Q3 2006 Norfolknet Notes, Jul-Sep 2006

This is the archive of previous Norfolk Notes.
Home

Previous Archive, 2006 Q2

  • 9/30 11:53pm   EC/TH: That's all well and good with volunteering the Federated Church's parking lot, but what happens in the winter when a commuter slips on ice and breaks their leg? Who's liable... the town? the MBTA? I doubt it. The Church will be the one getting sued.
    - PA

  • 9/30 11:53pm   RS, you are mixed up. You got the part about Dukakis right, but you blame the Republicans for all our problems now in this state. The MA legislature is 90% Democrat! The Republicans aren't making this state bad, it's the Democrats. I'm an Independent. Just get it right. Trust me, though, if Patrick gets in... we're done for! Welcome back Taxachuseets!! I'm on the first moving van out of this state!!!
    By the way.... St Jude's is part of our community! A positive part of our town.
    - DG

  • 9/30 10:41pm   SD - The parents of the children attending programs at the Norfolk Rec are spending between $75 and $125 per program. Would you rather the parents pull over on Main Street and try to get 3 and 4 year olds into their cars that way? (Usually with a younger sibling in tow?)
    EC - Stick around one morning and check out the Federated Church parking lot between 8:55 - 9:05 (drop off) and then again between 11:25 - 11:40 (morning pickup) and later in the day for afternoon pickup. The lot is packed with cars. At most you could designate 5 spots.
    And I always thought $2 was a bargain for parking!
    - TH

  • 9/30 9:08pm   Congratulations to the winner of Norfolk's Dunkin Donuts DARE 2 Run 5K Road Race, Larry Olsen! Congratulations to all the Norfolk winners!
    The following Norfolk Runners took home a medal in their age category;
    John Potyraj - 3rd
    Brian Stetson - 2nd
    Daniel Gomes - 2nd
    Bruce Casper - 3rd
    Andy Porell - 1st
    Matt McCarthy - 2nd
    Jim Hurley - 3rd
    Ryan Boselli - 1st
    Toren O'Leary - 2nd
    Ryan Chipman - 3rd
    Kristen Porell - 2nd
    Caelah Basile - 2nd
    Stacey Gianciappo - 3rd

    Maggie Casey - 1st
    Lynn McConnell -2nd
    Kelly Benton - 1st
    Katie Burns - 2nd

    Congratulations also to the 1st Norfolk School Staff - Kristen Porell and the 1st boy and girl DARE Students - Ryan Boselli and Abigail Sullivan.
    Complete race results can be found on     [this coolrunning.com page] - Be sure to check out the pictures! Also be sure to check out [kidsrunning.com article]. Thank you to everyone who participated in this great fundraising event!
    - HK

  • 9/30 9:07pm   I agree with the posting about using the church parking lots for Norfolk residents using the train, but the Federated church parking lot is alot closer to the train station, and even with the preschool parking needs, there should be several spots available. How about it, pastor?
    - EC

  • 9/30 5:47pm   To JG--You could try contacting Kathy Ouellette as she organizes the yearbook. She's in phone book. Good Luck.
    - BS

  • 9/30 5:46pm   St. Jude's Church pays an independent contractor to plow their lot. The town comes in only after all of their high priority work is done around town to help keep it clean, because it is a designated Civil Defense site, and also used for Medivac purposes. To suggest that the parking lot there be turned into a commuter lot is lunacy. If some of you people are so upset that the town HELPS keep that lot clean, find a more suitable Civil Defense/Medivac site, and your angst will be mollified.
    - PA

  • 9/30 11:27am   Does anyone know where I might get a copy of the FC/HOD yearbook for 2005-2006? Thanks
    - JG

  • 9/30 10:36am   I just had a great idea. Why doesn't St. Jude allow the people of Norfolk to use their parking lot free of charge. It will be plowed by the town and the people in Norfolk can use the parking lot during the week. Sounds fair to me.
    - DWL

  • 9/29 9:45pm   To JC - The taxpayers of Norfolk pay to plow St. Jude's parking lot as well as the Federated Church parking lot. That was my reference to the churches. If I have to pay to park, so the lot can be plowed, then why shouldn't they have to pay to plow their parking lots - does that clarify it for you?
    To DCB: I realize that the Norfolk Rec runs programs for small children there, but if they don't have to be in a lottery or pay $75 to park there, why should commuters and students, who park there, have to be pay or be out of a parking space because their name didn't get picked in a lottery?
    In the past, this lot was open to any town resident who applied for a permit. Therefore, it was opened to the whole town. Nobody who parks there was getting anything special that everyone else in town wasn't entitled to.
    - SD

  • 9/29 8:56pm   Hi... Just wanted to report a sighting of the fisher cat this morning along Evergreen Drive and Pondview. He was running quite fast across the lawns on the left side of the street and then sprinted across the road and disappeared into the woods. Quite an amazing animal.
    - AG

  • 9/29 8:54pm   Just a thought on why the birds and squirrels are not showing up. I always had a lot of birds too but have noticed a big drop in numbers coming to eat at my feeders, especially squirrels. I am wondering if all the spraying for mosquitoes is the reason, for this deadly spray would be on all the food that birds eat.
    - MG

  • 9/29 8:53pm   SD - Norfolk Recreation offers programs during the day at the Old Town Hall for small children. This is most likely the reason why there are designated spots marked "Recreation". Best wishes with your parking worries!
    - DCB

  • 9/29 8:52pm   I believe I have figured out why the birds have disappeared. I think they are very worried about their nests being built in trees on town property. Since their nests are technically their homes they are worried the town leaders will begin to send them tax bills or begin charging a nesting fee or require building permits.
    On the serious side - there are 50 spots for parking at the old town hall. 50 X $75 per spot is $3750 per year. I have seen several money saving suggestions on this website - some of them mine, but there always seems to be a reason they can not be done.
    Does anyone else find it offending that the people in charge come up with a fee to raise a crummy $3750 rather than look within their own operation to save money? I am not convinced the people in charge are really looking for savings, especially if it will take some effort, work or have to change how things have always been done. Is there a Town employee program (like a lot of businesses) that asks for and rewards money saving ideas? I'm not talking about the Selectmen or the Town Administrator - they should be looking for savings although they'll say the tax payers shot down the Vehicle Fund - we were going to save money. I'm talking about the real day-to-day workers, the ones doing the actual work that generally know a lot more than elected officials and supervisors hired by those same officials. The $3750 parking "fee" is an insult to the tax payers. It says we, the town leaders, give up. We can't, or won't think of anything else that will save $3750.
    - RJP

  • 9/29 8:50pm   NC says: just tried the new consignment shop in Millis (109), "Diva On A Dime;" very impressive. Bought a Christian Dior silk suit in "mint" condition. Thought I would pass it along.
    - RC

  • 9/29 8:49pm   Thank you to RH and MH for your comments re: cellphones. I wasn't aware that you could get a pay-as-you-go phone, so thanks for that information. It sounds like $60 a month for 550 minutes (and this is an "unadvertised" special) is about as good as it gets for two phones from a big company, so it becomes a choice between that, or a pay-as-you go plan.
    - CR

  • 9/29 8:48pm   SD: I thought I knew where you were coming from until you mentioned the Churches, and then I lost you. If I'm not mistaken, the old Town Hall lot is town-owned, and the lots at the Churches are owned, and paid for, by the Churches (even though I've seen town vehicles doing work on the Federated property over the last two months.) The 'being in a lottery to park their car while attending Mass' line completely baffled me. I knew about this a long, long time ago by watching the Selectmen's meetings on TV... you should get cable... I'm watching the Conservation Commission now, and someone's been dealing with them for six years now on a project. (I had heard the ConCom had gotten faster, now I see... six years isn't bad!)
    - JC

  • 9/29 8:44pm   As I mentioned in my 9/22 positing, "Norfolk does not have high class sizes and never did." I have attached a chart and the data for Norfolk going back to 1976. The average class size in Norfolk for the past five years has been about 20. Kindergarten and Pre-K are not included in these totals since some class are not full days. If they were included they would lower the average even further.
    Class size never got as high as an average of 25 during this period. Up until the HOD school was completed in 1994, the class size was limited strictly by the number of available class rooms and never by the number of budgeted teachers. You can see the class size rising in the early 90's as no more rooms were available. Since 1994 the class sizes came down and Pre-K and more full day kindergarten classes became available. These are shown in the data. I hope this puts the question to rest.
    [Data as Excel table (39K XLS) and automatically converte to HTML (crudely) ]
    - JJM

  • 9/29 2:54pm   For those of you who know me, you will be surprised that I have kept quiet for so long, but today was the straw that broke the camel's back. For two years, I have been parking in the Old Town Hall lot for free. Well, not exactly free because I am, in fact, a taxpaying citizen of Norfolk. Having the lot available to me was a great way to help defer the cost of going into Boston given the high price we pay for the commuter rail. I was very upset to learn that we had to pay $75.00 to park there, provided, of course, our name got picked from that ridiculous lottery. On average, there are thirty cars in that lot. Apparently, sixty-eight people applied for spaces. Who are they? When do they park there? And if they do park there in the nice months, I can guarantee you that they aren't there in January.
    Today, I went to pick up my car and noticed that there are now spots reserved for 'RECREATION ONLY." Please somebody tell me, because I am curious. Do they have to be in the lottery? Do they have to pay $75.00 to park there? If not, why are the commuters being prejudiced against while others including members of St. Jude's and the Federated Church not having to pay for parking or for being in a lottery to park their car while attending mass.
    I think as Norfolk taxpayers we are already paying enough property taxes to live here that we should be allowed at least one luxury of a free parking space. And believe me, on those cold winter days, parking half a mile a way from the train station is hardly a luxury at all!! I believe that the Town Administrator and Selectmen should re-think their decision and go back to the old way of first-come, first-served basis for parking in that lot.
    Also, I think it is odd that I sent a letter to the three selectmen back in August and have to this date not heard back from one of them. I do not believe them when they say notices were put on cars. I have parked there three days a week for two years, and not once did I get a notice, nor did anybody that I know that parks there know when the meeting was when the town officials were discussing the parking. I do not get Norfolk Cable, and unless my neighbor told me about this situation, I would not have heard anything about it.
    - SD

  • 9/29 10:43am   Re: cell phones. I held off as long as I could from purchasing a cell phone for myself, but with 3 kids at the high school and with them going to different after school activities, I reluctantly gave in (they were constantly borrowing other classmates' phones to call home for a ride). I decided to go with the Pay As You Go phone and looked into the Trac Phone. I ended up with STI Mobile (I purchased ours online, but one can buy them at the Cumberland Farm store). The flip phones were free with rebate and I purchase $10.00 refill cards as needed. The company charges 10 cents a day plus 10-12 cents a minute for calls. In order for this type of phone service to pay-off, you have to be very disciplined (I only use it for emergencies and pick-up calls from the kids). The phone automatically tells you how many minutes left when you make a call out from the phone. Occasionally a call will fail, usually when indoors. Also the kids have been told no text messaging, etc., as it will use up the minutes fast. The company has had mixed reviews (Rateitall.com).
    I have had it for a year now and it suits my needs although the kids would prefer a camera cell phone with unlimited minutes and text messaging (they can buy their own once they have a steady job - which my oldest has already done and is paying close to $50 a month for her phone).
    - RH

  • 9/29 10:40am   Please join us for a huge tag sale this Sunday! 9-1pm, Timberline Drive, off Park St. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Savoie family, whose 8-year old daughter was recently diagnosed with cancer. Approximately 35 tables will be set up, and there is something for everyone! Sports equipment, luggage, kitchen miscellaneous, kids clothes, furniture, toys, videos, jewelry, and more. Lots of baked goods, perfect complement to that Sunday dinner or Monday lunch box! The kids will love the Ben and Jerry's ice cream, and the lemonade stand. All lemonade profits will be donated to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. This is community spirit, at its best, and we hope you can join us!
    - AL

    [Update 10/1 9:37am: postponed until next Sunday, Oct. 8, due to the impending storm - AL]

  • 9/29 8:58am   PJL, BS: We gave our son a cellphone when he got involved in the music program at KP High and started needing to be picked up and dropped off several days (and evenings) a week. I know the kids aren't allowed to have any phones (cameras or no) during the school day and must either leave them at home or in their cars if they drive.
    While I realize that cheating and other "unsavory" activities are possible, from our standpoint the cellphone is absolutely necessary to keep track of Junior's whereabouts and changing timetable for rides. Here's why: The 1st night he had band practice (last year as a 7th grader), the kids were let out early (8:30 PM). When I arrived at 8:50 (for a 9PM pick-up) our 12 year old was waiting in the dark at the high school alone... That only happened once I tell you. We went out and bought him a phone the next day. It does have a camera, but he really doesn't use that feature much - he's a good kid who just wants to be able to phone home for the "taxi" and call friends for gabs & homework questions. We keep track of his calls on the bill, and all in, it's been a very positive addition for our house.
    Good luck with your choice,
    - TN

  • 9/28 10:13pm   To PJL - I've read the same regarding camera phones but do not have any personal insight. However, I do know according to the school handbook, camera phones are not allowed at KPMS. I understand they are confiscated and turned over to the parents if the student is caught using one (I heard this happened the other day). My understanding is that these phones are frequently used for cheating so I suppose it wouldn't be a stretch to imagine the phones are used for other unsavory reasons. At this point in our kids' lives, we have an extra cell that they take when it is necessary, eg they are at an event where they need it. And we've told them they can get one when they can pay the extra monthly fee. That's what's worked for us so far.
    - BS

  • 9/28 10:09pm   Please attend the Public School Funding Crisis Informational Meeting and Discussion [PDF here] on October 4, 2006 at the Norfolk Public Library, 7 PM in the Community Room. See earlier posting here [post of 9/21 4:32pm]. Help restore state funding and reduce the burden on local communities.
    The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center [massbudget.org topic 4] has prepared a portion of the presentation.
    For more information call Norfolk House Meeting host: Ross G. 508-541-8428 or Stand for Children Director: Meg A. 617-547-3800, [stand.org/ma/housemeetingcampaign]. Concerned citizens from area town are also encouraged to attend, as this is a state-wide crisis. Child care will be provided by a local Sr. Girl Scout troop. Please call to reserve child care.
    - RG

  • 9/28 10:08pm   Thanks, RP, for the info on the canal bike route. Never thought about going further to the Mass. Maritime Academy to see the wind generator. I am going down there to bike again not this weekend but the next weekend on Saturday; did you see the oil tanker going through the canal? Awesome to see a ship that big right before your eyes as it passes by. What a sight to see on a bike.
    Thanks again,
    - RS

  • 9/28 7:47pm   To RJG - My child is also in a class of 22 at the Freeman. I think you are confusing student/teacher ratios with class size, and they are different.
    And you also mention that "teachers are the most important thing." So, talk to some teachers and ask where they would like to teach - in a town where there is a relatively small class size, or one where there are 25+ students to a class??
    And parents, if you think that our small class sizes are "a given" - think again. You may pay the lion's share of taxes in this town, and feel that as the majority, you automatically have input, but know that the Selectmen and Town Administrator have only been listening to a few disgruntled groups in this town. The schools are under siege and you must speak up now.
    - MKL

  • 9/28 7:17pm   Yes, RJG, I agree; your comments are "as usual." [ ... ]
    - JJM

    [Update 8:46pm: restored signature, trimmed text - Wm.]

  • 9/28 7:12pm   We received an e-mail about class sizes at the schools; here's an extract:
    The typical class size at the Freeman Centennial is 22 students per teacher. Some classes have an aide while others do not.
    - Wm.

  • 9/28 7:02pm   Not bragging here, but I think all the birds are in our backyard! They're eating honeysuckle berries, viburnum berries, raspberries, and the seeds of weeds that grew tall while we were on vacation. Also, mowing the lawn seemed, inexplicably, to get their attention -- maybe it's easier to find insects when the grass is shorter?
    - HPK

  • 9/28 6:59pm   Re cell phone reception, ours has gotten a lot better in the past week or so (actually, since I received a text message from Cinguar saying that they had put up a new tower in Norfolk). Our phones are about 2 yrs old and we live near the center of town. I used to be unable to use the phones in the house much at all, but I am now able to most of the time without an issue.
    - JP

  • 9/28 6:54pm   Hi - We are in the process of getting a cell phone for our junior high-aged child. Have recently heard that we should NOT get one with a camera, and that there are reports, studies, etc. that camera phones can be used for bullying, and that kids have posted other kids' pictures on the internet, taken locker room pictures, etc. Our daughter is begging for a camera phone... anyone have any insight, positive or negative, about camera phones and teen usage?
    - PJL

  • 9/28 6:24pm   DC, It's not localized to one neighborhood, it's all over town - so it's not just a single local fisher on the prowl.
    The seasonal feeding sounds good - the only thing is I've never seen anything near as dramatic as this month's lack of feeder activity in the past 15 years - nothing even close.... I'm sure all will return shortly - just very, very odd the degree to which it is reaching this year.
    - BD

  • 9/28 6:23pm   CR -- My husband and I have Cingular and have had mixed signals (no pun intended there). For $59 per month we have two phones numbers. We get 500 minutes that we share, but the minutes we don't use will roll over into the next month. He is not a talker so we build up minutes pretty fast. It gets ok signals in the house (meaning that sometimes there is no signal at all) but can be used outside without any problems. We signed a two year contract about three years ago so we have been month to month for a while and have no idea what types of plans they currently have. Cell signals have always been a problem in Norfolk, I don't think it matters who the carrier is, but mine seems to have gotten better lately. Our phones are very old (original to three years ago) and could probably get better reception with newer models. Can anyone confirm that thought?
    - MH

  • 9/28 4:25pm   Our family pet, a yellow and white cockatiel, escaped from our home in the Pondville area about two months ago. This Sunday we were notified by the staff at Stonybrook that she had been seen flying among their trees, so the possibility this is the same bird as you found are quite good. If in fact the bird is the same as the one you spotted, it is important for our family to properly bury our pet bird, and also to possibly have it tested for any disease like West Nile Virus. If it is still possible to retrieve her body from the location last seen, it would put to rest this sad situation. Please let us know where she can be found. Thank you for the helpful information.
    - NK
    [Update 7:32pm: revised - NK]

  • 9/28 4:18pm   I'm considering getting a cell phone for myself, and my teenage (responsible) son. I'm looking for basic service. I received a quote from Cingular for 550 minutes a month (a special) for $59.95, plus you buy two phones at a relatively low cost after rebates. Verizon was $69.95 a month for 700 minutes at BJ's. Comments would be welcome, also about the reception. Someone told me that she got 300 minutes a month, if so, I can't find an offer like that! Thanks so much!
    - CR

    [I found the post of 9/24 10:20am interesting... - Wm.]

  • 9/28 4:17pm   RJG - I work in one of those districts you list at the elementary level (5th grade.) Those are not the same numbers we have. Where did you get the Norfolk data?
    - TN

  • 9/28 4:16pm   Does anyone know of a good walking path that would be manageable with a double jog stroller or with small kids. I know about the one at the Pond St. complex, any others??
    - RWD

  • 9/28 4:15pm   To SO: Perhaps a fisher moved into the area, or the local kids have discovered bb guns and sling shots. Seriously.
    - DC

  • 9/28 4:14pm   TEM: Thanks for the informative link. It makes sense and supports a friend's notion that there's an abundance of "natural" foods (seeds, berries, acorns, nuts, etc.) available right now. No doubt the crowds will return to the feeders once the cold weather sets in...
    - TN

  • 9/28 1:02pm   Missing Birds: I live on Boardman and also noticed a real decline in the bird presence at my feeders and birdbath. I assumed it must be a seasonal thing. I had armies of birds from Nov. - June/July, so I'm not worried. I had seen two red-tail hawks in one of our trees back in July, but they were chased off under the power lines by bluejays. I haven't seen them again. Same decline in squirrels - two or three full families during the summer, but just one or two individuals now. And only one chipmunk. Occasional deer, but not as often as two years ago. Also low on turkeys - saw the same herd twice about a month ago - four or five adults and about 18 or 19 juveniles in the front yard, making their way to the power lines. But not the legendary herd of 54 that I counted this past winter. Think all the spring rains had any impact on the local wildlife?
    - SO


    Mass Audubon

  • 9/28 1:01pm   Taylor Yeager, a teacher-naturalist at Stony Brook, responded to my inquiry regarding the many posts on the NorfolkNet concerning the reduced wildlife and bird activity lately. Go to [Mass Audubon news].
    - TEM

  • 9/28 8:27pm   Regarding the post by JMD: As you noted in your post,
    "At the beginning of Governor Romney's term, Massachusetts was losing thousands of jobs every month and businesses were closing their doors. Today, the unemployment rate is averaging more than a full percentage point lower, hundreds of companies have expanded or moved to Massachusetts, and the state has added more than 37,000 jobs in just the last two years."
    The trouble I have with this is that it is all spin. Play up the positive and ignore the negative. Its like, "Hey, yeah we have 37,000 new jobs but shhh, we aren't going to count the number we lost during that same time." The "Massachusetts Brain Drain" is self-explanatory. I think that any reasonable person is going to ask "What about the first two years of the Romney administration?" The reality of situation is that Massachusetts has lost more than 200,000 jobs since 2001. This article [link] was written in 2004 and covers the one year period before Romney was in office. If 37,000 jobs were created just the last two years then we are still 160,000+ jobs behind 2001 numbers and this doesn't include the jobs lost after 2004. I will also be reasonable and consider that a portion of the lost jobs is a result of the Swift Administration actions. Bottom line is the numbers are misleading at best and selective at worst.
    "Without raising taxes or increasing debt, Governor Romney has balanced the budget every year of his administration, closing a $3 billion budget deficit his first year in office. By eliminating waste, streamlining the government, and enacting comprehensive economic reforms to help spur growth in Massachusetts, Romney helped the state achieve a surplus that currently totals nearly $1 billion. This state has added more than 37,000 jobs in just the last two years. This is an administration I want more of! "
    In regards to "without raising taxes," my taxes went up! I paid more in taxes - local, state and federal over the past three years than ever before. My state income taxes went up; my property taxes went up! I'm not using percentages, I'm using straight numbers. My taxes went up $1,500 last year when compared to the previous year and and my last salary increase was less than that. Anyone who disputes the fact that the fiscal efforts of the Romney Administration simply shifted the burden onto the local tax base is not looking at the reality of the situation. I'm not going to get into how the Town manages the money.
    When is a tax not a tax? When you spell it "f-e-e". Fees under the Romney Administration have gone up across the board and these fees are then just passed onto the consumer, you and me. Yesterday's Globe had an article on this very topic. [here]
    This is not something I want more of.
    - WB

  • 9/28 8:26am   Regarding the birds: As usual, I blame the democratically-controlled legislature... ;-).
    - RJG

  • 9/28 12:52pm   On 9/27 at 10:07pm, RS wrote, "You might want to try the Cape Cod Canal bike route, I did it 2 weeks ago..."
    I bike the Canal road as often as I can. Maybe we passed each other when you were there. I usually park in Buzzard's Bay under the railroad lift bridge and ride from there. The next time you go, be sure to drive a little further down the road to the Mass. Maritime Academy and see the large wind generator up close. It's amazing to stand directly under it while the blades are spinning above you. Ride on...!!
    - RP

  • 9/27 10:07pm   Hi SH, Foxboro bike shop located in the center of Foxboro has biking maps for off trail biking and just for people to stay off the roads. I have a cross trainer bike that is made for the street and for off-road biking as well, a great bike that does it all, thick tires for off road and small enough for speed on the streets, for a great work out.
    You might want to try the Cape Cod Canal bike route, I did it 2 weeks ago and such a joy, and not too much stress at all, the view was so nice from a bike instead of being in a car and plenty of places for lunch across the street from the Canal on the Sagamore side of the bridge.
    Hope this will help, keep on biking.
    - RS

  • 9/27 10:01pm   Norfolk Public Schools TPA is organizing an Ad Book that will be distributed at our Art Auction on Oct. 26.
    Rates:
    - full page (5 1/2" x 8 1/2 " ) $100
    - half page (5 1/2" x 4 1/4") $65
    - 1/3 page (standard business card size) $45
    - 8 1/2" x 11" Table Display (including coupons/flyers/business cards available next to the ad)

    This is a great chance for home businesses (Silpata, Creative Memories, Longaberger, Tupperware, computer consulting...) to get inexpensive advertising while supporting a great cause! Our schools!
    Please contact Laura M. at lauracrop@yahoo.com if you would like to support the HOD and Freeman/Centennial schools by advertising. Please call by Oct. 1.
    - LM

  • 9/27 4:48pm   GWC.... I have T-Mobile service and am very satisfied with it. Although I have had no other service so have no basis of comparison.
    - JHR

  • 9/27 4:31pm   We are on the Medfield line, and so far today I've seen chipmunks, sparrows, 2 goldfinch, and a mockingbird. Not as wide a variety as usual for this time of year. Only the goldfinch were eating from the feeder, all the rest were rummaging in the garden.
    Had a young groundhog on our patio several times this week - even came right up to the slider glass to look at our dog (who was quivering with excitement at that!). Discovered it had built a den under our back stairs. Put a few mothballs around the burrow, and haven't seen him since. He was quite cute, & healthy looking, but given his/her lack of fear for the dog it seemed best to strongly encourage a move of abode... hopefully he is off in the woods now!
    - CI

  • 9/27 4:30pm   BD, I too have noticed the past few years the birds seem to disappear for a short time, I wonder if they have had second hatching and are off training the young in the wilds?
    - JT

  • 9/27 4:29pm   To BD, my mother always blamed the Russians for everything so I suspect they kidnapped the birds!
    - JT

  • 9/27 3:49pm   Hi, I'm new to biking and would love to join in some group trips. Or, it would be great if anyone could let me know where I could find some decent road maps. I'm really tired of intersections and traffic. Thanks so much.
    - SH

  • 9/27 3:42pm   The Planning Committee of "Celebrate Norfolk" would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank all of the participants and town residents that made "Celebrate Norfolk" a huge success. "Celebrate Norfolk" was held on a gloriously sunny Saturday, September 9th starting with an official ceremony to reopen Town Hill after its extensive changes. It was a time to celebrate the completion of the brick walkways, roundabouts, granite " Welcome to Norfolk" sign, Veteran's Memorials, memorial rose and flower garden, repainting of the Tramp House, and various other improvements to the Town Center of Norfolk. Everyone was able to meet and catch up with friends old and new on the new and improved Town Hill.
    [C o n t i n u e d . . . ]
    - TS, Celebrate Norfolk Planning Committee

  • 9/27 3:37pm   JT, that may be true, but I've not seen this in 15 years of feeding the birds in Norfolk - plus I'd prefer the extraterrestrial explanation or a governmental conspiracy as it would certainly be more fun....
    - BD

  • 9/27 1:08pm   To all of us bird feeders and lovers, this time of year the woods are abundant with natural seeds which the birds "flock" to. Don't worry; when that is gone they will come begging for your morsels.
    - JT

  • 9/27 12:18pm   I live on Main St. and the only bird visiting my feeder is the tufted titmouse. No squirrels are eating the cracked corn on the ground, I thought it might be because of the time of year, but if everyone is noticing it makes you wonder what is going on.
    - JW

  • 9/27 11:48am   JO et al, Very strange - my wife has mentioned several times over the past couple of weeks about the lack of activity at our multiple feeders. I just assumed it was due to a hawk in the area, but in the past that's only kept the birds away for a couple of hours. We've got a dog and several cats of ours on the property, so I'd be surprised if something was lurking around without hearing any commotion at some point. Again, I thought this was very localized phenomenon, but now this is a significant period of time, and as JO noted, "I don't recall this ever happening before." We're on the other side of town from Jane & Paul's - in the Junior High School area - so it appears to be pretty extensive geographically as well, certainly not a single fisher cat. I'm curious as to whether other neighborhoods have noticed this and if it's spread more than town wide.... as Arte Johnson, used to say on Laugh In, "Verry interesting...."
    - BD

  • 9/27 11:27am   The Norfolk Community League together with the Norfolk Lions Club will sponsor the 5th Annual Haunted Train Ride and Hay Ride on Saturday, October 14th from 4:00 - 8 pm. It is suggested that younger children attend from 4:00 - 6:00. This event will take place at Holmes field on Myrtle Street, Norfolk, MA. The cost will be $5 per person (under age 3 are free). In case of rain, the event will take place on Saturday, October 21st.
    [M o r e . . .]
    - AC

  • 9/27 11:24am   The Norfolk Community League will sponsor its 8th annual Halloween Candy Give Back. The event will take place at the Freeman Centennial School Lobby on Wednesday, November 1, 2006 from 4-5:30 pm. Those children who donate candy will be eligible to enter a raffle for a Toy Store Gift Card. Candy donations will benefit "Birthday Wishes", a charity that provides birthday parties for 450 children in homeless shelters and transitional housing.
    Norfolks own D.A.R.E. Officer Steve Plympton will be present to discuss the Candy Give Back Program to all children and parents in attendance.
    If there are any questions, please contact Karen R. at 508-528-8801 or Kathy M. at 508-541-8721.
    - AC, Norfolk Community League

  • 9/27 10:30am   JO - I live down the street from you (big brother sees all.... bwa ha ha), and I've noticed the same thing. Usually I'm cleaned out in a couple of days, but there's been nothing at the feeder for a while. Not even squirrels, which is weird. The local fisher cat maybe? Bird flu? Extra-terriesterial intervention? Definitely a mystery...
    And, NT - well, even if I concede your point that class size is the most important thing (and I'm not, I happen to think good teachers are the most important thing), Norfolk certainly does not have anything to complain about in that department.
    Let's take the school districts you mention, and compare student/teacher ratios, apples to apples (we're a K-6 district, so I won't include numbers for Wellesdley or Medfield high schools).
    Medfield:
    McGovern 16.2 to 1
    Memorial 15.3 to 1

    Dover (is a k-5 district) 14.4 to 1

    Wellesley:
    Schofield elem: 13.5 to 1
    Fiske elem: 13 to 1
    Upham Elem: 13.21 to 1
    Sprague 13.9 to 1
    Bates 14.6 to 1
    Hardy 12.4 to 1
    Hunnewell 14 to 1

    and Norfolk?
    12.1 to 1 district wide, with
    Freeman 12.4 to 1, and
    HOD 11.8 to 1.
    As you can see, we're not exactly in the midst of a class-size crisis in Norfolk.
    - RJG

  • 9/27 10:28am   Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary's 28th Annual Fall Fair will be held Saturday, September 30th from 10am-4pm. The Fall Fair is a seasonal, outdoor family event that includes 70 talented local crafters offering their hand made wares, entertainment, live animals, kid's crafts, a giant slide, climbing wall, and great food, all with the backdrop of a beautiful wildlife sanctuary.
    There will be professional crafters selling unique handcrafted items throughout the day. Kids can participate in games and arts & crafts that will be ongoing and will include such favorites as cupcake decorating, pumpkin decorating, face painting, and many more. Live animals will include Alpacas from Acorn Alpacas and an afternoon owl presentation by Marcia Wilson of "Eyes on Owls". Inside the nature center, award-winning storyteller Diane Edgecomb will entertain children and families with ``Tales for the Earth''. Musical entertainment will include performances by children 's performer and sidewalk minstrel, Stephen Baird as well as local favorites Kai and Toby Olsson.
    Our white elephant sale is not to be missed with everything from furniture to household treasures at bargain prices. Food will be available all day including the famous Stony Brook lunch with special items donated from local businesses and restaurants. Celebrate the beginning of fall with the Fair's many activities and a walk on the trails.
    The Fall Fair is Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary's largest annual fundraiser. The cost of admission is $4 per person for kids and adults. The money raised goes to supporting the Sanctuary and the educational programs. Stony Brook is located at 108 North Street (off of Route 115) about one mile south of the center of Norfolk. For any questions or directions please call Stony Brook at 508-528-3140.
    - TH, Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary

  • 9/27 10:16am   JFM, Michael Dukakis, vice-chairman of the board of directors at Amtrak... Sounds like he's still working hard at spending our money. Amtrak received $1.2 billion in federal funding for the current fiscal year. I wish I could get such funding for my privately held company! Massachusetts miracle I think not!
    Without raising taxes or increasing debt, Governor Romney has balanced the budget every year of his administration, closing a $3 billion budget deficit his first year in office. By eliminating waste, streamlining the government, and enacting comprehensive economic reforms to help spur growth in Massachusetts, Romney helped the state achieve a surplus that currently totals nearly $1 billion. This state has added more than 37,000 jobs in just the last two years. This is an administration I want more of!
    - JMD

    [Please indicate quoted text, and cite sources - in this case, the Mass GOP's Meet Mitt Romney page - Wm.]

  • 9/27 10:15am   JO: I've noticed the same situation at my birdfeeder as well. I'd wondered if perhaps the neighbor's cat had gotten lucky and scared everybody off, but now realize that isn't the case. Could change of weather (season) have anything to do with it, perhaps? Doesn't seem so as I don't recall this ever happening before. BTW, we live over near Jane and Paul's farm and have always enjoyed plenty of local wildlife. Now, there are no birds, squirrels or chipmunks at our feeder either. It's kind of lonesome
    - TN

  • 9/27 10:12am   JO - We have noiced the same thing. I saw 1 tufted titmouse yesterday, but that has been it. Haven't had to fill the feeders for weeks. You are right - no furry critters either.
    - BR

  • 9/26 9:27pm   Support Your Troops "Packages For Patriots" Poker Run & Event on Sunday, October 8, 2006.
    The Millis Amvets Post #495, located at 404 Village Street, Millis, MA 02054 has been sending monthly care packages to local and not so local troops overseas right after they first deployed. Funds and support have steadily declined; with the holidays approaching, we refuse to let our troops down. Come to our Post and read the letters our brave men and women are sending back to us.
    The Event will start off with a Motorcycle Poker Run. Registration from 9 to 11 am. $20 per Bike / $10 per Passenger.
    This will be a pleasant ride through surrounding towns with card stops at the Medfield American Legion, Natick Amvets, Ashland American Legion, and the Medway VFW, Returning to Amvets Post 495. Prizes awarded $100 best hand and $25 worst. Food and Festivities will start at 12:00 pm at which all guests are invited. $15 Adults & Teens, 12 and under free. There will be Food, a Band, D.J., Guest Speakers, Troop Prayer and Salute, Motorcycle Stunt Show, T-Shirt's, Raffles and Prizes.
    Come Support Your Troops Overseas.
    For more info call Amvets Post #495 at (508) 376-2672.
    - KP

  • 9/26 9:21pm   I am at a loss to explain why birds have deserted my area, although some of my near and a little farther neighbors notice the same thing. With five tubes and a pan plus shifting the seed plus washing etc nothing works, starting about 6 weeks ago. Mixed seed or sunflower makes no difference, nor do bread/cookies/etc.
    Even a sign "Birds Welcome" is ignored.
    Where I used to see a variety, nothing is showing up except one or two swallows infrequently. No predators are spotted etc.
    Another oddity - no squirrels (they were welcome feeders at the base of the pole.) No chipmunks either and also no turkeys.
    - JO

  • 9/26 9:19pm   At 6:00 PM Saturday, October 7th, some of the area's top marching bands will present their 2006 shows at the King Philip Fall Classic, at Mactaz Football Field behind KP Regional High School. The public is invited to attend the competition, sanctioned by the United States Scholastic Band Association.
    Ten bands from across the region will compete: from Massachusetts; Blackstone-Millville, Dartmouth, Dennis-Yarmouth, Norwood, BMC Durfee Joseph Case and Oakmont, and from Rhode Island; Cranston East, and Bishop Hendricken King Philip will be presenting their show, "Roman Festivals"
    The bands will perform to a wide variety of music with colorful flags, props, intricate marching patterns and choreography, pageantry that is fun for all family members. Admission: Adults $7, Students and Seniors $5
    - MW, King Philip Music Association

  • 9/26 9:18pm   MON - It's disturbing, sad and an every day reality. The problem isn't just in the food, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
    Anyone who is interested in the subject or concerned may want to read:
    Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
    Eat, Drink and Be Healthy by Walter Willett
    - DM

  • 9/26 8:43pm   Re 3:56pm Dead cockatoo (or some kind of white parrot type bird) found on North Street, no obvious signs of fowl play!! Cause of death unknown. - GDL
    [`sic' :-) - Wm.]
    ........... So noted, Wm. --- Heh, heh, heh, heh.
    - MT

  • 9/26 8:37pm   RJ*G* - Studies by the AFT, NCLB, NEA, NAIS, NCEF, CCE/SSN, and Project Starr all agree smaller class size result in "substantial gains in academics; outperform students in larger classes; fewer students retained; earlier detection of struggling students; more likely to enroll in honors and AP classes; reduces the achievement gap; average 6-13 months ahead of students from larger classes; performed consistently better in math, ELA, and reading; fewer discipline problems; teachers with smaller class size know their students better and have more time to spend individually with them; Again, almost every study I found (never saw one by that professor by the way) indicated the general consensus was "overwhelming and compelling evidence that smaller class sizes should be the top priority for schools."
    I see evidence of this everyday. I've been working in classrooms for over four years and I can tell you with confidence the number of students in a class makes a difference. Unless you have taught (and not as a substitute but on a full-time, year round basis) you cannot see why any teacher would agree with me. This is something the top public schools around us (Dover, Medfield, Wellesley) prioritize.
    - NT

  • 9/26 3:56pm   Dead cockatoo (or some kind of white parrot type bird) found on North Street, no obvious signs of fowl play!! Cause of death unknown.
    - GDL

    [`sic' :-) - Wm.]

  • 9/26 2:32pm   BF: We have used Mark DePasquale from Walpole many times and have found his entire team to be reliable and knowledgeable. Give him a try.
    - DS

  • 9/26 2:31pm   The Norfolk Public Library is hosting a Preschool Halloween Party on Wednesday, October 25th at 10:30am in the Community Room. Toddlers and Preschool children are welcome to wear their Halloween costumes and to bring a paper bag to decorate for trick or treating. Please come enjoy the fun! Please contact the library with any questions.
    - AMC

  • 9/26 2:21pm   I observed something disturbing, which needs relayed to the public.
    This post comes from watching the many overweight and obese teenagers stopping to catch their breath on the Foxborough stadium ramps and stairs at the Rolling Stones concert last week. It was shocking to see, but gives me a reason to tell you of some of the Hidden Dangers in the Food Supply, many just coming into the mainstream, and that you should watch closely what your children eat, drink and are exposed to if you want them to grow up to be healthy adults.
    Here are some of the Hidden Dangers in Foods:
    1. Foods Containing Nutrasweet. Studies show that using nutrasweet does not result in weight loss - on the contrary, some studies point to a weight gain. Also, and most important, Every Unit (molecule) of Nutrasweet releases a molecule of Formaldehyde - used to preserve lab frogs and is a Cancer causing agent. It also releases amino acids that can cause hyperactivity (aspartic acid and phenylalanine) and other neurological problems, including MS-like symptoms in females. No child should have Nutrasweet sweetened foodstuffs. Some researchers have correlated the rise in incidence of brain tumors since the introduction of Nutrasweet in the early 1980's.

    2. Look out for Yellow #5 in children's food, soda and candy - This food dye (aka tartrazine) is useless and banned in Europe and found in many Soft Drinks, Candy, Fruit Roll Ups and Cereals, among others. Sponge-Bob treats are packed with Yellow #5. Banned in Europe, it causes hyperactivity in children and was the subject of over 400 scientific papers on its deleterious effects-Only 4 papers were from the United States and by a made-up food institute run by a multinational company.

    3. Food is a Legal Drug and is pushed on to you relentlessly. Next time, count the number of food commercials on television and realize that they are triggering complex brain chemistry that lowers your impulse threshold to eating - addictive stimuli that cause you to eat whenever activated; a form of Pavlovian conditioning -- I'm Loving It!

    4. High Fructose Corn Syrup. Dumped onto the national market after the US government subsidized corn growers, during the Reagan administration. The graph below shows consumption in the US by year - a major jump occurred in the early 1980's, leading to the obesity epidemic of the present. In 1980 less than 20 lbs/person were consumed-today over 60lbs/person!
    So here's what you can do. Read the labels on your children's food. No fructose, Yellow #5, trans-fats and artificial sweeteners. Ask your school what they serve for lunch and have them remove Bad Foods listed above from the menu and chips, soda and processed milk products, especially.
    But above all, you need to pull your heads out of the sand, read up on these health issues and ban bad food products. It's your right to be informed, and children do not know any better.
    You will hopefully raise a child that can climb a set of stairs.
    "Commerce without morals is a form of aggression"
    - Gandhi
    - MON

  • 9/26 1:43pm   SES: Donuts Express in Medfield has the BEST donuts! They also make great cakes, cupcakes an coffee. They are located in the strip mall before Shaw's on 109. Isabella's is also there. Great sandwichs!
    - JB

  • 9/26 11:43am   I'm planning to switch my wireless carrier and would appreciate comment on on T-Mobile reception in the area surrounding Norfolk.
    - GWC

  • 9/26 10:17am   Does anyone know of a local mom & pop shop that sells donuts?
    - SES

  • 9/26 10:08am   Would your princess like to see a Disney Princess? I have 2 tickets available for Beauty and the Beast at the Providence Performing Arts Center next Wed. night Oct.4. Show starts at 7:30. Great seats in row L almost in the center. $60. Please email me and I'll contact you on a first come, first serve basis. Thanks
    - LEM

    [Update 3:57pm: I forgot to post my email address for those interested in the Beauty and the Beast tickets! Sorry! contact me at lauracrop@yahoo.com Thanks! - LEM]

  • 9/26 9:10am   BF: Try John Alberto Plumbing in Walpole. Nice guy and great service.
    - DMM

  • 9/26 9:09am   To BF I have used Heavey Plumbing in Walpole for the lst 30 years and heav had a pleasant and timely experience. As for the debate I feel Christy Mihos brought up a good question, why did they leave Amarillo back to his office to rob us for two weeks?
    - PRB

  • 9/26 9:05am   Re: 9/25 8:53pm ... Dukakis, with a battle helmet, and all the tanks communications gear and a 50 mm gun trigger in his right hand and that will end his future in politics. I know the GOP is out of line, but at least we know this as taxpayers and we as voters can deal with the GOP through our Reps and Senators and voting at the polls.
    That famous photo of Mike Dukakis in an M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank showed him in the tank turret with a .50 caliber (12.7 mm) M2 Machine Gun, being driven around the General Dynamics parking lot in Michigan in 1988. The gun was not a 55mm, which would have had a bore about 2 inches in diameter, but rather, a .50 cal, with a half inch bore.
    Regarding the GOP, at the state level the party is not bad; it is at the Federal level where the Republican administration has cost the US dearly: 2697 US deaths in Iraq; 20,322 US wounded in Iraq, and a huge waste of our money: 317 Billion dollars so far. The hatred of the US around the world has increased significantly, the number of terrorists has risen, according to the classified National Intelligence Estimate; the US armed forces are being stretched thin, redeployments are destroying troop morale, and still the GOP under Bush says "Stay the course," while Iraq drifts toward civil war. Had Bush not embarked on this fiasco, the 9 Billion dollars which is the Massachusetts share of the war cost could have been spent on education and health care in the state. I'm voting for Christy Mihos; at least his common sense can straighten out the state government, if he is given the chance.
    P.S.: Read "Fiasco", by Thomas Ricks; an excellent book about the Iraq war.
    - RH

  • 9/25 9:43pm   To DM: Thanks for the link for Bilco. Makes me think of Sgt Bilco, the series, not the movie.
    On a political note, I watched the debate and I am leaning away from GOP and the Dems (actually never was for the Dems). Mr. Patrick is a great speaker, but too liberal for my liking. Mrs. Healey was way too scripted, at least she seemed that way. Ms. Ross had some interesting things to say, but not very viable. Mr. Mihos, on the other hand, was right on. And I love his commercial. But as a citizen committee member for the Pike, I think his has the insight of all the types of corruption and graft that goes on at the public trough.
    I think he might be the guy that wakes up the useless legislature. Just my thoughts....
    - PT

  • 9/25 9:42pm   RS, I remember Dukakis as a Governor very well. You must have forgotten. He was a hugely successful and popular governor. If he had not chosen to run for president he would have won reelection as governor by a landslide. Massachusetts residents called what he accomplished "The Massachusetts Miracle." It was the Republicans who coined the term "Taxachusetts" and dumped on welfare mothers in a successful campaign to label Dukakis a "liberal," which wasn't a bad thing to be up until then.
    In any case, Dukakis is NOT running for governor. Neither is Kennedy or Kerry. If you have something relevant to say about Deval Patrick, other than your desire to dress him up like a soldier, I will be happy to read it with an open mind, before I decide how to cast my vote.
    - JFM

  • 9/25 8:53pm   I am not a Republican or a Democrat, I vote as I choose for any party that has good ideas for our country and our state. Norfolk has a lot of young adults around 38 to 43 is my guess, and perhaps they do not remember the Dukakis administration. He was the Governor of Mass; it was a complete joke to us taxpayers. So much was spent at that time -- giving us the name of a Welfare State and Taxachussets -- and it cost plenty for all of us. True that the GOP is in control right now and many would like to see the House controlled and the governors position with a Democrat in leadership; please be careful of your vote in November.
    All I see is Kerry, Kennedy and Deval Patrick setting up another Dukakis administration that will cost us more.
    If Deval Patrick gets in office? I would like to be his campaign manager for his future and put him in a tank, like Dukakis, with a battle helmet, and all the tanks communications gear and a 50 mm gun trigger in his right hand and that will end his future in politics. I know the GOP is out of line, but at least we know this as taxpayers and we as voters can deal with the GOP through our Reps and Senators and voting at the polls. Healy has some good ideas, and in the future listen to both of them as they debate each other, and cast your vote.
    - RS

  • 9/25 8:52pm   RE: Bilco Ultra Series Basement Doors - available at Lowes [bilco.com page]
    - DM

  • 9/25 8:48pm   PT -- Thanks for the response. That doesn't sound good.
    - BR

  • 9/25 8:02pm   I am looking for a new plumber to do some work for me at my home in Norfolk. I welcome recommendations from anyone on the site that has had a good experience.
    - BF

  • 9/25 8:01pm   HN - The Halloween party is sponsored by the Rec Dept (508-520-1315), and will be held this year on Friday, October 27. Hayrides from 4-4:45; magic show from 4:45-5:30; pizza and apple juice after the show. Advance registration is required.
    - VR

  • 9/25 8:00pm   To BR: There was and article in the Herald about the Norfolk Guards. [Herald article here]
    - PT

  • 9/25 6:32pm   I passed Norfolk Prison today and guards were outside holding signs saying TB ALERT. Does anyone know if TB has been found in the prison?
    - BR

  • 9/25 6:30pm   To DWL, We replaced our metal bulkhead door with a Bilco plastic bulkhead door that is maintenance free.
    Where can you get a Bilco plastic bulkhead?
    - PT

  • 9/25 5:00pm   Does anyone have information or a number that I can call about the kids' Halloween party held at the Freeman school last year? I'm assuming that they're having it again, but am unable to locate any information. Thanks!
    - HN

  • 9/25 4:05pm   RE: Public Health Advisory - Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
    Please be advised that the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has Notified the Norfolk Board of Health (BOH) that EEE has been detected in mosquitoes collected in South Walpole, near the Norfolk town line
    The Norfolk Board of Health and the MPH encourages all residents to take immediate precaution from being bitten by mosquitoes.
    For further information please contact the Norfolk Board of Health office at (508) 528-7747.
    - JL

    [Attachments:
    Norfolk BOH EEE Notification (on-line, PDF)
    CDC EEE Fact Sheet (on-line, PDF)
    Mass DPH EEE Public Fact Sheet (PDF)]

  • 9/25 1:59pm   AFD, We replaced our metal bulkhead door with a Bilco plastic bulkhead door that is maintenance free.
    - DWL

  • 9/25 1:58pm   Trinity Episcopal Church in Wrentham, MA is holding an Art Auction on Saturday, October, 14th at 6:30. The event will take place at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Franklin.
    [announcement here, 96K PDF]
    - TR

  • 9/25 11:13am   We need to replace our badly rusted, basement bulkhead door that is prone to leaking. Has anybody done this recently and can recommend a contractor?
    - AFD

  • 9/25 11:12am   BNJ, Gardens to Grow is local in Norfolk, and will deliver. I think 2 is the minimum they will do. Also Jane and Paul's farm will deliver.
    - SJ

  • 9/25 9:49am   I need a small amout of loam delivered (2 yards) does anyone have a recommendation for a local company that has decent prices and won't soak me for delivery?
    - BNJ

  • 9/24 11:38pm   Sorry, sometimes I type faster than I think! Thanks for the edit Wm.
    - MJD

  • 9/24 10:22pm   RJG: You win. I won't repeat my comments a third time since you have ignored them the first two times that I posted. Good luck in your quest to get Healey elected. Even Romney has abandoned her (along with Massachusetts).
    JHR: What is wrong with the spelling of Governor in MJD's comments?
    - JJM

    [Once pointed out, I added the missing 'r' in both words. - Wm.]

  • 9/24 9:33pm   www.kidsrunning.com/news/dare092406.html
    - CK

  • 9/24 4:45pm   RJG, Are you the old RG? I think you are and if you are, I think you are very bright and thoughtful. I value your opinion and it is helpful to have your insider's view of the adminstration. That being said, I find your song to be old and tired.
    I want new, I want innovative, I want hopeful! I am tired of the Republicans constantly trying to manipulate me with fear. "If you don't vote for us, the sky will fall." Well we did and it's falling anyway! Thousands if young people leaving the Commonwealth, cities and towns strapped and cutting services, healthcare, especially mental health care an abomination and don't get me started on the current mess over DSS.
    I want someone in office who has experience in the private sector, non-profits and government not the same old same old and especially not from one who has only ever had one full-time job! I want a Governor who appreciates a good idea when he hears one and a Governor with the talent, passion and people skills to pull together the best team possible to run the Commonwealth.
    Please read Mr. Patrick's proposals on healthcare, education, taxes and the economy on his website at devalpatrick.com. Please don't get your info from Mrs. Healy's campaign ads, they are intended to be onesided (I don't think I need to tell you that.)
    I think this guy is the real thing and I'm done arguing with you on this one (Wm. don't open a special thread on my account.) I am putting my efforts into getting this guy elected. He's what's good for and about Massachusetts. I am tired of Massachusetts's tag line being, "Massachusetts, striving to meet the minimum standard." If anyone is interested in getting involved in the Patrick/Murray campaign, please contact me through the webmaster.
    - MJD

    [Update 9:34pm: MJD.... Great ideas, but check the spelling on "Governor." - JHR
    (I fixed the spellings - Wm.)]

  • 9/24 4:10pm   Did you visit the Federated Church's Harvest Festival and happen to leave a roll of film behind? Please e-mail me at box15@norfolknet.com
    - DLJ

  • 9/24 1:21pm   Regarding the location of the Cingular Cell Tower - I got a text message from Cingular the other day informing me that they now have an active tower in the Dean St. area of Norfolk.
    - GDL

  • 9/24 10:32am   JJM, thank you for the questions. I think the Wm. will move us off to our own little page soon, so we can struggle in eternity like that guy and his dimensional double from the old Star Trek episode... (serious geek alert there)
    Anyway, your basic premise is flawed. Chapter 70 was not cut based on some Romney Republican conspiracy to destroy local education. Chapter 70 was cut when everything else was cut, as the 2001 recession took a toll on state resources. The republican governors at the time, first Swift and then Romney, had to cut budgets across the board, and, as a matter of fact, education cuts didn't happen until the second year of the crisis. The first cuts were mid-year so-called "9c" cuts where Governor Swift stripped prodigious amounts of funding from state agencies. The state simply did not have the money. Where would you have cut? Health care? Welfare? Police? Well, everything was cut across the board and chapter 70 was just a part of that. That's called responsible fiscal management, and it's what you have to do when you're in office.
    As to Mr. Patrick's tax increase, well, how else is he going to fund everything he's talking about? From just a quick look at his website let's see some of the ways he's proposing to spend more money:
    1) universal full day kindergarten. In Norfolk you have to pay extra for full day, right? Well, if it's a state requirement the state will have to pay, right? Or is Patrick promising a new unfunded mandate?
    2) longer school days. Will the teacher's unions agree to longer school days without new money? Show me a union that would agree to that and I'll show you a union that doesn't have any members left. So most of that cost increase will be borne at the local level, right? Okay, easy promise to make.
    3) 1,000 new police officers on the street. Ah, perhaps another short term program like COPS or whatever that federal program was that required towns to hire new officers and gave them some small amount of money for a couple of years and then left them on their own?
    4) cut prescription drug prices. Umm... So Pfizer is just going to say, OK, Massachusetts, here's some cheap drugs because we like you? No, this will cost millions and millions...
    And where's the money for this going to come from? Asking legislators to give up their earmarks, well, good luck with that. He'll find out quickly enough that a veto pen is the only solution to that problem. Either he's going to cut spending somewhere else dramatically - which would be astounding considering the wringing out that has occured since the last recession, or he's going to have to raise taxes.
    - RJG

  • 9/24 10:20am   On 9/23 at 10:05pm, JM wrote... "I heard a rumor that Cingular put up a cell tower in Norfolk. Does anyone know if this is true and where the tower is located? I have Verizon currently and I can't wait to switch to something (anything) better."
    I guess it depends on where you live. We had a 3-year contract with Cingular and never got a good signal here at home. When the contract expired, we switched to Tracfone and couldn't be happier. The best part is they offer free phones with no contract or monthly bills. We now have 2 phones with lots of bars. Tracfone isn't for everyone, but it suits us fine.
    - RP

    [tracfone.com/home_page.jsp; this link bypasses their flash-only home page. - Wm.]

  • 9/23 10:40pm   RJG: Thank you for presenting the data which supports my comments that under ``Romney-Healey'' we have had four years of suffering. Regarding your 9/22 posting I said that you `misled' the readers by inferring that the Romney budgets increased support for the schools. I now suggest that your 9/23 posting continues to try to mislead the reader. Yes, Romney did have a midyear cut in the FY03 Swift budget (your words not mine) and then also cut the FY04 Romney budget (again your words). Your numbers also show that it took Romney two additional years just to get back to the FY02 levels. That appears to be four years to me. You slough this off as ``Aside from that one year, Chapter 70 funding has grown...'' Yes, it has grown back to the level that it was before the Romney-Healey cuts. This is the four years of suffering that you persist in denying.
    You don't need to ``renew'' my understanding of the budget process. You know better than that. You just need to honestly respond to my comments. However, this is not where the cuts end. Chapter 70 money is a sacred cow and it is the most visible state aid to education, but there are others. If there are cuts in Chapter 70 you can be sure that there were deeper cuts elsewhere. When we look further we see that even when minor increases were made to this funding, the money was taken from other educational lines in the budget to compensate for the 'visible' increases. This is the Deval Patrick shell game comment that I mentioned. As you pointed out, cuts were made in Chapter 70 funding that took four years to restore. However, I also mentioned that Chapter 71 funding (transportation) was eliminated and a Charter School assessment, which is paid by the local schools, were introduced and increased each year. These charges, which were introduce by Romney, virtually crippled the towns and were significantly more than the Chapter 70 funding cut. Net state aid to education went down in four years of Romney budgets. Remember, he said that Education was his administration's Number One priority. No RLG, there was no education priority with the Romney-Healey administration -- only increased property taxes.
    Finally, you say that "Electing Deval Patrick will not change the amount of money available to chapter 70.... Unless he gets his tax increase." Could you tell me where or when did he propose a tax increase?
    - JJM

  • 9/23 10:05pm   I heard a rumor that Cingular put up a cell tower in Norfolk. Does anyone know if this is true and where the tower is located? I have Verizon currently and I can't wait to switch to something (anything) better.
    - JM

  • 9/23 1:23pm   Even with the drizzle and wind the Federated Church of Norfolk Harvest Festival is in progress! Under the tent is lots of hand made baked goods, fresh produce, and crafters. We also have a Silent Auction of about 50 Bountiful Baskets. Each basket has a theme and a starting bidding price. The bidding will close at 3 P.M. The grill is fired up cooking lunch and the indoor yard sale is under way. Come out and join in a fun time.
    - DLJ

  • 9/23 9:24am   JJM: I'm glad we see eye to eye with respect to the issue of class size in Norfolk. I continue to differ with you regarding Chapter 70 funding, as you may suspect.
    Yes, there was a $150 million cut in Chapter 70 from FY 03 (the last of the Swift budgets) to FY 04 (the first of the Romney budgets). What you fail to mention is that the FY 02 budget was so horrifically out of balance and built on fantasy that unprecedented mid-year cuts were required to balance it and eviscerated state functioning across the board. FY 04 was one of those once-every-twenty year events that state revenues did not rise from one year to another. That rarely happens, even when you have a "slowdown" there's usually some minuscule growth. The entire budget, from health and human services to cops to roads to education took an enormous hit in FY 04.
    Aside from that one year, Chapter 70 funding has grown year after year and now stands $600 million higher than it was in 2001. (If I were on your side, I'd use FY 2002 as a watermark, as spending went up $300 million from FY 01 to FY 02... but then again, that was just the sort of unsustainable increase in the face of falling revenues that caused the big crash the next year.)
    And JJM, and think we've gone around about this point before, but let me renew your understanding of the budget process. The final chapter 70 numbers are a product of the legislature. The Governor did not veto chapter 70 -- he signed what the legislature sent him. If his chapter 70 numbers were smaller, which they often are, no matter who the governor is, it's because his budget, H1, is the start of the budget process and serves as the floor number. It's responsible to set that number as low as reasonably, because it ain't going down in the process.
    It's the Democratic legislature which created the chapter 70 numbers. Those figures are a reflection of the priorities of the legislature. They're going to spend as much as they have, and they decided that's how much they would spend on education. That's what the legislature does, it's what they're supposed to do. Electing Deval Patrick will not change the amount of money available to chapter 70.... Unless he gets his tax increase.
    For the record, here's the state spending and chapter 70 numbers from FY99 to present, which show one year in cuts and otherwise growth in Ch 70.
    (in millions)
    Fiscal year overall
    revenue    		 ch 70 ch 70 of
    overall
    98 Cellucci      
    99 Cellucci 19,514.8 2,558 13.11%
    00 Cellucci 20,894.8 2,771 13.26%
    01 Cellucci 21,586.0 2,990 13.85%
    02 Swift 21,790.6 3,213 14.74%
    03 Swift 22,114.6 3,258 14.73%
    04 Romney 21,749.0 3,108 14.29%
    05 Romney 22,000.0 3,186 14.48%
    06 Romney 23,433.0 3,288 14.03%
    07 Romney 25,297.0 3,505 13.86%
    - RJG

    [To add to the confusion, I also calculated the percentage of chapter 70 aid in each budget and added it to the table - Wm.]

  • 9/23 8:43am   Taken in my front yard on Diamond St. on the last day of summer
    - KC

  • 9/23 8:30am   Another consideration for VOIP service is AT&T Callvantage [link]. We have never had a dropped call and the voice quality has steadily improved over time as the service matured. We got on board when AT&T first started offering this VOIP option. I do not know anyone else that has Callvantage but we have had great success with customer service. Any issues, which are very few in the last 2 years and fewer still in the past year, have been solved efficiently by customer service. In contrast we have had a terrible time with Comcast customer service for both their cable and broadband service.
    - DM

  • 9/23 1:30am   Happy Fall Equinox! Just a short while ago, 12:03am marked the official start of autumn. From now until the Vernal Equinox in spring nights will be longer than the days. As the amount of sunshine reaching the northern hemisphere is reduced, the dropping temperatures will bring on winter. The days start lenghtening again after Winter Solstice when the process reverses, days lengthen again, and bring on next summer.
    - Wm.

  • 9/22 9:19pm   NT - First of all, it's RJ*G*. Secondly, not by a long shot do *all* studies, reports, etc etc suggest that class size is "the single biggest factor" in educational attainment.
    I'm assuming the work of Harvard Professor Caroline Hoxby isn't too popular in any graduate education program, but she pretty convincingly suggests that class size has very little impact on attainment... (and that teacher's unions are a detriment to student achievement)
    The argument about class size is relevant when discussing 20 vs. 30, not 16 vs. 22. Even Bill Clinton's Secretary of Education called 18 a target class size and a great achievement. Japanese fourth and fifth graders are often in classes with 40 kids, and yet they're still doing pretty well, no?
    And the most referenced study on class size and performance, the Tennessee STAR study, showed a tiny (two one-hundredths of a standard deviation) increase in test performance. And the California CSR (class size reduction) initiative pointed out a very real concern of class size reduction: do we have the number of qualified and experienced teachers to fill the staffing needs of the schools? (Not to mention the cost of those new classrooms...)
    Teacher quality, not class size is the most important factor in education. And the money that could be spent of getting from 18 to 16 would much better be spent on systems that reward excellent teachers and foster innovation and competition among schools.
    (And yes, retaining and enhancing a full range of educational programs: like art, and music, and phys ed, would be a much better use of money than a holy grail quest for the lowest number class size possible.)
    I would note you haven't responded to my rejection of the "other" RG's contention that the state is underfunding education by some $491 million, when in fact funding has increased by $600 million, while the school age population has remained stagnant.
    And your local contribution hasn't gone down any either, your quarterly tax bill tells you that. It's time for solutions other than "we need more money" to be adopted by our educational leadership.
    - RJG

  • 9/22 9:06pm   I agree with RJG's comments to RG suggesting that the class sizes in the elementary school are already low. RJG correctly notes that some classes have as few as 16 students. Norfolk does not have high class sizes and never did. Do you remember last year when we were shown a presentation at the town meeting stating that class sizes would reach an average of 29 if the override didn't pass? This was fiction. At the same time as these claims were being made the Elementary school website was boasting that, ``Budget increases have allowed the schools to maintain one of the lowest student/teacher ratios in the area,'' and their website at that time also showed data which had the Grade 1-6 classes with an average of about 22. To be correct, they were actually showing FY01 data (in May, 2005) since the actual average class size for all grades had decreased to 20 by 2005. The web page was removed just before the override.
    RJG is also correct with the claim that the elementary school population is down 10% in the last six years. This is a fairly consistent drop. The peak of 1,215 students in year 2000 was also mirrored statewide and is due to the second baby boomer wave. That is, the grandchildren of the matured baby boomers. This will peak at King Philip in the next few years as well. However, that's where my agreement with RJG stops.
    RJG presents data which tries to show that the Chapter 70 funding remained at the same percentage of (budgeted) revenues from FY01 to FY07. Actually, it did, but the inference being made is more subtle than this statement. When RJG shows statewide Chapter 70 monies at $2.99 billion for FY01, $3.288 billion for FY06 and the current $3.505 billion for FY07 the reader is being deliberately misled into thinking that there has been a consistent increase in Chapter 70 funding. This was not the case. RJG should have started with FY02 instead of FY01. The Chapter 70 funding for FY02 (just before Romney-Healey took office) was $3.213 billion and then dropped over the next three years before it returned to $3.288 billion in FY06. The cuts over these three years decreased the Chapter 70 funding to the cities and towns, which caused the property taxes to increase to support the schools. In FY06 we finally returned to the FY02 funding levels. There were four years of suffering in the cities and towns that are still continuing with the Romney-Healey budgets that RJG passes over. If you look at the Department of Education (DOE) website you will see that Chapter 70 funding as a percentage of net school spending decreased statewide from 40.9% in FY02 to 36.4% in FY07. The percentage of Chapter 70 funding in the Norfolk School budget also dropped by a similar amount during this period and this drop required increased property tax funding to maintain the school budget. This drop in aid from the state is what Deval Patrick refers to as a ``shell game''. Lower state revenues to the town mean higher property taxes to make up for the loss.
    RG suggests that the ``Legislature has yet to restore those cuts'' -- when it wasn't the legislature that made the cuts. The cuts were in the Governor's House One (H1) budget that is presented to the legislature in March of each year. The legislature actually did add money to restore many of the cuts each year. Also, at the same time that Chapter 70 funding was being reduced during the Romney-Healey years other school programs were scaled back greatly or eliminated by Governor Romney. Chapter 71 funding to the towns was eliminated and Charter School assessments were added such that net state aid to the cities and towns this year (FY07) is still lower than FY01. These decreases were even greater than the drop in Chapter 70 funding. Please stop here for a moment and think about the last sentence when you wonder why property taxes are much higher than they were in FY01.
    We need to look beyond the political rhetoric and think carefully about the ramifications of our important vote whether it is at the polls or at town meeting. For example, Kerry Healey promises a `suspension' of the gas tax. This `tax' is used for funding statewide road repairs. Much of it also goes back to the cities and towns as Chapter 90 money to fund local road repairs. Are our roads in that great shape that we can stop the yearly repairs? Of course not -- we will then have to look for more of the funding for repairs to appear on our property tax. We are back again thinking about Deval Patrick's `shell game' comments.
    - JJM

  • 9/22 7:12pm   RJD - Read any reports, books, studies, and such on class size and you will see that the single biggest factor that creates an optimal learning environment is a small class size. I recently completed graduate school with a degree in education and this was discussed at length during my coursework and related studies.
    Sure, many of us experienced 30+ kids in our classes but don't forget, everyone has different learning styles and this was not addressed back then. The material was presented and studied one way (did everyone get it - I think not.) Knowing what we know now about the importance of differentiated instruction, multiple intelligences, and various learning styles, I think it's key to consider this and teachers can only do that with a smaller group. Also, with the federal mandates we must include all children to be educated in the general education classes. This means special education students will receive assistance in the classroom in the form of teacher aides. In the upper-income town on the North Shore I grew up in, we had ALL special education students in one classroom. (Can you believe it was in the basement of the school too!) What a terrible situation it was for them. Many of them dropped out.
    In regards to catholic or private schools, remember ANYBODY can teach there. You don't have to have a teaching license or degree whatsoever. In fact, many teachers in those schools have no coursework experience in education. Their class sizes tend to be much bigger but are they getting a better education? I'm not convinced.
    Sure, I'm not happy my daughter doesn't have art for the full year. And I don't have a solution for the troubles we face within our schools, but you need to know larger class sizes is not an option in my opinion. We should do all we can do avoid it.
    - NT

  • 9/22 7:08pm   In response to MJD and SV, "We have Vonage and do not recommend it":
    I have had Vonage for 7 months. Haven't had 1 problem with it. Sound quality is good, no dropped calls. I can get my voicemail and I can check all incoming and outgoing calls via the web page at work. And it beats giving Comcast and Verizon any more money.
    I mean Comcast wants 40 dollars a month and Verizon has millions of hidden charges. My Vonage bill is so straight forward. Actually I don't receive a bill, it is emailed to me.
    - PT

  • 9/22 2:43pm   We also had Vonage and it was terrible. It started out great with easy installation, but the voice quality continued to deteriorate over time and callers said it sounded like we were underwater. Worse, it was impossible to cancel. I had to get my credit card company involved since I was unable to ever get to a person in Customer Service. Comcast may be better, but beware of Vonage.
    - KCE

  • 9/22 11:52am   Two inspirational authors of children's books will be making an appearance in Norfolk at the Dunkin Donuts DARE 2 Run 5K Road Race and Walk on Sunday September 24, 2006.
    Carol Goodrow is the author and illustrator of two books for children that focus on the importance of exercise and good eating habits. Michele Bredice Craemer, author of "Pellie Runs A Marathon" and "Coco Loves to Tri" has a passion for both children and the sport of running.
    Both authors will have their books available to purchase and will sign their books as well as speak with young athletes and their parents. Please take advantage of this unique opportunity to meet with these extraordinary women!
    - CK

    [The full details can be found in the post of 8/10 9:17pm, or here - Wm.]

  • 9/22 11:25am   RG: what are you talking about? "fed up with increasing class sizes?" The second grade has 16-17 kids per class in it this year. And most classes have some sort of aide. Not to sound like some old fuddy-duddy (because it was only 28 years ago), my second grade class had 32 kids to one (not so harried and definitely in control of her class) teacher. And you go to many Catholic private schools and you'll see 25 kids a class. What is kind of absurd, in my humble opinion, is class sizes of 16 (with seven teachers) and firing an art teacher so kids only get a half a year of art.
    Here are the facts:
    Fiscal Year 01 (07/00 to 07/01) budgeted state revenues: 21.5 billion. Chapter 70 (state aid for education): 2.99 billion.
    Fiscal Year 06 (07/05 to 07/06) budgeted state revenues: 23.4 billion. Chapter 70: 3.288 billion.
    Fiscal Year 07 (this year) budgeted state revenues: 25.2 billion. Chapter 70: 3.505 billion.
    Chapter 70 has remained a fairly constant 13-14% of the state budget, and took a disproprotionately smaller hit (the portion of the budget allocated to Ch. 70 was higher in '02 and '03) during the budget crunches.
    And by the way, public school enrollment is down by 7,000 kids statewide from '01 to '05. And, incidentially, Norfolk's enrollment (according to DOE reports) is down from '01 as well, by 10% (from 1,215 in '01 to 1,109 in '05).
    - RJG

  • 9/22 10:14am   AP -- We have the Comcast bundle (cable, phone and internet) and think it is fabulous! I have never had it drop a call and they came and installed it for us (and waited with us to make sure it worked). It is unlimited local and long distance and with the bundle runs $33 per month. I would probably be higher without the bundle. The only down side that I have seen with the service is that the incoming sound is louder than it used to be with Verizon, but with the volume all the day down, it is manageable.
    I think a knitting/sewing group would be great. It is a skill I have always wanted to learn, so I would need someone patient to teach me -- I can embroider, but not knit.
    - MH

  • 9/22 10:13am   To those who are non-runners/walkers but would still like to participate in the fun and excitement of the Dunkin Donuts 5K Race, we ask that you come out to cheer on the runners. Be at the H. Olive Day School by 10:30... the race course runs around the school. Encourage your neighbors and friends as they pass by - make signs - bring noise makers! Kids, you may even see your teachers... Hope you'll come out on Sunday, September 24th to show your support!
    - HK

  • 9/22 10:12am   To JT, There is an informal knitting group that meets every Friday at 10 a.m. at the Senior Center. You are welcome to join the group.
    - NS

  • 9/22 9:40am   PT: I have the Comcast phone and Internet bundle and it works great. On the other hand I know people that have Vonage and don't like it at all. It drops calls constantly, the service will go out and you won't even know it unless you pick up the phone and don't hear a dial tone, you are constantly re-setting the modem, and customer service will always send you on a wild goose chase with your internet provider even though it is a Vonage issue. The headaches are not worth the savings.
    You may also want to check into what Verizon offers in this area as well. Their internet packages are cheaper (as low as $15.00 per month) and I think they have an unlimted caling plan for $24.95 per month. The Comcast combination package is $70 per month.
    - SV

  • 9/22 9:35am   FUSF's 2nd Annual Multi-Family Yard Sale & Bake Sale - A large yard sale! Many families, many items for sale. First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street. Begins 8am on Saturday, Sept. 23
    Not to be missed! Thanks,
    - SR

  • 9/22 9:18am   We have the Comcast bundle, phone, TV, and Internet, the phone being added several months ago. We haven't had any problems at all with the phone and very little trouble with the Internet or cable. That usually occurs after an electric power outage. Their customer service is great and they walk you through resetting cable or the Internet. They even helped me solve a problem I was having with my router. It is a bit more expensive all around but sometimes trouble free services are worth it.
    - JW

  • 9/22 8:17am   PT - We have Vonage and do not recommend it. It is cheaper, but you get what you pay for. We have dropped calls almost every day. My friends are used to it now and just wait for me to call back. We bought the router, etc, and made the initial investment so are not sure what to do. I have called and the helpline is overseas, they give me difficult to understand, very technical solutions to try. I want a service that just lets me make a phone call without having to go back to school for telephony services training. I don't know if Comcast will be better. Maybe it's cable phone in general. Any other thoughts?
    - MJD

  • 9/21 11:05pm   JT... There is no group that I know of such as you mention. This is to say that I think there should be!! Any interest out there?
    - JHR

  • 9/21 10:23pm   Are there any informal Norfolk get-togethers for knitters and other stitching folk?
    I belonged to an informal meet-up group like this when I lived in Wisconsin. The time and location was public. You could bring your knitting and pull-up a chair. It offerred: a designated time which was set aside to accomplish handiwork; the opportunity to socialize and share knitting, beading, sewing, stitching , crochet projects with others. There was no commercial or educational commitment, no required attendance, no membership lists or dues. It could be an opportuity to frequent a local coffeeshop, restaurant, Pizza place, or pub. Its nice to meet people with handiwork skills and benefit from the meetup by working on your current project.
    Anyone know of an informal group that meets to knit or stitch, chat, and sip? Thanks for any information.
    - JT

  • 9/21 9:59pm   In Response to AP: Has anyone tried Comcast for their phone service? Any recommendations, pro or con, would be appreciated? Thanks
    Look into Vonage, it's a lot cheaper than Comcast and better service too! I pay $17.00 a month for 500 minutes a month, anywhere is US and Canada. And it has voicemail, caller ID, 3 way calling. Can check my voicemail online. For 24.00 a month you can get unlimited minutes. It took me 5 minutes to hook up.
    - PT

  • 9/21 7:15pm   AP-We use Comcast for our phone service, and it has basically been fine. The transition was very smooth-unnoticeable, really, except that we had to set up a new voicemailbox. There was a period of time right after we switched that we had some glitches-would lose calls midway, get a busy signal when we picked up the phone-but that would last for brief periods, and has completely stopped. It has saved us $, too, because we bundle cable, phone, and cable Internet. If it will save you $, too, I would recommend.
    - KNM

  • 9/21 6:35pm   Friday Only Huge Yard Sale. Sept. 22, 10am. - 2pm. Girls 24 " bike, toys, kids riding toys $1.00, scooter $2.00, books, men's brand new clothing & used. Men's ski jackets, infants, childs, and teens clothing (Weathervane, Old Navy, etc.) Women's dresses, sweaters, pants, purses, furniture, pictures, and housewares etc. Some proceeds go to help the ALS association. Please help them. 3 Fox Hill Lane, Take Union to Pheasant Hill, Ridge to Fox Hill Lane.
    - DM

  • 9/21 4:38pm   To PRB - We tried the Chinese restaurant last Saturday night, and I have to say we were very impressed. There was a lot to choose from. I haven't tried the lunch buffet yet but I'm sure we will be giving that a try real soon. Give it a try, it's far better than most buffets.
    - DM

  • 9/21 4:37pm   Please come and join in the fun, food, and festivities at the Federated Church on Saturday, September 23rd. Their will be a jazz band playing starting at 10:00. The band includes two Norfolk residents, Jay Rafferty on guitar and vocals, and Fred Thorne on keyboard. They will be playing some popular favorites, including Route 66, Moondance, and Summertime. This band will be followed at 11:00 by the Rafferty Family Band, Jason on percussion and vocals, Cindy on keyboard, and Jay on guitar and vocals. This group will play favorites such as Wooden Ships, White Room, and Teach Your Children, as well as two original songs by Jay: Irish Man, and Without You. Hope to see you there!
    - CR

  • 9/21 4:34pm   Has anyone tried Comcast for their phone service? Any recommendations, pro or con, would be appreciated? Thanks,
    - AP

  • 9/21 4:32pm   Please attend the Public School Funding Crisis Informational Meeting and Discussion [PDF here]
    Fed up with years of increasing class sizes and decreased opportunities for school children? Join Massachusetts Stand for Children's Educational House Meeting on October 4, 2006 at the Norfolk Public Library, 7 PM in the Community Room. Child care will be provided by a local Sr. Girl Scout troop.
    In 2002, Massachusetts led the Nation in making cuts to funding public school education. The Massachusetts Legislature has yet to restore those cuts and is underfunding our public school system by $491 Million from where it did in 2002.
    Local municipalities are burdened with making up this difference through property tax overrides, imposing fees, or by cutting services. The financial crisis is compounded by skyrocketing fixed costs, such as fuel and employee health insurance. Join the discussion, get the facts, and learn how to work together as a community to restore state funding owed to our schools. Every year matters in the education of our children. For more information, please call Meg A. 617-547-3800, www.stand.org/ma
    Norfolk House Meeting host: Ross G. 508-541-8428. Concerned citizens from area town are also encouraged to attend, as this is a state-wide crisis. Please call to reserve child care.
    - RG

  • 9/21 4:30pm   Attention New England Patriot Fans - A "Silent Auction" will be held for an autographed Richard Seymour #93 jersey - Minimum bids start at $500 - 100% of the proceeds will go to Norfolk's DARE program. Bids will be taken during Norfolk's Dunkin Donuts DARE 2 Run 5K Road Race/Walk & Kids' 1K Fun Run on Sunday, September 24. For more info call 508-520-0163.
    - CK

  • 9/20 9:11pm   Is there anyone in need of wood pellets at a discount? We purchased about 100 bags that we aren't going to be using. If you are interested, please call me @508-294-4052.
    - JF

  • 9/20 6:36pm   We are moving for a temporary 2 year stint and are looking for a few moving boxes to get a head start on our packing and help us organize. Will come pickup at your convenience. If you have any you can part with, please email me at Tracy_O@comcast.net. Thanks!
    - TO

  • 9/20 5:32pm   Has anyone tried the new Chinese Buffet that open next to Keigan Chevy?
    - PRB

  • 9/20 2:17pm   Please visit the Norfolk Cooperative Preschool table at the Federated Church of Norfolk Annual Harvest Festival this Saturday, September 23, from 9-4. Parents can find information about the school, talk with parents whose children attend the school, and enter a raffle to win a wonderful gift basket. There will also be a fun craft for kids. We hope to see you!
    - KM, Norfolk Cooperative Preschool

  • 9/20 1:46pm   I have an older Sony TV that needs repair. Can anyone reccomend a local repair shop? Thanks!
    - EB

  • 9/20 12:03pm   Re: 9/19 7:59pm Can anyone tell me who (what company) constructed the stone wall around the Norfolk common. Are they local and do they do residential work? - SM
    Phone the DPW at 508-528-4990 and ask. Someone in the DPW should know.
    - RH

  • 9/19 7:59pm   Can anyone tell me who (what company) constructed the stone wall around the Norfolk common. Are they local and do they do residential work?
    - SM

  • 9/19 6:56pm   We have a 6 month old male tan mini doxie (Dachshund / wiener dog). He is pedigree and is AKC registerable, all papers available. He has all his shots, grew up with our toddler and 4 yr old but we are wanting to place him in a home with older kids as he does need lots of attention and we just don't have the time any more. He is house trained and he comes with toys, crate, dog house, frontline (3 mths supply), etc. He is neutered and has a chip implant for identification purposes. We paid $900.00 for him and have spent a few hundred more to keep him in top health. He is very lovable!
    Asking $500 but any reasonable offer will be considered; please contact us at roboreilly@verizon.net.
    - RO

  • 9/19 6:25pm   YP & EPS -- thanks for cleaning service recommendations; will give them a call. Much appreciated!
    - SCS

  • 9/19 5:19pm   Norfolk Recreation has a rules sign posted at Kids' Place and one of these rules specifically requests that toys not be dropped off from home. Toys from home do not hold up to weather nor do they withstand the wear of many children playing with them regularly. This week, many of these toys will be removed from Kids' Place (we do this a few times a year). It is unfortunate many folks have decided to clean out their yards by dropping off old and unwanted toys at Kids' Place. Although most folks mean well, they don't think about the metal Tonka trucks rusting within short period of time or the clutter and hazards caused by too many toys.
    Norfolk Recreation very much appreciates people letting us know when this situation becomes out of hand. The most direct way to do this is by emailing recreation@virtualnorfolk.org or by calling 508-520-1315 (thank you to the person who called today!) And, if anyone would like to volunteer to clean out the toys, we will be happy to arrange a pick-up from the Transfer Station. Thank you.
    - Ann Proto, Recreation Director, Town of Norfolk

  • 9/19 3:02pm   JD: you are more than welcome to call me and chat about barn building opinions, requirements and regulations etc. There are a lot of good builders out there and there are some "ok" kits available but there are a lot of variables involved with building with horses in mind.
    - Hilary N Penlington, Norfolk Animal Control, (508) 528 3232

  • 9/19 1:43pm   NOGO will meet in the large meeting room of the library this coming Saturday from 11:00 - 12:30. The purpose of this meeting is to develop the NOGO Charter. You should attend if you wish to become a core-member or would like to have input to the charter. The charter will be the organization's guiding document and will be the framework from which NOGO will operate and make strategic and tactical decisions. The meeting will conclude at exactly 12:30.
    NOGO Meeting Agenda for September 23, 2006

    1. Brief introduction of members present.
    2. Brief history of NOGO and its goals.
    3. Discuss and agree on general scope & content of charter.
    Please participate in our short poll at www.no-go.org.

    - John P. Bermingham, Founder, NOGO

  • 9/19 12:14pm   To JD: If you're planning to put a horse in your "Horse Barn," you really need to talk to "Horse People" to end up with something that will be suitable for horses and last. Horses love to chew and bang around and their byproducts are corrosive. There are ventilation concerns, etc., etc.... There are many horse people in Norfolk; Miller St, Medway St, Union St, Boardman St. to name a few...
    - RC

  • 9/19 11:40am   SCS: I have also had a wonderful cleaner for 10 years, Debbie Taylor. You may reach her at 508-643-7396.
    - EPS

  • 9/19 11:39am   Join us for a multi-family tag and bake sale to benefit the Savoie family, whose daughter, Maddie, was recently diagnosed with cancer.
    Sunday, Oct. 1 (raindate Sun. Oct. 8)
    9 a.m.-1 p.m.
    Timberline Drive (off Park St.), Norfolk
    Clean out the garage, the basement, the attic and the kids rooms, pack it up, bring it over, and reserve your table now for this community fundraiser. Donate a portion of your proceeds, a lot or a little, it's your choice, and take home whatever does not sell! We'll provide the space, the crowd, and publicity. You bring the merchandise, cash box and table! A lemonade stand (sponsored by kids), coffee, and baked goods will also be sold to help our cause.
    Reserve your table no later than Monday, Sept. 25, by calling Terri C. at 508-520-0470 and remember...bring the kids and come on by Sunday, Oct. 1 to shop for toys, books, movies, sporting equipment, furniture and more!
    - AL

  • 9/19 10:11am   I'd like to build a small horse barn on my property, and was wondering if anyone out there has had any experience, good or bad, with any certain type, brand, or builder. There are so many considerations - metal building, wood building, combo building, footings or full foundation, kit or from scratch, etc., etc. I'm on a budget, but I also don't want an unattractive cave! Any advice would be appreciated!
    - JD

  • 9/19 9:08am   SCS: I have used Maria Campos Cleaning Service for many years and have always been very happy. Honest, trustworthy and does a great job. You can reach her at 508-879-9302.
    - YP

  • 9/19 8:17am   Just wondering if anyone else has been to the Kid's Play Place on Boardman street recently and thought that it is becoming a bit over crowded with Little Tykes toys and various other items that people must be dropping off from their own back yards. I was there yesterday and counted 7 Cozy Coupes. I am not sure that it is necessary to have so many when the riding space is limited. I witnessed a few toddlers tripping and falling over some of these items as they tried to make their way around the playground. Is the Rec. Dept responsible for maintaining the equipment on the playground? Do people need to check with anyone before donating yard toys to the playground? I am sure that there must be some charitable children's organizations out there who could take some of these toys off our hands.
    - SG

  • 9/18 5:00pm   To LOM, Before calling Oilman in Foxboro for 2.08 oil, I called Cronin; they were 2.39. 31 cents times 200 gallons - $62.00 savings.
    - PRB

  • 9/18 11:17am   Come out and join in a fun time under the tent. We still have tickets left, for the Federated Church of Norfolk's BBQ chicken dinner on Friday night, September 22 from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Tickets can be purchaced at the door, but just so we know you're coming, if you could give us a call at 508-528-0262 we can plan ahead. The menu includeds grilled BBQ chicken, baked potato, corn on the cob, homemade bread, and peach crisp. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for kids and seniors, children under 3 are free.
    - CG, Federated Church of Norfolk

  • 9/18 10:47am   Sunday, September 24 is Norfolk's Dunkin Donuts DARE 2 Run 5K Road Race & Walk. There will also be a Kids' 1K Fun Run. This event promises to be a fun day for the whole family with music, a post race cookout, and many awards and prizes.
    There will also be a special award for the first "Law Enforcement" finisher and for the first "Norfolk School Staff" finisher (this includes everyone at the H. Olive Day, Freeman Centennial, and KP North)
    - HK

  • 9/18 10:26am   Received this link a while back for area gas station prices and thought folks might like to copy it for monitoring:
    [autos.msn.com gas price tracker]
    It's a handy way to keep an eye out for the best deals.
    - TN

  • 9/17 5:58pm   On Saturday, September 23, the Rafferty Family Band will make its Norfolk debut at the Harvest Festival of Federated Church starting at 11:00 a.m. The band will play a mix of old and new favorites, along with some original material. The leader of the group is Jay Rafferty, who plays lead guitar, sings vocals and has written the group's original music. He is joined by his wife Cindy, who plays clarinet, keyboards, and sings, and son Jason, on drums and vocals. The band plans to play a small set of CSNY songs, in tribute to a recent concert by that group in the area. Cindy Rafferty will also play some traditional patriotic songs and the audience will be encouraged to sing along. The original music is flavored by strains of folk and jazz rock and includes the group's signature song "Irish Man". Please plan to join us for a lively morning hour of music!
    - JR

  • 9/16 7:05pm   This baby fox (kit) came into our yard 2 years ago. I knew it was very sick. Our huskies were in their kennel and I called the police who put me through to Hilary. Hilary arrived after the fox had crawled under our shed. She was able to see it and had to put it down. This fox had scabies. Our dogs had never come in contact with it but it must have slept in our yard at night. Both our dogs showed signs of the illness within a week and both had to be treated. There was no hope for this kit and we all felt so bad about it. So please understand, rabies is not the only thing to be aware of in this area.
    - BR

  • 9/16 5:58pm   In response to oil prices... I used to shop around for the lowest price. But I also had difficulty getting reliable, reasonably-priced service. A number of years ago I switched to Cronin. I buy oil ahead of the season for fixed price. More importantly, they are remarkably fair with their labor price and response time. Consider this local family business.
    - LM

  • 9/16 4:42pm   To SM: I live on Medway and also have neighbors on Main who have seen your skinny fox. He does have a case of mange and he comes out during the daytime to sun himself. On several occasions I have seen him pass through my riding arena and the last time I happened to have my hose handy and that was enough to scare him off from my property for good.
    As I always say to residents, I would not try to approach any wild animal because you don't know if they could be sick or healthy. But usually just the presence of a person is enough to scare them off. In this case, he appears to be neurologically healthy but dealing with a rough case of mange at this point. If he becomes people tolerant/friendly or looks to be sick, please at that point contact me at the police station at 528 3232.
    For the poster who thinks they have a fisher under their shed - Usually fishers will den in hollowed out trees and in rock walls, but they will use under a shed if it's convenient and safe in their perspective. I have seen a fisher on two occasions that have actually made its home under a chicken coop, unfortunately to the demise of the chickens. In any event, if you have an animal living under there I would contact a PAC (problem animal control). They are licensed by the state to do wildlife trapping. It is considered an extermination service. You can pick from the several that are listed on the Fish and Wildlife page, or you can contact our local resident John Phelan who is licensed. For his phone number please call the number above and I'll pass it along to you. Just remember that once it's removed to repair well around/under the shed so another doesn't just move right in! If you aren't looking for a PAC and thinking of a home remedy, most animals will move along from a den that has moth balls thrown in there. You can also try Agway on Cottage Street in Franklin for synthetic coyote urine, and spray it all around the shed. The only drawback is with weather it will fade away. Sincerely,
    - Hilary Nolan Penlington, Norfolk Animal Control

  • 9/16 4:41pm   To SES: Call John Phelan right here in Norfolk (Seekonk St). He is state-licensed to remove unwanted wildlife. The number I have for him is 508-528-5451.
    - TEM

  • 9/16 3:36pm   To SM - Yes, it's probably a coyote. We have had regular visits from one in our yard (Boardman Street, near Seekonk), usually in the afternoons, for the past 3 years now. There used to be 2 of them (the larger was black and brown, the smaller a reddish brown), but only the smaller one has been seen over the past several months.
    - KM

  • 9/16 2:40pm   I think 5 children in a town of fewer than 10,000 people should be a concern to all of us. I know some people have contacted the Board of Health but I don't know if the Department of Health has been notified.
    - DB

  • 9/16 2:39pm   I believe I have a fisher living under my shed. Does anyone have any suggestions?
    - SES

  • 9/16 2:38pm   Just in case you are interested (apparently many are not), the conditions at Highland Lake have not changed. If anything, they are worse. The water level is still very low, and as a result, the weeds are taking over. Why isn't something being done about this situation?
    - WC

  • 9/16 2:37pm   I looked on the web to see if there was any significance with the year 2011 and found this link at wikipedia [Wikipedia 2011 info], lots of things going in the world at that time ... but nothing about a Stop and Shop opening in Norfolk.... oh well. However, I did see the other day that geotechnical borings were being completed.
    - AB

  • 9/16 2:35pm   Has anyone seen coyotes in their yard? We've seen what looks to be a skinny coyote on at least three different occasions in our backyard. The three times ranged from 12noon to 5pm. Nothing at dawn or dusk. I'm almost positive it's a coyote... We have small kids and are concerned. I live on Main Street. Not sure of this guy's radius, but wondering if any residents on Medway, Lake, Canterberry, or Boardman have seen him. Do we report the sighting? We have a picture?
    - SM

  • 9/17 2:24pm   I think this picture is more accurate.
    - RP

  • 9/16 10:40am   JM - while I understand your interest and concern, sweeping generalizations are alarming! What are the common denominators of the young children in town who have cancer?
    - MHC

  • 9/16 10:05am   The Stop & Shop sign changed, it had 2011 added to it. It's not clear whether this means this is sign number 2011 or this will be store 2011 or it will be 2011 before construction will begin on the lot, but work has started on the sign at least.
    - AR

  • 9/16 9:23am   TO DE: Please tell that young man, Tom Eaton, he should be very proud of himself and that is a wonderful thing that he is doing. His parents must be very proud of him!!
    - BH

  • 9/16 9:22am   TO JM: What area of town does that child with the cancer diagnosis live? Has the child lived here all of his life? What is the child's age? Just trying to make sense of it all.
    - BH

  • 9/16 8:40am   VR: You must get 150 gallons COD.
    - PRB

  • 9/16 8:38am   JW, I believe it will be on 115 towards Millis where they have been clearing. Right near Holbrook.
    - DWL

  • 9/16 12:11am   MKL, I'm not sure what created any impression that there is contempt for teachers, I don't perceive that at all. For the record, I am the daughter of a teacher, so I hold a particular appreciation for teachers and all that they do. From where I sit, if there are available funds that aren't going to be returned to the town, why spend them on copiers rather than retain teachers (art, Spanish, music)?!
    Anyway, I'm not sure how to respond to your insightful questions when I have yet to receive answers to my own. Mostly, I care about accountability, communication (two-way, as TIS pointed out) and community input into decision making. Those things shouldn't be limited to meetings, especially when agendas aren't distributed in advance and they don't always indicate exactly what will be discussed.
    For anyone who is curious about the specific budget questions I had/have, here are a few of them. I think it gives you an idea about some of the areas on which I was focused last spring:
    - Exactly what is the salary increase for clerical staff, by position? For clerical staff, there appears to be at least $471,866 in the budget. Are clerical staff increases limited to a COLA? It does not appear to be so, with an 8.5% increase in the superintendent's clerical and a 6.7% increase in the business clerical staff line items.
    - 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 5.1% and 6.2% increases respectively. What is the value and importance of these positions compared to the value teachers bring to our children?
    - What budget reduction scenarios were considered by the School Comittee and referred to in open session yet not supplied to attendees?
    - Exactly what kind of "consultants" do Norfolk Schools hire, how much do they cost annually and are they are required or discretionary?
    - CAM

  • 9/16 12:10am   DL, Wow, all this time spent, all this anguish, all these sleepless nights and being skewered for only 10 minutes of so-called fame? You have got to be kidding.
    In response to your suggestions: though I am a working parent, I have made it a priority to volunteer since my children first entered school and I'm grateful that I have the opportunity to do so. I appreciate your message of encouraging others to do so as well. I have made most of the SC meetings since February and I watch nearly every meeting that I have been unable to attend in person on NCTV. I will be neither intimidated nor deterred by the tactics that have been used to get me "off my soapbox." I will sit down and be quiet again when the changes I view as necessary for the health and well being of my/our children and our town has taken place. Until then, I intend to be persistent. Respectful and patient, yes, but also persistent.
    - CAM

  • 9/15 10:29pm   A question for MON: You state in your post of 9/14 at 3:07pm that "There were many shocking revelations that night. Such as - did you know that 100,000$ was spent on copying machines from the last successful override, instead of the money being returned to town coffers, and after key personnel, crucial to a child's learning and development, were let go?"
    Yet, wasn't it you who had a issue with the pay raises of the teachers, those who are "key personnel, crucial to a child's learning and development?"
    - MKL

  • 9/15 9:54pm   I have just heard of yet another child in Norfolk being diagnosed with cancer; that is the 5th child (that I'm aware of) to be diagnosed with cancer in the last year. Does anybody else find that alarming?
    - JM

  • 9/15 9:51pm   I just read an article about Tufts-New England Med Center looking to build a hospital in the suburbs. Is there any way to have them look at the old Caritas site on RT1A.
    Town Hall people?? Here is the link. [dailynewstranscript.com article]
    - PT

  • 9/15 9:49pm   To: CAM, Mr. Lehan, Mr. Advani, CARE, and the Advisory Committee:
    I watched Tuesday's School Committee Budget meeting, and I have some questions for all of you:
    1. If you were on the School Board, what curriculum changes or other nationally recognized programs would you implement that have not yet been offered in the Norfolk Schools, and how would you fund them?
    2. Where, other than the Superindent's salary, would you cut spending? And why? For what reasons, and what impact would your changes have on the day to day activities and management of the school?
    3. Mr. Advani: During Tuesday's meeting you said that "unions eat their young." Do you believe that the police, fire, and teachers' unions in Norfolk do the same? You also mentioned that "Norfolk hasn't had a teachers strike in a while." Do you think it would benefit the town if the teachers were to do so, and what would be an acceptable amount of time for our children to be out of school?
    4.Mr. Lehan: You are a former School Committee member, so you have an understanding of the educational process as well as of the inner workings of the Norfolk Schools, so the insight of your reply will be particularly important. (Not to mention that you owe the voters a response to this post since you will be running for re-election this spring)
    5. And lastly, for CARE: CARE has been in existence for eight months: What is your plan? And why did the members who attended Tuesday's meeting leave once the cameras were turned off and the warrants for town meeting were discussed? Why did you leave the School Committee meetings in the spring just as they started to discuss the budget? You had ample opportunity to ask your questions, but you chose to leave. Why?
    Even if you do not believe our children deserve the tax dollars that are currently being spent, surely you believe that their tax-paying parents ("the stockholders" as we were called in the broadcast) deserve honest and detailed answers to these questions? Or do you harbor the same contempt for us that you have for our teachers, the School Committee, and the Administration?
    Or, even worse, don't you really have any solutions to offer?
    I am looking forward to your thoughtful replies.
    Thank you.
    - MKL

  • 9/15 8:40pm   Folks, Can anyone recommend a fair-priced, reputable house cleaning service? Thanks
    - SCS

  • 9/15 8:29pm   PRB: that sounds like a very good price! Is there a minimum quantity you had to order to get that price?
    - VR

  • 9/15 8:27pm   CAM: Get off the soapbox, get into the schools volunteering, join some committees, attend some meetings, and call it a wrap on your 10 minutes of "fame." Things are far, far from perfect, but your negativity will never get thigns going in the right direction. Try some respect, a dash of business etiquette, mix in a little patience... and above all, stop pointing fingers!
    - DL

  • 9/15 6:58pm   Hold on! If you don't have the nerve (for lack of a better term) to at least put your initials with your statement, then don't bother to post!! Shame on the webmaster!!!!
    - JPRW

  • 9/15 6:31pm   To CG, I heard the building on the corner of 115 and 1A is being renovated for a landscape business.
    - CRB

  • 9/15 4:45pm   I heard many great "out of the box" ideas offered last spring by a host of people that gave up their time to participate in the SC [School Committee] budget meetings. Were those ideas even captured by anyone, say the secretary to the SC? If so, where are they? Was a single one ever reviewed and discussed by the SC? Implemented?
    DM, if the SC really wants people to continue or begin attending/watching SC meetings, provide input to the process, and help make things better, then I offer this suggestion for your consideration. Perhaps the SC should change how their meetings are administered. Provide a format and take a different communication approach so that people who invest the time to attend are treated with respect. Will there be direct answers to straightforward questions? Or more obfuscation and shell games? Define, exactly, what will be your mechanisms for soliciting and gathering input. It could be as simple as capturing ideas on a flip chart in front of the room and posting them online. And tell people what you plan to do with the input - is it for real consideration or just going through the motions?
    Please don't misunderstand me, I applaud the stated goal relating to community input. However, until the SC begins to repair the broken trust in Norfolk and identifies the specific steps it is committed to taking in order to achieve the goal, it is simply updated rhetoric. I hope the SC is up to the job. I will personally support any serious efforts being expended in that regard.
    - CAM

  • 9/15 4:37pm   I ordered Oil for delivery tomorrow for 2.089. Its from the Oilman in Foxboro. Has anyone seena better price?
    - PRB

  • 9/15 3:23pm   "Integrity isn't a half time job." "Communication and collaboration can only begin when there is trust." "To make me move forward, I have to trust... it is the trust that is missing." "We need a white, bright, shining light on everything." "Voters are the boss, the stockholders." "To have spent money on $100,000 leases rather than return that money to the town is an affront to the voter."
    These were some of the memorable comments made by our Selectmen and Advisory Board members, who displayed tremendous leadership and vision on Wednesday night. That they are committed to accountability, responsibility, and working for the "boss," the "stakeholder," the "voter," is clear and very much appreciated.
    What isn't yet clear is what the School Committee is going to do to build the trust of this community. Invite us for a tour of our schools? No, that won't do it. Offer more opportunities for us to sit through long powerpoint presentations that offer a good high level overview but don't "get down to brass tacks" since they contain no detail? No, that won't do it either. Post agendas and minutes in a timely manner? Not quite. Seems rather basic and should be be done as a matter of course.
    Trust is broken. I believe that a total shift in how the School Committee interacts with and communicates with the stockholders is required. But let's be realistic. The School Committe first has to publicly recognize that change is needed, it must want to change and then it must make the changes that will begin the trust building that is sorely needed. I heard a few comments at the meeting that gave me some hope, like "there were some mistakes" and "I just want to move forward and fix it." If that is the committee's genuine desire, then a good start would be to ask us, the boss, the stockholder how to repair the broken trust. We'll be glad to tell you, but you must agree to listen.
    One way for the SC to show good faith would be to add to the next meeting agenda a discussion of how the SC is responding - specifically - to the CARE survey results, especially the five areas identified for improvement last June: Accountability, Communications, Funding Public Education, Community Input into Decisions, and Professional Volunteer Opportunties.
    With new members on the School Committee, we can only hope that it won't be "business as usual." We can and should remain focused on this and I sincerely hope more people do.
    - CAM

  • 9/15 2:37pm   Are your children already out of school and in no need for their Graphing Calculator. If you have one I would love to have it for my child for school. Either a TI-83 or TI-84 I would really appreciate it.
    - another DM

  • 9/15 2:07pm   KB - Responding to your post about Crystal Bead of Boston... I have been to about 6 bead stores in the area and Crystal Beads stands out for two reasons: great selection, rude, rude, rude service. I always try to get my beads elsewhere (even at a premium) rather than having to deal with the rude and confrontational female owner at Crystal Beads. I have spoken to several other people and all the feedback is the same... if you can put up with her, the store is a pleasure to the eye...
    - BC

  • 9/15 2:06pm   Crystal Beads is wonderful! The range of classes is good and their prices are competitive. The owners are great real people and have some great sales. The people who run the classes are very very good and make sure you are learning and getting what you pay for.
    - AP

  • 9/15 1:25pm   Re: 9/15 12:32pm Does anyone know if there is a rule in Norfolk that the mail carrier doesn't have get out of his vehicle? I have a mailman who drives up my driveway and leaves my packages on my driveway if they are too big to fit in the mailbox on the street, rain or shine. . . .
    That situation certainly does not sound right. Contact the USPS at this web URL: [here] or call them: "Call us at 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) and a customer service representative will document your complaint and forward to the correct department for resolution."
    Be aware that the mail carriers are stationed at the Millis Post Office, so you might get another story from the Millis office. Good luck.
    - RH

  • 9/15 12:46pm   The Norfolk Community League together with the Norfolk Lions Club will sponsor the 5th Annual Haunted Train Ride and Hay Ride on Saturday, October 14th from 4:00 - 8 pm. It is suggested that younger children attend from 4:00 - 6:00. This event will take place at Holmes field on Myrtle Street, Norfolk, MA. The cost will be $5 per person (under age 3 are free). In case of rain, the event will take place on Saturday, October 21st.
    This year, join us for the new Hay Ride through Jack-O-Lantern Alley. Community members are invited to carve pumpkins to help decorate the night. Please drop off pumpkins at Holmes' field on Friday between 3 and 6pm. You can retrieve your pumpkin after 10am on Sunday. Let's see how many pumpkins Norfolk can carve!
    Take a ride on the Haunted Train for thrills and chills! We strongly encourage families with small children to come between 4 and 6 pm. Once darkness falls, the ride gets scarier! Look for assorted spooky treats and entertainment as well. We will have delicious hotdogs, snacks, and drinks available. We encourage you to come in costume!
    All proceeds will benefit a worthy cause of the Norfolk community. Please bring a canned good to donate to the Norfolk Food Pantry.
    Please contact Tracy H. at 508-541-2388 or Tara S. at 508-384-6354 with any questions.
    - AC

  • 9/15 12:32pm   Does anyone know if there is a rule in Norfolk that the mail carrier doesn't have get out of his vehicle? I have a mailman who drives up my driveway and leaves my packages on my driveway if they are too big to fit in the mailbox on the street, rain or shine. Sometimes they are up against the door and I don't see them. I have a front porch, but he won't put them there. I asked down at the post office, telling them that I had moved here from a town 10 miles of north of here, and in my old town, they always rang the doorbell if there was a package. The Norfolk post office guy told me that "this is a different town and we have different rules." Isn't it all the USPS?
    - [Name withheld - Wm.]

  • 9/15 12:31pm   The gas at Rt. 109 and 115 is $2.39! Wow!
    Does anyone have any experience with a beading shop in Franklin called Crystal Beads of Boston, specifically customer service, pro or con? How do you find their prices and their classes?
    - KB

  • 9/15 12:26pm   The recurring theme of the Town Hall special meeting was trust and communication. I know the Chairperson of the School Committee mentioned several times that they will be posting information more regularly and promptly on the web site but I think she missed the point. The communication is two way street, what incensed residents is when their thoughts and concerns are ignored.
    More than hundred and thirty resident took the time to take the CARE survey, only to find out that the Chairperson refused to review the result publicly or privately. I was stunned when I heard about it. I always thoughts that the School Committee was out of touch with the Norfolk residents, and after watching the meeting I realize that it was a universally shared by the Norfolk residents.
    It was also made clear to the School Committee that the perpetual cycle of cutting some teacher to pay for the other's salary increase is unacceptable. This puts the school committee in a tough spot the only way to break out of this cycle is by some outside-the-box thinking (buying copiers is not outside-the-box thinking). I hope they will reach out to the community for help in this regard; some of us are always here to help.
    - TIS

  • 9/15 12:20pm   Tom Eaton, a 13 year old at K-P Middle School, has organized and is running a parent-child golf tournament at ForeKicks to benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The tournament will be a nine hole, alternate shot match on Sunday September 17th at 2pm. There will be prizes, food and refreshments after the tournament along with the Patriots on big TV. A donation of $100 per team of two is suggested. Please R.S.V.P. to Tom at 508 520 1332.
    [PDF announcement/registation info here]
    - DE

  • 9/15 12:18pm   CM, The School Committee did return over $26,000 to the town at the end of the last fiscal year at the end of June, so as a habit, no they don't spend every dime they save through their efforts. To your last point I thought what you and many others are asking for is to save money, that is exactly what the lease buyout accomplished, more details to follow. Lastly, to the poster who wishes to remain anonymous, please provide details of the "fiscal irresponsibility" you witnessed. What I saw were many inaccurate statements made by officials and the public levied at the School Committee that are not based on the facts. Unfortunately, due to how the meeting was administered, the School Committee was not given the chance to adequately correct those statements. While we all appreciate your passion and willingness to point fingers and offer the easy solution (just replace them!), it would be much more beneficial to the town and the School Committee to attend their meetings, provide input to the process (what they asked for in announcing open hearings on the budget in October, November, and beyond), and help make things better.
    - DM

  • 9/15 8:49am   KLM, Regardless of the issues with a child... yes my children can be out of control as anyone else's can. What I'm stating is a parent stands 4 feet from their child as they slam a door 6 times as hard as to break it without ever saying anything to their child... this is poor parenting. This is an antique vehicle, has irreplaceable parts and was painstakingly restored for many hours! I wasn't picking on the child, all children have good and bad days this is true. My point is that this could have been stopped 5 min earlier instead of being ignored. Thank you for your reply and I understand no child or adult is perfect but it's our job as parents to make sure we have respect for other people's property, yours and mine included.
    - JMD

  • 9/15 8:42am   I happened to personally witness the school committee meeting last evening. I would agree with MON that the fiscal irresponsibility within the school committee is a travesty.
    Does the public realize that about 60 percent of every tax dollar spent in Norfolk is for the schools? The school committee keeps comparing Norfolk with other surrounding towns, but along the way they seem to forget that most surrounding towns have a larger tax base than Norfolk. The pie is only so big.
    How many of us went to school with class sizes larger than 25? Are we well educated? Lastly, how did the school committee attain so much power? A selectman brought up re-opening the negotiations for teachers' contracts, which on the surface, might be a good idea, however may open another can of worms. While I am sure the school committee's intentions and efforts are in the right place, I would like to know how soon we can replace school committee members with new members that are fiscally and financially adept?
    - [Name withheld - Wm.]

  • 9/15 8:40am   I got this site in an e-mail, I had no idea this was in town. I guess I do live under a rock. [Village at River's Edge]
    - JW

  • 9/15 8:35am   DM, Please help me to understand your statements.
    Can you provide detailed facts that support your statement the "savings created by increasing the capacity to service special education students in-district and bring students back to town" funded the $100,000 surplus that the Schools decided to spend on a copy machine lease buy out. I recall during a previous School Committee meeting statements made that if there was a surplus in the school budget that the School Committee looked forward to returning such surplus back to the town.
    What facts can you provide to support "(e)xercising this lease buyout option will yield significant savings to the operating budget in future years, saving the schools and the town money in the end." Please tell me more about the significant savings including the amount of savings by year.
    Finally, how does spending a budget surplus become a "type of out-of-the-box thinking"? I understand that the Superintendent and the School Committee regularly spend any budget surplus on discretionary items at year-end.
    - CM

  • 9/14 11:33pm   MON, It would be prudent to get your facts straight before submitting such a damning post. The Superintendent of schools and Norfolk School Committee spent approximately $100,000 to exercise the option to buy out the leases on the copy machines for the district. This money was generated by savings created by increasing the capacity to service special education students in-district and bring students back to town. Exercising this lease buyout option will yield significant savings to the operating budget in future years, saving the schools and the town money in the end. It is this type of out-of-the-box thinking that will help prevent or limit further staffing cuts this year and beyond due to the current financial crisis the town finds itself in.
    You are correct in a few areas: 1) there were many accusations thrown at the Superintendent and School Committee by Advisory board members and the Board of Selectmen that they were not given a chance to defend themselves against, and 2) the bond rating was mentioned by the Board of Selectmen. You imply that making the very innovative, out of the box financial decisions everyone is asking for that save the town money such as the copier situation will yield in a lowering of our bond rating. I submit that further underfunding of education for Norfolk will result in a lower bond rating since fewer people will want to move into our town. So please MON, get your facts straight and only then pass judgment.
    - DM

  • 9/14 9:30pm   At an extremely rare Joint Meeting of the Norfolk Advisory Board, Norfolk Selectmen and Norfolk School Committee last evening, Selectmen Ramesh Advani and Jim Lehan led the charge that many residents of Norfolk have been waiting for. Both leaders vigorously emphasized on several occasions that town residents do not want their taxes to increase, especially by way of an override. Most notable was Mr. Advani, being very direct and stating that we must think outside the box and find other ways to get things done.
    NOGO applauds this bold demonstration of leadership. While seemingly reasonable justification will always be available to support the need for town residents to dig deeper into their pockets, we believe other options often exist. When faced with the reality of not being able to resort to the override as a solution to problems, town officials often reply that not securing an override will result in reduced services (suffering). While this is sometimes a reality, it has all too often become the default response.
    NOGO would suggest that an alternative default response is for elected and paid officials to:
    "Do More with Less"
    Please join us at www.no-go.org
    - John P. Bermingham, Founder, NOGO

  • 9/14 9:24pm   KLM - Thank you.
    - DM

  • 9/14 6:20pm   CG: the word from Town Hall is a landscaper is going into the old Norfolk Motors building. That is only semi-official.
    - RC

  • 9/14 5:52pm   Regarding gas logs, stoves, etc., for ambiance, we find that the artificial logs are great. No mess, cheap and pretty. No heat though.
    MON... Unfortunately, we do not have cable. Is there a public place in town that the tv viewing will take place tonight?
    - JHR

  • 9/14 4:41pm   We are interested in purchasing new windows for our 35 year-old home. Can anyone recommend a quality window company?
    - NT

  • 9/14 3:07pm   To All Taxpayers and Parents of Children at Norfolk Schools:
    If you would like to witness the School Superintendent, the School Board, the Advisory Board and the Board of Selectmen's interactions (or lack thereof) firsthand, tune in to a NCTV rebroadcast of last night's special meeting at Town Hall (9/13). Count the number of times you hear the words: Distrust, Disingenuous, Lack of Trust and other descriptors lodged at the School Board and their personnel, and you can see one of the reasons why our bond rating is "on the cusp" of falling, possibly adding to our future financial problems and community decline.
    There were many shocking revelations that night. Such as - did you know that 100,000$ was spent on copying machines from the last successful override, instead of the money being returned to town coffers, and after key personnel, crucial to a child's learning and development, were let go?
    The taxpayers and parents of children in this town should be outraged at such maligned priorities within the school system and those in charge held accountable.
    Watch NCTV and You be the judge.
    - MON

  • 9/14 1:24pm   To KK ... gas stoves, gas logs, etc... I had the same idea a few weeks back, a leftover idea from last year... This is what I came up with... Regardless of the venting and flue issues, the biggest issue is the current cost of operation...
    You get 91,500 BTU's per gallon of propane (LP). There is some natural gas in Norfolk; we don't have it on our street, so these figures are for LP. NG is a little more cost effective.... Gas stoves and gas logs run from 20,000 up to 65,000 BTU's (65,000 was for a 30" log set). For this example, let's say you buy a 30,000 BTU stove, and you get 90,000 BTU's per gallon of LP, that gives you a 3 hour burn time per gallon... A 100 gallon tank is about 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide (the ones you see, two, side-by-side outside homes are 100 pound tanks). 100 gallon tanks are big.... With 30,000 BTU stove you would get 300 hours of burn time. To fill that tank it will cost $250 to $350... If you were to run the stove for 3 hours a night, 21 hours / week you would be using a tank every 14 days.... Kind of expensive for an accent piece.... That's all we were looking for.... Take a 60,000 BTU log and you'd be looking for gas in a week... Or, at the end of a long snow storm ... Ouch !
    The stoves are very clean and efficient, but the current price of gas is the problem for me... I don't know about current building codes but one byproduct of propane is water vapor; for that reason alone I would stay away from un-vented units...
    - RC

  • 9/14 1:23pm   I noticed work is being done on the former Norfolk Car Center across from the Horse & Carriage, at Rt 115. Does anyone know what is going in that location? Thanks,
    - CG

  • 9/14 12:05am   JHR: George Hagopian charges $25.00 per half hour for his piano lessons. I'm a current adult student of his, and I'm very happy with him. He's been doing this for years and teaches all levels. I encourage you to give him a call, 384-3766.
    If anyone has a 3rd Grade Student Reference Book for the current Everyday Math program that I can buy, please message or call me at (508)-520-1572.
    - CR

  • 9/14 12:04am   Does anyone know if Lisa Hull will be returning to Norfolk for photos this year? I think the TPA invited her last year as part of a fundraising effort and it was this time of year. Just wondering...
    - NS

  • 9/14 12:03am   To JMD and PM and all the other perfect parents with perfect children: It's so comforting to know that the rest of us mere mortals have good folks like you out there to judge us. While it does sound like the children you describe were out of control, I wouldn't base my opinion of a person's character on one incident. All kids misbehave sometimes, believe it or not. My child has some behavioral issues that linger, despite the volumes of parenting books I read and behavioral modification techniques I try to implement. I have to say, the single worst thing about my child's difficulties is the attitudes of other parents who have no idea what we are going through. My friend has a child with severe neurological problems who looks perfectly normal. She has had strangers reproach her in public for her son's disruptive behavior and it has been so humiliating for her. I would like to see parents have some compassion for each other and the different situations we have been placed in, usually through no fault of our own. Just a friendly smile, something to acknowledge that you've been in her place at some point, would probably have been helpful to the woman you described.
    - KLM

  • 9/13 8:56pm   BC... Would you mind telling me what George Hagopian charges for his piano lessons? And does one go every week or every other? Aare you still happy with him? Thanks.
    - JHR

  • 9/13 6:21pm   Regarding the post9/12 11:40am What is everyone doing with their oil rates? Are you locking in now that the price has dropped? - JGP
    I would ride the market and pay market rates as opposed to locking in based on the following: Oil prices have dropped since July ($78 vs $65 dollars a barrel)
    El Nino is back, which means a warmer winter in the Northeast. Oil companies charge too much to lock in rates.
    Good Luck!
    - BC

  • 9/13 6:12pm   Norfolk's Dunkin Donuts DARE 2 Run 5K Road Race & Walk registrations forms are available on-line [here].
    - CK

  • 9/13 6:03pm   RB Thank you for saying what you did. This web site is not for attacking people in town or anywhere. I know the "wood" family and you couldn't ask for nicer people. They would give you the shirt off their back. Last wood season they actually had people stealing wood. Another comment -- why do people wait until fall to order wood?? We order ours in May.
    If anyone has a chance -- go to Bush Pond and watch the swan parents teaching the remaining cygnet to fly. I don't know the sex but it is trying real hard. Today it actually made it about 8-9 inches above the water but its wings were still hitting the water. There will be more days of practice. They practice on the right side of the pond on Lawrence Street where there is more open water.
    - BR

  • 9/13 4:51pm   Hi Everyone, Norfolk's Dunkin Donuts DARE 2 Run 5K & Kids 1K Fun Run is just around the corner... Sunday, September 24th
    We are looking for people to help! If you would like to get involved, or know someone who might like participate, in any way, please let us know. Also, if you know of any high school students who needs to do community service... We will need help with
    - Registration table
    - Set-up before the race
    - Clean-up after the race
    - Course monitors
    - Help serving burgers & dogs
    - Help the timing people
    - Taking photographs
    We are also looking for items to go into our "Runners Bag." If anyone has anything they would like to include in the bag, such as magnets, key chains, sample products, coupons, etc. (no pens or pencils as we already have plenty) please let us know ASAP.
    And of course we need Runners and Walkers! If you're a runner/walker and you haven't done so already, Register Today - registration form attached. Additional forms are available at Norfolk's Dunkin Donuts and at the Norfolk Public Library.
    Feel free to call us if you need more info or have any questions. Thank you,
    Helen & Craig K., 508-520-0163

  • 9/13 4:48pm   To PM's post: I was at Norfolk Day and saw a group of kids in the antique school bus slamming the door, climbing over the seats, pulling up all the mats on the floors, and throwing them total bedlam. As I walked closer to the bus with my own family in tow... part of the group came out and one child proceeded to jump on the fender and climb up on the hood of this one-of-a-kind antique. Finally the mother who had been ignoring her kids while inside the bus finally reprimanded him, which is right after I started yelling at him to climb down. My family and friends were quite appalled... the mother grabbed her 4 kids and walked off with her friends unaffected.
    PM, I'm with you... problem is these parents don't care how their kids act as long as they don't have to deal with it. No one is responsible for their actions today; it's a sad world we live in. Thank you to all the well behaved kids Norfolk day was a great success!
    - JMD

  • 9/13 4:44pm   For KDG payment, they are due on the 15th of the month.
    - MS

  • 9/13 4:43pm   For those looking for kindergarten online payment info, you can call 508-520-0058 and they will give you your account number and PIN.
    - MS

  • 9/13 3:49pm   For everyone who has made posts recently involving a supposed "feud" between a well know florist shop and firewood business, I would like to say a couple things.
    First of all, personal matters should never be up for discussion in public, or posted on the web. If you have nothing to do and feel it necessary to discuss my family, then get off the computer and find a job.
    Second of all, both parties are retired or semi-retired and like to occasionally entertain the public with a story as is with almost every business in norfolk. I'm sorry you have to hear it, but it's part of the small-town life. If you don't like it, move to a city and buy your wood and/or flowers from a larger retailer.
    Third of all, those who know me know that I tell the truth the way it is. I'm sorry if I come accross angry on the issue, but that's the way it is. If anyone has any further questions I will be more than happy to cater to you one on one.
    - RB

  • 9/13 3:25pm   The Celebrate Norfolk planning committee wants your input! Please email your comments, suggestions and / or critiques of "Celebrate Norfolk" (held on Sept. 9th on Town Hill) to box40@norfolknet.com. Thanks for your help!
    - TS

  • 9/13 2:58pm   Please refrain from discussing personal issues re: a local family on this site. I was dismayed to see someone actually going into the origins of someone else's supposed family feud. I can assure you, if both parties thought it would show up here, they'd be mortified.
    - LC

  • 9/13 2:43pm   The Norfolk Community League together with the Norfolk Lions Club will sponsor the 5th Annual Haunted Train Ride [...] at 508-541-2388.
    - AC
    -->
    [Update 4:55pm: announcement by AC removed for revision; updated information will be posted within a day - Wm.]

  • 9/13 11:36am   King Philip Marching Band preview their 2006 show, "Roman Festivals", for the local community. Sunday September 24th at 6pm, Mactaz Field, King Philip High School, Wrentham. Free admission with pre-show Barbeque at 4:45 pm
    - MW, King Philip Music Association

  • 9/13 11:31am   To the parents of Lions Soccer players who may have missed having their child's picture taken on Opening Day -- Sportography will be at the Pond Street fields on Sunday, September 17th between 11:30 - 3:30.
    - HK

  • 9/13 9:39am   Thinking of adding a gas insert to my regular fireplace. Would like to hear others' experience as to how they work. Efficiency, clean burning, recommended brands, a good dealer, cautions, any positive and/or negative feedback would be appreciated. Thanks !
    - KK

  • 9/12 9:50pm   SR - Me too!!! Not only does that lost paperwork have my account number and password that are needed to pay online, but I am unsure of where to send the payment, dates etc. Glad to see someone else out there is in the same boat. Hope someone can help us!
    - NS

  • 9/12 9:28pm   Help!! Can someone post the payment schedule for Full-Day Kindergarten? I lost my paperwork! Thanks,
    - SR

  • 9/12 9:26pm   Just had to add how happy we've been with our bus driver. Lisa has been wonderful to our kids and we've never run into any problems (knock on wood), other than an overcrowded issue that Holmes quickly took care of. I had to laugh this morning thinking of the recent posts, when I was stuck behind a school bus on my way down King Street. I think the driver stopped at every other driveway! There is no one walking 1/4 yard nevermind a 1/4 mile on this route :0)
    - NS

  • 9/12 7:54pm   I have seven large pieces of corrugated cardboard and just want to see if anyone can use them - they are 43 inches by 68 inches. There is printing on one side, clean and no punctures Let me know by the weekend ([*****]) or they will be recycled. Thanks.
    - AB

    [Update 9/13 6:07pm: the cardboard has been taken, thanks - AB]

  • 9/12 5:51pm   I need someone to instal a 12,000 BTU Mitsubishi Split A/C in my home; any suggestions?
    - PRB

  • 9/12 4:29pm   To JC: I haven't looked thoroughly yet, but it seems the going rate for a cord is between $200-$250. If you find a place where it is below $200, spread the news on our beloved NorfolkNet and I'll do the same. I have been warned to be cautious when it is a discounted price as it could be a first-time or one-time vendor selling firewood that is unseasoned, soggy, or not the best for the fireplace or wood stove. Google "tips for purchasing firewood" and a number of useful sites will surface. A good one I found is the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Go to: [dnr.state.md.us page]
    - TEM

  • 9/12 1:11pm   Open house Sunday, 9/17 12:00 - 3:00. 14 Medway Branch Road, 10 room 4 bed 2.5 bath colonial... all redone... 549,900. Hope you will stop by and take a look.
    - CS

  • 9/12 11:40am   What is everyone doing with their oil rates? Are you locking in now that the price has dropped?
    - JGP

  • 9/12 9:55am   What is the going rate that folks are paying for a cord of wood??
    - JC

  • 9/12 9:53am   To JH: I agree with you, the feud is irrelevant, and I will probably buy my firewood there again this year. I simply warned potential customers to avoid the topic while there otherwise you're going to have to hear a lengthy one-sided history. Also, it seems you're right about the origins of the feud. According to the account I had to listen to (from the son while loading wood into the back of my vehicle), the battle is over clauses in the old man's Last Will & Testament. And, who knows? Maybe they have patched up their differences by now.
    - TEM

  • 9/12 8:05am   LOST CAT!!! "Cheerio," our shy gray and white cat is missing from Castle Rd. She is mostly dark gray with a white patch on her chest. She is naturally small and does look like a large kitten but is almost two years old. She is not wearing a collar. If seen, please let us contact us 508-541-7476.
    Thanks you,
    - NB and The B. Family

  • 9/11 10:04pm  
    [Update 9/12 11:38am: changed filenames - Wm.]
    [Care survey results removed in favor of a summary overview, expected soon - Wm.]

  • 9/11 9:08pm   I actually slow down in the school zones and drive the reduced posted speed limit. Once, a Holmes school bus came up behind me and started honking at me (several times). Stunned at who was honking, I stopped my car and got out. Standing in front of the bus and pointing at the HOD School (which we were stopped in front of), I yelled to the driver that we we were in a school zone. The driver flipped me off and drove around me, turning left on Boardman headed to F/C. The was 2:50 PM. No children were on the bus. Way to go, Holmes.
    - RG

  • 9/11 8:52pm   It was a wonderful weekend for the children and families of Norfolk! With a confluence of wonderful weather, the spirit of volunteerism, and the time and energy committed by hundreds of families, Celebrate Norfolk Day and Opening Day of Norfolk Lions' Soccer were great successes. I extend my thanks on behalf of all the families who participate in Norfolk Soccer to Craig and Helen Koch who dedicate immeasurable time and energy in organizing the league, ordering the uniforms, managing the volunteers and handling everything that arises throughout the season.My hat is off to both of you for a job superbly done!
    - MHC

  • 9/11 8:21pm   To TEM- Well, while I agree that there probably is a "family feud" going on at the Family Florist and that firewood place - who cares?! That florist/greenhouse business has been there for over 50 years and they have never let me down! They did my wedding 29 years ago and my own daughter's this past May, and they did a beautiful job for probably half what another florist would charge. Why? Because they are a family business and they care. Not like the florist part of a grocery chain. They may not be fancy or conventional, but they do good work with good prices there, and they are nice people! As for whatever family squabbles they have - so what? What family doesn't have issues? They are a true townie family and enjoy 'shooting the breeze' with their customers.
    As for the wood guy, I have no idea what's with him. I like the people at the florist. Does anyone remember that nice, older man that was there with the wife? He died a few years ago. Do you think that maybe his passing away may have started something? Split the family up?? That isn't an uncommon thing in a family, right?
    - JH

  • 9/11 7:43pm   I was on vacation last week, and so was unable to attend the dedication of Town Hill on Saturday. I was so sorry to have missed the day, but our vacation was planned long ago. I was thrilled when I saw all of the pictures from the day posted on Norfolk.net. As I was looking through them last night, I got a real good sense of the day, and all of the activities. A large number of citizens appear to have made the effort to come out, and I saw the faces of many friends in the crowd. Thank you to whoever did all the photography, and for being so thoughtful to share them with the entire town.
    The landscaping of town hill, the roundabouts, and the library look wonderful. Thanks go to the garden club and the DPW crews who worked so hard getting our downtown looking so good.
    - MJG

  • 9/11 7:39pm   In reply to CD: concerned neighbors writing a letter of "request and consideration" to the Holmes Bus Company (cc'ing the school) is a lot different from what you term "a demand from parents". Plain and simple, a request was made by letter from neighbors last June. After no response, a follow-up letter was sent. After no response from that letter, a few phone calls were made, as well as an e-mail, I believe. All communication - letters, phone calls etc. were respectful.
    Can the bus company accommodate everyone? No chance. Is it wrong to ask the company to consider the extra stop - which would add no more than 1 or 2 minutes to the existing route, be safer in terms of traffic and accommodate full day kindergartners? No, it's not wrong to ask. We understand that's their decision along with the school's.
    What is wrong is not to answer concerned parents'/neighbors' letters. There is a safety issue involved (photos were sent illustrating the problem as well). Holmes Bus Company had the whole summer to acknowledge the request, maybe even look into it, and chose not to. If they did not want to speak to the people making the request, a short note in the mail explaining why they would not make the extra stop (time issues or whatever - we still don't know...) would be acceptable.
    No response from the company after repeated attempts shows a lack of professionalism in my opinion.
    I suppose if we had a professional and responsive answer to our request, we wouldn't be posting on this board.
    By the way, the bus driver on the route is great. Very nice guy. We've never had any problems on the bus. We thank him every Christmas and end of the year, so I guess it's not a totally thankless job...
    I'm glad that other people in town have had positive experiences with Holmes in the past. Actually, the people who answered the phone when we called were very nice.
    It's the "if I ignore you, you'll go away" response that is annoying.
    - [Name withheld - Wm.]

  • 9/11 7:28pm   MJD: The person who installs mailboxes works in the assessors' office. His first name is Art. Hope that's helpful.
    - PRB

  • 9/11 3:51pm   One more comment about the bus issue. Forget the School Committee, they also were useless. Let's face it, they all work together, and our children and the parents are always the ones who are wrong.
    - DM

  • 9/11 3:12pm   I'm reading these e-mails concerning the bus company and would like to weigh in. We have had nothing but great experiences with our three children on the bus. Believe it or not, our kids need to go almost 1/4 mile to the bus stop. I don't think that is at all unreasonable. As it is, we are right in the middle of two stops that are each about 1/4 mile away. I cannot imagine how much longer the bus commute would take if someone were to mandate a shorter distance requiring more stops. I saw one post where someone mentioned how late the bus was getting their child home already. For those of you who like shorter distances, there is a solution; it's called driving your child. I don't drive a bus for a living and I certainly don't envy those who do. I would guess it's a pretty thankless job where safety is your number one concern and you have the distraction of all the children.
    "No one advocates for your child more than you do" Nothing can be more true. So, if you know that your child is well adjusted and behaved, riding the bus and walking to a bus stop is part of being a child going to school. I am sure the Holmes' would like to acquiesce to everyone's demands, but it is neither practical nor realistic. On the few occassions I have called the Holmes bus company, they have been responsive and professional.
    - CD

  • 9/11 3:10pm   I am a new resident of the town. I need some recommendations including general address for good restaurants in the area. All price ranges welcome. Thanks,
    - MC

  • 9/11 2:37pm   For the record, our bus driver is just terrific.
    But inquiring minds want to know: what "school officials" were contacted about the bus situation? What was the request and how was it made? Was there a response from them or nothing at all? It would seem that that the School Committee would be the most logical avenue to pursue; my understanding is that they are our elected officials who negotiate and contract with the bus company.
    - CAM

  • 9/11 1:06pm   Thanks to BD for all of the fabulous photos [here] from "Celebrate Norfolk"! He clearly caught the spirit of the day and I thank him for sharing! If you haven't looked yet, you are in for a treat! Maybe NCTV could do a slide show?
    - TS

  • 9/11 12:55pm   I'd just like to put in a plug for our bus driver, Mr. Mike. He is well liked by the kids and more importantly, well respected by the kids. He treats them fairly and works hard to maintain order on the bus. He also has "assigned" seats and knows what is going on behind him without it affecting his ability to maneuver his bus. He has been very accommodating to our family (we are between bus stops) during bad weather when sidewalks are unplowed and the drifts are too high to allow the kids to walk safely to the bus stop. He is easy to talk to and we've been able to raise concerns and get answers without a problem. We hope Mr. Mike is our bus driver for a long time!
    - TS

  • 9/11 12:53pm   I have seen a truck in Norfolk that installs mailboxes. I should have paid better attention because as I pulled mine open today it literally fell over. We knew it was rotting but where ignoring it. I can't ignore it now. Does anyone have that company's info? Thanks,
    - MJD

    [Tsk, tsk, not looking in the listings... Art's in there! :-)
    Mailboxes Repaired & Newly Installed
    528-9654
    I'm Retired and I'm Happy
    - Wm.]

  • 9/11 10:19am   Do you know of some teenagers who need some extra cash. We are looking for 1 or 2 teenagers, to help with some yard work this Saturday. We are spreading some loam, and looking for some helping hands. I will pay each $12 an hour, minimum of $36, even if it takes less than 3 hours.
    It is 6 yards of loam. My husband will be out there doing it too, but I am unable to help shovel, and it is too much for one person. Thanks. Please have anyone interested call 508-520-9903.
    - SJ

  • 9/11 10:19am   To LS: Thanks. I do understand that the bus company cannot accommodate everyone's wishes and that in order to keep bus routes as short as possible, they may have been unable to come down our street. We tried and that's all we could do. I am not really upset by the fact that they won't come down the street. I am more perplexed by the lack of acknowledgement from both Holmes and the school officials. I just wish that someone had acknowledged our request and handled it in a more professional manner. Like perhaps calling or writing us with an answer???
    - SM

  • 9/11 10:18am   PM seems to have missed the point of the original parent's concern. No elementary school child should be expected to walk 1/4 mile from the bus stop in a town that has so few sidewalks. It is just too dangerous. The town needs to provide safe transportation to and from school and if that means picking the kids up at their driveways, then that's what needs to happen. It sounds like PM got lucky and has a responsible bus driver, but most of us are not that lucky. Many of these bus drivers drive like lunatics, with our children on board! They ignore speed limits, tailgate, go through stop signs and refuse to stop to allow children to cross the street in a crosswalk. The problem is, the drivers are paid by the day, not by the hour. They're in a rush to get their routes done as quickly as possible. The times I've had the misfortune of having to speak with Brian Holmes, he was rude, sarcastic and made it clear he couldn't care less about the safety of our children. I think that since the Holmes family has been generous to the town, they know they will never lose the bus contract and they act like their employees are exempt from the rules of the road, as long as they are in Norfolk.
    - KLM

  • 9/11 8:37am   To PM: I don't need to ride the bus to know my child's personality. Glad to hear you have such perfect children. You should bottle your method and sell it... you would probably make a fortune.
    - BH

  • 9/11 8:34am   SM-It sounds like you have done everything you could and then some! I feel for you. I guess I was lucky when they pick up near our house. It's not right when a new kindergartener has to deal with this. What does the school say? and what is the school policy regarding kindergarten? It has to be in writing somewhere. Good Luck!
    - LS

  • 9/10 11:19pm   Regarding the Holmes Bus issue... We have a very attentive bus driver for the Park St. elementary school route. She has been doing our route for many years and knows exactly what is going on! She has made rules for the children which they abide by - girls side/boys side, and seated according to grade.
    I think maybe some of you parents ought to ride the buses someday to see how your own children are acting before you start criticizing a company or individual for how they handle a situation. We are entrusting our children to a person who should be paying attention to the road. These children should know proper behavior prior to stepping on the bus, and the bus driver shouldn't be held responsible for such inappropriate actions. I have nothing but respect for all of the bus drivers and Holmes Transportation. Please remember the job description is for a Bus Driver! I'm not so sure it explains the job as "Babysitting" for all of the kids. Those problems should be handled at home or at the school.
    - PM

  • 9/10 10:08pm   To TN & LS. Believe me, I have tried to get the bus to come down our street. It is true, in theory, that my kindergartener couldn't be left off at the bus stop (approx. 1/4 mile from our house) unless I was present. But with close to 12 kids getting off the bus, I honestly do not believe the driver ever had any idea if I or anyone was there for my child. Of course I was always there and the times we actually walked were few. I typically drive to the end of the street along with several other parents.
    Our young neighborhood has new kindergarteners every year, and for 2 years we have asked both Holmes as well as the school to have the bus come down our street. Not only because of the distance, but because we consider the current turnaround situation dangerous. We sent a letter (signed by each of the neighbors) last June to both the Holmes bus company and the school officials. We explained our concerns and even sent pictures of the bus turning around with cars swerving around it. We offered alternative turnarounds at our end of the street that are safer and would allow the kindergarteners to board the bus much closer to their homes. We followed up with a second letter, emails and phone calls in August. When the published bus routes showed up in the local paper with a question mark for our street, we were hopeful they would decide in our favor.
    The Friday before school opened we again phoned Holmes, only to be told nobody was in but that someone would get back to us on this matter. Nobody did. So not knowing where the bus would go on the first day of school, we decided to wait at our end of our street and hoped the bus would come down. It didn't. When neighbors at the other end of the street informed the bus driver that there were children waiting at the other end, he explained to them that he was "told not to go down the street". If the people at Holmes KNEW this was the decision they were going to make, why couldn't they simply have phoned us and informed us of that fact? I find it rude and very inconsiderate. They had ample time to address our request, and didn't give us the courtesy of a simple phone call. So, apparently your comments about the bus company are very accurate.
    - SM

  • 9/10 10:05pm   This is my first chance all weekend to get on Norfolknet and I thought for sure I would find a very upbeat board after Saturday's "Celebrate Norfolk". I thought it was fabulous! Perfect weather, so much for the kids to do and just a great sense of community... Made me proud to be from Norfolk! Thank you to the many teachers who gave up their Saturday after their first week back to school to play games with their kids... and a huge thank you to Tara Spellman, as well as the many others who contributed to such a great day!
    - NS

  • 9/10 7:14pm   To DM: I agree with you about Holmes and the buses. I always had issues when my child was riding on the bus to elementary school. Nobody cared, and according to them my child was always in the wrong. I eventually just drove her everyday to school. The bus drivers don't care, they never watch what is going on after the first few seats, and they get paid darn good money for the amount of hours they work. To all of you parents out there, don't forget, nobody can or will advocate for your child the way that you do. No matter what it takes, or who ends up disliking you for it, your child's welfare is the most important thing. My child is in high school now, and yes, she remembers her trying times riding the elementary school bus - and you know what? that is very sad.
    - BH

  • 9/10 5:28pm   Had to put my 2 cents in about the bus issue. If you think you're going to get anywhere with either the school or Holmes Bus, forget it. They have their way of doing things, and from previous experiences, are never willing to bend. I always found the people at Holmes to be rude and uncaring. Sure hope you never have a problem with the bus driver. In the schools' and Holmes' [view], their workers never do wrong. I realized years ago I was in the wrong profession. Where can you get a job and never do anything wrong? It's always the children that are wrong. All I can say is Good Luck!
    - DM

  • 9/10 3:19pm   Hi all. Has anyone recently had wood floors installed? Did you use prefinished or unfinished wood? Who did you deal with - a lumber yard, an installer, a flooring store? Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks.
    - AC

  • 9/10 10:29am   Here's a few photos of Saturday's Re-opening of the Town Hill Celebration. Great Day, Great People, Great Time, Great Town......
    Go to this site then once there just keep clicking the NEXT button [here]
    - BD

    [...Geat pictures! - Wm.]

  • 9/9 4:34pm   Thanks for the pen!
    - CI

  • 9/9 1:40pm   Gorgeous day for a picnic... come on over to town center, say hi! The webpage is being updated live from the festivities. The photo is to help you find us :-)
    - Wm.

  • 9/9 12:28pm   The Massachusetts Democratic Party/Victory '06 with the Metro-West Democratic Alliance present The 2006 Massachusetts Lt. Governor's Debate on Sunday, September 17th at 4:00 PM AT Joseph P. Keefe Technical Vocational High School in Framingham.
    [ M o r e . . . ]
    - JJM

  • 9/9 11:53am   To folks regarding bus concerns: LB was right. I shouldn't just complain here, but direct my issues to school(s) officials. Have found all schools (HOD, F/C and now KPMS) to be responsive to questions. BTW, our kindergarteners were 1/2 day students and kids were dropped only when I was present - but it was at the end of my driveway. If you're having to walk a 1/4 mile (and little ones are being left that far to get to and from house to bus), I'd also suggest a phone call to the HOD office and/or Holmes to see if you can improve the arrangement.
    - TN

  • 9/9 10:08am   If you're looking for the Webmaster, we're downtown at the Celebrate Norfolk festivities. Literally - as I'm typing this, I'm sitting in the library parking lot, manning our table. So drop by and say hello!
    - Wm.

  • 9/9 10:05am   Federated Church of Norfolk to publish book on history of town and church. Did you know that:
    - Norfolk was founded because of a split within a congregation in Wrentham?
    - The name of the town may have been a reference to the "north folk" who left that church and moved to North Wrentham?
    The Wrentham church leaders filed a bill in the state's General Court to allow the Congregational Church to conduct its affairs without approval of town meeting? The measure passed, marking one of the first decisions that established separation of church and town.
    [ M o r e ! . . . ]
    - DLJ

  • 9/9 9:28am   The Norfolk CARE Survey (March - June 2006) collected feedback regarding issues affecting our Norfolk schools, including communications. 97% of respondents rated Communications as "Important," with 82% of that number indicating that Communications were "Significantly or Extremely Important." A follow up question asked respondents to rate communications based on current effectiveness or performance. 72% indicated that some changes were warranted.
    A complete report of the survey results, including all raw data, was supplied to the Norfolk School Committee last June. Based on survey responses, four additional areas were identified for the Norfolk School Committee as opportunities for improvement. They were: acountability, funding public education, community input into decisions, and professional volunteer opportunities in the Norfolk Public Schools.
    - CAM

  • 9/8 11:16pm   Looks like a great day is in store for "Celebrate Norfolk"! See you at Town Hill from 10 until 2pm! Come and celebrate all that is Norfolk at the reopening of Town Hill. Over 40 community booths and tables and over 30 local businesses will be there! There is something for everyone - young or old! Come for lunch, stay for the fun!
    - TS

  • 9/8 10:37pm   I am responding to all the Pizza talk on the Norfolk Net. Please try the Red Wing on Route 1, kind of pricey but a good pizza, crust is nice and crunchy; it goes good with you favorite Italian dressing. The only drawback is that you have to pick it up at the bar area, but it is a good pizza.
    - RS

  • 9/8 8:34pm   For firewood, we like the Firewood Shop in Bellingham. Just follow King Street South as though you were going to Woonsocket. They have a huge wooden lumberjack in the front you can't miss it. You can buy it in smaller quantities or they deliver cords etc. The people are really nice and they run a deep woods themed gift shop. They sell Adirondack twig furniture which is really neat and if you go in the gift shop go all the way in the back, they have done a very cool treatment on the ceiling with twigs.
    - MJD

  • 9/8 7:48pm   For firewood, try Eastern Massachusetts Firewood & Mulch, emassfirewood@yahoo.com, or 781-770-0066 or 617 799-9960. I've used them in the past, wood is good, quick delivery and good prices.
    - DTB

  • 9/8 5:02pm   To JC: After you circle the second roundabout in the town center and proceed south on Rt. 115, you will see a rather strange looking business on your right. I believe it's called "Family Florist." Next door they sell firewood. I have purchased firewood there in the past, it was well-seasoned, and I was charged a fair price. While you are there, however, you might want to avoid the mistake I made by making any reference to the abutting florist and plant establishment (and vice-versa if you are at the florist). Apparently there is a family feud going on between the firewood operation and the florist (I believe they are brother and sister). I have also purchased firewood at Jane & Paul's Farm on Fruit Street. Although I like supporting these fine people and their farm and I do so by purchasing vegetables throughout the summer, I do think they charge too much for their firewood when you purchase it in relatively small quantities from the display sections provided. Perhaps their prices are more in line if you purchase a half a cord or more.
    - TEM

  • 9/8 5:00pm   SM - 1/4 mile?? You and your kid must get awfully wet when it's raining. Does the bus drive by your driveway? Or are you off a not-often-used side road? K students can not be dropped off without a parent present. It seems unlikley you should have to walk a 1/4 mile. Make a call to Holmes, they are great people, or stand in the street at your driveway until the bus stops and see what the driver says.
    - LS

  • 9/8 4:58pm   Does anyone have a recommendation for a piano teacher (for a elementary school age child)? Also what rates are customary?
    - JWC

  • 9/8 2:14pm   To TN: Perhaps the Kindergartners used to get dropped off at their driveways but that is not the case now - unless they are half day. The full day Kindergartners are treated like all the other kids and mine had to walk 1/4 mile to and from the bus stop every day.
    - SM

  • 9/8 2:13pm   Does anyone know of a good place to buy seasoned firewood? I want to order it now so I have it when the weather allows me to enjoy my fireplace! Please post the phone number. Thanks.
    - JC

  • 9/8 11:06am   Tom E. is a Norfolk youth at KP school, and he has organized a Parent-Child Golf Tournament to be held at ForeKicks in Norfolk on September 17th to raise money for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
    The tournament will be held on September 17th at 2pm. The full announcement with hole sponsorship info is in the [linked PDF document, here]
    Please RSVP by September 14th; space is limited.
    - Wm.

  • 9/8 10:38am   The Norfolk Cooperative Preschool happily announces the appointment of its new director, Lori-Ann Higgins. Higgins' 17 years of experience in early childhood education includes 8 years as program director at The Children's Place in Wrentham, where she successfully guided the school through the NAEYC accreditation process twice. Higgins earned a B.S. in Elementary Education with a concentration in Early Childhood Education from Castleton State College in Vermont, and holds a Massachusetts teaching certificate. She looks forward to working with the Norfolk Cooperative Preschool staff, students, and parents in her new position. The Norfolk Cooperative Preschool is located at 1 Union Street in Norfolk. Openings are still available for the 2006-2007 school year. Parents can call 508-528-3660 for more information or to schedule a tour.
    - KM, Norfolk Cooperative Preschool

  • 9/8 9:06am   Norfolk Lions Youth Soccer Opening Day Celebration is Sunday! This is a free event for all Lions Soccer players and their families - There will be plenty of food, music, and fun! Photographers will also be there to take pictures of your favorite soccer player in their new uniform to appear on anything from a key chain to a cereal box! Everything kicks-off at 11:30...
    - HK

  • 9/7 10:26pm   Pizza: Our vote goes for: Franklin Flat Breads (Chestnut Street turns into King Street). Great thin crust, great toppings and organic. Kids can move about on the wrap-around porch too. We found BudaBing & Primavera in Millis have good pizza too.
    - JLH

  • 9/7 9:34pm   Only 2 days until "Celebrate Norfolk"!! Joining the many groups and activities on Town Hill, the HOOD truck will be there. Courtesy of The Garden Club of Norfolk, the HOOD truck will be there to distribute samples of many treats! Just the right thing for a sunny day!
    For a complete list of participating groups and businesses, check out the calendar section below.
    Wm. did a fine job getting it all together!
    See you on the Hill!
    - TS

  • 9/7 6:54pm   To JGP: Perhaps you would benefit from a quick email or phone call to either of the elementary schools in town. I think you will find that both principals are readily available to discuss a variety of issues. I have emailed both of them about several different topics and have always received a timely response. I think maybe some of the feedback you might get here will be speculative... if you want to know the absolute answers ask the people who know them definitively. I would hate to see a spate of school bashing postings.
    - LB

  • 9/7 6:48pm   Also: Agree bus rides can be very long - our house is at the end of our route (which can be helpful in the AM & a drag at the end of the day) and usually gets here between 3:40 and 3:50 everyday. The delay you're noticing now is the new kindergarten riders getting acclimated & drivers getting routes down. (Bus drivers have to make sure the kindergarteners are picked up & dropped at their driveways, as I recall.) Timing usually improves after the first week... but having said that, that means my 4th grader still doesn't get home until almost 4 at the beginning of each year.
    - TN

  • 9/7 6:42pm   Recall alert: Mosquito Magnet Defender Model. In attrmpting to use my quick clear valve, the L shaped adapter allowed the CO2 to escape before entering the unit. A call to tech support 1 877 699 8727 disclosed that there is a recall on the L shaped adapter. They will send out a new one; however, it will take 2 weeks. I asked about going back to Home Depot for immediate replacement and was told that was not possible. With the dangerous mosquitos still around I am going to HD to see what can be done. Note to the other RC: we can now be anonymous except to the Web Master.
    - RC

  • 9/7 6:30pm   KS - Garry's Motors is downtown Franklin across from Mel Diva'a. It is very easy to miss as it is a small storefront requiring you to pull in back of the building to drop off your bike.
    - PL

    [The "back" of the building is now the side. You still have to ride up the side street and across the alley to get back there, but they pulled down the brick storefronts that were along the road blocking the view, so the service entrance and the bikes parked outside are now visible from the street. - Wm.]

  • 9/7 6:28pm   JGP: Also feel that the middle school does a very good job (electronically) of getting information out to parents and students. Last year our (now 8th grade) son had teachers who requested email addresses and sent messages (syllabus, quiz/test reminders, info for projects, and general communication) weekly at least. Also, Judi Miller (KPMS office secretary) is wonderful with her daily emails where she posts announcements, answers questions and provides information about the school and school system. New 7th grade parents should get on that mailing list to feel more connected...
    The grammar schools could adopt a little more effort in this area, I suppose, altho' parents have much more "hands on" contact at this level through volunteering, invitations from teachers to visit classrooms and the backpack express. I do agree that it would be nice to see the website spruced up however!
    - TN

  • 9/7 6:27pm   To DM about good Pizza: Try Leo's in Walpole on rt. 1A. It is the best pizza around here. If you liked Marino's in Millis, you will love Leo's. Much better.
    Leo's [is] in on rt 1A across from the Bristol Square shopping center. There is a self serve car wash right next store. Not too far from Norfolk.
    - PT

  • 9/7 6:26pm   I have another school question. Please tell me why it is taking the Norfolk buses over an hour to get the children door-to-door. Do they need more buses on the route? Do they need to separate Freeman and HOD buses? Are the children not ready?
    An hour+ bus ride is not acceptable in my book.
    - JGP

  • 9/7 3:49pm   I would like to second Basil as a fantastic local restaraunt (I hesitated posting this because I do not want to see it any more crowded!). Have yet to have a bad meal there and the service is always great! As for good Italian style pizza, I would recommend Santucci's in Norwood behind Petco on Route 1. Great giant thin slices!
    - TC

  • 9/7 2:48pm   Welcome to 14 Medway Branch Road $549,900.
    Please click on the following link to see many photos of this fine home for sale. [link]
    We are selling our beautiful 4 bedroom 2 1/2 bath 2 car garage, 12 year young colonial is not your "cookie cutter" colonial. All of the rooms are a generous size and the back of the house has a fantastic open feel unlike your usual colonials.
    [ C o n t i n u e d . . . ]
    - CS

  • 9/7 2:38pm   Come to Celebrate Norfolk! Saturday, September 9th, 10 am ceremony to re-open Town Hill; 11 am -2 pm - Party on the Hill.
    - TS

  • 9/7 2:26pm   To JGP - As a parent of a new KP Middle School student, I am thrilled to see how much technology has been integrated into the middle school (heard this is true in the HS too). The smart boards and access to the Internet is incredible. For the history teacher to be able to visually display ancient Egyptian artifacts with very little effort and the math teacher to print out what is on the board is truly cutting edge in the educational environment. The information that the kids will have available is endless. Plus they will learn so much more as more information can be pushed out. Also the teachers will be posting info and sending emails. Thank you everyone for the tax increase.
    But back to the elementary schools. I think the necessity of this much communication becomes more apparent as the kids get older. They don't share what's in the backpacks, become less conversant in some cases, etc. In the elementary schools, I have always felt like I've gotten quite a bit of info via backback express. I agree that the Norfolk School Web site is not as user friendly as I would like, and info like lunch menus are not there and postings of events are not typically there either. But I believe this is as a result of budget contraints. I do not believe the staffing levels have allowed for focus on some of the technology requirements. I do recall a meeting last spring which asked for technologically savvy volunteers to help focus the effort. Where that has gone, I don't know. Also, I'm not sure if the teachers have access to the site for postings; again a constraint of the technology. All that said, I've used email with all my kids' teachers. Once they learned that was my preference, they were happy to accommodate. These emails were particular to my kids and not mass emails. Would I like to see more--yes, but not at the expense of art being fully cut from the budget or something else. I think the place to follow-up on this is either with the superintendent or school committee.
    - BS

  • 9/7 2:19pm   JGP - I agree wholeheartedly. In this electronic age I find the school is behind the times. Friends just moved out of state and their school system is very electronic friendly. At the elementary and middle school levels there are daily assignments and "updates" of what went on in class posted, with helpful links for homework references etc. Most teachers update daily, but they are mandated to update every Friday. At the Jr. High level there is also a Friday grade update that lists each class and how your child did that week... it's an easy way to keep track and make adjustments in a timely manner instead of waiting until midterm progress reports!
    With that said, I was happy that they went to electronic documents for the TPA newsletter, etc., to save on some the reams of paper that come home in the back packs daily.
    Is there anyone who is IT saavy that could maybe provide some friendly guidance to our schools? Do they have this in place or was it lost with budget cuts?
    - PD

  • 9/7 1:44pm   There is a fantastic restaurant just off Rt 27 in Medfield called Basil. The food, service and atmosphere are great. They also do functions, catering and take-out. Here is the website, which has their menu, reviews, recipes and more: www.basilrestaurant.com.
    - EC

  • 9/7 1:35pm   I had a question regarding Norfolk Schools website. It seems very outdated and antiquated to me. There are teachers listed there that aren't even with the school system any more. Also, it seems that they could add more than the classroom schedules on there. Maybe make notes as to what each class is working on or something. I am also very surprised that the teachers don't use email as a way of getting in touch with parents. I have heard of other school systems that have very extensive web sites of their classes, with nightly homework listed right there for the parents to know, and links to other important helpful sites. I think Norfolk Schools are way behind the times in this area. What have your thoughts or experiences been?
    - JGP

  • 9/7 1:32pm   Chiming in on restaurants: Last enjoyed Rossi's about 5 years ago - sorry to hear their quality has declined; quite crowded whenever we used to go, you'd think the owners would make the connection with the apparently empty dining rooms now.
    Tried Zebra's twice - and hated it both times. Extremely slow, brusque service (we asked for water several times, and the couple next to us had to ask for menus twice) and they really pushed the drinks. Food was decidedly mediocre and took forever to arrive. The first time we thought maybe it was because they had mailed out 'buy one get one' coupons, so tried again a few months later and it was the same - would never go back. Do like Boka in Medfield - had a nice dinner and several 'girls' lunches there.
    For pizza, we like CasaBella's in Medfield - closest to NY pizza locally; Louie's in Millis is also great - fresh ingredients but a thicker crust.
    Just tried "45" on Rt 109 in Medway. Great food and variety (both our boys had no problem finding something they liked - one is a major meat eater and the other a vegetarian); excellent service, though a bit noisy as the evening progressed.
    Will have to try some of the posted suggestions!
    - CI

  • 9/7 12:17pm   To continue the restaurant discussion, has anyone tried the new Stoneforge in Foxboro? I've had many pleasant experiences at the one in Raynham, in both the formal dining room and the grill/outside seating and have heard their new Easton location is nice as well. I have also been to functions there (showers, etc.) that were very nice. Hopefully the Foxboro branch (despite its unfortunate location next to mini golf - but Luciano's is great and look what it abuts!) turns out nice as well.
    - JP

  • 9/7 12:16pm   AR, Not to break in on the pizza discussion but where is Garry's Motors on 140? I'm looking for someplace local to have some work done on my bike.
    - KS

  • 9/7 11:49am   Restaurant 45 in Medway is a great, family friendly restaurant.
    - MS

  • 9/7 11:48am   After 14 years in Massachusetts I've given up trying to find pizza like NY pizza. The closest I've come is Pino's on Beacon Street in Clevelend Circle (their Sicilian pies are close) and Pinocchios in Harvard Square (by the slice, very close.) Around Norfolk Mirinho's in Millis on main street made a decent pie but they changed owners and the quality has been spotty.
    The only thing I miss about NY is certain foods. In fact, we ask family to freeze pizza and bagels when they come up to visit. We also freeze them and bring them back when we visit NY. Let me know if you're interested in joining our interstate grub ring.
    Now, where can you get a good bagel or bialy around here?
    - DM

  • 9/7 11:47am   I am looking for a graphing calculator TI-84 my daughter needs for school. Does anyone have one? I could pick it up next week. Thank you.
    - DM

  • 9/7 9:57am   For pizza, Eagle Brook makes a good bar pizza (but they don't deliver anymore!) and Royals in Medfield makes a great Greek Pizza. Not to beat a dead horse, but we too found Rossi's a disappointment. At our last visit (with a party of 6), there was one waitress on a Saturday night. We were told they were already out of the specials (at 6:00), didn't know what a cape-codder was and had no scotch at the bar? I could go on as we now use it as a low-point reference. It's such a beautiful place and so convenient. It really is a shame! If you want really good Italian and don't mind a bit of a ride, the best outside of Boston is La Scala in Randolph right on Rt 138. Fabulous food, decent prices, great service. Worth the trip!
    - TO

  • 9/7 9:40am   Like RC, we managed to have good meals at Rossi's, altho' they were a few years back now. Am sorry to hear it's not doing well lately, but not surprised. Our unfortunate experience occurred when the young person selling coupons came to our house one Saturday in July. We were in our backyard, entertaining out-of-town family by the pool when a college aged girl walked right into our party. She asked me if we knew about Rossi's and starting explaining the coupon deal. I stopped her midsentence (politely, mind you) and said that we had been to Rossi's more than once, and even though she was offering discounts (which in our experience don't usually pan out one way or the other), we were not interested. She kept right on talking to me as though I hadn't spoken. I finally told her to leave as she hadn't been invited onto our property, much less to the party and she was being a nuisance. As she left, hubby and I agreed we wouldn't go back if that was the "service" we had to look forward to. Our hunch was the restaurant must be on shaky ground, and pretty desperate for business. From other posts, this sounds like the case.
    Panera is good - it's a chain w/ several locations around. (I tend to meet for lunches w/ folks.) We had a great meal at Coriander in Sharon. It wasn't cheap, but the food and service were excellent. Call ahead for a reservation, lots of folks were waiting in line when we arrived.
    And I appreciate the recent pizza suggestions - we're tired of the same old, same old!
    - TN

  • 9/7 8:24am   The Primavera in Millis and Pipinelle's in Franklin offer good, solid dining experiences. For something up-scale, Zebra's in Medfield works. There have been many years that Rossi's served top-notch meals. Unfortunate circumstances can find their way to anyone's door step.
    - RC

  • 9/7 8:12am   The little pizzeria in downtown Franklin on 140 on the corner across from Garry's Motors, the motorcycle shop, has a tasty thin-crust pizza. We don't make it down that way too often, but if we're in the area, it's always a treat.
    - AR

  • 9/7 8:11am   MJD: Where on 1A is Leo's?
    - MP

  • 9/7 8:10am   Leo's pizza is wonderful. Great Italian light crust. We have been enjoying it for years.
    - DWL

  • 9/7 12:04am   Regarding where else do people go (restaurants, etc.) We like the Panera Bakery-Cafe in the Plainville Commons Marketplace, at the intersection of Taunton Street and Route One. Their hot sandwiches, such as the Smokehouse Turkey, are delicious. The breads, salads, and soups are good, too. The cafe is fairly new and is bright and clean. You can get a cafe meal and have it there, or take it home. If your laptop computer has a wireless capability, bring it and you can use Panera's Wi-Fi.
    - RH

  • 9/6 11:24pm   SJP-We like Leo's on 1A for pizza. Nice crust, thin, Italian style nor Greek style.
    - MJD

  • 9/6 11:23pm   To SJP: We went to Rossi's when they first moved from Dedham to Millis about 15 years ago. We had a terrible experience on that first visit and never went back. From the postings it seems they haven't changed.
    You will not get New York style pizza in this area so I can't recommend any location that will give you a great pizza like that. However, if you want the large sizes and the thinner soft crust like New York you might try Casabella's in Medfield. You can buy the pizzas by the diameter and the double cheese is an artery clogger, just like in New York. They are also a bit pricey.
    - JJM

  • 9/6 11:20pm   Only 3 days until "Celebrate Norfolk"! Some questions that can be answered only at Celebrate Norfolk (and maybe on Norfolknet): Always wondered what the Tramp House is and what's inside? Who will win the Pie-Eating Contest? What will the Firefighters be cooking? What color are the t-shirts that Norfolk Community League is selling? How adorable and talented are the Singers of the Day chorus from H. Olive Day School? What is being raffled off by the DPW to benefit Norfolk Together? How many people will sing along with the Girl Scouts? How accurate can you throw a softball? Can you sign up for the DARE to RUN a 5K race? What creatures will Stony Brook bring?
    Come and see on Saturday! Festivities start at 10am at the Gazebo on Town Hill and continue until 2pm.
    For more information, contact Tara S. at 508-384-6354 or Jim L. at 508-520-1373.
    - TS

  • 9/6 6:18pm   So it seems our experience with Rossi's wasn't unique, just under-researched! We feel better now. KM, yes I think you're right about the tip. PRB, right--they try to be quaint, but with the lack of diners, it just looks dead.
    So where else do people like to go? We quite liked Incontro in Franklin and we will return there (but beware the "serving lunch" sign outside--they're definitely not open for lunch on Sundays; better call ahead). We got take-out pizza from Rome's and found it okay. We also got pizza from Spruce Pond, which was creative and nice. We're still looking for pizza with a thinner crust (less Greek style, more NY style?). Is there such a place in the area?
    - SJP

  • 9/6 6:18pm   I am looking to find a place to learn to speak conversational Spanish at a very basic level. Does anyone out there have any information or suggestions? I know there are programs at the library to use and wonder about them. My kindergarten grandson is part of a Spanish inclusion program in Framingham and I'd like to practice with him! Thanks in advance.
    - JHR

  • 9/6 4:40pm   We went to Rossi's a while back, and my wife's food was undercooked afer waiting an hour or so. She sent it back and I was finished when hers came back. She said wrap it we have been here an hour and a half with only two other patrons in the place. Never again. My wife thinks the atmosphere is more like a funeral home than a restaurant.
    - PRB

  • 9/6 4:39pm   Hi everyone! The September playdate of the Saturday Club will be held on 9/9 at 10:00 a.m. at the Kid's Place Playground on Boardman Street. The Saturday Club is a playgroup primarily for working parents who cannot attend weekday playdates, but stay-at-home parents are also welcome. Children attending the playgroup must be pre-K and under, although older siblings are welcome to accompany their family. Please bring your own refreshments. Email workingparentsnorfolk@hotmail.com for more information. See you at the playground!
    - KD

  • 9/6 1:14pm   The first meeting of the 2006-2007 TPA Executive Board will be held on Tuesday, September 19th at 7:30 in the Freeman-Centennial Library. All Board meetings are open to the public, and we encourage you to come with your questions, comments, and concerns. It's a great opportunity to learn about what the TPA contributes to our town, and to learn about the many different ways to become involved in Norfolk schools. For further information, feel free to call Kate M., Norfolk TPA President, at 541-8555. Thanks for supporting the TPA!
    - KEM, Norfolk TPA

  • 9/6 10:25am   SJP: Welcome to town! Without boring the readers with a barrage of negative comments.... "DITTO" from our family also. Most likely the reason 20% was added to your bill automatically, is due to the fact that unfortunately many diners do not consider in their gratuity calculation, the portion of the bill which was discounted. Keep in mind that most server staff are only paid $2 an hour -- including the sidework/cleaning time before and after their shift. However, I must add that I strongly believe a gratuity of 20% + must be earned with exceptional service and not a given--coupon or not! Just my two cents...
    - KM

  • 9/6 10:24am   On Saturday, September 9th, Celebrate Norfolk day with Village Green Nurseries. Please stop by and visit our table. See you there! www.villagegreennurseries.com
    - JM

  • 9/6 8:16am   I also have eaten at Rossi's once before, and made the decision that we would never return. You're right, the food is very over-priced for what you get, there are not many options, and we found the place to be to dark. If a restaurant is that good, why would you have to have girls/boys ringing your door bell trying to get you to purchase a coupon book? They also came to my house a couple of weeks ago as have in the past couple of years and I always tell them "I tried Rossi's once didn't like it and will never return."
    - DM

  • 9/6 7:57am   Re: Rossi's. Ditto. We have been twice and equally disappointed. (The only reason we went the second time was someone gave us a gift certificate). On the second visit, we were the only people there, sitting in the cold atrium (the "Bistro"?). They must have had to turn on the ovens because it took an hour for our mediocre (at best) food to arrive. No other people arrived for one and a half hours: when three women came in for martinis. The other half of our gift certificate will expire unused.
    - RG

  • 9/5 11:57pm   Thanks for adding your review of Rossi's, SJP. I was thinking about trying that place but now I am rethinking. Have your tried The Rome in Franklin? I have been there many times over the years and recommend their food and prices.
    - ES

  • 9/5 10:26pm   Thanks for the enlightening responses on my electrician referral request. I shall give Mr. Duquette a call.
    - SM

  • 9/5 10:24pm   Our family went to Rossi's restaurant in Millis on Sunday evening and we were disappointed enough that I feel compelled to share our experience. We're new in town, so I may be beating a dead horse here without knowing it; if so, the bottom line is that the food is mediocre and terribly overpriced, and in addition they had the nerve to add a 20% tip to our bill (we were 4 people).
    The full version: A few weeks ago, we bought one of those multi-visit coupon cards from a girl walking door to door in our neighborhood. We thought it would be nice to check out the local places, support them, etc. Now we feel duped. After finishing our meal and presenting the coupon, we decided that it wasn't worth it to use the "free entree" ($25) option and "save" the 50%-off-the-entire-bill option, since realistically, we would not be coming back any time soon (why would we return there when we could eat much better for less at Incontro in Franklin?). But the waitress had already applied the "free entree" option (without consulting us), and I had to ask the the staff 2 or 3 times to get them to change it (and of course, they said they couldn't undo punching the coupon, not that we cared).
    Our bill was $90, including a 20% tip, which apparently they add automatically (as a penalty?) for using the coupon. That was for 2 entrees (one a pasta dish), 1 appetizer, one glass of wine, 1 kids pasta with butter. Now just for comparison, we (4 adults this time) recently ate at Morrell's in Rockefeller Center (2 appetizers, 4 entrees, 1 glass wine) for $110 plus tip. I not surprised to pay up in NYC, especially for a terrific meal in a nice place (it was!), but for a mediocre meal in Millis?
    I might add that the coupon says they open at 4:00 PM on Sunday, but they don't. They open at 5:00, so we had to return home, unload the kids from the car, and wait an extra hour. They didn't even seem to be ready at 5:15, as our entrees didn't come until almost an hour after we ordered them. Incredibly disappointing.
    - SJP

  • 9/5 6:17pm   I have to say the "woodpecker talk" is a welcome addition to last week's very depressing posts! On another positive note, (oh yea, I guess we can't say the woodpeckers are really positive)... The mums that were planted at the rotaries look GREAT! I assume our thanks goes to the Garden Club!
    - NS

  • 9/5 5:46pm   To NF, to get rid of it once and for all, sprinkle a little salt on its tail.
    - JT

  • 9/5 3:20pm   Want to learn about the Grange? They generally have grange meetings on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday at 7:30 P.M., and the 1st Saturday. The Pancake breakfast is the third Saturday of the month.
    Also, try attending Celebrate Norfolk Day on town hill this Saturday. The Historical Commission will have the Tramp House open. If they can not answer your questions, they can probably direct you to someone else at the event that can.
    - DLJ

  • 9/5 2:46pm   NF - I had to laugh when I read your post. About 18 months ago I had the same problem -holes in all four corners- and I posted the question to Norfolknet and in a few hours had about 15 replies. I had no idea woodpeckers were such a common pest. What worked for since the boards were fairly high up was to tie Mylar ballons to each corner and we hung shiny streamers from each as well. It was cheap and it worked. Good Luck!
    - NJD

  • 9/5 1:06pm   I had the same problem... I called the Audubon Society and one of the only things that you can do is attach an empty mylar balloon or plastic bag to the area. The movement of the plastic in the breeze scares them off and they will usually go elsewhere.
    I would make sure that their presence doesn't indicate a bug problem, but I heard that when the young males leave the nest and go looking for a new home they often try homes first.
    - PD

  • 9/5 1:04pm   Hello, Looking for a recommendation for someone who can repoint the bricks and patch some cracks in my brick stairs in the front of our house. Thanks
    - PS

  • 9/5 1:03pm   NF: You can try spraying the area with a water mixture of irish spring soap. Or you can also try something shiny hanging right in the area as that distracts the woodpecker. Some people buy the owls to hang near by, but I've seen some smart woodpeckers that have learned they are not real. I've hung an old compact disk on a string right near where they were pecking and it distracted them enough to go elsewhere. I've heard of others using helium balloons near the area for a few days to help deter them.
    - HNP

  • 9/5 12:58pm   Performing on Sept 9th at 12:30 PM at "Celebrate Norfolk" - Reopening of Norfolk's Town Hill: Pamela Ruby Russell and her Highway Of Dreams Songstress, Photographer
    Making honest music and photographs that uplift and enlighten is what Ms. Pamela strives for. There are no strangers and life is short, dealing us tough cards at times. "Playing those hands wisely with generosity and compassion," Ms. Ruby says, "helps us move through our time together on this planet with grace in profound and useful ways. It is about joy! With all I've seen in my life, what I've learned must be worth sharing! That's why I sing! And besides, it is fun!"
    [ C o n t i n u e d . . . ]
    - TS

  • 9/5 12:57pm   To NF: to get rid of your woodpecker problem buy a suet feeder and locate it away from the house. I had this problem and stumbled onto this idea through the Audubon Society. The best suet feeder to have is a squirrel proof one which you can buy from Cooperseeds.com ( [cooperseeds.com suet feeders ] ) and it's the Squirrel-Proof Suet Haven. Within one week my problem was solved and I do have more than one feeder. Hope this helps.
    Thanks,
    - PMP

  • 9/5 12:56pm   "Celebrate Norfolk" is only 4 days away! Come to Town Hill for lots of fun and food! Starting at 10 am there will be an official ceremony to reopen Town Hill after its extensive changes. At 11 am the tables and booths of over 40 community groups and over 30 local businesses will be open. Look for lots of giveaways, face painting, drawings, raffles, information from these Norfolk groups and businesses. The Fire Department and DPW will be displaying some of their trucks and equipment. Look for the antique and hot rod car rallies. And last but not least, entertainment at the Gazebo! Activities are planned from 11 until 2pm on Town Hill on Saturday, September 9th. Come "Celebrate Norfolk"! For more information contact Jim L. at 508-520-1373 or Tara S. at 508-384-6354.
    - TS

  • 9/5 10:10am   Anyone interested in snow plowing this winter? I am picking up more driveways. I live in town, I am prompt and my rates are reasonable. Call Rob @ 508-989-7913
    - RA

  • 9/5 10:09am   For the posters looking for firewood, try the business next to Family Florist on North Street / Rt. 115. We were very happy with the quality of the wood in the past. I'm not sure if they deliver.
    - TS

  • 9/5 9:16am   Norfolk family is looking for a babysitter/day care provider, either in our home or at day care location, 1 - 2 days per week (could be during normal business hours or even after school). We have a 9 1/2 month girl and a 3 1/2 year old boy. If interested or if you know of any good options, please email us at jillandjohn1@verizon.net. Day care providers, college students or high schhol students would all be great.
    - JL

  • 9/5 9:14am   Help! I have a woodpecker problem. He is pecking away at the trim boards on my house. Any recommendations for a solution.
    - NF

  • 9/4 6:56pm   SM - We too use Gary Duquette of Duquette Electric and have for about 15 years through 3 moves. Always returns calls promptly and shows up on time. He did our recessed lighting in our closet last month!
    - TO

  • 9/4 5:48pm   Knowing two of the families with children who have cancer (Park Street area): both sets of parents have been informed by their children's physicians that their kids' cancers are NOT environmental. These kids have been diagnosed with two different types of cancers.
    Children's Hospital and Dana-Farber would initiate a demographic study if needed.
    - SC

  • 9/4 5:44pm   To the person looking for an electrician. We use Gary Duquette from Duquette Electric. We have had good luck with him. His number is 508-384-3415. I've never had to wait long for an estimate either.
    - MJD

  • 9/4 3:37pm   Hi: Any suggestions for a good electrician? I am looking to add some recessed lighting. Thanks,
    - SM

  • 9/4 3:29pm   For those who don't want a Quizno's, I saw a Gabrieli sign on the proposed site. Didn't his VC firm get that chain going? At least they'll be open daily, unlike the NHOP (aka the Norfolk Grange.)
    - JC

  • 9/3 8:53pm   To HJC: Sign up for Fall Soccer with the Lions is closed. On my team in the U-12 league, I lost a player and you may be able to put your child on my team. You can email me at ken.ralff@comcast.net
    - KR

  • 9/3 7:27pm   Re: Dave Smith - I had him come out to give me an estimate on a small job. He was prompt for the appointment, but I never heard back from him with any pricing. I went with Home Depot and they did an excellent job from estimate to job completion, even though I'd heard mixed reviews from others about HD.
    - DM

  • 9/3 1:16pm   JH - The course for the Dunkin Donuts DARE 2 Run 5K (3.1 miles) Race/Walk starts in front of Dunkin Donuts and goes up Main Street, around the HOD School, right onto Medway Street, right onto Truro, right onto Barnstable, right onto Medway Branch, right onto Boardman, left onto Main, and ends back at Dunkin Donuts.
    All proceeds from the race, scheduled for Sunday, September 24th, will benefit Norfolk's Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program. Walkers will start at 10:30 and Runners start at 11:00. There will also be a Kids' 1K Fun Run. The race will be professionally timed and there will be many awards & prizes. A post race cookout & party is planned for all participants.
    Registration forms are available at Dunkin Donuts and at the Norfolk Public Library. Free T-shirts to the first 100 pre-registered. For more information, contact Craig K. at 508-520-0163 or email dare2run@verizon.net
    - CK

  • 9/3 12:00pm   RH - Thanks for your feedback and your detailed responses (with web-links) to how we can become more active and educated in Norfolk. I encourage all who were unaware of the websites and town openings to read RH's posting. As I mentioned before, I think our officials are doing a good job in dealing with the very difficult problems associated with our growing town and the growth of surrounding communities (e.g. the planned 1 Million Sq. Ft mall on our border in Foxboro: [Globe article]).
    However, while the website and public NCTV (channels 8, 12, and 22 - which are paid for by an extra 5% fee for cable subscribers) are a great potential outlet for information, apparently our residents are not getting the info they want/need or else we would not have the many questions (ranting) on Norfolknet. Moreover, many of the residents who do utilize town websites and watch NCTV are not satisfied with the town strategies and policies that they read on the web or watch on TV. Most residents are nervous that the past town policies have left the town's tax burden to soar, yet we still have many unsolved or unfunded key programs (i.e. continued threat of more tax overrides, reduced school services, scaled-back recreation facilities, no new downtown businesses, no new MBTA services or parking facilities, delayed road/bridge and sidewalk projects, higher water bills with more watering restrictions). Again, I am optimistic that the current elected officials and planned changes could quickly and effectively resolve a great many of the open issues. Norfolk is still a great place to raise a family. Nevertheless, we can and need to do more to advance the services and the quality of life in Norfolk.
    - JK

  • 9/3 10:34am   BC--We too have used David Smith and thought he was excellent, professional and responsive. We used him when we had issues with water leakage and a new addition. We also called him after two major wind storms when we lost the caps at the top of our roof (different areas both times) and he had a crew out here within hours. These were small jobs but we found that he returned phone calls very quickly whereas some contractors don't return calls at all. The other contractor we used was also great but he's not from this area and does not do small jobs. But I will say the most important thing with him was also communication. We had an eight month job and to line up crews was very challenging. Some parts of a job took longer than expected and crews can't wait, so they'll move ahead on something else with someone else. You might have to wait a bit. As long as we knew what was what, we were fine. Good Luck.
    - BS

  • 9/3 10:33am   Re: Dave Smith - I used him for a building project and found him to be fair and complete. As with any contract, work out the details in advance, limit any changes and you shouldn't have any problems
    - PC

  • 9/3 9:14am   Need a recommendation for someone to deliver seasoned split firewood - hardwood only (no pine).
    - JER

  • 9/3 8:53am   I would like to purchase a quarter or a half cord of firewood - cut, split and delivered to Norfolk. Thank You in advance for any contacts.
    - YP

  • 9/2 11:30pm   BC: I used David Smith, Jr. for an extensive addition, including a roof, and I found him to be honest. He kept his original proposal price, even when we ran into issues with our old home. I found his crew to be professional and respectful while in my home. My family is in the construction business and they let me know that the work done on my home by David Smith exceeded excellence!
    - CMA

  • 9/2 11:06pm   I read earlier that a Quizno's is opening on the corner of Main/Boardman. I saw a lot of activity out there today... please say it ain't so! (I wouldn't mind a D'Angelos, though!)
    - PA

  • 9/2 10:08pm   To JK (9/2, 9:33 A.M.) I agree with your first point, that some recent postings present a very negative and skewed view of the town of Norfolk, and your second, that Norfolk has an honest, hard-working and pragmatic government.
    Regarding past Selectman Jack McFeeley, the fact that you "disagree with much of his viewpoints" is unfortunate, because most of his viewpoints are right on target. He is one of the best Selectmen that this town has had in the forty-three years that I have been here. We don't have many persons with his excellent experience and education (PhD, Chem) volunteering to help the town.
    Regarding this: Does our town have problems? Absolutely! Can the town government solve the problems alone? No! To assist our elected officials and help SOLVE the problems, let's avoid the ranting on Norfolknet and suggest helpful and proactive solutions. In that vein, I offer that some of the key issues of this town are:
    [ C o n t i n u e d . . . ]
    - RH

  • 9/2 7:58pm   BC: I'm sorry to say that I didn't have the same experience with Dave Smith as others have had. Several times I was told that a crew would be there on a certain day and never showed. One excuse after another. The job was finally completed after several phone calls and weeks of being told a crew would be there the next day. I have used another contractor who was very responsive and very easy to deal with, Brian Poirier in Foxboro. Good Luck in your search.
    - PN

  • 9/2 7:56pm   Norfolk Celebration Day is September 9, please be sure to stop by Village Arts & Flowers table, we will be having a raffle for gift certificates to our shop, all the proceeds for the raffle will be donated to the "Santa Foundation" an organization that helps families make the holidays (and other times) a little easier on families experiencing hard times.
    Thanks,
    - JD, Village Arts & Flowers

  • 9/2 7:55pm   JC - All of that information was publicly debated at Town Meeting. If the grange is ever sold the money comes back to the Town.
    - NS

  • 9/2 7:54pm   LH, JC, et. al. Re your questions about the Grange: e.g.. "9/1 8:33pm DLJ -- The Grange....discussed....never answered? Who owns it? Their names please, it will answer many questions".... You will probably find the answers to your questions in Norfolknet's archives, especially from around April 26th through June 2006. In addition, you should recall the similar wealth of knowledge that was provided at our Town Meeting, last May.
    - MT

  • 9/2 3:16pm   To BC: I too have used Dave Smith for my roofing. I had to strip a roof that was double layered shingles and was a complete mess. He and his crew did a great job with the roof and all the other projects around here. I highly recommend him for quality of work and his prices.
    - HNP

  • 9/2 2:14pm   JK--Thank you. Your comments are right on. The negativism lately has been downright depressing. People need a hobby that does not involve bad mouthing everything about this town.
    - JHR

  • 9/2 2:13pm   BC - I've recently started piano lessons with George Hagopian, (508)-384-3766. He's a concert pianist, with many years of experience, and lives in Wrentham. He has patience, and flexibility, and teaches both children and adults. I recommend him.
    I also will call David Smith for a roofing estimate, thanks again for recommendations on who to call. I agree, too, that some of these discussions are getting too long, although I thank Jack McFeely for his insight into the history of plowing issue.
    - CR

  • 9/2 2:12pm   To JC & LH--you must have missed the posting yesterday from DLJ when he or she provided you with the contact information for the Grange. The person to contact is Suzanne Greene and the number is provided along with an email address. It was posted at 9/1 at 5:15pm. Perhaps one of you would like to volunteer to contact her and report back to the rest of us regarding what you find out. I have spoken to her in the past and have found her extremely responsive. As JK so eloquently put, volunteerism is a beautiful thing and I'm sure the rest of us will greatly appreciate hearing what you learn.
    - BS

  • 9/2 11:12am   SES--The person to contact regarding your tree issue w/b Butch Vito, the DPW head. His contact info is listed under the Municipal pages on this Web site--click Town Hall and then the DPW. I have found him to be very responsive and I usually give a heads up to the assistant that answers the phone so he knows why I'm calling. Good Luck.
    - BS

  • 9/2 10:28am   BC, You could try Weatherproof Construction, they are local and did a re-roof and venting on my house. Miller Street, Norfolk.
    - RC

    [Also in the Listings - Wm.]

  • 9/2 10:27am   Thanks LH. I've asked the same questions about the Grange, and I'm still waiting for answers. All I know is that there's never anyone there when I've gone by, and they serve an occasional breakfast. Maybe I'll start referring to it as the "Norfolk IHOP." I'd like to know when and how they're going to spend the $335,000 they were handed, and if they are seeking multiple bids and doing their homework in selecting contractors.
    - JC

  • 9/2 10:26am   BC: We used David Smith to repair our roof and add soffets. Work was great and Dave's a good guy. His number: 508-553-8996.
    - TN

  • 9/2 9:36am   Does anyone have the name of a good piano teacher?
    - BC

  • 9/2 9:33am   Most Norfolk residents (and potential residents) turn to Norfolknet.com to gain a better understanding and appreciation of the town's many activities. Yet, I am hugely disappointed at the recent postings, as they offer, in my opinion, a very negative and skewed view of the town of Norfolk. Nepotism, political patronage, wasteful spending and unnecessary budget items are a part of every town in this country. I would argue however, relative to most other towns in MA, that Norfolk has an honest, hard-working and pragmatic government. Most town officials volunteer their time (boards and committees) or take lower paying (vs. private sector) jobs to work for the betterment of the town. I believe our town representatives are an excellent reflection of the residents of this gifted town. For example, I voted against Jack McFreeley at every chance and disagree with much of his viewpoints, but I believe he was a very proactive town officer. Like all of the officials past and present, Democrat or Republican, he was a good advocate for the town, was not corrupt and never personally profited from any dealings or projects in town.
    Does our town have problems? Absolutely! Can the town government solve the problems alone? No! To assist our elected officials and help SOLVE the problems, let's avoid the ranting on Norfolknet and suggest helpful and proactive solutions. In that vein, I offer that some of the key issues of this town are:
    1) Better transparency and easy (web) accessibility of our town officials and their decisions. (If we know why decisions are made, we will be more appreciative and less likely to criticize)
    2) Focusing on a more simplistic budget (not so much the level of spending, but getting a better bang for our taxpayer buck - spending to improve school buildings, quality of education, recreation facilities, and road and bridge infrastructure sounds simple enough?)
    3) More volunteerism - (If the town selectmen gave the residents a detailed list of how we could all pitch in or donate to improve the town, you may be surprised by how many people would enjoy to help. Volunteerism is a way to keep taxes low, while improving the quality of the town services.)
    4) Leveraging the MBTA (commuter rail). With apologies to the celebrated "rural appeal" of Norfolk, the commuter rail to Boston represents a key attraction to our town. If we have a more frequent and efficient train service, with a more attractive and spacious train station, we will continue to attract people to our town - (thus: improving our existing home values, raising our tax base and allowing more money for services) The MBTA needs to improve its relationship with and services to our town. (No, this is not self-serving - I do not ride the train to work)
    Does anyone else have any constructive ideas to improve our town?
    - JK

  • 9/2 9:30am   There are trees that line my street that I believe the town is responsible for. One of them is dead. Does anyone know if the town will replace it and also how I should go about contacting them? Thanks.
    - SES

  • 9/1 11:02pm   I need to replace (tear off) my existing roof and am I looking for a first rate high quality roofer who specializes in ventilation. Does anyone have any recommendations?
    - BC

  • 9/1 8:54pm   To RH: Our government has been allowing private use of public lands for decades. This is nothing new, except to Massachusetts. Just look at the timber and mining industries. When they are done with the land, it's usually in far worse shape than when they got it and the government is only now starting to make them restore it. Oil derricks dot the Gulf of Mexico. Ever try walking on a beach in Mississippi or Louisiana and not getting tar on your feet? I am about as anti-corporation as they get, and I don't like giving up public land to private concerns. In my opinion, the biggest concern is what happens to the wind mills if Cape Wind goes under.
    Remember that this is all spin by the NIMBY group opposing Cape Wind. I have even seen references to whales bumping into the wind mills if they are installed. Guess what, there are no whales that frequent Nantucket Sound. As far as the birds, no one seems concerned about the birds and other wildlife killed by the pollution from burning and spilling fossil fuels. Ever seen a stream closed to fishing due to mercury contamination, well there are several in this state and most are due to power plant emissions. If installing a bunch of wind mills on public land eliminates a couple of oil rigs or coal mines on public lands, it's worth it.
    - DC

  • 9/1 8:37pm   To All -- The discussions are getting too long. Let's get back to what the Norfolknet was for -- some of you don't know when to quit!! We are suppose to be here to help one another, not argue.
    - BR

  • 9/1 8:33pm   DLJ -- The Grange....discussed....never answered? Who owns it? Their names please, it will answer many questions.
    - LH

  • 9/1 7:35pm   I think we should keep plowing the Church lots. As an agnostic, I believe it would only be fair for the town to plow my driveway in return. Come to think of it, since my wife is Jewish, and their are no synagogues in Norfolk, the town can shovel my walkway and deck as well.
    Oy, a broch!
    - DM

  • 9/1 5:58pm   Can anyone tell me if/how I can register my 10 year old for fall soccer? Thanks in advance,
    - HJC

  • 9/1 5:50pm   JC Way to go. Well said.
    - WC

  • 9/1 5:49pm   To CR question about mold. Sounds like you have a humidity problem in your home during the winter. Humidifiers are great but usually the occupants of a building, their showers and cooking etc., give you all the home can tolerate. If you see water condensing on your windows when it's below freezing, there's a lot of moisture. At 10 or 15 F degrees small amounts condensing would be normal. So, as water is condensing on your windows, it could also be possible that moisture is getting through your vapor barrier and freezing to the bottom of your floor (heat rises). This is just a guess as all homes are built different and construction methods vary over time. However, you never seem to find this problem in drafty, poorly insulated farm houses.
    - RC

  • 9/1 5:21pm   JPRW: Plowing the Grange is the least of our worries. Handing a private club with exclusive membership and phantom board members $335,000 is the real problem.
    - JC

  • 9/1 5:18pm   From a 1996 Federal court decision (Barense v. Town of Barrington CV-96-158-JD 11/19/96 P): (http://www.nhd.uscourts.gov/oo/search.asp, then search on CV-96-158-JD)
    A municipality does not act in the general interest of its citizenry when it selectively confers upon religious institutions a benefit not made available to other owners of private property. Because the town clearly is providing a benefit to religious entities that is not available to nonreligious entities, and thus is promoting religion over nonreligion, its current practice of providing snowplowing services to religious institutions within its borders violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment and must cease.
    - AL

  • 9/1 5:15pm   JC, your Grange questions were discussed on this fine Norfolknet website in May 2006.
    For Grange info: massgrange.org The contact is Suzanne Green at 668-0268 x 316 or email: sgreen@norfolkaggie.org (email title: Norfolk Grange).
    - DLJ

    [Update 9/6 7:25pm: The information listed was not current. Could you please change the information to the following to avoid confusion? Thanks! Suzanne Green email: sgreen@norfolkaggie.org (message line Norfolk Grange) Telephone: (508) 668-0268 x. 316 - SG]

  • 9/1 3:44pm   To all: So why do we plow the Grange? (private club, right?) The town should stick to plowing its own property. Stop plowing the non-profits!!
    - JPRW

  • 9/1 3:43pm   CR, I am glad that you explained because I really had thought you were saying that they hang around and do nothing. Thanks!
    - ES

  • 9/1 3:38pm   Just wanted to take a moment to thank all those who contributed to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Fill-The-Boot effort last Saturday. The contributions doubled last year as members of the Norfolk Fire Department "worked" the round-a-bout" and Dunkin Donuts. This year Norfolk's firefighters raised $2,400 in a little over 2 hours. "Jerry's Kids" will certainly benefit from your donations.
    The Department would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the Board of Selectmen for endorsing our effort; Police Chief Stone for approving our location and the owners of Dunkin Donuts for always lending a hand.
    For "Jerry's Kids," THANKS!
    - Coleman C. Bushnell, Fire Chief, Norfolk Fire Department

  • 9/1 3:34pm   While we are on the tax topic, I pay probably more than my share of taxes to Norfolk and don't use the schools and would love to ride my dirtbike on town land but can't. I have an idea - let's repeal all taxes in the town of Norfolk, then you will see it get built up.
    - CR

  • 9/1 3:14pm   To ES: I was in no way saying that the plowing contractors dont work hard, believe me, I know they do. I guess I may have worded that a little wrong; I was just trying to get a point across that plowing parking lots while out plowing anyway really doesn't cost the town all that much. I was in no way saying they just sit around drinking coffee and getting paid for it. I can tell you that in most cases that if they are done plowing at 5 past the hour they are required to stay until the next hour anyway whether plowing or not so they might as well plow the parking lots. If this is such a big deal for the taxpayers of Norfolk, I wish I had known and I would have plowed the church parking lots myself; unfortunately I have not been in town all that long and won't be much longer. And in case anyone is wondering, we are not moving from our house because of the taxes.
    - CR

  • 9/1 2:31pm   To AWB (9/1, 9:03 AM) I agree that wind turbines are desirable for the electricity that they produce. My main concern is the fact that the chunk of public ocean on which the turbines may stand is supposedly to be taken over by a private concern. I'm not as concerned about the one hundred and thirty (130) 417-foot-tall-towers way offshore, just the idea of a private concern taking over the use of 24 square miles of our public land and ocean water with no compensation (i.e., rent) to the public.
    As a matter of fact, this issue may prevent my voting for Mr. Gabrieli, who, except for his support of CapeWind, seems like a good candidate with some views which parallel my own. I will pass this post on to the Gabrieli campaign via his website, for comment.
    - RH

  • 9/1 12:43pm   How much do you really think it costs to plow a parking lot? I am willing to bet that the contractors plowing the lots would just be sitting around drinking coffee if they weren't plowing, because if it works like other towns, I bet they round up to the nearest hour. - CR
    I have a good friend who works for the town of Norfolk since two decades now. You do realize that New England snow storms can produce hours of snow? The snow fall accumulation keeps these guys very busy for hours on end. If they waited for the last hour then the snow would be built up. Believe me when I tell you that they are by no means sitting around sipping coffee. More like driving over our streets and sidewalks repeatedly throughout the storms, which guzzles gas. They work hard and often at 12 to 6 am when most of us are sleeping. That may be why you sometimes see them drinking coffee, To stay AWAKE!
    - ES

  • 9/1 12:16pm   Re: I would imagine that in terms of people going into it, no building in Norfolk sees more foot traffic going into it than St. Jude's...
    I would bet $75 (so I could pay for my parking permit at Old Town Hall) that Dunkin Donuts sees more foot traffic than St. Judes. I bet at least it sees more car traffic. If we're going to plow St. Jude's, I request that we also plow out Dunkin Donuts. Cars line up on the street to get to Dunkies, and that's a traffic hazard, especially when it snows. And I, for one, have actually been to Dunkin Donuts and I use their services regularly. I've never stepped foot into one of this town's churches. My guess, too, is that Dunkin Donuts pays a lot more in taxes than any church here in town. Correct me if I'm wrong. What happens if we ever get that promised grocery store? I guarantee foot traffic to a grocery store will far eclipse that of St. Jude's. And you can't argue that selling food to a community -- and providing tax dollars to the town -- isn't a valuable service. Will we then plow the grocery store parking lot for free? We should, according to the 'plow the church because it provides a community service' logic. Separation of church and state exists for a reason. But we can't just 'kinda' have a separation. It doesn't work that way. Except, of course, here in Norfolk.
    - DF

  • 9/1 12:14pm   I have to comment on the ridiculous statements by JC and PFD -- are you joking? The "services" that the church provides (weddings, confirmation, funerals) are for the congregation, not the townspeople at large. Plus, they are not free. Why should every taxpayer have to pay to plow their lot--regardless of the cost? While they are plowing the lot, who is plowing the roads? I would think public safety is more important. The church should pay for their own plowing--how can there even be an argument? No one is suggesting that they are against the church in any way--they are simply looking for ways for the town to use our money in the most cost effective way. If you want to help the church and be supportive for the services they provide the town, I suggest you show up, shovel in hand, after the next big snowstorm. Or join the congregation. Or make a private donation.
    And speaking of services, how about all the parents who host girl scouts and cub scouts, etc., in their homes each week or so for meetings. Should the town support that too? Who plows those driveways? They are providing a service to the community as well... Think about your statements....
    - JBN

  • 9/1 11:31am   EP: Again be very careful about your generalizations on the quality of public education in the KP schools... There are students who "manage" to be accepted at Ivy League colleges and universities and last year two students were selected for appointment at West Point (which is nearly unheard of). If that doesn't run the gamut of choices/opportunities, I daresay.
    You may have (obviously) strong ideas about where your cherubs will go to school now, but the day will come when said cherubs will have just as strong feelings about where they might like to attend high school. And believe me, that should factor into your decision as well. We thought we'd send our kids to private school, too, when they were small. But our 8th grader has since thrown himself wholeheartedly into the music program (one of the top 3 in the country for, yes public schools, and run by the wonderfully talented and dedicated Peter Tileston & teaching staff). And in a word, he loves it. The program has motivated this kid like nothing we've ever seen before. He knows his grades have to stay up (High honors and straight A's all last year), he's organized (benefit of the music program where these kids have to learn to keep a lot of activities, equipment, practices and performances straight), and most importantly he's become a responsible, motivated student. Last but hardly least, he's enthusiastic with it all. I don't know how you remove a child from that situation to another school simply because you think they'll do better somewhere else (and therefore get into a "better college"). My husband and I have spoken to several friends, both in Norfolk and elsewhere, who thought they knew better and sent their kids to private school, only to wind up having very unhappy experiences and returning their kids to KP. Mind you, they all weren't involved in the music program either. It's just that the parents did not take into account how important the choice was to their children. And one parent in particular deeply regrets forcing his son (with only the best of intentions) to go to private school because, as he put it, "The kid I brought back to KP is not, to this day, the same happy boy we had before." That made us sit up and take notice.
    The wonderful news is that the KP school system has improved a great deal over the last 8-10 years, in academics, in extracurriculars and most recently with brand spanking new facilities (which you're helping to pay for already).
    You may still decide to send your kids elsewhere when the time comes. But please don't criticize a school system I don't believe you know enough about yet.
    - TN

  • 9/1 11:26am   Well said, PFD. When I think of my church, St. Jude's, I think of many things, all quite comforting (as I'm sure member of the Federated Church and the Baptist Church do, also.) As far as St. Jude's and the building itself, I would imagine that in terms of people going into it, no building in Norfolk sees more foot traffic going into it than St. Jude's, not when you realize there are daily Masses there, (and three and Sundays,) not to mention Baptisms, Funerals, First Communions, Confirmations, Weddings, CCD, AA meetings, and other gatherings. It is this fact that puzzled me when the Norfolk Grange, a privately owned building that I have never seen open (I hear they serve pancakes there once a month) and can't even find a phone number for, is being handed over money for restoration. Can anyone tell me who owns the Grange, and if it's a private club, who are the officers in town? I'd like to look into membership.
    - JC

  • 9/1 11:21am   Due to the volume recently, I had to trim the page back to only the last few day's posts. Please, if you don't check the page regularly, do click through to the archived messages to see messages you may have missed that are no longer on the page. And thank you all for making it possible! :-)
    - Wm.

  • 9/1 11:17am   If I were a non-profit atheist organization would the town plow my establishment?? ...and if not why? Think about it. We have a duty to plow the senior center as community service. Let me ask why we are not plowing the elderly residents' driveways in our town? I would vote that in before voting to plow a church establishment's parking lot. Who needs it more, the elderly or the church?? I have an idea - after the snow storm take up a special collection for the plowing. I am sure most church participants would give.
    - DWL

  • 9/1 11:16am   How much do you really think it costs to plow a parking lot? I am willing to bet that the contractors plowing the lots would just be sitting around drinking coffee if they weren't plowing, because if it works like other towns, I bet they round up to the nearest hour.
    - CR

  • 9/1 11:09am   MON - I have not agreed with Jack McFeeley on many issues, but you are so off base with your posts. What happens when the churches in Norfolk pull their support for this town (of course it would never happen, but follow me?) Do you realize how much all of the churches in this town provide to Norfolk? How many different ways do you need to be told that what they provide far outweighs what we as tax payers provide to them? What about all of the volunteers that attend these churches that provide free services to this town? When the town has to pay for the services that all of the churches provide us you will see a lot more teachers, etc. looking for a "reciprocal handshake". Take a couple of seconds to think about what you are posting and what the outcome would be if the churches stopped providing for us (fortunately we know they would never stop providing their services to Norfolk).
    - PFD

  • 9/1 11:08am   Hey, if they ever put up the parking restriction signs in front of the library, they can use the WebCam for enforcement!
    - DE

  • 9/1 9:06am   Putting yourself on display, huh? I think a dunking tank could be in order -- one ball for every censored email posting. :) It would be great to meet you and the others that provide this service. Thanks for participating!
    - MH

  • 9/1 9:03am   RH: As one who is involved with renewable energy, and recently toured the new wind turbine at Mass Maritime Academy (MMA), you have to realize that both sides are spinning the information. Many of your concerns like bird strikes, noise and electrical distubances are really not a huge concern. Search the web so I don't bias you, but you will find that cats, windows and automobile strikes kill more birds each year than a wind turbine. So does that mean cats, windows and cars should be regulated more than a wind turbine?...hopefully common sense would dictate. A report is due out late this year on the operation of the MMA turbine and the effects on birds. As for noise, I was directly underneath the blades and in comparison, my dishwasher at 48 dB is louder. As for electromagnetic disturbances, the MMA turbine only produces 609 Volts AC and the system is heavy protected from lightning strikes. In comparison some of the electrical distribution lines in Norfolk are over 100,000 Volts.
    Politics aside, looking at the cost of electricity and the long term reserves of fossil fuel world wide, the reality of the situation is, that a wind farm is inveitable.
    - AWB

  • 9/1 8:45am   To Mr. McFeeley, Your answer is just what I suspected. Were you a member of the church when you voted to have it plowed? Times have changed since 1983, Mr. McFeeley. Now teachers and librarians are being let go at the schools, public works projects languish in numerous areas for months on end around this town, and the Town plows the parking lot of St. Judes? From a vote cast in 1983 with you and a board member who lived across the street? How many other antiquated and unknown arrangements in this town drain our tax dollars?
    And, you thought that such places deserved a "reciprocal handshake" because of their usefulness to the community? How many of the recent laid-off teachers recieved a "reciprocal handshake"?
    [C o n t i n u e d . . .]
    - MON

  • 9/1 12:54pm   NorfolkNet is a valuable resource provided free to the townspeople by resident and web-page expert designer Andras Radics, it is not a part of Town Government. Requests for Town services should be placed thru Jack Hathaway or others in Town Government. - RH
    Thanks RH, That was exactly why I asked (not requested for official cleanup) if someone on NorfolkNet knew who I could contact in the town regarding the bad conditions of Boardman Street. I do believe we are allowed to post questions regarding our town services on NorfolkNet. The information was helpful even so.
    - NW

  • 8/31 11:12pm   HRB: The Pops gala was only canceled after the light of day was shown upon it, and, as for Amorello being a Republican, well, I can't take credit for all Republicans, some sadly lose their way... (he says with a wink, don't worry, it's only August and my blood pressure is still pretty mellow).
    - RG

  • 8/31 11:11pm   To clarify, I said nothing against KP -- independent schools are simply my personal preference. My point was merely that we all have different expectations of what we want from our tax dollars: I'm not looking for services; I just want the chance to live in a nice, quiet community. (With a lot of feisty web posters.) ;)
    - TS

  • 8/31 11:10pm   Regarding candidate Gabrielli: he said, in his TV ads, that he is in favor of CapeWind. (also see: saveoursound.org)
    Why should I vote for someone who wants to approve the private use of public land and water to make money for the CapeWind principal and the investors? I would vote to accept wind turbines on privately-owned dry land if all of the proper environmental questions were answered: noise abatement, bird-strike abatement, minimum electro-magnetic disturbance, etc.
    I'm not as concerned about the one hundred and thirty (130) 417-foot-tall-towers way offshore, just the idea of a private group taking over the use of 24 square miles of our public land and ocean water with no compensation (i.e., rent) to the public. How dare they? Comments?
    - RH

  • 8/31 11:09pm   To MW (8/31, 3:41 PM) and GC (8/31, 6:00 PM) Right you are! Regarding school, or anything, it is what you make it. Our son graduated from King Philip Regional High School, after going thru Norfolk schools and KPMS (called KP Junior High then). He worked at McDonald's part time, was a National Merit Scholar, received a partial scholarship to Northwestern, and received a BSEE and a MSCE from Northwestern. He was deeply involved in the Marching Band and Jazz Ensemble at KP. His mother and I helped out in support of the music program; that program was vastly improved when Peter Tileston came to KP from Norwood. I would say that the Norfolk and KP Regional Schools and their teachers did a great job, but our son read books every chance that he got, and studied hard for all of his classes. It is what you make it.
    - RH

  • 8/31 10:00pm   To GA - I guess it depends on where and with whom you would like to complete your further academic work.
    - EP

  • 8/31 9:51pm   To MW - You made a big mistake.
    - EP

  • 8/31 9:22pm   Speaking of Celebrate Norfolk, the hosts of this magnificent on-line gathering will, for the first time ever, participate in the festivities as exhibitors. Well, ok, as targets. We will make ourselves conspicuous among the business tables, and will sit still so you can spot us, take a bead, and approach fearlessly to introduce yourselves!
    (Don't know why among the businesses, we're a community group that doesn't receive any funding, doesn't charge fees and hosts and runs the page on an unpaid volunteer basis, but we're glad nevertheless.)
    Bring questions, complaints, and many suggestions for how to make the site better! In exchange, as is customary, we will try and find some small memento for you as a keepsake of having visited our table. Maybe printouts of yesterday's messages or something :-)
    For entertainment, it was suggested that we could raffle off the identities of the top ten most frequent posters to the page! (That's a joke! We would never! And also, the suggestion was that we sell the names as a fundraiser, not give them away. And that, too, was a joke! We would never!)
    Anyway, enough of the promo, time to let others have their say. And now, back to the regularly scheduled programming...
    - Wm.

  • 8/31 9:16pm   To RG: Republicans have been in the driver's seat in MA for the entire Big Dig project and, as someone else pointed out, Matt Amorello is a Republican! You can thank him for the posh office overlooking the Greenway, and for the rich severance packages he gave to his cronies, all while being pushed out of his job for the death of a young mother! Talk about thumbing your nose at the victim's family and the taxpayers! I am used to Republicans bending the rules to enrich their friends on the open market, but for a card-carrying member of the "keep government out of your wallet" crowd to rob the taxpayers to reward loyalty and soften their landing is truly appalling.
    The horrendous death of the woman in the tunnel was a campaigner's windfall. Before you jump up and down, no, I don't think Romney was "happy" that such a horrendous thing occurred. Like all of us, he was genuinely distressed by such a cruel accident and unnecessary loss of life. But, he certainly made the most of a bad situation. No self-respecting money-man-turned-politician would schedule a series of such absurd photo opportunities, featuring the "engineer" Romney with his diagrams and white boards, unless he saw an opportunity to further his chances at the presidency. His beef with Amorello likely had little to do with the way Amorello was managing (or mis-managing) the Big Dig. Overall, I think Romney handled that mess well (save the shameless self-aggrandizement,) but that doesn't mean he's done well by the State. Kerry Healy is a lightweight -- nice, educated, and intelligent, but even Romney marginalized her because she is a lightweight. Remember Romney brought Healy on because she is a woman, and he was masquerading as a Republican in touch with the concerns of everyday women. He himself never took her seriously, nor did his administration.
    The state is due for a party change at the top, and I think anyone interested in seeing some real change should give Deval Patrick a closer look. I am an independent. I knew nothing about him three months ago, and after reading about him, visiting his site, and going to hear him speak (I have heard Reilly and Gabrielli, too,) I am convinced Patrick is this state's best chance. The state, like the country, has huge challenges (education, health care, property taxes, affordable housing, higher education, environment (according to this site there is a possible cancer cluster right here in Norfolk; this issue isn't just for others!) MJD is right, check out Deval Patrick.
    - TC

  • 8/31 8:40pm   Regarding the post below, can anyone substantiate this or provide more info on this, ie, how many cases are we talking about? How recent? Similar cancer types? I live on Park and do not know anything about this....
    I think the Board of Health and the Selectmen should be looking into the number of cancer cases in the Park Street area. I also just found out a young Wrentham boy who lives on Park St. was just diagnosed with cancer. Perhaps as educated residents of this community we should determine whether this is more than mere coincidence. We think it is. Is anyone familiar with an old tannery that was located on or around Lawrence St.? What type of chemicals where used? Does anyone know anything about this area before the houses were built? Has the Department of Health been notified? Has a cluster study been ordered? We really need to come together as a town and find the answers for all our chidren.
    - RWD

  • 8/31 8:40pm   Well it appears somebody finally was able to make sense out of "Snowplowgate." Thanks, Jack. Hopefully everybody at the ACLU will now be able to enjoy the long weekend.
    - JC

  • 8/31 7:21pm   Just to expand on my post of 8/30 10:12pm: NOGO does in fact advocate contacting town officials such as the Town Administrator, Selectmen or others to ask questions or raise concerns. These individuals, on the whole, do a great job serving our community and are available and willing to answer questions. Furthermore, they have heard the concerns of those who have called for tighter fiscal constraint and more transparency in town affairs. The Selectmen and Jack Hathaway in particular have gone "beyond the call" recently in pushing information out to the community. Jim Lehan in fact has called for a 1% cut in the budget for next year. That is a fabulous effort and a demonstration of faith to the tax payer that he is serious in leading this effort.
    That said, NOGO urges folks to continue to use Norfolknet and other public forums to maintain a healthy, unbridled, public debate.
    - JPB, Founder, NOGO

  • 8/31 6:58pm   This is to the person who is looking for a tailor in or around Norfolk. You should check our Carol's Place (in the same complex as Linda's variety). She does a wonderful job with all of your alterations. They also take in dry cleaning. You should give them a try, I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
    - DM

  • 8/31 6:18pm   To RH and NW. Thank you for your concern about Boardman Street. A letter was delivered, by hand, to the Board of Selectmen, the Highway Department, and the Board of Health last January, signed by several residents of Boardman Street, outlining a history of accidents and injuries incurred, as a result of the terrible road conditions. We were assured that the road would be fixed "this Spring or Summer". Imagine how surprised many of us were to read in the Boomerang that our request for some kind of remedy has been pushed back to next Spring. Boardman Street is heavily trafficked, by kids, bikers, seniors, and soccer moms. Having potholes filled in every week doesn't solve the problem, and in the long run, wastes your tax dollars. It seems that it will take someone getting seriously hurt before anyone on Town Hill pays attention to something that doesn't personally affect them.
    To PC: You're right. Too many kids are getting sick in this town. A study needs to be commissioned... now.
    - KEM

  • 8/31 6:06pm   "Celebrate Norfolk" Is on September 9th in the center of town near Town Hall. The DPW is having a special table with a raffle to benefit "Norfolk Together," a wonderful, very discreet group that helps our own in Norfolk if someone is down on their luck. They will be selling raffle tickets to be drawn around 1:30 at the gazebo. The tickets are $1.00 a piece, if you buy $5.00 you'll get 7, $10.00 you'll get 15, $20.00 you'll get 30 tickets. There are so many wonderful prizes that have been donated by wonderful vendors and businesses in Norfolk. There's an awesome Weedwhacker worth $185.00, (4 cycle) John Deere Loader Toys, Hats, Sweatshirts, Shirts, gift certificates from a local nursery, Free oil changes, gift certificates for a few local restaurants, and another gift certificate from Gumps, the list goes on and on. It's for a very worthy cause so please come on out and support Norfolk Together and have lots of fun at all the wonderful stands! Thank you!
    - LS

    [Update 6:58pm: the raffle is at 1:30pm at the gazebo - LS]
    [Update 9/2 3:52pm: instead of a planter with flowers, the local nursery will offer gift certificates - LS]

  • 8/31 6:04pm   To RG: Think, "Blood pressure, blood pressure!" I believe that Lt. Gov. Healy is a very smart person. I've heard her in small-to-medium sized groups and she's very impressive. That said, this may not be her year. We'll find out soon. Meanwhile, of the two issues with the Big Dig that are mentioned, one, 'the "celebration concert" with the BSO opening the Big Dig' never happened (and it was the Boston Pops, but never mind.) The second, the posh office complex, is truly a scandal. But both of these were the brainchild of the person whose name never appears in RG's post--Matthew Amorello, who, last time I checked, is a Republican! Neglect is in the eye of the beholder.
    - HRB

  • 8/31 6:01pm   To MON: You have asked for answers on the church plowing. I will do that with this posting. I was one of the selectmen who voted to plow the parking lots at a selectmen's meeting in the winter of 1983. It was the practice in the town for many years but it was discontinued in the late 1970s. My vote was cast to reinstitute the practice and not to give the churches a perk. It was done for public safety and to maintain a community spirit. In fact, it was the subject of a Sun Chronicle editorial at the time and they thought that it was wrong and they also called for a separation of church and state. I went to their offices the day the editorial appeared and persuaded them to retract their statements. They retracted their comments in another editorial the following day. I am quite sure that the plowing continues to this day and I am steadfast in my opinion that this was and still is the right thing to do. I think that a practice that has endured for 23 years and been reviewed many times has proven its value.
    As I said, it was done for public safety. One of my colleagues on the board that year was George Murray who at the time lived across the street from St. Judes. He brought to the board several horror stories about traffic problems on Main Street before some services at the church. These happened both during and after snow storms. In particular he commented about funeral services that virtually blocked Main Street and created a hazard with people walking in the roadway. The other churches are on Route 115 and they also posed an equivalent safety challenge. The Board of Selectmen saw that its responsibility was not to see that the lots were cleared in a timely manner by the churches but rather that we had to act to insure that the public had a safe and hazard free thoroughfare around these areas. Plowing the lots was included in the method we chose and it has worked well.
    I think that one thing that we have lost sight of in these postings is our sense of community. The churches and the community organizations such as the Lions Club, the Scouts, the Norfolk Community League, the Garden Club, the sports leagues and many others that serve our community and enhance our quality of life by giving so many things to us deserve a reciprocal handshake on the towns part. The town should and does provide services to these organizations especially when it is directed towards us and our neighbors. The churches as well as the other non profit organizations do not pay taxes and give more than they ask and get in return. The issue is not a separation of church and state but rather one of inclusion of all in our community.
    One more thing. I have never backed away from a response to a posting. I will often wait to see if an issue dies or gets the benefit of a full discussion before I think about responding. If you really want an answer from a town official (and I am not at this point) then the correct method is to call or write them directly.
    Finally, although I do agree that our taxes are high and I wish they were lower, they are not out of line with where we compare with nearly all other communities in the commonwealth. I suggest that if you are really interested then compare the average tax bill of each community with the median family income of that community and you will see a strong relationship. Tax rates are not a good predictor of anything. If you do the comparison I suggest then you will find that Norfolk is right where it should be relative to other communities. Try it. The comparison is rather convincing. I would be happy to send my data to you and to anyone else who is interested.
    - Jack McFeeley, former Selectman

  • 8/31 6:00pm   Re KPHS - Let's not forget our award winning music program lead by Peter Tileston. My kids have been in the program since the 4th grade with Mr. Fouracre @ the Freeman/Centennial. They also were taught by Joshua Wollof @ KPMS. They are now at KPHS, and have had the opportunity to travel extensively throughout New England and play annually at Boston Symphony Hall and the Hatch Shell as the result of their awesome achievements. Whether it's marching band, symphony, or jazz, our regional school leads head and shoulders above any other. I am proud to have kids receiving these honors in a public school. I must repeat the phrase "It is what you make it."
    - GC, A 27 year resident of Norfolk

  • 8/31 5:59pm   EP, I'm not sure what your point is. It *is* about PR if you think KP doesn't offer a college prep program, extracurriculars, and athletics. It does. Check out the course catalog... it's probably online. You can't really be suggesting that private schools are the only schools preparing students for "further academic work."
    - GA

  • 8/31 5:58pm   To PC: What is the cancer rate on Park Street? Just curious. When I was small and used to ride my bike around Buckley-Mann Factory on Lawrence Street, it was a working factory dumping god knows what kind of chemicals into that pond. At that time, there were no environmental standards as there are now. As soon as I heard they were building homes over there, the first thing I thought of was Buckley-Mann and what the ground must be saturated with over there. What a shame, anything for a buck.
    - BH

  • 8/31 5:03pm   Ladies and Gents: I must be getting old. What ever happened to service. (This is not about the Town.... LOL)
    I made the mistake of hiring a local contractor (Sean Feeney of Feeny and Sons, Wrentham/Stoughton/Brocton/wherever ?) to do some work around the yard/house.
    In the scope of work I really didn't think I needed a definition of "HOUSE" and "GRASS". Once the work was pronounced completed (by Sean) I did an inspection had some issues and the sparks stared to fly.
    When I pointed out that the SOFFIT (front/rear- thingie that overhangs the roof and the gutters hang off of) was "part of the house" and also needed cleaning (I specifically left out the gutters since they need to be replaced anyway) I was told that the SOFFIT was like the ROOF, GUTTERS, WINDOWS and FOUNDATION and was not part of the house. Extra charge for cleaning that kind of stuff !
    I also contracted the same individual (company ?) to clean up my "corner" (a bit too much tree/shrub and grass debris dumped there). After inspecting the removal work I told Sean that there was a lot more grass to be removed I was told that this "Grass" was actually "dirt" and not included in the clean up.
    BTW.....If you need any grass clippings for your mulch pile....I just might deliver !
    I guess I am venting since I really have no other recourse (my own fault). It seems like it took longer to try and state my case about what I believe were the work shortcomings to Sean than the time it would have taken to actually rectify the problems and make me happy. OK..OK It would take a BIT longer for Sean to fix the remaining issues but not more than a couple of hours.
    Then again.... I must be getting old... (I think said that at the beginning.... LOL)
    Doesn't the Customer get to decide when they are happy !
    Buyer Beware (my Latin stinks !)
    - PJH

  • 8/31 4:52pm   DTB - Union Street between King Street and "Al's Welding Shop" is paved and wonderful. And I understand aprons will be applied to the end of each driveway to avoid flooding. Thank you DPW!!!! Now, if we can keep the speed down...!! :)
    - JHR

  • 8/31 4:51pm   MJD/MHC: What Republican neglect are you talking about? The kind of neglect that forced the legislature to pass a drunk driving bill that would actually take repeat drunk drivers off the road instead of benefiting defense attorneys? The kind of Republican neglect that is addressing the housing crisis (remember that? It was all the rage two years ago) by dramatically (3X) increasing the number of multi-family housing starts so young people can find an affordable first home?
    The Governor and Lt. Governor have been able to work with the legislature, while not being beholden to it. The balance has worked. Balance begets accountability. Government doesn't work when there's no accountability, such as when an independent authority is given oversight and responsibility for a multi-billion dollar public works project, and becomes more interested in silly frills (the "celebration concert" with the BSO opening the Big Dig) and self-aggrandizement (the $10 million new headquarters, complete with 700 square foot office with shower and balcony overlooking the Rose Kennedy Greenway) than with the project they're supposed to oversee ( [8/25 Globe article] ).
    You may recall, the Governor tried to get the Turnpike under control from the beginning of his term. It took a death and the threat of many more to actually get someone to listen. Would a Democrat have even tried to take on the legislature?
    - RG

  • 8/31 4:47pm   Re: 8/31 3:21pm I was wondering when the stretch of Boardman Street after the Elementary school towards Old Mill Road (around that dangerous corner) will be paved. I work down that area and drive to and fro often. It is so dangerous and messy. ... - NW
    NW: All you have to do is to ask someone at Town Hall in the Selectmen's office. See the Town Hall links at the left of the Norfolknet web page. For the Selectmen, click on: [Board of Selectmen page]
    For the Town Administrator, click on: [Town Administrator page] or call 1-508-528-1408.
    If you send an e-mail about that road, you might want to send an info copy to the DPW; click on: [DPW comments] or call 1-508-528-4490.
    Be aware that it is easy to e-mail, or call, or drop in to Town Hall and talk to someone who knows, such as Jack Hathaway, Town Administrator. The Selectmen are part-time public servants, and are not there all of the time. Although NorfolkNet is a valuable resource provided free to the townspeople by resident and web-page expert designer Andras Radics, it is not a part of Town Government. Requests for Town services should be placed thru Jack Hathaway or others in Town Government.
    - RH

  • 8/31 3:44pm   Don't kids yourself about how fabulous Walpole and Franklin are... Have you really looked into those towns?? I have lived in Walpole and researched Franklin extensively; No thank you! They may have trash pickup, but there are other problems that they have to deal with... As far as sports are concerned... My son's JHS hockey team kicked Walpole butt repeatedly! Also, KP youth hockey teams that he has been on have beaten Franklin year after year... As far as football teams go, both Walpole and Franklin have a much greater population of children to choose from to make their teams great... As far as I'm concerned we hold our own! If we decide to go with a smaller "Norfolk HS" as opposed to a regional school... their teams will be even less competitive. What are you thinking?
    - MW

  • 8/31 3:43pm   DTB Kitchen Remodel: Try Master's Touch of Medfield. They do very good work and can handle all your needs end to end.
    - PN

  • 8/31 3:41pm   Wow! ...I have to say that any opinions on the KP School district are just that... merely opinions. How can you judge a school that you have had no experience with? I moved my children here from Walpole (I was very dissapointed with the Walpole schools) and 6 years later have not had a single regret. I must add that I have very high standards. I have attended both the Newton Public schools and graduated from one of the area's most exclusive and academically challenging girl's schools. I think that test scores can be extremely misleading... our children are not little robots! ...The quality of my children's education has been top rate! Keep in mind that public schools usually offer a greater selection of academic courses, athletics, cultural clubs and activities! When I attended public school, we had the choice of French, Spanish, Italian, German or Russian as foreign languages! We looked into the possibility of private schools fro my oldest. He is a high honor roll student that needs lots of stimulation and activity. We decided that he would be bored to tears in a small private school. Sometimes environment is more important that prestige. Not all children have the same needs... and believe me, many of my public school friends have gone on to much greater accomplishments than some of my private school buddies. It is what you make it!
    - MW

  • 8/31 3:29pm   I think the town has bigger issues to address. I think the Board of Health and the Selectmen should be looking into the number of cancer cases in the Park Street area. I also just found out a young Wrentham boy who lives on Park St. was just diagnosed with cancer. Perhaps as educated residents of this community we should determine whether this is more than mere coincidence. We think it is. Is anyone familiar with an old tannery that was located on or around Lawrence St.? What type of chemicals where used? Does anyone know anything about this area before the houses were built? Has the Department of Health been notified? Has a cluster study been ordered? We really need to come together as a town and find the answers for all our chidren.
    - PC

  • 8/31 3:23pm   We are looking to expand and remodel out kitchen. Looking for someone experienced and creative who can help with the design, and also contracting/construction referrals as well. If anyone has had great experiences along these lines and can pass along a recommendation, we would appreciate it.
    - DTB

  • 8/31 3:22pm   To GA - It really isn't about PR but about facilities, class size (average is 7:1), available extracurricular, athletics and college placements that private schools offer. One chooses a Private Independent school because it offers a College Preparatory curriculum. These students are preparing for further academic work. Our Middle and High Schools have made great curricular strides in the last 13 years I have been a resident and with an infusion of 55 million KPHS will attract great teachers and hopefully better college placements.
    - EP

  • 8/31 3:21pm   I was wondering when the stretch of Boardman Street after the Elementary school towards Old Mill Road (around that dangerous corner) will be paved. I work down that area and drive to and fro often. It is so dangerous and messy. Especially on that corner where the road is dug up very badly. What a mess. I feel sorry for people who live down that area and have to frequent Boardman Street, not to mention the school buses. If there is a place I could contact to recommend that this area be fixed, could someone post information.
    Thank you!
    - NW

  • 8/31 12:38pm   On Saturday, September 9th join family and friends to "Celebrate Norfolk" at the town wide celebration on Town Hill!
    Festivities to commemorate the reopening of Town Hill after its extensive changes start at 10 am with an official ceremony at the Gazebo. Join state and local officials and representatives of the local churches for the official opening ceremony. During the ceremony, The Norfolk Cultural Council will be presenting the Town Quilt and Chair sculpture, the H. Olive Day "Singers of the Day" Chorus will be singing, and the Norfolk Boy Scouts, Norfolk Cub Scouts and Norfolk Girl Scouts will be raising the new town and POW flags.
    At the conclusion of the ceremony, join in the Party on the Hill from 11 until 2 pm. Entertainment at the Gazebo includes the Norfolk Lions' long awaited Pie Eating Contest featuring many town officials, NMM Viking Cheerleaders, Norfolk Girl Scouts, music and more. The newly painted Tramp House will be open for tours by the Historical Commission. There will be over 30 Norfolk community groups with food, games, fundraisers, free giveaways, and information at their tables and booths on Town Hill. The library parking lot will have 30 local businesses showcasing their wares and services.
    Liberty Lane will be closed off from Independence Lane to the roundabout by Union Street for the day. Parking is available at the upper MBTA lot and the MBTA Lot behind Dunkin' Donuts. In the event of rain, the festivities will take place on Sunday, September 10th from 1pm until 4pm.
    For more information, please contact Jim L. at 508-520-1373, Tara S. at 508-384-6354 or Bonnie D. at 508-528-8414.
    Plan on coming early and staying late for a fun-filled afternoon to "Celebrate Norfolk"!
    - TS, Celebrate Norfolk Planning Committee

  • 8/31 11:48am   I've always felt one of the problems contributing to the negative perceptions of the middle/high school is lack of a PR department. If you don't have a child in the MS/HS, you don't get much information about the accomplishments and activities of the kids attending. You might only hear the negative via the police blotter! (And if you think private school kids are "better" and don't get in trouble, I have a bridge I can sell you.)
    This is starting to change with the Boomerang, I think, which provides way more school news for Norfolk than the Country Gazette does. The private schools do a whole lot more to promote themselves--they have to, in order to convince you to shell out up to $100,000 *before* college.
    - GA

  • 8/31 11:47am   MHC-Excellent point! Let's elect a Govenor with new ideas who believes that Massachusetts can overcome years of Republican neglect. Our current adminstration spends its time looking for the next headline, not working to solve the issues affecting real people here in Massachusetts. Issues such as jobs, healthcare and education need serious attention not the same old failed Republican leadership. Please check out www.devalpatrick.com for a breath of fresh air, you'll be glad you did. If you want to know more or would like to get involved in the campaign here in town, please get my e-mail address from the Wm.
    - MJD

  • 8/31 10:23am   TS, you should really read the 2006 SAT scores for King Philip, you may be surprised. In a nutshell (KP 548 math, 545 writing); (Medfield, math 574, writing 578); (Franklin 540 math, 540 writing); (Millis math 502, writing 506); (Walpole math 531, writing 515). Educate yourself and read the lastest scores before you feel the need to give the negative comments.
    Click here: 2006 SAT scores for Mass. high schools chart - Boston.com
    - DWL

  • 8/31 10:03am   Does anyone have a SC Norfolk uniform we could borrow or buy for the fall? My daughter will probably just play one season (this fall.) From what I understand, they are all one size (youth large.) Thanks! 508-397-3129
    - NT

  • 8/31 9:03am   "I moved here knowing I'd never send my kids to the regional school..." TS: Don't know the ages of your kids, but watch what you say, you may live to eat those words - there's more to that decision than your (current) opinion of the quality of education at the middle and high schools...
    - TN

  • 8/31 9:01am   When NO-GO was started, I thought it was such a great concept; it represented many of the values that I hold. Then got a chance to watch a selectmen's meeting where the founder (at least I believe it was the founder) was present and asking questions. Honestly, it was painful to watch. He asked the same question 15 different ways and because the answer was not the answer he wanted, he would ask again. Beating someone into submission is not winning, and is not constructive to the way our town should run.
    Even if our town officials monitor this site, I would be pretty frustrated if they actually spent their time answering every mundane question that was posted. If you want to know the answers to your questions there are other (more proper) channels in which they should be posed. (Sorry Wm!) I am not saying that the town officials are above answering to the people, but if I went and started my own website should they monitor and answer to that too? Maybe MON should seek answers to his/her own questions and present the findings rather than complain that someone else is not doing it for them. Enough already!
    - MH

  • 8/31 8:58am   To JHR - it appears that Union St between King St. and North St. is being paved today, so no more jarring bumps. HOORAY!!
    - DTB

  • 8/31 8:58am   KG-While balance between the executive and legislative branches of government works well in theory, it has not worked in Massachusetts in fifteen years! This state is in serious trouble. Massachusetts needs new direction and ideas, with significant change in its leadership. Another Republican governor is just not the answer.
    - MHC

  • 8/31 8:57am   How about picking up a phone, or stopping by the town hall, or going to one of the various meetings to get your questions answered? I, for one, have had great success getting answers to my questions, by talking to any one of the selectmen, the town administrator, the police chief, the fire chief, ect. I can't say that I always agree with some of the decisions made, or with some of the answers, but then again, does anyone agree 100% with every single decision or answer that another person makes/gives? If you do, then could you please direct me to this Utopia? Because I want to live there. Every one of those people, that I have mentioned above, have been more than willing to talk to me, and to answer me when I have a question. We have some fantastic leaders in this town, that are, above all else, accessible. Try that in a larger town or city. Why should they respond to this message board? No matter what they say, you'll just attack right back, because, you got it, you can hide behind your anonymity, but, if you do call them, or if you do make time to see them, you can no longer hide.
    - CG

  • 8/31 8:56am   Plowing our Norfolk religious sites by the town....
    First, yes it is an expense, however it is an insignificant expense in the overall snow plow budget. The reason for this low cost is the Town has the ability to send the required amount of equipment ( usually the local contract plows ) to each of the three lots at the end of the storm and make short work of it.
    But to what benefit ? Ah... Places of worship are well known for the services they provide to the towns they reside in for free. Some of these items include, food pantries, a source for clothing and free counseling. Most of all these institutions give us the religious memories that our lives our founded on. For all of this all they ask for in return is a small donation, if possible.
    Oh... Not all religions are represented. Well, the day any one of us need the help from any of our local churches I doubt they will ask, "to whom do you pray ( or don't pray )" before they offer their help.
    - RC

  • 8/31 12:24am   TS - I wonder if you could further comment on the "regional school" to which you would not send your children. What seems to be wrong with it? Which area schools are better? Please be specific. Thanks.
    - MJD

  • 8/30 11:09pm   TS, I have no ax to grind with any church. As for free plowing for non-profits, I would like the town to acknowledge who these "free" services are going to and why. And then stop all of them for the good of basic services. JC, in his posts, brought up the plowing of St. Judes on his own accord[.] But he adds more and more questionable behaviors of our town to the story, as others have, just by letting him talk. Then conflicting stories arise. Several have posted that the town does plow (and taxpayers pay) then there are those that post that it was voted on in some town meeting whose minutes escape posting. So what am I to believe here? I am trying to understand how we can pay so much tax, get so little for it, then get different stories and the constant threat of increased taxes. For what?
    I also notice that the town government reads this webpage daily, yet stays away from answering such hot topics. So investigation is underway and watchdogs have sprung to keep an eye on our tax dollars. And I can bet the town government does not like it one bit. Watch NCTV when NoGo members ask questions. Dissenters are minimized, chastised publicly by the town government, as if we were in some dictatorial country, and insist in order to get your opinion across to them we have to join a committee that are stacked with consensus builders. It sounds to any sensible person that special interests are at work, have been at work for some time and need changed, as the times and culture of Norfolk have changed.
    Given the confusion laid upon the taxpayers, perhaps what this town needs is a new Charter, to fix what appears to be a disjointed organizational structure. A charter that will not waste your tax dollars. One where real leadership is key to growth and special interests get a big NO!
    - MON

  • 8/30 10:17pm   I have mold on one side of my attic under the plywood, and need someone to remove it, and also give advice on the underlying cause. I appreciate any recommendations, please message or call me at (508)-520-1572, thanks.
    - CR

  • 8/30 10:12pm   Robust debate, tough questions, wanting to know how and why our hard earned tax dollars are spent, and holding elected and paid officials - past, present, and future - accountable for their actions is the bedrock of our American and New England heritage. While town meeting is certainly the venue in which decisions are made for the town by the small number of residents who choose to attend, it is not, and should not be the sole source of debate, discussion and airing of concerns.
    Open, public, unbridled debate such as that witnessed on norfolknet and other public media is good for Democracy and good for Norfolk.
    It provides anonymity for those who fear being publicly humiliates or ostracized for voicing their concerns and opinions.
    Perhaps they see how some voters who go against the grain, or are less articulate at town meetings are often marginalized. At last town meeting a question from one dissenter was completely ignored. In another instance I was referred to as "Mr. NOGO" by an elected town official, after the Override vote had passed, of course. Yes, the town official knew my proper name. I was required to provide it publicly at the microphone before speaking, as protocol requires.
    NOGO urges all residents of Norfolk to register to vote and attend town meeting this fall. Contact us if you need a ride or help registering. www.no-go.org

    Date: October 24, 2006
    Time: 7:30 PM
    Location: King Philip Middle School

    PS: It is my understanding that while the state is overwhelmingly Democratic, that is not the case in Norfolk, though I have not seen the actual numbers.

    - JPB, Founder, NOGO

  • 8/30 10:07pm   MON, the "town is slipping deeper financially," as you say, for one, because it has a very limited number of commercial businesses to help in the support of the "taxes." Again, most towns have at least a grocery store, or more commercial real estate; the "town slipping financially" as you say is certainly NOT because of a once or twice a season plow job on the parking lot! I think that is so darn funny MON that you really think that.
    I just wish someone could give me a valid reason for the high tax rate here in Norfolk. What am I missing? Please enlighten me someone?? We are higher than most towns in the area (as some kind folks pointed out by posting local rates), yet the value of property here is slipping (yes, I know the entire state is slipping, but property is still selling much more readily in two towns right next to us... Franklin and Walpole (I have friends in real estate) ...Bottom line, Franklin, Walpole, all right in our backyards, have lower taxes, better school systems (personally opinion), better sports programs (personal opinion), better youth sports programs (in my opinion-Walpole infants are born with footballs, soccer balls, and field hockey sticks in their hands) and each town has their own high schools, a number of elementary schools, and I know for a fact Walpole and Franklin have trash/recycling pick up, Franklin has full time kindergarten for free free... etc etc. and houses are still selling like hotcakes..... Bottom line, people are recognizing the bang for your buck in other towns over ours and that is NOT good for our town.
    Back to my issue regarding builders building. It is not because the builders do not wish to build, that I am certain of... However, I know of 'conversations' that have gone on with 2 different builders who have built in this town, who have stated that getting things done through Norfolk for permits etc. is a nightmare! Have you seen the devolopment right off of Main Street as you're heading out of the center towards Franklin? Some builder started building almost 3 years ago, but just stopped? There is a road, but nothing else? Ever wonder why? How about the development off of Green Lane (Across from Acorn Animal).... It is half in Franklin and Half in Norfolk....the builder is building in Franklin (6 homes already), but not on the Norfolk property side? Ever wonder why? I do. I am sure some people are building so perhaps my comment should have stated the following 'Why are so many builders choosing to build in other towns over Norfolk first?' I am tired of the same old "we live in a quaint town, we don't want the hustle and bustle... We need something here, folks, to help with the financial burden put on each individual homeowner... Don't you think? So that people like MON do not get so heated over the occasional congregational plow in the winter for the Med Flights. And please, folks, I was a little turned off by the hostility in some of these emails. Can we keep this conversation a little less harsh.... We all have a right to our opinions!
    - KM

  • 8/30 10:04pm   Re: "Issues like these should be placed on the ballot to ensure that every taxpayer has a voice. The current town meeting forum to make these important decisions can be very difficult for those of us who work and travel for work, and cannot always be physically present to be heard." - EC
    I completely agree as I was looking forward to last spring's town meeting, and then my husband and I had to go out of the country at the last minute. I love the old-fashioned town meeting style but it leaves some of us with no power on significant issues. (I did not want to pay to fix the Grange.)
    MON --- Before you call the ACLU I'm wondering why you keep picking on the Catholic church when the "free plowing" is extended to many non-profits in this community. What is your ax to grind with this particular church?
    Re: taxes -- I moved here knowing I'd never send my kids to the regional school, that there's no such thing as trash pick up in the "country," and that the taxes are not cheap. The draw: a delightful small community with terrific exchanges like this. In fact, I'll happily pay more in taxes to preserve a quiet life (ie: no shopping plazas with annoying traffic -- would there be a signal light to turn onto Main St.?). I love this little town and everything about -- be happy folks -- life is GOOD in Norfolk!!
    - TS

  • 8/30 10:02pm   JPRW: I think if they could have landed the helicopter at the prison, I think they would have. Do you really think that the injured person cared where the helicopter landed? There must have been some reason why they chose a nearby location - wind, visibility, access to the landing location, to name a few. If I was in need of emergency care, I'm certainly not going to second guess where they land. Medflight/Lifeflight requires a landing area of a minimum of 60 foot by 60 foot area but a clear area of 100 feet by 100 feet area is preferred.
    There are numerous areas in Town that could serve as emergency landing areas and contrary to what MON believes there are no "real designated landing zone(s) recognized by Medflight" in Norfolk -well maybe except the Southwood property - but since this hospital property is closed - the ability to land there is a moot point. Just be glad that the ability exists to land a helicopter in Town to save a life - who cares if it is church parking lot. I just hope that you never need it.
    - AWB

  • 8/30 3:06pm   MON: Enough already with the farcical tales of taxes going to care for the 'religious institutions.' You have not provided one example of even one dollar doing that. Also, don't you sign in to Town Meetings when you go? How could outsiders vote? (Wait a minute, I think last fall I saw some clerics disguised in Linda's Variety T-shirts trying to amend a motion that would have allowed extra salt and sand to be thrown in front of Norfolk's 'religious institutions' during snowstorms.)
    - JC

  • 8/30 2:38pm   KH, While the Grange is recognized for the matching funds from the state, the Federated Church was not on their records. Also, the uses of restoration funds are explicitly spelled out by the state preservation office- to the office spokesman peeling paint was seen as negligence and not restoration.
    Again, who knows the real history of why public funds were used? The town administrator is next in line for such questions, then on to the Selectmen.
    No one is questioning the use of monies for abandoned and historical properties. But a church that has a vibrant congregation?
    Meanwhile the town slips deeper into financial crisis and every dollar counts. Ask any H. Olive Day School parent.
    - MON

  • 8/30 2:08pm   Life flight should have landed at the prison, they have plenty of land. Stop plowing the churches.
    PA: As for St. Jude's having a service doing their snow removal, the town still does it. At best the service comes around after the fact for walkways and stairs.
    - JPRW

  • 8/30 2:07pm   MON et al - How about repealing the CPC "tax," that way YOUR money is no longer available to be spent in objectionable ways. Let's make Massachusetts history - repeal a tax.
    - PC

  • 8/30 1:47pm   LS -- The fact that you recall the vote being unanimous would indicate that you did not attend the meeting. I was there and spoke out against the funding. There were actually several dissenting votes at a very poorly attended town meeting. If MON and JC were there it would also have been dissenting votes. Hmmm, trend?
    - MH

  • 8/30 1:46pm   So what you all are saying is that special interest groups can go to Town Meeting, and voice their vote, even if they are not verified as being residents? Then the tax dollars can go to paint churches, plow their property, and basically drain public dollars that should go basic services such as safety and schools? Then this a problem with how Town Meeting is run on such crucial issues and these matters must go to ballot vote. The voices of the several that show up to Town meeting should not dictate how public money is spent. I would think the Selectmen would see this, but obviously not. Perhaps they pander to the voters, including those belonging to religious institutions enjoying our tax dollars.
    So what does the public know about these special interest groups in Norfolk and how they can spend our money? I would like to know more. Perhaps some enlightened out there can tell more about the how religious institutions are tied into Norfolk dollars, in particular how one was painted using tax dollars and not matching funds and how it came to the Selectmen as an issue to spend our money on. So far this dialogue has generated a wealth of information. There is always more to a story than any one of us understand.
    - MON

  • 8/30 1:45pm   MON - fyi, the St. Jude's parking lot was used for Medflight a few weeks ago when the person was hit by a car while crossing the street by the prison. With respect to the use of public funds to for the Federated Church and the Grange, those funds (1/2 of which were given to us as matched CPA funds by the State) will be used to protect and preserve two of the most important historical structures in this town. Two bad those funds weren't available 20 years ago to save the historic tavern that was torn down in the center of town. Also, Norfolk is not the only town with an abundance of homes for sale, inventory is up everywhere and the market has slowed. Interestingly, if you look at the real estate transfers in the Country Gazette each week, often you will see transactions where the seller of one property is the buyer of another in town.
    - KH

  • 8/30 1:44pm   Does anyone know where I can purchase mulch this time of year? Thanks!
    - TO

  • 8/30 11:28am   Excellent point on Town Meeting, LS! Could Norfolk institute a system at Town Meetings where articles are randomly selected, so if groups are trying to stack a vote, they may need to be there all night, for their particular article could be called at any given time?
    - JC

  • 8/30 11:14am   RG, Can we assume your are Republican?
    - DWL

  • 8/30 11:12am   DWL: So far, there has been zero evidence of any of our tax dollars going to any of the local Churches, so your statement lacks credibility. I think a worse fear facing all of us is that a Quizno's Sub Shop is supposed to be opening on Main St. and Boardman St. before the end of the year.
    RG - I'm a Republican, but I really like Gabrieli's idea of casinos in the Commonwealth. Too much money goes to CT, it would create jobs, and think of the gas money we'll save by not having to drive 75 miles to Foxwoods.
    - JC

  • 8/30 11:09am   MON - The precedent has been set. Norfolk tax dollars are being spent on private property. Period. We (the townspeople) approved it. It was voted on at Town Meeting. Example, the Federated Church was repainted with tax money. If I remember correctly the vote was unanimous. I suspect the same townspeople would vote to keep plowing the lot if it came to a town meeting vote. This is all deja vu, as this seems to be discussed every year for the last four or so. I can't figure out how to search the archives to give you the link to the past discussions. Bottom line is everyone who has an opinion about how their tax dollars are being spent needs show up and stay at Town Meeting.
    - LS

    [CTRL-F in some browsers opens a search-within-current-webpage box - Wm.]

  • 8/30 10:09am   MON, I could not have said it better. Why does everyone have such a problem with separation of church and state. Not everyone follows and supports organized religion nor wants their tax dollars going to such organizations... as religious houses of worship.
    - DWL

  • 8/30 9:53am   KM, 17 houses being built off Park Street and I don't know how many on Marshall St. I could cry every time I drive on Marshall St. I'm sure the people living there are sick to have to look at that "dirt" every day. Why did they leave 1 tree? Maybe it will be called One Tree Estates! Homes planned for Lawrence Street. Already have names for the 2 streets going in--if I remember right Swan & Cygnet--how nice.
    - BR

  • 8/30 9:52am   It is impossible to look only at the tax rates against other towns. Tax rates are directly related to the assessed values. Gay Head and Weston are low because the houses are worth millions. The tax rates are inversely related to the assessed value. That's not to say the overall payments are more or less than other towns, but taking numbers out of context only serves to fuel the complaints. For example, my parents moved from Medfield to Norfolk because their taxes were through the roof. They paid over $2000 more per year for the a very similar house to what we have here. (Theirs had less square footage, upgrades). I'd like to hear of town where no one is complaining about taxes going up?
    - TO

  • 8/30 9:51am   Okay - how about another political thread to get the juices flowing (the church parking lot issue seems to have run out of steam...) It's that time again, and the gubernatorial elections are almost here. The future of balanced, two-party government in Massachusetts is at stake yet once again. With a 132-28 margin in the legislature it's critically important to keep a Republican in the governorship to maintain even a semblence of balance. And with the questionable economy, it's as important as ever to keep that check on the excesses of one-party rule. If you're interested in helping out, or simply would like a yard sign or a bumper sticker, drop a line to Norfolk4healey@gmail.com (clever, no?), or feel free to give me (Rob) a call at 508-520-6918.
    - RG

  • 8/29 11:49pm   Under "Municipal Pages" at the left of this page, note the Town Admin FAQ. This is the first paragraph at that link:
    Link to older posts

    The Following items are responses to questions that have been forwarded to me. If you have any comments or questions, please do note hesitate to contact me at hathaway@virtualnorfolk.org.

    The Selectmen and I will always respond to direct questions, either through e-mail, phone or in person. We are happy to share your questions and the answers with others, or keep the conversations private, it is your choice.

    Thanks, Jack

    Don't hesitate to ask questions, but read the FAQ first, including the older links. Your questions may already have been answered by Town Administrator Jack Hathaway.
    - RH

  • 8/29 11:43pm   JC & MON: You should both know that St. Jude's also pays for a service to plow their lot, and anything the town's doing is for Civil Defense purposes. Maybe you both can find out what's going on at the Federated Church, and without getting the ACLU, FBI, etc. involved.
    - PA

  • 8/29 11:42pm   Re Builders have stopped building here... What's happening up on 115 and over on Marshall St.?
    - SO

  • 8/29 11:40pm   PC: Most real estate professionals seem to agree that tax assessment or valuation has little or nothing to do with market value. And the most recent comparative sales ("comps") of similar properties in the same town dictate market value and the range of a seller's price as well as what the buyer should ultimately pay.
    - TEM

  • 8/29 11:38pm   We all have no one to blame but ourselves. Stop voting for the wrong people to run the town. We had a townie who ran on the last election and he was for the people but still did not win. The one who won preached before the election that the people did not want an override and what did he do once elected!!! Along with the other two selectmen, an article was placed immediately in the newspapers that stated, "we need the override"!!! Hello, he was not doing his job for the people before the election so why did he get voted back in. We need to put people in who know how to run the town. The board of selectmen interviewed several people for the town administrator's job who had a good record on money matters and it was a big waste of everone's time especially those who spent time and money on their resumes. Then the position went to our finance director who never was an administrator. Blame the board of selectmen, for they are the ones who spend our money and make all the decisions.
    - MG

  • 8/29 7:15pm   To TEM: Aquinnah is on Martha's Vineyard--used to be called Gay Head. Population 344.
    Move to Chilmark instead, tax rate 1.85. Unfortunately, the houses are all in the million dollar plus range.
    - JBN

  • 8/29 7:14pm   How about the property valuations? Can you sell for what you're taxed for? -
    - PC

  • 8/29 7:10pm   FYI: Walpole tax rate is 10.94 for residential, commercial is higher. Commercial property pays the same tax rate in Norfolk as residential. Many towns charge more for commercial property.
    Other tax rates to add to the list: (residential)
    Lexington 11.11
    [Walpole 10.94]
    Norwell 10.93
    Harvard 10.89
    Westwood 10.37
    Weston 9.95
    Hingham 9.2
    Dover 9.1
    Needham 8.8
    Wellesley 8.32
    Rehoboth 8.15
    Norwood 7.34

    - JBN

  • 8/29 6:17pm   TK, KM, et. al.: A quick visit to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue revealed the residential tax rates of the following nearby towns and how they compared to Norfolk:
    Sharon (15.11),
    Sherborn (13.96),
    Medway (12.95),
    Medfield (12.66),
    Ashland (12.66),
    Hopkinton (12.47),
    Norfolk (12.48),
    Millis (11.50),
    Mansfield (11.30),
    Wrentham (10.76),
    Plainville (10.56),
    Franklin (9.02),
    Aquinnah (3.69).

    Walpole wasn't on the list for some reason. My guess is that it is considerably lower than Norfolk. And where in the world is Aquinnah? The Cape? This town came in lowest of all Massachusetts towns. Greetings to all residents of Aquinnah, would one of you be interested in a house trade?
    - TEM

  • 8/29 6:16pm   KM, I hope you're right about builders not building here (although I don't really believe it.). If that means less clear-cutting of our town (i.e. disaster on Marshall street), than I'm all for it. Most people like living in Norfolk because it hasn't been bulldozed over yet. I'd rather drive 10 minutes to three supermarkets of my choice outside of town than five minutes to one in the center of town and deal with a lot of congestion.
    - JAS

  • 8/29 4:32pm   MON: I believe MG had it right... the St. Jude lot was cleared for Civil Defense purposes in the event of an emergency, not MedFlight. Personally I don't think it's ever been used for an emergency, which I consider a positive thing. Something tells me the Church was approached about letting the space be used, not the other way around. (I'm sure the ACLU sleuths will get to the bottom of that.) As far as the town being owed money, I guess a second collection is in order REAL soon! (You know that not a dime of town money has been used to 'care' for that particular 'religious institution.' )
    Speaking of 'religious institutions,' on my way home tonight, I'll see if the town has finished their work on the Federated Church lot, and then I'm going to call the ACLU, NO-GO, the CIA, FBI, MSNBC, and maybe even the NFL.
    Still awaiting your answer!
    - JC

  • 8/29 4:01pm   KM, Out of curiosity, can you provide a website or other information that would confirm your contention that "...it is the fact that Norfolk taxes are higher than any other town in this area"...?
    - TK

  • 8/29 3:43pm   Parking fees, Patriot Plaza, Southwood hospital, Call and Wait, State money for Norfolk, Greater Attleboro Transit Authority, MBTA assessments in Norfolk, Public Access T.V. in danger are all topics covered in this month's (September) edition of Conversation Corner with Town Administrator Jack Hathaway on channel 22 at 11am, 1pm and 7pm every day. Tune in and get information from the horse's mouth instead of the horse's ....
    - Paul Guertin NCTV Station Manager

  • 8/29 3:42pm   JC, So why is St. Jude's plowed by our town, as a landing pad for Medflight or for Civil Defense? Which is it? In any case, answer the questions. How many times has it been used? Is it a designated landing zone recognized by Medflight? This is easily found out. If our town has plowed it for your congregation your church owes the Town money.
    I take our civil liberties quite seriously, and the ACLU is a serious organization that looks after Americans and their constitutional rights, like the right to freedom of religion, or the right to be unencumbered by it or have it forced upon those who do not want it.
    Our tax dollars going to pay for religious institutions is a serious breach of the constitution.
    These questions will be answered. If not by you, by others.
    - MON

  • 8/29 12:34pm   KM: I take exception to your opinion about the "mediocre middle school." Our oldest finished 7th grade in June and is actually looking forward to heading back to school for 8th next week (remember, this is a 13 year old I'm talking about). He's got a brand new facility, dedicated teachers and a music program that is truly outstanding, particularly for a public school. He's had such a positive experience at KPMS that he's already convinced us (his parents) that he'll be happier and more successful at KP High rather than Xaverian. As long as those straight A's keeping coming home, I can't argue with him.
    Don't know about the full day kindergarten fees as I was one of the dinosaurs who preferred to keep both kids in the half day program - to each his/her own there, but other poster mentioned that Westwood pays too.
    And while I agree that there is a surplus of housing for sale in town right now, please, as others have already mentioned, take a look around. Surplus housing inventory abounds in all towns, including "Blue Chip" addresses like Wellesley and Weston. It's interest rates, the economy and over-pricing that are slowing real estate markets right now. These are variables that can't be blamed solely on Norfolk.
    - TN

  • 8/29 11:45am   Do you have an Antique Car? Would you like to have it as part of the Antique Car Display at the Harvest Festival for the Federated Church of Norfolk? September 22nd.
    Call Jeff C. at 508-528-0889.
    - PS

  • 8/29 11:42am   To SL - I believe that the Selectmen voted several weeks ago to post signs on Liberty Lane at the Library making these 8-9 spaces "2-hour parking." Why the signs haven't gone up yet is anyone's guess.
    - HRB

  • 8/29 11:25am   KB - We have used Quality Dry Cleaners in Millis on 109 for alterations for years. I recently needed a suit done for a wedding. I dropped it off on a Monday and it was done that Wednesday. I've never had a bad experience with them.
    - SAL

  • 8/29 11:12am   To KM - Have you noticed the amount of houses for sale in surrounding towns, as well as the entire state or the entire country for that matter? I assure you the reason is not Norfolk, it is a matter of the fact that interest rates have risen, the economy isn't great and prices for everything are rising at a ridiculous rate and houses aren't selling in 1 week as they were last year.
    - CR

  • 8/29 11:10am   To JLH - Try Bridge Realty in Franklin. I have use them many times and can tell you they are by far the best realty firm in the area. They will sell your house for 3.49% if a co-broker is used and 1.99% if they find a buyer, and this is for full service. Give Bob Carey, one of the owners, a call at 774-306-1342. You will be glad you did.
    - CR

  • 8/29 10:38am   RE: BC's entry of 8/28 12:56pm, Oil fron BJ's wholesale club? or massenergy.com (i.e. discounted heating oil network) to obtain annual service?
    I too am curious. After seeing that one oil service is selling oil at $2.399 and another at $2.899, I am ready to try biofuel or an oil co-op. Does anyone have any info? I was told by my present oil dealer that my home insurance wouldn't cover us if we used biofuel! Any info about that would be helpful... before I call my insurance company. Thanks.
    - PRR

  • 8/29 10:09am   SL - I am a train commuter and pay to park each day. Those spots in front of the library are filled by 7:00 a.m. I have seen those parkers walk to the train stop - and park for free. Would like to see the town post signs to prevent this from happening. Not fair to library users or commuters who pay the daily fee in the nearby lots.
    - SCC

  • 8/29 10:08am   KM - Kudos on some very valid points in stating where much of the frustration of Norfolk residents/taxpayers lies. However, while I don't have knowledge of other local school districts, I do know that in Westwood, families pay for a full-day kindergarten option if selected.
    - MHC

  • 8/29 10:07am   RJP, make the check payable to the Town of Norfolk, maybe they can bill you after every storm ... MG, the town has enough properties (school, highway dept, town hall and senior center, just to mention a few) to cover our civil defense needs I would think. Oh RJP, as for the snow in front of the food mart and such, you raise a great point. I'm sure the town will say that it's for public safety since its a high traffic area (cross walks, train people) with no defined line between the parking and 115. BTW that is a mess and a danger as a parking lot, I assume it falls under preexisting non-conforming. I say we tell the MBTA to plow it.
    - JPRW

  • 8/29 10:06am   I am looking for an expert tailor in the area who can take in an expensive women's suit. Anyone have any first-hand experiences?
    - KB

  • 8/29 10:05am   MON: Get on the hot-line to the ACLU. This morning, while driving to work, I saw town vehicles, yes, town vehicles, doing work in the parking lot of the Federated Church. To respond to your question from yesterday (the one with the obvious answer) about better landing spots for medflights, there probably are... and that's a decision that should come from town hall. You still haven't answered this: how many of your tax dollars have gone into the care of St. Jude's? To me, that answer is obvious: 0.
    - JC

  • 8/29 10:04am   I am looking for someone knowledgeable in Quickbooks. My son has started a business and needs someone a few hours a week (very flexible) to get him up to speed and then do his bills and payroll and enter his data. I also want that person to teach me Quickbooks as he/she works so I can back that person up when needed. Business is in Holliston and I live in Norfolk. 508-528-8662
    - KB

  • 8/28 9:18pm   To all the tax payers of Norfolk about the plowing of St Judes Parking Lot. I believe it is plowed because it will be used for Civil Defense in case of an emergency.
    - MG

  • 8/28 8:49pm   Hi RMS, I recently had Fidelis Plumbing do some work for me. He did a great job and was very fair on the price. He also has a great reputation around town for the quality of his work . Call Mike at 508-528-8220.
    - SV

  • 8/28 8:44pm   This is comical! I think everyone on this site needs to acknowledge what the real problem is. It is not the fire engine rides, it's not the plowing of the church parking lot, ...it is the fact that Norfolk taxes are higher than any other town in this area, and we get absolutely nothing for what we pay.
    We are the only town in the area for which you have to pay for full time Kindergarten. We do not have our own High School, we do not have sidewalks on Main Street all the way down (only a small portion) and there is a school on the street (H. Olive). We do not have town trash pick up/recycling, the middle school is adequate at best!
    There is a reason so many people are trying to move out of this town... have any of you noticed how many homes are for sale in Norfolk? Builders have stopped building here... I think we all need to open our eyes to the real problem and not keep picking on the church, the police department and the fire department... the real problem lies within the decision makers for this town... they are making a lot of wrong decisions.
    No wonder so many of you are complaining about such trivialities... If we felt like we were getting something for our tax dollars, than we wouldn't mind so much helping out the church, or other people in need for that matter!
    - KM

  • 8/28 8:17pm   Re the post by MON: "You don't have to answer the last question. The answer is obvious." You do mean the moonscape? Right?
    I don't know about anyone else, but when I'm waiting in line to ride the fire truck at the Fall Harvest and if I was first in line, I personally, would give up my place to MON.
    - AB

  • 8/28 8:14pm   To MON, WC, and all: I agree. Tax dollars should not be used to maintain or improve properties not owned by the town. The helipad argument doesn't move me. We have enough schools and other sites that are town-owned that would serve in this capacity if needed. I can understand the feeling from those belonging to churches or other private organizations who have not been favored to receive tax dollars to perform maintenance or refurbishment to their properties. I was very vocal during two town meetings saying that the precedent to spend town tax dollars on privately owned properties would only open Pandora's box and set a very poor precedent. The meetings were well-attended by the special interest groups who would benefit by this, and those of us in the minority were soundly voted down.
    Issues like these should be placed on the ballot to ensure that every taxpayer has a voice. The current town meeting forum to make these important decisions can be very difficult for those of us who work and travel for work, and cannot always be physically present to be heard. In addition, the schools should honor the town meeting process, and not schedule competing activities for families on town meeting nights as has happened in the past.
    - EC

  • 8/28 8:05pm   I've posted many things on this site about the Town spending my money - or mis-spending my money. As far as plowing church parking lots consider this: the majority of the people sitting in the the church are Norfolk taxpayers. Give it a rest. As long as each church / organization is treated the same, who cares? How is this any different than the town plowing Rt. 115 in front of the dry cleaner, the Food Mart or Daley' Sunoco. People seem to forget the Federated Church being the Senior Center before the new one was built. When the Memorial Day parade is held on a rainy day the church opens downstairs so people can eat their ice cream out of the rain. The churches in this town do more for the community than the people complaining about the use of tax dollars. Keep plowing Norfolk. I'll pay for it.
    - RJP

  • 8/28 7:03pm   The bottom line is this!! Tax income should not be used on privately-owned properties.
    - WC

  • 8/28 6:20pm   Life flight could land at the Holmes property; should we plow that as well? I'm sure there are a number of landing spots in and around our town. The old Norfolk airport?? Stop plowing the churches!!
    - JPRW

  • 8/28 6:08pm   JC, At the last Town Meeting we openly questioned the painting of the Federated Church being paid for by the Town and allocating funds to the Grange for painting and repairs, etc. It all fell on deaf ears. Taxpayers should not have to bear the burden of these expenses.
    - WC

  • 8/28 6:07pm   JC, So your reply raises more questions. How many times have a Medflight used your parking lot? Is it a designated Landing Zone with the proper dimensions needed for landing? Is there a better area that could be used that doesn't cost the taxpayer money? You don't have to answer the last question. The answer is obvious.
    - MON

  • 8/28 6:05pm   Has anyone ever used a "discount" realty company or (Assist2Sell type broker) or a real estate company willing to negotiate their comission? It seems in this market brokers would be willing to do anything to sell a house but I know our realtor won't budge on his comisssion of 5%. Thanks.
    - JLH

  • 8/28 6:00pm   Does anyone know the route for the Dare 2 Run 5K road race?
    - JH

  • 8/28 3:29pm   MON: I am a long time parishioner at St. Jude's. Can you can give one example of your tax dollars being used on my church? I know the Federated Church received Community Preservation funds, not St. Jude's. Perhaps you've seen St. Jude's parking lot plowed by town vehicles... that is so St. Jude's parking lot can be used as a landing area in case a Med Flight helicopter ever had to land. Have fun with the ACLU!
    - JC

  • 8/28 2:32pm   Does anyone know when sidewalks on Main Street, if ever, will be put in? [See post of 8/27 9:22pm]
    - KM

  • 8/28 2:32pm   BH: Agree w/ MR. The tank is the property of the gas company who fills (filled) your tank. (You might even get into trouble for removing a tank which doesn't belong to you.) If you can't find a readable sticker on the tank, perhaps - if you haven't been in your house too long - you can ask the previous owners who they dealt with?
    Funny, our heater just broke this summer and my husband is so happy. He no longer has to tolerate family members (me) turning on the heater to warm up the pool water when he isn't looking. No doubt he'll contact our gas company at some point to ask them to remove our tank too.
    Best of luck,
    - TN

  • 8/28 12:56pm   As anyone ever purchased oil through BJ's wholesale club? or used massenergy.com (i.e. discounted heating oil network) to obtain annual service?
    - BC

  • 8/28 12:40pm   To BH, Cyn Environmental will remove the propane gas tank. Their # is 1-800-242-5818, cynenv.com. Thanks,
    - PMP

  • 8/28 12:31pm   Chief Bushnell, If you are worried by inaccurate postings, take it up with the Federated Church. They are the one stating fire engine rides (see the post), regardless of the source.
    Given the track record of our town government voting for churches to be painted, their parking lots plowed in the winter and several other points given to me by the town taxpayers and constituents, the separation of church and state needs clarified.
    Many residents in this town do not want to see their tax dollars used for caring for religious institutions.
    So far the equation seems to be:
    Norfolk Government + Town Churches = Your tax dollars.
    Perhaps the ACLU should be involved to make sure our taxes are used for their intended purpose.
    - MON

  • 8/28 12:30pm   BH - Typically the propane tanks are the legal property of the gas company that supply the propane. See if there is a label on the tank to identify the company. I had a similar situation when I moved to Norfolk and they are responsible for the tank not the homeowner.
    - MR

  • 8/28 12:29pm   Good morning, just wanted to know why cars are lined up every day in front of the library (outside the parking lot area). Do these cars belong to train commuters? Are they are able to park in front of the library all day? Why is there no time limit sign posted like 2 hours only.
    - SL

  • 8/28 8:46am   I sure hope those weren't lovely residents of Norfolk who were drinking Bud Light and knocking down mailboxes on Boardman St. last night.
    - HPK

  • 8/27 10:07pm   MS asks, ``Why is it that the Town of Norfolk with one train stop pays more to the MBTA then the Town of Franklin which has 2 stops?''
    This question has been asked several times recently and it is not a simple answer. However, I will try to explain. The MBTA assessment is not related to the commuter rail service in any town. There is an arcane law passed by the state many years ago which fixed the assessment of any given city or town based on the distance from Boston (the MBTA hub) and its population. On this basis there were three tiers of assessments defined. Lets call them the inner tier, the middle tier and the outer tier. Within each tier the community is charged the same rate based only on population and not services.
    The inner tier is 14 communities which includes Boston and Cambridge and they are charged the highest rate, the middle tier is about 63 communities which includes Medfield, Millis, Foxboro and Norfolk and are charged a lower rate.
    The outer tier including Wrentham and Franklin is charged the lowest rate. Plainville is not assessed since it uses its MBTA assessment to offset its GATRA assessment. Tier one pays about $60 to $70 per resident, tier two pays about $19, and tier three pays $4 to $6 each.
    You can read about the structure starting on page 55 at: www.dls.state.ma.us/mdmstuf/stateaid/cs_manual/mbta.htm
    Chapter 161A of the Acts of 2000 has changed this somewhat in that more communities have been added to tier three. Although this attempted to make the charges more equitable it only exacerbated the inequities. For example, can you imagine living in the town of Rochester (near New Bedford) and now being assessed for MBTA services at the same rate as Franklin and Wrentham?
    On the plus side, as a result of this legislation tier one and tier two community assessments have (until this year) been going down slightly each year.
    Since the population is based on the US Census or census estimates Norfolk is also assessed for the prisoners in town so the population of 10K+ and a rate of about $19 each allows the state to assess us about $203,000 this year. It has nothing to do with services or train stops. Note that the prisoners add about $40,000 to our assessment. Please note also that of the 60+ communities in tier two, Norfolk is one of three that receives neither MBTA busing nor the MBTA Ride for disabled citizens. Finally, although we have a train station, 70% of the commuters parking and boarding in Norfolk come from out of town. What a deal!
    You have a right to complain, and the town has complained. No one from the Governor to the Lieutenant Governor to the Highway Commissioners to our legislators have changed the inequity.
    - JJM

  • 8/27 9:22pm   Does anyone know when sidewalks on Main Street, if ever, will be put in? I have heard the town keeps putting this project off. Is there a reason?
    It is very dangerous not having them, especially considering that the H Olive School is on Main Street. I see so many kids riding their bikes on Main Street and parents hurrying their small children along to the side of the road to escape from being killed by the speeding cars on the road.
    Why hasn't the town taken this issue more seriously? Is it going to take a child's life being taken for the town to make this a priority?
    - KM

  • 8/27 9:20pm   MBB. When we started our quest to get The Ride from the MBTA , we asked the same question. The answer came back that Franklin allows the trains to be kept overnight in their town and therefore were assessed lower than Norfolk which pays over $200k to have the station - and we still do not have The Ride to carry our handicapped both young and old. I believe the school has a budget to carry the young handicapped so it is a double hit to the taxpayers. We have ben trying to get The Ride/RTA (which includes handicapped transportation) for close to nine years. In those nine years Norfolk has paid ove $2m, not counting what we paid before. Probably close to $4m total. The Selectmen are now looking into a bill that has been passed, supposedly allowing Norfolk to have an RTA (Regional Transportation Authority). Watch the Selectman's meeting on 9/11 at 7:30 on channel 22 for an update.
    - RC

  • 8/27 4:21pm   When we bought our house 14 years ago in Norfolk there was an extra, extra, extra large propane gas tank on the property to heat the inground pool. The tank is not connected and the heater never worked because we never hooked the gas up. We would like the tank removed from our property but don't know where to start. Perhaps someone out there that does gas cooking through propane gas would be interested in a larger size tank. Any suggestions how to get this removed?? The gas company told me they don't do that type of removal. Thanks in advance.
    - BH

  • 8/27 4:19pm   I'd like to personally thank the Fire Department for their assistance at our home recently when a faulty smoke alarm went off and our 13 year old son was instructed to phone 911. As always, firefighters arrived quickly (within 5 minutes) and discovered the culprit which set our minds at ease. I can't say enough how much our family admires the level of professionalism, support and care these individuals provide every time we've ever had occasion to deal with them. Thank you again sincerely.
    P.S.: We followed their instructions to the letter (that afternoon) and had all our smoke detectors checked and repaired where necessary (ours is a hard-wired system, installed when the house was built, 25+ years ago). Sigh of relief, and a word of warning to other residents: Inspect your smoke detectors. Even though they may pass home inspection during purchase; time flies by and before you know it, detectors become dusty, faulty and therefore ineffective.
    - TN

  • 8/27 4:18pm   I agree with MS. The recent fee voted on for resident commuters to park at the old town hall is directly related to the MBTA. Why is it that the Town of Norfolk with one train stop pays more to the MBTA then the Town of Franklin which has 2 stops? Great question. Anyone care to answer?
    - MBB

  • 8/27 4:14pm   Does anyone know who owns the slightly rotting Porsche 911S which is parked on the waste ground next to the Post Office on Main Street? I have a friend who is a restorer who may be interested. Email details to info@robhillphoto.com - Thanks!
    - RH

  • 8/27 9:54am   Here's a "No Comment" photo. I guess we moved here just in time to see what used to be... what could have been and what may very well never be again.... open space.
    - PRR

  • 8/26 1:07am   I would like to point out Paul Guertin's terrific camera pix that have enjoyed a stay in the library. There is no question of the quality of his art and I plan to steal as many ideas from him as possible. Paul related to me that he used a 35mm camera with a 28 mm objective. The sharpness is unbelievable.
    Well Done!!!
    - JO

  • 8/25 2:49pm   PRB - Petro (which I think has gone back to Atlas Oil):
    Petro Heating Oil and Services
    (866)246-2758
    Here are the numbers as of a few weeks ago:
    $2.599/$3.039 Ceiling
    $2.399 Variable
    I believe the fixed price then was $2.79. The $2.599 was the price for that particular day. If the price goes down, you pay that price per gallon (last week it was around $2.449) but it will never go above $3.039. I've used the company for 5 years, with the exception of last year when I locked in at $1.999 with Norfolk Oil. That was unbeatable last year but this year they weren't competitive.
    - DM

  • 8/25 2:47pm   Chief, I do honestly appreciate your sarcasm -- you shot right back and that's refreshing... Touché.
    For the record, let me just state that I, and most of this town, think your department is wonderful. My comment was not meant as a personal dig at you or our firefighters. We are proud of the service we have here in town.
    My comment was sparked from my frustration in having to pay $75 a year to park in an otherwise unused lot, while others get to park for free, and closer to the train. In reality, I don't really care if the wives of firefighters park in the lot. It doesn't harm me in any way. The wife of a mutual aid firefighter though... That's probably going too far, so I appreciate you putting a stop to that. There has to be a line drawn somewhere, and I think that's it.
    Please understand that most people feel slighted when they see others get privileges that are unavailable to them. It's human nature. I suspect human nature is also behind the reason I'm going to be paying $75 a year to park at OTH. Other taxpayers don't want to foot the bill for a privilege they don't use. I don't have kids in the schools, but I still pay for them. And I'm happy to do it because it's for the common good. But that's beside the point I guess.
    As for joining your department as a call firefighter... I'm petrified of heights, so I'm guessing that's out. I used to be an EMT though. If you need a volunteer EMT who hasn't driven an ambulance since Bush's father was in office, I'm your man. I really want that parking space. :)
    Keep up the good work.
    - DF

  • 8/25 2:32pm   Thank you Chief Bushnell for your always articulate explanation of the concerns brought up on Norfolk Net. Keep up the good work.
    - SB

  • 8/25 2:31pm   I need to install some metal hand rails down my front concrete steps. Anyone know of anybody who can do this? Thanks!
    - JAS

  • 8/25 10:32am   DM, Where is Petro/Atlas? A Prepay price or pay as you go? Thanks,
    - PRB

  • 8/25 10:22am   RC: On this issue NOGO is primarily concerned with announcing Town Meetings and Elections more effectively and vigorously. Your view regarding the limited message space on the sign in question is shared for that reason. However, NOGO is merely an advocate for placing signs announcing these events. Residents are encouraged to contact the Town Administrator to make suggestion on options and ask what other events the signs may be used for. NOGO would be happy to forward any suggestions to him as well. The NOGO site, www.no-go.org has a link to town officials that one may use; as well as a Comments link that may be used to contact NOGO with questions or comments that will be forwarded to town officials, if requested. We invite all residents to take the very short survey at our site as well.
    - JPB, Founder, NOGO

  • 8/25 10:14am   Good Day DF - please accept my thanks for bringing to the Department's attention the situation regarding those parking at the station and riding the MBTA. Several young ladies have used this facility. One is the wife of a firefighter from a mutual aid department. Given your comments she will no longer be parking at the station. A second young lady, who formerly served the Department as a firefighter, parks occasionally. Since she is a past member and still contributes her time as requested, at no cost, she remains as a "parker". Other young ladies who do park here are wives of the career and call staff. Allowing them to park "compensates" them for family functions missed, meals interrupted or important dates canceled as their husbands respond for emergency calls. Also off-duty career and call staff will use the station parking when they travel for the day.
    To sign up for this parking you need to apply for a call firefighter's position, agree to train for a minimum of 120 hours without compensation and then agree to respond for emergencies on a 24 hour basis for a little over $16/hour. If fiscally possible, we are hoping to target 2008 for adding several call staff.
    I would like to invite you to stop by the station to further discuss your concerns. Please know I would be glad to provide the coffee.
    - Coleman C. Bushnell, Fire Chief, Norfolk Fire Department

  • 8/25 10:11am   Dear MON - The best way to ruin community spirit is to post information on the Norfolknet which is inaccurate, without any substance, and represents an antagonistic viewpoint. Such is the point you raised concerning the fire engine rides to be provided at the Federated Church by the Fire Department. If you had taken a moment to simply call the Department, you have found the "fire engine" being used is owned not by the Town of Norfolk, but the Norfolk Firefighter's Association (NFA). Obviously since it is owned by a private/not-for-profit group, it is not insured by the Town, but by the NFA. Lastly, the "firefighter" who will be driving the truck during the day retired from the Department several years ago and volunteers his time in the interest of community spirit, much like the off-duty career and call firefighters who volunteer for the Annual Haunted Train Ride event. It is always disheartening to learn of postings on the Norfolknet directed against the Department which are not based on fact. Postings of this nature don't contribute to problem solving, but raise questions to perpetuate mis-information.
    Again I ask - no, I challenge - the community to please stop by the station, drop an email or use the telephone if you have questions or wish to make a comment. At the very least I can assure your that we will be able to agree to disagree on the topic of your choice.
    - Coleman C. Bushnell, Fire Chief, Norfolk Fire Department   117 Main Street, 508-528-3207, bushnell@virtualnorfolk.org

  • 8/25 9:21am   Regarding the sign for Norfolk - good idea. Not so for the sign in Wrentham. If the sign is to be a copy of the sign on the corner of 140 and 1a please take another look. The residents of that town complain that there is more framework than message space and I agree. I applaud the effort to have a sign but would suggest a larger message space. Is the sign only to be used for official town messages?
    - RC

  • 8/25 12:52am   Regarding rides on the fire engine, this engine is on the small side and is ONLY used for free rides. It is also used at Norfolk Community Day. I believe a retired Fire Fighter drives it.
    - DLJ

  • 8/24 10:50pm   Does anyone know of a local place for an adult to take dance or gymnastic lessons?
    - RWD

  • 8/24 10:49pm   VR - Capped with Petro/Atlas at $2.59. First delivery was $2.39 and had to be taken within 10 days of signing up for the year. Also received $100 towards oil or a service contract.
    - DM

  • 8/24 10:47pm   LB - I think your response to MON is a bit unfair. He/she brings up a valid point in these days of skyrocketing property taxes and shrinking town services; it falls into the same discussion with plowing church lots, repairing private clubs at town expense and charging residents to park at the old town hall.
    On the other hand, I see that letting kids understand more about the fire department is very valuable and serves as an educational experience, teaching fire safety etc. The church fair is a great venue for the NFD to reach lots of people in one shot. Not sure about liability for rides but most towns do it so I'll bet it's covered.
    - MJD

  • 8/24 9:12pm   MON - Wow... are you always that happy?
    - LB

  • 8/24 9:11pm   TC: I have a carpenter friend from Medway who may be able to help you = with your bookcases. His name is Alex and he can be reached at = 508-533-4957. He does great work.
    - MP

  • 8/24 7:39pm   VR, I also capped with Cronin Oil. I was at a relative's house in Southboro today and her cap from the oil company she has had for years was 303.9. Her company does not go below that price even if the oil price does decrease. No one knows what is going to happen this winter!
    - BR

  • 8/24 7:38pm   So why is the Town of Norfolk offering free fire engine rides for the Federated Church's Fall Harvest this weekend? Does our town insurance carry such liability coverage? Is that what the intent is? Use our town vehicles and their trained employees for Church amusement?
    In an era of litigation and tax rates, this is unacceptable use of the Taxpayer's money. This abuse and use of public vehicles needs to stop or you'll experience another rise in taxes.
    - MON

  • 8/24 7:36pm   PT, ES, and others... Just thought I'd weigh in on the "Stop & Shop" issue. Although it may seem as though having a supermarket in town would be convenient, there are so many other options just minutes away. The only things that would make sense for the area (in my opinion) would be: a Trader Joe's (as someone else mentioned) and filling the additional space with local businesses and a restaurant/pub. Or maybe ice cream? It would also be wonderful to have a good coffee shop in town--as much as I love Meldiva's.
    - SR

  • 8/24 7:32pm   AF - regards your post for daytime babysitting... I operate a home based daycare and could possibly help you out. However, I don't have any openings for children under the age of two until the end of September. If you'd like more information you can contact me at basilefamily@comcast.net and I can provide information on rates, hours and a photo tour of my space. I am fully licensed by the state, so they have done a safety inspection and a full background check.
    - JMB

  • 8/24 7:22pm   While I agree with DF's premise: 8/16 6:46pm "If I must now pay an extra fee to park on a town lot it seems consistent that those who park on town property to work in Norfolk should also share the burden of a parking fee. ..." I would like to draw peoples' attention to the latest Town Hall Notice (at left in the "Town Hall Notices" category under Municipal Notices): "NORFOLK RESIDENT PARKING PERMITS AT OLD TOWN HALL". The notice is self-explanatory, but be sure that you read "TERMS AND AGREEMENT OLD TOWN HALL MBTA COMMUTER PARKING PERMIT" and the rest of the fine print and the dates.
    - RH

  • 8/24 3:16pm   The Town of Norfolk plans to locate signs around town announcing the scheduled Fall Town Meeting this October. The signs will appear two weeks prior to Town Meeting. Both town officials and NOGO hope the signs will serve to increase voter participation at Town Meetings and bring us in line with nearby towns.
    An effort is under way to purchase a permanent message board for the center of town that will be used to announce election dates, town meetings and other events. The message board costs about $13,000, and is similar to the one in Wrentham at the intersection of 1A&140.
    The Norfolk Lions Club and The Norfolk Community League have committed about $6,000 to the effort thus far. NOGO contributed less than $100 from remaining funds from the No Override Ballot Question Committee effort (MGL 55, Section 18 requires all funds be used or donated to charity or the town). If you or your organization is interested in contributing to the purchase of the message board, please contact the Norfolk Town Clerk, the N.L.C or N.C.L to donate.
    - JPB, Founder, NOGO www.no-go.org

  • 8/24 10:09am   TC: For the built-in bookcases, Tom Woodward is a local custom cabinet maker. His # is (508)-528-4812.
    - CR

  • 8/24 9:43am   At the Wrentham end of Union Street, just past 200 Union, there is an area of the street that was paved and then left for another day. There is a substantial and sharp rise in the pavement, marked by orange paint. This area is causing much noise and slowing of traffic in the area (some people slow to almost a stop, knowing about the "lip" and others don't know and wonder why some slow/stop). In light of the fact that the school busses will be rolling very shortly it seems that it should be completed prior to that. Or at the very least, the sharp edge of pavement should be leveled off to a gradual slope. Just a suggestion. The noise is extrememly irritating, and for people with young children and or infants, it must be really jarring.
    - JHR

  • 8/23 10:59pm   I am looking for someone to build bookcases. Any recommendations for someone who can do built-ins?
    - TC

  • 8/23 10:41pm   I am looking for a part to full time apprentice carpenter or a semi-retired person familiar with the remodeling trade. I run a small remodeling company and am in need of some immediate help. Pay is commensurate with experience. The work atmosphere is pleasant and positive. If you are a non-smoker, English speaking (fluent), clean cut and enthusiastic, please reply via email. My business hinges on quality and care of the client.
    Please reply by calling: Brian 508-528-3574
    - BF

  • 8/23 10:39pm   ES--Just wanted to come down on your side of the argument re Stop & Shop. Once it was decided to be a Stop & Shop, it was a non-starter, in my opinion. Unless it was a niche store, Trader Joes's, Bread &Circus, etc it makes absolutely no sense to put in a store that will be much smaller, offering less selection and variety as the store in Franklin for example. So, I give you that it will be a novelty at first and a little more convenient for most in town, but sooner or later you will begin going to the larger stores in the surrounding towns. When people start complaining about having to drive a wholle 5 miles to get to a supermarket, that's pretty sad. I'm all for fixing up the center of town and putting in a variety of small shops, pharmacy, perhaps a bar/restaurant, but leave out a 'tweener' sized market. Enough about the tax revenue already, it was explained many times in the past that there is not enough commercial property in town available to significantly reduce our taxes.
    - PL

  • 8/23 2:51pm   The Federated Church of Norfolk will hold its annual Harvest Festival beginning on Friday, Sep 22nd through Sunday, Sep 24th. It will be held on the church grounds located at the corner of Main Street and Rte 115 in Norfolk Center.
    Friday night, Sep 22nd opens the weekend-long activities with a Grilled Chicken Dinner - 5:30-7pm, under the big top tent. The menu of chicken, corn on the cob, baked potato, homebaked bread and peach crisp will be $8.00 for adults and $6.00 for Seniors and children. Children under 3 years old are free. Reservations are strongly suggested, so please call the church office at 508-528-0262. There will also be an Antique Car Display.
    On Saturday, Sep 23rd a parade for children of all ages will begin at 9am at the Parsonage at 5 Union Street. Come with your decorated bikes, wagons, hats or doll carriages. Children under 6 should be accompanied by an adult.
    Events at the Festival also begin at 9am. These will include a road race, a giant yard sale, crafts, gift baskets, local produce, candy and baked goods. Homemade apple pies, from local apples donated by the Big Apple Orchards, are our specialty!
    The many children's activities will include rides, games, specialty events and fire enginr rides.
    This Old Fashioned Family Festival will end on Sunday, Sep 24th with a hymn sing under the big top at 9:30am.
    - PS, Federated Church

  • 8/23 2:14pm   TC -- Of course you can call Comcast and ask -- we have them for all of our services (phone, internet and cable) and love it. We pay about $110 per month for all three including service fees and taxes. Phone is unlimited local and long distance, internet is wonderfully fast (I find it faster then the T1 at work), cable is ok -- we have more than we can watch, but do not pay extra for HBO, sports, etc. We signed on as part of the package deals they were/are offering. You have to be a new Comcast customer to get the deals, but my husband had never been a customer so we switched it to his name. We can switch it back to mine in a year when our package runs out. If you are happy with Comcast, it seems like they should go out of their way to keep you as a customer when there are so many other choices out there. Sometimes they need to be reminded of that. I will check my bill this month when it comes to make sure we are still on track.
    - MH

  • 8/23 12:10pm   Comcast users... Has anyone else's Comcast bill gone up, without notice, lately? My Internet/Cable service has skyrocketed from $120/mo to $160/mo, and I am wondering if anyone knows why, or what one can do about it. I know you can sometimes negotiate them down for a period. Are there better deals out there? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
    - TC

  • 8/23 8:48am   ES, I agree well said.
    - DWL

  • 8/23 8:47am   Did anyone happen to see a 6 year old black and white (mostly black) female cat roaming around Campbell street? Our beloved Samantha has been missing for two days now and this is highly unlike her. I can be reached at Stevebass4@gmail.com.
    - SB

  • 8/23 1:43am   There is no proof that taxes would go down with a new shopping center and most of us must drive out-of-town to do errands and work anyway, therefore an additional grocery store in town is pointless. Shaws and Stop n' Shop are about five miles away! You said it yourself a few comments back regarding taxes: We can have it your way with more taxes and that ugly moonscape with $500k overpriced community behind it. I would rather have some shops and a grocery store that would serve the needs of the town and bring in some revenue. So maybe the tax rate would go down... ya right. - PT
    - NW

  • 8/23 1:42am   PT I'm not talking about taxes. It is a fact of life that we have to pay them. The rates go up no matter what. I like Norfolk nice and quaint. That is why I live here. Period.
    - ES

  • 8/22 9:36pm   To ES: in response to why I'm one of the people not interested in a grocery store in Norfolk's center:
    Well, ES you must like paying higher taxes. And Norfolk will never be Franklin center. It's really not a center of town anyway. It's more like a busy intersection.
    I would like to have a medium size store for convenience, also to see the people of Norfolk and make relationships with the townsfolk. I do not like driving over 5 miles to another town to shop. I would to keep my money in Norfolk. Unfortunately Norfolk is taking my money and I am getting nothing in return.
    The regional high school aka the war zone of construction, high water rates, 1 gas station and smelly little convenience store. Just to name a few of the wallet drainers.
    Woo Hoo. You know in its day that was fine for Norfolk. But things change. Its time for Norfolk to change with it or we will be left behind.
    Change Happens.... take a look. whomovedmycheese.com
    And if you walk a lot in town with a grocery store that has reasonable prices and good neighborly service, you won't have to waste gas driving to Franklin, Millis, Walpole, Medway and/or Foxboro to do shopping. And the town would benefit. Maybe people from Walpole and Franklin who don't drive can jump on the train to our lovely town and shop and jump on the train and go home. Think about it. We would be the only town with a grocery store across the street from a commuter rail station.
    - PT

  • 8/22 8:49pm   I was wondering if there is a reasonable leaf service that someone can recommend for the fall. We have used a service from Millis for the past two years. Did not like the service or the attitude that went with it. Recommendations?
    - MJD

  • 8/22 6:51pm   MJD The locals stay very quiet about what is going on in their town. We stay at Fisherman's Wharf and look out directly at the harbor. One year the Coast Guard came in and looked around the harbor then left. The next morning a beautiful sailboat (large) was across the harbor. Someone finally told us it was Ringo Starr and they all respect the privacy of those who visit. The white church across the harbor is lit up at night and it plays chimes on the hour. We find it the most peaceful place to stay. We only go before school gets out and in the fall when everything is on sale as most stores close for the winter. Tugboat stays open year round. We haven't been there at Christmas when the boats come into the harbor all decorated. We have been there in July (an exception) to see the puffins - Audubon takes cruises out to the island where they lay their eggs - you can not land on the island. The puffins leave by middle August and do not return again until spring.
    - BR

  • 8/22 4:14pm   AP and CR: I recently hired a carpenter from Medway to repair some screens, replace my mailbox, and a couple other odd jobs. He did nice work and I would definitely use him again. His name is Alex and he can be reached at 508-533-4957.
    - MP

  • 8/22 4:12pm   On Saturday, September 9th join family and friends to "Celebrate Norfolk" at the town wide celebration on Town Hill. Town Hill has been closed due to the many renovations in the Town Center 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.
    Festivities to commemorate the reopening of Town Hill after its extensive changes start at 10 am with an official ceremony at the Gazebo. Join state and local officials and representatives of the local churches for the official opening ceremony. During the ceremony, The Norfolk Cultural Council will be presenting the Town Quilt and Chair sculpture, the H. Olive Day "Singers of the Day" Chorus will be singing, and the Norfolk Boy Scouts, Norfolk Cub Scouts and Norfolk Girl Scouts will be raising the new town and POW flags.
    At the conclusion of the ceremony, join in the Party on the Hill from 11 until 2 pm. Entertainment at the Gazebo includes the Norfolk Lions' long awaited Pie Eating Contest featuring many town officials, NMM Viking Cheerleaders, Norfolk Girl Scouts, music and more. The newly painted Tramp House will be open for tours by the Historical Commission. There will be over 25 Norfolk community groups with food, games, fundraisers, free giveaways, and information at their tables and booths on Town Hill. The library parking lot will have 30 local businesses showcasing their wares and services.
    Liberty Lane will be closed off from Independence Lane to the roundabout by Union Street for the day. Parking is available at the upper MBTA lot and the MBTA Lot behind Dunkin' Donuts. In the event of rain, the festivities will take place on Sunday, September 10th from 1pm until 4pm.
    For more information, please contact Jim L. at 508-520-1373, Tara S. at 508-384-6354 or Bonnie D. at 508-528-8414.
    Plan on coming early and staying late for a fun-filled afternoon to "Celebrate Norfolk"!
    - TS, Celebrate Norfolk Planning Committee

  • 8/22 3:12pm   To RMS - I have always used Heavie Plumbing in Walpole for the last 30 years and found them to be prompt an reasonable.
    - PRB

  • 8/22 2:21pm   If anyone is looking for a great hair salon, Barbara has been cutting my hair as well as my husband's and kids', for about 10 years. She has just opened a new salon near Rome Restaurant in Franklin called "Salon Natalia." She's great and it is always wonderful to support new business owners. She is open until 8 pm Tuesday through Saturday. Phone 508-520-3863.
    - DL

  • 8/22 8:47am   Can anyone recommend a good plumber (that's also reasonably priced)? Thanks!
    - RMS

  • 8/22 8:42am   Re: 14 Medway Branch: First open house scheduled September 10th 11:00a.m. - 2:00p.m
    - CS

  • 8/22 8:41am   PT, in response to why I'm one of the people not interested in a grocery store in Norfolk's center: It's simple, I don't like the idea of Norfolk being another Franklin (traffic in town center from shopping). We already have enough large shopping centers within a small distance from Norfolk to pick from. The idea that we would need yet another grocery store is wasteful. Also, I like walking through a quiet town that doesn't have a lot of traffic in the center.
    - ES

  • 8/21 11:51pm   There's a Drive-In in Norfolk! On August 31 at 7PM, the family movie, Wallace and Gromit, will be shown, free of charge at the Pond Street Complex on a HUGE movie screen. Come and enjoy this fun night! I should mention...it's more of a walk-in than a drive in, so bring blankets and pillows... and snacks too! Hopefully, the cool nights will reduce the mosquito population, but, just in case don't forget to bring a jacket....and to wear long pants. What if it rains?? It will be held at the HODay School - Any questions, call Norfolk Recreation @ (508)520-1315.
    - AP

  • 8/21 11:47pm   The Fall Recreation Brochure will be mailed this Wednesday and registrations will be accepted by mail, in the office or on-line starting Monday, August 28 at 9 AM. To register on-line please go to www.virtualnorfolk.org/rec. YMCA Swim classes may be registered for now.
    In addition to registering on line you may browse class descriptions (which should be fully updated by Wednesday, August 23) by selecting "Programs". This will take you to a drop down menu of all programs. They classified by year, season and age. Once the general program is chosen, specific classes will be listed. Descriptions, class availability, dates and age ranges are shown. Starting with the Fall 2006 programs there will no longer be a $3 fee for registering on-line.
    Walk-in and Mail-in Registrations may be complete with a check or cash in the office. We do not have the ability to take credit cards over the phone or in the office. Our office is located in the Town Hall on the ground floor. Registrations with a check and signed registration form may be mailed to P.O. Box 282, Norfolk, MA 02056.
    If you have questions or need further assistance, please feel free to call at (508) 520-1315 or email us at recreation@virtualnorfolk.org. Thank you,
    - Ann Proto, Recreation Director

  • 8/21 10:20pm   KT, I second the recommendation for Gentle Giant, although we used them for an in-state move several years ago.
    - GA

  • 8/21 9:09pm   PT - Well said!
    - NS

  • 8/21 9:08pm   PRB: the local oil company's prepay price is $2.59/ga; they also offer a capped rate of $2.79/ga for a fee of $69.
    Anyone else have oil quotes to share?
    - VR

  • 8/21 8:18pm   AF, I am interested in babysitting, I have school age children and am looking for some extra work, email me and we can talk. box38@norfolknet.com
    - JD

  • 8/21 7:41pm   In reply To ES: I definitely don't want S&S or any other shopping market in Norfolk.
    Why not, I am sick and tired of going to another town to do any kind of shopping. Besides, downtown Norfolk is death on any given day of the week. Call me a city boy. But foot traffic brings in $$$$ for our town. I just spoke with a real estate agent this weekend. She said that the tax rate is keeping families from buying homes here. There are currently just over 100 properties for sale in Norfolk. That is a lot, even in this real estate slump. People are leaving Norfolk because it is expensive and there is nothing here. We don't even have are own high school and are taxes are higher than Medfield's. Go figure.
    We can have it your way with more taxes and that ugly moonscape with $500k overpriced community behind it.
    I would rather have some shops and a grocery store that would serve the needs of the town and bring in some revenue. So maybe the tax rate would go down... ya right.
    - PT

  • 8/21 6:38pm   CI, Thank you for the info about the library regarding Munity on the Bounty. I picked it up today. I thought if Amazon.com didn't have it I would have to seek out a movie buff. Of course the grandchildren never heard of Marlon Brando. I have some great pictures from the first time it was in Boothbay for repairs and again this May. We have been going to Boothbay Harbor for over 30 years and hope at some point in time to have a summer place somewhere in that area.
    - BR

  • 8/21 1:27pm   KT: After using the usual nationwide franchises and experiencing the entire gamut of sloppy performance, damaged possessions, and assorted horrors, we finally decided to use a smaller regional company called Gentle Giant for our move to this area. The differences in service, efficiency, and care were truly amazing. Although they started out regionally (based in Somerville), I'm fairly certain they now move people nationwide. Call them at 508-298-6061.
    - TEM

  • 8/21 1:11pm   KT, I used Clark and Reid out of Burlington to move to and from Chicago. A great company with great people.
    - JT

  • 8/21 11:29am   Norfolk Lions Youth Soccer - Looking for players for our new U17 Division - This is a non-competitive league - Our coaches are dedicated to teaching the game of soccer as a sport played for fitness and FUN! All games are played on Sunday afternoons in Norfolk. (Players do not have to live in Norfolk to play) Whether they've played soccer before or its totally new, boys and girls in grades 7 thru 11 are encouraged to sign-up - Do Not Delay -The season starts soon! If anyone has a teenager who might be interested (and their friends, relatives, neighbors) sign them up today! To sign-up or for more information call 508-520-0163 or email norfolklionssoccer@verizon.net
    - CK

  • 8/21 11:28am   We are looking for someone to paint the ceiling in our kitchen and perhaps do a couple of other odd jobs... any recommendations?
    - AP

  • 8/21 11:27am   I'm in need of a good handyman reference. Right now it's a few windows that are in need of repair, but I know there will be other things, thanks.
    - CR

  • 8/21 10:28am   In response to the person looking for in home pedicures.... Mobile Day Spa will come to your home and perform massage, manicure, pedicure etc. My friend's husband had a surprise 35th birthday party for her with the mobile day spa. There were 6 of us and we all received 2 services and could pay for more if we wanted. It was great. I highly recommend it. mobilespa.com
    - CC

  • 8/21 10:27am   Hi everyone. I know this question has been asked and answered many times here, but I've got to ask again since now that we've sold the house it's a major consideration... can anyone recommend a good mover? We've moved in the past but all our experiences have been bad. Would appreciate any and all recommendations... we're moving to North Carolina, by the way, so it couldn't be someone who just does local moves. Thanks for your (timely!) help!
    - KT

  • 8/21 9:49am   MJD The Bounty has a web site, tallshipbounty.org, click on the picture of the Bounty. There is a small gift shop near where the Bounty is being repaired that has T-shirts, etc., with the Bounty emblem on them. It is called Coast & Cottage. Anything you buy has to be cash as all the monies go directly to the Bounty. You can purchase on-line from the web site. Ted Turner at one time owned the Bounty. The Bounty was also in Boothbay in 2002 but only for small repairs as you noticed this is major repair. We were there in May and the work had just begun - my husband saw it last Thursday and said it was down to the frame. Do they still have the donation basket by the Bounty in the small parking lot where you could purchase the nails?
    - BR

  • 8/21 9:48am   BR - I actually did a little webdigging and found the the Bounty has a webpage and it gives all of its info. Neat! tallshipbounty.org
    - MJD

  • 8/20 11:09pm   BR - We were in Boothbay Harbor this weekend and went down to check out the Bounty too. It's really cool to see them rebuild but none of the locals we know knew what was going to happen to it once it is finsihed. Do you know?
    - MJD

  • 8/20 9:47pm   Does anybody know anywhere to donate school supplies?
    - NA

  • 8/20 9:46pm   We need to replace our gutters. Can anyone recommend a local company that is reasonable and reliable? Thanks.
    - JG

  • 8/20 7:36pm   BR: I checked the on-line catalog, and the Norfolk Public Library has Mutiny on the Bounty with Marlon Brando on VHS. If their copy is checked out, several other member libraries have it as well, so you can request a copy be sent to the Norfolk Library for you. Click on 'Library' on the left hand side of this page, and select 'SAILS Catalog'.
    - CI

  • 8/20 7:19pm   Can anyone recommend a Pre-Paid Wireless phone plan for Norfolk and New England areas? On the same token, are there any that you would not recommend?
    - NW

  • 8/20 7:13pm   To LBD: Check out the kplacrosse.org website. It's a fantastic organization and this site has loads of information and contacts. It's a great sport and your child will love the learn-to-play program. There are many dedicated coaches and parents involved (my son and daughter play and my husband coaches!)
    - NT

  • 8/20 7:11pm   Is there anyone out there that has Mutiny on the Bounty with Marlon Brando? It was made in 1961 but I'm sure it was made into a video. The Bounty is now in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, being redone. Johnny Depp has used the same boat in his Pirate movies. Marlon Brando refused to have the ship destroyed--so it is still here. I have pictures of it being rebuilt and have 3 original bolts from the Bounty plus T-shirts. Even my friend a movie buff does not have that film. Amazon.com does not have it. Help. I will ask Wm. to show the pictures.
    - BR

  • 8/20 7:10pm   DLJ, "This would also help local businesses by creating those needs" was in reference to letting the plowing go out for bid. Local people and businesses could fill the needs of the church, but for a fee, something the churches aren't use to.
    - JPRW

  • 8/20 3:24pm   Hi DB, I have used TWD Enterprises who is a local, licensed contractor in Norfolk. They have done work for me as well as a number of other folks that I know. They do good work and are fairly priced and trustworthy. They hire good people that are easy to have around as well. You can call Todd at (781) 789-2641.
    - SV

  • 8/20 2:56pm   I need a dependable source for a cord fire wood for this winter. Does anyone have a recommendation?
    - TPR

  • 8/20 2:54pm   AF: You might want to consider joining Norfolk Community League's babysitting cooperative. It's been a life saver for me more than once! It is a barter system where you earn points for sitting for other members' kids (based on the length of the sit and the number of kids) and then spend points when someone sits for you. My kids think of sits as playdates and I like the fact that it is mothers watching the kids. Since most of the sits are during the day it enables the members to attend school performances, help out in classrooms and do lunch duty , get a haircut, etc. All things that are hard to schedule without a helping hand to watch the kids. You have to be member of NCL to participate. Check out the NCL website and contact the membership chairperson for more information.
    - TMS

  • 8/20 12:34pm   JPRW - I am not sure what you meant by "This would also help local businesses by creating those needs." The Federated Church does use town water and pays their own water bills.
    - DLJ

  • 8/20 12:33pm   PRB...Check out this website for oil prices -- www.massenergy.com
    - SES

  • 8/19 2:50pm   Has anyone received prices for Oil for the coming season?
    - PRB

  • 8/19 2:41pm  
    [Update 8/20 10:24am: free kittens one-day-only post removed next day - Wm.]

  • 8/19 2:40pm   I'm looking for a babysitter who is available during the daytime. I don't need anything regular, but I need to get out once in awhile. I have a 1 year old daughter and a new baby on the way. Do you babysit or do you know of anybody who has free time during the day for babysitting? Thanks!
    - AF

  • 8/19 8:39am   Enjoy reading about important issues (driving over roundabout bricks, etc.) but truly hope that this forum isn't going to be developed into an electronic 'Real Estate Advertiser'.
    - KK

  • 8/18 10:43pm   4 bedroom 2 1/2 bath (w/ Jacuzzi tub), 2 car garage, 12 year young colonial in Norfolk, MA the total square footage is 3,000. In the total square footage is a 980 square foot finished custom basement that includes a playroom for the kids and a family/media room wired for surround sound for the adults, there is also a laundry room and an additional workshop room with three large closets. This house is in fantastic shape and was completely updated in 2003 including, professionally painted interior & exterior, new custom 3 1/4 " white oak floors, new 12" x 12" travertine tiles in foyer, brand new carpets upstairs and in finished basement. New water heater installed this year. New well pump installed last year. House has central air and central vac!!! Wood burning stove with custom granite mantel and custom black granite tile inlay in floor, Vermont Casting wood burning stove and TWO CHILDCRAFT swing sets to stay with house. The lot is 3/4 acre that backs up to 30+ acres of conservation land. Level and private yard big enough for a soccer field or a pool!! Oversized deck and large cement patio. Recent professional landscape installation including numerous trees and a full fieldstone wall with raised planting bed. Lawn has always been well cared for and looks great.
    New sidewalks to be installed this Fall. From this house you can walk to everything in the town center, including the brand new library, the post office, Stop & Shop (if that happens), Dunkin Donuts and most importantly the COMMUTER RAIL. There is a footpath direct to the train station that passes the town playground. You can also walk to both elementary schools and all the ball fields. This is a phenomenal location in a fantastic town. Offered at $549,900.
    Please drive by and take a look! The house is located at 14 Medway Branch Road, Norfolk.
    Please call me if you are interested at 508-541-3246.
    Happy house hunting!!!
    Realtors receive 2.5% - bring buyers!!!!
    - CS

    [Update 8/20 11:30am:
    Revised first paragraph, pic 2
    Update 8/22 8:42am:
    Offered at $549,900. First open house scheduled September 10th 11:00a.m. - 2:00p.m. House is located at 14 Medway Branch Road, Norfolk. My phone # is 508-541-3246, email cespenc@comcast.net. I have many pictures ready to send. - CS ]

  • 8/18 9:56pm   PT, I'm glad to see someone else would favor Hannefords. I think they are great. Market Basket would also be ok.
    - BR

  • 8/18 8:49pm   I received a question at Norfolknet that I don't have any answer to, perhaps someone who see this does --
    Hello -

    I'm looking for some who can provide Pedicure in house. My sister
    lives in Norfolk and is recuperating for major surgery.

    Can you help!

    - Wm.

  • 8/18 8:48pm   PT: I guess I am one of those rare people who reads the Boston Globe every week. Were you just joking? I definitely don't want S&S or any other shopping market in Norfolk. I must agree with you on the sign idea though; "Driving on bricks in roundabout is not permitted" sounds like a great idea to me. How about another sign that reminds people that the brick crossing areas are places where you are meant to stop for pedestrians. I can't tell you how many times people look right at me while driving through the cross-walks as I stand there waiting to cross. It happens many times a day as I am dog walking or even with children. Thanks drivers.
    - ES

  • 8/18 8:47pm   Since we are now in such a financial crisis and the selectmen are finding cures such as the charging of our own residents to park on "OUR" town property we should definitely be charging all of the churches and Stony brook for plowing sanding and any other service they get for free from the town. Do the churches have wells or water bills? This would also help local businesses by creating those needs.
    - JPRW

  • 8/18 2:39pm   Thanks to Norfolk Recreation for a great free summer concert series. Ending the season last night with the Reminisants was icing on the cake. This band knows how to get the audience, especially the kids, involved in enjoying the music and having fun. Plus, they brought their own lights, so we could still enjoy the music up until 8:00!
    - CR

  • 8/18 10:11am   In response to: Please note that we also use a number of other traffic calming methods in Norfolk in addition to the roundabout. No wonder the Boston Globe recently listed Norfolk roads as the safest in the area. But that's another story.
    Who reads the Globe/NY Times anyway? The reason we are the safest is because we don't have many roads. And there is no reason for residents from other towns to come here. (No commerce to speak of). So let's keep the roads safe, the taxes high and no shopping of any kind. Thanks Stop & Shop.
    By the way S&S, why don't you sell that land to a good store that has low prices, such as.... Hanneford's. They are more of a neighborhood grocery store anyway. There are too many S&S's... creepy company.
    On the Roundabouts: I wasn't all for them when they were being built, but I have to admit they work. I haven't seen a jam at that intersection for a while.
    Town of Norfolk, please post a sign that says "driving on bricks in roundabout in not permitted". That would keep people informed and this conversation can fade away.
    - PT

  • 8/18 10:03am   I see the Norfolk Rec stuff is out on the web. When will the books be available? I went to get one yesterday [Monday 8/14 - Wm.] and the spring books are still out. The web site information isn't really clear as to what age groups classes are for or on what days. They all say 8/21-12/26 or something. Very unclear.
    - JP

  • 8/18 9:22am   If a charter member (pre-construction) of the Adirondack Club pays the same dues as a non-charter member, then what exactly is the difference? The package sold to the charter members was that there would be a restaurant included. Why is there no restaurant? The package also claimed that there would only be a limited membership. What happened to that limit? The package appears to have been a fraud.
    - MBB

  • 8/18 8:54am   Try the Vanderbilt Club on Rte. 1 in Norwood. The people and atmosphere are very pleasant and comfortable. It's a drive, but it may be worth it. vanderbiltclub.com
    - SO

  • 8/17 6:54pm   JO Many thanks for your correspondence relative to Highland Lake. I have tried in the past, and I am glad my messages didn't fall on deaf ears. We need more people like you.
    - WC

  • 8/17 6:54pm   Does anyone know of a good beginners' lacrosse program for kids in elementary school? Realizing this is a spring sport, is anything offered in the fall/winter within a 20 mile radius of Norfolk?
    - LBD

  • 8/17 6:49pm   JGP : I joined the Adirondack club a couple of years ago and was frustrated with swim teams using the pool. I had the basic gym membership which is all I wanted and went at least three times a week. I like to shower after using the gym and I could never seem to get an available locker or shower cubicle to use. Many a time I had to wait to shower after I had used the gym, it was always complete chaos in the changing rooms. I left last December after the changing rooms were being remodeled and the situation was worse than ever; a couple of times I could not even get a locker. I had to leave my clothes and bag on the floor!! I went one Monday night and walked right back out after I entered the locker room. It was like a school girls party, clothes were everywhere, and gym bags. I went to ask the front desk how long the renovations were going to take. The receptionist at the front desk could not tell me. I went back again that same week a Wed night. It was the worst I had seen, that was the last straw. I complained to the front desk and wrote a brief note letting the manager know how I felt. I left my telephone number expecting a phone call at least as a courtesy.
    I had been there for two years and it seems to me that they really don't care about customer service, as long as they are getting your monthly dues. That same night I went to Boston Sports Club in Franklin. I did join and I have to say the staff are oustanding. The front desk staff are very helpful, and always have a smile for you when you check in. I would be very wary about joining the Adirondack. You may not get what you are looking for.
    - SD

  • 8/17 6:48pm   I would like to thank Norfolk Grand Rental Station (near Eagle Brook Saloon) who has graciously donated their grill, for the second year, to the Freeman summer playground end-of-the-year barbecue. Their generosity is greatly appreciated!
    - DL

  • 8/17 6:44pm   PRB: www.norfolkboomerang.com.
    - JPB

  • 8/17 6:43pm   DF: Please go to www.no-go.org, it has some direct links that you may find useful. You can even take the short survey if you like.
    - JPB

  • 8/16 6:47pm   8/21 is the final day to sign up for the Council on Aging men's only clam boil. For $10 (regularly $20) you get clams to nuts. Landlubbers special of Hamburgers will be served along with all the trimmings. Call the Center at 508 528 4430. Volunteers needed.
    - RC

    [Clams served to nuts? Hey, I belong there! :-) - Wm.]

  • 8/16 6:46pm   If I must now pay an extra fee to park on a town lot it seems consistent that those who park on town property to work in Norfolk should also share the burden of a parking fee.
    Am I the only commuter who parks at the OTH that has noticed at least two people who regularly get off the train, walk to the fire station side parking lot, get in their cars and drive away? They're not dressed like firefighters, so I assume they aren't members of the department... How do I sign up for one of these spots? (I suspect I know the answer...)
    - DF

  • 8/16 6:45pm   Need a little help or an extra hand?
    On August 4-6, 2006 thousands of women and men united in Boston and walk 60 miles. The Breast Cancer 3-Day was a weekend of hope, as we honored lives lost, celebrate survivors, promote breast cancer research and help bring breast cancer care to those who so desperately need it.
    I committed myself to walk and had agreed to raise a minimum of $2,200 to help fight breast cancer. Net proceeds from the Breast Cancer 3-Days benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation to fund breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment programs, as well as the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund, to provide an endowment for breast cancer initiatives.
    In order to reach my goal, I am offering to do odd jobs for your donation. Please contact me at marsden22@hotmail.com if you have any questions. If you would like to donate, please go to this address and help towards finds a cure. Thank you www.the3day.org/Boston06/toutou/
    - TM

  • 8/16 6:42pm   My kids have suddenly become obsessed with Legos. Does anyone have any large collections of basic shapes/colors that are still in good, clean shape they'd like to sell? Ideally we'd like some minifigures and wheels/car pieces in the batch. Please email me if you have any that are gathering dust at your house that you'd like to pass along. Thanks! laura_bot@yahoo.com
    - LM

  • 8/16 6:39pm   Since Highland Lake is drawing more attention recently enjoy the circa 1910 map of the area in its heyday and realize the attraction it once was that I have. This summer some residents on King Philip Trail were given copies when I paid a visit to the area to look at the level of the water. There is no doubt that the depth is being affected by the changing of the height of a sluice-board. State agencies have been asked to look at the sitituation since as a a concerned citizen I know it effects the Stop River and all those legal ramifications like riparian rights/corporareal hereditaments/prescription uses/rights/etc. It is on several Mass. Depts schedule. So I'm sure a safe course of action will ensue.
    I also paid a visit to Mann Pond and found that its a tremendous asset area. Suggest you seek permission to visit since it appears to be aprivate way.
    Incidentlly,one of the residents on King Philip Trail relates to me that he may have identified the resturant area depicted on the map.
    Hopefully,the Stop River will not be in danger. There are some good texts on waterways, incidentally in libraries.
    Enjoy.
    P. S. There are scraps of two other areas on the page-namely City Mills Pond (not near Old Campbell Rd) and fragment of the Noon Hill. There is a an interesting listing of a "cave" on the Noon Hill piece. Anyone have any info?
    - JO

  • 8/16 6:38pm   Does the Boomerang Paper have a web site?
    - PRB

  • 8/16 6:35pm   I would like to report that the Pondville Cemetery has been completely surveyed by Boy Scout Troop 112 of Medfield. About 500 hrs's spearheaded by Jon Ward -Eagle Scout aspirant - and other scouts did a tremendous job and deserve the highest praise. Inscriptions were copied, dates checked, and we have a complete record on a DVD as well as a roster. A meeting with the Historical Society agree that the Library would be the best focal point to place the contents. There are over 450 recorded inscriptions.
    We also have a 4x6 FT foam board that shows every grave location. The board is in the Norfolk Library as are the records and DVD. The list is alphabetical. See Mr. Spinney in the Library if need be. This should provide access to relatives and is now dated July 2005 for reference.
    Thanks to Jon's family for delivering to my house (and helping with the project.)
    I am sure many people will enjoy reading the inscriptions many years old.
    Again many thanks.
    - John Olivieri, Norfolk Veterans Grave Officer

  • 8/16 6:32pm   MB: You missed the mark by several miles. However, I think we've had enough said about the roundabouts so I won't add any more facts at this time. However, please keep repeating to yourself several times "rotaries are not roundabouts..." and stop confusing the two.
    If you are interested in learning about traffic calming see [fhwa.dot.gov site] (Lesson 11 ``Traffic Calming'') where the Federal Highway Administration discusses the benefits of roundabouts in their ``FWHA Course on Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation'' publication.
    Please note that we also use a number of other traffic calming methods in Norfolk in addition to the roundabout. No wonder the Boston Globe recently listed Norfolk roads as the safest in the area. But that's another story.
    - JJM

    [Update 8/17 6:28pm: I incorrectly referred to SM in my last post. It should be MB not SM. - JJM]

  • 8/16 6:32pm   Norfolk Organization for Government Oversight (NOGO) would like to advise town residents that Fall Town Meeting is scheduled for October 24th. Please visit our site at no-go.org to take our short survey.
    If you would like to vote but need assistance registering, completing the forms or with transportation we can help. Please contact us at no-go@comcast.net if you need help or are interested in NOGO.
    - John P. Bermingham, Founder, NOGO

  • 8/16 6:31pm   Officer Penlington, Thanks for the notice about the kittens and Waffles. I can't adopt any more pets right now, but can we donate any items or money to help for the care of these pets? Thank you.
    - EF

  • 8/16 6:30pm   Looking for tickets to the Boston/NY day game on Friday... I realize I will be paying a premium, but have no problem with that....any suggestions on where to go? I would rather have the tickets in hand and not try to get them on game day.
    - AP

  • 8/16 6:29pm   WC, this is in reply to your post of 8/10 @ 5:26pm about Highland Lake. Of course we care; what is it that you'd like to know about the lake?
    - MT

  • 8/16 6:27pm   JGP - During the time I held a membership at the Adirondack Club, I had a full understanding of the limited hours of pool use for the type of membership selected. The problem I encountered was in canceling the membership. For over a year I used the facility on a regular basis. Then for a few months I paid $100+ dues a month and did not use it at all (shame on me)
    On the first day of the next month, I notified the club that I wished to drop my membership by e-mail. While there was no response to my e-mail, I figured my request was in progress. At the beginning of the next month my account was once again charged. I called and spoke to a desk clerk who told me I would have to speak with a manager. The manager said they did not accept cancellations by e-mail, or phone calls. The only way a membership could be cancelled was by written request.
    I furnished the written request the following day (2nd). Come to find out I was charged for the remainder of that month plus the next month. They did require a thirty day notice, but unless they actually received and acknowledge the request on the first day, you had to pay the current month and the next month as well, because they did not allow a partial month's payment. When I got my bank statement I put the charge in dispute. In calling the club, the manager who was very rude, said it was clear in the contract, how cancellations were to be handled.
    I of course ended up paying the additional month. A 'scam', I don't know - you tell me.
    - KK

  • 8/16 6:23pm   Can anyone recommend a weekly house cleaner who is insured, cleans well and charges a decent price? Thank you!
    - AH

  • 8/16 6:22pm   I would also be interested in hearing more about the Adirondack Club, but I'd prefer to hear people's experiences with the swimming lessons offered there (especially for toddlers). Thanks in advance for your info!
    - KD

  • 8/16 6:20pm   The problems we had with the Adirondack could be an anomaly, but I would be hesitant to recommend a membership. When you join, they give you two free visits with a personal trainer to acclimate you with the machines and a fitness routine that best suits your body and goals. Unfortunately, they have a very high turnover rate with the trainers. In our first two months we tried to schedule appointments with three separate trainers. One of them did not show up to the appointment and when I rescheduled, did not show up for the second appointment. I found a trainer that I liked and completed one of the sessions, but then she left the club as well. My husband never received his sessions at all.
    The people working the front reception desk were never friendly, even when it was not busy in the club. We always went in the evening (after 7 PM) and were rarely greeted. When we were there, (with limited exception) the class schedule heavily favored the daytime crowd. The yoga classes that I was able to get into were usually full and very well taught. There is a dome that they put over the pools in the winter to make them year round facilities. They say that the water in the pools is always 82 degrees, but there were times it felt much cooler than that. The dome usually goes up Labor Day weekend and comes down Memorial Day weekend. The times I was there, it was way too cold (for me at least) to swim outdoors on Memorial Day.
    As I stated in my earlier post, when we got the letter about not being able to use the pool during certain hours it was sort of the last straw. I cancelled our membership and was told that there was a 30 day cancellation policy. I explained that they changed the pool policy, they should be able to change this on as well. They were not willing to budge so I wound up paying an additional month. For a couple fitness membership (we have no children) we were paying $95 per month. With this membership we were not allowed to use the tennis facilities at all. We received unlimited classes, but that was of little use since we both worked during the day. That is my input based on my experience, good luck with your search.
    - MH

  • 8/16 6:15pm   It seems to me that the Norfolk Board of Selectmen never saw an overide or fee that they didn't fail to embrace. This was recently confirmed by the recent fee voted on for resident commuters to park at the old town hall.
    As a resident I pay all of my town taxes in order to have town services, schools, snow plowing, street maintenance etc. If I must now pay an extra fee to park on a town lot it seems consistent that those who park on town property to work in Norfolk should also share the burden of a parking fee. Simply because I walk to a train and not to the town hall or the library or the fire station for my employment should not be a reason to penalize me and increase my taxes/fee.
    I also find it politically arrogant to presume the all commuters are employed with high paying jobs, as Ramesh Advani was quoted in the Boomerang. Students who use the rail everday most certainly would disagree. How on earth could anyone presume to know the compensation of those who ride the rails.
    Finally it would seem that the Selectmen should be working hard at finding a way to lower taxes or fees. With regards to commuters, let me suggest that they begin to answer this question. Why is it that the Town of Norfolk with one train stop pays more to the MBTA then the Town of Franklin which has 2 stops?
    - MS

  • 8/16 6:14pm   MB: We're the only state in the union with roundabouts??? I went through three states just this weekend with beautiful, nicely landscaped, traffic-moving-just-fine roundabouts. Not that I'm taking note or anything...
    - AL

  • 8/16 5:38pm   Hello Neighbors: We are selling our home at 14 Medway Branch Road the price is $549,900. Please drive by and take a look, if you are interested in seeing the inside please call me at 508-541-3246 (Christine). This house has 4 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths. Hardwood floors in lower level, brand new rugs upstairs, profesionally painted interior in 2003. Exterior of house painted in 2001. Also has central air, central vac, Jacuzzi/whirlpool tub in upstair bath. Yard has two enormous swing sets that are staying, large 3/4 acre level backyard great for kids and dogs! The basement was just finished one year ago and it is huge, there is one playroom for the kids and one for the adults!! Also, a seperate workshop and a seperate laundry room complete the basement. From this location you can walk to the T, three playgrounds, Dunkin Donuts, the Library, the post office, (anything in the center!) and the new Stop and Shop (if it ever gets built). We have pretty much updated everything in this house (even though the house itself is only 12 years old and didn't need much updating). We planned to stay for a long time, but work situations have changed and we need to move to a different location. The neighbors on this street are fanstastic and there is pretty much young children in every single house. Hope to hear from you.
    - CS

  • 8/13 2:52pm   'fine print' before purchasing any membership offering at the Adirondack Club. The swimming facilities there are nice..... but beware.
    Could you expand on the negatives of the Adirondack Club? I was going to cancel my membership at the Y for the Gym and Swim. It looks like this membership is a scam according to MH.
    - JGP

  • 8/13 2:51pm   I have many, many old coins & am looking to get rid of them. Does anyone know of any coin collectors or other places that buy coins? Thanks,
    - PR

  • 8/13 2:50pm   Can anyone recommend a local DJ who would spin some music for 2-3 hours at a upcoming party? Thanks!
    - NT

  • 8/13 2:48pm   Anyone who ordered school supply kits from the TPA may pick up Weds, Aug 23rd from 10-12 or Thurs, Aug 24th 4-6 at Freeman-Centennial.
    - AD

  • 8/13 2:41pm   Sorry JJM, "Traffic-Calming devices?" What is that? Are you some sort of Zen Master, traffic planner, channeling positive traffic energy through town? Also, I'm an engineer, so don't think that you can school me on geometry. I've been living in this state all my life. I'm assuming that you have, too? If not, the first time you ever saw a roundabout was when you moved to Massachusetts. I've lived with roundabouts from Western Mass (We called them rotary's out there) to Boston. I am more than familiar with roundabouts. Some work 'a little bit', and most are a dangerous impediment. Two roundabouts within 100 yards of each other? Please! At least Foxboro had the sense to create one large rotary, with eight entrances, no less, which can be negotiated by drivers without running over the grass on their common.
    I can tell you that we are the only state in the union that has them, and it is a fact, that the state has decided these roundabouts present an unnecessary hazard and traffic impediment, on state roads, and is eliminating them. The State came to this conclusion years ago. Do your research. Point in fact, the Sagamore rotary, which caused much of the on Cape congestion? Gone! The State wide rotaries have been a joke amongst out-of-Stater's since I was a kid. That said, I've seen motorists take the roundabout completely on the bricks. I contend that at worst, they are inconsiderate and self important (Most of the ones I've seen are driving Mercedes, BMW's and Volvo's, after all) but not criminal.
    As LS astutely recognized, if there is a yellow line then nobody, including trucks, should be crossing it. It is thoroughly appropriate for the town to identify the criteria for who can and who cannot cross the line. But I don't believe that they have done so. So, in the absence of clarification and distinction, no one can cross the yellow line. The controversy demonstrated, on this website, over the roundabouts just bolsters my argument that the roundabouts are more trouble than they are worth. They may be "cute" and "quaint" to some, but in a state where drivers have difficulty negotiating a 4-Way Stop a roundabout challenges the cognitive ability of some drivers which makes it a scary proposition for the rest. God help the out-of-Stater who has never seen one. If a driver is navigating the roundabout in an unsafe manner, they should be ticketed. But to be stopped for not neatly rounding the rotary is something that will not fly, especially considering the effect it will have on the motorist's insurance rates.
    Are you willing to pay an insurance premium for doing no more than inadvertently running over bricks? Exaggeration, you say? How much of my tire is allowed to touch the bricks, before I get ticketed with a moving violation? There needs to be parameters, known by all, before citations are issued. As far as the "Barney Fife" comment, come on. It is an obvious parallel and was meant tongue-in-cheek. Just watch the Andy Griffith Show and tell me you can't appreciate the observation. You may not have a sense of humor, but I find it ironic. No disrespect to the fine members of our police force, and the person ticketed may have deserved it. Certainly, had I seen the driver represented in the photo in the paper; I would have ticketed them, too. But as a general proposition, I would recommend restraint in issuing citations over these roundabouts.
    - MB

  • 8/11 1:19pm   I just want to thank the two wonderful firefighters who were on duty last night. I found a lost dog and brought it into the police station. My two year old was just about to get upset about the dog getting taken away (I think he thought we were going to keep it), when the firefighters distracted him by showing him the big truck and letting him sit in the driver's seat. He had a wonderful time and forgot all about the dog. It's not the usual way they save the day, but it is no less appreciated!
    - KD

  • 8/11 11:58am   I joined the Adirondack club for the pool that other fitness clubs around here do not have. After a year membership, I was sent a letter stating that because I did not have the tennis membership (it was more money than the standard fitness membership, and I do not play tennis) I was not going to be allowed to use the pools during the day. I do not remember the exact times, but I was only allowed evenings and I believe they limited the weekend usage. They host at least one swim club that uses one of the pools exclusively on certain evenings, further limiting the hours. When we cancelled the membership, they charged us for an extra month because you have to give 30 days notice of cancellation, even if they change the terms of your contract. That being said, they are excellent pools and the deep water aqua aerobics classes were fabulous.
    I also read recently that the Glen Ellen Country Club may be converting to a housing development. I do not know the time frame of this conversion, or if it would effect the club membership, so you should consider asking before you purchase a membership.
    - MH

  • 8/11 11:33am   The animal control department has a few animals in need of homes!
    We have a cute dilute grey tiger 8 week old kitten. He is an absolute sweetheart. He is litter trained. He has not received any vaccinations as of yet due to his age.
    We also have two orange kittens, approximately 10 weeks old that we are still working with and should be available for adoption soon. They too are litter trained but still very shy.
    If you are looking for a dog's mentality stuck in a cat's body we have a 2 year old male long haired black cat. This guy is so mellow and laid-back but still loves affection. He too is litter trained, very affectionate. He needs to be neutered as part of his agreement.
    Felix, a full clydesdale, is also looking for a home. He is being fostered here until he can find the right new owners. He is available through private adoption and anyone interested can contact me for more details. His story is that he was a PMU foal and once weaned he was left in a field with other weanlings for years and never handled. Due to lack of socialization he never was imprinted to humans. He was adopted twice prior where the owners tried and didn't succeed at training him the basics of halter training and general care. He has come here because of the amount of one on one he would receive to help him come through the training he needed. He has been here for 12 days now and wears his halter, leads, starting to learn to tie, and allows grooming. He has made huge improvements and really enjoying himself. he is 100% sound and healthy, would be successful in several disciplines and trailers well. He is NOT a horse for a novice or a first time horse owner. He is gelded, vaccinated, coggins tested, 16.2 hands, 7 years old. Please email for further details. He is available for adoption to approved homes nationwide.
    Also, I receive many emails from those inquiring about "waffles," the Belgian draft horse that was a rescue. She is doing well, has gained close to 300 lbs and still needs to keep gaining!
    Sincerely,
    _ Hilary Nolan Penlington, Norfolk Animal Control   (508) 528 3232   Norfolkk9@aol.com

  • 8/11 10:53am   And I thought the bricks in the roundabouts was the passing lane......
    - JR

  • 8/11 10:52am   AP - Don't know about Glen Ellen but be sure to read the 'fine print' before purchasing any membership offering at the Adirondack Club.
    The swimming facilities there are nice..... but beware.
    - KK

  • 8/11 9:49am   A donation to the Norfolk Public Library was made because of the book sales that came from the Wednesday evening seminar on college admissions and financial aid. I thank those 40 or so people who showed up for my booksigning and the seminar. There will be another college seminar at the library on Thursday, September 14 at 7 pm. As of today, three copies will be available at the Norfolk Public Library.
    - Paul Lloyd Hemphill, author of How To Win The College Game

  • 8/11 9:44am   I am looking for swimming pools in the area? Also, does any one have any feedback on joining a country club, I have driven by the Adirondack Club and Glen Ellen Country club numerous times and am curious to know if they (or any other clubs nearby) are worth joining?
    - AP

  • 8/10 9:17pm   Two inspirational authors of children's books will be making an appearance in Norfolk at the Dunkin Donuts DARE 2 Run 5K Road Race and Walk on Sunday September 24, 2006.
    Carol Goodrow is the author and illustrator of two books for children that focus on the importance of exercise and good eating habits. The first, "Happy Feet, Healthy Food: Your child's First Journal of Exercise and Healthy Eating," is a colorful imaginative diary for children from ages 6 to 12. The second, "The Treasure of Health and Happiness," is an engaging fictional account of a little girl named Hannah, who eats junk food, can't ride a bike and shuns swimming and running - that is until a mysterious book takes her and her dog on a long and adventurous dream. Ms Goodrow, a teacher, also travels the country speaking about exercise and fitness, she runs an after-school "Happy Feet, Health Food' Kid's Club" and she also runs a website dedicated to sharing her love of running and fitness. Ms. Goodrow's "Happy Feet, Healthy Food" Journal has been used in a Connecticut public school system. Six hundred copies of the book were distributed to each 4th grade student . The book was used as a tool for the students to use in the classroom and physical education and was also to use at home, with parents, as a guide for the entire family to use together to encourage a healthy lifestyle.
    Michele Bredice Craemer, author of "Pellie Runs A Marathon" and "Coco Loves to Tri" has a passion for both children and the sport of running. This passion is evident in the journey of Pellie throughout the pages of "Pellie Runs a Marathon." The purpose of the book is not to encourage children to run marathons (26.2 miles is an appropriate distance only for accomplished adult runners) but to inspire young runners to do their best, to set goals and follow through, and to be happy with their accomplishments. Michele Bredice Craemer does an excellent job, through a fun story with brilliant pictures, of relating different stages of a marathon with many of life's everyday challenges.
    Both authors will have their books available to purchase and will be happy to sign their books as well as speak with young athletes and their parents.
    - CK

  • 8/10 9:16pm   To SM: I would recommend McCarty Pools Corp, Route 9, Southboro, Ma. 01772, (508)-485-1307, service # (508)-485-6343. McCarthy did the installation of our vinyl lined pool when our house was built in 1993. They assisted me with trouble shooting during my first year of owning the home and taking care of the pool, in 2000. They also have a pool opening and closing service. Our pool is 13 years old, and is still all original, so it was a quality installation. My neighbor put in an inground pool three years ago, and also ended up going with McCarthy after getting several bids. I would also call Village Pool and Spa in Franklin and ask for the owner, Dick. He's very knowableable about pools, and actually came to assist me on very short notice last year when I couldn't get my pump going initially. Good luck!
    - CR

  • 8/10 5:26pm   Hey -- enough about the roundabouts. What about Highland Lake? Does anyone out there care??
    - WC

  • 8/10 2:23pm   All right, I have been quiet long enough. LS & KB, thanks for seeing the light and appreciating the point of my statements. The rest of you have gone totally mad -- I should be stopped by a police officer standing in the center of town because I put a half of a tire on a red brick [...]? You make judgments on my moral fabric because I state that I am guilty of this infraction?
    My point, once again: this is the stupidest thing for an officer to be wasting their time and our money enforcing this rule when they could be targeting other traffic offenders. Did you know it is illegal for you to leave your engine running (and quite stupid) while you run into the Food Mart. I see it done every day though. Did you know it's illegal to cut through a parking lot to avoid an intersection or traffic light? I see it done every day though. Are you aware it is illegal to speed through town or on 1 of our many miles of roadways? I see it done every day though. I am a law abiding citizen who teaches his children respect of all things (laws, nature, people, etc.) I do, however, encourage them to take a stand and not just accept things as they are put in front of you.
    One last comment, I stated I do sometimes hit the bricks (note the humor here), and that just for the record, if I was to receive a ticket from one of Norfolk's finest I would not complain or take it to court (MH), I would however accept my just deserts for breaking the law. Don't judge what you don't know or understand. Peace to all.
    - JG

  • 8/10 2:21pm   I tried the new nail salon when they first opened. I went for 3 fills and went back to Walmart. Though the owners are very nice, the quality of work wasn't what I was used to.
    - JW

  • 8/10 12:45pm   I don't think I could possibly agree with LB any more; very well said. Unfortunately, LS [fails to] take accountability for their actions. I feel sorry for your spouse and/or children knowing they will never feel the pride of seeing you do the right thing. It is one thing to screw up, it is another thing to own it. It is a sad tale of our society to see some of the posts here in the last couple of days.
    - MH

  • 8/10 10:56am   As for the roundabouts... I am more worried about motorists that are not yielding at all. I travel through there both in the morning and evening, and this morning I once again witnessed (as I do most mornings) motorists not yielding or stopping whatsoever coming from 115 into town at the first roundabout and also again entering from Main street by the library. I am just curious why the NPD is not stopping motorists for that rather than ticketing drivers for touching the bricks.
    - KB

  • 8/10 10:13am   Does anyone have any details on the Town Pond project? I know we voted in the CPA funds to restore it as a recreational/swimming area. I've looked on the Town Hall site and haven't been able to ascertain when the project is expected to be started or completed. Are there any published plans? Any information would be greatly appreciated. I have no axe to grind -- just curious since I'll be living within walking distance.
    - DAF

  • 8/10 10:09am   I should be shocked at the amount of narcissistic people who believe they are above the law, however, seeing the amount of people who jam our courts with trying to get away with breaking the law is astounding. Those of you who believe that the laws don't apply to you, I hope you do not have children that you can pass your ignorance on to.
    Can't figure out why so many kids have no respect? ... try not having the guidance to take accountability for their actions. I don't know who made the quote, "The true test of a man's character is what he would do knowing he wouldn't get caught," but it is common in our house to teach morality and respect - in essence to be a man of character. Apparently many other people, young and old, would fail as they have spent their life getting by at any means necessary, feeling they are "entitled." As for the men & women who make up the Norfolk Police Department, I have nothing but the utmost respect, I think they do a phenomenal job.
    - LB

  • 8/10 9:59am   To DP: My wife used to go to the Wal Mart in Walpole but now goes to have her nails done at the new salon and is very happy. Dosen't get a pedicure though.
    - BP

  • 8/10 9:57am   She deposited the bag in a train station receptacle - I have seen people do this on numerous occasions when I took the train. It was part of their morning ritual to bring their day's trash with them on the way to work and dump it at the train station. I was horrified.
    - JGP

  • 8/10 9:01am   DP -- The Star Nails is great! I think it's $33 for a mani/pedi... have gone there a few times and have been very happy.
    - AP

  • 8/10 8:58am   SO, How do you know this lady is from Norfolk? And how on earth do you have the time to watch people throw away their trash?? Especially when she is depositing across the street from the Food Mart. Maybe you need to find some other interests.
    - DWL

  • 8/10 8:57am   So we no longer have the Goodwill trailer at the transfer station as people were throwing their trash bags in it. What a shame.
    - BR

  • 8/10 8:56am   MH - I, like JG and I bet a majority of other drivers, drive over the bricks about a foot or so, following the arc of the curve, but ever so slightly on the bricks if the round about is empty. I very rarely see people go straight through. I must confess that I'm one of those people that always goes to court if I get a ticket. The overall results being very very positive.
    - LS

  • 8/10 8:52am   JJM - Playing devils advocate here so work with me... How does someone who is not used to a roundabout realize the brick pathways are for a "truck apron" and not simply because we Norfolk townsfolk like the beautiful look of brick pavers? Yellow lines are not allowed to be crossed by any vehicle, large trucks included. What is the definition of "oversized vehicles". Chevy Suburbans are bigger than most 6 wheel dump trucks and it could be argued the turning radius is far worse. We could all argue til we are blue in the face, but it all comes down to discretion and common sense and the NPD are more than capable of realizing who deserves a ticket in these situations.
    - LS

  • 8/9 10:58pm   Can anyone tell me about the new nail salon near the Post Office? Do they do pedicures? Prices? Good Service, etc? I am looking for a salon closer to Norfolk that has good pedicures. Thanks,
    - DP

  • 8/9 9:44pm   JGP--I can highly recommend our cleaning lady, and she mentioned last week that she would like to pick up some new work in the Norfolk area. Call Maria Silva at 774-248-5973 and tell her that Christina sent you. She is fabulous!
    - CS

  • 8/9 9:43pm   The roundabouts that we have in Norfolk are designed to be traffic-calming devices. That is, to go from point A to point B around a curved road will take a longer period of time than just blowing through in a straight line at the same speed. Because of this, we eliminate the need for stop signs without sacrificing safety.
    The truck apron was put there to allow for oversized vehicles only. It was not meant to allow an unsafe short cut by "rolling over the bricks" as mentioned by MB. If drivers choose to continue to drive over the bricks as JG admitted, "I do and will continue to drive over the bricks ..." then they are creating an unsafe condition. I disagree with JG's statement that "there is much more important work our officers can do."
    There is nothing more important than preserving public safety.
    - JJM

  • 8/9 9:41pm   Last week, outside the Norfolk Food Mart, I saw a woman park her car, leave the motor running, and cross the street carrying a large trash bag. She deposited the bag in a train station receptacle, returned to her car and drove off. She was a very nicely dressed, professional woman with a well-maintained, not inexpensive car. I was dismayed to realize she was avoiding the Transfer Station or a paid trash removal service. An apparently dignified woman, of presumably comfortable income, considered herself unworthy of the effort (or cost) required to handle personally-generated waste.
    Until two years ago, I lived in Medford, which had one day, every other week, for curbside collection of recyclables (limited to soda and glass bottles, cardboard and paper) in a single bin, of laundry- basket size. Acceptance of paint, battery and computer equipment occurred once a year, and was very expensive. In comparison, Norfolk's Transfer Station is a luxury - two days to drop off a wide variety of recyclables, refuse and donation items. And, as a bonus - pleasant employees! Since moving here, I have paid for 3 computers and two monitors to be recycled - and was relieved to do so. At the Transfer Station I've run into neighbors and friends, including Bill, who is the father of Connor, of "Connor's Fun Run" fame (connorsfunrun.com). Bill recycles. He had his two other children in the car, who were helping.
    I'd like to suggest that we suspend any anger or resentment over fees-for-services, and try, at least a little, to stomach the necessity of participation.
    - SO

  • 8/9 5:46pm   We're thinking about getting an inground pool (vinyl liner type). Can anyone recommend a good pool contractor. Any suggestions / ideas would be appreciated.
    - SM

  • 8/9 5:45pm   JG - I have such a hard time with people who can't seem to follow simple rules of the road. You say that you understand the yellow line rule, but will blatantly refuse to follow it. The rules were set into place to protect all people who use the roundabout and other public roads. Please look at the bigger picture and realize that it is not about you and how inconvenienced you are going to be by following these rules. I have been cut off in the roundabout (by people failing to yield because they are driving over the bricks) more times than I can count. I am glad the police have been patrolling there and, along with JMB, can't wait until they start issuing tickets. I have a feeling though from your post that you would be the first to tie up the court system fighting a legitimate ticket.
    - MH

  • 8/9 12:41pm   Re Can anyone recommend a gymnastics class or something similar I could take my 2 1/2 year old daughter to in the Franklin area? I'm looking for a class I could take her to on weekends, as I'm a working mom. Thanks! - JL
    I have had a great experience with the people on Route 1's Gymnastics Academy of Boston in Plainville. They are so nice there to both the parents and the children. The place is brand new and air conditioned and clean.
    - JGP

  • 8/9 12:40pm   JG, regarding why it is a big deal not to drive over the bricks: Let me tell you a true story ... as my spouse and I walked across the street to the train station this morning, we heard a loud blast from a very large truck's horn. When I glanced over at the round-about, which is where the horn came from, I caught sight of a smaller vehicle racing across the round-about, cutting off said large truck. The bricks are meant to SLOW the traffic down. Even if you don't speed through the intersection, wouldn't you want to be driving slow enough to avoid a collision in case some idiot blows through the round-about? I can't imagine driving to avoid the bricks costs that much more effort, and it is by far safer than driving straight through. I say the police should stop with the warnings and start with the tickets. Let's generate some revenue off those bricks!
    - JMB

  • 8/9 11:44am   JPG - I have a wonderful woman who has been helping us for years. Contact Debbie Taylor at 508-643-7396. Tell her Beth sent you.
    - EPS

  • 8/9 11:00am   I have just had the most horrible service through "The Maids" cleaners and they want to increase my fee to $120 for a 1,700 sq ft home. I am on the hunt for a new cleaning service. Can anyone recommend anyone? Thanks.
    - JGP

  • 8/9 10:59am   Another point re electricty: it is important to differentiate between cost and usage. Costs have increased to be sure, but if you see spikes in your usage you should try and track down what you're doing to increase your use.
    - RJG

  • 8/9 10:58am   First let me preface this conversation by stating that I know crossing the yellow line is a traffic violation. Now let me say in regards to driving on the bricks, who cares, what is possibly of any consequence here, (other than crossing the line). I just don't get the purpose. As for the person who referred to Barney Fife, I did not read any malicious intent in that statement, just someone's observation of how incredibly inane this matter is. I am sure there is much more important work our officers can do, especially in this trying time of budget cuts. I am quite pleased with the police force in Norfolk, I just can't wrap my arms around this issue, I do and will continue to drive over the bricks at the correct speed. Sue me.
    - JG

  • 8/9 10:06am   RJP, CC: What kind of hot water heater do you have? I used to have a 3 bedroom ranch and was getting bills of $150+ (this was five years ago). We called NSTAR out to do an audit, they looked around, gave us a few lightbulbs, and told us not to plug in the de-humidifier, none of which did anything to significantly lower our bills (the audit was useless, and the irony was I was working at the time for the state office that oversaw the electric companies efficiency programs).
    Anyway, as soon as we sold the house, the new owner replaced our electric water heater with a furnace-based one and cut the bills in half. If you have an electric, and it's old, it's very possible minerals from the water have built up on the elements and it's costing extra to heat your water.
    - RJG

  • 8/8 11:48pm   Our electric bill for July was $365.00. The month before over $250.00. So seeing as everyone else's is high, I guess it is just the way it is. We don't have central air but do have a hot tub and pool.
    - JW

  • 8/8 11:46pm   Hi all. My current electric bill is 220.00 this month, last month was 110.00 with one air conditioner and that's all we have. And we do have well water, just got the bill last weekend and I will call Nstar this week. On my bill stated 32 day billing period; what does that mean? It means they're over-billing the days to get their money up front from all of us, and then next month's billing will go down a little. I guess and hope that it will. Most of us lost power during the recent thunderstorms last week; I was without power for 11 hours, and I plan to call them for a rebate on my current bill, as well as Comcast cable TV.
    - RS

  • 8/8 11:45pm   The weather forecast looks good for viewing one of the best meteor showers of the year. The Perseids meteor shower will be at its peak this weekend and up to 60 'shooting stars' per hour should be visible in the Northeast. Pick an open area away from trees and lights, bring a blanket or a comfortable chair (the reclining type is the best so you don't strain your neck), some bug spray and enjoy the show!!
    - RP

  • 8/8 11:44pm   Hi, CC... My house is the same size as yours and I just checked my NStar bills for the past year. My bills are always under $100 except for July & August when the air conditioner is running. Many of our bills are in the $60 to $70 dollar range. Take a look at your meter during a quiet time of day when you're not using any lights or major appliances and see if it's running fast. My daughter had a sudden jump in her bill and we traced it to a decorative neon lamp which she recently bought. It's now permanently unplugged!! Best of luck.....
    - RP

  • 8/8 11:41pm   Re 8/1 10:54am We need to replace all the cedar siding on our house. Does anyone have suggestion for a contractor? - DB
    DB, you can contact me, Nate Caldwell, at 508-528-7005 or 781-789-8432. I am a local (Norfolk) carpenter.
    - NT

  • 8/8 8:29pm   LS, thank you for validating my concerns. I don't have anyone else living here besides me and my husband, and we have a well but it is not currently in use.
    I am going to take your advice and have NSTAR replace my meter. Thanks again.
    - CC

  • 8/8 7:32pm   CC - The last 2 months bills have been about $195 per month but will admit I have been cranking the central AC. Do you have a well? If so you could be experincing the well pump cycling on/off more than expected due to wear. Like RJP, my property taxes went sky high, electric bill is high (part my fault, mostly deregulation). In any event your bill is out of whack in comparison to size of your house. If it's not a pump, and you have nothing out of the ordinary, (ie. old freezers running, high school kids with growing lights, someone tapping into your house with a very vey long extension cord) then you have a problem. Call NSTAR again and request to have your meter replaced. I wonder how often these meters are calibrated anyways?
    - LS

  • 8/8 7:31pm   To MB: Your post of 8/7 6:22pm is appalling. Not only does it demonstrate your lack of understanding about roundabouts, but your characterization of a Norfolk Policeman doing their job as a "Barney Fife" is demeaning and unacceptable. Unfortunately, you have tried to excuse the failure on your part to learn about your responsibilities in negotiating a roundabout into an incompetent action committed by the town simply for "rolling over the bricks." Unfortunately, this doesn't work. It tells us more about you and your character than it does about the police. I think you owe them an apology.
    - JJM

  • 8/8 7:29pm   For the best corn in town go to gumps. It is so good you don't even need to cook it. I like to do business in town and they are such a nice couple.
    - BR

  • 8/8 5:05pm   I too just paid my electric bill and I can't for the life of me figure out why every month I pay in excess of $200.
    I have a 1100 sq ft 3 bedroom ranch. It is summer time. We only have one small window AC and we both work full time out of the house. Everyone else I speak to out side of Norfolk seems to have $90 or much lower bills. Does this type bill ($240 electric in the summer) seem out of the ordinary?
    I had NSTAR come to the house and do an energy assessment last winter and he couldn't find reason why my bill is so high. In the winter it is up in the $350 range.
    Just checking to see if others are experiencing out of the ordinary high electric bills.
    - CC

  • 8/8 10:30am   Propane - I use propane for heat and hot water. If anyone is interested in buying a contract for the upcoming heating season, now is the time to lock in. If we can get a bunch of residents together we may be able to lower the price. Right now I can get a pre-buy (paid up front) contract for $1.88/gallon. Everyone else I talk to is quoting $2.15+/gallon. For this price, you must own your own tank. You should use at least 800-1000 gallons a year. I think it may be possible to go down to $1.60, if we get sufficient quantity. If anyone is interested in combining our usage, contact me at jolivier98@yahoo.com or 508-528-0875. Thanks,
    - JFO

  • 8/7 8:54pm   Just paid my electric bill - wow - double what it usually is. I know it's been hot and I've been using some AC but it's never doubled. Oil prices are really starting to trickle down. On the oil front, is anyone else out there upset that BP did not use any of its record profits of the last year-plus to do some preventative maintenance on the Alaska pipeline they've just shut down?
    Finally - paid my property taxes last week. This and the next payment are "preliminary" taxes. We all got a pretty steep surprise last year for the February and May payments when the real bill came in. Mine were almost $800 more ($400 per quarter). I remember some discussion about how the town can anticipate the increase and adjust a preliminary bill upward to ease the pain. Are we in for another significant surprise / increase come February?
    - RJP

  • 8/7 8:02pm   I'm just completing writing a book, How To Win The College Game, available on amazon.com, and I'm having a free seminar at the Norfolk Public Library this Wednesday evening beginning at 7 pm. There's a booksigning after the seminar - around 8 pm - and some of the proceeds from the book sales will go to the library.
    - Paul Lloyd Hemphill, College Funding Prep

  • 8/7 7:59pm   AP -- I have been introducing a second language to both of my children since they were infants. I actually have the Muzzy tapes and my kids love him. They will ask to watch him as often as they want to watch "Toy Story". Unfortuneately there are no programs nearby. I think the closest I found was in Newton. I have a friend who is extremely dedicated to a second language with both of her children. Her son attends a school in Newton that only speaks French and now at four he is fluent. Good luck! -- DS

  • 8/7 7:58pm   My husband and I were riding through town tonight and saw a father mowing his lawn with a riding mower. He had a pre-schooler on his lap. It made me remember a terrible story my mother, a surgical nurse at Children's Hospital, used to tell her friends about how dangerous this practice is. A surgeon with whom she worked had to deal with the severe and irreparable damage to his child's arm from a terrible accident. The child's mother was giving him a ride for fun and child slipped and fell. I can't imagine that putting a child on a riding mower is any safer today than it was in the 1960's. It only takes a second for things to go terribly wrong why invite tragedy?
    - MJD

  • 8/7 7:57pm   JL -- You may want to try the Gymnastics Academy of Boston (GAP) in Plainville. They offer quite a selection of programs and may have something on the weekend. Their facilty is new and very clean.
    - DS

  • 8/7 6:22pm   In regard to the roundabouts: one roundabout in a town like Norfolk was just plain silly. Two roundabouts within 100 yards of each other are ridiculous. Now we have Barney Fife stopping drivers for rolling over the bricks. This has turned outrageous. I'm almost afraid to drive over the brick crosswalks.
    - MB

  • 8/7 1:02pm   Can anyone recommend a gymnastics class or something similar I could take my 2 1/2 year old daughter to in the Franklin area? I'm looking for a class I could take her to on weekends, as I'm a working mom. Thanks!
    - JL

  • 8/6 10:27pm   NCC (Norfolk Cable Corporation) would like to inform people that Senator Brown will NOT be at the Selectmen's meeting this week, and we are hoping to discuss issues facing our future next week, when Representative Ross should be present. These issues revolve around the fact that the telephone companies want to do away with local video franchise agreements between local municipalities and video providers; they claim these franchises are an obstacle preventing them from entering the "Video Service" delivery business. These agreements are the only mechanism that protects and ensures the existence of local Public, Educational and Governmental (PEG) Access TV channels (such as NCTV's channels 8 and 22) and centers. In order to protect PEG channels and facilities, we must ensure that local municipalities have the authority to require local video franchising. You will be hearing more from NCC on these very important issues in the very near future.
    NCTV has come a long way in the past few years, with new equipment/control rooms at Town Hall and the library. We ALWAYS can use someone who can give a couple of hours a month, or even every other month, to ensure that we can put more original and local programming on the air. It's a shame that we don't televise the meetings of every board in town, but without people who are willing to man a camera for a couple of hours, it is not possible. If you're interested in joining NCTV in any capacity, contact me at norfolkcabletv@comcast.net.
    Thank you,
    - Paul Altmeyer, President/NCC

  • 8/6 10:23pm   Congratulations to those Norfolk residents who rode in this weekend's Pan-Mass Challenge. Thank you for your commitment to finding a cure for cancer!
    - AIL

  • 8/6 4:40pm   To Wm: Regarding the level of Highland Lake, I have lived on the lake for years, and the levels this year have fluctuated wildly completely out of synch with the level of precipitation. The level is the lowest it has ever been, and the levels of all the surrounding lakes, ponds, and rivers are very high due to the high level of precipitation we have had this year. I have contacted the DPW, they are aware of the problem, and it has to do with boards being removed from the dam. Town officials have been contacted as well. This is not a natural occurrence.
    - EC

  • 8/5 10:57pm   I'm looking for a local vet who will do a teeth cleaning and plaque removal on a cat without putting the cat under local anesthesia. Does anyone recommend someone in the area?
    - NW

  • 8/5 10:56pm   AL, I am available anytime during the day to let your dog out. Newly retired! gericol@verizon.net
    - GC

  • 8/5 8:40am   DWL -- Thank you for the recommendation and quick response. On that note, am fairly new to town and this site is great for the recommendations. Much appreciated to you and all others who contribute...
    - SCS

  • 8/4 5:42pm   To AP: I believe that Melissa and Doug makes a "Band In A Bag" item that is suitable for a musical introduction for young children. I have a "Toys That Toot" by Small World Toys that included a tambourine, castanettes, a triangle, and two sticks that was given as a gift to my son, 8, when he was 3. I've kept it because the instruments really work, and I've used them with our family band when we get together during the holidays. I've added a few things, like a kazoo (made by Melissa and Doug) and reindeer bells.
    The children's section of the library is worth checking out to see if they have anything. In the adult section, there is a book that gives ideas for introduction preschoolers to music.
    A good first instrument to learn is the recorder, which is part of the 3rd Grade music program in Norfolk. It doesn't require a lot of "wind" to play, and a child can start playing a few simple songs after learning a few notes.
    - CR

  • 8/4 4:01pm   Teenagers have been signing up for the free jewelrymaking workshop that will take place at the Norfolk Library on Thursday, August 10th at 6:30 p.m. We will be making glass-beaded bracelets with memory wire (there is a sample at the library's Circulation Desk), and those who have already signed up are very excited. Participation is limited to 15 teens, age 12 and up, so call the library at 508-528-3380 ext. 2 as soon as possible to get into the class!
    - Heather Pisani-Kristl, Associate Library Director

  • 8/4 11:16am   LB - We called around for wood last year, and bought our wood from Mike's Sealcoating. 888 466 3732. Reasonable price, very personable, and they call back! My neighbor uses him also.
    - LK

  • 8/4 9:09am   To SBJ: I would recommend Norfolk County Lawn landscaping company. We have used them for three years and they have been very reliable and fairly priced. They can be reached at 781-603-7172. Good luck.
    - MG

  • 8/4 8:52am   Thanks to all who offered insight into our pellet/ wood stove conundrum. We ended up purchasing the wood insert for our fireplace, now we are faced with purchasing wood. We have heard a lot of bewares about wood deliveries, "face and true cords" and "green wood".... so if anyone could assist us again, we are looking for a reputable person to deliver about three "true cords" of "seasoned" wood we would really appreciate it! Thanks,
    - LB

  • 8/3 9:32pm   SCS, Chris Galasso of Galasso Tree Service, Walpole. He is fair and we have used him for many many years.
    - DWL

  • 8/3 8:34pm   Public Access Television (NCTV) is at risk of being discontinued. New legislation that is being considered this month places it in significant jeopardy. Supporters of NCTV are urged to strongly communicate their concern on this matter to town and state officials as soon as possible. You are urged to please spread the word to all stakeholders of NCTV and to encourage them to become an active voice in protecting this vestige of free speech and community information.
    Losing NCTV will affect many segments of our community. What can we lose? Televised school events, children's sports events, senior programming, selectmen's meetings, and many more. Soccer moms and others it's time to take affirmative action.
    [meeting notice about the topic removed by request]
    - JPB

    [Update 8/8 7:28pm: Several changes have taken place with regard to scheduling and that make some of the information incorrect. - JPB]

  • 8/3 8:33pm   BS - We have used Barry John Chimney for years. The now (it has been years) owner delivered our wood years ago, but kept the name when he took ownership of the company. The owner's name is Steve. The are very helpful, and yes, there is a coupon in the yellow pages for $10.00 off.
    - BR

  • 8/3 8:32pm   Need to have a few trees taken down on my property here in Norfolk. Can anyone recommend a reputable, fair and insured tree service that they've used in the past? Thanks!
    - SCS

  • 8/3 6:14pm   Looking for advice/opinions on teaching a young child a second language. How young is too young to start? I haven't been able to find any programs nearby for young children and am thinking about purchasing the Muzzy system. Has anyone had any experience with that? Also, input on children and learning a musical instrument is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
    - AP

  • 8/3 1:14pm   BS, try Barry John Chimney Sweeps of Franklin 508-528-1777, barryjohnchimney.com. They have a coupon in the Verizon phone book.
    - DLJ

  • 8/3 12:38pm   BR - Aha! I was wondering how you knew that we had won an award for our tomatoes! (Debbie was our babysitter.) The girls miss her and I need to have her over sometime soon. Say "hi" for me!
    - Laura Klobucher, Duckenfield Farm

  • 8/3 9:47am   The Saturday Club: I'm just dropping a note to clarify some things about the article in the Community Briefing section of Thursday's Globe West. First, the reporter made a mistake re: the town; as we all know Kid's Place Playground on Boardman Street is in Norfolk, not Franklin. Second, he didn't mention the time of the playdate on Saturday, which is 10:00 a.m. Third, anyone wanting more information can contact me at workingparentsnorfolk@hotmail.com. Thanks!
    - KD

  • 8/3 9:46am   Laura -- I'm Debbie's grandmother.
    - BR

  • 8/2 10:53pm   We received an email suggesting that the level of Highland Lake does fluctuate seasonally and with rainfall, but does not seem to have changed substantially over the past four-five years.
    The letter further suggests that WC might wish to check with the Norfolk DPW, as they may have information about this.
    - Wm.

  • 8/2 10:47pm   To WC - 8/1 5:09pm `` I am writing again about the low level of water at Highland Lake. All lakes and ponds in the area seem up to capacity due to all the precipitation we have had. However, the level at Highland Lake is controlled by at dam at one end. This dam should not be tampered with. Apparently, it is being "adjusted." It is about time that something must be done to rectify this condition. The present level is about the lowest level yet. ...
    WC - My husband and I are also concerned about the low level of Highland Lake. Any suggestions on what might be done to address this problem? We've been wanting to look into what it might take to improve the water quality, as well, and wonder if it's worth it to try and gather interested Highland Lake residents together to discuss everyone's concerns. Have any of you ever meet for this reason? Count us in.
    - JMF

  • 8/2 10:46pm   Does anyone have any recommendations for a chimney cleaner? Unfortunately this weather will not last forever! Thanks!
    - BS

  • 8/2 4:11pm   LB, we had a small Avalon woodburning fireplace insert installed two years ago (coincidentally, we bought it from En-R-Gy Saver in Holliston on Tax-Free Day and would patronize them again). My husband truly enjoys using a chainsaw and splitting wood by hand, and we have taken advantage of free hardwood from tree removal at various houses, so our wood costs have been minimal. However, we have a small fireplace and a small house, which dictated a similarly small insert. The fire burns itself out overnight and needs to be fed with short pieces because of the small firebox. We also had to purchase a heavy tiled hearth extender to meet code. However, if we're home on a weekend and feeding the fire, we don't need to run the oil furnace, which has been a big savings (sorry, Mr. Cronin). We turned our ice-cold 3-season porch into a wood staging area so that we didn't have to go out to the woodpile very often. It's definitely more manual labor than a pellet stove, so keep that in mind. It has made me feel a lot more positive about winter, though!
    - HPK

  • 8/2 2:19pm   The ad that was put in [yesterday, on the Bulletin Board] for the free toddler bed was printed with an error. Instead of reading cvinson9 it is supposed to read cvinson8@verizon.net.
    - CV

  • 8/2 2:17pm   AL (dog sitter needed), Depending on the days/times, I may be able to assist with caring for your dog. Please email: ncleditor@norfolkcommunityleague.org
    - ES

  • 8/2 1:15pm   Does anybody know when the middle school homerooms are comming out? And also, why do the middle school and high school start earlier this year??
    - NA

  • 8/2 1:15pm   MH and BR - thank you for your kind words about our tomatoes! Our 2nds and 3rds are just as tasty as the firsts we wholesale, but either smaller, or have some blemish. Kind of like the shoemaker's family, we only get the really weird ones ourselves: blotchy, cracked or with huge noses. My kids like those the best. The stand will be open for the next three weeks or so still, but we do run out sporadically. Thanks for coming!
    - Laura Klobucher, Duckenfield Farm, 57 Miller St.

  • 8/2 11:56am   To Mr. Paul Guertin, NCTV -- Thank you so much for your interest in our community and Highland Lake. I am sorry I missed Conversation Corner with Town Administrator Jack Hathaway relating to Highland Lake. You can be assured that I shall not miss it in the future. NCTV should be commended for its efforts on behalf of the residents of Norfolk. Best wishes,
    - WC

  • 8/2 11:55am   We are going away on vacation and need someone to stop by twice a day to let the dog in/out. Does anyone know of someone who watches dogs? All kennels are booked in the area.
    - AL

  • 8/2 10:02am   To WC: The issue of Highland Lake water level was discussed in the latest edition of NCTV's Conversation Corner with Town Administrator Jack Hathaway seen on Channel 22 every day at 10am, 3pm and 8:30pm. Conversation Corner has been aired on a monthly basis every month for more than five years and the goal of the program is to bring information to town residents about municipal and community concerns ( such as Highland Lake). The roundabouts, Stop and Shop, Town Warrant articles and many, many more issues are discussed. We here at NCTV hope that you and others in town find time to watch the show and come away with information that you did not have before.
    - Paul Guertin, NCTV Station Manager

  • 8/1 10:31pm   Re: 8/1 7:44pm Can anyone recommend a company to re-asphalt our driveway. The old one needs to be removed and we'd like to have the driveway 'reworked' to have a larger 'level' area. - DC
    Bevilacqua Paving did a great job re-paving our driveway and removing the old asphalt, and they installed a turn-around that we asked for. See their ad in the Verizon Yellow Pages. Phone 508-533-1101. Their website cited in the ad hung up on my PC, so I will not recommend that.
    - RH

  • 8/1 9:34pm   Try Bevilaqua paving, they are in Milford. I see their trucks everywhere.
    - PT

  • 8/1 7:44pm   Can anyone recommend a company to re-asphalt our driveway. The old one needs to be removed and we'd like to have the driveway 'reworked' to have a larger 'level' area.
    - DC

  • 8/1 5:57pm   BC, John's Barber shop in Franklin, across from the Chrysler dealer, has 5 excellent barbers.
    - JT

  • 8/1 5:09pm   I know I must sound like "The" proverbial "Drop of Water" -- no pun intended. I am writing again about the low level of water at Highland Lake. All lakes and ponds in the area seem up to capacity due to all the precipitation we have had. However, the level at Highland Lake is controlled by at dam at one end. This dam should not be tampered with. Apparently, it is being "adjusted."
    It is about time that something must be done to rectify this condition. The present level is about the lowest level yet. There is quite an interesting history about Highland Lake and all the happy times people had there at or before the turn of the century. It certainly is worth saving, if not for our enjoyment, but for all the creatures who depend on it.
    - WC

  • 8/1 5:08pm   To BC -- Norfolk does not have a barber. Millis has a good one across from the police station. There is also one in the Medway shopping center.
    - PT

  • 8/1 5:07pm   T-Bone concert has been moved to the library meeting room due to the extra hot weather.
    - R. Glasser, Norfolk Library

  • 8/1 4:39pm   LB: Pellet stoves and wood stoves are great for supplemental heat. Only real down side to a pellet stove is if the power goes out, the stove stops working. Get a wood stove and an Eco fan. This fan generates its own electricity from the heat of the stove.
    - DC

  • 8/1 4:32pm   We were referred to an essay written about Eric Matez on the educational materials website puppetools.com:
    An Open Letter to the Citizens of Norfolk, Mass.

    Like a lot of people in education, I read about Eric Matez in Edutopia magazine.

    If he's off your mental radar already, Eric is the teacher who was fired by the public school system. You know, we read about all kinds of people getting singled out and punished by school systems. We are so used to that sort of news now. It's as common as burglaries or traffic accidents.

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

  • 8/1 4:31pm   The Norfolk Senior Center is open for all those in need of relief from the heat wave from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. You do not have to be a senior to enjoy the air conditiioning and friendliness of the staff and volunteers. Do not let the heat get you down. For more info call 508-528-4430.
    - RC

  • 8/1 3:35pm   Re T-Bone concert this evening... Pond Street fields!
    - VR

    [Update 5:07pm: moved to library because of the hot weather - RG]

  • 8/1 3:31pm   At the bottom of this site it says that the T-Bone concert this evening is at the Town Hill. On my Norfolk Recreation Free Concert flyer it says it's at the Pond Street Fields. Does anyone know which location it is actually at? Thanks!
    - SM

    [Update 5:07pm: moved to library because of the hot weather - RG]

  • 8/1 1:51pm   I am new in town and would like to know if there is a decent barber in our around Norfolk.
    - BC

  • 8/1 1:47pm   LB: I moved to Norfolk this year to a home with a "Quadra-Fire" wood-burning fireplace insert with its owner's manual. I am interested in removing it because my husband and I prefer the look of a standard fireplace. If you are interested in paying the cost to remove it, we would be willing to let you have it. Please let us know at armours94@comcast.net
    - MMA

  • 8/1 1:46pm   LB, both have their advantages and disadvantages. We have a wood stove and love it. It is more labor to keep going than a pellet stove; splitting & stacking the wood, and trudging out to the wood pile in the storms. If we had the pellet I could simply go down to the basement or out to the garage and grab another bag of pellets. If you asked me about five years ago which would I buy, I perhaps would have said the pellet. However, as the popularity of pellet stoves has increased, so has the price of pellets, more so than wood. I think the number of pellet suppliers is still too small to create competition and reduce pricing. Cut cord wood can be gathered from any number of places, even your backyard. Although cord wood has also increased in price, you can always find it. I'm sure a number of people gathered plenty of firewood from last week's storm damage.
    - SF

  • 8/1 10:55am   Programs at the Library - Last chance to sign up!!
    Book Discussion: Secret Life of Bees Aug. 2nd 7:00 p.m. Chris Cormier-Hayes will lead a lively discussion of the acclaimed book Secret Life of Bees by Susan Monk Kidd. The library has several print copies and the audio version or you may reserve your book through the SAILS catalog. Call the library at 508-528-3380 to register.
    Teens: Are You Ready To Slam? Aug. 3 at 6:30 p.m. Join Alex Charlembides & Heather Macpherson for an evening of poetry slam. Slam is the competitive art of performance poetry. Participants are invited to bring their own poems to share, but it's not required. Poetry exercises and a demo slam-- come check us out! To register, call the Circulation Desk at 508-528-3380, ext. 2. For teens in middle and high school.
    - Robin Glasser, Norfolk Library

  • 8/1 10:54am   We need to replace all the cedar siding on our house. Does anyone have suggestion for a contractor?
    - DB

  • 8/1 10:53am   LB: I purchased a pellet stove two seasons ago. I absolutely love it. I have a propane forced hot air system here and I have to say my heating bill dropped to 25% of what my propane bill was. With my pellet stove last winter my total heating cost for my house was right around 800. I do have a small house but it heated both levels very nicely.
    - HNP

  • 8/1 10:52am   To NT: Thank you for your kind response to my request for assistance commuting to Taunton (due to my injury). I will call you today. I hope to return to work Aug. 14 depending on what the doctor permits.
    - MC

  • 8/1 10:51am   Temperatures and air quality will be at dangerous levels today. Please take a moment to check on elderly and other neighbors who may not have air conditioning or are otherwise at risk. If you really feel motivated offer to take them for a ride to a cool place or to your place for a cool drink.
    - JPB

  • 7/31 8:38pm   I was wondering if any one could offer some insight into wood stoves or pellet stoves. We are considering putting an insert into our fireplace to cut down on this year's heating bills. (UGH!) The two seem to be comparable, we just don't know anyone who has either of them. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
    - LB

  • 7/31 8:28pm   To DMD: Two students doing yard work this summer, call 508-250-3550 or 508-954-3599 we can mow, rake, weed.
    - DH

  • 7/31 2:21pm   I am looking for someone strong to help my husband lift a bookshelf (approx. 200lbs) from my garage to second floor and I live in Norfolk. Please [...] if you can do this job tonight (7/31/06) for $40.
    - TX

    [Update 8/1 10:49am: job done, thank you! No more calls please.]

  • 7/31 1:28pm   The NCL run/walk starts at the top of Myrtle Street. Take a left on Main Street, a left on Lake Street, a left on Medway Street and a left back onto Myrtle Street. The finish line is in front of the bus garage. Enjoy the race, hopefully the weather will be better than today.
    - LK

  • 7/31 11:58am   Does anyone have a good recommendation for landscapers? We need to clear out our front yard, that used to be trees, and lay a new lawn. I am looking for a landscaper with good prices, who does quality work. Thanks,
    - SBJ

  • 7/31 11:16am   The Saturday Club Playgroup will meet at Kid's Place playground on Boardman Street on August 5, 2006, 10:00 a.m. Please see the Organizations page for further information about The Saturday Club or email workingparentsnorfolk@hotmail.com.
    - KD

  • 7/31 10:00am   Looking for a wood chipper that will handle branches up to 3". If you have one cluttering up your shed or garage, I'd be interested in taking off your hands. Thanks. box36@norfolknet.com
    - JT

  • 7/30 11:50pm   In need of some immediate lawn maintenance: weeding, trimming and raking. Does anyone know of students who may be interested in earning extra $ ??
    - DMD

  • 7/30 11:26am   Re: DM 7/29 4:50pm "Just checking to see if there are any local cyclists interested in riding 20-25 miles, Saturday or Sunday mornings?"
    I can't do long-distance riding, so I'm looking for local bike paths. One of my hobbies is designing & building custom bicycles similar to the one shown here. Does anyone have a suggestion where I can take a nice, casual ride on a level trail? Thanks....
    - RP

  • 7/29 11:51pm   DEC -- The flowers and plantings are lovely around town. Thanks, Garden Club members!! May I ask however, who is entitled to pick an herb or two?
    - JHR

  • 7/29 9:09pm   Hi: This is for Carol with the Pomeranian dog named Peanut, with whom I spoke at the Pond Street concert last Thursday. My friend Cindy with the Pomeranian named Skippy is going to try to come to the Cocabanana Band concert Thursday, so maybe the two dogs could meet and have a doggie play date. Hope to see you there... call me at 520-1572 if you see this... thanks... Cindy (...a lifetime cat lover, but hey... this is for the doggies!)
    - CR

  • 7/29 4:50pm   Just checking to see if there are any local cyclists interested in riding 20-25 miles, Saturday or Sunday mornings? I'm not talking about anything overly competitive but I could stand to be pushed a bit. Contact me at graboyz@comcast.net.
    - DM

  • 7/29 4:47pm   Greetings... if you're not a regular user of the 'Weather' option in the menu to the left of these messages, you might want to click on it for a special weather statement. There's the potential for some extremely high temperatures this week. Plan accordingly and check on the elderly and pets.
    - RP

  • 7/29 4:46pm   To JHR, PRR: The herb garden next to the Tramp House on Town Hill was funded, installed, and is maintained by the local garden club. The Garden Club of Norfolk also provided and maintains the potted plantings at the rear Town Hall enterance and in front of the train station as well as the plantings around the Town Hall sign and at H.O. Day school. Also, as a point of interest, the rose garden surrounding the 9/11 monument on Town Hill and the "Welcome to Norfolk" sign at the main round-a-bout was a garden club project. The Club could always use new members. If your interested please call Martha at 508.528.3711 for further information.
    - DEC

  • 7/28 6:03pm   To BD, Thanks for the name of the Seven Arrows Farm... I can't wait to go there. Cheerio,
    - PRR

  • 7/28 6:02pm   Re: 7/27 4:11pm PRR - Where specifically is the herb garden, and is it private?? - JHR
    The herb garden is small, but lovely, right in front of the little red "house" in the town center!! Check it out... Who planted it? ...I love it!
    - PRR

  • 7/28 5:07pm   Does anyone have a Socket 939 AMD cpu and heat sink they can lend me for an evening to test a motherboard? I'm trying to upgrade my system, just received the board, and don't have a cpu to try it with. Post, or email Wm@norfolknet.com. Thanks!
    - Wm.

  • 7/28 3:15pm   To MC: Are you still looking for someone to commute to Taunton with? If so call 520-6694.
    - NT

  • 7/28 3:14pm   With regard to the recent master plan surveys - has the town planned or thought of having a dog park? It would be really great for people in town to have one.
    - EF

  • 7/28 8:55am   To DWL looking for gutter repair: You might want to try Randy Corwin in town. He does gutter cleaning, reasonable and good work but not sure about repair. Good luck!
    - JK

  • 7/28 8:54am   Regarding the dog park, I am a Norfolk resident who has brought my dog there. There are many Milford and Walpole residents who regularly visit. It's a great place for the dogs to have fun and meet new people - check it out!
    - JK

  • 7/28 8:20am   For NH, regarding a seamstress, I do know one in town. Would you please e-mail me your phone number? I will have her call you.
    - DLJ, Email box15@norfolknet.com

  • 7/28 8:18am   PT: Yes, originally when the dog park was erected in Medway it was supposed to be for residents only. It has since opened up to the general public from the last news I had heard. You can always call up the Medway parks/recreation office as well as the Medway Animal Control Officer to find out for sure. And to answer the question originally posted, no, Norfolk does not have a dog park.
    - HNP

  • 7/28 8:16am   I have not heard that the Medway Dog Park is for Medway residents only. Did something change? The following line is from the park's website:
    "Dogs must be properly licensed in the Town of Medway (or their owner's town of residence), inoculated and healthy."
    In fact, I had a conversation not too long ago with a Medway Animal Control Officer regarding the park, and she was aware that my dog and I live in Norfolk.
    - JP

  • 7/27 8:13pm   Citizens have a right and an obligation to know how and why their tax dollars are spent - and to agree or disagree with it regardless of their reasons or lack thereof.
    The golden rule is: those who have our tax dollars rule. We citizens control that process by attending and voting at town meeting, and at the polls. Norfolk Organization for Government Oversight (NOGO) advocates voter registration and activism; and fiscal responsibility with our hard earned dollars. Together we assure action - alone our voices are but a minority.
    Please visit our site at www.no-go.org.
    - JPB, Founder, NOGO

  • 7/27 8:12pm   To CMA, "The dog park is in Medway on Village Street. One of my neighbors brought me there. It's fun!"
    Thank you, but I have been told by a Medway Police officer, it is for Medway residents only. I thought there was a Dog Park in Norfolk.
    - PT

  • 7/27 8:10pm   To PRR: Lemon Verbena and probably any other herb you can think of can be obtained at
    Seven Arrows Farm
    346 Oakhill Avenue
    Seekonk/Attleboro Townline, MA 02703-6202
    508-399-7860 Voice, 508-399-8661 Fax, 800-496-7860 Toll Free outside Mass.
    It's truly a fantastic place - I never knew it existed until my wife and I visited it a few weeks ago. All kinds of strange and exotic herbs, plants, bamboo and a little tea/reading room - feels like I stepped back into the 60s walking through the place. The owners were very helpful, informative, open and talkative. A really neat little hidden place.
    - BD

  • 7/27 5:13pm   Regarding freight shipment to Lithuania: I can understand DL's point about it being charity and we should leave it at that, but seeing how people in Norfolk have been concerned about where the taxes are being spent it makes sense that us tax payers would question how the shipping costs were paid. Wouldn't it be cool if the money came from a private donation! Charity is wonderful, but we still need to make sense about the choices. Hope things were done with the best possible options in mind.
    - NW

  • 7/27 4:11pm   PRR - Where specifically is the herb garden, and is it private??
    - JHR

  • 7/27 1:22pm   I am looking for someone who can do some gutter repair on the front of my house. Thank You.
    - DWL

  • 7/27 12:48pm   Does anyone have recommendations for oil plans for the upcoming heating season? I've called around some, but a lot of the local companies seem reluctant to quote capped prices. Thanks,
    - VR

  • 7/27 12:47pm   Perhaps someone has an idea of who made the arrangements and we could get the facts. Why was the country chosen and what did it cost the taxpayer? Will someone please volunteer to look into it instead of speculating that the taxpayer was soaked. Maybe we did, but get the facts and share them will the Norfolknet Community. Thanks.
    - MJD

  • 7/27 12:29pm   DL: Do you have any idea what shipping containers cost? It probably would have been cheaper to buy them brand new school furniture locally. We ought to be concerned about how our tax dollars are spent. We have people living in this town on fixed incomes who are being crushed by the tax burden. While we all support humanitarian gestures, they should make economic sense.
    - EC

  • 7/27 12:28pm   DL Charity begins at home. Lithuania is not around the corner. I wonder if the taxpayer was hit on again.
    - WC

  • 7/27 10:12am   The animal control department has several kittens and cats looking for homes. We have two dilute kittens and two black kittens and one adult black cat. More information is soon to follow with pictures.
    Also wanted to just make a note regarding animal dumping. We have picked up two kittens that were dumped in different locations along the same main road in town that are from the same litter. I am concerned that those involved with putting those animals out there have more to put out. Please, for the safety of the animals put them in a box, place them where I can find them, and leave a message on my voice mail (or send an email to Norfolkk9@aol.com) and I will pick them up with no questions asked. We will get them the care they need and find homes accordingly.
    Sincerely,
    - Hilary Nolan Penlington, Norfolk Animal Control (508) 528 3232

  • 7/27 9:14am   NH: Mary Flaherty at KMK Cleaners in either Millis or Norfolk is an excellent seamstress. I usually see her at her Millis shop which is in the Roche Bros. shopping center... Phone number there is 508-376-1262. Good luck,
    - TN

  • 7/26 10:24pm   PT - The dog park is in Medway on Village Street. One of my neighbors brought me there. It's fun!
    - CMA

  • 7/26 10:23pm   Does anyone know of a seamstress/tailor who can alter a formal dress? Thanks!
    - NH

  • 7/26 10:22pm   WC: Who really cares who paid for the freight shipment to Lithuania. It went to a good cause so let us leave it at that!
    - DL

  • 7/26 10:21pm   PRR - There's an inn in Medway on Village St., but I don't know anything about it. Maybe someone else does.
    - LK

  • 7/26 1:00pm   Norfolk's Dunkin' Donuts DARE 2 Run 5K Road Race and Walk set for Sunday, September 24, 2006 - Join runners and walkers of all ages in the Norfolk Dunkin'Donuts DARE 2 Run 5K Road Race and Walk on Sunday, September 24, 2006 in Norfolk, Massachusetts. Runners start at 11:00 AM and walkers set off at 10:30. The day's events also include a Kid's 1K Fun Run at 10:30. Registration for all the events opens at 8:30 AM at Dunkin Donuts, 134 Main Street. All proceeds will benefit the Norfolk Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program.
    Free T-shirts to the first 100 pre-registered entries. Awards to the top three finishers in eight different age categories. There will also be special award bestowed to the top three boy and girl Norfolk DARE students from September's grade 7, the top Norfolk school staff member, and top law enforcement. All Fun Run participants will receive a metal.
    The race begins in front of Dunkin Donuts, near the intersection of Route 115, and courses through the serene streets of Norfolk for 3.1 miles. While the race will feature some of the best local runners, runners and walkers of all caliber are encouraged to participate in this fun family event. There will be a post race party with food and music for all participants.
    Entry fees are $15 pre-registered, $20 day of race, Seniors (60+) and high school track/cross country runners $10, Kids (13 and younger) $5
    Events will be run rain or shine. Registration forms are available at Norfolk's Dunkin Donuts and in the lobby of the Norfolk Public Library or contact Craig K., Race Director, at 508.520.0163 or email kpsoftball@verizon.net
    - CK

  • 7/26 10:38am   PRR - I'm not sure if this is further away than you were looking for, but the Sherborn Inn has a few rooms that I've heard are very nice.
    - NS

  • 7/26 10:37am   PRR: there is the Colonel Blackinton Inn in Attelboro. It is a B & B run by Lucianos' son.
    - PRB

  • 7/26 10:31am   PRR, my question about the KP school furniture was never answered. Who paid the freight for the shipment to Lithuania?
    - WC

  • 7/26 9:58am   Hello - By any chance does anyone know if there are any charming Bed and Breakfast type places near Norfolk or surrounding towns? I have some company coming this weekend... and need to locate extra accommodations for Sat. evening... I did an exhaustive search online and could only find business type hotel suites. Thanks.
    - PRR

  • 7/25 9:58pm  

    Norfolk Light Show
    North Street in July '06
    Photo: prrussell

    So, I sat in my car for hours the other night, trying to get a great lightning shot... I am terrified of lightning. I have been "hit" twice by lightning already!! No joke! I even called the police to ask them where the safest place to be is during a lightning storm. The officer laughed and told me, "in your car"... well I have since discovered that is NOT true... I sat there with lightning cracking all around... Jeez Louise!!! So, can someone tell me, "why don't houses have lightning rods anymore?"
    Thanks.
    - PRR

  • 7/25 9:51pm   Hi there... kudos to the person that has maintained/planted the herb garden in the town center... wowowo.... where did the lemon verbena come from? I usually plant some every spring, but since we moved to Norfok, I got so behind in my new herb garden and couldn't find it this year... Every year I usually make a wonderful after dinner "digestivo" called limoncina... an old Italian recipe from the Lago di Como region of Italy... any one have a lead on where I can find some lemon verbena plants?
    I really love the herb garden... it is wonderful!! Thank you. Please email me at: rubytunes@aol.com if you have a lead on some plants.
    - PRR

  • 7/25 9:50pm   Question: How come the old desks and furniture from KP school are not going to schools in the Gulf region? They are in such dire need for school furniture...? It is lovely to be generous, but we have a human tragedy happening in our own country... just was curious. Please reconsider? Thanks!!!
    (Re "...The old furniture from KP High School is going to 10 schools in Lithuania. The obsolete furniture heading east includes 1,100 student desks, 90 teacher's desks, 185 filing cabinets, 747 chairs, and 358 tables. All the schools are in dire need of new furnishings. Most of their student desks are more than sixty years old...")
    - PRR

  • 7/25 9:49pm   There is a dog park in Norfolk? Where might that be?
    - PT

  • 7/25 10:54am   While I'm happy for the AAA champs and their success, I feel it's important to remember there are many more kids who also played their hearts out this season (and every other) without getting all the way to the top. Let's hope all the kids came away this season feeling good about themselves and their progress.
    - TN

  • 7/24 10:42pm   A HUGE THANK YOU to the Norfolk Policeman that helped me tonight! This evening after coming from the dog park with my two dogs, and my son, I locked my keys in the car while it was running! Although my resourceful neighbor was doing a wonderful job with a hanger we decided to contact the police. I do not know the policeman's name, but he came, opened my car by hitting the automatic window button with funny device, and then left. I do not even know his name! I wanted to say Thank you very much to him and the department for helping!
    - CMA

  • 7/24 10:42pm   On Wednesday, July 26 at 7:30 PM, in the Norfolk Library's community room, a brief organizing meeting for Norfolk residents interested in volunteering a little time to help elect Deval Patrick as the Democratic Gubernatorial candidate in the September Primary. All interested parties are most welcome.
    - MHC

  • 7/24 10:16am   Norfolk Town Pizza captures AAA championship with 7-6 victory over the Bulfinch Group!
    On Saturday, June 24th, the Norfolk Baseball Association AAA League Championship Game took place under threatening skies at the Major Field in Norfolk. Norfolk Town Pizza (10-3-1) and The Bulfinch Group (9-4) arrived at the championship game with almost identical season records.
    The Bulfinch Group was off to a great start with 4 runs early in the game, but then pitching and defense took over for both teams resulting in 4 scoreless innings. It was the bottom of the 6th when Town Pizza opened it up. With smart at bats and some key hits, Pizza was able to tie the score at 4.
    Rain was looming overhead as the 7th and 8th innings went scoreless. Bulfinch struck back first with 2 runs in the top of the 9th, but Pizza was having none of that. Under pressure, Pizza battled back with some critical hits and great base running. With one out, in the bottom of the 9th, Pizza's patience finally paid off with a great hit up the middle to drive in the winning run. The final score Norfolk Town Pizza 7, The Bulfinch Group 6. An exciting end to an exciting season!
    (C o n t i n u e d . . .)
    - TS

  • 7/24 10:06am   Hi, was wondering if anyone knew where we would be able to windsurf around here? Are there any ponds in Norfolk? It doesn't appear we would be allowed on Lake Pearl as we are not residents of Wrentham. Thanks for any suggestions!
    - TO

  • 7/24 8:20am   We received a letter from a nearby commuter with impressions about town center:
    As someone who drives along 115, and has off and on for nearly 40 years, I want to say that the town center really looks great. Very easy to get around and make bank stops, gas etc.

    One suggestion, the signs that are supposed to indicate roundabout don't do the job. Take a drive down to Foxboro, and see their signs right before the common. They have real easy-to read arrows so drivers can safely understand what is just ahead. Wonder if that is why so many cars appear to have gone right over the grassy areas in the center of the roundabouts. Who should I suggest that to? Selectmen?

    Many thanks. BP, Holliston

  • 7/21 8:56pm   I went through the phone / computer / cable TV decision a while back. Both Comcast, our cable provider, and Verizon offer bundled service of all 3. The Verizon uses Directv satellite for TV service. I prefer the satellite for cost, picture quality and it will not go down if the cable wires come down in a storm. The only negative is you can not watch the local access channels to see town meetings or selectmen meetings. I found Comcast to be very expensive vs. satellite. They have a $99 per month plan going now but it is just for a year. The price will probably jump pretty big after that. You already have Verizon so check out their bundle!!
    - RJP

  • 7/21 4:54pm   JG -- And I thought we were the only people in the world without cable!! I'm so glad there are some of us left; but not for long, apparently!
    - JHR

  • 7/21 4:16pm   We had an unexpectedly good turnout for last week's middle school Teen Advisory Group at the Library, and we are hoping for a repeat performance with high school students. Outspoken high schoolers and those in need of community service credit are invited to the library on Thursday, July 27th at 6:30 for our Teen Advisory Group, where they can share ideas for improving Young Adult services at the library. This is a one-time meeting with no future obligation! Pizza, the 5th food group, will be served. Details are posted below on the Bulletin Board.
    - Heather Pisani-Kristl, Norfolk Public Library

  • 7/21 2:38pm   MH, Their tomatoes are great and they have won awards for them.
    - BR

  • 7/21 12:20pm   Has anyone had any experience with Gibson Construction based in Foxboro? Thanks,
    - JS

  • 7/20 10:13pm   Can anyone recommend a company other than Verizon to bundle cable, local and long distance calling and internet? What cable companies are there and what is the basic charges for basic cable plus all of the above? We currently have Verizon for unlimited local and long distance and DSL, but we do not have cable. Thanks.
    - JG

  • 7/20 12:01pm   JP - The summer concerts are held at the Pond Street Recreation fields, on Route 115 south of downtown.
    - VR

    (Update 2:05pm: JEGP - According to the Rec Dept, the fall brochure will be out around the 3rd week in August. - VR)

  • 7/20 11:59am   When will the fall Norfolk Rec Program book be available? Thanks.
    - JEGP

  • 7/20 9:02am   Where is the concert tonight at 6:30?
    - JP

  • 7/20 8:45am   PRB -- The stand is at 57 Miller Street right on the Franklin line. They have a covered table set up to the right of the house where the tomatoes are usually kept. There is a box next to the table to deposit money -- there is a sign that tells the price of the tomatoes, but I believe they are $2 or $3 per bag.
    - MH

  • 7/20 8:44am   We are driving cross country and my children want some sort of system in the car so they may watch DVD's and hook their PS2 system into it to play games. I am looking for suggestions about what type of system to purchase. Should I buy a TV to hook into, or one of the mobile DVD players with a monitor? Also I see some systems have adapters to hook right into the car engine as opposed to rechargable batteries. If I use an adapter to power the system from my car what impact would this have on the car battery or alternator? Thanks from a high tech impared person
    - PW

  • 7/19 11:57pm   SAL: If you think she is going back and forth between your house and her owner's house I would attach a safe T collar with a note attached to her owners to contact you, in case she does have a home and doesn't have to end up in a shelter. If you decide that you need assistance, please call me Mon through Fri 8am-4pm and I will gladly take her in to help her find a home. Right now we do have space to help her, and if she does have an injury then she does need to be seen by a vet. Also, if you have other cats you will want to know if she is feline combo positive or negative. Please call
    - Hilary Nolan Penlington, Norfolk Animal Control   508 528 3232

  • 7/19 9:34pm   A small female black cat has choosen our yard as her new home. I haven't helped this much as I have been feeding her daily and giving her attention. She is in heat and is about 2 years old if I had to guess. She has a scar on the front of her neck; looks slightly new. I'd like to find her owners before I bring her to a shelter. She's been here about a week now, and seems content to stay. I wish I could keep her, but it wouldn't be fair to our own furries. I live in the area of Myrtle St. and Medway St. Please let me know if this girl looks familiar to anyone. Thanks,
    - SAL

  • 7/19 5:30pm   I am looking for a handyperson, who can do small jobs, like painting, remove brush. If interested please email staffingresources2005@yahoo.com.
    - CB

  • 7/19 5:29pm   MH - Where is Laura's stand? Thanks,
    - PRB

  • 7/19 1:16pm   I just drove through the roundabout in the center of town only to witness a Norfolk Police car drive around the circle ENTIRELY on the bricks. I was highly appalled after hearing about all the residents who have been pulled over for their tires touching the bricks. Feels like we have a serious case of double standard going on.
    - HN

  • 7/19 11:27am   I have been meaning to give kudos to Laura and her tomatoes. We have been by the stand twice now to pick up tomatoes and have to say - they are fantastic! I was not going to make the trip across town for seconds and thirds on tomatoes, but they are actually considerably better than the ones that I have been buying at the grocery store at a higher price. Thanks Laura and family for providing this service!
    - MH

  • 7/19 10:10am   A notice for any of our far-afield tomato lovers: due to the cloudy weather weeks ago, and the hot weather now, our tomato supply is down and we may run out at the stand. If you are going by our self-service stand, please check us out, but I'd hate for any of our far-away customers to make a wasted trip.
    - Laura Klobucher, Duckenfield Farm, 57 Miller St

  • 7/18 10:12pm   KB, I agree with you 100%. For the most part the roundabouts work pretty good here. However, when people don't yield and speed right through it is dangerous. That is why I was surprised to be pulled over because my tires touched the bricks. The officer even told me that I was not speeding. In fact I haven't had a traffic infraction since I was 17 (almost 17 years ago). Many nights my husband comes home from work he tells me about the near death experiences (well, not quite that bad) he has had in the roundabouts. If people would just slown down a little and be a little more courteous all would be great.
    - ML

  • 7/18 8:05pm   Norfolk Opposition Group to Overrides (NOGO) has changed its name to Norfolk Organization for Government Oversight (NOGO). Please visit our site at no-go.org or email us at no-go@comcast.net
    - JPB

  • 7/18 8:04pm   Norfolk's Major League Field (as in Major level play for Little League baseball) is at the Freeman Centennial School. Take Rt. 115 to Boardman Street... field is on the right.
    - TO

  • 7/18 6:06pm   Not long ago, Norfolk center had what was known as a four-way intersection. The design intent was simple. Drive to the big red octagonal sign and stop; not roll. It was then assumed that people would be polite and courteous and take turns. As times changed and the need for Dunkin Donuts coffee increased, people realized they could cut their commute in half by following the car in front of them through the intersection without stopping.
    At some point, I theorize that the some engineers threw up their arms and said, ``If people don't understand the big red octagonal sign, maybe we can design a roadway that allows them to roll into the traffic flow and return the hand that previously was used to hold an extended finger back to the steering wheel.''
    This design guide can be found on the Metropolitan Planning Council ((MAPC policies page)) website. Look at chapters 6 & 12 for information regarding roundabouts and to learn how ``touching the bricks'' relates to vehicle speed. In short, a roundabout circular size and approach angles are engineered to slow vehicle speeds by providing a curvature in the roadway. However, as with KB, I have noticed that traveling north on Main Street does not require you to ``curve'' nearly as much as the other ways of crossing. It is almost as if you can simply go straight across. Also, an ``apron (is designed) of a slightly raised pavement (or bricks) not intended to be used by the design motor vehicle, but available for the inner rear wheel track of larger motor vehicles.''
    So, although it may not be against the law to touch the bricks, by avoiding them you force yourself to slow down and become a safer driver. I suspect that was the intent of the officer.
    Although originally skeptical on the idea of roundabouts, I must concede that they work well and look good. As for the garden club tending to the center, if I were them I would at least wait until the signs are damage free for a week. Maybe even wait for the fire department boot drive to help slow people down.
    - SF

  • 7/18 4:39pm   MH - I live on the other side of town and last week the street sweeper was out and about over here as well. They did a great job.
    - LS

  • 7/18 4:38pm   I am more concerned about the drivers speeding through the roundabouts from Main Street (both directions) without stopping or yielding at all to the drivers entering from 115. I thought that there were yield signs from each entering direction, am I wrong or aren't we all supposed to yield as we enter both roundabouts. I drive through there in the morning and evening and have been almost crashed into and think this should be more important than whether someone's tires touched the bricks?
    - KB

  • 7/18 2:29pm   PMP -- I figured someone had complained about the construction on Rockwood Road/Holbrook Street. Last weekend, there was a street sweeper going from the construction site to Stacy Road every 30 minutes for the majority of the day. We live on Rockwood, not far from the site and this is the cleanest I have seen the street since we move in. In all honesty, the sweeper seemed to create more of a hazard than the dirt and dust. The thing was not going very fast and the cars were getting frustrated and darting from behind it -- even around the uphill, blind corner. If they were washing down the trucks every time one of them left, you know someone would be complaining about water usage and mud being on the road. Our neighbors have children that play in the front yard and I worry more about the every day commuters speeding down the street than I do about the construction trucks. I think the commuters are more likely to be on the phone and not paying attention.
    - MH

  • 7/18 2:04pm   JMD, check your manual, this is not a rotary, a rotary has 2 or more lanes. This is a roundabout (one lane). I should not be grateful that I didn't get a ticket because my driver-side tires touched the bricks. I was not all the way on the bricks. I'm sure your tires have never touched the bricks. I'm also sure you would be perfectly happy if you were ticketed for this, wouldn't you. I asked a simple question, there was no need for you to get nasty. I read the pamphlet that was sent to me in the mail when the roundabouts were first created, it did not say anywhere that cars could not go on the apron.
    - ML

  • 7/18 1:30pm   Paperback Book Sale at the Norfolk Public Library: Need to load up with paperback books for your summer vacation or trip to the beach? Then look no further than the Norfolk Public Library. The Friends of the Library now has an on-going book sale at the Library. Regular paperbacks are sold for 50c each and trade paperbacks and hard cover books are $1.00 each. Volunteers restock the shelves each week, so new selections are always available. Books may be purchased during regular library hours.
    RG, Norfolk Public Library

  • 7/18 1:17pm   Rotary is a marked lane just like a straight street... Yellow and a white line. You stay in them on the straight why can't people understand this in a circle. Has it been that long since your driving classes! Page 113 of the Drivers manual (chapter 4, PDF) It's everyone's responsibility to know the rules of the road.... just be thankful you got a warning! Take the time to read it not (gripe) about it.
    - JMD

  • 7/18 9:33am   Maybe we live in Hazzard County where anything can happen. I complained (to the BOS) about all of the dirt and dust from the development near 115 and Holbrook St. and the speeding trailer trucks, and nothing came about. Thank God my kids don't play near the street. Usually big operations like that all truck tires are washed before going on to the public road.
    - PMP

  • 7/17 10:16pm   Re the bricks in the rotaries - I did hear some weeks ago about a warning being given, and when I mentioned the guideline at the Legion Meeting found that we all would have flunked if asked if we were observing it. I mentioned it to Chief Stone and found that there is no mailed fist reaction. Indeed, if we had read his prior info pieces we would have been more knowledgeable. I suggest that his action is a proper one with a minimum of reaction and should alert us driving persons to leave a little leeway on the arc, but it is not the intent by any means to engender revenue, but a learning process.
    - JO

  • 7/17 8:45pm   In response to: Has anyone else been pulled over and given a warning in the center of town for driving on the bricks in the roundabout? (I don't mean the crosswalk bricks) I was surprised to hear that we aren't allowed to drive on them. - ML
    It sounds like the town has a new revenue source. Get rid of the bricks. Anyone gets a ticket, challenge it.
    - PT

  • 7/17 4:47pm   FH -- There is a post at one of the corners that says 7/10 mile, I have always assumed that the distance around the fields. The marker is in the front corner by the soccer fields. It is a beautiful walk that is not usually crowded when I have been there and is safer then walking on some of the streets. The Parks and Recreation Department has created a great space that I have only recently discovered.
    - MH

  • 7/17 4:34pm   FH -- There is a walking path at the Wrentham State School similar to what you refer to at Dennis. If you turn left across from Michael's Deli on Shears St. in Wrentham , then park in the lot on the right, you will see a path to the right. It has "stations" along the way as well. I can't remember how long it is though.
    - JHR

  • 7/17 11:17am   Money Management for Teens is offered at the Library. Last Chance to sign up! Teens, age 14 and up are invited to participate in this informative money management program. Session 1 will be held tomorrow (July 18) at 7:00 pm. This session will cover: money -- how to get it, smart saving, & smart spending. Session 2, on July 25 at 7:00 will cover checking accounts, using ATM's & debit cards, plus an introduction to investing. Group leader: Alan Glasser, Instructor at Tri-County High School. Refreshments & prizes! Call the library at 508-528-3380 to register.
    - RG, Norfolk Public Library

  • 7/17 10:33am   RP: The Norfolk Baseball Major's field is located at the Freeman-Centennial School @ 70 Boardman Street. (Try MapQuest.) There are several fields located on the school property - the Major's field faces the street, alongside the school. (It's the only one with a "press box," scoreboard and its own concession stand.)
    - TN

  • 7/17 10:32am   Does anyone know the distance around the walking path at the Pond Street Rec Conplex? The pathway is similar to one down the Cape in Dennis. The Dennis trail, however, has stations along the way with various aerobic excercises at each. There are also benches which are handy when a shoelacing becomes untied. Food for thought as the complex continues to develop.
    - FH

  • 7/16 6:46pm   Greetings on this hot aftenoon. Anyone in need of a well maintained used car for commuting or a student's use? I have a '95 Chevy Cavalier automatic for $550. Give me a call at 508-341-2558 for details.
    - JTV

  • 7/16 6:45pm   On page B1 in today's Sun Chronicle newspaper, there's an article for a game tomorrow at the "Norfolk Baseball Major League field". Can you direct me to the Major League field? Thanks.
    - RP

  • 7/16 2:32pm   The level of the water at Highland Lake is very low again. All other lakes and ponds around are at high levels, due to all the rain we have had lately. The Conservation Committee should make note of this. Is somebody tampering with the Dam?
    - WC

  • 7/16 11:54am   My understanding is that people are being cited for driving over the yellow line that surrounds the brick apron. Also, people who are not staying off the apron are typically cruising straight through at more than 15mph and vehicles trying to enter the roundabout cannot do so. I'm sure if you send an email to Chief Stone, he'll be happy to answer your question; I have found him to be quite responsive.
    - BS

  • 7/16 11:53am   Is anyone interested in a working washing machine? It is 10 years old but works very well. It has a few dings and dents but looks ok. The catch is that you have to claim it today or it goes out the door when the new one comes in! 508-528-0326, you move!
    - MJD

  • 7/16 9:46am   Any Norfolk residents interested in a basketball backboard & steel post? Excellent condition, although you will need replace the netting. $75.00 takes it away 528-3189.
    - RW

  • 7/15 11:40pm   ML-- My husband drives on them all the time. How do you know we aren't supposed to??
    - JHR

  • 7/15 11:36pm   Re: 7/15 5:25pm Has anyone else been pulled over and given a warning in the center of town for driving on the bricks in the roundabout? (I don't mean the crosswalk bricks) I was surprised to hear that we aren't allowed to drive on them. - ML
    According to the Roundabout brochure sent around earlier, ( (town hall PDF, here) )
    "Roundabouts are designed to accommodate large vehicles including fire trucks. The paved "truck apron" around the center island is intended to provide extra space for the trailing wheels of large trucks while driving around the roundabout."
    Nothing whatsoever is said about other vehicles not being allowed to drive on the bricks.
    There appears to be no citation in the Massachusetts Statutes to support such an interpretation, which appears to be over-reaching and, absent a specific law to the contrary, would be thrown out by the Court.
    There is nothing in the Drivers Manual supporting any such interpretation, either.
    A search of the Driver's Manual at URL: www.mass.gov/rmv/dmanual/index.htm produced zero results for "roundabout".
    The Norfolk Police Department is invited to provide the specific citation in Massachusetts General Laws supporting any such interpretation. I've never heard of a case involving rotaries, for example, which are usually significantly larger in diameter, where someone was cited for hugging the inner diameter. If there were clearly marked travel lanes, identified as such with a sign saying "Stay In Marked Lane" for instance, that might be a different situation, but absent such a sign, no other rule except common sense would typically apply. Common sense says stay out of the middle, don't knock down any signs, and drive carefully.
    - Anon.

  • 7/15 11:28pm   If they are going to start pulling people over for driving on the bricks, then get rid of the bricks! They shouldn't have been put there in the first place - Another waste of our money. By the way, I thought some group, perhaps Norfolk's garden club, was supposed to plant flowers and spruce up the round abouts?
    - HMK

  • 7/15 5:25pm   Has anyone else been pulled over and given a warning in the center of town for driving on the bricks in the roundabout? (I don't mean the crosswalk bricks) I was surprised to hear that we aren't allowed to drive on them.
    - ML

  • 7/14 11:21pm   In reference to Mr. Matez' post earlier (The superintendent tried to get my program pulled; when she was unable to, she initially tried to evict the cable station from the school. The selectman stepped in and cooler heads prevailed. If I have any of the above information wrong, please let me know.)
    I'd like to point out that this information is wrong. As President of Norfolk Cable Corporation, (which oversees Norfolk Cable TV,) I was heavily involved with the process of keeping NCTV's studio and office at our current Freeman Centennial School location. What led to talks of our having to leave our current location were two factors: that our lease at the time was coming towards the end of its term, and that the school may have been facing some space issues. Myself and other members of the NCC Board had very cordial and productive meetings with the School Committee, and later, with Dr. Scott. At no time did I hear that any programming we televised was the cause of us potentially having to leave our space, and I'd like to point out that at no time do I recall any of the selectmen getting involved, either. I'm glad to say it looks as though we'll be staying at the Freeman-Centennial School, and hopefully we'll have a long run there.
    While I'm on the soapbox, let me also state that we need volunteers. We currently only air a fraction of the town's elected/appointed boards, and that's a result of not having enough volunteers to help out. NCTV can be a wonderful resource for any high school or college students thinking of a career in communications, and a great way to gain experience behind the camera, or in front of it. It can also be a great hobby or opportunity for anyone else interested in television. If you want to get involved in any facet, contact our Station Manager, Paul Guertin, at 508-520-2780. We have two channels, (8 and 12) and I'd like to see them both full of new and original programming every day.
    We also could use a few good people on the NCC, as well. We meet 10-12 times per year, and we try to keep the meetings quick, yet efficient. (We could really use someone who could also act as our Treasurer, as well.) You can also contact me via norfolkcabletv@comcast.net with any questions.
    Again, though, we were never faced with 'eviction' over any of our programming, and NCC, Dr. Scott, and the Norfolk School Committee were able to work this out.
    - Paul Altmeyer, NCC

  • 7/14 9:52pm   JHR: Perhaps I should have referred to them as pedestrian islands; I believe that's what they are called. At any rate they are the raised brick structures located at the centers of the pedestrian crossing areas. They are even built to accommodate wheelchairs.
    ...or maybe it's just time to visit the Caribbean again :-)
    - JPB

  • 7/14 9:51pm   Hi, We have three tickets to Monday nights (7/18) Red Sox vs. K. C. Royal's that we need to sell (face value). Game time is 7:05 PM. We cannot make the game. They are Infield Grandstand seats Section 23 Row 4 Seats 13-14-15. The face value of each ticket is $45.00 x three $135.00. There is also the standard handling charge we paid $10.00. The total cost is $145.00. If you can make the game and would like these tickets, please call 508-528-3574. We live in Norfolk and the ticket are in hand. Thanks
    - BF

  • 7/14 9:50pm   Re: 7/14 6:18pm Not for nothing, but, did I see a help wanted ad in the Sun Chronicle for a Superintendent of Norfolk Schools? - DT
    If you read the Superintendent's Corner on Page 13 of the June 23, 2006 Norfolk Boomerang, Dr. Chris Augusta-Scott writes that she is in the process of becoming an American citizen. ( she is currently Canadian, I believe.) The piece is summarized as follows: This process involves obtaining her green card. Her position as Superintendent of Schools is currently going through what is called a labor certification process, which requires that her position to be publicly advertised for a period of ten days in various local papers. Dr. Augusta-Scott continues: "Rest assured the position is not open and I will see you all again in the fall."
    - RH

    (The way I understand it is that sponsoring an employee for a green card requires showing that there were no other qualified applicants for the job; posting the job is part of this "recruiting" process. Usually the job is "advertised" in obscure small-circulation papers where no likely candidate will see it, thus meeting the letter of the law: job was posted and only a single qualified person applied. It's an old trick, my company used it to get green cards for my co-workers back when I started out fresh out of college - Wm.)

  • 7/14 8:11pm   JPB -- It is great to read the positive comments about the center of Norfolk. It does look terrific. But, islands?? Do you mean roundabouts or have I missed something?
    - JHR

  • 7/14 8:03pm   My wife and I had the pleasure of taking a walk around the center of town this afternoon. I must say that the area has improved dramatically. It looks great and has all the functionality a pedestrian could expect. We even used one of those islands to cross the road - yep, we need 'em. The sidewalk system and stairways look great and provide good access to town hill and the surrounding area. The trip culminated at the war memorials that honor veterans of WWI, WWII, Korea and Vietnam. KUDOS to all who had a part in this project!
    - JPB

  • 7/14 6:18pm   Not for nothing, but, did I see a help wanted ad in the Sun Chronicle for a Superintendent of Norfolk Schools?
    - DT

  • 7/14 6:17pm   I would like to invite anyone who is interested in learning more about Deval Patrick, Democratic candidate for Govenor, to an organizing meeting at the library on July 25 at 7:30 p.m. There are quite a few of us in town who will be volunteering for the campaign locally and we welcome others who are enthused about Deval's message and plans for the Commonwealth. For more info, please e-mail me through the webmaster and please check out www.devalpatrick.com Thanks.
    - MJD

  • 7/14 3:48pm   To NB: the spring Rabies Clinic was held on Saturday, April 8, 2006. To enquire about upcoming clinics, call the Board of Health, 508-528-7747.
    - VR

  • 7/14 3:47pm   I am looking for someone who commutes from Norfolk to Taunton Monday through Friday. I recently had surgery for a broken wrist and am temporarily not able to drive. I live in Norfolk near the Millis line and work near the Taunton Registry of Motor Vehicles. I have flexible hours. I would of course pay for the gas and ride and would be most grateful for your assistance. I will see the doctor again July 20 and will discuss when I can return to work at that time.
    - MC

  • 7/14 3:17pm   I know many people would like me to go away, but many more are concerned about education in general and especially about people unable to speak out about issues. The children of Norfolk, at the least, deserve to know what happened to me. And due to the fact that your superintendent is withholding the last payment ($5000.00) owed to me through the agreement I signed, which I honored (...) I might add, I feel like if I didn't shed the light on this situation, I would be morally wrong.
    FYI: The superintendent and principal called up the head librarian at the public library, giving her grief because she allowed me to hold my play practices at the library. The librarian did not pull the program. Shortly thereafter, the public library was told they would no longer be staffing the school library.
    Another FYI: Many of you have seen the cable show World View with Eric Matez and Crew. The superintendent tried to get my program pulled; when she was unable to, she initially tried to evict the cable station from the school. The selectman stepped in and cooler heads prevailed. (If I have any of the above information wrong, please let me know.)
    I am a very open person. I am as honest as they come. (...) The story of my travails with Norfolk, have arisen because of me. Most teachers would not exert their independence in the first place and if they did and got called on it and were told to get in line, most would grieve it if possible or get in line to not risk their job.
    In my situation, I was told to do the following things back in November:
    (Continued, with lots more info on the Eric Matez dismissal ...)
    This is a $5000.00 letter, I hope someone reads it.
    - Eric Matez

    (Extracts:
    ``I was told that the parents that I use in my classroom each and every day to assist with centers are not trained teachers so they cannot be reading/listening to the children and be expected to be actually teaching.''

    ``One of the 8 parents in the room sent a letter to the principal, cc-ing the superintendent and 2 school committee members whom she knew.''

    ``I received a letter within the week stating that, "any further interaction with parents or staff that can be characterized as lobbying support for your position will be considered insubordinate and disciplinary action will be taken."''

    ``I was okay with the mandate to teach by the book. ... I was not okay with the "Do not talk to parents," issue.''

    ``Now here is the thing, over the years, I have always taught how I thought best. Usually there was no non-compliance of any school curriculum issues. It merely came down to style differences.''

    ``I settled ... agreeing that I wouldn't say anything negative about the school. I honored that agreement. I gave interviews before I signed the agreement; one of them was for Edutopia magazine. The article came out 2 days before I was to receive my last payment from the school. The superintendent decided to withhold my last payment.''

    )

  • 7/14 12:20pm   In the past, Norfolk has held rabies shot clinics during the summer. Does anyone know if one is planned for this year? Or did I already miss it. Thanks,
    - NB

  • 7/14 10:37am   JHR - Thanks for your nice note in letting me know that my suggestion for using the Commuter Rail/Silver Line was a positive one. I am sorry, however, that your return trip was not as good due to that very tragic situation.
    - JTV

  • 7/14 10:08am   Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - Kudos to KP for taking advantage of an opportunity to redirect surplus equipment and furniture to a beneficial use for those less fortunate than ourselves. Could more material have been diverted? Perhaps. Are there other communities in the Commonwealth who would have taken the easier route and just junked it all? In my mind no doubt there are. I believe the decision of where the materials were sent is less the issue than the fact that they were sent. Not knowing the specifics of which vendor was selected for this project, I offer the suggestion that the decision may have been as simple as the fact that items that we had to offer were a perfect match for one of their outlets. Recyclers like any other business (yes, recycling is in fact a business) develop relationships and markets unique to their own business plans.
    Alive and well in our own backyard here in Massachusetts are multiple opportunities for government, businesses and individual citizens to participate in a growing network of opportunities to offer our unwanted items to those who are willing and interested in having a not perfectly new, shrink-wrapped, over packaged item straight off the shelves of our prosperous economic lifestyle. I offer to you a sampling of the following resources that are available to all of us opportunities for reuse (both for giving and taking).
    Institution Recycling Network: www.ir-network.com
    Boston Building Resource Center: www.bostonbmrc.org/bostonbmrc
    ReStore: www.restoreonline.org
    Craigslist: boston.craigslist.org
    Freecycle: www.freecycle.org - closest area boards - Attleboro, Millis, Canton
    In addition I encourage each and every one one of you to practice what you are preaching and actively participate in recycling opportunities offered to us by each of the KP regional municipalities. The towns of Norfolk, Wrentham and Plainville all offer a range of recycling opportunities. Each of these towns has a designated individual who looks for opportunities to increase recycling options for its residents and is knowledgeable in additional outlets. On that note, I also encourage the schools within these communities to seek the assistance of these individuals to continue to strengthen and improve the recycling opportunities at all of our schools.
    - PH

  • 7/13 10:52pm   Again to BR, re ant invasion -- forgot to mention that outdoor bird predators that feast on ants are "flickers." They look like they have a tuxedo front and will usually appear with the hot weather as the ground/lawns dry. 5000 ants were reported in a dissected flicker stomach. Have some every dry summer period, usually in dog-day dry weather.
    - JO

  • 7/13 2:25pm   An article in the Walpole Times regarding economic development mentions the possibility of the State giving the go ahead for developing 67 acres next to Cedar Junction and the former Southwood Hospital. This would be a joint plan for Walpole-Norfolk to determine a combined use for the site. Has anyone heard of any possibilities? Is there anything active going on at the hospital site? Thanks.
    - CG

  • 7/13 2:17pm   For BR and the ant invasion -- What works well (passed on to me years ago) is to plant mint, eg. around the house near outside doorways, etc., in pots - it spreads anyway and easily removed in case you don't like it. Caveat: never tried it in a mint julep!!
    - JO

  • 7/13 1:15pm   Just a reminder that the Teen Advisory Group for middle-schoolers who want to improve library services to teens is meeting tonight, 6:30 p.m. at the Norfolk Library. This is a one-time meeting with no future obligation! Pizza and community service credits for those attending...
    - Heather Pisani-Kristl, NPL

  • 7/13 1:14pm   JTV, Thanks again for the heads-up on the Silver Line a few weeks ago. We took it this week to the airport after the Commuter Line from Norfolk. It was wonderful! However, the return yesterday was a different story, due however to the Big Dig accident in the tunnel. It took a while longer to get back through the open side, but it even then, it was preferable to other methods. A great asset to the whole trans. system in Boston. Also, if anyone is interested, we took JetBlue to Richmond, VA, and it was terrific. Recommend it highly. Friendly people, lots of leg room, welcoming... a great experience.
    - JHR

  • 7/13 10:32am   Anyone know any pools in the area to bring the kids? Whether it be a membership or non-membership. Thanks
    - AL

  • 7/13 10:31am   JO: Mu husband also loves that book and he's a structural engineer. He suggested that I read it for the reasons you mention in your post (e.g., concisely written for the layperson). You may be interested to know that there is a complementary book by the same authors called "Why Buildings Stand Up." Another good read.
    Understand you posted in response to the horrible structure failure/death in the Big Dig this week. So tragic for the victims, but also leaves the rest of us worrying about our own safety going forward. This will have far reaching concerns for many years to come...
    - TN

  • 7/13 9:45am   MP, We purchased a 1999 Nissan for our daughter from Central Motors about one year ago. We were satisfied with the price, compared to other used car dealerships, and have been pleased with the car's performance so far.
    - RH

  • 7/13 9:44am   BR -- I have enjoyed the birds tremendously! They are amazing to watch, but a little Alfred Hitchcock-like when there are four of them at the same time and all of the other smaller birds that are usually in our area are in distress. I have never heard such a ruckus. They have not been back for a couple of days so our robins and squirrels have returned. For the first time since we moved to Norfolk, there was a hummingbird in our yard this year. He was only there for a moment, but it was nice to see.
    We have recently had an influx of ants in parts of our house. I don't know if it is because of the wet weather, but does anyone have any experience in getting rid of them without calling an exterminator? We do not have food out and the ants do not seem to have a destination (they are not in a line of any sort). They are strange little creatures though -- they ``play dead'' until you go to get them up and then they try to run away. I was thinking about getting an ant perimeter pesticide for the outside of the house and see if that helps, but I don't want put anything down until the rain stops for a day or so.
    - MH

  • 7/13 9:18am   To MP - Have found Central Motors prices about the same as dealers that give much better warranties. If buying late models, buy from a dealer.
    - PRB

  • 7/13 9:15am   One of the books I have (circa 1987) is entitled "Why Buildings Fall Down." I bought it then because it had an excellent analysis of the John Hancock window fiasco and the reason for the failure of the 1100 windows.
    Also in the book are other structural failures like the sudden failure of the Kemper Arena Roof in 1979, when the roof structure collapsed and the cause was determined to be the failure of the "hangers" and the "hanger assembly" - much similiar to that in the Big Dig.
    Another failure of like design was the Hartford Civic Center which also was of similiar construction of the recent Big Dig structure.
    The list goes on - and of course the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Kansas City Missouri takes the prize, with 114 dead plus 200 injured, many for life. Again hangers and its structure was a prime cause.
    Luckily one need not be an expert per the authors Levy and Salvadori, who make the analysis understood by the uninitiated on the basis of physical intuition and without appeal to physics or math, simply because whatever the structual system the elements of a structure react to these forces being pushed and pulled.
    The book should be in the libraries around the area. If not will make it available at the Norfolk Public Library.
    Great reading!
    - JO

  • 7/12 8:10pm   BR, I really liked your story about the young hawk. So nice to hear something besides complaints! I have picked up more than a couple of birds that hit our porch windows, but now I tape long pieces of iridescent (silvered) curling ribbon to the outside window frames. Doesn't interfere with the view, but the birds stay away from it when it wiggles in the breeze.
    - HPK

  • 7/12 8:06pm   Has anyone ever purchased a car at Central Motors In Wrentham Center? How did you like them? Were they good to deal with? Any info. would be helpful. Thanks,
    - MP

  • 7/12 7:12pm   We have Cooper's Hawks here all the time. They actually come into our porch going into the screens. They zig when they should zag!! They are after the birds at our feeders. This one I was able to pick up with fireplace gloves and put onto the deck. I was suprised at the weight. I took the gloves off and stroked his back. He later flew onto a tree and watched me for a long time before flying away. He or she has returned many times. I have watched the adults trying to teach the young ones to fly. Enjoy nature as you can not change it.
    PS: Only 1 baby swan left at Bush Pond...
    - BR

  • 7/12 6:24pm   Who is paying the freight for shipment of KP furniture to Lithuania? Who chose this country? I have nothing against Lithuania, but I am sure there were other options.
    - WC

  • 7/12 3:54pm   Can someone give me some information on the little beachfront on Mirror Lake Ave? The sign says, ``This is not a public beach. Swim at your own risk.'' Can any Norfolk resident go there and have a swim? Does it belong to the residents who live around the lake?
    - KB

  • 7/12 10:55am   Just went by Town Hall. About 50 yards from it where the new townhouses are being built are two trucks with men working. Would you believe it they have two police on detail. Doubt if fifty cars a day go by there!
    - PRB

  • 7/12 10:46am   I second the vote about divebombing insects likely being deerflies... It's July and that's when I remember them arriving each year. They've been attacking the kids at our pool recently - everybody just jumps in the water to get rid of them. Annoying! (Bug spray helps tho'...)
    Happier note: Jane & Paul have posted a sweet corn sign at their farm! Will be picking some up for dinner tonight
    - TN

  • 7/12 8:40am   MT - I thought LS's quote from Rick Pitino was perfect. Your tirade on the other hand.... (. . .)
    Please cool down before you respond. The School District got its money's worth out of that furniture. Have you been there to see it? I graduated High School in 1971. We had the same furniture.
    - SM

  • 7/11 10:17pm   We're looking for a mother's helper for several days a week for the rest of the summer--mainly to watch our 2-year-old while we get some housework done. Please contact helpersearch@gmail.com.
    - AD

  • 7/11 7:27pm   MJD, I believe the insect you are seeing are deerfly.
    - SM

    (Update 9:34pm: oops, my cut-and-paste grabbed a second sentence that was part of MSN advertising, and not part of the post - Wm.)

  • 7/11 6:46pm   Does anyone know what those little flying insects are called that are out right now? They are very small, have a thin body that looks like a yellow jacket and they divebomb you when you are sitting still. They have wide wings like a housefly and they sting! Are they baby yellowjackets or some other creature? Anyone have an idea?
    - MJD

  • 7/11 5:28pm   EC - What's wrong with Lithuaina? Where would you have chosen? I'm glad the new school is getting all new furniture. That's what we paid for and that's what I voted for. I could care less what happens to the old stuff, but if I did I would have been at the school asking if I could have it and not whining about it afterwards.
    - LS

  • 7/11 5:27pm   MT - My point exactly!! Chill out. The negativity of your post is why I quoted Pitino (by the way, in complete context). Start reading previous posts, the majority of which are negative. Just last week, one person posted asking about good hunting spots and the next thing you know half the town is telling him what they think of hunting and killing. Point being, the negativity of the posts is a major reflection on the town and the people in it. Have a nice night, relax and have a nice cold beer.
    - LS

  • 7/11 2:15pm   LS, Re your post of 7/11 @ 8:23 AM: Your message would suggest that you're oblivious to the fact there are a lot of residents of Norfolk who are more concerned about what government and its minions do with our hard earned tax dollars, and in some effect our fates, than you are. Some of us neither want to, nor can afford to fantasize that we're living on cloud #9 and to refrain from expressing our genuine concern about matters that concern us. As for the Pitino's quote you used in your post, it is out of context, and besides he also said, "When you build bridges, you can keep crossing them." In other words, don't disconnect yourself from an issue, but rather remain aware of its ramifications. Rick's a bright guy, but, in this instance, I'd still prefer the wisdom of Plato, who said, "The penalty good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men." Think about that, LS.
    Sincerely,
    - MT

  • 7/11 8:23am   To quote Rick Pitino, "and all the negativity that's in this town sucks."
    Come on people, it's summer, 80 degree days, the birds are chirping, just got my first hummingbirds to feed at feeder, went for a bikeride, life is good. Norfolk is good.
    - LS

  • 7/10 8:05pm   Re school furniture: I'm curious, why Lithuania? Who made that decision vs. other deserving entities? Also, the amount of furniture is astonishing. New office furniture is very expensive. I know - I just created a new facility for my company. I would have thought that the option would have gone to the taxpayers first if they wanted to purchase or "adopt" some of the furniture. I hope that the town is not paying for shipping the items to their new location. Generally speaking, the cost of shipping these items is greater than replacing them closer to their destination.
    Also, please don't use the argument that items are funded by the state. We are the state, and one way or another we are paying.
    - EC

  • 7/10 4:35pm   I read in the paper that at least some of the old desks were donated to schools in another country. Sorry, I don't have the specifics, but I think it was in the Boomerang.
    - CR

  • 7/10 4:33pm   Re: "The old furniture from KP High School is going to 10 schools in Lithuania. The obsolete furniture heading east includes 1,100 student desks, 90 teacher's desks, 185 filing cabinets, 747 chairs, and 358 tables. All the schools are in dire need of new furnishings. Most of their student desks are more than sixty years old"
    Interesting. My company has a policy of donating older equipment to various schools, such as older computers, for which there is a tax write-down, but any metal furniture that can be refurbished is refurbished. Metal desks are cleaned and spray-painted and fitted with a new top. File cabinets are cleaned and spray painted. Extra and unwanted furniture is sold to employees or to Goldstein Used Office Furniture. Check the prices of used desks at gof.com/retail; Goldsteins gets $179 for one (1) desk which has been sprayed and fitted with a new top.
    But our company is responsible to our stockholders; KP has no such obligation and, as a public entity, they have no tax write-down. I do wish they would be more responsible to the taxpayers, you and me. I'll remember their give-away policy the next time I have an opportunity to vote on a KP item in Town Meeting.
    - BH

  • 7/10 3:42pm   Re: KP Furniture - I did see the article about the furniture going overseas. I read it on Friday the day after my post. I had some egg on my face as I read it, but then realized the stuff I saw was being destroyed - pushed around by a tractor. I do not think it was going anywhere but in a dumpster. Someone may have decided the stuff was not in good enough shape to donate but some of it did not look too bad. Again, "One man's junk is another's gold".
    While I think donating the stuff is a great idea I'm a bit more upset now after reading the quantities of furniture that are going to be replaced. Appears to me that just about every stick of furniture in the school is going to be replaced. I know what will be said - the expense was made public, people should have known, people could have attended public meetings, most of the funding is coming from the State and we should take advantage of it, the school is going to be a beautiful new building and who wants it full of old furniture... Well, when I've moved to a new home I've taken my old furniture. Sure, some of it gets replaced but not the majority of it. This is just another example of what we have been talking about as a town this past Spring and beyond. We have to cut down on spending and make smarter choices. We can't eat steak every meal. Sometimes you have to eat chicken.
    - RJP

  • 7/10 2:00pm   To: RJP & EC, FYI Regarding the old KP High school furniture. I am looking at an article in the Norfolk Boomerang dated 7/7/06 they state that:
    "The old furniture from KP High School is going to 10 schools in Lithuania. The obsolete furniture heading east includes 1,100 student desks, 90 teacher's desks, 185 filing cabinets, 747 chairs, and 358 tables. All the schools are in dire need of new furnishings. Most of their student desks are more than sixty years old"
    - NM

  • 7/10 1:59pm   MH - I just checked my Peterson's Field Guide to the Birds - Could your visitors be Cooper's Hawk or Goshawk?? Immature perhaps? How exciting to be close enough to take that picture. I'd love to see them if they hang around your house a lot!
    - JHR

  • 7/10 1:58pm   To MH: Red-Tailed Hawk? Maybe a Marsh Hawk or Northern Harrier? I'm not an expert but they appear to be red-tailed hawks. If they are nesting nearby you will hear the male and female calling or whistling to each other throughout the day (usually around suppertime), a kind of high-pitched "TSEEER" sound. Forward the photo to Stony Brook stonybrook@massaudubon.org. Someone there should be able to identify them right away.
    - TEM

  • 7/10 11:49am   To RJP: Re King Philip HS demolition - In my work I just went through liquidating and closing a factory, and it was possible to either sell or donate all of the old machinery, cabinets, tables, desks, etc. There is no need to just destroy them. We donated a great deal to schools in the area particularly the Vocational Technical schools, and they were very happy for the donations. In addition, there are scrap dealers who will take things away and pay a nominal price. I am stymied as to why there was no effort to sell or even give away the items, rather than pay to have them destroyed.
    - EC

  • 7/10 11:48am   When I arrived home yesterday afternoon, this fellow greeted me in the driveway. He let me watch him while he dined on the once unsuspecting frog. About an hour later I heard terrible squawking from our backyard and went out side and saw at least three more. They are very impressive to watch fly over head, but I am thankful that my cats are of the indoor variety. I could hear them back again this morning. Can anyone help tell me what it is? Could they be a permanent fixture in our yard?
    - MH

  • 7/9 11:03pm   The Ping Pong table has been taken. Thank you.
    - PT

  • 7/9 11:02pm   We need a babysitter beginning this fall - We are looking for a mature, responsible person to watch our 5 year old and 3 year old from 3-5:30ish, 2-3 days a week, beginning this fall. We are looking for someone with their own car, excellent driving record and outstanding references. If qualified, email us at bksquires128@comcast.net.
    - BS

  • 7/9 9:25pm   KP, we use Frank Malzone Window Cleaning and have been happy with them. They're at 376-0841
    - VR

  • 7/8 4:46pm   The development company building the Norfolk Town Center Condominiums has created a website. The photos are beautiful and the condos really look great. I didn't realize it, but only about half of the condos are age restricted (ages 55 and older). You should check it out if you get a chance. norfolktowncondos.com
    - AF

  • 7/7 9:25pm   Thanks DN, will definitely keep Mirror boat ramp in mind. Have also heard that dogs can use the boat ramp at Sweatt Beach...
    - TN

  • 7/7 5:05pm   As far as swimming for your lab - bring her down to Mirror Lake. There is a boat ramp right after the beach and a lot of dogs, including mine, like to swim there.
    For those of you who are not familiar with Mirror Lake - it is off of Shears/North Street. Right near Tom's Tavern - what ever way you come - just come down Mirror Lake Ave and keep following the road to the beach, and the boat ramp is after that.
    - DN

  • 7/7 9:45am   I am looking for a window cleaner... anyone have a referral? Thanks!
    - KP

  • 7/7 8:42am   I grew up in a family of hunters - my grandfather hunted, my brother hunts, and my father literally died while deer hunting. But in spite of my family heritage, it makes me sick to think that people take pleasure out of murdering animals. Slaughter for sustinence is one thing - killing for the "pleasure" "thrill" or "sport" of it is quite something else...
    - JE

  • 7/6 10:54pm   To GN, re. Build it or Leave - I understand there is a Stop & Shop in Walpole on 1A. Perhaps you are familiar with that particular neighborhood. I hear minivans can make the trip quite nicely.
    - JH

  • 7/6 9:47pm   If there's a middle school student in your life with strong opinions (however publicly stated or privately held!), he or she is cordially invited to the library on Thursday, July 13th at 6:30 for our Teen Advisory Group, where they can share ideas for improving teen services at the library. Pizza, the 5th food group, will be served. Details are posted below on the Bulletin Board.
    - Heather Pisani-Kristl, Norfolk Public Library

  • 7/6 9:43pm   In reference to this hunting, I saw a small buck the other day on Rte. 115/Millis line, it ran right out in front of me. Just missed it. I hit a deer years ago; it ran right out in front of me when it was dark out. The collision was horrible, with the deer almost going through the windshield. Luckily no one was injured; that cost me over $800 years ago, $500 deductible and over $300 for pro-rated parts (radiator). (Lot of doe)
    With such a mild winter last year many animals survived, and will probably procreate giving us a higher population to deal with. It would be interesting to know how many deer are killed by vehicles in this town in a given year. Hunting would sure keep the animal population in check. Just my 2 cents worth.
    - DC

  • 7/6 9:38pm   To DM, Just wanted to let you know about a newspaper website with a great trophy room, caledonianrecord.com. I have not hunted around here for a few years because of overdevelopment. For years I participated in the program that sent duck wings in to the fisheries and wildlife. I still buy duck stamps and my sporting liscense even though I haven't used it lately. I've also seen some wonderful sights while hunting. I guess my point is hunters do more for wildlife than treehuggers care to admit. Who saved the Woodduck? Hunters. Why are there more deer in Massachusetts now than when the Pilgrims landed? Hunters' efforts. Have you tried the Douglass State Forest for deer? It used to be very good. Good luck this season.
    - TB

  • 7/6 2:52pm   I don't know about you, but I am sick and tired of hearing false promises from Stop & Shop. I personally don't care what supermarket goes in as long as it goes in! I have created a new t-shirt design to tell Stop & Shop what we want in Norfolk.
    You can get the shirts here: cafepress.com/norfolk
    - GN

  • 7/6 2:15pm   Well, I wasn't going to reply to any posts whatsoever, but I guess it's time to. To begin to justify why I'm a sportsman to someone who is not is futile. To explain that I have as great an appreciation and love of "God's creatures" as they do would fall on deaf ears. I certainly have no intention of making people see my point of view. If you grew up with hunters in your family, then you probably hunted. Most people don't think of hunters as conservationists, nor do they ever use the words responsible, lawful, or respectful to describe us. I have no desire to debate with the closed-minded.
    It wasn't long ago when life was pretty basic and simple. Unless you lived in the city your whole life and never left, you could travel west of 495 (no, Massachusetts doesn't end at 495) and could see these things called farms. Simple operations - raise animals, grow crops, provide food for us and others. They were self-sustaining. Hard, yet rewarding work, most certainly. TEM is right. I don't need to hunt for food to live. I love knowing that if need be I could provide food for my family though, whether it is venison or something from the garden. Did anyone years ago object to farmers domesticating animals for human consumption? They also lived off the land, hunting anything on their property for food or to protect their livestock. Do you go into a grocery store and curse all the butchers at the deli counter? What is the difference between a farmer killing an animal which has been domesticated, sitting in a pen or stall, without the ability to defend itself and hunters/sportsmen taking a wild deer, grouse, pheasant or duck, all animals with survival instincts, for their own consumption? There is no difference. Do you wear leather shoes?
    f If you knew how depleted the oceans were you wouldn't dream of eating tuna or swordfish.
    I've seen things that most people only see on TV or in a zoo. I've had owls land next to me, had coyotes approach me on the ground within a few feet, been almost attacked by a red tailed hawk who thought I was dinner and seen deer during their mating rituals. Seeing these things and being this close to nature does refresh me, relaxes me and at the same time gives me a rush. I'm ethical, law abiding and have a better understanding of how nature functions than the average person. You'd probably be surprised that I hate zoos, don't like circuses, or big game hunts where guys with a lot of money kill lions and the like, and don't personally like fur coats. TEM, and SM have heard all the rhetoric before and although fishing or hunting doesn't appeal to them enough to take part, they have at least an educated, non-ignorant view and respect others and what they decide to do with their spare time. Nothing else needs to be said that hasn't been said a million times over by other sportsmen. I love my "hobby" thanks.
    - DM

  • 7/6 2:12pm   Found myself near KP High School this morning and decided to swing in to see my tax dollars at work. I do not get near the school much anymore as my kids are long done with school. Quite the building - coming along nice. I headed to the right parking lot to turn around and saw a tractor crushing and scooping up desks, chairs, steel shelving, lab tables, file cabinets etc. They seemed to be emptying out that wing of the original school. It dawned on me "why not have a yard sale?". Yes, most people would classify it as "junk" but one man's junk is another man's gold. As I drove home I began to think like a public official - Can't offer this stuff to the public - where would we do it? (a corner of the parking lot?), it's an active construction site, someone could get hurt (yes that could and probably would happen), who would organize it (maybe KP Music Assoc. or Sports Boosters?). None of the stuff could be used at the Junior High or schools in Norfolk, Wrentham, or Plainville? Seems like such a waste.
    How about this? When they tore down the old Newton North High School some smart thinking school group, I forget who, saved a bunch of the bricks and sold them as mementos. People (Students, former students, parents) bought hundreds of them for $10 each and this was 30 years ago. We could probably get $20-$25 per brick. The KP brick is a very distinctive color that can not be confused with the usual red brick which may add to sales. A lot of kids went to that school and a lot of them are still in the area. Heck, I'd buy one for each of my sons. Talk about an interesting door stop or bookend.
    Just a thought.
    - RJP

    [Hey, I could have used some file cabinets! - Wm.]

  • 7/6 9:27am   Anti-hunting folks: Where do you think that hamburger or hotdog you chowed down on during your cookouts came from? Or ribs? Or even jello? (where do you think they get that collagen?)
    How far we are separated from our agrarian past. If most of us had to actually produce the food we eat, we'd starve.
    - RG

  • 7/5 6:41pm   The Ping Pong table in Norfolk has been taken. Thank you.
    - PT

  • 7/5 6:41pm   SM: Although I don't hunt, I have had good friends who do, and like yourself, are quite eloquent in describing the needs this activity may fulfill. In fact, I find your open-mindedness regarding the issue admirable. However, if you are going to question the statements and logic of ES, I do believe you should re-examine the logic behind some of your own. For example, how in the world does killing a defenseless animal refresh a soul and spirit, reconnecting one with the basics of life? For some of us, a stay in the wilderness accomplishes this very same result, yet the farthest thing from our minds is any need to start firing away. In addition, although I agree somewhat with your description of hunting as "a natural act with natural consequences in that something must die for something to live," is this the actual case with DM and why he must shoot an arrow into the heart of a deer? Is DM starving to death in the wilds of Norfolk with venison his only source of food?? But these questions aside, I do respect your attempts at understanding those who do hunt as well as those who do not, including the contradictions revealed by both groups. Take me, for example, I've never had a problem with fishing, yet hunting holds absolutely no appeal whatsoever.
    - TEM

  • 7/5 2:25pm   Anybody need boxes? My family is moving back to Norfolk this weekend and we have many, many Uhaul boxes we'd be happy to give away for free. Many different sizes and types (i.e. dish, wardrobe, etc.). First come, first serve. Please email the webmaster and he will provide contact info.
    - JAS

  • 7/5 2:14pm   Regarding the post by SM, "And just for the record, to the best of my knowledge there isn't a season on snapping turtles so I assume the reason you no longer see them is due to development, not hunting."
    Actually, there is a hunting season on snapping turtles. see this link. [mass.gov hunting dates PDF] The #13 footnote means that there is no license required to hunt.
    As for deer season - bow hunting is allowed only from mid October to late November.
    - AB

  • 7/5 1:54pm   ES - Let's not all get hypersensitive about insect infestation now. That would just be plain silly.
    Of course it would be silly. But the same could be said for calling deer "God's creatures." It's all perspective. It's killing out of necessity versus killing for sport. It's killing pests versus killing cute, Disney-endorsed animals.
    I've always been interested in this debate, which is why I added my two cents. I don't put ants on the same level as deer, of course, but if you asked me to explain why, I might not be able to give a valid reason. I suspect many others could not either. After all, deer are as much a problem for some people as termites are. Deer spread ticks, destroy plants, trees and crops, and cause traffic accidents that could lead to human death. Termites chew wood. Still, I'd kill termites without much thought, but wouldn't think of harming a deer. Mice are adorable, but I don't have much of a problem setting out traps. But I'd never set out a trap for my neighbor's dog.
    My point is, when someone says something like "Please find another hobby. Deer are God's creatures and are beautiful as well. How could you possibly introduce your children to this 'sport'...." I have to wonder. Do you kill ants, mice and other creatures in front of your children? If so, why do you draw the line there? Is it because deer are cute and mice are not? Is it the necessity v. sport thing? I'd be interested in how you explain this contradiction to your children. Seriously, I'm not fanning the fire. I'm genuinely interested in hearing the answer. I certainly don't have the answer.
    - DF

  • 7/5 9:34am   DM - I would welcome you hunting on our property but we have neighbors too close on all sides. The deer are taking over our yard and many mornings on the way to work I see them crossing the street. It is just a matter of time before someone is hurt by one of the many deer around.
    - JR

  • 7/5 9:32am   To WC, ESS and BR, This subject has always brought controversy to this site and always will. I understand that hunting is not for everyone - including me. But please don't ask DM why he moved here. He moved here for the same reasons you moved here. To live in a quiet, safe community where he can raise his children and have a nice life. I happen to know DM and he is the most ethical, committed, kind person I know.
    When you grow up hunting and fishing, it is not a sport or recreation but a way of life. It provides him not only with food for his body (yes, we eat the venison), but refreshes his soul and spirit and reconnects him with the basics of life. Please don't tell him to find another hobby.
    I assure you the animals in which he hunts are in no way are endangered of becoming extinct. In fact, deer are very abundant in Massachusetts. We all know of the sins of the past and the killing of the American bison. For this reason hunting laws have been established and today we enjoy larger populations of animals than ever before including when our forefathers reached the shores of our beloved country. The very fact that DM hunts means he buys hunting licenses and equipment for the hunt, and a portion of the revenue gained from these items goes directly to help protect the animals that he hunts.
    Hunting is a personal choice that I defend for each person whether they choose to hunt or not. DM should not have to apologize for being a hunter. Hunting is a natural act with natural consequences in that something must die for something to live. Every person in Norfolk, including you (unless you are a vegetarian) essentially does the same. It's just easier to distance yourself from it when someone else kills "God's creature" and packages it nicely for you to pick up at Roche Bros. Of course, cows might not be as beautiful as a deer, so it seems easier to factory farm them (sometimes never allowing them to live a natural life in fields so as not to burn off the tasty fat that makes a nice steak) and then slaughter them by the thousands for us to consume.
    Hunting in Norfolk has been going on longer than any of us have lived here. You have every right to disagree with it and not allow hunting on your property. In that same right, DM has every right to hunt. Trust me, the development in Norfolk is having a much larger impact on our wildlife than any hunter could ever produce. You don't have to worry about the hunters. Feel free to continue worrying about the taxes. And just for the record, to the best of my knowledge there isn't a season on snapping turtles so I assume the reason you no longer see them is due to development, not hunting.
    - SM

  • 7/5 9:04am   DF, I can't speak for the person who wrote about God's creatures, but for me it is not about which is the more appealing creature but more about which is more likely to eat out my home and food items. Unfortunately ants, termites and cockroaches bring in disease and can eat away at the wood in your house. Not to mention that insects regenerate at an amazing rate in comparison to animals, especially deer. Let's not all get hypersensitive about insect infestation now. That would just be plain silly.
    - ES

  • 7/4 10:06pm   DM - We moved here 24 years ago and deer walked in our yard. The big snapping turtles crossed our property and we & our neighbor helped them get to their "spot." We have lost all that. The area has grown too much to think of hunting here. I'm so sorry of what we have have lost - please, go elsewhere! Why did you move here??
    - BR

  • 7/4 6:52pm   I'm not a hunter, and wouldn't care either way if the sport were outlawed tomorrow. However, I will point out that ants, termites, roaches, mice and rats are so-called "God's creatures" also. They're just not as cute as deer, so it's ok to kill them. Right?
    - DF

  • 7/4 6:51pm   DM, I have a few deer in my yard frequently throughout the year and you are most definitely NOT welcome to shoot them on my property. Anyone who finds these creatures a nuisance and would like them shot from their yard is beyond understanding to me. They only pass through briefly most of the time anyway. Why not hunt in Maine or New Hampshire where they are abundant? Gosh, I was worried about taxes before with the new residents moving in, now I have to wonder about losing the wildlife that I love soo much.
    - ESS

  • 7/4 3:10pm   Thank you, JPB.... and I cheer your sentiments with a resounding "Amen!!"
    - MT

  • 7/4 1:12pm   DM, Please find another hobby. Deer are God's creatures and are beautiful as well. How could you possibly introduce your children to this "sport" as well.
    - WC

  • 7/4 1:09pm   Answered an ad at Boch Dodge for a minivan at half price brand new. Went there and they brought one at at the MSRP that was in the ad. Make a long story (and a waste of 2 hours) short, the one in the ad was sold. Now instead of $10,037 the same priced one would be $16,432. Boy are they deceptive. I went to Central Chrysler and bought the same priced one for $800 less with no hassle. Can see why Central is a 5 Star Dealer and Boch is not.
    - PRB

  • 7/4 1:07pm   MT: Nicely done. Lest we forget that true freedom is neither realized nor maintained but by possessing the will and determination to do what is necessary to defeat those who would deny it.
    - JPB

  • 7/3 7:27pm   Yesterday we went to Lake Pearl beach and the sign said that it was closed due to bacteria levels in the water, yet Sweatt Beach was open. Is it best to avoid Sweatt Beach until bacteria levels at Lake Pearl beach become acceptable? We are looking for outdoor water activities and appreciate feedback.
    - AP

  • 7/3 7:29pm   Would anyone like a full size ping-pong table, free? Folds up for easy storage. Virtually brand new, hardly used. Just come and pick it up in Norfolk.
    - PT

    Update 7/5 10:37pm: The Ping Pong table in Norfolk has been taken. Thank you. - PT

  • 7/3 7:23pm   Happy 230th birthday to our United States of America!
    "America, America, God shed his grace on thee. . . land of our Pilgrims' Pride, land (for which our fathers and many of our comrades and countrymen) died. . . from every mountainside, let freedom ring".
    Let's celebrate a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July, but let's also set aside some time to contemplate the full measure of our Independence Day. Sincerely,
    - MT

  • 7/3 7:19pm   I posted a message about a year ago and didn't receive any responses so I figured I'd try again. Sometimes the subject strikes a bad chord with people. I moved to Norfolk back in 2003 and was looking for new places to bow hunt for deer in the area. From the sounds of the many postings on this website, people have been having a lot of problems with deer eating the plantings on their property. Several properties I used to hunt in town and in the surrounding towns have either been developed or changed hands, so I'm looking for new properties to hunt on close to home for myself and my children who have shown an interest. I know sometimes having pets (dogs, horses) and small children discourages people from allowing hunting on smaller properties but I have rarely encountered either in my time in the woods. Certainly the time of year (late fall, winter), and time of day (sunrise/sunset) contributes to that. So if you or someone you know in the area would allow bow hunting I'd love to hear from you. Thanks and have a great summer.
    - DM

  • 7/2 10:04pm   Hello and welcome to those who have recently moved to Norfolk! I would be happy to take your now-empty packing boxes off your hands (as long as they're in good, reusable condition), as I am just starting to pack for my move down South. Please email davkarben@comcast.net if you've got any boxes you want to give away, thanks.
    - KT

  • 7/2 9:27pm   Can anyone recommend a lake in the area where folks can take their dogs to swim? We've got a Lab who's been going to CT (w/ us to visit family) and swimming there, but I'd love to give her fun exercise here at home... Anyone? Thanks,
    - TN

  • 7/2 7:02pm   Norfolk's Dunkin Donuts DARE 2 Run 5K Road Race & Walk - Proceeds to benefit Norfolk's Drug Abuse Resistance Education program. Sunday, September 24, 2006 - Walkers start at 10:30 AM, runners at 11:00 AM and Kids' 1K Fun Run at 10:30 AM. Registration forms available at Norfolk Dunkin Donuts.
    - HK

  • 7/2 5:45pm   To LMB... re: fireworks: [bostonchannel.com link]
    - PR

  • 7/2 5:44pm   Re: 7/2 3:02pm Thanks BH! Any idea where you get the sign? - KD
    The signs that I have seen are about 8 1/2 inches high x 11 inches wide, and look as though they have been made on an inkjet computer printer with white paper in a landscape orientation, using MS Word or equivalent, Arial Black font, 72 point size, aligned center, then slipped into a plastic Sheet Protector and attached to a plywood or other backing with a stake attached. The words could also be painted with black paint onto white painted 8 1/2 x 11 plywood or onto part of an obsolete political sign which has been painted white. Or try the Yellow Pages for "Signs".
    - BH

  • 7/2 3:02pm   Thanks BH! Any idea where you get the sign?
    - KD

  • 7/2 2:59pm   HMK: The Boomerang does an excellent job of covering the significant events in Norfolk. Also, it is now getting delievered to our doors on a weekly basis. We are lucky to have such great coverage, there is a lot of information in the paper that you won't find out elsewhere. I would recommend subscribing.
    - CR

  • 7/1 10:44pm   HMK: I like the Boomerang very much. It helps me keep up with what is going on around town and complements Norfolknet and NCTV. All three contribute significantly to information sharing in town in their own way.
    - JPB

  • 7/1 7:25pm   I haven't been on the computer much because of illness in the family. To all those who were interested in the swans at Bush Pond only 2 babies are left.
    - BR

  • 7/1 7:24pm   Just curious - What do people in town think about the Norfolk Boomerang newspaper? Is it worth subscribing to?
    - HMK

  • 7/1 6:40pm   In 2006 your vote will count and your voice will be heard. As a registered voter your voice is not only heard but it is listened to and acted upon by town official - that's our system! Your personal finances (taxes and fees), the laws you must obey and the services you receive are all decided in large part at town meeting and at the voting booth. Many decisions at town meeting are decided by four or fewer votes. YOUR vote is the most important.
    On a national level the 2006 midterm elections have seldom been more important. One-third of the US Senate and all seats in the US House of Representatives are up for re-election; all this while our nation is arguably at the most critical crossroad with regard to national security since the US Civil War. Continued threats by terrorist organizations to do us harm, the perceived lack of a southern border and complex energy issues all make your vote as important as ever.
    Please register and vote. no-go.org
    - JPB, NOGO

  • 7/1 3:31pm   LMB: Walpole has some great fireworks on Monday night at 9:30. I believe they also have some entertainment before hand.
    - DMM

  • 7/1 3:29pm   Re: 7/1 8:25am Can anyone help with this question: our outside water (the garden hose, etc.) comes from the old well on our property. Do the water ban restrictions apply to that water too? Thanks for your help. - KD
    Typically there are no restrictions on use of well water. Usually there is a small sign saying "Well Water" to notify the public so that there will be no confusion about the source of the water. The Town Hill, the Pond Street Recreation Fields, and Stop and Shop in Foxboro use well water on their grass and plants, and all have, or have had, such signs. There is a hookup to Town water for drinking purposes at the Pond Street Recreation Fields, but only the well water is used on the grass.
    - BH

  • 7/1 3:23pm   NOTE: Eastern Development does own where the stores are to be built per this 2003 article. I hope this clears up the confusion as there have been several owners.
    - MG

  • 7/1 3:18pm   JTV, Thanks regarding the Silver Line. It sounds perfect and certainly much less expensive than Bonanza.
    - JHR

  • 7/1 8:25am   Can anyone help with this question: our outside water (the garden hose, etc.) comes from the old well on our property. Do the water ban restrictions apply to that water too? Thanks for your help.
    - KD

  • 7/1 8:23am   Hi, I was wondering if anyone could recommend any area 4th of July celebrations. I know Franklin has a fair, but we were looking for some good fire works around? Thanks,
    - LMB

  • 7/1 8:20am   Thank you to the person who notified the Massachusetts Inspector General about the situation at the H.O. Day School addition, for which the Town was asked to (and did) appropriate at the May 2006 Town Meeting about $75,000 to fix insulation that apparently was improperly installed about six years ago. The article in the June 30 Boomerang says that the State Inspector determined that the original plans were not followed, and the Town may be able to recoup some money.
    Now the question is: Why wasn't this improper as-built condition detected six years ago by the Norfolk building committee and their inspectors?? The function of the committee is: "Following Town Meeting approval and appropriation, the committee awards such contracts in the name of the Town as may be necessary to accomplish the vote of the Town Meeting, and provides supervision and review of construction until completion of the project." Ref: [town Building Committee page]
    Interestingly, last week Boston Globe Business Columnist Steve Bailey wrote an article about how the Romney administration tries to zero out the budget of the I.G.'s office every year, despite estimated savings of the I.G. 's recent handiwork: $800 million in reduced interest over 25 years -- real dough, even by state government standards, and a pretty good return on an office with an annual budget of $2.8 million. See URL: [6/28 Globe article]
    - RH

    Previous Archive, 2006 Q2


    • Home