This is the archive of previous Norfolk Notes.
Home
6/30 9:29pm MJD / MHC: Just a set of facts I thought might be interesting to post - folks can draw their own conclusion. I will say, however, many citizens of Mexico do not recognize the U.S. border, including a former president of Mexico.
- JPB
6/30 3:51pm I guess this is a plug for my business so it may not get posted but it is worth trying. A large part of my business is working with parents who have just found out they or their kids have cancer. We photograph families before treatment starts, and while this is a difficult time, we are good at it and the photos are very special regardless of the outcome of the cancer. We also have photographed many beautiful bald heads to help children feel ok about touching mom's new look... I have run into so many people lately who did not know we do this and it has been too late, so since cancer is touching so many of us, if you know someone who might want this service, it is a wonderful referral to pass along. - DV, Hughes Photography, Dover and Norfolk MA
6/30 3:50pm Do you, or anyone you know of in town, provide afterschool child care? We are in need of someone to get our two elementary aged daughters off the bus and watch only until about 4:30. I teach in a neighboring town and have those great "teacher's hours", however, they do not allow me to get home for the bus at 3:30! Any suggestions would be appreciated. - NS
6/30 3:49pm I think the B.O.S. are on a power trip. - KC
6/30 3:46pm Living here in Norfolk for a little over 2 years and not really knowing to much about town politics and having no affiliation with either the selectman or the conservation committee, having watched that meeting and how the selectmen where dealing with these volunteers that are welling to help the town and are well qualified for the conservation committee is embarrassing. This in my mind will be one of the many reason I and I'm sure other qualified people will not volunteer for such committees. A lot of communities could only be so lucky to have qualified volunteers willing to give their time. To PC - I was one of the 800 + votes. - DA
6/30 3:45pm JPB - I am missing your point. Are you saying that the USA is not a nation? - MJD
6/30 3:44pm JPB: I am not being purposely obtuse, but will you kindly connect the dots for me? Thanks in advance~ - MHC
6/30 8:27am Re: the daycare discussion, finding a licensed childcare provider is very easy on the web: just go to eec.state.ma.us That's how I found my daycare provider on Maple St (see prev post). - KD
6/30 8:25am Don't you just love the feigned outrage, embarrassment, and other veiled political spin that JL, WB, TC, CI are agonizing over. - PC
6/30 8:22am I was embarrassed, too, after reading yesterday's Globe West and seeing the following quote: "I don't think there's anyone in the town of Norfolk who believes this is anything but political payback." - PA
6/29 10:24pm I, too, am embarrassed by the actions of the Board of Selectmen and their decision not to reappoint Jay Talerman or Larry Harrington to the Con. Comm. According to the Town of Norfolk's own website, the role of the Conservation Commission is to have jurisdiction over natural resource areas protected under the State of Massachusetts regulations, General laws and the local wetlands regulations of the Town of Norfolk. Their mission is to protect Norfolk's resource areas in accordance with these laws.
advani@virtualnorfolk.org
lehan@virtualnorfolk.org
jsmith@virtualnorfolk.org- JL
6/29 10:22pm Food for thought as we approach Independence Day this July 4th:
COUNTRY POPULATION Guatemala 14,655,200 Cuba 11,346,700 Dominican Republic 8,950,000 Honduras 6,975,200 El Salvador 6,704,200 Costa Rica 4,016,200 Mexico 106,202,900 United States
(Est. Number of
illegal immigrants)12,000,000 - 20,000,000
Country The territory of a nation Nation 1) A large body of people, associated with a particular territory, that is sufficiently conscious of its unity to seek or to possess a government peculiarly its own
2) An aggregation of persons of the same ethnic family, often speaking the same language or cognate languages.State Any of the bodies politic which together make up a federal union, as in the United States of America. Nation-State A sovereign state inhabited by a relatively homogeneous group of people who share a feeling of common nationality. - JPB
6/29 10:21pm Town Pond - When I first moved here, explorer that I am, I investigated the scene, unaware of controversy. Who has actually gone down there? Please visit and consider. My previous post did not recommend it, because the bottom has an easily disturbed, milky sludge. Unscientifically, I suspect chemical residue - reminds me of the large, murky puddles at construction sites (run-off from the fields behind Freeman?). That said, as posted before, the area is a haven for wildlife - deer, turkeys, rabbits, large frogs, wild raspberries, and even an owl! It's shaggy (maybe less so post-Eagle Scout), but there are short walking trails which connect, after some effort and track-crossing, to the Standish/Old Mill trail. Two words - tick world. Not good for the faint-of-heart. - SO
6/29 10:20pm To CI & WB: Thanks for that information. I am glad the Eagle Scouts are tackling that project. I assume you're right that this was blown way out of proportion. It's just so discouraging to read in the Globe about in-fighting and political payback here in leafy little Norfolk. The people who volunteer their time to help the town deserve better treatment than what Talerman is getting (no matter what you think about the pond situation). I feel ashamed that our Selectman are stooping so low. As a town we will certainly suffer if we allow a few people's unprofessional behavior scare off some smart, qualified, and dedicated people willing to serve. - TC
6/29 10:19pm Hey TC - Places for dogs to swim and never seen a snapper (tick levels are mine - scale 1-10): - SO
6/29 4:14pm TC - I saw the meeting on cable, and agree there were comments (by both sides of the table) that had too much posturing. However, I did not hear any comments by the selectmen that they supported the use of chemicals in the Town Pond dispute. Rather, their concern seemed to be that there was not enough effort made to resolve the dispute amicably, and that no one from ConCom showed up for the walking tours with Rec and the state officer as the despute escalated. FYI - I believe the weeds are now a moot point as a Boy Scout Eagle Scout project is underway to remove them non-chemically. - CI
6/29 4:13pm TC: This whole Town Pond situation has truly been blown out of perspective. To this day the Selectmen just can't seem to get over it. - WB
6/29 4:11pm There are soon to be lots of animals up for adoption! Everything from cats, kittens, dogs and cockatiels. Please visit our web site to see if you would like to bring one of these guys or girls into your lives. - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control
6/29 10:54am This may be for the politics page, but here goes. What on earth is going on with the Selectmen and the Conservation Commission? I was totally embarrassed on behalf of our town to read yesterday's Globe West article, which revealed a nasty case of sour grapes over the recent campaign for Selectman. Anyone in their right mind would agree with Talerman's position that the town should find an alternative to using chemicals in the Town Pond! For heaven's sake, people are getting cancer, asthma, you name it, and yet we keep pouring poisons on their lawns and gardens so they look pretty. Now we want to use chemicals to kill weeds in a pond that no parent in their right mind would let their kids swim in! Why? Talerman's caution should be applauded, and extended, not deemed "uncooperative." If you ask me, the BOH, the Concom and the entire town has not gone far enough in protecting the health of our residents. I dare not think about what poisons are put on the playing fields at Pond Street and other places, where, ironically, our children get their outdoor exercise to stay healthy. We need more people in public life who put health and safety above all else. - TC
6/29 10:50am Last chance to register for Norfolk Lions Soccer! Fall Registration deadline is July 1st - visit [NLS page]. - HK
6/29 10:49am I am looking to rent a small boat to take out fishing locally. Does anyone know of a place to rent a small boat and of a local lake where we could use it? - LB
6/29 10:15am Since this is anonymous, I can admit that going to the dump is not just a ``guy'' thing! I join my husband most Saturday afternoons at the dump as we take in our bags and recyclables. The employees there area always friendly and occasionally, as JP said, you can find some good ``treasurers'' there. Last year I picked up a six disc CD stereo. It was older and fairly large by today's standards, but worked fine and is living in our spare bedroom and providing music for the upstairs. TM, welcome to Norfolk, I think you will find this to be a great town! - MH
6/29 9:27am AR - I need to hear more about these lightning bugs! I was up at 2am with my sick daughter and thought I was losing my mind when I saw a triangular greenish glow bouncing around the ceiling but couldn't figure out what it was reflecting off of! It was so ironic to read your post this morning. Maybe I'm not crazy after all? - NS
6/29 9:26am To EAG - Try Parrino & Sons Plumbing and Heating his # is 508-668-2936. - PMP
[Update 10:13am: I put the wrong phone # it should be: 508-668-2936 - PMP]
6/29 9:25am What is an IPhone and why would anyone wait all night outside a store when only 2 other people showed up? I was curious enough to go to the guy's web site, so I guess he's not the only one with way to much time on his hands. - JW
6/28 11:49pm Summer's here! The stormy weather has hidden them, but the lightning bugs are out. One must have strayed into our bedroom last night, because when I looked up at the buzzing sometime after 1am, there was a bright greenish glow floating about the ceiling. - AR
6/28 11:48pm If anyone is thinking about getting the iphone tomorrow you should go to the AT&T store in Franklin next to the Stop and Shop. The line is not bad yet I am currently first in line and will be here all night and blogging frequently. Read about my time in the line at iphonematters.com. Or stop by and say hi! - GN
6/28 8:07pm EAG - I agree with you 1000%, Lawerence Street where it enters Franklin is an utter disgrace. It's been a disgrace for years. It's downright dangerous and just plain sad. If this road is not a priority then nothing is a priority at the DPW. - LS
6/28 7:36pm The Town Hill Concerts will continue starting July 12. The schedule is as follows:
Thursday, July 12 Songs for Ceilidh - Foot-Stomping Traditional Celtic Music Wednesday, July 18 Drumming About You, an Interactive Children's concert to be held inside the Library (co-sponsored) Thursday, July 19 Horns in the House, Great Brass Music Thursday, July 26 Franklin School of Performing ArtsElectric Youth A wonderful song and dance show Thursday, August 2 5 Past 40, Come enjoy a wonderful Norfolk group back for their second year - Oldies Thursday, August 9 Summer Street Band - Classic Rock Thursday August 16 John Penny Band - The Classic Country Western Band Thursday, August 30 At Pond Street - Family Movie Night. We would love to receive title suggestions! Send to recreation@virtualnorfolk.org - Ann Proto, Recreation Director, Town of Norfolk
6/28 7:35pm On 6/25 at 10:39am, JP inquired, "Does anyone know if there will be more concerts on Town Hill this summer, or was last Thursday's a one shot deal? Thanks." July 12 - Songs for Ceilidh - Foot-stomping Traditional Celtic music. July 19 - Horns in the House - "Brass with Class" July 26 - Franklin School of Performing Arts - "Electric Youth" See you there....!!!- RP
6/28 5:47pm JP, I thought that was only my husband. LOL - it must be a guy thing. - DV
6/28 5:03pm TM -- We moved to Norfolk from the city last August and yes, the one thing we noticed was the condition of the roads. The good news is that I have seen at least two potholes eventually filled in but, umm, as you noticed there are a ton more that need to be fixed as well. (Hello out there--Lawrence St. as it turns into Mill St. on the Franklin line is a disaster!) - EAG
6/28 4:46pm TM: we pay about $35 a month for Dover Trucking to pick up our trash and recycling every week. They're wonderful. For us, it's a little bit less expensive than buying dump stickers, but only by a few dollars. However, even though we have private pick-up, we still have a dump sticker ($50 a year, I think) because some Norfolk men cannot stay away from that place on weekends. The second-hand bikes, golf clubs, chairs, swings, etc. that we have collected are also probably worth more than the $50 sticker at this point as well. Plus, it's nice to have if you ever need to dispose of something big or want the free wood chips. - JP
6/28 3:53pm Does anyone have a student model clarinet they would like to sell? Let me know via Norfolknet. Thanks! [box62@norfolknet.com - Wm.] - JEC
6/28 3:23pm TM, there are a lot of great deals on homes in Norfolk right now. We moved here last year and there are a lot more choices now. Good luck. We used BFI for a while for trash pick-up, now we just go to the dump ourselves. And the roads do not seem to get fixed much but it keeps the speeding down. - DV
6/28 12:34pm Hello, My husband and I are moving to Norfolk in the next couple months from Foxboro. We are very excited... we love the town and think it is beautiful. I grew up in Walpole and am very excited to stay in this area. - TM
6/28 8:59pm Do you know the difference between an RCA cable and a Composite Video cable? If so, then you need to check out the Best Yard Sale Ever right here in Norfolk. Electronics, gadgets and computer equipment at Yard Sale prices. This Saturday, 21 Spring Street 9-5. - GN
6/27 5:05pm Just noticed this from the National Weather Service (wunderground): Severe Thunderstorm Watch
urgent - immediate broadcast requested
Severe Thunderstorm Watch number 458
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
440 PM EDT Wed Jun 27 2007The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
eastern Connecticut
much of Massachusetts
southern New Hampshire
northern Rhode Island
coastal watersEffective this Wednesday afternoon and evening from 440 PM until 1000 PM EDT.
Hail to 1.5 inches in diameter... thunderstorm wind gusts to 70 mph... and dangerous lightning are possible in these areas.
The Severe Thunderstorm Watch area is approximately along and 60 statute miles north and south of a line from 15 miles west of Westfield Massachusetts to 35 miles east northeast of Boston Massachusetts.
- Wm.
[Update 6/28 8:11am: the storm seems to have tracked south; following on the weather radar, Long Island seems to have taken quite a pounding - Wm.]
6/27 3:48pm The yard sale originally scheduled for Saturday, July 7th will be on Sunday, July 8th from 10-2. Main Street right near Saint Jude's Church in Norfolk. Queen Sleep Sofa, Luggage, electronics, comforters, area rugs clothing/dresses/sweaters and many more items. 10-2. - DF
6/27 12:41pm DV, have the web master give you my contact info. I can help you, that's what I do for a living. - JPRW
6/27 10:12am Re: 6/27 8:55am Can anyone recommend someone for cleaning gutters? Thank you! - TH - RH
6/27 9:57am Norfolk Baseball's entry in the 61st Little League World Series begins play on Saturday June 30, 2007, taking on Medfield at 5:15 PM at Kelley Field in Norwood. Come out and support our team in this exciting summer event! The rest of their tournament schedule includes the following games: Sunday, July 1, 2007 - Norfolk versus Walpole American - 5:15 PM at Wall Field Tuesday, July 3, 2007 - Norfolk versus Norwood National - 5:30 PM at Wall Field Saturday, July 7, 2007 - Norfolk versus Wellesley North - 2:30 PM at Wall Field Sunday, July 8, 2007 - Norfolk versus Needham East - 2:30 PM at Kelley Field All games are played at the baseball complex behind the Coakley Middle School in Norwood. See you there!- Daniel Mason, Norfolk Baseball
6/27 8:56am JM, I am looking to get a product made, just one for now. It is an idea I have had for a long time and want to really see if it works; it is a type of dog leash. - DV
6/27 8:55am Can anyone recommend someone for cleaning gutters? Thank you! - TH
6/27 12:12am EC - I am not really familiar with Highland Lake. I assume that only residents who own property on the lake would know it is low. I have read your posts before and you sound really upset. I think you should share what other steps you have taken to figure out what is going on. Just posting here on Norfolknet may not uncover the answer to your concerns. Maybe if we know what you have already done we can suggest other options. - MJD
6/26 11:30pm JO, MG was right - as a licensed child care provider you are required by the state to continue education, CPR, 1st Aid classes every year. The state inspects your home for safety issues both inside the home and outside the home. Things like criminal records, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, fire drills, gated stairs, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, childproofed areas for things like knives, emergency numbers, medical files for each child, disinfection guidelines for the adults to follow, covered trash containers, appropriate referigeration of food, and more. - CW
6/26 11:29pm DV: What type of small manufacturing company are you looking for? Your question was a bit vague. - JM
6/26 8:24pm I was wondering if anyone knows about any local July 4th festivities going on. Thanks! - TM
6/26 6:12pm Does anyone know a small local manufacturing company? - DV
6/26 6:11pm TC, I get worried about the snapping turtles in local lakes. I let mine run up a brook in my yard but would love a real doggie pond. - DV
6/26 3:07pm Does anyone have any good local spots to bring the dog for a quick swim? - TC
6/26 2:10pm The lake level at Highland Lake is way down again. It was first evident last weekend, and now the rocks are showing near the shore, and the geese and goslings are walking around in the mud. Is this ever going to end? It is so disheartening to see this. This nightmare has been going on now for at least a year and a half, at it is still not resolved. Doesn't anybody see the damage is being done? - EC
6/26 11:28am 
Norfolk Lions Club sponsors
First Motorcycle Run
DATE: Saturday, June 30th (rain date 7/1) PLACE: Outlaw BBQ Route 1 Foxboro TIME: Registration begins at 8:30AM
Ride leaves promptly at 11:00AMCOST: $20.00 per person Ride begins & ends at Outlaw BBQ, entry fee includes BBQ Lunch & Live Band!
Also available: Raffle, Games, Bikini Bike Washers, Cigar Roller, more...Open to Riders and non-Riders!
Must be 18 yrs or older to participate
- Gail Bernardo, President, Norfolk Lions Club
6/26 11:14am Hi AL, Magic Carpet Limo in Mansfield - great service anytime of the day or night with competitive rates. - JMD
6/26 11:13am There will be a yard sale on Saturday, July 7th on Main Street right near Saint Jude's Church in Norfolk. Sleep Sofa, Luggage, electronics and many more items. 10-2. - DF
6/25 8:18pm If you were hoping to tune into the Selectmens' Meeting tonight but haven't done so yet, you are out of luck. While these meetings normally last three hours or more, they managed to wrap up in twenty minutes tonight!! And half of it was spent discussing their vacation schedules. Seems they aren't quite ready to vote, and discuss on camera, the Con Comm appointments, even though they've known the two of the incumbents for at least two years. So much for "transparancy in government," let alone getting anything accomplished in town. And their idea for progress is yet another new committee, a "Doing Things Differently Committee" with no clear objective or agenda, or responsibility for anything? - MKL
6/25 6:12pm Has anyone ever used those valet services at Logan airport as an alternative to parking your car or using a limo? There seem to be a couple that operate out of Logan and we are thinking of using them. If you have used them, which one have you used and how did you like it? Thanks! - AL
6/25 2:45pm Does anyone know what time the Board of Selectmen meet tonight? Will it be televised again?? Thanks! - LR
6/25 2:44pm RWD: There was an article in the Boston Globe recently spotlighting the Norfolk Prison Upholstery Shop. I don't know of anyone using them but it looks promising. Here is the link: [link to article] - SM
6/25 2:43pm Strawberry-picking is in full swing at Jane and Paul's, and the berries are red, ripe, and delicious! We filled a good-sized Tupperware tub in a matter of minutes this morning, and plan to head back for more. - VR
6/25 11:46am JP - There are several Town Hill concerts coming up on Thursday evenings. The next one is on July 12 and it looks like there is one every Thursday thereafter. We got a refrigerator schedule through backpack express a couple of weeks ago which tells you who's performing. I'm not sure if the Rec Dept has a schedule on Virtual Norfolk or if you need to call to get the list. See you there. - BS
6/25 10:40am To RWD: You might want to try Classic Furniture Services (90 Hayward St. in Franklin Ph: 508-528-6747; classic-furniture.com). They've been in business for many years. We used them for a set of dining room chairs and they did a very good job. However, you might want to have a seat when they give you their estimate. It won't be cheap! Apparently, no matter who you use, your love for that old chair is going to cost you. - TEM
6/25 10:39am Does anyone know if there will be more concerts on Town Hill this summer, or was last Thursday's a one shot deal? Thanks. - JP
6/25 9:34am I just wanted to say a public thanks to all who run the Lions soccer club. What a wonderful group of people, both the kids and adults. My children and I have met great people through playing this spring. We are used to travel soccer and this was such a fun way to enjoy the sport. Seeing people from town and playing with and against friends was great. I would highly recommend it for anyone, especially people new to town. A lot of hard work goes into coordinating all of it and I am grateful for the people who put the time in. Thank you. - DV
6/25 9:33am Does anyone know a good person to reupholster a chair? Let me know Thanks - RWD
6/25 9:32am Does anyone know what happened at Stony Brook yesterday? There was an ambulance and police car on route 115 near the gate entrance to Stony Brook, and another rescue vehicle in the parking lot of Stony Brook? - TC
6/25 9:29am WB: You have your opinion, and I have mine! That's what makes this forum so great. Sometimes the status quo can be improved upon. Tonight should be interesting. - PA
6/24 10:23pm PA - sorry but a "credible job" is unacceptable and completely inadequate. If the voting public used the logic exhibited by the Selectmen last Monday night, none of them would be in office. Your further comment about "infusing new ideas and energy into some of these boards, and hopefully we'll see that come about" should have about 10,000 footnotes and asterisks and qualified statements... sorry, not buying the "new ideas" spin. - WB
6/24 10:20pm Norfolk Police have put up a sign on Maple Street showing your speed. Should have been done before school closed as the school buses go the fastest. Police could sit in my driveway anyday and fill their speed tickets. - BR
6/24 11:40pm Dog collar found - On Sunday morning I found an electric fence dog collar (red) on the road near Jane and Paul's farm. Call 520-6694 - PT
6/24 11:39pm Registrations are still being accepted for the Fall season of Norfolk Lions Soccer. This co-ed league accepts players from all towns. The youngest division accepts players 3 years old by September 1, 2007 and the oldest division accepts high schoolers through 12th grade - CK
6/23 8:26pm Thank you for the information on college coaches. I will be looking into it to see if it is a good idea for my child. - TD
6/23 9:29am TD, that would be great. I am working today but will try to call in between shoots. We ended up with one bunny too many, although we do love him. They will be outside for now and on a large 3 season porch in the winter. They get lots of love and attention from my 4 girls. - DV
6/22 11:38pm I think our BOS is doing a credible job with these appointments/re-appointments. The best thing we can do is to infuse new ideas and energy into some of these boards, and hopefully we'll see that come about. - PA
6/22 11:09pm DV - I have a bunny hutch that needs a little repair. It is yours if you want it. Bunnies are wonderful pets. Our last one lived in the house. He loved to cuddle with my kids while they watched TV etc. 508-520-4057. - TD
6/22 10:46pm SDB - Thank you, thank you! I didn't see your post till 4:30 pm today, so I flew out the door and high-tailed it over to the Franklin Farmers' Market. I arrived as the last farmer was packing up in the rain. Ha - who was it? None other than Grateful Farm! And I was in luck to find maybe 8-10 varieties of good-looking basil, beautiful greens and other herbs. The woman was very nice and delighted to hear their farm had made it onto Norfolknet. I was delighted to find organic produce. Nice tip! - SO
6/22 2:09pm Found: xbox DVDs. If lost, please respond to post with date of loss and names of DVDs. - JS
6/22 9:42am To the seeker of purple basil, and to all who value fresh, locally grown produce: Go to the Franklin Farmers Market on Franklin Town Common, open every Friday from 1 until 6:00 p.m. through October 12. - SDB
6/22 9:27am Hi. JG. A contractor we recommend is Distinctive Creations in Wrentham who recently completed a project at our home. Charlie Fruci, the owner, worked with us to define lots of details before the work began and included those in the contract. Charlie was very accommodating and made sure the work was done as planned, on time, and at a reasonable cost. A pleasant, honest professional we would use again without hesitation. Distinctive Creations' phone number is 508-384-7023. - JS
6/21 11:04pm What in the world is going on with our BOS? I watched their meeting Monday night, and it was disappointing (and painful!) to watch them dance around appointments and re-appointments to the Conservation Commission for nearly 1.5 hours. They acknowledged that certain incumbents have tremendous knowledge and much needed legal expertise, something that would serve our town well as it deals with growing pains. But now they need to take if "offline" to discuss. I should have gone to bed at 9:00. I sure hope the next time around, this Monday, they make the right decision and appoint/re-appoint these volunteers who are willing to give their time and energy to the town. - AL
6/21 9:58pm Happy Summer Solstice! Today, the longest day of 2007, marked the first day of summer. At 2:06pm the North Pole was tilted farthest toward the sun, the tilt being the cause of the long summer daylight hours. - Wm.
6/21 9:56pm The concert on Town Hill this evening was great! Just a bunch of Norfolk dads who originally got together to entertain a Brownie troop, they were awesome. Great sound, wonderful weather, large turnout, terrific music, and lots of energetic fun kids. - AR
6/21 9:53pm Dear JG, I'm not sure what type of addition you are looking to put on, but we recently used Mike Cavallarho of MC Designs Inc. He is a certified kitchen and bath designer and is absolutely wonderful. I would be happy to talk to you more about him - I have passed on his name to 2 other families who have gone with him and were very happy. His phone number is 508.695.2155. Please contact the webmaster to get my phone number and email. - BD
6/21 9:51pm I'm looking for a job for the summer! Walking your dog - Babysitting - House sitting while your away - Watering plants - Getting mail/newspaper - Pet sitting -DV (her daughter KV)
6/21 8:53pm We are looking to add an addition to our house and were wondering if anyone could recommend a good contractor. Has anyone used a compay called "Complete Development Corporation?" We are looking for a firm that is reliable and reasonable. Thanks. - JG
6/21 8:43pm In response to RS looking for a good electrician - I recently used Robert Davis from Franklin. He was professional, courteous, neat and reasonable. I am having him back again to do more work. My neighbor had recommended him to me, and I am certainly happy to pass his name along. His phone number is 508-541-6182. - EF
6/21 6:15pm Norfolk Lions Soccer is presently seeking players in grades 7 through 12 for the Fall season. This is a co-ed recreational soccer league. All games are played on Sunday afternoons in Norfolk. - HK
6/21 11:14am I agree. I have used Dover trucking for a couple years and they are great! - LK
6/21 10:42am We recommend Dover Trucking. They are very professional, reliable and dependable. - WC 6/21 10:27am Norfolk Lions Soccer is conducting a very unique fundraiser by offering Cape Ann Whale Watch tickets at a greatly discounted price. Tickets, which normally sell for $41, will be sold for $20 and are good anytime during the 2007 season. - HK
6/21 10:24am Regarding a College Coach, I highly recommend Christa Panciocco at CollegeBound (508-660-6216 or collegeboundservices@comcast.net). She is a former colleague, student affairs professional and does some excellent work with students. I think you'll find her services outstanding. Meanwhile, if your high school or college student is looking for assistance in writing a resume and finding a job or internship, I am happy to help! You can reach me at keldred@careersinthemaking.com. - KE
6/21 10:23am AL, as a customer of Dover Trucking, I highly recommend them. We have had nothing but excellent service at what we consider a very fair price. - EAG
6/21 10:22am AL, We have used Dover Trucking for the past three years and are very happy with them. Nice doing business with a Norfolk resident. - PB
6/21 10:21am Feel like taking the summer off from moving your lawn and doing yard work? Give Chris a call at 508-541-1243. He is a hard working and dependable 16 yr old with time on his hands. - SM
6/21 10:19am Hi my name is Lauren, I'm 17 years old and currently about to be a senior at KP. I have many years of experience by babysitting my younger sister and many neighbors. I'm available Monday-Thursday from about any time until 6:30pm (very flexible if needed). I also have references and a car for transportation. You can email me at hellokittyy@gmail.com if you're interested or have any types of questions for me :) - LG
6/20 11:00pm Does anyone have information on the consignment shops throughout Wrentham and how the process works when you bring furniture to them for sale? Which one is the best? How do you go about bringing goods in and who does the pricing? Do any of them pick up? Any comments or suggestions would be welcome. I spoke to someone at the Common Market across from Dunkin Donuts several weeks ago but I misplaced the information sheet. - FH
6/20 10:59pm AL, Hello I'm a local resident and the owner of Dover Trucking Inc. a full service waste and recycling business. We service the town of Norfolk offering the most reliable service at the most affordable price. Check us out at dovertrucking.com or call our office at 508.541.8565. We look forward to servicing you and your family. - SB
6/20 10:58pm Only 5 baby swans left, but they look big and healthy. - DV
6/20 6:26pm KGS, I do not know the answer [pond covered with algae] but the guys at Gilmores in Walpole are great, you might ask them. - DV
6/20 6:21pm HESSCO Elder Services is reaching out to you to make a difference in someone's life bybecoming a Meals-on-Wheels driver within the community of Norfolk. Volunteers spend approximately one hour a week from 11 a.m. till 12 noon, Monday through Friday, delivering meals and can choose the one day of the week that works best. If you are interested, Please call Beverly Carothers at 781-784-4944, ext. 204. Thank you, - NS
6/20 6:20pm To BA (re: mice): We had a family of mice living in our attic and bought Black & Decker ultrasonic plug-in pest repellers. For days we heard the little critters coming down the walls and we've never heard from them since. - AFD
6/20 6:19pm Can anyone recommend a good waste management/disposal company for curbside pick-up? Thanks, - AL
6/20 6:12pm You know, there just aren't enough opportunities for kids to make a lot of noise. Mrs. Bluhm and Mrs. Durand will be making coffee-can drums with Norfolk kids as part of the summer reading program, but we will need many more coffee cans than we have right now! If you have 1-lb (read: 12 ounces or so) coffee cans with lids, we would be overjoyed to receive them at the library by the first week of August. Soon Norfolk will be echoing with the sound of drums... - Heather Pisani-Kristl, NPL
6/20 6:11pm Ha! I'm surprised I got a clear shot at all DV - I was laughing so hard! The little fella' was singing "I'm a rockin' an' a rollin' babba ann", as he rode across the high plains. I forgot to say "thank you" to the previous owners. I hope they get this message. - SO
6/20 6:10pm
[Update 6/20 11:02pm: press release on hold pending clarification - Wm.]
6/20 8:16am SO, speaking as a child photographer... Great shot! - DV
6/19 11:25pm To the family who left their most excellent rocking horse ("free") on Boardman St. a weekend ago, I give you my nephew, riding with all the gusto of John Wayne, Kit Carson, and Buffalo Bill combined. - SO
6/19 11:03pm I just drove down King St. and then on to Union going toward Wretham. Shortly after getting on Union, and by the brook there, there was a family of raccoons (I think that is what they were, but could have been possums or foxes). There were a couple of parents and maybe 5-6 babies in the road. The babies were very light colored---hard to tell. It was dark and traffic was halted, fortunately. Finally, after someone beeped, they scampered into the brush at the side of the road. Soooooo... there's a family there we need to watch for. I hope to not see their remains at that location tomorrow moring. Thanks. - JHR
6/19 9:01pm We have a pond in our back yard which is murky and covered over with algae. I've heard that there are chemicals that you can use that are environmentally safe to clear the water and make it suitable for fish. I'd rather not put in a pump/fountain if I can help it. Does anyone have any experience or advice? - KGS
6/19 8:27pm JK - Give me a call if your still looking for a handyman. 508-517-4708. - TD
6/19 8:09pm A cell phone was found at the Library today. I would have called the owner but the keypad is locked. The phone is being held at the circulation desk. - JS
6/19 8:08pm For JK [re handyman] - Rob Abramson is the best in Norfolk. His wife owns something special in the center of town. - BM
6/19 8:06pm Hi - I am looking for a sitter/caretaker for the next school year for 2 mornings a week. I need someone in my house early - around 7am to get my 2 boys off to school (8:25 bus to HOD and FC) and then to stick around and watch my daughter before she gets picked up for preschool around 12:15. If you are interested or know someone who is, please contact me - I would love to have a handle on this as soon as possible. I am starting a new job and thought I would seek the help of the people of Norfolk through Norfolknet. Thank you in advance! bdambro@comcast.net - ED
6/19 8:04pm JP - I highly recommend Parker Sanitation out of Wrentham. He's one of the few independent contractors left out there. I'm not a big fan of Wind River. They are probably ok if you just want your system pumped, but I have heard stories of them suggesting costly repairs that were not necessary. - HF
6/19 8:03pm DMM - Cindi's Jeweler's in Foxboro is still open and they do great repair work. I had a diamond resized and reset and I am very happy with the results. (Re 6/18 3:30pm Can someone recommend a good place to have jewelry repaired? Thanks, - DMM) - JLH
6/19 3:45pm JP - I used Wind River Environmental septic service. They are based out of Walpole, I think. Fair pricing, on time for the appointment, and very professional. - JT
6/19 3:44pm We have had Trex since 2002 and love it. - DB
6/19 3:05pm Can anyone suggest a handyman? I need a 12 x 14' outside deck sanded (floor only). Should only involved sander rental and 2 - 3 hours work. Many thanks in advance! - JK
6/19 3:03pm Besides Bruce Scott, is there a better septic service company that you can recommend? - JP
6/19 3:02pm Can anyone give me insight on the teacher opening in the 2nd grade at HOD? My child just came back from move-up day and she said the adult said the teacher quit and they have a mystery teacher for next year. - JP
6/19 2:58pm Yes LR, just like the quote in the Boomerang that Mr. Lehan says that "voters don't have a say (in the appointments)." Isn't it the responsibility of the BOS to get a feel or reach out to what the voters want? For someone who ran on a platform touting financial prowess and who has stated that he was responsible for thousands of people ("During this time I had full responsibility for an 80 million dollar operational budget and over 2400 employees." see his website) he should be fully aware of how to select talent, but that comment last night made me think that there is something really, really, really fundamentally wrong. I have worked for managers that won't hire people that are smarter than they are, have more experience or are more motivated simply because these potential hires represent a "perceived" threat to their position of authority... these people were very insecure. I honestly believe that the indecisiveness with the BOS is something more insidious. - WB
6/19 2:55pm To BA regarding mice: I am usually a friend to all creatures, but when I saw that mice had been chewing on our electrical wiring, I bought Tomcat reusable snap traps. They look like big black plastic clothespins, are clean, and don't injure larger creatures. To dispose of the mouse, simply pinch the trap open. A quarter of a marshmallow is irresistable bait. This trap was a better solution for our mice than the live-catch trap that I forgot to check (hangs head in shame). - HPK
6/19 9:01am Let me quote Jim Lehan at 11:02 p.m. Board of Selectmen meeting; "there is concern with too much expertise on any Board." What is he talking about?? Let's make some definitive posts to Boards. Lots of babble... it's embarrassing! - LR
6/18 9:12pm Re: Trex decking. I don't have it, but heard from someone who is a builder that it gets really hot. Maybe if the deck doesn't get a lot of direct sun, it's not so bad. Maybe RH can attest to the temperature factor. - JM
6/18 7:53pm KD, I like the look of wood better but my old neighbors got Trex and it really did look great. They have had it 5 years and are very happy. - DV
6/18 7:45pm Re 6/18 6:28pm Does anyone have Trex decking? If so, are you happy with it? Thanks in advance for your response. - KD - RH
6/18 6:28pm Does anyone have Trex decking? If so, are you happy with it? Thanks in advance for your response. - KD
6/18 6:27pm Just wanted to post for a resident in town: They've lost their 5 yr old tuxedo house cat in the area of Eric Rd. Missing approximately since last Thursday and her name is Mia. If anyone sees her please email or call the AC Officer. Her picture is on the animal control web page under the lost and found section. - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control
6/18 4:33pm LS, A college coach is one who finds the best school that would be the best fit for your child. Something that most parents, along with their children, are very capable of doing. It's probably similar to a personal trainer, in that, you really don't need one to exercise but it is easier with one. Who ever heard of a personal trainer or a college coach 10 years ago?? They did not exist but children still went on to college and people still exercised. - DWL
6/18 4:32pm Anyone have a bunny hutch they want to get rid of? - DV
6/18 3:30pm Can someone recommend a good place to have jewelry repaired? Thanks, - DMM
6/18 3:22pm To JO: CW was trying to explain that the state of Massachusetts expects child care providers to be licensed. This has nothing to do with Louis Pasteur or any other great contributor. Child care providers have to be licensed to ensure that they meet all the health and safety measures to keep each and every child safe. Would you go to a doctor or dentist that was not properly licensed? Hopefully our children rank higher than our teeth. Children are the most precious and defenseless beings in our world... and, I anticipate, are the number one priority of parents. - MG
6/18 9:28am RC - The Buckley Mann situation did not happen becasue of one thing. The real estate market. The builder still has lots across the street and new houses that have been on the market for well over a year. I applaud the town for protecting themselves and not accepting a part of the land that has way too many unknowns. That's exactly why the current owners don't clean it, too many unknowns - they want someone else to, the risks are too high to clean it unless you have deep deep pockets. - LS
6/18 9:27am PD - I'm very curious as to what a "college coach" does for a student. I have small children and remember when it was my time to apply to colleges. I can't for the life of me understand what a "college coach" would do. Thanks - LS
6/18 9:26am In regards to the electrician: Jennifer Sweet Electric is the one I would use, she is excellent and moderately priced. Phone 508-533-0728. - JW
6/18 8:15am To BA with the mouse issue: We have a house up in New Hampshire and get mice occasionally (always upstairs, too). We, too, felt that we did not want to harm them, so we purchased `have a heart' traps that are like little cages and they worked well. We would then take the little mice (I have to admit, they are cute) for a ride and release them far way. We used peanut butter to lure them instead of cheese. Good luck! - JN
6/18 8:13am 6/18 12:10am Hi, Looking for a college coach for a high school junior. Does anyone know of someone near Norfolk?? Thank you for the help. - PD - NSS
6/18 12:12am To CW - May I point out that Louis Pasteur did not have a license. Do you really believe that licensing is an affirmation of competence and capability, etc?? - JO
6/18 12:11am I thought we already voted on the "World as J Talerman sees it." - PC
6/18 12:10am Hi, Looking for a college coach for a high school junior. Does anyone know of someone near Norfolk?? Thank you for the help. - PD
6/18 12:09am Well, as a former city dweller, I am in unfamiliar territory here - mice! Two nights in a row now my daughter has awoken in the middle of the night to one of our cats with a mouse dangling from its mouth. It was a little bit upsetting to my daughter, to say the least. - BA
6/18 12:08am RC: I would like some examples of what boards have created their own policies. If you could list specific events and attribute the event to which board and what the financial impact was to the Town, that would be swell. Thanks. - WB
6/17 8:20pm Maybe... Just maybe Jay won't be on the con com because of his job performance... Ever think of that? Maybe the Town (Selectmen) are trying to change the way of doing business. The (all) Boards are there to make sure that the State and Town Bylaws are followed, nothing more. However, it seems that many of the Boards have created their own policies. They end up costing the Town and everybody involved a lot of money and heartache and the Town ultimately looses. Most recent example being the Buckley Mann situation. - RC
6/16 7:58pm Can anyone recommend a good and reasonable electrician? - RS
6/16 7:57pm JHL: So Jay Talerman, who brings infinite legal and environmental knowledge and dedication to the ConComm, may not be reappointed because he was "critical of the BOS" while campaigning for Selectman?? Please tell me this is hearsay! I am sure I going to hear this is a joke, right?? Good for Jay to stand up, speak the truth and want more for Norfolk than the BOS has been able to deliver. I remember my 6 yr old acting this way, when he was not invited to a friend's party, he stomped off and said "you are not my friend." Now boys, if you can't stand the heat, you need to get out of the fire! - AL
6/16 11:18am Re: 6/16 10:08am Are there any updates regarding Isaac Remick and the headstone found in Bermuda? I have to believe he was buried in Bermuda. ... - RH
6/16 10:08am Are there any updates regarding Isaac Remick and the headstone found in Bermuda? I have to believe he was buried in Bermuda. I cannot imagine that his headstone made it all the way from the US to Bermuda. I find this story absolutely intriguing and am impressed with the resources that RH was able to obtain to retrieve information regarding this person. I was able to pull information from Newenglandancestors.org (I am not a member) and it appears he married a woman by the name of Mehetabel Mansfield on May 5th or 8th, 1825 in Weymouth. Has the town of Weymouth been notified yet? If not, I would be happy to try to call. - DCB
6/16 10:06am In reference to the mention of a possible "showdown" (Norfolk Boomerang 6/8) at the Selectmen's meeting this coming Monday, I want to express my outrage and disappointment. The Selectmen are making their committee reappointments at Monday's meeting and there is talk they will not reappoint Jay Talerman to his Conservation Commission post apparently as a point to seek revenge for a hard fought race. When a person decides to run for town office they naturally have to mount a campaign that details why they think they are the best person for the job. Any criticism that goes back and forth between opponents is part of the democratic process leading up to an election. It is bewildering to me that the Selectmen would not only personalize comments made during the election, but take it a step further and consider unjustly pushing Jay Talerman from his volunteer position on the Con Comm. As a Norfolk voter, I will watch carefully what happens at Monday's meeting and hope the Selectmen do not violate our trust in them. - JHL
6/16 10:02am Just a note to those people who are out there caring for children who are not licensed. There are strict guidelines for child care providers: classes, training, safety inspections, curriculums. For those of you who are caring for children and are not licensed, you are jeopardizing all that you own if there were an accident. For parents that have their children in the care of someone who is not licensed,l you are jeopardizing your children. Both are very scary. - CW
6/16 9:59am Here's pic of Matt M. (Boomerang), Eric L. (Norfolkian Astrologer) Brian (the new NCTV Manager) + Paul G. at Guido's... Paul's Goodbye Party last Wed. evening. - PRR
6/15 9:32pm Regarding: speeders--Maple Street is another street that could use seem attention on speeders--it is filled with small children, has several blind curves, and people absolutely blast thru there. My kids go to daycare there, and I've been almost hit a number of times by people flying around the curve before the daycare driveway. They can't see me easing out (and I can't see them coming) and have to stand on the brakes to be able to stop on time. Amazingly enough, they are not young people, but always people that I would guess to be parents themselves... - KD
6/15 2:13pm I just wanted to say thank you to the members of Norfolknet who in the past recommended Heavey Plumbing from Walpole. We had a problem with our hot water heater and they had someone at the house within a half-hour after we called, and within another half-hour the problem was fixed. They were polite, professional and very reasonably priced. Thanks. - JZ
6/15 11:57am KLM - Life in a small town by no means should mean that a child hit by a car while riding a bicycle goes unreported to police. Do feel that it is unnecessary to report such accidents and would rather manpower be dedicated to be out ticketing any/all moving violations to increase town revenue? - TC
6/15 8:54am KLM - I disagree with you. I have seen many more Police "traps", have seen speeders pulled over much more. I have been pulled over and friends have been pulled over. This is new. I have lived here for about 10 years and in the past 2 years or so I have seen the increase in enforcement. You said "we didn't bother to notify the poice", that is a backhand to the dept. You infer blame and lack of response when you didn't even call them. Guess what, trying to speed to the FC school is almost impossible unless you have some top of the line heavy duty shocks anyway. Be mad at the lady that backed into your kids on their bike. No one else. - NS
6/15 8:52am RA: You will be happy to know that there was a police officer with radar gun this morning on North St, just beyond the Diamond St intersection around 6:30 am. Hopefully this will encourage some drivers to slow down on the dangerous section of North St. - TC
6/15 8:51am LB, I do honor the speed limit. When I see a child I immediately step on my brakes. So yes, I do drive the speed limit and I really slow down when I see children up ahead. Sorry, I am not the one you are seeing. - DWL
6/14 11:15pm DWL (re: Children's Therapy Associates) Their office is in Natick. About a 20 minute drive. Good luck with your search! - SR
6/14 11:14pm KLM--That is one of the most disgusting stories I have ever heard. I'm happy your daughter and friend were not seriously hurt. You know, we teach history in school and one of the things we get out of it is the opportunity to learn from our mistakes. Obviously, our society does not recall Roman history. - BS
6/14 10:04pm To LB: I know that contacting the police or Butch Vito is not going to solve the speeding problem, but that curve is a little bit scary. I'm a teenager myself and I don't speed around that. Every one of my friends hates that curve and always goes slow around it. I can't say the same for parents and older people but that curve needs a stop sign. I'm sorry if you don't think that will help the problem but I believe it will help in some way to prevent accidents. Also, if you have knowledge of the people who fly around the corner, why have children so close to the side of the road? Roads aren't a place to play in, or by for that matter. They are dangerous and accidents do and will happen. So let's all take safe steps this summer. Drivers, slow down, and parents, make sure your kid is not by the street! - RA
6/14 10:02pm Norfolk Recreation is happy to present: Free Summer Concerts 2007! Back on the Town Hill, Thursdays 6:30 - 8:00 PM. Bring your blanket, lawn chairs, supper & enjoy the show !! - JH
6/14 9:06pm KLM - I understand and empathize with your post. However, people were up in arms when the police stopped them to explain why you don't cross a yellow line while driving through the roundabout - if you go the speed limit you will not cross the line - simple. People were furious - "who do they think they are??" People complain, yet they don't want to take on the responsibility of self control - how about people be accountable for their own actions. Slow down! People should have that common sense. There are people who believe that when their kid is in the car, it is the most precious cargo in the world, and God love you if you damage the goods! DV - I like the way you think! - LB
6/14 9:05pm I'd like to share my very positive experience with Essary & Company Roofing. They stripped and reshingled the house and shed in one day, cleaned up the yard and gardens meticulously and were fairly priced. Dan Essary and his crew worked together like clockwork, were a pleasure to interact with, and did a very professional job. I highly recommend them. Their office in Medway can be reached at 508-533-5040. - JS
6/14 7:58pm Unfortunately, the speeders that drive through this town have the upper hand. There is no traffic enforcement in town. We fought this battle for years at the FC school and were told over and again that there was not enough manpower to enforce the laws. They were never able to tell us what they had to do that was more pressing than ensuring children's safety en route to school. Eventually we just gave up. Last summer, when my daughter and her friend, both eight-year-olds, were struck in the parking lot of the school, we didn't bother to notify the police. The woman scolded the girls and told them they needed to be more careful! She was backing out of her parking spot and didn't see the kids as they rode past on their bicycles. She left the two injured girls with a stranger and said, "I have to go. I have a baby in the car." - KLM
6/14 3:30pm Yes, DV, family legend has it that when my great-uncle's twin brother was struck and killed on Union St. in Franklin during the 1920s, my great-grandmother told the driver never to drive past her house again -- and he didn't. She was a small woman and spoke broken English, but I imagine she was so fierce that the driver didn't dare disobey. - HPK
6/14 2:53pm DWL I have heard that before; I like it better my way. "Hit my kid driving 80 mph down my street and the driver has an 80% percent chance of dying." There is nothing more fierce than a mother whose child has been hurt. - DV
6/14 2:39pm DWL - Being a female who drives a rather large vehicle, I have to pose this question - why do you have to wait until you see a child to slow down; how about going the speed limit... it is the times that you do not see the child and are speeding when a child gets killed!! That is the problem. If you think that I am raving and should calm down, that is an issue. I am a mother who wants to ensure that my child is safe always - so excuse me if I get a little irritated over the people who choose to use my street as a raceway and endanger all the kids who live on this street. - LB
6/14 2:38pm Hi folks, I still have a few openings for the June 26-29 (Tuesday thru Friday), session of the radKIDS program for children ages 5-12 from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm each day. The cost of $95.00 per child includes tuition, a parent program manual and an activity book for each child. Space is limited and is filled on a first come first served basis. - KN
6/14 1:43pm I agree. I live on Rockwood Rd. and getting my mail or doing yard work next to the street is dangerous. I almost got hit last week by speeders. I wish they would reduce the speed limit to 25mph. What will they do when a child gets hit... It will probably be a hit and run. I think we need more police speed traps enforcing the speed limits. Also, those 18 wheelers and cement trucks never get pulled over even if they tare speeding. Maybe they are in with the BOD. - PP
6/14 1:41pm Attention Boston workers... visitors... shoppers - Licensed hairdresser in advanced training at Newbury St. salon seeks clients with short hairstyles for supervised practice sessions... Please email Justine for further infomation, justine6107@yahoo.com. - ER
6/14 11:16am Thank you to everyone for the breakfast suggestions and locations of Asian markets. I plan to check them all out. - SO
6/14 10:34am LB, Unless we criticize that everyone person planting flowers, perhaps geraniums, is a lunatic then you should not claim that every woman who drives an SUV or mini van is crazy. I have known many people with cars who come down my road quite fast. The ratio of men to women is the same, in terms of offenders. - DWL
6/14 10:00am KLM, they also have a white pickup and were on Day street yesterday. - DV
6/14 8:52am Just to let others know, there is a group of scam artists going around in a blue pickup truck. They pulled into my driveway and told me they had some extra asphalt from a job they were doing down the street and would give me a good deal to repave my driveway. They wouldn't give me an exact price, so I became suspicious and sent them on their way. Apparently, this is a very common scam and they prey particularly on the elderly. - KLM
6/14 8:42am This is how I spend every morning - I too am a resident of North St. - I drive the speed limit. - LB
6/13 7:36pm I've been going to Natural Nails in Medfield (see earlier post) since it opened. Happy with the cleanliness, quality of work, and prices. - CI
6/13 7:35pm Re. DV's idea of a "Wanted" sub-page (6/13 9:01am), a similar section already exists at the bottom of this page. After you read this, scroll down to the "Notice Board" and post your 'wants' and 'freebies'. - RP
6/13 7:33pm JLH - We have had Direct TV for a year. Don't be lured by the pricing - we had a great deal for the first few months, then regular pricing, then a price increase after 12 months. We pay close to $60 a month now for extended basic (no HBO or anything), and 2 digital boxes, and that's with the $5 discount Verizon gives us for having their phone and internet service too. The service goes out during heavy rain or snow (only briefly, but it's still a pain), we can't get the Norfolk channel, and you can't order movies whenever you want - you have to start watching at the exact time they start playing. - JT
6/13 4:58pm SM - Thank you for the DirectTV info. So you are not able to get the local cable channels at all? (8 and 22, I think). I'd be bummed to miss all the kids school concerts, BOS Meetings, the fun events in town, etc. - JLH
6/13 4:01pm Looking for babysitters for the summer? I live in Wrentham and my name is Pam S. My twin sister and I usually babysit together or switch off so that we are most of the time we are avilabIe. We are 17 and just finished our junior year of high school at King Philip High School. We have been babysitting for four years and have done a Red Cross course. We would be available for day jobs. If needed, call us at our house phone of 1508 384 8354. Also my cell phone is 1774 210 2051 and Cathy's is 1774 210 0616. Thank You, - Pam S. and Cathy S.
6/13 3:53pm RA--Go for it!! Butch Vito's number is 508-528-4990. He is a really nice guy and is very willing to listen and is generally very accommodating. - BS
6/13 2:52pm Okay so I've seen how a lot of people agree on the North St./Diamond intersection. A few of you have said to talk to Butch Vito which I wouldn't mind doing. Does anyone know a way that I can get in touch with him? - RA
6/13 2:51pm I found this site fascinating and thought I would pass it along. Your tax dollars at work: 2007 State Employee Payroll [Boston Herald link] Have at it! - DM
6/13 1:48pm SD, the Norfolk Food Pantry is located at Emmanuel Baptist Church in a former garage to the left of the administration building. Donations may be dropped off Saturday 9-12 or any time the church office is open, usually 9-4 Monday through Friday. If dropping off donations Monday through Friday, call 508-528-5862 first to make sure someone is there. - KF
6/13 12:38pm JLH: We have had Direct TV for a little over a year and we are very satisfied. We never seemed to get good reception from Comcast and our premium stations always seemed to have "snow" even after trading in our boxes twice. Be aware that Comcast will tell you of the problems with the dish - snow needs to be cleared from it, no signal during storms, blah, blah. We have only two minor outages since we signed up -- once during a bad rain storm and once during a heavy snowfall. We have never had to "clear off the dish or spray it with Pam" as Comcast warned us about. - SM
6/13 11:46am Re. DV's idea of a "wanted" sub-page (6/13 9:01am), it's feasible, but it's probably better to post it to the main page. It'll become part of the ongoing conversation, has a better chance of being noticed, and somebody is likely to respond if they can help. - Wm.
6/13 11:27am RE: Diamond and North Street intersection: I, too, live on North Street and that corner is extremely dangerous! I hate it! Years back a little boy was killed on that corner, and still no sign. I am glad others are thinking the same way. These posts have motivated me to call the town about a sign, or making Diamond one way. Great idea. It is treacherous! - TC (A second North Street TC)
6/13 10:09am Re: 6/13 8:59am RE: 6/11 10:02am ... I would like to see if anyone's interested in maybe trying to get a stop sign put up there? Any opinions on this? - RA - RH
6/13 9:19am I just received an ad in the mail for DirectTV for packages starting at $29.99 for satellite TV. They say they have internet service too. Does anyone use DirectTV and would you recommend it? I am tired of Comcast prices!! - JLH
6/13 9:05am My son took home the wrong razor scooter from FC ball fields last night. If you've noticed the same, please give me a call and we can exchange. 508-520-0470. - TMC
6/13 9:01am RH, thanks for responding. I just needed any type or color shingle for the roof of a little barn that my daughter was building for a school project. When I went to buy some I needed to buy a whole case, which I just could not bring myself to do. I was embarrassed to ask for it here but I am glad I did, it saved me time and money. We all should do it more as we all have stuff around our houses that we are not using and you never know the silly little things someone else might need for something. I see a sub-page... I need a.... - DV
6/13 9:00am Hi everyone - I apologize if this has been asked before, but does anyone know of a local food pantry where I can make donations? If so, what are the drop off hours? Thank you! - SD
6/13 8:59am RE: 6/11 10:02am ... I would like to see if anyone's interested in maybe trying to get a stop sign put up there? Any opinions on this? - RA - PRR
6/13 8:52am RE: 6/11 1:46pm RA - as a resident of North St. I would love to see a stop sign at the intersection of Diamond and North. I can't tell you how many times I have heard brakes squealling when cars approach this corner... Nevermind if you are trying to go out for a walk or jog along that turn! - TC - PRR
6/12 9:43pm The Asian market on Rt. 1 has Indian specialties. The nearest Southeast Asian market with a decent selection I've found is in on Arnold St. in Woonsocket, RI. Basil, lemongrass, galangal, everything you need for Thai cooking. - JC
6/12 3:30pm Two items of note from the Norfolk library: Sign-up for "Catch the Beat at Your Library," the summer reading program at Norfolk Public Library! Register online at library.virtualnorfolk.org. Children from 0 to 11, teens from 12 to 18, and adults from 19 to 119 can register to win prizes and attend performances, movies, and craft workshops during the months of July and August.Mass Premier Courts will be holding a free sports and games program for children ages 3-5 years at the Norfolk Public Library at 10am on 6/14. This program is designed for kids to have fun and engage in physical activity around a variety of sports and games. Some of the fun activities include: an obstacle course, soccer, basketball, and parachute time. Pre-registration is required. Call the library at 508-528-3380 Ext. 5 to register.
- JS
[Update 6/13 10:01am, 10:36am: the sports program is meeting tomorrow, 6/14, and also Aug 16 - SB]
6/12 2:59pm JT - Cindi's Jewelry in Foxboro is very much open. - SDB
6/12 2:22pm I got my shingles! That's norfolknet! and thanks TEM - DV
[Update 6:22pm: meant to say "thanks" - DV]
6/12 2:21pm SR, Thank you for the information. Do they have an office in Norfolk or close by? Thanks. - DWL
6/12 2:20pm JLH - FYI, Cindi's jewelry in Foxboro recently closed. Not sure if moving, out of business or what... but it's gone. - JT
6/12 1:13pm DP--If you live on the Medfield side of Norfolk, Natural Nail, on 34 Park St. in Medfield is a reasonably priced salon, where you can get a good mani/pedi. Here is a [link to the shop]. - EC
6/12 12:23pm Re: 6/6 9:22am I am looking for a good children's speech pathologist in one of the surrounding towns. - SR
6/12 11:11am Can anyone comment on the nail salon Star Nails in Norfolk? Is it clean? Friendly service? Do they do a good job? I usually go to a place in Norwood but would like to find a good place closer to home. - DP
6/12 10:49am To DV: I have some leftovers from our recent installation of a new roof. Contact the webmaster for my phone number if you want to come over and look at them. - TEM
6/12 10:27am Re: 6/12 10:08am Help! Is anyone doing their roof over? I need one or two shingles; anyone have a used one hanging around? - RH
6/12 10:08am Help! Is anyone doing their roof over? I need one or two shingles; anyone have a used one hanging around? (yes I have gotten cheap in my old age.) but with 4 kids projects are killing me. - DV
6/11 8:57pm SB - My daughter got her ears pierced on her 6th bday, she's now 9 and we've had no problems. We went to Clares at the Natick Mall. I wanted both ears pierced at the same time, so we had to go to their store on the first floor called Icing. I recommend having both ears pierced at the same time; requires two employees. They were great with her... I was the one crying. Good luck! - CLC
6/11 8:56pm LS - Get a dog. Don't have one? I'll loan you mine. Their urine alone will deter chipmunks big time. Not good enough? For less than the price of pellets and effort, fox urine solves the problem, guaranteed. Cat urine works too. Want some? We have plenty - free! - SO
6/11 8:54pm HPK - Irascible. I love it. You know, I had an interesting conversation with a dog-owning friend today. We met while I walked my dogs. I mentioned the biting boxer, and expressed dismay at the owner's irresponsibility. "I wouldn't come forward," she said. "You're kidding. Why not?" "Lawsuit. Think about it - your homeowners policy." "Ya, but this person has to go through the shots." "Listen, how could you possibly manage the consequences?" I haven't had those shots, but I've had some other, very painful injections, which may require unfortunate repeating. I wouldn't wish them on an enemy, not that I have any. I've also been bitten by a friend's dog (seven years ago), while extracting my own dog from a "feeding frenzy". He looked very worried, but I knew I was safe, because he and his wife are diligent pet-owners. I doubt their dog had ever been exposed to potential risk. If only the boxer's owner could assure the same is true, however, the fact that the dog was loose and unsupervised does not bode well. Boxer-owner, please just come forward. The bitee may be more forgiving, and grateful for information than you can imagine. - SO
6/11 7:21pm KS - Pellet gun with a scope and some time.... - LS
6/11 6:17pm Regarding Isaac Remick, a search for his name on the home page of the New England Historic Genealogical Society found references as follows: - RH
6/11 5:41pm KS: We have had chipmunk problems too! We had beautiful rock walls built a few years back and now we call them the chipmunk condos. My husband bought two Have a Heart Traps and sets them out each day. He has caught 19 chipmunks and moved them to the state forest over in Wrentham. You have to deliver them at least 5 miles from your home. Our population does seem to be dwindling, but time will tell. Peanuts are good bait. We bought the traps on-line from HavaHart.com. Happy hunting! - VT
6/11 5:24pm To KMS - the Little White House in Franklin is great for alterations; it is located on Union Street. - CFC
6/11 5:17pm SB - My 5 year old had hers done at Cindi's Jewelers in Foxboro. They were fantastic. We were there buying a charm for her bracelet as her bday gift and she asked the salesperson if she could get pierced ears too. So she did. I recommend them. - JLH
6/11 4:26pm SB: We went to Libby Lu, in the Natick mall. They were very good about giving us instructions on ear piercing, how to clean the ears, etc. You leave with some kind of congratulations certificate and hopefully you can get out of the store without buying your 6 yr old a gift--it's right up their alley! That was 7 months ago and we have had no problems at all. - AL
6/11 4:10pm Attention any residents who have worked with or currently working with ELM Gunite Pools or its owner Ed Murphy. I am interested in your experience with them and any issues you may have had dealing with them and getting your pool completed. We are currently using them and have some issues we are trying to work out. Your comments and feedback would be greatly appreciated. - SM
6/11 4:09pm Hi! I would like to get my six year old daughter's ears pierced. My doctor's office does not pierce ears anymore. Does anyone have any advice/suggestions for me? I am thinking of going to one of the places in the mall. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! - SB
6/11 2:22pm I propose that concerned citizens carry peanut butter with them to fend off irascible dogs. That will give their jaws something to work on, and we'll have plenty of empty peanut butter jars for Mrs. Bluhm's craft workshop at the library (see post from 6/6). - HPK
6/11 1:47pm RA: You are absolutely right about that intersection. It is really treacherous. I came within feet of a head-on collision at that very same spot a few weeks back. I hope you take BS's advice and follow through. - TEM
6/11 1:46pm RA - as a resident of North St. I would love to see a stop sign at the intersection of Diamond and North. I can't tell you how many times I have heard brakes squealling when cars approach this corner... Nevermind if you are trying to go out for a walk or jog along that turn! - TC
6/11 1:14pm Hi - after reading Boston.com's article about Hemlock infestation I decided to check mine out and low and behold they all have it. According to the article, not addressing this issue will result in dead trees/shrubs in 3-5 years. [Globe article] [woolly adelgid info] - DC
6/11 12:32pm RA, why not make Diamond St one way. You can come up Diamond St from Union St and not down from North St. - KC
6/11 10:31am RA--I know exactly the turn you are referring to and never even thought about flashing my brights at night. Great idea!! But as you say, the day presents an entirely different story. I would suggest you contact Butch Vito at the DPW. He is very open to suggestions and very helpful. I think he would be the best person to start with. Find out his thoughts first and then let us know how we can help. - BS
6/11 10:11am SO, Vermont Bean Seed Co. has Basil Thai (Siam Queen) #2373 in their catalog for $1.65--100 seeds. Call 800-349-1071 8am-4:30 pm. I grow most of my herbs in window boxes on the deck. I cut fresh as needed and then in the fall pick all that remains. Place on a paper towel after cleaning and stripping--put in micro for about 1 min. I then crush them and bag them in plastic bags for the winter. I've also bought bay leaf plants at Northland Farm and do the same with that. The bay leaf is dried but remains whole. I have catnip growing this year and pick the leaves--nice to see the cats lined up at the micro as they can smell it while it's being dried. Have you tried Hannafords or the Big Y as they both seem to carry Asian products? - BR
6/11 10:10am Re: chipmunks, I have many birdfeeders in my backyard which are being invaded by aggressive squirrels and many chipmunks. Just last week, I purchased a product for $9.00 called BioDefend granular animal repellent - it didn't work. I have also tried mothballs with no luck. - RH
6/11 10:04am KS, in regards to the chipmunks taking over your yard, I'll loan you my cat, she has been bringing us chipmunk presents all spring, must be a bumper crop of them this year. - JW
6/11 10:03am RH's note on the Globe electricity checker is a good one. Got one a few months ago and they make you aware of the difference in consumption. - JO
6/11 10:02am Just as an afterthought to SO's post... - RA
6/10 11:27pm Anyone have any recommendations on how to get rid of chipmunks? They are taking over my yard and making holes everywhere. Thanks, - KS
6/10 10:30pm Re: Asian groceries: I know of a few Indian grocery stores within a half hour - India Bazaar in North Attleboro on Route 1, Shiva Bazaar in Norwood on Washington Street, and Sher-E-Punjab in Milford - but I don't believe any of them carry Thai basil, since it's not used in Indian cooking. One idea might be to call one of the nearby Thai restaurants and ask where you might find it. Our favorite is Dahra Thai in Plainville, just past the 106-152 intersection; there's also Mango Thai in Milford and Siam Lotus in Norwood. Good luck, and let us know if you find any other Asian stores in the area. - VR
6/10 10:28pm To answer a few questions while I have a moment to spare: - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control
6/10 3:35pm Re: 6/8 5:31pm We received an interesting letter about what appears to be a mystery. If anyone has tips on how to unravel puzzles like this, it would sure be interesting to find out! International Genealogical Index - North AmericaThe name Remick was familiar to many in the Quincy area in the 1960's due to the presence of an upscale clothing store, Remick's, and the actress Lee Remick (1935-1991), daughter of the store owner, Frank Remick.1. ISAAC REMICK - International Genealogical Index / NA
Gender: Male
Birth: 24 DEC 1797 Weymouth, Norfolk, Massachusetts2. Isaac Remick - International Genealogical Index / NA
Gender: Male
Birth: 18 JAN 1797 Rye, Rockingham, New Hampshire3. Isaac Remick - International Genealogical Index / NA
Gender: Male
Birth: 18 JAN 1797 Rye, Rockingham, New HampshireMatches: International Genealogical Index/North America - 3
Massachusetts Historical Society 1154 Boylston Street Boston, MA 02215 - RH
6/10 3:26pm Relating to electricity costs, an article in the Sunday Globe of June 10, 2007, page D5, mentions a power cost monitor device which NStar customers can buy for $29.95 from BlueLineInnovations.com. A link there directs buyers to another site in Canada. You fill in your NStar account number, the meter type (analog or digital), and other billing info. The regular price of the device is $149, so it is a good deal. It consists of a coil which goes around your meter, an attached box containing a transmitter, and a monitor in the house which receives signals from the transmitter. By reading the current in use, the device figures that in watts and displays it on the monitor. No electrician is needed. The order-taking software hung when it took my order, so probably many NStar customers are ordering these devices. The offer is valid until June 30, 2007. - RH
6/10 2:53pm Thanks to all of those who stopped by The Norfolk Round-A-Bouts booth at Community Day. We got soaked, but enjoyed the community spirit over at Holmes Field. The Lions did a great job setting things up - very organized and lots of fun-filled activities. - TMS
6/10 11:29am Has the dog who bit a man been found? This question refers to Hilary Cohen's post of June 7. All best wishes to the man facing rabies shots. I am also concerned about the well-being of other area residents (my family included). - SDB
6/10 11:28am We are looking for an energetic, experienced babysitter to watch our 2 boys, 1 and 2 1/2, occasionally. Mostly weekend nights but could be at other times. Prefer CPR certified, non- smoker with own transportation. Please call (508) 528-1785. Thanks! - WW
6/10 11:24am Asian Market - I know there is one out in Attleboro on Rte1 a few blocks past the turn off to the YMCA. I don't know the name but it's in a little strip mall on the left when heading towards Emerald Square. - LM
6/9 11:14pm I just drove through the town center at 10:40, Saturday night. I know this subject has been gone over on this site before, but I'm sure that this town can be seen from outer space due to the amazing candle power around the center. Can someone please enlighten me (no pun intended) as to why it needs to be so bright and what time they shut 'em off!! Thanks. Can Norfolk begin to be green? - JHR
6/9 7:56pm Does anyone know of a nearby Asian grocery? I love to cook, and often need Thai, or purple, basil. I'd grow my own, but can't find it at local nurseries. - SO
6/9 6:37pm In defense of DF, it's not bike, it's the time: 5am is too early to be taking a bike with after-market pipes out for a cruise. I ride myself, but I'm also partial to quiet, peaceful weekend mornings. And I thought I had it tough because the neighbors are already mowing their lawn at 7am... - AR
6/9 6:35pm I agree with DF about the bikes that are being revved to make extra noise when they are passing by homes. One of my neighbors has an extremely loud truck and he drives up and down the street at any hour, revving up his engine and making a ton of noise. I dream of the day when the police would do something about. - PS
6/9 6:21pm To DF: I love the sound of motorcycles going by. It reminds me of nice, warm days and having the freedom to roam around our beautiful town. Maybe you should get a bike and try it out. Yes, I am in my 40's (really old) and female! It's not all men anymore! Join the fun!! - LK
6/9 5:34pm I'm not kidding; I have no problems with motorcycles and yes I was wrong to call people in their 30s old. But I think you know what I mean. If you have a bike that makes too much noise, and you all know who you are, next time your maturity level drops below 15 yrs old stop and think and remember that 99.9% of the population does not want to hear you or your bike passing by their house and waking their sleeping infant or start the dogs in the neighborhood barking. Give it a break along with the rest of us and tone your bikes down. - DF
6/9 3:32pm Reminder: Yard Sale Sunday 9:30 Rain (inside garage) or Shine! 10 Medway Street. - KK
6/9 3:26pm On 6/8 at 10:14pm, AL opined... "Rain, Schmain! never hurt anybody, right?" Perhaps, but I'll bet that nearby lightning strike today got your attention!! I'm disappointed that we had a repeat of last year's rainout. Maybe next year. - RP
6/9 3:25pm DF- Please tell me you are kidding!! - SM
6/9 3:23pm RE: stone mason for DMG - my brother Martin Pearson of Plainville is a stone mason with 20 years experience. Phone: 508-643-3258. - KP
[Update 6/10 11:26am: add that he is my brother - KP]
6/9 1:22pm To DF, should we walk the bike by your house? [...] - KC
6/9 1:16pm Alas, Community Day ended early due to the heavy downpours, and we're back home. - Wm.
6/9 9:20am We're at Community Day. Posts may not show up on the page until later this afternoon. - Wm.
6/8 10:14pm Rain, Schmain! never hurt anybody, right? See you at Community Day! We have lots to celebrate living here in Norfolk! - AL
6/8 9:05pm Hilary -- Animal Control -- what do you have as an input regarding the beavers by the Miller Street Bridge? Actually they are further back than the bridge and not visable from the road. We have had a lot of rain that has added to the problem but do we need to kill them?? I don't think they can be relocated as other animals. They are not new to the area and I have seen them at Stoney Brook. I feel that we are the invaders. I have seen what has happened in my own area--going from a dirt road to a speedway. I'm the one that had the kit that had to be put down. - BR
6/8 9:04pm DF - What is going to wake me up in the middle of the night is the fact that you think 30 - 40 constitutes old age. Frightening. - DM
6/8 9:03pm Hi, I live in Norfolk and brought home a kitten but unfortunately my mom won't let me keep it! If anyone is interested, please let me know as soon as possible. It's orange with white stripes and just became old enough to take home! Email me at lipglosscutie33@yahoo.com. Thanks! - RA
6/8 5:44pm [Re mason:] As a customer for multiple services, I highly endorse Bruce Simpson. He's in town and very reliable. - LL
6/8 5:42pm Hi everyone, Community Day is on rain or shine tomorrow!! We hope everyone still comes out and joins us for the fun. There are many town organizations who've put so much effort into their booths, so we hope the rain doesn't deter you. Thank you for your support. - BS
6/8 5:31pm We received an interesting letter about what appears to be a mystery. If anyone has tips on how to unravel puzzles like this, it would sure be interesting to find out! Dear Sirs,I'm secretary to the St. George's Historical Society Museum in Bermuda. We are in possession of a marble head stone with the name of Isaac Remick born 24 Dec 1797 died 22 Mar 1871. The head stone was unearthed on waterfront property after a hurricane hit Bermuda last year and no one knows how, or why, it got here!
There is a record of an Isaac Remick born in the year 1797 living in Norfolk Mass during the mid 1800's and we are wondering if this could be the same man. Are you able to help us in confirming this and, if so, whether anyone has an explanation as to how the headstone turned up in Bermuda.
Any help would be appreciated.
Many thanks,
- Wm.
6/8 5:16pm I am interested in the price per square foot for commerical real estate in town? - RJR
6/8 5:14pm Quiet!! Is there anything that can be done about loud motorcycles passing through Norfolk? The other morning I'm lying in bed, it's close to 5am, and some clown on his bike goes by my house making way too much noise. What type of people would knowingly do that? Don't they realize that people are trying to sleep? I just don't understand how people can be so rude. What else really gets me is it's not teenagers or people in their early 20s, because these bikes are much too expensive for them to buy; it's old people, (men) in their 30 and 40 who should know better then to disturb the peace. I'd really like to see the local police crack down on these offenders and let the rest of us considerate people get a good night's sleep and have a nice quiet Sunday afternoon. - DF
6/8 2:58pm Can anyone recommend a mason to put in a stone fireplace? - DMG
6/8 2:10pm Norfolknet will for the first time this year have a table at Community Day. So if you're out there, drop by and say hi! - Wm.
6/8 2:08pm An suggestions on local, or somewhat local, places to bring a group of adults for paintballing or even a shooting range? - PS
6/8 1:20pm Webkinz Beagles have arrived at Something Special today. We are open M-Sat 10-5. See you soon, - Nancy & Joan @ Something Special
6/8 1:19pm I need to order about a ton and a half of round stone for a walkway. Anyone have any recommendations for a local dealer who will deliver and has reasonable rates? - BA
6/8 1:18pm Are you as fast as Nolan Ryan? How about Josh Beckett? Let's Find Out! Visit the Hockomock Stallions Speed Pitch booth at Community Day. All proceeds benefit the Hockomock Stallions, a team of 12-year old boys from Norfolk, Millis and Plainville, playing in a tournament this August in Cooperstown NY. And don't miss your chance to win a signed baseball by Boston's famous Red Sox heroes of the past - Carl "Yaz" Yazstrzemski and Frank Malone. Raffle tickets available at the booth. Drawing will be at Community Day at 3:30pm. Thank you, - JD
6/8 10:05am Regarding beaver problems, Massachusetts Law provides specific requirements for the removal of what are referred to as 'problem' animals. If interested, the link below can provide additional information. - TK
6/8 8:19am It's not the fault of the bridge, a different bridge wouldn't have made a difference. In fact, even this bridge is a bit higher than the road -- when the river level rose back in Oct 2005, it was the road surface that flooded first, not the bridge! In the photo, the water flowing over the road is next to the bridge, not over it. - AR
6/8 8:02am CI, It did say to kill them and the fact that the old bridge was higher should have been considered when building the new one. The beavers have been there for years and the problem started with the new bridge. - BR
6/7 11:26pm I believe in Massachusetts the state policy is to euthanize rather than relocate 'nuisance' animals. Was surprised that the new bridge was built so flat, even without beavers it would seem prone to flooding. - CI
6/7 10:29pm BR--I think I saw in the paper that they want to relocate the beavers. Could be wrong. I only glanced at the article in the Boomerang. - BS
6/7 8:33pm I thought I would see some discussion about the fact that the town wants to capture and kill the beavers by the Miller Street Bridge. They were here before us--maybe the bridge wasn't built with the water factor in mind? I had just discussed the beavers with our grandsons and they were taking me out to see them and their "work". Please someone explaine to me why they have to be killed. Butch Vito was in favor of this?? - BR
6/7 8:11pm At approximately 5:35 this afternoon a boxer type dog, natural set ears, brindle in color was loose in the area of Turner/Cleveland/Holbrook neighborhood. There was an altercation between the dog and a resident and afterwards the dog ran off. At this time we are searching for who owns the boxer so that we can verify that the dog has had its rabies vaccination. This is so that the person involved will not need to go for post-exposure rabies shots. I urge anyone who may know of anyone who owns a dog by this description to please contact the ACO at the Norfolk Police Department or email the ACO. Our goal is to not have this resident have to go through a rabies series unnecessarily if the dog is up to date. Thank you in advance, - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control, (508) 528 3232
6/7 3:57pm I'm considering some of the benefits claimed with taking Olive Leaf Extract on a daily basis. Has anyone had any experiences with OLE that they could pass on? - PS
6/7 3:52pm Hardworking high school boy available for mowing lawns and landscaping jobs this summer. Call Chris at 508-541-1243. - SM
6/7 3:50pm The Norfolk Round-A-Bouts, a Relay for Life team, will be selling luminaria bags and other goodies at Norfolk Community Day on June 9th at Holmes Field. Please stop by our booth! - TMS
6/7 2:34pm Yard sale Sunday, June 10th at 9:30 A.M. @ 10 Medway Street, Norfolk. - KK
6/7 2:23pm Don't want to beat the driving school issue into the ground but... ... but that's a subject for different thread) - BA
6/7 12:53pm The Norfolk TPA will be selling these wonderful t-shirts at our booth at Community Day on June 9th. The shirts are great year-end gifts for the students in your life. Even if you don't want a shirt, stop by our booth and have your hair sprayed orange, green or whatever color you would like. We will also be serving snow cones. Hair coloring and snow cones are compliments of the TPA. Look for us near the bouncy things. - LB, Norfolk TPA
6/7 9:50am Have to jump on the "Band Wagon" :) The music program in our school district is something we should all be proud of. The 7th and 8th graders won gold awards at the MICCA festival and got to play at Symphony Hall and Mechanics Hall. The FC Advanced Band is well on their way to the sound (and awards!) that the Middle school kids have worked so hard to develop... and yes... the percussion groups presentation of "Lids" is just amazing!! Who would have thought they could make a bunch of garbage cans sound so incredible! Go and listen to the results of a years worth of hard work and you will not be disappointed. Should be a great evening for all! - PB
6/7 9:29am I agree with BS, the band kids sure can hold a beat and blast out the sound, at such a young age. Join them on the hill tonight and kick off summer with a real treat! Not too hot, not too buggy, c'mon down! - AL
6/7 9:13am Speaking of concert bands, tonight is the first night of the summer concert series at Town Hill. And the performance will be by the elementary school advanced band and KPMS bands and chorus. It begins at 6:30 on town hill. These kids are truly incredible. It's amazing the level of performance given their age. As the proud parent of a percussionist, I have to tell you, the percussion ensemble is planning on performing Lids on metal and rubber trash cans. It is a great performance. See you tonight. - BS
6/7 9:11am SO: Ann's Lunch is a staple in Westwood. Don't be deterred by the outside appearance; if you are looking for a good cheap standard breakfast this is the place. Also, another Norwood suggestion for buttery toast and eggs is Mug N Muffin right on 1A in the center. - TC
6/6 11:27pm SO - Regarding the breakfast places, Rick's in Franklin is owned by Rick Moore, who owned the Cliquot in Millis. He just moved the business and renamed it. Expanded menu, but same type of fare. I haven't been there for breakfast, yet, just dinner. Happy Eating! - JM
6/6 11:26pm SO: I just gained 5 lbs reading your post. - HC
6/6 11:25pm If our town ever awarded the Town Spirit Award, I would nominate the kid on Main Street that stands out there and asks people to honk. The enthusiasm and excitement of this kid brings a smile on my face every day. Even on days when he isn't out there. He was out there last weekend in the rain! - GN
6/6 11:08pm The Southeaster Massachusetts Community Concert Band is a no audition band. All are welcome, and the band needs additional percussionists at this time. The band rehereses every Monday night at the Community Church on Main Street in Medway at 7:30. For more information, please visit the band's website at smccb.com, or call (508)-533-5532. - CR
6/6 5:01pm Eggs & buttered toast. I like Nicky's (Wrentham) too. I love places where the waitress calls you "sweetie" or "hon" - signals experience to me. I've never been to Cracker Barrel (Wrentham), Rick's (Franklin), Budabings (Millis), Galante (Medway) or Murph's (Norwood), but I will. Thank you for those suggestions. I have been to Bristol Square Cafe (Walpole) and yes, they are good. I've also enjoyed James' Roadside Cafe (Wrentham), which is also good, but a bit of a wait. I've never had to wait at Bourque's (Norfolk), which makes great coffee. I used to love the Cliquot Grille (Millis), but they moved somewhere. Has anyone been to the little breakfast place in the Horace Mann Shopping Plaza/Shaws/TJ's (Franklin)? How about the Franklin Buffet? There's also a very authentic-looking "spoon" called "Ann's Lunch", I think, on 109 (across from Dunkie's) in Westwood. Anyone been there? - SO
6/6 3:24pm TC, I went fishing at Stony Brook today and caught a 2 lb. bass. You have to pay $4.00 for a day pass or $25.00 for a year family pass. Bush Pond on Park St. and City Mills Pond and the Old Town Pond. - JW
6/6 1:06pm DWL - Have the Webmaster give you my email address -- I can put you in touch with a couple of speech pathologists. - JC
6/6 12:04pm The library needs your help! We are collecting the following empty, clean containers for use in the summer reading programs: Altoid tins (1.76 oz); plastic peanut butter jars (18 oz); and coffee cans with lids -- any size. If you can help out with any of these items, please drop the off during regular library hours. - Robin Glasser, Director, Norfolk Public Library
6/6 11:02am Does anyone know of a reliable babysitter to watch my two boys one day a week in the fall? I would prefer at their home or location... any ideas would be great; you can email me at work, mlnelson@clair.com. Thanks, - MLN
6/6 10:31am Don't forget, Norfolk Community Day, sponsored by the Norfolk Lions, is this Saturday, June 9 starting at 10:30 am running until 4:00pm at the Holmes Bus Complex, 22 Myrtle Street. The day is kicked off by the Norfolk Community League's roadrace which begins at 9am. The following is a schedule of events on the black top. There are also over 30 town organizations participating in the day, running different games, selling food or beverages and providing community service information. We hope you can join us. - BS
6/6 10:27am Be sure to visit Norfolk Lions Youth Soccer's tent during Community Day on June 9 - We will have some great raffles! - HK
6/6 10:26am JW: Nice Bass. Can you give away some of your local fishing holes? - TC
6/6 9:23am Re: Breakfast--My vote is for Nicky's in Wrentham - GM
6/6 9:22am I am looking for a good children's speech pathologist in one of the surrounding towns. - DWL
6/6 12:16am We have been having a great time fishing this spring. Catching a few nice bass. Here is a picture of one caught locally. My son was thrilled with this 5-6 pound bass, it measured 24 inches. We catch and release all fish. I caught a 2 pounder today after getting drenched in this afternoons downpour. Diehard fisherpeople are we. - JW
6/5 10:59pm An alert is out out for certain dishwashers that could cause a fire problem. Some were made for Sears by GE, etc. Recall Hotline is 877-607-6395 or geappliances.com/recall - JO
[Manufactured between 9/1997 and 12/2001, model numbers [listed here] - Wm.]
6/5 10:58pm Does anyone know the rules in Norfolk, Massachusetts regarding outdoor fire pit use during the summer nights? - PS
6/5 10:56pm Re: Help Hostas - It sounds like deer. A beautiful doe wandered down the side yard, and the hosta on that side of the driveway vanished to stems. I've heard hosta is sometimes called "deer lettuce". - SC
6/5 7:37pm I use Liquid Fence to keep away deer and rabbits from my hostas and other yummy plants. It smells like rotten eggs (which it is!), but the smell goes away after a day or so. And best of all, I only apply it once every 90 days! Oh, and I got it at Briggs Nursery in North Attleboro. - JC
6/5 6:42pm DG, call Clearwater Pools. They are from Millis but service just about anywhere. They can give you referrals as well. Only they can tell you how far out. - KD
6/5 6:23pm Re: Rabbits (applies to Hosta question too) - We have not had many problems since getting our dog - think that made our yard much less desirable. Before that I used Dried Blood. Sounds gross, but it is a powdered fertilizer sold in Garden Centers - just sprinkle around plants - adds nitrogen too. Repeat after heavy rain. If only the soft leaf part of the Hostas is gone, could be slugs ... Google 'slug' 'beer' 'trap' - a friend used beer traps with good success in protecting her hostas. - CI
6/5 6:22pm Re: Breakfast - My vote is for Budabings on 109 in Millis! - CI
6/5 6:21pm Hilary, thanks so much for your suggestions. I will get over to Agway this week. - PN
6/5 3:52pm Congrats to all of the Norfolk baseball teams this past weekend! The KP Cup Tourney was a lot of fun and full of excitement! A huge thanks to the organizers for the time commitment! I loved the idea of the opposing team picking the MVP player - a great way to introduce sportsmanship at a young age. For anyone looking for a fun evening, stop by any of the ballfields and watch the fun and passion play out on the field. - TMS
6/5 3:51pm Help my hostas! Something is munching on my hostas, but only the ones not near the house. They were nice and lush and have been reduced to bare stalks. I suspect deer, but there are many other suspects. Any ideas on the culprit would be helpful as well as solutions to the problem. I'm not big on pesticides since we have a well. Thanks for the help! - TMS
6/5 3:50pm PN: you can try to discourage rabbits by putting up a step in fencing. Just polyvinyl pieces that will surround the area that are higher than what you think will be jumpable for the rabbit. Another idea you may try is synthetic predator urine around the perimeter of the area. It is easy to apply, and if the rabbit thinks that his predator is in the area he won't come back. You can find predator urine at Agway on Cottage Street in Franklin, as well as many vendors online. It's inexpensive to purchase, but you do have to re-apply in wet weather as it does wash away. They also come in stick/wand forms that you can place in the ground or off trees/shrubs. Sincerely, - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control
6/5 3:04pm I second SO's request for decent breakfast places. They seem to be hard to find these days. Our vote is for the Bristol Square Cafe on Route 1A in Walpole (1428 Main Street), but would like to discover a few others in the area. - TEM
6/5 3:03pm DG - For all my pool needs I have always visited the folks at Easton Pool and Spa in Walpole. They should be able to put you in touch with someone to help you. I have had excellent luck with them in the past. - BA
6/5 2:30pm Does anyone recommend pool repair company in or around Norfolk? We have a 20 x 40 in-ground pool and we need to replace the liner. Everyone we've called tell us it's a 4 week waiting period or better yet, no one calls us back. Any insight would greatly be appreciated. Kind regards, - DG
6/5 1:47pm SO, We love Galante in Medway, it's on Village Street. Great breakfast and cheap compared to IHOP et al. The crowd outside on a Sunday morning can be deceiving, the wait is not usually long. You can use credit cards to pay you bill, but not for tips. I love their sausage omelet! Enjoy - NJD
6/5 1:46pm To SO - For breakfast, you can never go wrong with the Cracker Barrel in Wrentham (breakfast is served all day, I think). We also really like Rick's in Franklin (in the old Friendly's on 140). - JP
6/5 11:31am I'd like to hear about some favorite breakfast places (fried eggs, buttered toast, home fries, coffee - the usual triple bypass), if anyone has suggestions. Thanks. - SO
6/5 10:45am I have a wild bunny in my yard that is eating all of my freshly planted flowers. Any suggestions as to how to discourage the little guy would be greatly appreciated. - PN
6/5 10:42am KMS - Since you live in Norfolk anyway, try Carol's (in the same parking lot as the old Linda's variety). I promise you, you won't be disappointed. Her prices are reasonable, she does an excellent job, and you will love her. I promise you she will be the one you will return to for many years for all of your alterations. - DH
6/5 1:02am On 6/4 at 6:32pm, BA wrote.... "Regarding driving schools - A number of years back, my father, brother and I went to the Skip Barber driving school out at Lime Rock, CT." - RP
6/4 10:09pm The first annual KP Cup for minor league baseball was held on June 2 and 3, with twenty-five teams from Wrentham, Norfolk and Plainville participating in this multi-game tournament. Games were held at several ball fields in Norfolk and Wrentham. - CAM
6/4 9:55pm I'm with you BA. I'm not too far off and I've been keeping an eye on these schools. Many of the parenting magazines suggest such a course. In fact, the Rec Dept lists a program through "In Control" in Weymouth. - BS
6/4 9:38pm I hope the 7 babies are still there. After I saw them on the street I realized maybe the giant (3' across) snapper had been there and maybe I sent them from one danger to another. Cars vs turtles!! The bridge seems to be the most dangerous area for them. They are beautiful. - BR
6/4 6:36pm After having a luncheon replete with little diced red habanero pepper pieces, I was moved to sit down and pen this poem. To those who object to hokey lyrics, I must point out that corn is seed off an overgrown stalk of grass, and bears utterly no resemblance whatsoever to a capsicum chinense.Ode to a Vegetable
Little rotund vegetabale
I admire how you're able
to add color to the table
and cause grown men to cry.Some find you unpalatable
but you are simply delectable
especially as you're capable
of lighting my world on fire.- Wm.
6/4 6:35pm LK - if the eggs hatch, send in a report, with photos! As for me, I'm not messing with turtles again after reading Hilary's notes, unless it's with a camera. If one's in distress, I'm calling her. - SO
6/4 6:34pm I second BH's recommendation of Dick Crowell and his associates at Medfield Veterinary Clinic. Our 2 year old Berner had lots of health issues as a puppy, and Dick has been amazing! Everyone there is friendly, helpful, very thorough and knowledgeable. It is easy to get an appointment - they have always been able to see us promptly, even in emergency situations at very short notice! What other vet puts his cell phone number on discharge instructions and is available by phone in case you have any concerns?? I highly recommend them! - PB
6/4 6:33pm LK - I'm usually all for letting nature be, but in this case I'd ensure that those snapper eggs didn't hatch, especially near a play area. We had an enormous one try to lay eggs in my garden several years ago - very carefully stymied her by putting every implement & pot in the garage around and in the bed till she gave up. Seems like more than enough in the area already, so I wouldn't feel at all guilty about digging up the eggs and exposing them to air so they wouldn't hatch. - CI
6/4 6:32pm Regarding driving schools - A number of years back, my father, brother and I went to the Skip Barber driving school out at Lime Rock, CT. At the time, I, the younger of my father's two sons, had been driving for 10 years and thought I was a good and safe driver. You can only imagine the confidence in my older brother and "the old man." - BA
6/4 1:43pm SO - We just left the eggs in the sand. My husband did make a joke about eating them, but I don't think that will fly with my girls! I am going to have to find out how many days it takes them to hatch and keep my guys from digging in the sand in the meantime. - LK
6/4 1:42pm KMS: Dona's Tailoring in Franklin (just off of 140, in a small plaza behind Franklin pizza) is quite good. I have used her several times and she always does a good job. Regards, - SR
6/4 1:03pm KMS - I use a seamstress in Franklin who is wonderful but I can not remember the name of her shop (Donna's ??). She is located on Cottage Street. If you are on Route 140 in the center of town of Franklin, turn at the Rome Restaurant. She is located in a small building on the left across from the Rome's parking lot. All of the repairs/alternations she has done for me have been reasonably priced, timely and well done. She always seems busy, which I think is a good sign! Good Luck - TW
6/4 1:03pm Re: 6/4 8:45am Snapping turtles - Snapping turtles are very dangerous to anyone who attempts to move them (off the roadway, etc.) without a shovel. Some snappers can stretch their necks halfway back across their own carapace. - BH
6/4 12:41pm Regarding: recommendation for a veterinarian - Dr. Richard Crowell at Medfield Vet in Medfield. He sees our 7 month old puppy and he's wonderful, as is the rest of the staff there. They are knowledgeable and so helpful. I would definitely recommend him to someone with a new puppy - he gave us lots of great advice and tips. medfieldvet.com. - BH
6/4 12:40pm I've included some turtle information on the web page under the link for wildlife concerns. It's just prelimary information and a link to a good article by fish and wildlife. Sincerely, - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control
6/4 12:04pm LK - What did you do with the eggs? Did you move them? I once lifted a turtle that was heading away from some water, and returned it to the pond, thinking I was helping. Someone told me that it would probably climb back out and resume its journey - that turtles attempt to return to the same nesting sites every year, no matter the obstruction, whether that be a new subdivision or a wall. Does anyone know if that's true? - SO
6/4 11:18am We are new to Norfolk and just wondering if anyone has suggestions for a reasonably priced tailor to make alterations to a bridesmaid gown. Thanks for any recommendations! - KMS
6/4 11:16am My 3 kids had the D.T. Center. I had some issues with the weeklong classroom instruction and called in those concerns. Also, they did not receive the RMV Driver's Manual during last summer's classroom session. (I was told that the school has to pay for them but, I emailed the RMV and received my copy free). - RH
6/4 8:45am We found this snapping turtle laying her eggs in our backyard sand pile, quite far from any water. Her shell was at least 16 inches long! The second picture was taken later as she was leaving... - LK
6/4 8:42am We are getting our first puppy shortly and we were wondering if anyone had a recommendation for a veterinarian. There are no listings under the recommendation section of Norfolknet. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. - KGS
6/4 7:48am Re: drivers ed fees -- We had an interesting experience when I took my oldest son to the North Attleboro registry for his driver's test. We had to use my husband's BMW for the test, as my minivan didn't have the emergency brake in the center console as required. Boy, was that a mistake! The officer who ultimately took us on the road trip made a point of commenting loudly in the waiting area that she was going to be driven in "daddy's beamer, with heated leather seats." We cringed. Once on the road, she continued to make generally nasty comments, like, "Be careful with such an expensive vehicle." In the parking lot at the conclusion of the road test, she hemmed and hawed, saying, "I don't know, Mom, this boy's going to cause you a lot of trouble!" We sat in panicked silence until she conceded that he drove all right and signed off on his license. Later, when I shared this experience with coworkers, several laughed and said, "Didn't you know? They always give parents a hard time bringing their kids in for the road test. They're much more lenient with the driving schools." - JC
6/4 7:43am Speaking of bikes... If you're looking for a safe place to take your family for a pleasant day of riding, try the Cape Cod Canal. There's a flat, scenic, paved 6-mile access road on both sides of the canal which is open to bikers, skaters, & pedestrians all day every day. Take Rt. 495 South for about 45 minutes and get off at exit 3 just before the Bourne Bridge (don't go over the bridge). Go around the rotary and head toward the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Park under the elevated railroad bridge before you cross the tracks (you can't miss it). There are clean restrooms and it's monitored by the Park officials. Click [here] for info. - RP
6/3 8:49pm KD--We love Bicycles Plus. We just bought two bikes and had another tuned up. They are terrific and several of the guys are definitely bikers. They are in a small plaza on the left on 140 as you head towards Wrentham just past Shaws plaza. Happy biking. - BS
6/3 7:43pm To BA: I'm sorry you feel that way about The Driver Training Center. My experince with them (having had 4 children go through them) was that of knowing my children were getting the reqiured training as well as what the law mandates. The price is very reasonable if you compare them to other driving schools, who by the way, don't always do what's mandated. Most parents have had their license for some time, they should know the rules of the road, at least the basics to get them going. As far as Mr. T. taking them for their license & the fees, well, most people don't have the appropriate vehicle, and most will pass the first time going with Mr. T. And why shouldn't you start your child driving? Don't you want to know how your child is behind the wheel? Also with the new laws that are taking affect in September, some of you parents of firstst-time drivers will be taking a refresher course yourself. When Mr. T. finally does get them for 6 hrs. of driving & 6hrs. of observation, they go right out on the main roads, no parking lots. You can always go to the registry's web site for more info. I for one am very pleased with the driver training center, and I'm glad we have someone who really cares about how our children are going to be as drivers, as well as teaching our children how to be a responsable, courteous, and cautious drivers. I'm all for D.T.C. - GLZ
6/3 6:26pm No offense, but you've been driving for how long, and you don't want your child learning how to drive from you?? Maybe parents should be going to driver's ed along with their kids. The two month rule is probably there for a good reason. They probably want kids who are more experienced in at least handling a car and then when they come to lessons the instructors can fine tune the skills they have learned in order for them to pass the driver's test. - JP
6/3 6:21pm KD, We like Franklin Bicycle. They are on Rt. 140 in a plaza on the left as you head towards Stop & Shop in Franklin. - GA
6/3 5:23pm BA -- I would contact the principal at KP and Dr. Robbat, the superintendent of the KP District. I don't know the principal but have met Dr. Robbat a few times. He is very willing to listen and is very open to suggestions. He is also very responsive with email if you prefer that route. You bring up valid points and I don't know if they'll get any further than Norfolknet. Many of our elected and hired officials do not read this board. Thanks for bringing this to our attention; let us know if you find out anything. - BS
6/3 5:18pm Can anyone recommend a good bicycle store around here? I would like to start cycling, but need to ask questions about what type of bicycle to buy to suit my needs. - KD
6/3 2:26pm Concerning the "lost "items at the Freeman ball fields... You should notify the KP Middle School because some of the players are from Wrentham and maybe Plainville. - ER
6/3 12:45pm I'm a little reluctant to post a note critical of a business, especially one that has dealt with many of our children, but we were exceptionally concerned with Driver Training Center that has affiliated itself with KP to teach our children safe and responsible driving. - BA
6/3 11:52am Although the "early registration" discount is over, you may still register for the fall season of Norfolk Lions Youth Soccer. Please visit our website at [page here] - No registrations will be accepted after the July 1st deadline - Avoid disappointment, register today! - HK
6/3 8:48am Found - set of keys @ Freeman School Athletic Fields... I will leave them with the school front office on Monday. - PN
6/2 7:47pm Found a furry purple purse with a monkey on it at the Freeman softball fields Saturday around 4:00. It does have some personal belongs (and cash) in it but no ID. Anyone want to claim it? Let me know @ planner42@yahoo.com. - NB
6/2 7:46pm I saw the wee cygnets today. They were right there with their parents on the bank under the bridge. I think it was BR who wrote in about the danger posed by snapping turtles. Sure enough, while one parent dozed, a rather large snapper snuck up and got pretty close to one of the babies. Luckily the parent awoke and the turtle bolted. I was surprised at the size of the parents. They are huge! Needless to say, I stayed safely on the bridge, and moved very quietly. Here are some snapshots. - SO
6/2 7:41pm JHR, It wasn't me about the bear. Must now be another BR. - BR
6/2 7:40pm SFM... We've used D & S Appliance in Franklin to repair both a dishwasher and a microwave, and were satisfied with the service both times. - GA
6/2 3:06pm Any suggestions for an appliance repair company? It is for a 2 year old dishwasher. Thanks! - SFM
6/2 2:44pm Lost at Pond Street soccer fields - Gold chain with cross - If anyone finds it, please email norfolklionssoccer@verizon.net - Reward! - HK
6/2 1:25pm
Happy Birthday NorfolkNet!- CI
6/1 11:54pm
Wm:
- MT
6/1 11:09pm Thank you Mr. Web Meister!!!!Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to youHappy birthday dear Norfolknet....
Happy birthday to you...For he's a jolly good fellow..
and...
The best darn Web Meister a town could dream for!!!!- PRR
6/1 10:53pm Happy Birthday Norfolknet!! How we love you! Norfolknet rocks -- we just had another great Norfolknet experience -- we needed a landscaper for a time-sensitive project and of course we checked Norfolknet first -- we found Andy, aka, The Lawn King, 508-954-6658, and thank goodness we called him! We also called five other landscapers -- not one returned our call! Once again, Norfolknet kicks the yellow pages' butt! Thanks to all the readers, contributors, and of course to our extraordinary host!! Also, thanks Andy -- you did a great job, you really are the Lawn King!! :) Happy Birthday Norfolknet! - TS
6/1 10:52pm SO... Thanks for the info in all directions. We have a canoe but I am afraid to paddle it alone and husband wouldn't hear of me going alone anyway. But, he wiggles around too much and scares me to death. Kayaking would be only for me. We'll see if the opportunity arises. LL Bean has some for larger bottomed folk so maybe I can rent one of those. When summer gets here. Yeah right. Why is it summer when it's not even summer. - JHR
6/1 10:51pm BR... Love the bear, but that's not quite what I had in mind. ;) Very clever though. There will be a time when a "real live" bear will meander through town. - JHR
6/1 7:10pm "William" - Congratulations on eight years of truth, tumult and treasure. - SO
6/1 7:03pm "Lie" is a charged word, and when tossed around indiscriminately can cause damage. My post should not have implied that you have lied, but was aimed at our elites who have full knowledge and intent of what their words and deeds mean. - PCS
6/1 1:13pm LK -- My words have come back to haunt me; I actually posted that a while back. Because we already subscribe to all three services this time (we only had cable last time) they would not allow that. I have always thought it odd that companies treat new customers better then their existing customers by offering the special deals and such. I mentioned that to the Comcast rep, but it fell on deaf ears. When this year is up I will probably have to cancel my phone through Comcast and go with Verizon again so I can come back to Comcast as a new customer. Isn't the saying, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush? - MH
6/1 1:04pm Congrats "William" - DV
6/1 12:15pm MH - I think I remember someone saying that they avoided the Comcast price increase after the first year by canceling the service (which was under the wife's name), then starting it again under the spouse's name. Don't know if it would really work but thought you could look into it... - LK
6/1 11:31am Early registration discount for Norfolk Lions Youth Soccer 's fall season ends today, June 1st! Registration forms available at the Norfolk Public Library or visit our website [eteamz page] - HK
6/1 10:55am Happy Birthday, Norfolknet! Tomorrow will make eight years that Norfolknet has been on-line and part of the community.
- Wm.
6/1 10:50am Join us for the 4th annual Kids PMC here in Norfolk, next Sunday, June 10. This 2-2.5 mile bike ride is a great way for kids to actively work to help others, as all money is donated to the Jimmy Fund, the fundraising arm of the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. We need to place our order for T-shirts early next week, so register soon at kids.pmc.org. Registration is at 4:00 and the ride starts at 5:00. Refreshments, music, and face painting after the ride so join us in the Pondview cul-de-sac for this worthy cause! - AL
6/1 10:47am JHR - regarding your post of 4/29 @ 11:49pm - Here's a picture of a bear (rug) seen recently off Holbrook St in Norfolk :) - BR
[The cited message closed with ``But, what about bears?? I'm ready to hear about a bear in town.'' - Wm.]
6/1 10:44am CI -- As I said before, we have all three services and all three have proven to be very reliable. What irks me about them is their introductory rates tend to really jump after the introductory period. We signed up originally under the ``triple play'' package. Phone, internet and cable for $33 each or approximately $105 with taxes and fees. After the year ended, we received a bill for $165 for the same services. I was told by the customer service rep that we could ``upgrade'' our cable and save about $20 per month. We had to sign into another one year agreement and are now paying about $145 per month. We now have a cable box and remote so we get more channels, but I would rather pay less and get less on the cable end. I can not imagine what our fees are going to go up to after this year is over. We don't need any more upgrades and I will refuse to pay more for status quo. - MH
6/1 10:40am Some recent pics for Norfolknet. - PRR
5/31 11:51pm We many be seeing the end of "released balloons" at events. Several entities have pointed out that they may cause harm to the environment since the biodegradation length possible, possibly ingestible by animals, bird problems, etc. Any news from others? - JO
5/31 11:17pm Comcast works for us. We have had phone, cable and internet for about a year now and have had internal phone problems which they came and fixed no charge. I am happy with the service, I know it is expensive but to be able to use all three without trouble is worth it to me. - JW
5/31 5:34pm MH - Phone component works out to about $24 (likely before taxes) and includes all domestic long distance and local calls. What are you paying now? - CI
5/31 5:33pm Looking for some strong teenagers on the weekends to do landscaping and yard work. 9-$10/hr. Flexible hours. Call Jack 508-528-0875 after 6PM. - JFO
5/31 4:28pm CI - May I ask what they are offering for a price? We are current Comcast users (of all three services) and have had issue with what they offer as `introductory' prices, but then jack up after the year is over. - MH
5/31 2:54pm Has anyone had experience, good or bad, with Comcast phone service? I have received a few calls from them and price-wise it seems a good deal - would like to hear from current or former users though. Thanks! - CI
5/31 11:41am Missing an orange/creme cat near Lawerence St and Franklin line? Take a peek at the lost and found section on the ACO website to see if he's yours. - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control
5/31 11:40am I have to chime in on Richard Ross' office. The customer service and attention to detail in that office is something to be emulated. I too have been really impressed and it all comes from Rep. Ross. He never fails to return a phone call, is very willing to give tours of the State House and is on top of most everything. Kudos to him and his staff. He is a great rep. for our district. When he runs for re-election, I will be first in line to make a donation to his war chest. - BS
5/31 11:34am Re: 5/30 10:59pm To correct one of the misstatements here, (``The mainstream press does not "support the troops", because all they want to do is to publish body counts, tactical (and strategic) errors, and the lie that it was lies that got us into this conflict.)'' (emphasis added to "lie" ) But to date we have seen no evidence that these or the earlier contacts ever developed into a collaborative operational relationship. Nor have we seen evidence indicating that Iraq cooperated with al Qaeda in developing or carrying out any attacks against the United States.Thus the 9/11 Commission removes credibility from the belief that Iraq cooperated with the 9/11 attack, or any attack, against the United States. Although the president continued to say that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction in his State of the Union speech on January 28, 2003, there were none. Deputy Secretary of Defense Wolfowitz, called the "Architect of the Iraq war", was one who continually pressed for war against Iraq, and that war began on March 20, 2003. Wolfowitz may be remembered as disagreeing with General Shinseki on the number of troops required; Shinseki was right.- RH
5/31 12:04am JMB - I have to say I agree with you on one thing. Last year my mother was in a nursing home that was awful. Unfortunately, once you're in a nursing home, it's very hard to get placed in another. When all else failed, I too contacted Senator Brown's office, and also Representative Ross's office. Senator Brown's office "promised to have him call me back, and would also see what they could do." Neither was ever done. On the other hand, when I phoned Representative Ross's office his secretary said "she would see what she could do." She not only gave Mr. Ross my message but, Mr. Ross phoned me himself (while on the way to pickup his child). Unfortunately my mother passed away before she cou ld ever be moved but, I'll never forget the phone call from Mr.Ross and his willingness to help. - DH
5/30 10:59pm A person does not "support the troops" by being against the war, and to a lesser extent also does not "support the troops" by being for the war. One "supports the troops" by taking the time to truly think about them (dare I say pray), and honoring their service and sacrifice. - PCS
5/30 10:48pm I wanted to share with everyone an experience I had today with our elected representatives. Regardless of my personal political beliefs, I was thrilled with the outcome. - JMB
5/30 10:47pm Wm, thank you for sharing that tribute. I have e-mailed it to many of our friends who have lost relatives or have relatives who have been wounded in the wars. Our family has lost some and have had many who were injured. Our own son survived the Persian Gulf War. I had not seen that before--again thank you. - BR
5/30 5:31pm What a suprise today to be on Lawrence Street and both parent swans and the 7 babies on the street by the bridge. The cygnets were actually having a "nap". I stopped the car and tried to get them off the road. I tried to slow down another driver coming down the road--thank God the swans were on the move back to the water. The other driver did not slow down even when I yelled that the swans were there. I have never seen the swans on the road in all the years we have been watching them. My camera was at home!! Please respect all these creatures. If my camera had been with me I would have taken the picture of the other driver--plus the swans. - BR
5/30 5:16pm I received a Rememberance Day tribute from a reader that I'm posting with permission. Click on the image to see the full text. - Wm.
5/30 3:14pm I just wanted to say "thank you" to the organizers for the very moving dedication ceremony that took place on Friday morning at Freeman Centennial School. - TMS
5/30 1:53pm Hi, I found a couple of snakes in my yard... both in or near the pool! Info was taken from the same UMass page an earlier poster sited. Yuck! Snakes of Massachusetts
Eastern Ribbon Snake
Thamnophis sauritus (18-26", up to 38")The ribbon snake is a very slender, striped snake, similar in appearance to the garter snake but with a much longer tail. Tail length for the ribbon snake generally accounts for one third or more of total body length. It is boldly patterned with three yellow stripes on a reddish-brown background. A distinct dark band separates each side stripe from the belly. The ribbon snake has keeled scales and a belly that is pale yellow or pale green.
Ribbon snakes generally mate in the spring (April-May), after emerging from hibernation, and females give birth to 10-12 young in July or August.
The preferred habitats of ribbon snakes are wetlands and the edges of ponds and streams. Amphibians, especially frogs, are their preferred food, although fish and insects are also taken. Given their preference for wet habitats, ribbon snakes tend to be most active during the spring. If summer weather dries up their environment they may become dormant until conditions improve. Ribbon snakes are comfortable both in and out of water and are adept swimmers. They may be found basking on logs, hummocks or muskrat lodges, and escape rapidly into dense cover or open water if threatened. Ribbon snakes rarely bite if handled, but they do secrete a foul musk from their anal glands when alarmed.
- JT
5/30 10:41am Support Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary and have a great night out! Stony Brook is holding a its annual Dragonfly-Damselfly Benefit Dinner and Wine Tasting this Friday, June 1st, at Rossi's Restaurant in Millis from 7:00 pm - 10:30 pm. Come and enjoy an evening of great wine, a delicious buffet dinner, live jazz music, and a silent auction and raffle including a variety of artwork and nature photography, jewelry, a Bose Wave Radio system, golf at the Glen Ellen Country Club and more. Tickets are $50 per person and are available by calling Stony Brook Sanctuary at 508-528-3140. (Casual attire.) All net proceeds will benefit Stony Brook, so please come out and support this great local resource. - ST, Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary volunteer
5/30 9:34am RG--Could be worse; the Wellesley Public Schools have early release every Wednesday for the the elementary schools. Talk about a childcare issue. I actually like the 2 professional days making for a long weekend, less disruption to the week and for us transplants, it makes it easier to travel to visit family. - BS
5/30 9:33am Just read the Memorial Day comments about the war and I honestly can't understand why anti-war sentiments are considered to be attacks on the troops. I've not heard anyone deny that these men and women are incredibly brave people, willing to sacrifice their own lives to do the job they were assigned. When my father returned from serving his two tours of duty in Vietnam, he and and his fellow soldiers were despised and treated with blatant disrespect. Nothing like that has happened during this conflict. It would seem that people have learned to distinguish between protesting our government's foreign policy and blaming the soldiers sent to do their dirty work. Apparently not in this town. - KLM
5/30 9:27am JG, I would call Tree Tech in Foxboro, they provide full service tree care. - RC
5/29 10:26pm Any recommendations for a plumber and an arborist? I need repair work on a bathroom (most immediate need) and a kitchen sink. - JG
5/29 6:13pm Recommendations - the Lawn King does our lawn, hardwood flooring, painted both the exterior and did some interior painting for us as well as carpentry; we have a long and happy relatioship with Andy Fuller - The Lawn King. - LW
5/29 6:12pm To SDB: Well said! It is our duty as US citizens to voice our protest over what we believe to be wrong in our government and in our society. I don't see how anyone can accuse you of not supporting the troops if you choose to criticize the war. Thank you for your postings. - AL
5/29 6:11pm Dear DK, What a beautiful letter and testament to your son. Thank you for sharing that with us. I'm sure it was a difficult letter for you to read but your heart must have swelled with pride when you read that soldier's words of respect for your son. I know it brought a tear to my eye. We all need to reflect on the young men and women who give their lives to be soldiers for our country. This country would not be what it is today without these servicemen. Thank you again for sharing this letter and your son with all of us. - VT
5/29 6:10pm I too have recommended Keady pest control from Norwood in the past when people have called in regarding issues with pests, rodents, etc. They have been very reasonable towards the people who have contracted for their services and the owner is very reliable and friendly. Sincerely, - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control
5/29 4:22pm I have a voucher for two tickets to the play "High School Musical" at the North Shore Musical Theater for Friday, July 6th, at 8:00 pm. We decided to go to an afternoon performance because my daughter is only 4. If you are interested in the tickets, I would sell them at face value ($62.50 each). Please e-mail me if interested at armours94@comcast.net. - MA
5/29 4:21pm I highly recommend Keady Pest Control in Norwood. We have been using them for years and the same technician, Rick, comes every year; it's so nice to see a familiar face in these times of employee turnovers. - JH
5/29 4:17pm Regarding a pest control company, we have used D&T Pest Control for several years - they have always been polite, professional, always call you back and honest!! I would hgly recommend D&T Pest Control; 508 359-1000 or 508 966-4470. A family owned company. - LW
5/29 12:24pm The towns of Norfolk, Wrentham and Plainville will be extending our D.A.R.E. Summer Camp Program registration until JUNE 8th, 2007 (Friday). No applications will be accepted after June 8th due to the final planning of the camp. Once again, the camp dates for grade six entering grade seven are June 25-29th. Grade five entering grade six dates are scheduled for August 13th-17th. If you have any questions please contact me at 541-3330. Thanks, Officer Steve Plympton, D.A.R.E. Officer, Norfolk Police Department
5/29 11:48am SDB -- Thanks for the clarification on your original position. I am not looking to get into a back and forth, because I don't believe anything will be solved and this road has been taken too many times. What it comes down to is that fundamentally you and I think on different planes and to be quite honest, you are no more interested in understanding my point of view than I am in understanding yours. That happens and I am ok with it. I can tell you from experience that if a family member of mine died in the line of duty, he would not feel his life was squandered. His wife would not feel his life was squandered. I would not feel like his life was squandered. - MH
5/29 10:24am RG - I can answer your question regarding 4 day weekends/holidays... I am a teacher in a neighboring town that does have school today. I can guarantee I will have about 5 kids absent today! The absentee rate on the day before a holiday weekend and day after is unbelievable. Good luck with your boss :0) - NS
5/29 12:29am Does it bug anyone else that the school creates these four day weekends on Tuesdays after holidays? Does anyone else's boss think they're goldbricking when they try to get Tuesday off to watch the kids? - RG
5/28 11:37pm To BC: there were several recommendations for pest control companies posted recently on Norfolknet; check the archives for the May 8 postings at: [2007q2 Notes archive] - VR
5/28 10:32pm Can anyone recommend a pest control company that they have sucessfully used in the past? Thanks! - BC
5/28 10:31pm To MH, JPB, CJG, and any other folks who found my Memorial Day post objectionable: - SDB
5/28 10:30pm We've tent camped at Emerald Lake and Branbury State Parks in Vermont, and although both were nice, we preferred Branbury [VT parks: Branbury] It's got a nice lake with sandy beach, fun ranger-led activities for kids, and wonderful hiking trails; choice of either grassy sites near the lake or wooded sites right across the road. Would definitely recommend it. - VR
5/28 10:29pm The hot air balloons used to leave from Norfolk Airport to go to the Wrentham State School grounds... We could talk to them from our back deck and wave them on to a safe trip. - ER
5/28 10:26pm Any campers out there? Our family has been tent camping each summer at the Wellfleet Bay Audubon which we absolutely love, but think we'd like to try something new this year, maybe in New Hampshire or Vermont? Can anyone make a recommendation for tent camping for families... We are not into the big campgrounds with all the bells and whistles of pools, arcades, store etc. Thank you! - NS
5/28 6:36pm A committee at my church, (not in Norfolk), is contemplating how best to renovate the church siding. Presently it is covered with aluminum siding placed over the original 1880's clapboards which, at that time, were stained. Probably, due to the aluminum and the age, there is damage underneath so the clapboards need to come off. However, we feel that, as the sides are relatively low, much of this could be done with sweat equity for a minimum cost. We are concerned about the lead under the aluminum however, and how we can learn how best to do this in compliance with the environmental regulations. Any thoughts on who would give us this information? Thanks. - JHR
5/28 3:43pm BR - I remember seeing the balloons from my parents' back yard on Medway Street. I think it might have been about 15 years ago. - JZ
5/28 12:02pm SDB, You should say a personal thank you to every single one of the men and women who have served in the armed forces, past, and present, war time, and peace time, because it is because of each and every one of them that allows you to post your own personal thoughts on/in a forum like this or any place else. It is called freedom of speech, and they gave it to you. - CJG
5/28 11:41am Ohhhh!!! For those of you that seem to object to discussions/posts for or against the War in Iraq and our military/corporate involvement there, or anywhere else in the world, it is not about politics! We must question the need for ultimate sacrifice! It is a discussion we all must engage in, while putting aside our political choices. This is about moral choices. - PRR
5/28 11:41am To BR: I remember the hot air balloons. We used to live in a townhouse in North Attleboro. They used to fly so close over our unit that it looked as if you could almost touch them. They were beautiful. I miss them too! I think they flew out of Mansfield. - SD
5/27 10:20pm We also received an e-mail identifying the snake as an eastern milk snake; I'm posting the letter below. Hello,
UMass Amherst
I enjoy your website and the insight into Norfolk that I have gained from it. I do not live in Norfolk, but I do teach at KP high. JP posted a picture of a snake today. It is an eastern milk snake not a northern water snake. He can google images to see a number of photos to help him confirm this. Since I'm not a Norfolk resident, I should not be posting myself. Would you kindly pass this information onto him for me. Thank you.- Wm.
5/27 10:12pm JP: That is a milk snake, Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum [see UMass page - Wm.]. Common in Massachusetts. Non venemous, although they will spray and bite if cornered or threatened. - AB
5/27 10:01pm On the eve of Memorial Day I would like to share with my neighbors a letter we received this week from an ordinary soldier in Adam's unit. It is very moving and describes the events of my son's death. I have eliminated the email address at the bottom of the letter but it is otherwise unchanged. [*] Dear Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy, My name is SPC J--- F---, and I have had the pleasure of knowing your son for the last eighteen months. First off, let me send my condolences on the behalf of myself and everyone else on our team. Your son was a fine man, a leader and most importantly a good friend. I know that there is nothing that I can say that will ease your pain, but I need to write this for myself and certainly for him. Adam has helped me out more times than I care to count, he has enlightened me on a lot of subjects, and he has always been an inspiration to fellow soldiers in our unit. If I ever had a problem, Adam could fix it. If I needed a hand with something, Adam was there with no complaints. If I had a question, Adam could answer it or help me find the answer. He was definitely a workaholic and a perfectionist. I guess that working for the Colonel, he had to be. But he also went above and beyond what was asked of him. I couldn't tell you how many times back at Ft. Richardson that everybody would be out of work, but Adam and the Colonel would still be there. He was a dedicated soldier and he never expected anything in return. No matter what time of day or night, he was there for his friends. You have a son to be extremely proud of and you probably already know how proud that he was to be a soldier. This wasn't just a job for him, it was a life and it was a future. He had ambitions of being an officer, and he would have made one hell of one. He was already a good NCO, always working right alongside his soldiers, never sitting back watching them work like some others do. He was a very caring and humble leader. He definitely taught me the ropes of being a good soldier. He seemed to always know what the right thing to do was. No matter how glum the outlook was he always had a positive attitude and an optimistic view. I probably don't need to tell you this, but America lost a hero on Easter Sunday. Not thirty minutes before Adam was killed we were all joking around, throwing rocks and listening to some music. He picked out a song on my Ipod and then he sat back and listened before he got back to work. You see, we were just waiting to go back out into the city. We had gone out earlier in the morning, came back and got lunch, and were getting ready to go back out. The rockets that came in on us were without notice, no sound, just silence. Most of us were in the Humvees, but Adam was right in front of the Colonel's. The first rocket hit right beside him and four or five more followed. They were all close to us. As soon as it was over, I heard the call for a medic. I went around the front and saw Adam laying there. The fact that he did not suffer is the only thing that we can be grateful for. The other two of our guys that took shrapnel are alright. Tomorrow we will all fly back to FOB Kalsu for his memorial service. It will not be easy, it never is, but I will tell you that he will live on in this brigade. His memory is one of love, dedication and sacrifice. The chances of this happening are so slim, it is frustrating. Our first thoughts were ones of revenge and hatred toward the insurgents. Within an hour we were back out in the city but we did not find anything. I am sorry if this letter isn't something that you wanted, but I felt that I had to write it. Again I want to offer my condolences on your loss. Adam will always be a hero to me. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to email me at ...
Respectfully,
t~~- DK
[* I've also omitted the soldier's name pending clarification - Wm.]
5/27 9:59pm Please visit the Dunkin Donuts DARE Race Website [DARE 2 Run] - HK
5/27 7:47pm Does anyone remember the hot air ballons going over Norfolk on weekend mornings? My husband & I were actually out in a small boat on Lake Pearl about 5:30am one morning when they came over the lake--what a wonderful sight. We haven't seen them for years. I wonder why? - BR
5/27 7:46pm I need to have some physical therapy for my back (degenerated disks / pinched nerve) and was wondering if anyone had any recommendations in the area for spinal issues especially. I know there is one on 1A in Norfolk and on 140 in Franklin. Thanks! - LK
5/27 7:12pm JPB - I was in the same camp when I read SDB's post, but you can not blame Wm. When any topic (especially politics) dominates our webpage, I am usually happy to see it relegated to its own page. The messages get posted and anyone that wants to read them knows where to find them. - MH
5/27 7:11pm DV - You can chalk me up in the dope camp too. For a very long time I read Wm as William. I remember my day of enlightenment, and still laugh as well. It is funny what odd things our mind will think and odder still to have someone else thinking it too. - MH
5/27 7:09pm I ran into this little guy while cleaning the garage today. I looked it up and it appears to be a Water Snake (non-venomous) but I was just wondering if someone could confirm that for me, this is the first time I have seen this type around here. It was about 2 feet long and while he didn't seem too hesitant to let me know that he would strike if provoked he was rather calm and left without incident. Thanks! - JP
5/27 7:08pm JPB, Sadly enough, the families are also told that their son/daughter died as a hero. What propaganda! 3,500 dead--why?? None of them would have been killed if it was not for the war. I feel more pity for the parents, families and relatives, and of course the soldiers themselves. Instead of admitting the war was a mistake, our current president calls them heroes. I just think it is awful that these soldiers died. Was it really all worth it? - DWL
5/27 1:45pm Speaking of the webmaster... who I think is great, I do not spend much time on computers as I run my own company and have 4 kids. I realized what a dope I am when it dawned on me that his name was not William. It still makes me laugh out loud. - DV
5/27 1:44pm BR, glad to hear it. I have some cute photos that I took on May 10th; I have not been back since. Hopefully I will get back soon. We just got two baby goats. They are the cutest!! My kids love them. They will also be great for some photo shoots. - DV
5/27 12:45pm SDB: Shame on you for perverting our solemn and historically sacred day of honoring our American heroes, of all wars, for giving their lives to protect us - for better or worst. Once again our Wm has proven his transparent bias by not relegating this to the "Politics Page." - JPB
5/26 7:46pm Sorry about the cygnet count at Bush Pond. I counted 7 today--so we have only lost 1 so far. - BR
5/26 4:32pm LAS... I have been doing home daycare for 25 years... My business card is posted on the "post your business card" page [Little People Day Care] - ER
5/26 1:14pm ESM - We are very happy with the people who clean our house. You can ask the webmaster how to contact me if you would like a referral. Welcome to Norfolk! - KL
5/26 1:12pm SO... No, I am not a crazy swimmer (whatever that is) and would really rather snorkel where the water is not deep. But I love to try new things. Would love to kayak too, but my, um, posterior, is a problem. Might not get out of the kayak if I overturned, before drowning. Must try that somewhere this summer. Have no pictures of fish yet, but next time I'll be ready for them. And I've never done yoga. Maybe it would make me into a better snorkeler?? Snorkeling at the Sr. Center perhaps?? ; ) - JHR
5/26 9:03am DV, Moving to Canterbury Estates. Have got everything set up with Comcast per recommendations from severals notes below. Priority is on an alarm system and service providers... if you have recommendations that would be great. What are the "best finds" in and around Norfolk? Do you know if there is a kayaking or hiking group in Norfolk or surrounding areas? I am an outdoors person! - ESM
5/25 11:26pm Memorial Day arrives, a time to recognize our Veterans. This is our solemn duty. - SDB
5/25 11:25pm JHR: You must be some crazy swimmer! We will surely not be in the same yoga class!. What did you see? What kinds of fish? When I was kid, adults would naturally inquire about my future. I answered, "I want to be an ichthyologist", mainly because I liked to draw fish. Do you have pictures? Send them in. - SO
5/25 6:54pm AL and SO... Thanks for the suggestions. Actually we just returned from Bermuda where we did some snorkeling, but it just doesn't cut it for me. I cannot wait to go someplace really terrific. I'll look into both places suggested and go next year, unless of course I find a place sooner that is a good deal. I have not tried anything more than snorkeling, but wonder about scuba. Who knows what is ahead for us. Vieques and Tortola sound perfect. - JHR
5/25 2:15pm Looking for day care starting for the fall for two children. Please forward name or email. - LAS
5/25 1:31pm EMS, welcome to town, we just moved here last August so I am still learning my way around, but we love it here and hope you do too. What part of town are you moving to? - DV
5/25 9:52am Relocating from Philly to Norfolk mid-June. Would appreciate recommendations for a security system/company, lawn care provider, landscaper and cleaning service. Thanks. - ESM
5/25 8:59am LAS, When do you need childcare? Are you looking to start in the fall? I have a friend who lives in Millis but is right over the line from Norfolk. She provides childcare I could put you in touch with her if that would work for you. - SG
5/24 11:21pm JHR - When I was married, back in '93, a wealthy artist friend gave us the generous gift of ten days at his "little" house in Anguilla. He called it a "cottage." We landed, took the local taxi, and were dropped off at a villa with its own private beach, veranda and gardens, and a maid! A "maid" - Violet. A maid. Trust me, I cooked for her. Violet got fat. She had the scoops and I wanted them. A maid! Cook for your maid, if you have one. Get the scoops. - SO
5/24 9:47pm I'm looking for day care in Norfolk - teacher's hours. Does anyone know of someone for in-home day care? - LAS
5/24 9:46pm Yard Sale, Saturday, 5/26 from 9-1. 5 Malcolm Street (off of 115 and Geneva). Books, games, electronics, furniture, something for everyone! Hope to see you there! - JP
5/24 9:04pm Why we take the time to pay our respects... - PRR
5/24 7:11pm How's this for sneaky spam: From bounce-[bogus-address=my-domain]@emailheaven.net Thu May 24 19:02:44 2007On the face of it, this seems legit - someone recommended me for a subscription, and they're double-checking that this is ok.
Subject: **kingdomlifechurch: Please Confirm Subscription
Date: Thu, 24 May 2007 18:48:04 -0400
To: [bogus-address@my-domain]
From: "kingdomlifechurch" <kingdomlifechurch-Subscribe@[...]>We received an email indicating you would like to subscribe the email address [bogus-address@my-domain] to the group 'KINGDOM LIFE' on [...].
To protect your email address, we need to be sure that you are really the person that sent the request
If you DID send this request, please confirm you membership request by replying to this email (don't change the subject line).
If you DID NOT send this request, simply do nothing. You will not be subscribed and will not receive email from this group.
We are sorry for any inconvenience this extra step causes. It helps us ensure that our group managers never send unwanted email.
Thanks,
[...]- Wm.
5/24 5:56pm Two recommendations: - JN
5/24 5:55pm In some ways it's always sad when something comes to an end. Other than the occasional fun romp, I've given up scything the yard -- it was taking too much time and leaving too little oomph left for my other sports. Over the past four seasons that I mowed by hand (all right, fess up, I know people were talking about it even on the commuter train), I've gotten to know the yard and its wildflowers, the anthills, the newt by the pine, the toad in the tall grass. We stopped with the toxic chemicals when our daughter was born, and the yard regained not only the violets, daisies, ferns, blackberries, blueberries, goldenrod and cinquefoil that rightly belong here, but also the insects and the birds that feed on them. I've watched the daisies make themselves a home, seen seedlings grow into trees. - Wm.
5/24 5:33pm To JHR: If you are interested in snorkeling, you should take a look at Vieques, a small island off of Puerto Rico. It was for many years used by our military for exercises but that stopped a few years ago. The snorkeling is fantastic and the beaches are numerous and empty. There isn't much in the way of resorts; we rented a house while we were there. It is the best of both worlds: a foreign (Spanish) language and culture, but with US currency. You can fly there from Puerto Rico or take a ferry like we did. They also have a bioluminescent bay - one of the few remaining in the world. Check it out. - AL
5/24 1:02pm I would like to give kudos -- the Subway franchise in Millis has opened under new management. You can walk in and be greeted with a smile and a ``how are you doing today?'' I know it it is a chain and being from the South where chain restaurants are predominant, I truly appreciate the local restaurants and `town pizza' places, but this Subway is a little gem for customer service. I went into a local business (non-food) in Norfolk and spent about 15 minutes looking around -- the employees did not even acknowledge that I was there, they were too busy chatting with a friend (I was the only customer). This could be an anomaly, so I am not going to give the business name and will probably give it another chance before I make a judgment that is too harsh. - MH
5/24 11:47am Does anyone have any thoughts on a really good place to snorkel in the Carribean that is easily accessible from a beach there? That wonderfully warm, amniotic fluid temperature and the ability to see and swim with amazingly beautiful fish is such a joy. I need a really good place. Thanks. - JHR
5/24 9:23am Just wanted to give "two thumbs up" for a Norfolknet business card - The Lawn King (508-954-6658). We had Andy in for a spring cleaning, edging and mulching of flower beds. Prompt, courtious service, fair price and excellent results. Would highly recommend. - KB
5/23 11:51pm TO CT: I also have had indoor painting work done by Bob Shea this year and am very happy with the results. He's very neat, clean, and even patched some of the holes that I had in the bathroom prior to painting. I highly recommend him. - CR
5/23 11:50pm Sorry to say that the Bush Pond swan babies are 8-2=6. This happens every year. Most years we end up with 2 except last year when we all thought they were big enough to survive another was gone. - BR
5/23 11:49pm Two items (a Suduko Pencil & an AquaDock to play ipods/MP3 players in the shower) were taken from the 1/2 off table in front of Something Special this afternoon. Two boys riding bikes (one wearing a gray t-shirt) were checking out these two items right before they disappeared. Just wanted to let parents know where these items came from in case they mysteriously appear in your house. Thanks, - KB, Something Special
5/23 1:45pm HPK, Yes, I think that is the same project. They mailed me a packet in the mail along with a contract I have to sign??!! - JGP
5/23 1:02pm JGP, I don't know if this has anything to do with Spectra, but on June 6th, there will be an open house at the library regarding the Algonquin Gas East-to-West Expansion Project. The open house runs from 6-8 p.m. and the contact person for the project is Jon Bonsall, 617-951-1400. I believe they are either putting in a second pipeline along the existing right-of-way, or putting in a larger pipeline. - HPK
5/23 12:16pm CT: as for indoor painting, I would highly recommend 'RS painting service' (Bob Shea). Bob does high quality work at competitive, and fair pricing. I have used his services on more than one occasion and have found his work to be very thorough, neat, and clean. He was also willing to work around our schedule. He can be reached at (508) 528-7363. - KK
5/23 12:10pm Has anyone been receiving calls from Spectra Energy about a survey being done on land with regards to gas pipes? - JGP
5/23 12:06pm Received this note looking for info: James R Post b. 6 Jul 1926, d. 26 Jul 2001 in Norfolk, MA. SS#028-18-2288.I look for his Obit and descendants that might remain in Norfolk. Perhaps it will lead to proof that our mutual many great grandmother was born in Worthington, MA in 1802 and she really was Adeline Bigelow.
- Wm.
[Update 5:56pm: A reader has provided Mr. Post's researcher with a link to the obituary and 9 possible relatives in the Plymouth area, and the nursing home where he passed on in 2001. - Wm.]
5/23 11:12am Can anyone recommend a painter in the area? I need some indoor work done. Thanks, - CT
5/23 10:46am KS - A few years ago when my daughter was at preschool, I set up a Spanish Playgroup. The emphasis was on learning through preschool games, activities and stories a few simple phrases each week that we could use with our preschoolers on a daily basis, in addition to the usual numbers, colors, animal names, food item names, etc. While I'm not currently running the playgroup, I do have some materials that you may find useful. I can be contacted at 508-553-9836. - SD
5/22 9:09pm SO -- I knew that post was from you even before reading to the end. I knew also, after I wrote that confusing post, that I had it all wrong. Of course you are much too young for the Senior Set. No salsa dancing there and no salsa of any kind as a matter of fact... not good for the digestive tract... But a nice place to go if you are over, I don't even know - 60 maybe, I'm not even sure - but know I'm quite old enough. I would like to see some yoga there... it is supposed to do wonderful things. Incidentally, as an artist, do you give lessons? ...for seniors?? It also sounds as though you lived in a neat place growing up. - JHR
5/22 9:06pm To CMK: I must put a plug in for Norfolk County Dental, downtown, above Town Pizza. They have flexible hours, Dr. Iadarolla is awesome (we don't see much of Dr. Keiser), excellent hygenists, and the receptionists are incredibly personable and efficient. They also have Dr. Gamm, who is the orthodonist extraordinaire that treated all 3 of my kids. The practice epitomizes what we love about Norfolk--real people getting the job done in a friendly manner. - EC
5/22 7:10pm CMK - We like Chestnut Dental in Franklin. We see Dr. Beard and she's great. The hygenists are warm and good with the kids and the practice does not charge the additional $95.00 "professional fee" charged by another popular dental practice. - MJD
[Update 7:41pm: Sorry everyone, it's Chestnut Dental in Franklin, not Acorn. Acorn is the vet not the dentist. I do that all the time! - MJD]
5/22 6:44pm JHR - Sorry, this is going back a bit. Thank you. I'm not "seasoned" yet - still working on the mix. I'll dance in the streets if I make it! Congratulations, by the way - you must have done something right. When my mother doesn't answer the phone at night, I leave the same message, "Senior Salsa? Paintin' the town red again?". "You never know", she answers later. I tell her I'll be teaching "Senior Salsa Saturday" when I'm 99, knock wood. She says I'm fresh. Hey, retirement will be out the window by then, so I better brush up (actually, I can salsa)! - SO
5/22 6:42pm CMK--Chestnut Dental in Franklin is awesome. Very good with kids and soon to be teenagers. The phone number is 508-520-6660. - BS
5/22 6:40pm CMK: We have been very happy with Mitch Pasenkoff in the center of town. He is great with our kids (8 and 10), his dental assistants explain everything, he has Saturday hours which has been very helpful to us, and they seem to take many different insurance plans. All good in our book. - AL
5/22 4:26pm I know this question has been asked and answered in the past, but I didn't need the info then, so I'll ask again - can anyone recommend a dentist nearby. I am looking to make a change for my 10 and 12 year old children. Thanks in advance for your help! - CMK
5/22 3:45pm KD - this might be it: kidsclubfunland.com - LK
5/22 2:33pm King Philip teacher searching for a 3-bedroom house for rent in Norfolk. agim@quik.com - MFA
5/22 2:02pm Someone told me about a great new indoor play place for young children in the Dedham/Norwood area, but I've forgotten the name and can't find it on the web. Does anyone know the place I'm referring to? Many thanks in advance for the help! - KD
5/22 1:33pm HC, Isadore would be a gender-appropriate alternative to Isabel. I hope the little guy is ok. I know if I brought him home, my cat would just flatten him. - HPK
5/22 1:32pm KS, for a young child is should be easy to find a teen who would start him/her on colors numbers, animals etc. My daughter, 14, has been taking Spanish since 2nd grade. I will ask her if she would like to help your child for the summer if you would like, or you could ask up at KP. - DV
5/22 1:31pm LM, what does he like to do? For fun? - DV
5/21 6:13pm LM - We went to a 40th bday party at the Milky Way Lounge in JP a few years back that was a lot of fun. It's very funky/retro... It's part restaurant, part dance club, part bowling alley (they have like 5 old lanes or something) The bowling lanes are surrounded by couches and cafe tables, and the hostess had drinks and h'ors doeuvres set up by the lanes. Everyone hung out for a while in the lounge/lanes area, and those who wanted to bowl a bit for fun did. Later everyone headed into the other part of the club for dancing, where they have live music 7 nights/wk. Check out milkywayjp.com/party.html - KL
5/21 3:58pm Hilary -- the website is fabulous; thanks for taking the time to educate our town! Perhaps you could add a page of the needs/wants of our animal shelter? I think about donating this or that, but never know what is actually needed. I am sure the question gets asked all the time and I am sure the needs change depending on circumstances. I would love to take little Izzy in. Our last addition (a tortie cat named Annie) came from an animal shelter with all sort of health issues, and though more than a little spoiled, she is flourishing now. - MH
5/21 3:40pm I am looking for Spanish language lessons for my preschooler but am having a tough time finding anything around here - any recommendations? Thanks. - KS
5/21 2:42pm Hilary, Great website for the animals! Thank you for taking the time to create it. - EF
5/21 2:12pm I'm so glad Norfolknet is back to normal - kittens, stump grinding, and 40th birthdays. That little kitten looks so cute I can hardly stand it. I'd love to have him, but we've reached critical mass. - SO
5/21 1:28pm For anyone interested in Webkinz - Something Special just got in an order of Spotted Frogs and Beagles. - Joan and Nancy, Something Special
5/21 1:27pm LM, I had my husband's 40th at Doc's in Milford. They have a great party room that has glass walls so you are segregated off from the rest of the place. They have a ton of TVs all throughout the place and huge flat screens. On Saturday they have a live band right in front of the glass window of the party room. Food was good and plentiful and affordable. I would do a party there again. - JP
5/21 1:24pm To the residents of Norfolk: - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control
5/21 8:26am In the Valupak advertising envelope that comes in the mail had a coupon for affordable rentals for tent and moonwalks. There is also two $10.00 coupons on the back, one for tents and one for a moonwalk rental. They are located in Norwood but only give a telephone number. Tel: 781-762-7076. - MG
5/20 10:12pm LM - A friend of mine's husband took her out to dinner at Incontro's in Franklin, then surprised her by having us all meet them there afterwards for drinks and pool. You can reserve some pool tables and have a tab for drinks and appetizers. People came and went as schedule/sitters allowed. Was a lot of fun. Great place. - LK
5/20 8:48pm LM - I rented a limo and took my hubby and a bunch of friends to Medieval Manor in Boston for his 40th. Lots of fun even though I was pregnant; at least the king didn't make me do weird and crazy stuff. Just a thought... Have fun! - BS
5/20 6:20pm Found: Lexus key, on Sparrow Road near Robin Road, on Sunday 5/20 at 5:30 pm. Please email: shop36@comcast.net. - JS
5/20 6:18pm Early Registration for Norfolk Lions Youth Soccer's Fall season ends June 1st - Visit our website [eteamz link] to print off a registration form or register on-line. Registration forms are also available at the Norfolk Public Library. - HK
5/20 6:17pm SV - If you are still looking for a someone to do stump grinding, Rich Watson in Norfolk does it. He has done about 5 stumps in our yard. Great job. He's right on Rte. 115 after Cliff's Cylces. His number: 508-528-7824. - SC
5/20 6:16pm Hi - Does anyone have a fun idea for a 40th birthday party for my husband?? - LM
5/20 6:15pm Found a remote door opener for an automobile at the Foxboro Federal Bank in town today. If anybody lost it, please email me at pubhired@verizon.net. - PL
5/19 11:31pm Attn JC - If you are considering a well for irrigation only, wouldn't a shallow well (eg, 25 feet) do? - JO
5/19 8:23pm Hi, I'm Rachel and I'm 17 years old looking for a weekly babysitting job over the summer. If interested, please feel free to contact me at lipglosscutie33@yahoo.com. Thanks! - RA
5/19 11:47am Any info on the sidewalks on Main Street? - KM
5/19 11:46am AP, we used Jump Around Rentals a few times. I forget where they are, but google them. the owner is very nice and set it all up. - DV
5/18 9:57pm AP - Try Norfolk Grand Rental on Rt. 1A. I believe they have them. Also, you can try Just for Fun Events (you can Google the address). They deliver but are pricier. Good luck. - BS
5/18 9:53pm This evening around 8pm a bunch of Norfolk children found this cute kitten in an unlikely place. They named the kitten Isabell but unfortunately that name will not fit because she is a he. In any event, this kitten has a slew of issues that will need to be checked out. If he does pass a health exam after 10 days of rehab, Izzy will be up for adoption. We estimate his age at 7-8 weeks. He's being treated for hypothermia and malnourishment and being monitored to see if his neurological symptoms improve. If anyone is interested in adopting Izzy please contact the Animal Control Officer at (508) 528 3232. Sincerely, - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control
5/18 8:57pm I need advice on where to find rent a moonwalk for a birthday party. Help! - AP
5/18 3:09pm Norfolk Community Day is just around the corner. The Norfolk Lions are busily making the final arrangements for their 15th year of organizing this community event on Saturday, June 9 at the Holmes' Bus Company Complex at 22 Myrtle Street in Norfolk. Many organizations come out to celebrate Norfolk and to host an event. Events planned for the day include Perfection on Wheels/Bike Demo, Ed the Wizard, RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon (weather permitting; first come first served), all sorts of bouncy things, moonwalks, mazes and slides), lazer tag, a dunk tank, pie eating contest, games, performances by our own award winning KP Jazz Ensemble, Kathy Ryan Dance Studio and Denise's Dance Academy. Come out and join us for the fun on Saturday, June 9 from 10:30 until 4:00. If you have any questions contact Barbara Snead at bsnead@comcast.net or Carol Green at castlebldr@yahoo.com. - BS
5/18 1:47pm RC: It's better to get the windows cleaned in July anyway, as the pine pollen peaks in June and makes a mess out of everything. You could also try Patriot Window Cleaning in Walpole. They've done a fantastic job for us in the past. - JC
5/18 1:46pm MT: It's difficult to give a ballpark estimate on digging a well for irrigation purposes, as there are many factors involved, such as the depth required to hit the water table in your particular yard, how rocky the ground is, etc. Once they dig and "find" the water source, they then have to determine if there is enough pressure (i.e. gallons per minute of water flow) to support your irrigation system. If not, they have to do a process called hydrofracturing, which optimizes the speed at the water flows through the bedrock. On average, I would estimate that it would cost about $8000-9000 to dig an average 300-400 foot well and install a well pump. If they need to go deeper and/or they need to hydrofrac, it will be even more expensive. Then, you have to consider the cost of installing the actual irrigation system, which is probably another $4000-$5000... definitely not an inexpensive project. - JC
5/18 11:01am CR, Thank you for the lead on ML Window Cleaners. He is coming Sunday to price the job. Looks like a July date to clean, he must be good. - RC
5/17 5:37pm I am looking for a reference from someone in-town who has had an irrigation well installed. Does anyone have a cost estimate? Thank you, - MT
5/17 4:02pm Mandy Washington, King Philip - I am interested in some volunteer help, let me know what you need. gericol@verizon.net - GC
5/17 3:33pm King Philip Music Association General Meeting: Annual Election of Board Members on Wednesday May 23rd 7:30pm in King Philip High School Cafeteria, Wrentham. - Mandy Washington, King Philip Music Association
5/17 1:42pm Do you have a caring heart and an hour a week to give? VistaCare, a hospice care provider, is in need of caring individuals to provide friendly visits and companionship to patients and families in your community. Visit near where you live or work. Flexible training schedule and hours and ongoing support is provided. - Melody Horgan, Manager of Volunteer Services, VistaCare
5/17 9:33am RC -- Be sure to read the fine print and ask about fees; we have all three services (phone, internet and cable) through them and I know they can be a little sneaky about fees and other charges. From my experience, getting the box will upgrade you from basic to digital cable (we had digital, changed to basic and then changed back to digital). There are more specialty channels (Discovery, History, HGTV, etc) but the box is somewhere around $10 per month (per box) and then they will charge $5 per month (per remote) to ``rent'' the remote control that controls the box. We only have one TV in our house so the per box and per remote may be off. The digital cable will also give you OnDemand where you can get movies for $4 and not have to go to the rental store. I personally love this feature because I am terrible about returning movies and wind up paying late fees. Unfortunately, they will reel you in with their introductory package and then jack the price up after a year. I am actually a big fan of Comcast -- they are more expensive (I think we pay around $140 per month for all three, including taxes and fees), but it is worth it for me to have reliable service. Good luck! - MH
5/16 11:17pm To MH: You asked about Bevilaqua Paving... I haven't used them, but A-1 Paving did our original home fifteen years ago, and then an addition to our current home's driveway, eight years ago. They did excellent prep work (to prevent settling, and cracks), which I am not sure all these companies do, and their price was competitive. You might want to get a quote from A-1. They are on Rt. 1 south in Wrentham, near Lucianos. - EC
5/16 11:16pm I am also fairly new to town and would love to see sidewalks installed on Main Street. That would allow me to walk to the T each morning and my kids could walk to school. Sadly, the lack of sidewalks forces us to drive for each of these daily necessities. Many residents would get more exercise and it seems that any town should put sidewalks on its "Main Street". In reality, though, if it will take at least four more years to open a supermarket here, sidewalks should be expected about 2020. Please excuse the sarcasm, but it is probably not far off. Can any of the town's master planners share their insight? If so, thank you in advance. - CS
5/16 11:12pm Comcast called with an offer to send me up to three digital boxes that will enhance my picture and add channels. Free for the next 12 months. Anyone else get the call? I held them off for a few days. - RC
5/16 5:55pm I'm informed that there will also be some bunnies from the Sunny Rock 4-H for sale and for petting at Community day. - Wm.
5/16 5:44pm Have nothing but praise for the way Bevilaqua Paving . They were about $1800. less thean two other quotes and did an amazing job. They are one of the largest in New england. - PB
5/16 2:48pm Does anyone know if the town will put sidwalks on Main Street? I live about 1/2 mile from the school and was hoping that sidewalks would be going in soon? - KM
5/16 2:31pm I know this has been discussed many times in the past, but does anyone have any experience (good or bad) with Bevilaqua Paving? We are looking to have our driveway paved and received quotes from three different companies. The Bevilaqua quote was a couple thousand dollars less than the other two that came in at exactly the same amount. I always wonder why and I know in most instances you get what you pay for. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. - MH
5/16 1:26pm [Ellen], thanks! - DV
5/16 12:42pm The Sunny Rock 4-H Club, over at Wards Berry Farm in Sharon has plenty of bunnies for sale right now. You can call 508-660-2289 to set up an appointment. - Ellen Sebastiano
5/16 10:47am SV, Chris Gallasso out of Walpole. He had been in business for over 15 years and is very reasonable. - DWL
5/16 9:59am I'm looking for someone who does stump grinding. Local preferred. Thank you - SV
5/16 9:48am DV--try the Bremlists or Joe/Ellen Sebastiano. They are associated with 4-H here in town. Good luck and have fun with the bunnies. - BS
5/16 9:42am Bay Colony Productions at the Orpheum Theatre, Foxboro will be presenting the final weekend of the musical Oklahoma! by Rogers and Hammerstein. OKLAHOMA! marked a revolution in musical drama, setting standards still followed today. Set in Western Indian Territory in 1906 and based on the play Green Grow the Lilacs by Oklahoman Lynn Riggs, Oklahoma! [...] - BC, Orpheum Theater
5/16 9:18am Hi all, we are looking for baby bunnies. I can't believe how hard they are to find this time of year. I am shocked - DV
5/15 7:21pm A few weeks back, someone posted looking for bicycle training wheels. If you still need them, we have a set if you are interested. You can get my email address from the Wm. - MHC
5/15 7:15pm PRR - I've had good luck with Comcast; however, Apple Computer is no picnic. The waits aren't long, but the attitude is frustrating. Thankfully, I don't need them very often. Their products are mainly trouble-free. My Dell-owning friends, on the other hand, regularly threaten murder. - SO
5/15 7:14pm Bravo to Norfolknet! A rarity occurred today. I had the pleasure of returning the cat from last week's rescue to her owner because she had looked on the web page. Thank you Andras for such a great resource! Sincerely - Hilary N. Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control
5/15 1:57pm About Verizon's internet - now I understand the big price difference in Verizon and Comcast... I guess you get what you pay for. - ER
5/15 10:16am PRR - P.S.: I haven't gone to the Needham Trader Joe's, so I don't know how long it takes to get there, but we frequently go to the Natick TJ's on Route 9 Westbound and make a point to go to a great Indian restaurant on the other side of Rte. 9 about a mile away. It's called "Welcome" and is near St. Bridget's Church and the Edgell Road exit. - HPK
5/15 9:44am PRR, thank you for your hawk photo. - HPK
5/15 9:40am PRR - I feel your pain, I have been there. Verizon does not know the definition of customer service. Once every 6 months or so, my DSL will not work. This may sound silly, but static electricity builds up in the Verizon router. I do un plug everything, shut the power off, let the capacitors discharge, turn everything on and then re-boot my computer and cross my fingers. This works every time for me. I guess I don't notice it much anymore because if I do have a problem, I switch my WiFi to one of about 4 neighbors that do not secure their Comcast connections over the air. - LS
[I've noticed this, too. I fix mine by ending and restarting the DSL connection via the modem's built-in configuration web page. - Wm.]
5/15 8:51am Hi SD - My son takes guitar lessons in Medway at Barnstorm Music. He has had four lessons so far and he loves it. They can be reached at 508-533-9833. - MG
5/15 8:48am Re: Verizon's terrible customer / technical service. - PRR
5/15 8:44am Sitting Hawk By Mirror Lake
Photo: Pamela Ruby R. 5/14/07- PRR
5/15 8:41am Re: 5/9 8:40am RE: The continuing Stop & Shop saga. - PRR
5/15 8:39am RE: Guitar Teacher for 11 Year Old. In regards to finding a guitar teacher for your 11 year old, I recommend Masashi Nakamura. He is a wonderful teacher from Japan. Very patient, professional, dedicated, kind and dependable. He teaches all over: Boston; Wellsley; Newton as well as out this way. His email address is: roocat@hotmail.com. You can google his name and read all about him if you want to. - PRR
5/14 10:41pm Does anyone have a recommendation for someone who could provide guitar lessons for an 11-year old? Thanks. - SD
5/14 9:24am Speaking of cell phones, if anyone finds a cell phone near Bush Pond, would you please let me know. My son thinks he may have lost it down there. Thank you! - SD
5/13 1:24pm Our Middle Schooler has a T-Mobile Pay-as-you-go phone. Reception is quite good - gets a better signal in our house than my Verizon phone. Looked at several pre-paid plans, liked this one due to cost per minute, and there are no monthly service fees at all. Comes in handy! - CI
5/13 1:22pm Re 5/1 6:04pm Hello All: I just received notification that I can sign up for Verizon FiOS. Does anyone have any experience with it? Would you recommend switching from Comcast for it? Thanks! - ALL - MG
5/13 9:10am To PB: I just got my daughter a trac phone so that she could call us to pick her up from the HS. I seems to work great! - DN
5/12 10:03pm The swans at Bush Pond are not staying near their nest but have gone under the bridge to the other side of the pond. This is actually not good as the snapping turtles are in the area. A large snapper was seen by the bridge today. Please don't feed the swans bread, etc.; they have to learn to survive on their own. There were still 8 babies today but maybe not tomorrow as they will return to their nesting site for the night and will go under the bridge. Out of 8 babies last year only 1 survived. They are adorable and it really hurts to see them gone 1 by 1. - BR 5/12 10:01pm Does anyone have experience (good or bad) with Trac phone or Go phone programs available in the area? I am specifically looking for service reliability locally in the vicinity of the Jr. High and HS. Any experience with any of the services would be appreciated. - PB
5/12 2:28pm Piano for sale [see notice of 4/25] - Asking price lowered to $1600, or will consider donation to a charitable organization. - LK
5/12 2:20pm The WorthWear Summer Trunk Show is here in Norfolk for one week only! This is your chance to see this beautiful collection... including cute tops, adorable skirts, gorgeous jackets and versatile pants. You are welcome to come with friends! - WFW
5/12 11:16am SO... Love your entries--always so uplifting and humorous. I'm a "senior" (hate that word), and have avoided the Center like the plague because... well, just because I am very age conscious and really needed some talking to (by myself). But, have recently braved it, and went to 2 events, lunches as a matter of fact as I liked what was on the menu those days. Very nice, small but adequate meal!! Sadly, there are really very few people there, though they were friendly. Lots of card playing and cribbage among the folks who frequent the place. (I don't play cards). I think the place has great potential, but think it is not as "busy" as Wrentham or Plainville, though not sure why that is. And of course, as I recently learned, any senior can attend a center in any other town. Try it out... - JHR
5/12 10:14am RC - ML Window Cleaners, #401-710-9797. Great window cleaning service. I've used them often and they are fast and prices are reasonable. - CR
5/12 10:13am A yellow lab was turned in late last night to the Animal Control Department. If you are missing your dog, please contact the Animal Control Officer at (508) 528 3232. This dog has a black collar and flea collar but no identification. Sincerely, - Hilary N. Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control
[Update 8:08pm: dog has found his owner - HNC]
5/12 10:08am KP, thank you for the updates on the swans :) I have watched them from afar for years, it's nice to know that in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we can still find the beauty in nature's every day life. I look forward to your updates. - GLZ
5/11 3:45pm I am looking for a firm to clean my windows that is thourough and dependable. Current business owner retired. TLC too expensive and miscalculated the price. Any help would be appreciated. Lots of windows. - RC
5/11 3:44pm MH: This cat's eyes are equal color. I will show the Medfield ACO later today just to double check as she will be stopping in. Sincerely, - Hilary N. Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control
5/11 2:35pm A plea to all... please remember this warm weather brings out motorcycles! My sister's husband was hit last night - hurt, but ok - and my other sister's brother-in-law hit badly last week; he is in a bad way. Both of these men have been riding for years, and both accidents were from cars that overshot stop signs!! Look twice. Also, a lot more kids are out there, please slow down!!! - DV
5/11 11:53am LS and AB: The Highland Lake situation was brought to the Conservation Commission's attention last year. As a member of the Commission, I can assure you, we have very real concerns about the lake. The lake, however, is privately owned, as is the outlet structure that may (or may not) control flow. Thus, we have limited control over it unless there is evidence that someone (or some entity) is doing something that directly affects the lake, in which case we could (and would) initiate enforcement. While the problems at the lake do not appear natural, we have been unable to determine the cause and have only limited rights to go onto the site to conduct a study. - JT
5/11 11:52am Hilary -- I was waiting for a picture, but the one posted does not show it. Does the newly found white cat have one blue eye and one green eye? This is probably a stretch, but when I was out walking on Wednesday I noticed signs all over Medfield about a missing cat very similar to this one. I know they can stow away and get places you would not expect them, so I figured it was worth a shot. Hopefully she finds her humans soon, I know I would miss my kitties terribly! - MH
5/11 10:24am Here is the photo of the cat from yesterday's rescue. She is out of the hospital and resting now. Again, she is an all white, 2-3 year old short-haired cat. If anyone in the area of Grove, Bridie, Mountain Rock are missing this girl please contact the animal control officer. If no one claims her she will be up for adoption on 5/20. Sincerely, - Hilary N. Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control (508) 528 3232
5/11 8:09am LS: You can contact the Conservation Commission in Town. I wrote a brief technical paper that looks at the turnover rate (meaning how much water flows through Highland Lake on a given day). I've measured the flow from Highland Lake and I can assure you that the amount of water that the Waste Water Treatment Plant treats is a drop in the bucket compared to Highland Lake (pardon the water pun). - AB
5/10 10:21pm Wm: love the forsythia photo at top! Spring has sprung!! - AL
5/10 10:10pm KM: I'll be at the D&D drive-thru at 7:10 AM tomorrow! :-) - JPB
5/10 8:58pm AB - Thanks for the post. I'm not willing to concede just yet. I still suspect the close proximity of the WWTP (very large water user), and the fact they must be discharging vast amounts of treated effluent (almost potable) still leads me to believe that I would rule them out first. - LS
5/10 8:01pm Multi-family yard sale, Fleetwood Drive, off of 115, Saturday, May 12th, 8 to 12. Kid's Red Sox jersey, jewelry, Lizzie High dolls, porch rocker, boy's 16" bike, and lots more! Day care closed, toys galore! Come on over! - CR
5/10 7:17pm BR: If you're a senior citizen, you may be amused by my mother's description of herself as a "seasoned citizen". - SO
[Update 5/11 10:43am: cleared up wording - Wm.]
5/10 5:38pm Fast-paced miltry contractor [located in Norfolk] seeks dependable, organized, detailed self-starter to support VP Field Sales, Sales Mgr-Key Accts, & Team. Track product and promo programs, enter data, create spreadsheets.
[Details on Notice Board]- AI
5/10 4:57pm I just had to share my experience last weekend with you all. I was struck with a random act of kindness! When it was my turn to drive up and pay for my purchase at the Dunkin Donuts drive-thru in Franklin last Saturday morning, to my pleasant surprise, the cashier announced that the car in front of mine paid my bill! What a great way to start a 5 hour road trip to NY! Thank you to the generous Dunkin Donuts patron--you made my day; I look forward to making someone's day very soon! - KM
5/10 4:41pm If anyone is missing a beautiful, female, short haired, all white, 2-3 year old cat from the areas of Bridie Ln, Mountain Rock Ln, Grove St please contact the Animal Control Department. I don't have pictures as of yet but will post them in the next day or so. - Hilary N. Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control (508) 528 3232
5/10 1:50pm Has anyone switched from Comcast to Verizon FiOS, and what do you think so far in terms of pricing, speed, etc? - AL
5/10 12:25pm Here is a shot of the swans from today. The parents let us get very close, with bread in hand, to take some photos. - KP
5/10 12:13pm Mark your calendars! Norfolk's Dunkin Donuts' Dare to Run 5K Road Race & 1K Fun Run is scheduled for Sunday, September 23rd - More information will be coming soon. - CK
5/10 11:32am BR - There is also a Hannafords in Milford, which may be closer or less traffic for some folks in town than going to Norwood. - LK
5/10 10:17am I don't know how many people realize that Job Lot has coupons every week if you go on-line. You print out what you might be interested in. There is usually a limit on the amount of an item. The coupons change every Wed. Go to oceanstatejoblot.com. This again is great for us seniors on a fixed income. - BR
5/10 10:13am Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
To: Boards of Health
From: John J. Smith, Director
Date: April 2, 2007
Re: Notification of Early Morning Aerosol (ULV) ApplicationsPlease be advised that the Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project will begin the 2007 early morning ULV aerosol applications on or about May 29, 2007, weather permitting. This program will be a continuation of the procedure, which has been used in past years:
If any resident wishes to know when the spray program may be conducted in their area, they should go to the Projects website at http://www.massnrc.org/ncmcp , or contact their local Board of Health. If an individual would like to see a map and/or street listing of the areas to be treated they should click on the following link, and then click on their town.May 29, 2007 through September 30, 2007 - Adulticide aerosol (ULV) applications. (2:00 AM to 6:30 AM, Monday through Friday)
Please note that the ULV map and/or street listings will be posted on or about 3:30 p.m. the day before the scheduled application day. Residents may also contact the Projects main telephone line (781)762-3681 after 3:30 P.M. the day before the scheduled treatment to hear a recorded message detailing the streets/areas to be treated in the town.Current early morning aerosol application schedule and maps massnrc.org/nmmcp/sparsch.htm The purpose of the adulticide application is to control nuisance and/or virus carrying adult mosquitoes. The control product being used is Anvil (EPA Reg.# 1021-1688-8329) applied in ultra low volume (ULV) sprayers at a rate of approximately one half ounce per acre of finished spray.
Process to Exclude Property From Public Area Wide Pesticide Applications State Regulation 333 CMR:13:04 provides a method for homeowners to exclude their property from public area-wide pesticide applications. The regulation requires that residents send a certified letter to the town or city clerk by March 1st of each year. The certified letter should specify: your name, address, telephone number, the names of all abutters, and the spray program for which the exclusion is requested. In addition, the boundaries of the property must be marked every 50' by tin pie plates or other appropriate means. Questions regarding the regulation can be answered by calling the Massachusetts Pesticide Bureau at (617) 626- 1781. To have a property excluded from spraying, please contact Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project at (781) 762-3681.
- Betsy Fijol, Board of Health
5/10 10:11am Went by Bush Pond at 6am this morning. Looks like we have 8 adorable swan babies. Both parents stay near them and they are in the water. - BR
5/10 10:10am LS: You owe me a buck. The DOC Waste Water Treatment Plant is over 22 feet lower in elevation than the Highland Lake water Levels. Using your theory, if the water levels were at a "normal level" for Highland Land, and as you claim the Plant controls the water level the homes on Lincoln, Old Campbell and Campbell would be under water that are at elevation 125 to 131. The water level of Highland Lake is at elevation 138 per the USGS topo maps. Campbell Street directly below the dam is at elevation 129. It just does not happen. Send the dollar to the Town Hall in care of the Selectmen.... - AB
5/10 10:09am Bush Pond is by Park Street & Lawrence. The nest can be seen from Park Street. You can get pictures from Park Street. - BR
5/9 11:13pm EC - I have read your posts about this lake and it just dawned on me. I never knew where it was and just found it online. I think I have your answer... I would be willing to bet a buck the level fluctuates dramtically because of the Commonwealth of MA Norfolk/Walpole MCI Prison Waste Water Treatment plant located at 10 Old Campbell Road in Norfolk. It's the only logical reason. It's a stone's throw from the lake. Call the plant 520-3313. Call the norfolk Conservation Commission and get on record as to the fluctuations. And while we are on the subject of treatment plants, could this be a logical solution to the recent needs of a mini-plant at Town Center. - LS
5/9 9:18pm BR, where is Bush Pond? - DV
5/9 9:16pm MJD, we also have a budding ballerina. Ours just turned 4 in February. She's been going to the Norfolk Recreation "Pre-Ballet" classes given once a week in the town hall. You can see the listing on the Norfolk Recreation web page (choose Programs from the menu on the left and then choose "07 Spring Under Age 5 - Drop Off"). - SJP
5/9 8:40pm When I shop at Roche Brothers, I simply inform the staff that I am comfortable handling the cart myself. They are always fine with that and I do not feel badly about the tip situation. It is a nice service, but I prefer self-sufficiency. - CS
5/9 8:38pm I did mean to mention my thanks in my last note to the young man on Miller Street yesterday who helped a snapping turtle cross the street. He knew what to do. He held his glove by the turtle's mouth who grabs on to it and then can be pulled. It took him a few tries but he got the turtle safely across the street. Please be careful of these turtles as they can take your hand or fingers off--but don't hit them please. We are already losing so much of our wildlife. I will check tomorrow on the number of new cygnets. - BR
5/9 8:09pm BR... Thanks for the tip. Where is the closest Hannafords? Thanks. - JHR
5/9 8:00pm MJD, My 4 year old has had lots of fun in the Rec Dept Pre-Ballet class. We started going when she turned 3. They are inexpensive, no recitals, and mostly, all Norfolk kids, so your daughter (and you) will meet others her age. We also went to the YMCA in Franklin. Also inexpensive, although they do a recital a few times a year, costumes are all almost no money, or things you already have around the house. She had fun there as well. - EAS
5/9 7:28pm Re 5/4 4:07pm Can anyone recommend a good, reasonable weekly lawn maintenance company? Thank you - RMS - RJM
5/9 6:54pm Baby swans today at Bush Pond. Hannafords has Tuesday as their senior day - 5% off the groceries. I'd take a Hannafords any day over a Stop & Shop. Seniors, speak up!! - BR
5/9 6:24pm KD: I never tip the baggers at Roche Bros. I tried years ago and the person told me they weren't allowed to accept them. If the store posts a sign I would follow that. I have never seen anyone tip anyone either. - VT
5/9 6:23pm KD, We do not tip at Roche Bros. I was under the impression that the handlers could be fired for accepting a tip. - ML
5/9 4:25pm Do you tip the cart handlers at Roche Bros or not? The sign at the store says no tipping, but I overheard one handler gleefully reporting a $5 tip to another handler. What is the custom? Many thanks in advance. - KD
5/9 4:24pm We have a budding ballerina in our house and I am looking for a ballet program that is low key. I am not interested in all of the glitz and glam. I am not interested in the costumes and the expensive recitals. I am interested in a program that teaches 3 and 4 year olds the basics of dance and expects that they will have fun learning. Any suggestions? - MJD
5/9 3:36pm Online registration is now available for the Kids PMC in Norfolk!! Visit kids.pmc.org and register for this fun family event on Sunday, June 10! The PMC Norfolk Kids Care Ride is a 2-2.5 mile bike ride for kids 2-14. All money goes to cancer treatment and research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. In its third year, the ride has raised almost $10,000 for the Jimmy Fund, the fundraising arm of Dana-Farber. For information, email davidlutes@comcast.net. - AL
5/9 1:49pm My parents have recently put their house on the market and I'm looking for someone to mow their lawn (1x). The house is located in Dedham. Conveniently located off Rte. 109 or Rte. 128 - approximatley 1/2 hour from Norfolk. Would consider dependable high school or college student. - KG
[Update 2:28pm: oops, typo in signature - Wm.]
5/9 11:50am Well, I guess a miracle took place at Highland Lake overnight. Last night there were large rocks completely exposed, and a lot of mud. This morning lo and behold, the rocks are back under water. The level must have gone up at least 4-6 inches. Those speculating that the lake is "silting up" clearly haven't looked at what is going on around here. Let's just hope that the god of lake water levels stays happy for a while and stops playing with it. - EC
5/9 8:40am RE: The continuing Stop & Shop saga. There's 12 Stop & Shop stores within 12 miles of Norfolk Center. The Walpole & Franklin stores are each only 4 miles away. The Foxboro store is only 6 miles. Plainville is 7 miles. And Norwood and Bellingham are only 8 miles each. Simply use the Stop & Shop online store locator to see how many there are close to Norfolk. - TK
5/8 11:03pm Hi to all, I have started a babysitting group and I am filling up fast for the summer. If you are looking for a couple of extra hours a week to yourself , try dropping your kids off with me from 9-1:00 M,T,W,T. The price is $35.00 a day which includes a snack, lunch and some sort of fun craft. I have a well-equipped private back yard with lots of room to run in the sun and have fun in the sprinklers and kiddy pool. We also have a large playroom to romp around and dress up. All ages are welcome. Please call Karen @508-520-2920 or email clemenka@comcast.net. I am First Aid and CPR certified. - KC
5/8 9:58pm Looking for a convenient tutor for your child this summer? I'll come to you! Grades 1-6 certified teacher working towards Masters of Education in Literacy and Special Education. Currently working in grade 2 in Medfield. Will tutor in all academic areas. Please contact me at josborn366@gmail.com. - JO 5/8 8:18pm Wednesday May 16th 7pm at King Philip High School Field House, Wrentham, The King Philip Jazz Program, including three Jazz Ensembles will present an evening of Jazz and Swing. - MW, King Philip Music Association
5/8 7:39pm KAS, et. al.: You might try stopping by or calling Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary (508-528-3140). The staffpeople there may have some additional suggestions for the robin problem. - TEM
5/8 7:38pm My husband and I were driving through the center of town and saw a man changing the Stop and Shop sign to read 201. Can you believe it? - TG
5/8 5:58pm To KAS, regarding your problem with the robin: I stopped at Wild Birds Unlimited in Medway, looking for the decals because we have the same problem. The owner told me that the decals are only good for preventing crashes by highlighting the solid surface of the window, not for keeping the birds away. She said that the robin is on a mission to fight his rival "reflection" to the death, literally, and will keep at it until he loses the territorial urge. Her best suggestion is to hang a sheet over the outside of the window, until he stops coming around. Not a great solution, but better than nothing! My husband and I have also had pretty good luck with just putting the screens in the windows, but this can't be done with all windows. - EC
5/8 5:56pm HPK, we use F&W Pest Control and have for years. They did find a nest once, and since then we do quarterly visits where they spray outside and check inside for problems. You'll find them in the Yellow Pages. I believe they have an office in Wrentham. - VT
5/8 4:40pm KAS, we had the same problem with a robin pecking at our window a few years back. Turns out he was seeing his reflection and attacking the "rival" bird. Putting a blanket on the window probably just makes it easier to see himself. Maybe you could try something on the outside that would cut down on the reflection--the previously mentioned stickers or some other decorative covering... good luck! - LK
5/8 12:51pm Just a reminder, Town Meeting starts tonight at 7:30pm at KP Middle School. - Wm.
5/8 11:02am HPK--I can sympathize. I remember the year I interned in Wash, DC and lived in a studio apartment. I hated seeing all those cockroches everytime I came into the kitchen area. But, I really lost it when they got on my bed. - BS
5/8 10:28am KAS: I don't know if this will work for you, but it works for me. Wild Birds Unlimited on 109 in Medway sells clear plastic stickers (not actually adhesive) that have a UV coating to reflect light the birds can see. I have the maple leaves. You place them sporadically on your windows to indicate a solid surface to the birds. Most people don't even notice them. Up close, it looks like I have windows with frosted glass leaves floating down. Try it. Since I put them up, no crashes. - SO
5/8 10:27am HPK - I recently used Keady Pest Control of Walpole to treat our perimeter for the prevention of termites, etc. They came highly recommended from a realtor who has worked with them for years, and they were very thorough and professional. I would trust them to be honest and work with you. Their number is 508-668-0070. - JT
5/8 9:44am Help! Can anyone suggest an honest pest control contractor to help me get rid of carpenter ants? I prefer someone who will try to find the nest, not just one who sprays the perimeter and calls it a day. I used Colonial Pest Control from Milford several years ago, and they forged my signature on a twice-yearly, scorched-earth, "kill everything living" contract that I specifically told them I did not want (they rescinded the contract immediately when I challenged them, but I would never use them again). I coexist with spiders, since they aren't eating my house, but when I found a carpenter ant inside my electric toothbrush, I decided that enough is enough. Thanks! - HPK
5/8 8:57am RP: I too am having a robin problem. My guy has been around everyday for the past month banging at my windows. He's berserk! It starts around 5:30am and he'll go for hours. I've covered his favorite windows with blankets but that doesn't slow him down a bit. My new weekend chore is to power wash window sills. I feel like I'm under siege! - KAS
5/7 10:47pm RP--Yes, I have noticed the robins and the mess too. I've loved watching them. - BS
5/7 10:46pm CS: Welcome to Norfolk! I hate to be the one to break this to you, especially since you are new to town, but the area to which you refer has looked that way since we moved here -- in 1998! Actually, the ground has been leveled and the town homes have been built in the last year. Norfolk is a good town and a great community. I think you will be happy here if you like things to stay the same. - MHC
5/7 10:45pm RP: No problem with robins here, but I once heard an expert recommend shifting the plastic owl around the property. The birds grow savvy to the scene, so you need to keep "yanking their shorts". - SO
5/7 10:44pm Hello, I am working on a benefit for KP lacrosse. I am looking for a golf pro to donate a golf lessons to help raise money for a silent auction coming up this Saturday night. Please contact me at 508-520-3815. Thanks. - LB
5/7 6:07pm Recently I noticed the sign near town hall announcing that Stop and Shop will be coming to Norfolk. It says that we can expect a store in 2011. Is this a joke, or is it really going to take four years to put up a store? I ask because I drive by the eyesore we call the center of town every morning on my way to the T. Any development would be an improvement on the current mess. As a new resident, I am curious. What is the plan? - CS
5/7 5:18pm Hi, My name is Lauren; I'm a twelve year old girl in the sixth grade. I am interested in a babysitting job. I have experience and have also taken the 4H Babysitting Course. If you are interested please contact me at dgmartel@msn.com. Thanks, - LMM
5/7 5:15pm Do you remember the great Alfred Hitchcock movie "The Birds"? Well, I'm being attacked by robins...!! With the recent warm weather, the annual northward migration of robins has brought an exceptionally large population to my yard. I'm surrounded by them although I can't find any nests in the shrubs and trees. There are so many that skirmishes are frequent as they fight for food and territory. But the worst part is the mess which they're making. My deck, lawn furniture, driveway, walkway, steps, railings etc. are covered with their droppings. They perch atop my car roof and mirrors causing me to have to leave the house earlier in order to wash the car before I can see out of the windows to drive it. Long white streaks cover the glass and sides of the car each day. I'm a lover of Nature as much as most people, but I'm not pleased with this situation. Over the weekend, I purchased a large plastic owl and stuck it on a pole near the car. I'm hoping that with "Hootie" on patrol, he'll keep them at bay. It was the last one on the shelf which leads me to believe that others may be having a similar situation. Have you noticed an abundance of robins in your yard this year? - RP
5/7 2:30pm The King Philip Music Department will present its popular annual Spring Pops Concert, on Saturday May 19th at 7pm, in the Field House at King Philip High School, Wrentham. - MW, King Philip Music Association
5/7 12:49pm AR, Thank you for the photo from the recital on Saturday. My children take music lessons at Acorn Music as well, but were not able to attend on Saturday due to a family event. We think the world of Ludmila and of all of the children and families who participate in her program -- the older kids are a wonderful inspiration to the younger ones! - ES
5/7 12:06pm Do you have any room in your heart and home for these little love bugs! Sophie and Petey are best pals and in need of a new home. They are such sweet and lovable cats! Petey is 3.5 and Sophie is 1.5 years old and are both up to date on all their shots. Please let me know if you'd like to meet them! hbellwin@verizon.net - HB
5/7 9:58am NP, I could go on for days about them [vaccines]. If you have a specific question pleasee mail me. - DV
5/6 10:31pm This illustration could be of use to departments in Norfolk who may wish to know what frequencies are in use at present in the Amateur Bands. Regards, - JO, Amateur Radio W1NJI
5/6 5:01pm The Federated Church of Norfolk, Union St, Norfolk, is having a giant Flea Market, Silent Auction, and Plant Sale on Sat, May 19 9am-2pm. Also featuring home made candy and baked goods. Muffins, coffee, lunch will be served. Come see all the wonderful perennials for your garden and the special silent auction items. - DB, Federated Church
5/6 4:51pm EC, We have always for the last 31 years used Heavey Plumbing in Walpole and found them prompt and reasonable. - PB
5/6 2:03pm Replying to: 5/4 4:07pm Can anyone recommend a good, reasonable weekly lawn maintenance company? Thank you - RMS - JD
5/6 11:24am EC--Have you contacted the DPW? I would think this falls under their jurisdiction. - BS
5/6 10:11am I got up this morning and the level of Highland Lake was much lower than yesterday. There are a lot of exposed rocks and mud. Does anyone believe that this tampering has no effect on the ecosystem? When is this going to stop? I thought there were laws that protect our lakes and wetlands. - EC
5/6 10:10am Can anyone recommend a plumber for a number of minor fixes around the house? - EC
5/6 10:09am With my second cup of coffee this morning, I read Dean Manning's suggestion that the Selectmen and School Committee join in a retreat "to work out how we can improve the cooperation between our two boards." It's seems a useful idea. Now "retreat" means to me a private gathering where a group often literally goes away to focus on issues or planning. If that's what Dean has in mind it is not remotely possibly under the Open Meeting Law. So if we can't have a private "retreat," let's have a public one. Let's have the two boards meet with an agenda that not only covers how to improve relations, but also addresses how to handle the challenging issues--especially budgetary--that lie ahead. I would further suggest an outside moderator (or, in the current jargon, "facilitator") to help things along. Perhaps someone like Kerry Healy, who currently hangs her hat at the Kennedy School of Government. - HRB
5/5 6:28pm The violin recital went well today. I had the opportunity to go and listen, and the kids are getting really good! We've known some of them for years, and watched them get better and better as they've grown up in front of our eyes. Eric, Lexi, Edith, Lee - congratulations! A big hand to you. - AR
5/5 3:52pm Norfolk Lions Youth Soccer now accepting on-line Registration for the Fall - go to [active.com link] - HK
5/5 10:21am To all those who might be interested--the hummingbirds have returned. I thought it was too early when my husband put the feeder out. What a nice pick-me-up for another hectic day, to sit for a few minutes and watch those wonderful little birds. Mrs. Swan at Bush Pond should have her babies any day now. The nest is easy to see from Park Street. - BR
5/4 11:09pm GDL, the other night I was driving up Main Street to the roundabout and a person in front of me took a left into it and banged a U turn. The guy coming through the roundabout the right way almost got hit head-on. (shaking my head) - DV
5/4 9:01pm The roundabouts. Simply, vehicles that are already on the roundabout have right of way. If you decide to pull out in front of a car that is on the roundabout, you are in the wrong. To the mini-van driver who almost caused an accident tonight about 7:30 coming north on Main Street, read the rules of the road pal!! Rotary Traffic RulesFor more information on Massachusetts Rules of the Road see the following link. [mass.gov/rmv pdf]Traffic moves in a counter-clockwise direction around a rotary. You must always yield the right-of-way to vehicles already in the rotary (unless directed differently by local signs or police officers) and to pedestrians. You should use your turn signals in the same way as any other intersection: travel through the rotary and, when you are ready to exit, use your right turn signal.
Roundabouts are used on high volume streets and their small size requires vehicles to reduce speed to 25 miles per hour or less. When entering a roundabout, you should follow the same general rules as for a rotary.
- GDL in the Jeep
5/4 8:29pm I am a true dog lover and never thought I would even consider banning a dog. I do think that owners generally bear most of the responsibility for the behavior of their dogs. However, when our lab was a puppy and in training classes, we had a pit bull puppy in the class. Boy, was he cute. - KE
5/4 6:51pm For an excellent example of well-socialized pit bulls, please watch "The Dog Whisperer" show on the National Geographic channel (#210) if you have cable. It is revelation to any dog owner, including those with Chihuahuas, pugs, poodles and Australian shepherds (me). Every breed and mix is "rehabilitated", while the owners are "re-trained". The next time you see a bad dog, you may say, "Ah ha!". - SO
5/4 5:56pm Re: "Do we need to ban dogs like pit bulls in Norfolk? I think we should" I felt the same way about pit bulls until 5 years ago, when a good friend adopted one through pitbull rescue. In most news stories, the incidents are the result of owners who get pitbulls and either neglect them, or encourage their aggression; rarely are these dogs licensed or seen by a vet (let alone taught good manners). Often these dogs are in high-crime neighborhoods, where the owner thinks it is safer (or 'cool') to have an aggressive dog. My friend's first pitbull was a rescue from a fighting operation - she was used for breeding and baiting (training) the fighting dogs - and passed a temperament test with flying colors. - CI
5/4 5:41pm DV: I'm curious to hear more about what you think about vaccines. If you'd like to, please contact me. (Maybe the Wm can give you my email). Thanks, - NP
5/4 5:21pm DF, you cannot place a blanket condemnation on the pit bulls. Some have been trained the wrong way, while others can be sweet and docile. It all adds up to a witch hunt. Give the animals a break. - WC
5/4 4:07pm Can anyone recommend a good, reasonable weekly lawn maintenance company? Thank you - RMS
5/4 4:06pm Connor's Fun Run (5K Run/Walk) to fight Spinal Muscular Atrophy will be held at the H. Olive Day School this Sunday, May 6, 2007 with registration beginning at 11:00 AM. The walk begins at 11:30 and the road race begins at 12:00 PM. There are refreshments and a raffle held after the race. I participated for the first time last year and had a really great time. It was absolutely amazing to see our community pull together in the fight against this disease! Visit www.connorsfunrun.com to get more information and see a course map. - MH
5/4 3:02pm It's time for spring cleaning at the Norfolk Library... the contents of our lost & found bin will be donated to charity on Friday, May 11th. Stop by our lobby before then to find your child's lost hats & mittens, stuffed animals, sun- and reading glasses for all ages, etc. - Heather Pisani-Kristl, NPL
5/4 2:25pm There seems to be talk about banning pit bulls in certain parts of Boston. Do we need to ban dogs like pit bulls in Norfolk? I think we should. All I hear about these dog is how much damage they can do to a person and how they can be tame and playful one minute and then tear into some poor passer-by out for an afternoon walk. I don't really think we have much of a pitbull issue here in Norfolk today, but it's somthing the town might consider as the town grows. - DF
5/4 9:15am No takers on someone to rake and mow yard? Contact if interested Glass1971@aol.com. Thanks - PB
5/3 11:17pm JPB writes "Once again our gracious Wm has chosen to edit conservative thoughts, ideas and suggestions." - BA
5/3 11:09pm Ok, I was going to start pissing and moaning about . . . - DV
5/3 9:35pm CB: Once again our gracious Wm has chosen to edit conservative thoughts, ideas and suggestions. I suspect most of us understand what you meant by the term, tax & spend liberal. Your suggestion that liberals tend to (increase revenues & create expensive programs) at a rate greater than conservatives is generally accepted as fact - with exceptions of course. - JPB
5/3 8:41pm Re Does anyone know how I could contact the Norfolk Garden Club? - DEC
5/3 5:58pm Does anyone know how I could contact the Norfolk Garden Club? Thank you! - MA
5/3 5:56pm It sounds like there is a desperate child at the high school, and quite frankly, I as a parent am scared. I have children at KP Middle, not the high school, but no one responded to my post weeks ago about how many kids have been taken by ambulance from the middle school because of drinking!! and drugs. Guys - drugs, drinking and bullying is what causes this. This is scary!! What can we do? - DV
5/3 3:58pm What would happen if the kids had to make up the time that is missed in the classroom due to ``bomb scares.'' Treat them like a snow day that have to be made up at the end of the year. Every two hour delay for a threat would mean a half day at the end. Yes, the non-miscreants (including teachers) would be punished along with the miscreants, but it would put pressure on the few that are already making a school day difficult for the many. It would also put pressure on the students that know who wrote the note (I would be willing to bet someone other than the writer knows) to make sure this does not happen again. Right now there is only accountability if you are caught. - MH
5/3 2:58pm Just wanted to express my sincere appreciation to everyone who supported me in this year's election. From those who held signs to those who posted to this site to those who just spread the word, I am in your debt. Thanks most of all to the 600+ brave souls who came to the polls to vote for a change. - Jay Talerman
5/3 2:56pm Mass Youth Soccer and Picturehouse have invited all Norfolk Lions Youth Soccer Spring 2007 participants and their families to an advance movie screening of the newest inspirational soccer film, Gracie! - HK
5/3 2:48pm Another bomb scare at King Philip today, as noted by the attached email from the high school. In this case, the students and teachers lost over two hours of valuable classroom time. It's a real shame that everyone's time and concern is being misdirected by the actions of a few miscreants! Principal Hanson is doing a good job at keeping the communication lines open, at any rate... May 3, 2007Dear Parents and Guardians:
This morning a custodian reported to the administration that a message about a bomb was written on the wall of a stall in one of the boys bathrooms. The message referred to the perception that KP didn't take bomb threats seriously. We immediately notified the Wrentham Police, who sent several officers to investigate. Although this message was classified as a bomb scare because no specific threat was made, we made the decision on the recommendation of the police to evacuate and search the building. The school and district administration, with assistance from the police and fire departments, then searched all common areas, classrooms, backpacks, and lockers. Nothing of concern was found during that search.
As a result of this incident, we are restricting the presence of backpacks in the building. Students may still bring their belongings to school in a bag or backpack, but we have instructed all students to store their backpacks in their lockers during the day.
We are informing parents and guardians about this event today by both letter and e-mail. I also plan on meeting with high school staff this afternoon to review the incident and protocols with them.
In addition to the assistance that is provided by our staff, we request students and parents to be vigilant in reporting any activities, conversations, or messages that may be of concern. The high school administration will continue to work with the local police departments to ensure the safety of students and staff within the school.
Sincerely,
Elaine M. Hanson
Principal- EC
5/3 2:46pm DV - there was a discussion of the water levels in Highland Lake several months ago, as archived at [2006Q4 Notes archives]. In a post dated 11/9 4:43pm, a reader said that: "A well intentioned citizen, believing that he was doing a good service to the town, was adjusting the sluice gate to prevent flooding of property in close proximity to the lake. He has since become more familiar with the broader impact of his good deed to the community. He is now relieved that he no longer has that responsibility and gladly leaves it to the DPW. I don't believe that a final determination has been made about who or what authority will ultimately control the sluice ..." - VR
5/3 12:22pm WC, what is that from? - DV
5/3 11:37am Can you believe this?? The level of Highland Lake is now very low. From my observation, other lakes, ponds and streams in the area seem to be on the high side. Here we go again - back to the yo-yo syndrome. DPW, please take notice. - WC
5/3 11:36am Any teen or college student looking to do some raking and grass cutting this weekend? I live in the vicinity of the Middle School on King Street. Contact me at Glass1971@aol.com - PB
5/3 8:47am King Philip music students will present Percussion Night at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 9 in the Field House of King Philip Regional High School, Wrentham. The public is invited, free of charge. - MW, King Philip Music Association
5/3 12:10am Yes, there you go again... I pose a few simple questions in reply to a post. - CB
[But you were bashing, and I don't see how being asked to stop is being "directly attacked." Inserting gratuitous slurs into otherwise unrelated comments is bashing. I edited out two sections of your reply which I found to be rude - cute, but rude - but left your rebuttal intact. My reasoning on why it was bashing is right there at the bottom of the footnote.- Wm.]
[Update 5/6 8:07pm: restored inadvertently omitted first sentence - Wm.]
5/3 12:05am BS and DLJ... Thanks so much for your help. I had no idea that it was so inexpensive. Tomorrow I'll be on the phone to Comcast. - JHR
5/2 11:41pm TIS, your turn: Yes, I do know the current model is not working. We are in agreement on that, for sure. But, you fail to recognize my basic premise, and that is this: When you turn over control of money (school money, in this case) to the state, you also turn over control of that money. What does that mean? Does that concern you? It concerns me! - CB
[I feel CB is making a very good point, both here and in the original post of 5/1 10:52pm. If you don't like to read long posts, let me summarize:- Wm.]
5/2 11:02pm [reply by CB to DWL, including copious footnotes by Wm, on Politics.]
5/2 10:57pm Seeking excavator to demolish and fill in inground swimming pool (concrete block walls, sand bottom) and surrounding concrete apron. Must be familiar with Norfolk town services regarding permits and other requirements. Please contact sams_6@yahoo.com. - SS
5/2 10:48pm CG, The only information I got was from the Walgreen's Corporate Office and a manager a couple of months ago. I really can't tell you any more than that. When I do find I out, I will be more than happy to put it on Norfolknet. - DH
5/2 10:47pm In regards to cable, about 30 years ago my husband ordered "Star," the new way to watch TV. The company came and installed this thingy on the roof. So for $10 a month, we had cable. I was very unhappy about it, as $10 was too much to pay just to watch TV. - JW
5/2 6:22pm TW, I agree - To my knowledge CHB [Children's Hospital Boston] doesn't have any official list of towns that provide better special ed programs than other towns... this is how rumors start. I believe the post on Norfolknet months ago stated that while at an appointment at Children's, a clinician told the poster that they heard that Norfolk provided good special ed services... so a physician or nurse saying she heard Norfolk was good (she could have been told that by another parent, etc.) is translated into a booming Children's Hospital endorsement of the services Norfolk provides! - PB
5/2 5:59pm TIS, do not worry, we parents with children that have special needs are fast learning that people who make coments like you made are here in town. God help you if your child or grandchild ever needs help. [...] - DV
[6:12pm: I was only paying the $10.00 for the [...] part... LOL - DV
6:13pm: Well, if it were that easy to get content up on the page, what would be the point? Now, if you snuck your mischievous message past me by, say, starting posts with a different letter each time so that two weeks from now the initial letters formed a sneaky message, now that would be on the house :-) - Wm.]
5/2 4:34pm My daughter is going to hatch chicks for a science project. Does anyone either have an incubator we could borrow for a few weeks, or want the chicks after we have hatched them? I can be emailed at knrh1@aol.com. Thanks. - KB
5/2 3:58pm TW, I am not sure if there is an official list at Children's Hospital indicating Norfolk as one of the top towns for SPED, but I have heard this from some of newcomers to town. This is a distinction we can live without. - TIS
5/2 2:46pm What was the spill in the main rotary today? A fire truck, multiple fire fighters, that spooky yellow tape, a Clean Harbors Environmental Services Team wearing white haz mat suits and respirators... such excitement for a Wednesday in little Norfolk! - MJD
5/2 2:34pm PC, bravo, well said. You left out "15 yrs preserved the Moonscape." Let's go a step further, assign the septic inspections to the DPW, have the contract engineer report to the Building Committee and disband the Board of Health and the Planning Board!! - MC
[Oh, did I mention that there is a new Politics page, just aching for content? - Wm.]
5/2 2:26pm Re 4/4 7:37pm To all who want to know what's going in at the corner of 1A & 115, Walgreen's Drug Store is going in. I heard by the Fall of 2008. One less thing we have to drive to another town for. - DH - CG
5/2 2:14pm Just a few potential "thinking outside the box" suggestions... Years ago I worked in the health care industry. At that time (and possibly still), each hospital had to contribute to a state run "Free Care Pool" based upon each hospital's annual revenue. At the end of each fiscal year, the state would analyze the free care services provided by each hospital and those which provided an excess of free services were reimbursed from the Free Care Pool. - TW
5/2 1:50pm Route 115/Pine St. - can someone tell me if this stretch of road is going to be completely paved or are they just going to do a patch job like they are doing now? - DF
5/2 1:49pm SM, RH - The planning board has contract engineering services. An elected engineer is not a loss for the Town. - PC
5/2 12:45pm JHR, To get local access you can call 1-800-Comcast and request the very basic service. This should include channels 2 through 23. Expect to pay one installation charge and then less than $15 per month. Currently Comcast is the only company authorized to provide local access cable in Norfolk. - DLJ
5/2 12:27pm RH, Art Spruch was not "one of the most qualified people to serve on that board" he was the most qualified. There is a concerted effort within the Town to weaken this Board and develop without any careful review. Residents of this Town will eventually regret replacing more qualified Board members with less qualified. - SM
5/2 11:58am CB, You know the current model is not working. I cannot imagine our schools surviving without any budget increases for a very long time. Every year we fire teachers and other staff, what is eventually going to happen? It will implode. I have two kids in the school system and a third one going in fall. I believe the teachers/staff do a great job; unfortunately it is an underpaid and underappreciated profession. - TIS
5/2 11:57am Congratulations to everyone who won, and also to the folks who didn't. I hate town elections because it's usually two people I know pretty well and I feel bad about picking one over the other. I much prefer state and federal elections when I can just blame everything from bad weather to another October Red Sox collapse on the democracts ;). - RJG
5/2 11:54am CB, Do you really have to begin the bashing again in the statement "the liberals on Beacon Hill." Why does it always go back to that. Someone will now come back and bash the Republicans, and it will start a whole feud again. You can constructively make your comments without insulting the the so called "liberals." Yes, I am one of those Democrats, but I will take the high road. - DWL
5/2 11:05am Re 5/2 9:23am Losing Mr. A. Spruch was a real mistake for this town. - DV - RH
5/2 9:24am Hi - I am looking for a new home for 2 guinea pigs (a dad and son). The dad is about 2 years old and the son about a year old. They are very friendly and love carrots! You can email me at box56@norfolknet.com if interested. Thank you! - NW
5/2 9:23am Losing Mr. A. Spruch was a real mistake for this town. - DV
5/1 11:37pm Congratulations to Jim Lehan for a decisive victory. I look forward to another 3 years of your leadership - PC
5/1 10:52pm TIS: At the risk of being accused as discussing politics, but following your lead, I have to ask: - CB
5/1 9:48pm To TD looking for tile floor installation: I recommend Morrison Construction, 781-389-2443, who installed my bathroom ceramic tile floor and did a great job. - GB
5/1 9:40pm Attached are the official results of todays election. The total number of votes cast was 1491.
Moderator: M. Waldman 432 D. Winslow 1029 Selectman: J. Lehan 837 J. Talerman 625 Assessors: D. Putt 1043 Board of Health: J. Palumbo 1024 Housing Authority - 5 year: E. Dupont 989 Housing Authority - 1 year: S. Dittrich 1013 Library Trustees: K. Nelson 1015 Planning Board: T. Burke 752 A. Spruch 575 D. Roche 860 Recreation Commission: D. Mastro 855 B. McCarty 931 Norfolk School Committee: D. Rochefort 932 - Gail Bernardo, Assistant Town Clerk
5/1 8:51pm Election results - Lehan for Selectman, Winslow for Moderator, Roche and Burke for Planning Board. - VR
5/1 8:43pm JHR - No need to be embarrassed. We are actually considering getting rid of cable. In any event, I think you probably want the most basic of packages. We use Comcast. I don't know if anyone else services our area. You can either go to Comcast.com to research what their basic package includes or you can go to their office/store in Franklin. It's on 140 just before Acapulco's on the right. Good Luck. - BS
5/1 8:42pm Many thanks to those of you who stopped by the TPA Election Day Bake Sale and Raffle today. We sold out by 4:30, and your generous donations will help us to continue to fund programs for the kids in Norfolk. Thanks again, everyone! - KEM
5/1 8:30pm I received excise tax bill for one car this past month... do all of the bills go out at the same time? I ask because I thought I should have received two bills for my two cars, and did not. Thanks for the info! - CMK
5/1 8:29pm Thanks Wm for all you do. I have researched appliances, gotten rid of computer equipment, advertised events, found an orthodontist, learned how to deal with woodpeckers, and tonight, maybe found a bathroom tile man, all through Norfolknet! I am a fan for life! - AL
5/1 6:05pm TD I do tile floors in any size bathroom and anything else you may need for finish work. 508-517-4708. I too am TD. - TD
5/1 6:04pm Hello All: I just received notification that I can sign up for Verizon FiOS. Does anyone have any experience with it? Would you recommend switching from Comcast for it? Thanks! - ALL
5/1 6:00pm As I mentioned in my last post that the current model -- where real estate tax pays for school system --is flawed, I glad to hear that Governor has recognized the core problem and is working to fix. Here is the snippet from Boston Globe: Gov. Deval Patrick hinted Tuesday that he'll propose changes in the way Massachusetts pays for public education, saying the heavy reliance on local property tax is "not working."Patrick, addressing a meeting of the Massachusetts Association of School Committees, declined to offer specifics, saying his education reform package will be released soon.
"It seems to me the time is at hand, and the appetite is right among you and the folks you represent and so many others, to get back to basics and figure out how to do this right," the governor told the gathering. "The property tax is not working."
"And there's an urgency, it seems to me, we ought to have about this, too," he added.
Communities, in addition to using local property tax, also receive state aid for education called "chapter 70" funds.
[Globe]- TIS
5/1 4:01pm Does anyone have a recomendation on a company to install a ceramic tile floor in a small bathroom and room? Thanks, - TD
5/1 2:08pm I know there was the inquiry about roofers a while back, and also to answer the gravel driveway post. - HNC
[Update 2015-12-20: Rob Cain is no longer doing snow plowing or tree work - Wm.]
5/1 1:35pm The Soccer Club of Norfolk is accepting registration forms for its fall 2007 travel soccer season now through Monday, May 7, 2007. Register online by going to the Club's web site at norfolksoccer.com.
[Details on Notice Board]- DM
5/1 11:16am I hate to admit this to the public out there, but... we do not have Cable!!! Now that you have taken a deep breath, I will say that we don't know where to start, but would like to have local access and only the bare minimum of whatever else we need. Can anyone tell this dinosaur where to begin. And stop laughing. : ) - JHR
5/1 10:05am What a beautiful morning in Norfolk! The forsythia is out in full force, and so many other flowering trees are close behind. Winter 2007 is becoming a distant memory... Happy May Day! - AL
5/1 8:43am Happy May Day! May Day celebrates international Labour Day, Walpurgis Nacht, and the ancient Celtic fest of Beltane.
5/1 7:78am LR - I used Rob from Norway Farms for drainage and foundation work on our home renovation. It was a great experience. He was honest and did things on time!! I would highly recommend his services. I think he also does snow plowing and irrigation work... - JPRW
5/1 12:00am Please visit the Norfolk TPA Bake Sale and Mother's Day Gift Raffle election day (today!) - KS, Norfolk TPA
4/30 11:58pm JPB: I can't seem to find a link to the NOGO site which I had visited once before. Was it the Blogspot address I just found in the NorfolkNet archive? If so, it looks like it requires an invite. Could you send me a email, I'd be interested in talking: Clay@BeattyHome.com - CB
[That should be it. It is also accessible through the address no-go.org, which goes to the same blogspot page - Wm.]
4/30 11:28pm To Paul Guertin and NCTV: - PRR
4/30 11:25pm In regard to: 4/26 7:51pm Does anyone know anyone in the area who gives piano lessons? We are looking for someone over the summer who is "low key." Thanks, - BS - PRR
4/30 11:24pm I can't wait until Gumps opens again... the couple who own it are so sweet and it will seem like Norfolk again when they are open! - DV
4/30 11:23pm AR: I checked my apple trees (and other trees) last week and again today and still no tent caterpillars!! Yeah! They were terrible last year and hopefully they won't return this year. I'm still keeping my fingers crossed and checking my tree's every few days. Good luck with yours! - LK
4/30 11:22pm LR, And anyone else... I could look at your driveway. My name is Rob Cain from Norway Farms, Medway Street. We ended the tree nursery a couple of years ago and I have been taking on jobs like yours. I will also be available to do small tree and shrub pruning and pressure washing. I have a small dump truck, backhoe and loader for driveway work or small excavating jobs, pulling stumps, installing drainage, etc. References available. Rob 508-560-8899. - RC
4/30 6:18pm To EAG, Please call John Peterson Masonry At : - MG
4/30 4:57pm I just want to thank every single person who baked for the Friend's Book and Bake Sale. People outdid themselves this year with the pies, cakes, brownies and on and on. Everything sold, everything was delicious and it all helped toward the best sale ever. I'm thanking all of you bakers because I'm the one who called you and hounded you to volunteer and bake; and I'll probably do it again next year, but I wanted you all to know how much it is appreciated. Thank you - Thank you. - BB
4/30 3:20pm We are looking for a recommendation for someone to deliver and spread stone/gravel for our driveway. We're looking to get this done within the next few weeks, any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Enjoy the sunshine and don't forget to vote tomorrow! - LR
4/30 3:17pm The Animal Control Department has an all-white male cat looking to find a home. He is litter trained, neutered, and has received his shots today. His ten day hold is up and he's ready to find the perfect family. He doesn't seem to mind other animals around him and overall he is just an absolutely happy cat with an outstanding personality. If anyone is interested in adopting, please contact the Animal Control Department and leave a voice message at 508 528 3232. Sincerely, - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control
4/30 11:27am I want to express my thanks to the many volunteers who made the Friends of the Library Book & Bake Sale such a huge success this weekend! A new record was set -- the Friends netted $14,800! Whew! What a lot of books were sold and what a fun event this was for all of Norfolk's avid readers! This money will be used to fund library programs and services that are not included in the regular operating budget, such as the summer reading program, adult and children's performances, museum passes, technology, furnishings, bestsellers, and seed money for new collections. - Robin Glasser, Director, Norfolk Public Library
4/30 10:25am Amen. - SO
4/30 9:44am Webmaster - no need for you to apologize, but a great big "Thank You" to you for your efforts and talents. For many of us, Norfolknet is a valuable resource for a great deal of what goes on in our little town. It's only a matter of time before someone in town is going to have to initiate a self-help group for "net" and "Boom" addicts. Too many of us can't go a day without clicking onto your page, or checking out the Boomerang. Hard to imagine how dull things would be around here if we didn't have you and Norfolknet. Thanks again. - KEM
4/30 9:25am Another thank you to the Wm for having the guts to put a stop to all the bickering of late. It seemed as if the town took an ugly pill. I would rather hear about the positive and human interest stories we can share in our town; we have newspapers for the other stuff. The last couple of days has been like a breath of fresh spring air when visiting this page. Ahhhh, peace reigns. - JW
4/30 9:24am I have also skipped over all the candidate vs. candidate. I think I read one -- an it was not very pleasant. Thanks for putting an end to it. - DWL
4/30 8:51am BR - Ditto! I'm dealing with nursing homes and could drive to MGH with my eyes closed. Norfolk is a great place and I've made many wonderful friends here. We really do have a great community here. Webmaster, Thank You for providing this forum for us all, but I too have been less inclined to read lately because of the negativity. I appreciate your putting the politics to rest for now, as I too have been skipping over those discussions. I look forward to continuing to know what is going on around town through our Norfolknet "community" !! Regards, - EW
4/30 12:14am TPA Hosts Election Day Bake Sale! 8:30am - 8:00pm. - KS, Norfolk TPA
4/29 11:58pm Kudos to the School Committee and Selectmen for working together, getting input from the community, considering future budgeting needs, and making the correct (in my opinion!) decision not to implement a bus fee at this time. Regards to All, - SR
4/29 11:49pm BR - Loved reading about Mr. and Mrs. Swan. I seems like only yesterday that I read about last year's babies. Time does fly (no pun intended). But, what about bears?? I'm ready to hear about a bear in town. Does anyone think there is a chance? - JHR
4/29 11:48pm Wm... It was wonderful to read about your thoughts and feelings. We can all learn much from you that has nothing to do with politics, but about kindness and compassion. Thank you for all you do. - JHR
4/29 11:47pm The Board of Norfolk Lions Youth Soccer is pleased to announce that the youth soccer program will now be part of the Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association. Mass Youth Soccer is a non-profit corporation dedicated to the task of promoting and enhancing the game of soccer throughout Massachusetts. Established in 1977, Mass Youth Soccer has quickly become the second largest state youth soccer association in the United States. - HK
4/29 11:36pm Wm provides an outstanding service to the Norfolk community and I respect his decision to limit more political discussion. I have personally e-mailed Wm to thank him for the time he devotes to the betterment of Norfolk. We may not always agree, but the service/forum that Wm provides is invaluable and it does promote positive change within the community. I hope that people recognize how much work Wm must do to keep this forum as relevant as it is. Clearly there is no compensation involved, so let's be realistic. Wm, my family thanks you for the service you provide to Norfolk. I hope others join us. - CS
4/29 4:53pm Wm., thank you. My husband no longer went onto the net. I went past all the political info - I get that elsewhere. Please, people, enjoy what you have!! Mrs. Swan is expecting within 2 weeks. Did anyone else witness Mr. Swan adding mud to the nest during the heavy rains? He feeds her and at times sits on the nest for her to have a break (they mate for life). The heron is close by but so far no conflict that I have seen. I leave the house before 6am and see many deer - yes, some are eating people's bushes, but we have taken over their territory. I still have to find the picture of the kangaroo mouse and now the cowbird who laid an egg in the finches' nest by our front door. - BR
4/29 1:23pm Bravo, Wm! I was personally delighted when I read your post last evening that postings for the upcoming town elections were over. In the last few weeks, I stopped checking in regularly because I felt the same few things were being said over and over, with the voices getting more heated, angrier and insulting. At most points, it became a tit-for-tat bickering between four or five people. That was getting pretty old, and quick. - MHC
4/29 12:15pm Thank you all for your kind words this week. - DV
4/29 12:10pm To Wm: Your decision not to post any more posts for the political page, is the best news that I have heard in a long time. Good for you! That was a great decision! : ) - SD
4/29 11:54am Why I felt I owed the community an apology? I don't know how to explain it very well. Because I feel bad that I let people down by not having provided a more pleasant experience during their visits over the past two weeks. - Wm.
4/29 11:44am Wm: with all due respect, I could not believe my eyes when I read this: "Everyone, candidates and committee members and Norfolknet readers, please accept my very sincere personal apology for the free-for-all that the Politics page has devolved into." - CB
4/28 7:53pm [Replaced with post of 4/30 6:05pm]
4/28 4:04pm As of last night, the Politics page is closed to new posts. All sides have made their positions known, we have heard the arguments and counter-arguments, and I have heard the majority of the readers wish that the whole thing would just go away already. - Wm.
4/28 10:34am JN - I wouldn't call JPRW's post regarding the sprinkler systems particularly "venomous." He/she is, however, stating fact. I have seen on many occasions several of those systems watering on very rainy days! Perhaps they should check to make sure their rain sensors are working! Maybe they are not aware that there is a problem with them. - JD
4/27 11:28pm What a night of activities to support Norfolk! - CI
4/27 9:09pm ``Last night at the Advisory Board meeting the Selectman offered the School Committee an additional $30K of the expected $90K that the bus fees would have generated for the schools. This $30K represents the amount of money that would be generated from the anticipated bus fee that presently offsets our operating budget. The School Committee accepted the Selectmen's offer and rescinded its vote to implement a bus fee in FY'08.''[Full post in Politics]- PB
4/27 7:25pm I am taken aback by DWL's post - Who are we to judge someone else's sufferings? Be it from a loss of a dog, child, parent or doll - everyone's feelings are their own and how can anyone take those feelings away from someone else. - DN
4/27 7:24pm I'm looking for a used, quality aerobic step board/bench - something similar to the Original Health Club Step Bench - where risers can be added to adjust the height. I'm also interest in beginner step videos or dvds. Thank you. Email: jentech00@yahoo.com (Please note, the email address is jentech ``zero zero'', not oo). - JS
4/27 7:16pm JL, Regarding the need for sewerage in the downtown, please take a look at Summary of Norfolk's Master Plan that was just completed in April 2007 by the Master Planning Committee. The Master Planning Committee was comprised of a group of highly qualified individuals who spent a lot of time (thanks all for your service)in analyzing data and formulating and drafting a well written plan [4/6/07 draft summary PDF] The Plan has a major goal of promoting business and attracting commercial development within the Business Commercial Development zones. The benefits are a) tax revenues will increase which lessen the burden on families with homes and b) we get more retail services. To achieve this goal the Master Plan Summary on Page 7 states the following "Capital Improvements will be needed to permit the non-residential growth objectives." The first Capital Project listed in the Master Plan is "Town Center Waste Water Treatment Facility." The Master Planning Committee's conclusion is quite simple and straight forward, if we want more commercial development we will need to build a sewerage treatment plant. We will receive payback from the plant in terms of increased tax revenue in services. We all the deserve the opportunity to hang out in a Starbucks and drink coffee. - SM
4/27 4:12pm To JPRW and others: We live ``in the new houses'' at the end of Barnstable Road that you referred to in your post. For the record, all the irrigation systems here have a rain sensor. - JN
4/27 4:08pm DMG - Give Norfolk County Lawn a call at 781-603-7172. They perform all the services you need. - MGW
4/27 2:42pm Hi, I am looking for a landscaper to do a spring cleanup, mulch, plant some flowers and cut lawns. - DMG
4/27 1:30pm When I was 21, I held my 20 year old brother as he died from a long, slow illness. We said "good-bye." I've lost all my grandparents, three uncles, three aunts, a best friend and another beloved uncle who died last week. "For anyone who has lost a family member this is quite an insult" is unworthy of my further response. I am sorry that simple commiseration over the loss of a dear companion has been sullied. DV, please continue through your unfortunate, abundant grief in peace. - SO
4/27 1:16pm To DB, re: Sweet House. Very well put! - PP
4/27 12:26pm Sorry all. No, I am not grieving, but most people will agree that there is nothing that compares to the loss of a human life, not a dog or a doll. - DWL
4/27 11:01am DWL - I can only assume based on the underlying anger in your post that you yourself are grieving. For that I am sorry. However, physically and psychologically, a five year old's grief over a favorite lost doll can equate to that of a mother grieving for a child - and a teenager's heartbreak over the loss of a boyfriend can equal that of a divorce. Life is relative to what we have experienced. You can never discount a person's grief, regardless of what you yourself have been through. - LMB
4/27 10:49am DWL, in fact I lost my mother, my aunt, and my uncle, and my dog in the past year and a half, and I am not insulted by SO's post in any way. To many of us our pets are part of the family, and I do not think any of us would grieve more over the loss of a pet than a human part of the family, but we do have real grief when our pets die. This person was just reaching out being kind; there was no need for your remark. Thank you SO. - DV
4/27 10:48am DWL, SO said this about losing a pet "I'm very sorry for you on the loss of your dog. It's a painful experience. It takes time, as with the loss of any family member." - ES
4/27 10:17am SO, Please do not equate the time to recover from the loss of a pet could be anywhere near the same as the loss of a family member!! I would think that anyone who has lost a family member would not equate it to the same kind of feeling with of loss with a pet! Let's keep it in perspective. For anyone who has lost a family member this is quite an insult. - DWL
4/27 10:16am The Sweet house was on the market for over 6 months and every person had ample opportunity to purchase it for very little money. The key was that the house had to be moved. As we all know now, no one was willing to save this old house. - DB
4/27 10:15am Looking for someone to do some yard cleanup this weekend (weather permitting). Contact me at GLASS1971@aol.com. Thanks, - PRB
4/27 10:14am Has anyone noticed or cared about the fact that all of the new houses at the end of Cape Cod estates (and I'm sure other places, I just drive through there often) irrigation systems turn on and water while it's raining (and everyday)? I have a system at my home but it has a rain sensor. It won't come on while it's raining, and if we got enough rain it does not come on for days. Rain sensors should be a building code, just like the back-flow prevention device you have to have installed (code). - JPRW
4/27 10:13am DV, I can empathize with your loss. "Yet all things must die,For every tear you shed, is a tribute to the bond you shared with your canine friend.
The stream will cease to flow,
The wind will cease to blow,
The clouds will cease to fleet,
The heart will cease to beat,
For all things must die."- Lord Tennyson
- CF
4/26 11:31pm [C o n t i n u e d . . .] - PR
4/26 11:23pm A set of car keys was found in Room 124 of Town Hall late tonight. They can be picked up at the Public Safety building any time. - JH
4/26 10:36pm BS and DF, Thank you for the info about Pella windows in response to Thursday's posting. My husband and I are still wavering between Andersen and Pella. We were wondering if we could take a quick look at your installed Pella windows to help with our decision. Please email your contact info if you wouldn't mind us stopping by for a few minutes. jillandjohn1@verizon.net - JHL
4/26 9:59pm LK, check your apple trees tomorrow! I went out today, and even though the tree is barely leafing, I found three active caterpillar colonies. One in the tent still, one empty tent, and two groups without a tent! all busily scouting the branches. Luckily, most buds haven't opened yet, but the few that have already have holes through them. - AR
4/26 9:13pm I wanted to let you know about my experience with Mr. Sweet's home. We were walking through his back yard and we noticed smoke coming out of the top two windows, so we called the firestation about 3:45 to report it. A firefighter came and checked out the place about 20 minutes later. A man was jogging by and yelled "FIRE" to us all. Soon after the smoke really started pouring out of the attic. Then all the firemen came and tried to put it out. Too much had already burned so they decided to let the house burn to the ground. It was unbelievable to see a house on fire that close! - CK
[Note - the above is from a youth who happened to be right there to watch it all. Apparently lots of people are upset that the house was not saved and moved. - Wm.]
4/26 9:11pm Tent caterpillars: I, too, use the twirly stick method. Mostly I just destroy the nest - usually see birds hopping around the site soon afterward taking care of the 'leftovers'. - CI
4/26 9:10pm DV: I'm very sorry for you on the loss of your dog. It's a painful experience. It takes time, as with the loss of any family member. Go easy on yourself and cry. Cry without apology. I still mourn my first dog who died in 1995. I don't know who said this (maybe Oscar Wilde - sounds like him), or if I even have it right, but it makes me smile: "There are only two true loves in life - that of a mother and that of a dog. I trust the dog."- SO
4/26 8:42pm AR - I too have tent caterpillars in my apple trees. A couple years ago they stripped the leaves from all my apple/fruit trees. I looked on the internet for ways to get rid of them and the following method worked for me. - LK
4/26 8:38pm Given the interesting questions about the proposed sewage treatment plant for downtown, let me re-post a message originally posted last fall. Ties in with the discussion about Town Pond, too, as well as the school septic issue. Anyone have more information? 11/5/2006 7:38pm TD and NS - The town pond will never be cleaned to use as a swimming area. The reasons for this is that all the drainage problems from a certain area in the center of town was the real reason for us, the tax payers, having to pay the Potters of Geneva Way $80,000.00 (and this water was blamed on the new bridge on main street just above the Wayside complex). This was a lie to the tax payers, for if you go back to the Town Report for the year ending December 31, 1962, you will see on page 19, the last paragraph, that article 17 was voted to appoint a committee to study the water and drainage problem and $200.00 was also voted to finance the report. In January of 1995 a special Town Meeting was held and a new drainage system was approved but it included a more dangerous water problem that was making people in the Ware Drive area sick. And guess where all this polluted water was sent?
- [Name withheld - Wm.]
[Attached references:
Norfolk OKs Drainage System, 1/11/1995 Sun Chronicle article
1/11/1995 Sun Chronicle article continued, and town pond drainage map
Selectmen Accept Bid for Northside Drainage Project, 3/7/1996 Norfolk Suburban Press
Ware Drive Residents Claim Flooding is Making Them Sick, 2/23/1995 Norfolk Suburban Press ]- Wm.
4/26 8:27pm The following is a letter composed by several of Jay Talerman's supporters. We urge you all to vote on May 1st! Dear Citizens of Norfolk:We are a group of Norfolk residents who would like to take this opportunity to express to you why we are supporting Jay Talerman for Selectman and bring some clarity to the issues he supports.
As a public interest attorney working for the past 10 years for cities and towns across Massachusetts, Jay has attended countless Town Meetings, Selectmen's meetings, and meetings of Planning, Zoning and Environmental Boards. He has seen good and bad town government in action, and he knows the difference. Therefore, Jay would bring unique and valuable expertise, which currently does not exist, to our Board of Selectmen.
Jay is concerned about our entire community and all the issues we face whether it is getting our town center and Route 1A areas developed properly and more quickly, improving our schools, providing tax relief for our seniors, or preserving valuable open space.
Jay wants our Board of Selectmen to become proactive in planning our future, rather than reactive. He also wants the community to have a more active voice in determining Norfolk's future.
He believes the Selectmen must act as leaders to bring all our boards and committees together to work in a productive and professional way. This does not mean that there won't be disagreements and differences of opinion. But the Board of Selectmen must be a positive guiding force in the community and must act professionally at all times, not allowing divisiveness and bitterness to seep into our town government, as it has during the past few years.
Currently, Norfolk is very limited in its ability to generate new revenues without raising property taxes. Jay will work hard to explore new ways to bring in revenues. He will look more diligently for grants to provide funds for our schools, our roads, and our open space. He will work with other towns similar to Norfolk to explore new ideas and form alliances to demand more aid from the state. He will work closely with our legislators to bring more local aid to Norfolk and more state funding to our public schools.
Norfolk should not sit back and accept its fate as a bedroom community burdened by high property taxes and mediocre services. The Board of Selectmen can and should do more to help Norfolk excel.
These are some of the reasons we are supporting Jay Talerman for Selectman. We think he can lead Norfolk toward becoming a better community for all. If you agree, please join us in voting for Jay Talerman for Selectman on May 1.
Sincerely,
John and Candace Lavin
Jay and Jen Murray
Michelle and Dave Daigle
Andy and Pam Bakinowski
Lisa and Jay Roney
Ross and Lynn Gilleland
Karen and Tim Fruci
Dave and Alison Lutes
Allan Shaw- CL
[I've posted the above on the main page as an "equal time" opportunity for a formal recommendation - Wm.]
4/26 7:52pm MG, About 20 of us Norfolkers went to the statehouse yesterday to participate in a Stand For Children rally to advocate for more state funding for our public schools. The Governor was one of the speakers. - MGD
4/26 7:51pm Does anyone know anyone in the area who gives piano lessons? We are looking for someone over the summer who is "low key". Thanks, - BS
4/26 7:49pm I have several concerns and questions regarding the warrant item proposing that we spend $55,500 on a feasibility study for the construction of a "Package" Treatment Plant (sewer system) for downtown Norfolk: - JL
4/26 6:20pm DV I, too, lost a pet two years ago. I had her for fifteen years and loved her dearly. Even to this day, I look at her picture and the sadness is overwhelming. My heart goes out to you at this time. - WC
4/26 5:48pm AL, I attended Candidates night and am very sorry that the tape was lost for all to see. - SM
4/26 5:36pm To EAG -- Try calling Paul McKechnie regarding your patio and landscape plan. He is the brother of a friend and does some beautiful work. His website is: mckechnieinc.com. Also, a quick thanks to the webmaster. You really are doing a great job, and I am sure it is often thankless! - KE
4/26 4:40pm DV... My sympathy to you on the loss of your beloved family member - as that what a pet is. It is just so painful to lose an animal... but the love and devotion they give and show us is something not to be missed. Try to keep busy and don't worry about the tears. - JHR
4/26 4:15pm Please post this email for all the school parents to read. I am always fighting for our children. From: Ross, Richard - Rep. (HOU)
Sent: Thursday, April 26, 2007 3:29 PMDear Mary Ellen,
Sincerely, Richard
- MG
4/26 4:10pm DF: You are right to be concerned about the water situation and I think it is good that you are speaking out about it. I have friends on Medway Street (where we also live) and when Cape Cod Estates were being built and the irrigation wells being set up, my friends frequently had no water available to them from their well (they're not hooked up to town water.) - SR
4/26 4:08pm A letter from Helen Cleary, ex-selectman of Norfolk, was in the handout section at Candidnates Night which bears being shown to those not in attendance. To the voters of Norfolk: As you know Tuesday, May first, is election day in Norfolk. When we vote, we will choose between two good candidates for Selectman. On what basis do we make that choice? I believe it should be based on the Town's neeeds. Which candidate has the knowledge and skills essential at this time in the Town's history?- NC
4/26 3:51pm To all of you who have lost a pet, I am sorry. People who do not have pets do not understand. I had to put my beloved dog to sleep today, I do not think the tears will ever dry. - DV
4/26 3:50pm RM - General raiking and cleanup. I can be reached at 508 528 1971 after 5 PM. Thanks, - PB
4/26 2:54pm Re: 4/25 11:28pm I've noticed that on some of my rhododendrons either most of the leaves are still shriveled up and are not opening or leaves are turning brown/rust colored and the branches seem to be dying. Thought it was something I'd ask about, then as I was driving to work I saw the same thing on a lot of my neighbors' rhodys and many throughout town. - GWC
4/26 1:49pm To AR re: tent caterpillars. In the past, I've boldly donned a pair of latex gloves, pulled the webbed nest (with the baby caterpillars in it) from the tree, and plunged it into a plastic container of hot water and dishwashing liquid. Then I put the cover on the container until they were quite dead. But I discovered that if I leave them on a sacrificial fruit tree (a wild pear-ish thing in the corner of the yard), they'll eat that and not bother our crabapple. - HPK
4/26 1:07pm SJ, I would be happy to dog sit for you while your on vacation at your home where the dog is comforable. If you would like to get in touch with me call 508-662-0333. References available. - JW
4/26 12:42pm PB, What kind of yard work do you need done? - RM
4/26 12:25pm Does anyone in town dog sit in your home? We will be on vacation for a week this summer and am looking for a dog sitter. - SJ
4/26 11:04am DF: I am sorry to hear about your problem. What people often forget is that, to quote former water superintendent Jim Martin, we're all sticking our straws into the same orange. - RJG
4/26 10:44am BS, Thank you for the advice and the info about the DPW board member on Park St, I was not aware of that. This is the grassroots approach that I will be taking in the near future. - DF
4/26 10:29am DF - Have you spoken to the DPW about your issue?? You have a DPW Board Member who lives on Park St, have you spoken to him? It would seem to me that the water link is there and you would need to find out what it would take to get the betterment down the rest of Park Street. We had an issue in our neighborhood several years ago where there was an oil leak and there was concern the oil would leach into our ground water (we are all on wells). We took the issue to the DPW, got their support to bring water to our neighborhood, then went to Town Meeting to get the votes. We paid to have the betterment brought down our street and in neighboring streets. If we wanted to link up to town water, we could and paid for the hook up. The betterment cost us around $6500 or $7000 and it can be paid over 5, 10 or 20 years. The cost to hook up depends on how much the excavators need to dig. - BS
4/26 10:27am Here's a question about insect control - we planted a few apple tree saplings a few years ago. Every spring, the Cortland has at least one nest of tent caterpillars, which, if left alone, will eat the leaf buds off half the tree (it's a small tree!), resulting in very poor foliage on that branch. (These are the native eastern tent caterpillars, not gypsy moths. We also get them on the wild cherry bushes in the yard; cherry and apple are their preferred trees.) - AR
4/26 10:25am Paul, we all make mistakes and anyone who wanted to see the debate could have gone. Sure, it is very nice to have the ability to watch from home, but sometimes "stuff happens." You have done a great job for all these years; do not stress over this mistake, life is too short. - DV
4/26 10:24am I'm sorry I missed Candidates Night. I would have wanted to ask each candidate about his 3-5 yr plan. The way I see it, the Selectmen are the CEOs of town government. While they should certainly have a business-like attitude toward bottomline results, they should also have remarkable vision and foresight; they should forge partnerships with local organizations; they should build teams and not intimidate or micromanage employees; and they should spend 75% of their time on strategic and visionary work, and only 25% on day to day operations, handing over these functions to other managers. ... - AL
4/26 9:59am I'd like to set the record straight before rumor and innuendo warp it beyond any recognition at all. I am the person who taped the Candidates Night several days ago. I have been the Station Manager at NCTV for almost 8 years. In all of that time I have done the very best I could to provide interesting and informative programming to those who watch NCTV channel 8 or 22. At Candidates Night I made the error of setting the recording deck incorrectly, resulting in recording a blank tape. As back up, I did have the first twenty minutes on a DV tape but it is useless without the entire presentation. I have called most of the candidates and offered my apologies and they have graciously accepted it. I'd like to offer my apologies to our viewers as well. Many folks have come to rely on NCVT for information and the taping and airing of events like this. In this case, I have let you down. Please accept my apology. - Paul Guertin, NCTV Station Manager
4/26 9:58am Any teenage or college student looking for yard work this weekend? - PB
4/26 9:57am I agree that it is a shame that NCTV is unable to show the candidate's night. The candidates had a chance to descuss some important issues. I was struck how Mr. Talerman explained ... - DL
4/26 9:52am I live on Park St. and all of my neighbors (including myself) are not on town water. The town water stops at the intersection of Eric Rd. As I understand it, there are no plans to extend town water down Park St in the near future. Many of my neighbors and I frequently run out of water in the spring, summer and fall seasons. Quite a few of us have had our wells hydro fractured, pumps replaced, etc, to try and introduce a fresh and healthy water source to our homes (to no avail). Without this water, our homes are basically useless piles of wood. And, if we want to sell our homes, our ability to do this may be hampered by our ability to pass the well test. - DF
4/26 9:51am Has anyone used Essary & Company to replace a roof and If so would you recommend them? - DF
4/26 9:13am KL - That's so funny! My spouse attended Candidate's Night and walked away changing a vote for Talerman to a vote for Lehan. I'm so disappointed that the tape was detroyed. I would have loved to hear what they both had to say. - JMB
4/26 9:12am In response to JL's question about windows, Has anyone had either Andersen Renewal Windows or Pella Architect Series Windows installed recently or has anyone done a comparison of the two? - JL - DF
4/26 9:11am JL - We installed the Pella windows when we did a major house renovation 3/4 years ago. The achitect had spec'd Anderson and the contractor suggested Pella. The R value was the same(the retention of heat, etc) and it all came down to aesthetics. I wanted wooden muntons, and white locks....We looked at the Pella and they were great. They have a show room in Wellesley. The contractors price was also $20k less than the Andersons. That clinched it. Good luck. - BS
4/26 9:09am Seven more clear-cut lots? I still miss the lush forest that used to be where Cress Brook Rd. now is... - AR
4/26 9:07am Below is a write up taken from Norfolk Historical Commission's website regarding the home burned on Main Street... The Robert Ware House / Cook Farmhouse 260 Main Street The house at 260 Main Street has been the subject of one of Norfolk's longest running historic legends, right up there with George Washington staying at our local tavern and his soldiers camping out under the pines on Town Hill - that is - it is one of the earliest houses in town. The original home on the site may have been constructed during the late 1600s and later burned but the structure replacing that was purported to have been built in the early 1700s. Although it may not appear to be that old to the casual passer due to more recent reservations in the 1800s. The interesting aspect of the tale that has been past down is that the current second story was actually the original structure. That at some point in the past the decision to expand the house was made and instead of adding on the structure was raised vertically and a new first floor constructed under the original house - the old first floor and roof became the second story in the new house. We have heard several reports of this having been done in the 1700s on other structures, whether to conserve on lumber, allow for increased height for the new first floor walls and ceiling or to build a more secure or useful foundation is not clear but in any event apparently in rare cases this may have been done.If the tale is true - it is believed the original structure on this lot may have been raised by Robert Ware or one of his relatives. Robert Ware was one of the 10 original settlers coming out of Dedham to settle the Wollomonopoag Plantation - lands which encompassed among others, the present towns of Wrentham and Norfolk and was purchased from the local Native Americans in 1662. He arrived in the Wrentham/Norfolk area in 1660 and completed the building of his first house in 1661. The house was later burned to the ground as a result of an Indian attack in 1676. If this was the Robert Ware House the upper portions could date as far back as 1670 or from a later rebuild in the early 1700s.
The building later became the main farmhouse of the Cook Farm, one of the largest commercial agricultural enterprises in the history of Norfolk. We do know for certain that Josiah Ware, born in 1812, a descendent of Robert Ware, spent his early childhood in this house under the guardianship of his uncle Daniel Cook - after his mother had passed away in 1819. Josiah was appointed the first agent at the Norfolk Railroad Station and had a large lumber business in town in partnership with C. J. Murphy. A generous man, Josiah, helped pay for the repair and remodeling of the old church on Town Hill installing a large clock in the East tower at his own expense, helping to convert it into our first Town Hall which was later destroyed by fire in 1922.
The Cook Farm supplied all of the beef, dairy products and vegetables for the well known Cook Restaurant in Boston. The huge barn that supported these operations was located across the Main Street in the present day Sweetland Farms area where there was easy access to the railroad, as the farm even had their own siding used to transport the farm goods to Boston. During Prohibition the barn went out with a bang when allegedly (cause undetermined), an illegal still exploded and the resulting fire destroyed this magnificent structure. Some versions of the story even attribute a second still to the property.
Important Update To The Legend
In early Dec 2006 our NHC Associate Member Sam Ziegler was able to examine the interior of the house with his friend Jack Silvernail and surprisingly enough was able to give some credence to the legend.
Per Sam - It does look like the story of an older house being raised and built under could be true. The first floor deck is all sawn lumber and beams probably mid 19th cent. The roof structure is hewn pine 6x6 common rafters joined at the ridge with a lap joint, without a ridge beam, also you can see vertical oak sheathing boards in the attic eves, all indications of an early 18th cent. building. The first floor doors and stairway are mid 19th cent while the second floor doors look like they were recycled from the old house for use in the renovation, one has the shadow of a bean style thumb latch now removed. The third floor attic has the original early 18th century door openings and room layout intact. The doors have all been removed but there are shadows of the H-style hinges on the jambs. The two first floor parlors have the original ceiling fixtures from when the house was first wired. The house has a full cellar which may be the original Cape stone walls that may have been topped off with brick during the renovation. The exterior is sided over with shingle but the clapboard may be underneath. The brackets under the eves and rakes are ornate with turned drop finials. The building seems very solid and would be a good candidate for restoration/renovation, needs updated wiring, plumbing, windows, etc. According to Jack Silvernail, Mr. Borelli has plans to build 7 houses along this stretch of Main St. I don't know if the building would fit on one of the proposed lots where it is or if it would have to be moved but maybe he would offer the lot with the house for sale to someone who would renovate it.
- DCB
4/26 9:02am Attention Norfolk! If you happen to be an early riser on Sundays and like your coffee from Dunkin Donuts, be sure to purchase the Boston Globe - if you wish - from the paper girl who stands at the drive-through sign. It's simple, just roll down your window in the line and she will take the paper right to your car. She will be selling the papers from 7:30am to about 11:30am on Sundays. They are in limited supply and sell fast! So don't miss out! - RMM
4/26 9:01am Also following up on the KP threat today, to the student who wrote it, I hope you understand how disrespectful it is to do such a thing ten days after the Virginia Tech shooting. Threatening an entire school and putting everyone in fear is terrorism and should not be looked upon as a joke or something to do to get out of taking a test. Imagine if someone you knew was killed in an attack such as that, would you want a student at another school to mock what had just happened and take it so lightly. It's the ultimate disrespect and an extremely selfish act. So next time you post a threat, take into consideration the number of people you are putting in fear and offense due to your act of stupidity! - RMM
4/26 8:08am Has anyone had either Andersen Renewal Windows or Pella Architect Series Windows installed recently or has anyone done a comparison of the two? - JL
4/26 8:02am EW, I agree. - JW
4/26 8:01am For those who were not able to attend the meeting Tuesday, the tape from Candidate's Night was ruined so it will not be shown on NCTV. It's very unfortunate since there was a lot to be learned from this debate. Stay tuned. - LR
4/26 12:03am I am disgusted to see our town openly accept and watch the appreciated historic aspects of our community be burned to the ground. Especially when there was a list of carpenters interested in moving the home. I think it's shameful for something dating back to the 1600's be burned down in a matter of minutes for a mere practice session. I'm sure many of the neighbors are mad, as some were told efforts were being made to preserve the home and move it. It is as though this burning session snuck up. I heard the Historical Commission did not even know about it. - EW
4/25 11:53pm Two deer enjoying the afternoon sun on the street outside our house on Tuesday. - SJP
4/25 11:51pm The Norfolk and Plainville Fire Departments participated in a live fire burn training program at the Sweetland property located at 260 Main Street on Wednesday, April 25. The training started at 9am and concluded at 2pm. A second training program was scheduled for Saturday, April 28th with the Millis Fire Department and concluding this training, the structure would be razed by the Departments. - Coleman C. Bushnell, Fire Chief, Norfolk Fire Department
4/25 11:43pm Looking for a convenient tutor for your child this summer? I'll come to you! Grades 1-6 certified teacher working towards Masters of Education in Literacy and Special Education. Currently working in grade 2 in Medfield. Will tutor in all academic areas. Please contact me at josborn366@gmail.com. - JO
4/25 11:30pm I would urge everyone to watch the tape of Candidates' Night on NCTV. - KL
4/25 11:28pm I've noticed that on some of my rhododendrons either most of the leaves are still shriveled up and are not opening or leaves are turning brown/rust colored and the branches seem to be dying. Thought it was something I'd ask about, then as I was driving to work I saw the same thing on a lot of my neighbors' rhodys and many throughout town. - JPS
4/25 11:19pm Hi, there. I am interested in looking for driving instructing schools in the local area. Any recommendations? - CH
4/25 4:13pm Thought people would like to see the Norfolk Fire Dept Training Session burning Bill Sweet's house on Main St. this morning. It will be sad to see it go. - JC
4/25 3:23pm To follow up on the KP threat, I spoke with a detective in the Wrentham police, who told me that there will be limited access to the school in the morning (only two doors open as school begins). These entrances will be monitored by police and administration as the students arrive, and random backpack searches will be done. Security within the school will be tight during the day, as a further precaution. They are treating this seriously, but do not consider the threat to be credible. - EC
4/25 2:28pm Here is an announcement from King Philip H.S., regarding an alleged threat to the school for April 26th, tomorrow: April 25, 2007Dear Parents and Guardians:
This morning a student reported to the administration that a message which concerned him was written on the wall in one of the boys' bathrooms. The message threatened that somebody would die if school were held on April 26. We immediately notified the Wrentham Police, who sent several officers to investigate. The consensus among the administration and the police officers was that this message was not a credible threat.
Before the end of the day, we informed the staff and parents of this message by e-mail. In addition, we notified the students over the public address system and distributed a paper copy of this letter for students to bring home.
Since we do not believe that this is a credible threat, the high school will be in session as usual on Thursday, April 26, 2007. In light of recent events in Virginia, however, we have asked teachers and students to be vigilant in reporting any activities, conversations, or messages that may be of concern. The high school administration continues to work with the local police departments to ensure the safety of students and staff within the school.
Sincerely,
Elaine M. Hanson
Principal- EC
4/25 2:18pm I agree with you that teachers are important but if the cost exceeds the town's ability to pay then we end up paying for raises by cutting teachers. - SM
4/25 11:28am Just an FYI - I have just seen my first fisher cat this morning walking though my yard on Campbell Street. - SB
4/25 10:16am From SM's post of 4/24 6:18pm (on Politics page) - SM wrote in this post: "the Town is going to face a budget shortfall in FY 2009, mainly due to an over-rich Teacher Contract granted by the SC to the Teachers that doles out on average 6.75% raises." - SR
4/25 10:09am DEM -- I hope your employer doesn't call you out on the carpet in front of the entire company. If you have questions for Jane, contact her at Town Hall. The poor woman is just trying to do her job without being tarred and feathered in front of the whole town. - JMB
4/25 10:04am Update on the potential School Bus Fee... - SR
4/25 9:07am SM, I see you can't let the teacher contract drop, so here I am again to counter your claims with facts. - DM (School Committee member, voicing my own opinions and not speaking on behalf of the full committee or any other member)
4/25 8:53am Jane, I have a couple of questions for you regarding town finances resulting from your posting on 4/24 6:34pm to DD: - DEM
4/25 8:46am Does anyone know when and if the Sweet farm house on Main St. is scheduled for a firefighters' training burn? I have seen the fire dept. set up there on a couple of occasions and now see writing on the building. I also wonder if the doorframes, window casings, etc., have been taken out; it seems a real shame to burn woodwork that old. I had thought it was being readied to move to another location. - JW
4/24 10:06pm Providing safe school buses for our children should have been the 1st thing funded out of the Norfolk School budget, not the last. It seems to me that without kids we have no need for the staff. If a parent made such poor choices they would be turned in to the Department of Social Services (DSS). The safety of our children was used as a political football to be kicked into the hands of Jim Lehan at the 11th hour. - JPB
4/24 9:47pm Hi there folks,
Re: Upcoming "Verizon Bill" and the need for grassroots involvement on your part!
http://www.massaccess.org/Public%20Policy.html
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/KILLVERIZONBILL/Existing Comcast licenses all provide that if Verizon (or any cable competitor) does not match what Comcast is providing, Comcast may seek relief and reduce what it is currently providing, going down to the competitor's level of local support. As the new bill would result in Verizon providing less than Comcast (in terms of service area construction and Institutional Network), the new bill (if adopted) could result in Comcast being able to seek relief to reduce its existing obligations to go down to the new lower level.(see url below to read in complete text please) Etc....- PRR
4/24 9:34pm I would really appreciate if no one else bashed the web master. He is the only person in this town who reaches out to this community. Norfolknet is a big problem for this town hall, in that it seems it is the first time we have had a voice (do not give me "voting is our voice"). Ok maybe some would argue that a web site is easy because no-one knows who you are; well, I do not know who you are, but everyone seems to know who I am! Even on a field trip today, someone said something about a post. I find it funny. This is a great tplace, if we could appreciate each other's differences it will be very powerful for us as a community. - DV
4/24 9:17pm For those of you who are doing some spring cleaning, I want to share a great community resource, freecycle.com. It's a Yahoo group and the purpose is to find new homes for the good usable stuff you no longer need. There is a Plainville, Norfolk, Wrentham group that I belong to and I have had a blast with it. I have given away all of my baby stuff, outgrown toys, craft supplies that I no longer need, boxes of fabric etc. I have received a pair of size 8 toddler tap shoes (that fit for about 1/2 an hour), a beautiful antique dresser and a ton of sheet music for the piano. Just join the group and post your stuff, people respond if they are interested and you make pick-up arrangements. There is also a Blackstone Valley group but it covers much more area than the Plainville group. I hope to see more Norfolk posts soon. - MJD
4/24 7:56pm The webmaster has seen fit to place my post of Tue 4/24/2007 6:20 PM on the lesser viewed Politics page. - JPB
[Of course I can resist the urge to suppress! As evidence, I present the fact the Politics page exists at all. However, I very much reserve the right to choose what goes onto the front page that everyone, interested in the elections or not, has to see. Today I posted two lengthy messages by SM in support of Jim Lehan that I found thoughtful and educational, a worthwhile read for anyone.
4/24 7:55pm Ok here I go again... I have not been here long enough to know how long we have been talking about a new FC school but... hello... isn't it the teachers within the building that count? We all know now that my kids have Woessner and Pizzi who I think are the best, but, more to the point, my concerns are about what they are learning each day. My kids never come home with a complaint about the "look" of the building or that the rooms are small. If we are in financial crisis, shouldn't we be happy with the building we have and be worried about how safe our kids are getting there and how good the teachers are? Am I missing something? I would much rather have a well-paid teacher in an old building than an under-paid teacher in a fancy one. - DV
4/24 7:54pm I'm trying to follow the exmple with the ambulance, used to contrast the budget processes - if instead of a-la-carte overrides a single override is submitted and the public says NO and votes against it, isn't the fire department left with the same one ambulance on call? And if we have two ambulances, isn't there still a possiblility that three will be needed? And don't we have reciprocal arrangements with neighboring towns so if there are more emergencies than we can handle they can come and help us out? - Wm.
4/24 6:34pm DD, Some of your remarks are factually incorrect. - Jane Wall, Norfolk Finance Department
4/24 6:18pm PL, The outcome of this election is important because no matter who is in the Selectman seat, the Town is going to face a budget shortfall in FY 2009, mainly due to an over-rich Teacher Contract granted by the SC to the Teachers that doles out on average 6.75% raises. The voters need to understand how each of the candidates will deal with the budget shortfall because Lehan and Talerman have dramatically different philosophical views as to the Selectmen's role is and thus how they would approach to the problem. - SM
4/24 6:13pm Riding for the Blind Proceeds to benefit: Massachusetts Lions Eye Research Fund
The Lions Club is a worldwide organization whose charter is to provide aide to the visually impaired through its fundraising activities. The Norfolk Lions Club is holding their first motorcycle run to promote awareness of the need for more research in the area of blindness prevention.
Riders (and others) are invited to join the fun and support the research that may one day prevent blindness!
June 30, 2007 (rain date 7/1/07)
Registration: 8:30am - 10:30am
Bring your old eyeglasses to recycle
$20/per person
Ride leaves at 11:00am sharp!O u t l a w B B Q
Route 1
Foxboro MARide followed by: B B Q Live Band
Raffles Games/Prizes
Free Eye Screening- Gail Bernardo, Norfolk Lions Club
4/24 4:41pm In response to SM's post of 4/24 at 12:13...I really got a good laugh at your post SM. I can't believe you said this... "while Jim Lehan our seasoned and experienced Selectman clearly demonstrated that he understands how to manage the Town's finances in order to balance cash inflows and outflows." Jim Lehan may know how to manage some things but finances is not one of them as proven by our latest debacle by our very own finance department consisting of Jane Wall and Jack Hathaway. As was widely reported in both the Sun Chronicle and the Boomerang, our stellar finance department, under Jim Lehan's watchful eye, failed to submit not one, but two very important financial reports recently. The first was to the state Dept. of Revenue (DOR) and was almost 6 months late. That little error cost the town dearly. Our quarterly local aid payment from the state, worth over $1 million, was held and delayed as penalty to Norfolk. The second report was an audit report that was to be submitted, not by the School Committee, but by our finance dept., and was also not submitted in time. Apparently, the required paperwork still has not been submitted which means Norfolk is not eligible to get into the new state School Building Assistance program. (This program would provide the majority of the funds to fund our new Freeman-Centennial school or its remodel.) And don't tell me the finance dept. is not under Jim's responsibility. Jane Wall was brought in and recommended by Jim Lehan as she and Jim worked together at Aetna. Maybe this little mess is why Jim Lehan has cut the words "Fiscal Responsibility" off the bottom of his old election signs. Check them out. They have been cut off at the bottom. So please spare us your Jim Lehan and his fiscal responsibility. I certainly hope he has other redeeming qualities because sound finance in the public sector is not one of them. - DD
4/24 4:40pm Yes, MON, it is our duty. Those who are more fortunate must help the less fortunate. If we do not, then what is it all for? - DWL
4/24 3:35pm LK: I am so glad I didn't offend you about the piano. It looks like a real beauty, and clearly worth an excellent price. I'm sure you'll have good luck finding the right buyer. Maybe this message will help. Thank you, though - you're kind to say you'll keep me in mind. - SO
4/24 3:34pm Sodium lithium boron silicate hydroxide - not just the stuff of fiction any more! They discovered the mineral in a mine in Serbia. Previously it has only been seen in movies -- this is what was identified as Kryptonite in the movie Superman Returns. "The new mineral does not contain fluorine (which it does in the film) and is white rather than green but, in all other respects, the chemistry matches that for the rock containing kryptonite."
[BBC]- Wm.
4/24 3:33pm Be the bluebird? I thought the bluebirds were the ones dead on the ground under the nest! What's the incentive in being the bluebird? - AR
4/24 3:32pm DWL, next time read my words more carefully. No one said the police and foreman pay wasn't deserved. I said you and others wrap 40B issues around the American flag as though it were a patriotic duty to give away tax money to 40B homebuyers. - MON
4/24 2:54pm Certified K-6 teacher has openings to tutor students in all academic areas. Presently working for Medfield Schools, I am available to tutor out of my home in Norfolk. Please contact me through Norfolknet [box54@norfolknet.com]. - ED
4/24 2:53pm KC, I am sorry to have left you out. I did mention in my post that I am sure I forgot someone. Thanks for all the hard work you people do and you certainly are the meat and bones of the town as well. - DWL
4/24 2:51pm MON, Oh, stop it. I do not send my children to the schools either, but I do vote in any override for the schools. - DWL
4/24 2:26pm To DWL - check the D.P.W.'s yearly pay. Now that's a department that can't buy in Norfolk. It's always fire and police that's talked about. Love them, but they need the D.P.W. All the time we talk police and fire, never the highway department. That department is the backbone of this town. - KC
4/24 1:17pm DWL - One last thing. Have you ever seen how much a firefighter or policeman makes in Norfolk with overtime? I have. I would be happy to share the data. Most make more than enough to afford homes here in Norfolk. So don't pull the patriotism flags and sacred cows with me. Many make over 6 figures of your tax money. Farmers? The are land wealthy, no tears here, so Sell, Sell, Sell! - MON
[Please, do share the data! Otherwise all we're left with is one subjective impression. Must be pretty good data, if it gives a person-by-person breakdown of overtime pay for the town. - Wm.]
4/24 1:14pm Then there is the cow bird that lays its egg in another bird's nest and when it hatches, it pushes the other eggs or baby birds out of the nest and is then raised by the mother bird tending the nest. - JW
4/24 12:26pm BR - thanks for the Bird information. - MON
4/24 12:13pm JL, here is a little more substance for you regarding the Talerman interview with Matt McDonald. - SM
4/24 11:28am JL, I watched Talerman's interview in detail. One topic that I am very interested in is the use of Community Preservation Act funds for recreational projects. Talerman is a member of the CPC. To date no CPC funds have been used for recreational projects. Talerman is also a member of the ConCom and was responsible along with the ConCom for blocking the use of CPA funds to improve the town pond for swimming that was approved by voters at town meeting (See minutes ConCom meeting April 26, 2006 [town hall link].) - SM
[The relevant section from the ConCom minutes seems to be the portion indicated 10:15 p.m. Town Pond Discussion, that concludes with:Mrs. Terrio, a member of the Advisory Board, stated that the Advisory Board was looking for a consensus on this matter. Mr. Talerman stated that the Commission would be supportive of uses at the Town Pond. The discussion closed at 11:00 p.m.- Wm.]
4/24 10:50am The beautiful and active community Jeanne D. Hill Room of the Norfolk Public Library located at 139 Main Street in Norfolk, MA, will be the setting for The Franklin Art Association's "Spring Awakening" art exhibition on view from May 12th through June 2nd. The exhibition features original artworks using a wide range of creative styles and techniques created by the Association members. Viewers are encouraged to attend the free Opening Reception which will be held on Saturday, May 12th, from 1-4 pm, and meet the participating artists. - RC
4/24 10:02am AC - I don't have an inside track, but the helicopter could have been related to the mosquito spraying that is going on this week. See John J. Smith's announcement posted 4/18 4:21pm. - MH
4/24 9:56am Because of the number of municipal meetings this week, DPW, Candidate's Night, Affordable Housing, ConComm and Advisory Board/School Committee, the NCTV/Boomerang candidate interview times have changed. Starting today, Tuesday, April 24th, they will be as follows: It is possible, given the other meetings schedule for broadcast, that these times may, on a particular day, be incorrect, but in general they should remain at these times until the day before the election.
Moderator-Marc Waldman 7am, 5pm Moderator-Dan Winslow 7:45am, 5:45pm Selectmen-Jim Lehan 10:30am, 6:30pm Selectmen-Jay Talerman 11:15am, 7:15pm Planning Board-Tom Burke noon, 8pm Planning Board-Dave Roche 1pm, 9pm Planning Board-Art Spruch 1:45pm, 9:45pm - Paul Guertin, NCTV Station Manager
4/24 9:55am MKL - totally agree with you. When is Town Hall going to tighten their belts - the budget from Town Hall is still showing increases, what happened to level funding or reducing by 1%. - AL
4/24 9:36am SO, it never hurts to ask! :-) We have had interest in the piano, but no takers so far. We are going to give it some time, but will keep your kind offer of a good home in mind.... - LK
4/24 9:35am Why was a helicopter flying so low near Medway Street this morning? - AC
4/24 9:15am Without any disrespect to JPB's 4/23 post (4/23 9:41am I recommend that folks watch the interviews with Jim Lehan and Jay Talerman on Channel 22. ... Jim Lehan espouses the fiscal prudence that town residents have demanded since 2005. Jay Talerman plans to fill the ballot with override questions. ) - JL
4/24 9:14am This affordable housing problem is occurring on the Cape. No longer can teachers, firefighters and policemen afford to live in the desirable towns on Cape Cod. So what happens... they leave. How can a town run without these 3 vital professions. I am sure there are many more people that give to the community that also need affordable housing. What snobbery of anyone to say that they prefer "no more affordable housing in Norfolk." Perhaps they are the ones that should find another town to go to. Again, for anyone who feels this town is too affluent for affordable housing, just remember, at one time the town's major population was farmers, policemen, firefighters and teachers. Let's remember the town functions because of these people. - DWL
4/24 9:10am I voted "no" on last year's Vehicle Stabilization Fund (VSF) override because the Selectmen misjudged my priorities when they only allowed me the opportunity to weigh in on that one issue. As you recall, last year was the same year that librarians, art, and Spanish were being reduced in the schools (without our input). To vote yes on an otherwise sound proposal was a vote to perpetuate the notion put forth by the Selectmen that Norfolk values cars over schools. I do not. To force cuts in school programming while asking voters to spend more on cars was a miscalculated and poor strategy by our Selectmen and a decision that does not reflect my values and priorities. In the end, however, the Vehicle Stabilization Fund does make perfect fiscal sense and should have passed. - RG
4/23 11:04pm To JPB - One failed override regarding vehicles in town does not constitute a clear message about anything, except that people did not want to vote an override for a vehicle stabilization fund. Most people in this town want to evaluate each potential serious service cut to our schools or our public safety or elsewhere, evaluate the costs to maintain, weigh the pros and cons, and vote at the ballot box on it. That is the way we want it and that is the way it should be. Just because you are afraid that people may not vote your way does not mean that voters should not be allowed to vote. You can say all you want, but the Selectmen cannot raise property taxes more than 2-1/2% unless the people vote it so. You and MON should stop complaining so much about allowing the voters the right to vote on basic services in this town and start spending your energy complaining to your Governor and your legislature that they do not send Norfolk enough local aid. That would be a much more productive use of your time. - DD
4/23 10:57pm JPB - What the Selectmen fail to realize, and what you don't [address], is that the last override failed because the schools were faced with all sorts of cuts, and Town Hall has done nothing to tighten their belts. - MKL
4/23 9:52pm Has MON paid the $10.00? - DV
4/23 9:10pm The last override attempt failed by a 4:1 ratio. Now, one need not live in a complicated and convoluted world to conclude that a 4:1 ratio is a clear message; unless one chooses to insult one's own intelligence. The last time I checked, NOGO did not consist of anything approaching 1,400 people. All types of voters came out to say NO to the unbridled spending of their hard earned money, and implicitly, YES to fiscal prudence. - JPB
4/23 8:52pm JPB, thanks for the info on the interviews! We watched them tonight. We were uncertain as to how we would vote, but it's abundantly clear now. We are all for fiscal responsibility and balanced budgets, but we are also for choice. If we want to vote for an override so that our schools stay competitive, our kids stay safe on sidewalks, our neighborhoods stay peaceful with more patrols, and our elderly and sick get the best EMT/ALS support, then we vote yes. If we want none of the above, we vote no. It's actually quite simple. No one, not Mr. Talerman, not Mr. Lehan, not Superman, can raise our taxes beyond the 2.5% cap without it being put to a town vote. What we like about Mr. Talerman is that he is open to letting us, the voters, decide. - AL
4/23 7:03pm JPB, thanks for the heads up on the interviews. I would not have known they were on if you had not posted. And after watching both... Jay has my vote hands down! - DV
4/23 6:38pm Dan Winslow's interview times are 12:45pm and 7:45pm. It has run right along with all of the other interviews. My apologies if it was not listed on the schedule. These times will change tomorrow so check the channel 22 bulletin board or the NCTV schedule found on Norfolknet.com or nctv-norfolk.com Thanks, - Paul Guertin, NCTV Station Manager.
4/23 6:32pm JPB - Isn't it lovely that you can reduce 45 minutes of questions and answers to [partisan] little phrases. It must be wonderful to live in such a simple little world. - DL
4/23 6:31pm To the person with the upright piano for sale on the "Notice Board": I won't call because I can't afford it, but if, for any bizarre reason, you are unable to sell the piano, and would like it to have a good home, please keep me in mind. I know it's entirely ridiculous. - SO
4/23 6:30pm MON, sparrows will do that to most birds. They will take over a whole area and they have about 5 hatchings a year. So you add another 12 or more sparrows to the area. - BR
4/23 4:53pm EAG, Call me, Tom, at 508-517-4708. I am doing alot of work in Norfolk - I may be able to do it. - TD
4/23 4:52pm Our flag is flying! Our thoughts are with the Kennedy family and our gratitude with their son. May he rest in peace. - KD
4/23 4:51pm I noticed that the NCTV broadcasts the candidate interview times, and there was no time for Daniel Winslow. Will there be a time for him? I know there's a lot of people who would be very interested in hearing what he has to say, not just reading about it in the paper. I thought it was wonderful that he would take the time away from his busy schedule (as an attorney) to ride his bike door to door introducing himself (not that everyone doesn't know who he is), meeting people in town, and asking their opinions. I guess it only goes to show who our new moderator should be a lawyer not a money collector. And, one that's "prepared with a ready supply of jokes during the down time." - DH
[Update 6:39pm: 12:45pm and 7:45pm, but about to change, so double-check (see post of Mon, 6:38pm) - Wm.]
4/23 3:46pm The other day I saw a mother bird - I believe a bluebird - feeding its young chicks - what a beautiful sight! - MON
4/23 3:19pm Can anyone recommend someone to install a patio? We currently have just an enclosed porch so there is no existing patio to remove or to work on top of. We will need someone who will be extremely helpful with the layout planning and design stage, as we need help envisioning what will look best with our yard. Thanks! - EAG
4/23 2:16pm Does anybody have a set of training wheels they took off a bike and no longer need? We unfortunately tossed our last set out not realizing we would need them again. Thank you - BD
4/23 9:41am I recommend that folks watch the interviews with Jim Lehan and Jay Talerman on Channel 22. Both state that there is an urgent need for a couple of new buildings or renovations of existing ones. However, the differences are clear beyond that: Jim Lehan-Selectman-10am, 5pm
Jay Talerman-Selectman-10:45am, 5:45pm- JPB
4/23 8:42am Wednesday May 2nd, 7pm the King Philip Jazz Ensemble will perform at a Community send off Rally at The Tavern at Tower Square 119 Washington Street, Plainville, before heading off to The Lincoln Center, New York City to compete with 14 other finalist bands in the prestigious Essentially Ellington Festival on May 4th. - MW, King Philip Music Association
4/23 8:38am To RH: Thanks for the suggestion, but I plan on helping as well and thought I would give some kids a chance to earn some money. Plus, I find, kids are very honest and I will provide for breaks and snacks, hydration and what not. It is good for kids to be able to make their own money as it teaches them a lesson about real life! - JN
4/22 8:21pm Re: 4/22 7:45pm looking for some teenagers interested in making some money by painting my white picket fence. I am willing to pay 10$/hour. - RH
4/22 7:47pm I'd just like to voice my support for naming the Pond Complex for Adam Kennedy, or any other similar ideas. Great suggestion! - KD
4/22 7:45pm Hi, I am looking for some teenagers interested in making some money by painting my white picket fence. I am willing to pay 10$/hour. - JN
4/22 6:32pm BH, where do I send the check? - DV
4/22 3:28pm NCTV has announced that the funderal Service for Sgt. Adam Kennedy is being aired every day this week at 7am and 7pm. - Wm.
4/22 12:34pm
If You are Grouchy,
Irritable, or just Plain Mean,
there will be
a $10 Charge for
Putting Up with You.- BH
[Update 6:36pm: suggested new sign for Floyd's - Wm.]
4/22 12:07pm DG: Very nice. Affordable housing = druggies. Remember, "affordable" in the metropolitan Boston area is somewhere near $180K. And a mortgage to cover that in Norfolk (because of our property taxes) is something close to $1500 a month. If you're a young family just starting out, you and your wife can earn $52K and qualify for 40B. Assistant district attorneys start at $35K. A young ADA and his teacher's aide wife would qualify. And once they have a kid, they can make almost $60K between them and still qualify for 40B housing. - RJG
4/22 12:04pm To the Kennedy Family: So sorry for your loss. Mr. Kennedy, your post was ubelieveable. What bothers me was your comment about that maybe the town went over the top - No sir, and I hope no one in your family heard such a comment. It is not true. We live right around the corner from you; we have never met. I never got to meet Adam. Most of what occureed on Adam's funeral (locally) was by word of mouth, phone calls and emails. Norfolk wanted to be there! I work at Hanscom AFB and went in late that day. So many people asked me, "how was it?" I said sad but very well done! My 79 year old mother walked from our street with us to Grove to show our suppot. The world is full of evil. Your son, Adam stood up against it. My son is graduating high school and he's going in the Army. He knows where he's going and I know where he's going. God bless Adam, your family and America. - DG
4/22 12:02pm The Southeastern Mass. Community Concert Band is beginning rehersals for the summer season. If you are in middle school or up, have an instrument, and would like to play in a band (even if it's been awhile), please join us tomorrow night at 7:30 at the Medway Community Church, Main Street, Medway. All players are welcome, there are no tryouts. For more information, please visit the band's website at smccb.com, or call (508)-533-5532. - CR
4/21 11:49pm To RD: I am a Norfolk resident for 19 years. I too am against more "affordable housing" in this town; I grew up in Dedham and lived in Norwood for 3 years. I am not rich. I do not live in a mansion. We live in a nice house and struggle every month to get by. I do not care if you wear bikie T-shirts and have tatoos. As I tell my children... Remeber, people will judge you by how you dress, speak and act. Now your wour words will be used against you. Why was a shotgun shot through your husband's grandmother's window to try and kill him? - DG
[Update 4/22 12:16pm: speculative comment about gunshot removed - Wm.]
4/21 11:47pm JPB - I think that the webmaster has given your conservative "nogo" zeal plenty of space on this page. This is his/her forum which s/he allows you to post to and I think your observations are unfair and unfortunate. If you host your own page, you can decide what you will and will not allow to be posted or quoted. I feel the webmaster is fair, kind and considerate of all users. I also think s/he takes criticism well and has often reconsidered a decision when asked to do so. - MJD
4/21 10:02pm KD - I highly recommend Dave of "A Cover Up" for slipcovers. You can find the ad and phone number in the Country Gazette classifieds. He does an amazing job, his price is more than reasonable and the turnaround time is quick. He can also get you a discount on fabric. - JT
4/21 9:59pm One more comment about this town... I grew up in Wellesley Hills, moved to Needham, then to Aspen where my first two children were born, back to Needham, then to Norfolk. I have lived in some nice places - sometimes I think I should never have left Needham due to the schools - and then my daughter who has Mrs. Pizzi comes home and tells me about her day and my daughter who has Ms. Woessner comes home (although she is tough, she is fair) and we sit and are grateful as we watch the deer in our back yard. - DV
4/21 9:51pm It should come as no surprise that our webmaster's editorial decisions tend to favor those with liberal opinions and marginalize conservative thoughts, ideas and suggestions. He tends to be particularly restrictive on those with opinions based on faith, more so, if one attempts to quote the Bible, which continues to be the #1 selling book in history. "If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under." - Ronald Reagan- JPB
4/21 11:13am Can anyone recommend a reliable teen or college student to do yard work and grass cutting? I live near the Junior High right off King Street. - PB
4/21 10:59am Norfolk's recently established Affordable Housing Committee invites residents to participate this week in a forum on affordable housing. Residents may attend in person or watch the forum live on NCTV and call in on the dedicated phone line. The forum will provide background information on affordable housing, present highlights from Norfolk's state-approved Affordable Housing Plan, and will include discussion time for questions, comments and suggestions. Further information on affordable housing and the Affordable Housing Committee is available on the [Affordable Housing Committee page] of the [town's website.] Public ForumOrAffordable Housing and the Affordable Housing Plan.
Date: Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Time: 8 p.m.Attend the meeting in Room 124 at Norfolk Town Hall.
- SDM, Chair, Affordable Housing Committee
4/21 10:57am I would like to re-upholster or slipcover my furniture due to wear & tear by pets & children. I contacted some of the big stores and yowza!, the prices were so high, it would be cheaper to buy new furniture. Does anyone know anyone local who does this sort of thing? Many thanks! - KD
4/21 10:56am Sigh.... Should I be surprised by this?
Or if spoke in favor of a certain candidate for selectman...
Or if addressed the benefit or problems associated with the application of pesticides...- CB
[The post being referred to is [this one] - Wm.]
4/21 10:49am GN, I am with you. Sure, there are things wrong with this town, what town doesn't have problems, but when we all compare our town to others... as often has been done here, tell me one that is as beautiful. All the surrounding towns have beauty of their own, I am sure, but everywhere here, that is everywhere that has not been flattened here, is beautiful. - DV
4/21 10:46am I just read the post from Dave Kennedy [4/19 11:53am] buried among the other commentary and questions, and wanted to thank him. What a remarkable family - a son who was willing to serve his country and gave his life in that service, and a father who, in his time of grief, was still able to thank his neighbors for their support and encourage them to be a part of this community by participating in it. Mr. Kennedy, my condolences to your family and a thank you for your thoughtful words. - MFZ
4/20 10:56pm In the words of the late, great JFK, ``Our most common basic link is that we all inhabit the planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children's future. And we are all mortal.'' - JBN
[Thank you, you're very kind :-) I've cross-posted this message to both the main page and Politics, because the main page benefits from it more, but it's likely to be more needed in Politics. - Wm.]
4/20 10:36pm Hello Norfolk Residents, Below is a direct link to the Norfolk Community League's April issue of the newsletter. Direct link: [4/07 newsletter DOC here] website link: norfolkcommunityleague.org - ES, NCL Editor
4/20 10:23pm Dear Mr. Kennedy, You had a very eloquent post, and as hard as these times must be for you and your family, you all must be so proud of what Adam was, is, and always will be - a hero. - PA
4/20 9:31pm As an FYI, Norfolk County Lawn provides mowing, fertilizing, mulching and all other aspects of property maintenance. You can reach us at 781-603-7172 or mowing@comcast.net. Thanks, - MG
4/20 8:27pm "The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a government program."NOGO urges residents to vote on May 1st and at Annual Town Meeting May 8th.- Ronald Reagan - JPB, Founder, NOGO
4/20 8:21pm Another great thing that is happening in this great town of ours tomorrow is the performance of the 7th grade band at Symphony Hall. The 7th graders won a gold medal at the MICCA competition earlier this month and they won a spot to perform. They will be performing on 4/21 at 11:30 (possibly earlier) if you have any inclination to head downtown on what is to be a sunny day. Many of these kids rearranged family vacations in order to perform, at what could be a chance of a life time performance at Symphony Hall, so come on out and support them if you can. - BS
4/20 8:20pm [Update 9:42pm: comment about Republican electorate moved to politics - Wm.]
4/20 6:26pm One of our family's favorite days in Norfolk is coming tomorrow - The Opening Day parade! Come and see all of the baseball and softball players march with their teams from HOD to Freeman at noon. It is a classic small town slice of American! We will join the players for the National Anthem and think about Adam Kennedy. Thanks to Norfolk Little League and Norfolk Girls Softball for a wonderful event! - TMS
4/20 3:41pm A good time and a good deed: one of the famous Irish Tenors, Anthony Kearns, will appear at the Foxboro High School Auditorium April 27, 2007 at 8 pm for the benefit of Felines of Foxboro Shelter Fund. Call 508-384-0799 or email dmpierce50@comcast.net for admission. Premium seats go for $50, General seats for $40, and Balcony for $30. Hope to see you there. - RG
4/20 3:39pm To SCS, I would be happy to meet with you to discuss landscape design ideas for your backyard. My company, Landscape Solutions, specializes in designs and installations, and we're located in Norfolk. Please call me at your convenience: 508-641-8242 and ask for Cecilia. - CS
4/20 2:26pm To MJ: There is a fantastic chiropractor at Pallis Chiropractic in Norwood, MA, pallischiro.com. - KAB
4/20 2:22pm GN: I'm loving life in Norfolk these days, as well. We'll be spending tomorrow morning with some local girl scouts, cleaning up the Charles for Earth day. A parade is coming to town! We can get flowers tomorrow from our local farms! Maybe we'll celebrate an opening day win with ice cream from another local farm! We can walk across our quiet road and go for a canoe ride on the pond!. The flags are flying high! The sun is out! There is hope for change with an upcoming election! I'm with you, it's a good day, but unfortunately there will always be [those] who need to tell us how they have been wronged, how "eco-Nazis" have cheated us, that conspiracies are lurking around every corner, with every town committee. Paranoia, will destroya... But I digress... enjoy the April sunshine everyone. - AL
4/20 2:14pm The female tabby cat that was listed before is currently up for adoption. She is very sweet and friendly to people. She is litter trained and roughly between 2-3 yrs old. - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control (508) 528 3232
4/20 1:57pm GN, you are correct. - SP
4/20 1:10pm SCS For landscaping design and work, I would definitely recommend Mark Ahronian out of Holliston. We had him in for some landscaping suggestions, and he came back with 3 or 4 hand-drawn, color layouts and sat with us one evening to share his ideas. His crew did a great job with our project. May be a bit more expensive, but for a big job done right, it's worth it. - KB
4/20 12:29pm Thank you to all of the Norfolk residents who took the time and called me for work in and around their homes. I am a very detailed carpenter who does decks, cabinets, bathrooms, lattice, shelves, mantels with the extra finish. My prices are fair and I do my best to beat anyone's price. Thanks again, Tom at 508-517-4708. Local references as well. - TD
4/20 11:36am JL, The problem I have with the ConCom is that both Jay Talerman and Larry Harrington right from the get go said they were personally against treating the pond with chemicals to clean the water for swimming. - SM
4/20 10:50am It's a shame that the people who are the angriest tend to be the people who take the time to write. - GN
4/20 9:48am The Town Pond was nice enough years ago when it was open. There was sand on two sides, the church side and the Main St. side. When it first opened, it had a kiddie slide, a big kid slide and a dock with a diving board. Then it was decided, rightly enough, that the slides were very dangerous. They had cement posts at the bottom of them and the posts were at the surface of the water. - JW
4/20 9:31am To JM who is looking for a camp for her daughter - my daughter has enjoyed time in camps at the Adirondack Club in Franklin and the Hale Day camp in Westwood. Hale Day camp has a bus that goes there from Medfield. The only problem is that I am not sure you can go just 2 days/week. Most run a full week and charge that way regardless of how often you use it. But perhaps I am mistaken. - JBN
4/19 9:27pm Can anyone recommend a good landscape designer in the area? I am looking for someone (with a lot more creativity than me!) to develop an overall design for our backyard, one that I can slowly build towards over time. Thanks. - SCS
4/19 9:03pm We are advised of a network problem preventing Comcast customers from reaching Norfolknet. Comcast is aware of the problem, hopefully they will resolve the issue soon. Files smaller than 1000 bytes will load ok, files bigger will hang forever. We are currently receiving widespread reports of difficulty reaching sites hosted on our network from the Comcast network. We are attempting to address the issue with Comcast, as there appears to be no problem on this end. This is at least the third recurrence of this type of problem this year; we remain hopeful that Comcast can resolve the difficulty.- Wm.
4/19 5:43pm re: Town Pond - My son and daughter swam in the town pond about 30 years ago. Typically both would get ear infections there and would have to go to the pediatrician. - RH
4/19 5:36pm The NCTV/Boomerang sponsored candidate interview broadcast times for the contested offices are as follows:
Jim Lehan Selecmen 10am, 5pm Jay Talerman Selectmen 10:45am, 5:45pm Marc Waldman Moderator noon, 7pm Dan Winslow Moderator 12:45pm, 7:45pm Tom Burke Planning Board 2pm, 8:30pm David Roche Panning Board 3pm, 9:30pm Art Spruch Planning Board 3:45pm, 10:15pm - Paul Guertin, NCTV Station Manager
4/19 3:07pm This website is not what I thought it would be when I signed up for it. Although many good things are debated, there is much hate being spewed back and forth. For that reason I no longer intend to bother with Norfolknet. I'll just watch the 6 o'clock news if I want to be a witness to constant chaos. - BH
4/19 3:06pm Re: The Town Pond - I thought it sounded like a grand idea to clean up the town pond and have families go there in the summer to picnic and have kids swim through the water... That is, until my family and I went and took a look at it. Have you actually checked out the Town Pond? We did about 6 months ago, and were very disappointed. It is very small, looks very shallow and murky and does not really look like a place where many people would want to hang out. Am I missing something? If you haven't looked at it yourselves, please check it out. Park in the Old Town Hall lot then walk down the dirt path at the back until you arrive at a little pond. I'd like to know what others think of it as a future swimming site. - MD
4/19 3:04pm SM - identify yourself. (here's your post... 4/19 12:46pm PL, At the last town meeting the voters approved the use of Community Preservation funds to re-establish the town pond as a facility were families could swim and picnic. ...) - JL
4/19 2:10pm To RD - I sympathize with your disgust at some of the insulting posts made on NorfolkNet by certain people. You have every right to be dismayed by what you read. I was very dismayed also and let the webmaster know, and several others have noted that we think certain people hide behind their anonymity, using intials-only to say very demeaning things as well as make baseless accusations. It is a shame. However, I do believe that most people in Norfolk do not hold those views. At least I hope. I know my friends and acquaintances do not. This town could use fewer new McMansions and a lot more sense of community. I too am embarrassed by our fellow citizens but am hopeful that it is a small group that holds such beliefs. Maybe change will come sooner rather than later here. - MD
4/19 1:34pm Only a complete self-absorbed [person] judges someone by the dollar amount in their bank account or material possessions. - MH
4/19 1:08pm RD, Welcome to Norfolk where people think they are affluent - but, if they were, they would be living in Dover, Wellesley or Weston. We have been here 17 years, and you have a right, tatoos and all, to live in this town as much as anyone else. It is very nice to hear that you have landed a place to live in this community. Trust me, the same people who are giving you the looks are the ones who will not shell out a dime more for anything including the schools in this town. They are the same ones that are complaining because of a small bus fee that they may have to pay. You are welcome here, and it is the ones staring at you that should leave. Enjoy the community; you are as much a part of it as everyone else. Congrats on the housing and I am glad we as a community were able to help out with that. - DWL
4/19 12:59pm The ironic part of RD's post is that he/she is critical of people for being judgmental. How could this have possibly gotten posted? Talk about spewing hatred and being uncivil. - MH
4/19 12:46pm PL, At the last town meeting the voters approved the use of Community Preservation funds to re-establish the town pond as a facility were families could swim and picnic. Unfortunately Mr.Talerman has used his position on the Conservation Commissions to block the will of the voters. He doesn't want the pond to be used for swimming because Norfolk would have to "Develop" the pond and add some chemicals to the water. Jay thinks there is no need for a town pond because everyone in town is well off like himself and has private pools. This is a good example of Talerman using his position of power to advance his personal agenda with blatant disregard for the will of the voters. Good thing Talerman is so loquacious at the Con Con meetings he bothers to attend so we can see the "real" Jay Talerman, in action promoting his personal "green" agenda. Picture this, while Jay is lounging by a fancy pool all cool and refreshed on a hot and humid 95 degree day this summer, the less fortunate residents will be spraying down their kids down with hoses instead of spending a nice fun day swimming at the town pond. There will be no swimming and "Cheeseburgers in Paradise" coming to the town pond anytime soon. If he get's elected as Selectman watch out for the ultimate power grab. "Ms. Proto stated that the Recreation Department wants to re-establish town pond as a swimming facility.' ''Mr. ... Talerman stated that he supports the idea of the cleanup of the town pond area but questioned the use of swimming at this site. He noted that he was not sure if this was the ideal location for swimming. He noted that he would support the facility for fishing and passive recreation. Ms. Proto stated that this project was resurrected because of a survey. She noted that over 1/2 of the 400 responses to the survey mentioned swimming facilities. Ms. Proto stated that this project was presented to the Community Preservation Committee as a fishing and swimming project. Mr. ... Talerman stated that he is concerned with the potential overuse of the town pond. He noted that much of the town has private swimming pools. Ms. Proto stated that a swimming pool was voted down by town meeting approximately seven years ago. Mr. ... Talerman stated that Mirror Lake is a great swimming resource. Ms. Proto stated that there is no public access to Mirror Lake."- SM
4/19 12:42pm I am searching for a camp for our daughter who is 6 years old. We are looking for a camp for two days per week for full day (until 5 - 6 p.m.) that is preferably east or north of Norfolk (commuting direction). - JM
4/19 12:41pm Check out Channel 22 (local access cable), Selectmen Interviews at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. I caught some of the interviews this morning. Extremely insightful and valuable, necessary for making informed decisions on both candidates. Watch for it tonight, you won't be disappointed. - LR
4/19 12:29pm Ok, I've sat idly by and listened to you rich people spout off long enough. Oh, boo hoo, you're gonna have to pay a few more dollars in taxes on your multi-million dollar mansions for a young family (such as mine) to be able to afford to live in this town. I'm not, never have been and never will be (god willing) poor, but if I were, so what!! Are you all really that shallow! Would you or do teach your children and were you taught yourselves to be that [short-sighted]. Only a complete self-absorbed [person] judges someone by the dollar amount in their bank account or material possessions. - RD
[Update 6:30pm: upon consideration, Biblical reference also omitted - Wm.]4/19 11:53am To the members of my community, the Town of Norfolk, thank you. Your magnificent tribute to my son Sgt. Adam Kennedy will be long remembered and many will hold these events of the last week in their hearts as long as they live, I know I certainly shall. The outpouring of love and respect we received from all of the members of our community causes me to weep anew with pride for the town we call home. - Dave Kennedy
4/19 11:49am GB, thanks for the information on the upcoming master planning meeting, April 25. Will there be a summary of the committee's response/consideration of public input to date? I attended one of the public meetings in the library last year, so I most curious how that feedback has been incorporated into the committee's subsequent work. Thanks, - RG
4/19 11:48am I need a good chiropractor. By "good", I mean one who is gentle and does not use great force. I had one years ago who was great, she just sort of lifted my head and repositioned it. No grunting or groaning. - MJ
4/19 11:46am Can anyone recommend someone who does Ceramic Tile? - PB
4/19 11:40am For JGP & KB, Try Handyman Carpentry. They do both jobs big and small. From kitchen and baths to painting and trim work. You probably have seen his truck around town. Give Scott a call at 508-272-1050. He is a local. - MP
4/19 11:39am Need an electrician, try calling Pat Hazlett 508-400-0780 - PC
4/19 11:38am To BS - I don't know who wrote the poem. All I know is that it is native, American. I feel that it is very appropriate - just because someone is gone in physical life - I believe that they are still with us - that there is no loss - that whoever is always with us. - DN
4/19 11:22am A remembrance of Adam Kennedy is one that I think we all have thought about. Rather then the main roundabout in the town center, what about naming the Pond Street Complex to the Adam Kennedy Recreational Fields. Every news story mentioned that Adam was an athlete. - CF
4/19 12:36am Does anyone know of a good electrician? We had one come out, and he never got back to us with a price. - DH
4/19 12:27am Sgt. Adam Kennedy should always be honored and never forgotten by the town of Norfolk. We can ensure this by naming the main roundabout in town after Norfolk's hero who chose to defend this great nation on our behalf. - JPB
4/18 9:32pm DN - Thank you. Who wrote that? You? It's beautiful. My heart has been heavy this week; it's been a very sad week here in Norfolk and Virginia. We stayed totally uncommitted this school vacation week and I can't tell you how sweet it's been; rain and all. You never know what tomorrow will bring and certainly your poem reminds us all of what we have, each and every day. Thank you again. - BS
4/18 9:22pm KB, call me, Tom at 508-517-4708. I am a finish carpenter. Have local references. Can do all the work you mentioned. - TD
4/18 8:52pm Hi - we are looking for any recommendations for someone to do some light(?) carpentry work - replace trim boards around our garage doors, as well as some built-in shelves/cabinets in our family room. Any leads would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance, - KB
4/18 7:52pm My heart goes out to the Kennedy Family and their loved ones and friends. . I am not thereDo not stand by my grave and weep.
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints of snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quite birds in circled flight
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die.- DN
4/18 4:48pm Free Health Fair at the Norfolk Senior Center April 24th 1 to 4 p.m. There will be free screenings from the Walpole Visiting Nurse Association - balance and blood pressure, Dr. James Orphan chiropractor, computerized spinal analysis - Keven Blanchette- Miracle Ear, Dr. G Violin Medical care Assoc- cataract & glaucoma. - RC (the other RC)
4/18 4:21pm The upcoming Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project Aerial Helicopter Larval Control Application is due to begin on Friday, April 20, 2007 and will continue into the week of April 23 - 27, 2007. Thank you. From: John J. Smith, Director, Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project
Date: April 2, 2007
Re: Notice of Aerial Larval Control ApplicationIn accordance with 333 CMR 13.05 (2) (a & b), please consider this as notification of the pending aerial applications targeting mosquito larvae in the larger floodplain wetlands of the county.
The Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project will be conducting helicopter applications of the biorational larvicide Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) to control mosquito larvae. Go to the Projects website for wetland locations. The summer wetland locations will be posted before the application begins. These applications will be conducted over specific large wetlands in the Towns of:
Bellingham, Braintree, Canton, Dedham, Dover, Franklin, Holbrook, Medfield, Millis, Milton, Needham, Norfolk, Norwood, Quincy, Randolph, Sharon, Walpole, Westwood.
These applications will commence on Friday, April 20, 2007 and will continue into the week of April 23 through April 27, 2007, from dawn until dusk, weather permitting.
The trade name of the granular formulations of Bti to be used is VectoBac G (EPA Reg. #73049-10). For further information contact John J. Smith, Director at (781) 762-3681 or the Boards of Health in the towns listed above. Information is also available on line at massnrc.org/ncmcp
Respectfully submitted,
John J. Smith, Director- Betsy Fijol, Board of Health
4/18 12:49pm From Town Hall: Town of Norfolk
Update to the Master PlanA subcommittee is working at the direction of the Planning Board to update the 1992 Master Plan for Norfolk. The Master Plan provides the "What and "Why" for Norfolk's future growth and development with recommendations through use of goals and objectives to be used by Town Government in implementation programs during the next ten year period. There will be a Citizen Forum in the Town Library on April 25, 2007 to insure that citizen input on future growth in Norfolk is current and inclusive.
Please join us and be part of Norfolk's future.
Master Plan citizen forum at the library on Wednesday, April 25th from 7:00 P.M. TO 8:00 P.M.
- GB, Town of Norfolk
4/18 11:50am The rain seemed appropriate for the occasion. - JW
4/18 10:58am Does anyone know of a good estate appraiser who will go to the home - catalog & pack everything for auction? This would include furs, jewelry, Lenox ,silverware, Waterford, old American cut glass, Llardo, etc. - BR
4/18 10:52am Tuesday was a sad day here in Norfolk, MA. The town said goodbye to Sgt. Adam Kennedy. May his parents, his siblings and friends find solace and peace in the knowledge that their son was loved and honored by so many. "War may sometimes be a necessary evil. But no matter how necessary, it is always an evil, never a good. We will not learn how to live together in peace by killing each other's children."
- Jimmy Carter (1924 - )I could only stare, tears slowly escaping from my eyes in the rain as I watched the procession of motorcyles and cars slowly leave the church, carrying Adam to his final resting place. I snapped a few photos, my way of paying my respect and saying goodbye...
- PRR
4/17 8:42pm The Friends of the Norfolk Library Book and Bake Sale is scheduled for the weekend of April 27th and 28th. We still have openings for volunteers at both the set-up of the sale and as cashiers at the actual sale itself. If you can help, please call Beverly B. at 508-528-9725. - Mary Jo Gothorpe, Friends of the Norfolk Library
4/17 6:32pm [post removed by request]
4/17 6:30pm The King Philip Music Association will be holding its semi-annual can and bottle drive on Saturday, April 28th, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. There will be collection locations in Wrentham at the center town parking lot, in Norfolk, in front of Main Street Hardware, and in Plainville at the Wood Elementary School. Students will also be going to some neighborhoods collecting cans and bottles. All proceeds go to benefit the music programs at King Philip High School and Middle School. - MW, King Philip Music Association
4/17 6:08pm As I stood and watched Adam Kennedy's casket go down Grove St. today, I couldn't help but think how wonderful it was for so many Norfolk residents to come out and show Adam's family just how proud we are of him for serving his country. May he rest in peace forever. - DH
4/17 5:06pm Does anyone know of any local function halls or public spaces available for renting that can hold approximately 120-140 people? It would be helpful if the rental included tables and chairs in the price. Thanks! - HN
4/17 5:03pm Attention Friends of the Norfolk Library: you've got a date next Friday night, April 27 from 6-9 pm at the DPW garage -- as a friend you get to preview the Book Sale! We'll have over 25,000 books for sale, $2 for hardcover, $1 for paperbacks, children's books are $1 for large sized hardcovers and $.50 for smaller books. Friends of the Norfolk Library pay no admission for their immediate family members on Friday night. Not a Friend? No problem, you can sign up today at the library or at the door on Friday night (minimum $15 donation), otherwise, join the general public at Saturday's sale (free admission) from 9-4. For more information visit: norfolkbooksale.com. - PCS, Friends of the Norfolk Library
4/17 1:05pm Has anyone ever had a bathtub repainted, or "porcelanized" is probably a better description? Anyone you could recommend? - PB
4/17 11:02am JGP, if you're looking for someone to gut your bathroom, call Tom DeMarzo, 508-517-4708. He does everything right down to the trim work. He's a carpenter, he does bathrooms, decks, bookshelves, just about anything. Local references. Tell him KD sent you. - KD
4/17 9:21am To JGP, In response to your post for renovating your bathroom. I would highly recommend Terry J. Dexter Custom Building. Extremely professional and fair. You may reach him at 978-500-2212. Terry just completed work on our home and we are very happy with the results. Good Luck. - LR
4/17 9:20am Our condolences to the family and friends of Sgt. Adam Kennedy. And... Thoughts for us all. With our deepest respect and gratitude.
You Are Not AloneMay God bless you Adam And keep you safe in His arms May you never be alone again. May your family be gifted Peace in the Healing Light of Love.
Lyrics By Pamela Ruby RussellLife's too short for the ones we love
Take my hand so you won't get lost
Candles burn to light the way
Memories and the friends we've made
Also, I wanted to say something else... and I mean no disrespect. It is with respect and my deepest gratitude that I thank the Kennedy family for their profound sacrifice in the loss of their beloved Adam... And I mourn his ultimate sacrifice for our Nation. I have some experience in this... my first love was killed in Viet Nam, by "friendly" artillery fire. His name is inscribed upon the Wall in Washington, DC.
"If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other." -- Mother TeresaAnd finally.... a very evil man probably said it best of all. I guess he really knew what he was talking about."There is no way to peace, peace is the way." -- A. J. Muste
"When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace." -- Jimi Hendrix
"What difference does it make to the dead, the orphans and the homeless, whether the mad destruction is wrought under the name of totalitarianism or the holy name of liberty or democracy?" -- Mahatma Gandhi (1869 - 1948), "Non-Violence in Peace and War"
"Mankind must put an end to war, or war will put an end to mankind." -- John Fitzgerald Kennedy
"Peace and friendship with all mankind is our wisest policy, and I wish we may be permitted to pursue it." -- Thomas Jefferson
"Vietnam presumably taught us that the United States could not serve as the world's policeman; it should also have taught us the dangers of trying to be the world's midwife to democracy when the birth is scheduled to take place under conditions of guerrilla war." -- Jeane Kirkpatrick, 1979
"More than an end to war, we want an end to the beginning of all wars -- yes, an end to this brutal, inhuman and thoroughly impractical method of settling the differences between governments." -- Franklin D. Roosevelt.
"Naturally the common people don't want war; neither in Russia, nor in England, nor in America, nor in Germany. That is understood. But after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine policy, and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is to tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country." -- Hermann Goering [See footnote]- PRR and EL
4/16 9:21pm A reader sent this anonymous tribute to the Kennedy family: An excerpt from ``The Truly Great'' by Stephen SpenderNear the snow, near the sun, in the highest fields
See how these names are fêted by the waving grass
And by the streamers of white cloud
And whispers of wind in the listening sky.
The names of those who in their lives fought for life
Who wore at their hearts the fire's center.
Born of the sun they traveled a short while towards the sun,
And left the vivid air signed with their honor.- Wm.
4/16 7:14pm Does anyone know what part of Main Street will be closed tomorrow? Daley's down to the church? Park Street to the church? - RJP
4/16 6:09pm We received an update about the services for Sgt. Kennedy: Information regarding the services for Sergeant Adam Kennedy as well as parking alternatives during the services are available at the website: [virtualnorfolk.org/kennedy.html]The Kennedy family has arranged for a horse drawn caisson to proceed from the family home on Grove Street, to Park Street, to Main Street to St. Jude's Church on Tuesday morning. The caisson will depart the family home at approximately 9:00 A.M Tuesday morning. The Norfolk Fire Department has small American flags for families who can stand along the route.
- Wm.
4/16 3:07pm I am looking for referrals and recommendations for a contractor to totally gut and renovate my only full bathroom. - JGP
4/16 1:49pm To Adam Kennedy's family and the people of Norfolk, we only knew Adam for such a short time before he headed off to Iraq with our son. My son was there when Adam passed away and our hearts grieve for the family and for those who are still left in Iraq to deal with this loss. - Spc. Chris Pinkerton and Sarah Pinkerton and Dan and Kim Pinkerton, Eagle River, Alaska.
4/16 11:26am HF's post from this weekend has given me a great deal to think about, and I think it would be swell if we all had a moratorium on the nasty posts from midnight tonight until midnight tomorrow out of respect and tribute to Adam Kennedy. Ten years from now it won't matter who said what about whom, and few of us will remember who held office in this town, let alone who ran. But I do think many of us will remember Adam Kennedy's sacrifice, and I hope that memory will keep us humble. Thank you. - KEM
4/16 11:26am Anyone looking for childcare at my home or if you know someone please contact me. Teachers hours and schedule would be perfect. I would also offer babysitting on weekends and/or off-hours if needed. Fenced in yard, childproof home and lots of experience. Great references. Starting now or in the Fall. Thanks for your time. - KD
4/16 10:56am I don't follow - how does building an $800,000 house on an acre result in a larger tax base than building it on 1/5 an acre, and leaving 4/5 acre undeveloped? - AR
4/15 9:11pm Re: 4/15 3:38pm, JBN: - RH
4/15 6:45pm Thanks for all of those facts, RLG. I wish we had more members of various boards who would correct the misinformation from some people. - RH
4/15 6:31pm To AR: Correct on almost all counts, except that by decreasing the larger homes being built on large lots (suburban sprawl) and adding condos or townhouses with little land/small lots, you still decrease the tax base, affordable or not. And if there are a lot of kids (no offense, I love kids) then they will add to the ever-increasing pupil population, thus adding more financial burden to already financially burdened school system. That's all. No argument that urban settings aren't great (I would personally love to be able to walk to the grocery store!), but most of these postings have been upset about the bus fee, let alone the thought of another override. It is simple math. There has to be some balance, but in all fairness, I love seeing new, larger homes being built. It is good for our town. We don't really want to stop the growth, do we??? It is not like we are smashing down little Capes and replacing them with huge homes on 10K lots. I don't see huge traffic jams either. - JBN
4/15 5:41pm Not "rest" of the moonscape - the 40B housing in town center was lovely woods before the mining then development started. Over a million dollar's worth of gravel was trucked to Tresca Bros; the developer could afford to yield on the cosmetics. The moonscape proper predates the 40Bs. - AR
4/15 5:37pm MON - Re your antipaty toward 40b. What are you talking about? As a member of the Zoning Board I am actually very proud of what we were able to accomplish with Borelli with respect to the downtown 40B. The developer came in, as developers are wont to, with a soulless and aesthetically mortifying Stalinesque block of apartment buildings. Jay, who was the town's attorney on this one, had a lot of experience working with bad 40Bs and turning them into good 40Bs and suggested to Borelli the win-win solution that he's building now. - RJG
4/15 3:53pm But isn't urban-style housing development unrelated to affordable housing? There is no reason that urban-style housing has to be affordable or be town houses; they can be expensive single-family homes, just on small lots. Having grown up in Europe, I'm partial to wall-to-wall adjacent brownstone-style buildings. - AR
[Update 4:26: Oops, mis-read the 20% cap - AR]
4/15 3:38pm After reading the various posts regarding 40B, I realized that I really did not know that much about it. So I did a search and educated myself. As far as the impact on developers, this is what the Boston Globe had to say in March of this year: There have been many critics of 40B even though these developments are typically constructed with little or no public funds. Affordability is typically attained by the market rate units cross-subsidizing those reserved for the less affluent households. Most recently, a report released by the inspector general disclosed that a number of developers of 40B housing had realized inappropriate profits. Of course, in market-rate housing, developers have no limit on their profits. Under 40B, however, any profit in excess of 20 percent of total development costs must be returned to the towns for affordable housing purposes.Interesting. But what really caught my eye was the Jay Talerman website that talked about ``smart development''. That is different. It is more the ``urbanization of the suburbs''. Natick has done this. It seems to me it means providing dense living near public transportation and decreasing suburban sprawl. Think about the development of townhouses we have now above the ``moonscape''. The idea is pack them in so we lessen the environmental impact on our towns (by walking, using public transportation, etc..) and conserve open space.The inspector general's review of five 40B homeownership developments found that three exceeded the 20 percent profit limitation and that two did not. However, in each case the developers are disputing these findings, arguing that the inspector general is retroactively applying new rules to these older developments and that they therefore do not owe money to the towns.
- JBN
4/15 12:59pm Please forgive me for the lateness of this response regarding rabbit care. I am a licensed House Rabbit Society Educator. Rabbits, like cats and dogs are domesticated animals (unlike their cottontail and hare "cousins" ) and belong indoors. Spaying/neutering is critical to their long-term health as well as their mental well-being. A female that is unspayed faces a nearly 85% chance of developing reproductive cancers by the age of four, and males face a cancer risk as well, although it is smaller. One of the main reasons why rabbits are set free (worst thing you could possibly do since wild rabbits rarely survive more than 3 years in the wild) or offered free to a good home (check out the fate of these full grown rabbits in You Tube videos being fed to large snakes--very graphic and disturbing), is that unspayed/unneutered rabbits can become aggressive, spray urine, become destructive, etc. Rabbits live from 10-12 years and are pretty phenomenal pets. They usually get along well with cats, and if introduced slowly and properly to dogs, can get along well with them as well. Rabbits that live in outdoor hutches face a host of problems with the most serious being death from fright or fly stike (they can and do get maggots because they cannot easily escape flies). Even the safest of hutches is not usually safe enough. I have so much information to back what I am saying, and any good rabbit-savvy veterinarian will advise you to spay/neuter and keep your rabbit indoors always. And a proper diet (90% day, approx. 8% healthy green and limited pellets) goes a long way toward a long and healthy life. - EF
4/15 12:47pm Connor's fun run (connorsfunrun.com) is seeking individuals to help out on race day, Sunday May 6th. We are looking for people to help out with race day setup, putting mile markers out on the course, working at the registration desk, working out on the course at water tables, handing out give away items as runners/walkers cross the finish line, and looking for someone to work the food tables. If you need hours for community service or just looking to help out at a community event, we would love to hear from you - please give us a call 508-520-1582! Thanks - KR
4/15 12:39pm CB posted: I think I'll write in George Bush for Selectman... (No, I'm not serious) - BA
4/15 12:03pm MON--You might want to take a look at the front page of Globe West today. Norfolk is not a poor town. Granted, not as wealthy as Dover or Wellesley, but one of the more affluent with 33% of our towns folks having income of more than $100k (in 2004). Also, as was posted here in prior messages, median (not mean or average) income is $104K (more than Medfield). 40B housing is so that our children, teachers, firemen and police officers can live here. - BS
4/15 11:40am It was always my impression that the 40B law was a deliberate loophole put in to help out developers; leverage they could use with which to bully towns. It's made little overall difference, the affordable housing rate in towns is what, 3%? The law says 10 - a nice, comfortable limit sure to never be reached. In fact, the only way Norfolk can possibly reach 10% is if nearly every new development from now until complete buildout is a 40B development. Not a meaningful target - leverage. - AR
4/15 11:03am I think I'll write in George Bush for Selectman... (No, I'm not serious) - CB
4/15 11:02am HF ...and the others who commented on his/her very articulate and moving letter. Thank you for your posts regarding Norfolk's hero that we honor on Tuesday. There are so many other heroes as well serving us in their special way in dangerous locations around the owrld. - JHR
4/15 11:00am I reitierate to the Norfolk public, Mr. Talerman is one of the most forceful advocates of 40B Subsidized Housing and Socialistic policies in the State of Massachusetts. This policy also harms responsible and efficient development, not unchecked development. - MON
4/14 10:34pm RG: I noticed that, too. I visited Mr. Lehan's web site just today, trying to figure out his vision for our town for the next few years. I saw very little, just a mention that he will soon share his ideas on "how the community can work together to meet challenges." So far, all I can tell is that he is hung up on carrying a black book around, marking attendance, and blaming others for the lack of progress on the "moonscape." I am not trying to be disrespectful; I am genuinely interested in the plans Mr. Lehan has. I don't want to hear about Aetna, I want to hear about Norfolk! - DL
4/14 9:32pm HF, BS, RM, TEM: Thank you for the posts about Adam Kennedy, and thanks to Jim Lehan for the words before the last Selectman's meeting. I believe that Adam and all who have served will be in our minds and prayers always. - RH
4/14 8:31pm It is quite revealing that Jim Lehan's Town Finances web page is still "under construction" with only 15 days until election day. When a candidate's only platform and claimed strength is empty, it makes me worried, especially on the heels of the recent late filings of key financial paperwork. I, therefore, find it laughable that MON, SM, and others attempt to prop up their candidate by relying so heavily on Mr. Talerman's web site www.jaytalerman.com. Give us a break. At least Jay Talerman is continually updating his site, thus providing us with an opportunity to learn about him, his ideas, and his accomplishments. - RG
4/14 8:08pm I would also like to salute that extraordinary and thoughtful post by HF. I don't think it presumptuous to state that her (his) beautifully written sentiments are shared and held by us all. My deepest sympathies go out to the Kennedy family at this very difficult time. The ultimate sacrifice made by this fine young man will not be forgotten. - TEM
4/14 6:22pm I come onto Norfolknet only on the weekends. As a consequence, I have to read many accumulated posts. Some I scan, some I read. Many leave me wondering what on Earth the writer was thinking. HF's recent post about Adam Kennedy stopped me in my tracks. A couple of years ago, on Thanksgiving Day, Globe columnist Jeff Jacoby wrote a beautiful piece about the value of being thankful. The gist of it was that if you are not thankful for what you have, you will be forever doomed to unhappiness. A person who cannot realize why he is fortunate to live in the United States or fortunate to live in as nice a town as Norfolk will find fault with everything instead of savoring the great things about our country or town. Did the readers of Norfolknet serve their country in the Armed Services or the Peace Corps or other opportunities? Do they have children serving today? Do you as a reader feel sorry for people whose children choose to serve our nation? Today's Globe had a disturbing column stating that exactly one US Congressman has a child in the Armed Forces. - RM
4/14 5:40pm HF - Thank you. Your son is lucky to have you. Peace to you too. - BS
4/14 4:27pm I just tucked my three year old son in for a nap. As I lay with him trying to get him to fall asleep, I told him that Tuesday was going to be a very special day for him because he was going to salute a hero. As I spoke, I was twirling his brown curls between my fingers and embracing his innocence while my thoughts travelled to Mrs. Smyth. I imagined how many times she had tucked her young Adam into bed and kissed him goodnight. My heart breaks for her and the entire Kennedy family because I cannot even begin to imagine the pain they are going through. The next time you walk into your church, synagogue or mosque to pray, please know that it is not the priest, rabbi or iman that has unlocked the door that day, but rather the spirit of young men and women like Adam, who have afforded us the opportunity to worship freely.Like so many of you, I never had the honor of meeting Adam, but in reality, we have all known Adam our whole lives. You see, it is young men and women like Adam who allow you and me to live the lives we have grown accustomed to as Americans.- HF
4/14 1:59pm If I recall correctly, my original Wm annotation was "how about cutting back on Moonbat-isms" - a perfectly neutral, non-overbearing Wm request, which prompted you to start arguing ("I don't think I called anyone the 'm word'"). Well, I can argue as well as anyone; it wasn't my intention to pore over your comments word by word to point out the put-downs or to analyze why they're insulting and unacceptable, but when publicly contradicted, I was willing to document my case. - Wm.
4/14 1:13pm I just had to look up the "Fells" issue that MON brought up. In short, what of it? I read the court decision; I read the archived newspaper articles; I read the newletter put out by the "Fells." MON, you must be obsessing on the part: "(Judge) Nonnie Burnes dismissed all three counts of a legal Complaint filed by the Friends of the Fells, and the Cities of Melrose and Medford in February of this year." "Those in attendance at the hearing said that it was clear from the Judge's statements that she had no interest in looking at the merits of the case made by the plaintiffs challenging the Stoneham Zoning Board of Appeals approval of a vastly oversized development project in the Fells."You are clearly one of the few in Norfolk that have a complete and total disregard for [...] common sense approach for development. Oh, regarding the project that was part of the court case, Stoneham Executive Center /Langwood Commons was in fact scaled back due to the efforts of other parties. If you are going to try and drop "bombs" like this, you might want to remember to light the fuse."The Judge openly stated her opinion in the courtroom that all environmental appeals are simply filed as delaying tactics."
- WB
4/14 11:30am According to recent polls Bush's approval rating is hovering somewhere around a whopping 30%. [...] it would follow that up to 70% of the nation's population are "moonbats." - TEM
4/14 11:24am DM: As I mentioned in my earlier posts, I do in fact find value in Spanish and computers. I don't think I ever said that we should charge for Spanish, which (as you point out) would not be possible. I simply pose the question to make a point. That is, if we can't afford free busing, then why (as a town) can we afford free Spanish or free computers? P.S. I love when we stay on subject! I didn't have use the "m" word once! ;)
- If a fee is due in May, and someone decides in August that they need bus service (within 2 miles), should the service be available to them?
- If a fee is paid by a resident in May, who in August realizes that they no longer want the service (personal choice, employment status, moving out of town), should the fee be rebated?
- What about mid year changes? Should sufficient portions of the funds be set aside for rebates during the year?
- Busing is funded in the school budget for 2006/2007. If a bus fee is collected in 2007/2008, should the school budget be decreased by the amount collected from the fee?
- CB
4/14 10:08am Re: Clarification on Town Pond - The ConComm has been encouraging the Rec Dep't to come up with a full plan for use of the pond, but the Rec Dept came in last year only for removal of weeds by use of invasive chemicals. The ConComm denied the proposal, seeking, instead, a full plan and, if possible, avoidance of the use of chemicals. Then it was the Rec Dep't, not the ConComm, that appealed to the State Dep't of Environmental Protection even after Jay Talerman urged the Selectmen not to let the appeal go forward as it was a colossal waste of town money. Indeed, perhaps they should have heeded the advice of Jay Talerman because the State DEP upheld the ConComm's decision and rejected the appeal. - PL
4/14 10:07am I am looking for ideas for entertainment for a child's outdoor party in the summer. I am open to ideas on entertainers or other activities. Thanks! - AP
4/14 10:06am MGD: May God bless your relative in Korea, and keep him safe. I am very much thankful for their service. - CB
4/14 10:03am Wm: Got it.. - CB
4/14 10:02am I really love Norfolknet, but sometimes I wonder if the use of initials allows participants to feel comfortable using stronger language than they would if their posts were signed with their names. We've still got to live together -- big houses and small houses, near the school and far from the school, well-traveled and homebodies, multilingual and monolingual -- no matter what we feel. I find it hard to believe that some residents could proudly repeat in person what they've written in their posts. - HPK
4/14 10:00am Looking for something to do today with the family? In Foxboro, 6 Bird Street/Route 140, from 12 -2PM: join the National Day of Climate Action. Fun, games, earth-friendly snacks, music, information. [Foxboro StepItUp] - RG
4/14 9:51am CB, Regarding charging for Spanish, Computers, or any other program you may not personally find valuable for the children of this town, legally we could not charge for these classes even if we wanted to-which we don't. I'll also reiturate my earlier point that I don't want to charge for bussing but legally it is an option (for those that live within the 2 mile limit set by the state of MA) and we may have to do so now or in the future. - DM (comments made above are my own and do not necessarily represent those of other SC members or the board as a whole.)
4/14 9:48am DD: You think Mr. Talerman is only about 40B Subsidized Housing? - MON
4/14 12:13am CB, selective quoting there - I said "same as" calling them stupid. Which it is. I stand by my comments; however, let me explain. - Wm.
4/13 11:38pm This is for all those nice readers that MON and his buddies are trying to scare about affordable housing and 40B. I just googled it and this very recent article about affordable housing in Dover, MA came up. Here is the link so you can read it for yourself. [Dover page]. "Affordable housing in Massachusetts is aimed at high school graduates who want to remain in their hometown, college graduates and retirees who are ready to downsize." "Under Chapter 40B, all towns and cities within Massachusetts must provide 10 percent of residences as affordable to low and middle-income families, although few small towns ever reach that goal. Developers who build under 40B can bypass local zoning bylaws so that towns sometimes have developments forced upon them." "Dover presently has 56 units of affordable housing compared to around 2,000 residences, which leaves the town far short of the states' required 10 percent, or 200 units. Some residents expressed a desire to make a pre-emptive strike and direct the growth of affordable housing instead of having affordable housing forced onto the town, but there was no agreement on an appropriate site or developer for such a project."So, it seems to me that Jay Talerman is not forcing 40B housing on anyone in Norfolk because it is required by law that 10% of our housing be 40B. In fact, he seems to be doing just what Dover is trying to do - direct the growth so that developers who build under 40B cannot bypass local zoning laws.- DD
4/13 10:06pm SM: I must correct a section of your post of 4/13 - "Jay has just recently used his municipal legal expertise as a Conservation Committee member to prevent the town pond from being built, ignoring the will the taxpayers who liked the idea of building a recreational faculty and approved the construction of the pond at the last town meeting."First of all, the Town Pond is already built. I don't think the taxpayers expected to be building a recreation facility and there was no construction of any pond. Like I said, the pond is already there. The project approved at Town Meeting was Article 29 of the Annual Town Meeting in May 2006.ARTICLE 29 Submitted by Community Preservation Committee To see if the Town will vote to allocate from the Community Preservation Fund an amount not to exceed $85,000 for the purpose of restoration on the Town Pond located behind the Old Town Hall on lower Main Street.It says nothing about building anything. Just restoration.
"Jay Talerman (...) unilaterally filed a lawsuit with the Commonwealth of Mass to block this project without even first consulting the Recreation Department and attempting to work out their differences."OK, I'll make this simple. The Rec Commission filed plans with the Conservation Commission; after a few meetings and for whatever the exact reason(s) the project was denied by the Conservation Commision - not just one indvidual. The Rec Commission appealed the decision to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), not the courts. The Conservation Commission did not file any lawsuit. The decision by the Conservation Commission to deny the project was upheld by the DEP. One fact that you missed is that the project was denied without prejudice. Do you know what that means? The Rec Commission can come back with another plan or the same plan and it will be heard.
Fortunately, my wife and I decided 11 years ago (when my first was born)
that a full time mom was a better option than a second paycheck. So,
come September (fortunately for us), Mom will be available to make the
twice daily rounds to HOD and Freeman. :)
Wm: Regarding your post script to my last note... You indicated
(directly, not an inference) that I had been "calling those who have
chosen to ignore a particular question stupider than a moonbat". That,
Wm, is simply not true. I don't know where you pulled that out of, but
it certainly wasn't a post of mine. I have never used any form of the
word "stupid" on this site.
In terms of quoting me as saying "``LD: You very well may be a moonbat,
I don't know", that is correct. But it was a direct answer to a
question, posed to me. LD asked me, if they were a moonbat. I replied
accurately, and without a definitive stance either way. Now, as I look
back, it seems as though the posting of that question is no longer
present.... effectively editing the context of my response out of
existence.... Sigh....
Finally... I'd like to know what aspect of the term moonbat is
offensive... or derisive... or insulting... to such a degree that a
public scolding, simply for an indirect inference, is in order? Is it
the "moon" part, or the "bat" part? Or is it simply that the term
gives name to the irrational, all consuming hatred for anything at all
which can be linked (however obscurely) to the sitting President of the
United States?
Read this quote from the Boston University Newspaper from the year 2003.
10/29/03There lies the problem. As the leading proponent of Subsidized Housing in the Massachusetts, Talerman will attempt to increase 40B housing with your money, as stated within the comments of SM.Talerman said ``he is frustrated with cities and towns that do not devote their own resources - land and money - to creating affordable housing in their communities''
How will the Town budget survive this? I think Mr. Lehan would agree that
the Conservation Commission, the Planning Board and the Dept. of Health all
need to work together to build a Tax Base in Norfolk instead of wasting a
lot of their precious time thinking about 40B and if people can buy
affordable homes. After all, they are volunteers.
Also, who has friends on the Hill? I spend an inordinate amount of time
trying to understand this town and its circuitous finances and political
system, raising points against anyone who spends my taxes with the hopes
our taxes do not rise and are subsequently wasted. Remember 3 years ago?
You vote for Talerman and Development Will Take a Back Seat with 40B
Driving!
Ask me what the Local Realtors and Housing Buyers think about the 40B
Housing on the Hill. You would be surprised.
And what exactly are all these supposed commercial projects that have
come before Con Comm? Do tell us about all those wonderful
revenue-generating projects that have come before them, only to be
squashed by Con Comm. (Is that the best you can do to defend the
moonscape??)
However, I
have been very disappointed with the quality of the language program -
my son in now in 6th grade, and I don't feel he knows any more Spanish
than he did when he was 6 years old. I support paying for language
classes for our children, but I believe the program needs to be
reevaluated and better organized - does anyone agree with me? The
program as it stands is just wasting everyone's time.
Rather than spend all your energy, and
this includes SM, MON, PC, and RC, trying to insinuate conspiracies and
half-truths, why don't you start talking about the real issues and real
positions that each candidate stands for. I would think even Jim Lehan
would agree with that.
On another note, it looks by the photo and your comments that your
served our country in the past. Thanks to you and to all our troops
that serve our country. Any disagreements about the war are not
directed to the troops that are serving. Our family has a young
relative in Korea on his way to Iraq or Afganistan.
He, like all volunteers that make up the School Committee, are
consistently trying to do what is best for the children attending
our two elementary schools and the town as a whole. Personnally I
think you should lay off picking on John, he's a good man with a
pure heart.
Regards,
I don't think I called anyone the "m word" (I can't believe I just
phrased it like that) directly. I just went back and re-read my
postings, and I can't find the case where I did. I use the term
"moonbat" to generally address people (and their rambling) who are so
pre-occupied with hating George Bush, that everything else falls by the
wayside when they confront almost any subject... Certainly any political
subject.
All of this arose because, when I posed questions about allocating the
limited monies which we have to one program (busing) over another
(Spanish or computers), the responses I received (from you and from SO)
were not at all related to the bussing issue, but rather to George Bush,
and his lack of visiting Canada before being elected. Where did that
come from? I never mentioned Bush, or Canada, or Ambassadors.... I
simply was asking about the priorities of spending limited funds on
bussing versus other programs such as Spanish or computers.
[Very well, here are a few cases where it was pretty clear to me from the context that people were being called "moonbats" or worse:
``LD: You very well may be a moonbat, I don't know. Your inclination to
follow the lead in these posts... [...] might qualify you'' and
``So simple in fact, I'm sure even a lost
moonbat could understand it. But, for those who strive for moonbat
status, ''
(4/13 5:18pm)
``the standard moonbat talking points: George Bush this.... Iraq that....''
(4/13 5:09pm)
``Sounds to mean like a moonbat talking point.''
(4/13 9:57am)
In my book, creating an inference that a comment or an opinion voiced
by someone is tantamount to a "moonbat talking point" or calling those who
have chosen to ignore a particular question stupider than a moonbat
is the same as calling them a moonbat and calling them stupid.
And only a moonbat wouldn't see that.
(I'm making a point, I didn't call anyone a moonbat! But it aptly
illustrates the point :-) - Wm.]
Boston commentator Howie Carr has been using the term in his Boston Herald columns and on his radio show since July 2005. In September, 2006, Carr ran a number of segments called "How do you spot a moonbat?" on his daily radio show, and described a moonbat as "A left-wing nut who probably suffers from Bush Derangement Syndrome."
[Having listened to Howie Carr's program (he always struck me as a liberal hosting a show for conservatives -- he seemed to be laughing at some of his callers), I gather Moonbat would be a term of derision and insult. So how about cutting back on the Moonbat-isms? - Wm.]
One more time... I did not bring up George Bush, or Iraq, or any other
such nonsense. SO did and MGD did and you did.
I raised a very simple question. So simple in fact, I'm sure even a lost
moonbat could understand it. But, for those who strive for moonbat
status, but aren't quite there yet, let me pose it one more time.
Faced, as we are, with limited funds... Faced as we are with having to
cut an expense, if funds can't be found....
Does it make more sense to cut safe transportation, or Spanish for first
graders?
You see...that is, after all, what we are doing: cutting a service
(free, safe bus rides), for lack of funds.
Simple question folks!! And guess what? Your answer will surely
reflect the state of your moonbatness, or not.
 Two months prior to the start of Gulf War I |
Would care you explain why, when I pose a simple question, like:
Which is more deserving of the limited funds we have available for
education?
==> Spanish Language education for six years olds,
or
==> Safe transportation for six years olds
Why is it, when I ask a straight forward question like that, the
non-answer comes back in the form of a whine about how George Bush never
visited Canada?
Perhaps it is because [liberals] simply can not address the facts in any
rational way... and therefore, they change the subject and pile on with
the standard moonbat talking points: George Bush this.... Iraq that....
Cheney this...
Get over George Bush already! I was speaking about bus fees, and the
prioritization of limited education dollars. Do you get that?
[To be fair, I believe there are two parallel discussions going on now, the old one about which school programs to fund, and the one about the merit of a broader world view in a globalized economy. They don't seem to me to be connected - Wm.]
A Vote for Jay Talerman is a Vote for the "Moonscape" atrocity you drive
by in the Town Center.
Vote for him and you can expect the same.
1. Pre-election travel itinerary. Abraham Lincoln? You're kidding
right? The international landscape is a little bit different from
how it was in 1860. We had a thing called the Civil War and slavery
in our own country to deal with. We also had the benefit of
essentially being an isolated country. You may remember a certain
president named Washington who actually said "beware of foreign
entanglements". Oh ... and it did matter to a few people who voted.
You may recall that more people voted for Gore than Bush.
2. Take a look at how many businesses have failed going to Canada
because they thought it "was just like us (or is it U.S.)". It
also has two national languages and a socialist based government.
Not exactly the "same".
3. "Languages of our opponents?". Wait ... I thought we were
fighting for the Iraquis??
4. It's pretty well settled that younger children learn foreign
languages easier than teenagers. We should take advantage of this
predisposition. As a child of two young children, I'd drive my
kids to school every day if it meant the quality of their education
was better (and yes learning a foreign language contributes to
this).
5. Not to speak on their behalf, but it's not a matter of SO wanting
our leaders to be like him/her. It's a matter of wanting our leaders
to have the context and experience required to serve an international
role in the proper context. Having travelled, SO obviously understands
the importance this context provides. Unless of course your argument
is that our leaders should ignore the rest of the world (I know
it's not).
As you say ... I could go on and on. Oh ... and I'm hardly a
Moonbat.
Jay has just recently used his municipal legal expertise as a Conservation
Committee member to prevent the town pond from being built, ignoring the
will the taxpayers who liked the idea of building a recreational facility
and approved the construction of the pond at the last town meeting. Jay
Talerman [...] unilaterally filed a lawsuit with the
Commonwealth of Mass to block this project without even first consulting
the Recreation Department and attempting to work out their differences This
sort of divisive power play comes right out of the SC's playbook. We are
tired of the SC and Talerman's divisive power plays and expect more out of
our elected town officials.
Put aside your own hidden personal agendas and
work together for the common good of the town. We don't need more power
plays such as when the SC cancelled a long standing Library Shared Services
agreement without any discussion or even having the courtesy and decency to
inform the Library Trustees before they made their decision. I have been
around town long enough to see candidates like Talerman get elected based
on fancy slogans and it's only after they are in power that we learn about
their hidden personal agendas. So I repeat again beware of Talerman the
"Trojan Horse" Candidate. This analogy has more levels than just his
strong affiliation with the SC and their common ideology.
[C o n t i n u e d . . .]
I gotta say to CB - are you serious? I mean are you
really serious? Have you ever even been to Canada? How embarrassing.
 |
Subject: Return of a Fallen Hero: Army Sgt Adam Kennedy, 14 Apr 07The remains of Army Sgt Adam Kennedy from Norfolk, MA, will arrive at Hanscom AFB via aircraft at 0955 tomorrow, Saturday, 14 Apr 07. Sgt Kennedy died on Sunday, 8 April 07 in Diwaniyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using indirect fire. We expect Sgt Kennedy's procession to traverse Barksdale Street on its way to the Hartwell Gate shortly after 1015 tomorrow. If there is a significant change to the itinerary, we will post updates on the COLD line -- 781-377-2653. Military members are encouraged to wear a uniform ... UOD (BDUs/Flight Suit) is acceptable.
Route in Blue...
"I hope everyone will take the time to find out more about Jay Talerman: His municipal experience, his long range vision, and his global understanding of all of these issues would make him a huge asset to this community, be you old, young, with children in the school system (or not), concerned about the moonscape and its frustrating lack of progress, or concerned about Norfolk's dwindling open space.Agreed... I find it very amusing to picture Jay Talerman as anyone's "Trojan Horse" (SM). If anyone has ever met Jay or heard him speak intelligently on how he wants to improve Norfolk for everyone, they would know that no one is "using" Jay Talerman. There is no conspiracy, SM. Jay is an intelligent, experienced individual and, IMHO, the best candidate for Selectman. Things need to change in Norfolk, and not just in the weeks before an election. Vote for Jay Talerman and Norfolk will surely benefit.
I find comfort in my argument, when my opponent's best recourse is to divert
the subject away from the critical points at hand (grin), and so I must
ponder what these thoughts have to do with the proposed busing fee, or
first grade foreign language instruction:
- The pre-election travel itinerary of a president who is now into his 7th year in office
- Sounds to mean like a moonbat talking point. Can you please tell me how many countries Abraham Lincoln visited? Well... don't bother goggling for the answer because my question is rhetorical. Who cares! Their vacation history means nothing to me... and it seemed to mean little to the Americans who voted Bush into office, over a host of worldly contenders, twice.
- The travel history of a person appointed to an ambassadorship of a country as far away and as culturally alien to us as.... Canada
- Canada? Are you serious? We are talking about the same Canada, right? Just how different is Canada, in that it should require some prior acclimation to the culture? American ambassadors represent the USA, they don't represent the host nation. Do you have data on the ambassadorships of Clinton, and how many might have also lacked such critical prior qualifications? If so, let's do a comparative analysis, just to be fair (and balanced), ok? Or, is this simply another moonbat talking point, thrown like most political bombs, with the intent of diverting the argument away from the points at hand.
- The expectation for our soldiers, fighting a war in a foreign land, to necessarily speak the indigenous languages and dialects of the opponent. Do you understand how ludicrous this expectation is? Do you honestly expect that the brave men and women who get on a plane in the dark of night to put their lives on the line four our liberties, only to get off in a foreign land, should have to be fluent in the indigenous dialects of the lands into which they are placed to fight? So that, yesterday they must have spoken German, today they must speak Arabic, and tomorrow they should speak Chinese, Spanish, Russian, or some tribal dialect from Sudan?
Look, I could go on and on, but having the Wm slice my post in half (linking
to another page) is frustrating, so let me get back to the subject at hand:
the busing fee.
The school department has a budget.The school department has many costs.
One of the costs is teaching Spanish to first graders.One of the costs is transporting children safely to school.
Given a budget which is not sufficient to cover the costs, which of these
two costs (above) would be more important to fund?
Which, then of those two costs should be more dependent on the school
departments ability to raise additional fund?
It is as simple as that!
And you know, I have to ask (since you have such an obvious exposure to
language diversity): At what age/grade did you first encounter a structured
language instruction? Was it first grade? Was it Junior High? High school?
Was it a public or private school.
Seriously, I would be interested in your answers, unless your blood pressure
now is begging you to cede the argument. ;)
(Wm: I know this is long... but please, at least initially, leave it intact,
so that they have a chance to read it without having to leave the page.
Thank you :))
A scholarship fund has been created in Sgt. Adam P. Kennedy's memory that will benefit a Xaverian Brothers High School student who wishes to pursue a career with the United States military or continue his education at a military college.In lieu of flowers the Kennedy family kindly requests that donations be sent to:
Sergeant Adam P. Kennedy Scholarship FundThank you.
P.O. Box 100
Norfolk, MA 02056
Happy Friday the 13th! Any excuse is good for a celebration :-)
I wasn't addressing the national debate on our mother tongue -
whether we should accommodate immigrants, use multi-lingual ATMs,
etc. I was thinking of our children becoming teachers, executives,
legislators, or President of the United States (did you know
President Bush never left the U.S. prior to his presidency (not sure
on Mexico)? If I am correct, he appointed a Canadian embassador who
had never been there, let alone studied French! French is the second
language of Canada (please correct me))!. I think learning other
languages is essential. Whether you resent the Spanish speakers among
us, or not, it's not a bad idea to learn the lingo and figure out
what's going on.
I have travelled fairly well, and am decent in a few languages, less
so in others, but I find that fair command of a language, sans
interpreter, is far superior to asking, "Do you speak English?", or
worse, demanding "they" speak English. Learning one foreign language
flexes the brain for another. If my child were President, I would at
least want her/him to speak French and Spanish quite well. We hear
every day about India and China as growing commercial forces. Can we
not benefit from linguistic flexibility? We have troops in Iraq. How
many can speak the language?
The taxpayers have no idea of what the other departments have come in
at, as the Selectmen have yet to publish any other Department's budgets.
And SM, it's no secret that Jay Talerman supports the schools; it is
right there on his website for the whole world to see at
jaytalerman.com.
Jay is campaigning with the following goals:
[C o n t i n u e d . . . ]
Maybe with a change the Selectmen would actually produce some revenue
for Norfolk for a change. And by the way, Jay Talerman can't raise
anyone's taxes more than 2-1/2%, same as Jim Lehan. The difference is,
Jay Talerman might actually allow us the right to vote again on
important matters in this town!
We urgently ask you to hold our legislators accountable now by
clicking here
to Get on the Bus for the 2nd annual Stand for Children Rally in
Boston. The free bus leaves Norfolk at 10:30 and will return by 3:30.
This is Norfolk's first year. Many of us will also visit Sen. Brown and
Rep. Ross in their Boston offices, in followup to our meeting with them
on April 1 & 2 in Norfolk. Help send our legislators this message: make
public education a priority in Massachusetts. If you can't attend, but
want us to represent your concerns, please email us at
box51@norfolknet.com.
[C o n t i n u e d . . .]
I'm against extravagent spending from the schools to the Taj Ma Library to
the DPW, and I'm supporting Jay because I've had the pleasure to work with
Jay both in town, and in his professional life, and I've found him to be a
straight shooter who tells it like it is and has a wide breadth of
experience in other communities to draw from which will help him avoid many
of the mistakes other towns have made.
It's the grand conspiracy theories and balkanization of town government
that's dysfunctional, and I think Jay is the best candidate to break through
that.
Thus it would seem that Mr. Talerman is the School Committee's "Trojan
Horse" candidate for the Selectmen. This is very disconcerting because we
need fiscally prudent selectmen that will make the tough decisions.
Otherwise we will be facing overrides every year. Can you imagine what a
financial mess we would have if the "Senior Members" of the SC were using
Talerman as a surrogate and were secretly running the town government?
Instead of cheering another year of no overrides we would be suffering
through another year of our annual overrides. Talerman has made it already
made it known - spend more money on everything and then send the bill to
you the taxpayer. This guy Talerman and his School Committee puppeteers are
scary.
[This happened to us, too -- years ago we used to pay $6 and change for pills for our dog, then one day CVS suddenly had a new price - $22. When asked, the explanation boiled down to "because we can" - Wm.]
Do we need a panel of software-expert parents to advise the school as to
which software to buy? Does the bus company have
similar software, and would they provide the printouts, etc, as a
service to their customers for far less money, or free?
I am not trying to take employment away from programmers, but I wonder
if those involved in this effort have
looked at the most cost-effective way of getting the job done. I seem to
recall having done a similar program years ago
in a now-obsolete computer language for a DEC mainframe. Nowadays it
should be much easier, faster, and the program should
be portable, to run on any personal computer.
Registrations for the Fall 07 soccer season are now being accepted -
NLYS now has convenient on-line registration -
[active.com link]
Anyone interested in joining the board should contact Helen K. at
norfolklionssoccer@verizon.net
for more information
[C o n t i n u e d . . .]
Over 75 works of art will be exhibited and available for sale. "This is
very exciting to be collaborating with the Norfolk Public Library to
showcase the work of many of our talented artist members," states Janyce
Conklin, Exhibition Chairperson for the show. To date, there are over 100
members at the Franklin Art Association. "The FAA is a wonderful forum to
exhibit, sell work and meet new artist friends" said Jean Blake White,
President of the FAA and a resident of Franklin.
[C o n t i n u e d . . .]
Prior to Feb 6, there had been a lot of talk about potential bus
fees. But the Selectmen never offered to bring it into the town
side of the budget for all those months. And like I said, implementing
or not implementing bus fees does not change the fact that Boardman
St. has been unsafe for cars, buses, children, seniors, pedestrians,
neighbors for years. Why didn't the Selectmen improve Boardman St.
before? Why are they suddenly now concerned with safety? ... right
before the election... hmmmm...
[C o n t i n u e d . . . ]
There is a rally at the State House on 4/25. We'd love to fill the bus
from Norfolk. I think we have 25 so far and have space. We'd love to
have you join us not only at the rally but working at the local level to
bring more money into the district.
Please note, all statistics have been gathered from the DOE web site or
provided to us by Stand for Children a nat'l as well as state
organization.
But you know what? Maybe I'd be a lot less cynical if Mr. Hathaway and
the Selectmen showed the town the other Department's budgets. Why is it
that only the school budget is public at this point?
And how 'bout certifying the free cash? Hear they still have yet to
comply with the Commonwealth. And the Selectmen talked about how "Jane
Wall really burned the midnight oil" to comply with these requests. If
Jane Wall has a year to complete the process, and needs to "burn the
midnight oil" to get the job done six months after the fact, maybe the
taxpayers deserve someone more qualified, no? And where was Jack
Hathaway through all of this?
How can you defend this administration?
On
another note with the cost of the software. Hypothetically speaking, if
you need approval for capital outlay for a purchase above (lets say)
$5000, one might tell a vendor to invoice us now for (lets say) $4000,
and over the next couple of years add the additional purchase price,
interest and maintenance fees into a yearly contract (62% of the
original cost). Typically a business would not incur an expenditure
until there was a need for it (busing software). Now it looks like we
own software and a maintenance contract and there are second thoughts
about charging a busing fee. Where does that leave us with our
software. School Committee, your responsibility is to The Children of
Norfolk. Nobody Else.
SM - the Selectmen have not
offered anything, so don't jump to any conclusions. Watch the meeting.
Are SM and DM related? Find other ways to bring in 16K in revenue to
the schools.
US scientists conducting a comprehensive review of dieting research have concluded that dieting does not work.They discovered that it would have been better for most of them if they had not gone on a diet at all.
"Their weight would be pretty much the same, and their bodies would not suffer the wear and tear from losing weight and gaining it all back," explained Dr Mann.
Their findings show that:
-- People on diets typically lose 5 to 10 per cent of their weight in the first 6 months.
-- But 33 to 66 per cent regain more than what they lose within 4 to 5 years."Exercise may well be the key factor leading to sustained weight loss. Studies consistently find that people who reported the most exercise also had the most weight loss."
The researchers are of the opinion that weight loss programmes are not good value for money in the treatment of obesity.
"The benefits of dieting are too small and the potential harm is too large for dieting to be recommended as a safe, effective treatment for obesity," said Dr Mann.
Between 1980 and 2000, the proportion of obese Americans has doubled, from 15 to 31 per cent of the population.
[article]
Related: I thought that I had read in the Boomerang that tonight the
subject will be discussed again in a follow-up meeting. Now, having
re-read the article, it looks like the meeting I was thinking of is in
fact a budget subcommittee meeting. Is that correct? Does anyone know
here and when that meeting will be, and if it is open to the public?
[C o n t i n u e d . . . ]
Regarding the bus fee, contrary to some posts I am not looking
at this as a source of funds other than to offset a huge liability that
we are not legally obligated to pay for. I have said this before and
will do so again here: I do not want to charge a bus fee, however we
cannot continue to fully subsidize over a quarter of a million dollars
for busing every year that we don't have to at the expense of classroom
instruction. This is the case whether the budget is part of the school
line item or moved to the town in my opinion.
DM, a SC member, recognizes this and to his credit in his last post he
stated "I'm glad that Jack and the Selectmen have taken up the
proposal discussed at the School Committee public hearing on 4/3.
Several parents suggested this, and we requested that Jack bring this
back to the Selectmen for them to discuss and decide upon. This recent
interaction is a great example of how we can work together to solve
tough problems we face as a town."
Organizations on Norfolknet, find Lions Soccer. The schedules are posted for each division as well as the coach. My bet is that whoever is supposed to call you is on the road or hasn't gotten to it yet. If all else fails, call Helen Koch or email her at lionssoccer@norfolknet.com. Good luck and see you on the fields.
The way the school system is set up, they need 400K-500K every year to
keep the same service level. This model is essentially flawed, the town
revenue doesn't grow this amount every year, and with the real estate
market in a slump. The town would be lucky to pull the current level of
revenue for the next few years.
So my question for DM is, where do we go from here? The current model is
unsustainable, every year we spend six months wondering how we will fill
the budget gap. Perhaps we should also start thinking about a long-term
solution to this chronic problem.
1) As WB pointed out, it is no secret that Selectmen
and the school committee have been at odds for a long time now.
[C o n t i n u e d . . . ]
Don't get me wrong, I find it adorable that my little seven year old can
count in Spanish, and I understand completely how such a skill will
undoubtedly become more and more of an asset to her as we lose our
national identity to ever growing waves of illegal immigration...
But I digress.
[C o n t i n u e d . . . ]
All of Norfolk needs to wake up here. The town vendors are ripping us
off, overcharging us because they get away with it. All major
purchases must go out to bid. It's time for the BOS, SC and the
individual department heads to stop wasting our money with preferred
vendors. Didn't the 30K requote for the school roof mean anything to
you people? You would save a lot more than 30K per year if you
questioned the town leaders and their purchasing practices.
You all do not get it.
Meanwhile, there are sacred cows at the public trough. Eating your
hard-earned tax dollars.
Good Morning. Students will be bringing home the following letter today.April 11, 2007
Dear Parents/Guardians:
Two live rifle rounds that were determined by the Norfolk Police Department to be blanks were found in a corridor this morning at approximately 9:00 am.
The school was put in immediate lockdown and the Norfolk Police Department was notified. The entire building was searched by members of the King Philip Middle School staff and the Norfolk Police Department. There was nothing found as a result of the search and classes resumed at 10:15.
This incident reinforces the value of our previous lockdown training. Norfolk Police Chief, Charles Stone, complimented the staff and students in the matter the lockdown was handled.
Sincerely,
William A. Rice
Principal (Interim)
The SC will come up with a nice spin for their reasoning but at the end
of the day it means they will be reaching deeper into your pockets.
Maybe we should spend the $30k on hiring a consultant to oversee the
school board. It would be nice to have a trained professional
negotiating millions in contracts.
Also, the money set aside for road repair and extending the sidewalk
in front of FC is for work that needs to happen and will happen
regardless of the final outcome on the bus fee. This was discussed at
the 4/3 School Committee meeting by Butch Vito and we have been working
very closely with his department on improvements to the traffic flow
around FC. The proposal that will be pursued is the culmination of
three years of study and planning.
I'm glad that Jack and the Selectmen have taken up the proposal
discussed at the School Committee public hearing on 4/3. Several
parents suggested this, and we requested that Jack bring this back to
the Selectmen for them to discuss and decide upon. This recent
interaction is a great example of how we can work together to solve
tough problems we face as a town. I'm not sure what the ultimate
outcome on the busing issue will be but I am encouraged that we are
starting to work together better than in the past.
Regards,
Remember: the cheapest electricity is that which you do not use. I can't
tell you the number of people I talk to who are ticked off about their
energy prices, yet their usage is over 900 kWh a month.
The profusion of electronic do-dads, so many of which consume kilowatts of
electricity even when they're "off" is creating an enormous drain on our
system. A couple of interesting points: That little clock on your
microwave? If you use your microwave less than 8 minutes per day (and
that's a decent number for a microwave), the clock uses more power than the
microwave. VCRs and DVDs and Satellite TV receivers and TVs? Anything that
uses a remote control uses "standby power" which sucks up energy whether or
not you have it on. Typical VCR: 18 watts when it's running a tape, 12
watts when it's on, and 5 watts when it's "off".
Your cell phone charger? Even when your cell phone isn't attached it's
using energy. Anything with a little black box (transformer) is using
energy 24/7...
And Plasma TVs? Fuhghettaboutit... Might as well have two refrigerators...
(Oh, forgot, "everyone" has two refrigerators now, that old one in the
garage for overflow, and one in the kitchen...)
Here's an interesting exercise: turn "off" everything in your house that you
can, then run outside and look at the meter: it's still turning at a fair
clip, isn't it? That's your energy vampires at work. We get these things
under control and we control our power bill.
The
School has in their budget both a $4k and $10K expense related to the
bus issue. The $30K estimated revenue will be offset by $4k in software
to administer the bus program as well as $10K in Road Repairs around the
school. The road repairs were not well known, but the Selectmen and Town
Administrator did mention the Superintendent met with Butch Vito
regarding repairs to the bus turnaround and there was also talk about a
sidewalk in front of the school. End result would be $16K, and this is
before you tie in expenses related to someone using the software, etc.
Watch it and correct me if I'm wrong.
I added up the shopping list of "delivery services" including the 0.73
for underground surcharge (burying the wires in the downtown area) and
got $36.98.
That, plus the "supplier services", the generation charge, came to $93.19,
the Total Cost of Electricity. That cost divided by the number of
Kilowatt Hours used, gives a cost of
0.1966 per KWH, almost 20 cents per kilowatt hour.
The point of the article is that there may be a push to bring back
regulation, since the DPU will be
reorganized as noted in the article and as shown in URL
[mass.gov page].
"Because electric power is a necessity of modern life, power providers need to be accountable to consumers through democratic governance. Before deregulation, state utility commissions provided that accountability. They must do it again."We should all keep an eye on this matter and keep our electric rates as low as possible.
When submitting content, no matter what type, it is always safe to mail it
to the main address, webpage@norfolknet.com, with a note attached letting
me know where it should go. If you don't see it acted on and you haven't
received a reply from me, assume I didn't receive it; it happens even under
normal circumstances. I typically update the page no later than 24 hours after
something arrieves, and often much more frequently :-)
Seems there is no
pleasing you. I posted information on the insurance costs the town pays
for school employees, incorrectly attributing that decrease to the
school administration. The health insurance costs for the school
employee population dollar for dollar will go down from this fiscal year
to next. This is because of the hard work of the Employee Insurance
Advisory Committee. I attempted to correct my mistake and reveal that I
too am human and can err. As soon as I heard from Julie Siewko about my
error (she is the Chairperson of the committee who completed this work)
and was able to ensure I had all the correct information I posted again
to be sure I wasn't spreading mis-information. So I disagree with your
assertion that I'm "again disseminate(ing) false and misleading
information." There are three plans next year, not just the current one
you seem hung up on, and the fact remains that part of the reason the
town total health insurance cost increase for next year is only 1.7% is
that the school portion of the increase is actually negative since the
cost is decreasing.
Our full budget has been online since January 9th, 2007, every page
of it. So I'm not sure why you claim we haven't shared the detail. By
the way, as a committee we have requested copies of the town budgets but
have yet to receive them in any format, I'm wondering if you have had
better luck. If so please let me know I'd love to see the other groups
in town share information the way we have - for all to see.
The Assistant DA did find that in one instance on 2/7/06, the prior
School Committee did violate the open meeting law. We have re-addressed
the issue decided in that meeting in a public session and it was a
positive education for all of us, especially new members such as myself.
In this instance, as in my post incorrectly attributing the FY08 lower
health insurance costs to school actions, a mistake was made, it was
corrected and publicly addressed, and we've moved on.
It appears we have come full circle since my original post was to
address your twisting of the figures and spreading incorrect information
that the current teacher contract would double the town budget in 9
years. Mathematically it is not true and is a blatant attempt to
inflame the public against the schools.
Regards,
God help them all and may God help
his family. Our flag will be lowered.
My most appreciative and heartfelt gratitude and sympathy are yours at this
time,
I did record some of the meeting from last week (it was on cable)... and I
was thinking of edditing out the best moments and putting them into a
streaming file on the web for folks to review... Do you think others might
be interested in see it?
As I said in my last post, I can't just let this issue of taxing some
students for busing drop - and I think it's indicative of other areas of
concern here in town, as many of you have pointed out. The Compliance
Officer for Norfolk (from DOE) returned my call late Friday and gave me
a contact I could continue addressing my concerns with. I will do so.
A few other things:
1) I am willing to try to organize a group of townsfolk who want to
pursue the issue. Feel free to provide your thoughts on how we may do
this. (Should we start with an e-mail list?)
2) I believe there is a SC Budget sub-committee meeting this
Wednesday? I think I read that the busing issue will continue to be
discussed. Unfortunately, we will be out of town for a family wedding.
Is there someone here on Norfolknet who is planning to attend? If so,
would you be willing to read a statement from me and/or report back on
what has transpired?
Thanks,
[see letter also quoted in post of 3:48pm]Sad news. My heart goes out to this soldier's friends and family. Sincerely,
[see letter also quoted in post of 3:48pm]We join Dr. Scott is expressing our prayers to the family.
Dear Families,It is with regret that I write the community about the loss of a local son, Adam Kennedy, a U.S. Marine and previous NPS student. In his honor, the flags are at half-staff. He lost his life this weekend while serving his country in Iraq.
Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends.
Yours sincerely,
Chris Augusta-Scott
Superintendent
I've kept on the main page the other posts that arrived during the
week, to make it easier to skim them to see if you've missed any.
[Note: we have lots of posters who share initials, sometimes posting on the same subject. A little confusion should not be unexpected :-) - Wm.]
Here is another thought to raise $30,000 for all the posters who are
complaining. Get off the bashing wagon and become pro-active. Approach
Rodman Ford (I understand that Fords aren't selling anyway, perhaps you
can get a deal. Just some humor to lighten all of you up) then cross the
street to MOM's motorcycle and make another deal. Now go sell raffle
tickets for 50.00 each and the winner gets their choice of a bike or a
car. I bet the town would let you insert a nice postcard into the tax
bill envelope when it goes out to reach all homeowners. I would purchase
one! Set up a booth at stadium events and local grocery stores. Make
this an annual event. No need to stop there, many manufacturers give
product away (or at low cost) for charity drives. Weekend getaways, free
flight within US - several raffles all at one time going on.
Good luck, I will look for the postcard in my tax bill.
Scott Brown, State Senator
State House, Room 520 Boston, MA 02133
Phone: 617-722-1555 email: Scott.P.Brown@state.ma.usRichard Ross, State Representative
State House, Room 237 Boston, MA 02133
Phone: 617-722-2305 email: Rep.RichardRoss@hou.state.ma.usGovernor Patrick
State House, Room 360 Boston, MA 02133
Phone: 617-725-4005 email: go to mass.gov and click on Gov. and contact us
The first is to the Good Samaritan from Franklin who pulled over to ask
why I was stalled on the side of the road in Medfield. Himself the
owner of a 68 Triumph motorbike, he was concerned that I needed help.
Turned out I was out of gas, but neither one of us knew that at the
time.
The other is to the UPS driver who tracked down the parcel that was to
have been delivered Friday, transferred it to his truck, and brought it
out to my house after his scheduled rounds. The first driver left a
"delivery attempted" notice even though two of us were right here at
home at the time. I called the office, they got in touch with the
driver, but he was already out of town and couldn't schedule a second
trip. I was hoping I got lucky when I saw a UPS truck in front of
Cliff's Cycles but when I asked after the package, turned out my house wasn't
on his route. He had helpful suggestions of what I could try, though, but
all he could do was commiserate. However, when I returned home, to my
amazement the package had changed trucks, was brought back for a second
delivery, and was waiting for me inside the house.
Fellas, you have my heart-felt gratitude. Hats off to you!
You can also check some of the information at the Town Hall Website.
The property viewer function (left side of the Home page) has a summary
of your property but not all the details. You need to go into the Town
Hall to review that. There is a self service terminal at the Assessor's
that you can pull up more detail by owner or street name.
I would not be surprised if the posts that rattle me the most are
from those I know and genuinely like. Herein lies the dilemma: SM and
like-minds may have graced the same cookouts - disconcerting on one
level, interesting on another. Can one differentiate a face from a
post? How would we merge in a congenial setting, where confrontation
is ungracious? Measuring personality, decency and honesty is
difficult, if not impossible, online. I post in near anonymity, but,
am amused that at least two of my neighbors have sussed me out, and
are thankfully tolerant of of my posts.
If anyone is missing their rabbit, one was picked up in the Boardman Street
neighborhood yesterday. Hopefully his owner will see this before the "other
easter bunny" comes on sunday.
If he is yours please call the Animal Control Office at 508 528 3232.
Sincerely,
It is obvious that by simply not picking up students, you will not save
$30,000. So the fee is what is essential, not the elimination of stops.
But why not have a fee for everyone? It would be nominal. Maybe this was
discussed at the school committee meeting, but if not, why isn't this a
consideration? It could be voted on. I mean, if it is necessary for the
school to have the money to keep our children's education at a higher level,
shouldn't everyone pitch in? What other legal way can we raise $30,000 to
off-set this? There must be something. Have we thought outside of the box?
Also here is an interesting snippet of an article regarding this from 2003
(yes, it has happened before in many communities.)
More Districts Charging Bus FeesRegards,Lawmakers and school officials have a stark message for parents who think their taxes already pay for school-bus transportation: no more free rides. Cash-strapped public schools trying to hang on to their teachers are increasingly turning to busing fees to raise money. The move has angered parents and raised concerns that children may be forced to use more dangerous means - like walking - to get to school. About a third of all school districts in Massachusetts already charge middle- and high-school students for busing. On Cape Cod, for example, the town of Barnstable raises $350,000 per year by charging $200 per child in grades 7 and higher. Communities in other states, including California, Texas, New Jersey, Montana, Hawaii, Kansas, North Dakota and Utah, also make parents pay for pupil transportation to and from school, with exemptions for the poor. California districts, required to provide free transportation only to special-needs students, are scrambling to raise money with the state facing a $34 billion deficit, the nation's largest. The Capistrano Unified School District has proposed eliminating busing altogether. School buses are the safest form of school transportation, according to a National Research Council report last year. Buses are the way one-fourth of all students get to school but account for only 2 percent of child deaths in school-related traffic accidents. While unpopular, busing fees have withstood legal challenges in California, North Dakota and Massachusetts.
Ken Maguire, The Associated Press
"No free ride? Districts turning to bus fees"
The Seattle Times, April 23, 2003
[ref]
Since nearly 90% of the communities in Massachusetts are struggling to meet
finanicial committments, this may be a solution.
Mr. Boyton and Mr. Nutting (sp) made the point that the hurdle to exploring
regionalization of services is the State Constitution. The constitution
requires each community to be sovereign. Hence the duplication of chief of
police, chief of fire, town assessors, town clerks, health agent,
superintendent of schools and then there are the building and vehicles.
They also discussed the pension plan, which truly needs to be reformed. My
personal opinion is that active public employees should be "rollover" to a
401K plan. This would insure that once the employee retires that tax money
no longer would be required for that individual. The current system, a
defined pension plan, taxpayers pay until the death of the employee (with
COLA increases periodically).
Of course, it would not be ethical to change the plan for those who are
presently retired, although it has been done by the private sector (i.e.
Polaroid).
The defined pension plan was a good idea to offset lower wages. In the past
two decades the finanical compensation packages have grown to that of the
private sector, so a 401K should be implemented.
It seems foolish to discuss such things as a bus fee, when "real change" is
needed to fully fund community services.
Governor Patrick, Rep. Ross and Senator Brown need to start thinking
"outside the box" for solutions... Prop. 2 1/2 overrides are not cutting it.
Thanks,
As for those who can not afford to pay, is there any way to establish a
grant that can be given for these families? Perhaps though an organization
that has already been established? I would give to that fund before I voted
for an override to pay for busing. What happened to the days of car
pooling? Can one parent pick up several children that live near one another
and then alternate the days or weeks with the other parents? It could work
something like the babysitting that the NCL has arranged.
Would the fine officers that serve the Norfolk Police be willing to train
parent/community volunteers to serve as crossing guards at the schools?
Could this be arrange perhaps with the Seniors? Is this possible? There has
to be another way and with to many kind, bright, generous people in this
town we will get through this, we as a community may just need to be more
creative. I am not saying that I have the solution, but complaining at this
point is not going to get very far, it sounds like the decision has been
made.
Does anyone else have ideas?
- Make families within two miles of a school pay a fee for computers
- Make families more than two miles from a school pay a fee for Spanish
- Eliminate half the buses and have a lottery to determine who gets to ride
- Offer full day kindergarten only to those children willing to walk
- Locate wealthy relatives in neighboring towns who like to gamble and have a raffle to offset the bus tax
- - ADA
- 4/6 7:42pm
DM,
In your 4/6 post you again disseminate false and misleading information
regarding the health insurance plan that continues the untrue statements
made in your post 4/4/2007 in which you attempted to give credit to the
School Committee for being responsible for a savings in health insurance
premiums for school employees as compared to other town employees.
In your 4/6/2007 post you state "It is the efforts of these hard working
individuals on this committee (Employee Insurance Advisory Committee) that
has resulted in this year on year savings (for the school's portion) and
much smaller increase for the town."
DM this statement is simply untrue. There is only one health insurance
plan for the whole town and all town employees have the same health
insurance rates i.e. no one department has a different rate or benefits.
For the current year health insurance premiums went up 1.7% for all town
employees, therefore your claim that the schools had year on year savings
is simply untrue.
Your attempts to portray the SC as being responsible for health insurance
savings in the schools follows an ongoing pattern of deceptive behavior by
School Committee. At budget meetings the SC has provided high level budget
overviews but has neglected to provide the taxpayer with any detail. At
other times the SC has claimed savings that aren't really savings because
the costs were pushed back to the town budget. Further the SC has been
censured by the Massachusetts Attorney General for withholding information
from the public by going into a closed session meeting when the meeting
should have been conducted as a public meeting. The SC twists and spin
facts in way to reinforce what the SC wants taxpayers to believe just like
you have done with the health insurance.
Btw, my son is thrilled with your comment in the 4/6 post "Make no
mistake though that I was elected to serve the interests of those that
cannot vote, the children of this town." My son wants you to know he would
like an XBox and plasma TV's playing Nick TV shows in every classroom.
Next he would like free candy served for lunch. Finally he would like to
see homework abolished. Your constituency has spoken!
- - SM
- 4/6 6:04pm
I, too, encourage everyone to look at their field cards. For the first
10 years I was in my home, my house meausrements were wrong, costing me
about 1200$ over that period of time. You can only file for an abatement
when you discover the problem, but you are not entitled to any
reimbursement for the past error. I am not sure how my problem began
because my house plans stated the foundation size properly, but it is
corrected now. I check my field card annually to make sure it is
correct. You can get your card for free, but will pay for any others
you care to compare with yours.
- - EF
- 4/6 12:58pm
I have liked in Norfolk my whole life. I can remember when the center of
town wasn't so high-end, but cozy and inviting. There were no roundabouts ($$$)
or a $20,000 clock, or a Dunkin Donuts, or an oversized
town hall. (Note: the reason we supposibly needed a new town hall was that
the old blue one was just not workable and dangerous to work in. They
now hold children funtions there; does anyone see something wrong with
that?) There was a 4 way stop and people did just that. Now I'm scared to
go through the center of Norfolk, people listen to stop signs, they don't
listen to yield signs.
We have invested so much for what? So our town
is prettier then the next. And it just seems like eveyone/or someone
had these great ideas to make our town better. My question is, what was
wrong with our town before?
- - GZ
- 4/6 12:57pm
Today's Country Gazette had an article about the bus fee controversy that
included a quote from the chief of police. "The safest, most cost-effective
manner (to get to school) is for children to ride the school bus, no matter what,
even if a fee is the only way." This sounds like an acknowledgment that
walking to school in this town is not safe. Given that fact, it seems completely
unreasonable to expect that a certain unfortunate segment of the population has
to pay up or risk their children's well-being. I believe his comment opens the
door to legal action by parents who can't afford (or choose not to pay) the
fee.
- - KLM
- 4/6 10:09am
CM, Thank you for your post, I think I have said this before but I do
want to clear up any confusion. I welcome any reasonable and respectful
question, comment, inquiry, or criticism. Going back to my youth as a
Boy Scout, I believe it is every citizen's right and responsibility to
ensure their representatives, either elected or not, are making sound
decisions on their behalf. We are all neighbors in a small town and
need to work together as a whole to solve the tough challenges we all
face. I want everyone to work together better than we have in the past
(not necessarily criticizing here; it's just there is always room for
improvement). I believe I (and all members of the community) deserve
basic human respect and therefore I will no longer address any post that
does not meet such a basic standard, no matter how incorrect or off base
the information is. As I have said earlier this week, oversight and a
questioning public is a welcome and necessary part of well run
governance. I believe the School Committee is receiving such scrutiny.
That doesn't mean we will always agree, and at times will have to agree
to disagree.
As a citizen of this town I hope of others will join me in holding
the other groups that have an even bigger influence on how the town is
run to the same standard, as I don't believe this is happening at the
moment. Again these are my opinions only.
- - DM
- 4/6 9:11am
Preparation for the 5th Annual Connor's Fun Run/Walk being held on
Sunday, May 6th, is well underway. If you have a business and are
interested in sponsoring this local event, or if you are a student
looking for volunteer/community service, please contact the Reillys
at 520-1582.
For more information on the event, please visit
www.connorsfunrun.com.
Free t-shirts to the first 100 registered participants!
Thank you.
- - BR
- 4/6 8:36am
CS - Mrs. Balfour said that an announcement would be made on Tuesday
April 10 regarding the full day Kindergarden and it would appear on the
school website.
You can sign up for automatic updates on the schools via email by going to:
norfolk.k12.ma.us/subscriber
Thanks.
- - JG
- 4/6 8:34am
Milford has just selected a new Superintendent of schools. Now
they have a larger, K-12, system, significant issues around ESOL
and SPED funding. According to the Milford Daily News, "Tremblay's
(the new super) two-year deal pays an annual salary of $127,500."
They have 4 elementary schools, a middle school a high school and
a pre-school. The population of the Town of Milford is 26,000.
Total school enrollment, about 4,500. The average home price is
$425,000 according to several real estate web sites. Interesting
to compare Norfolk's stats.
- - MJD
- 4/6 8:33am
I recommend Jolicoeur Overhead Doors. They are located on Pulaski Blvd.
in Bellingham. Very nice to work with, quick, clean, honest and
reasonably priced. They have been recommended on this board before. I
don't think you can go wrong.
- - MJD
- 4/6 8:32am
Have you heard about Google's new map customization feature? It allows you
to customize your own mpas, marking points of interest, etc. Unfortunately,
it looks like the sattellite images are from early 2005... My guess would be
April or May of 2005, based on the state of construction of my home, which
can be seen right here:
[goole maps link]
Hmm... wonder if a line to HOD might stretch to be two miles? ;)
- - CB
- 4/6 8:31am
KB: Pioneer Doors in Walpole. We did the research, checked prices and
they were significantly less than anyone else with the exact garage door
that many installers use. Steve has the ability to get many styles and
makers, not just the typical "Home Depot" brands.
Steve Barrows
Pioneer Garage Door Co.
(508) 668-8136
pioneerdoors@comcast.net- - AB
- 4/6 8:19am
On 4/4 DM responded to my request for information regarding the proposed
"busing fee". Thank you DM.
I originally asked why the SC was implementing a busing fee when the
cost of busing is already fully funded in the School's budget. DM's
response, "there is a line item of $361,500 for the cost of busing which
is an expense." There is also, "a line item for $30,000 on the revenue
side for "offsetting the costs of busing". His facts are correct and
the SC has every legal right to raise revenue to cover the cost of
busing.
However, I believe it is important that all parents reading this
discussion, understand that our children will continue to be safely
bused to school next year even without the $30,000 in new revenue. The
budgeted $361,500 covers the costs to pay Holmes Transportation to
transport our children "in town" to and from school on a daily basis.
We as a community have said in the past that we do not want "busing
fees" and I believe this sentiment still exists with a majority of
parents. Raising revenue through "user fees" to offset the busing
expense will obviously free up monies to be used elsewhere in the
school's budget. I for one, don't want "busing fees" used to raise
revenue. Before the SC moves forward with implementation of the "busing
fees" I believe a town-wide discussion needs to take place, and every
aspect of this studied fully. There are too many issues and concerns of
parents unanswered, from safety to additional town costs that may make
this program ultimately unacceptable.
- - MK
- 4/5 11:49pm
Hello - We're looking to replace our garage doors; would appreicate
any feedback, both good and bad, from anyone that recently installed new
doors.
Thanks,
- - KB
- 4/5 11:29pm
JHR - Checked the living room - yep, still there! Went to get the
screwdriver/key to open the case, but it wasn't where I thought... have
a few other ideas, but may take a while till I can get a search going.
If this sewing machine is as old as yours (late 1800's you said) she
must have either inherited it or purchased it secondhand (she was born
in 1905). Will post serial number when I get the case open!
- - CI
- 4/5 11:22pm
Does anyone have an update regarding full-day kindergarten? I was not able
to make the school committee meeting. Was it discussed there? The school
website has not changed, so I am assuming that nothing has been announced.
Thanks in advance for any input.
- - CS
- 4/5 11:20pm
re: 4/5 3:40pm ...false and misleading information ...your hip
shooting ..intentional or is attributable to inexperience. (SM)
These words and their intent remind me of Senator McCarthy at the
Army-McCarthy hearings back in 1954. Most of the viewers of that
hearing were on the side of Atty Joseph Welch, the counsel for the Army.
Sen. McCarthy's (SM's) words and intent were meant to insult and
obfuscate,
without adding material facts. Finally, when the rogue senator from
Wisconsin insinuated that a young lawyer from Hale and Dorr, Welch's
firm, was a communist sympathesizer,
Atty. Welch said these memorable words: "Have you no sense of decency,
sir? At long last, have you left no sense of decency?" When McCarthy
tried to continue his attack,
Welch cut him off and demanded the chairman "call the next witness." At
that point, the gallery erupted in applause.
A senate committee released a unanimous report calling McCarthy's
behavior as a committee chairman "inexcusable," "reprehensible," "vulgar
and insulting ". On May 2, 1957, McCarthy died of acute hepatitis,
attributed to heavy drinking.
Any resemblance of the historic quote to the referenced post may be
coincidental.
- - BH
- 4/5 9:29pm
To SJP, looking for a painter in Norfolk: John Marland, 508-528-7681,
last painted our house a few years ago, and he was very reasonably
priced. The job was done competently. He doesn't usually advertise,
but goes by word of mouth. I plan to use him the next time we paint.
- - EC
- 4/5 8:08pm
The Southeaster Massassachusetts Community Concert Band reherses every
Monday night from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Community Church on Main
Street in Medway. The band is going to be beginning a new set of music
this coming Monday for the summer concert season. The band welcomes new
members, this would be a great time to come to a rehersal. All ages,
from middle school up, are welcome. All instruments are welcome, there
is a particular need for additional percussion players. There are no
auditions, the only requirements are an instrument and a love of music.
For more information, call (508)-533-5532, or visit the band website at
smcws.org
or
smccb.com.
- - CR
- 4/5 8:06pm
Can anyone recommend someone to paint the exterior of our house this summer?
(I'd be eager to hear both the good and the bad...)
Thanks,
- - SJP
- 4/5 8:04pm
DM states regarding SM, "(T)here are a few unfortunate people such as
yourself that cannot get beyond their own prejudices and work towards
positive change. Based on your past comments and more recent posts, I am
convinced that no matter what the facts show or how much evidence is
presented you will always be convinced that the SC is doing something
wrong....I challenge you to get involved and put yourself out there for
all to see. Why isn't your name on the ballot for any public office this
year-you have so much to say?"
Those words are your opinion. How do you know what SM contributes to
the community other than income, sales, real estate and other taxes?
Just because you chose to run for and win a position as an elected
official does not imply that those who disagree and who do not desire to
serve in an official capacity are taking "pot shots" when they are
critical of public officials. If any comments regarding the
board/committee that you are elected to do not meet your standard of
decency result in your being unapproachable or not discussing public
matters, then you should reconsider your elected duty to the town.
I appreciate any elected official, such as yourself, who will engage in
civil discussion of the issues facing Norfolk.
- - CM
- 4/5 7:59pm
(Wm: Sorry about my last posting, regarding the 2-mile radius! I
searched a bit for that info before I wrote the email, but I guess I just
didn't look well enough. I would not have been offended (actually,
thankful!) if you'd just suppressed the posting...)
My two cents on the bus fee issue:
We don't mind paying the fee for our children.
We're only concerned about the safety and environmental issues.
(Not a princpled analysis; just our sentiment.)
I'd like to add that we are incredibly happy with the education our
5-year-old son has been getting at HOD.
His teacher Mrs. Derderian has done a fantastic job.
Our son has learned how to read and to do basic arithmetic, which he loves.
He also loves the Spanish (he does know how to count to 10 as well as the
colors).
I set him up on our laptop with the same password as they have at school and
now
he plays around on it--creating Word docs and drawing pictures in Paint.
On top of that, they've taught a healthy amount of respect and
discipline.
We cannot think of anything the school could have done better.
- - SJP
[No problem at all; in fact, you're not the only one who thinks that it's two miles as a straight line. I only added the footnote to help clarify the situation - Wm.] - 4/5 7:57pm
The Norfolk Community League is sponsoring a Candidate's Night on Tuesday,
April 24, 2007 at 7:00pm. It will take place at the King Philip Junior High
School in the school cafeteria. Bring your questions for the Candidates.
Refreshments will be served. Contact Gill B. at 520-0145
or Janet C.
at 528-3741 for more information.
King Phillip Junior High School is located at 18 King Street, Norfolk. For
directions please go to
kingphilip.org/kpnorth
- - JC, Norfolk Community League
- 4/5 7:56pm
Great post DM! Like a good friend in town told me, it's so much easier
for people like SM to coach from the sidelines instead of getting out on
the field.
- - AL
- 4/5 5:55pm
CI -- Hmmm. Have you checked your living room lately for the Singer? It
sounds like the one hubby brought home yesterday. Round case, wooden,
key hole on side? Ancient singer inside? In one of the books I picked
up at the library, there is a chart. If you can tell me the numbers on
your's I'll be able to tell you the age. We have the quite new Kenmore
that we have been trying to repair today. Seems to be a clutch problem.
Who knew that a Singer has a clutch. At any rate, no luck with repairs
on that yet.
SO -- Thanks for your response. The school bus issue is getting
old but I know how important and critical it is for the town.
- - JHR
- 4/5 5:32pm
SM, DM here, posting as an individual and not speaking for the rest of
the School Committee. My information came from the fact that the
schools' portion of the health costs for next year's budget is actually
going down due to the changes (a negative increase). I remembered this
and mistakenly attributed it to this year and not going from this year
to next which would be more accurate. In addition, I do want to correct
a misstatement in that post and ensure the group that created those
extra plans gets proper credit.
I have spoken with Julie Siewko who is the Chairperson of the
Employee Insurance Advisory Committee. This group consists of one
member of each collective bargaining units (such as the teacher's
union), a non-union employee, a member of the school's clerical staff,
and a retiree. This group makes recommendations for changes to the
Town's insurance offerings, which are then considered and acted upon by
the Board of Selectmen. It is the efforts of these hard working
individuals on this committee that has resulted in this year on year
savings (for the school's portion) and much smaller increase for the
town as a whole.
I have refrained from posting on Norfolknet with a few
exceptions in the past year since there are a few unfortunate people
such as yourself that cannot get beyond their own prejudices and work
towards positive change. Based on your past comments and more recent
posts, I am convinced that no matter what the facts show or how much
evidence is presented you will always be convinced that the SC is doing
something wrong. It is so much easier to sit on the sidelines and take
pot shots than to be directly involved and have to make the tough
decisions we must face. I always make all decisions and work for the
betterment of the schools, while doing my best to balance what is also
best for the town. Make no mistake though that I was elected to serve
the interests of those that cannot vote, the children of this town. I
challenge you to get involved and put yourself out there for all to see.
Why isn't your name on the ballot for any public office this year-you
have so much to say?
My attempts at making myself more approachable and get the facts
out (yes there will be the occasional mis-statement but these will be
corrected as quickly as possible) have largely been met by your
derision. If there is anything that will cause me to stop visiting the
site or trying to inform others in such a public forum it will be snide
and uncalled for insults on the part of people such as yourself.
Regards,
- - DM
- 4/5 5:26pm
Here is an interesting idea that has made one pass a few years ago.
How do you feel it might work doday?
[ncsl.org: 4-day school week]
(These are my personal views and do not represent positions of Committees
of which I am a member.)
- - JO
- 4/5 5:25pm
Following up on what JC wrote (why are we teaching primary schoolers
"computer skills"), how many kids are there in town who don't have
access to a computer at home? Why must we spend money, time,
space, and personnel to make available something that they already
have?
For the few who don't have already own a computer or two, a town this
size junks hundreds of them every year. We could recycle some of the
many discards and give them to families who would like one -- problem
solved, universal computer access. None of the educational software
that I've seen required anywhere near the processing power of even a
10-year-old system.
It's much more useful to learn to write and do sums and to enjoy a
good book than to point and click and drag icons around. I'm appalled at
how many high-school aged checkers at the store can't make change without
reading it off the display -- but they've all been properly grounded in
essential high-tech computer skills in school.
Think about it -- there is more high-technology in the kids' cell phones
today than in their classroom computers, and anything that we teach them
is already obsolete compared to what they're doing on their own. If we
want computer skills, just get them IM accounts in 7th grade, they'll be
up to speed in a week. Whatever we do at the grade school level will be
like a High-Tech 101: Proper Care and Keeping of Vinyl Music Albums.
- - AR
- 4/5 4:49pm
JHR/SO - I have my Grandmother's sewing machine, purely for the
sentiment. It is an old Singer in a beautiful curved top wood case
- I have it in my living room as a decorative piece. There was no
key for the round lock on the case, then my cousin was cleaning the
closets and found a box of sewing machine attachments with an ancient
screwdriver that fit the hole - guess that is how my grandparents
opened it. Never though of looking for a key on Ebay (though I am
there often!) Problem is I don't know what I am looking for - any
advice on search terms?
- - CI
- 4/5 3:42pm
I believe that technology is critical for the future success of our
children and our country. With that said, I don't believe what are
providing our children at the Freeman should be considered "technology".
My 5th grader came home a few weeks ago and told us that she learned
how to select an "appropriate" chat room user name that day in
"computer" class. Is that what we really need to be teaching in our
schools? What's next, selecting My Space as a favorite? As for Spanish
- by 5th grade they should not be singing the days of the week with
finger puppets anymore. I'll leave it at that. Bring back Art on a
full year basis.
- - ES
- 4/5 3:40pm
DM,
I am responding to your post of 4/5 to correct false and misleading
information that you disseminated. I don't know if your hip shooting [...] is an intentional or is attributable to inexperience. On 4/5 you
stated "Since you mention health care costs, I'll address that as well.
Through creative thinking (offering a variety of plan options) the SC and
Administration of the schools had the lowest increase in health care costs
of any department in town (not the double digits other departments had to
endure), so again your own argument works against you."
When I originally read your response I said to myself this is totally wrong
because at town meeting last year I noticed a very large budget increase in
the town budget for health insurance and asked Jack Hathaway about it. I
learned that the town only has one health care plan for the entire town and
these costs are in the town budget. To be sure I called town hall and it
was confirmed that yes the town has only one health care plan administered
by Jack Hathaway and that the SC and the Superintendent of Schools have
absolutely nothing to do with overseeing the plan.
I was very pleased to hear that that the town had successfully renegotiated
the renewal and that for the upcoming year the town's health insurance
cost will only go up by 1.7% versus 14% in the prior year. Way to go Jack!
So fess up now and tell us how your information could be so off base. I bet
the more "Senior Members" of SC have not kept you well informed of how the
town's finance and administration operate. That's not surprising since the
SC seems to be disconnected and isolated from other town Boards and its
operating its own little Fantasy Island. You might want to be a little more
careful otherwise the more "Senior Members" of the SC might shorten your
leash some more and we won't be seeing DM on the Norfolknet anymore.
- - SM
- 4/5 3:39pm
I think I have a solution to the busing question. Remember the bus which
will be coming to town (eventually) to serve mostly seniors? Well, we could
expand the schedule during school hours, and the kids could ride it as well,
paying per ride or purchasing a bus pass. All kinds of good things could
accrue from this! Respect for elders, proper deportment on a public
vehicle, independence, ability to get to sports/band practice without
bugging mom and dad...
- - HPK
- 4/5 3:38pm
CK - I don't have any history with the elementary Spanish program in
Norfolk, but I have experience with Spanish programs and extensive
experience with children. I personally have taken 5 years of Spanish - three
in high school and two in college. While I am not fluent, I have a fairly
large vocabulary and can understand written text. My husband who grew up in
a town near Norfolk also took Spanish in high school as a requirement. He
struggles to remember anything.
What I am trying to get to is: What is your
child's appetite for learning Spanish? If he is interested in other things
(my husband is brilliant in math and English) then foreign language may not
be his bucket of monkeys. My teenage niece is in the Spanish program in
Millis, and has been for a couple of years. While helping with her homework
recently, I was surprised at what she did not understand or know (it seemed
pretty basic to me). She has no interest. My 9 year old niece in Texas has
absorbed everything she has been taught (partly because she has to in order
to be able to communicate, but mostly because she loves learning languages).
Any thoughts?
Adios!
- - MH
- 4/5 3:36pm
BR: When you bought your homes did you have sidewalks? ... I'm sorry,
but I don't think some of you will ever be happy no matter what...
Ha-ha! I'm still chuckling a day later. I always enjoy your unique and
interesting posts. Being guilty of verbosity myself, I will endeavor,
if unsuccessfully, to heed your call for brevity.
JHR: We call it the "dump" too - carries more weight, if less
gravity, somehow. I loved hearing about that old sewing machine. I've
enjoyed your posts too. We need more like that, especially now.
Speaking of sewing, my cranky, practical, ex-navy, Irish father
taught us to sew (mum had arthritis) on an old Singer. Saving money
trumped sexism, and thus, my brother Gerry inherited that old machine
and hauled it off to Portland, OR. He found replacement parts on
eBay, and sews better than I do, dare I say it, much to his wife's
amusement.
CK: Please don't call for elimination of the Spanish program. Call
to improve it! Fluency in Spanish and/or Chinese will absolutely
improve your child's options for college and employment, and if
you're patriotic, enhance this countries position on the world stage.
- - SO
- 4/5 1:52pm
I like that some people are questioning the "perqs" that go on in
our schools. Here's another couple of questions for y'all -- would
you prefer to have your kids bused to school or have a half year
of Spanish ? Does your kindergartener through second grader need
computer class every week, or would you prefer the safety of the
buses?
My kids didn't have computer classes early in their school
careers, and they seem to be just fine in high school, college, and
beyond in using their computers. Why are we spending such great
amounts of money teaching a primary schooler computer skills? They
should be learning to read and write at that age, not to access
computers! We could probably get rid of the HOD computer classes
altogether; the kids could pick up the necessary skills with computer
classes in fourth or fifth grade, when they can absorb the concepts
faster.
- - JC
- 4/5 12:58pm
Two quick comments:
1. my cousin in Sharon, MA pays $500 per child to bus to the public
school system! (as far as she knows there is no family limit)
2. this is going to open a can of worms, but is anyone else with
elementary aged kids disappointed with the Spanish program? My son has
had Spanish since kindergarten, and he struggles to count to ten (in
Spanish) and can't tell me the colors... either this program needs to be
tweaked, or, in my opinion, it needs to be eliminated...
- - CK
- 4/5 12:57pm
There are two issues regarding busing, and many posters on norfolknet
are confusing the two. The two-mile limit deals with the distance from
the school; even if it were safe to walk the entire way, the law
provides for transportation to those further than two miles away because
it is too far expect a child to reasonably walk to school, not because
it is inherently unsafe.
The real issue that needs to be discussed is
the safety of the walking conditions for those within the two mile
limit, as there are exceptions written in the law for unsafe conditions
at any distance from the school.
- - JC
- 4/5 12:56pm
I am pleased to see the posting on the bus fee continues. The safety
of our children is at stake here. My daughter and her friends at the
Freeman are discussing walking as a group to school. I said absolutely
not. There are no sidewalks and the streets they would walk on have high
traffic volume. If I drive them the traffic would be even worse. What
about those of us that have children at both schools? I drove my
children to school on Tuesday and it took 25 minutes round trip. I sat
on Boardman St for 10 minutes which resulted in my HOD child being late
for school.
Many people have raised great arguments for how this is to be
handled. Now how do we organize as a group to get the SC to listen to
us. Norfolknet is great but let's get our concerns finally addressed by
the responsible parties.
- - PRB
- 4/5 12:16pm
LD said:
My point was that the eligibility requirements that were posted
by SR did not relate to the bus fee but rather the requirements for
busing generally.
There is no requirement that busing be provided to those within 2 miles
unless there are safety concerns. My point is that by currently
providing busing to residents within 2 miles, they already determined
that walking is not an option for safety reasons and it would be
difficult for them to justify otherwise.
That is my point exactly. The reason that kids within 2 miles do
currently take the bus is because walking is not safe! So why impose a
fee on a subset of families when it's just as unsafe to walk 1.8 miles
to school as it is to walk 2.2 miles to school??
JB said:
As a side note, instead of charging people who actually take
the bus, why don't we impose a fee on those who choose to drop their
kids off at school? Now that's an idea that makes more sense! (although
still not perfect) For both traffic & safety reasons, and for pollution
considerations.
To those of you who criticize the debate about this on Norfolknet: I
disagree that respectful debate here "does nothing." It is a first step
toward raising awareness and gauging what the community thinks about
this issue (I know-it's not a representative sample-it's a self-selected
sample-I've taken advanced statistics.) I also personally do not plan
to "just let it drop." Regards to all,
- - SR
- 4/5 10:59am
CG: According to the School Committee, crossing guards and police
presence is not required by law. So, it seems unlikely we will have
them.
- - TIS
- 4/5 10:57am
Yesterday my husband picked up an ancient Singer sewing machine at the
- ummmm..., transfer station that we call the d***. I am thrilled with it,
not to use of course, but just to have for nostalgia's sake. It is even
older than the one I learned to sew on back in the 40s. I have no idea
what I will do with it, but... if there are people out there who have
old machines they hate to part with but have been hanging around for a
while, I'd be happy to have them. Please don't take to the d***, Heaven
forbid! 528-0941. I might even consider paying :-)
This old Singer
has made my day. I have done a bit of research and figure it is from
1865 and perhaps my grandmother sewed on it as a young girl living on an
island in Maine. What a lovely thought!! I have another newer machine,
probably 30 or so years old, that I plan to try to fix today and give to
my future daughter-in-law. My first repair job and I'm so excited. I
even ordered repair books through the library system. I hate to buy new
as the quality is not the same. Thanks.
- - JHR
- 4/5 10:35am
Just wanted to clarify my somewhat confusing post from yesterday
in response to SR. My point was that the eligibility requirements
that were posted by SR did not relate to the bus fee but rather the
requirements for busing generally.
There is no requirement that
busing be provided to those within 2 miles unless there are safety
concerns. My point is that by currently providing busing to residents
within 2 miles, they already determined that walking is not an option
for safety reasons and it would be difficult for them to justify
otherwise.
- - LD
- 4/5 9:48am
The busing question, also raises another question, and it needs to be
answered... if the school stands to make 30,000.00 , what are the costs
to the town going to be for crossing guards and other expenses? Is the
SC even considering that, or do they not care because it will no longer
be their problem? Has the BOS made a recommendation to the school on
the issue? Has Chuck Stone made a recommendation on the issue? Is this
something that the SC can just do without a town vote, making it
mandatory without any consideration what so ever about the safety of the
kids? I would think the SC should be for our children, not against them.
When the first kid gets run over, who can we say "I told you so" to??
There are way more issues to this discussion that people have hit on so
far.
- - CG
- 4/5 9:46am
To BR: I agree with you 100%. It is the same subject over and over
again. Enough with the bus issue! Norfolk has problems as does every
other town in the area right now. Let's change the topic and move on.
When my children were in elementary school, they could have taken the
bus, but I just drove them anyway because I enjoyed that extra fifteen
minutes with them every morning. Norfolk schools are good schools and
for those of you who complain about them and talk about going private,
wouldn't you have to drive them to school everyday then? I realize the
bus fee must be annoying to those who may have to pay it, but going back
and forth about it on NorfolkNet is not going to change anything.
- - BH
- 4/5 9:28am
MJD: Regarding: Mr. Hathaway does not want your vote. He is an employee
of the town (Town Administrator) not an elected official, so you can't
"vote" him out.
I am properly chagrined ;-) Truthfully, I am just starting to try and
gain an understanding of town politics. The town where I grew up did not
have this governmental structure. Even though we've been here for
several years, that time has mostly been spent in the haze of
sleeplessness that comes from having young children.
BH: Thank you for your concrete suggestions on steps that I and others
interested in this issue may take.
Regards to all,
- - SR
(non-school-related posts from 4/4 to 4/1 repeated) - 4/4 11:22pm
Do you need my address for the coupon, or will it be emailed?
:-)
- - CI
- 4/4 10:42pm
Ooops! Through a small administrative change on the server I knocked
Norfolknet off the air intermittently for a half hour or more before I
understood what was happening and fixed it. The management is profoundly
apologetic, and wishes to make amends -- to atone for our mistake we are
offering coupons for one medium-size post or one small rebuttal, completely
free of charge!
Offer limited to topics related to Norfolk.
Free post shall not be interpreted to mean that the time taken to
compose or type the message or to read the responses will be compensated.
Other restrictions may apply in your community or if the phase of the
moon is wrong. Offer void where prohibited. I should probably think of more
conditions because I've never read fine print that was this short, but it's
late and I have other things I have to finish.
Thank you for your understanding :-)
- - Wm.
- 4/4 7:37pm
To all who want to know what's going in at the corner of 1A & 115, Walgreens
Drug Store is going in. I heard by the Fall of 2008. One less thing we have to
drive to another town for.
- - DH
- 4/4 6:42pm
To JO: Thanks for the links to the Nellis Air Show. Seeing those old
planes brought back great memories of sitting at my grandparent's
kitchen table building models of all of them.
All I needed was a SPAD XIII and a Fokker D7 to make the scene complete!
Very much appreciated!
- - BA
- 4/4 5:33pm
DH, I too am wondering what is going in at 1A & 115. That whole area
needs development.
- - CG
- 4/4 4:58pm
This very sweet tabby Cat was picked up three days ago in the Overlea Road
neighborhood. If you are missing her please contact the Animal Control Officer at
(508) 528 3232. If she is not claimed in one week she will be going up for
adoption. She is a very sweet and sociable cat, around 2-3 years old, very
clean, and litter trained.
Sincerely,
- - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control
- 4/4 12:41pm
Does anyone know what's happening at the corner of Rte 115 and 1A? There
appears to be some digging going on in preparation for something.
- - DF
- 4/3 12:07pm
Perhaps some may enjoy this
[Nellis Air Show highlights]
- - JO
- 4/3 2:58pm
Men's (Over 30) Softball League still has a few openings for players - The
season consists of 24 games plus playoffs. This slow pitch league plays all
games on Monday and/or Wednesday nights (at either 7:00, 8:00, or 9:00).
(There's a pavilion w/ tables serving beverages and food for players and
fans.) Anyone interested in playing should call Craig K. at 508-369-1948
or email
kpsoftball@verizon.net
as soon as possible. Practices start next
week with the season officially opening May 1st.
- - CK
- 4/3 1:43pm
Sorry, JC! My note was actually a cut and paste of an email to KPMS
parents from the KPMS office. I was not at the HS performances so was
unclear on the outcomes of their performances. Yes, congrats to the
High School and their parents!
- - BS
- 4/3 1:23pm
BS - you forgot to mention that the KP High Symphonic Band earned a
Gold Medal at MICCA on Friday night as well, and the Concert Band earned
a Silver Medal. The adjudicator who gave the clinic to the Symphonic
Band after their performance asked if King Philip was a fine arts high
school, because their level of musical skill was so high! He told the
students to be sure to thank their parents for choosing to live in the
KP school district. Thank you, Norfolk, Wrentham, and Plainville, for
continuing to show such support to your outstanding music program -
people notice!
- - JC
- 4/3 12:52pm
For RS re: heating system fan belt. Try this website:
doityourself.com.
I've found that you can usually
find an answer Searching the forums, but there are also many
knowledgeable people waiting to help if you post a question. Nice site.
- - LJK
- 4/3 8:57am
A happy piece of news....
Congratulations to our 7th & 8th grade band!
Congratulations to all of the students who are part of the King Philip
Regional School music program. This past weekend was a very busy week.
On Friday evening both the 7th grade band and 8th grade band performed
in the MICCA Concert Festival held at Hopkinton Middle School. Both
groups had fantastic performances and each earned a Gold Medal earning
them the opportunity to perform at either Symphony Hall or Mechanics
Hall later this month. The 7th and 8th grade chorus had a wonderful
performance at MICCA Choral Festival in Norwood and earned a Medal of
Merit. The Winter Percussion and Winter Color Guard both performed the
NESBA Championships at the Mullens Center at UMass Amherst.
The Winter percussion came in first place in their division and The
Guard performed in exhibition and earned a Gold Medal. Best of luck to
the Winter Percussion and Winter Guard at WGI finals later this month.
Again congrats to all of the students in the King Philip Music Program
on a wonderful weekend.
Congratulations to these kids! They work really hard. Their
performances were awesome.
- - BS
- 4/3 1:16am
This news item has caught my eye, and I've been chewing on it for some
weeks now. Anyone have any insight as to what's going on and where this
is headed?
There has been a 60 percent drop-off in the number of students who say they are interested in majoring in computer science since 2000. [link]
Computer science used to be one of the top jobs -- now out of favor? What does this mean for our nation's future as the intellectual workers in an era of globalized design and production?- - AR
- 4/2 10:54pm
NOGO
urges all residents of Norfolk to vote and attend town meeting this
May.
Your voice is important but only your vote is counted!
- - JPB
- 4/2 10:47pm
My drive belt for the fan in my hot air heating system has failed, a lot of
smoke as I turn on the system. Has any homeowner done this type of repair?
Seems easy, but, should I hire a mechanic or do it myself. My system is a
Dayton oil furnace. The motor does not get hot at all, I think it is the belt
causing the smoke that is driving the fan.
thanks
- - RS
- 4/2 4:45pm
Three cheers to Den and Jan Healy for all of their hard work making the
Girl Scout Father-Daughter dance such a rousing success. As an
attending dad, I have no trouble thanking them on everyone's behalf.
They deserve an enormous amount of credit.
- - EMF
- 4/2 2:16pm
If anyone is looking for a reliable and honest handyman, call Scott Heine.
Scott and his crew just finished up at our house and we couldn't be happier.
Scott started work a day or two after I called him, finished all of our
inside jobs within a day, then worked on our exterior for another day or so.
His Norfolk-based business is called Handyman Carpentry and his number is
508-272-1050.
- - KP
- 4/2 2:13pm
We also want to add our thanks to the H. Olive Day staff for their
support on Saturday afternoon for the Second Grade Chorus. Mrs. Madden
has prepared these young children beautifully. They were, by far, the
youngest group to participate at the MICAA Choral Festival. Most groups
were high school aged. The "Singers of the Day" were very well behaved
as they waited for their time slot in the warm up area. They looked
like seasoned professionals as they entered the auditorium and proceeded
to the stage. The selections they sang were quite complex and they did
a terrific job with each of the three songs. They were applauded loudly
by all of the audience members and received some great advice from the
judges at the post-performance clinic. They are a great reflection of
the great things that can happen with support and enthusiasm. Thanks to
making it available to these kids. It's wonderful to see the progress
after a year with Mrs. Madden. Thanks also to Mrs. Balfour for her
support during the year and for coming on Saturday to support her
students. She truly cares about all of them and their endeavors. Hat's
off to the Rec. Department who sponsors this program as well! It's a
gem!
- - TMS
- 4/2 12:37pm
Thank you for the suggestions on plumbers. I appreciate your
recommendations.
- - MO
- 4/2 12:22pm
At 7 p.m. Tuesday April 10, the King Philip Varsity Indoor Color Guard and
King Philip Indoor Percussion will present their shows at a Send-Off Rally
in the King Philip Regional High School Field House. The public is invited
at no charge.
Both groups will be heading out to Dayton, Ohio to compete in the Winter
Guard International (WGI) world championships.
The Guard has twice before headed out to the world championships, and this
year performing their show: "Streams of Consciousness", featuring music
from the movie "The Hours" they once again are striving to make it into the
finals. The show has already garnered them top marks at several regional
shows.
Winter Percussion, having an exciting season performing their show:
"Systematic", featuring music from Jim Bonney's "Chaos Theory", have
attained first place in their group in all the regional shows in which they
have competed, including first place in this past weekends New England
Scholastic Band Associations Championships held at the University of
Massachusetts, Amherst.
- - MW, King Philip Music Association
- 4/2 11:18am
I would just like to say congrat's to the second grade chorus for such a
wonderful performance on Saturday and a special thank you to Mrs.Madden
for taking our children under her wing.
- - SM
- 4/1 10:50pm
Get ready to read! The Friends of the Library Book and Bake Sale is
Saturday, April 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or shop early at the Friends
Preview Sale on Friday, April 27 from 6 - 9 p.m. (Note: Friday night
admission requires a donation of $15 or more). With over 25,000 books
sorted and alphabetized the Friends of the Norfolk Library Annual Book
and Bake Sale is no ordinary book sale. Norfolk Department of Public
Works garage, 33 Medway Branch, Norfolk. We are alway looking for
volunteers to help with the sale or to bake goodies, e-mail Tricia @
croninsutton@yahoo.com
or visit our website at
www.norfolkbooksale.com
for more information.
- - PCS, Friends of the Norfolk Library
- 4/4 11:22pm
Do you need my address for the coupon, or will it be emailed?
:-)
- - CI
- 4/4 10:42pm
Ooops! Through a small administrative change on the server I knocked
Norfolknet off the air intermittently for a half hour or more before I
understood what was happening and fixed it. The management is profoundly
apologetic, and wishes to make amends -- to atone for our mistake we are
offering coupons for one medium-size post or one small rebuttal, completely
free of charge!
Offer limited to topics related to Norfolk.
Free post shall not be interpreted to mean that the time taken to
compose or type the message or to read the responses will be compensated.
Other restrictions may apply in your community or if the phase of the
moon is wrong. Offer void where prohibited. I should probably think of more
conditions because I've never read fine print that was this short, but it's
late and I have other things I have to finish.
Thank you for your understanding :-)
- - Wm.
- 4/4 7:07pm
Is it known yet what the net result is of this proposed bus fee?
There is obviously a lot of heated discussion about the fee, but I
am not clear as to the net financial result of the program. I.e.
how much is this bus fee program going to cost and what is our net
after that? Revenue is never 'free money'. When I look at this
proposed program a few things come to mind on the cost side.
- Maintaining a database of the addresses that fall within the 2 mi restriction
In additon to all the operational expenses, what will it cost us to defend any legal disputes arising from this? I have read a lot of legal language on this site so far, and it seems that someone could bring a case over interpretation of the laws around this.- Matching students with those addresses to appropriately budget funds for the following year (including calculating family discounts if they exist)
- Communication to the parents, including notification of in/out 2mi, program details, key dates, collections, past due, missed dealines, physical pass distribution, etc...
- General billing and reconciliation
- Disputes over the address inside/outside 2 mi (how do we validate?)
- Creating bus routes based on students in / out of the program.
- Additional resources needed to handle increased drop offs, traffic control, etc...
All of this seems to add up to a lot of expense to me. The risk
here is that our revenue is capped by the number of students, but
our expenses are ambigous. Worst case scenario is that this ends
up costing us money. In looking at this program it seems to require
at least a dedicated part time resource, potentially a full time
resource and some level of new technology. My question is do we
know the cost and how valid are our assumptions? Have we asked
other towns the costs incurred with their fee programs, that would
be a logical place to start if we haven't done that already.
So if the best case scenario 'net' number is an uptick of $5 or
$10K is it really worth all of this grief and agravation it causes
us?
As a side note, instead of charging people who actually take the
bus, why don't we impose a fee on those who choose to drop their
kids off at school? It always bugs me when I see a long line of
cars dropping children off at the school when my tax dollars (today)
pay for a bus seat for each and every one of those children. Very
simple program - sell tickets for a dollar a drop-off. If you need
to drive periodically - you can. If you choose to drive daily -
you pay us back for the bus seat we provide to your children. Count
up the cars tomorrow and see what that would mean to our bottom
line.
- - JB
- 4/4 8:16pm
MJD and MK,
I think you are confusing expenses and revenues. There is a line
item for the cost of busing ($361,500) and an offsetting revenue line
item ($30,000) to help cover the costs of busing that according to MA
law we do not have to pay for. This $30,000 is an approximation of the
amount we hope to net in fees after paying for the costs to implement
the program.
Regards,
- - DM (School Committee member-speaking on my behalf only and not on behalf of the committee)
- 4/4 8:15pm
"Mr. Hathaway does not want your vote. He is an employee of the town (Town
Administrator) not an elected official, so you can't "vote" him out."
Isn't that comforting! He's an employee and can't be voted out, therefore,
we can epect a tone which is "demeaning and arrogant".
Where is Howie Carr when you need him??
- - CB
- 4/4 8:14pm
Gee - reading this page lately has been painful! I was especially
taken aback by the personal diatribes against Jack Hathaway. Let's
remember that this is someone who did two jobs for about a year
when he was acting Town Administrator as well as Finance Department
head. Frankly I'm surprised more reports weren't late. I also
don't fault him for not wanting to take over the pay-to-ride busing
mess; the school committee created this uproar and should deal with
the repercussions, IMHO.
Can we try being a bit more neighborly?
- - CI
- 4/4 8:13pm
It is getting to the point that I no longer want to go onto Norfolknet.
This is not what is use to be. If you don't like it here then move
elsewhere. I see that most towns are having problems. We are seniors and
our dirt road is now paved--the school buses go faster than any car. I
enjoy watching Mrs. Swan on her nest and the fact that the herons have
returned even with the cold-damp weather. When you bought your homes
did you have sidewalks? Some of the discussions are too long to even
read. I'm sorry, but I don't think some of you will ever be happy no
matter what the town offers.
- - BR
- 4/4 7:52pm
I have been reading the school busing posts with great interest and
thankfulness that our kids are adults and getting on with their lives.
But, in trying to picture a yellow Holmes Bus driving to a part of town
that is beyond the 2 mile limit, picking up let's say 5 kids and then
proceeding back to the schools, I seem to see the bus passing hundreds
of kids that are walking to school. This seems quite ludicrous. Do they
all just wave to each other? Will the bus be almost empty?? Also, the
serious implications of a senior injuring (or worse) a child walking in
the road is heart stopping. It is not just the children and parents
bearing the responsibility here. It is every driver.
- - JHR
- 4/4 7:37pm
To all who want to know what's going in at the corner of 1A & 115, Walgreens
Drug Store is going in. I heard by the Fall of 2008. One less thing we have to
drive to another town for.
- - DH
- 4/4 7:13pm
MJD--You are absolutely correct. The busing for our children for next year
is already fully funded. It is in the budget. There is no need for a busing
fee next year. I wish someone on the SC would explain to all the parents
why they want the extra revenue?
- - MK
- 4/4 6:43pm
If the busing fee does in fact go in I believe those homeowners within
the 2 mile limit should have their assessments reduced by several
thousand dollars. Why would you purchase a house in a neighborhood that
has to pay the fee when you could look for one that does not.
Speaking
of assessments, I urge everyone to get a copy of their Vision report
from the assessors dept. This report details how your home is valued.
Square feet of living space is the major input. I found out my
foundation size has been wrong since the house was built 20 years aga. I
could do nothing about prior years and I'm more than upset that the
report showed the house was measured and reviewed at least 4 times in
the last 10 years and the error was not discovered. They must have
forgot their tape measure and just used their shoe size. Even a foot or
two off could save hundreds of dollars a year. There are rules about
when you can file for an abatement so it may take a while but do your
homework now. It is not the inside but rather the outside measurements
that they use.
- - RJP
- 4/4 6:42pm
To JO: Thanks for the links to the Nellis Air Show. Seeing those old
planes brought back great memories of sitting at my grandparent's
kitchen table building models of all of them.
All I needed was a SPAD XIII and a Fokker D7 to make the scene complete!
Very much appreciated!
- - BA
- 4/4 6:17pm
BH - I might be wrong but I think that busing for all children is
already budgeted. Someone said it on this site if I recall. The $30K
they hope to raise from this won't fill a gap, it will allow the SC to
reallocate money from that fully funded line to fund other things (not
sure what, as $30K doesn't buy much these days). Please correct me if I
am wrong. Thanks.
- - MJD
- 4/4 5:59pm
MJD: While it is true that Mr. Hathaway cannot be voted out, he can be
removed from office. This would require that the town's elected officials
actually hold him accountable. From what I have read recently, there is
seemingly no accountability in town hall. If our current town governance
does not find delinquent state filings to be a failure to perform basic
duties, then perhaps it is time for new town officials. Mr. Hathaway's
statement regarding the late filings ("Don't worry about it") are
unacceptable.
DM states that the school committee was blind-sided by Mr. Hathaway's
failure to file these documents as well. If Mr. Hathaway and the current
officials did in fact withold this information from the school committee,
then I think a change is in order. Norfolk should not tolerate a lack of
fiscal accountability. The different boards in this small town should be
working together, not against each other. Clearly the Selectmen and the
School Committee do not have effective lines of communication. They need to
work together to keep Norfolk moving forward. If they cannot, I will vote
for change. I hope you will too.
- - CS
- 4/4 5:38pm
Re: 4/4 4:29pm:
SR: I believe one action to take now is to call the people who can
approve changing the motions at Town Meeting. If you will prepare a
motion which will add the amount
needed to pay for busing for those within 2 miles, and review it with
the moderator candidates, it doesn't matter what Hathaway thinks, as he
has nothing to do with whether
the motion passes or not. What you have to do is to convince citizens to
vote for the money, and be sure that the change is proper. The
purpose for reviewing it is to see if the motion to change an article on
the warrant is legal and properly worded. If it is OK to proceed, the
Town Meeting can take up the substitute motion, pass or reject it, then
go back to the main motion. Call Dan Winslow and Marc Waldman, the
candidates for Moderator; tell them what is desired, and they could give
you guidance as to what can and what cannot be done at Town Meeting.
Plan to do something to add money for busing. Talk to the School
Committee members, too. Then, plan what you want to do, and get a lot of
people to support it, and do it.
Don't forget to have someone move to reconsider an accepted motion;
there is a way to lock in the vote taken in that way. You might even
talk to a Selectman or two. Jonathan Smith has a lot of experience on
the Advisory Board; he can give you pointers.
I will vote to add that money for busing. Good luck.
- - BH
- 4/4 5:34pm
SR,
I don't think this is what you intended, but your quoting of the
Mass guidelines raises an interesting point. The section you state
is for bus eligibility policy and not the fee. Essentially, the
section states that bus service needs to be provided only to those
students who live more than two miles unless "road conditions do
not provide for the physical safety of the children and when the
health of students make this service essential."
So follow me here ... If I am reading this properly, Norfolk is not
required to offer busing to students outside of 2 miles (the quoted
section is under "eligibility"), but apparently do so because they
have determined that the physical safety and health of the children
make this service essential. So is the point now that there are
no safety issues? If there were no safety issues then they shouldn't
have been offering bus service to these children in the first place
since it was not in compliance with the Pupil Transportation Guide
for Massachusetts.
- - LD
[You're messing with our minds, I know you must be, I just can't pin it down exactly... :-) - Wm.] - 4/4 5:33pm
DH, I too am wondering what is going in at 1A & 115. That whole area
needs development.
- - CG
- 4/4 5:32pm
ADA - While I absolutely agree with your stance on the discriminatory
practice of the bus fee for only some, I have to ask you if you are the
same ADA who stated in an earlier post, "but I do believe that we should
all be treated fairly" (and not necessarily the "same") regarding
preferential access to full-day kindergarten slots for children of
residents who work full-time? It would be too ironic if where you stand
on an issue effects your passion for people being treated the same or
not.
- - MHC
- 4/4 4:59pm
SR - Mr. Hathaway does not want your vote.
He is an employee of the town (Town Administrator) not
an elected official, so you can't "vote" him out.
- - MJD
- 4/4 4:58pm
This very sweet tabby Cat was picked up three days ago in the Overlea Road
neighborhood. If you are missing her please contact the Animal Control Officer at
(508) 528 3232. If she is not claimed in one week she will be going up for
adoption. She is a very sweet and sociable cat, around 2-3 years old, very
clean, and litter trained.
Sincerely,
- - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control
- 4/4 4:29pm
To JC: The reality is that, at least theoretically, it is perfectly
reasonable to ask that children who are within walking distance of the
public school not get a free ride to the school.
It is utterly unreasonable to ask that children who live less than two
miles walk to HOD which is located on Main Street. In this case, buses
are not a "convenience" but rather a necessity to effectively and
efficiently transport children. There is no reasonable alternative,
whether it be children walking or parents dropping off. HOD is not safe
for any kindergartener to walk to, yet only some consumers of the bus
service (likely around 75%) are required to pay while others are not. It
would be a fee if all consumers paid a charge based on use, but this is
not the case. How is this not discriminatory and essentially a tax? The
need for bus transportation is the same for all families with students
attending HOD and FCS but only an arbitrary group is expected to pay.
This is apparently legal and completely unfair. Please stop calling it a
fee unless all consumers are expected to pay for the service (that's
what a fee is). Names have meaning. Let's call it what it is... A
live-less-than-two-miles-from-school override tax to save a teaching
position. Not catchy, but I believe more accurate.
- - ADA
- 4/4 4:29pm
ADA and JW: Kudos to the points you have made.
I have a few things I'd like to say on the bussing issue:
* This is a safety issue that affects the entire town; increased
pedestrian traffic on mostly unwalkable streets increases accidents.
Increased car traffic increases the likelihood of accidents as
impatience grows from long waiting times, and as congestion decreases
visibility. Traffic backing up onto streets causes safety concerns and
transportation headaches for anyone traveling in Norfolk.
* We are lucky to live in a reasonably wealthy community, but some
families are not as lucky as others. Some families in this town already
struggle to make ends meet. These families will be disproportionably
impacted by a 2-mile bus tax.
* As learned at the meeting last night, the line item for the proposed
2-mile bus tax can be moved to the town budget, and spread out among all
residents-this is, after all, a community safety issue. The net cost to
each resident would be measured in pennies. But, Jack Hathaway indicated
he would not even consider this. So, he has taken the ability for the
people to decide whether or not they think this tax should be applied
community-wide. I understand that his tone was demeaning and arrogant. I
am never going to vote for Jack Hathaway if this is the kind of
"leadership" that he practices.
(taken from
http://finance1.doe.mass.edu/transport/guide_1.html)
"Eligibility: All children in grades kindergarten through six who reside more than two miles from the school they are entitled to attend and the nearest school bus stop is more than one mile from their residence and all children residing in regional school districts in grades kindergarten through twelve. Exceptions to this policy may be made when road conditions do not provide for the physical safety of the children and when the health of students make this service essential."
(my emphasis). I think all reasonable people can agree that many of the roads within 2 miles of the schools are not walkable. How do we residents therefore apply for "exceptions to this policy?" I have taken a first step by speaking with the Compliance Officer for Norfolk at the state level; he will be returning my call and providing me with further information on how to fight this.
I'd like to add that so far, my full-day Kindergarten student has
received an excellent education and that I am very impressed with what I
have seen from the teachers at both of our elementary schools. I have
never voted to cut teacher positions or funds for important school
subjects. There are other areas where costs can be cut. (and other ways
to generate funds.) It really depends on whom the Powers-That-Be want to
curry favor with. And they have chosen to prey on families within 2
miles of our schools.
How about next year; we impose a fee on families using the town
playgrounds and recreation equipment who live within 2 miles of them? Or,
my favorite, a tax on people who drive their kids to school in Hummers?
p.s. the bus fee has already cost us $500 in software purchased by the
school committee to calculate who lives inside the 2-mile radius. Is
that really a good use of resources? So, we are already $500 in the hole
from this program, never mind increased costs due to infrastructure
accommodations and safety personnel. And this bus tax is supposed to
save us money??
Sincerely,
- - SR
- 4/4 4:02pm
LS,
I would hope that the Town did not authorize the Library security system
that was detailed in the town budget - it was given a low priority - but
yes, it was quoted at over 12K. This just shows that the Selectmen
should question everything, leaving no questions unanswered. Although I
am surprised, one of them must have a burglar alarm at home and would
know the reality of what they cost to install and use.
So until that happens reliably, and I do mean reliably, here's an
out-of-the box idea. Any Norfolk town employee, outside of their
regular duties, or a Norfolk citizen or otherwise, who comes up with a
plan to save the Town money receives a monetary reward, as a percentage,
say 10%, of calculated savings. That includes whistle-blowers who
uncover waste, fraud, neglect, redundancy, monetary-based favoritism,
fixed bids, nepotism, padded payrolls and otherwise. It would give the
taxpayers a level of comfort that their tax dollars were exhaustively
being watched over.
Any support out there?
- - MON
- 4/4 3:58pm
Regarding the bus fees; first off, I haven't figured out if I'm ticked off
or not about them. Maybe this meets the classic demarcation of a fee, but
you really get into a gray area with the whole avoidability aspect.
Fees are supposed to be avoidable -- if you don't get the service, you don't
pay the fee -- but you can't avoid going to school and the town has SO
IRRESPONSIBLY NEGLECTED THE BASIC MAINTENANCE AND UPKEEP OF BOARDMAN STREET
from the school to Needham Street (Wm - keep the all-caps there, I know it
looks like I'm yelling, because I am) that it's downright irresponsible to
make your kid walk that street in the morning (particularly with the
combination of a) reckless drivers, and b) SUV/land barge drivers, and c)
reckless SUV/land barge drivers. So unless you want every parent who avoids
the fee to drive their kids to school, it's not all that avoidable.
But that's not what I wanted to write about.
This morning I had the occasion to drop one of my kids off at school for
the first time. I had no idea what a mess the whole system is, with
SUV/land-barges running out the driveway and onto Boardman Street. But what
really got me was that a significant number of them, including the one right
in front of me, were sitting there and idling for about ten minutes.
Now it wasn't so cold this morning that you absolutely needed to keep the
heat on, and your battery is not going to die if you listen to the radio for
ten minutes without your motor on. And with today's ignition systems, if
your car is going to be parked in one place for more than a minute (the
actual number is something like 30 seconds), it's actually more
fuel-efficient to shut off the car than to keep it running; cars simply
don't use as much gas as they used to in starting up.
What you are accomplishing by idling for ten minutes is sending lovely soot
and carbon and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere for no reason. And
through my open window.
Now, aside from it being against the law to idle for that long (chapter 90,
section 16a - five minute limit), it's wasteful. Isn't it kind of ironic
that the people who will be trying to save money by dropping their kids off
at school will be blowing bucks right out their tailpipes as they sit there
and idle for 5, 10, 15 minutes?
Has the school committee done an Environmental Impact Report as to the
increased auto emissions through more trips and longer idling times? Quick,
someone call the EPA!
- - RJG
- 4/4 3:38pm
KL - My point is merely that the structure of the organization, including
streamlining administration and putting more people on the frontlines
(be it direct patient care or teachers in the classroom), is what has
helped turn many organizations around.
(The other)
- - PB
- 4/4 3:10pm
I don't have kids in the school system anymore, but, I wonder, why the isn't
just a charge for all students for the bus. If they charged a fee for all
students, wouldn't the fee be a small one? Everyone that has school age kids pay
the same amount, whether they live less that 2 miles or more than 2 miles.
Seems logical to me.
As far as the full day kindergarten is concerned, I am
willing to bet that very soon, all kindergarten will be full day. Kids are now
indeed ready sooner for a full day than they used to be. When my first child
went to kindergarten in Norfolk we had to pay for it, there was no public
kindergarten.
- - JW
- 4/4 2:14pm
PB - With all due respect (and if you are an RN I do mean that, as you
have one of the most difficult jobs there is), you cannot compare the
schools to a "well-run hospital." While some hospitals are operating in
the black, many are not, and you must also concede that a) the average
RN in the country makes $60K, let alone one in the Boston area, or one
who is a Unit Coordinator, or VP of Patient Care Services, b) there is a
huge nursing shortage in this country despite these salaries, and c) the
Institute of Medicine reported in their landmark 1999 study that over
98,000 people die each year due to preventable medical errors. Patient
safety is a huge issue in healthcare, as I am sure you know.
And you want this same environment for our children? No thank you.
And MON - if you can get all three towns to agree to regionalizing
services at the Superintendent level, great!
- - KL
- 4/4 2:10pm
A 2-mile radius around HOD encompasses almost all of Norfolk.
Millis is 1.7 mi to the north; Franklin is 1.9 mi to the west;
Walpole is 1.9 mi to the east; Wrentham is 2.1 mi to the south.
I must be missing something because renders moot the discussion of
the income level (DWL, PB, MJD), since practically all of Norfolk
is included. (It definitely includes the priciest neighborhoods
that I know of--among others, the Berkshire St. neighborhood
and the $2M homes of Keeney Pond.)
Am I missing something?
- - SJP
[The distance is measured as driven "portal to portal over a commonly traveled route," and is not a radius. The reference is cited in the post of 3/18 6:40pm - Wm.] - 4/4 2:08pm
The recent snarly posts on NorfokNet make me feel sad. What the heck are
we doing as a community? Although we should never feel intimidated to
express our opinions... do we really need to be so hurtful in doing so?
I
have a good idea! We all need to take a very deep breath and go and
experience any one of the extraordinary performances by the King Philip
Music Program. It is absolutely magical to see how the commitment to
excellence on behalf of the teachers, students and parents make this program
consistently regarded as one of the top programs in the country! Their
passion for excellence affords them the opportunity to consistently showcase
their talents at such places like Carnegie Hall, Giant's Stadium, The RCA
Dome, Boston's very own Hatch Shell and Symphony Hall and countless national
and world championships! Go and see them!! I promise you that you will
walk away from any performance with a feeling of wonder and a sense
of community pride... They are YOUR town's kids!
Just one final comment... as one can imagine with this type of success,
fees are involved... but somehow the families seem to and want to make it
work!!
- - RV
- 4/4 2:02pm
MON, great post, thank you for your insight. We as a committee have
looked at the administrative makeup of the schools and their specific
job responsibilities (they are on the Norfolk Schools web page under
HR/job descriptions). Based on detailed analysis we have concluded we
are currently staffed appropriately.
The Principals and Assistant Principals perform many functions
such as curriculum coordinators. If we were to eliminate the Assistants
(hypothetically--go with me here) then that job function would need to be
picked up by another professional. As it is these professional staff
positions are paid similarly to most professionals in the "real world",
in other words they get paid for 40 hours a week. I know from direct
observation that these people put in more than double that on a regular
basis. I only bring this up to point out that there is no slack in
other areas to pick up these tasks so you would be eliminating one
position to only pick up additional ones.
Most other districts we have had discussions with and studied
that have fewer "top administrator" positions actually end up spending
more on support staff since they need a similar (or in most cases more)
number of personnel to handle the curriculum coordination, 504 work,
grant writing, etc. The bottom line is if you use the Administrative
line item as a proxy for all these tasks (since all schools need to
perform these tasks-or at least should be doing so), and compare that to
our total budget we are well below the state guidelines which is what
the state says we should be spending on this function. In my opinion
there are two explanations for this, either we are doing less work than
required or our staff is currently running very lean. Having worked
with the administration for a year now I know it is the latter. Does
this mean we're done and that's the end of it? No, the SC is constantly
asking probing questions and ensuring there is adequate justification
for our current structure and will continue to do so in the future.
Our current proposed FY08 budget calls for the elimination of
18-19 classroom special education aids. This decision was not made
lightly and is the result of two years of effort to study the situation
and find the appropriate structure to meet the student, education, and
classroom management needs as the primary goal. It also happens to have
a significant budgetary impact but this was not the primary goal of the
effort. Approximately 10% of the staff will be leaving the Norfolk
system as a result of this restructuring and we all appreciate their
effort and dedication to our schools and children. This in no way
should reflect poorly on any of these individuals performance, it is
simply that the positions are being cut.
Regarding your comment on the HOD roof, I know that the repair
work is incredibly nasty due to the location the workers need to get to
in order to complete the work. My recollection is the original bids
received no takers since the firms interested couldn't adequately judge
the amount of time and effort they would need to expend. Toby Lions
broke the work down and using the competitive bid process contracted out
a section. Using this data (since we could see their costs) the rest of
the project could be priced out and price pressure applied. I encourage
you to discuss the matter with Toby directly as he has much more
information on the process. It is unfortunate that the town was stuck
with this repair bill, we have inquired about legal action against the
builder with town council and the BOS as well. Technically this effort
doesn't fall to the responsibility of the schools but since we "live" in
those buildings it made sense for us to manage the process so it is done
properly. Hope that helps explain my thoughts on these issues.
(the comments included in this post are those of myself only and do
not necessarily reflect the views of other School Committee members or
School Administrators)
Regards,
- - DM
- 4/4 1:36pm
Take a minute. Relax. Close your eyes. Imagine a clown on an elephant
riding through town - down Main St., up past Town Hall, around the
rotary, around the next rotary, and up Rockwood. That's it - just a
moment of relief from the fray.
Release the hounds!
- - SO
- 4/4 1:35pm
KL - As others have compared Norfolk to Medfield, I will too. The
Medfield Elementary School does not have an Ass't Principal, and to the best
of my knowledge has not had one in many many years.
MON - I agree with you. $12K for a security system? Yikes. Could you
fill us in further please... Am I reading you correctly in that the
library now wants a security system after the building has just been
completed? One would assume this should have been included in an new
building design? Also, do you know anything about why Town Hall is
getting a new dormer installed when simply a gutter could solve the
problem of rain leaking in front of a doorway?
- - LS
- 4/4 1:01pm
KL-
In answer to your question, Who do you know who works in the private
sector who has 40-50 direct reports?? I ask you to look at a well-run
hospital--specifically the direct patient care model. Most have a VP of
Nursing Services, then each specific unit will have a Coordinator who
typically has more than 50 nurses that he/she oversees. He/She is
responsible for doing annual performance reviews, dealing with difficult
parents (patients), discipline and education of staff as well as
maintaining a high level of quality 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (no
summer break here!)... all within a specific budget (oh yes - he/she
manages that too!)
Hospitals running in the black didn't happen overnight. It took lots of
self analysis and cost containment to find a system that worked.
It is totally do-able if the responsiblities are defined, the
expectations are high and people are held accountable!
- - PB (The other PB)
- 4/4 12:52pm
KL,
Then so be it. Get together with the other 3 towns and render the
superintendent's job obsolete. You sound like you know what you are
saying. No one in government is "entitled" to a job. Norfolk has 2
principals and 2 assistant principals for 6 grades and K. Compared to
other towns this is excessive. Combine the jobs of assistant principal and
principal to cover both schools.
And yes, there are many small
companies whose managers have 40-50 direct reports. But you are making
excuses for their workload. Follow the steps above and you will save
the taxpayers at least 260K before their benefits are subtracted. If
they are that sorely needed after some time frame, hire new personnel.
The schools have a HR [human resources] director. Maybe she can even help with those
burdensome evaluations.
- - MON
- 4/4 12:41pm
Does anyone know what's happening at the corner of Rte 115 and 1A? There
appears to be some digging going on in preparation for something.
- - DF
- 4/4 12:02pm
MON -- There is a lot of talk about eliminating an administrative
position in the schools (ie, Ass't Principal/Principal/Superintendent).
However, do you really think it's reasonable for one person to be
responsible for managing 40-50(?) staff members, write 40-50
performance appraisals each year, and deal with all the parents,
discipline, and curriculum issues, and still maintain a quality school?
Who do you know who works in the private sector who has 40-50 direct
reports?? The only position to eliminate that makes sense is at the
Superintendent level, but that would take agreement between the three
towns. And, when you compare what Norfolk spends on administrative
costs in the school versus other towns, we're low. Feel fortunate that
the bulk of the money the school spends is on direct teaching costs.
However, I do agree with your statement that the rest of the town should
be looked at more closely. God knows the schools are certainly under the
microscope, I say point the light towards the hill!
- - KL
- 4/4 11:27am
DM, School Board Member,
While you are approachable on Norfolknet - which, by the way, is
commendable; most Town Officials read this religiously but don't
respond - cutting out 19 teachers aides seems like the easiest thing to
do. Why don't you cut administrators? Is it because you and the Board
see them as indispensable? Or are you too close to them? One
administrator sitting behind a desk equals at least 5 or 6 in-the-
classroom teachers aides, and would show the Town that you really value
education.
You didn't answer my question on inflated contract bids. The HOD roof
costs tell me no one is minding the bids or the vendors. The library
budget is telling as well. I was also shocked at how much it costs to
install a burglar alarm system in the Library. 12,000$ to install a
system sounds like the vendor is part thief himself. They cost a
fraction of that, Mr. Hathaway.
Maybe its time for the Town "Leaders" to sit down with town vendors and
say the days of inflated costs and free money are over.
Think of the money that would be saved if we had real, competitive bids.
- - MON
- 4/4 11:25am
SM - It's true that urban districts generally spend a lot per pupil,
and don't perform all that well, for a whole host of reasons. You need
to compare apples to apples, and look at Norfolk versus Medfield, Dover,
Franklin, etc. And you never answered my question about your background
since you seem so intent on taking pot shots at the financial workings
of the schools, or why you think that the rest of town hill shouldn't be
held to the same 0.8% increase that the schools have had to endure? Do
tell... we're all ears...
- - MKL
- 4/4 11:08am
To MG: The bus fees and athletic participation fees and other fees are
just another form of a tax override. Yet another fee that is just
another form of a tax override is the $50 water fee. It's so ridiculous
that they can get away with this stuff.
- - LLB
- 4/4 11:07am
NS, I referred to the Medfield schools as being better than Norfolk's
from a purely subjective, word-of-mouth metric - reputation. I don't
know how the local towns rank against each other on MCAS. Medfield
schools are recognized as being better in casual conversation; the type
of feedback you get from neighbors or friends in Medfield or realtors
telling you about neighborhoods.
Are you saying they're not? Perhaps my information is out of date.
- - AR
- 4/4 10:53am
To ADA: "The so-called "bus fee" in reality is not a fee at all.
It's a special tax on those with children that live less than 2
miles from the school."
No, in fact, the "bus fee" is not a tax. The reality is that, at
least theoretically, it is perfectly reasonable to ask that children
who are within walking distance of the public school not get a free
ride to the school. Norfolk has been giving a "free ride" to all
these children for years and has now chosen the perfectly legal
option of charging for this service. So, it's not a tax; it's a fee
for the convenience of getting a bus ride over walking.
Now, before everyone jumps down my throat on this, let me say that,
given the lack of sidewalks in most of the town, especially on
Boardman Street, it is not reasonable to ask some of the children
who live within two miles to walk to school; it's simply not safe.
But to say that this bus fee is a discriminatory "tax" is incorrect.
- - JC
- 4/4 10:43am
Whoa! Setting the question of busing and associated costs completely
aside, I'd like to suggest that size and age of one's home is no reliable
indicator of net worth, unless you are counting the assets tied up in the
house itself.
- - HPK
- 4/4 10:42am
MD,
You need to provide empirical evidence that proves that spending more
money is directly correlated with academic achievement. Boston spends
$9,700 per student is one of the worst performing school districts. If
you have such a strong conviction on this issue, form a new PAC called
"Overrides Are Us".
- - SM
- 4/4 10:09am
OK DWL, let's face the reality that our children already know that the
larger, more affluent housing exists outside the 2 mile radius. That is
a fact, not a generalization. I am happy you are able to pay the fee.
Good for you! I know of families that it will produce a financial burden
on.
I would also be curious to find out exactly how many members of the
board that decided to produce this fee will also be paying it.
- - PB
- 4/4 10:05am
DM here again, speaking once again as an individual only and not
representing the School Committee.
SM a few days ago you specifically
attacked the School Committee for giving away the store to the teachers
with unreasonable salary increases. In response I provided data
calculated from the publicly available town budgets on the salary line
items for General Government and also all other town departments salary
line items excluding the schools. To be clear, I did this to counter
the incorrect assertion that the SC is mishandling its funds and not to
point fingers at any other department.
You respond discussing the
entire General Government budget, not the salary line item. Since you
mention health care costs, I'll address that as well. Through creative
thinking (offering a variety of plan options) the SC and Administration
of the schools had the lowest increase in health care costs of any
department in town (not the double digits other departments had to
endure), so again your own argument works against you.
Lastly, you make
my point for me. To ponder your own argument and use your own numbers
(and I'm not vouching for their accuracy) you prove that the SC is at
least in line with the entire town if not better when you look at the
salary line items and exclude all benefits. This is not the
unreasonable "this is going to double the town expenses in nine years"
you claimed a few days ago. Still want to ramble on about how the SC is
mishandling the town's money? The facts simply do not support you.
That said, I do appreciate your vigilance and all those in town that
make sure we continue to spend the funds made available to the SC in a
responsible manner. Frankly I wish all town decisions and financial
dealings received the same scrutiny, maybe then the town would have
avoided the current crisis we find ourselves in due to missing major
deadlines and putting over a million dollars in town income at risk.
Regards,
- - DM (School Committee member)
- 4/4 10:04am
Well said, ADA!! I could not agree with you more. The bus fees and athletic
participation fees and other fees are just another form of a tax override.
- - MG
- 4/4 9:56am
Ok PB,
Since you are ok with generalizations, you would be fine with your child
coming home saying he/she is being ridiculed by other children because he/she
lives the low income 2 mile radius zone. Yes I live within the 2 mile radius,
yes I can afford to pay the bus fees. However, generalizations sometimes may
hurt people. If they are imposing a 2 mile radius zone clause--then leave it at
that. We need not mention anything else.
- - DWL
- 4/4 9:55am
DWL - Instead of being caustic, juvenile, and insulting, why don't you
tell me why I am wrong. Why are you resorting to nastiness? Look at the
streets that fall within the two miles, are they million dollar homes?
No, they are smaller capes, splits, ranches and colonials. The
"affluent" who have been referred to earlier are not in this geography
in large numbers.
Now, that is not to say that some people, myself
included, can't pay the fee without pain. I have heard, maybe because I
listen empathically, several parents express that this fee (especially
with multiple kids) is a burden to their budget and that other things
will need to be cut next fall (activities, sport etc).
Attitudes like
yours are a sad comment on the tone of this debate.
- - MJD
- 4/4 9:13am
AR - Just out of curiosity, what makes you so sure Medfield schools are
better? Are you basing this solely on MCAS scores?
- - NS
- 4/4 9:12am
Just curious DWL, do you live within the 2 mile radius? I do, and this
bus fee is going to present a huge financial burden on a family within
this radius. If I choose to drive my children instead of paying the fee
I would no longer be able to work outside the home. Those people that
live outside the 2 mile radius find it easy to support the fee.
- - PB
- 4/4 9:10am
To DWL: agreed, stereotyping is dangerous ground to walk on. I think MJD's
comment was to the effect that areas like Maple Park, Stop River don't
exist near the center of town. But with that in mind, how many Board
members will be paying the fee. To set and an example for the rest of us
maybe they would like to contribute to the busing program.
- - RC
- 4/4 8:42am
I wasn't trying to argue that we're overfunding the schools, I
was addressing the implication created by the cited figures that we're
underfunding them. We're not.
Unfortunately, Norfolk has developed a reputation for having tolerant
special-needs criteria, which over the years has resulted in a much
higher proportion of special-needs students in school than in other
towns.
When looking at per-pupil spending, the state averages are not to go by,
because the average spending is skewed by the cost structure of large
urban cities like Boston and very affluent towns like Dover, Lincoln and
some on the Cape, which are very different from ours.
I like comparisons to
Medfield: the town demographics are similar, but their schools are
better, and their cost structure much lower. If they can do it, we
should be able.
- - AR
- 4/4 8:40am
MJD,
"Within the two mile radius represents the lower income bracket."
We have
been in Norfolk for quite some time and the stupidity of that statement stands
out. I would hope that no one within the two mile radius takes MJD too
seriously as one can only attribute the comment to ignorance.
What some people say!!!
- - DWL
- 4/4 8:33am
The so-called "bus fee" in reality is not a fee at all. It's a special
tax on those with children that live less than 2 miles from the school.
This live-less-than-two-miles-from-school tax is patently unfair and few
seem to care. Nobody will try to fight to turn this into an actual fee
(where all consumers of the service contribute fairly) as this will
require serious effort on Beacon Hill. Since fewer than 200 families
will pay this fee, nobody else is likely to care or fight for what's
most fair and safest for all. The town administrator doesn't care about
fair nor do the selectmen. Apparently the SC will not put up much fight
either.
This bus fee is expected to offset $30,000 in the transportation
budget with a $270k line item for bus transportation. There is clear
unwillingness on the part of town leadership to share the $30,000 across
the entire tax base by considering moving the all or part of the line
item cost to the town budget. The issue represents the town budget
crisis and the financial woes will only get worse in the future. Perhaps
next year we can introduce the special
live-more-than-two-miles-from-school tax to offset costs for school
extracurricular activities or for additional costs to support the
increase in pedestrian and automobile traffic!
This is ultimately a public safety issue! This so-called fee will
absolutely encourage more drivers and more walkers. Traffic will
increase, pollution will increase, pick-up/drop-off will be encouraged
by this policy, and safety overall will decrease. It's just a matter of
time before the live-less-than-two-miles-from-school tax results in a
pedestrian accident.
- - ADA
- 4/3 12:07pm
Perhaps some may enjoy this
[Nellis Air Show highlights]
- - JO
- 4/3 11:20pm
AR, I was not being misleading in any way. That is why I provided
the link to the DOE website for everyone to look at the data
themselves. So let me spell out the costs per pupil with you if you
wish to include special education costs in the numbers - Norfolk
$8447, Wrentham $7395, Plainville $7654.
So, I
presume you mean to imply that because Norfolk's numbers including
special ed. costs are higher than Plainville and Wrentham and other
towns, that somehow we are funding our schools excessively or
exorbitantly? Why do you think our numbers including special ed are
higher? Could it possibly be that Norfolk has more special ed
students and more severe special ed students that require out-of-district
placements? If you go to the SPED charts on that website, you will
find the following: Norfolk's Sped Population is 21.4%, Wrentham
is 14.9%, Plainville is 13.7%. Out of approximately 300 schools
listed, I count only 14 that have a higher spec ed. population than
Norfolk. That puts Norfolk in the top 5% of special education
population.
It is a pretty well known fact that Norfolk has a high
special education population. The school department recognizes that
and has taken steps to try to reduce the special ed costs. They are
currently proposing to eliminate 19 teacher aid positions. They are
also working to provide adequate in-house services for many special
ed students so that they can be taught at our schools rather than
be sent out-of-district to more expensive schools and have to pay
the costs to transport them to and from those out-of-district schools
each day as well. It is required by law that those students and
their needs be accommodated and that their transportation costs to
and from out-of-district placements be paid for in full by the
school district. By law our school district must pay the first
$30,000 in costs for a special education child and then 25% of any
additional costs above that amount (not including transportation.)
Transportation costs are to be paid at 100% by the schools by law.
Those children are entitled by law to be accommodated. So please
explain to me again where we are overfunding our schools??
- - MD
[Update 4/4 9:05am: the state per-pupil figure mentioned was not directly comparable - MD] - 4/3 11:20pm
Hmmm... regarding SM, and the desire to "get him, ... and his uninformed
facts off the net." ... my, my, how we don't like to hear a contrary
opinion. Reminds me of the post last month, by someone hoping to "embarrass"
their neighbors into recycling this or that. It seems to me SM is engaging
is far less personal attacks than most of his/her opposition.
Keep the chin up SM. You know you're striking a nerve when they lash out so
viciously ;)
I'm still waiting for the SC to propose an "education fee" of $6560 (or
$8450) per pupil... yielding the ultimate pro-choice education stance...
but I'm not holding my breath on that one.
- - CB
- 4/3 11:19pm
I get that the bus fee is a done deal and has been for a while. I am not
sure what that piece of theater was tonight
[school committee meeting on the bus fee]. What I find disappointing
and unkind is that many of you are forgetting that the two mile radius
surrounding the two schools overwhelmingly represents the lower income
bracket in town (older houses, starter homes). With the exception of
one new development, and a few high end houses here and there, there are
really many people for whom this fee is a burden. Many of you don't
care because you do not have to pay it or it would not hurt you
financially if you did. This is a concern for some in our community and
it makes me sad that many of you could care less.
- - MJD
- 4/3 9:50pm
Thankyou MD! Seriously, SM needs a novel to write, a blog, a hobby,
maybe even find a job? Anything to get him, his whiskey bottle, and his
uninformed facts off the net. It's embarrassing!
- - AL
- 4/3 8:44pm
Amen MD...
Well said! Numbers do not lie... rhetoric does!
- - PB
- 4/3 8:43pm
MD, but one needs to include special ed, because it comes
out of the same pocket. Money spent on special ed is not
available to spend on art or Spanish or -- or even on transportation.
Sure, without special ed, the per-pupil amount is $6560, but with,
what the taxpayers pay per pupil, the bottom line, is $8450.
To omit a quarter of the total spent is misleading, and $8450 per pupil
is quite a bit more generous than the neighboring towns.
(The figures were posted in April of 2006,
4/10 2:17pm (ppx 2005) and 4/7 10:40am (ppx 2004))
- - AR
- 4/3 7:35pm
I really don't know why people are giving SM the opportunity to keep
taking pot shots. He is not going to agree with anything that goes
against his way of thinking. Ignore him!
- - WB
- 4/3 7:20pm
To SM: I will definitely give you the prize for creative writing! As
usual, you make clever quips and claims without any backup. How sad for
you to sit at the computer and rant and rave without any attempt to
research the issues and find real solutions. In fact, I and many others
really think all you are trying to do is divide our community so that
you personally don't ever have to pay anything more for any of the
town's services. I think this ploy of yours is especially obvious by
your attacks on the schools. It appears your ploy is to try to pin our
school's financial problems solely on the backs of the school
committees. By doing so, you get parents up in arms that their tax
dollars are being misspent so that they will never approve any
additional taxes for the schools. You are clever but not very smart.
(Smells like No-Go to me.)
On the other hand, I have done research on my own and looked at the
financial issues. Let me show you and others how to find some facts.
Here is a link to the Massachusetts Government Website that shows per
pupil expenditures for every single city and town in Massachusetts. The
most current data is for the '05 school year.
[mass.edu ppx].
According to this chart,
Norfolk's per pupil expenditure is $6560 (not including special ed).
Wrentham is $6594, Plainville is $6863. By looking at this independent
data, I do not see where there is possibly a large feedbag of money
being held onto by the School Committee. The website clearly states how
the numbers were calculated and includes all operating cost such as
administration, teacher salaries, pupil services, etc. Other towns are
shown including Lincoln and Weston at over $10,000 per pupil. How can
you say that the citizens of Norrfolk are pouring too much money into
our schools? In fact, at the bottom of that chart are state totals and
it shows an average of $7421 per pupil for the state of Massachusetts.
So your claim that we are paying too much for our schools is a
misrepresentation of fact.
You are doing nothing but a disservice to your own community by trying
to pit parents against the school committees, parents against parents,
and seniors against parents. If you have facts and would like to engage
in an intelligent dialogue about the issues, it would be extremely
refreshing. Otherwise, I suggest you start writing your first fiction
novel instead of boring us with your tired rhetoric on Norfolk Net.
- - MD
[Update 11:15pm: restored original wording; edits were not called for in this context - Wm.] - 4/3 7:18pm
SM - Exactly how is a 0.8% increase like giving "Jack Daniels whiskey
and a set of BMW car keys to a teenage boy?" If that's your analogy for
the schools, what do you have to say for the rest of the departments on
Town Hill that come in between 5-10% each year? And what exactly is
your financial/municipal experience??
- - MKL
- 4/3 7:11pm
SM: My my, such vitriol! I am haunted by images of kindergartners lying
in streets, diapered babies gorging themselves, and dead teenagers in
totaled BMW's! And it's all the School Committee's fault! What the heck are
you talking about? Fifty percent of the towns in Massachusetts are imposing
bus fees, and no one likes it. Not even those proposing it. Read the
papers. Towns across the state are struggling with the very same issues.
Do you really believe it's the fault of a few school committee members? You
can argue the merits of teacher pay raises v. those of other public
employees, administrative inefficiencies, etc. until the cows come home.
But to attack those willing to serve this town as volunteers in clearly
thankless jobs is totally unacceptable and, frankly, embarrassing. You do
everyone a disservice spewing these hateful, childish, and seriously
uninformed accusations and insults. The people of Norfolk are better than
that, and you should be too. You owe DM and all others who step up and try
to make things better an apology.
- - TC
- 4/3 7:10pm
DM,
Trust with the taxpayers is sorely lacking based on the School Committee's
prior actions and your post yesterday continues a SC practice of misleading
taxpayers by disseminating misleading information or withholding
information altogether. You state that the General Town Government budget
went up by 12.7%. What you neglected to mention is that the majority of
12.7% increase in the Town Government budget was due to pension costs and
health care costs for all town employees including those working in the
Elementary Schools. As you are well aware, the Elementary School budget
only contains salary costs for school employees and all the other employee
related fringe benefit costs are paid out of the Town Government Budget.
Unfortunately pension and healthcare costs for town employees have been
increasing at double digit rates, so if these fixed cost are excluded, then
the Town Government budget only increased 2.72%
All taxpayers need to be vigilant and demand that town officials supposedly
elected to represent the taxpayer are forthcoming and that facts and
figures are not misrepresented to suit their own personal agenda. As the
saying goes, "a little government and a little luck are necessary in life
but only a total fool would trust either."
- - SM
- 4/3 7:09pm
Re: 4/3 4:19pm AR, Sorry ...
I do not have children in the Norfolk schools, but I resent the nasty
remarks against the School Committee in general and against DM in
particular. The School Committee members are elected volunteers doing a
difficult job in accordance with the statutes and regulations. The
members are attempting to reflect the will of the townspeople in the
performance of their duties. I suggest that people who want to help
contact the Committee and volunteer to find potential grants from
foundations, etc. Thank you.
- - RH
- 4/3 4:19pm
AR, Sorry but I do not feel that those elected to the School Committee
have been properly representing the taxpayers. The SC is representative
of "We know better" government who are satisfying their personal desires
by conducting public business with our wallets. Giving power and money
to the current SC is like giving a bottle of Jack Daniels whiskey and a
set a BMW car keys to a teenage boy.
- - SM
- 4/3 4:00pm
Tonight at the Library the Board of Health hosts Medical Reserve Orientation
at 7:00 PM.
See the announcement below, The Town of Norfolk is seeking individuals...
[on the
CALENDAR]
- - DLJ
- 4/3 3:15pm
Re SM's closing line about the school committee, that
"taxation without representation is tyranny," is ironic -
since the school committee is the representation,
it's taxation with representation, which is how the system
was intended to work.
- - AR
- 4/3 2:52pm
DM,
If you are so concerned as a Board member, call the auditor and question
him, like I did. I was told by Dan Hunt, in the auditor's office, that
they were late filing the necessary paperwork, as were other towns. The
fact that Norfolk was sent 5 or 6 notices with "Zero" response from Ms.
Wall or Mr. Hathaway tells you that it is/was not a high priority to
them at this time. Ask him further about what it is that they are
looking for, and the answer is past invoices, receipts and
certifications. Given these facts from the auditor's office and the
lack of response from administrators in Norfolk allows one to look in
between the lines. Either they can't find the records needed, because
the current personnel were not there when they were stored, or they
have found them and can't put them together fast enough, or haven't
gotten to it yet - a sure sign of government malaise - is a matter that
time will tell. Heaven forbid if the records show corruption and
mismanagement of funds.
If they lose the money then you and the Board members have a case,
until then, DM, why don't you look inside the school finances. Find out
why a 75K repair to the roof of HOD School and insulation was requoted
by the Capital Outlay Committee at 30K. I wonder how many other over-inflated
bids are on the table of both our Town and the School District.
People are watching all of you.
- - MON
- 4/3 2:58pm
Men's (Over 30) Softball League still has a few openings for players - The
season consists of 24 games plus playoffs. This slow pitch league plays all
games on Monday and/or Wednesday nights (at either 7:00, 8:00, or 9:00).
(There's a pavilion w/ tables serving beverages and food for players and
fans.) Anyone interested in playing should call Craig K. at 508-369-1948
or email
kpsoftball@verizon.net
as soon as possible. Practices start next
week with the season officially opening May 1st.
- - CK
- 4/3 2:51pm
MD,
You neglected to mention that the expense for running the school buses is
already fully funded in the school budget. Therefore, I don't know why the
School Committee needs to confiscate more taxpayer dollars to raise more
revenue to fill up the SC feedbag. The bus fee is inherently unfair. This
very bad public policy will end up preying on the most vulnerable. Now we
will have Kindergartners walking down very dangerous streets to get to
school.
The SC's voracious cash needs kind of remind me of a baby in diapers; the
baby has a huge appetite on one end and no responsibility on the other end.
It's time for the SC to strap off the feedbag. We are tired of runaway
spending (overpaid/bloated administration) made under the cover of
darkness. Taxation without representation is tyranny.
- - SM
- 4/3 1:43pm
Sorry, JC! My note was actually a cut and paste of an email to KPMS
parents from the KPMS office. I was not at the HS performances so was
unclear on the outcomes of their performances. Yes, congrats to the
High School and their parents!
- - BS
- 4/3 1:23pm
BS - you forgot to mention that the KP High Symphonic Band earned a
Gold Medal at MICCA on Friday night as well, and the Concert Band earned
a Silver Medal. The adjudicator who gave the clinic to the Symphonic
Band after their performance asked if King Philip was a fine arts high
school, because their level of musical skill was so high! He told the
students to be sure to thank their parents for choosing to live in the
KP school district. Thank you, Norfolk, Wrentham, and Plainville, for
continuing to show such support to your outstanding music program -
people notice!
- - JC
- 4/3 12:52pm
For RS re: heating system fan belt. Try this website:
doityourself.com.
I've found that you can usually
find an answer Searching the forums, but there are also many
knowledgeable people waiting to help if you post a question. Nice site.
- - LJK
- 4/3 8:57am
A happy piece of news....
Congratulations to our 7th & 8th grade band!
Congratulations to all of the students who are part of the King Philip
Regional School music program. This past weekend was a very busy week.
On Friday evening both the 7th grade band and 8th grade band performed
in the MICCA Concert Festival held at Hopkinton Middle School. Both
groups had fantastic performances and each earned a Gold Medal earning
them the opportunity to perform at either Symphony Hall or Mechanics
Hall later this month. The 7th and 8th grade chorus had a wonderful
performance at MICCA Choral Festival in Norwood and earned a Medal of
Merit. The Winter Percussion and Winter Color Guard both performed the
NESBA Championships at the Mullens Center at UMass Amherst.
The Winter percussion came in first place in their division and The
Guard performed in exhibition and earned a Gold Medal. Best of luck to
the Winter Percussion and Winter Guard at WGI finals later this month.
Again congrats to all of the students in the King Philip Music Program
on a wonderful weekend.
Congratulations to these kids! They work really hard. Their
performances were awesome.
- - BS
- 4/3 1:16am
This news item has caught my eye, and I've been chewing on it for some
weeks now. Anyone have any insight as to what's going on and where this
is headed?
There has been a 60 percent drop-off in the number of students who say they are interested in majoring in computer science since 2000. [link]
Computer science used to be one of the top jobs -- now out of favor? What does this mean for our nation's future as the intellectual workers in an era of globalized design and production?- - AR
- 4/2 10:54pm
NOGO
urges all residents of Norfolk to vote and attend town meeting this
May.
Your voice is important but only your vote is counted!
- - JPB
- 4/2 10:52pm
SM, I am writing, once again, as an individual concerned citizen and
member of this community and do not in any way speak for the School
Committee or any other member on the board of which I am a member.
I find it disturbing that you do not feel proper filing of financial
forms with the state that are now over 5 months late and the amount of
money at risk an issue; to each his own I guess. The teacher contract
is a three year contract which is up next year for renegotiation so no,
the teachers are not guaranteed 7% raises for 15 years, only another 18
months or so. What is interesting is if you look at the entire budget
line item for all K-6 salaries (a larger amount than just the teachers
salaries by the way), last year it went up only 2.7% from the previous
year and the average for the past three years was 2.4%. General
Government (town hall) went up 12.7% last year and 9.5% on average for
the past three years. To not single them out, let's consider all town
departments combined (General Government, Public Safety, Public Works,
Human Services, and Culture and Recreation), their salary line items
went up 7.2% on average last year and 6.0% on average for the past three
years. Obviously this takes into account fluctuations in the workforce,
but given the facts, it is clear the schools are doing more with less. I
want to be clear, personally I believe we should be paying our teachers,
public safety personnel, and all the other hard working men and women of
this town more than we are today, but we also have to live within our
means and make difficult choices for the proper management for all
citizens of this town. Dr. Augusta-Scott is doing an amazing job at
containing costs while providing a high quality education for the youth
of this town. Take your pot shots at me all you like, but I'd prefer
you to get your facts straight so we can have an intelligent discussion
about real issues.
Regards,
- - DM
- 4/2 10:50pm
There are many DM postings (I personally do not think that they can be
the same person.) This one from 9/15 is typical rhetoric with no follow-up.
Show me the more details to follow. Let's not divide town
management from the school committee or families with children from town
elders. We are in this budget crunch together and we should work with
each other to determine what is best for the community and affordable to
all. I do not support bus fees for families that live within a certain
radius of the school.
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....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
- - CM
- 4/2 10:49pm
I don't believe that it is excessive to expect the town's schools to keep up
with the needs of the community it serves. There are parents who both need and
choose to work and should be offered the choice of full-day kindergarten. The
lottery system, which requires parents to wait on pins and needles to
determine their childcare needs, is unacceptable. I have to say, I felt a bit guilty
accepting a full-time position for my daughter, knowing others probably
needed it more than I did. My child was so ready for full-time kindergarten after
two years of preschool, but it still felt as if I was taking away from someone
else. My closest friend lives in Brussels, where children attend school from
the age of two, at the state's expense. Childcare is affordable and safe. We
really need to make changes to accommodate the needs of all families, instead of
fighting amongst ourselves.
- - KLM
- 4/2 10:48pm
Wow, SM! You've got lots of snarky comments lately. Funny, I don't
recall seeing your name on any boards, at town hall, in the schools,
anywhere! You appear to be a real wizard yourself at fixing the town's
problems. Step up to the plate!
- - AL
- 4/2 10:47pm
My drive belt for the fan in my hot air heating system has failed, a lot of
smoke as I turn on the system. Has any homeowner done this type of repair?
Seems easy, but, should I hire a mechanic or do it myself. My system is a
Dayton oil furnace. The motor does not get hot at all, I think it is the belt
causing the smoke that is driving the fan.
thanks
- - RS
- 4/2 10:42pm
For SM -- Next time you're having a cup of coffee at Bourque's or the
Blue Moon, you might want to read this article:
[Globe link]
And FYI, your personal attacks reflect badly on you and others...
- - MKL
[From the article:IN FIVE years, there's going to be a teacher shortage, Tom Carroll said Monday at a Simmons College conference. Two groups will collide: The wave of retiring baby-boom teachers will crash into the wave of teachers who exit the profession after five years or less, leaving a lot of empty desks at the front of the class. Every state faces this crisis, explains Carroll, the president of the National Commission on Teaching and America's Future.
- Wm.] - 4/2 10:41pm
SM: Don't let them get you down! Snide or not, I laughed out loud when I
read your post... although funding annual increases at 7% is not what I
generally consider to be laughable. I'm in you corner for sure.
Also, as I read the subsequent post regarding the rabies clinic, I couldn't
help but ponder the thought of coughing up $10 for each of the SC members,
in order that they might themselves vacinated. How snide is that? ;)
Just kidding folks !
- - CB
- 4/2 7:06pm
SM - Your snide tone is less than appealing. If you would like to
engage in a civilized discussion, then fine. Otherwise, keep it to
yourself.
As far as the School Committee unloading unfair bus fees onto
the backs of parents, you should check your facts first before
speaking. Busing is not required to be paid for by the school
committee by any law or statute for children within 2 miles, except
for regional schools. Norfolk elementary schools are not regional.
The SC is now considering imposing a busing fee similar to what
many other towns and cities in Massachusetts are doing to offset
the lack of funds for schools from the state. If you read you local
paper, you may have noted that Franklin has been charging its parents
$200 per pupil for at least a few years now. Now, due to their dire
financial picture, they are discussing eliminating busing within 2
miles altogether!
No one likes these fees, but at $150 per pupil
with a cap, it is not an unreasonable option to be considered by
the SC. Why can't the Town of Norfolk, including the Selectmen,
find ways to generate revenue in Norfolk? Why can't they find grant
money? Why can't they obtain more prison mitigation funds? If they
did that part of their job instead of blaming the schools all the
time, we would have additional funds to support all our services,
including our police, fire and roads.
Respectfully,
- - MD
- 4/2 7:04pm
[4/4 8:59am: rabies clinic will be re-scheduled - Wm.]
- 4/2 6:24pm
DM (School Committee Member): thank you for clarifying the lack of
communication from town hall to the school's administration. I apologize
for assuming that the school committee was being provided timely and
accurate information. It is troubling that the town's administrators have
such problems sharing information. This is a small town after all. In most
work places, missing such crucial deadlines for submitting state documents
would lead to an employee's dismissal. I think we are owed a comprehensive
explanation as to what happened (or did not happen) here.
Also, does anyone know if and when the school system plans to make a formal
announcement regarding the kindergarten situation? Clearly this is a hot
topic that has planning ramifications for many families. The sooner an
"official" statement is issued the better.
- - CS
- 4/2 6:15pm
I am dismayed by the lack of understanding for certain parents affected
by the Full-Day Kindergarten lottery. I am a working parent (part need,
part choice) with a kindergarten-ready child. I have one child who
attended the full-day kindergarten, and I found it to be a wonderful
program (great teacher, wonderful reading and math programs). Whether I
worked or not, I want the same experience for my second child. She is
more than ready for kindergarten after completing two years of "full
day" pre-school. Her teachers all recommend placement in a full day
program. I just learned about the lottery a couple of weeks ago and now
I am trying to find a "back-up" private, full-day kindergarten. The
deadlines have all passed for entrance to the schools with the best
programs. If I only receive the half-day option at the public school, I
will need to find daycare (hopefully with an educational component) for
afternoons half the year and mornings for the next half. Without the
equivalent of the "Sprouts" program, it will be difficult if not
impossible to find quality care and transportation. The delay of the
lottery until further notice is frustrating and prevents
similarly-situated parents from making decisions about their children's
education. My fear is that my only choice will be a private
kindergarten that either does not meet my standards of education or does
not fit within my limited budget. It is not the lottery alone that is
causing so much stress; it is the lack of time to make alternative
arrangements. I have compassion for parents, working or not, who are
faced with the same dilemma.
- - MA
- 4/2 5:55pm
Seems like DM has nothing else to do but worry about town
administrative filings. When he was elected, I was hopeful that he would
be a strong, independent counterbalancing force. Instead at School Committee meetings
he has been the equivalent of a janitor emptying the wastebaskets,
and then only after he's told to by the "senior" members.
If the School Committee wizards were paying attention to their jobs
maybe the Teacher's Union wouldn't be laughing all the way to the bank
with a busload of taxpayer's money. The Teacher Contract signed in 2006
guarantees teacher raises of almost 7% for 15 years. This is going to
double the town expenses within nine years. Certainly some of this
money could pay for unfair bus fees that the School Committee is trying
to unload onto the backs of parents. What's the next financial shell
game the SC wizards will dream up?
- - SM
- 4/2 4:45pm
Three cheers to Den and Jan Healy for all of their hard work making the
Girl Scout Father-Daughter dance such a rousing success. As an
attending dad, I have no trouble thanking them on everyone's behalf.
They deserve an enormous amount of credit.
- - EMF
- 4/2 4:02pm
MHC: Suggesting that a public education system provide predictable
access to services during the school day is completely reasonable and a
most basic accommodation. I find it somewhat disrespectful that when I
suggest that a multitude of factors including family situation be used
to determine how to manage scarce resources the effective response is
"if you don't like it and can't afford it, you can leave." This issue is
not being decided democratically, nor do we even live in a democracy. I
am not particularly socialistic in my views. I do not believe that
paying more taxes should buy access to special treatment but I do
believe that we should all be treated fairly (and not necessarily the
"same"). All situations are not equal, and thus there is the need for
expensive special education. Sometimes situations are not created by
choice. Public schools are a shared public resource and should be
managed to best benefit the most people. Part of determining how to do
the most good means taking into consideration individual situations. If
schools were not a public system, my opinion would be completely
different.
- - ADA
- 4/2 3:58pm
MHC: I can't help but hear anger and judgment in your post? Why is that?
I think what ADA was trying to say was that whether or not the parent(s)
work should be one of the considerations. The primary one should
absolutely be the child's readiness for full day. My child was ready for
full day after two years of preschool. That was the primary factor in
our decision, and we stretched our budget for it because it was the
right thing for him.
But a reasonable second factor in deciding who gets
in to full day should be family situation. I just don't believe (as you
apparently do) that "everyone should be treated the same." It's not
neighborly. And it assumes everyone has access to the same "choices,"
which is not the case. One of the reasons we moved to Norfolk originally
was because of the community. The sense that people care about each
other. I can only assume from your post and your tone that you don't
care about community, or the needs of your neighbors. And I think that's
sad.
Sincerely,
- - SR
- 4/2 2:16pm
If anyone is looking for a reliable and honest handyman, call Scott Heine.
Scott and his crew just finished up at our house and we couldn't be happier.
Scott started work a day or two after I called him, finished all of our
inside jobs within a day, then worked on our exterior for another day or so.
His Norfolk-based business is called Handyman Carpentry and his number is
508-272-1050.
- - KP
- 4/2 2:14pm
ADA: I couldn't disagree with you more about public schools bearing the
responsibility to support the choices made by working parents. Perhaps
your points would carry more merit if we were all living in a socialist
society, but it is a democracy, and every resident and tax payer in this
town should be treated the same, regardless of the choices we have made.
To say because you work outside your home - whether by choice or need - and
therefore your child should have preferential treatment for selection
for a full-day kindergarten program would be like another resident
saying "I pay more property taxes than you so my child should have
preferred treatment." If a full-day kindergarten option is imperative
to your lifestyle, there are towns (Franklin being one) that offer only
full-day kindergarten classes to its residents.
- - MHC
- 4/2 2:13pm
We also want to add our thanks to the H. Olive Day staff for their
support on Saturday afternoon for the Second Grade Chorus. Mrs. Madden
has prepared these young children beautifully. They were, by far, the
youngest group to participate at the MICAA Choral Festival. Most groups
were high school aged. The "Singers of the Day" were very well behaved
as they waited for their time slot in the warm up area. They looked
like seasoned professionals as they entered the auditorium and proceeded
to the stage. The selections they sang were quite complex and they did
a terrific job with each of the three songs. They were applauded loudly
by all of the audience members and received some great advice from the
judges at the post-performance clinic. They are a great reflection of
the great things that can happen with support and enthusiasm. Thanks to
making it available to these kids. It's wonderful to see the progress
after a year with Mrs. Madden. Thanks also to Mrs. Balfour for her
support during the year and for coming on Saturday to support her
students. She truly cares about all of them and their endeavors. Hat's
off to the Rec. Department who sponsors this program as well! It's a
gem!
- - TMS
- 4/2 1:25pm
If anyone is in need of part time childcare over the summer, please
contact me
[box53@norfolknet.com].
I am EEC certified as well as CPR and First Aid certified. I
am looking to watch one or two children during the summer months.
- - SG
- 4/2 1:15pm
RC and CS,
Regarding your posts about the town's mishandling of the
required paperwork for state funds and reimbursement, I wanted to
mention that the School Committee and administration have been inquiring
to the town on how these funds may affect school funding, as well as our
standing with the School Building Authority where the town stands to
lose its chance to receive state funds if and when Norfolk decides to
replace the aging Freeman Centennial school.
The tasks for gathering
the required data and submitting the paperwork to the state is entirely
the town finance department's responsibility. The Superintendent has in
the past and again as recently as last week offered any assistance
possible to help move things along so the town can meet its financial
responsibilities to the state. To say the Superintendent or the School
Committee haven't been "screaming" for this money is incorrect--they find
this situation unacceptable and have made this clear to town leadership.
The entire administration of the schools was blindsided by this issue.
Come to find out the Board of Selectmen and town administrator knew
about it since January but had never communicated to the affected
parties or to the town. To date the Superintendent has been told the
same thing by town leadership that the Boomerang reported, which is
effectively, don't worry about it, we'll take care of it. This is a
serious issue for the town since we have been in the bottom 5% of MA
towns twice in the past 3 years when looking at meeting our paperwork
deadlines (one of approximately 15 towns out of 330 in the state who
have failed to meet the deadlines) and due to their inaction have put
over $1 million at risk that Norfolk cannot afford to lose.
Regards,
- - DM
[Comment submitted by a member of the Norfolk School Committee; these views are his personal beliefs and not necessarily that of the entire board. - DM] - 4/2 12:37pm
Thank you for the suggestions on plumbers. I appreciate your
recommendations.
- - MO
- 4/2 12:33pm
Public schools should absolutely make an effort to accommodate the needs
of the child and the family. I couldn't feel more strongly that family
needs (e.g. working parents by choice or by necessity) ought to be taken
into consideration and weighted as one factor in the kindergarten
lottery. I currently have a child in the HOD full-day kindergarten
program and pay for this accommodation, which is appropriate for our
family's needs as our child is developmentally ready for the program and
our situation requires both parents to work.
While it's wonderful that
many have the means and/or flexibility to deal with any lottery outcome,
other families do not. Failure to recognize this will ultimately hurt
families and children. How is it not the school system's responsibility
to be reasonably accommodating to a family's needs (especially when
paying for the service)? I can't help but think of depending on the
school to care for my child during full-day school hours as utterly
reasonable.
- - ADA
- 4/2 12:22pm
At 7 p.m. Tuesday April 10, the King Philip Varsity Indoor Color Guard and
King Philip Indoor Percussion will present their shows at a Send-Off Rally
in the King Philip Regional High School Field House. The public is invited
at no charge.
Both groups will be heading out to Dayton, Ohio to compete in the Winter
Guard International (WGI) world championships.
The Guard has twice before headed out to the world championships, and this
year performing their show: "Streams of Consciousness", featuring music
from the movie "The Hours" they once again are striving to make it into the
finals. The show has already garnered them top marks at several regional
shows.
Winter Percussion, having an exciting season performing their show:
"Systematic", featuring music from Jim Bonney's "Chaos Theory", have
attained first place in their group in all the regional shows in which they
have competed, including first place in this past weekends New England
Scholastic Band Associations Championships held at the University of
Massachusetts, Amherst.
- - MW, King Philip Music Association
- 4/2 11:54am
To JGG - I also agree with your comments regarding Linda Balfour, this
weekend is a good example - she spent her Saturday in Norwood supporting
the 2nd grade Chorus. Small gesture, yes, but she goes the extra mile.
Secondly, one could argue that full day K in 2007/08 is the equivalent
to what full day 1st grade was 5 years ago. The state frameworks in
addition to the MCAS has required school systems to ramp up the
curriculum. K is not the same as is was 5 years ago.
- - LS
- 4/2 11:26am
PN, in years past, when there were more half-day classes than full, the
school offered a Sprouts program to accommodate those parents who do
work, either by choice or by necessity. Since the coin has flipped and
there are now more full day classes, they have done away with the
Sprouts program and have left those working parents whose children don't
get in to full-day on their own. If the Sprouts program had been left
in place, it wouldn't be as much an issue.
But, on the other hand, I
fully agree with MJD, that the full day program should be based upon the
child's ability (as I had mentioned in an earlier post too). My child
is currently going through a licensed full day kindergarten program at a
pre-school, as he missed the cutoff, being an October baby. Would it be
beneficial to him to then be put in a half day program and then into
some type of daycare situation for a second half? I don't believe so.
I asked the administration why the lottery wasn't more geared towards
each child's situation and needs. But, the administration is unwilling
to take any other elements into consideration and have chosen to stick
to a pick out of the hat type lottery.
- - JM
- 4/2 11:18am
I would just like to say congrat's to the second grade chorus for such a
wonderful performance on Saturday and a special thank you to Mrs.Madden
for taking our children under her wing.
- - SM
- 4/2 10:46am
PL: I'm not being trying to be picky, but your comment that all families
seeking full day kindergarten back for the 2001/2002 school year (the
current fifth grade class) were accepted is not accurate. There were
many children who did not "win" in the lottery that year -- mine
included. If I recall correctly, there was a fairly long waiting list
for spots to open up as we were near the very bottom of it. Thanks to a
wonderful kindergarten teacher and aid, my daughter adjusted to the half
day program and in the end we were delighted with the experience and
education she received.
JGG: I agree with your comments regarding Linda Balfour and have had
the same thought many times myself. She is out there every day no matter
the weather and always welcomes the children and parents with a smile
(as do all of the other teachers and aids). She is an example for all
to look up to!
- - ES
- 4/2 8:21am
JM: Kindergarten Lottery issue: Let me preface by saying that I don't mean
this to sound disrespectful (and note that I also have a child entering
kindergarten next year at H.O.D.)... but I have to ask the question of you
and others alike... where is it the school's "responsibility" to solve
your needs as working parents? Maybe I am misinterpreting the posts and
comments made at the evening presentation two weeks ago... but the tone
comes across that the school owes this to you... you may want to start
"thinking outside the box" for other arrangements if your child doesn't get
chosen through this "gambling" effort (that was another good one posted
earlier)... that's what I am doing.
- - PN
- 4/2 8:19am
Let me begin by saying that Kindergarten is not daycare and there should
be no consideration for who works where and how. There should be,
however, a testing process that determines which children would truly
benefit from full-day vs. half-day kindergarten. When my family was
making the decision about half-day or full for our first child, we were
told by the administration that it is all about the child and what
he/she is ready for. Now that the system has replaced the special ed
aids with highly qualified specialists, perhaps Dr. Augusta-Scott will
institute a spring testing program that will take the decision of who
goes to full-day kindergarten out of the world of "bingo night" and into
the realm of common sense. Full-day should be for those children who
are socially, emotionally, and developmentally ready for a full-day
experience and half-day should be for those who need a shorter day. My
first child still napped in September of her kindergarten year (thankfully
she had mornings first) and was not ready for a full day of separation. The
choice benefitted her and complimented where she was developmentally.
The child's needs should be the deciding factor.
- - MJD
- 4/1 11:02pm
Regarding the Kindergarten Lottery issue, I know that many parents
(myself included) have decided to go straight to the administration for
answers by writing letters inquiring about the process and available
steps to take. While the response that I received cleared up several
questions I had posed, it still gave me an unsettling feeling that the
administration is not looking to address any of the parents' concerns.
Nor did it seem that any out-of-the-box thinking had been done.
Hopefully this is now what's causing the postponement, though I won't
hold my breath.
I completely agree with ND - that the plight of full vs. half day is
more severe and worrisome for working parents. Not everyone works
locally and the need to either meet your child at home and then bring
them someplace else for the rest of the day is not an option. And if
you can find someplace that is acceptable and equally challenging as a
kindergarten program, switching it up half way through the year might
not be an option either. The lottery does not take into account those
who need full day and those who want it. Remember, the administration
said that the programs were equal in their ability to prepare your child
for first grade.
CS, it's unfortunate that you've come to town when so much mismanagement
and controversy is around. Having lived here 9 years and having our
first child not have had to go through a lottery for full day, it seemed
like an idyllic and growing community. Lately, it hasn't been so great,
namely due to what seems to be poor town planning. If it wasn't for the
great people who live here, we'd probably be second guessing our
decision, too. We too grew up in Medfield, and I believe maybe graduated
with you, but as someone mentioned, Medfield has even more limited
kindergarten options. It seems everyone is going to have to cross their
fingers and pray!
- - JM
- 4/1 10:50pm
Get ready to read! The Friends of the Library Book and Bake Sale is
Saturday, April 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or shop early at the Friends
Preview Sale on Friday, April 27 from 6 - 9 p.m. (Note: Friday night
admission requires a donation of $15 or more). With over 25,000 books
sorted and alphabetized the Friends of the Norfolk Library Annual Book
and Bake Sale is no ordinary book sale. Norfolk Department of Public
Works garage, 33 Medway Branch, Norfolk. We are alway looking for
volunteers to help with the sale or to bake goodies, e-mail Tricia @
croninsutton@yahoo.com
or visit our website at
www.norfolkbooksale.com
for more information.
- - PCS, Friends of the Norfolk Library
- 4/1 7:46pm
DCG: I had an email to HOD parents from Friday forwarded to me by a
neighbor that stated the kindergarten lottery was indefinitely postponed
because many families apparently switched to half-day just last week.
If interested, I'd call the HOD this week.
- - MHC
[Did you receive this e-mail today, April 1st, by any chance? - Wm.] - 4/1 5:51pm
To DCB: My son got in to the lottery for preschool last year and they called
to let us know and ask if we wanted a spot. I'm not sure when they called,
but it was later than other people found out because he had been on the
waiting list - I think late April, early May maybe. Sorry I couldn't be
more specific. It's a great program, by the way - he loves it and the
teachers are great.
- - KL
- 4/1 2:03pm
Can someone please tell me how the school is communicating to parents if
their children have made it into the preschool/kindergarten lottery and also
what streets fall under the <2 mile bus fee umbrella (Mapquest gives me
1.98 miles - hope they round!). Thanks,
- - DCB
