KP Middle Schools.
    - JPB

  • 5/6 4:12pm   My child, who is in Kindergarten at HOD, received the aforementioned propaganda in his backpack as well. It disseminated the same scare tactics as last year. I fell for it last time but will be voting NO this time around.
    Propaganda:
    "The systematic propagation of a doctrine or cause or of information reflecting the views and interests of those advocating such a doctrine or cause."
    [ref]
    - DM

  • 5/6 12:21am   Hello, BS, Regarding your post of 5/2 2:19pm: I'm sorry that I haven't had the opportunity answer you, yet. I've been as busy as a long tail cat in a room full of rocking chairs, but I haven't forgotten about your questions.
    I believe that you're sincere with your inquiry, so I want to give you something more than just a quick off the cuff reply. After this weekend, I should be able to see a little light at the end of the tunnel. I promise you, at the very latest, I'll meet you here next Wednesday--if I'm still functional, after the Town Meeting.
    Ciao,
    - MT

  • 5/6 12:18am   Wm. and RJG, I was surprised and a teeny bit disappointed to see you dismiss my post as merely "semantics" or a "technicality." JPB said that we have overrides every year for ten years. It isn't true, we voted in overrides in just 3 of the past ten years. Even if you count the line items for the 2000 override as four overrides instead of one (obviously not the intent of his or her 10 in 10 years claim), then you get 7. Not 10. That is not sematics, it is math.
    If as a community we continue to use loose words and say things that are demonstrably false, I don't how we are to make rational decisions. If we can't own up to our errors, how are we to come to wisdom. By the way, I make errors every day--some big, some small -- so don't think I'm trying to put myself above any of my neighbors. In fact:
    PFD, I jumped to a conclusion when reading your post. I thought you were trying to argue against my larger point via your clarification. Please accept my apology for my misapprehension.
    MH, I think you are thinking of someone else. I've never claimed that teachers were sending anything home or promoting any fiscal ideology. I have no knowledge of that and I too have never seen any of the flyers you mention.
    By the way, in case you are wondering, I haven't decided how I will vote at Town Meeting on the proposed override. I'm looking forward to hearing thoughtful arguments for and against. I do, however, see NOGO's blanket "no overrides for any reason" is unnecessarily obstreperous. Also, the absurdly jingoistic language employed by the proponents of this cockamamie scheme reminds me of the lamentably long parade of politicians who have employed similar rhetoric. Yes, yes, we are all Americans. The signers of Declaration were remarkable fellows, indeed. But Tommy Jefferson never had to buy a new squad car or dump truck did he?
    - DAF

  • 5/5 9:36pm   And on a lighter note. Is anyone interested in a 12 x 12 screen house, in original box? Has soiled vinyl roof, but other than that, it is in perfect condition. It is too heavy for us to set up etc. After 2 PM tomorrow it will be at the Transfer Station or call us at: 508-528-0941
    - JHR

  • 5/5 9:25pm   DAF, my point was simple. Your post made it sound like the data on the DOR site was for 2005. It was for 2004. I am quite sure when the 2005 numbers come out they will show the same. I can vouch for it as I got no raise.
    - PFD

  • 5/5 8:01pm   Mr. Advani: This is in reference to your post of 5/3 1:18pm; an excerpt follows:
    "I would also suggest to those who have been displaying a lack of grace in postings here, either by accusing me or my supporters, dropping innuendos, making unwarranted speculations, and taking pot shots (SM, PC, KC, JC, MA, MT, etc.) to show some character. Come out of the woodwork, come to our Selectmen's meetings and work openly with us to solve the Town's problems. Don't dismiss it by saying you are too busy. So are we and we lead very productive lives just like you do!"
    I'm trying, very hard, to understand what you could have been thinking when you wrote some of the disdainful and rather inappropriate portions of your article. In fact, I find it hard to believe that you took part in a composition, of that nature, at all.
    I would have preferred to ignore your unkind remarks altogether, and dismiss this incident with the belief that it was a simple matter of your choosing the wrong words, or you were ill advised, overtired and still supercharged with adrenalin because of your recent campaign victory. But I can't do that, Mr. Advani, because you've publicly made direct uncomplimentary personal references to me (albeit I'm named in part of a group), in your scathing tirade. Too many of the people who know me, readily identify me with the initials MT, therefore I regret that you've left me no choice but to respond in this open letter.
    [ C o n t i n u e d . . . ]
    - MT

  • 5/5 6:54pm   NO-GO has heard from many supporters and town residents that have some very interesting ideas and suggestions. This is the type of healthy and enterprising thought that can exist if overrides are removed as an option - this is American!
    I urge you to remain focused on growing our numbers and saying no to overrides. This, friends, is our common ground, the soil beneath which is rich with ideas, solutions, and ultimately a better Norfolk for all. Please continue to spread the word about NO-GO, setting overrides aside as a way of generating new ideas, and the town meeting: Tuesday evening, 7:30 PM, KP Middle school.
    But please remember, when it comes down to brass-tax, only your presence and vote on Article 5 next Tuesday counts. We'll be there with you to vote NO to overrides in 2006.
    PS: What would become of us if Proposition 2 1/2 did not allow for overrides?
    - JPB

  • 5/5 6:52pm   MH - "Propaganda" is a powerful word, even for Norfolk net. With 2 children in the school system, one in each school, I have yet to see a flyer come home in either one's backpack that I would construe as "propaganda". If you would be so kind, inform us as to the approximate date of this document, the author, and the "propaganda" that you claim was being expressed. Thank you for your response.
    - KM

  • 5/5 6:01pm   To RJG: I think you've have the wrong impression about the Vehicle Stabilization Fund and the override necessary to provide the continuous funding. Here's how it works: Assuming the override passes the money will automatically go into the fund for the first year only. It then needs to be renewed each year by a two-thirds vote of the selectmen. That is, if the selectmen say no in a given year the override is discontinued for that year. They could also vote a lower amount. But, any money so voted has to go the Vehicle Stabilization Fund and can't be used for anything else. Now here's the transparency part that you were looking for... The money cannot be taken out of the fund unless it has a two-thirds vote (not a majority) of the town meeting. To sum it up this is a different sort of override that requires a two-thirds vote each time money is put in or taken out. Some years we may vote to take $100K from the fund and other years we may need $500K but each appropriation requires a two-third vote of town meeting. If you want to read a bit more about the fund read (IGR No. 04-201 January 2004) "Creation of Multiple Stabilization Funds and Proposition 2 1/2 Overrides for Stabilization Funds" at [PDF]
    - JM

  • 5/5 3:38pm   Hey, let's everybody be cool. No need to shout.
    An override is a permanent addition to your taxes, a debt exclusion is an addition to your taxes which eventually goes away, once the debt is paid off. So while DAF may be technically correct, if it walks like a duck, and squawks like a duck, it's a tax increase... Or something along those lines...
    As for the vehicles maintenance fund $300K, while I support the concept, I would actually rather have the town go for yearly debt exclusions to assure transparency - so that we know what we're voting for each year, and so that the town makes informed and highly prioritized choices about what we're going to buy. Look, I trust my town officials, but there is a sense of economy which overcomes a public official when she or he has to make the case for a purchase on town meeting floor, rather than just rely on a constant revenue stream to buy stuff "as needed".
    I would argue the town would make enlightened choices, after all, we've paid $50K+ for new cruisers year in and year out, regardless of other sacrifices we've had to make, because it was the right thing to do. Give the voters a little credit and allow them to make the right choice. And that right choice is secured by full transparency, not a one-time vote for a perpetual fund.
    - RJG

  • 5/5 12:58pm   To JPB: Am I missing something? Where on your list is the million dollar override that just passed last fall? I agree with Wm that this is all semantics, I also consider ANY increase to my tax bill over the 2 1/2 allowed by the state an ``override.'' Until last week, I was on the fence about the override for the Vehicle Stabilization Fund. I actually voted for it in the fall when it was defeated, not this time. To raise my taxes AND the assessment on my house in the same year, AFTER a million plus dollar override is enough for me. DAF's postings continue to solidify my resolve. To hear that the teachers are sending propaganda letters home with children and the town is harassing citizen's who are expressing the same rights as the teachers infuriates me. Have the teachers filed all the correct paperwork? In my eyes, the line has been crossed.
    - MH

  • 5/5 10:43am   Town meeting is next Tuesday. I urge you to attend and spread the word to others; ask them to attend and let their voices be heard. The town IS attempting an override and there WILL be a vote on the override (Article 5). 
    Date:		Tuesday, May 9, 2006
Time:		7:30 PM (The override is Article 5 and should be voted
		on within an hour or so)
Location:	KP Middle School, 18 King Street
		(Down Union St. from center of town, right onto King St.)
    Members of NO-GO, and its supporters will be there. We urge all those opposed to overrides in 2006 to attend and take a stand with us. This is your chance - this is your right!
    voteno@no-go.org
    - JPB

  • 5/5 10:40am   JPB, you said there were ten overrides in ten years. I showed that we had an override in only 3 of the ten years. Now you post the data I had linked to and highlight it to try to make it seem as though the June 2000 override vote, which was broken out into several categories, counts as multiple overrides. That makes no sense and you know it. You said there were 10 overrides in ten years. You've gone even further before -- calling it a "semi-annual easy way out that we painfully endure" (see your 4/18 6:19pm post). That was obviously hyperbole -- I don't think we could do an override every 6 months even if we wanted to. But this ten in ten years business made me think that you might be misinformed about the real data. Your inability to accept the facts gives me pause.
    PC, I'm assuming you know the difference between a debt exclusion and override and are being facetious. Just in case you are really asking, an override allows a community to permanently exceed its tax cap by a specific amount, a debt exclusion allows it to make debt payments outside the tax cap for a particular project until the loan is paid off, and a capital exclusion allows it to exceed the tax cap for a single year. They aren't all just called tax increases because they are different in nature and duration. That's why.
    So, a good question for the Town meeting might be -- why are we seeking an override for the vehicles instead of a debt exclusion? I think it is because (if my cars are any example to go by) automobiles are not a project--it is an ongoing need. Maybe someone posted it here and I missed it?
    - DAF

    [We're starting to get bogged down in semantics -- JPB showed that there were 10 line items voted in that exceeded the Prop 2 1/2 budget cap. DAF showed that these occurred in only 3 of the past 10 years. As to the difference between a debt exclusion vs. override, I don't know the difference! Not being in municipal finance, I always considered any vote to increase the town budget above the legislated limit an override of that limit. I can't be the only one - Wm.]

  • 5/4 10:54pm   Somehow I think if NO-GO was formed as YES-GO (in favor of an override) the town would not be sending out intimidating letters. Have the school administrators filled out the "required forms" so they can send home pro-override letters in the kids back packs? This type of thing happens quite frequently in this town when an individual or group is opposed to an issue. I remember several people were "written up" under the sign rules because they posted banners in their yards opposing the original site picked for the HOD school. I'm all for rules, but selected enforcement is another issue.
    - RJP

  • 5/4 10:52pm   DAF, JAB - Sorry for asking, I hate remembering terrible statistics. Does the 3 tax increases euphemistically known as overrides include those tax increases known as debt exclusions (again a nice euphemism)? Why doesn't the town call it what it is - a tax increase? Why?
    How about the asset sale by past Selectmen to balance the budget. Wasn't that in effect a savings raid?
    Remember the planned Tax Increase, excuse me, override increases a minimum 2 1/2 % every year. The long term savings trumpeted will be spent somewhere else next year with a new crisis. Some fiscal restraint is in order and it should start now.
    - PC

  • 5/4 10:50pm   NO-GO offers the below data from the Massachusetts State Department of Revenue, dls.state.ma.us
    This data does not include the high school overrides - I believe there were two, nor the current Article 5 override that will be voted on next Tuesday night at 7:30PM, KP Middle School.
    Let your voice be heard at voteno@no-go.org
    Municipality Description Date FY Yes No Win
    /Loss    		 Amount
    NORFOLK multiple 1-May-89 1990 795 909 LOSS 700,000
    NORFOLK Master Plan 1-Jun-89 1990 792 866 LOSS 27,967
    NORFOLK SCHOOLS 1-Jun-89 1990 875 785 WIN 116,929
    NORFOLK King Philip Regional School budget 1-Jun-90 1992 1,184 771 WIN 174,793
    NORFOLK King Philip RS operating budget 1-May-91 1992 1,181 1,382 LOSS 348,151
    NORFOLK "Library, Recreation, Human Services" 1-May-91 1992 1,380 1,201 WIN 28,500
    NORFOLK Norfolk Public School budget 1-May-91 1992 1,374 1,212 WIN 287,598
    NORFOLK funding library budget 23-Jun-92 1993 749 756 LOSS 9,212
    NORFOLK funding public school budget 23-Jun-92 1993 837 667 WIN 144,462
    NORFOLK general operating expenses 10-Jul-96 1997 987 1,337 LOSS 596,013
    NORFOLK purposes of norfolk elementary schools 1-Jul-97 1998 864 690 WIN 156,448
    NORFOLK funding elementary school budget 13-Jun-00 2001 1,207 868 WIN 184,079
    NORFOLK library salary account 13-Jun-00 2001 1,141 941 WIN 35,170
    NORFOLK funding elementary school budget 13-Jun-00 2001 1,119 955 WIN 104,544
    NORFOLK police expenditures 13-Jun-00 2001 1,122 958 WIN 92,158
    NORFOLK ROAD REPAIRS 11-Jun-01 2002 941 751 WIN 300,000
    - JPB

  • 5/4 8:02pm   A mountain bike was found and we are wondering if the owner is looking for it. It is a men's' bike and seems pretty new. Please contact me if you think it might be yours. Thanks,
    - AL

  • 5/4 8:01pm   PFD, that wasn't much of a clarification, I'm afraid. JPB said there were ten overrides in the past ten years. The truth is that there were three in the past ten years. If my daughter gets a 30% on a test, it is not the same thing as getting 100%. That all seems pretty straightforward and doesn't require any clarification for most people.
    Or were you clarifying the fact that real wages have been declining for workers? Yes, the 2005 report was about 2004 wages. And later this year we will see a report on 2005 wages, and so on. Real wages have been in decline for some time now -- see BusinessWeek. They may be pulling up a bit recently, which is good news, but we'll have to see how much rising oil and gas costs kill it by end of the year. So, again, I don't think you can point to overrides as a major source of family budgets' being thinner these days. I've seen no evidence that JPB's argument is supported by evidence. I thought it was the progressives like me who were tagged with "feeling" over "proving?" Facts are facts.
    - DAF

  • 5/4 7:58pm   Norfolk Opposition Group to Overrides (NO-GO) would like to post the below email that was sent to a town official by NO-GO, as a reply to an email send by the town official to JPB.
    We ask you to come to town meeting next Tuesday night at 7:30 PM, KP Middle School to express your right to say no to overrides in 2006.
    (Reply to town official)
    Dear Town Official, (name withheld for web posting)

    Thank you for making me aware of this requirement. However, I do not believe that NO-GO falls within the criteria contained within MGL 55. We are simply a group of concerned legal town residents who are attempting to speak with one voice and keep each other and town residents informed about override issues in the town of Norfolk.

    Like other residents of Norfolk we use the website called norfolknet to post our opinions and inform town residents of when town events such elections and town meetings are scheduled - something we think the town could do more effectively.

    In addition to Norfolknet, I represented our views in The Norfolk Boomerang and The Boston Globe West (both after being solicited by reporters employed by those organizations). More recently individuals of the group purchased NO OVERRIDES IN 2006 yard signs to place on their private property. I coordinated this effort of their behalf. All eleven signs have individual receipts for them. Two extra signs that were not paid for as promised were given away free of charge at a cost to me. NO-GO does not solicit money or any other items of value from town residents or other groups or individuals for any purpose.

    I have use my personal residence, vehicle resources and time so that group members can stay informed and practice our right to freedom of speech as protected under the 1st Amendment to The US Constitution.

    I hope this letter serves to resolve matters of concern outlined in your email dated this date. I will contact you soonest by telephone to ensure any point of law, reasonable prudence and due diligence is complied with.

    Respectfully,

    JPB (name withheld for web posting)

    (Letter from town official)
    Dear (name withheld for web posting)

    It has come to my attention that you are the contact for the NO-GO group. As you may be aware, the Board of Selectmen has called for a special election to be held on June 6th to attempt to fund the vehicle stabilization fund.

    A ballot question committee is defined in MGL Chapter 55 as "a political comittee which receives or expends money or other things of value for the purpose of favoring or opposing the adoption or rejection of a specific question or questions submitted to the voters including without limitation, a charter change, an initiative or referendum question or a constitutional amendment."

    There are specific forms that the group is required to file with my office. These forms and related guidelines and instructions are available for downloading at www.mass.gov/ocpf or from my office. If you have any questions at all, please feel free to contact me by email or in the office at 508-528-1400 or the Office of Campaign and Political Finance at 617-727-8352.

    Please join us at voteno@no-go.org
    - JPB

  • 5/4 5:25pm   All are welcome to attend the next CARE meeting on Sunday, May 21 from 3-5 at the Norfolk Public Library. One of our agenda items is the CARE Survey. When it is concluded we plan to report the results to all interested parties: the public, the School Committee, the Superintendent and our Selectmen.
    Take the CARE survey now to weigh in with your opinions and idea s regarding our schools. It takes only 5-10 minutes to complete and it may be taken anonymously. While we'd prefer to collect your input online, we've got copies available at the Norfolk Public Library, where there is a collection box in the lobby. Your feedback will be invaluable in helping CARE prioritize the issues and guide our activities.
    If you have trouble with the link to the survey, please copy and past this URL into your browser: http://www.zoomerang.com/survey.zgi?p=WEB2257K8HQPWK
    CARE asks for your assistance in getting out the word. Please help by forwarding this information to those with an interest in education for Norfolk children. Thank you.
    - JC, CARE

    [Update 5/8 12:58pm: Please note date change due to Mother's Day!! - JC]

  • 5/4 5:20pm   Join us this Sunday, May 7, for the 4th Annual Connor's Fun Run, starting at the HOD School at noon. The 3-mile course follows down Medway Branch into beautiful Cape Cod Estates, then back to the school. American Idol finalist Ayla Brown will sing the National Anthem to kick off the event, and we welcome runners, walkers, adults and kids. Fun giveaways, but more importantly, enjoy fresh air and exercise, catch up with friends, and raise money to find a cure for SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy). Hope for some sunshine!
    For more information and a registration form, visit connorsfunrun.com.
    - AL

  • 5/4 5:19pm   Well I guess the people of Norfolk certainly got to speak their voices about the prior actions of the school committee at the voting booths! A heartfelt welcome to the new folks on the committee.
    - JEC

  • 5/4 2:25pm   Re: Stop and Shop. When we had an Economic Development Committee in Norfolk, I was a member for several years. We felt, (along with other board/ committees) that a Super Stop in Shop would overwhelm the Town Center. There would much less space for a pharmacy, bakery, deli, etc. While we did not make the decision, we agreed with it, in part based on a survey we did of the town at the time. That is why the bylaw states a maximum footprint of 45,000 sq. feet.
    We also looked at and tried to get Sudbury Farms, Whole Foods, Lamberts, and a bunch of other smaller markets to come in. Most of them said they wanted to have a certain population within a certain radius (e.g. 100,000 people within 10 miles). We did not qualify. Maybe things have changed, maybe not.
    - JFO [not the JO below]

  • 5/4 1:18pm   I noticed today while driving on 1A coming from Wrentham, that there is land being cleared near the Eagle Brook as well as a bulldozer sitting on the vacant lands across the street from Tedeschi's. Does anyone know what is planned for those sites? Thanks,
    - BG

  • 5/4 12:59pm   To CR, If you do your homework you will see that an approved override will never go away, so the citizens pay the freight forever.
    If the town was to develop a rolling stock replacement program, and BUDGET the vehicles you will have better, younger and less expensive vehicles to operate. You can not look at the interest costs when managing a fleet of vehicles as the reason not to lease a vehicle. The interest rate is going to be what the current rates are plus a small management fee. How many people out there can go pay cash for a vehicle? Most finance the cost. Why should the town be any different?
    Look at it this way, a Crown Victoria Police Package is around eight thousand dollars a year to lease for 36 months and you own the car at the end of the 36 months, (I know because I manage a fleet of trucks and police cars). A new crown Victoria Police Car is about $24000.00 to purchase, so for $24000.00 you could lease 3 cars for that year. Then stagger the replacement and always have new vehicles in the fleet that have warranties for the big $$ items like engines and transmissions. This example can be used for light duty trucks, medium duty trucks, off road equipment lawn mowers you name it.
    How easy is it to manage a budget if you know what you are spending for vehicles every month and not trying to come up with an unplanned lump of cash. Not to mention your maintenance costs would be easier to predict.
    An override is a lazy way out of the problem! Asking for tax overrides tells me we are not managing the town money properly. There is nothing wrong with asking for help.
    If the officials we have managing the departments need help, we could create a volunteer rolling stock committee to help the town departments with the planning and replacement of town vehicles and equipment. We have committees for everything else.
    - MG

  • 5/4 12:57pm   CR & JPD - I agree that purchasing vehicles will be cheaper for the town than financing them. That's not the issue. The issue is that the town should set aside money from the operating budget each year to fund vehicle purchases instead of requesting yet another override. This is JPB and NO-Go's point. Enough already. No more overrides.
    - SM

  • 5/4 11:29am   Does anyone know of after school child care providers? A program such as SACC does not make sense for us because I'm home by 4:30. Also, during part of the year our children have after school activities that end around 4:30. We are looking for something more flexible. Any ideas?
    - NS

  • 5/4 11:28am   Just for clarification of DAF's point, those declining wages were for 2004, not 2005. And even though we may not have had an official Prop 2 1/2 override, the town came back and asked for a lot of additional money since 1996. Quite a few of them won, with only some being defeated (according to the same DOR web site).
    JPB, I would be interested to see what the opinion is of your group on Article 5. I know you have stated there will be no debating, or something like that, but if it has been shown by Jack Hathaway that this will save money for Norfolk over the next 20 years, why still oppose it? I personally voted it down last year, but I am one that would vote for it this year. I would like to see it get past town meeting and onto the ballot again. The communication this year regarding the article, and the impact on the town, has been far superior to previous years. I despise rising taxes, but this one seems to make sense to me.
    - PFD

  • 5/4 10:41am   To JPB: I believe that if you really did your homework on Article 5 you would in fact see that in the long run passing it would save the town money. It is sometimes easy to look at things with tunnel vision when you feel very strongly about a subject, but we need to look at the big picture, which in this case is a sizable savings in accrued interest over the long haul. The vehicles will be replaced regardless of whether there is a fund or not, the only difference is with the vehicle stabilazation fund the town will be able to purchase them outright rather than financing them, not only saving money on interest but probably get a better cash deal to boot. Basically your NO-GO group is saying don't fund it even if it is in the town's best interest, which really is a non-logical way to look at things. Let me ask: wouldn't you rather purchase something outright rather than financing it? I sure would.
    - CR

  • 5/4 9:57am   For those who voted for me for School Committee it falls upon me to perform to justify your trust. I hope to do this knowing that to do less is to disappoint the people. Please contact me on any issue/concern you may have regarding the schools that you need info on. I promise to find a reply.
    Thanks again.
    - John Olivieri

  • 5/4 8:50am   Ramesh, I congratulate you being for being reelected as Selectman. During your next term we are looking forward to all your hard work to make Norfolk a better town to live in. Potshots were taken during the campaign, but let's be fair about it and acknowledge that they were taken in both directions. I strongly believed that some of your supporters like J. M. egregiously stepped out of bounds in the way they used this forum to attack M. K.'s personal character and reputation, so I voiced my opinion. This is America and we should feel grateful to able to voice opinions without fear of retribution.
    - SM

    [The "egregious out-of-bounds attack" referred to is [post of 4/4 11:20pm], and was in response to the [post of 4/4 5:55pm] - Wm.]

  • 5/4 8:47am   Members of NO-GO and its supporters urge you to attend town meeting to vote no on the Article 5 override. Let your voice be heard by simply saying NO to Article 5.
    Annual Town Meeting
    Date: Tuesday, May 9, 2006
    Time: 7:30 PM
    Location: KP Middle School, 18 King Street (straight down Union Street from the center of town, King is on the right)
    - JPB

  • 5/4 8:46am   Does anyone know when the Norfolk Rec is holding its movie series at the Pond Fields? I saw it advertised in their flyer, yet haven't heard further updates on it. With summer approaching I'd love to know what they're showing and when. Thanks!
    - JN

  • 5/3 11:06pm   JPB, I'm in no way questioning your integrity, but you are wrong when you say "We understand the net effect that ten overrides in as many years has had on your family budget."
    10 overrides since 1996? According to the state department of revenue, Norfolk voted to override the Prop 2 1/2 levy limit in 1997, 2000, and 2001. Three times in 10 years is a far cry from what you claim. In fact, we kicked off the period you reference by voting down an override in 1996.
    The overrides have a small overall impact on budgets. The real cuplrit (or at least one of them) is the decline in real wages we've seen. According to The Financial Times, no left-wing mouthpiece, in 2005 real wages fell at the fastest rate in 14 years (link).
    - DAF

  • 5/3 8:16pm   Norfolk Opposition Group to Overrides (NO-GO) is a grassroots organization in Norfolk that is growing by the day. We are opposed to all overrides in 2006, regardless of the reason. Our aim is to remove overrides as the easy, go-to option and force the town to come up with more creative solutions or live within its means.
    We understand the net effect that ten overrides in as many years has had on your family budget. We will strive to be the focal point for those who have had enough. NO-GO currently has over 50 households who support our position. Some prefer to remain anonymous for social and other reasons.
    NO-GO does not criticize the town of Norfolk or town officials. However, we do voice our opinions in this open forum. Opinions which we are guaranteed under the 1st Amendment to the US Constitution, thank God and our forefathers.
    And a forum provided by [Wm], thanks to him!
    The United States Air Force, of which I am a 20 Year retired veteran, defines Integrity as follows:
    (1) Integrity First

    Integrity is a character trait. It is the willingness to do what is right even when no one is looking. It is the "moral compass" the inner voice; the voice of self-control; the basis for the trust imperative in today's military.
    [reference]

    It is my belief that this definition can be applied to whatever situation one may find himself or herself in.
    Please join us at voteno@no-go.org.
    PS: Initials are used to protect oneself from bitter retribution!
    - JPB

    [Ahh, I recognize that reference :-)
    The "bitter retribution" referred to above is not from vengeful readers, but from Wm the Webmaster who has stated that posters shall remain anonymous except if speaking in an official capacity or advertising a service or business (or being talked about in their official role or being commented on as a vendor or service provider). Some messages arrive signed with full name, others unsigned, but all posts go on the page signed with initials, and the identity of the persons behind the initials may not be revealed by means overt or covert. Now, that having been said, it still amazes me how many readers know and recognize each other anyway.
    Even the use of "[Wm]" (capital-w-lowercase-m in square brackets) is an inside joke, because square-bracket annotations delimit Webmaster changes to posts, and would in this case indicate that the name of the Webmaster was removed and Wm substituted.
    For those curious about the incident behind the reference, it occurred on the former Norfolknet Opinions page; you're welcome to read through all the comments, but the impatient can scroll to 11/4 7:18pm, 11/4 10:05pm and 1/24 10:33am. - Wm.]

  • 5/3 4:21pm   Something Special is having Bella of Cape Cod at their store on Friday from 4-8pm. Bella has great fun jewelry and accessories at affordable price. We have had them for trunk shows in the past and have had requests that we have them back for Mother's Day, 1st Communion and Graduation gifts. Check them out at bellaofcapecod.com and come see them in person on Friday. And don't forget Something Special's new location at 158 Main St., next to Linda's Variety.
    Thanks,
    - Joan & Nancy, Something Special

  • 5/3 4:20pm   RD - Your second paragraph suggests S&S bought a building specifically to keep others out. What makes you so sure this is not the case for Norfolk?
    - LS

  • 5/3 4:18pm   To Ramesh's point 5/3 re: the anonymity of these postings, "I would also suggest to those who have been displaying a lack of grace in postings here, either by accusing me or my supporters, dropping innuendos, making unwarranted speculations, and taking pot shots (SM, PC, KC, JC, MA, MT, etc.) to show some character."
    I wonder - if those who post on this site were required to sign their full name as opposed to just initials, would there be as many innuendos & negative postings? It's easier to take those "potshots", (or, as some of us who read the negativity on this site a lot call them "postshots"), when you don't have to identify yourself.
    - LC

  • 5/3 1:18pm   To all Norfolk Net Readers:
    I appreciate all the support I received at the polls last night. Thank YOU!
    What lies ahead of us, not just for the Board of Selectmen but for all those who care, is continuing to make Norfolk a great place to live. I would like to reach out to all who supported or opposed me (directly or indirectly) to work with me to achieve results in commercial and residential development AND to manage our expenses in a way that will make this a great town.
    Character, it is said, is what you do when no one is looking or is around you. Integrity, is what you either display all your life or never at all. It is NOT, as J. B. has just posted under JPB, what you do only after you get elected! As I have said before, for me to work with you, I need you to contact me directly, not through anonymous postings. I am man enough to take your criticism and also to listen to you, your problems and your suggested solutions. But I do not promise to push any one person's agenda.
    I would also suggest to those who have been displaying a lack of grace in postings here, either by accusing me or my supporters, dropping innuendos, making unwarranted speculations, and taking pot shots (SM, PC, KC, JC, MA, MT, etc.) to show some character. Come out of the woodwork, come to our Selectmen's meetings and work openly with us to solve the Town's problems. Don't dismiss it by saying you are too busy. So are we and we lead very productive lives just like you do!
    I may not always agree with your point of view and you may not with mine, but if we can work out a solution that is in the best interest of the town AND the town votes for it, that is what a democratic system is all about. Collaborative working and influencing skills are more important than resting on laurels or where you were born or how long you have lived in a town.
    I believe in being adaptable to and driving constant change. I do not believe in being stuck in the old ways of doing things. If I were, I wouldn't have made it as far as I have here in the United States after growing up in Bombay, India. I am caring, honest, a good listener and open to workable solutions. But I can only talk to people who can be up-front, discuss things face-to-face and are interested in working together.
    This is not rocket science. I know you all care and I really look forward to working with all of you.
    Regards,
    -Ramesh Advani, Norfolk Board of Selectmen

  • 5/3 1:01pm   Just wanted to thank Norfolk for giving me the opportunity to serve on the School Committee. I look forward to working with the many interested and involved stakeholders in town on the challenges facing the schools in the coming months and years. Thank you again for your support. Regards,
    - Dean Manning

  • 5/3 12:38pm   Check the Norfolk Town Hall link - the town clerk's page has all of the election results - numbers and all
    - CMK

    [Summary:
    Selectman:
	R. Advani	743	*************************************
	K. Roche	393	*******************
	M. Kulesza	105	*****
	blank/other	24	*
Board of Health:
	T. Gilbert	668	*********************************
	D. Owen		510	*************************
	blank/other	87	****
Planning Board:
	T. Poppey	614	******************************
	L. Hurley	568	****************************
	blank/other	83	****
School Committee (2):
	P. Manning	670	*********************************
	J. Olivieri	643	********************************
	D. Miller	528	**************************
	blank/other	689	**********************************
    - Wm.]

  • 5/3 12:34pm   Re the multi-family tag sale on Saturday [on 5/6, see Notice Board] - teapot collectors should try to attend as I will be selling a good portion of my teapot collection.
    - BB

  • 5/3 12:09pm   SJ - I would highly recommend Dr. Mitchell Pasenkoff (508-528-5351). His office is right in the center of Norfolk, next to the Sovereign Bank.
    While I don't know if he has evening hours, he does keep Saturday appointments. I have been a patient since he opened his Norfolk office. Dr. Pasenkoff is a great dentist and his fees are reasonable.
    - KK

  • 5/3 11:13am   BM: I saw all of the info on channel 22, very thorough.
    - JC

    [Is that a "yes," there are results from the election? :-) - Wm.]

  • 5/3 11:12am   We recently moved to Norfolk, and am looking for a good dentist who has some evening or weekend hours. Any recommendations are appreciated.
    - SJ

  • 5/3 10:16am   Any results yet from the election?
    - BM

  • 5/3 10:15am   My two daughters both baby sit in Norfolk, TS. They are 16 and the younger one will be 13.
    - BM

  • 5/3 10:05am   In response to the Stop and Shop issue, I state simply no one has ever accused Stop and Shop of doing business intelligently here - they are trying to build new stores and they can't even keep ones that are open for business staffed properly. Draw your own conclusions. As far as the space issue goes, 45,000 square feet is great, however, Super Stop and Shop is 85,000 so you figure out a design plan for an 85,000 sq ft building to fit in a 45,000 sq ft space. I think we'd need a mighty big shoe horn.
    As far as the lease goes, Stop and Shop, as I said, plans to have this location open for business next fall, so the shoemaker's elves are going to be very busy over the next several months, or Stop and Shop, which is doubtful, will sell the property. It's more likely than not if the company can't (which means won't) come up with an approved design, it'll sit on the land like it has done to the Bradlees building in Foxboro, which was bought with no intention of using the space just prevention of other development to it.
    Again, draw your own conclusions. Like I said, it's coming.... when EXACTLY I don't know, but according to the company it's coming. There were similar issues with the Plainville location, only it was an issue of getting permission to build because apparently it's an Indian burial site; obviously they did and it's nearly if not done. Also there was an issue with our South Attleboro location - they couldn't figure out how to design an entrance and exit that would lessen the congestion on Washington Street. Apparently it's been resolved. So Stop and Shop and design issues are no strangers to one another. Anyone with qualms about my measurements is welcome to go to our newest remodel (Dedham) - it is exactly 85,000 square feet. The building takes up the entire parking lot; it sits in the middle and parking is all around. Dedham Racquet Time was relocated. My mother-in-law went shopping there when it reopened and got lost, and she's shopped there for years. When we did over Walpole they had to get rid of the entire strip mall to make it fit. Why they would choose such a large chain for such a small town I have no idea, but what's done is done, or in this case, not done.
    - RD

  • 5/3 9:18am   Looking for a baby sitter to take care of our three kids 9, 6 & 4. We need it ASAP for two weeks; any recommendations will be appreciated.
    - TS

  • 5/3 9:14am   To PD... I finally called the Board of Registration in Medicine and did get my records through them... There is a hearing coming up soon. For speedy delivery you should call Philip Beattie at 617-654-9886... and Dr Patricia Kearney in Foxboro is very nice and goes to Norwood, 508-543-6371.
    - ER

  • 5/3 9:07am   Norfolk Opposition Group to Overrides (NO-GO) urges all those opposed to overrides in 2006 to attend the scheduled town meeting and vote NO on Article 5 of the warrant. Article 5 is in fact an override.
    Members of NO-GO and its supporters will be in attendance but we need your help! Norfolknet has become your voice; NO-GO has unified and amplified that voice. Let your voice be heard by simply saying NO to Article 5. 
    Annual Town Meeting

Date:		Tuesday, May 9, 2006
Time:		7:30 PM
Location:	KP Middle School, 18 King Street (straight down Union
		Street from the center of town, King is on the right)
    Congratulations to Ramesh on his victory last evening. We look forward to working with him as he keeps his promise to "think outside the box" and find a new way ahead for Norfolk.
    Integrity is what one does after one is elected
    Please continue to contact us at voteno@no-go.org.
    - JPB

  • 5/2 9:51pm   Election results: Advani, Gilbert, Poppey, and Manning and Olivieri.
    - Wm.

  • 5/2 8:21pm   Hungry? Love the smell of cookies in the oven, but don't want the hassle? Feel like contributing towards Norfolk education? Then join us in our Spring Cookie Dough Fundraiser! Back by popular demand, these delicious tubs of decadence are available for sale until Monday, May 8th. To learn more or to place an order, please contact Diana C. (520-4072) or Lesley H. (528-2596), TPA Cookie Dough Co-Coordinators. Profits from this popular event go towards Curriculum Enhancement programs for Norfolk schools. Help us make some dough by buying our dough! THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
    - KEM, Norfolk TPA

  • 5/2 8:17pm   The Norfolk TPA is sponsoring an Internet Safety Program, open to all residents of Norfolk, on Wednesday, May 17, at 7:00 p.m. in McBride Auditorium. Representatives from the Norfolk County District Attorney's Office, the Massachusetts State Police, and representatives from the Town of Norfolk IT Department, the Norfolk Police Department, and Norfolk Schools will lead the presentation and discussion on this very important issue. Topics for discussion will include web filters, cell phones, instant messaging, "My Space", and email usage. Admission is free, but we request that children not attend this meeting, due to the nature of this matter. Any questions, feel free to call Kate M., Norfolk TPA, at 541-8555. With the summer not too far away, we strongly encourage parents to attend this important program. As always, thanks for supporting the Norfolk TPA.
    - KEM, Norfolk TPA

  • 5/2 8:16pm   Please help the children of Slidell, Louisiana, who were so hard hit by Hurricane Katrina. The Norfolk TPA is proud to sponsor a Spring "Reaching Out To Our Friends in Slidell" T Shirt/Flip Flop drive. Donate a gently used T Shirt or tank top and/or a new pair of flip flops or sandals, along with any money you can afford to help with shipping. Donations may be dropped off at either the Freeman-Centennial or HOD schools. (Please be sure to tie the shoes together). All contributions must be made by next Friday, May 12th so that we can ship everything to Louisiana before the kids break for summer (Memorial Day). Last winter, the kids of Norfolk donated over 1,800 items of clothing to the Slidell kids. let's see what they can do this time!
    - KEM, Norfolk TPA

  • 5/2 8:14pm   The King Philip Music Department presents a Chamber Recital Thursday May 11th at 7pm in the auditorium of the King Philip Regional Middle School, Norfolk.
    The Recital will feature a variety of performances by high school students, from soloists to quintets. The public is invited; admission is free.
    - MW, King Philip Music Association

  • 5/2 8:10pm   The King Philip Music Department will present its popular annual Spring Pops Concert, on two dates this year Saturday May 20th at 7pm and Sunday May 21st at 5pm, in the Gymnasium at King Philip High School, Wrentham.
    The concert will feature the Chorus, the Concert Band, the Symphony Band, Jazz Ensemble 1 and 2.
    ... Due to the ongoing high school construction and smaller venue size, fire code regulations limit the capacity of the venue. Buy your tickets early to avoid disappointment.
    [C o n t i n u e d . . .]
    - MW, King Philip Music Association

  • 5/2 8:07pm   Are there any patients of Dr. Sullivan who have received their medical records from him yet? I have not. Also, can anyone recommend a good doctor that is taking new patients? I'm not sure who to turn to. I called one place in Franklin and 4 of the 5 doctors were not taking new patients and the 1 available takes emergencies at Milford hospital only. I think Norwood is better than Milford. Any opinions?
    - PD

  • 5/2 4:22pm   King Philip music students will present Percussion Night at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 10 in the gymnasium of King Philip Regional High School, Wrentham. The public is invited, free of charge.
    The evening will feature high school students, including ensemble and solo players in classical, jazz and original works. The award winning Indoor Percussion Ensemble will present their show "Nightmare Before Christmas"
    - MW, King Philip Music Association

  • 5/2 3:56pm   I think we should get a Trader Joe's! Bread and Circus/Whole foods tends to be a bit pricey!
    - DN

  • 5/2 3:05pm   I agree that Whole Foods would be great in Norfolk. If space is the issue for Stop and Shop, and Norfolk is not willing to budge, can we speak with other stores who may have interest? The Whole Foods in Wellesley would be the perfect size for Norfolk. The development of the town center seems fairly easy to me. A small grocery store, a pharmacy, a gourmet deli, a nice bakery, 1 or 2 restaurants like a Not Your Average Joes (which is a great family place), maybe another more upscale restaurant, and something like an ice cream/candy store for the kids. There are plenty of quaint MA towns to model Norfolk after. My wife and I at one point were looking in Groton which has a great feel to it. Maybe something between a Dover, which has very little development but is charming, and a Hingham which is very quaint and has some great restaurants/stores. I know there is a lot that goes into planning and my view may be simplistic and somewhat naive, but somehow other towns get it done. I know we don't want to rush development, but come on already, it has been 15 years in the making. Does the town have any say as to who leases space from Norfolk, or are the tenants strictly up to the development group contracted to build the center? This would be the perfect opportunity for someone running for the Planning Board to respond to this post as to why we should vote for them. I have been here 3 years and I am fairly involved in the town and I do not have the foggiest clue about our future plans for the town center. Everyone gives me a different answer. I recently visited the new condos behind town hall and even the realtors have no idea what is going to be built there. I could not possibly imagine my sales pitch to someone thinking about buying a $540K 2 bedroom condo when looking out the picturesque window onto the moonscape. What do you tell them??
    - CPW

  • 5/2 3:04pm   There seems to be some confusion as to whether the town is seeking an override or not. The answer is yes.
    Article 5 of the town warrant is in fact an override.
    The selectmen did consider a larger override but decided against it due to strong opposition from town residents at large. They then did the right thing and made adjustments to the budget - as successful corporations and households must do.
    We urge you to join us in voting no against all overrides in 2006 voteno@no-go.org.
    - JPB

  • 5/2 3:03pm   In response to the Friends of the Norfolk Public Library. I would also recommend adding the New Bedford Whaling Museum to your list. My friend is the Director there, we've enjoyed touring the museum on numerous occasions.
    Keep up the good work!
    - LR

  • 5/2 2:22pm   Did you know that you can now reserve museum passes from the Norfolk Public Library on-line? It's easy. Just go to the Library website and click on the link about museum passes on-line. Further instructions are provided when you arrive at the listing of passes.
    The following museum passes are offered by the Norfolk Public Library and can be reserved by Norfolk residents:
    Museum of Fine Arts
    John F. Kennedy Library and Museum
    Roger Williams Park and Zoo
    Plimoth Plantation
    Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
    Providence Children's Museum
    Easton Children's Museum
    Although the Harvard Museum of Natural History is currently available it will be replaced soon by the Easton Children's Museum. Other museums are also being considered, and if anyone has any suggestions please let the Friends of the Norfolk Public Library know and we will consider them.
    - PM, Friends of the Norfolk Public Library

  • 5/2 2:19pm   To MT - I thought the current selectmen have all been on the Board for 3 or less years so I don't understand your term Old Guard. Perhaps you could clarify for me and also enlighten me on who the elitist groups are in town that they pander to. It would be helpful in the decision making process. Thanks,
    - BS

  • 5/2 2:18pm   For the record, Tom Benedetti did call me back right after I made my post. I stand corrected, the loader was not broken, just doing a split in a sink hole.
    I can appreciate his position in that he does not get his choice of subcontractors. After talking to him, he seems like a man who takes great pride in his work, and is annoyed by mistakes made on projects he is in charge of. I should have waited a little longer for a return call before I made my post.
    - JAB

  • 5/2 12:17pm   I agree that a Whole Foods would be the best option for a grocery store in Norfolk. It is a wonderful store and they have the best selection of produce I have seen.
    I would hate it if a Stop and Shop would go up there. There are so many of them surrounding Norfolk as it is.
    I agree also that it would bring many folks from neighboring towns. I go to the one in Bellingham even though it takes about 15 min to get there.
    I don't see the Stop and Shop being any more convenient to me than the one in Franklin or the Roche Bros in Millis.
    I would like to see something different in town.
    - CC

  • 5/2 12:16pm   To Tom Benedetti - I just want you to know the majority of people in town as well as surrounding towns with whom I have spoken with seem to think the Norfolk DPW is doing an outstanding service in the town especially in the center. Please keep up the good work.
    - CR

  • 5/2 12:15pm   In fairness to all concerned: There are only two men running for a seat on the Norfolk Board of Selectmen who technically qualify as official candidates. However, Mike Kulesza is in effect a third entity to be reckoned with, because even though he withdrew as a candidate, unfortunately his name will still appear on the ballot. This problem was reportedly caused because Mr. Kulesza's inadvertent misjudgment of timing exceeded the deadline to prevent his name from being printed on the ballot. Nevertheless, please keep in mind that apropos of these circumstances, a vote for Mike Kulesza is wasted--a throw away vote that counts for nothing.
    Please do yourself--and the Town of Norfolk--a good service that you won't regret. Vote for a change of the Old Guard. It's the first step in getting away from the rubber stamp marionette government that we've been stuck with for so long. Even though I have friendly feelings toward all three of the present selectmen, they're a constant disappointment proving that they are apparently either unwilling or unable take the remedial steps toward a more solvent government. Our present government answers primarily to the greedy self-interest groups in town because, right now, they mistakenly perceive these elitists as being the real townsfolk. It's time that we get back to sensible government that functions right here, with us, for the real people, in the real world. Let's shout out our message, far and wide, on Election Day. Vote for change; vote for fiscal responsibility; vote for Kevin Roche.
    Like most of us, Kevin Roche works hard for his money, so he knows the value of a hard earned dollar; he's opposed to squandering our tax dollars on non-essential creature comforts that we can't afford. He fully realizes the importance of the essential functions of town government, and that they take priority over frivolity and ostentation. Even though some may claim that Kevin does not appear to have all the credentials to match those of the present three sitting selectmen, what good have their alleged advanced attributes done for our town; they're incessantly running around in a frenzy, constantly looking for more money to patch up budget leaks that are bleeding us to death.
    Kevin Roche's business is solvent, he is proactive, a troubleshooter, and he runs a taut ship; he believes in anticipating and adjusting for shortfalls before they become a financial crisis. When viewing our present political climate, you have to agree that we have nothing to lose by voting for Kevin Roach for selectman. A vote for Kevin is a vote toward greater financial stability and a return to a practical value system that will keep our government working within a down-to-earth framework.
    - MT

  • 5/2 12:10pm   Tom Benedetti: I got my information from my own two eyes. Maybe the crew did use a board where they did the damage, however, I saw a mini excavator go over another walkway after the damage was done without a board. I did call the D.P.W. yesterday and did not receive a call back. The loader's tires appeared to be broken. Finally, your comment about your work being done under a microscope - sometimes our jobs are as well. I worked on the Extreme Makeover Job in Medfield and helped spot the loam for the excavator, and did much of the hand work myself. I usually had an audience of over 300 people, and of course our job was seen on National Television. I am a professional landscaper and it is this experience that made me recognize a poor job being done yesterday on the town hill. I have called you today. I wanted to point it out to the person in charge, but thought it would be bad form to just walk up and complain because as you stated, much of the job looks great.
    - JAB

  • 5/2 10:54am   Are there any special questions on the ballot today or is it just officials?
    The override thing was cancelled, correct?
    - JP

  • 5/2 10:52am   JB & JBN: Whole Foods, sadly, will not build in Norfolk. I have a highly placed friend in that organization, and I pestered them for months to look at the site long ago. The demographics did not fit their model, apparently (which I still find hard to believe). It's been a few years, so perhaps it's worth a fresh look, but I think it's doubtful. If Eastern Development still owns the land, why aren't they pushing Stop & Shop or shopping themselves for another grocer? I still think someone owes the town an official update, and that the silence is suspicious.
    - TC

  • 5/2 9:08am   The following message was received from e-bay and I had to do a double take to make sure that I wasn't in the Dark Ages!! message read :
    We at e-bay appreciate that you chose to list the following auction-style listing namely Mein Kamp by Adolf Hitler.

    However, your auction style listing violates ebay's Hateful or Discriminatory policy and has been removed. In accordance with our user agreement items prohibited by law or by e-bay policy are not allowed on e-bay.

    We have credited all associated fees assocociated with the transaction to your account and notified ebay users that the transaction has been cancelled.

    Sellers may not list items that promote or glorify hatred, violence or racial intolerance or items that promote organizations with such views. Ebay will juduciously disallow listings or items that promote or glorify hatred, violence or racial intolerance, or items that promote organizations (such as the KKK, Nazis,and AryanNation) with such views.

    - JO

  • 5/2 12:09am   PA: I offered a challenge last week to identify the Planning Board member who made what I contend was a manufactured comment. You never called the Planning Board office and I personally waited there until the Town Hall closed at 5:00 P.M. today. These comments seem to come out around the time there is an election and a challenge to a current Board member. They never seem to get substantiated but the attempt is to tarnish the reputation of the Board. Since you chose to not to follow through as I requested I can only assume you knew before you posted that the statement was untrue and was merely a cheap attempt to try to influence the election.
    - Steven McClain, Chairman, Norfolk Planning Board

  • 5/1 10:59pm   JBN: I agree about Whole Food Stores. They are terrific and would "fit" in with this area. Bellingham is too much of a drive, but it is well worth the trip once I get there. I love to shop there or just browse.
    - JHR

  • 5/1 10:58pm   To JAB - I often wonder were people get their info. Your post was about 50% right. I am running the job on Town Hill and if you have questions or need info on the progress of the brick walks, please feel free to call me at the D.P.W. The number is 508-528-4990. In regards to your post, yes the contractor made a mistake. Even though he DID have plywood over the walk, it was damaged by the machine. He will have it repaired at NO COST to the town. I would like to know what loader is broken. I was on town hill in the morning and after lunch spotting loam with the loader and it ran fine. Most projects in town are done as a joint effort between the contractor and the D.P.W. This saves the town money. Every once in a while a contractor, or the D.P.W., will make a mistake such as the one you saw.The difference between our mistakes and those in the private sector is that we are under a microscope for all to see. It's kind of funny how all we have heard is what a wonderful job we are doing on town hill, untill your post. I'm pretty sure I saw you walk through town hill. Next time come on over, introduce youself, and I will try to answer any questions you have.
    - Tom Benedetti, Norfolk DPW

  • 5/1 6:56pm   I agree that a Whole Foods Market would do well in Norfolk. It would also pull in customers from Dover, Medfield, Walpole, and Wrentham. The Bellingham store is nice, but is too far away for most of these towns, including ours. They will build a store that is only 40,000 sq. ft. according to their website. Check it out. They are much better than Stop N Shop.
    - JBN

  • 5/1 6:49pm   NO-GO would like to note that two of the three candidates on the ballot for tomorrow's election support NO-GO and our goal of no overrides in 2006. Neither is a current selectman.
    Join us at voteno@no-go.org
    - JPB

    [If this is for the selectman's seat, then of the three names on the ballot, only two are candidates, and only one is not a current selectman. The third person has withdrawn from the race; see the post of 4/28 11:50am. - Wm.]

  • 5/1 1:59pm   I was just walking through the center of town and saw a crew attempting to add loam to parts around the walkways, and they are tearing up the walkways. I'm not sure if they are our own D.P.W. or a subcontractor, but they are doing more harm than good. Luckily the large loader is broken or he would be doing more damage. Any quality workman would put a board over the walk, especially once they made one mistake.
    - JAB (Not to be confused with JB)

  • 5/1 1:58pm   I agree; I would rather see a WholeFoods in Norfolk center than any other store. I would hate a Stop & Shop up there. I would rather continue to see dirt than Stop & Shop.
    - JP

  • 5/1 9:53am   TC/RD, Just a little clarification. Eastern Development Corp. owns the land, not the town. Any lease would have to be with Eastern Development. Norfolk Zoning Bylaws (passed at Town Meetings) allow for a grocery store of 45,000 square feet to be built as a matter of right in the Downtown Commercial District. A store of up to 50,000 square feet is allowed by Special Permit from the Zoning Board (again, bylaw passed at Town Meeting). S & S was granted a Special Permit in June 2004 from the ZBA. Special Permits are good for one year unless the applicant requests an extension. S & S DID NOT request an extension of their permit.
    - JB

  • 4/30 10:27pm   The next monthly meeting of the Norfolk TPA has been rescheduled to Tuesday, May 16th, in the Freeman-Centennial Library, at 7:30.
    - KM

  • 4/30 10:24pm   RD: Regarding Stop & Shop and its plans. It's good to hear that the company's intentions might be more honorable than land-banking, but I am not sure just how we are supposed to believe it. It was at least two years ago, if not more, that the planning board approved a variance to allow "a grocery chain" to build a bigger store. If that is still inadequate, why on earth did they go through that process, and why didn't they ask for what they really needed to make it go? Why have they not come forward in a formal way with some statement to alleviate the speculation and dissatisfaction? The Plainville store is going up at a good clip, and I can't imagine a company of their size wringing their hands over design and space issues. They'd either build it or not, don't you think?
    - TC

  • 4/30 10:22pm   FYI -
    Town of Norfolk
    Recycling/Transfer Station

    2006 Vehicle Permits will be issued at the Department of Public Works on the following dates:

    Saturday, May 6, 2006 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Saturday, May 13, 2006 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Saturday, May 20, 2006 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

    The cost is $50.00 for the first permit, $5.00 for the second and replacements. Only two permits per household

    Senior Citizens first permit will cost $35.00
    Checks should be made payable to the Town of Norfolk.

    Vehicle and registration are required at the time the permit is issued. To obtain the second permit, you will need your original receipt, vehicle and registration. New residents will need a vehicle registration and information verifying tax-payer status.

    For residents unable to utilize these times, permits will be made available at the Recycling/Transfer Station during the hours of operation after May 20, 2006.

    - RH

  • 4/30 10:21pm   Re: 4/30 1:47pm For those fixated on an alternative to Stop and Shop, let me give you a little "insider info" - the town already has a lease with the company... The Town has a lease with the company? I didn't know that the Town owned that land! Does anyone know for sure?
    - RH

  • 4/30 1:47pm   For those fixated on an alternative to Stop and Shop, let me give you a little "insider info" - the town already has a lease with the company; the only reason there's no physical structure is because Stop and Shop is trying to design a building to fit. I work for the company, and I can assure you the spot allocated for Stop and Shop isn't big enough. That spot is exactly the size of our grocery back rooms. I'll give you an example: Save a Lot in Bellingham was turned into a Stop and Shop, and in order to make it fit they (Stop and Shop) bought the Ames building and terminated Ames's lease there by getting rid of Ames.
    Having said, that the company has plans to open Stop and Shop Norfolk for business in the fall of 2007. I hope someone has a design (or divine) inspiration. Another round of political intelligence. Thanks to the town for yet ANOTHER terrific idea. Keep patient, it's coming, when you'll see evidence of it I can't say but it's coming.
    - RD

  • 4/29 6:10pm   RS, Re: Your post of 4/28 11:34pm - Thank you, on behalf of your puppy for your compassionate care, consideration and perseverance in trying to find a suitable home for him. You have my heartfelt appreciation as well. One of the worse tragedies that can befall any of our helpless fellow creatures is for them to be sent to a dog pound or animal shelter. If I weren't full to capacity with canine adoptees right now, I'd take him in a minute.
    Your little guy is at just the right age to begin training him to fit into just about any environment. The collie-shepherd mix is relatively common crossbreed that comes with many pluses. Who can forget Lassie or Rin-Tin-Tin? In reality, the best qualities of both breeds can be brought to the surface with proper encouragement. If introduced to the right environment, the collie-shepherd has a gentle demeanor, often displaying an uncanny degree of intelligence, and is easily trainable. They're usually very good around adults, the elderly, and older children--keep in mind that to avoid accidents, no infant should be left alone with any companion animal. Another big advantage that your puppy has is that mixed-breeds are more hardy and usually less likely to contract many of the diseases that, sadly, often take our furry friends away from us prematurely.
    I'll keep my eyes open, but no promises. . . .
    Best Regards,
    - MT

  • 4/28 11:37pm   Don't forget, the Friends of the Norfolk Library Book and Bake Sale is this Saturday, located in the Highway Department building across from the Transfer Station. We have thousands of books, so drop on by!
    - MJG

  • 4/28 11:34pm   I am still looking for a good family to adopt my puppy. He has all the shots required, and has a license in the town of Norfolk and has a chip installed to find him if he gets lost. He is 5 months old, part shepherd and collie.
    If you are interested, you can email me at sh5rob@aol.com or call me at 508-353-0037. Thank you,
    - RS

  • 4/28 11:24pm   Regarding the open position on the planning board, I would encourage everyone to actually get to know the candidates running for all open elections. While I am tempted to vote against the incumbent on the Board of Health because of the Domey situation, I know that in reality, it is vital to know about the candidates running before placing a vote. Having done that research, I will vote with confidence that I am making the best decision I can.
    That being said, it is extremely important to have knowledge and consistency on the planning board. Having read the piece in the Gazette regarding both candidates for the opening, I am not convinced Lori Hurley has the required knowledge for the position. I do know that Tom Poppey is well-respected and liked, is knowledgeable and is very committed to the Planning Board. This is demonstrated by the fact that his peers on the board voted him vice-chair.
    Do not vote for Lori simply because of a past grievance or issue with the Planning Board. Tom has served well for two years, and he and Lori both deserve that you find out more about them, their experience and knowledge before you make your choice on election day. [...]
    Sources for information on candidates include the Gazette articles, the Boomerang and the Candidates' Night broadcast on channel 22.
    - JB

  • 4/28 2:18pm   JC: Thanks for sharing that information about the Norfolk Planning Board with us in your 11:07 post, this morning. I agree with you that if any board, or any of our other government servants in town, are overstepping their boundaries, the problems should be addressed. That's why it would help us a great deal more if you would provide us with specific knowledge of how or why their actions unduly inconvenienced you. Please understand that this is the only way that the rest of us can have the benefit of separating a factual impropriety from an unavoidable annoyance. Thanks for your help.
    - MT

  • 4/28 12:34pm   PA: I will place a challenge to you. Call the Planning Board office (508) 528-2961 on Monday and identify the member who was involved in the following from your post: "I'll never forget hearing a board member, when asked why he was putting a woman through such a long and arduous ordeal, answer to her "Because we can." With the composition of the Board I find it very hard to believe that was ever said. There is an exacting process that the Planning Board and many other Boards and Commissions are mandated to follow by law. Some applicants feel they shouldn't have to follow the process because they've lived here for 10 years. That is most likely the attitude of JC who had to go through an "arduous process".
    Everyone who goes before the Norfolk Planning Board has to follow the Planning Boards "Rules and Regulations" and Norfolk's Zoning By-Laws; there are no exceptions and absolutely no personal desires of Board members incorporated into any decisions. The process does get bogged down when applicants keep coming back (over and over) without making corrections requested for, and mandated by the "Rules and Regulations" and "By-Laws", the Board is universally blamed for "slowing down the process" when in reality the problem is not created by them. Some applicants do their work and sail through, some don't.
    - Steven McClain, Chairman, Norfolk Planning Board

  • 4/28 12:33pm   Question from a new home owner: Has anyone had some wallpaper hung for them lately? What would be a reasonable price to pay for such service, excluding paper itself, for a 12' x 17' room, 2 doorways (no trim) 2 windows (with trim), one design with repeating pattern? Very basic install but too afraid to try myself. Any recommendations for such service would be welcome, too. Thanks very much.
    - DTB

  • 4/28 11:50am   Norfolknet has been advised by former selectmen's candidate MK that he has withdrawn from the race back a while ago, is not a candidate; has not been campaigning. The signs were put up without permission, and will be asked to be taken down.
    Reactivating his campaign without his consent was an unpleasant prank to pull. The recurrence of the signs and restarting the advocacy again expose him and his family to undeserved and unwelcome scrutiny.
    Please, as he has withdrawn and does not wish to be a candidate, it's inappropriate to continue discussing him and lobbying for him on a public forum. Please grant him the courtesy of privacy.
    - Wm.

  • 4/28 10:07am   As far as the Planning Board, I agree some change would be welcome. I had to go in front of them two years ago, and it was painstaking. I was so suprised to see their meeting on NCTV this week, and I hope that more meetings can be filmed.
    - JC

  • 4/28 8:08am   Norfolk Opposition Group to Overrides (NO-GO) will place its order for yard signs on Monday. Please contact us at voteno@no-go.org if you would like one. My hope is that we will be up to 20 signs by then. Expect a surge in interest as these signs are seen around town - only 41% of us are web enabled.
    The signs will read "NO OVERRIDES IN 2006"
    Please talk to those you come in contact with and know about becoming involved. If each of us can reach two voters our chances of success will be very high.
    If the people will lead - the leaders will follow!
    - JPB

  • 4/27 11:08pm   AL: Have you tried the place in Plainville that makes farm tables? They are unique & wonderful. I don't remember the name, but it was written up in the Gazette a couple of weeks ago. They have yellow hand painted type signs on Rt. 1A in Plainville, have antiques & other items they make as well - its definitely worth checking out.
    - SC

  • 4/27 10:48pm   Hello, PC. First of all, I want to compliment you on having the chutzpah to respond when you're challenged. So far, you're the first one to do so. Otherwise, my past devil's advocate comments have remained unanswered. Maybe now, if some of your contemporaries will follow your example, between the two of us we'll be able to encourage all participants to think more carefully and pragmatically before blurting out their concepts of a Rockwellian Hometown, USA illusion.
    Now, PC, that being said, let's continue with our own discussion. At 2:42 today you stated, in a public forum, "I think that Mike Kulesza will make a great selectman". I merely asked you for justification of your endorsement--why you thought that your candidate would be so "great." Your relying on blind personal preference as your only logic, without being able to support your assertion is, of and by itself, the most dangerous form of folly. Touche, PC?
    - MT

    [The term "folly" was mine, after paraphrasing the original - Wm.]

  • 4/27 10:47pm   I'll try to keep mine nice so as to not activate the civil emergency system! I noticed different campaigners out on the roundabout tonight, and that was Lori Hurley, running for Planning Board. As one who has been to several of those meetings, I feel Lori can bring a breath of fresh air, and hopefully a new spirit of cooperation. I'll never forget hearing a board member, when asked why he was putting a woman through such a long and arduous ordeal, answer to her "Because we can."
    - PA

  • 4/27 8:36pm   People do have the right to change their minds, (see Epstein, Theo) and perhaps Mr. Kulesza did just that. If you did your due diligence on this, you'd know that he did not notify the Town Clerk's office, for that ship has sailed time-wise, and his name is on the ballot. Hopefully there will be no nasty and personal smear campaign that comes out, whether it be from other candidates, disgruntled former employees, etc. Also, I hope his family can go to the library without being harrassed. (I was embarrassed to tell people where I lived after that hideous incident.)
    Mr. Kulesza is showing a lot of intrepidity going forth as he is, and for those who are confused, it should be very simple next Tuesday...there will be three names of people running for selectmen. You need to choose one.
    - JC

  • 4/27 8:28pm   MT - Just one, personal preference, but you [go ahead, it's your folly.]
    - PC

    [We interrupt this program for a test of the civil emergency system. This is only a test. In case of a real emergency, I will be jumping up and down. Keep it nice now... - Wm.]

  • 4/27 8:26pm   TK: I would recommend Gary Berset for your brick walkway. He did a great job on our walkway for a very reasonable price. His website is bersetcountrysidelandscaping.com. Good luck!
    - RH

  • 4/27 4:50pm   PC, Re: PC's post of 4/27/2:42pm: You seem to be advocating Mike Kulesza being elected to replace a present selectman. I'm not clear on your reasoning for promoting the change. However, since you've spoken up, do you suppose that you could detail some of Kulesza's attributes that make you feel that he's a better candidate?
    If you're really so sincere in your convictions, I'll make a deal with you: give me 5 sound reasons why you honestly believe Kulesza will do a better job than Advani, I'll match you reason for reason why there is no clear evidence to support your statements.
    - MT

  • 4/27 2:49pm   Bicycle trailer - I am in the market to buy a convertible bicycle trailer...Can anyone recommend a good brand or a good place to buy one? I would like this to last many years so that when my son grows out of it I can use it for cargo... Thanks!
    - MW

  • 4/27 2:48pm   Norfolk Community League plans charity run/walk - Registration is underway for the 10th Annual Norfolk community League Charity 5k Run/Walk. This year proceeds will go the Norfolk Community League's General Fund, which supports the community of Norfolk. Registration forms are available at the Norfolk Public Library and at the Recreation Dept., Norfolk Town Hall. Registration is $15.00 and $5.00 for kids under 11. A parking fee of $5.00 will go toward the Norfolk Lions and includes admission to Norfolk Community Day! The first 75 participants to register also receive a free T-shirt. The Run/Walk will be held at 9:00am June 10, 2006 at Holmes Field on Myrtle Street in Norfolk. Children's races will follow the 5k run at 11:00am. Registration for the kid's race is $5 for 50m/100m for children 11 and under. There will be prizes for all children!!! For more information, call Lisa at 508-520-7687.
    - LR, NCL

  • 4/27 2:45pm   Hi... I have a fisher cat living somewhere near my property off of the Union St end of King St... We have had many sightings, but it has never bothered us; the dog barks and it runs away. I have had much experience with these animals, having lived in the White Mountains of NH. Just keep a respectful distance and they should be fine. However, I am more worried about the recent racoon activity. This is the time they are looking for nests to give birth to their litters!! We had one a few weeks ago trying to get into our attic... I watched it climb up our drainpipe before it dissapeared onto our roof... then it scared me half to death peeking at me over the roof edge! These animals are NOT "cute".... Keep the pets in at night!
    - MW

  • 4/27 2:44pm   Anyone interested in helping plan and/or participate in a town-wide reopening and celebration of Town Hill is invited to attend a planning meeting on Monday, May 1st at 1 pm in the meeting room on the top floor of Town Hall. Contact Bonnie D. at 508-528-8414 or Tara S. 508-384-6354 with any questions.
    - TS

  • 4/27 2:42pm   CA - It doesn't sound like you are confused at all. Last time I checked Freedom of Speech was allowed in Norfolk, even with their restrictive Norfolk bylaws. If a person is on a ballot or not, they can be voted in to public office. Who knows, maybe Norfolk could elect up Mickey Mouse or Donald Duck as a Selectmen - *but only if they are registered to vote in Norfolk*
    PS - I think Mike Kulesza will make a great Selectman.
    - PC

  • 4/27 1:11pm   TMN: Rabies can have a seasonal flux in several species due to the fact that some animals hibernate and some do not in the winter months. In the spring we see more sick skunks as they can go into hibernation as contracted carriers and will come out with the disease ready to spread. The other animals that carry year-round contract and spread according to their exposure. An animal can contract rabies from exposure, carry, and not shed the disease until the end stage (after it has traveled up the spine and entered into the brain). The "classic" signs of rabies are apparent usually within the last 10 days of that animal's life, which is why the disease itself is a fatal one. To understand it simply, a skunk bitten on the neck by a rabies-positive animal can have a shorter incubation time to showing full blown rabies than if he had been bitten further back on its body. Animals effected by rabies die usually within 10 days of showing signs of the disease. Sincerely,
    - HNP, Norfolk Animal Control

  • 4/27 1:09pm   The question of the day -- Is Mike Kulesza running for Selectman or isn't he? By all accounts, he withdrew from the race, stating so to the media and the Town Clerk. Yet, a number of his yard signs have remained displayed around town. What is more perplexing, however, is why these signs are now multiplying. I witnessed the installation of new signs at the old "Cliff's" at the corner of Boardman and Main while driving by on Wednesday evening. Shortly later on my return trip, to my surprise, these had been joined by two more signs on the vacant property across from "Cliff's" and two in the business property adjacent to the post office. I subsequently heard of other "new" signs appearing around town. This type of activity is not only confusing to voters, but to me also appears to indicate that [the campaign] is saying one thing and doing another [...].
    - CA

    [Update 4/28 11:25am: We have been advised that MK has withdrawn his candidacy, and is not running. The signs were put up without permission and will be asked to be taken down. Whether confusion or over-eager supporters, the portion of the post discussing the ramifications of the seeming duplicity has been removed. - Wm.]

  • 4/27 12:11pm   To Hilary Nolan Penlington, Thanks so much for your informative message re: Fisher Cats and other local fauna. Our 62 lb. Lab spends quite a bit of time on our (electrically fenced) property during the day. While we never leave her out when no one is home, I must admit she loves being in this nice weather (who doesn't!) Will take to heart your caution about rabid animals wandering onto our land and causing more harm than healthy fishers - that comparison makes a good warning. Once school lets out the kids will be able to keep an eye out for her, but 'til then I'll supervise more. Is there any "season" for rabies; Spring or Summer more than Fall, say?
    - TMN

  • 4/27 12:01pm   JC, I agree with you that's why I am voting for Mike Kulesza. Also Advani is doing nothing about Stop and Shop's land banking tactics in the town center. Advani said in the Boomerang that there was no evidence that this was occurring in Norfolk even though Stop and Shop has actively used this anti-competitive practice in the past and based on their actions in Norfolk they are stalling. Why have no deadlines for construction been established like Mike proposed?
    - SM

  • 4/27 11:19am   Thanks for all of the advice on the voles and moles; I will try the least deadly to other animals approach. On a new topic, now that the intersection of Boardman and Rockwood have been paved, when do we put up the cross walk signs and paint the road? Right now it is like playing chicken with an SUV!
    - JT

  • 4/27 10:04am   I was driving home from work the other night, and from quite a distance I saw three people at the roundabout holding signs for Advani. As I got closer, I could see former selectmen Jack McFeeley and Joyce Terrio, along with the candidate, Ramesh Advani. All I could think of were of overrides, and town property sales just to balance the budget. Not to mention those long-winded meetings on NCTV.
    - JC

  • 4/27 10:03am   The Norfolk Lions Community Day event is set for June 10th this year at the Holmes complex on Myrtle street. The Lions are in need of help on one particular issue. One of our key suppliers, Nestle (the owner of Poland Springs Water) is unable to help us this year. Consequently, we need to indentify another supplier of water products for the event. If anyone has a contact at a water beverage distibutor that we can contact for donation of bottled water, please call me at 508-528-9302. Thanks in advance.
    - Ed Melanson, Norfolk Lions

  • 4/27 9:51am   PRR: Just to put you at ease, as I think you may have an alarmed perception of how the fisher is. In the article the late Peter Thomashay stated "he had heard of a fisher taking a deer down." He never saw such happen. None of the animal control officers in this part of the state that I have talked to have ever seen such a thing happen. Animals are unpredictable by nature, and in some cases a fisher may indeed jump down on a deer but most likely on a deer that is geriatric, seriously injured or an orphaned fawn. So I can't say it hasn't happened, but just that it is more unlikely to happen. The general rule of thumb is that an animal is more likely to attack prey that is of their stature or smaller unless there are other factors like I listed above. The other danger zone is if a person or animal walks into a den area and the animals there perceive it to be a threat.
    In my ten years upcoming as the ACO of Norfolk I have only seen a handful of different fishers, and they have all been very elusive, resistant to any threatening/aggressive behavior. I have not had reports of anyone being injured by a fisher in this town.
    I think the bigger issues surrounding our wildlife is not that they are here, it is that with continued development of land for residential and commercial purposes, these animals are and will continue to try to take residence behind our properties and in some cases upon our properties looking for safe haven and also an easy meal. This is why the state has laws regarding "trap and relocate." To trap an animal and to relocate that animal elsewhere will only move the problem for another jurisdiction to have to deal with.
    As with any wild animal, there is always the potential that they are sick (rabies or distemper are most common right now as diagnosed diseases) or injured, and could show to be a threat to animal and human safety. To limit the potential dangers of such an attack to just the fisher is unrealistic. Last year was a large year for rabid skunks, before that we saw a huge increase in the fox incidents, and prior to that coyote and racoon. So each warm blooded mammal has the "potential" to act out in an aggressive and non-rational way if they are infected with disease or are injured. Most wild species that are affected by rabies go through cycles of the disease where their population rate decreases from a high positive infection rate in that species.
    There is always the curiosity factor when dealing with a new species as they are unknown and unfamiliar to residents. The first time I saw a fisher it was walking across 115 by the Arnold road area. I was both shocked and intrigued as this was years ago and at that point knew very little about them. Wanting to know more, I pulled off the road, grabbed my binoculars and ran into the woods after it to try to get a better look. I caught a very small glimpse of it as it ran deep in the cover of the woods trying to retreat from my presence.
    At the end of this email I'm including links regarding MA wildlife laws and fishers in particular. You can always give my office a call if you have further questions. I am out of the office until the weekend with strep throat so if you (or any resident) want to talk with me regarding concerns you have I will return phone calls on Saturday and Monday. Of course all emergency calls will be handled in the meantime, so if anyone has an emergency please call the police department and they will get the proper assistance for you.
    The best course of prevention to offer any animal owner who has cats or dogs and is concerned with wildlife is to not leave their animals outside unattended. There is a false safety perception for those with dogs on invisible fences left outdoors unattended as a sick or rabid animal could come upon their property and have contact with their dog. Cats are prey to several different species as well, and to eliminate that threat the best course of action is to have your cat as indoors only. And of course, goes without saying, keep your animals vaccinated per state law for rabies.
    Omni/carnivorous animals will be attracted to properties that have trash left outside, pet food outside, or decks or sheds they can crawl under to make a home. Preventative measures can go a long way in deterring wildlife from your property. If you have wildlife that frequents your trash, try spraying ammonia on the outside of your barrels. That will deter most species from messing with it. Sealing up denning areas for animals requires digging down under the ground line by 6 inches and installing material that is animal deterrent (i.e. lattice, chicken wire, etc.)
    I hope this is a helpful start in understanding the different facets of living with wildlife. To answer the locations of the fisher in Norfolk, I would say that they have been reported to have been seen in just throughout most jurisdictions in town. Not one area more than another.
    MASSWILDLIFE Rabies Facts
    MassWildlife Problem Animal Control
    Living with Fisher in Massachusetts
    and of course lots of information regarding other animals in MA and how to live with them such as Moose:
    MassWildlife - Wildlife Program
    Sincerely,
    - Hilary Nolan Penlington, Norfolk Animal Control (508) 528 3232

  • 4/27 9:50am   You could try manure or animal urine. Seriously, sounds weird but it works. A few years ago when I lived in California, a friend of mine had a major problem with deer eating her hydrangea and tulips. Her landscaper put her in touch with someone at the local zoo who sold her a jar of lion urine. She lightly poured it around the perimeter of the flower beds and the deer never returned. Might work for moles, etc??
    - KS

  • 4/27 8:20am   Re: Vole, mole, mouse bait, please remember, cats kill and eat those critters and if you poison them, you are potentially poisoning the cat. I lost a cat to rat poison and it was a slow and painful death for her.
    - JW

  • 4/26 10:58pm   From PRR on North St. RE: FISHERS - Where exactly have fisher "cats" been sighted thus far?
    We have a small dog (son) that I never (what is it they say about, "never say never?") let off his leash. I have my fingers crossed that he NEVER gets out of the house without his leash by mistake, but mistakes have been known to happen as we all are aware. Anyway, I am very dismayed to read/hear just how populous the fisher "community" seems to be in Norfolk. I recently heard of someone getting badly bitten by one while attempting to save his dog... So, if fishers over-populate even more... what recourse do we, as humans wanting to be fair and protect animals in their own natural habitat, have in regards to staying safe ourselves? Also, would a fisher "cat" attack a small child or infant? I know that they are fearless, don't run from a fight and can take down a deer! Any thoughts? I am not feeling so great about these furry neighbors of ours I am afraid...
    Now that is a question!!!
    - PRR

  • 4/26 10:56pm   Public Service Announcement for Water Customers - ``Water Costs Money... Don't Waste It!''
    - JO

  • 4/26 10:45pm   Regarding Article 28: Some due diligence questions for Norfolk's CPC relating to the Grange Hall:
    1. Exactly what would the $335,000 cover?
    2. Is much wood, roofing, insulation, wiring, heating or plumbing going to be replaced? How much? Is landscaping or paving included?
    3. Does any construction expert from the Town get to review and approve the work specs and the proposed contracts, or does the CPC simply hand over the money? Is any money planned to be held back by the CPC pending successful completion of all punch-list items and acceptance?
    4. How many bids were received to arrive at the $335,000 figure? Is there any requirement for Union labor?
    5. Who, specifically, would oversee the job? A paid clerk-of-the-works? Reporting requirements?
    6. Who, specifically, would accept the job? (There seem to have been some expensive spec or workmanship lapses in some local public buildings.)
    7. Exactly what criteria will be used to approve prospective rentals of the renovated building, if the Town Meeting approves Article 28?
    - BH

  • 4/26 10:44pm   Looking for a recommendation on a local landscaper who installs brick sidewalks. Thanks.
    - TK

  • 4/26 9:37pm   Re: 4/26 5:52pm I appear to have some: either voles or moles in the yard and garden area, some of my plants have disappeared. Does anyone know how to be rid of these rodents? - JT
    There is a good article entitled Controlling Vole Damage [UNL site]. It recommends protecting plants by using metal hardware cloth around flower beds or gardens. Among other things, it recommends mousetraps with a box over each, to prevent access by squirrels and birds. This year I bought some "Just One Bite" rat and mouse bait, $4.50 for a one pound package at Gilmore's in Walpole. To reduce access to the bait by squirrels and birds, I put it in one foot lengths of 1 1/2 inch I.D. PVC pipe, placed deep in the vole tracks. Also, I put small chunks of bait into vole tunnels.
    It seems to have worked, with half left over for next year if needed.
    - RH

  • 4/26 7:40pm   Who really claims ownership of the Grange? Is it the Town?
    - WC

  • 4/26 7:35pm   Norfolk Opposition Group to Overrides (NO-GO) is opposed to all overrides in 2006. We seek to force the town to make tougher, more creative decisions to secure Norfolk's future. Since June 2000, there have been 12 override votes at five separate Town Meetings in Norfolk; ten votes succeeded.
    We urge you to attend town meeting and vote no on Article 5. 
    Date           Tuesday, May 9th
Time           7:30 PM
Location       King Philip Middle School, 18 King Street
    Contact NO-GO at voteno@no-go.org if you would like a yard sign to help defeat overrides in 2006.
    - JPB

  • 4/26 6:24pm   JT: This remedy was used by a friend's father when his garden was being ravaged: Get some glass and break it up into many small pieces, and place it around the perimeter of the garden. The rodents should catch on quickly, and your problem will solve itself.
    - JC

    [I don't understand how this would work, unless the varmint eats the glass. (Technically, moles are of the order Insectivora, and eat primarily earthworms.) And how do you clean up the glass once the rodents are gone? - Wm.]

  • 4/26 5:52pm   I appear to have some: either voles or moles in the yard and garden area, some of my plants have disappeared. Does anyone know how to be rid of these rodents?
    - JT

  • 4/26 3:57pm   Take Action: this is the week to call our State Representatives regarding the crisis in funding Massachusetts public schools. Demand Beacon Hill fix the crisis which places the burden on local property tax revenues rather than on state income tax revenues for addressing increasing costs.
    Today, the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) held its annual ``Day on the Hill'' where its members and all concerned citizens are urged to lobby, call, write and email their Representatives, as they are considering amendments to and finalizing the State budget.
    Sen. Scott Brown scott.p.brown@state.ma.us 617-722-2396
    Rep. Richard Ross rep.richardross@hou.state.ma.us 617-722-2305
    As we well know, the increased reliance on local property tax revenues and on Prop 2 1/2 Overrides is a model that does not work; it divides communities and hurts our children.
    Dear         :

    I urge you to:

    • Substantially increase funding for Chapter 70 (HR Budget #49, 1362, 1501)
    • Fund non-regional school transportation (HR Budget #752)
    • Fund regional school transportation (HR Budget #199)
    • Fund special education transportation costs (HR Budget #882)
    • Cap the Charter School tuition paid by home districts (HR Budget #1520)
    • Reimburse home districts for Sped Medicaid (HR Budget #1525 & #1534)
    • Establish the Special Education Circuit Breaker (HR Budget #1083)
    Urge you NOT to:
    • Roll-back the State Income Tax
    Thank you for:
    • Restoring local aid from the Lottery revenues
    (Briefly include how school funding affects you.)
    Call, write, email now.
    - RG

  • 4/26 1:12pm   DWL: Thanks for the info on farm tables. Nice stuff!! Appreciate the suggestion!
    - AL

  • 4/26 12:59pm   Can we ask the person responsible for the Web Cam to either adjust it back to its original window location (even a little more to the right to include the lovely Town Hill and flagpole) or change the current caption from "Norfolk Public Library Expansion Project" to reflect what it is really pointing at. Maybe something like "Stop and Shop Construction Project" might be more fitting. With the far reaches of this site, and potential newcomers to our town visiting it, this great link to the web cam should be a positive picture.
    And for those that work in their basements, or far away places, it's a great way to check on the weather in Norfolk:)
    - RS

    [Oops, that caption is on my wrapper around the Town Hall webcam. I've changed the caption. The Town Hall webcam page is at [this link] - Wm.]

  • 4/26 12:14pm   It's Spring Cleaning time at the Library! Our Lost & Found bin is full of children's jackets, mittens and hats of all sizes, toys, unmarked paperbacks and videos, and many more curious items. If these are not claimed by Friday, May 5th, they will be donated to one of the charitable collection boxes at the Transfer Station.
    - Heather Pisani-Kristl, Norfolk Public Library

  • 4/26 12:13pm   My daughter found an earring at the Pond Street Complex yesterday. It was on the middle soccer field to the left as you go in - it is a dangly earring with little pink shells.
    - MS

  • 4/26 12:12pm   Sorry folks, you will not see either Whole Foods nor Trader Joe's. Both of these chains have been contacted. The market area does not fit their operation requirements.
    - PC

  • 4/26 11:15am   Try this website (tradingpostantiques.com/new/farmhouse.html) for farm tables. We looked for about a year, then drove to this small New Hampshire town. We had wanted a round table. They made it to the exact specifications that we wanted. They will ship or you can always rent a U-Haul. They are right over the Massachusetts line.
    PS: three years later I still love my table. And there is no sales tax in New Hampshire!
    - DWL
  • 4/26 10:40am   To PT: Whole Foods would be nice, or even a Trader Joe's.
    To TO: You're right on. The library, the rotary, even the corner of Main/Boardman has enhanced the look of Norfolk, yet we still have a crater to look at daily. Does anybody REALLY know what's going on that corner of Main/Boardman? Every fast food place imaginable has been rumored, a pub, and lately a bakery, a cell phone store, and a golf shop. Does anybody know? It took so long to see that corner beautified, hopefully something successful goes in there.
    - JC

  • 4/26 10:38am   In response to "4/18 7:57pm Does anyone know of a woodworker in the area that makes farm tables? ..."
    Try North East Oak in Walpole, 508-668-6833, they craft hand-made hardwood furniture. They specialize in oak, maple and cherry. You can visit them at 2000 Main St. (Rt 1A), Walpole, behind Cottman's Transmission. They also make custom butcher block tables and kitchen carts.
    - PT

  • 4/26 10:37am   There are also only a fixed amount of people that would support a "whole foods" store. Therefore, that kind of store probably would not have as much business as a regular market. In addition, there is one in Bellingham so the people that really want it will drive to Bellingham to get it.
    - DWL

  • 4/26 9:42am   I would rather see a "Whole Foods" than a "Stop & Shop". That would bring some people from surrounding towns in as well.
    I don't think the current population can support a large Stop & Shop.
    Just my thoughts, Have a good day.
    - PT

  • 4/25 8:39pm   It seems we are all sick of the look of the center of town. Things finally seemed to be shaping up with the new library, building at the corner of Boardman and Main, new sidewalks, and the building at the top of the hill. I can speak for many when I say we were all hoping for SOMETHING to go in that we could all use. But even after my discussion with a selectman, we are no further along on the Stop and Shop sight than we were when we moved to town 12 years ago. While Stop and Shop owns the property, I understand it is illegal to "landbank" to prevent development by a competitive supermarket. Does anyone know what, if any, recourse we have to mandate development in a certain amount of time? I personally don't need to see another Stop and Shop in Norfolk with the numerous stores in surrounding towns, but can "we" as a town strongly suggest or start some type of committee to go out and lobby a store of our preference to purchase the property? Perhaps Stop and Shop would sell to another developer who isn't going to put in a super market? Please don't tell me there is nothing we can do because that's what we have been doing for the last couple of decades and we reap what we sow. Any lawyers in town who can advise what legal ramifications we have?
    - TO

  • 4/25 8:01pm   Norfolk Opposition Group to Overrides (NO-GO) has found a reasonably priced source for yards signs. If you would like to place a yard sign in your yard, please contact NO-GO at voteno@no-go.org. The yard signs will read "NO Overrides in 2006".
    - JPB

  • 4/25 8:00pm   Yikes! With the proposed prohibition on late night town land "use", I guess I'll have to find a new place to watch the meteor showers. The school fields were pretty crowded in the very early morning a few years ago when we had the big meteor showers. Sad to see this kind of thinking. Is it a reaction to the Blackstone debacle?
    - SC

  • 4/25 7:59pm   Great observations RJG !! The mechanical Bull thing was a result of the "Urban Cowboy" phase in the late 70's. Former NE Patriot Russ Francis and others opened up the Eaglebrook Saloon and were cashing in on the whole blue jean and flannel shirt thing that was hitting the suburbs. I can not recall who the town fathers were at the time but they wanted to stop any potential rowdiness with the no bull rule. There were a bunch of other rules put in place prohibiting adult books stores, dancers and the like.
    I agree that sometimes less is more but I would hope there would be some latitude in the 10pm to 7am rule. I'm sure the Chief will not be arresting adults on an early morning walk but wants the rule in place to keep an eye on kids. I would only hope the rest of the force would also give some latitude.
    - RJP

  • 4/25 6:46pm   RJG: Very well done! I heard there were some rumors of "night-putting" going on, so maybe this is an attempt to squelch that. Maybe we can get a movement afoot once again to get a golf course in Norfolk, and of course, it will be restricted, and gambling will be illegal.
    - JC

  • 4/25 6:45pm   Hardwood floors: I recommend Derry Hardwood Floors in Franklin.
    - GA

  • 4/25 4:21pm   Great floor company - Brothers Hardwood Flooring Company. Contact Lam Ban 617-828-7887.
    - EP

  • 4/25 4:19pm   So, anybody else read the town meeting warrant?
    Article 31 changes Section 32 of the Town Bylaws (By the way, I'm so glad we have Section 31 of the blyaws, which restricts the installation of mechanical bulls in town. I'm so glad someone thought of that...)
    Anyway, section 32 of the bylaws currently forbids access on school grounds from the hours of 9pm to 7am, unless specificially allowed by the superintendent of schools. Sounds reasonable.
    The Police Chief wants to amend that section to forbid access on ANY town owned property from 10PM to 7AM, unless you're an elected official, committee memeber, or employee, or authorized by the proper town entity.
    Geez. Good thing I'm on a town board, or I don't know how I'd get into my car at the old town hall parking lot when I have to take the 10:20 PM train home from work....
    The new section generally tracks the old section, except that it specifically targets skateboarders and changes the language prohibiting golfing to only prohibiting "*un*authorized" golfing. This begs two questions:
    1) Is there some "authorized" late night golfing going on on town property somewhere? Maybe the selectmen are practice teeing off the water tank after their meetings perhaps?, and
    2) So, is this a solution in search of a problem, or are some skaterats causing late night problems somewhere? If so I would imagine there's a more elegant solution than putting in a bylaw which prohibits me from a dawn walk on town hill...
    When it comes to governing, less is generally more. I think we're getting a tad overbearing here...
    - RJG

    [What qualifies as town-owned land? The streets? Undeveloped land? Bicentennial and Kids Place parks? The Medway Branch trail that leads from Boardman to the train station, used by commuters to catch the train? What a weird concept! Even the school bit is odd - after all, what about people who want to walk around Freeman's fields early in the morning? - Wm.]

  • 4/25 12:58pm   I am looking for someone to sand and polyurethane my hardwood floor in my kitchen/dining room and my stair rail system. Any suggestions

  • 4/25 12:12pm   Norfolk Community Leauges Nearly New Sale - The Nearly New Sale committee would like to thank the community for its overwhelming donations of children's clothes, toys, and baby equipment! As a result of the enormous contributions we will no longer be accepting donations at this time (please do not leave items outside of the bin!)
    The Nearly New Sale will take place on Saturday, April 29th from 9 am - 12 pm at the H. Olive Day School. Be sure to come early to shop for the best deals!
    For more information or to volunteer, please contact Joan P. at joanpiller@yahoo.com (541-9291) or Anne K. at keenan.a@comcast.net (528-5429). Volunteers who help with the set up on 4/28 are eligible to pre-view and shop the sale!
    Transportation services for the event have been kindly donated by Rainbow Movers of Franklin 800-922-1020, we thank them for their generosity!
    - LR, NCL

  • 4/25 12:11pm   MH and LK, Regarding the deer eating the tulips - I have one patch in my yard where every year they are eaten.
    Others patches closer to the street bloom and are left alone - as there is probably more human activity there.
    I have never seen the flowers bloom in that one deer patch in 5 years - until this year.
    Last fall we planted daffodils in with the tulips and so far the daffodils bloomed fine and now the tulips have opened up as well.
    We'll see if the deer continue to leave them alone or not but maybe their distaste for the daffodils keeps them away for from the tulips.
    You might try some companion planting like that going forward.
    - BD

  • 4/24 11:16pm   Norfolk Community League sponsored a candidate's night last week and it was taped and is being aired on NCTV channel 22 twice a day. Check the channel 22 bulletin board for exact times. There is also a strictly school committee forum taped at the library and aired on channel 22. Again, please check the channel 22 bulletin board for times.
    - PG, Norfolk Community TV

  • 4/24 5:37pm   Can anyone either recommend a convenient place to learn about each of the individuals, and their beliefs, who are running for elected posts in Norfolk (May election) or provide an unbiased issues report on each?
    - JL

  • 4/24 3:19pm   The 2006 Annual Town Meeting Warrant with Advisory Board Recommendations is at URL: [click for virtualnorfolk.org warrant PDF]
    - RH

  • 4/23 7:17pm   Norfolk Opposition Group to Overrides (NO-GO) urges all who oppose overrides in 2006 to come out to town meeting and vote on Article 5. This is your chance to make a difference. Please reserve this time to change the way Norfolk does business in the future. I suspect the vote on Article 5 will take place within 60 minutes of commencement.
    Let our voices be heard!
    Date: Tuesday, May 9th
    Time: 7:30 PM
    Location: King Philip Middle School, 18 King Street
    - JPB

  • 4/23 1:13pm   DL: Tom Woodward is a local cabinet maker. I don't have his office #, but his home # is 528-4812, he could does wonderful custom work, and could do a farm table for you.
    May I suggest that the Friends of the Library contact the Boy Scouts for assistance with the upcoming sale? The scout master is Kevin C., 520-4622.
    RH: Thanks for the information on the upcoming program on fishers. I had a cat disappear three years ago, and my neighbor has also experienced this. I'll be sure to watch on Tuesday.
    - CR

  • 4/22 4:26pm   While we are in the spirit of the Boston Marathon... join the Reilly family and their many friends in the community at the 3rd annual Connor's Fun Run, a 3-mile road race starting from the HOD School on Sunday, May 7. Run or walk, just come on out for some exercise, fun, and American Idol finalist Ayla Brown, who will sing the national anthem! Registration starts at 11am. For more information, visit connorsfunrun.com
    - AL

  • 4/22 12:05am   To MH: I was not personally offended by what was exchanged on Norfolk Net, but you seem to be....
    - BH

  • 4/22 12:03am   CR and JT: More on fishers: On Tuesday, April 25, on Channel 5, WCVB, at 7:30 PM, the Chronicle program will do a piece on animals, including the fisher. At URL [bostonchannel.com link] appears:
    "Cats and dogs are disappearing in alarming numbers in Greater Boston's suburbs and beyond. The resurgent coyote is taking the major share of the blame, but others suspect a more mysterious creature: the fisher. Tonight, Mary Richardson goes on a search for this elusive predator, and learns how all owners can protect their pets. ..."
    Some program resources are listed on the Chronicle website.
    - RH

  • 4/22 12:02am   For MH, As I have also found out the hard way, deer LOVE tulips! They take the whole flower in one mouthful, and sometimes yank the bulb up with it in the process. Sometimes other animals (not sure what kind) will dig up the bulbs and eat them as well, especially if they are partly exposed. Unfortunately, I don't think there is any hope for this year for the lost tulips, though they should come up again next year if the bulb is still in the ground. The other thing about tulips is that most kinds seem to lose their vitality after a couple of years--fewer come up again, and they don't all flower. The deer don't seem to have much interest in daffodils, however, so I still have quite a few of those, and they seem to multiply over the years. Don't know about hyacinths... haven't tried them. Good luck!
    - LK

  • 4/21 5:16pm   Dollies needed: on Wednesday evening before the Friends of the Library Book and Bake Sale, we move the boxes of books stored in our trailer into the Highway Garage, where the sale will be held this year. We have several dollies to transport the books but still could use five or six more. If you have one you can lend to us, please call Mary Jo Gothorpe at 508-384-5965 or email at mgothorpe@comcast.net. I'll make arrangement to pick it up, if you can't bring it to the garage. Make sure your name is clearly marking the dolly as yours.
    - MG

  • 4/21 5:14pm   Volunteers Needed: The Friends of the Norfolk Library Book and Bake Sale is scheduled for next weekend, April 28th and 29th. We still have openings for volunteers in both the set up of the sale and as cashiers at the actual sale itself. If you can help out, please call Beverly B. at 508-528-9725.
    We are most in need of help on Wednesday night from 6-9 when we move the books (over 1,000 boxes) from our storage trailer to the highway garage. Lifting of boxes is involved in this part of the project. The actual set up of the sale begins on Thursday, April 27th, and we still need help on the 3-6 and 6-9 shifts. This involves arranging books from the boxes onto the tables. The set up continues into Friday and slots are available on the 9-12 shift.
    The actual sale begins on Friday evening, and we especially need help from junior high or high school kids in what we call the Book Holding Area. As patrons shop and fill boxes or bags, an area is set aside to store the books until the patron is ready to check out. The kids will mark the boxes with the patrons name and then help with transport to the cashier and then to the car if the patron requests help. It's a busy but essential spot, and in the past, the kids have had a great time. We especially appreciate their strong legs. If service hours are required at school, confirmation, scouts, or an other organization we'll be happy to sign their form.
    The sale continues on Saturday, and we still need several kids in the Book Holding Area on the 12-2 shift. Adults are needed on Saturday on the 10-12 and 12 -2 shifts working as cashiers or in the bake sale area.
    This is a busy time for the Friends of the Library, and we appreciate all of the help we've received in the past from the Norfolk Community. In addition to the Book and Bake Sale Committee, who do all of the advance planning, this sale requires the help of over 130 volunteers. If you've already signed up to work thank you very much, if you can spare a few hours to help please call Beverly at 508-528-9725.
    The sale is being held this year in the DPW Highway Garage on Medway Branch, across from the transfer station. We're very excited about this new location. In the past, the tent we rented afforded us the much needed space to sell the books, but many issues arose from leaking roofs, to muddy ground, to poor lighting, to no bathrooms. We think this new location addresses all of those problems and gives us a big space with lots of parking. Butch Vito has been generous with his offer of this space to us, and we hope the town will check out the new and improved Friends of the Norfolk Library Book and Bake Sale.
    - Mary Jo Gothorpe, Friends of the Norfolk Libary

  • 4/21 5:13pm   I need some gardening help -- I am very new to planting and maintaining bulbs. In the fall I planted approximately 120 tulip and hyacinth bulbs. I was delighted beyond measure when they started to come up a couple of weeks ago. Some of the bulbs are in the front yard and some are in the back yard. When I checked on them two days ago, it looks like someone took a weedeater to the tulips in the back yard. The hyacinths planted directly next to them are fine, but the tops of all of my tulips are gone. There was not even any remnants of the flowers and some of the bulbs had even been pulled, but not eaten. I figure squirrels would have eaten the bulbs and not just the flowers. Any ideas and/or suggestions? Do tulips bloom more than once per year? Is there any hope for my flowers?
    - MH

  • 4/21 5:12pm   Personally, I'm not bothered by Stop & Shop's "land banking" of the property at town center. After all, the town collects taxes from them regardless of whether or not they build anything. What does bother me is the appearance of the property. Perhaps we could make a strong "suggestion" to Stop & Shop that they be better custodians of their land - That they really need to bring in topsoil and a landscaper to "spruce it up" a bit. For a huge multi-billion dollar company like Stop & Shop, spending $100,000 on landscaping in order to placate an entire town of potential customers and avoid a bunch of negative PR is nothing but chump change!
    - JD

  • 4/21 10:12am   TO CR and RH, it looked a lot like a weasel so I guess it was the Fisher. I was darned impressed by it walking head first down the tree, you could hear the claws digging into the bark. This morning, when I went for the papers, I peeked out the window FIRST!
    - JT

  • 4/21 10:09am   Appearing below is the body of a letter I sent to the Director of Public Affairs and the Chief Executive Officer of the Stop & Shop Supermarket Company on March 24th. Apparently they have decided to forego even the courtesy of a reply, and that lack of response leads me to believe what a number of contributors to this forum have suggested in the past: that is, this company's intentions are not in the best interests of the town of Norfolk and its residents. In the unlikely event they eventually respond, I will forward their comments to this forum.
    "Sir/Madam: The purchase of a major parcel of land in Norfolk, Massachusetts by the Stop & Shop Supermarket Company is becoming a very serious issue for many Norfolk residents (including talk of a boycott of your stores). Please go to our town website (www.norfolknet.com) to view these comments and concerns. I think the time has come for someone at Stop & Shop to reassure all of us of the company's very specific plans regarding this long neglected and daily eyesore. Does Stop & Shop have definite plans or deadlines for this site? Or is Stop & Shop practicing what an increasing number of town residents claim is "land-banking" with no intention of actually building here? I will pass on your reply (or lack of one) to my fellow Norfolk residents."
    - TEM

  • 4/21 10:08am   I want to highly recommend John Sexton, owner of Village Arts & Flowers. We had a family member pass away over the Easter Holidays and John himself went into the Boston Flower Market Monday morning, did the arrangements I had wanted, then delivered them to the funeral home in North Quincy. He did a great job and gave that "extra". Thank you, John.
    I noticed people are mentioning the fisher cat. I had one run across Union Street in front of me last week. They are making a comeback and they are one cat to stay away from. I believe one of their favorite meals are family cats so I would think it best to keep your cats inside.
    - BR

  • 4/20 10:16pm   I'm sorry, I may have caused some confusion - the photo was attached to the post of 3/18 5:12pm (thank you, HNP!), and it is a confirmed fisher cat picture. I linked it to today's post because it seemed to match the description. I think the tail is hanging against the tree between the two branches, though I had to turn up the brightness on my monitor to see it
    - Wm.

  • 4/20 9:43pm   JT: Could that critter be a Fishercat? Tought to tell, because I can't see the tail.
    - CR

  • 4/20 9:42pm   That critter is the Fisher Cat, I believe. It scared the living daylights out of me one morning when I went to get the paper. Ran right in front of me. I'm used to birds, squirrels, chipmunks. This is larger than a cat, all furry and runs fast!
    - TO

  • 4/20 9:41pm   Re: 4/20 9:04pm This morning, around 6, I went into the front yard and heard a commotion in the tree. I looked up and saw this brown critter. When it saw me it walked down the tree head first and took off into the woods. It was about 2 1/2 to 3 feet long, about a foot tall and ran somewhat like an otter. Any idea what it is? - JT
    We sometimes have one of those critters in our back yard. It is called a Fisher, or, erroneously, a "Fisher Cat". Ours also slinks along, as you noted, somewhat like an otter. For more information, see URL: [mcn.net fisher page]
    - RH

  • 4/20 9:40pm   AP - Beaver Pond in Franklin is very nice. Sandy beach, lifeguards & a few tables & grills.
    - SC

  • 4/20 9:39pm   AP,
    Q: local ponds or lakes that have a sandy beach and decent space for a picnic?
    A: Sweat beach or Lake Pearl in Wrentham, Beaver Pond in Franklin (plus Kayaking), and someday Norfolk town pond...
    Q: Best family walks?
    A: Norfolk: Stony Brook, the Airport property, Boardman Street fields behind the school, around the Pond Street fields
    - SP

  • 4/20 6:02pm   Paying a lot for heat this past winter? I would like to propose forming a Norfolk Propane Co-Operative, the purpose of which is to purchase Propane at bulk quantities for winter home heating.
    I think we could sign a contract with a propane company to obtain reduced pricing. The contract is paid (in full) up front and should be signed in July/Aug. when the prices are lower. A fellow worker did this and he said it was very effective.
    Goal- to get enough people to control at least 20,000 gallons of propane per year. You should use at least 800-1000 gallons of propane to heat you home. If you are interested, send me you annual propane usage, the company you use and the avg. cost you paid this past year. For example:
    Jack O. - 1000 gallons, EnergyUSA , 1.54/gallon
    send info to jolivier98@yahoo.com.
    - JO

  • 4/20 6:01pm   Wm - re: solar power and net meeting.. you may be right... Some minimum distribution costs may be incurred.. here is the law... [dsireusa.org link]. The question seems to be do you have to pay for a KWH delivered (distributed) to your home if you do not use it or is there some minimum charge (like water)?
    - JO

  • 4/20 9:04pm   This morning, around 6, I went into the front yard and heard a commotion in the tree. I looked up and saw this brown critter. When it saw me it walked down the tree head first and took off into the woods. It was about 2 1/2 to 3 feet long, about a foot tall and ran somewhat like an otter. Any idea what it is?
    - JT

    [Like in the photo? - Wm.
    5:59pm: Wm, yep! - JT]

  • 4/20 9:03pm   Are there any local ponds or lakes that have a sandy beach and decent space for a picnic?
    - AP

  • 4/19 3:00pm   RE: Vonage - We have it. It's cheap and it works. Sometimes the other side of the call complains they hear echoes. Every once in a while a call gets dropped. I attribute this not to Vonage but to Comcast. I've run tests on my line that show I'm not the best candidate for broadband phone service. Your connection might be better. Try this: testyourvoip.com. This site will give you an idea of how healthy your connection is. We have cell phones, so the Vonage is here really just so we can have a 'home' phone number. At $15 for 500 minutes a month, it's a good deal. Still, though, we may cancel it and use our cell phones exclusively.
    - DF

  • 4/19 2:59pm   On Saturday, April 29, the King Philip Music Association will hold their Annual Can and Bottle Drive. Between the hours of 9am and 2pm students in the various music programs will travel door to door in the neighborhoods of Norfolk, Plainville and Wrentham collecting redeemable cans and bottles.
    You may also drop off your refundable soft drink cans and bottles at the following locations during the time of the drive: the Wrentham Town Parking Lot (across from the Original Congregational Church), The Center of Norfolk, Wood School in Plainville and King Philip Regional High School at the KPMA can and bottle drop-off building behind the school.
    All proceeds go to the KP Music Programs which benefits students in Norfolk, Plainville and Wrentham.
    - MW, King Philip Music Association

  • 4/19 2:57pm   DAF, I'll take that response. I think true competition and school choice is the key and you feel funding is the key, but the truth is somewhere in between; you probably could not solve it with only one of those two factors. Just to set the record straight, I was never against good funding for the schools rather just funds wasted on things that don't directly impact the students. So, another big key besides school choice and good funding is also how and where we spend those funds.
    - MC

  • 4/19 2:53pm   PRB, I use Sun Rocket, which uses a similar technology, VoIP. You will see some differences in voice quality, but you will save $30 to $40/month. Only caveat is that your telephone is tied to your internet connection; no internet connection or no electricity (which happens frequently in winter), no phone.
    You need to have a cell phone or just a basic phone service from Verizon for emergencies.
    - TS

  • 4/19 11:26am   Has anyone tried the VONAGE Telephone sevice. Can you tell me the details. Thanks in advance.
    - PRB

  • 4/19 11:12am   MC, thank you for your kind thoughts for my friend. I'm happy to agree to disagree, but I can't help but feel that there is a mountain of evidence that points in the opposite direction of your statements. I also cannot let your parting shot go unanswered. You say: "I am on the side of parent choice and you are on the side of the government making parent's choices." That is, of course, a misrepresentation of my perspective. I could just as easily say "I am on the side of quality education for all children and you are on the side of education for children according to what the parents can pay." But that would be asinine, since that is not your intent.
    I think we both agree that something is wrong in our publicly-funded schools when so many children are not getting the technical know-how, intelligence, and problem-solving skills needed to have productive, happy adulthoods. Our government is of the people, by the people. A government or system doesn't run schools. People do. Because of this, change is possible. Funding is only part of the solution -- but it is a part that cannot be overlooked. I can't see how anyone can view that as elitist.
    - DAF

  • 4/19 9:41am   DL - I hear that there is a place on Rt. 16 in Mendon just beyond the drive-in. I think they do custom furniture.
    - MJD

  • 4/19 9:22am   Here is some data from a Floridian re Solar Power which should be useful for those posting interest in solar. Stay out of the sun!!
    Assuming you could get the panels at $4/ Watt;

    5000 watts of panels would cost about 25k; a synchronous inverter to change it from 12V to 120V and send it back to the power company grid to run the meter backwards would about $2k.

    Wiring, installation brackets, etc. about $3k.

    Total is about $30,000

    Since the inverter is about 90% efficient, the panels will only give you 4500 Watts instead of 5000.

    Say you can get an avg of 6hrs of sun in MA, so you would produce 4500 x 6 or 27KWH/day or 810 KWH / month. That would save you 810 x .21 (what NSTAR is charging us) or $170/month or $2040/yr. That would take 14 years to pay back the investment. There are even some grants available. So the payback may be closer to 10 years.

    solar panels
    [affordable-solar.com link]

    - JO

    [That 21 cents / KW-Hr includes the transportation charge, does it not? The electric company would likely credit us for power delivered to the network at the production cost, whatever that is now, about 14 c. So while we save 21 cents per kilowatt-hour that we use on sunny days, the surplus we generate only gets us 14 cents per HW-hr, with a corresponding delay of the payback - Wm.
    5:54pm I may be wrong on the above; anyone know for sure? - Wm.]

  • 4/19 12:13am   DAF, this IS getting boring. Let's just end this and agree to disagree. I guess these facts are like statistics, from which you can take any snippet you like to shape whatever opinion you like because there is always more than one factor in play; I happen to believe I'm right and you happen to believe you are right. I am on the side of parent choice and you are on the side of the government making parent's choices.
    One last comment, I will not state the specific service because I am not in the business of embarrassing anyone simply to make a point on this site.
    About your friend with small-cell lung cancer: I am so sorry and I will say a prayer for her. She is going to need all the help and support she can get, and above else, a belief that she can beat this disease will be the most important factor in getting better. I would not wish this on anyone. Best of luck
    - MC

  • 4/18 10:22pm   Re MC's post of 4/18 4:31 PM: You're right on target; go get 'em, Tiger.
    I consider that to be a good strike against the self-absorbed Prima Donna Syndrome so pervasive among the elitists, in towns like Norfolk.
    - MT

  • 4/18 9:11pm   MC, I fear this is going to start getting boring for our fellow Norfolknetters (perhaps it already has). If when I bring up a fact that contradicts your assertions you simply make other assertions, this conversation will not get us very far. It's tedious, I know, but let's quickly regroup:
    • First you stated that "Town government should help to organize this effort instead of just putting the hand out yet again." I showed that town government had, in fact, made cuts first. You agree, but then talk about something someone else did after which "the people" by some unknown vehicle forced the hand of School Committee who would have otherwise acted in the way you ascribed. That's a lot of heavy lifting to get around being wrong. Oh, and they didn't cut what you wanted cut anyway.
    • You told a story about a citizen kindly pitching in to provide some unnamed service to the town. I assumed that the service was, in the big picture, not one of the places where the overwhleming majority of our tax dollar increases go -- education, police, fire and the health care for the employees providing these services. As such, it has little impact on the overall economic outlook. You reply "I hope we don't all take that attitude and throw our hands up." Well, I don't know what attitude you are ascribing to me other than "realistic." Again, you haven't said what this free service was (it would be great to know), but if my assumption is correct, let me explain my attitude by way of analogy. A dear friend of mine, sadly, has small-cell lung cancer. As it so happens, recently she has developed acne for the first time since her teens. There are treatments for acne, but resolving this new development is not going to keep her from an early death. So the doctors are focusing on the rapidly-proliferating tumors on her lungs and adjacent organs. It would be nice to clear up the acne, and her loud snoring while they are at it, but they are busy with the main threat to her health. Would alleviating the acne be nice? Sure. If someone offered to do it for free it would very nice. Would it have a discerible impact on her life? Uh, no.
    • School choice is complicated and you didn't provide any facts that contradict my statements. Apparently you do not like unions. I cannot make you like unions. You also do not like "the state." I cannot make you like our Constitution-based federal republican form of government. All I can do is point out that your information on MCAS and charter schools fails to mention that public school district scores including special needs and vocational education students and an apples-to-apples comparison of "regular" education students in the district and the charter school shows that charter schools are doing no better than public schools. National studies show this again and again -- see the Bush Administration's Dept. of Ed study (link to nces.ed.gov study).
    - DAF

  • 4/18 9:09pm   I have a FREE Gift certificate for the first one that contacts me via e-mail. What do you get? 5 yards of bark mulch from Breo Lawncare. I got it from the NCL gala and found out that the only available color they have is the red mulch. So e-mail lawrence_kenneth@hotmail.com if interested. First come first serve.
    - KL

    [Update 11:17pm: Mulch is Gone. Thanks - KL]

  • 4/18 7:57pm   Does anyone know of a woodworker in the area that makes farm tables? I checked out Staples in Plainville, and will check out the upcoming Brimfield fair in May; but perhaps Norfolknet readers have discovered another local business that does beautiful work??
    - DL

  • 4/18 7:56pm   SB -- South about 1/2 mile after the end of the bike path is Aidans Pub, an Irish style place overlooking the water and the Prudence Ferry landing. OK food. Also, Redlefsen's across from the end of the bike path, and in the summer, Quitos fish place on the water across from Redlefsens. Don't expect the Ritz anywhere though. For a "Ritz" evening, pack a picnic, take the dog and a bike or two or the barbeque and enjoy Colt State Park. You won't get any better spot.
    - JHR

  • 4/18 6:54pm   JC -- You clearly have taken a ride to Bristol recently.   :)   Yes, the condos in the old factory where my dad used to work are something else! I hope he is looking down to see what has happened. Unbelievable!! But, as with any progress like that, a price has to be paid. In this case, before long, it will be only the well-heeled that will enjoy the water, the views and the supurb sunsets. However, anyone going down there must also visit Colt State Park. The state of RI has a done a lovely job with private land that would have been broken into house lots (perish the thought) if the state had not rescued it. Really worth checking out... accessed from the bike path... which started all this talk about Bristol, or by road!! :)   Incidentally, who is Jim Kerry? Do you mean John Kerry or Jim Carey or ??
    - JHR

  • 4/18 6:19pm   NO-GO seeks to remove the override as the semi-annual easy way out that we painfully endure. Let's remove the override and come up with some real solutions. Norfolk is not the only town faced with this dilemma - but let's be the first one to solve it.
    We have a town full of smart folks - old timers and new blood, including our selectmen and Jack. Let's lean forward and be the leader in solving this for ourselves. However, it will NOT happen until we defeat the override mentality that we currently live with.
    Please join us at voteno@no-go.org.
    - JPB

  • 4/18 4:55pm   Mirror Lake Clean Up will be on Saturday, April 29th. Meet at beach at 8:00 a.m. Bring your gloves, rakes, trash bags, etc. Meet or reconnect with your neighbors while beautifying your surroundings! Hope to see you there.
    - JT

  • 4/18 4:31pm   DAF, Yes you are correct that the override did not end up being resorted to, but it was the first thing thought of via letters being sent home to parents requesting another override or teachers will be lost; but the townspeople let it be known that another override would not be tolerated so the budget cuts were re-worked to cut the deficit (though I wish they could have looked to other places to cut than teachers, like admin, like raises, etc.) Regarding the comment "that one person's kindness, while laudable, had a tiny impact on our overall economic outlook" - have you ever heard of the saying if you watch your pennies the dollars will follow? I hope we don't all take that attitude and throw our hands up. I think that every single town employee, service person, etc. should be thinking about other ways to save or gain funds every single time a $$ is requested for some service, equipment, etc. I have no doubt that there are many great town employees and volunteers in Norfolk who already have this mindset, but it needs to be everyone.
    About schools, charter and voucher programs are only partial school choice for a few; let's go all the way. Charter and voucher programs are a band aid to calm the growing demand from parents - it's a let's just give them a carrot so they'll shut up kind of thing. Really, we only have the school choice option if the government has determined that the school is underachieving, then the student must be given option to choose another school if state law does not prohibit it (by the way, no vouchers in Mass, just charter and inter-district choice). Charters do provide some choice but still must follow state mandated curriculum; again state government controlling our child's education. So-called school choice programs are really the government saying "I will give you a choice if I determine you need one." You call that choice? it sounds to me more like government telling me `I know best' yet again. It's still all about meeting government standards and not parents' standards. Until that changes, true competition does not exist.
    Also, last I checked, charter schools are among the best performers on MCAS scores, so I guess at least that bit of choice has shown that education would be better off (check out Ben Franklin Charter as they are among the best MCAS performers in the state, using the state's yardstick; and by the way, they have lower per-pupil expenditures than these other schools - how do they do that?)
    By the way, in the face of this competition where the public schools are losing money to charters, are we trying to improve our public schools and match what the charters are doing? Of course not, the teachers' union is fighting to eliminate this choice rather than compete with it, because they know they can't, not with the union structure for pay, benefits, and all the benefits that come with the unions' no merit contract. Hey, maybe the entire union would be lost if they had to compete with non-union schools; perhaps this is their real problem - check out [Issuesource.org link]
    - MC

  • 4/18 12:24pm   MC, thanks for your reply. You said "The entire point of NO-GO is to change the mindset of first resorting to overrides - rather see what else can be done." The override was not the first choice. Maybe you missed the recent spate of press coverage of our financial woes. The School Committee approved a budget for fiscal 2007 that will lay off four teachers, two librarians, and increase the average class size. So our town leadership didn't just jump to the override solution as you claim.
    As for your anecdote about the town resident who provided a service for free: that's what many townspeople already do -- especially those on town boards and committees. I don't know what the service you are talking about was, but unless it is teaching students or manning the police and fire station--or providing health care for the town employees who provide those services to us--then that person's kindness, while laudable, had a tiny impact on our overall ecomonic outlook.
    I don't have time this morning to address your statement about school choice and competition in detail, but since you have strong feelings about the subject, you must be aware that this is precisely what has been tried -- via charters and vouchers -- for the past 15 years in many urban school districts. It's hard to find much evidence that competition has transformed these school districts. You must also know that studies, like Berliner and Biddle's, show that The United States ranks in the bottom half of the sixteen industrialized nations in per-pupil expenditures for grades K through 12. We spend 14 percent less than Germany, 30 percent less than Japan, and 51 percent less than Switzerland.
    - DAF

  • 4/18 11:11am   Re: Buckley and Mann - I heard that the developer was quoted in the Middlesex News that he wasn't going to develop the property because the town didn't accept the open space. Is this true? Thanks,
    - DA

  • 4/18 12:07am   DAF, I am not trying to make a grand statement about the good old days. The entire point of NO-GO is to change the mindset of first resorting to overrides - rather see what else can be done. I have had personal experience in town where a town worker stated that a service could not be provided because 'we ran out of money.' I suggested he look to someone in town who had the very expertise he was looking for and then went to this person and asked him to volunteer to help; he did and we now have the service without any more money needed. My question is, why was I coming up with this idea; why do we say we can't do because we have no money and then the ? shows up on a ballot.
    About schools in other countries - let's not kid ourselves, other countries have competition and school choice. The problem in this country is not how much we spend, as much as it is not having to compete for business from the Parents; that and unions dragging us down. Why is it that some town employees are getting 5 & 6% raises when many of us are now only getting 2% raises - and then we are asked to vote an override to pay for those raises or we will lose teachers; how is that justified? How about we cut back on the raises a bit; oh wait, the good old union contract prohibits that; you know the one that has nothing to do with merit.
    - MC

  • 4/18 12:05am   Now that the kids (and I) have come down off of our "sugar high", we'd like to thank the folks at the Recreation Department and Commission for another grand Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday. It is an event that is always fun and enjoyable - the kids have a wonderful time! It is also a time to meet up with old friends after a long winter of hibernating. It is a great Norfolk tradition - keep it going!
    - TMS

  • 4/17 10:47pm   JPB, I'm having difficulty understanding two statements from your last post. You say that your anti-override group is "opposed to all overrides in 2006 regardless of the reason," but then you later state that "our decision is based on anecdotal data evidenced by town decisions over the past several years." Perhaps the two statements aren't strictly contradictory, but they ceratinly seem at odds to me. Either you have good reasons to oppose it or you are doing it on ideological grounds, without regard to reason.
    MC, with all due respect, how far back you want to go in that time machine you are building to get back to "when we relied less on government and more on personal responsibility?" Prop 2 1/2 was voted into law in November 1980. And it was voted in for much the same reason you state in opposition to the override at hand. A majority of voters in the commonwealth wanted to get back to the halcyon days of "personal responsibility." Perhaps they were thinking of the days when learning disabled people were warehoused, just a few years earlier. Or maybe they had an even less expensive school system in mind -- back in the days before Brown v. Board of Education? In any event, the results were immediate -- thousands of teachers and other municipal employees were thrown out of work. Some schools were closed. Soon after this, the constant griping about the lowering of public schools' quality began. It continues to this day. The single biggest expenditure we have is our public education system. It is also the engine that helped to build this country and continues to extend our prosperity. Look around the world. The countries making leaps forward are those with well-funded public educational systems. Look around the country. Same thing. When were these good old days you long for?
    - DAF

  • 4/17 8:21pm   Norfolk Opposition Group to Overrides (NO-GO) is opposed to all overrides in 2006 regardless of the reason. We believe that if overrides are removed as an option the town will be forced to make more creative decisions. Please join our effort at voteno@no-go.org.
    We recognize that the town, town officials in particular, are agonizing over the difficult decisions we are faced with.
    These are a result of growing pains that we must face as we move forward and become less dependent on overrides as the fast solution to our semi-annual dilemma.
    The Norfolk Boomerang featured NO-GO on the front page of last Friday's edition. I encourage you to pick up a copy and tell others about it. This is an important step in getting the word out that we are serious and that the town must be more creative. Again, we are growing in numbers, we are getting attention, and town leaders are taking note. We will succeed if we are persistent and show up to vote at town meeting.
    For those who will say that we are not making informed decisions, I would say, our decision is based on anecdotal data evidenced by town decisions over the past several years. We are in fact looking at the big picture - not focusing on a single issue.
    - JPB

  • 4/17 3:20pm   To EF: Norfolk Irrigation here in town is great! 508-528-4846.
    - PM

  • 4/17 1:24pm   Can anyone recommend a landscaper to assist with the design, new soil, seeding, planting and overall maintenance for a local residence? Can you also recommend a local company for an irrigation system? Thank you,
    - EF

  • 4/16 9:43pm   JHR - memories of Bristol: I was surprised to find out just how quaint downtown Bristol was. A cross between Newburyport and the Vineyard, on a much smaller scale. About few blocks from the bike path's end is the Wrap Place, which has awesome, yes, wraps, and can be ordered with any conceivable healthy ingredient at a very reasonable price. Further down beyond the path's end, along the water, are a few more restaurants serving full dinners but might be a hit or miss deal. Bristol is a beautiful town although with the ever-increasing real estate market I think it's slowly becoming the 'new Newport'. Rumor has it that Jim Kerry bought the top two floors of the new luxury condos in the renovated factory building. I hope the locals don't get priced out of their own town.
    - JC

  • 4/16 8:37pm   I agree with MT; we should return to a time when we relied less on government and more on personal responsibility. In fact, this should be a part of our 'thinking outside of the box'; instead of first putting the hand out for another tax override, why not see if there is something or some service that could be provided by a town resident with talent. I'm sure there are many people in town that would be willing to help if only they knew they were needed. Town government should help to organize this effort instead of just putting the hand out yet again. Let's make our next need for a service first come by way of asking the townspeople for their personal help/talent; if that does not work than go from there. NO-GO!
    - MC

  • 4/16 1:18pm   The best place to buy for all dogs is in Franklin on RT 140 at Vet Med - it is in the the Liquor World Plaza. The woman who owns it is a doll! And she will get anything you need. As far as a crate - I would go with a wire crate from Petsmart - when the puppy is in it, you can put a blanket over if need be.
    - DN

  • 4/16 10:22am   Happy Easter!

  • 4/16 9:07am   Anyone have information on where is the best place to purchase items for a new puppy?
    - CW

  • 4/16 8:59am   In their most recent meeting the selectmen made what I think is a solid case to support the vehicle stabilization override in May. I'd ask you to keep in mind, however, that our goal is to force the town to become more creative and think outside the box.
    Part of the logic they use is that this override will help move the town into a more mature planning posture with regard to vehicle replacement. While this may be true, it will do nothing to stop the town from resorting to overrides in the future - not in six months, not in six years. The question becomes when will they seek the next override, and for what purpose?? If this override passes another will surely follow. We must draw the line now and stand fast. Let's find another way.
    - JPB, Norfolk Opposition to Overrides Group (NO-GO) voteno@no-go.org

  • 4/15 9:13pm   Was there ever an answer to a good place to sell crafts?
    - FH

  • 4/15 4:21pm   Looking for recommendations for someone to repair and possibly expand our front steps.
    - GA

  • 4/15 12:58pm   To DM/JMF and others interested in alternate energy sources - let me add a few observations accumulated over many years.
    Wind power seems to fail unless you have a pole and prop much like at the High School at Hull Gut. Appears too massive for us amateurs.
    Solar power seems to be expensive and requires a lot more sun to have viable rate of return (on the surface).
    I keep wondering if Norfolk has an advantage due to the many water sources - e.g. Highland Lake, Stop River, etc. One only has to look at early maps to realize the many mills that were in operation.
    I wonder if heat pumps might be a satisfactory source. By extracting water from Norfolk's plentiful ground water sources and returning it, perhaps enough heat might be obtainable. In any case I wonder if my 20 year procrastination should be reviewed. Perhaps someone could review for me. Let me know what you think!!
    - JO

  • 4/15 12:57pm   JHR: Thanks for sharing your fondness for Bristol. Please do recommend places to eat. Thanks,
    - SB

  • 4/15 8:46am   I'm not from the Highway Department, but I feel an obligation to respond to JHR's post of 4/14-4:07 PM and the one from JHR on 4/14 @ 4:07. If your not seeing part of our town landscape looking as you think it should bothers you so much, perhaps you and a few of your like-minded friends could gather and form an ad hoc committee. Then on some weekend, pitch in and plant grass and flowers, to your heart's content, around that awful Union/North corner.
    Until a relatively few years, ago, the true character of Norfolk was found as much in her people, as with the ambiance created by her material force. Ordinary townspeople contributed a lot of their own time, energy and resources to undertake special projects like beautification. This of course was at a time when townsfolk complained less and were willing to physically give of themselves to the town to achieve their personal aspirations. It was a time of much less government (at much less cost) because, without the self-indulgent faction, less was demanded of government and more emphasis was placed on greater personal responsibility for one's individual desires.
    - MT

  • 4/14 11:10pm   Do you do Windows? Looking for someone to clean the windows on the outside of a two story colonial. Email charlieg@gallishosting.com.
    - CG

  • 4/14 6:05pm   FYI, Norfolk Little League is still in need of a refrigerator for the Snack Shack. If anyone would like to donate one they are no longer using, please contact Mike at 508-520-6509. Arrangements would be made to pick it up. Your donation would be greatly appreciated.
    - MF

  • 4/14 5:23pm   I had read that a bagel shop was destined for Main & Boardman, but a bakery would be super. That property looks so much better now.
    On the campaign front, I just learned that Lori Hurley, candidate for Planning Board, has not once, but twice, been three days late returning books to the library.
    - JC

    [Update 5:59pm: given the circumstances, I ought to point out that the name-dropping is probably to generate publicity for the campaign, and that the "late books" reference is merely a joke. Just a joke! Some humor!
    Nothing to see here, folks, keep moving right along, nothing here. - Wm.]

  • 4/14 4:08pm   BS - Try Rack Attack in Framingham on Rt 9. They carry and install all kinds of bike and kayak racks. I got a great price on a Thule bike rack last year. Check out their web at rackattack.com.
    - DCB

  • 4/14 4:07pm   PRB, I wish someone from the town highway regarding the Union/North corner would make a comment. It is certainly a hurricane zone. There were plans to plant grass about 3 years ago. None yet though. What's up??
    - JHR

  • 4/14 4:06pm   Yes, I've heard the same thing about SPED. We had friends who moved to Southborough and thought long and hard about the move. The bottom line is that Norfolk was superior even to Southborough, and many of the other towns didn't even compare. Nothing wrong with being the go-to town, but the entire burden should not be born by the town as someone else stated.
    - BS

  • 4/14 4:04pm   JC--You are right about the wonderful bike path. Many years ago I lived adjacent to the path in Bristol, when there were train tracks there. It is a wonderful place to bike, but gets crowded on weekends with skaters and runners. Very scenic, has an ice cream spot in Riverside, and if you know how, you can go a bit farther in Riverside and ride on an historic carousel in what used to be Crescent Park. Only 25 cents for the ride on the merry-go-round, last I knew (a couple of years ago) . The total length of the bike path is about 13 miles and ends at a lovely spot on the water in Bristol. Ah yes--I do enjoy Norfolk, but there's no place quite like Bristol.... they call it home!! While in Bristol, check out the wonderful shops, antiques and historic buildings. Ahhh memories!!! (And I can suggest a few places to get a bite if anyone is interested. :))
    - JHR

  • 4/14 3:09pm   TO, I have heard the same thing; the word is out, if your kid needs SPED, move to Norfolk. I am wondering what Schools and School Committee is doing about it - probably nothing.
    - TS

  • 4/14 2:05pm   With regards to our increasing number of children on SPED programs, perhaps we should look at the age they are entering our system. I personally know of two people who were given Norfolk as a town to move to for our excellent and flourishing spending on our SPED programs. Imagine! One family moved here from Medfield. Another was told by a nurse while they were being tested at Children's Hospital in Boston. The word is out. I have no doubts that these children need these services, but if we are going to be the Go-To town for SPED, shouldn't we receive a comparable commitment from the state financially? I would be interested to see how many other families have heard the same information or even acted upon it.
    - TO

  • 4/14 12:19pm   Paddy is looking for a home. He is a sweet, sensitive, smart and affectionate male lab/retriever (approx 3yr) who was rescued by American Lab Rescue. Paddy is good with adults, kids, and other dogs. He travels well in a car, walks well on a leash, loves the dogpark and is looking for a loving home where he will get plenty of exercise and play time. Paddy is currently in a foster home in Norfolk and is available for adoption through American Lab Rescue. For more information call Sarah at 508-553-9836 or contact American Lab Rescue at americanlabrescue.com.
    - SD

  • 4/14 9:05am   JHR The Union?North area looks like something of an aftermath from a Hurricna. A real mess and eyesore.
    - PRB

  • 4/14 9:04am   What is going to go into that building on the corner of Boardman and Main Street? I heard a rumor about a bakery? If that is true, that would be great!
    - BM

  • 4/14 9:03am   BS - Re: the bike rack... call UHaul. They install after-market trailer hitches for about $150. Then you have to buy the bike rack to fit it... which will probably cost you more....
    - JC

  • 4/13 11:11pm   JC--Thanks for the posting on the bike path. It looks great! Speaking of which, I want to put a bike rack on my car--the kind that can hold four bikes and comes out from the underside of the car. Does anyone have any suggestions for someone around here? Thanks,
    - BS

  • 4/13 10:06pm   Can the poster who did the tremendous job on the expose and rape of the Blue Hills send Rep. Richardd Ross a copy (as well as myself)? He hadn't heard about it. Might as well send Sen Brown one also.
    In fact, there should be a mass outpouring of protest at this crime, plus an inquiry as to what people blatantly ignored the environmental concern that they were charged with preserving. They may have caused disgust on the part of advocates.
    Anyway, thanks to the posting person. Great job.
    - JO

  • 4/13 9:50pm   Re: roller blade other than on the neighborhood streets - The East Bay Bike Path runs from East Providence to Bristol and is 13 miles of perfect skating pavement. Only one half hour from Norfolk via 95 to 195, Exit 4, bear right, 1/2 mile on right. [info page]
    - JC

  • 4/13 8:43pm   JC - I agree. Great job at the Main St./Boardman St. corner. But what about grass at the North/Union corner. Anybody know anything about it?
    - JHR

  • 4/13 6:59pm   LH - It is hardly a "success" when someone uses bankruptcy [protection] to reorganize themselves. Mr. Kulesza's current "success" in his business is due at least in part to his ability through bankrupcy law to not pay those people/businesses to whom he owed money. Would we want our town officials to declare town bankruptcy in order to deal with our municipal financial woes? How about if the town declared bankrupcy and told all its teachers, or its firefighters, or its policemen, that it simply would not pay them -- would we consider the town fiscal managers "successful" then?
    - JC

    [Under Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection (financial reorganization for businesses) the court decides how much a company will have repay of its debts: ``A Chapter 11 filing, on the other hand, is an attempt to stay in business while a bankruptcy court supervises the "reorganization" of the company's contractual and debt obligations. The court can grant complete or partial relief from most of the company's debts and its contracts, so that the company can make a fresh start. ... Once a business files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, its creditors are not allowed to attempt to collect previously incurred debts except through the bankruptcy court. ''
    Under Chapter 13 (financial reorganization for individuals), ``...the debtor proposes a plan to pay his creditors over a 3 to 5 year period. During this period, his creditors cannot attempt to collect on the individual's previously incurred debt except through the bankruptcy court. In general, the individual gets to keep his property, and his creditors end up with less money than they are owed.'' (both from Wikipedia)
    And to add to the confusion, not all readers of Norfolknet have unique initials. - Wm.]

  • 4/13 5:46pm   To JC - LOL, who cares how NC feels, they did us a favor by letting us know we had a candidate with real experience on how to successfully take a situation of financial disaster (like us!) and reorganize it to the point of success (like him and his business now)!
    - LH

  • 4/13 5:45pm   I personally am glad someone made Mr. Kulesza's backgroud information public - I would not have voted for him based on his financial affairs
    - CK

  • 4/13 3:37pm   JC & BH - While I don't think that your comments were only directed toward me, I feel compelled to respond. Perhaps I am completely off of my rocker about Mr. Kulesza's withdrawal from the race (and I may be considered rude to express my opinion in this forum), but I think people have become overly sensitive in the way they take what they are reading. I do believe that bad things happen to good people (been there and done that), and I believe that good people will learn from that mistake and move on, without repeating the same mistake in the future. That is what makes them good people. I also believe however that process takes time. Six months, in my opinion, is not enough time (unless he has already paid off all of his creditors, which I would highly commend). I am sorry that you were so personally offended by what was exchanged on Norfolknet, but I will not apologize for the time or effort I put into getting the information about his bankruptcy, nor will I apologize for bringing the information to the attention of the voting public. I think there are far too many questions posed here that go unanswered. I will do my best to see that the ones that I have control over will get answered to the best of my ability.
    Just out of curiosity - (I honestly don't mean this to be a jab at anyone, I just really want to know how you feel) If the information were brought to you by a personal friend rather than a cloaked neighbor, would you have been so offended, or would you have taken the information, chatted about it and then gone about your day? Is it this public forum that bothered you, or that you do not know who NC is? Please don't say it was because you don't know NC's agenda. Everyone who posts here has an agenda - it just may seem different and/or more aggressive than yours.
    - MH

  • 4/13 3:19pm   The beautification of Norfolk continues. I noticed today that the old Cliff's Package Store (corner of Main St. and Boardman St.) has a new parking lot, and quite frankly, that corner has never looked better, now that the building has been remodeled and the site has been cleaned up. Hats off to whoever owns that property!
    - JC

  • 4/13 1:17pm   KB - It disturbs me to read a slanderous comment about a business. I'd prefer to think the dissatisfaction and or quality was an error. People try hard to make a living and live on their good word. Perhaps the company in Walpole needs another chance.
    - JHR

    [Good point! Please, complaints should be backed with examples of what specifically was unsatisfactory - Wm.]

  • 4/13 11:16am   RJP did make some fine points, and it is true, sometimes good people are faced with bad times. As a Norfolk resident, I'm embarrassed about the circumstances that led to Mr. Kulesza's withdrawal, and I wonder how NC ([...]) feels about it now.
    - JC

  • 4/13 10:58am   The Norfolk Storm Girls Softball 12U Tournament Team has the dream of playing in the Eastern Nationals this summer in Ridgeland, Mississippi. They have been invited by the local ASA to compete in the Nationals and will need to raise $25,000 to have their dream a reality. Please come to the Storms Car Wash on April 15th from 9:00AM to 1:00PM at the Federated church in Norfolk center. For $5.00 your car will sparkle.
    Domino's Pizza Cards for $10 (buy one large, get one med free, up to 10 pizzas - take out or delivery)? Will be available at the car wash. There will also be team made purses for sale @ $18 each. You can also see them in Something Special! Thanks for your Support.
    - DP

  • 4/13 9:55am   Does anyone have suggestions for breakfast/brunch on Easter Sunday? We have a toddler in tow and are looking for a place that would be understanding of that.
    - AP

  • 4/13 8:55am   To RJP, your post said it all, and in a very fine manner. When I read the other posts on this website, it seems people in general enjoy other people's hard times. Unfortunately, that is human nature. And as for [...], politicians, you are all the same.
    - BH

  • 4/12 10:49pm   For those of you who signed the nomination papers for State Senator Scott Brown, I would like to thank you for you help and support.
    - SD

  • 4/12 10:49pm   The first game of Norfolk Lions Youth Soccer's spring season is April 23rd.
    - HK

  • 4/12 10:19pm   Oops. Thanks to Wm. for pointing out the math error in my previous post. The gap between the percentage of SPED spending on out-of-district tuition in Wrentham vs. Norfolk is nowehere near as big as I had calculated in the wee hours yesterday morning. The essential point still holds --- this stuff is complicated and the difference between the two towns could simply the luck of the draw -- we might just happen to have more kids with low-incidence special needs than they do. I'm hoping we find out the answer at the town meeting rather than jump to a conclusion based on my own biases. Is that naive?
    Incidentally, there is a joke waiting to be made about my own "special" needs for mathematics tutoring. I thank you in advance for resisting the urge. Does anyone know the actual number of special needs students we have, and, for comparison, Wrentham has?
    - DAF

    [For the FY04 school year (04-05), calculating back from the DOE PPX expenditures shows 24.8% SPED students out of 1179 for Norfolk (293) and 11.8% out of 1249 for Wrentham (140). - Wm.]

  • 4/12 8:17pm   AP - Walsh Nursery on Main Street delivers mulch. A good local company. Let's support them. Nice people.
    - JHR

  • 4/12 6:36pm   We have been informed that due to the amount of municipal programming this week, NCTV has changed the times of the CARE Candidates' Forum, which was taped on Sunday, April 9. The new times for everyday showing are 10am and 6pm on Channel 22 . We hope you will make the time to get to know two of the candidates in the contested race for Norfolk School Committee. CARE thanks Mr. Dean Manning and Mr. John Olivieri for participating as well as the community for providing many of the questions for the candidates.
    CARE welcomes your feedback and encourages you to continue providing your input. Take the CARE survey now to weigh in with your opinions and ideas about the issues that are most important to you regarding our schools. The survey takes only 5-10 minutes to complete and it may be taken anonymously. Your feedback will be invaluable in helping CARE prioritize the issues and guide our activities. If you have trouble with this link, please copy and past this URL into your browser: http://www.zoomerang.com/survey.zgi?p=WEB2257K8HQPWK
    CARE asks for your assistance in getting out the word. To share the link, please forward this information to those with an interest in education for Norfolk children. Thank you.
    - CAM, CARE

  • 4/12 3:37pm   To JLH, et.al.: Read the fine print on the Dominion mailing. The bargain rate they offer expires in a year or less. There's no guarantee they will not raise their rate to equal or surpass NStar when that expiration occurs.
    - TEM

  • 4/12 1:04pm   JLH: found both your post and BS' interesting. Would also like to hear what you learn about Dominion. Kindly post.
    DAF: Good post. Have wondered why Norfolk has such a high % of SPED spending compared to other communities too...
    - TN

  • 4/12 1:03pm   Any information on when Norfolk Lions Spring Soccer begins? We signed our son up but have not heard anything. Thanks.
    - MS

  • 4/12 1:02pm   To KC: Whatever you do, don't choose Gerard Associates in Walpole for your walls and other landscaping hardscape. [...] .
    - KB

    [Update 1:28pm: if you wish to comment on poor quality of services received, please elaborate and cite examples. It is ok to cite a list of specific complaints, but it's not fair to make unilateral accusations without backing them up. See also today's post of 1:17pm - Wm.]

  • 4/12 1:01pm   JC, I agree that the parking prices around Fenway and other major stadiums are outrageous. I refuse to pay unless I must. Last time I went to a game I parked in Brookline (free at a meter after 6pm) and took the Green Line into Kenmore Square. We also stopped at CVS for some treats. Souvenir shopping in Kenmore Square for shirts and hats that kids that will outgrow things in a blink of an eye was much cheaper than the Yawkey Way shops. I'm not sure what my daughter enjoyed more - the game or the T ride. We were home in no time at all since we avoided all the traffic of Fenway. We stayed to sing Sweet Caroline and Dirty Water, the Sox won that night and it was all good.
    - TMS

  • 4/12 11:14am   To JLH - Dominion Electric is formerly known as Dominion Resources/Virginia Power located in Richmond, VA. I am familiar with them as they were a client of mine in my past life. They are a very up-and-up electric company who have taken advantage of the deregulation of the industry and are trying to compete outside of their region for business. They are able to pass on electricity at a lower price because they use coal down South to create power. Up here it is more difficult to use anything but oil (and we know the price of that commodity these days!) due to shipping costs of coal. In addition, if my memory serves me correctly, they also have a couple of nuclear power plants which is more cost effective too.
    I don't know the ins and outs of how everything works up here in a power outage, etc. with the provider in the south, but I'm sure you can get that info from them. It'll be interesting to see what you find out. Let us know.
    - BS

  • 4/12 11:13am   Can anyone tell me where I can get good quality screened loam at a reasonable price? Thanks
    - JC

  • 4/12 10:37am   To AP: Try Jane & Paul's Farm at 33 Fruit Street, Norfolk (508-528-0812).
    - TEM

  • 4/12 9:52am   Norfolk Residents: I received a flyer in the mail from Dominion Electric comparing their prices with NStar Electric and I am wondering if any one else out there is using Dominion or knows anything about them. We are curious if it would be worth it to change over to "different" electric company. Dominion's is offering a rate of 11.66 cents per kWh vs NStars 12.66 cents/kWh. Thanks for any info or comments.
    - JLH

  • 4/12 9:51am   Does anyone have a recommendation for someone local who can deliver mulch? Happy Spring!
    - AP

  • 4/12 8:37am   I concur with CR wholeheartedly. These are complicated issues. We need to discuss them, to see what is going on behind the numbers, and then come to a decision. Take special education spending, for example. Comparing the special education share of the entire budget across towns may not be as enlightening as it might seem on the surface. Look at Norfolk and Wrentham. Our total school operating budgets were close in 2005 -- $9 million and $9.4 million. Yet Norfolk's SPED % of the whole was 24.4% while Wrentham's was just 12.5%. Hmmm...but wait. In Norfolk, 26% of the expenditure on special education in 2005 was spent on tuition for out-of-district schools ($595,000). Wrentham, by contrast, spent just 2.5% of their special education dollars on out-of-district schools ($225,000). Why do we send kids to schools out of town? I'm assuming this is for a small number of children with low incidence disabilities who can't be served in our town. Perhaps Wrentham is lucky and doesn't have a handful of kids with these particular special needs. Or perhaps they have many and find savings by teaching them in their schools instead of paying for private schools. If our tuition costs were as low as Wrentham's, SPED as a percentage of the whole would drop to just 18%. And that is just one factor. We need more information before start insinuating that there is a "lack of creativity" or overspending.
    - DAF

    [Update 10:21pm: given the $225,000 figure, the Wrentham percentage would be $225,000 out of the 12.5% of $9 million, or 20%, not 2.5% - Wm.]

  • 4/11 11:11pm   To JE: Bird Park in East Walpole has some nice paved paths. You can access it from many sides. Easiest from here would probably be the Washington Street side. About a 20 min ride. Welcome to town!
    - LJK

  • 4/11 10:53pm   I wish that all the people who are so against any overrides for the town would think about joining our town government. It's easy to bad-mouth a situation; it is a lot harder to fix it. Perhaps they could find "creative ways" to stay within our current budget!
    - AL

  • 4/11 10:06pm   Members of Norfolk Opposition to Overrides Group (NO-GO) have come to the conclusion and all agree that removing overrides as an option will force the town to make tougher, more creative decisions. Necessity is the mother of invention; let's force the town to find another way. Like many residents in town, members of NO-GO have arrived at this conclusion after several years of hearing the same arguments and seeing the same results - override after override. What some see as level of service issues, others, such as the elderly and those on fixed incomes, see as a matter of survival. Our goal is no overrides in 2006. If you agree with our position of no overrides in 2006, please contact us at voteno@no-go.org. NO-GO urges all of those who agree with our message to attend town meeting on May 9th & 10th to vote no.
    - JPB

  • 4/11 9:21pm   Based on today's way of the world, one would think that the SPED spending would have been much greater when we grew up than today, but it was not. How is one classified as a SPED anyway? Perhaps part of the problem is our parenting skills and our inability to deal with less than perfect children.
    As children, we would ride in cars with no seat belts or air bags.
    [More . . . ]
    - PAN

  • 4/11 9:13pm   I have to say that I don't think that the "just say no" to a 2006 override regardless of the circumstances is a good idea. What bothers me about this is the "no discussion" element. The cuts the school system has made have already been substantial, and the Town Officials already have looked long and hard, as documented in the Boomerang last week.
    Let's approach the problem with an open mind. The reality is that we live in a town where 95% of the money to run it comes from homeowners. We live in a free country, thank God, so let there be discussion, so that everyone can evaluate the options and arrive at their own conclusion.
    - CR

  • 4/11 8:05pm   Found: Verizon Treo phone/palm pilot with Seidio clip in the airport field adjacent to Leland Road in Norfolk. Please e-mail box31@norfolknet.com to claim it.
    - PER

  • 4/11 8:01pm   We are fairly new to town, and would love to find a place to roller blade other than on the neighborhood streets or traveling all the way to the cape. The town that we moved here from had an old railway converted into a linear park for hiking, biking, roller blading etc. Is there anything like that in this area? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
    - JE

  • 4/11 6:21pm   Norfolk Opposition to Override Group (NO-GO) continues to grow. We are against all overrides in 2006 regardless of the issue. We wish to take the override off the table and for the town to make tougher, more creative decisions. All of us enjoy the benefits of one service or another in town. I'm no exception. Can anyone imagine using overrides to manage a business? Do citizens have this option in their homes? Let's find a better way. The town will not stop resorting to overrides until we endure the pain of attending town meeting and voting them away. If you would like to join in our effort to stop all overrides in 2006 contact us at voteno@no-go.org.
    - JPB

  • 4/11 6:20pm   The pageantry of the Sox opener is very nice. The insanity that goes on around the park is ludicrous. I'll walk from Norfolk to Fenway before I EVER pay $90 to park, as was the case with what the Mobil station on Boylston St. was charging today. I guess I shouldn't complain, though, for they only get $45 on weekends and for night games!
    - JC

  • 4/11 3:02pm   Ahh, the pageantry that is the Red Sox opener. Good Luck boys of summer!
    - TMS

  • 4/11 3:00pm   Just a quick note of clarification: I didn't mean to imply that Norfolk SPED spending is out of control, I just feel that when we start comparing Norfolk education spending to other towns that we should do it on a level per pupil amount. I left the School Committee meeting feeling that Norfolk is underfunding education, compared to Wrentham and Plainville; however, after looking at the data on the DOE website, it doesn't appear to be true.
    - WE

  • 4/11 11:26am   To WE, BM, JM, Wm and others, I think we all agree our SPED program needs another look, but the question is how we stress this issue to the School Committee and Administration. I don't know any effective channels of communication that are available to the community. We can go to the school committee meetings, but I don't think their format is tailored for community input.
    It was good to see Jack Hathaway and Mr. Advani on this forum. Their answers may not be satisfactory, but at least they make an attempt. I would like to see some from the school committee drop us a few lines and give us their thoughts on some of the issues on the voters' mind.
    I am hoping you all have watched CARE School Committee Forum. It is being aired on Channel 22 everyday from 11:30AM & 9:30 PM till election.
    - TS

  • 4/11 8:58am   So if you dig into the SPED numbers on the State EDU web site you see that in 1996 we spent 14.4% of our school budget on SPED expenses. In 2005 we spent 24.4%. Keeping that average up to a 1% increase every year, in 25 years we will be close to 50% of our school budget going to SPED. Will 50% of our kids be in SPED at that time? There has to be a better way.
    - BM

  • 4/11 8:57am   Thanks for the responses re: swimming and kayaking! I look forward to trying all the suggestions.
    - KGD

  • 4/11 8:55am   The Vehicle Stabilization Fund topic seems to have faded, but I was curious, is there a written case made for replacing town vehicles more frequently as opposed to just repairing them? Something like ``costs $120,000, depreciates $10,000 a year, but costs $20,000 to repair?'' If the repair bill is lower than the depreciation on a new vehicle, it would cost less to keep the old and fix it. Thanks,
    - AR

  • 4/11 7:39am   To KGD: Another great local swimming hole is Hinkley Pond in Medfield. It has a nice sandy beach area (with some large shade trees), picnic tables, snack bar, and good bathrooms. There are swings and a see-saw at the pond, and the larger Medfield playground is right next door. Lots of toddlers come there, as well as older kids. Its fun for all ages. It's $3 per person per day, or $100 for a non-Medfield family to join for the summer. It is run by the Medfield Rec. Dept. They also have swimming lessons (very inexpensive).
    - CH

  • 4/10 10:49pm   To WE, TS, BM, Wm. and others, There are also some DOE webpages that show exclusively Sped statistics. These are found here [finance1.doe.mass.edu page] You may have already used these pages in your searches. They show that Norfolk is in the top 10% in the state in the percentage of the school budget that is used for Sped. For FY05 (the list is incomplete) there are only 22 communities or school districts in the state that are higher than Norfolk's 24.4%.
    Sped is a program that is extremely important and necessary for the children with needs, but unless we manage the program much better than that, we will deprive not only the Sped students but the regular students as well as we try to stretch our tax dollar. As I said earlier, we could save at least $700K if we lower that percentage to the state average.
    - JM

  • 4/10 10:47pm   KGD, Sweatt Beach on Lake Pearl in Wrentham has a lovely little beach that is great for little ones. It is the town beach and lessons are given there. There are picnic benches and shade. There is a charge for out-of-towners, but as I recall, it is minimal and a nice place to spend an afternoon. A call to the Rec. Dept there would give you info, or perhaps on-line. Enjoy.
    - JHR

  • 4/10 5:10pm   Averaging the SPED percentage of the towns of Westwood, Medfield, Millis and Medway, I come up with close to 14% of their students being enrolled in SPED. Our town is now 22%. So we are > 57% higher than those other four towns. Can someone help me understand that? I have a hard time believing that our kids have such a significantly higher demand for SPED.
    - BM

  • 4/10 3:51pm   KGD, Try kayaking on the Charles River. A good place to start is at the Millis/Medfield line(take Fruit Street) where there is a nice parking lot and easy access to the river.
    I start off traveling towards Medfield with the current. You will find some great views of large expansive wetland areas. I usually turn around where the Charles goes under Rt 109 in Millis because the return trip against the current is much harder. This route is approximately 4-5 miles long.
    - SM

  • 4/10 3:15pm   I archived the messages from last Wednesday and earlier, so the start of the current topics is no longer on the page. All the old messages are accessible in the Notes Archive. The archive is separated into quarters, four per year, and go back to the very first messages from June of 1999.
    - Wm.

  • 4/10 2:58pm   BM, I did research on the DOE web site and this is what I found about the percentage of SPED in each town:
    Norfolk:21.1 %
    Westwood:     14.1 %
    Medfield:11.6 %
    Millis:15 %
    Medway:15%
    Currently, our percentage is at 22%, which means almost 1 out of 4 kid needs SPED; I am very incredulous of this number. I am wondering if the problem is not that we have 22% kids in SPED but the process or criteria we use to classify kids; perhaps this area need closer scrutiny.
    - TS

  • 4/10 2:57pm   On behalf of all the other MA's in Norfolk or anywhere else in the world, the views and opinions of the MA that has been posting missives on this site over the last 7 days do not reflect the opinions of all MA's.
    P.S The same goes for any SM's.
    - MA

  • 4/10 2:17pm   There have been many versions of per pupil spending numbers being given out on this website and at the school committee meeting last week. I went out to the Mass Department of Education website and found an excel spreadsheet with "FY05 Preliminary Per Pupil Expenditures" (http://finance1.doe.mass.edu/statistics) Here is what I found:
    Town Grade
    Structure    		 Per Pupil
    Expenditure
    Regular    		 Per Pupil
    Expenditure
    Special Ed    		 N of Pupils
    (FTE Average
    Membership)    		 Per Pupil
    Expenditure
    Norfolk K-06 6,560 12,999 1,146.2 8,447
    Plainville K-06 6,863 11,042 812.1 7,654
    Wrentham   K-06 6,629 12,774 1257.0 7,434
    The school committee provided the first two per pupil expenditure numbers at the meeting last week, but didn't provide the numbers in the last column. I feel the total per pupil expenditure is a better indicator of how many tax dollars are being spent on education in the town and provides a clearer comparison with other towns. I think it should also be pointed out that these numbers are from FY2005 - prior to the override passed last year by the Town of Norfolk.
    - WE

  • 4/10 2:10pm   Jack Mc wrote: "It appears that our controls and criteria (for special ed) are more liberal than the other towns. This is where we need to begin to look for savings." Why is that and who is [in control]?
    - BM

  • 4/10 2:09pm   To NS - thanks for the referral on the local carpenter - we'll give him a call.
    - MS

  • 4/10 2:08pm   We are looking for a reliable landscape design/build company for some work in our backyard, including leveling our lot and building retaining walls. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks,
    - KC

  • 4/10 2:05pm   Take CARE's Survey - CARE continues to seek your input. Take the CARE survey now to weigh in with your opinions and ideas. What issues are most important to you regarding our schools? The survey takes only 5-10 minutes to complete and it may be taken anonymously. Your feedback will be invaluable in helping CARE prioritize the issues and guide our activities.
    If you have trouble with this link, please copy and past this URL into your browser: http://www.zoomerang.com/survey.zgi?p=WEB2257K8HQPWK
    CARE asks for your assistance in getting out the word. To share the link, please forward this information to those with an interest in education for Norfolk children. Thank you,
    - CAM, CARE

  • 4/10 2:04pm   New in town and wondering where I should take my 2 year old to swim this summer? Any responses appreciated.
    P.S.: no-one responded to my question about kayaking on local waterways, so if you have any info regarding that topic I would also appreciate a response.
    - KGD

  • 4/10 1:59pm   Are you interested in an in depth look at Norfolk's School Committee Candidates? Please tune in this week to NCTV, Channel 22 at 11:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. to watch the CARE Candidates' Forum taped on April 9. Watch and listen to Mr. Dean Manning and Mr. John Olivieri as they respond to questions submitted to CARE and discuss the issues facing our schools.
    CARE thanks the candidates, attendees and viewers for participating.
    - CAM, CARE

  • 4/10 1:58pm   I agree with Jack McFeeley's suggestion that we take a closer look at Special Education costs. According to the DOE website, from fiscal year 2000 to fiscal year 2004 "regular" per pupil education costs grew 24% in Norfolk. SPED per pupil costs increased 82% over the same time frame. Obviously this can be a sensitive topic - nobody wants to deny any child access to high quality education regardless of his or her physical or mental condition. However, given the fact that teachers were laid off despite last year's major override, ways to control SPED program costs should be explored.
    - EW

  • 4/10 12:08pm   Can we put a limit on the amount of space each writer is given? I wonder if people are starting to stop reading them...too much space to too few people - the same people keep writing about the same thing - maybe add "continue" after 50 words, so those who are interested can follow, and those who are not, can move on...thanks!
    - CK

  • 4/10 12:07pm   I am looking for a reliable landscaper who works in Norfolk and has their own workers compensation coverage. If you know of one, please email me @ billmcgoldrick@comcast.net. Thanks!
    - BM

  • 4/10 12:05pm   Does anyone know of any upcoming fairs or small shows? I am looking for any show that might be worthwhile within an hour's drive. I'd like to have a booth at the show or fair to promote my new business. You can e-mail me directly at Diana_tohe@comcast.net!
    - DL

  • 4/9 11:08pm  
    [Update 4/10 12:08pm: MA's snide complaint removed. On behalf of Norfolknet, I apologize for this post. In retrospect, MA's right to voice a grievance on the page did not sufficiently offset his obligation to phrase it in more proper language, and I was mistaken to try and err on the side of tolerance. By posting the complaint, I have upset a number of readers, for which I am truly sorry, and apologize. (For the core of MA's complaint, see the post from 4/5 12:11am). Complaints in the future will have to be expressed in a less personal, more objective manner, or they will not be posted. - Wm.]

  • 4/9 6:28pm   To Webmaster: Just to let you know, you may want to post the King Philip High School SAT Scores--they are in 562 verbal and 564 math (pretty good). These scores have gone up and should be compared to the neighboring towns. We are close if not as high as Medfield. I found the information on the King Philip website. With all the negatives going on it would be nice to post some positives and these scores are something to speak about. The children obtaining these scores are coming from the Norfolk school system. Thanks
    - DWL

  • 4/9 4:08pm   To Wm (aka Moderator)... Wm: I agree with you. Thanks for pursuing the thread that was started by RG which stated that we were in the bottom third in [funding] public education. I commented at that time in my April 4th response that ``Actually, we are very generous.'' RG then posted on April 7th a reiteration of his/her prior comments and pleaded ``Someone, please prove me wrong.'' I was tempted to respond and prove that the conclusions were indeed wrong because the data presented were incorrect, but I didn't because you presented the correct data in your attached commentary. You quoted data from the Boston Globe that was consistent with my data, and you correctly concluded, ``That's right -- Norfolk $8000; by far more than the other nearby towns. I don't know where that leaves us in funding public education, but it puts us near the regional top in our generosity to our schools.''
    You are exactly right.
    This was the reason for my April 4th comment as well. I commend you for reaching that same conclusion because it is not obvious with a first glance at the data. RG did not reach this conclusion because s(he) used data and charts for ``Regular Day Programs''. These data did not include Special Education costs which increases Norfolk's expenditures by 27%. RG also compared these costs to the statewide costs and not the regional costs as you did which is the appropriate comparison. Statewide costs are skewed because regional areas like the Cape and islands, which are practically double the average, tend to push the data much higher than the norm. Eastern cities such as Boston, Cambridge, Waltham, and Brockton also do the same thing. You used a regional comparison with the nearby towns and concluded as I did that we are very generous and are not underfunding our elementary schools. I will add, however, that this same analysis also shows that we are underfunding King Philip.
    These data are available for viewing at the state Department of Education (DOE) website where you can download the excel spreadsheet ``pp04_daypp.xls''. If you download the file and parse the data for regional towns around Norfolk you will see that Norfolk is at a cost of $7,807 per pupil which is higher than Medfield ($6,761), Millis ($6,820), Mansfield ($6,953), Wrentham ($7,033), Plainville ($7,092), Franklin ($7,093), Medway ($7,122), N. Attleboro ($7,367), Ashland ($7,475), and Walpole ($7,603). It is lower than Foxborough ($7,858), Norwood ($8,004), and Sharon ($8,081). Dover and Sherborn are also higher but these are K-5 and I didn't want to complicate the data base. Note that the figures for Norfolk, Wrentham, and Plainville are K-6 while all the others are K-12. Also note that these are figures for FY04. This is two years ago and before our June, 2005 town override which I am on record as stating ``was unnecessary.''
    What is even more important is that our added Special Ed costs cause a 27% increase in our per pupil costs. This is the highest of all of the schools in our region. If we could lower our Special Ed costs just to the average (17% increase) of the other thirteen towns we could save $700,000 in our budget. It appears that our controls and criteria are more liberal than the other towns. This is where we need to begin to look for savings. An appeal to the state for relief from the Special Ed costs as proposed in a town meeting warrant article is the second measure and not the primary action. We need to recalibrate our own quantitative evaluations first.
    - Jack McFeeley

    [To conclude that King Philip is "underfunded," are you comparing just 7-12 numbers? The district-wide figures show King Philip (7-12) funding at $7300 per pupil, vs. $6800 Medway (K-12), $6800 Millis (K-12), $7100 Franklin (K-12), $6600 Medfield (K-12). If we had a town high school, the per-pupil expenditures would average in the K-6 numbers, and would be at least $7550 per pupil district-wide (assuming 1/2 at $7800, 1/2 at $7300; I don't see the high school student count right now). Are you using a more detailed breakdown? - Wm.]

  • 4/9 1:05pm   I don't understand how people can read the same posts and see them in such starkly different ways. As I saw it, the breaking of the news of Mike Kulesza's bankruptcy filings and the subsequent reaction was reasonably calm, reasoned and factual. Other than some really harsh language aimed at NC (the original "messenger"), I didn't see much in the way of personal attacks.
    Personally, I would have been very upset to discover the bankruptcies only after Mike Kulesza were in office, because, like it or not, they are part of his resume. I would have considered it misleading to have had them omitted, and would never have been comfortable not knowing what other relevant information may have been left out.
    Sure, we can all fall on hardship, but there are various ways to succumb to bad times; entering into contractual agreements and not being able to honor them is just one of the options.
    As to "...Advani supporters who tried to sully Mike's reputation...", I think blaming the messenger is a little too pat. It's inconceivable that an election campaign could have been based on the presumption that this information would remain undiscovered; its revelation must have been expected. Calling it "sullying Mike's reputation" is overplaying it.
    Like Mike was quoted in the paper, "You expect to have the dirty laundry come out..." Perhaps he may have been mistaken in believing that "I didn't think it would be such a big deal."
    - AR

  • 4/9 9:32am   Still not getting it. Check out the article in the Globe West section today about Michael dropping out of the race. They quote Jack McFeely as saying "I'd say the comments are getting pretty nasty" and this forum has brought out the worst in people. He's correct about nasty but he posted statements such as "I believe that not only is your credit bankrupt, but so is your credibility." The one that set me off was "The most incredible part of your denial is your placing blame not on yourself but on other external circumstances." You know, Jack, a lot of times bad things happen to good people. I personally would be more apt to support a person that has been knocked down and is trying to recover. That person may be more sensitive to other people's daily struggles.
    - RJP

  • 4/9 11:12am   The Norfolk Little League is gearing up to start a new season. Opening day is scheduled for April 22 with the parade scheduled for noon. We are in need of a refrigerator to help keep the snack concession stand supplied. If any of you out there could donate a refrigerator in good working condition, it would be greatly appreciated. Please contact Mike at 508-520-6509. Arrangements would be made to pick it up. Thanks so much for your continued support of Norfolk Little League.
    - MF

  • 4/9 9:32am   Check out Jack McFeeley's quote in today's Boston Globe West Section regarding the end of Mike Kulesza's campaign for Selectman. Jack states "I'd say some of the comments are getting pretty nasty," noting that the on-line forum seems to have brought the worst out in people. "That's the surprising thing; they are starting to sling the mud; it's not typical of Norfolk elections."
    Jack, I guess the "they" you refer to also prominently includes yourself. Everyone should go back and reread your April 4th posting. You launched a totally unfair and dirty attack on Mike Kulesza's personal and business reputation. You ought to receive a gold medal for hypocrite of the year award for you comments to the Globe. You and the other Advani supporters who tried to sully Mike's reputation on this web site should be ashamed of your conduct.
    I along with others I speak to are still going to vote for Mike. We are tired of the current way of doing business in Norfolk. We can do better.
    - SM

  • 4/9 9:30am   There was an article on Mike Kulesza's withdrawal in the Sunday "West Weekly" section of the Boston Globe (suggested motto: "Owned by moguls, written by interns.") The article stated that "In recent days, the race has turned ugly, with anonymous personal attacks posted on a popular online community forum." The story went on to quote Jack McFeeley that "...some of the comments are getting pretty nasty...."
    I looked up all of the recent posts relating to Kulesza. I found 18 of them, beginning with NC's post of April 3 that started it all. Two asked, and a third provided information on the bankrupotcy filing. Kulesza responded on April 4, and Ramesh Advani denied any involvement in NC's post the same day. Jack McFeeley objected to Kulesza saying that he had not actually filed for bankrupcy and was criticized (mildly, I thought) in two posts that were also pro-Kulesza. All other posts supported Mike Kulesza, and were critical of NC (using terms such as "despicable" and "shameful.")
    I'm sorry that Mike felt that he had to withdaw from this important race. He's obviously a bright guy with a lot of energy, and contested races are better for our Town. But the implication that attacks (plural) on Norfolk Net fueled this are simply not true. I would also like to know who NC is.
    - HRB

  • 4/9 9:24am   Regarding the per-pupil expenditures by the schools: While it is certainly worthwhile to discuss these numbers, it appears that the Boston Globe Magazine figures, as quoted here, are dramatically different than those posted by the Massachusetts Dept. of Education (DOE). Therefore, I would suspect that these two sources are not measuring the same thing. Possibly, one set of numbers includes costs with special education costs. (Norfolk, as we know, has a much higher proportion of special needs children, which is a huge expenditure for the schools.) Possibly, one source is not accurate.... It behooves everyone not to jump to conclusions on this one. I find it hard to believe that the Boston Globe numbers are an accurate apples to apples comparison to the DOE numbers. One must be careful in understanding the basis for these numbers.
    - MD

    [The Globe Magazine numbers are also the DOE figures, but arranged differently. The DOE has the table of identical expenditures on this page [here]t. - Wm.]

  • 4/9 9:20am   PA: I have some questions about your post of 4/7 @6:53 PM.
    What's this about School Psychologists? How many does the Town presently employ and how much funding are they presently receiving?
    I can't fathom how one mistake made by an angry parent should cost us $30,000. What kind of a mistake would that be, anyway? Would you please give us an example. Wouldn't there be any accountability on the part of the erring parent?
    I'm trying to draw an accurate appraisal of the "undue stress and anguish on the front line" that you describe. What form would that stress and anguish take? How traumatic would it be, and who would be the victims? Where is or what is the front line that you mention?
    I'm trying very hard to wade through so many of the issues that are being presented here on NorfolkNet and I trust that I can rely on you to clarify your points, so that we may better understand your concern. Thank you,
    - MT

  • 4/8 10:20pm   State senator Scott Brown needs our help for the next election. I have Nomination Papers for Senator Brown. If anybody is interested in signing them so that his name can be on the ballot for the Tuesday, September 19, 2006 Primary, please call me at 508-541-6360, so that we can arrange a time when you can sign them. Thank you.
    - SD

  • 4/8 9:59pm   Looking for hardwood floor retailers/installer to install 25 year hardword floor. Has anyone installed the 25 year hardwood flooring in their home? (factory stained, seal coated, refinished flooring?)
    - DS

  • 4/8 9:58pm   [Inadvertent post of question about the source of the school budget figures in the post of 4/7 10:40am removed - Wm.]

  • 4/8 9:57pm   Wm, I am totally dumbfounded by these numbers. I will ask the candidates tomorrow about this issue. We continue to get excellent questions from the community, and it is still not too late to send your questions for Sunday's CARE School Committee Forum.
    - TS

  • 4/8 6:40pm   For those who are still studying the school budget numbers, I tabulated some more of the FY04 Department of Education data from the on-line Boston Globe Magazine article; the expanded chart is at the bottom of the post of 4/7 10:40am. The figure that particularly caught my eye was the total school budget divided by the total number of students -- that is, the amount of money taxpayers are paying to have each child educated in the school system:
    Wrentham K-6 $6850,
    Plainville K-6 $6950,
    King Philip 7-12 $7030,
    Medfield K-12 $6610,
    Norfolk K-6 $8070.
    That's right -- Norfolk $8000; by far more than the other nearby towns. I don't know where that leaves us in funding public education, but it puts us near the regional top in our generosity to our schools.
    - Wm.

  • 4/8 6:03pm   Norfolk Opposition to Overrides Group (NO-GO) is opposed to all overrides in 2006 regardless of the issue. We are seeking to acquire yard signs for our no override message, and for signs to hold in the center of town and at various locations. If you are aware of a vender or can point us in the right direction please contact us at voteno@no-go.org. If you agree that we must take overrides off the table and force the town to make tougher, more creative decisions, please join us to vote no on May 9th.
    - JPB

  • 4/8 4:53pm   Seeking professional guitarist to accompany singer/songwriter - If you or someone you know is a professionally qualified and dedicated guitarist with some time, desire, a wide musical vocabulary and interest in performing and collaborating, please contact me.
    I am looking for a seasoned guitarist who is comfortable accompanying a singer as well as being part of a duo or trio depending on the venue/gig. If you can harmonize and sing background vocals in tune that is a major plus!! I am also interested in hearing your material if you are a songwriter.
    You would have to be able to improvise as well as learn and memorize original songs from charts and recordings/CD. A willingness to rehearse when gigs are available is required. Proficiency on classical, acoustic and electric guitars would be great. Thanks!! Please contact me soon at: Rubytunes@aol.com
    - PRR

  • 4/8 4:52pm   I've only periodically checked this site over the last week because I find it tiring that the same folks are going back and forth with their opinions on two or three subjects. While this site provides an excellent forum to voice an opinion, most posters are confusing their beliefs with positive fact and knowledge. That being said, I've noticed a few things that people might be missing because of the furor with which people are replying (i.e., point/counterpoint).
    It seems to me that CARE is different from the School Committee in that it is comprised of concerned parents and residents who are not under the umbrella of the school department and Superintendent, and therefore may be more objective.
    The posts about Mike Kulesza were shameful. While we each have a right to our own belief about our perceived connection between a public office holder and their personal/business finances, this opinion should be expressed on a ballot, not on a community website. Because of Mr. Kulesza's withdrawal, we pretty much will have status quo for yet another year with the Board of Selectmen, quite a predicament given the unhappiness residents have expressed with the current Board.
    For the first time in more than eight years, I will not vote for an override this year. While I am a strong supporter of money for education, perhaps if Mr. Hathaway and the Board of Selectmen are stuck between a rock and a hard place, they will finally take a look at the town's staffing. I think there is plenty of fat to be trimmed from the town's personnel budget. The town's staff appear to do an adequate job, but I believe that Norfolk town departments are overstaffed and its employees are overpaid. Quite frankly, I see few town employees overworked or even breaking into a hustle.
    All that being said, when I see the time, effort, research and intelligence invested in postings on this site, I wonder why posters don't consider becoming more involved with the town. Clearly Norfolk needs some new ideas and energy. I strongly urge you all to consider seeking an appointment to an existing committee or running for an office.
    - MHC

  • 4/8 11:49am   Courtesy of NO-GO, voteno@no-go.org, as published in the April 7, 2006 Country Gazette [here]. Please note the last sentence below.
    WRENTHAM - With failure of the $1.128million Proposition 2 1/2 override at Monday's town election, town officials are anxiously waiting to see what aid will be coming from the state, and preparing for a much leaner budget cycle that, in some cases, will mean layoffs.

    Voters on Monday made it clear they think the town needs to live within its means, overwhelmingly defeating the proposed override with 2,189 ballots cast against the tax increase, and 748 cast in favor of it. The override, which would have added 62 cents per $1,000 of valuation to the tax rate, was proposed to allow for "maintenance of effort" budgets to maintain town services at their present levels.

    Without knowing exactly how much state aid is coming to the town for the next fiscal year, Town Administrator Steve Boudreau said there's a lot of guessing about how much budgets will be impacted by the override's failure.

    At the moment, he said, officials are hoping they can go with a modest 1 percent increase. Department heads also prepared budgets reflecting 5 percent and 10 percent cuts prior to the election.

    "We're going to do what's necessary to enact a responsible budget that meets the service needs of the town as best we can," Boudreau said Tuesday. "The voters have spoken and we obviously have to heed that."

    - JPB

  • 4/8 8:42am   PRB, I'm not a veterinarian, but I think rabies shots are the law in MA for cats & dogs. I have my indoor cat vaccinated because sometimes the little darling tries to rush the door when I open it. If she ever runs away, I'd want her protected from animals that carry rabies, and I would want proof that she'd had her shots just in case she was exposed to rabies (to avoid a quarantine period). However, I skip the feline leukemia vaccine.
    Wm., Norfolknet has really been heating up lately. Maybe you should outsource that "quaint and outmoded technology" to China. They could get an eyeful of democracy at work. ;-)
    - HPK

  • 4/8 8:41am   PA: What's this about School Psychologists? How many does the Town presently employ?
    I can't figure out how one mistake made by an angry parent should cost us $30,000. What kind of a mistake would that be, anyway? Wouldn't there be any accountability on the part of the erring parent?
    I'm trying to draw an accurate appraisal of the "undue stress and anguish on the front line", that you describe. What form would that stress and anguish take? How traumatic would it be, and who would be the victims? Where is or what is the front line?
    I'm trying very hard to wade through so many of the issues that are being presented here on NorfolkNet and I trust that I can rely on you to clarify these points, so that I may better understand,them. Thank you,
    - MT

  • 4/7 11:15pm   Norfolk Opposition Group to Overrides (NO-GO) has a new email address: voteno@no-go.org. Please use this address to join our group or correspond henceforth. The sole objective of NO-GO is no overrides in 2006 for any reason. To that end, we are seeking to team with as many registered voters as possible, attend town meeting in mass, and vote NO - without discussion. We believe that if the easy choice of the override is removed from the table, it will force the town (leaders & residents) to make tougher choices and get creative. If you wish to effect real change in the emergency management practices that we have endured over the past several years, drop us a line. One team, One message, One goal.
    PS: We would be delighted to see our goals published in the Boomerang, Country Gazette or any other regional publication.
    - JPB

  • 4/7 11:06pm   Thank you for the inquiry regarding the CARE Candidates' Forum on Sunday, April 9 from 3 - 4:30 at the Norfolk Public Library's Community Room, with Mr. Dean Manning and Mr. John Oliveri participating.
    The CARE Candidates' Forum is designed to include questions that reflect the pulse of Norfolk and the community has responded to CARE's request for this input. The format will include a short period of introductory questions for the candidates that are presented by four school aged children, including the President and Vice President of the Student Council. Moderated questions will follow. Topics range from budget and override issues, community and stakeholder involvement, the terms and timing of the Superintendent's contract, the recent School/Library partnership dissolution, performance measurement, and policy and process considerations.
    CARE encourages additional community and teacher participation and welcomes any Norfolk residents and all interested parties - including school aged children - to submit additional questions they'd like posed to the School Committee candidates. Please send questions to CARE's email box29@norfolknet.com or by mail to Box 94, Norfolk MA 02056.
    The forum is open to the public. For those unable to attend, the CARE forum will be taped for NCTV.
    - CAM, CARE

  • 4/7 9:36pm   If you have an indoor Cat do think it is necessarry to have them get a rabies shot?
    - PRB

  • 4/7 8:05pm   MS - We had a local guy do all of our carpentry, from a 3 season porch (3 sliders), crown moldings, basement remodel, etc. Daniel Gordon, cell 508-423-1607 (out of Franklin)
    - NS

  • 4/7 8:03pm   LB: "There is really no need for..." -- your opinion. "C.A.R.E. continue to ignore the fact that they are duplicating... the efforts of many groups that have been well established in town for quite a while." Again your opinion. Are you suggesting that citizens of Norfolk must work through pre-established channels?
    Here's my take on one subject utilizing your criteria. Why do we need organizations such as Jimmy Fund, American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Lance Armstrong Foundation, etc? Are you suggesting that these organizations are duplicative and not needed? In my opinion, rational points of view would suggest that each organiztion offers an alternative for each individual to choose which organization represents values that they want to support. Why move on from the political organizations of Whigs and Tories. LB: Do you drive a car? Under your direction we would be driving cattle.
    - CM

  • 4/7 7:58pm   Voters in Wrentham rejected a $1.128 million override last evening, sending a clear message that their town must find another way. It is the sincere hope of Norfolk Opposition Group to Overrides (NO-GO) that we can accomplish the same thing on May 9th and throughout 2006.
    We oppose all overrides in 2006 regardless of the cause. Our numbers continue to grow. We need about 30 more people to win our 1st victory on May 9th at town meeting. Will you take a stand? Please contact us at box30@norfolknet.com. Please spread the word to friends and family and ask them to join our effort to stop all overrides in 2006 and force the town (leaders & residents) to get serious about our future. Our approach is simple: mobilize as many registered voters as possible to go to town meeting and vote NO. No need to debate - simply sit idle and vote. I promise it will be a powerful and lasting message should we succeed.
    Would you like to be part of such a monumental change?
    - JPB

  • 4/7 7:19pm   There is really no need for the candidate night sponsored by C.A.R.E., NCL has been sponsoring one for years. While well intentioned, the founders of C.A.R.E. continue to ignore the fact that they are duplicating, and not just with the second candidate night, the efforts of many groups that have been well established in town for quite a while.
    - LB

  • 4/7 7:19pm   We were saddened to hear Mike Kulesza has withdrawn from the selectmen's race, but certainly can understand why he is choosing to do so. We have heard his platform and felt he had some very good ideas for the town. We certainly feel he has not been treated fairly and have every intention of voting for him on election day anyway!
    - MC and SC

  • 4/7 6:53pm   Dear MKL, I do think Mr. Hathaway's response was fair and reasonable given the depth of your well reasoned - and appropriate - questions. In fairness, to fully address the issues fairly and comprehensively would take a significant chunk of time. The town has dedicated resources to address the issues raised - through the channels outlined by Mr. Hathaway. The School Budget alone is 39 pages long... and based on the recent rumblings... it would seem prudent to let him manage his available resources (time and people) to continue to review the document, and model various combinations of the numbers - with the goal of arriving at a finished document that we can all live with.
    CAM and SM - The Copy of the School Budget is indeed very informative. Thank You for sharing. Indeed, increased Transportation Costs @ 68k are a kick in the pants, and the budget clearly reflects an upward trend in overall materials costs - including 30k for the new Math materials. Of course the open wound is found on page 39. The collaboration with the library has been cut, and the corresponding funds allocated toward the expectation of increased SPED placements. Clearly the unintended resignation of a valued and respected librarian has put a damper on the desire to explore creative, more cost effective collaboration arrangements with the Library. I have to believe, that at some point, a gut wrenching, high stakes decision had to be made with regard to who should bear the burden of appropriate costs for library services, the Schools or the Library. Glad it wasn't me...
    I anticipate that one of the many contributions of the Administration officials is the expertise they bring to the management of these SPED cases, in a manner that meets the expectations of demanding parents, and potentially restrictive and expensive state regulations - and to balance those against the bottom line, dollar for dollar impact each has on the overall budget. One mistake (angry parent) can cost 30k... plus the undue stress and anguish on the front line.
    Realistically, the deed is done with regard to the Superintendent. Do we call for her head, buy out her contract - and find a new low cost replacement? Doubtful - nor appropriate. I challenge you to review the budget, and make thoughtful real dollar suggestions about where expenses - as currently proposed - should be shifted. I have tried and it is tricky. If the answer is to cut additional staff, then so be it. Though, if you pull the wrong lever - you will need to make a late adjustment to increase funding for the School Psychologists. Good Luck all!
    - PA

  • 4/7 6:21pm   Heard from the Rec Department that ``as of 6PM tonight, the Easter Egg Hunt is postponed until next Saturday at 10:15am.''
    - VR

  • 4/7 6:20pm   Why are there two "Candidate Nights"? One on Sunday and the second on Monday. Isn't one enough? Do we need two separate groups to do the same thing?
    The second one run by the N.C.L. sounds like the actual "Candidate Night" as it is being moderated by Mr.Gross. Is the first one necessary? Will the "Candidates" even be at the first one?
    - BF

  • 4/7 4:27pm   We are looking to have a french (exterior) door put in to replace an old slider - does anyone have the name of someone who could do this job? Thanks.
    - MS

  • 4/7 4:23pm   Hello Norfolk Residents, The Norfolk Community League has a new issue of the Newsletter available on the web site now!
    Link to the web site and updated April Newsletter - available in Microsoft Word and Works: norfolkcommunityleague.org Thank you,
    - ES, NCL Editor

  • 4/7 4:13pm   Mr. Hathaway - While I appreciate your responding to my earlier inquiry (see 4/7 at 9:54), you did not address any of my concerns nor did you answer any of my questions. So, I can only conclude that:
    1. The budget for the rest of the town HAS NOT been cut at the level that the school department's has.
    2. No one from Town Hall is being "pink slipped" despite several individuals at the schools receiving pink slips.
    3. The Selectman HAVE asked for further cuts from the schools.
    I also want to state that I understand that not everyone's priority in town is the schools, but they are for a great number of people. However, everyone, regardless of their views, has the right to know what is being proposed across all departments. And while you have encouraged people to attend the budget meeting on Tuesday, how about some answers to very straightforward questions in the meantime?
    - MKL

  • 4/7 2:46pm   [Update 3:13pm: inadvertently posted message about car auctions removed - Wm.]

  • 4/7 2:45pm   CAM, Thanks for the great post on the school budget! I have always wondered why we need a Superintendent, two principals, two vice principals for a K-6 program. These costs should be cut first before teachers. Also why was the Superintendent given such a big raise and an overly generous time off package? Pay should be based on performance and what we can afford, not on what other towns are paying.
    - SM

  • 4/7 2:26pm   To TS: I have always wondered about buying a car at auction and was intrigued when I read your post of 4/6. I followed the link and the listings look interesting. I know nothing about cars so I am wondering if there are steps I can take to make sure I am not purchasing a lemon. Are there ways to know what you're getting before purchasing? Or, is a car auction just not a place for folks like me? Any further information and your opinion would be appreciated. Thanks.
    - AP

  • 4/7 2:21pm   EP, So you are saying if we spend more money we will guarantee that our kids will get a better education. The empirical data shows that spending more money doesn't necessarily result in a better outcome. The old adage it's the quality not the quantity certainly applies to giving any bureaucracy any more money. How can you be sure that our money is being spent efficiently and effectively?
    - SM

  • 4/7 2:12pm   I am glad there is a lot of interest in the budget this year. This has been a very difficult process for everyone, and we still have a lot of work to do.
    The Selectmen and I will be reviewing the budget Tuesday night, April 11th, at the Selectmen's meeting. You are welcome to attend or watch on NCTV, channel 22. The meeting will be at Town Hall.
    The Board of Public Works meeting that is currently showing on NCTV's, Channel 22 includes a discussion of the cuts that have been made to the DPW budget.
    - Jack Hathaway, Town Administrator

  • 4/7 2:05pm   Everyone should be outraged! It has been heartening to read the posts here that pose intelligent questions and comments about our schools, School Committee and Superintendent, especially since they are grounded in facts.
    Word has it that, in the past, the teaching staff has always been included in the budget process, but not this time around. They haven't done budgets and they haven't been asked to do them. So, where is the reported 10+% requested staff increases coming from? Reportedly, this is unprecedented! Yet another example of bridge burning where there should be bridge building. How many more will it take?!
    Despite the low numbers that appear in the pie chart graphic and percentages presented in Norfolk's FY2007 operating budget, a review of the line item budget clearly demonstrates that we have a disproportionate amount of resources allocated to clerical staff and administration.
    Does anyone else wonder:
    - For clerical staff, there is at least $471,866 in the budget. Are staff increases limited to a 4.1% COLA?
    - What is the reason we require two principals and two vice principals for a total of just over $350,000? It appears that each received an increase of 5.1% and 6.2% increases respectively.
    - Exactly what consultants are hired and how much do they cost? Professional development is not only a good idea, it is mandatory for ALL teachers. So, with all the programs out there, why are we spending thousands of dollars on a literacy consultant when that kind of program applies only to classroom teachers? Where is the coordination between "literacy" and "library?!"
    - Why we are not reducing in these areas instead of teaching staff, services and supplies for our children?
    Am I on to something, or do I just require some further education on the value that clerical staff and administrators are providing? Either way, why are they so much more valuable and important than what grade, health, library, spanish, and art teachers deliver to our children on a daily basis?
    - CAM

    [Update 3:19pm: revised version - CAM]

  • 4/7 1:29pm   Wm, greetings. This copy of the line item budget [here] that was requested from and supplied by the Superintendent's office is supplied to the Norfolknet community courtesy of CARE, box29@norfolknet.com. Thank you.
    - CARE

  • 4/7 1:11pm   SM - I totally agree that money does not buy a good education - It buys a GREAT education. Below tells me all I need to know.
    Total enrollment (2004-5) Rank: 226 out of 328 districts (1,140 K-6)
    Students in special education Rank: 38 out of 328 districts
    Students from low-income families Rank: 313 out of 328 districts
    These are some of the reasons my children do not attend the schools.
    - EP

  • 4/7 11:42am   RG, Average spending per pupil does not necessarily correlate with the quality of the education received. For example, annually the city of Boston spends $11,700 per pupil yet the school system gets consistently low rankings. The issue is much more complex than just spending. Throwing more money at a problem often makes it worse not better.
    - SM

  • 4/7 10:40am   Compared to only K-6 distrticts (2005), Norfolk spends $1,000 less per pupil/year. See data attached [MA DOE FY04, here].
    K-6 State Average:   $7,564
    K-6 State Mean: $7,126
    K-6 Plainville: $6,863
    K-6 Wrentham: $6,629
    K-6 Norfolk: $6,560
    I still maintain: Norfolk: top tenth in income, bottom third in funding public education. Someone, please prove me wrong.
    - RG

    [I found a comparison in the Boston Globe Magazine, it shows the overall per-pupil spending in FY04 in
    Town Per FY04 Budget   Num Kids   Expense
    Norfolk (K-6)   $7,807   $9,200,767   1140 $8,071
    Medfield (K-12)   $6,758 $20,475,977   3099   $6,607
    Wrentham (K-6)   $7,033 $8,786,057 1283 $6,848
    Plainville (K-6)   $7,090 $5,723,588 824 $6,946
    Franklin (K-12)   $7,093 $41,350,441 5,967 $6,929
    King Philip (7-12)   $7,289 $13,849,964 1,971 $7,026
    Medfield ranks at 307th out of 325 districts, Norfolk 203rd. Medfield spends about $10K per special-ed student, Norfolk almost $13K, and Medfield has identified only 11.6% of their students as special needs, compared to Norfolk's 21.1%. Medfield has more teachers per student than Norfolk, at a lower average salary; they run their school district at a total cost of $6600 per student compared to our $8000 ($20,475,977 for 3,099 K-12 kids to our $9,200,767 for 1,140 K-6), and their schools are still reputed to be excellent! - Wm.
    Update 11:52am: I just scanned the numbers again, and the 8000 vs 6600 figure is startling - for 1140 students, that's a $1.5 million savings! Are these numbers right? Did the magazine miss something? (King Philip numbers are separate; $7,289) - Wm.
    Update 4/8 6:05pm: arranged Globe Magazine data into tabular form, added Franklin and King Philip, and computed the "Expense," the amount the school is costing per child in the school system. From the 2004 Globe (DOE) data, Norfolk looks to be very generous indeed to its schools. - Wm.
    Update 4/8 10:33pm: found a Mass DOE page with Norfolk five year trends; it shows the per-pupil expenditures as having increased 33% from 2000 to 2004, up from $5,878 in 2000. A quick check of other towns shows about a 15% increse. - Wm.]

  • 4/7 9:54am   A few questions for the Selectmen and Mr. Hathaway:
    1. Based on the School Committee meeting this week, I know the schools have outlined a number of cost-saving reductions like SPED, reorganization, and collaborating with town hall depts, and that they continue to strive to eliminate long-term redundancies within the District. What discussions and plans are in place to streamline operations across the Region? What have you done on the municipal side to reduce costs and achieve efficiency? And, of the cuts you have taken, how do the cuts impact personnel at town hall? Have ANY positions in town hall been eliminated, outside of not replacing one retiree?
    2. What is your level services budget (without health insurance) for town employees? What decreases have you taken from your level services budget, and how does this compare with the 4% level services budget you mandated on the schools?
    3. I have heard that the schools have been asked for another $116,000. True?
    Please provide specifics... it is important that as taxpayers we have access to the "big picture" and have the opportunity to understand exactly what is being cut across ALL departments and services. If you respond with dollar amounts, please include not only the amount that is being cut, but also the total budget $ (for that dept as well as overall) and the percent that the cut represents.
    Thank you for your time. Respectfully,
    - MKL

  • 4/7 9:17am   BF - A thought provoking question! Answer: Some households choose to save and invest. Others households seem to have the need to spend everything. What house does Norfolk live in?
    - PC

  • 4/7 8:12am   Question... If the state had a proposition 3 1/2 or 4 1/2, would we still be facing budget woes?
    Second Question... If the state had a proposition 3 1/2 or 4 1/2 instead of the present proposition 2 1/2, are we to believe this would solve the problem?
    Third Question... Was it a mistake to use 2 1/2 as the baseline for the states allowed property tax increase?
    Forth Question... Can a Town successfully operate within the Proposition 2 1/2 guidelines?
    - BF

  • 4/7 12:02am   On a lighter note, does anyone have any feedback on the NCL Charity Gala? For those of you who don't know, this event was developed to help raise money for the town of Norfolk. Money raised from this event goes directly back into the town to a variey of organizations and funds. Thank you for your input.
    - EAD

  • 4/6 10:37pm   Is anyone else outraged at the lack of honest communication by the School Committee and Superintendent other than me?!!! Please help me beat the drum that they can not award insane salary increases to the administration and at the same time eliminate programs and teachers from our schools. We all know that once a program is gone it is nearly impossible to bring it back.
    Some things to think about ...
    1. Why did the Superintendent spend thousands of taxpayer dollars (many - not a few) on a literacy program and then cut the library program? Do literacy and the library not go together somehow?
    2. Odd how two of our most vocal teachers have lost their jobs this year. First Eric Maetz and now Heather Macpherson. I wonder why Heather had to retract her comments so abruptly yesterday?? A little pressure from the inside maybe?
    3. Who is the teacher who is "retiring"? Over 15 years experience, Masters Degree, etc. Humm, could it be Mr. Maetz? If that's what they call retirement then good luck to all of our teachers when their retirement day comes.
    It's time for honesty in our schools!
    - EMS

  • 4/6 9:13pm   I think the center of town, the clock, roundabout and town hill look terrific. But, what about the other end of town, specifically the Union, North, Ash St. corner. Work was begun there three or so years ago, and the road itself reconfigured. But, it seems that all has stopped. It is the entrance to our town from Wrentham, and basically looks dreadful. Are there guidelines for the business that took the place of Al's Welding Shop that would contribute to the owner keeping his property and business more attractive? Are there guidelines for many cars, tarps, piles of wood in yards adjacent to Ash Rd? Is there a plan afoot to plant grass at the corner? Just wondering what can be done to show pride in that area.
    - JHR

  • 4/6 8:54pm   CARE is having its first School Committee Candidates' Forum on April 9th from 3:00-4:30PM, we have received several questions from the community and we encourage you to send more. You can send us anonymously to P.O. 94, Norfolk, MA 021056 or email to us at box29@norfolknet.net. Click here to see our press release norfolkcare.blogspot.com.
    - TS

  • 4/6 7:53pm   Norfolk Opposition Group to Overrides (NO-GO) is growing by the hour. NO-GO has one goal/message for the year, No Overrides In 2006!
    We feel that if we stay with this message only, it will keep us of one mind and most effective. It is very easy to lose momentum when the discussion moves off of the main - very narrowly focused objective. In fact, that is exactly what you will find those in town who will oppose no overrides in 2006 doing. They will attempt to muddy the water and cause exhaustive debates that will take us off task and cause division. That said, the ultimate goal is to fix things and we will certainly move on to other topics if we are successful in this. Please let me know if you would like to join up and stay focused on no overrides in 2006. A myopic view can many times have substantial results, much like a laser!
    Contact us at: Box30@norfolknet.com
    - JPB

  • 4/6 7:51pm   Just out of curiosity, what are the annual operating expenses to maintain our new town center? Specifically, the electric bill? Considering Norfolk is a sleepy little town and probably has virtually no traffic after 10:00pm, do we really need to have all those lights on all night? I know I try to turn off unnecessary lights in an effort to keep my electric bill at an affordable level. Though it might not be a lot of money, I am sure there are a number of other small savings the town could find if they really put their mind to it, rather than keep asking the taxpayers to fund everything.
    - PAN

  • 4/6 7:46pm   The budget meeting of the School Committee was well attended on Tuesday night. I thought that the school officials did their best not to answer some pointed questions concerning the superintendent's contract and benefits as well as the COLA's. There were some great potential cost-saving ideas put forth from the audience. I think we need format to brainstorm and come up with some creative solutions. Maybe there is one, and I've missed it. It seems like it is too late in the game at this point to investigate the feasibility of these ideas for the current situation.
    One thing that struck me is that the Norfolk Schools have 22% of their kids on an IEP (Individual Education Plan - special education). While this encompasses everything from speech and occupational therapy to very severe learning disabilities, I was shocked to hear that number. From what I can remember of the slide presentation, the state projections for our town expenditures for SPED were about $150K while we are spending $600K. Now I know that SPED is mandated and that if someone needs it they get it, but why is the number of kids on IEP so high? What can be done to decrease the costs? Any insights would be welcome.
    The other thing that was announced was that close to 25 teachers will receive pink slips very soon. The administration hands them out to anyone who potentially could have their job cut for the fall. I do not envy them in this season - they must do their best to teach our kids and then they have to worry about maybe losing their jobs. What a rollercoaster for all of the teachers!
    - TMS

  • 4/6 7:45pm   Hi Neighbors, aren't we supposed to keep our postings short and sweet and civil? Come on neighbors, we CAN do this!
    - PR

  • 4/6 7:42pm   [Update 4/8 4:53pm: seeking guitarist re-posted 4/8 4:53pm]

  • 4/6 7:39pm   I'll try to be as brief as possible, but I've been long winded because I am trying to share information that is important about our budgets. Promise me you'll attend Town meeting and I'll be briefer.
    The vehicles we are talking about replacing are different than cars you might commute to work with or use on the weekend for yardwork. These are primarily the highway trucks that are used for snow plowing and the public safety vehicles - subject to harsh use on occasion. The two highway trucks we are replacing are over 15 years old. I think you'll be hard pressed to argue that vehicles that have plowed and sanded streets for 15 years need replacing, especially if you saw them. The Police cruisers that are still running when they are cycled out the Police department are handed down to other departments, Highway administration, Assessors Department, Animal Control for example. The Police treat their cars well and maintain them well, but they are out in the snow storms and also idle for a lot of hours, so the engines have a great many hours of run time, even more than the miles that they have driven. Remember we don't have a Police garage, and the vehicles need to be ready for quick response, so even when they are idle at the station or on traffic watch they have to be ready to go. Their is no luxury of time for de-icing a vehicle when a 911 call comes in.
    Replacing vehicles more frequently doesn't save interest costs. And, I'm not asking to replace vehicles more frequently then we have in the past. We have stalled replacements the last few years, but once we get rid of this backlog, we will be back to our regular schedule. All purchases, each year, will still be approved by the Capital Outlay Committee, then by Town Meeting. How we pay for vehicles can save interest, cash versus credit. Replacing them more frequently saves maintenance costs.
    I don't want to get into a daily update of the vehicle needs on Norfolknet, but wanted to provide some information regarding the article in the Globe and to stimulate some discussion about the issue. I hope people will follow this issue, listen to the capital outlay committee at Town Meeting and will read the information that will be available leading up to Town Meeting.
    Thanks again.
    - Jack Hathaway, Town Administrator

  • 4/6 5:14pm   Re: post of 4/6 2:36pm
    Dear Reader,
    I admit, volume has been unusually high during the past few days, as were visits to the page. (We set new records yesterday - 2297 page views from 523 computers, exceeding the Tuesday's 2231/521 and 2/2's 1961/522; usual is 1100/370.) Normally I take long posts and put them of their own sub-page, with only the starting paragraph or two on the main page, but with the current set of topics I didn't feel that making any part of the comments "less accessible" would have been fair to the expressed views. I am considering making this change to the older messages, though, just to reduce the page size.
    All comments are mingled and presented together on purpose, though I can see your point that when the volume is this high, it's hard to locate topics. The intent was (and is) to expose readers to the broad cross-section of happenings in town. Our typical volume is a dozen short posts per day, the system works well for that - usually two weeks' worth of messages are on the main page at any one time, not just four days' like now.
    Changes to the system are a matter neither of money nor logistics, but time. Norfolknet is implemented using a quaint and outmoded technology - manual labor. I edit the HTML content of the pages by hand (and proofread the posts), and it's simpler to stack all posts one above the other.
    - Wm. (aka Moderator)

  • 4/6 4:04pm   To DH: We have a composite deck material (TimberTech) around our pool for one simple fact - the product resists moisture. We did look at the TREX, but decided otherwise (the TREX was very hot in the sun). What we did was went to Chase Lumber in Foxborough (Route 1) and walked on their sample decks in bare feet. You can see how the different materials weather and see how they feel under your feet.
    No experience with the Tiger Claw fastening system, but I have seen it in use and it does make for a clean looking deck surface.
    - AB (the other AB)

  • 4/6 3:54pm   DH - Anyone that builds a deck today and does not use the new composite materials is out of their minds!! The pluses are uniform size, it never needs painting or staining, it will not warp or splinter, it comes in different colors - and bugs do not eat plastic! The only real minus is the cost - about 1/2+ again as much as pressure treated 5/4 pine, but it is competitive with hardwoods such as mahogany. I have seen the clips you speak of but have never used them - I usually use manufacturer recommended screws. The clips may add to the cost also but you would not see any screw heads on the top of the deck. The clips may cut down on overall labor as well. I would recommend a decking that has a wood grain pattern in it. Some decking is smooth on the top and it can get slippery. The other critical thing is to be sure the installer follows the manufacturer's recommendations for the spacing between boards - usually 1/8" to 3/16". Since there is a lot of plastic in there it does expand and contract in the heat and cold. Also, some manufacturers slightly angle the board so water will run off. Good luck - deck season is almost here!!
    - RJP

    [Update 4:05pm: DH - I forgot one critical thing. Composite decking is very flexible. It can not span deck joists greater than 16" on center. You said you were going to build the deck new so that should not be a problem. I have used Trex with great results but there are others out there - Choicedeck is one that comes to mind. Take a ride down to Chase Building Supply on Rte. 1 in Foxboro. They have an outside display of all sorts of decking. - RJP]

  • 4/6 3:02pm   I usually buy my cars from GSA auction autoauctions.gsa.gov, these cars are in very good shape, they only have 30K-60K miles on them and you can get them from 3K to 6K. I bought my third car last year. Why pay 20K when you can get it for 5K with 30K miles on it?
    - TS

    [From the page: Now the public can acquire well maintained Federal government vehicles at significant savings. - Wm.]

  • 4/6 3:02pm   I don't know when this turned into a political mud slinging forum instead of a friendly local town web page. I'm almost willing to put up with it, however, I would ask all concerned to please limit it to say 10,000 or so words. Seems we are forgetting the # 1 rule of Norfolknet.com: SHORT & CIVIL.
    - JG

  • 4/6 3:01pm   Regarding the Vehicle Stabilization Fund -- why is the elimination of interest payments tied to replacing the vehicles more frequently? Yes, it makes sense to buy for cash and not have to pay interest, but in my experience, cars in usable shape are cheaper to repair than to buy new, even if the old one is sold or traded in. I've driven cars up to 280,000 miles, yet in no year were my repair bills greater than $1500.
    I realize new cars are desirable for other reasons (I remember when the Crown Vic cruisers were replaced with SUVs back at the start of the SUV craze :-) -- it's the "cheaper to get new than to fix" logic that I don't follow.
    - AR

  • 4/6 2:36pm   So much to read and so little time: I popped on line to see what was being discussed of the impending cuts for the school budgets next year since I had attended the SC meeting on Tuesday, but later had thought of an idea to add. Anyway, that was 40 minutes ago and I am wondering (Dear Moderator) can you let me know if Norfolknet couldn't be organized like other chat groups, with subject heading and response threads? If it's a matter of money rather than logistics, forget I asked. Thanks.
    - LB

  • 4/6 2:35pm   We are considering having a small deck added to our house. It would be made of a composite deck material called Trex, held down by some Hidden Deck Fasteners called Tiger Claw TC-3. Has anyone had experience with those particular brands, either good or not-so-good? We want to find out if there are any caveats before we get the job done, rather than after. Thank you in advance!
    - DH

  • 4/6 2:33pm   There is an article in Globe West today about the potential Vehicle Replacement Fund. BF asks if it is appropriate to earmark the savings towards our school budgets. We aren't creating money, we are trying to reduce an existing expense for the whole Town - that we obviously are struggling to afford. Any savings that we can generate will mean that Town Meeting will have more funds available for operating budgets and not need to spend money on interest payments or maintenance costs.
    We have a need for vehicles for all Town departments that averages over $325,000 / year over the next 15 years, the details of which have been presented at the last two town meetings, and will be again in the future. We currently have a backlog of vehicles ($769,000) that need replacement immediately because we have not appropriated funds for replacements the last several years, with the exception of 1 Police cruiser last fall. So, we have a decision to make - How do we pay for these vehicles that we know we need? If we don't replace these vehicles, we will be forced to continue to increase our maintenance budgets and we will have less money available for all of the other operating budgets in the town.
    Our choices are:
    A) We can borrow money using traditional financing for these vehicles and pay $1.3 million dollars over the 15 years in interest costs. or
    B) We can create this stabilization fund, which will earmark $300,000 per year and reduce our financing costs to $399,000 over those same 15 years, saving $900,000 in finance costs. Last year we proposed a higher fund request, which would have further reduced the need for borrowing, but that was defeated at the ballot. We have reduced the amount of the request, in hopes that the Town is supportive, balancing the request to the Town (and the impact to tax bills) versus the potential savings we will realize. In addition - we have removed two Fire Trucks from the plan that are scheduled for replacement in 2010 and 2012. These vehicles will have to be addressed separately.
    Besides saving money on interest expenses, the second critical benefit of this plan is that we will now have a dedicated budget for vehicle replacement, so we will be able to plan our replacements for years in advance. If a vehicle "dies" half way through the year, we know we will be able to replace it in the upcoming year and may be able to avoid a major repair. If we don't have a reliable plan, like in today's budget process, than we will be forced to complete the repair and try to keep that vehicle on the road as long as possible.
    Traditionally we have borrowed money for vehicle purchases or we have been able to purchase them with Free Cash or Prison Mitigation funds ($190,000 / year) that have been set aside for the capital budget. In recent years we have had to allocate nearly all of our free cash to support the operating budget, so our capital budget has been limited to the $190,000 prison mitigation money. In fact, last year we even used $130,000 of the prison mitigation funds for the operating budget, to reduce the override amount, so we only had a $60,000 capital budget. We need the $190,000 for capital purchases. This year the capital outlay committee is recommending to repair the roof of the H. Olive Day school, to purchase computers for the schools and for town departments, paint the Senior center and smaller items. They will present their full list at Town meeting. 2/3rds of the $190,000 is going towards the school's capital needs (mostly the roof).
    For those of you who haven't seen the vehicle replacement presentation at the last two Town Meetings, here are a couple of key points from the presentation.
    - 20% of our vehicles are beyond their useful life
    - The Fire Truck we bought in 2004 using traditional financing will cost us $65,620 in interest, for a $340,000 vehicle - raising the total cost to $405,620
    - Having a dedicated budget for vehicles and reducing our financing costs is a significant plus in terms of our bond rating, which will save us money on future borrowings for capital expenses - such as a new school or public safety building
    - Vehicles are needed for all Town departments
    - The Capital Committee will continue to review all vehicle replacement requests on an annual basis and then submit them to Town Meeting for approval, which will require a 2/3 approval by Town Meeting
    We aren't creating more expenses for the town with this plan, in fact we are trying to save money. We simply have a choice, borrow the money on a year to year basis, or support the fund and through the town meeting process let us manage (and pay for) our vehicles in smarter way.
    There is a reference to the King Philip budget in today's article. We have agreed with the King Philip School Committee to an 11% increase to the Town's assessment for King Philip for 2007. This represents a significant cut to their level services budget (a 20% increase to our assessment) but we have no intention of recommending further cuts. The Selectmen, Advisory Board and I all have commented that we wish we could afford more for King Philip, but the increase to the King Philip budget at level services would require more than all of the New Growth and 2 1/2% increase to the Real Estate revenues. (The KP level services budget request was for $849,000 - our New growth is estimated at $400,000 - at best, and our 2 1/2% increase is $412,000) The King Philip budget needs to be agreed by 2 of the 3 towns, then all 3 towns are assessed at the agreed upon budget. We believe Plainville will support a budget that is equivalent to our 11% increase and Wrentham is re-working their budgets, now that their override has failed.
    A final note - I was quoted in last week's Boomerang as stating that the DPW "found" $200,000. It was an accurate quote, but not a very good one. This goes to show you my PR skills aren't honed to anything near perfection - I simply try to say it as it is. There will be a better explanation in this week's Boomerang from the Board of Public Works and the DPW Director about where they were able to realize savings in this year's budget in order to cover the deficit in the Snow & Ice budget. If we truly "Find" some money, that will be a big story.
    Thanks for listening - I'm off to find some more money.
    Sincerely, - Jack Hathaway, Town Administrator

  • 4/6 2:31pm   TC & BS: I disagree in that Norfolk should try and acquire all funds possible, as it simply leads to increased burdens across the state and country in which we all reside. Norfolk should be diligent and fair in its request and attempts to secure funds. Once secured, it must refocus its effort and become both prudent and responsible with the funds received. I see myself as a Norfolk, Massachusetts and United States resident and should Millis require funds greater than Norfolk, so be it. Please do not argue that any portion of the clock or wall were/are necessity, they were not. However, they are done and we need to move on but we should also learn from our past. Enough said on this topic.
    As for the state and federal governments, if we feel that they have redistributed our monies incorrectly, for the times at hand, we should join forces and refocus their efforts on how to better spend our tax dollars. Last I checked we did throw a bunch of tea in the harbor for some reason.
    - WMD

  • 4/6 11:25am   Boston Globe article on Norfolk today [Globe on Vehicle Replacement Fund]
    - TS

  • 4/6 11:24am   To WMD: You make an interesting and useful point. State highway funds are tax dollars, but the decision on how to spend those dollars is made by the Governor, not the town selectmen or any local officials. In many instances, our town officials have been quite pragmatic and secured state funds for Norfolk that would have been spent elsewhere. Our state tax dollars will be spent no matter what, and our local elected officials have to make the case that they get spent here, not elsewhere. Would I have spent $20k on a clock, probably not. But if it was a choice between Millis getting clock with state money or us, why not us?
    Your observation leads one to the next point: Think long and hard about who you are electing to spend your tax dollars at every level of government. It is really sad, as you say, that there is money in the state budget for clocks and not for teachers for our kids. That is not the fault of our selectmen. Criticism should be leveled at the State House for that mess. The number of billionaires has DOUBLED in the past five years, while the average working person is getting clobbered by high energy costs, health care premiums, and reduced services for our kids in public schools. I can't afford the override either, and I am sure there are greater efficiencies that could realized with strong fiscal leadership, but this problem goes way beyond the local officials.
    - TC

  • 4/6 11:22am   To WMD - I agree it would be nice if we could use the money collected by the state and Federal gov't for Chapter 90 (roads and highways) on our schools. Unfortunately the state and Federal gov't divvies the money up into the pots--Chapter 90 and Chapter 70 (schools). I think this is an issue we should bring to the attention of our representatives. In the meantime, I appreciate that our town leaders are going after all the money they can for what they can. Don't you prefer our roads get improved over some other town's? And don't you prefer the money you are sending to the state and Feds is coming back to your town? It is such an onerous task to go after some of this money and there is probably even more money that can be gotten from grants but the process is time consuming. Maybe someone can start a group to raise money by looking for more grant money and helping out the other volunteer town committees.
    - BS

  • 4/6 11:21am   The Norfolk Board of Health is sponsoring a spring Rabies Clinic for dogs and cats of residents of Norfolk and surrounding towns. The clinic will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2006 from 9:00 <96> 11:00 A.M. at the Norfolk Highway Garage on Medway Branch Road.
    - Betsy Fijol, Board of Health, 508-528-7747

  • 4/6 9:16am   Does anyone know what local waterways are open to kayaking? Many thanks for your responses.
    - KGD

  • 4/6 7:58am   Mr. Hathaway, do you feel it appropriate to also recommend having a targeted use of the $1,000,000.00 savings of the next fifteen years to go towards school funding? To guarantee smaller class sizes and such? The Town makes its case about the savings that will be generated if we approve the "targeted override" this spring, but makes no mention what the money will be used for. To make a solid case, what will the savings be used for?
    - BF

  • 4/5 11:16pm   Just for clarification on the following statement from Jack M: "The remainder of the town center project which includes the clock, the lights, the road, the wall, the roundabouts, the Norfolk sign and the monuments do not come from our taxes. They come from state and federal grant funds and Chapter 90 Highway funds from the state." Last I checked a vast majority of state and federal grant funds were/are generated through the collection of taxes. Therefore, we did directly pay for these projects in Norfolk and many others like them. Also, I consider such projects a nicety and certainly not essential to the town and its residents. It truly saddens me to know that my tax money was used to fund projects similar to this in lieu of funding teaching and safety personnel salaries. Vehicle upgrades would also have been more appropriate than the pretty wall and clock.
    - WMD

    roadside, 103K

  • 4/5 9:10pm   We love your dogs, but please clean up after them. This, by the way, is a bus stop. Thanks.
    - RG

  • 4/5 8:25pm   AV - Welcome to Norfolk! Hopefully some of the latest posts aren't scaring you away! We have been in town for about 10 years and love it here... Every town has its own "issues", but as you can see from Norfolknet, we aren't at a loss for people who have a voice, and care about their community. I wanted to back up the other few posts who recommended OB care at Newton Wellesley Hospital. It's about a 40 minute drive from Norfolk and several of their doctors have offices in Walpole. Dr. Heidi Angle of Newton Wellesley OBGYN, delivered both of my children and I can't say enough positive things about her, and my experiences with her entire practice. As for your apartment search, you might want to post on the "Notice Board" section of norfolknet and take a closer look at Franklin, Millis, Bellingham and Medway, as you may find more apartments in these areas. Apartments.com has several listings for Franklin.
    - NS

  • 4/5 8:20pm   Norfolk Opposition Group to Overrides (NO-GO) is quickly growing in numbers!!
    We are looking for folks who want no overrides in 2006 for any reason. This offers little internal debate and lots of momentum at town meeting. We only need a certain number of like-minded folks to attend the meeting and vote - debate is optional. Please let me know if you share the group's No Overrides in 2006 view.
    The best thing you can do is tell others about NO-GO, especially those not web enabled. Please be sure to post the box30@norfolknet.com mail address at every opportunity. This will help us keep NO-GO and this issue at the top of the page.
    I'd caution not to get into debates on issues at the post. Simply state the no override position. We only need to spread the word and go vote at town meeting.
    Necessity is the mother of invention - let's find another way.
    PS: Pickup Thursday's edition of the Globe West!
    - JPB

  • 4/5 6:04pm   JP - I am not sure of what kind of art classes you are looking for, but The Zullo Gallery in Medfield offers art classes taught by Kurt Jackson. Kurt is a very talented artist, storyteller, teacher etc. Good luck!
    - NS

  • 4/5 5:25pm   To RJP, My apologies to Mr. Kulesza if you or he felt that I was insensitive. I did not say nor did I imply that he brought his difficulties on himself. I did say , ``economic conditions for everyone else, including the town, also changed dramatically in 2002.''
    It happened to me as well. In October 2001, Polaroid, the company I worked for, also filed for Chapter 11, Bankruptcy Protection. The company really didn't need to do so but they did. It was settled in 2002. As result, most of the employees and former employees suffered large losses. I lost part of my pension, my retiree's medical insurance and a huge amount in stock losses. I also `retired' in 2003 and haven't worked since. In my posting perhaps I focused too much on my own experiences when I commented, ``but we personally survived.''
    I would also like to address comments made by SM's posting. I have never been called a surrogate and do not deserve this title that you placed on me.
    My actions are always my own. I have not spoken with Ramesh in nearly two months so there is no Karl Rovian assault. I am a Democrat, so Karl Rove is an anathema with me. Unlike other Norfolknet postings, I am also not shilling for Ramesh or any other candidate.
    I will comment that your conclusion about property taxes is also probably wrong when you say, ``When you were a Norfolk selectman from 1999-2005 my property taxes soared...'' If your taxes did indeed soar, it is only because your property value soared and not because the tax soared. For example, my property taxes rose from $5,173.79 in FY1999 to $5,982.50 in FY2005. This is an average of just under 2 1/2% per year. I would say that this is a pretty good record. If you go to the Division of Local Services (DLS) database at mass.gov you will find that Norfolk's average increase during this period is at or near the lowest in the area. From this database, Norfolk's average single family housing tax growth is calculated at 4.5% per year during this period. Note that this is higher than my personal experience above since it factors in the new growth which is predominantly higher than the average value of the existing housing stock. For comparison Medfield is at 7.5%, Wrentham 6.3%, Franklin 4.4%, Medway 7.0%, Millis 4.5% and Walpole at 6.7%. Only Franklin is lower by 0.1%. This hardly suggests that property taxes were `soaring' in Norfolk. It also shows that commercial development is not the panacea that some make it to be.
    - Jack McFeeley

  • 4/5 2:33pm   JP: the link for that program is pia-online.org
    - JS

  • 4/5 1:50pm   The numerous posts the last couple of days illustrates the following - some people just don't get it.
    I have no axe to grind with Mr. McFeeley, but he is being unfair to Mr. Kulesza. I do not know Mr. Kulesza, nor am I working on his or anyone else's campaign. When I read the original post about his troubles, I figured it was just someone that was owed money - nothing more. I'm beginning to think it is a little more sinister than that. The last time I saw a post here by Mr. McFeeley was when our higher property tax bills were going out. He did a fine job explaining how we were going to be hit. I appreciated his explanation. Now, all of a sudden he posts comments attacking a Selectman candidate like a Tasmanian Devil. I think he doth protest too much -
    When I read Mr. Kulesza's post explaining his situation it really hit home. Again, I do not know Mr. Kulesza, but this is probably what happened. Think about it. He ran a job placement firm. What happened after Y2K? The economy started slowing down. I myself was a victim. 9/11 happened and it really went south. Mr. Kulesza was not only hit with fewer companies hiring, but he was clobbered by the internet. Unless you are looking for a CEO, most companies now do their recruiting via the internet. In the 80's the Boston Globe had a help wanted section each Sunday that was an inch think - now it is a few pages. The same internet thing happened to travel agents - who uses them any more. Real Estate people are probably taking a hit too. It wasn't because he may have spent too much or had a BMW. The poor guy was broadsided by a changing business environment. He was not alone. I wager hundreds of placement firms suffered the same fate.
    For Mr. McFeeley to imply Mr. Kulesza brought it on himself shows he doesn't get it. He should. He worked for a big company that is now a shadow of its former self. He was fortunate that he was near retirement age and probably took an early retirement package. He should recognize that there are people out there who, through no fault of their own, are suddenly struggling. It is not just the seniors on fixed incomes we should be worried about. It is also men and women in their 40's and 50's that still have a lot of life's bills to pay and dwindling resources to pay them.
    In fairness to Mr. McFeeley he does get one thing. Just wait until the full costs of the new schools, library and other projects kick in. This makes it even more important as a town to curb our spending on future projects and make do. Can't we just take a breather on new spending until things settle down?
    - RJP

  • 4/5 1:28pm   I am looking for children's art classes in the area. The library had a flyer posted for the Fiske Library of a class but the website they listed is not working: pia-online.org. Does anyone have details on this information or any other? I am looking for school aged classes.
    - JP

    [Update 2:33pm: JP: the link for that program is pia-online.org - JS]

  • 4/5 1:25pm   SM -- It is VERY rare that I agree with Jack McFeeley's posts on this website, but to say that Mike Kulesza's personal and business bankruptcy has nothing to do with how he would run the town is laughable at best. I am neither a supporter or detractor of Ramesh Advani. I choose to make up my own mind based on the facts that are offered, or the facts I can dig up on my own. The entrepreneurial spirit is indeed great, but not when it comes at a cost that you can not control -- there is a limit to everything and overspending for something you can't afford is not a commendable action. How many small businesses did Mike Kulesza promise to pay at the time of service, that will now have to wait three to five years?
    People are giving Ramesh Advani way too much credit. If he came on here and publicly asked people to stop talking about Mike Kulesza, what would it accomplish? It would certainly not prevent me from expressing an opinion. SM, please understand that just because someone is saying something negative about your candidate, does not mean it is wrong. To say that Ramesh is responsible for all of the overrides is ludicrous. In the end, he has only one vote -- just like you and I do. The people of Norfolk are responsible for the overrides.
    - MH

  • 4/5 11:19am   It's great to see so many people becoming involved in local affairs. Just two quick thoughts: (1) Whether you agree or disagree with Jack McFeeley's positions in the past, his experience and observations remain invaluable. He is an asset and his advice should always be considered, and (2) Prudent commercial development may help, but to those who would view it as a panacea take a look at our neighboring town of Wrentham. Despite their huge commercial development in recent years (the Premium Outlet Stores, et., al.), they appear to be struggling with money right along with the rest of us.
    - TEM

  • 4/5 11:11am   I find it very disingenuous for Ramesh Advani to claim he wants to run a positive campaign when he has allowed and not publicly requested on this web site that high profile surrogates such as former selectman Jack McFeeley stop their underhanded, dirty, Karl Rovian assault on Mike Kulesza's personal and professional reputation. This must mean that the Advani campaign and the special interest groups that are in power feel threatened that they could lose the election and their incumbent power.
    For Mr. McFeeley and others to imply that Mike Kulesza would not be an excellent fiscal steward for the town because of his past business experience is untrue, unfair and an obvious attempt to take the focus off the substantive issues. Anyone who is an entrepreneur and started a business from scratch knows that you risk it all (including your personal net worth) to make a business successful. When you run a business, your source of revenue is dependent on the economy and competitors, so unlike Mr. McFeeley's simplistic analogy to town finances, it's not just a matter tightening the belt and restraining spending. When you were a Norfolk selectman from 1999-2005 my property taxes soared, so this means that Norfolk's total revenue and budgetary expenditures increased quite substantially. So your talk of fiscal restraint rings a bit hollow. Town government gets to increase its revenue source year after year, independent of economic conditions, while businesses do not. Let's not forget this important distinction.
    We need to encourage and applaud entrepreneurs like the Mike Kulesza's who start businesses. Remember that small business is the engine of economic growth, job creation and innovation in this country.
    - SM

  • 4/5 9:44am   MA - Admiring a financial strategy similar to the Medway plan is like rebalancing your portfolio into stocks in 1928. Medway is borrowing money, or will have an override, because they don't have a balanced budget for 2006, not 2007 - 2006. Clearly there are better financial solutions than borrowing money against future revenues. Medway is in serious risk of having the State determine their fiscal budget, overruling any say that the Town meeting would have. Would you want the State determining how many children in a class room, Police Officers to have on duty, which roads to pave? Increasing a Town's debt service only takes money away from the School and Government budgets that are better used for Town services.
    JPB - No-one wants an override, and we are working extremely hard to prevent one this year. I welcome your suggestions and think it would be a great idea for you and your group to meet with me and/or the Selectmen to talk about cost saving ideas. Many of the budgets for the Town departments and the schools have been cut significantly for 2007, which will have an impact on the services that we provide to the Town. The DPW will have a reduction in funding from last year, even with significant increases in fuel costs. The Police are at the same level of staffing as in 1996, despite an increase of over 1,000 residents, and facilities maintenance for Town buildings has only increased 1% in 2007, despite significantly higher utility costs. King Philip will have layoffs and the Norfolk Elementary schools have laid out their budget plans at their public hearing and in several published reports. None of these budgets will be easy to live with, but we do understand that these economic times are not easy for anyone.
    [C o n t i n u e d . . . ]
    - Jack Hathaway, Town Administrator Town of Norfolk, MA, 508.528.1408

  • 4/5 9:16am   MA - Jack's posts offer some important historical info and he is willing to sign his name and take responsibility for his positions.
    - MJD

  • 4/5 9:08am   As the *other* RG (not the one who can't tell the difference between split districts and elementary-only districts), I have to take exception with MA's mean spirited post about Jack McFeeley. I don't always agree with Jack (Jack may chuckle at that), but he has as much right as you, MA, to post on Norfolknet. And, as a Selectman for 100 err... 9 years, he has a lot more to add by way of factual information than most do.
    Now, that being said, it is a bit disingenuous of Jack to suggest that the Taj Mah Library doesn't cost the town significantly more - between increases in personnel (their budget is up $70K - 20% - in four years), the utility cost increases for such a larger space, and the $2.6 million ($250K per year) override to match the state grant, that seems like a decent chunk of change to me. And a debt exclusion is an override. If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it's a duck. It's more taxes on my property bills.
    To be fair though, the Taj Ma Library is a piker compared to some of the other spending increases over the past four years: excluded debt (overrides, debt exclusions) in FY 06 was $1.2 million compared to $535K in '02. Highway and Fire have also grown significantly as a portion of the overall budget (while the schools have actually come down a bit). As I understand was brought up last night, SPED costs (and Massachusett's distinction as the highest standard for SPED services) are a rapacious and ever-increasing portion of the budget.
    Any way you cut it, NC's post about Mike Kulesza was also mean-spirited, and I applaud Ramesh Advani for disavowing it. It would be a shame for local politics to sink to the outrageous and odious levels that national politics has fallen to.
    (Oh, and I like the clock. Although you've got to be honest: whether it was paid for by the state, the town, the county, the school, the federal government or the UN - it was paid for with tax money. There's no such thing as Government money - there's only your money the government takes.)
    - R*J*G

  • 4/5 8:55am   Dear Jack, Well said!! I think the town center has come along quite nicely. I do love the clock as well and enjoyed reading your comments. Just because you are not in office right now this does not mean that we cannot learn from you. You had the title at one time so this gives you the right to comment and also state your past title. Keep writing.
    - DWL

  • 4/5 8:57am   JC and KC; It could be just as easily assumed that Mike Kulesza owed NC a bunch of money. Why assume the post has to do with the incumbent?
    - LS

  • 4/5 8:54am   In response to Mr. McFeeley, whether funds for projects come from state or federal sources, we are still paying for them with our state and federal taxes.
    - EC

  • 4/5 8:50am  
    [Update 1:17pm: To Whom it May Concern, The post I submitted this morning to NorfolkNet needs to be retracted immediately. Thank you for your cooporation. - Heather Macpherson, F/C Library Media Specialist]

  • 4/5 8:49am   AV, I too had great experiences delivering my children at Newton Wellesley Hospital as LH did. I would highly recommend any OB affiliated with them. I currently see Dr. Monica MCKinnon. She has an office in Walpole,only a 10 minute drive from Norfolk, and she is also part of a practice of great OB's out of Newton Wellesley Hospital. Good luck with your pregnancy and I hope that you and your husband enjoy our town.
    - SG

  • 4/5 12:11am   MA: I appreciate your concern for our town government and share your consternation about the use of an override. In fact, in the last four years of my being on the board of selectmen (up to March of 2005), I resisted all attempts to have an override. There were none during this period. I would have also resisted the $1.1 million override that we had last spring. I personally voted against it at the polls. I also wrote a Norfolknet posting in June of 2005 saying that because of the override, be prepared for "sticker shock" in your February 1, 2006 tax bill. However, in support of the selectmen I will repeat my comments of an earlier post and say to all, please note that it is often difficult for a selectman to avoid the pressures of the electorate when they say `put it to the vote of the town.' The selectmen did just that last year and the voters passed the question. It is the electorate and not the selectmen that approves an override.
    I have to challenge your comment that, "This (an override) will be the 3rd within 12 months." There is a distinction between an override and a debt exclusion. We did have a debt exclusion called by the King Philip School Committee during the past year and neither the town nor the selectmen are involved with this. Contrary to the postings on Norfolknet, the town has had only one override (last year) in the last five years. We have had several debt exclusions for King Philip and one for the Library for the same period, and I will add, be careful because most of the added taxes for King Philip have yet to hit your bills. So it will get worse before it gets better even if no further overrides or exclusions are voted.
    There is one bright light. Because of the huge increase in your February 1 and May 1 tax bills, you will see a decrease in your August 1 tax bill approximately totalling half that increase. In other words if your February 1 tax bill went up 30%, your August 1 tax bill will drop back approximately 15%. Plan on that in your budget.
    [C o n t i n u e d . . . ]
    - Jack McFeeley, Selectman 1981-1984, 1999-2005

  • 4/5 12:11am   Jack McFeeley, please give it up my friend, you are no longer a selectman in town and no longer a part of the town as a selectman. You can state what you feel, but, please stop using your past title as weight from your past as you always use when you are on the Norfolk Net. Time for a change, and it is not from you any longer. You had your say as a Selectman, and now I feel all your points of view is your special interest coming from you and you only. I would love to meet with you to play a game of chess. Checkmate!!
    - MA

    [This message is a response to the post of 4/4 11:23pm, and not to the one just above - Wm.]

  • 4/5 12:09am   JPB, your NO-GO plan sounds like a good one to me. Put me down for nixing all future overrides. The passing of each override, of Prop 2.5, only fuels the irresponsible actions that will cause the next claim of a need of another override. It should be clear, by now, for all of us to see, that the insidious sickness of fiscal irresponsibility is like an auto-generative parasite that will keep eating our tax revenue until we destroy it.... or until it destroys us.
    - MT

  • 4/4 11:36pm   I would like to let all the readers of this web site know that I was shocked to read the recent post by NC on Mike Kulesza. Neither I, nor anyone associated with my campaign either dug up this information or has posted it on this forum. I ran a positive campaign when I ran for office for the first time 3 years ago. I am doing the same this time as well. This is a personal matter for Mike and his family. As we campaign, regardless of who you support, let us keep the discussions civil and focus on the issues important to Norfolk.
    Unrelated to this, I have always maintained that if someone needs to make an observation, ask a question directly or even express dissatisfaction, you should call me. Or call any one of your other Selectmen or other elected or appointed town officials. There is a town office, a town web site and my number is listed. I have always responded factually and honestly to anyone who contacts me. I do hope you will do so and, yes, come to Candidates Night on Monday and introduce yourselves to me.
    - Ramesh Advani, Norfolk Board of Selectmen, Candidate for Re-election

  • 4/4 11:20pm   I am shocked by Mr. Kulesza's denial of being bankrupt. I am not sure if he truly believes what he says or if he just thinks that we are just ignorant. In his defense, I actually don't think he understands the definition of bankrupt. Mr. Kulesza says in his post, "my business DID NOT file for bankruptcy, but after 23 years of business filed for Chapter 11 reorganization." Surely he is kidding. By this admission he apparently filed for protection under the "U. S. Bankruptcy Code Chapter 11: Reorganization." This is filing for bankruptcy. The Merriam Webster online dictionary defines "bankrupt" as "a person who has done any of the acts that by law entitle his creditors to have his estate administered for their benefit." Sorry, Mr. Kulesza, but I think you are trying to double-talk us and in doing so have stretched your credibility. Merriam Webster also defines "bankrupt" as "one who is destitute of a particular thing." After reading your posting and reviewing your website I believe that not only is your credit bankrupt, but so is your credibility.
    The most incredible part of your denial is your placing blame not on yourself, but on other external circumstances. You state that, "During 2002, economic conditions for my entire industry changed dramatically and staying solvent became more and more of a challenge." This resulted in your filing for bankruptcy in March, 2005. However, economic conditions for everyone else, including the town, also changed dramatically in 2002. But we personally survived and the town survived as well. We did so by good management, good fiscal planning, and necessary belt tightening. In fact, from 2002 to the time of your filing for bankruptcy in 2005, the town did not resort to an override to solve its many financial problems. We solved our problems the old fashioned way, by cutting costs and raising revenue.
    [C o n t i n u e d . . . ]
    - Jack McFeeley, Selectman, 1981-1984, 1999-2005

  • 4/4 10:22pm   To DB, you are very much wrong with your spelling of candidates; my correction is Candydates for the upcoming elections.
    - RS

  • 4/4 10:10pm   MA: I'm in the process of forming a group that will vote against all overrides in 2006. The name of the group is Norfolk Opposition Group to Overrides (NO-GO). If you or any other "legal" resident of Norfolk is interested, you can contact me at box30@norfolknet.com.
    Necessity is the mother of invention. It seems to me that if we turn off the override faucet the town will have to get serious about addressing budget issues in a more mature way. We're starting to look like FEMA here - everything seems to be emergency management. I also have a real concern for the older folks in town who are literally at risk of losing their homes due to these hikes.
    My thought is that if we get a strong group of residents together who will oppose overrides of any type in 2006; we will force the town to get creative and/or make tougher decisions. The key is to get them out to town meetings, or course. Opposing all overrides allows us to simply take that position, without having to debate each and every "special need" that comes up. It's a rather simplistic approach but all we need to do is show up at town meeting, vote and go home. Please contact me if you are serious about forcing another way.
    - JPB

  • 4/4 9:50pm   To the person who made the NCL signs that are found around town.... the word is CANDIDATES.
    - DB

  • 4/4 8:29pm   Deeply concerned. Did Ramesh and McFeeley sign off on the the Bill of Materials for the reconstruction of our new center of town, which included the $20,000.00 clock? Please tell me that they did their homework and, as a group, freely spent our tax money without a question of doing so. Talk about financial responsibility! What a joke.
    In my estimation, most of the people who hold an elective position in our town have a full-time job, and come home to meet the town's needs part-time, and that's all they do. I am so sick of picking up the local news and reading yet another override. This will be the 3rd within 12 months. I read in the paper that Medway does have the same problems that we have, and they are thinking about floating a bond against their future growth - and they are growing, with the Rte. 109 shopping centers, and they are willing to take a chance. But in Norfolk, we have no growth in the near future, nothing to invest in at all, just a promise and that's all we have as I see it.
    The only resolution to our problem is getting cold hard cash out of us tax payers, every month, and it sickens me that we are so short-sighted in our planning as a community.
    - MA

  • 4/4 8:29pm   To AV - Your OB may depend what hospital you use. All my children (4) were born at Newton-Wellesley, had excellent experiences, great nurses. Norwood also delivers but services provided are dependent on religious guidelines. My OB gave up delivering and just does GYN now, but check the hospital website and see who is head of OB. Some have dual offices, I think there is a branch in Millis (Newton-Wellesley Women's Care maybe?) NWH also has a satellite office for mammograms etc on the Norfolk-Walpole line that is convenient.
    - LH

  • 4/4 8:25pm   Is the superintendent's position full-time?
    Of the 260 possible work days, Norfolk provides up to 25 vacation days, 20 sick days, 13 holidays, 5 personal days, 2 religious days, and one-half days before holidays. In total this amounts to at least 65 days out of the office. If all these days were utilized then our superintendent would be at work 75% of the time. Norfolk further provides up to 10 professional development days and 5 bereavement days.
    These benefits are much better than the benefits of the average educational and U.S. worker. But wait, there is more; if our superintendent leaves at the end of the current contract, it appears that we could owe for unused vacation and sick days paid out at the salary at the time of departure. Before resignation the superintendent shall be entitled to a cumulative 221 unused sick days. Apparently we could have a superintendent with accumulated 35 vacation days and 221 sick days, nearly one full year of annual salary.
    Now let's review the numbers. 2006 - 2007 Base $125,000, guaranteed bonuses of $5,000 and $4,000, insurance benefits of $2,400, retirement annuity of $7,500, and district related travel of $2,400. This totals $146,300. Extras include full coursework reimbursement, speaking fees, conferences including dues, travel and expenses. Nice numbers for K-6. Just think of the costs if our superintendent was responsible for K-12.
    [C o n t i n u e d . . . ]
    - CM

  • 4/4 7:41pm   I was wondering if anyone who has purchased fencing from Colonial Woodworkers on Rte. 115 would share their experience. I am considering purchasing a fence to install on my own and would appreciate any feedback. Thank you.
    - JR

  • 4/4 5:58pm   To Mr. Boulay: My experience has been that this collaboration has not been very effective. Every year the 5th grade does the wax museum. When my daughter went to the library to find information on her chosen historical figure, the librarians were completely unprepared. How many years has the wax museum project been around? How could it be a surprise? In my business, such a communication breakdown would not be considered the sign of a successful collaboration.
    - KDR

  • 4/4 5:55pm   My name is Mike Kulesza and I am running as a candidate for Selectman. A recent posting on this website made reference to some of my past financial hardships and I would like to more fully explain some of the details and events that were mentioned.
    I have not talked previously about this because I felt it was personal in nature and would not affect my ability to perform the duties as your Selectman. As parents we would all like to shelter our family from harm and ridicule. In this instance I wish I could have done better.
    I founded an executive search company in 1982 and for many years it prospered. I created good jobs and helped people relocating find rewarding positions. During 2002, economic conditions for my entire industry changed dramatically and staying solvent became more and more of a challenge.
    Those of you who have been in this position perhaps can understand not only the financial ramifications but the personal ones as well. For those who have never experienced this, I hope you never do. Adversity and humility are great teachers and one tends to continue on with more insight, more understanding, more compassion, and with an adjusted set of values.
    Regarding the post on Norfolknet, my business DID NOT file for bankruptcy, but after 23 years of business filed for Chapter 11 reorganization. Rather than closing my business completely, I chose to fight on and try to recover what I had achieved for over 20 years.
    My business today is growing daily while maintaining many of the past relationships with the businesses I was not able to pay in full. My BMW automobile was leased during 2001 when business were prosperous. This was over three years before my filing for reorganization. I continued on for almost a year trying to pay all of my personal debts largely a result of business debt that had been signed for personally. When the laws pertaining to personal bankruptcy were to be changed, legal counsel advised me that ``filing'' would be the most prudent way to maintain the business growth I had re-achieved since the reorganization. This was not a last minute decision.
    I entered the Selectman's race because I feel I have the energy, experience and new ideas to move our community forward and also the time it takes to get things done. I have persevered through the difficult times in the past with increased abilities.
    I would like to move my campaign forward focusing on my experience and my ideas to help make Norfolk a better place and I would expect anyone who supports me to do the same. I regard both of my opponents as good and decent men and would like to complete this election as a community in unison with respect for all. Thank you for listening.
    - Michael J. Kulesza, AM&C

  • 4/4 5:29pm   To AV: I don't know much about apartments in the area, but I have an OB in Needham that I love. Her name is Renee Goldberg, 781-433-0214. Needham is about 30 minutes northeast of Norfolk. I'm expecting a little one late fall too. :)
    - AF

  • 4/4 4:58pm   ES - Where did you find those numbers? I've only been able to find the Powerpoint presentation under the Superintendent's page on Norfolknet. Thanks.
    - BS

  • 4/4 4:52pm   AB asks that I not put words in their mouth. Fine; in the preceding sentence they write:
    My mentioning that school librarians are teachers was to point out that according to the MA Department of Education, they are licensed as teachers, but in Norfolk, they are not considered teachers, as they are employed by the public library.
    Let's look at this:
    ... in Norfolk (school librarians) are not considered teachers as they are employed by the public library. If anyone wonders what I mean by the one-dimensional credential-crazed attitude of "the guild" this is it in a nutshell. I'm sure that the faculty and the thousands of Norfolk students who have been assisted and taught over the years by people like Mary Carney and Heather Macpherson will be comforted and uplifted by AB's pronouncement: "They are not considered teachers as they are employed by the public library."
    We are embarking on what may be the closest thing to a controlled experiment that we ever have in local public policy. We're terminating a successful and cost-effective school-library collaboration. Let's look very carefully next year, and the year after that, and two years after that and see what replaces it.
    - Harvey Boulay, Library Trustee

  • 4/4 4:24pm   AB: I find the research skills my kids are developing in the current library system are certainly proficient enough to earn them A's in their studies. Are they ready to enter the work force as independent thinkers and problem solvers? At 8 and 13 years of age, I hardly think so. Can they research their own projects and reports, either online and/or via printed matter and earn high grades? Absolutely. At this point in time what more can we ask of them?
    To Mr. Boulay & HM: My sincere regrets for your losses. I truly hope that there still exists an opportunity for the School Adminstrators and Library Trustees to salvage the program.
    CI: Well put. Thank you for stating my position more effectively.
    - TN

  • 4/4 4:23pm   With regard to the budget reductions proposed for our schools in FY 2007, please review the line item FY 2007 Operating Budget to see where the money is really going. Maybe it's time to ask our school administration to go without a pay raise or at most a 3% COLA in lieu of pay raises topping 13%, 9%, 6% and 5% for some of the "leadership" positions. In the real world those types of raises are awarded based on merit -- not entitlement.
    I'll toss out a question for all to chew on -- Does a K-6 school system really need a Superintendent, 2 Principals, 2 Vice Principals and a gaggle of clerical staff? Maybe if we reorg the "front office" we can find some funds to keep the people who work with and educate our children on a day to day basis. Just a thought.
    - ES

  • 4/4 4:16pm   The posts to Norfolknet are coming in so fast (and furious) these days! While the exchange of views is all to the good, an unfortunate side effect is that one of the most carefully researched pieces ever published here has too quickly passed into the archives without comment. This would be "Norfolk, we get what we pay for," posted on 3/31 at 2:06p.m. by R.G. If you haven't read it, please take a moment to look it up.
    Too often we complain about our (relatively low) taxes, and we hide behind pleas for seniors on limited incomes (not that we shouldn't find creative ways to protect our elders). Meanwhile we put the next trip to Disney or a home entertainment system on a credit card and short-change our kids.
    Thank you, RG, for the wake-up call.
    - SB

  • 4/4 4:11pm   To anyone who can help: My husband is starting a new job in Norfolk next week. We are from Springfield and hope to move out there by May 1. Any tips or websites would help in searching for an apartment in the area. He is not opposed to traveling 20 miles to work. Also looking for a good OB-GYN in the area (we are expecting our first child this fall). Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
    - AV

  • 4/4 3:52pm   Hi folks, Just a note to let you know that I will be offering a local radKIDS April vacation week program for children ages 5 through 12. The program will run Tuesday through Friday, April 18 through 21, from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm. The cost of $95.00 per child includes tuition, a parent program manual and an activity book for each child. Space is limited and is filled on a first come first served basis.
    The radKIDS Personal Empowerment Safety Education Program for children and families addresses virtually all aspects of child safety including; internet safety, bullying prevention, sexual assault prevention, home and out and about safety, stranger danger and physical resistance to violence and abduction skills. The program is activity based, fast moving, and fun!
    For more information about the April vacation week program, to obtain a registration packet, or to learn how you can get involved with radKIDS, please contact Karen N. at 508-314-8431 or by email at karen@radkids.org.
    - Karen Nardone, M.Ed., Staff Instructor

  • 4/4 3:49pm   I think I have hit a nerve.
    HB - Let me start my saying that I in NO way insinuated that the current library staff are not gifted teachers. My mentioning that school librarians are teachers was to point out that according to the MA Department of Education, they are licensed as teachers, but in Norfolk, they are not considered teachers, as they are employed by the public library. Please don't put words in my mouth.
    What I am proposing is an examination of a program that I'm sure was done with the best of intentions 14 years ago. I think that in any venture a reexamination is a worthwhile endeavor.
    I would like to know how many other districts in the state have adopted a library program similar to Norfolk's. If this is the ideal program, I would think at least half of the towns in our state would have followed suit. In many districts, there are personnel who will go to another town to examine a program they are interested in and take their knowledge back to their own town and institute it - how many times has that happened in Norfolk? How many districts have come here and then changed their own libraries? I don't think the "guild" of school librarians is so strong as to fight off a blending of library programs in hundreds of towns if that, in fact, was the will of the people.
    Of course the public and school library should work together. I don't know a quality school librarian who doesn't believe that. My point is that the current system does not appear to benefit the schools as much as it does the pubic library. According to HM's posting, the benefits our students receive are access to the SAILS catalog and materials. I suggest that any student in any town has access to a regional library network, albeit not in the school. If the majority of the materials a student needs are not readily available in the school, then the collection in the school is not adequate to meet the needs of the school community. Yes, at times, there is overlap between a school and public library collection, but even a public library purchases duplicate copies of books that will be in high demand.
    [C o n t i n u e d . . . ]
    - AB

  • 4/4 3:15pm   Holy small town politics!! I'll be brief -
    Wouldn't it best if Mr. Kulesza addressed this bankruptcy issue instead of the talking heads?
    Wouldn't it be a "real hoot" if the bankruptcy matter was leaked by the third candidate running for BOS and the two other candiadtes are so wrapped up in their own little worlds that this thing blew up for both of them? (I would thoroughly enjoy a response from SM on this theory). (No, SM, I'm not a supporter of the third candidate).
    Note to Mr. Boulay, I really have no idea what your post is about. I missed something that needs to get filled in... like who the guild is or what they do. I feel like I came in halfway through.
    - Another AB

  • 4/4 3:13pm   SAL: Thank you for complimenting my choice of phrasing regarding the Boy Scouts -- it was no (canned) "mission statement excerpt," as you stated, it was just what I know about the scouting program, in my own words (okay, I admit that I did look up about a few of the lesser-known faiths!) I think it's best to form an opinion about the BSA at the local level, which is where it really affects the population most. Our own Boy Scout troop in Norfolk is a vibrant group of families, and while lacking in serious ethnic and cultural diversity, the troop reflects the town at large in that respect. Making grand statements bemoaning the perceived lack of diversity and intolerance in the national BSA is overlooking the benefits of the local programs; it would be similar to condemning all the good that happens at St. Jude's parish because of the stance at the Vatican on homosexuality.
    - JC

  • 4/4 3:04pm   To Harvey Boulay: Very well put. To MH: You are a regular Jim Rockford. Thanks for digging so hard, (although I don't think our library has Banker & Tradesman.) To NC: Thanks for unearthing this news.
    It will be very interesting to see if others now start to bring information forward about those running, or those already on various boards, elected or appointed.
    - JC

  • 4/4 2:15pm   AB - Maybe I missed something, but how does firing the 2 teachers at the school libraries and eliminating library instruction improve education for the students?
    Having both 'subbed' and volunteered extensively for many years at both schools, I've seen students learning a wide variety of research skills in their library classes - using both print sources and online databases. It is unclear from your post(s) as to where or when you had an opportunity to actually observe the FC or HOD classes, but if you noticed an omission in the program perhaps a word to the teacher would have been more appropriate than a public trashing of the entire program after-the-fact.
    - CI

  • 4/4 2:14pm   I am looking for several teenagers (at least 15 yrs old) for yard work on weekends. Must have own transportation. Pay $8-$10 hr, depending on experience. Call Jack after 6PM @ 508-528-0875.
    - JO

  • 4/4 1:36pm   TN - How about Medfield or Dover? Or the many other towns that are far ahead of us in terms of their teaching of information problem solving skills. Just because other districts aren't performing is no excuse for us to sit idly by. The question is what type of district do you want Norfolk to be? One that is deficient or one that is excelling in readying our students for the "outside world"? Congratulations on your kids' high grades - that is commendable. However, I am talking about teaching skills that are transferable from school projects to real world situations. Once they graduate from school, no one will ask if they had straight A's, but they will be asked to perform independently in the work place to solve problems and be independent thinkers. Considering the amount of money the schools are spending on the public/school library program, I am suggesting that there is a better use of school funds to get a quality school library program.
    - AB

  • 4/4 1:11pm   From a search of public records, I found the following information regarding Mr. Kulesza's filing of Chapter 13 Bankruptcy. This is from the Banker and Tradesman Magazine published on October 31, 2005, it is located on page D55. Do I need to be any more specific? I believe the library carries this publication, and thus probably carries back issues.
    Norfolk
    Kulesza, Michael, J, [street address], Norfolk, 02056-1100 D;10/14/05 Case #05-23137
    According to the publication a Chapter 13 bankruptcy will ``allow for an adjustment of debt. An individual with a regular income proposes a plan to pay off debts from future earnings over a period of time between three and five years. Usually these payments are in full satisfaction of the debt, but may be a percentage of them. Upon completion, the debtor receives a discharge of all debts covered by the plan except child support and alimony, if applicable.''
    Mr. Kulesza, come back in three to five years when you can prove personal fiscal restraint.
    I could probably locate the business one, but I am not willing to pay the money to do the search. Knowing that he filed bankruptcy less than 6 months ago does NOTHING to gain my praise or my vote. Consider this my personal thank you to NC for bringing this information forward. How can we have someone leading this town who cannot live within their own means?
    - MH

  • 4/4 12:54pm   I've seen For Rent signs off-and-on around town; if you have a unit available, or know of one nearby, we received an e-mail from someone asking for leads for a 1-2 bedroom rental. Contact c/o the Webmaster Wm@Norfolknet.com, and I'll relay the information. Thanks,
    - Wm.

  • 4/4 12:54pm   I suppose it had to happen. As the Norfolk School Committee has labored mightily to create a desert where we have had a vibrant school library program, the vultures of the school library/media guild circle hungrily over the carcass. AB's [...] post reveals all you need to know about why the guild thinks Norfolk's system should be a pariah.
    Here's how this situation developed. In the 1950s (when, by the way, state and federal funds for school libraries first became available) a dual system of school and public libraries grew up. Both sides, schools and public libraries, are to blame for this duplicative and wasteful system. Each wanted its share of the pie. On the school library side, a wall of credentials was erected to make meaningful cooperation more and more difficult. The mantra of the school library guild is: "A public library and a school library are two VERY different things." This is repeated over and over again (and in CAPITAL LETTERS) until the members of the guild come to believe that it is true. And the guild has developed a tenacious commitment to defending its turf and prerogatives.
    Unfortunately that's exactly what a small town like ours doesn't need. We need sharing and openness, not the narrow-minded, exclusivist approach of the guild. And credentials are fine, but I've always thought of them as a floor below which we should not fall. With the guild, they become a ceiling above which we cannot rise. As to the ludicrous charge that our kids have been "shortchanged," why have successive school committees, the regional accreditation group, and hundreds of families praised the program over the years? And does AB offer one shred of evidence that children have been "shortchanged?" Of course not.
    Our shared system in Norfolk has provided inspired, challenging, and cost-effective school library/media services for 14 years. Research and bibliographic instruction has always been a part of the library curriculum. Our library associates and aides are skilled, creative and, above all, caring and compassionate professionals. And, contrary to AB's insinuation they ARE gifted teachers. Their loss, and the loss of this terrific program, is a huge step backward for our Town.
    - Harvey Boulay, Library Trustee

  • 4/4 12:52pm   In response to AB:
    First of all, as a current library media studies graduate student I would like to say yes, the school library should be the hub of the school, and yes, the school library and public library are two different entities and function in different ways. However, when you're talking about the level of instruction presented to the students particularly at the F/C Library, please reconsider your post.
    The library curriculum at the F/C library aligns the Massachusetts State Frameworks, local benchmarks and Information Literacy Standards for Student Learning as stated in Information Power by the American Association of School Librarians and the Association for Educational Communications Technology, and I have done the best that I can in the short amount of time that I have been in Norfolk to gradually create and develop a library program that teaches, demonstrates and encourages
    • information literacy
    • independent learning, and
    • social responsibility
    As far as the partnership between the public library and school library, I cannot respond on the history of this agreement, however, the benefits our students have received through this partnership is enormous
    [C o n t i n u e d . . . ]
    - HM

  • 4/4 12:23pm   To JC: thanks for the clarifying mission statement excerpt that you provided for the Boy Scouts of America. But let's be real here - one would never accuse the B.S.A. to be an organization that in practice promotes diversity and inclusiveness.
    - SAL

  • 4/4 12:22pm   AB, Which communities? Franklin? Medway? Millis? Things may not be up to your Graduate School's standards of excellence here in town, but quality is far off elsewhere nearby. Also, while you say that Norfolk suffers from lack of research instruction for children (starting at age 5), I'm left wondering how my two kids are faring so well (straight A students last 2 terms) in such a bereft library system...
    - TN

  • 4/4 12:21pm   To LS: If Mr. Kulesza owed money to NC, why would NC air that in a public forum? (So far nobody has been able to tell me how to look up that info, for I'd like to see it myself.) As far as Stop & Shop, the Walpole store on Rte. 1A is the prototype for future stores, and that store is much greater than 50,000 square feet. It's a shame the current chairman has bought off on this sales pitch of Stop & Shop's, but it appears Mr. Kulesza has a plan.
    - JC

  • 4/4 12:15pm   A free dental screening clinic for senior citizens will be held on Saturday, April 29 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Norfolk Senior Center at 28 Medway Branch Road in Norfolk.
    At the free screening clinic, people aged 60 and over will receive a full range of diagnostic and educational oral health services in a relaxed, friendly setting. This is the most recent in a series of diagnostic oral health clinics the Neponset Valley Community Health Coalition has arranged for local elders.
    The clinic is open to all people aged 60 years and over [including residents of other towns].
    To schedule your free appointment at the screening, call the Norfolk Senior Center at (508) 528-4430. Norfolk residents may request free transportation to the screening.
    [C o n t i n e d . . . ]
    - Gwendolyn Stewart, Program Manager, Elder Dental Program

  • 4/4 11:30am   JC and KC: It could be just as easily assumed that Mike Kulesza owed NC a bunch of money. Why assume the post has to do with the incumbent?
    - LS

  • 4/4 10:59am   NC, I am very disappointed by your despicable attempt to discredit and sully Mike Kulesza personal reputation. You truly epitomize what is very wrong in politics today. Candidates take the low road and sling the dirt at their competitors so they won't have to discuss and debate the substantive issues. Norfolk residents are intelligent and well educated so I suspect your smear campaign won't work.
    Now let's review a key issue facing the town and the candidates position. Ramesh Advani has no plan to get Stop and Shop to move forward and build a supermarket. His position is that we should trust Stop and Shop and that he is somehow assured of Stop and Shop's good intentions from private meetings he has attended with Stop and Shop.
    [C o n t i n u e d . . . ]
    - SM

  • 4/4 9:47am   RE: Norfolk Schools - I tried to attend the meeting for the Strategic Plan for the Technology Dept last night. Isn't the Superintendent's Conference room at Freeman/Centennial? Was the meeting held? If so, can anyone tell me what was discussed? Thanks,
    - KDR

  • 4/4 8:36am   TN - Norfolk has had a library program that is not successful and certainly not respected. While in graduate school to earn my degree to be a school librarian, Norfolk was raised as an example - unfortunately, it was to illustrate how NOT to run a school library.
    A public library and school library are two VERY different things that serve very different purposes. The school library should be the information hub of the school where teachers and librarians (who ARE teachers) collaborate and plan together to teach our students information problem solving skills. These are skills students will use for the rest of their lives in our information rich world. From doing research on Egypt to buying a car, the skills are the same.
    While our neighboring communities have worked to improve school libraries and make the library a central focus of the school, Norfolk has left our students at a competitive disadvantage. As with any other area of education, the library is not the same place it was 20 years ago. Access to literature is important, of course, but is a very small part of what a quality library program embodies. Research can and should begin at the Kindergarten level - just imagine how proficient they would be by 6th grade - especially if the research skills were district-wide and students used the same skills from year to year. We would have students who are life long learners who can think for themselves. A quality library program teaches skills that today's businesses are looking for - critical thinking and problem solving. The model in Norfolk has done nothing to help our students in these areas and we have shortchanged them long enough.
    - AB

  • 4/4 8:17am   JC and KC, it's not clear that NC supports Mr. Advani, or has anything to do with him. And in saying so, I am not lending my support to NC! Hmmm... your last names all begin with "C"... is this a family feud? :-D
    - HPK

  • 4/3 11:40pm   NC - You epitomize what is wrong with Norfolk politics. Local ruling juntas worried about their (or their spouse's) paychecks. Your veiled diatribe was disgusting and grossly transparent. With supporters like you Ramesh is in trouble.
    - KC

  • 4/3 10:06pm   To BS: The School Committee is supposed to be discussing the budget tomorrow from approximately 7p-8p.
    - PA

  • 4/3 10:05pm   To JMF: In a nutshell, oil fuel produces the most BTU's of heat per unit. LP an equal second. Heating with wood, the amount of heat can vary based on the wood you are using. Burning wood in an outdoor boiler, fireplace, woodstove causes pollution many times that of a traditional boiler. Burning wood can make you feel good... you're not contributing to the global demand for oil. Burning wood is also great if you have a lot of extra time to cut and stack, split, cover to keep dry. Wood piles are a great place for mice and insects, small birds too. Geothermal would be the ideal. Temperature diffances in our region are less than efficient. Very hard to find a geothermal expert in our area. Good Luck.
    - DM

  • 4/3 10:01pm   How about a "happy" post? All 13 and under kids are invited to submit an entry to Unicef's "What does Holiday Happiness mean to you?" national art contest. Two designs will be chosen, and winners (and two accompanying adults) will receive a free trip to New York, a tour of the United Nations, free Broadway tickets, and best of all, the honor of your design being on a 2006 Unicef holiday card.
    Any artistic medium--pencil, pen, crayons, paints, colored markers--can be used. No computer generated art will be accepted. All entries must be received at Pier 1 corporate headquarters by April 11. For more information, go to unicefusa.org or weeklyreader.com to download rules and an entry packet.
    Good luck, and let the artistic juices flow!
    - Alison Lutes, Community Service, Norfolk TPA

  • 4/3 9:59pm   It's unimaginable for me to think of the kids at the H.O.D. not having Mary Carney as part of their learning experience. There has to be a way to make some cuts and keep her (how about the Super's??)
    - NO

  • 4/3 9:56pm   To NC: Could you provide me with the web-site, or whatever source you used for these allegations against Mr. Kulesza? I posted last week that I liked what I heard from him when I met him, and I still do. Being in sales, I learned to never 'negative-sell' the competition, and knowing Mr. Advani as I do, I'm shocked that someone on his side of the campaign may have gone to these lengths. Someone had to invest some time into this to learn not only about his business, but about his automobile purchasing habits. I always thought that the 'personal' in personal bankruptcy should be just that. This type of maneuver won't change my vote next month. Hang in there, Mike.
    - JC

  • 4/3 3:38pm   I am outraged that Mike Kulesza is running for selectman. This is a shame. Why would anyone want a person who has claimed both PERSONAL and BUSINESS BANKRUPTCY to run their town? This is UNREAL.
    Mike Kulesza is a great salesman. He will tell you what you want to hear, and of course will never deliver what he promised.
    On March 1st, 2005, Kulesza claimed business bankruptcy so he didn't have to pay any of his debts that he took out for "business purposes." Many small businesses that provided services didn't end up getting any money for the services that they provided for Kulesza.
    His total business debt was $257,208.00. The funniest part was when he bought a 700 series BMW and that was repossessed. This bankruptcy report is available to public. You can look it up by looking up his ID number which is: 04-3055393. The company name is Anthony, Michael and Company. Also, in October of 2005, the day before President Bush changed the bankruptcy laws, Kulesza filed for personal bankruptcy.
    This is a shame that so many people in this small town have already fallen for his sales pitches. I encourage the town and its people to do a background check on him and learn about the "REAL MIKE KULESZA".
    - NC

  • 4/3 1:52pm   I tend to agree with every post SM writes. Very thoughtful and articulate.
    - JAB

  • 4/3 1:46pm   To TS - My understanding is that the School Committee meeting is Tuesday night, 4/4/06 at 7pm in McBride Aud. at Freeman-Centennial. I'm assuming the budget is on the agenda, however I did not see the agenda posted (I had looked for this information under Schools on Norfolknet and found it on the Calendar.) Hope this helps. See you there.
    - BS

  • 4/3 1:45pm   Hi BS. Thanks for the welcome to town. Village Green is now under new management and we had a great first weekend. If anyone needs fertilizer, plants, flowers, anything come by, located on 1A, by the junction of 115. There is a lot of stuff coming for the weekend. Also, there are so me great pussy willow bushes, a big favorite!
    - JM

  • 4/3 12:07pm   I'm hoping for some answers to the questions about the school budget and its philosophy at tomorrow night's School Committee meeting. Does anyone know what time it starts? Is the budget part the focus of the meeting or just a portion of the meeting? Where is the meeting to be held? Will the Committee take questions from the audience? Thanks for your assistance.
    - TS

  • 4/3 12:06pm   Has anyone heard of or used Mike's Sealcoating? Is sealcoating a driveway a good idea once it's a year or two old? A-1 Paving did a terrible job on the original job. Mike told me he's been doing business in this area for years, but I want references on him.
    - KB

  • 4/3 11:29am   It's a shame that the library program at the schools is coming to an abrupt halt. Why did this have to happen after so many years? The School Committee also appears to be trying to do the same thing to NCTV, as I know they were ready to let them stay at the F-C School, then told them they will probably have to leave. What's going on here?
    - JC

  • 4/3 10:35am   To JM - Welcome to town and best of luck! We have many gardeners here in town and it's always nice to have many "haunts" for those hard to find plants.
    - BS

  • 4/3 9:07am   JP, Pets are allowed at the Pond St. Complex, with the understanding the owners are responsible for picking up after them.
    - Todd P. Chisholm, Norfolk Recreation

  • 4/3 9:02am   Hi. I just wanted to email to let you know that we took over and now run the Village Green at 186 Dedham St., in Norfolk. The new name is Village Green Nurseries and the new number is (508) 384-2355. My husband used to run a garden center on Rt.1 in Norwood, and now has taken over the lease here in Norfolk. We are very excited to begin the season in Norfolk.
    - JM, Village Green Nurseries

  • 4/2 8:46pm   DWL: The Boy Scouts of America is NOT a Christian-based organization. The Boy Scouts only require that the member profess a belief in a "higher authority." As such, the BSA encourages its youth to attain religious awards in their own religious faith, including all Christian denominations, as well as Bahai, Hindu, Islam, Jewish, and even Meher Baba and Zoroastrian!
    - JC

  • 4/2 7:24pm   Can someone tell me if pets are allowed at the Pond St. complex? Just wondering if I can bring my dog along to watch a soccer game or walk the trail loop. Thanks!
    - JP

  • 4/2 6:49pm   For those interested in mounting a firm opposition to overrides in 2006, contact me at box30@norfolknet.com.
    - JPB

  • 4/2 2:38pm   And while we're on the topic of land use in Norfolk, I saw in the Globe that the developer who bought the former Buckley and Mann property is offering to give the town 70 acres. The Conservation Commission has recommended against accepting the gift, which seems reasonable given the potential liability associated with past contamination at the property. But, even if the land were not contaminated, how does it benefit the town to accept 70 acres of undevelopable, unusable land? Once we take it, don't we lose the taxes that the owner is otherwise obligated to pay? So since it's unbuildable anyway, why not have the developer retain ownership and liability, and have the taxes keep coming in to the town?
    - VR

  • 4/2 2:37pm   Does anyone out there heat their home with with a non-traditional heating system (anything besides oil or propane)? We're building a home in Norfolk and are trying to find an energy-efficient system for our log home that doesn't rely on oil or propane. We're primarily interested in a geothermal system, though are also considering wood-fired boilers. Solar and wind technologies are also of interest. We're set to break ground in a couple months and would so appreciate being able to benefit from the experience of anyone who's tried any of these (or anything else?). Thanks in advance for any input!
    - JMF

  • 4/2 2:36pm   I have a question about the long-term plan for the CPA funds. If I remember right, when the CPA was being debated in Norfolk, it was proposed as a means of funding potential future purchases of land that the town would want to maintain for open space or recreational uses. With all the talk about possible uses for the existing monies, I was wondering - what fixed percentage of the fund, if any, is being reserved for the original stated purpose? And could the CPC provide an estimate of how much money needs to be saved for the known parcels of land in town that may be of future interest?
    - VR

  • 4/2 12:47pm   Re: 3/29 8:42pm ... If [Wm] would be willing to set up a proxy mail or contact site for it [group opposing an override], I am willing to coordinate an information group for those who want to slow this thing down until the town can find a permanent solution. Is this doable [Wm]? - JPB and
    [Sure! I set up box30@norfolknet.com as an automatic fowarder that reaches JPB; JPB can reply to people, gauge interest and organize the group - Wm.]
    Oops, I have egg on my face, I had a typo in the e-mail address and mail was not getting through. Worse, someone else had to call this to my attention! I fixed the forwarder, it should work; if you've sent email and got no reply, please try again.
    - Wm.

  • 4/2 11:39am   PA, As the late Charles Jerome used to say, "Clash of ideas produces intelligent outcome, so let the clash begin."
    - TS

  • 4/2 11:34am   NO OVERRIDES IN 2006! Are we to believe that gasoline prices will not top $3.20 / gallon this summer, or home heating oil will not be higher next winter? Let's consider those poor souls who could lose their homes to overrides. The definition of essential services continues to change for an ever increasing number of town residents. And unless you are very well off, it is likely to change for you too. If we are to honestly view this as a community issue, let's consider first, those likely to lose the most.
    I believe we are witnessing the manifestation of Maslow: [Motivation Theory of Maslow]
    - JPB

  • 4/2 10:34am   In case you missed it, that curious concession to retailers, Daylight Savings Time, took effect and clocks moved forward one hour last night.
    - Wm.

  • 4/2 10:33am   While I can appreciate the tone of PA's post, I must admit to being disheartened with the latest action by the Superintendent and School Committee regarding budget woes and termination of the Schools/Town Library arrangement. Abruptly terminating a fifteen year program of cooperation, with no apparent communication between the Superindent and the Library Trustees, certainly speaks of a "sharp cat," but not one I believe PA was speaking of in his/her post. In small towns you do pull together and work with each other to solve your problems. In the past, there must have been other fiscal crises where School and Town Library officials had to put their heads together to cover budget shortfalls without dissolving their (very successful and much respected) arrangement by one side calling it quits without conferring with the other.
    Knowing that two head librarians will be eliminated - effectively eliminating library services within the 2 schools - is a huge loss and a decision that appears to have been made without enough communication between school administrators and Library Trustees... Robin Glasser's resignation [of her part-time position with the schools] speaks loudly and clearly of the consequences of this decision, and is devastating to the schools.
    On a personal note, imagining the HOD Library minus Mary Carney makes me sad for all current (and future) young readers who may well lose her after this school year ends. I'm very grateful that my children already have the benefit of Mary's instruction and influence - as they are both accomplished readers who excel in their studies - in no small part to Mary's tutelage.
    - TN

  • 4/1 9:03pm   I have to say, I am very disappointed by the comments that suggest we should keep our criticisms and concerns about fiscal responsibility to ourselves. How much progress has been made by people who accept the status quo? We are neither "rash," "unkind," nor "lacking in discipline." We are responsible citizens. I get involved, I vote in every election and I feel that there needs to be accountability from our elected officials. My family and I are certainly not in the top 8.4% revenue bracket that RG refers to, and simply cannot afford to keep paying for services that are not essential. In addition, statements that equate a higher paid superintendent with a higher quality of education for our children are misleading. I think that those of us who feel that the contract was overly generous would have liked to have seen that money go directly into teacher salaries and program funding for librarians and art teachers. They are the real "frontline" one resident refers to. I personally would vote for an override that specifically guaranteed funding for education. Perhaps line-item voting for specific expenditures would be a more accurate way of setting the town's fiscal priorities. I will not vote for an override designated for a "vehicle stabilization fund." As many others have pointed out, this is a time for belt-tightening.
    I know I'll be driving the same car for the next several years.
    - KM

  • 4/1 9:01pm   Widspread fraud in automobile registration could be costing significant revenue every year. The Commonwealth could correct issues with fraud by by making registration and MVE tax collection dependent upon the primary residence of the owner rather than where the car is reported to be garaged.
    - JO

  • 4/1 7:48pm   1. In answer to who thought of one superintendent for 3 towns, check with the Board Of Selectmen. Believe it may have been Bob Markel a few years ago.
    2. Did any see the suprise ending of "Call and Wait" last Monday? It was aired in case you missed it!! Talk about a waste of time and resources. Wonder if sanctions could be imposed for wasting the resources of our Selectmen over the many, many months!!
    - JO

  • 4/1 6:41pm   Override Season: Here we go again. It is actually a statewide epidemic of sorts. Boston Globe April 1 City & Region: "There were 164 override attempts last year, almost half of the state's cities and towns, but only 87 succeeded."
    Friday's Country Gazette: Norfolk. "Selectmen are supporting a targeted override at the May 9 town meeting, however, which would provide $300,000 for a town vehicle stabilization fund. Passing the vehicle maintenance (override) is critical, because we think we can save about $1 million in truck and car financing costs over a period of 15 years, said Hathaway."
    This very same argument came up last year and while I agree with this in principle, what I do not agree with is the vagueness of the idea. What is to become with the savings with this approach. Is the money saved also going to be used for very specific "targeted" uses? Repeatedly we residents are faced with these proposition 2.5 overrides. The disturbing aspect of these is that our good Town Officials who handle our finances always lean toward cuts that can be felt by the majority of voters. School, safety, services are always on the forefront of these cuts. I remember one year an argument that our fire dept may be hindered in their response time if the station cannot be staffed correctly.
    I am all for targeted overrides, provided there is a tradeoff with the taxpayers. As it stands, there appears to be no change in financial constraint. Saving from a targeted override will likely go towards a new glamorous feature of our Town Hill. Wouldn't it make sense to use the targeted saving to guarantee limited sized classrooms for the endurance of that savings, so we don't here that same argument each year?
    Oh, on another note, I am really enjoying the new 20K clock we now have. Now I do not have to glance down at the clock on my radio or cell phone.
    - BF

  • 4/1 5:01pm   To CR and all users of the Pond Street Recreation Complex and Kids' Place: Porta-Potties are maintained at the Pond Street Complex (2) and Kids' Place (1) from the 1st week in April through October/mid November (weather dependent). With the warmer weather here, remember, it's a great time to take a walk-there is a walking track that measures 0.7 miles around the Pond Street Complex. It's a beautiful walk and it makes for some great exercise.
    Please contact the recreation department at recreation@virtualnorfolk.org if you would like any further information regarding recreation issues. Thank you.
    - Ann Proto, Recreation Director, Town of Norfolk 508-520-1315

  • 4/1 4:58pm   SF, you state "I don't know of anyone that can think of a project that would qualify for CPA funds that would provide a benefit to everyone".
    I can think one project right off the top of my head. What is the one recreational activity that every resident should do on a daily basis to maintain their health? Answer of course is taking a brisk walk outside. It's a great way to get some sunshine, stay in shape and meet your neighbors . The problem in Norfolk however is we need sidewalks to connect our neighborhoods to the downtown and to our recreational areas. So I would recommend as a first step we use CPA funds to build a sidewalk from the downtown area to the Pond Street facility. This qualifies for recreational use under the CPA act which defines "Recreational use", active or passive recreational use including, but not limited to, the use of land for community gardens, trails, and noncommercial youth and adult sports, and the use of land as a park, playground or athletic field. "Recreational use" shall not include horse or dog racing or the use of land for a stadium, gymnasium or similar structure.
    Of course some of our resident legal beagles will try and dissect and interpret the CPA Act to suit their own agenda and they say that building sidewalks for recreational use is not a permitted use. I say If we can't use CPA to fund projects that will benefit all of us we should revoke or reduce the 3% surcharge, especially in light of soaring tax rates and annual budget deficits.
    - SM

    Previous Archive, 2006 Q1


    • Home