Q1 2008 Norfolknet Notes, Jan-Mar 2008

This is the archive of previous Norfolk Notes.
Home

Previous Archive, 2007 Q4

  • 3/31 11:44pm   EC - just noticed your post of 3/28 regarding Highland Lake and the dam that controls its level. I understand that the dam owner has asked the town to acquire the dam and the adjacent property at the upcoming town meeting. Were you aware of that?
    It is interesting to note that the state has a number of laws governing the operation and maintenance of dams and that random and unscheduled drawdowns of the water behind the impoundment is probably illegal. I believe that the dam owner has been notified of these laws. Perhaps the best way for the town to protect its investment is to enforce the laws as they are written. If you are concerned about the management of the dam and its impact on Highland Lake I think that you should contact the Conservation Commission. I also believe that the Advisory Board has, at least preliminarily, said that they could support such a purchase.
    - DL

  • 3/31 11:38pm   I agree with what KEM said about the KP Middle School Seussical musical this weekend! It was a fantastic production that showcased some really talented middle school students. The show on Sunday was packed with an enthusiastic audience who were entertained with lively foot-tapping songs, fun choreography, hilarious antics by The Cat in the Hat, and some incredible singing! You often forgot that these were 13 & 14 year old students and not a Broadway production company. Hats off to the directors for going above and beyond, working with our kids (and grandkids) and giving them memories to last a lifetime.
    - WO

  • 3/31 11:34pm   Another warning about the fisher cat. Near Cliff's Cycles around midnight Sunday a fisher cat brutally attacked a young raccoon almost killing it. They sounded like two wild dogs fighting which woke my wife and me up. Ran to the window and aimed my Maglight and saw the attack. I think we saved the raccoon by startling the fisher cat with the bright light. The fisher cat had its bear-like claws into the raccoon and was also biting him under the neck shaking the raconn from side to side. When we startled him with the light he released the raccoon only to chase him up a tree. I kept shining the light on the fisher cat and finally he backed down the tree and headed into the woods towards the transfer station. Wonder if he has a den out in the woods. Kids and animals be careful.
    - PMP

  • 3/31 11:32pm   To: AR I am planning to do some tiling in a bathroom and kitchen. Can anyone recommend a tile expert who does good work and is reasonably priced?
    Try Kevin Dolan from Norwood. 1-508-596-2720. He did an excellent job in our kitchen.
    - PMP

  • 3/31 4:27pm   I had a typo in SL's post of 3/27 1:10am, the link was broken and the rest of the post was not accessible. My apologies. - Wm.

  • 3/31 4:27pm   I agree with MW. I don't know him personally, but I know two people who have purchased homes built by Rick O'Brien. He has a reputation of being a top notch builder. I only wish I could move there... the lots are beautiful.
    - DCB

  • 3/31 3:20pm   We are looking for a responsible and hard working teenager to do our "spring" raking of our lawn. Will pay per hour up to 6 hours to do the job in early April. If interested, please call (508) 520-6552. Thanks!
    - RB

  • 3/31 3:19pm   Just wanted to put my two cents in about builder Rick O'Brien. I have dealt with many builders in my lifetime. I have witnessed a lot, and lived through building a house in the famed "Christina Estates". Talk about a nightmare? Anyway, I happen to know Rick and I have seen his other developments... one being in North Attleboro. He is a class act. Maybe he can start a new trend in town?
    - MW

  • 3/31 2:00pm   I am planning to do some tiling in a bathroom and kitchen. Can anyone recommend a tile expert who does good work and is reasonably priced?
    - AR

  • 3/31 12:58pm   Hilary, Where would one drop off donations?
    - MJD

  • 3/31 12:56pm   Regarding Rick O'Brien's posting on 3/28/08, I would suggest to him and the builder of Avoca Village that he first start by cleaning up the street and entryways to the village. If I were spending over a million dollars on a home, I would at least like to drive into or by an area that had been cleaned up, and not see piles of dirt/stones and debris sitting for over one year. Maybe this would attract some buyers as well. Hopefully we will see some spring cleaning...
    - Norfolk Resident (RM)

  • 3/31 10:36am  
    Voter Registration
    for Annual Town Election Tuesday - May 6, 2008
    and
    Annual Town Meeting Tuesday, May 13, 2008.

    WEDNESDAY, April 16, 2008, is the last day to register to vote at the Annual Town Election and the Annual Town Meeting. Anyone who has not previously registered, is a new resident, or will become 18 on or before May 6th may register by mail or in the office of the Town Clerk. Regular office hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00AM to 6:00PM. Town Hall is closed on Friday. On Wednesday, April 16th, the office will remain open from 9:00AM until 8:00PM. Mail in registration forms must be postmarked by April 16th or earlier in order to qualify.
    The polls will be open on Tuesday, May 6th from 7:00AM until 8:00PM. All precincts vote in the H. Olive Day School Auditorium (rear of building), 232 Main Street, Norfolk, MA.
    Absentee ballots for the May 6th Annual Town election will be available for voters unable to come to the polls on that day. Absentee voting may be done either in person at the Town Clerk's Office, or by mail. To receive a ballot by mail or for further information about absentee voting, contact the Town Clerk's Office at 508-528-1400.
    - Gail Bernardo Acting Town Clerk

  • 3/31 9:56am   Just wanted to send an update from Animal Control: Nicole is test driving her new family and I hope it all goes well. Chuck too has been placed. So now we have Buddy and SC that need to find their new homes.
    I wanted to also say thank you to those who have donated towards the animals. Donations are a key to getting the animal shelter project completed, whether its by means of monetary donations towards the gift account or through donating supplies that we would normally spend budget/gift money to purchase. Our wish list right now includes wet cat food, towels (bath/beach), and of course cat toys. And please remember donations are tax deductible. Sincerely,
    - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control

  • 3/30 10:13pm   Last September, I posted a message about a program for middle and high school students to help them learn to collaborate, solve problems, and make decisions. The program is organized by the non-profit Tregoe Education Forum [tregoe.org] facilitated with the web site YourTake.org. The program existed before the web site and can be used without the web site, but the web site makes it more fun for the students and easier for the teachers.
    Last week I tuned in to a free one-hour webinar about YourTake led by Sandra Wozniak, a New Jersey school teacher. The webinar reinforced my impression that this program would really be useful to our kids by helping them learn skills for coping with the decisions they have to make and the problems they have to solve in their personal lives as they grow up in today's world. It also helps them to understand other points of view held by different groups, and very importantly, to stop and think before they act. (These skills would also be very useful to many adults that I know.)
    Sandra will be presenting another free webinar on April 22, 2008. She said that she would send invitations to anyone whose E-Mail address I send her. I'd really like to bring this to the attention of as many teachers as possible, although school administrators, school board members, parents, and students would also be welcome.
    I'd appreciate your doing two things:
    1) Bring this to the attention of any middle or high school teachers you know
    2) Anyone who would like an invitation to the free webinar on April 22, 2008 should give me your E-Mail address and I'll pass it on to Sandra who will send an invitation.
    Last September the NorfolkNet webmaster set up the the address box80@norfolknet.com so that people could send E-Mail to me. I assume that will still work. [Yup, still there - Wm.]
    If there were a sufficient number of teachers who want to hear about the program as part of their in-service training, we could invite Sandra to come to town to do a presentation in person. Depending on the number of teachers who would attend, she might well accept.
    - DR

  • 3/30 10:10pm   I second what TC said about the dance last night. Great job by everyone that put the event together. I know my daughter had a great time (except she had to spend time with the crazy guy on the left in the picture). Will next year's theme be able to top this? Thank you to all.
    - PFD

  • 3/30 3:40pm   Kudos and a very special thank you to Dennis Healy and his committee for a great Father/Daughter dance last night. What a fabulous dance! I didn't think he could top last year's Barn Dance, but the Disco theme was a hoot! The girls had so much fun, and the Dads did too! The screaming girls were all the proof you need that they love that event. Great decorations, lights, DJ, prizes, food, dance lessons, everything! It was awesome. Thanks again, Mr. Healy, for all the hard work that must have required. You make it look easy, but it must have been something to pull off! Thanks to you and your committee for doing such a terrific job!
    - TC

  • 3/30 1:11pm   "When you take your new bike out, remember there are those without!" So let's make this, Bike 'n Trike Month!
    Donate your outgrown (gently used) bicycles or tricycles this month and Move a Heart of another child (ages 3-12) who never owned a bike!
    Throughout the month of April, your outgrown "wheels" can be dropped off at the designated collection area of Norfolk's Transfer Station, or at the "Bike Barn" 167 North Street, or call 508-541-8657 to arrange a pick-up.
    Your bikes will be taken in kind to "Cradles to Crayons" where they will be matched with one of 400,000 kids in MA who lives in Poverty!
    - LB, cradlestocrayons.org

  • 3/30 10:18am   Please join us on Wednesday April 2nd at 7:30 p.m. at the Norfolk Library Community Room as we officially kick off my campaign for Selectman. Please also visit my website at www.jaytalerman.com
    - Jay Talerman

  • 3/30 10:17am   To RS: I agree with ED... posting signs on telephone polls it tacky. I don't care if it is advertising for singles or gutters or used cars. I think it is equally rude when people put up yard sale signs and then don't remove them after the event. They should be fined. As we've all discussed here until we're blue in the face, our taxes are high enough... postings on telephone poles eventually fall down and become litter. Who is going to clean it up? Maybe we should impose another tax to clean up the signs for those who enjoy the freedom to post and not the civic responsibility to clean it up?
    - JT1

  • 3/29 9:15pm   Hi JBN, Just go onto the link below and it will give you information regarding the King Philip Music Association and contact information. Any one of those wonderful people will be more than willing to answer your questions about how you can help. Enjoy!! [KP High KPMA page]
    - JTV

  • 3/29 9:14pm   Hi ED, saw your post about Norfolk Singles... what is wrong with them; maybe you are happy in your life, but there are many in town that want to meet other people that are going thru a tough time in life and just want to meet up and become friends with someone - is that wrong? Please tell me, don't be stuffy about the signs ok. Let it be.
    - RS

  • 3/29 7:50pm   BS and JTV: Thank you for the information. One question, can non-KP parents and children volunteer like BS said? If so, how do we sign up? I would love to have my third grader involved in the music ``scene'' beyond just attending performances. Thanks.
    - JBN

  • 3/29 5:06pm   JBN - King Philip's Music Program is one of the many extraordinary things which go on at our middle school and high school, in addition to the academics. The music program is considered one of the top programs in the nation, with a list of achievements that go back many, many years... and the best part is that "the beat goes on"! Only last week while I was in San Diego on a business trip I was walking around on some down time. I was suddenly stopped by a woman who noticed my cherished 2000 King Philip Music tee shirt. She said, "Are you from King Philip? I saw you perform in Indianapolis"! She could not say enough about how impressed she was with King Philip Marching Band's performances. She even remembered the music they played... that was really cool to hear when I was 3000 miles away from home.
    Yes, my daughter did participated in the music program and I think that 6 years was the hardest my wife and I ever worked as volunteers; it really was our second jobs. But the attributes our daughter took away from her participation, besides her excellent music skills, are: commitment, strong work ethic, self discipline, time management, sense of community, strong and lasting friendships, and loyalty. The bonus is her passion for the arts.
    I invite you to take a look at the KP website, and surf the music link; you will be blown away! As a matter of fact, look at all the links on the KP website and really "take in" what our children are doing in our three town's wonderful school district. It is up to all of us to support that!
    - JTV (a KP alumna's dad)

  • 3/29 5:05pm   Fisher Cat was spotted near Stacy Dr. near Cliff's Cycles. May have come from the direction of the transfer station.
    - PMP

  • 3/29 3:20pm   Will the person who has defaced our town with Norfolksingles.org signs on every telephone pole and intersection in our town please remove all of their litter? I am disgusted seeing all of these signs.
    - ED

  • 3/29 3:19pm   PMP, in what area are you located? One reported before near Grove St.
    - BR#1

  • 3/29 2:29pm   Don't miss out on these two library programs!
    Guest speaker Martha Ackmann will present her book, The Mercury 13, on Sunday afternoon, March 30th at 2:00 PM at the Norfolk Public Library. The book tells the dramatic story of thirteen women pilots who secretly tested to become America's first women in space. This lecture is open to all and is offered free of charge. Books will be available for purchase and signing, with a reception to follow. Sponsored by the Friends of the Norfolk Public Library.
    On Monday evening , March 31st at 7:30 pm, Tonya Prevencher, a specialist at Trefler & Sons of Newton, will present a slide show on antique and art restoration and conservation. She will share stories about some of the pieces they have repaired. This program is co-sponsored by the Charles River Questers and is offered free of charge. Registration is not required. If you have a family treasure in need of repair, you are invited to bring it with you. Estimates on restoration services will be available.
    [Full info...]
    - Robin A. Glasser, Library Director

  • 3/29 2:26pm   JBN--you are so kind to consider making a donation to the music program. The program operates on a very tight budget and they focus on the music and not all the trappings. The program is primarily funded by the music association, which is a volunteer organization of parents. They work unbelievably hard to raise the funds to buy equipment, pay the teachers, costumes, uniforms, fees for children who can't, etc. The sweat equity is incredible and I am amazed. Some of the districts the kids compete against seem to have huge budgets. Dartmouth for example has a performance that could be considered a Disney production. They have semi trucks to move equipment and their costumes are dazzling. Can you tell I'm envious? And from the south and midwest the competitions are even more elaborate. And here we are, with winning musical performances that are flawless, sophisticated and beautiful due to the comittment on the part of teachers, students and parents.
    Anyway, the percussion kids leave on a bus for Dayton, OH to compete in the world competition on 4/16 and the guard leaves the week prior. They all had to come up with their own money. The parents will be making most of the meals while out there, drive the trucks, work night shifts (guarding the hallway at the hotel), etc. Any donations would be used to continue to fund the music program and future competitions. I know they would be appreciated. KPMA is at P.O. Box 508, Wrentham, MA 02093. Also, they are always looking for volunteers to work at Gillette or the myriad of other events.
    - BS

  • 3/29 2:05pm   Warning to pet owners: I observed a pretty big fisher cat this morning in my yard around 9am. Luckily we have indoor pets.
    - PMP

  • 3/29 2:04pm   JD, In answer to your question regarding the number of days school has to be in session is 180. As long as school is held for 1/2 a day it is considered a day. When my kids were younger they had many 1/2 day Wednesdays for teacher development here in Norfolk. Now rather than 1/2 days they usually have a whole day tacked onto a long weekend a few times during the year.
    - VT

  • 3/29 2:03pm   Junior Troop #3615 would like to thank everyone who supported our troop today at our cookie booth sale. With your help, we sold 150 boxes of cookies. Thank you, and we hope to be there again next year!
    - BC

  • 3/29 12:08pm   To MHC: I've used Brian Cherry at Computer RX (401-709-4439) for a number of problems and he has been very good. He's in Pawtucket, but doesn't seem to have a problem coming to Norfolk. He can also be contacted at ricomputerrx@cox.net.
    - TEM

  • 3/29 10:04am   BS: Thanks for the information about KP. The music program there is top rate. Can you talk more about the world competition? This sounds fabulous. Do they need donations to help support the trip? I will check out the KP website as well.
    - JBN

  • 3/29 10:03am   BRAVO to the cast of "Seussical Jr." at KPMS! What a talent pool! What singing! What dancing! If you have a hankering for a fun night (or afternoon) with the family, and would like to be dazzled by an outstanding group of kids, head over to the Middle School tonight at 7 or tomorrow at 3 for one heck of a show. I guarantee you'll forget these guys are only 12-13 years old within the first 5 minutes of the show. Again, congrats to Mr. Moffitt, his crew, and the cast. You make us proud.
    - KEM

  • 3/29 10:00am   Committed to environmental awareness? Support Earth Hour by turning off your lights and non-essential appliances between 8pm - 9pm tonight (Saturday 29) as a statement of your commitment to planet Earth...
    "Between 8 and 9 p.m. tonight, households and businesses are asked to turn off their lights and non-essential appliances to promote conservation. The World Wildlife Fund launched the idea last year in Australia, but now it's gone international. (Get more info at earthhour.org)."
    Additional article here [thestar.com page].
    - SD

  • 3/29 9:59am   Mark your calendars - only four weeks until the Friends of the Library Book & Bake Sale, April 26, 9 AM-4 PM, Norfolk DPW Garage, 33 Medway Branch (Friends only sale on Friday, April 25, 6 PM-9 PM). For more information visit our website: norfolkbooksale.com. For questions, to volunteer or to contribute bake goods for the Saturday sale, contact booksale@norfolknet.com
    - JR, Friends of the Library

  • 3/29 9:58am   Wm: Thank you for your comment on 3/27, I agree that enough is enough! I want to start enjoying this forum again like I used to. Exchanging information, nice pictures (thank you, PRR and others), talking about nature, restaurants, and upcoming events is great; attacking people is not. Yesterday's posts were much better and more in keeping what I thought this form of communication is all about. Thanks for all you do to make it possible.
    - CR

  • 3/28 11:43pm   MHC: If you click on the recommendations link (just above the excel table in the left hand column) and scroll down to computers, you'll find some of the recommendations you recall. There were also some recommendations in late January/early February 08; you'll find them in the archives [here]
    - VR

  • 3/28 10:09pm   Several months ago, a few young people from town were listed here who had skills at troubleshooting and fixing computer problems. Unfortunately, I didn't write their names and numbers down at the time, and a search of the recommendations excel sheet here (which is great, BTW) proved fruitless. If anyone might recall the information and do a repost, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
    - MHC

  • 3/28 10:08pm   This is a reminder that Junior Troop #3615 will be selling Girl Scout cookies outside of Dunkin Donuts tomorrow morning from 9-12pm. We hope to see you there!
    - BC

  • 3/28 7:48pm   I have a pair of free certificates to Spiderwick Chronicles that I won't be using. According to the website, the theatre in Bellingham accepts them. The certificates are good for $7 off a ticket to Spiderwick Chronicles ($7 is matinee price). They both expire 3/31. If you can use them this weekend please email me: digger123@mindspring.com.
    - CI

  • 3/28 6:21pm   [Post commenting on the debate on town fiscal policy omitted to let the page settle a bit - Wm.]

  • 3/28 6:09pm   To JHR re: book groups - Norfolk Community League has terrific book groups for its members. Check it out at norfolkcommunityleague.org
    - AW

  • 3/28 6:08pm   To AL re: Indian Restaurants - I love Masala Art in Needham on Great Plain Ave; consistently delicious.
    - AW

  • 3/28 6:07pm   For activities at KP and KPMS, check out their website. It has a pretty good listing of the upcoming events. I would second BS's comment about the play. Last year's was excellent! We are looking forward to the upcoming performance. I expect it to be very well done and polished. Congrats to those involved!
    - TMS

  • 3/28 6:06pm   Just noticed a sign for the "Future Home of Transit Seeding" at the corner of Rt. 115 and 1A. Looks like a nice looking building and I welcome the addition to the commercial tax base in Norfolk. Also looks like some perq tests are being done on the lot across from Jofran. Again I think it is a welcome addition.
    - DS

  • 3/28 6:05pm   Tomorrow is the last day to drop off your donations of gently used baby and kids clothing, toys and gear for the Norfolk Community League's 2008 Nearly New Sale. Items may be dropped off at the trailer behind the DPW building from 9:00 am until Noon.
    The Nearly New Sale is Saturday, April 5 from 9:00 am until noon at the H. Olive Day School. We have lots of toys, clothing and gear that will be on sale at great bargain prices. Come early to get the best selection.
    Any questions get in touch with Keri at khsibley@gmail.com / 508-528-2558 or Tori at vhessler@yahoo.com / 508-440-5199.
    - KS

  • 3/28 6:04pm   Wm, thank you for yesterday's comment. Enough is enough!!
    Mrs. Swan was not at Bush Pond yesterday, but was back today. I have also seen a heron by the Miller Street bridge. Let's enjoy nature and look at what things we do have here in Norfolk. My grandsons are going to show me the beaver area when the water gets a little lower. The beavers are also down by Miller Street.
    - BR#1

  • 3/28 1:01pm   I called the number for the garden club meeting sign up and it is the wrong phone #. Is there an email I can reach the club at?
    - BL

    [The Organizations page has norfolk.garden.club@comcast.net as a contat address - Wm.]

  • 3/28 12:45pm   [Post about whether this would be the perfect time to re-visit the administrative makeup of the schools deferred due to administrative distractions (my attention is diverted; my apologies) - Wm.]

  • 3/28 12:24pm   The level of Highland Lake dropped dramatically overnight. Now that the town has purchased the lake, I hope that it protects its investment and resolves the issue with the control of the dam.
    - EC

  • 3/28 12:15pm   My name is Rick O'Brien of Remax Real Estate Center and I just wanted to announce to the residents of Norfolk that I represent the builders of Avoca Village off Park Street (OBrien and Meeks Const. Co. Inc.)
    It has been a lengthy process and the time is here to start building. The market is starting to pick up and the mortgage programs are incredibly favorable. I know with new projects like this that people want more information on what's going on, so I will make myself available on Sunday March 30th from 1 to 3 pm at the subdivision. I will have plans and home designs with me or contact me at 508 962 1923 or email me at robrien@obrienandmeeks.com or visit our website obrienandmeeks.com; it may give you a better idea of what we do.
    - Rick O'Brien, OBrien and Meeks/Avoca Village

  • 3/28 10:36am   How about we move this conversation right along to... food. Can anyone share their favorite local Indian restaurant (say from Ashland to Norwood)? We have a hankerin'.
    - AL

  • 3/28 10:20am   "The signs of Spring are everywhere...the snow is gone..." Yep, and with the ground now baring itself to full view, so is all the fall cleanup that I didn't do... ugh.
    - TRK

  • 3/28 10:19am   With all the swan talk going on I thought I'd mention that I spotted one by the Miller St. bridge last week. It was solo, from what I could tell driving by in my car.
    - DM

  • 3/27 9:43pm   JBN wanted to know about great things happening at KP; well there's lots!! This weekend--the KPMS drama students are presenting Seussical the Musical Jr., Friday and Saturday at 7:00 pm at KPMS and Sunday at 3:00pm. Many of your neighbors' children are participating and if it's anything like last year's play, it will be terrific.
    Also, next week, KP is hosting the MICCA competions for the middle and elementary schools in MA; Hopkinton will host high schoolers. MICCA stands for Massachusetts Instrumental & Choral Conductors Assoc. Last year, the 7th thru 12th graders won gold and silver medals and performed at Symphony and Mechanics Halls following their terrific performances. On Friday afternoon and evening, the 7th and 8th graders will be performing at KP High School (4:30pm and 7:30 respectively). And on Saturday, our own Freeman Centennial Advanced Band will be competing on Saturday morning (9:30am) at KPHS. The High School will be performing in Hopkinton Saturday morning. You can bet these will be terrific performances.
    And if that's not enough, the Winter Guard and Winter Percussion will be performing at a Pep Rally at KPHS on 4/8/08 at 7:00pm. Both groups will be heading out to Dayton, OH to perform in the world competition.
    There's lots going on, come out and support these kids.
    - BS

  • 3/27 9:42pm   The signs of Spring are everywhere...the snow is gone, temperatures are more temperate, the clocks have been turned ahead, and the picture in the banner at the top of this page has changed. Happy Spring...!!
    - RP

    [Note: this post was sent before my comments below - Wm.]

  • 3/27 9:32pm   [I'm skipping some posts because I don't have the time to vet the contents. To improve the chances of a comment appearing, posts should be short, polite, and congenial; others may be arbitrarily delayed. Birds, flowers and cookie recipes sound good. Free speech is all fine and good, but when things go too far and I have to fret about what people are saying, free speech suffers. Yours truly, - Wm.]

  • 3/27 9:30pm   [Garden Club meeting notice removed on request - Wm.]

  • 3/27 6:40pm   Does anyone know of a book group that is open to new members. I am really interested in being part of a group and meeting new people as well. Perhaps they begin in September and end in the spring, which would mean this is the wrong time of the year. At any rate, I'd appreciate any input here. Or perhaps there is someone who would like to be part of a new and very small group. Thanks.
    - JHR

  • 3/27 6:38pm   To LR re: house cleaning services, I have a fantastic house cleaning team of two who come every other week, very reasonably priced. Please let me know (thru webmaster [Use box103@norfolknet.com - Wm.]) if you want her name and number, I'm not sure if she would like me to post it on the public website.
    - LL

    [Update 9:51: oops, corrected typo in e-mail address; should work now. Thanks, BH! - Wm.]

  • 3/27 5:33pm   Yes, MON and the Norfolk Taxpayers Association. Strong words because words and their implications have serious consequences in this interconnected world.
    I joined this discussion because I wanted to lend my voice in support of the broad majority of citizens of Norfolk that believe we have a well run, efficient town instititions and that viewpoints such as yours and the Norfolk Taxpayers Asscociation represent the divisive vocal minority.
    I do hope that in the course of your efforts to reform our town process - that you'll learn to bring together instead of divide and understand that it's harder to build than to tear down. Good luck.
    - SR

  • 3/27 5:32pm   The start of the NLYS spring soccer season is almost upon us. There will be a Coaches Meeting on Saturday, April 5th at 7:00 pm at the library. All NLYS coaches and assistant coaches should attend this meeting.
    - JD

  • 3/27 2:35pm   SR - Those are strong words you use. You find in any of my posts where I say the words corrupt, laggards and deficient as educators. These are your interpretations. And if I want to see where our tax dollars go, that is my prerogative as a taxpayer. You make serious allegations attached to my name, and I find it highly offensive.
    - MON

  • 3/27 1:04pm   [Question about kids catching up in school removed on request - Wm.]

  • 3/27 12:56pm   Dear MON (and the Norfolk Taxpayers Association). It's not that your opinion by itself that our town government needs reform or change - it's your slash and burn strategy and characterization of our town officials government as seemingly corrupt, our municipal employees as laggards and our educators as deficient that play to worst in us, divide us as a community and alienate the reasonable minded from participating in our town process.
    I would suggest to you that if you want your voice to be heard that you change your rhetoric and move away from your chosen tactics of personal destruction to achieve your aims. If it's change you want - then work toward it in a positive way without the vitriol.
    And, please don't wrap your opinions and the Norfolk Taxpayers Association in the flag to support your divisive politics.
    - SR

  • 3/27 12:54pm   JBN, my footnote about "strawman argument" was prompted by the clear and obvious connection between knowledge aquired in one year and the ability to successfully progress the next. Kids who are behind will be catching up and will be less able to master the new material, thus will not benefit to the same extent from the curriculum, which will be reflected in lower test scores. If there is a measurable difference between the kids' preparedness among the school systems, this may well show up in their combined test results a few years later, too.
    A line of argument that overlooked this inescapable cause-and-effect link seemed to me purposeful, a rhetorical device. If I was mistaken, I apologize.
    The comment about moving forward from 7th through 12th grade only holds if none of the preceding six years of education have a bearing on later academic success -- which, if true, begs the question what is the purpose of K-6? This was the point of my tongue-in-cheek question, why bother with K-12 and not skip straight to college?
    - Wm.

  • 3/27 12:06pm   Update to my prior post: The swan has been seen by the biologists. It was a male swan and they cultured him for avian influenza and other diseases.
    To clarify another post, I do not go actively looking for swans to plop into our ponds. Even though they are beautiful birds, swans are actually considered non-indigenous to this area. They are an introduced species and many experts feel they disrupt the natural order with the other birds that are from this area. I do however know that many rehabbers and hospitals are continuously looking for ponds for swans to be relocated in. The word is out that if a swan needs a place to go, then there is a spot available for a male and even possibly an already bonded couple :)
    - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control

  • 3/27 12:03pm   BR: Initially when I found the swan my husband called Hilary and left a detailed message. We had no return call, so we assumed that was not part of her duties... Thanks for taking the time to call her, what a nice thought that we will get a replacement.
    - SD

  • 3/27 11:56am   KYW: I was responding to this:
    3/24 11:21pm JBN -- Based on published nurses' salaries, you still must make at least ten percent, if not twenty or thirty percent, more than the most highly compenstated teachers in this town. And aren't you part of a union as well?
    "Not that there is anything wrong with that..." but let's at least be honest.
    - KL
    - JBN

  • 3/27 11:54am   SR - You are right. Mr. Winslow is doing a great job bringing the community together. The NTA is also soliciting opinions and we encourage you all to our next meeting. Different views of government are not divisive. It's the American way.
    - MON

  • 3/27 11:50am   I have the radio tuned to WBUR where the topic is teaching math in schools (story: the National Mathematics Advisory Council has completed their study [PDF] and concluded that mathematics is more effectively taught by emphasizing math facts and procedures -- the old-fashioned way), and it suddenly struck me that the 2006 5th grade Norfolk MCAS scores might be affected by the transition to the "new new math."
    I remember a conversation I had with a parent whose daughter was going through this mathematical re-training, and the story made my hair stand on end. Apparently the same amount of math is absorbed via either method (both what had been taught and what replaced it), but the transition years were awful and did a real disservice to the affected kids.
    - AR

    [Update 12:35pm: I've been skimming the report, and the actual recommendation made is that math facts, procedures and conceptual understanding are equally important and reinforce each other; the implication is that approaches that de-emphasize recall and arithmetic skills in favor of concepts are less effective. - AR]

  • 3/27 11:44am   JBN: I actually thought SO's post detailing a "day in the life" of teachers was great! I believe that SO was reacting to the many posts concerning teachers' salary and working conditions. I was actually going to post something very similar... SO beat me to it! I was a high school teacher before starting a family so I cringed each time I read a post about teachers being overpaid, having too much vacation time, etc. Had the discussion on Norfolknet been about hospice nurses (or nurses in general) being overpaid or having too much vacation time, then I would completely understand if you posted something in an effort to clear up those misconceptions. But nursing was not under the microscope here. I believe that most people already recognize that nurses work tremendously long hours under very stressful conditions. Many people don't seem to recognize, however, that teachers (most of us, anyway) also endure stressful conditions and very long hours. SO was merely trying to set the record straight... nothing more.
    - KYW

  • 3/27 11:43am   Was wondering if anyone could answer this question, regarding the number of days you must have school. Dover schools K-6 start school and end school the same time we do, yet they also have a half day every Wednesday. How is that possible?
    - JD

  • 3/27 11:29am   To the residents concerned about the swan from Bush Pond - I have been away at large animal extrication and disaster training for the past two days. I did however, come back and pick up the swan. Many calls came in on "theories" as to the swan's death. Hopefully I will be able to dispel them. A quick evaluation and I believe that it was not shot, poisoned, or attacked by a predatory animal. I have been in touch with biologists in the field and they are coming down to collect some samples before we put the swan to rest.
    For more information in regards to swans, I'm sure MA Fish and Wildlife has a few online articles. Sincerely,
    - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control

  • 3/27 11:07am   MON and The Norfolk Taxpayers Associations approach to "serving" our citizenry is, simply put, divisive and corrosive.
    Like the steady drip, drip, drip of a leaky faucet, MON and the Norfolk Taxpayers Association simply stains the hard work of people all across our school system and town government without providing any viable, positive ideas or contributions.
    My job here by contributing to this discussion is to communicate to the responsible citizens of Norfolk that yours is a dangerous, regressive minority view, an approach that serves to alienate, disenfranchise and destroy the morale of the people that teach our children and serve us a town officials in very difficult and trying times.
    MON and The Norfolk Taxpayers association would be well served to learn from Mr. Winslow, who, as Town moderator, is trying to change our town process in positive manner by soliciting opinion and shaping the context of the discussion to enhance community participation. Your approach and that of the Norfolk Taxpayers Association does none of that.
    - SR

  • 3/27 11:06am   Hilary picked up the swan yesterday. There were no marks on the swan; she feels it probably died from natural causes. She has notified the proper people that a swan is needed for Bush Pond - she feels that there are so few places for rehabilated swans to be brought to that replacements should arrive shortly. It is not known if the dead swan was male or female... eggs would have been laid by now as they hatch around the second week of May. I'm afraid we won't be able to enjoy new borns this year.
    - BR#1

  • 3/27 11:04am   PPR: I 'm not sure what sex it was, I don't know how to tell the difference. I have been told that they mate for life, that makes the death of a mate seem harder.
    - SD

  • 3/27 10:53am   Wm: I do not understand your comment regarding a Strawman argument (I know what it means and it does not apply here). I think that is an inappropriate comment. The facts remain that we are in a town that has a school district 7-12 that encompasses children from 3 towns. My comment about moving forward together is simply what it is. They gather in 7th and move forward in our school through 12th grade. So, are we to blame 10th grade MCAS scores on the town they are from? Or the education and preparation they have received from 7th grade and onward? I stand by my comment that it shouldn't matter what town they are from. What should matter is what they are learning at our regional school. Sounds to me like I have to agree with an earlier post that stated that Norfolk only really pays attention to the lower grades and we treat KP like the poor cousin. I mean really, why shouldn't KP be a top performing school? Can we really justify the response that DWL made that basically says it is because it is three towns? So what. I don't see Sherborn-Dover doing that or other regional schools (no, I do not want to get into an argument that we are not Dover, nor Sherborn. I know, we aren't. And we should stop comparing ourselves with that particular demographic, but that is another argument for another day). Maybe it is time we embrace KP as fondly as we embrace our lower grades. After all, we are talking about kids here. And I marvel at the music program at KP. It should be our pride and joy. Instead of the fight, fight, fight about everything, I would love to read more about KP and some of the wonderful things happening there. I am sure that there are many parents of KP kids who read this blog and can tell us. I think that maybe the Boomerang, instead of using a whole page for Beacon Hill roll call info, could give some space for a column about KP. (Maybe they do, but I have not noticed it. I do tend to miss things now and again)
    And as for Town Meeting, I cannot wait to go to the informational meetings that Dan Winslow is providing for our town (on his own time, I might add). What a great opportunity to ask questions, especially those that are unfamiliar with the process. This is a great opportunity for our children to see how democracy works. What a great civics lesson! I have been reading a book about Town meeting called, ``Real Democracy'' by Frank Bryan. It is a good read if you are interested in the history of town meeting and what it means today. Low attendance at Open Town Meeting is not just a Norfolk thing; it is happening everywhere. I hear we may have a town supper prior to the meeting. What a wonderful opportunity for us a community!! We are so lucky to live in a small, rural town that allows all of us to be part of the process of running our town. Now if we could all be so interested...
    I am most especially sad about the swan. What could have happened?
    - JBN

  • 3/27 10:51am   These pictures of the swans at Bush Pond are from last May. First picture was while the cygnets were hatching. Father is on guard. Only 6 were visible then but the next morning the proud parents were out with their 8 cygnets. Some of my pictures are at the Town Hall. I have a call in to Hilary as I fear maybe it was shot. The swans do not usually head over towards the Buckley-Mann area, but then again their nest has been under water so maybe they were checking out another area for a nest.
    - BR#1

  • 3/27 10:47am   Want to go spring sking at Wachusett Mountain? I have 4 lift tickets. Normally $49 each. I will take $20 each. The first caller gets them. E-mail me at susanrusso2004@aol.com
    - SR

  • 3/27 10:46am   Hi Everyone - We need to replace the windows in our house but don't know where to begin or who to use. Any suggestions/recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
    - SD

  • 3/27 2:13am   To SD re: death of the swan - Perhaps we can find another swan... was it a male or female that you found, do you know? Ohhh that is so sad!
    - PRR

  • 3/27 2:12am   Thank you PRR for reminding us of what's important.
    - DL

  • 3/27 2:08am   MW - Good Catch! It was from "So I Married An Axe Murderer". It was prompted by a post from MT discussing the secret takeover of our town by dark forces. PA had the original pick up. I just rifted off it and then shamelessly ripped off the movie.
    Sadly, I don't know when I will watch it again. The only version of the movie that I own is VHS, not DVD. We unplugged our VHS player about two months ago and it gathers dust in the basement. Parts of that movie are still some of the funniest stuff I have seen in a looong time. "We have a piper down, I repeat, a piper is down."
    - DL

  • 3/27 1:51am   Oh I almost forgot. Your [degree] can't be in economics. Your idea to take any property tax increase and spread it equally among all taxpayers is called "regressive taxation" That means the impact of any tax increase is likely to be borne more heavily by lower income taxpayers than those in a higher tax bracket. I would love to see you push that one at town meeting.
    - DL

    [I don't follow. Certainly they teach about various ways to levy taxes in an economics curriculum. "Regressive taxation" is a poli sci term; in econ it's more likely to be known as a "flat tax." It's actually very popular and strongly advocated in some circles under that name. It works, it raises revenue just fine. The social security and medicare taxs are both (effectively) flat taxes, for example. (In true academic fashion, there is some amount of hand-waving here over the distinction between proportional flat as in percent and absolute flat as in amount. Goes with the topic :-) - Wm.]

  • 3/27 1:44am   Hey MON - "Town meeting is antiquated, developed when there was not even running water, and the highlight of most peoples lives was the Town meeting" Yeah, must have been a blast, putting aside the plough, hitching up the wagon and heading 10 miles and two hours to a drafty old town hall. Good Times. Or maybe they came because they cared.
    Like you, I support the efforts of Town Moderator Dan Winslow to increase the understanding of, and participation in, Town Meeting. We need more people to take part. We need to help educate our fellow citizens. Hey, I know, why don't you ask Dan what he thinks of the town meeting form of government. If you really want to undermine town meeting, see if he will endorse your efforts. The reality is, to paraphrase Winston Churchill "Town Meeting is the worst form of government except all the others that have been tried".
    Yes it's not perfect and any effort we can make to make it quicker, tighter and more understandable is a huge benefit. I agree with you, maybe we should consider the town meeting representative form of government. But you know that would require a change to our town charter, a vote at town meeting and an approval by the legislature, 3 to 5 years at a minimum before it takes effect. What should we do between now and then. According to you, unless we can get you and your gang to be in the majority at town meeting, we should do nothing. Just sit and wait. No new tax increases of any kind. No new spending of any kind. Let's pretend that there is no such thing as inflation. Let's all move to Oz. Or let's try to make what we have work.
    I feel improvements to Town meeting have always been welcome. There is a big one that maybe you haven't heard of, Prop 2 1/2? It was a reform that was passed about 30 years ago to make sure that those evil people that hang around at town meeting can't have their way with the budget. A lot of my liberal friend think that is the biggest problem with town government. I like to think of it as a belt and suspenders kind of protection, although you probably think that the elastic in the suspenders is stretched out. Hey guess what, Doc, any increase over 2 1/2 percent in our property taxes needs to be approved by Town Meeting and then by a majority of the voters at a scheduled town election. And they allow absentee ballots. Sounds like what you have been asking for. Congratulations. That's progress. Good job, MON.
    - DL

    [I don't know about town meeting being the "worst form of government except all the others." Personally, I'm kinda partial to the secret ballot - Wm.]

  • 3/27 1:30am   April 10, 2008 Norfolk Public Library 7:30pm Community Meeting Room: Renewable Energy and Conservation Workshop
    Speakers: Mary McCarthy, NStar; Richard Costello, PE; Acela Energy; Andrew Bakinowski
    Topics: - energy efficiency programs - rebates for energy efficiency appliances - how to get an energy audit - enercy conservation - what is a CFL and how much will it save? - renewable energy - photovoltaics: what is it and how does it work - wind power: wind turbines, what they are and how they work - available funding: rebates from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative
    Learn what you can do to reduce your energy usage. Find out about renewable and alternative energy.
    - AB

  • 3/27 1:12am   SR: I am not attempting to demoralize anything or anyone. I simply presented factual information that I was able to obtain from the Massachusetts DOE. What type of statistical analysis do you propose I do? Suggesting community destruction by a group such as the NTA reviewing town spending is a real stretch. We are not looking to do anything except understand town finances. If you want to talk about destruction, how about the destruction of people's lives when a tax increase could mean the difference between keeping a home, or food on the table. Let's get real here, SR. Stop trying to make NTA the enemy here [with] smear tactics.
    - MON

    post of 3/27 1:10am

  • 3/27 1:10am   Hello Norfolk Residents, My name is Stephanie and I am currently a senior at King Philip and a Norfolk resident. For the past 5 years I have been participating in the annual Walk for Hunger. Last year I raised over $1,000 but this year, however, I have set a much high goal. [...] [See post of 3/5 6:14pm]
    - SL

    [Update 3/31 4:26pm: oops, the link was broken (2007 instead of 2008); fixed! My apologies to SL - Wm.]

  • 3/27 12:54am   DWL: Just curious, are you suggesting that the two other towns that share our regional school system bring the MCAS scores down in some fashion? I mean, 10th grade should be 10th grade, no? What difference should it make where the children come from?? That type of thinking bothers me. They all come together in 7th grade and move forward for years together. Wm, you have the numbers for MCAS through 6th grade, why don't you show the difference at Medfield and KP, 10th grade math and reading. I think it would be interesting to see. I do not have a PhD, but this seems illogical to me that a regional school should do worse than a ``one town'' school. Plainville and Wrentham have similar demographics to Norfolk. It should be a wash, really.
    And aren't teachers and schools judged by how well children perform on MCAS in our state? You cannot argue that better teachers come to the schools because of higher pay, then pay them more and blame the students for poor MCAS performance. That argument seems odd to me. Maybe some towns simply teach to the test better? I don't know. I think that this discussion all started back when someone suggested that the teachers in Medfield were higher paid than here and something about property values going up in Medfield as a result of high MCAS scores. Maybe it would be better to compare numbers with Plainville and Wrentham, if you all think that comparing these numbers will result in any meaningful dialogue.
    - JBN

    [Is this a straw man argument? If it doesn't matter where the kids come from, why bother with K-12 at all, why not just have the kids come together and move forward together in college? I can't find Wrentham, but here's Plainville:
    Plainville 2007 Grade 05Advanced Proficient Needs
    improvement     		Failing
    Language 15 55 22 7
    Math 17 33 33 18
    Science 16 48 29 7
    In Language 3/4 of the Norfolk and Medfield 5th graders are proficient or better; in Plainville only 1/2. - Wm.]

  • 3/27 12:37am   SD, I feel so sad to read your message. I've been looking every day and thought maybe they made their nest furthur back into the grass. They mate for life. What a sad day. Is the body still there? Call animal control--Hilary will get the body and check it out. If you don't want to call let me know, I will.
    - BR#1

  • 3/26 6:14pm   Re: spring cleanup. I remember seeing a post last week looking for someone to do a spring clean up [3/24 11:04am]. We just had Steve Pezwick come in this week and our yard looks great. He even took it onto himself to prune some of our trees that fell victim to this past winter's snow. His prices are reasonable and to be honest I have had other bigger named landscapers do this in the past and Steve did a better job! He lives in town and returns your calls. His number is 508-541-7813.
    - NJD

  • 3/26 6:12pm   Once again MON and the Norfolk Taxpayers Association continue their politics of community destruction by playing fast and loose with their numbers.
    MON shame on you, for a Ph.D. you are very weak on your analysis as you utilize weak statistical correlations and variables to establish your arguments (MCAS scores and teacher salaries? Not very sophisticated). And, you do this only to serve your arguments that attack our school system and demoralize our institutions. I don't wonder at your motivations. However, I do wish that some reason would emerge from your anger at the elected leadership in our community.
    I suggest to any responsible Norfolk resident that really wants to learn all the facts of how Norfolk school system compares to others in our area - to simply do the research on your own and come to your own conclusions. And I won't influence the discussion by "leading" you to specific websites which are easy to identify.
    Also, before you go down the road MON (and accuse me of some corrupt association), I am not and educator in the school system - simply a responsible parent whose children long ago graduated from an excellent Norfolk public school system and developed into participatory young adults in our commonwealth.
    - SR

  • 3/26 5:57pm   MON, KP, MCAS scores are lower than Medfield because it is a combination of three different towns. Medfield is one town and all the children that attend the middle and high school are from Medfield. At KP you have many different children coming from many different backgrounds. It is very simple.
    - DWL

    [This is what I found:
    Medfield 2007 Grade 05Advanced Proficient Needs
    improvement     		Failing
    Language 34 54 10 2
    Math 38 38 19 5
    Science 27 49 21 3
    Norfolk 2007 Grade 05AdvancedProficientNeeds
    improvement    		Failing
    Language 28 56 12 3
    Math 36 39 19 5
    Science 21 52 25 2
    Fairly close. I also looked at grade 6 to compare, but again, the proportion of the kids in the top two brackets (advanced + proficient) is about the same in both towns. There seems to be quite a bit of variability in the size of the "advanced" group, but presumably that depends more on the specific kids in each class. - Wm.
    Update 3/27 12:45am: Interesting... what happened to the 5th grade in 2006? The 2006 English and Math test scores were markedly worse in than in 2007, especially Math. I don't have data from before 2006. Medfield has been consistent through the years. - Wm.]

  • 3/26 5:56pm   MON--Re: Medfield/Norfolk MCAS; see the posting on 3/25. The question was answered.
    - BS

  • 3/26 3:33pm   KB. Regarding FIOS, I live near King and Union and it is available to my neighborhood but not to a neighbor on King street only a few houses up from me. I don't know how they divide the areas up. It seems like a strange mishmash of half streets and lone houses that are not eligible for service.
    - MW

  • 3/26 3:32pm   C'mon NS - I answered the KP thirty teacher lay-off question for all of you. I am waiting to hear why two school systems - Norfolk and Medfield - pay their teachers the same scale yet MCAS scores here in Norfolk are much, much lower.
    - MON

  • 3/26 2:06pm   KW, thanks for the note! I tried to clarify my reasoning in a reply, but my messages bounced -- your mail account settings have changed, and now I'm blocked from emailing to you. Thanks,
    - Wm.

  • 3/26 2:04pm   At 7 p.m. Tuesday April 8, 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 Gymnasium. 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.
    [More...]
    - MW, King Philip Music Association

  • 3/26 1:50pm   "The town meeting form of government is one of the world's purest forms of participatory democracy and we invented it here in New England" DL, get with times. It was invented centuries ago. Times have changed, or haven't some of you noticed?
    Town meeting is antiquated, developed when there was not even running water, and the highlight of most peoples lives was the Town meeting.
    Now most taxpayers have no clue about town meeting, how it works and how those who do can manipulate it for their own gain. Most are too busy raising families and working. In this town the same 25 people, those who stay awake and attend it, vote on crucial town matters, including those that cost the taxpayers, all the taxpayers, money. That is the only conspiracy I see, that those with the time to influence spending do so, and often.
    So let's switch to a representative system, or absentee ballot, for all matters relating to tax increases. Then you will get full participation. In the meantime, the efforts of Mr. Winslow to get everyone involved, not just those who know the system, are appreciated.
    Even better - instead of increasing taxes based on property value, let's just split it evenly between all the taxpayers. I bet the threats of tax increases and overrides would drop immediately.
    And surely you have some agenda, criticizing the NTA efforts to understand where our money goes. Otherwise you would not have posted. How do our tax dollars serve you?
    - MON, NTA

  • 3/26 1:46pm   To SO:
    am a sort of martyr, as you see,
    A horizontal monument to patience.
    The calves of waitresses parade about
    My helpless head upon this sodden floor.
    Well, I am down again, but not yet out.
    O sweet frustrations, I shall be back for more.
    - Richard Wilbur   [enotes.com]
    - JBN

  • 3/26 1:31pm   I just had a neighbor inquire about house cleaning services in Norfolk... if anyone has a recommendation they would appreciate your input. Thank you.
    - LR

  • 3/26 1:30pm   TEM - No need to go down that path, but since this is America, that is your right. You must have an unlimited supply of money. Why don't you send some to the town? I noticed in the spreadsheets there have been no charitable contributions in quite some time.
    - MON

  • 3/26 12:22pm   DL... LOL! I havent read back in the posts to see what yours was geared to... But is that from ...So I married an axe murderer? Haven't heard that in a long time... thanks for the chuckle.
    - MW

  • 3/26 11:56am   Hi All, To all who are interested about the swans on Bush Pond. I was out walking my dogs last Sunday when I came across one of the swans that had died. I was over the far side walking towards Buckley and Mann when I came across the body. He/she looked perfect, there was no obvious trauma so I'm not sure what happened. My only thought was that maybe he/ she was flying too low and hit a tree, there were a couple of trees down by the body. It was so sad to see, we always look forward to seeing the proud parents every year with their babies. I know that a lot of people come to see the babies and for a lot of people it is a rite of spring.
    - SD

  • 3/26 11:44am   JBN - I thought my mother was the last candidate for martyrdom. Ironically, she was a nurse too, God bless her heart. I think sporting a chip on your shoulder may preclude entry to that sainted realm. Thank heavens she lacks that. As for me, while having actually "volunteered" in all you suggest (and yes, care of the sick and dying), I keep a low profile - beatification, or even paradise, was never in the cards for me.
    Now, did you infer, or did I imply, that I was pro-taxes? I smell inference. I also hear a tap-dance - why, you've got your shoes on. Non sequitur at fifty paces. Let's see - if I'm in favor of maintaining or improving education, thus, my goodness, I am anti- senior. I didn't see you shovel my walk lately.
    - SO

  • 3/26 11:41am   The King Philip music department will present their Choral Concert on Thursday April 3rd at 7pm in the Auditorium of the King Philip Middle school, Norfolk.
    The concert will feature two choruses from the middle school, and the High School Chorus. Pieces presented will include: Evr'y Time I Feel the Spirit, John Rutter's Fiddler Man, Soldier Boy, and The Terrible Tale of Tom Gilligan.
    Admission is free.
    - MW, King Philip Music Association

  • 3/26 11:21am   Dear JT: CPR Certification, Call Michelle Consoles @ 508-541-6785; she is right here in town, very flexible, and a joy to work with. She has run many classes, private and groups, here in town. Call... you'll be so happy!
    - JD

  • 3/26 11:19am   Burdens onto the lap of society?? Good heavens, MT, your posts (see 3/25; 7:00pm) are beginning to have an eerie, coldhearted ring to them, a bit like the infamous quotes from Ebenezer Scrooge in "Christmas Carol." "Are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses?" Now that I think about it, maybe the "Scrooge Brigrade" would be a more fitting title for the Norfolk Taxpayers Association.
    - TEM

  • 3/26 10:55am   TMS... I do have a 384 exchange as we are on right on the Wrentham line. I will get in touch with the Town Administrator and the Board of Selectman. Thank you.
    - KB

  • 3/26 10:47am   A Spring Perspective: let us all take a deep breath!! A gift from PRR to you! - What is really important? Family, friends, loved ones... and the beauty that surrounds us. It is our job to keep it thus... We are all so very fortunate! So many flowers are coming...
    - PRR

  • 3/25 10:58pm   The Town will conduct a series of four training sessions for Town Meeting, two in early April and two in early May, to orient voters to meeting procedure and to give tips for participation in debate. If you've never been to Town Meeting, these seminars will be a great introduction to the process of participating in the direct democracy of our local legislative branch of government. If you're a long-time attendee, the seminars will be a helpful refresher. The agenda is Town Meeting 101, with everything from how to make a point in debate, how to decrease or increase budget proposals, how to require or block an override, and ways to propose amendments or changes in pending proposals. The first seminar will be held at the Norfolk Community TV studio at the Freeman-Centennial School on Thursday, April 3, live at 7 p.m. with viewer call-in questions starting at 7:30 p.m. (Dial 508-520-2780) or you can join us in the studio in person. The show will be rebroadcast on Norfolk Cable until Town Meeting begins. The second seminar will be coffee with the Moderator at the Norfolk Library Lounge, Friday, April 4 at 10 a.m. No charge for these sessions. Any voter can participate and every voter should participate. If you'd like to arrange for additional seminars for your community group or neighborhood, please contact me at winslow@virtualnorfolk.org. Town Meeting this year is May 13 & 14 starting at 7:30 p.m. at the KP Middle School. It's your town!
    - Dan Winslow, Town Moderator

  • 3/25 8:58pm   RZ - While I am compassionate about your situation and believe that as a society we have an obligation to serve the needs of all students, I find the tone of the website you recommend somewhat unsettling. For others who have not yet visited the recommended website, check out truthaboutsped.org/page005.html
    - MKL

  • 3/25 7:44pm   MS: I am a thirteen year old girl and am interested in possibly babysitting. I took the baby-sitting course that the school provided, and I have experience. If you are interested please contact me at [Use box104@norfolknet.com - Wm.]. Please call after 3:00. Thanks,
    - LM

  • 3/25 7:42pm   When I became aware of our Superintendent being considered elsewhere, I was not disappointed. I wanted to post something but someone made a valid point which made a lot of sense (something to the effect of, we should be cautious in what is said out here since anyone can read it). As I continue, however, read about the ``great leadership'' and ``bringing everyone together,'' I must speak up. Of course, I'm sure I'll be accused by some of ``waiting until she left'' to say anything. But, I have already conveyed these feelings to the Superintendent.
    In my personal (both face to face, and via email), I have seen neither leadership, nor collaborative spirit. As a parent who went to the Superintendent with some serious organizational concerns, I am still awaiting responses to those issues I raised. The first of those issues was raised in a meeting that took place in June 2007; the second was in an email last month. Other than being told to speak to her subordinate, there was no response whatsoever. I feel very strongly that hiring someone with a similar leadership style (at least as it relates to addressing parental concerns) is not in the best interests of the students.
    Regarding the School Committee, remember folks, things are changing. Give the new people a chance. In my opinion, the upcoming changes will greatly benefit the children of Norfolk Public Schools. Let's try to keep an open mind. I promise you, I will be the first to complain if things don't change for the better.
    - RZ (www.truthaboutsped.org)

    [Update 10:46pm: Disclaimer: my wife is running (unopposed) for school committee. Given that two members are leaving and two members are incoming, I thought it would be reasonable to give the new people a chance, since 40% of the board will be turning over within 6 weeks. - RZ]

  • 3/25 7:40pm   Great story, JBN! We should stop wacking each other over the head with our spoons and instead start feeding each other! Wouldn't that be something; working together for the common good instead of making sure we "get what's ours."
    You present a very rational and reasoned attitude toward public education, and education in general. I agree it would be great to engage in the broader discussion about what makes for a good learning environment and how public money should be used to achieve it. Sadly, like most important and complex conversations these days, this one has been dumbed down to a "no new taxes" versus "let's have another override." (I don't even remember anyone ever actually saying that our teachers were overpaid, or that they needed a raise!)
    No good can come from trying to oversimplify a complex issue like education. We should have learned by now that most things that matter cannot be boiled down to yes or no, good or evil, black or white. The education of our children is too important. We should elevate the level of discourse about education, and our commitment to it as a society and as individuals, and then see what it's really worth in terms of resouces. I'd bet my annual Norfolk property taxes that if people looked at the role of education in a person's life, the impact of good teachers (like yours who threw erasers), the benefits to society, and the limited prospects for happiness and prosperity for those without an education, people might stop blaming the cost of education for all their woes.
    - TC

  • 3/25 7:39pm   PA - Actually I think that its the Illuminati or Skull and Bones or maybe even... the Pentaverate. (Adopting my best Scottish accent). Well it's a well know fact, MT, that there's a group of the five wealthiest people in the world known as the Pentaverate, who run everything in the world, including the newspapers. And meet tri-annually at a secret country mansion known as the Meadows. So who's in this pentaverate, you ask? The Queen, The Vatican, The Gettys, The Rothchilds and Colonel Sanders before he went (expletive deleted) up. Oh, I hated the Col. with his wee beady eyes, and that smug look on his face, Oh your gonna buy my chicken.
    - DL

  • 3/25 7:36pm   MON, "Are you employed by the Town? Do you receive some form of tax breaks? Will you or others be embarrassed or afraid of something that we, as taxpayers, might find buried within the books? We sincerely hope not." Why MON, what are you going to do, beat me up? Tar and feather me and run me out of town on a rail? Are the pitchforks and torches being readied? This is exactly what I meant. Veiled threats do not help. Apparently if anyone disagrees with you or questions you, then they must be part of the problem or part of the conspiracy. I missed the first meeting of your group and I sincerely hope that the tenor of that meeting was a great deal more thoughtful and deliberative than the tone of the debate on Norfolknet.
    No, I am not employed by the town, I receive no tax breaks and I don't think I have anything to lose after the revolution except you will find out that I pay my excise tax late on occasion. I do disagree with your tactics, sorry to have disturbed.
    My comment on the anonymity thing was meant to point out that some people (not you I guess) feel free to let their paranoid delusions run wild when they can hide behind their initials. I, for one, have no real interest in using this board to pursue my own agenda. I won't be outing myself here. I do, however, attend Town Meeting and the meetings of various boards and commissions. I do speak up at town meeting and ask questions. The town meeting form of government is one of the world's purest forms of participatory democracy and we invented it here in New England. Yet you and some of your fellow travelers are convinced that some sort of vast conspiracy has hijacked even this. I agree with you that many people in town don't understand the process. I am not sure that yours or anyone else's contributions to this page are solving that. I do think that, for better or worse, they need to attend more of these meetings and learn for themselves. I look forward to hearing from you at this spring's town meeting.
    - DL

  • 3/25 7:00pm   Wm, I just finished reading the article, "Does Class Size Make A Difference?" It's excellent; admittedly my high rating is undoubtedly due, at least, in part, because it agrees with a valid point that's been argued, with little success, for years. As for those who mistakenly feel that the role of the public school system is that of surrogate parent, or boarding school, they should enroll their kids in a private institution of their choice, at their own expense.
    The article also points out that the "at risk" students are an exception. Another prong of a related argument is that the responsibility of any special treatment for those "special children" should first fall on the respective parents before they are permitted to be dumped, as burdens, onto the laps of society. After all, they are the products of their mothers and fathers; other parents shouldn't have to deny their own children what they're forced to give, in support, to someone else's.
    - MT

  • 3/25 4:37pm   Re: the article link about class size. [here] The article is a fair and balanced look at what difference class size makes in the education of kids. This could and should lead to a broader local discussion regarding class sizes all the way through 12th grade and a look at past years and the difference that it has made on our students here in Norfolk. As I recall, when we moved here 5 years ago, the class sizes were somewhat bigger and people were still pretty happy with the schools. Then class size became this bigger issue (at least in the lower grades) and I am not sure I have seen data on improved scores or happier kids across the board as a result. I really have to admit I haven't followed all the numbers, but I would be curious as to what the outcome is. I think happy kids who are progressing well is a better indication of success than MCAS, but, I guess I am only dreaming. That is simply naive of me to think it (happiness) matters much to most people. But it would make for an interesting discussion, if there were that possibility here. I am neither in favor of large class sizes or small, I think there are so many factors involved. I do think that class mix matters and teacher experience. I think it would be interesting to have a civil, real discussion about that. Both sides.
    A good teacher who is really engaged with his or her students is a good teacher regardless and a poor teacher remains a poor teacher whether she/he has 18 kids or 28 kids. I had my own worst school experience in honors chemistry with 13 kids in my class, and a truly wonderful time in an algebra class with a gifted teacher who had over 35 kids in the class, many of the kids in this particular algebra class were "troubled" (in this era they would have an IEP, but not in 1978!!) and our teacher, Mr. Rishell, would throw erasers at them when they drifted off. I guess teachers would be sued for that now. But everyone learned algebra, even me, who does not like math. I remember him fondly.
    I have had many conversations with many friends in different towns in MA about schools and the choices they have made for their kids. It is such an emotional issue. Everyone is concerned about the education of their children. Some of my friends have come from some pretty affluent schools themselves, and others, like myself, went to regular public schools. All agree on one thing, that the parents need to be engaged in the education process and that even the best schools don't always have the best teachers; but the ones that truly love to teach and think that every child is capable of learning, they are the best kind of teacher.
    As for all this fighting about salaries and who is doing what and whatever, I am ready to scream, but instead, please indulge me and allow me to share with you one of my all time favorite stories....
    There is an old rabbinic tale, which goes: And the Lord said to the Rabbi, "Come, I will show you Hell." They entered a room where a group of people sat around a huge pot of stew. Everyone was famished and desperate. Each had a spoon that reached the pot, but had a handle so long it could not be used to reach their mouths. The suffering was terrible.
    "Come, now I will show you heaven" the Lord said after a while. The entered another room, identical to the first--the pot of stew, the group of people, the same long spoons. But here, everyone was happy and nourished. "I don't understand," said the Rabbi. "Why are they happy here when they were miserable in the other room, and everything was the same?" The Lord smiled. "Ah, but don't you see? He said. "Here they have learned to feed each other."
    - JBN

  • 3/25 4:35pm   MT: A 'new emerging "crew" is to gain greater favor throughout town in order to aid them in acquiring considerable personal wealth?' Where I come from, that sounds like Tony Soprano and his crew are moving into Norfolk.
    - PA

    [Oh wow, a real live TV production crew right here in Norfolk! Oops, no offense, NCTV :-) - Wm.]

  • 3/25 4:27pm   KB: Do you by chance have an "384" phone number? If so, it is my understanding that Verizon Fios will not be available until Wrentham upgrades their system. It was apparently an oversight by the Norfolk folks when negotiating the Verizon contract. They are working to fix it, but a lot of it depends on Wrentham's agreeing to upgrade. Check with the Town Administrator or Board of Selectmen's office for details. Also to let them know that you are interested in Fios. The more "384"ers that voice a desire for the service may help to move things along. For those not in the know, Norfolk does not have it's own phone exchange. "384" exchanges are on the Wrentham side of town, "520" and "528" on the Franklin side, "541" on the Medfield side - at least that was how the phone company explained it to me many moons ago!
    - TMS

  • 3/25 3:19pm   We were forwarded a link to an article on class size; [nwsource.com: Does class size make a difference?]. I haven't had a chance to read it yet.
    - Wm.

  • 3/25 3:11pm   DL and others - If the Norfolk Taxpayers Association is threatening to you, then there must be some reason. Are you employed by the Town? Do you receive some form of tax breaks? Will you or others be embarrassed or afraid of something that we, as taxpayers, might find buried within the books? We sincerely hope not. This is not a witch hunt - and if you had attended the first NTA meeting, I stated so, repeatedly and emphatically. The mission is to understand where our tax money goes and as Taxpayers we will leave no stone unturned.
    I have spoken to tens if not hundreds of Norfolk taxpayers, and most do not understand the system, let alone why we are always threatened by higher taxes. Most are surprised and enlightened, and many bring up the same issues that one finds on Norfolknet, if not more. Unfortunately, apathy plays a major role in our small town politics, and it is dismaying that we are run by the same people who stay at our marathon Town meetings. But hopefully an informed public will change all that.
    And we are not solely interested in just the schools - all areas that cost Taxpayers are being looked at. Funny, at the 1st NTA meeting, we brought up the schools and one of our members said "discussing the schools and getting information will be like touching the 3rd rail" and "you will be vilified".
    Well, I must have touched a nerve. But I like the electricity.
    - MON, "aka" Mark L. Nelson, Ph.D., Norfolk Taxpayers Association

  • 3/25 3:10pm   JT - Check with the Board of Health. I took a CPR class through them last fall in the Town Hall. It was well taught and only $5.
    - JT2

  • 3/25 2:20pm   Re CPR certification: I just took a class with Julie Gomes through the Scouts. There are other classes listed there often. Contact them at info@ptgirlscouts.org
    - JGP

  • 3/25 2:14pm   For those of you who think the well is drying up and we all must accept decreased services, larger class sizes, etc. as a way of life... I suggest that we should not compromise the long term simply for the short term. I hesitate to open this can or worms, but I suspect one thing that will happen if there is a decrease (or perceived decrease) in the quality of the schools becuase "we can't afford it" - you will see residents send their children to private or parochial schools. As is clear from the demographics of our town, many have the ability to do so. As the ebb and flow of the economy returns, these same residents will be less involved (both with their time and pocketbooks) with the schools. While this may make those in certain demos happy (fixed income, no children) it's not the best way to build solid local schools. This story has been played out in many communities.
    I am not suggesting we not be careful with our money, but I don't think you ever sacrifice schools even in lean times. Prudence yes, but not widespread cuts "just because." I'd vote for a temporary bond exemption for school projects in tough economic times. MON will clearly disagree with my Keynesian economic approach (it's about as progressive a concept as there is), but borrowing in tough times and paying it off in the good times is a sound approach when done responsibly.
    Finally, comparing Medfield and Norfolk schools is comparing apples to jellybeans given the regional nature of our middle and high schools.
    - LD

  • 3/25 2:12pm   I know everyone is concerned about the school budgets (as I am), however, there still consideration that needs to be made for the Town Hall budgets. Why is the Town Clerk's budget requesting a 7% pay raise? In tough times one would think pay raises would be minimized to 1-2%. Everyone on the Town's payroll should be looking at little or no raises, not just teachers (although teachers do make up the most of it). Why isn't there any talk of our local officials cutting budgets. Development has slowed dramatically, so is there need for extra full and part-time staff at town hall. It's a tough time many of us residents are facing, and we need to evaluate how best to approach the tax issues. Norfolk passed an override just 3 years ago for the schools, and now they need another one. It seems they just keep wanting more. Every budget in Town should be analyzed for cost cutting measures.
    - AML

  • 3/25 2:09pm   SO and Other's - To answer SO's questions. I live in a hardly large 1976 sq. ft., almost all paid for house which needs painting again (which I will do myself and takes me longer to do since I'm in my 50's now). This winter the thermostat was never set above 62. My car is an 11 year old 6 cylinder jeep with 200K+ miles on it that needs a muffler and ball joints that gets about 22 mpg. I have about a 5000 sq. ft. lawn that got burned up pretty bad last summer because I do not water - I mow the lawn myself with my 13 year old mower and clean up the leaves each spring and fall with my bamboo rake that is so worn there are no teeth at the end. I buy my trash stickers at Main Street Hardware for $2.10 and drive to the dump (sorry, it will always be the dump to me, not a transfer station. When it was a dump I'd come home with more stuff than I brought up, but that's a different topic!) I recycle plastic, paper and metal so they do not go into the $2.10 bag. While I could use the cash I still gather up and drive my deposit bottle and cans to the KP Music collection area to help the kids - I really don't get much time to read working 2 jobs 7 days a week. I don't have to pick up my kids anymore, the youngest just finished college (I'm out $240,000 for 2 kids college because we were ``too well off'' and they were not high school scholars or athletes). Water does not run while I brush my teeth (luckily I still have them all), and lights are on only in the rooms we are in. We do not go out to eat very often unless we get a gift certificate for a birthday or Christmas gift.
    It's unfair to categorize me and others as ``tax aversive''. I think you'll find many of us supported and will continue to support the schools, however, the economy will be down for a while longer. We are just running out of ways to stretch our paychecks. Perhaps this is a time not to be thinking about building projects, increasing payroll and ``nice to have'' projects. Remember, unexpected things happen. A job loss (which includes loss of medical / dental insurance) illness or being on a fixed income can quickly turn you into a ``tax aversive''.
    - RJP

  • 3/25 2:08pm   I have a question about FIOS cable through Verizon. I live on Mirror Lake and I just contacted Verizon and I was told that it wasn't available in my area and it would not be available for two months? Does anyone live in my area of town that has had it installed? Thanks for any help.
    - KB

  • 3/25 1:57pm   This is a devil's advocate's observation of the nature of a number of recent posts, scattered throughout this web page, which reflect strikingly similar characteristics: Just my opinion, but, if one takes an objective look beneath the thin veil that conceals many of the delusional practices of Norfolk's present clandestine government, the emergence of another syndicate, with an equally voracious appetite, can be observed, apparently working in a symbiotic relationship with the existing political machine.
    Upon listening carefully to the words spoken by many of our government leaders at various Town hearings, and after reading posts on Norfolknet from [certain] signatories, it should take no stretch of the imagination for any concerned citizen to note that their remarks strongly suggest the choreographed maneuvering of wannabees vying for a stronger position in town affairs. What do you imagine is their agenda? [...]
    Could it possibly be that the primary purpose of the words and actions of that new emerging "crew" is to gain greater favor throughout town in order to aid them in acquiring considerable personal wealth? [...] Is anyone else envisioning the town being systematically sliced into predetermined pieces of pie to appease the self-indulgent desires of some, despite the greater burden it places on the rest of us?
    - MT

  • 3/25 1:51pm   Does anyone know where I can take a CPR certification class? I checked on the YMCA website and at Norwood Hospital. Any ideas? Thanks.
    - JT

  • 3/25 1:49pm   MON--Have to chime in here on the comparison with Medfield and KP. KP is not part of the Norfolk Public School numbers with regards to salary. KP is considered its own municipality and the DOE reflects them separately as a regional school system. KP is KP and you need to get their salary numbers. But again it's not necessarily an apples to apples comparison since Medfield is a K-12 system whereas KP is 7-12.
    Indirectly you bring up a good point, KP suffers from a lack of ownership by any of the three towns who belong to the system. We spend mucho time on the k thru 6 system but KP has been suffering from benign neglect. If there is any part of the system that is going to pull down property values, it's that system. Yes, we have great new physical plants and they are beautiful facilities. But, they too will go to shambles if we don't maintain them. More importantly, what's the point of these buildings if we can't staff them. KP has had reduced budgets since 2002 and this year is not going to be any better. The superintendent (whom I have met with MON) is doing a fine job of managing the budget, he has but has not done a good job of selling the school and telling us how bad it's really going to be and what needs to be done to shore things up.
    - BS

  • 3/25 1:41pm   Well said, SR for calling MON on his [ramblings]. By challenging his approach, you point out the very flaw in his line of reasoning. His use of half truths, incomplete information and the veiled hint of "revolution" accomplishes nothing except to polarize sides in what needs to be a rational and open debate over hard choices. Insults and sarcasm get us nowhere. Our honorable Webmaster has taken a stance on the anonymous character assassination of private citizens, perhaps he should consider extending it to the anonymous slandering of our public servants.
    What of MON's anonymity. He claims to be the head of the Norfolk Taxpayers Association. As such, shouldn't he be willing to publicly defend his positions. Will he not have to identify himself at town meeting in order to justify his group's efforts and rally the right-thinking citizens of Norfolk to his banner? Would Barbara Anderson, who for 30 years has fought on behalf of all of us who see a need to guard our tax dollars, who has taken on any and all comers in any public forum and who is as decent a person as I have met, would she hide behind her initials? Didn't the leader of NO-GO identify himself by name on this page when he launched his group and then, when asked, volunteer for a position in our town government. If MON wants to be our conscience, he needs a face. Or maybe I am just hearing voices. [Note: MON has made himself public when he convened the first open NTA meeting. The choice of initials vs. name is largely mine; I post personal comments signed with initials, but "official" (organizational) announcements I sometimes sign with full name. MON, let me know which are which. - Wm.]
    And what of our highest paid public employee, for I am sure that there are many in town who make much more in the private sector. As your own numbers indicate, the school department is the largest single component of the town budget; it has been for many years and it will be for the foreseeable future. I for one am happy to have a competent professional in charge of this department, and you should be as well. For this year, it is my understanding that the schools have requested a smaller percentage increase than many other departments. Last year, of course, when the Selectmen abrogated their responsibilities to take a leadership role in the face of a looming fiscal problem and simply ordered an across the board freeze on increases, superintendent Augusta-Scott made some major reforms, creating some hardships within the schools and with her own employees. Her efforts to deliver a school budget that came in at less than a 1% increase saved the entire town from the pain of a wrenching override debate. I, for one, will miss her professional leadership when she is gone. I can only hope we can find a replacement of her caliber and we should be prepared to pay that person what he or she is worth.
    - DL

  • 3/25 10:23am   Well, NS, I concede that I had last year's salary data. Your data shows that we increased the teachers' salaries here already, over $3000.00 in one year. Our MCAS ranking for last year? At KP, we were 43rd in English, 122nd in Math. Medfield was 7th and 8th. Give or take $500, Norfolk and Medfield teachers earn about the same amount. How do you account for the difference in MCAS scores? You are an obviously a teacher, I am interested in hearing the reasons from your perspective.
    And RD, I did in fact read the Time magazine article. Perhaps you should re-read it; it suggests that higher salary is not the only answer.
    - MON

    [Update 2:22pm: footnote about pay raise removed on request (bad data) - Wm.]

  • 3/25 9:58am   To RD and others; I am not attempting to create a polemic debate regarding teacher's salaries. As a matter of fact, I have walked in teacher's shoes. I teach at the college level; not full time, mind you; and for very little money, I might add. It is hard work, but quite enjoyable and I admire teachers wholeheartedly. That being said, I think that the facts show the teachers here are presently compensated fairly. I do not think that at this time we have any recourse regarding the 30 teachers that have been reportedly dismissed at KP. You have been waiting for my response RD, and here it is. The parents have to be the ones to determine if there is a problem with that. They have to monitor the impact of this on their own children and then they need to get together as a group and create a collective voice and speak to the people responsible, namely the Superintendent and the School Committee. The Superintendent made this decision and those questions must be asked of him. Is this the best way to establish a balanced budget? Are there actual teachers being fired, or just open positions being eliminated? What are the current class sizes and how will this impact that size going forward? I am sure that you will be able to add to that list of questions. This is another reason to look very carefully at the school budget. See where the spending is going. Are we giving teachers another increase at the cost of cutting jobs? What is the real reason? That is why I am looking at the budgets. To find answers.
    I have every reason to want our schools to succeed. Our children deserve an excellent education and I am in no way attempting to create an environment where schools are not important. I am only interested in seeing how exactly that is being accomplished. Why would anyone be against that? There is a lot of debate on that issue and we have to look at the facts, not opinion. That is what I am attempting to do, simply review the facts.
    My intent in starting NTA was never to be divisive. It is not meant to harm anyone or make Norfolk seemingly unattractive to newcomers. It is an attempt to become engaged in a civil, civic discourse that examines exactly where our money is being spent. We all should be so engaged. It is not a game of ``gottcha'', like you have all had fun playing with me, but rather a prudent review of the town's budget. If there were nothing to hide, then why would anyone need to be worried?
    I have high regard for all of our boards and our town government officials. They do a thankless job that not too many of us are willing to do. Most of them are happy to help me understand how this town is run and I feel for the most part they do an admirable job. However, we cannot let them go at it alone. We must be a constant reminder that this is our town and our money as well. We must be sure that money is spent wisely.
    I hope to accomplish this with NTA; an engaged citizenry acquainted with democracy. We must not be sheep feeding on grass following the shepherd. We must at times, be the wolf.
    - MON

  • 3/25 9:33am   SO, I usually just scan the notes about school teachers, selectmen, taxes etc., but when I saw someone post saying they haven't enjoyed the net as much as they used to, I scrolled down and read your post. Good job! A great reminder that we are capable of lowering our spending all by ourselves by following your guidelines. I am guilty of leaving the TV on for the animals and going out to eat way to much. After reading your post however, I will turn off the TV - but will probably go out to dine just as much.
    - JW

  • 3/25 9:29am   RD, and your point is exactly what? That we should continue to pour money we might not individually have into taxes? That we should put ourselves into the poor house in order to support these things? Your arguments, while they might be true, still ignore the basic fact that the well might be drying up. What do you propose then? When our individual bank accounts tell us that we can't afford to keep living the way we do, what do you propose we do? Huh? Move and hope that some deep-pockets buy the house so they can support what we might not have the money for?
    Yes, you're correct, things may change in a negative fashion. Schools might have bigger classes and the quality of the education may suffer. Roads may begin to fall apart. Cats & dogs might start living together. That's all true. But what are you proposing when the money simply isn't there, huh?
    I'm tired of listening to people pontificate about things they might have control over in their own homes, like bottomless bank accounts and 100% equity in their homes and the ability to pay almost anything into the system to keep it going and make it the best. Some of the folks in this community simply don't have the same resources folks like you who stand upon the soapbox telling the rest of us what we should be doing apparently do.
    Yeah, I'd love to live in a town where everyone was wealthy enough to support the best of the best in every corner of the town. But, ya know what? I don't, neither do you. This isn't Weston or Dover (and I'd bet that even those towns have money issues now and then). You want more money than the citizens of this town can afford? Find other sources. And don't go looking to the state or the feds to fund things for us, because that money simply comes out of your other pocket. It doesn't grow on trees. You need a wealthy benefactor. And I'd bet they're pulling the wagons in a circle these days, too.
    Good heavens, people. The well isn't bottomless, and only so much can be sucked out of it. Rather than hearing the endless pontification on emptying our pockets for the kids or the library or the police or whatever... how about some genuinely new ideas about growing money trees, huh? Personally, I don't have any. Plum out of 'em. But I'm only one person. I'm betting that somewhere in the throng here exists a genuine monetary genius who can lead the way out of this valley of the wretched who are trying to focus on the home finances and keeping that in order before lending more of a hand elsewhere (read 'over-ride').
    Let's hear the ideas people... not the continuous banter about how our taxes should be raised. How about a bake sale, huh? Or maybe a flea market. We can all get rid of our junk and sell it to each other to raise the cash. Nah... couldn't afford that either.....
    - TRK

  • 3/25 9:28am   I do need to state one error in a recent posting, comparing Norfolk and Medfield. (MON) Re: Hate to burst your bubble, LD, but the Medfield teachers make less; $57,140.00. The average teacher's salary in Medfield is 60,604... The average teacher's salary in Norfolk is 60,182. (FY 07, Massachusetts DOE).
    Secondly, no, a higher salary does not necessarily make a better teacher. However, I can tell you that in the school I work, there are 23 classroom teachers at the elementary level. Over the past 8 years or so we have lost 3 excellent teachers to school systems/careers with higher paying salaries. Two of these teachers went to the Wellesley public schools where the average salary is much higher (69,784).
    - NS

  • 3/25 9:16am   KL: In response to your question about nurses' salaries: No, I am not part of a union. There are some hospitals that do have a union, however. No, do not make 10-20% more than teachers. Yes, I work many extra hours uncompensated. No, I do not get 6 weeks vacation every year, nor does any other nurse I know. Yes, we work holidays--all of them. And we work all day and at night and weekends, too. We also deal with situations that are unspeakable and have to be very careful that we do not make a mistake no matter how tired or stressed or over-worked we are. If I make a mistake and you get ill (or worse) because of it, I get sued and lose my license (or worse). But if my child doesn't do well in school, then I suppose it is my fault. I don't recall a teacher ever being sued.
    I cannot believe that nurses are now being accused of being paid too much. When will this ridiculous nastiness end? SO wants everyone to walk in the shoes of a teacher for a day. Okay, so I invite you all to become hospice volunteers so that you can see what I do in a day. Maybe you would all lighten up a bit and realize what is really important. I will give you all a hint; it is not this pettiness on Norfolknet.
    And SO, one final thought. I hope that you are planning to volunteer to help out the senior citizens in our town. You are pro-taxes, but not everyone can afford them. Did you read the article in the Boston Globe about how seniors are working in towns to help pay the property taxes that they cannot afford? Do you go out and shovel the walk for them? Do you donate food to the food bank? Do you make donations to Norfolk Together? Do you even know that people have to choose between heat and food? How are you helping them? I work with many seniors, it is really hard for them. Help out.
    RD, you are also on the bandwagon. You say; if you don't like paying taxes, get out of Norfolk. Do not become engaged in civic discussions! Just get out! How neighborly and welcoming you are. Is that what you are telling senior citizens, too? Or just newcomers in town? Maybe you and SO could start a welcome wagon.
    So, everyone reading this, I encourage you all to make a donation today to Norfolk Together. I have heard they have had more requests this year than any other. It is tough for everyone and a community should come together to help one another, not fight all the time or point fingers. If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.
    And get to Town Meeting and vote (May 13th and 14th). I have heard that of the 6600 registered voters in town, only about 100-200 people show up at Town Meeting to actually vote on how the money is spent in our town. If you want to vote for increased spending, that is your chance. Or, if you want to stop the spending, that is your chance. That is what is called democracy, folks. Everyone talks, but it seems only a handful of people in this town actually make things happen.
    Norfolk Together P.O. Box 223 Norfolk MA 02056.
    - JBN

  • 3/24 11:48pm   If you use a vehicle for carrying goods or passengers for business, it is required to be registered as a commercial vehicle and one of the requirements for commercial vehicles is that it be lettered. It is my opinion [...]
    In retrospect, I should have contacted the Building Commissioner with my questions, but I felt a need to vent.
    - JAB

    [Is that a town rule, or state? Who's charged with enforcing it? I admit that on occasion I've ferried computers to clients in my truck (and worse, in my wife's car!) Do I need to register her car as a commercial vehicle? Does anyone have links that I could read about this? - Wm.]

  • 3/24 11:37pm   We were forwarded a few more articles about the superintendent selections:
    Here is an interesting link re: superintendent positions from 3/22/08 Lowell Sun [here]: School board: Lack of citizenship not a priority in superintendent search. (Didn't Norfolk pay for her citizenship?) [3/25 8:59am: See notes below - Wm.]

    Here is another interesting link re: superintendent positions from 3/4/08 South Coast Today [here]: New Bedford superintendent finalist interviews for Lowell job

    - Wm.

    [Update 3/24 11:40pm: And yet one more: [Lowell Sun breaking news: Scott offered top schools job in Lowell] - Wm.]
    [Update 3/25 8:59am: We have received a note correcting the assumption that Norfolk paid for Dr. Scott's green card ("citizenship"). ``the town of Norfolk did not pay any part of that expense. Dr. Augusta-Scott did pay for this herself. However, it is not uncommon for an employer to incur this expense.''
    The town did sponsor her for a green card, which involves signing the application, and used to require a signed statement that after a diligent search no other qualified candidate could be found. - Wm.]
    [Update 3/25 9:37am: Another note we received provides additional insight: ``According to the Boomerang (Sept. 7, 2007) She "used money in her contract set aside for a retirement annuity and annual insurance benefits to pay for hiring a lawyer and making the application."'' - Wm.]

  • 3/24 11:22pm   Hi, If anyone has wood for PRR would they email us too. We ran out also. Thanks [Use box102@norfolknet.com - Wm.]
    - ML

  • 3/24 11:21pm   JBN -- Based on published nurses' salaries, you still must make at least ten percent, if not twenty or thirty percent, more than the most highly compenstated teachers in this town. And aren't you part of a union as well?
    "Not that there is anything wrong with that..." but let's at least be honest.
    - KL

  • 3/24 11:17pm   MON - still waiting for the school committee to give you a more detailed budget? I'm still waiting for you to respond to KL's question about how you plan to measure the impact of losing 30+ teachers at KP. Sure seems like you deal out the harsh criticisms, but then don't answer questions when they put you on the spot. I'll await your detailed ``monitoring'' plan.
    As for the reports you posted, the superintendent was the top wage earner, but 12 of the people in the top 28 were all in one department-police. The next ``top wage earner'' from the schools was # 33. I'm not trying to pick on the police dept. Just pointing out that the money is not all being ``thrown at'' the schools.
    The discussion here should really be less focused on how hard teachers work (hard!) and how much teachers get paid (not enough!) but more on the reason towns ask for overrides and increases in school budgets every year. As MON pointed out, we are all suffering from ``the increasing costs all across the board-energy, insurance, etc.'' Guess what? Schools and town departments are suffering from these same exact cost increases! When towns depts. propose budgets that show an increase over the previous year, it is to address these non-negotiable costs as well as to attempt to maintain services and resources. This is a huge point. To simply maintain the level of services and resources in a school system (teachers, reading specialists, janitorial staff, paper, pencils, computer ink, heat!) from year to year, we can be looking at huge cost increases. You say times are tough? We can't afford to keep the reading specialist? We'll have to cut one of the two janitors? Fine, that may be... but you can't expect the same quality product! A teacher simply cannot do the same high quality job with 35 students as he/she did with 22. The hours it takes to plan and evaluate student work will skyrocket. Will some teachers do it? Absolutely - at midnight, 4 in the morning. Will some teachers leave for a different school system? Absolutely. Hey - there's another way to save money! Not only did you cut out 30 salaries - you'll probably lose the ``top wage earners'' in the school - the teachers with the most experience and years in service who know a bad deal when they see one. (The ones who really know what they're doing when it comes to teaching - see article below). Sure you'll get some fresh teachers right out of college willing to work all those extra hours for cheap. But, you will no longer be living in a town known for its great school system. You will no longer be able to cite improved MCAS scores as a reason people should move here and send their children to our schools. Your taxes may not rise, but your property value will fall (forgetting about rising prop values MON, no one is seeing that these days). If you don't care about that, that's your prerogative.
    Let's put it in a slightly different light. So we don't have enough money to pay taxes to support our town's efforts at maintaining services. Fine... so your roads don't get repaired as potholes pop up. We think we can let it go for a year or two. The roads get worse... maybe beyond repair, and now instead of proactively maintaining and repairing them we have to pay twice as much to totally rehaul them. Your car takes the damage. You pay for alignments, new tires, etc. You're always going to end up paying - upfront or in the slow aftermath of neglect.
    You can fight against taxes going up all you want. But everything goes up just to maintain a lifestyle... bread, milk, gas... everything goes up. If you choose not to pay, your lifestyle is going to suffer. I am not saying that people cannot conserve and be more economical. But if you choose to not fund schools (and other depts.) at the same level, you will not be living in the same town 5 years from now. MON, you say you've lived here for 5 years. Why did you choose to live here if you hate the way the money is spent? Didn't you know this was a town with high taxes (and high quality services) when you moved here? Maybe this isn't the place for you...
    MON, just for fun, check out this link to a Time article about how money and quality of education are related. I read your research... be a good sport and read mine. [Time magazine article]
    - RD

  • 3/24 11:16pm   SO - I don't know who you are, but lately I haven't enjoyed reading Norfolknet as much as I once did. I now look forward to reading your posts. Thank you!
    - NS

  • 3/24 11:15pm   We were forwarded another article, from the Lowell Sun:
    Scott offered top schools job in Lowell
    The Lowell Sun

    LOWELL -- The Lowell School Committee voted Monday night to offer the job of superintendent of schools to Chris Augusta Scott on the first ballot.

    The original vote was 4-2, with Mayor Edward "Bud" Caulfield, Jackie Doherty, Jim Leary and Connie Martin voting in favor, Dave Conway and Regina Faticanti voting for Wendy Jack, another of the four finalists, and John Leahy voting present.

    The committee made the vote unanimous on a second ballot.

    Scott, 42, is currently superintendent of schools in Norfolk, Mass., was not at the meeting and had yet to accept the job.

    Scott is a native of Alberta, Canada, and is not an American citizen, though she is in the country legally on a federal green card.

    Members of the committee had said that would not be an issue when deciding on a new superintendent.

    One other finalist, Portia Selene Bonner, dropped out of the running earlier Monday when she accepted the superintendent's job in New Bedford.

    The fourth finalist, Paul Schlichtman, received no votes.

    - Wm.

  • 3/24 11:00pm   To SR and SO - A thought (or two) about democracy: (not that I am taking sides, I am not)
    ``Every government degenerates when trusted to the rulers of the people alone. The people themselves therefore are its only safe depositories.''
    - Thomas Jefferson -

    ``This country, with its institutions, belongs to the people who inhabit it. Whenever they shall grow weary of the existing government, they can exercise their constitutional right of amending it, or their revolutionary right to dismember or overthrow it.''

    - Abraham Lincoln -

    ``People, I just want to say, you know, can we all get along? Can we get along?''

    - Rodney King -

    Peace,
    - JBN

  • 3/24 5:53pm   Received an e-mail alerting me to a headline story out of New Bedford: New School Superintendent Selected - [News 10 story: New School Superintendent Selected]
    NEW BEDFORD, Mass. -- SouthCoast Today reports that Dr. Portia S. Bonner has accepted the job as superintendent of schools, offered to her Monday after the School Committee unanimously selected her.

    Dr. Bonner accepted a three-year contract, worth $160,000 the first year, with 2 percent raises in each of the final two years.

    - Wm.

  • 3/24 5:53pm   The Norfolk Board of Health is sponsoring a spring rabies clinic for dogs and cats of residents of Norfolk and surrounding towns. The clinic will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2008 from 8:00 - 10:00 A.M. at the Norfolk DPW Garage-33 Medway Branch Road. The cost is $10.00 per animal and will be given by Dr. Shelley Sandler, D.V.M. Previous rabies certificates must be presented in order to qualify for a three-year vaccination. All dogs must be leashed and cats must be confined to a carrier or pillowcase. Town of Norfolk dog licenses will be available from the Town Clerk at the clinic. For more information, please contact the Norfolk Board of Health office at 508-528-7747.
    - Betsy Fijol, Board of Health

  • 3/24 5:48pm   I noticed Bruce Simpson driving to work with ladders in his truck, but no lettering on the side of his truck as I am accustomed to seeing. I hope this isn't his latest attempt to circumvent the zoning bylaw of only having one commercial vehicle at a residence. Does anybody know when he has to start complying and who is in charge of enforcing this matter?
    - JAB

    [Enough with this topic, please. It has gone too far. Mr. Simpson is a private citizen now, no longer a town official, and is entitled to reclaim his privacy. To track his daily goings and to publicize them on a public forum is past the point of rude, it's an invasion of privacy. I myself drive around in a truck with no lettering on the side and work from home; does that make me suspect? - Wm.]

  • 3/24 5:43pm   Dear Tax Payers of Norfolk: Once again, the Norfolk Taxpayers Association is performing a great disservice to our local community by continuing to serve an agenda which, simply put, destroys the very fabric our commonwealth. How do they do it? Through suspicion of motive, innuendo and the suggestion of corruption on the part of our town employees and elected officials. I suggest to the majority of responsible citizens of Norfolk that we've spent many years in this town building our own common-wealth - our assets listed on our balance sheet as good schools, a well organized system of town government and civil public discourse.
    MON and his cohorts need to be admonished. There is no room in this town for the unfounded accusation driven by suspicion. MON needs spend more time with his neighbors to learn what is truly in his best interest.
    - SR

  • 3/24 4:43pm   MON - What? No, I did not vote for himself - a president who can't speak English? And didn't himself's more literate padre say, "Read my lips"? Be wary of firm pronouncements. Let's not "overcorrect", lest we "end up with the car in a ditch", to quote our feckless leader.
    JBN - No way would I say that you are not in the same category as teachers. You take care of the end of life, and they the start. Please don't read what I wrote as a condemnation. I work in advertising, and make good money, generally speaking, but I'll be the first to admit that my job is not on a par with educating the next generation or easing life's passage? No way. I outlined a teacher's day to put a face on the term "teacher salary".
    And for all you tax-aversives, I have a few questions - How big is your house, and do you keep the heat at 78? How big is your car and how many miles-to-the-gallon do you get? Do you have a large lawn, and do you water it often? Do you rake your own leaves or hire a grounds crew? Do you use the transfer station, or do you hire a trash- removal service? Do you buy new books or visit the library? Do you pick up your one or two children from school in your idling SUV or mini-van, rather than their taking the bus, if you have a choice? Do you let the water run while you brush your teeth? Do you leave every light burning, or the TV on, when you leave the house? How often do you eat out? And, how does this relate? If you think teachers, or nurses are valuable, then use your money more wisely and you could afford them.
    - SO

  • 3/24 3:46pm   Dear Norfolk Taxpayers, Please find attached 3 files from our Town, courtesy of Mr. Hathaway. They are: Top 50 wage earners [FY2006; 40K XLS file] (although job title would be good to know), A fiscal report from FY2006 [608K PDF file], and a line item budget file [FY2008; 124K XLS file]. They will all be useful in your determination of where our tax money goes.
    I am still waiting for the School Committee to give a more detailed budget and the Police and Fire Departments have given some financial data.
    But guess who the top wage-earner is in Norfolk?
    - MON, Norfolk Taxpayers Association

    [I converted the 2008 budget file to html [here] for quicker overview. This was semi-automated; please let me know of any conversion errors so I can correct the conversion utility I wrote - Wm.]

  • 3/24 3:41pm   BA, For landscaping design and work, I would definitely recommend Mark Ahronian out of Holliston. We had him in for some landscaping suggestions, which included a 20 foot stone retaining wall, 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

  • 3/24 3:38pm   I would like to speak up for the majority of Norfolk taxpayers who in general agree that our town is well run, efficiently managed and who support a strong school system supported by an appropriate level of taxation. As a resident of Norfolk for 20 years, I find myself now proudly identified as a "townie" and would hate to think that anyone new to the town of Norfolk and reading this web page would believe that MON and his disgruntled cronies at the Norfolk Taxpayers Association represent more than just a very vocal minority. If you happen to be new to our community, please don't take the rantings of MON and his cohorts too seriously - become actively engaged in our town process (including contributions to this website), support our town through constructive dialogue and positive interaction.
    Most of the thoughtful people in this fine town know that in the long run bearing the burden of responsible taxation to support our children, care for our elderly and protect our citizens is the price of freedom.
    - SR

  • 3/24 3:36pm   Does anyone have recommendations for babysitters? We have a one-year old boy and are looking for an occasional babysitter for a few hours on weeknights or weekends. Thank you,
    - MS

  • 3/24 3:14pm   I read yesterday in the Globe that Mr. Simpson has dropped his appeal [of] the building inspector's findings. (Link: [globe page] ) I'm sure for the folks who filed the initial complaints, there must be a sense of vindication.
    - PA

  • 3/24 3:13pm   SO and Others: I applaud what teachers do. They are really great and I admire them. But, SO, your post really bothered me. There are many other professions that also involve a fair amount of unpaid and underpaid work. I am a hospice nurse and would you care for me to go through my 12-hour day (only paid for 8 hours though, not including all the driving I do) for you?? I will spare you the details, but let me add this one thought. Nurses, as well as teachers, know that our choices are not going to make us rich. Yet we get up and do the job at 110% because we enjoy what we do. And what we do get in return, beyond a fair pay scale, is the satisfaction of knowing that we make a difference. Sure, some complain and look for better jobs that pay better and may not give 100% because they are angry that they aren't paid more. But I will tell you, they are not the nurses I want taking care of my patients or my loved ones, and they are not the people I want teaching my child, either. Think about it.
    - JBN

  • 3/24 3:11pm   Hello, Norfolknetters! I've got an old railroad tie retaining wall that is barely retaining anything. I would like to replace it with a stone wall, perhaps even using one of the many block systems that I've read about. But, being a block head when it comes to this stuff, I would prefer to leave it to a professional. Would anyone here have experience with these systems, and/or a recommendation of a professional whom I could retain? Any and all advice will not be taken for granite! Thanks,
    - BA

  • 3/24 3:09pm   Federated Church women to hold spring tea & fashion show. Women in the area are invited celebrate spring at the Spring Tea & Fashion Show at the Federated Church of Norfolk on Saturday, May 3, 2008 at 2:00 PM. This event is a fun way to catch up with friends and/or relatives you may not have seen for a while, enjoy some refreshments, and see the latest spring fashions in time to make out your Mother's Day wish list. Coldwater Creek of Mansfield will be providing the fashions and women from the church will serve as models. The great cooks of the Federated Church will be whipping up an assortment of delectable treats for your enjoyment. Starting on March 31, tickets at $10.00 per person will be available at the church office, Monday - Friday 9:00 AM-1:00 PM, 508-528-0252. The Federated Church of Norfolk is located at the corner of Route 115 and Main Street in Norfolk center across from the common. Contact Liz D. at Liz.davey@comcast.net.
    - KR

  • 3/24 1:40pm   Have you run our of your favorite Girl Scout cookie? Did you forget to order something your family likes? Stop by Dunkin Donuts this Saturday, March 29th from 9-12pm to support Junior Troop #3615. We will have all flavors available for purchase. The cookies are $4.00/box. Hope to see you Saturday!
    - BC

  • 3/24 12:07pm   RS... Tim Gorman at gormanlandscaping.com
    - ER

  • 3/24 11:55am   AL - Sorry, didn't see your post, I could have admonished you earlier. What is it like [...] always told by authoritarian figures and figurines what to do with your money? If you think the system we now have is sustainable, at this rate, none of us will have any savings left or in our homes.
    If it was up to some of you passives in Norfolk we would all have British accents and drive on the left hand side of the road.
    Cheers!
    - MON

    [But then again, we would drive on the left if it had been up for a democratic vote - our US history teacher taught us that only 1/3 of the colonists wanted to secede (1/3 wanted to remain British, and 1/3 didn't really care). Another example of a small number radicals hijacking the political process? Get out and vote! - Wm.]

  • 3/24 11:52am   Hey there... By any chance does anyone have "not too outrageously" priced dry seasoned wood for sale for use now? Also semi-seasoned wood to purchase for use next winter? Help... we ran out. Please email me at rubytunes@aol.com
    Happy spring y'all!! Thanks,
    - PRR

  • 3/24 11:33am   Wm, re your post of 3/22/08 @ 1:14pm [what is happening at the old Buckley & Mann property]: By piecing together conversations that I recall being held at either last fall's or last spring's Town Meeting, and at various subsequent board meetings, it seems that proposed plans favored by both the Town and the property owner called for "cleaning up" the property well enough to develop as much of it as quickly as possible. Just like death and taxes... and irresponsible spending and more taxes, the sign that has been seen on the property is probably an inevitable preparatory step to one of the development stages.
    On a somber note of a different nature, that fisherman might be well advised to not eat anything that he catches in those waters... Ugh!
    - MT

    [I'm not sure the pond water (former catch basin) is unhealthy. Were any measurements taken of what's in the water and sediment? They would have sampled various locations when the remediation work was done. - Wm.
    1:15pm: Revised my footnote - Wm.]

  • 3/24 11:05am   The Saturday Club will be meeting at the library (absent a change in the weather forecast) this Saturday, March 29, at 10:00 a.m. If you are a working parent of a young child and would like to meet other working parents in the community, please check us out on the Organizations page.
    - KID

  • 3/24 11:04am   Does anyone recommend someone who could clean up our lawn (get all the leaves off and rake) and do a good job for a reasonable cost? Thank you.
    - RS

  • 3/24 11:01am   I am sure that everyone agrees that teachers need to be paid more. We all wish that we could. But with the economy, bad politics in the state of Massacusetts and our country (you all voted for Bush, remember?), and the increasing costs all across the board-energy, insurance, etc., etc... We, the Taxpayers, say ``enough is enough'' until this recession clears up. The problem is the School Committee, our Town Boards and everyone else running Norfolk needs to understand this, and cut even further back, as MT has stated correctly and clearly.
    So to all like MJD, who is oddly happy their taxes might be going up - hear this loud and clear in this coming year -``No New Taxes''- Now let's see the detailed budgets, then the mechanics and the propaganda, then the vote. It will be interesting to see which of the departments, Boards and advisory entities ``get it''.
    And of course the commentary will be available here at Norfolknet!
    - MON, Norfolk Taxpayers Association

  • 3/24 11:00am   Gee, MT, that quite an accusation you've made there in your statement... "That problem is exacerbated by the forced growth of the town by shortsighted politicians and by their supporters, who are anticipating considerable personal financial gain by insidiously increasing the population density of Norfolk until it resembles a Needham, Brookline, West Roxbury or Roslindale."
    If it's true that would be terrible. Can you back that up with facts? (Not hearsay or rumor, but facts...) I'd be interested to see the evidence.
    - TRK

  • 3/23 11:58am   The funding issues are directly related to state distributions to cities and towns. Just reading this weeks Beacon Hill roll call is a wake-up call. Up to 350 million additional funds for cities and towns were voted down in the House. They were not new taxes either. On a positive note, our Rep. Ross voted to increase local aid on all these bills but sadly he was in the minority. He was also one of twenty to vote against pay hikes (retroactive as well) for the House and Senate Chairmen and a Vice Chairmen. I hardly ever read the Beacon Hill roll call in the Boomerang but I will from now on.
    - LS

  • 3/23 11:29am   Norfolk Baseball is in need of a carpenter to replace a set of outside stairs at "The Home Plate", the Major league concession stand at the Freeman Centennial School. We will supply all materials and one or two, hardworking, knowledgeable baseball dads to assist. Our field maintenance crew will take care of the disposal of the debris. If you are interested in contributing your time, please contact Karen F. at 508-384-3989.
    - KF

  • 3/23 11:28am   Just wondering. If this town is so short of cash why are they erecting such wonderful stonework at the senior center? Perhaps this is donated? Please clarify where this expense is coming from. The so-called "managers" need to manage. Put these unnecessary expenditures (like the airport runway aka Medway Branch recently opened) in the trash and move that money to needed services.
    Seems like common sense to me.
    - RW

  • 3/23 11:27am   Happy Easter!

  • 3/22 7:03pm   LB - Hmmmmmmm... We teachers get out a few days after our students and have about 8 weeks off. We are expected to do summer work (new curriculum study, develop lesson plans and units, etc.) We must arrive back at least one week before the kids do to set up our classrooms. Yes we get vacations off, but most professionals get 2-4 weeks vacation per year as well as all those holidays we get. Yet we work just as many hours if not more for MUCH less pay per year. As SO mentions, we arrive at school at 7am and don't leave until 5 or 6pm. Most teachers do at least two hours for correcting and planning each evening so that's 12+ hours per day. What profession do you know that requires 12+ hour days 5 days a week at less than $40,000 for the first few years? Remember, we are preparing kids to be successful in life.
    - PT

  • 3/22 6:42pm   SO: Let me tell you about my daily schedule... oh wait, nobody cares. My parents were both teachers and I have great respect for teachers. That said, people who choose teaching know that they are not going into it "for the money." Many like the perqs, such as competitive and stable benefits, summers off, generous vacations, shorter hours and a decent retirement package. I agree that teachers deserve our support and respect, but teachers are not necessarily working any harder than most of us. All in all, their current pay and benefits packages seem fair to me.
    Until recently, one of the benefits of teaching was job stability. With the current layoffs, that value proposition is no longer there. I would like to see more aggressive efforts made to avoid laying off current teaching staff (within the existing budget if at all possible). Larger classroom sizes will deteriorate educational quality, which will in turn lower the value of our homes. It seems only prudent to maintain, and ideally improve, our educational facilities over time. Even those residents without children in school benefit financially.
    - CS

  • 3/22 4:46pm   SO, you forgot to mention that they get holidays, vacations and summers off... hmmmmm...
    - LB

  • 3/22 1:14pm   We received a question from a Franklin resident, perhaps someone knows the answer:
    I was hoping that someone could inform me as to what is happening with the old Buckley & Mann Inc mill site on Lawrence St. next to Bush Pond. I fish there regularly and noticed a sign for TMC Services which is an enviromental/construction company. Are there plans to build there or are they there for soley enviromental purposes?
    - Wm.

  • 3/22 1:09pm   Teachers - You want to talk about teachers. Right then. Six of my brothers and sisters are teachers, and those that are married are - yes, get this - married to teachers. I invite all of you dissatisfied taxpayers to rub elbows with education's finest - the well-educated, dedicated and experienced public school teachers who work for you. So, let's be a fly-on-the-wall, shall we:
    - 5:30: Wake, drop kids at daycare, drive 45 min., arrive at school at 7:00 to prepare
    - or 4:30: Wake, have spouse drop kids at daycare, drive 45 min., arrive at 6:00 to meet with parents before ``their work day''
    - 8:00: (or thereabouts) teach (which, beyond the obvious, involves ``situations, confrontations and consultations'')
    - 3:00: (or thereabouts) Meet with students, supervise projects, monitor detention, attend teacher meetings
    - 4:00: Meet with principal, administration, school psychologist, and concerned parents (which may or may not include ``helicopter'', angry, absentee, belligerent, accusatory, alcoholic, abusive, divorced/contentious, and ADD/ADHD parents)
    - 5:00: Gather papers, collect kids at daycare, drive 45 min., start dinner, kiss spouse, eat, work on homework with older kids, one hour of TV, put kids to bed, leave spouse in front of tube, grade papers and write reports, study for required continuing education credits
    - 11:00: Bed - (not accounting for the same travails of you fellow taxpayers - sick child, sick self, elderly parents, returning phone calls (not), groceries, car repairs, etc. - the added incidentals of living
    - 5:30: Start over
    But, let us also consider the PTA and administrative meetings that require returning to school at 7:00 pm? How about the chaperoning of school dances and weekend events? How about personal money (low school budgets, after all) spent for art and teaching supplies? How about the extracurricular time and personal financial contribution to science and international fairs? Why not add in the expense of mandatory continuing education credits (very unlike ``gratis'' training seminars enjoyed by many employees)?
    Now, let's talk about benefits. How about paying a larger percentage of their coverage than comparably educated and employed individuals? (As an aside, one of my brothers and his wife (also a teacher), are forced to decide between school health plans, and the best only provides for the birth of one child. For any additional children, they fly solo.) Summers off? Let's see - 3 months off without pay, or less income for 9 months to still receive a check during the summer?
    So, where are we now? We're with me - the only one who is not a teacher - and I charge by the hour. So, just for the hell of it, let's add up the hours:
    6:30 - 5:00 (compromise on the start) = 10.5 hrs.
    8:00 - 8:30 (let's say, especially if we spread out the PTA meetings etc., occasional school dance, contributions, and you name it) = .5 hrs.
    By my books, that comes to 11 hrs/day. That leaves 13 hrs, which, minus 8 hrs. for sleep, leaves 5 hrs. for drive-time, cooking and eating, family life and emergencies. 5 hours you taxpayers.
    Let's calculate the cash. Even if we only paid $15/hr to the people who educate our children, that would be 11 x 15 = $165 x 5 = 825 x 52 = $42,900/yr. Allow us to consider that many dog-sitters and housekeepers earn the same hourly rate.
    - SO

  • 3/21 6:53pm   MON - No, higher pay does not necessarily make for a better teacher. But higher pay does attract more competent people to the field of teaching, who would otherwise go into a field where they were guaranteed to make a higher salary. Unfortunately, I have worked with a few teachers who should not have been teaching... who got into the field because they thought it would be easy. But the number of highly qualified and dedicated teachers outweighed them. And those teachers know that it takes hard work, perseverance and tons of patience to be the best teacher you can be.
    I agree with the suggestion made that you should substitute in a classroom before speaking out more on the high pay of our teachers. Walk in their shoes for one day and then tell me you think they are paid enough.
    - SF

  • 3/21 3:46pm   DB: I've been away and just noticed your post to LAW, on 3/7/08 @9:26 pm. It didn't make any sense to me at all. What bearing does LAW's home address and make of motor vehicle have on anything? Don't you think that your message seemed like an over-reaction to LAW's observations? Were you trying to say that, out of spite, the Police and Fire Dept shouldn't respond to LAW's calls because he/she dared to express an opinion, which happens to be the truth?
    It seems clear to me that LAW was on target when noting that the town's extravagant spending is out of line, out of control and out of touch with reality. Instead of trimming the enormous amounts of fat in many of their budgets, the non-essential parasitic element (which actually shouldn't be supported by our tax revenue, or any other government funding, anyway) consumes much, much more than their fair share of our fiscal intake and then has the unmitigated brashness to demand more. I understood LAW to say exactly that and to further point out that the reason that our Public Safety Departments (Police, Fire and DPW) need their constantly growing budgets is to meet the rising expense of the increasing demands being placed on that part of our infrastructure, for which they're responsible, by a selfish and unthinking segment of our population. That problem is exacerbated by the forced growth of the town by shortsighted politicians and by their supporters, who are anticipating considerable personal financial gain by insidiously increasing the population density of Norfolk until it resembles a Needham, Brookline, West Roxbury or Roslindale.
    The same Smart Growth scheme now being carelessly and shamelessly hyped here in Norfolk was touted as the panacea for those other towns' financial woes, too. Look where it got them. After several years of promoting commercial development, as a way to collect positive tax revenue, the town planners realized that they had made a mistake; while not as fiscally disproportionate as residential development, collectively, even commercial developments cost the towns more for all the necessary infrastructure to support them than they generate in tax revenue. Many towns like Needham and Stoneham have gone to a two-tier tax structure, whereby the tax rate on commercial property is about 30-50 percent higher than residential rates. Ironically, this method really doesn't offer the resident taxpayer a true tax break, but rather by placing a greater proportion of the town's increased operating costs on its business properties, it acts to artificially regulate (not lower) the residential tax base. When adjustments are made for the various assessments in property values, the taxes on a home in Norfolk are about the same (or a little less) than home in Needham. "Smart Growth" and "Increased Population Density" strategies offer absolutely no true advantage to the residential taxpayers in a community; they tend to create a monstrous growing burden, instead.
    - MT

  • 3/21 1:45pm   All-knowing MON, you seem to have a lot of time on your hands. Why don't you get into the schools and sub a few days yourself, preferably before April 1 (but not next Tues/Weds/Thurs, during MCAS testing). Then, when you lead your brigade into the School Committee meeting, maybe you can tell us what a teacher should make? I have to warn you, pack a light lunch, you'll need to eat in 7 mins flat. You don't want to miss that well-deserved break outside. Lucky for you, there will be some new soccer balls and jump ropes for you, too (don't blow a gasket - paid for with TPA funds). Look forward to your report, the World According to MON, because no one does their homework like MON.
    - AL

  • 3/21 1:33pm   The animal control department has animals ready to go to new homes :) I cannot update my web page at the moment as I'm just switching data from one computer to another.
    Nicole, the emaciated tiger cat that came in August, is now ready for adoption. She is a super sweet young cat and has passed her 6 month quarantine period as well as her rehab. Nicole has been combo tested and vaccinated for rabies. She will need to be spayed before placement. Nicole will do well in a family with other cats; not sure about dogs or small children as she does have a shy side to her. She is very loving and will curl up with you any chance she can get.
    SC, Chuck and Buddy are also ready for adoption. They will need to be vaccinated and altered before placement. SC has adapted much better to human contact now and if the right home can be found he'll do well. Chuck is a very outgoing and very clean middle-aged cat. Buddy is a real love bug and will do great in a family environment. His only downside is he does not tolerate other animals.
    Patches has been renamed Tex, and he had a couple of issues which made him less adoptable. Because of this, he has become a permanent resident on the farm.
    Milky Way will be starting his conditioning program (from his winter off) hopefully next week. He too is looking for the right home with an experienced rider. He's currently up to date on all his vaccines and coggins tested.
    Animal adoption prices are based on the actual costs of services rendered. In some cases if an animals is surrendered and up to date on vaccines and altered, we will adopt that animal out for minimal costs. Some need a full work-up, so prices are different for different animals. Milky Way's adoption fee is a set fee of $500.00 (negotiable). 95% of his care has been given free of charge by our family and some wonderful donations from residents, his veterinarian, and his farrier.
    As always, we are looking for donations into the animal control gift account. This account is set up for the extra needs that come up that our town budget cannot absorb. We are just at the point where we are going to get started on our shelter room project and donations are very helpful. Up on the web page there are still some decorated horse shoes that may be "bought" for a donation minimum of $35.00. Donations made into the gift account are tax deductible. Another item that we are always in need of is wet cat food. Right now we have a huge donation of dry food and litter that we are working through. When our shelter room is ready to get going I will put out another email so that those who would like to volunteer time helping may do so.
    And as always, thank you to all of our supporters, contributors, and adopters. Sincerely,
    - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control

  • 3/21 1:30pm   Re "...but isn't mastering this testing what made Medfield what it is?"
    No, MH, not at all. To believe that is to give MCAS more credit than it is due. The Medfield School system was among the top ranked in the state long before MCAS. We lived there for many years, and were always surprised at the apparent value for the dollar. Even thought they barely reached the state mandated minimum expenditure per pupil in the system, they ranked high. And as such, we always understood that resolution to low score and performance problems within a school system did not always come about because more money was thrown at the issue. And Medfield is not alone there.
    Yes, sometimes money is the answer. But not always. And as AML indicated, no matter what the current problems might be, if we can't afford to throw more money at the issue now, or ever, the system must learn to survive within the budget we can afford. I believe that the citizenry of most communities will always be desirous of better learning environments for their children. I think they also understand that better schools often (but not always) beget higher property values. But they also understand how much money they have to live on and what they can sacrifice. There are times, like now, when the wallet and pocketbook may be closed to further commitment because there are more important issues close to home... like in the home.
    - TRK

  • 3/21 12:12pm   I used to think teachers were overpaid... until I subbed one day. They are not overpaid! Pertaining to our budget, we need to make sure that there's accountability; that people show up on time, don't take marathon lunches, or sell cosmetics on town time.
    - PA


    [Update 12:10pm: removed lost dog post; dog was found soon after the post went up - Wm.]

  • 3/21 11:50am   LD - I really believe we have great teachers in Norfolk. I also believe very few of them believe they're underpaid. How many of the median or average income workers that you are comparing teachers to receive a huge pension and work schedule is 180 days a year?
    - PR

  • 3/21 11:37am   KL -- It would be interesting to see if MCAS scores are increased or remain the same in the upcoming school year when there are fewer teachers. I know this testing makes most people in Massachusetts crazy, but isn't mastering this testing what made Medfield what it is? Salary is not an accurate measure of a person's abilities. I have a ``friend'' that is working in another school district that (I feel) is taking advantage of her position (she makes $75K+) in regards to accountability of hours worked vs. hours paid. She was joking about it the last time I saw her...
    I know how hard our teachers work, I have other friends who work hard and barely scrape by, but there are instances that I have seen first hand where tax dollars really are at rest.
    - MH

  • 3/21 11:35am   I have to say that in tough times everyone needs to budget. I understand that the cost of energy, fuel, food, etc. is rising for the schools, but so it is for all residents of the time. As prices rise, we learn to live within our means. I think the schools need to live within their means.
    As for teacher salaries, I think they make very good money. When you factor in the actual work hours (summer offs, spring and winter break, etc.) their salary would be higher if they worked a full calendar year. I see the overall concern is that this economy is facing a recession and we keep hitting the tax payers with more and more money. I too would like a salary raise everytime my taxes go up, but we all know this is not reality. If we keep giving, they will keep taking.
    - AML

  • 3/21 11:32am   I was just watching the replay of the meeting between the Selectmen, Sen. Brown and Rep. Ross. Brown said that the increase in tax rates is most severe in the family in the $400K home, not the $800K home. They all seemed to understand the reasons for that and it was not clear to me why that was the case. Can someone elaborate on this issue? MON, let someone else have a go at it before you chime in please.
    - MJD

  • 3/21 11:23am   People often forget that with a loss of teachers and staff comes a loss of services. It is not feasible to expect fewer people to accomplish the same things. I sat in a kindergarten information meeting the other night with several parents legimately expressing their concern about whether or not there would be enough full-day opportunities for their children. Even with the parents paying for the extra time, space and teachers will be an issue. How can we continue to push the school systems to do more for our children but offer them less in return? I think we've spent far too long devaluing the people who spend the majority of time with our children. Are they worth more than a manager at a large financial institution? I would argue at least as much, given the years of education they had to pursue just to get to this point and the importance of their role. Go to the BOS meeting and see how hard not only these teachers are working but the volunteers who sit on boards and committee for endless hours each week working to better this town. There are some strong opinions and ideas on this forum and I encourage those people to get involved and not just Monday-morning quarterback the outcomes.
    - KE

  • 3/21 10:52am   Hate to burst your bubble, LD, but the Medfield teachers make less; $57,140.00. Now, they rank in the top ten schools in the state. Where do we rank? Does a higher teacher's salary always make a better teacher? And I haven't seen our property values rise in the 5 years I have lived here. However, I have seen my property taxes rise.
    - MON

  • 3/21 10:51am   MON - Must be nice to have your own group. Baaaahhhh. Listen to yourself. TC keep up the good work.
    - MJD

  • 3/20 9:37pm   MON - How many years do you think it will take to determine if the loss of 30+ teachers in the KP system has a detrimental effect, and what criteria will you need to see to make that determination? What exactly is it that you will be looking for?
    - KL

  • 3/20 9:30pm   Just to add some real data to the discussion. The average teacher salary (using 05-06 data) in Norfolk was $57,888. The current average household income in Massachusetts is $75,023 and in Norfolk it's $122,313. If you prefer medians then the median household income in Massachusetts is $57,698 and in Norfolk it's $96,971.
    I understand that this data is based upon households and not individuals, but I believe it does refute the idea that teachers are "highly paid". Average salaries for educating our youth? Seems like a good deal to me. I'm surprised that talented teachers will sign up for that. And believe me... they won't if the discrepancy continues.
    MON... from your posts, I am sure you are one who believes in the free market. Call me crazy but I would prefer to pay those teaching my kids a competive wage to attract and retain the best talent, in the same way I wouldn't want my company to employee lesser folks to save a few bucks. This is obviously short sighted. Fiscal responsibility is one thing. Saving money at all costs, including that of our future and our children, is another.
    Oh... and for those pragmatists out there, your property values increase when your schools have good reputations. Let's ask our neighbors in Medfield about that.
    - LD

  • 3/20 9:29pm   I saw my first robin in Franklin last week, a lot later than last year. Wonder what that means? No spring? Late spring? Or did they just lose the directions.
    - JW

  • 3/20 9:28pm   JW - you gave me something to think about with your post on the Boardman St. Bistro. I wish I'd seen Sweetland Farm and all the other farms memorialized by street names. I'm revising my initial enthusiasm.
    - SO

  • 3/20 9:27pm   We've had Robins for a few weeks now. Felt bad for them in yesterday's snow - but saw lots of worms in the driveway this morning so hopefully today was a good day to be a Robin! Thaks for the tick alert - time to check the Frontline supply!
    - CI

  • 3/20 8:14pm   Just a heads up, haven't yet seen my first robin, but have just tugged a dear tick off of my leg! Is this now the new sign of spring? Having had my first dear tick today? Grrrr.... I was walking the grounds of the old airport today.
    - BF

  • 3/20 8:10pm   TC - to answer your questions now in the order in which they appear.
    1. Why aren't you in Washington? - How do you know I'm not?
    2. Why aren't you holding KBR accountable for taking billions of our tax dollars for contracting work in Iraq? - I am - Dick Cheney and others are stopping by next week to chat.
    3. You can demand they (town leaders) spend their time proving to you personally they are not ripping you off - Actually, I am asking as a taxpayer. I would think in this digital age such info is easily attained. And read ``Nation of Sheep'' by Andrew Napolitano. Some of us follow the herd - and others do not.
    4. ``hammering away at the teachers and selectmen is misdirected vitriol'' - You may think so, but others in my group have the same questions and opinions, and, as taxpayers, we have a right to know.
    - MON

  • 3/20 8:09pm   It's unfortunate about the KP teachers--but let's see if their absence makes any real difference. Let's monitor the situation, and if the students suffer in quality of education I would support an override just to reinstate the teachers. Its too easy to think money spent is money well spent. And as far as listening to the local politicians like Ross, after what he pulled with the casino bill yesterday, his wisdom and clarity of thought should be questioned.
    So to all of you who think money thrown at the schools is the answer, do you remember the last successful override where the propaganda flowed like wine into the goblets of the parents and resulted in over 1 million dollars being wasted of our tax money? Did it make a difference?
    Regardless of what the state calls us - Norfolk is not a wealthy town.
    So stop acting like it.
    - MON

  • 3/20 6:38pm   TC, the true origins of our municipal budget shortfall would seem to be related to the state having balanced its budget by eliminating subsidies to towns and schools. If I understand correctly, even the promised prison mitigation funds have been sporadic lately. On the other hand, a balanced budget is a wonderful achievent to list on any governor's resume.
    However, since recovering those funds does not seem to be under our control, we're left with the choice of where to cut spending.
    As to having a productive, educated population, the free market has spoken, and it has its own ideas about that. Productivity is greatly enhanced by cheap seasonal hires from Mexico and Poland and the Czech Republic, and captive intellectual workers from India and China on H1B visas. Productivity per dollar spent, that is. Not much profit any more in educating home-grown talent.
    - AR

  • 3/20 6:35pm   Join the band! The Southeastern Massachusetts Community Concert Band always welcomes new members. No auditions, no dues, and a relaxed, supportive enviornment. For students, it's a great way to gain experience. For adults, it's a chance to rediscover the joy of playing in a band. We rehearse every Monday evening at 7:30 at the Community Church on Main Street in Medway. Members are welcome from all of the surrounding towns. For more information, visit smccb.com, or call (508)-533-5532.
    - CR

  • 3/20 6:34pm   MON--You've replied to a few others but I don't believe you answered KL's question regarding the termination of 30 teachers at KP. What do you think? Also, regarding your comment about Boards thinking we are a wealthy town: it is not the Boards, it is the state. The state defines us as a wealthy town, but I guess you missed that point when Rep. Ross was discussing it at last Friday's meeting. I would think that a wealthy town like ours could be less stingy than every single other grade 7-12 regional district. KP has been at the bottom of the list for years now, and it's about time we pay attention.
    - BS

  • 3/20 6:04pm   MON: Why aren't you in Washington, demanding to see how your federal income tax money is being spent? Why aren't you holding KBR accountable for taking billions of our tax dollars for contracting work in Iraq (which they either did poorly or didn't do at all) while hiding their company's money in off-shore accounts in the Cayman Islands AND letting you and me pay their employees social security and Medicare taxes. You are able to hold the superintendent's office and the town administrator accountable because you can demand they spend their time proving to you personally they are not ripping you off. Maybe their time would be better spent demonstrating to you that the fools at the state level and in Washington have been making their lives impossible for the past decade or so, and that there simply is no way to get blood from a stone. These are trying times for most people, and hammering away at the teachers and selectmen is misdirected vitriol in my opinion. Period.
    - TC

    [From what I remember hearing on the news, KBR was not hiding money in the Cayman islands, they were sheltering it. They set up a paper corporation there so they wouldn't have to pay social security taxes for their employees hired in the US. Many defense contractors working in Iraq were thus employees of a foreign company, not eligible for benefits and not accuring social security toward their retirement.
    Speaking of elective spending, the share per Norfolk household of the expense of the Iraq/Afghanistan wars is around $8,000 in direct costs, with another $16,000 that will come due later; that's $23 million spent just by Norfolk residents. How much for a new school building again? - Wm.]

  • 3/20 6:02pm   AR: Points taken, but what do you consider non-essential? Not sure our teachers are asking for increases. MON seems to think they're grabbing our wallets again, but the numbers don't demonstrate that, unless, as I said before, I am misunderstanding them. You are correct; in tough economic times we all have to make tough choices, and cities and towns do, too. But teaching children in public schools is essential, and maintaining good teachers and paying them fairly is too. I am not advocating huge raises in tough times, not at all. Most of us will be lucky to get a modest raise this year.
    But the attitude that we can keep starving the public education system and still have a productive, educated population is just ridiculous. If you ask me, food, shelter, health care and education are the true essentials. Do we need to be paying to maintain the old town hall? Doubt it! Would I rather see teachers kept on at KP than the town pay to renovate the Grange, or light up the moonscape every night so it looks like an airport?
    It's just old and tired, and frankly too easy, to keep blasting away at our local volunteer government officials with this attitude that we the vigilante taxpayers need to stop them from driving us into the poor house. The conversation is unproductive and not based on all the realities that have put every city and town in this situation. I find people's unwillingness to connect the dots and discover the true origins of these problems maddening. It is so much easier to just start bullying the person closest to you, and that it what I think it happening here.
    - TC

  • 3/20 5:42pm   KID, "just a little sand" is a death sentence for most point and shoot cameras. What kind do you have? Call me if you want 781-444-9814; I should be in my studio most of the morning. I may be able to walk you through some basic steps of self cleaning.
    - DV

  • 3/20 5:35pm   MON: The NTA will meet April 1st at the School Board meeting to question their budgets, past and present. Are you setting up meetings with all other town departments to question their budgets, past and present?
    - DL

  • 3/20 5:21pm   We received an e-mail about thanking teachers that I thought I'd share:
    All the folks who say that teachers are underpaid, work hard, etc... I'd like to see them give teachers a gift of substance during the school year. These teachers deal with our kids daily for most of the year, and they deal with us calling them or emailing them about this or that. They do put up with a lot, but when the end of the year comes around, what are they getting? A gift that everyone pitches in $15.00 for? A mug? Some candy? A plant? I have seen teenage babysitters walk way with $60 for one night of babysitting, and we cannot spend that on your child's teacher for a year's worth of attention? Every teacher deserves a special thank you gift from us. The year is almost up; think about giving your child's teacher at least a gift that shows how much you appreciate all of their hard work. Put your money where your mouth is! I will bet you have been tipping your hairdresser for the wonderful color and cut she gives you--how about doing the same for the wonderful education your child is receiving?

    BTW, I am not a teacher, only a grateful Mom.

    - Wm.

  • 3/20 5:15pm   TC - the teachers' pay is just one part of the fiscal problem, of which there are many. No one is labeling anyone incompetent, that is entirely your interpretation. As a taxpayer I demand to hold accountable those who take and spend my money. Period. In a world of liberal attitudes, such as your postings suggest, nothing would be open to criticism and examination.
    [ ... ]
    In a recession, such as the one we are in, what are the Boards thinking? Spending money on hypothetical new schools, calling us a "wealthy" town with pay scales similar to those in the real wealthy towns, and dreaming (and paying for) about public works projects during economic downturns? Then how about energy costs? Get real.
    This town and its leaders should circle the financial wagons, prepare for a fiscal Armeggedon, and stop wasting valuable taxpayer money. If they do not then I will call them incompetent, using your very words.
    [ ... ]
    Remember, Every dollar counts. Period.
    - MON

  • 3/20 5:08pm   I don't fully follow this conversation -- if my expenditures are higher than what I can afford, I have to stop spending. If I only spend on important things, then something important has to be left out. I don't have the option of asking for a higher salary just because my costs have gone up. If I have to choose between heating the house or more money for the schools, how should I go about making the decision?
    If the argument is that of course I must be spending on non-essentials and that I can find some more money for the town, why can't that be turned around to claim that the town must "of course" be spending on "non-essentials" that it could omit instead?
    My point is that, with increasing costs, each household will reach a point when they will have to decide whether to cut back spending at home to maintain a continued level of municipal services, or to forgo some of the services provided by the town to simplify the household budget.
    - AR

  • 3/20 4:10pm   MON - What do you think about 30 teachers being terminated at KP so that we don't have to have an override? Is there nothing you will pay for? Just wondering. Or are you one of the parents who plans to send his kids to private or parochial school, so it really doesn't matter to you anyway?
    - KL

  • 3/20 4:04pm   ``teachers' high pay''... now that's the funniest thing I have read in a long time. Our teacher's nationwide are severely underpaid for the amount of work they do, the trials they face, and the lack of support they put up with. And before anyone starts in with the ``well they get summers and holidays off'' argument, let me point out that as a teacher, there were very few summers that I did not have a second job of some kind, and most of my extra time was spent at school working during off hours. Most of the teachers I worked with were in the same situation. My husband would get frustrated with the long hours I was working. But I did it for my kids (students) and they were the reason I worked so hard, despite the bureaucracy, the irrational parents, and the constant making of new rules for my classroom by people who had never worked in classrooms themselves.
    Before we start talking about how much money our teachers are raking in, stop and consider what it takes to do their jobs.
    - SF

  • 3/20 3:50pm   MON: I must be missing something, or perhaps I am not reading the numbers correctly. Why are you suggesting that increasing teachers salaries are the reason we are threatened with an overide? Based on the numbers in the Education Total or Education Operating lines, the increase sought by the schools appears quite moderate. Employee Benefits are increasing at the same rate (8.61 %), or worse, for everyone, in all industries. A few of the other bigger increases, vehicle fuel, lighting, etc. seem, again, to be what is happening to businesses, non-profits, and individuals across the board; Energy costs are soaring. No doubt it will cost more to keep the heat and lights on at our town hall, senior center, and the schools in the coming year. Will you be taking a pay cut this coming year, if it costs your employer more to keep the lights in your office on? Why are we always trying to balance the budgets on the backs of our teachers, acting as if they and reckless selectmen are the cause of our financial problems?
    Our teachers have a very tough job as it is. If a total stakeholder demanded to see the budget at my organization and, without knowing all the facts (re: our schools for example, that our teachers pay a higher portion of their health care premiums than in any surrounding town, etc.), that person determined that I was overpaid and not worth the salary, I would be less enthusiastic to go to work every day to teach those same people's children. I applaud your citizenship and your organizational skill in pulling together your group, and you are asking some valid and good questions, but I can't help but wonder if your ultimate goal is to prove others incompetent, not merely encourage dialog and help steer things in the right direction. I would find your arguments genuinely compelling otherwise. Walk softly and carry a big stick, maybe?
    - TC

  • 3/20 3:19pm   AML - Selectmen Budget Meeting March 31st - Town Hall 7:30 pm Open to attend but no public input allowed.
    School Budget - April 1st- 7 pm Open meeting with Public Input. Freeman Centennial School.
    The next Norfolk Taxpayers Meeting will be on April 14th Monday at 7:30 pm, Norfolk Library Community Room. The agenda will cover Town Budget, Town elections and candidates and the NTA member phone network for the Town meeting and any issues you would like to bring up.
    The NTA will meet April 1st at the School Board meeting to question their budgets, past and present.
    I am also aware that the school budget is not finalized and that the teachers contract could negatively affect the tax burden and the amount of a possible override. Given all the conversation on Norfolknet about the teachers' high pay, the superintendent's position and administration costs, everyone who pays taxes should attend this meeting and ask them the obvious questions.
    Higher taxes are threatening us again. What will you do about it?
    - MON

    [Update 3:48pm   Correction - The March 31st meeting is a Selectmen-Advisory Board meeting at 7:30 pm, which will be on NCTV. This should be a good one. We will see if the Advisory Board does its job for the taxpayer or just rubber stamps the issues as history has taught us.
    - MON]

  • 3/20 3:05pm   We were forwarded a post from the Boston Globe West message board. Published news accounts have reported that the principal and assistant principal resigned; the post claims they were asked to leave. What's the scoop?
    On Monday afternoon, March 10th, the staff of King Philip Regional High School in Wrentham, MA received their second shocking news in two weeks. After being informed a week earlier that up to 30 regular education faculty and staff will be laid off due to budget constraints, the staff was informed in a meeting that the superintendent of King Philip Regional School District, Dr. Richard Robbat, unceremoniously fired both the high school principal, Elaine Hanson, and the senior Asst. Principal, Jamie Vitonis. While the cause for their firing was not discussed, it was well known by the staff that Mrs. Hanson and Mr. Vitonis opposed the budget priorities set by Dr. Robbat that would eliminate 30 regular ed positions while creating seven new Special Ed. positions, leading to an increase of over 35 students per regular ed class for the start of the next school year.   ...
    [reference]
    - Wm.

  • 3/20 2:20pm   There is one more alternative to the tax increase that is on our horizon - we all come together and vote it down at Town Meeting!
    Join Now or Pay Later. Stay tuned...
    - MON, Norfolk Taxpayers Association

  • 3/20 2:19pm   MON - thank you for the information. When does the Norfolk Taxpayers Assoc. meet again? Is the town officially talking an override or can we hope and pray for some more budget cuts? I would like to see the raises employees are asking for. Many towns are forgoing a raise or limiting it to 1%-2%. How would residents go about finding when budget discussions will be held? Thanks for all the info
    - AML

  • 3/20 2:18pm   I am looking for a local seamstress who could alter my wedding dress at a low price. Any recommendations?
    - LS

  • 3/20 1:43pm   Just a reminder that the spring Garage/Yard Sale season begins this Saturday morning at a great moving sale at 10 Marshall Street. The sale will be on from 8am to 4pm. Lots of very good furniture, and other great items must go, including a Chickering upright piano. So join in the fun (there will be coffee served) and start the season right. Don't miss out on the great deals. Thanks, see you then
    - PG

  • 3/20 11:41am   AML - All good questions--Here are the facts as compiled by the Norfolk Taxpayers Association and given to us just yesterday from our Town Administrator--Thanks Mr. Hathaway! With all the requests from our group and the headaches he must have dealing with budgets, lawsuits and just running the town, it is good to see the information in such a timely fashion.
    You can interpret them as you wish--but the numbers indicate that we could be in for a future tax burden, otherwise known as an override. If I were to bet how much extra the town will need, I would say between 500-800K. And that is my back-of-the-envelope calculation--it'll probably be more.
    So either the departments start thinking about future cuts, the schools stop the spending for the "proposed" new school or we are in for a significant Tax Hike.
    Happy Easter!
    Department Rec'd Budget %Change
         
    Moderator 211 0%
    Selectmen 225950 9.47
    Advisory Board 41955 13.53
    Finance 592,777 0.76
    Assessors 2100 0
    Counsel 61880 0
    Personnel Board 6048 -6.26
    Information Technology 73211 -8.73
    TaxTitle 10000 0
    Facilities-Town Hall 148500 1.66
    Facilities- Senior Center 51050 -2.11
    Facilities-Old Town Hall 11850 20.30
    Facilities-Public Safety 87250 12.94
    Facilities-Library 4433995.41
    Library Expenses 453687 0
    Town Clerk 106000 6.83
    Elections 25140 -20.22
    Voter Reg. 14593 0
    Conservation Comm. 47437 0.03
    Planning Board 101076 2.09
    Zoning Board of Appeals 28929 -0.27
    Perm. Build. Comm 9300 0.18
    Town Reports 3000 0
    Police 1616650 4.93
    Fire 1139161 2.16
    Building 187116 1.73
    Wts and Meas. 1100 0
    Emergency Mgt 1700 0
    Animal Insp. 2308 0
    Animal Ctrl 41437 0.02
    Dispatch 186552 1.81
    Education Operating 14,932, 741 3.81
    King Philip DebtSevice 719967 -29.54
    Education Total 15652708 1.6
    DPW Tot. 232047 -20.07
    Highway 563798 8.27
    Vehicle 185833 4.36
    Vehicle-Fuel 79215 15.30
    Snow and Ice 123647 0
    Grounds 154231 -1.06
    Transfer Station 358662 5.54
    Landfill 78638 7.84
    Septage 2600 0
    Cemetery 33234 2.19
    Graves 2400 0.5
    Lighting 44578 13.60
    Tree warden 16650 9.04
    Shade tree bud. 4366 4
    Board of Health 85786 1.04
    Council on Aging 1090560
    Vet Sevices 8700 2.84
    Recreation 70495 0
    Historical Comm 325 0
    Parades 750 0
    Employee Benefits 2469097 8.48
    Insurance 333415 11
    Debt Excluded 998798 -3.46
    Non-Excluded Debt 469601 14.86
    - MON, Norfolk Taxpayers Association

    [I re-sorted the above by Recommended Budget on a separate page - Wm.]

  • 3/20 11:29am   Mass Audubon's Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary will celebrate the annual frog and salamander migration with its sixth annual Big Night Extravaganza on the evenings of April 4 and April 5. Friday tours begin every 15 minutes from 6:30pm until 8:30pm. Saturday tours begin at 6:00pm and end at 8:30pm, leaving from the Nature Center every 15 minutes. Cost: $6 for Mass Audubon members; $8 for non-members. Pre-registration is required. Please call 508-528-3140.
    [Details...]
    - DC, Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary

  • 3/20 11:29am   KID, my daughter's Sony camera just malfunctioned last week. I shipped it to Precision Camera in Enfield CT on Thursday. They got it Friday, replaced a lens assembly under warranty and it was back in Norfolk via UPS on Tuesday. I was able to track the repair process and shipping on line. Great service. precisioncamera.com
    If you can't find someone local, I would highly recommend them.
    - MM

  • 3/20 11:13am   For those who take the train, or have family that do, has anyone ever suggested the proposal of a monthly and/or yearly parking pass?
    - DS

  • 3/20 9:21am   Can anyone update me on the Budget for FY09? I checked the website for the agenda for BOS and last one was March 10 - is that the last time the BOS met? Also, the budget on the website is only for FY08, not FY09. The warrant for the Town meeting has closed, so I would assume all budgets are in. What are the BOS considering for this coming fiscal year? Is there talk of an override or level funding services??
    - AML

  • 3/20 9:19am   Does anyone know somewhere local that repairs Canon digital cameras? The Canon website tells me I have to ship my camera to Illinois, but I think it just has a little sand in it from a recent trip to FL. Many thanks for any helpful replies.
    - KID

  • 3/20 9:18am   Dear fellow Norfolk residents,
    I am writing to inform you that I am postponing my campaign for Selectman. As a citizen of Norfolk, who is passionate and committed to working for the best interests of the town and its taxpayers, I wanted to use my time, energy, and skills, to help the town in the wake of so many challenges. This is why I announced my candidacy for the Board of Selectmen.
    Since then, my friend, Rob Garrity made it known that he intended to run as well. With this I was faced with the hard decision what to do, continue on with my campaign or as others have done year and postpone my campaign. I have come to the difficult decided that it is in the best interest of the town of Norfolk to postpone my race and throw my support behind Rob's candidacy. Though I will no longer be a candidate for the Board of Selectmen, I will do all I can to see that Rob is elected.
    After announcing my candidacy, I received an amazing outpouring of support from people throughout Norfolk. I am deeply humbled and honored to have your support and it is something I will always appreciate and never forget.
    I look forward to serving the town of Norfolk sometime in the future, but in the meantime seeing that Rob Garrity is elected to the Board of Selectmen this year.
    Sincerely and Thank you,
    - Gregory L. Mirliss

  • 3/20 8:56am   Regarding the recent conversations, on this site, about the establishment of a cafe with a liquor license, on the corner of Boardman and Main: I certainly hope that the residential property owners in the area realize that having that establishment, virtually in their back yards, especially with a liquor license, of any type, is going to lower their property values, as well as increase traffic density around their homes. It is a shame that there are so many of Norfolk's residents willing to see others in their community hurt this way just so they can have a place to "meet their friends and sip a glass of wine", or to "sit around reading a good book with a glass of wine". A place fitting that description used to be simply defined as your own (or a friend's) kitchen.
    As for the proximity of the HOD School to this new cafe, of course, it's too close to the school, and of course liquor will be served during "school hours". It is also altogether probable that some form of signage will be displayed to the street, advertising that alcoholic beverages are served within. The question is, "Did our politicians seem to favor that particular applicant or are they just that desperate to increase the population of Norfolk?" Considering the Town's propensity for shrugging off little things like "conflict of interest" and "undue influence", the question gives pause for thought.
    Now to clear up any question about precedent, propriety, and such: Cliff's was a combination gasoline station, convenience store, and packaged liquor store. It had been a business there for several generations, dating back to a time when the total population, in town was less than 2000 people. Cliff's stopped pumping gasoline primarily as a result of the failing of their in-ground fuel tanks. Tests indicated that they were leaking, heavily. It was conclusively determined that the soil contamination, from Cliffs, had ruined the water in the artesian well of at least one home on Boardman Street, proving that the contamination had already reached the aquifer. As a result, that home was forced to take town water. Other homes in that area were already receiving town water and were not immediately affected by the pollution.
    Cliff's remained in business as a package store, with a full liquor license, for several more years, finally ceasing all operations and eventually surrendering it's liquor license, circa 1988.
    Since the H. Olive Day School did not come into being until approx 1994, long after Cliff's was gone, it is a sure bet that an establishment selling liquor, less than a block away from a school, was of no concern.
    In an effort to present a salable piece of property, the property owner began an "EPA acceptable" cleanup, by presumably attempting to remove the tanks and the contaminated soil; the task grew much more extensive and expensive than realized. Opinions expressed from "the horse's mouth" stated that the cost of a full and satisfactory cleanup would be prohibitive and was a virtual impossibility. There was a rumor, circulating for some time, that the work was never completed and that the tanks were never completely removed, but merely cut open and filled with soil, instead; to my knowledge, this was never proven or disproved. The excavation was filled in and the property was put on the market, "As Is". It remained on the market for many years, because astute purchasers felt that the site was "too hot to handle".
    [...]
    [11:57am: Note: The last paragraph above may offer local color and a glimpse of town history, but does not reflect the present environmental conditions; I've been told the state today is different. Speculation about current DEP status removed accordingly. Would appreciate pointers to up-to-date information about the state of remediation at the site - Wm.]
    - BM

    [Update 2:34pm: The DEP has received an RAO A2 ("cleanup complete") report from an environmental remediation company in late 2001 to the effect that the old Cliff's gas station no longer poses a health risk (in this case, A2, that the relevant state limits on chemical concentrations have been met and no further action is needed.) For all practical purposes, this means the site is now clean. The RAO is backed by the signature of a licensed site professional (LSP); the DEP itself does not investigate or supervise cleanups. [MA DEP link] Thank you for the information! - Wm.]

  • 3/20 12:25am   Happy Vernal Equinox! Today marks the start of spring, the days will be longer again than the nights, this will bring warmth, flowers, and eventually summer and ice cream.
    For the more mathematically minded, at 1:48am this morning the Earth's axis will be tangential to the cylinder of its orbit (Ahm, tangential to the slightly elliptical cylinder perpendicular to the plane of orbit whose surface intersects the plane of orbit along the path of orbit; acceptable? :-)
    - Wm.

  • 3/20 12:24am   Does anyone have the name and contact info of a good piano teacher who would be willing to teach at the house?
    - RF

  • 3/20 12:18am   To all who live on Park Street, the neighborhoods abutting Eric Rd and on Grove and Toil's End -- we have now seen a fischer cat twice in the morning hours this week, prowling around. It's a long one, all black with fluffy looking tail. We reported to animal control today. Please beware if your young kids or small animals are outside. Not to be alarmed, but if you do see it or any other and their behavior is odd, like swaying or drooling, please call animal control immediately.
    - JL

  • 3/19 5:40pm   To JW who thinks the new restaurant is a "bad idea" - we didn't think Cliff's was such a bad idea as a neighbor... even on Sundays (wink wink). You are a townie; when will you learn... you don't have a say in it. Look at the bright side: they will serve booze - I'm sorry, wine and beer is probably the proper way to put it. Anyway, they will serve booze. Think of those summer nights when this state passes the new .02 law we can walk home and not worry... my only question is will they honor the old tab Cliff's let us have. Love you mom.
    - SW

  • 3/19 2:57pm   I read a lot and go to the library weekly. I sometimes got the same books out, so I decided to start at the first row of fiction and read different authors. I came across Catherine Cookson. What a storyteller. I have read everything at the Norfolk library by her, and am now reaching out to other libraries for more. Has anyone else read her? If not, you won't be sorry if you do. Funny thing is, Barnes and Noble doesn't carry her. They are out of print I guess. She also had a very interesting life.
    - JW

  • 3/19 2:56pm   I'm in the middle of Memory Keeper's Daughter right now... cannot wait to get home every night and for the kids to get to bed!
    - AL

  • 3/19 12:25pm   The book, ``The Memory Keeper's Daughter'' by Kim Edwards (one of my favorites) was mentioned by a poster. Another really good book in the same general genre is ``Jewel'' by Bret Lott. It is a really good book as well.
    - JBN

  • 3/19 10:50am   Happy Cakewalk Day! [more... political]
    - AR

  • 3/19 10:09am   I've noticed over the last few days that there is one extra cat hanging around at the farm. If anyone is missing an all black, what I *think* is a female (can't get close enough to handle her as she runs off) please email me. She very likely could be a neighborhood cat just stopping by for a meal, but I would like to make sure this cat isn't "lost". If she decides to be more permanent around here though she'll be caught, tested, vaccinated, altered and put up for adoption. Sincerely,
    - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control

    [What, a new breed of intelligent cat that walks over and reports itself as a lost pet? Now, I realize most cat owners know that cats are smart enough to do that, but still... - Wm.]
    [Update 12:46pm: I believe the caper has been solved, and this cat is just popping over for lunch (owned by a neighbor) and socializing with the farm cats. The outreach on Norfolknet is amazing!
    On a side note - similar to where Wm talks about animals turning themselves in... We have had over the years several "traitorous" dogs, cats and even a horse that would keep coming back here voluntarily when they got away from their owners. Makes for some interesting conversations at times. - Hilary Cohen]

  • 3/19 10:08am   Re: Arthur C. Clarke - was sad when I heard the news yesterday. Childhood's End probably my favorite book of his ...
    - CI

  • 3/18 10:54pm   Just read that one of the pillars of science fiction, Arthur C. Clarke, passed away today. He was 90 years old, and had written over 100 books over his career, including "2001: A Space Odyssey." I grew up on his books; I thought he would be among us forever.
    Out of curiosity, how many here have read books by Clarke? (click to respond)
    (have) / (have not) / (just look at counts).
    - Wm.

    [Update 3/19 10:06am: This is so embarrassing... I made a small final change to the tally code last night that I changed my mind on, but only removed part of it, so the counts were not displayed correctly... oops.
    The votes were recorded, but the wrong counts were shown. No need to vote again! It's fixed. - Wm.]

  • 3/18 10:52pm   JFO - As far as Mr. Simpson's appeal, I just checked again on the ZBA's page to see if there was an agenda for tomorrow. There isn't. (Maybe [...] [be nice now! - Wm.])
    - PA

  • 3/18 9:27pm   Here's the Federated Church Holy Week schedule. Please join us. All are welcome.
    Maundy Thursday, March 20th
    7:30 PM - Candlelight Tenebrae and Communion Service

    Good Friday, March 21st
    12:00-5:00 PM Prayer Vigil
    7:30 PM - Worship Service

    Easter Sunday, March 23rd
    6:00 AM Sunrise Service at the Town Cemetery
    Easter Breakfast between services
    8:00 Worship
    10:00 Worship

    Child care will be available in the nursery for children up to age 4 for both the 8:00 & 10:00 AM services.
    - KR, Federated Church of Norfolk

  • 3/18 8:20pm   TK and RZ - Thank you for sharing your personal stories. I will follow up with some of the reading material you suggested. I do know and work with many families that have struggled and advocated for their children against all odds. I too have fought hard battles to get kids what I know they need, even when people (school personnel and resistant parents) are trying to tell me otherwise. There are many children who have touched my life and those of their classmates because of their contributions to our classroom. I apologize if my earlier comment seemed harsh. It was off-the cuff, I admit. It has been my experience that most parents are right on target when they ask for testing/services for their child. They know something's up and they want to find out what is going on with their child so they can get them the appropriate help. There are also parents who don't quite understand exactly how much their child struggles, because they don't see them in the classroom where we place high academic demands on them, but at home, where the expectations might be easier for a child to meet. Then, sadly, I have had parents (particularly those that feel they ``know the system'' either due to an older sibling's experience or through discussion with other parents) who jump at the idea of testing and potential learning disabilities when I discuss my concerns for their child. The reason this saddens me is that in these particular situations, parents didn't seem to give their kids enough credit for the efforts they were making, or support to help them with their struggles. When I told one parent that her daughter was struggling to comprehend what she read (many kids do!) and that reading at home together might help, the parent's immediate response was ``Do you think we need to test her?'' And no, I didn't think we needed to! She simply needed someone to spend time with her to help get through this difficult area (how many parents read out loud to their kids these days?) In one other particular situation, a parent had 2 older siblings and a child in my class all receiving services. This parent felt she knew the lingo and made suggestions to me all the time to give her son ``sensory movement breaks,'' ``color-coded folders to help stay organized,'' etc. which I reassured her I did because he needed it. Yet, for all his needs that I worked so hard to meet, she wouldn't send him to school with his folder, his glasses, his homework, his medication!!
    I know that there are many hard-working parents out there who have every right to ask questions and request services their child needs. I love working with parents who realize that a special ed team includes them and they fulfill their responsibilities because they know that is a part of the big picture of what their child needs. I just get frustrated when other parents try to take advantage of the system in lieu of helping their child at home.
    I could go on forever with stories, but I'll leave you with just one. Last week I assigned homework that reflected what kids were struggling with in school and needed extra help with at home. Two came back to me with parent notes saying that their kids didn't understand it and the pages were blank (the homework was straightforward - parents could understand it). No kidding! I just don't understand why some parents rely solely on the schools and don't help their own children with their struggles.
    - RD

  • 3/18 7:47pm   Bruce Simpson's hearing is at 7:45pm tomorrow night at the town hall (March 19). It was posted in the Sun Chronicle.
    - BR

  • 3/18 7:44pm   SF - The egg hunt is at 10:15AM - be early as it starts exactly on time and is usually over by 10:30 AM because all the candy has been found. It's a riot to watch all the kids race to get the candy! And yes, the egg hunt is at Freeman.
    - LP

  • 3/18 4:27pm   Has anyone verified that the ZBA meeting is still going to hear Mr. Simpson's appeal tomorrow night?
    - JFO

  • 3/18 4:26pm   Hi... does anyone know the specifics about the Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday? It's at Freeman, I think, but does anyone know what time? Thanks!
    - SF

  • 3/18 1:16pm   RD et al - I can't speak to the all the reasons why there has been an increase in the number of students with special needs from when we were kids, but let me provide some perspective from where I sit. If my daughter had been born when I was (40+ years ago), we would have been strongly urged to stick her into an institution to rot for the rest of her life. She would have received no education, little mental or social stimulation and certainly very little love. People who are mentally challenged (my daughter has Down Syndrome) were not accepted as part of society and thus were not allowed into public school when we were kids. Read The Memory Keeper's Daughter (memorykeepersdaughter.com) for a reminder of "the good old days". Legislation requiring the school to educate my daughter in an appropriate, inclusive setting was not passed until the '70's, and many school systems still do not do a very good job in making it a reality.
    Norfolk, however, is fantastic. The teachers and administration get it. Inclusion is not just for kids with special needs - it's a philosophy that benefits all the kids in the school. My daughter is obviously better off as a result of Norfolk's special ed program, but so are all of the kids in her class, and for that matter, the whole school. Ask the teachers, parents and kids themselves and you will learn how much they have benefitted from having my daughter in their world. Just watch this wonderful video from Boston.com about a boy with Down syndrome from Norwell: [here]
    Now, I understand that my daughter represents a very small percentage of the school population, but I do believe that this same lesson applies to kids with less severe special needs. My father is a perfect example. 60+ years ago when he was in high school, he struggled mightily and no one could figure out what was "wrong" with him. It took 3 high schools, and he eventually graduated, but only lasted one year in college. If he had the type of advantages that kids with learning disabilities have today in our schools, who knows what type of positive impact that would have had in his life.
    Please don't misinterpret what I'm saying. The picture is not perfect. The school is forced to work within legislative requirements, and one size does not fit all. But I will ask you to be a little more thoughtful before coming to any conclusions. Good advice, I believe, for all who post to this forum.
    - TK

  • 3/18 1:11pm   Just wanted to add another recommendation for Parker Sanitary septic service out of Wrentham, run by John Parker. Just had him come by; he was prompt (a bit early, in fact), friendly and professional. His is an old-fashioned service-oriented company: he's knowledgeable and helpful with tips and suggestions, his rates are very fair, he does the job right and he stands by his work - even goes beyond, because it's the right way to do it.
    We were quite pleased.
    - AR

  • 3/17 3:00pm   Happy Saint Patrick's Day....
    - Mickey O'T. (MT)

  • 3/17 11:18am   JBN, Yes, you are right, I wasn't meaning that the overrides are for only the special education needs. My point is that we need to support all our educational financial needs... no matter what they are. If we don't invest in educating ourselves and our children then we will not have a chance at a peaceful, full existance across the planet! We need to take care of each other!
    - JEC

  • 3/17 11:18am   As far as Mr. Simpson's appeal being dropped, I went onto [Town Hall website] to see if he was on the agenda for this week's meeting. Unfortunately, the most recent agenda dates back to 2004, so that makes it difficult to see what is happening at the next meeting. I then decided to see if there was any info in the minutes of the last ZBA meeting, but there is nothing posted yet for any of the 2008 meetings.
    - PA

  • 3/17 10:16am   JEC: I agree. However, we must be careful when speaking about overrides. They are not simply related to the costs of special education. You have to look further: at energy costs, the high costs of healthcare, federal mandates without additional funds, and fiscal management on the part of the school committee. Let's not blame special education for all of our budget woes regarding schools. It is not fair. There are many other factors involved - not that you were suggesting that at all. Just wanted to point out that the cost of special education does not drive all overrides.
    - JBN

  • 3/17 9:57am   TW, I did not get that e mail but I did hear from my child that both the principal and the vice principal announced over the loudspeaker that they were leaving. I think that was in very poor taste. In my mind it shows no respect at all for the families.
    - DV

  • 3/17 9:56am   Thank you, RZ. Your post was very heartfelt and informative. Though I don't have a "special needs" child in the district, I do have four children and hope they grow into fine, compassionate adults that feel the needs of others and respect them completely. For the same reason I voted for all education overrides before I had children, I plan to support getting what our SPED kids need for their education no matter what the cost. It's not only the right thing to do for our town, state and nation... it is the right thing to do for all humanity. We are all in this together. It would be nice if we all acted that way. It can start at home and it does in my home. I wish you the best.
    - JEC

  • 3/17 9:54am   ML, There is a group of us who meet at 5:15 am and cycle for 2 hours Monday through Friday. We usually start going out the third or fourth week of March and ride consistently through early December, weather permitting. Some days there are only two of us and other days the group is 5-6 strong. On Tuesday and Thursdays we meet up with some people in Medfield and more people in Needham. We typically get in between 35-40 miles. If you are interested contact me at lbrydon@comcast.net.
    - PAN

  • 3/17 9:53am   Happy St. Patrick's Day!

  • 3/16 10:05pm   PB, I am the U5 division manager for Norfolk Lions Youth Soccer. I am not sure what league you are discussing, but if it is NLYS I would contact the person who sent the e-mail regarding coaches [post of 3/10 1:15pm - Wm.]. NLYS is consistently in need of volunteers, so if anyone would like to step up to help out the many adults who already have, it would make the children's experience even better. Do not let a lack of soccer knowledge or playing ability stop you. There are local courses taught by experts which you can attend. So, please consider volunteering, you and the children benefit.
    - KRL

  • 3/16 9:57pm   This is not the ideal forum in which the issue of special needs should be discussed. Given the transition in the district's school department (school committee and superintendent), I have decided that the time is now to present some facts from the perspective of a parent of a child with special needs.
    First, I am intimately aware of the fact that this can and will continue to be a divisive element in this town. There will always be those who believe that the SPED costs are taking something away from the regular education curriculum. Certainly, some of the current administration continues to feed that debate. Instead of continuing to fan the flames, I would like to share some very personal, firsthand experiences.
    My child was diagnosed (not by me, but by a team of professionals, paid through my insurance) with an autism spectrum disorder (``ASD'') back in 2005. Many people do not know that there is not simply one type of autism; it is a spectrum with both very mild cases and very profound cases. For anyone who feels that being the parent of a child with special needs (by the way, there is nothing offensive about that term--they are ``special'' and they have needs) is something we have chosen just so we can get more, consider some of my personal experiences. Does anybody ``want'' any of these with their fries?
    Have you ever had a conversation with your child? Well, for me, that is a rare and truly coveted experience. I can count on one hand the number of ``exchanges'' I have had with my 5-year old that would rise to the level of conversation. Imagine having to watch your child suffer in pain but since he is not able to communicate what is wrong, there you are at 3:00 in the morning playing guessing games as your child is screaming out in pain.
    Ever have the lights go out? I understand many children are afraid of the dark, which is typical. But, again, due to lack of communication (you cannot reassure someone who is looking straight through you and cannot ``hear'' you). We're talking about severe melt-downs, vomiting, and complete loss of control.
    How about a medical procedure requiring anesthesia? Of course, there are ``bad reactions.'' Picture your child coming out of it so completely lost that he is inconsolable and cannot recognize you, his parent. Not for a minute or two. I'm talking about 30 - 45 minutes trying to get him to understand that it is ``you'' while trying to keep him safe from ripping out his I.V. Meanwhile, the medical staff (who specialize in pediatrics and have been advised of the diagnosis) look at you as if to ask, ``What should we do?''
    Just to be clear, I am not complaining. I am recounting real situations that I have been through over the past three years. As far as how ``easy'' it has been to get the district to fulfill its legal (and in my opinion, societal) obligation in providing necessary services to my child, I could go on for pages, but will spare you. Please refer to my web site truthaboutsped.org to see how fairly the game is being played. This is not just a local issue; it is both a state and national concern.
    One final comment. My wife is a stay-at-home mom and I am self-employed. We both spend a great deal of time with our children reading, playing, and listening to music. In fact, all of the parents of special needs children that we know are dedicated to their children. They (and we) are only asking what their children need to become productive members of society and reach their full potential. With the right educational interventions at an early age, these children will have opportunities. Without such interventions, more of them will be dependent on society to care for them as adults. If you think SPED costs are high (and they are), take a guess at how much it will cost to support those adults who have not received necessary interventions during their childhood. Remember, 1 in 150 kids is diagnosed with an ASD. In a country of 300 million, that amounts to 2 million people.
    Again, it is not my desire to go back and forth out here. I would welcome the opportunity to speak with anyone interested in learning more about special education issues. Please email me at info@truthaboutsped.org.
    Kindest Regards,
    - RZ

  • 3/16 8:30pm   I would be more than willing to coach the Lions soccer team. I coached a K team last year that my daughter was on. If you need a coach, please let me know through the WebMaster (Wm). Thanks,
    - CS

  • 3/16 4:26pm   Treadmill for sale - cheap! Please refer to the ad in the Un-Classifieds.
    - JHL

  • 3/16 1:47pm   Golf clubs for sale - please refer to the ad in Classifieds.
    - RW

  • 3/16 1:47pm   The word around town is that Bruce Simpson has withdrawn his appeal to the Z.B.A. Can any one confirm this. His hearing was scheduled for Wednesday night, March 19th. Even if it is true, it will not stop the [investigation concerning the alteration to his] building permit. Should be interesting once the Norfolk police finish up with their investigation.
    - JS

  • 3/15 8:34am   Looking to get involved with a cycling group. Are there any in the Norfolk area?
    - ML

  • 3/15 11:28am   Does anyone know what the status is for the Lions Youth K soccer? I got an e-mail saying they were short coaches and if they didnt get 4 more they wont be able to accomidate this year's needs and won't be able to have the season?
    - PB

  • 3/15 11:05am   Hi, Troop 4741 Girl Scout Cookie Booth Sale as been postponed due to snow. We will attempt to set up tomorrow, Sunday, March 16, 2008 at 11:30 am outside of Linda's Variety in Norfolk Center. Hope to see you there!
    - NG

  • 3/14 9:31pm   RN - As a teacher, I can see where you would have taken offense to what was said, also. I blanched when I read it. I hope your special needs child is getting all of the help they need. And I, for one, am fine if some of my tax dollars are used to get him or her that help.
    JBN - Why is SPED derogatory?? It's a widely used acronym in education, like any other. Those of us in the education field know what it means, and those that don't know can certainly ask. When I first started teaching, it took me forever to figure out what all of the acronyms meant... don't go changing them now.
    And Cafe Pesto?? It's about time! At least someone is working to bring business to our town!
    - SF

  • 3/14 8:40pm   To MW: There is a new driving school right here in Norfolk. Look no further than your own backyard! It's Vladi's Driving School located at 206 Main Street in the rear of the building next to the Kathy Ryan Dance school. Vladimir offers classroom instruction as well as on the road driving lessons. He is extremely accommodating with respect to the kids schedules, and even offers lessons on weekends! He has a beautiful new classroom. It's nice to support a new local business. My son took lessons there and we were very pleased. Give him a call 508 528 8330.
    - JC

  • 3/14 8:39pm   EBC, Scott at Postal USA in Franklin (near Bob's Store) is a notary.
    - BR#1

  • 3/14 6:55pm   With oil hitting $110.00 per barrel, I found this chart quite sobering.
    - AB

    [$110 per barrel is about $.0007 per milliliter, or 1/1000th the highest bar. Gives a whole new definition to the term "black gold," doesn't it? - Wm.]

  • 3/14 6:51pm   TO: EBC. I am also a Notary if you didn't have any luck with the other one.
    - SD

  • 3/14 6:50pm   RN - Wm clarified my post correctly. I am sorry if I offended you; that is not at all what I was trying to do. It is my job to ensure that kids get what they need, and some parents (not most!) think of the special education system as a way to easily get extra help even when testing (school and private) and classroom reports indicate otherwise. Please accept my apology.
    - RD

  • 3/14 6:49pm   Big Bird's Nest Nursery School, located at 903 Main St. in Millis, will be holding an open house on March 25th from 6:30-7:30 P.M. We are enrolling children ages 2.9-5 for the Sept. '08 school year. Come by and check us out!
    - SG

  • 3/14 5:33pm   To PRR and all the others who think a bistro, cafe, restaurant, or whatever you want to call it, (and of course by all means, let's have live entertainment on the weekends) on the corner of Main and Boardman St. is a great idea, how about next door to you instead? Then you won't even have to drive to go out for dinner, drinks and entertainment.
    This family has lived "near the center" since 1953, but we should have thought back then that this was a bad spot to buy a house. Oh yeah, back then Sweetland Farms was a farm, the bank in the center was a rectory the post office was a private home and the HOD School was a large field.
    I, for one, do not look forward to a Bistro opening there. I have treasured this quiet town just as it is, moonscape and all. You want places to eat, there are hundreds of places all around us. Why did you move from JP and P'town? Could it have been to have some peace and quiet? Now that you're here, it isn't lively enough for you is it?
    - JW

  • 3/14 5:31pm   Troop 4741 will be holding their final Girl Scout Cookie Booth Sale of the year. Please stop by and stock up on your favorite cookies before they are gone!
    We will be set up outside Linda's Variety in Norfolk Center on Saturday, March 15, 2008 at 11:00. Thank you for your support. Troop 4741.
    - NG

  • 3/14 3:19pm   I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions or recommendations regarding Driver's Ed? I have a 16 year old who is dying to get his permit. I have been told that the cost for these classes is about $700? I know the name Labontes... but are there any others out there that are reasonable? I am very surprised at the cost. I guess I was spoiled attending a HS that offered driver's ed in the curriculum.
    - MW

  • 3/14 3:18pm   Maybe we could loan Walpole some of our finest. Just a thought. [article: Walpole Chief of Police would like more officers]
    - PJT

  • 3/14 2:10pm   I am a notary, but will not be home until later this evening (most of the day tomorrow if it helps). Most banks will offer this service and I think someone in the town hall offers notary service. If you need this today, you might call there and ask -- are they open on Friday?
    If you need help, just let me know, the Wm knows where to find me!
    - MH

  • 3/14 1:15pm   Does anyone know if there is a notary in town?
    - EBC

  • 3/14 10:40am   Here is a link to what I think is a good overview of what Special Education is for those interested in educating yourself [publicagenda.org/specials/specialed]. I also think that we would be better served to use the acronym SEN, Special Education Needs, rather than the derogatory term, SPED.
    The information I posted on the cost of special education is in no way an attempt to demonize those that use it. It was only my attempt to understand the costs involved, since this is always pointed to as a major factor in the spiraling cost of education.
    - JBN

  • 3/14 10:38am   Re: Grand Canyon. Thanks for the feedback. As was mentioned, places are booked there well in advance! Looks as though I will have to stay well away from the Canyon if I still try to make it in May. Good learning experience though. Thanks everyone.
    - PFD

  • 3/14 10:36am   Thanks to Mr. Spinney of the library I borrowed an excellent book from the library titled "Flintlock and Tomahawk" by Douglas Leach. Excellent account of the King Philip Indian War circa 1676. I even managed to buy a copyfrom a dealer. Great book.
    - JO

  • 3/14 10:35am   Today I ordered a new pair of modern eyeglasses; very small, remarkably light, and extremely expensive.
    The cost was even much more, gram for gram, than Hewlett Packard printer ink, and approximated the cost of gold in today's market. Obviously I'm concerned about misplacing them, as I've occasionally misplaced my larger, heavier, and less expensive present glasses. There are several listings on Google for "eyeglass locator" patents, but I haven't seen any such locators on the market. There is a "KeyRinger" (2 for $29.95 + S+H) ([keyringer.com]) but the size is 2" x 1.88" x 0.52", too large even to attach to the glasses case; though it might help when I lose my car keys and remotes again.
    Has anyone seen any small but effective type of "eyeglass locator" that could attach to a small glasses case for when it, and the glasses inside, is misplaced ? Thanks in advance!
    - RH

  • 3/13 10:05pm   PFD - Be sure to have breakfast at El Tovar. Order the most spectacular French toast you'll ever savor and request a table near the fireplace, you'll never forget it! Enjoy!
    - ML

  • 3/13 9:28pm   RD - As a parent of a special needs child (Confirmed by various evaluations. Don't worry. They were all privately paid at great expense), I can tell you that not one day has gone by where I have "want[ed] [my] kid to be a special ed kid". Yes, I take offense at your [...] comment. It's a sad thing that someone who would make a comment like that is an "insider" in our education system.
    - RN

    [I believe RD meant it in the sense that some parents desire that their children get special needs assistance even though their kids could be considered normal, healthy kids by others. All kids benefit from additional adult attention and one-on-one private tutoring. - Wm.
    Update 10:04pm: Well, I *think* that's what RD meant... - Wm.]

  • 3/13 7:40pm   Wm, You can test your motorcycle's suspension on Medway St. Especially near the stables.
    - ML

  • 3/13 7:16pm   If you are looking for something to do this weekend, please consider attending the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School's production of Aladdin, jr. Friday & Saturday March 14th and 15th at 7pm. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under. For more information please call 508 541-3434 ext. 106. BFCCPS is located at 201 Main Street in Franklin, MA (take Main Street Norfolk to the fork, and bear right onto Pleasant St; school is just before the traffic light.
    - CI

  • 3/13 5:46pm   Re the Grand Canyon: We also stayed at El Tovar and BS was correct that the views were amazing. The rooms are small, however, and if you have small children remember that there are no guard rails, just knee high stone walls around the canyon. The Bright Angel cabins looked pretty neat and seemed larger than what you can get at the El Tovar. Be forewarned that you often have to book these up to a year in advance. The link to it is: [click here]. One thing that we did was to hike down into the canyon, just to the Mile and a Half House. It is not too steep and my group, which included parents, kids and grandparents, made it up and down without difficulty. That said, be sure to start early and bring plenty of drinking water. You really haven't experience the Canyon if you don't hike into it. The Grand Canyon is amazing - pictures and words don't do it justice and you really should experience it once in your life.
    - AL

  • 3/13 5:46pm   The King Philip music department will hold its annual Marching Band Orientation at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18, in the Auditorium at King Philip Regional High School, Wrentham. All King Philip students, entering grades eight through twelve in the fall of 2008, who are interested in finding out more about being a member of this award winning marching band, are asked to attend with their parents or guardians.
    Director Peter Tileston, veteran members of the band and parents and guardians will be on hand to answer questions about the fall 2008 Marching Band program.
    - MW, KPMA

  • 3/13 5:45pm   King Philip High School Music Department will present their annual Spring Concert on Wednesday March 26th at 7:00pm in the Auditorium, King Philip High School, Wrentham featuring the Concert Band and Symphony Band.
    [Details here]. Admission: Adult $6, Student Senior: $4
    - MW, KPMA

  • 3/13 5:44pm   PDF, I second BS's recommendation. There are several (four if I remember correctly) hotels in the park on the South Rim. All are good locations, some nicer than others. One has a restaurant, food was reasonable and excellent, and the dining room overlooks the canyon!
    - DC

  • 3/13 5:43pm   I just received an email from King Philip High School indicating that both the principal and one of the vice principals will be leaving at the end of the school year. Yikes!! Does anyone know what is going on? Is everyone leaving for New Bedford??!!
    - TW

  • 3/13 2:28pm   PFD--It's been many years but I have stayed at El Tovar right on the edge of the canyon. It was spectacular. Nothing like walking out in the morning and seeing a mountain goat along the path going down to the canyon floor before everyone else gets there. The lodging and dining were wonderful. It's difficult to get reservations as it's the only hotel in the park but it's worth a try. Also, take a side trip to Sedona; it's beautiful. Now some of the hairpin turns you can encounter driving out there--not so good!
    - BS

  • 3/13 12:17pm   Looking for suggestions for places to stay at the Grand Canyon. Looking into staying in the South Rim area. Any pointers or tips from anyone that has been there? Looking into going for the first time. Thanks.
    - PFD

  • 3/13 11:35am   DB: Here's another plus... the restaurant will also create some jobs, possibly for locals. You did mention it would create tax dollars, didn't you?! I like the name, as well, Cafe Pesto. I heard the original name was to be 'Embers' but I guess that didn't make it.
    - PA

  • 3/13 10:20am   JBN-previous points well taken. Other posters seemed to need the clarification more than you and I. I would like to hear DM's response to your questions. When my husband read that 21 % of students are special ed. (or even 18-19%), he was shocked and asked why it was so high compared to many years ago when we were students in public schools. I gave him my usual theories: something in the water; advanced medicine and science makes certain disabilities easier to diagnose; and my favorite: parents want their kids to be special ed kids! It's true-the sentiments have changed so much over the years. It used to be a stigma. Now it seems more like ``Hey, yeah sure, I'll take a one-on-one aide with those fries...'' and we have to bring many parents back to the reality of what their kids really need (help at home putting homework into backpacks, time spent at home practicing math facts, etc.) It is a different, more expensive world now than 20 years ago. But of course I worry about special ed students/parents being pitted against non-special ed students/parents over money, and I don't want to fuel any arguments that could hurt either group getting what they need and deserve.
    I thought it was very interesting in the Randolph article how Fitchburg decided to address some of these concerns. And what do you know... we have a prison and a college nearby too! Maybe it's time for Norfolk to start thinking outside the box.
    One last point (again, just for clarification from an ``insider's point of view): when teacher's contracts are negotiated, salary is just one of many things negotiated among working conditions, class size, and other issues that also affect students directly. Contract years come and go as scheduled according to the previous contract, so they really cannot avoid the negations this time around, but I do get your point about raises being made setting a precedent for the future. I would rather keep my job at my current pay than see two fellow teachers laid off because we all got a 3% raise.
    Thanks for the thoughtful debate!
    P.S.: Home sick because of the little monsters! :-(
    - RD

  • 3/13 10:18am   I commend Peter Chipman, as we need more commercial stores in Norfolk. It will add a tremendous service to our town and help to generate some much needed tax dollars. Not to mention start the beautification process we must have in the center. Did I say help lower the tax burden on all of us!!
    - DB

  • 3/13 9:53am   HPK - I have to say, I am a bit surprised by your comments about the bike. I think most of us were raised to turn in everything we found, that didn't belong to us, to the local police station. While you might think that the bike was in tough shape, there might in fact be some child out there missing his favorite bike that has been handed down from other brothers/sisters to him. I can only imagine what things I might have left at the library that found a new home when I didn't get back there to pick them up in 2 days... I also find it puzzling that if a child did in fact want to "dump" his/her bike, that they would pick the front of the library to do it. If my bike was stolen or "borrowed", the first place I would go look for it would be the police station. That also goes for my keys, my pocket book, my cell phone, laptop...
    - TO

  • 3/13 9:48am   Moonscape Cafe' - Let's support it... make it happen... yes yes yes!
    For JP!! re: Hang on a second... is anyone but me totally thrilled that a cafe will be going in at the corner of Boardman and main? My Norfolk fantasy is about to come true.
    Are you serious...? I am thrilled. We moved here from Jamaica Plain, town with the most great restaurants!! Of course we need a gathering place! The Eagle Brook is fun, so are a few other places along 1-A... but... a cafe'... yes... Question is, will it serve excellent wine? Not cheap rotgut... what would be the point of that? I can sit home and drink great wine and be very comfortable! ...and good, interesting micro brewery beer, something besides Heineken, Budweiser, etc.? And perhaps small eats... fresh breads... and maybe good local talent for music on weekends... nice lighting... very comfortable chairs & tables?? Doesn't that sound awesome? Even candle light perhaps... jeez... I'm there!
    I used to own a small place that was open only in '73 in P'town, before P'town was a zoo, off season. I closed it to move to St. Barth's. But while it was open, we had amazing music, great simple foods, soups, breads, salads and desserts... and great teas and fruit drinks... We didn't have a wine license, but I did have an entertainment license. People would come in to sit and talk, have dessert, meet their neighbors, listen to live acoustic music... just relax... It wasn't about getting drunk, or anything like that. Not a sports bar scene... very elegant and mellow.
    It would be great if we could have something along those lines here in our town!!
    Please folks!! Let's go for it... we have to get this town going!! We are in a rut! Do you always want to live in a Moonscape town?
    - PRR

  • 3/13 9:36am   DM: Not to drone on about this point, but if you have the time and inclination, I sure would appreciate clarification regarding your statement, ``increase in Special Education money that must legally be spent in the range of $250-$320K that we know of at the moment. This will have an adverse impact on the budget.'' Does this in fact mean an out of district placement that you are aware of that is over and above the current students that are out of district? According to the Mass Department of Education, we are currently spending $264,534.00 for out of district placements. Is that figure that you stated over and above this amount? Or is it just that it will stay the same? The other two areas we spend on Special Education are in school, $309,000.000 and collaborative which is $128,978.00. I also want to amend my statement that we have 21% of students in Special Education--the figure is closer to 18-19%. For about 1000+ students, about 193 are in special education in all areas (in school, out of district and collaborative). I am just trying to figure this out, DM. If you do not wish to answer on this board, I understand. But I would think this would help everyone to understand the issues we face when it comes to education spending in general. Plus, you are the one that mentioned on this board, so I thought perhaps you wouldn't mind answering it here.
    There was a Boston Globe article [here] in today's [Wed] paper talking about Randolph's issues and the three overrides that have failed. The main reason cited for failure is that they don't trust how the school committee is spending the money in their budget. I think, and you can disagree with me if I am wrong, but I think the more forthcoming you are about the facts, the more we can understand the issues.
    You also mentioned in your response to my earlier questions, ``we are in negotiations with the teachers for their next contract.'' I know that teachers are angels on earth and I respect them wholeheartedly, I do. However, I must note that our teachers make on average close to as much as teachers in Dover, Hingham, Weston and Wellesley. I also hear often that because we are considered a ``wealthy'' town, that we are not in consideration for additional state aid for our Special Education costs. So, beyond, Special education (which I think is unfairly pointed to as the major cost to schools), other spending has to be looked at as well.
    I am not attempting to bait anyone or play gottcha, I started this whole thing after watching that one school committee meeting, and now I have decided to see it through so that everyone is clear what the truth is and not simply my or anyone else's uneducated opinion.
    - JBN

  • 3/13 9:35am   To SCS: You are welcome. I hope it works out for you.
    - SD

  • 3/13 9:34am   PD - We spent a few days last June up at Smuggler's and it was relaxing and fun. We didn't do any of the group activities though, so I can't really comment on any of their programs.
    JBN mentioned Lake George, which is actually in the Adirondacks. Plenty to do in Lake George, but it isn't exactly low-key. The lake itself is beautiful. The area is similiar in development to the Conway area. Depending upon how much hustle and bustle you want, it may or may not be a good option. I know people who have gone to the Sagamore Resort [link] and really enjoyed it. There are also many less busy lakes just north of Lake George.
    Good luck and have a great time! The webmaster can tell you how to contact me if you have questions.
    - MKL

  • 3/12 4:02pm   Coyote spotted in backyard of home on Stacey Road yesterday around 8:00am. It stuck around for about 10 minutes sniffing around where a group of 5 deer had recently gone through then headed back into the woods.
    - KO

  • 3/12 3:53pm   To WB, why are you befuddled? If you move close to the center of any town, not just lovely downtown Norfolk, you should expect some traffic, noise and commerce. Mr. Chipman's building is a perfect place for a nice bistro where any resident can enjoy a beer and a burger or salad. And see some of the locals in the town. And the thought that it would get derailed for someone saying they don't want the traffic or the noise is unreal to me. That kind of attitude will keep the moonscape just what it is.
    I am a matter of fact kind of person, sorry if I offended you, but sometimes people need to get over it and move on.
    Can't wait to have a cocktail in downtown Norfolk.
    - PJT

  • 3/12 3:52pm   The Norfolk Lions Club is sponsoring a Chili Fest this Saturday, March 15, 2008, 6:30 pm at St. Jude's Church on Main Street. I have one (1) ticket available for admission of one adult ($12.00) value for free to the first person responding. This is going to be a great event and look forward to hearing from you. I can be contacted at carpenoch@aol.com, and will make arrangements for pickup. Thanking you in advance,
    - TAL

  • 3/12 1:59pm   SD: Thanks very much for the plumbing recommendation (Jim Craig). I'll check them out.
    - SCS

  • 3/12 12:54pm   I believe that the Norfolk Community League sponsors Candidate Night. Look for announcements as to date and time on their website. I'm sure that the information will also be put up on Norfolknet.
    - TMS

  • 3/12 11:39am   Wm - You're right. I should have specified the section of Boardman between the school and Seekonk. It's terrible. If they fixed it, I fear the speeding situation might worsen.
    - SO

    [Even worse, I would have to find a different road to test my motorcycle suspension when I make adjustments. Seekonk St. was repaved, Miller St. was repaved -- all the good bumpy roads are disappearing... :-) - Wm.]

  • 3/12 11:36am   PJT: As you wrote a few days ago: "If you live near the center of town, you should know that businesses happen there; get over it or move to a quieter part of town." I am befuddled by a statements like that as it only fuels the tension and conflict. It is clear to me that certain developers have no interest in working with neighbors or abutters to come to a mutual agreement where there is compromise - be in residential or commercial areas. Certain posters who shall remain nameless but will be identified by [no identifying, please, not even indirectly; what good would come of it? - Wm.] are simply mindless drones of the people who epouse a philosophy that is akin to the "Fair Game" policy of notable people such as Tom Cruise. I'm all for low taxes, all for development but attitudes like you have expressed are seriously out of line.
    - WB

  • 3/12 10:54am   Can someone please let me know when Candidates Night is? Also, is it posted anywhere on the Town website. It seems with each department having 1-2 assistants and a department head, the website could be updated more often (i.e. Advisory Board openings from June 2007). If I am looking in the wrong area of the website please let me know.
    - AML

  • 3/12 10:50am   About the "Corner Cafe" (or the "Moon View Cafe" - can you see the moonscape from there?), I like what JP had to say. I'm with you. I was kind of hoping for a barbecue joint, but a cafe gets a thumbs-up from me.
    About traffic past the school, I'm surprised Boardman gets any traffic at all with its plethora of potholes. I expect a one-way trip to Bejing every time I leave the house, yet we have speeders.
    Speeders!! Not least of which are - get this - the school buses, along with another kind of giant yellow vehicle. I kid thee not. Moms in mini vans, pick-up trucks, delivery vans, you name it. Potholes don't deter them. It really is out of control, especially since we have three blind corners. If you use Boardman St, I beg you - beg you - to please do not speed especially if you are driving a big yellow vehicle. We can't miss you, but you take up more room, so maybe we won't "miss" you next time, unfortunately.
    - SO

    [The potholes are east of Rockwood Rd. (actually, the pavement is good until the F-C school); the section between 115 and Main St. is a well-used (and well-paved) shortcut that also serves the transfer station traffic and highway department trucks. - Wm.]

  • 3/12 10:19am   PA: Thanks for the information. My apologies to Mr. Chipman for casting aspersions and singling him out. That was inappropriate. I am delighted that there is a restaurant coming to town, and look forward to trying it (unless he checks initials at the door and I am unwelcome!)
    However, I stand by my point that those with business before the boards in town should not be running for seats, or be seated, on those boards. It has the appearance of impropriety, and that alone is enough to undermine the credibility of the board's work and intentions. Given these are all hardworking volunteers, taking time away from their families to help the town, I think everyone should go the distance to make sure it's all above board and there are no conflicts of interest.
    - TC

  • 3/12 10:18am   NDT: I agree with what you're saying... beware of the husband and wife duos in small town politics.
    - PA

  • 3/11 11:37pm   PD: Not sure what type of family activities you are looking for, but Squam Lake area in NH is a wonderful spot. There is a science center, the lake is beautiful and there is a lot of hiking and other outdoor activities (`On Golden Pond' was filmed in Holderness). We have a home not far from there, so if you have questions, the Wm can put us in touch. If that sounds too low key, I would look at Lake George in the finger lakes region in NY. It is not too far, and is much better than Smuggler's Notch in the summer, in my opinion.
    - JBN

  • 3/11 11:32pm   MW, the bike is no slick ride; I frankly thought it was "forgotten" because the owner didn't want it anymore. The paint is chipped, it has a rusty chain, and the handlebar grips are torn through. But if reporting it to the police is proper protocol, then I'll do that. Though I would rather see it go to an interested family, than have it be auctioned for 'revenue generation.'
    - HPK

  • 3/11 8:04pm   Thanks SB. Sure, there can always be issues. But Mr. Chipman seems to have his head on straight regarding that. I had to chuckle when I read his comment in the Sun Chronicle - "this is not intended to become a Lewis' of Norwood center." So, those of us who know Lewis' can breath a sigh of relief.
    - JP

  • 3/11 8:02pm   TC - I agree with you on all points. I find it of concern that some people running for office are part of the same crowd and good friends of one person being debated in this forum (including one defending him.) As a matter of fact I believe the wife of one candidate was interviewed or considered by the BOS for an appointment to a committee. Be careful folks, and pay attention to what's happening in town government so you are fully informed when you vote.
    - NDT (I already hold a board position BTW)

  • 3/11 6:42pm   Wm: [and BS]: Thanks. I will plan to be there.
    - JBN

  • 3/11 6:40pm   JBN--Yes, Stand for Children members are meeting with Rep. Ross on Friday at 11:30 at the library. You and anyone else are welcome to join us. Numbers speak volumes. We met with him last year and he heard us. Now we've got another year under our belts and we have more information. The problem is that we are considered a wealthy community so it is difficult to get attention at the state level. But, we are part of a regional school system which presumably saves the state and towns money with less buildings, etc. We plan to meet with Sen. Brown later this month.
    - BS

  • 3/11 6:39pm   To PD, looking for a fantastic family New England vacation - I would highly recommend the Sebasco Harbor Resort in Sebasco Estates, Maine... sebasco.com, Please view their website... there are numerous beaches and educational destinations close by, you will not be disappointed. Good luck and enjoy your summer vacation!
    - LR

  • 3/11 5:54pm   TC - Let's see, Chipman paid $30,000 in back taxes due to the Town by the prior owner in 1997. (Thank you, Mr. Chipman.) Chipman cleaned up a dilapidated site left hazardous. (Thanks again.) The DEP signed off on this cleaned up site in Dec 2001. (The local BOH has nothing to with Hazardous Waste clean-ups.) You can look it up: [state.ma.us/dep page] The Planning Board approved this welcome project in Dec 2007. Chipman was not a Planning Board member then (nor is he now.) So as far as I can see Chipman has valiantly cleaned up a problem, invested in our town, and followed the rigorous process of endless approvals. Why would anyone have a problem? Hopefully, after the restaurant's up and running, Chipman will decide to fix the Moonscape.
    - PA

  • 3/11 5:14pm   JP, You're not alone about being excited about the new restaurant unless of course you believe MG's post today that the "public" doesn't want a liquor business in town. There is always potential for issues but I still think it can be great addition to town.
    - SB

  • 3/11 5:11pm   BS: Thanks for your kind explanation. I understand some about out of district placement and know someone who actually has to do that (not here) for their child (and they are still unhappy, unfortunately). All the more reason for fiscal restraint in as many other areas (administration/questionable salary increases) as possible (not teachers and not programs).
    Everyone keeps talking about the state not doing its part. Who actually has contacted a state official and what was their response? I know there are groups out there who do this (Stand for Children), but who in Norfolk who has made these suggestions has actually spoken to anyone? I would be interested in hearing about your discussion, seriously.
    As per all the talk regarding Cafe' Pesto--I am thrilled it is coming!! It is not a Starbucks like I had hoped for, but a nice restaurant sounds much better!
    - JBN

    [State Rep. Richard Ross will be at the library this Friday talking about this very topic; see today's post of 11:49am (also the Calender) - Wm.]

  • 3/11 5:10pm   Re: black bicycle at the library... since it could be a stolen bicycle, shouldn't it go to the police station? How can you just give it to a patron? What if it is someone's stolen property? In other towns, unclaimed items are auctioned off at a yearly auction. The proceeds go to the town. Isn't there some sort of protocol that must be followed?
    - MW

  • 3/11 4:53pm   I am so impressed with the work of local Norfolk contractor Dave Smith that I had to write this recommendation. We decided to have four large rooms painted in our home and after talking with several painting contractors decided to use Dave Smith's company. The quality of their work is outstanding and their prices are very competitive. We are now considering having him do the exterior as well. If you are considering any interior or exterior painting, I would recommend that one of your estimates and discussions include Dave's company. His contact info is 508-250-3678.
    - SM

  • 3/11 4:46pm   Hang on a second... is anyone but me totally thrilled that a cafe will be going in at the corner of Boardman and main? My Norfolk fantasy is about to come true. Leave my house on foot, walk to Gump's Farm to buy some fruits and veggies, take my daughter to Kids' Place, sit down and have lunch, the walk to the library and on to home. It's enough to take my mind off of a power-hungry malfunctioning well pump. Ok, ok... you're right. My fantasy did leave out the part about dodging speeding traffic on the parts of Main St. that have no sidewalks. But still... a cafe is better than a bank, it's better than a Quiznos, and it's better than a gas station, in my book.
    - JP

  • 3/11 4:44pm   To AL re Can anyone suggest a reasonably priced, family friendly hotel in Boston's Copley or waterfront area? Looking for a place where we can walk the city, get out to a restaurant, and come back to swim at night. No fancy-schmancy needed.
    Plenty of hotels in Boston. Reasonably priced?? Depends what you call reasonably priced. Maybe the Marriot Copley. Most rooms start at $150.00 a night and that on the weekend. Better off in Providence.
    Good luck,
    - PJT

  • 3/11 4:43pm   JBN--looks like your question to DM may have gotten buried in today's discussions. I'm going to take a stab at the question as it is at the crux of some of the issues. You request was clarification re: ``Next year there will be an increase in Special Education money that must legally be spent in the range of $250-$320K that we know of at the moment. This will have an adverse impact on the budget.''
    If we have a child who has special needs that can not be taken care of and educated by our school system, they need to be sent out-of-district. A good example would be a blind child. The cost to send that child to the appropriate school, including transportation, is $320k. If we have a budget of $1m and a student population of 1,000, that leaves $680,000 for the rest of the children, thereby decreasing the per pupil expenditure for each other child to $680 rather than $1000. Probably not enough to pay for a certain number of teachers, so we cut teachers and increase class size.
    The problem is that towns are adhering to state and federal mandates that are not being funded by the state or federal governments. So we are following the law but they aren't keeping their promises of reimbursing the percentages they originally told us they would.
    That is my simplistic response and we all need to get after our representatives if we want things to change.
    - BS

  • 3/11 3:57pm   There is a boy's black Haro bicycle (BMX-style) next to the library's main entrance. Since it's been here for two days, if it is not removed by Friday, it will go to an interested patron. If it's yours, better come get it!
    - Heather Pisani-Kristl, NPL

  • 3/11 3:54pm   AL - try the Doubletree next to New England Medical Center and the Theatre District. It's new, has a pool and is centrally located.
    - MON

  • 3/11 3:50pm   I believe the hearing was postponed in order to give the school adequate time to weigh in on the license application.
    TC - I am with you. It's a shame we don't have more volunteers running for town positions, especially folks who have no commercial or economical interest in Norfolk. It would be "ideal" to have folks of various backgrounds who are looking out for the best interest of all Norfolk.
    That being the case, I can see why someone would hesitate to run for town office only to see him- or herself "questioned" on our community board. It should come down to if you have questions, go to the meetings (if you can, if you can't contact party directly) and voice your concerns. If that doesn't work, vote people out of office. Or, maybe it's time to adopt recall voting. Now wouldn't thatbe fun! Or, how about having 5 person Board of Selectpeople instead of 3?
    - SB

  • 3/11 3:49pm   All you business naysayers are acting like someone wants to build a petrochemical or a cattle rendering plant in the town center. It's a restaurant, for Pete's sake! Leave the businessmen alone! Focus on something else for a while and let some businesses flourish.
    No wonder we have no business tax base.
    Hurry up and open, Mr. Chipman. This town could use a drink.
    - MON

  • 3/11 2:23pm   Can anyone suggest a reasonably priced, family friendly hotel in Boston's Copley or waterfront area? Looking for a place where we can walk the city, get out to a restaurant, and come back to swim at night. No fancy-schmancy needed.
    - AL

  • 3/11 2:21pm   Enough already. Let the restaurant be built. We can all meet there and argue about other town issues. Putting a restaurant with a liquor license should be a no-brainer for a downtown area that has nothing. It is Main Street. There are plenty of establishments near schools and no problems happen. If you live near the center of town, you should know that businesses happen there; get over it or move to a quieter part of town.
    More power to ya, Mr. Chipman.
    - PJT

  • 3/11 1:18pm   I hesitate to jump on the bandwagon picking on Mr. Chipman, but it is important to know that he also owns the land across the street from his proposed restaurant (which, if built in accordance with all the rules and regs of the town, I am all for, BTW), and apparently the lot behind the old town hall.
    It is completely bizarre that a property owner with plans before various town boards also sits/ or runs for seats on those very boards. Chipman was on the board of health, presumably while the site of his future restaurant was undergoing an environmental clean up? (*see note below) Perhaps everything has been above-board, but it sure has the appearance of something fishy. Now with property under development he's running for the planning board? Each candidate should be forced to reveal any holdings in town or business coming before these boards while they are running!
    - TC

    [Update 2:12pm: (*) I believe the site may have been already been cleaned up by the time Mr. Chipman joined the Board of Health. Anyone remember the specific dates? - Wm.]

  • 3/11 12:14pm   To: SCS: If you are looking for a good, reliable plumber call Jim Craig at Beyond Plumbing, Inc., 781-603-9206. I found them to be fair and reasonable.
    - SD

  • 3/11 12:13pm   PA -- You are correct, it is posted in the BOS agenda on the Town Hall website. From yesterday's meeting and the previous meeting. Does anyone know if/why it was postponed? Thanks for the enlightenment, I now know where to look and would encourage others as well. Perhaps Wm would indulge in a posting of their agenda here?
    I also have no issues with the new restaurant going in and look forward to the other one that will be going in the new development on Rockwood Road some day. Now I need any new excuses not to make dinner! :)
    - MH

  • 3/11 12:12pm   Every Norfolk resident who intends on voting in Town elections or who plans on attending "Candidates Night" (if it is not conveniently skipped over this time) should familiarize themselves with the following: The conflict of interest law (Chapter 268A of the General Laws of the Commonwealth), enacted in 1962, covers all state, county and municipal employees, whether elected or appointed, full or part-time, paid or unpaid. The law also regulates the activities of former employees and partners of current and former employees. By no stretch, have I ever been an ardent defender of the legal profession, but those serving two masters--whether attorneys, contractors, developers, or a variety of related professions--have the potential of doing far more damage to the well-being and future of this community than any independent resident who happens to be a lawyer. This is a crucial issue that has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with "diversity." I encourage every resident to bring a copy of the law with you when you attend "Candidates Night."
    - TEM

  • 3/11 11:50am   MH: You obviously have a computer. This info is available on-line now. The agenda for last night's hearing has been up since last week on the Town's website, (and I'm sure posted within the Town Hall.) I agree about falling trees not being good for the environment, and besides, here in Norfolk you may end up with someone masquerading as "an authorized agent of the Conservation Commission" ordering you to stop those trees from falling.
    - PA

  • 3/11 11:49am   Stand for Children will be hosting a conversation with Rep. Richard Ross this Friday, March 14th, 11:30 AM in the Norfolk Public Library Community Room. The conversation will focus on the State's role in funding public education in Massachusetts and the burdens placed on the local property tax. All are invited to attended.
    - Ross Gilleland, Stand for Children

  • 3/11 11:31am   Re 1/24 4:50pm - Need a recommendation for heating/ventilation job - Can someone recommend a company to a) sell and install a new furnace (one that is also capable of providing central air conditioning), and b) upgrade or add ducts for the A/C? Thanks, - KDR
    Hi KDR, Just wondering if you had any luck with your HVAC project? We are looking to do a project similar to that you described, and were curious to see who you ended up using and if you would recommend. You can reach us here or at UGP2002@aol.com. Thanks,
    - KB

  • 3/11 11:27am   Maybe it was published in the Town newspaper, The Boomerang. You know, the one that you have to pay to subscribe to. Can anyone else please enlighten me as to how and when it was published? Falling trees are not good for the environment are they?
    - MH

  • 3/11 11:19am   As a personal aside -- I'm having fun with the liquor license topic, but I don't really see a problem with a restaurant serving wine with meals. My dig was not at the liquor license itself but at the way public hearings are publicized, which I never seem to hear about beforehand. I'm more hesitant about moving the entrance to Boardman and blocking the Main St. driveway, which will snarl traffic, and even that might not be a big deal, depending on the volume of traffic.
    - Wm.

  • 3/11 11:06am   Along the same lines as what Wm was hinting at -- Isn't is illegal to consume liquor at the package store, whereas a restaurant typically encourages on-site consumption? I am not saying that they are intentionally looking to get everyone liquored up and send them on the road, but there is potentially huge revenue for a restaurant in the liquor consumption. If there was a hearing regarding the issuance of the liquor license, and unless I was not looking in the right places, it was not very well publicized.
    - MH

    [As to "well publicized," I've read that the requirement is not that it be widely known, but that it be "sufficient and legal notice" - Wm.]

  • 3/11 11:05am   Wm: If there is sufficient and legal notice posted about the tree and when it will fall, it's up to those interested enough to attend. People had a chance to not only hear, but to be heard, at last night's hearing.
    As far as Cliff's/HOD, I'm not sure which came first, but why would a school be built so close to a licensed liquor purveyor if it posed a problem?
    - PA
    [Last night's hearing? What hearing? I missed another one? - Wm.
    Update 11:51am: Oh, that must be a reference to the same hearing; there was no "other" to miss - Wm.]

  • 3/11 10:34am   MG: Here's some badly needed edification. The public you claim no one is listening to had their chance to speak out at the liquor license hearing. Your assertion that the site is too close to the school is wrong. It's actually farther away than it has to be. You seem to forget there was once a liquor business on that site. Why isn't it okay for Chipman to run a bar and restaurant? It is badly needed in our town, and will be a convenience. Finally (despite the fact that the author of previous post on this subject warned me to 'be careful' about piling on) your assertion that Simpson stands to lose his livelihood is wrong as well... that person still runs his business, and has the option of storing his vehicles somewhere legally (just like Greg Kay does now with his landscaping business.)
    As far as those who are running for office and their occupations, it's nice to see some diversity instead of the usual... lawyers.
    - PA

    [Re liquor license hearing - if a tree falls in the forest and there is no-one there to hear it, does it make a sound? :-) But seriously, you're not saying that Cliff's Package Store existed on the site at the same time as the school, are you? Isn't the school much newer? - Wm.]

  • 3/11 10:24am   MG, My understanding is Cafe Presto will be a restaurant and not a "liquor business". I assume when you say liquor business you are referring to a liquor store and not restaurant. Who is the public that don't want a restaurant in the neighborhood, which is seems to be a stretch since it will be located on Main Street? I might be in the minority but I am looking forward to having another place to go and I live within walking distance of the potential neighborhood liquor business.
    "Not to mention it is too close to the school." Doesn't school get out around 3:00 pm? How does having a restaurant near the school impact it during the day? Are we afraid of the lunch crowd having too much to drink and endangering our children?
    As for Mr. Simpson and folks who generously volunteer their time to sit on town board and have business interests in the town, it is a tough situation. Where is the "sympathy" for the landscape business that had to move? Why can't Mr. Simpson use some space in town that is zoned properly? How about having his employees take the trucks home and meet at the work site? There seems to be ways to work this out without having to go out of business (at least to me and I could be mistaken).
    - SB

    [Just to play devil's advocate for a moment, if the only entrance will be off Boardman St., wouldn't it more proper to refer to its location as being on Boardman St.? - Wm.]

  • 3/11 9:39am   PD - The Mount Washington Resort is a beautiful getaway destination for the summer. It is pricey but well worth it.
    - MS

  • 3/11 9:35am   RD: The job description for the specialized special education aide is posted on the Norfolk school's website under HR, job descriptions. The education ``requirement'' is HS diploma, although higher education is desired. They mention the word Nurse/aide, not me. I am only reporting on what I have heard and what I have read. No opinion enters into this except the job pay scale, which I think is high. No, they have not doubled. It is true that CNAs make around $12.00/hr in the healthcare world and they do a lot for little pay. However, they have good hours and great benefits and a pension. I am not suggesting that an aide, instructional or medical (or it seems, some combination of both, which in may refer to the ``specialized'' part) should not be well paid. I am suggesting that taking a pay scale and increasing it now (although I somewhat understand spending down money at this time of year) seems odd at a time when fiscal restraint should be paramount. This new pay scale takes us forward and increases costs every year. I am actually really getting tired of debating this issue. Special education is a tough issue to discuss as it draws so much emotion. But it does cost a lot and all towns are seeing a rise in this area. Our own schools in Norfolk, according to the Globe, has our Special Education at 21% of student population (for 2005). That is higher than all of the surrounding towns (almost 1 out of every 4 students). That is not a criticism nor is it an opinion, just a fact. So when I see a school committee vote to increase a pay scale for special education aides, it makes me wonder why. I almost wish I hadn't seen it. I really don't want to argue with anyone. I do think that we have the right to know, that is all, especially now that we are going to faced with looking at perhaps more fees to offset the high costs. It seems we are paying three times: state taxes, property taxes and then fees. Every child has a right to proper education and I support making our schools number one. But not everyone can afford to do that. Many seniors are struggling and many working parents as well. So where is the balance?
    - JBN

  • 3/11 9:29am   MG: Thanks for posting those links. Yes, the slate for various boards in town is interesting, to say the least. I am horrified that so many people with business deals pending in town are being allowed on these boards. Stacking the deck is almost an understatement. Candidates Night ought to be interesting, and Norfolk residents should pay close attention.
    - TC

  • 3/11 9:17am   Here's to his seat on the Planning Board!! [Sun Chronicle: Peter Chipman, candidate for the Planning Board, granted liquor license for restaurant on corner of Boardman and Main] Not to mention it is too close to the school. No one is listening to the public who don't want this liquor business in the neighborhood. Is it OK for Peter Chipman to have a bar and resturant that no one wants, yet he [can] make one complaint about Bruce Simpson parking 3 vehicles in a garage that doesn't bother anyone? Bruce stands to lose his livelihood and no one cares? Strange town where it seems no one cares about the good people who pay their taxes yet let certain big shots run away with our town. Wait until the developers run away with our town if the regulations are changed to push big business through faster [Selectmen are looking to speed up the approval process by automatically granting the permit if a board takes longer than 180 days to come to a decision.] I hope everyone who is asleep at the switch, wakes up.
    - MG

  • 3/11 9:13am   PD: We hated smugglers notch,found everything to be very dark and dismal, mostly the room, but the pools were tucked in the woods so very shaded. We left two days early.
    - AD

  • 3/11 9:07am   Attn JP - Have a watt-meter that you can plug in an item and see the power consumption. Be glad to loan it to you. RH is familiar with it. Let me know.
    - JO

  • 3/11 9:06am   I'm not quite sure why so many people are equating the children's special education aides with nursing assistants. None of my kids had an aide, so I have no vested interest, yet over years of volunteering I had many occasions to be in the room with an aide. These aides are generally dealing with educational learning disabilities/emotional type issues (IMHO). I know of only one case where 'toileting' played a role beyond K-2. The aides assist the kids with understanding what the teacher is teaching - usually covering several children at once - and provide lots of hands-on help to those needing it. I see educational special ed aides as having a very different job than a nursing assistant helping with personal health needs. If the child needed a nurse at home, perhaps some could be billed elsewhere; but the odds are that none of these kids need a full time health nurse - just help learning.
    - CI

  • 3/11 8:54am   MH - I wish I had all the facts behind the decision, but I do not represent the Norfolk schools and sadly cannot view the school committee meeting JBN is referring to (thought I could see old meetings online, but ironically, the school committee meetings are re-run on TV at 3:00 p.m. everyday. This ``arguably overpaid'' teacher never makes it home by then...)
    So, I have to stick with the information other posters have presented here. (I wish other posters would do the same... MON, if you looked back at my post, you would see that I am not paid by Norfolk School District, but as I stated, I work in another town).
    To clarify a misunderstanding that has developed through these posts, JBN stated that ``This position was being paid $14-$18/hr.... So the ``Administrative team'' at the school determined that this particular job required additional money and asked to increase the amount to $18.25-$25.00/hr.'' The salary for this position has not doubled! If you keep comparing this position to CNAs, you are comparing apples to oranges. I am not aware of the reasons behind this decision, but I will say that there are many different titles and roles within a school that may not fall neatly into the CNA/RN categories. Is it possible that it was JBN's opinion, that ``specialized special education aide'' (which is in the same category as a nurse's aide (CNA), so one can presume no formal education is required beyond a HS diploma and certification)'', rather than a fact presented at the school committee meeting? Is it possible that JBN is comparing this position to one that might be found in healthcare simply because that is his/her specialty? That is totally understandable, but not fair to this argument. Instructional aides, as they are called in many school systems, usually require a bachelor's degree and, preferably, experience and/or training dealing with special needs students. They are often in situations with children who are physically out of control. I do not know, but would expect, that an aide who needs to deal with toileting/physical assistance issues would also be required to have a bachelor's degree as a minimum level of education. The term ``specialized special education aide'' makes me think this person might need to be even more highly qualified than your typical instructional assistant. JBN - not trying to pick on you! I do appreciate that you are trying to educate yourself about this issue.
    MON - you do not need to threaten others to get your point across. I would have no problem with the pay scales of town employees in every town being made publicly available. It is frustrating when information is so hard to find. And, I would love to take you up on your offer of ``replacing'' me or one of these aides for even one day and seeing what you might learn of the true nature of the job. Your frustration should be directed at the government at the top who promised money to make public education work, then failed to. Imagine trying to do your job each day with only 15% of the supplies, personnel, and other support promised rather than the 40% you were told you would get!
    P.S.: I don't think I would want to be a CNA either. The pay sounds terrible!
    - RD

  • 3/11 8:39am   Thought this might be of interest to all with elections coming up. Wow, talk about staking the deck. Selectman, Planning Board, Zoning Board Of Appeals all have developers, realators and lenders running for positions on these boards.
    [Zoominfo: Peter Chipman, self-described Private Real Estate Developer/Lender]
    [Sun Chronicle: John Scott of Voyager Building Company running for selectman]
    [Globe: Michael Kulesza appointed to replace Bruce Simpson on ZBA]
    - MG

  • 3/11 8:29am   VOICES (Voices Of Involved Citizens Encouraging Safety) is a non-profit organization of mothers helping Massachusetts Citizens take an active role in their Safety through Advocacy, Education and Awareness. But we need your help to accomplish our goals. Please join us at our first fundraiser. Appetizers, Drinks, Silent Auction; DJ Mike Rutkowski, belly dancer and a special performance by Ayla Brown, American Idol season five finalist! Saturday, May 10, 7-11pm at St. John of Damascus Church Hall, 300 West Street, Dedham. Donation $20 per person. For reservations contact Sandy D. at 508-541-6360 or visit our website communityvoices.net.
    [Details . . .]
    - SD

  • 3/10 9:05pm   We are trying to plan our summer family vacation. We went to Sebago Lake Resort last year and it provided great family activities for all ages and I would highly recommend it. So this year we are looking at Smugglers Notch in Vermont. Can anyone tell me if this is a good vacation destination for a family of all ages? How about suggesting other family resorts in New England that you may have visited in the summer.
    - PD

  • 3/10 8:47pm   RH: We have a plumber friend over right now checking out our well pump. A direct quote: "yeah, something ain't right with this." It will be a real blowto our egos if it turns out that we've been wasting $100+ of electricity for the 30 months we've lived in this house. Maybe NStar could make a donation on our behalf to the Foundation for Clueless Homeowners. If only it was a cat flushing our toilet...
    - JP

  • 3/10 8:46pm   Folks, I am re-doing a 1/2 bath in my home. Can anyone recommend a reputable and quality plumber, as well as someone who can install tiles? Thanks!
    - SCS

  • 3/10 7:51pm   If a family has private health insurance, why does the town not bill the private insurance like a doc or hospital does? For example, if a child needs a private nurse, or a health care aide, why is that not provided by his/her health insurance? I could make the same point with OT and PT service? The family should pay nothing, not even a co-pay. I am not trying to start a firestorm. I am asking a very honest question. If a child has no insurance, the bill would go to Mass Health, even CHIPS. If even a percentage of the cost was reimbursed, it would take the burden off the town. Just a thought.
    - MJD

  • 3/10 7:50pm   Franklin publishes the salaries for all town employees, including teachers, in its annual town report. Why can't Norfolk have the same transparency?
    - DA

  • 3/10 7:13pm   [Spoiler alert:] RH - The flushing cat is sooo funny! Thanx for the link
    - LAW

  • 3/10 7:12pm   For those folks looking for Girl Scout cookies: Girl Scouts are scheduled to sell cookies at the transfer station on Saturdays for the rest of March. They didn't sell this past weekend due to the weather.
    - BS

  • 3/10 7:08pm   DM: Thanks for responding to my questions. I really appreciate your thoughtful regard to my questions and I know that many others do as well. Would you mind clarifying one issue you touched upon: ``Next year there will be an increase in Special Education money that must legally be spent in the range of $250-$320K that we know of at the moment. This will have an adverse impact on the budget.'' Thanks.
    - JBN

  • 3/10 3:41pm   JBN: Thanks for the link to the special ed story. It may indirectly answer MH's questions about why the aides (whether current staff or new hires) were given raises. Trying to keep as many kids within the district was one of the many goals of last year's reorganization. The 19 aides were replaced by people with the particular expertise and training required to service kids with special needs to keep them in district. It ended up saving the district money in the long run and enabled the reallocation of resources that benefited all the students, not just those with additional needs.
    - TC

  • 3/10 3:39pm   RD and MKL- Are you paid by the School District? It sure seems that way.
    Consider this, especially those of you whose livelihood is through public funds. Whatever your position, if you think that you can not be replaced, for whatever reason, and that we, the taxpayer, are not aware of inflated pay scales, compared to the private sector, you are wrong.
    CNA aides outside of the schools do the same duties that school CNAs do, and then some, with older, and in some case problematic and combative patients. They are paid 12$ per hour on average. Period. Unfortunately, the schools use emotional hot buttons and threats of placing students out of district to justify their increased pay scales. Can you manipulate us, the taxpayers, anymore?
    Let's make transparent the pay scales of all employees in Norfolk - the Schools, the Fire and Police and DPW, as well as the administration, and compare them to the costs of surrounding towns. After all, the taxpayer is entitled to know who is paid and to what degree.
    And if the department heads can not find ways to conserve taxpayer funds by keeping the pay scales within reasonable limits, the selectmen or school Board should let them go.
    When town employees threaten our financials, perhaps it is time to privatize the positions and we will save money in the long run.
    We can not ignore this problem any longer. It is not fair to the taxpayers or the schoolchildren.
    - MON

  • 3/10 1:15pm   There will be a Coaches' G Course this Saturday, March 15th from 2-6 at the King Philip Middle School. This course is open to all coaches, assistants and parents of Norfolk Lions Youth Soccer players. If you have considered coaching, but thought you didn't know enough about soccer, now is your chance. For more information, please email norfolklionssoccer@verizon.net.
    - JD

  • 3/10 1:11pm   RD -- In regards to the raises that were given to the special education aides, were they raises for people already in position or are they looking to hire better people? Raising (almost doubling) someone's salary does not necessarily make them a better or harder worker. Hiring replacements for the aides already in position would indicate that they are currently incompetent. Can you please educate me on what direction the school is intending?
    - MH

  • 3/10 1:10pm   The Norfolk Public Library will host a performance of "Three Mill Girls" tomorrow night, March 11 at 7:00 PM. Meet three mill girls who have different perspectives on their work in the Lowell mills. Mary Paul is "pro-mill," Sarah Bagley participates in turn outs and strikes, and Mary Harvey is an Irish immigrant worker. This program explores various topics, including immigration, industrialization, labor history, prejudice, Victorian morals and fashions, as well as women's history. The Three Mill Girls are portrayed by Marcia Estabrook who, in assuming the personalities of her characters, educates and entertains through dynamic and animated interaction with her audience.
    This is a fascinating look into New England's industrial past and the performance is equally enjoyable for seniors, adults, teens, and children in Grade 5 and up. Registration is not required and the performance is offered free of charge. It is sponsored by the Norfolk Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
    - Robin Glasser, Director, Norfolk Public Library

  • 3/10 1:04pm  
    Mysterious Water Leak Problem

    Jennifer and Jim kept getting huge water bills. They knew beyond a doubt that the bills weren't representative of their actual usage, and no matter how they tried to conserve, the high bills continued. Although they could see nothing wrong, they had everything checked for leaks or problems: first the water meter, then outdoor pipes, indoor pipes underground pipes, faucets, toilets, washer, ice maker, etc. -- all to no avail.

    One day Jim was sick and stayed home in bed, but kept hearing water running downstairs.He finally tore himself from his sick bed to investigate, and stumbled onto the cause of such high water bills. Apparently this was happening all day long when they were not at home. Knowing that few would believe him, he taped a segment of the 'problem' for posterity -- see video: Turn up sound and click on: [summitprops.com/WaterLeak.htm]

    - RH

  • 3/10 12:59pm   This is a long read but an eye opener, especially to treatment plants: "Study Finds Over the Counter Drugs in Drinking Water in 24 Major U.S. Regions [FOX news]"
    - MG

  • 3/9 12:58pm   RD said that people should educate themselves. RD is right. Here is a link to a story that may help people understand Special Education costs and what the government is not doing to help, as told by many posters. Then call your state legislature and ask why they are not funding the 40% as promised.
    Here is the link: "Rising Special Ed Costs Place Heavy Burdens - Boston News Story - WCVB Boston" [Bostonchannel story]
    - JBN

  • 3/10 12:57pm   DB - Sorry, I don't have the peanut butter patties...
    - JL

  • 3/9 9:07pm   RD... very well said.
    - SF

  • 3/9 8:42pm   I had fun at International Day at the Freeman Centennial School this afternoon. The kids' booths were very interesting. Did you know that Monaco and Iceland share a literacy rate of 99%, and that the Icelandic phone book only uses first names? Did you know that Monaco is the second smallest sovereignty in the world? Vatican City is smaller, apparently. Did you know that China is the largest producer of rice, or how to greet someone in Jamaican Patois? I witnessed a King Tut dance performed by Egyptian representatives, a colorful Chinese Dragon dance, and a rousing Irish step dance led by a red-head with experience. Highly entertaining. I came away with very reasonable trinkets and treats for my little nephew... and (fingers crossed) the winning ticket for a Beta fish at the Japanese table. I'm waiting near the phone. Wait! It's ringing! Oh bother - a bill collector. Drats.
    - SO

  • 3/9 8:41pm   RD: My questions were simply that, questions. That is how you educate yourself, by asking questions. Is this not an appropriate venue to ask questions? DM seems to think it is, and so do many others. Pompous responses like yours are the reason that many do not ask. You are the one who is ranting.
    I am not trying to upset you. I am really trying to understand. In healthcare, this type of salary would be unheard of for this type of position. And I have personally taken care of many ``special needs'' kids for a very long time in my nursing career; many times, as a volunteer, for an entire summer. I know what their needs are. I know that it is difficult to find good help. I really know a lot about that, believe it or not. That is why it seems curious to me that at this particular time, the pay scale was changed. That is all. It stood out to me as odd when I watched the school committee meeting on TV. I am asking them (the SC), why? I am telling others about it so they know. That is really all I can do. No one is attempting to vilify anyone or point fingers at the school. When the new budget comes up or there is need for an override, I do want to understand why. It is really that simple.
    - JBN

  • 3/9 8:40pm   Hi JP, the repair cost for me was 200.00. I had a crack in the pipe and a bad check valve causing the pipe to empty down to the well level, thus causing the pump to run on and off, just like your situation. FYI, I had Crystal Pump, located in Norfolk, to do the work; very honest man. Good luck and let me know how things work out for you.
    - RS

  • 3/9 3:50pm   As an educator in another school system, I would like to support NPT's statement that ``$25 per hour at 6 hours per day for the school year (which for an aide is about 8 months because they do not get paid for school vacations and other days off) does not equal 50K per year. It's more like $25K a year.'' We are not talking about a $50,000 per year position here. People in these positions often have to work other jobs throughout the year just to make ends meet... therefore, attracting qualified aides that are willing to work with a child for more than one year is often a challenge. It is in the system's best interest to pay these aides a reasonable wage because the training that they often require to do their job is the school's responsibility and can be a hidden cost in itself if you hire someone new each year.
    EBC, with regards to your question ``...helping with physical and toileting issues, how many students actually need that level of care in our schools?'' it seems that JBN has done research that indicates ``there are currently 2 employees with this particular title'' (specialized special education aide), so it's not like every aide in the system got a major pay raise. And so what if there was only one child who needed that kind of care? Wouldn't he or she deserve it?
    JBN, your comment, ``And why would the kids go ``out of district''? Am I to understand that the current aides held the administration hostage and threatened to walk unless they received a pay raise?'' shows how little you actually understand about the public school system (and the money it requires to run them). In fact, if a public school does not have the programs and services available to ensure a fair education for a special needs student, the parents have the right to request ``out of district'' placement in a specialized private school and/or in-home services to meet the needs of the child. These types of placements can run over $100,000 per child per year, costing the town far more than the meager raise Norfolk wisely gave their aides to maintain quality services in-district. There was a special on this very issue on Chronicle Friday night, [Chronicle page]
    Of course taxpayers have the right to ask questions and know where their money is going. The also have the responsibility to educate themselves about the issues before they start pointing fingers at the schools as the source of all money problems. Rather than speculating and ranting without knowing the real details behind the issues, maybe time would be better spent talking to school officials to get real answers to your questions. Or better yet, contacting your state reps and senators as another poster suggest to actually change the mandates at the top that are draining money away from every town without the state aid that was promised.
    - RD

  • 3/9 2:52pm   Someone needs to find out Norfolk's town employees' salary list and publish it. After seeing this list [Sun Chronicle article], I would be almost afraid to look. It's no wonder our budgets are so out of control, as the ordinary worker does not make this kind of money.
    - MG

  • 3/9 11:02am   Thanks RS, that was really helpful. I have a hunch that the problem has to do with the well. I hear it clicking on and off constantly. Just to clarify, did the repair cost $200, or $2000? I'm just asking because you said it was a "big problem." Thanks!
    - JP

  • 3/8 10:39pm   Hi JP, Had the same problem as you a year ago, electric bills 285.00 per month, well water also; found a leak in pipes in the well shaft, now fixed, and my electric bills are around 95.00 to 110.00. It was a big problem for me, the cost of repairs were around 200.00. If your well pump is running most of the time even if not using water, that could be your problem.
    Hope this helps.
    - RS

  • 3/8 8:28pm   DF, I'll take your electric bill. We have a 1700 sf Cape and our bill is $250. I can't for the life of me figure out why. Forgive my cluelessness, but can anyone tell me if well pumps use a lot of electricity? What are some o ther things that are power hogs that I can think about? Our dryer is electr ic, and I'm trying to manage our use of that, but I don't know what other c ulprits could be. Lights, TV, computers, etc. we use the same as anyone els e - maybe even less. Our only kid is a baby, so she's not keeping her light s on at night or anything. Any ideas? Thanks,
    - JP

  • 3/8 5:40pm   I just learned that my brother-in-law who lives in Norwood and owns an average size cape pays on average $20 a month for electricity. I was told that Norwood has its own electric facilities and does not depend on companies like Nstar. I sure wish Norfolk could do such a thing, my average electric bill with Nstar is about $90 month, and I'm only talking 1600 square ft. of living space.
    - DF

  • 3/8 5:39pm   There are a lot of great programs at the library this month.
    Take Five is an exhibit of the art of five area women: Janyce Conklin, Kathleen Fiske, Helen Hickey, Kristen Stashenko, and Maria Tomaszewski - all first rate!
    Three interesting programs yet to go: a family presentation called "Three Mill Girls" on March 11, the film, "A League of Their Own" on March 24, and a talk by Martha Ackman, the author of "The Mercury 13" on March 30.
    And do not miss the self-portraits in the lobby of this year's Junior Friends, all of whom happen to be girls. The publicity describes them as "strong, smart, special girls," and their portraits show that they are. The library also invites all girls, teens and women to create our own self portraits, also to hang in the library for the remainder of the month. It doesn't matter that you can't draw: just do it.
    Thank you to the Library, the Friends, and the Norfolk Cultural Council. Truly yours,
    - SDB

  • 3/8 5:37pm   I, too, was very impressed with the terrific work of the fifth graders at the Wax Museum! It is a great evening and I always learn something new. All of the hard work involved with researching their person, coming up with a costume, drawing their portrait, writing and memorizing a 2 minute speech and finally, "becoming" their famous person from American History was a huge undertaking! Each and every one of the presenters did a great job! Congratulations on this great program to make history come alive. Hopefully, it will be on NCTV so that the citizens of Norfolk can see what our children are learning in school. Congrats to the fifth grade teachers for continuing this program in addition to added topics for the MCAS. It is truly memorable! Most especially, kudos to all of the fifth graders for all of their hard work!
    - TMS

  • 3/8 12:02pm   JL - Do you still have the peanutbutter patties?
    - DB

  • 3/8 11:46am   Men's Adult Pick-up Basketball. Interested in a little exercise? I have a group of guys (age 28-45) that play pick-up basketball Thursday nights at the King Philip Middle school in Norfolk. Nothing too serious, just a fun run with friendly guys that are looking for a little exercise. We have a wide mix of talent. We typically have 9-11 guys show up every week, and would love to get a few more guys interested. We just divide into teams and play for a couple hours. Typically cost $5/person (and may go down if we get more guys interested). Please contact me if you're interested, or have any questions - martinmurk@hotmail.com.
    - MM

  • 3/8 10:57am   Something Special has reduced the price of selected Webkinz. Webkinz $6.99 and Lil' Kinz $4.99.
    - JA, Something Special

  • 3/8 10:46am   Handsome trio of 7 week old baby rats - available for adoption - well socialised (handled from birth). Last time I posted I asked if anyone had a cage because we were about to offer foster care to a pregnant mama rat. Thank you to the families who donated cages, accessories and fleece material - they were perfect. Even the hamster accessories are in use because we ended up not with the mama rat (turned out she wasn't pregnant after all and she found a home) but with the most gorgeous trio of baby boys. They are awesome!
    With this trio you get a rat for every moment... When you want to play fast and furious, Frasier is always ready for fun. He constantly has his nose in the air smelling for new things to discover and new places to go. If he could talk he would say "Go, go, go..." or "What next?" or both! Duncan is a smart sensible guy who is active and friendly and happy to do whatever you suggest. Play, sure. Scritches, sure. Back in the cage, sure. Nothing is a problem for this little guy. And for those more mellow moments when you need low key company, Colin is perfect. His favorite thing is... pet me, snuggle me, love me... He is quiet and shy and likes to just be close...
    If you are interested in finding out more about these babies, please call me at 508-553-9836. Thx,
    - SD

  • 3/8 10:45am   To JL; re: reverse osmosis filter: What brand of filter was that? I might want to put one in at our home, but I would probably want to do it myself.
    - RH

  • 3/7 9:26pm   LAW, Please tell all of us where your house it and what kind of car you drive, so if there is ever a problem and you need the police of fire to respond, they will avoid coming, thus saving their costs.
    - DB

  • 3/7 7:16pm   JH, that's one of the funniest posts I've ever seen, right up there with HRB's "As Time Goes By" a few months back.
    - AL

  • 3/7 7:15pm   Does anyone know how many vacancies there are on the School Committee, and what the requirements are to run? Would be great to hear from a member of the School Committee about what expertise and skill sets they would like see join the committee.
    - JT

  • 3/7 7:14pm   JBN: You're right. We are all concerned that what little money our town has for education is used properly and to the benefit of our kids. I am sure there are budget decisions made all the time that would drive anyone crazy. On balance, though, I do believe the Norfolk schools are doing a very good job educating our kids, and that the overall budget decisions have had a positive impact and stretched our limited resources creatively. I am sure there is always room for improvement, as is the case with everywhere, from the federal government right down to the Norfolk Schools.
    I do differ with MON and others who advocate running a public school like a business. Granted, there are always things to learn about money management from those who do it well, and I would be the last to willingly tolerate waste and foolishness. But, businesses exist for the purpose of making money, even when they produce important and necessary products and services. Public education exists to provide all children an education, regardless of their station in life, so they can become productive, contributing, and self-sufficient members of society. Public education is the foundation of democracy, and our capitalist free-market economy. If our government is serious about protecting our democratic ideals and a healthy economy, education needs to be a top priority. Business models, while very valuable, are not the answer to all our ills. I believe managed health care is a perfect example of the failure of a business model to address a basic need when the ultimate goal is well-being, not profit.
    - TC

  • 3/7 4:43pm   I agree that we need to look closely at all town departments and their spending/budgets. If it means micromanaging them, so be it. For instance, why do we have a Recreation Department? Can't kids entertain themselves anymore? Why is our DPW maintaining recreation areas? The users of the areas should maintain them, themselves. How many DPW workers have been hired to pick up that load? Oh, and do we really need all those police/safety people? Don't even get me going about the library!
    - LAW

  • 3/7 3:30pm   "Every dollar counts - and every department head and elected official should have this tattooed on their foreheads so that it reminds them of who is really in charge - although asleep at the wheel most of the times. The Taxpayer."
    You're absolutely right, MON. Thank you, Dr. Chris Scott, for saving this town from an override last year! I did not see other departments taking a chisel to their budgets the way she and the SC did. Test scores are up, our district ranking has moved from the 25th to the 15th percentile, and many costs (plant and facilities) have come down. Do we have our problems moving forward? We sure do, but don't look solely to the schools for the solution.
    - AL

  • 3/7 3:29pm   Why not get the governor to put one of his casinos in Norfolk? That shouldsolve all our problems just like it will solve all the state's problems.
    Even better, maybe Stop & Shop will sell their "valuable" land for a mini-casino.
    - SB

  • 3/7 3:27pm   JBN and MON - "Every dollar counts - and every department head and elected official should have this tattooed on their foreheads" = "vitriol" in my opinion. And JBN, would you work as a teacher's aide/CNA and routinely assist first and second graders with toileting for $12/hr.?
    - MKL

  • 3/7 3:26pm   Since there is going to be a taxpayer revolt, I'm assuming you'll be walking through the streets carrying pitchforks and torches.
    Would it be too much problem to ask, since you'll already have your pitchfork with you, that on your way home from storming town hall you scoop up any horse poop you happen to walk by?
    Many thanks,
    - JH, Norfolk Opposition to P.L.O.P.

  • 3/7 12:22pm   EBC and LS have the right idea here - treat the town finances as a business would, and keep the costs of doing business as low as humanly possible. No one wants to have to dig into the town finances, or micromanage board decisions; I know I don't like it - but I also do not like what we see as taxpayers.
    Every dollar counts - and every department head and elected official should have this tattooed on their foreheads so that it reminds them of who is really in charge - although asleep at the wheel most of the times. The Taxpayer.
    If some of you feel that questions of the use of our money is vilifying - again, that's too bad. If you can not take the heat, stay out of the taxpayer's pockets.
    Since the schools spend the most money of all the town departments (60%+), and questions as to their frugality are raised, so be it.
    No one is entitled to taxpayer money. So stop inflating pay scales, stop wasting money at all levels and all departments, while we all prepare for rocky economic ride as the country slips into a fiscal coma.
    And if you think overrides are the answer because your Board/Committee or Department couldn't face cuts, layoffs or less services - be prepared for a taxpayer revolt.
    - MON

  • 3/7 12:21pm   TC: I see that we are really on the same page. I am not attempting to focus all the blame on public servants nor do I wish to hold their feet to the fire. I admire their courage in stepping up to the plate and volunteering their time to our community. My concern was, and is still, the decision to increase the specialized special aides' salary. It is this type of seemingly innocuous spending that really adds up in the end. And that was a decision that the SC did vote to approve, and on that I do believe they should be held accountable to explain. There is no vitriol here; simply questions.
    - JBN

  • 3/7 12:20pm   Don't forget it is not just the governor who determines the funding for our public schools. Our state representatives and state senators have as much control, or possibly more, than the governor on how much will come to our towns for our schools. So contact your State Senator Scott Brown and your State Representative Richard Ross and tell them to start funding our local public schools. Our tax dollars pay their salaries and they were elected to represent our values. But you need to tell them what is important to you, and schools are very important for everyone. They are very approachable and would love to hear from you. Give them a call or an email and tell them what you think. Democracy at its best. Here are their emails and phone numbers from the Mass Gov website: Senator Scott Brown - 617-722-1555, email Scott.P.Brown@state.ma.us Rep. Richard Ross - 617-722-2305, email Rep.RichardRoss@hou.state.ma.us . But call now because they are currently working on the budgets that will affect our schools for all of next year, and it could be a very bad year for us.
    - MD

  • 3/7 10:59am   JBN: Yes, all politics are local, but there are limits. Cities and towns must work with what they have, which in many ways is determined on the state and national level. No one is suggesting that you or anyone else "sit down and shut up." Quite the contrary. Public discourse is the foundation of democracy (as is a well-supported public education system). But focusing all the blame on local public servants is counterproductive. Yes, they are elected to serve and should be willing and able to answer tough questions (kudos to DM for the thorough response to your questions). Yet I do sense a "we're going to hold your feet to the fire" tone on this board, and I believe that is indeed confrontational. Others on this board have accused the Committee of "reckless spending," and while I suspect our superintendent is enjoying a salary above what others running a small district earn, that is not the cause of our financial problems. Irritating? Yes. A bad decision on the part of the School Committee? Probably, but I am not privy to all the issues, so I am not sure. I see her salary and her work on the budget as separate. Paying too much for her good work doesn't mean the work itself wasn't good.
    - TC

  • 3/7 10:58am   JBN and MON, You should take your rants about the schools and replace the word school with DPW. I'm sure that exercise will be most enlightening for you.
    - WB

  • 3/7 9:33am   Last night, in our sleepy (but testy!) little town, I had an opportunity to meet Jim Henson, Noah Webster, Milton Hershey, Sacajewea, Helen Kelller, George Peabody, and Howard Cosell! Thanks to the fifth graders and their fabulous teachers for a great Night at the Wax Museum!
    - AL

  • 3/7 9:32am   TC - I agree with you, most specifically "These problems happen when the federal and state government turn their backs on public education, which they've done for at least five years now." We all know that and understand the reality of that. People voted for a governor based on promises to change that very fact. We are waiting. Point being is that the passion on this board lies in the fact that you can not spend what you do not have.
    - LS

  • 3/7 9:31am   TC--Well said; thank you!! You are so correct when you talk about the lack of support on the part of the feds and state. And I might add that the federal and state governments have placed more mandates and demands on cities and towns with regards to public education. Mandates without additional funding, which of course places more burden on all of us.
    - BS

  • 3/7 9:30am   Does anyone know if someone will be selling Girl Scout Cookies tomorrow at the Transfer Station?
    - DB

  • 3/7 9:29am   To TC. Hear, hear!! It's comforting to know that finally someone has a grip on the reality of how "tax cuts" are converted to property tax burdens.
    - PLG

  • 3/7 9:17am   TC: Regarding your statement, ''It might be worth a read to those interested in the details. Asking a committee member to go toe-to-toe, issue-by-issue on Norfolknet is unnecessarily confrontational, particularly when the information is readily available.
    ``We don't have to like every decision the district or the School Committee makes, but let's not vilify those who work hard to do the best they can under very difficult circumstances. These problems do not happen because three or four members of a school committee sit around trying to figure out how to steal our hard-earned money. (Nor because a superintendent is arguably overpaid by 10k - 15k a year, or because few aides are paid more ...''
    You are kidding right? I do not feel that responding to DM and asking fair questions is ``confrontational''. Nor was he ``vilified'. I find it incomprehensible that you would suggest that. Of course we need to ask questions--without controversy, there would be no democracy. He was kind enough to answer my questions in a forum that everyone can read, and by so doing, I consider him to be a person who is not afraid to answer hard questions and I give him kudos for trying.
    I really do not understand your point. Our school committee is elected to represent the people of this town and to run our schools. They are bound to get public opinion and plenty of it. It is not their job to manage our schools in a vacuum, but out in the public so that everyone can see. It truly does take a village and I will not allow people [...] to say to me to shut up and sit down and just let them do what they want.
    I also find it ironic that you suggest that salaries need to be ``put into perspective''. I thought that was what we were doing. And you can argue all you want about how it is all the fault of Washington that we are in a financial jam regarding school funding; every one who reads a paper understands that. But all politics are local and we must work on a local level to ensure that tax dollars are being used wisely.
    I also thought your dig regarding Ms. Scott's salary to be a bit over the top. You seem to on one hand talk about how wonderful the budget is, how impressed you are, but then throw in that she is ``arguably overpaid''. Who is the one who seems confrontational now?
    - JBN

  • 3/7 12:04am   Re: School Committee & Town Budget. The '08 budget that the superintendent presented last winter answers a lot of the questions being raised here, and puts the education budget in context with other town budgets. It's been on the web site since it was presented last winter [link to page]. I attended the presentation and read it over carefully. While I can't speak to the hourly rate of certain aides, last year's budget represented a well-thought-out plan to not only maintain a level of educational programs but to restore some lost in the previous budget year, all while being firmly grounded in the realities facing all towns during these lean times. I didn't agree with everything represented in that budget, but I was impressed by the overall budget. I would caution throwing the baby out with the bathwater. Norfolk schools are doing quite well by many measures. Last year's budget revealed creative thinking, many cost efficiencies, and genuine concern for the quality of instruction. It might be worth a read to those interested in the details. Asking a committee member to go toe-to-toe, issue-by-issue on Norfolknet is unnecessarily confrontational, particularly when the information is readily available.
    We don't have to like every decision the district or the School Committee makes, but let's not vilify those who work hard to do the best they can under very difficult circumstances. These problems do not happen because three or four members of a school committee sit around trying to figure out how to steal our hard-earned money. (Nor because a superintendent is arguably overpaid by 10k - 15k a year, or because few aides are paid more than they should. I am not condoning these salaries or practices, but they need to be put into perspective.) These problems happen when the federal and state government turn their backs on public education, which they've done for at least five years now. When government shifts a disproportionate amount of the burden of funding schools down the food chain to local municipalities, property taxes go up. School Committee members pay property taxes too, and are probably as unhappy as the rest of us that they keep going up. Ironically, it is a rigidly anti-tax sentiment at the national and state level, one that has informed tax policy of late, that has placed this untenable pressure on towns and cities and caused property taxes to soar. In this case, we must look further than our own backyards.
    - TC

  • 3/6 9:46pm   JBN, I thank you for asking such good questions and offering your opinions. There are a number of items in your list that I am unable to comment on at present since we are in negotiations with the teachers for their next contract. For the employee benefits and insurance questions I direct you to town hall since the employees of Norfolk Public Schools receive the same general benefit package as all town employees.
    Regarding some of the other areas of inquiry:
    a.) Transportation: we have in the past and may consider again this year bussing fees. In addition, the Holmes family continues to offer us very deep discounts off traditional rates for bussing in our contract with them.
    b.) Financial management: We have combined the bulk of these duties into the Superintendent's position, saving us from hiring a full time financial manager, and allowing us to use a consultant part time resulting in considerable savings to the budget. In addition, as presented every year, the changes that Dr. Augusta-Scott have made in her restructuring efforts (with SACC, with the aides, with the central office, and with building special education capacity in district) has saved the district hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years, allowing us to offer more programs to students while keeping budget increases well below the 6-8% average in the state.
    c.) Plant/facilities management: we have joined an electricity collaborative allowing us to leverage bulk purchases of electricity resulting in bottom line savings. In addition, the telephone systems and copier leases were restructured, reducing operating costs so funds could offset cost increases in other areas.
    I agree with your assessement of the difficulties we face related to budgets, and am extremely proud of how we have managed the funds the people of this town have trusted us with. We are all in this together as a town and have been able to cut our costs as much as possible without adversely impacting programming that affects our children. We have operated with an average 2% increase each year for the past two years (below the 2.5% increase the town can raise your taxes each year and well below KP and many other town department increases). We do our best to operate the Norfolk Public Schools as a business but there are some regulatory issues that we must deal with. Next year there will be an increase in Special Education money that must legally be spent in the range of $250-$320K that we know of at the moment. This will have an adverse impact on the budget.
    Lastly, regarding the claims of mistreatment of Mr. Olivieri, I haven't seen it and have been at almost all meetings. John offers his unique viewpoints on a myriad of topics and is always allowed to speak his mind, I appreciate him and his keen intellect. There are times when he, and other members, need to be reminded to stay on topic and continue the discussion of the issue at hand, but such reminders are given in a respectful manner.
    Regards,
    - DM (Norfolk School Committee member speaking on my own behalf and not for any other member of the board or the board as a whole)

  • 3/6 6:20pm   I would also like to thank Mr. Oliveri for his service. It is very embarrassing to listen to some of the SC members speak to him in such a condescending way. I commend him for his work, his experience, and sadly, for his willingness to put up with that treatment. I look forward to some new blood on the committee. Maybe they will value him as he deserves to be valued... with common curtesy and respect at the very least.
    - JEC

  • 3/6 6:19pm   I too am impresed with Mr. Oliveri's attempts to go against the tide and receiving less than fair time and consideration when he tries to make points that are beneficial to the children and the taxpayer. Keep up the effort John.
    - RC

  • 3/6 5:16pm   JBN -- Can you also publish your "laundry list" for the other town departments as well? Do you have such a list, or is it just the schools?
    - KL

  • 3/6 3:59pm   ``JBN, as stated above I welcome any meaningful dialog and am always interested in feedback about our performance.''
    Okay, DM, I will bite. Please tell me your (the school committee) cost saving strategies in the following areas:
    • Instructional program practices,
    • employee benefits,
    • transportation,
    • financial management,
    • insurance/risk management,
    • plant/facilities management,
    • personnel practices (here I must comment that they appear abysmal, you did ask for feedback),
    • purchasing,
    • support services, and
    • food service.
    All educational institutions are facing rising costs in the face of significant budget cuts. The impact of this has been for schools to reduce operating costs and administrative services, thus preserving academic programs and retaining the ability to attract the best faulty and staff. A tough task. Schools need to think more like businesses and seek ways to reduce costs. Please take this as an opportunity to show the taxpayers of Norfolk what you have done in this area.
    This is a very important year for our schools. We have an upcoming election for two seats on the school committee; we will be searching for a new school superintendent; our house assessments will continue to fall, so the pot of money will be smaller for all of our town services; we will have a new President of the US and this may change federal mandates regarding education; and so forth. I also understand that we may be faced with providing the town with a new school. So, this is the best time, in my opinion, to really start looking at what exactly [we] are doing with the budget that the taxpayers approved [...] at town meeting. It is my understanding that the money agreed to in the budget could be used in any way after the budget is approved. I understand the need for this flexibility; however, we must be allowed to be informed about how this money is being utilized for our kid's education. I await your response.
    P.S. For those who think I need to get a life, I spend most of my life working to pay for my life. I feel entitled to know where that money goes. Don't you?
    Sincerely,
    - JBN

  • 3/6 3:40pm   DM - You are right. I'll change it from "reckless spending" to "needless spending". It sounds more refined and academic, especially since it reflects the schools.
    - MON

  • 3/6 3:39pm   DM - So why do we pay double the average for a CNA again?
    I encourage all Taxpayers of Norfolk to attend the next School Committee meeting April 1, at the Freeman-Centennial School at 7:00 pm.
    Since I am having difficulty scheduling a room at the Library for the next Norfolk Taxpayers Association meeting, the School Committee meeting will be our next meeting! A field trip, if you will.
    Bring your questions for the Committee and the Staff - I know I will!
    - MON, Norfolk Taxpayers Association

  • 3/6 2:53pm   MON & JBN make some pretty good points. It seems as though a Norfolk resident can't ask a question about town committees unless they are serving on one. It is the taxpayer who funds all these programs, and they have a right to an answer.
    DM and others who sit on these committees have campaigned for those positions. If an official who sought a committee position can not perform his duties without being rude to the electorate or fellow committee members, he/she should just step aside. Special thanks to Mr. Olivieri, his service is greatly appreciated.
    - KK

  • 3/6 2:50pm   JR: That could be a valid point; I would love to see the actual data from which you derived this conclusion. And why would the kids go ``out of district''? Am I to understand that the current aides held the administration hostage and threatened to walk unless they received a pay raise? Are you also telling me that these positions would be impossible to fill using the old pay rate? I am not trying to be adversarial, I am simply curious as to why this decision was made. It is an expensive decision for the town. The school committee should try to explain this better.
    - JBN

  • 3/6 2:49pm   MON, I agree with your statement that "when a taxpayer raises a valid point there are no cheap seats." I await your raising a valid point, since blindly accusing our board and Dr. Augusta-Scott of "reckless spending" is hardly a valid point. I have always, on this board, in emails, and in person, welcomed informed and reasoned debate about issues and continue to do so. Any question or constructive comment is welcome and seriously considered by myself and the rest of the board. Contrary to your belief, every decision I make always has the taxpayer and children of this town in mind, and I'm not about to change in that stance.
    Regarding Mr. Olivieri, I have nothing but the utmost respect for him and the service he offers to this town, and I believe my conduct towards him reflects this.
    JBN, as stated above I welcome any meaningful dialog and am always interested in feedback about our performance. However, my request to MON was, and continues to be, to review the facts and discuss them appropriately instead of making sweeping unfounded statements about wasting money. Regards,
    - DM (Norfolk School Committee Member, once again my own post representing myself an no other board member)

  • 3/6 2:45pm   Just to ground the discussion, as JBN pointed out, the median salary for CNAs in MA hovers around $12.00/hr. Paying $25/hr, over double the average salary, does not pass the red-face test. I am skeptical that the job demands are more taxing than those encountered in long-term care facilities. While the job description for the aides includes the possibility of helping with physical and toileting issues, how many students actually need that level of care in our schools?
    This is only one tiny example of lack of fiscal savvy in Norfolk. If we ran the town like a business, we could have all the services we need and money to pay our mortgages.
    Median Hourly Rate by State or Province - Job: Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) (United States) [chart from PayScale.com:]
    - EBC

  • 3/6 1:47pm   Re: Noelle Day Spa - I've been going there for a year now (seeing Bridget) for cut and color and love it. The hours for appointments are great and the staff very pleasant.
    - LP

  • 3/6 1:20pm   DM: I in fact do watch the school committee meetings and have witnessed people from town attempting to ask a question only to be treated with mild amusement and sometimes exasperation on the part of certain SC members. Your attitude in [your] response is evidence of that, that attitude being, ``We know all and therefore your questions, concerns and comments are ignorant''. I think any questions and concerns should be listened to thoughtfully and responded to in a more appropriate manner. While I think pot-shots at Ms. Scott are undeserving, she is someone in the public sector who has made a few questionable decisions. Although I admire her and her hard work, we as taxpayers are entitled to question her decisions. Your attitude of pushing down any meaningful dialogue with your retort of, ``constant complaining without offering solutions'' I find childish.
    - JBN

  • 3/6 12:55pm   SO - Your doctor is correct. 100 milligrams (1 pill) taken after a tick bite will stop the growth of the bacterium Borrelia burgdorfii. Doxycycline is one of the safest of the tetracyclines and few side effects.
    - MON

    [Update 2:52pm: Caution: it was pointed out in an e-mail that the dosage may be incorrect; be sure to check with your physician. Also, Doxycycline is prescription medication, not over the counter. - Wm.]

  • 3/6 12:52pm   [3/6 Sun Chronicle article]
    - MG

    [From the article:
    NORFOLK - The school committee estimates the budget request for the coming fiscal year will climb up to 7 percent over current spending, although selectmen are hoping for more restraint.
    - Wm.]

  • 3/6 12:51pm   JBN, Maybe the reason for the higher rate of pay is the difficulty recruiting and keeping good qualified staff to perform the duties required. Also if supporting a child in the Norfolk schools prevents an out of district placement the $25.00 an hour is money well spent.
    - JR

  • 3/6 12:47pm   Reminder: Norfolk Girls Softball spring season evaluations. Evaluations for Senior, Major and Minor leagues will be held on Saturday March 15th 2008 from 1-5pm at the KP High School field house. Summer tryouts for the 12-U and 10-U will also be held on that date (at the same time as the evaluation). 14-U Summer tryouts will be held at a later date to be announced soon. Please go to our website norfolkgirlssoftball.com for details and times for each league.
    - PB

    [Update 1:14pm: restored intro line - Wm.]

  • 3/6 12:46pm   Norfolk Baseball is partnering with other area communities to work with the Challenger Program run by Norwood Little League. This baseball program is for children ages 6 and older with physical, emotional and intellectual disabilities. Challenger provides a more casual type of play with alot of support offered by family and volunteers. Skill level is not an issue. This program is an alternative for children who may not be comfortable with the typical Little League offering. If interested kindly contact Margaret Chaisson of Foxboro Baseball at 508- 543-1780 or chaissonfx@aol.com Thank you.
    - KF

  • 3/6 12:44pm   JD and BL are right about the deer ticks. My dogs have collected them right outside the back door. I find that Advantix (check with your vet) works better than Frontline, in that it also has a repellent. I also find that if I spray down my socks, boots, pants and jacket with an insect repellent that specifically includes ticks, I can hike nearly tick-free. Even with all that, I still sit out on the deck with the dogs and a dish of soapy water, and pick off the hangers-on.
    My vet told me that if I take Doxycycline within 72 hours of finding a tick on me, I have a good chance of beating the odds. Has anyone else heard that?
    - SO

  • 3/6 12:41pm   DM, When a taxpayer raises a valid point there are no cheap seats. Perhaps you forget where the money comes from to run the schools, and many of us work long hard hours to exist and to pay our mortgages and taxes. So keep the lecturing to a minimum. You and your cohorts need to learn some basic etiquette on handling the people who pay for the schools. If you treat us badly, how can you expect our support?
    This is the first time I have brought up a point, and if it ruffled your psyche, that's too bad. So get back to work, DM, raise some questions and object to something once in a while and think of the Taxpayer. And give Mr. Olivieri the respect he deserves instead of the dismissive attitude several of you exhibit.
    He is the only one on the Board that speaks up against reckless spending, while you sit there quiet and motionless.
    - MON

  • 3/6 12:40pm   Re: 3/6 8:51am I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with the Noelle Day Spa in Franklin. - NS
    Great people and great service!
    - BL

  • 3/6 8:51am   I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with the Noelle Day Spa in Franklin.
    - NS

  • 3/6 8:50am   MON, Your characterization of Dr. Augusta-Scott and the Norfolk School Committee as wasting tax dollars and the "reckless use" of the same show how ignorant you are regarding the issues and reality. Dr. Augusta-Scott has developed and managed budgets far below the average year on year increase of 6-8%, with the FY07 increase of 2.74% and FY08 1.30%. Supporting her excellent leadership we have continued to direct more dollars into the classroom as a percentage of the budget (approximately 82% in FY08) which is far above the average for the state, and all this was accomplished while expanding or restoring educational programs that were cut in previous years. This work has resulted in higher achievement for the students of this town and an improved educational and work environment for all involved.
    You are faced with a unique opportunity as at least one Norfolk School Committee seat will be turning over this election. Instead of continuing to take ineffectual pot shots from the cheap seats, why don't you put your money where your mouth is and run for the position (you have until 3/13 to pull papers). In addition, I once again invite you to come to a meeting and discuss the issues you have and either become educated on them and/or help us solve them. Constant complaining without offering solutions doesn't offer the town or our constituents, the children of Norfolk, any benefit.
    Regards,
    - DM (Norfolk School Committee member speaking on my own behalf and not for any other member of the committee or the committee as a whole)

  • 3/6 8:49am   Regarding ticks - We picked two ticks off our 9 week old puppy yesterday and the only place he's been is our backyard, so people should definitely be careful out there!
    - BL

  • 3/6 8:47am   Well, NPT, point taken. However, I have been a nurse for 28 years, and I think that if medical care in this country were adjusted to take into account the increase in physical care of patients, then it would be the most costly healthcare on record. And it is always hard work. CNA's perform other duties as well, and I have not seen their pay increase exponentially, nor RN's for that matter. And believe me, what CNA's and others do is very hard work. They have to do these same functions with larger adults who have much more complicated issues.
    Come on, do you really think that it is not the school committee's job to ask questions about increasing education costs in our town? Every time the school committee meets, they should start their meeting with the question, ``What are we doing for the children today?'' and end with the question, ``What have we done for the children today?'' This pay increase does not affect the children directly. It does, however, add to the spiraling costs of personnel that seems to be the hallmark of this particular school administration.
    - JBN

  • 3/6 8:46am   Easier ways to get into college and easier ways to pay for it will be covered this evening at the Norfolk Public Library beginning at 7 pm. Parents are encouraged to bring their college-bound teen. No reservation required.
    - PH, PreCollegePrep.com

  • 3/5 9:31pm   JBN - I've worked in three school districts, and just for the record, aides working with children who need personal care always receive a higher rate of pay as they are lifting children onto toilets, wheelchairs, etc, as well as performing many more involved duties than a CNA. It's hard work. $25 per hour at 6 hours per day for the school year (which for an aide is about 8 months because they do not get paid for school vacations and other days off) does not equal 50K per year. It's more like $25K a year. The school committee did not need to ask questions because they understood that the job requires an increase in compensation.
    - NPT

  • 3/5 9:10pm   Note to LS and other Norfolk dog owners: Just a note of caution. There may be patches of snow still around, but ticks are already out and about. Check with your vet to see if your dog should receive the Lyme disease vaccination. A friend in Medfield's dog (just over the Norfolk line) has already contracted Lyme disesase this year - back in late January! Enjoy your walks - just be careful, too.
    - JD

  • 3/5 9:09pm   JBN... I am with you about the way those committee members treat John Olivieri... Wow, I just looked up the definition of "bullying"... maybe someone should see that they sit in on a bullying class... There should be at least 2 senior citizens on that board.
    - ER

  • 3/5 6:14pm   Hello Norfolk Residents, My name is Stephanie and I am currently a senior at King Philip and a Norfolk resident. For the past 5 years I have been participating in the annual Walk for Hunger. Last year I raised over $1,000 but this year, however, I have set a much high goal. I have formed a team of over 60 students with a common goal of $15,000. The walk is not until May, so it may seem that were fund raising too early, but we need to with such an ambiguous goal.
    We could really use the support from the community!
    If you would be willing to donate, the team would greatly appreciate it. You can do it online by going to: [team 21510 page] and clicking "Support the Team Tri Towners" on the right hand side. If you would feel more comfortable writing a check, feel free to contact me at S_lewis_7448@yahoo.com
    Thanks so much for your time and generosity!
    - SL

  • 3/5 5:40pm   MON: I believe you are on the right track, but may have missed a few points. At the School Committee meeting held last month (I watched on TV), a vote was taken to increase the salary of a ``specialized special education aide'' (which is in the same category as a nurse's aide (CNA), so one can presume no formal education is required beyond a HS diploma and certification). There are currently 2 employees with this particular title, no additional employees were discussed. (I do not believe that there is a job description posted for this. I could be wrong.) This position was being paid $14-$18/hr., which is higher than most CNA's make (average $12.00/hr). The rationale to increase this salary range was simply that the children being attended to by the aide may have some ``toileting issues'' or are ``more physically demanding''. So the ``Administrative team'' at the school determined that this particular job required additional money and asked to increase the amount to $18.25-$25.00/hr. That seems like a huge jump and will cost the schools an additional 5K /year. And remember, at $25.00/hr, that equals over 50K/year--outrageous for an aide!! That is probably more than the school nurse makes! However, the board approved it without asking one question. (note: Kim Williams was not in attendance) All but Mr. Olivieri voted yes - I couldn't tell if he voted the no or abstained; the audio was bad (no offense). And speaking of Mr. Olivieri, I am quite frankly tired of the way he is treated so disrespectfully by other board members. It really upsets me.
    This pay increase seems illogical at a time when budgets are heating up to be a huge town issue. Also, the SC and our Superintendent's positions are in transition, so any request to increase salaries of current employees should be left on the table for the new group to determine. The schools in this town are terrific; let's keep them that way. But let's really ask hard questions when it comes to decisions such as these. That is why we have a school committee, to ask the hard questions and to make sure all the money is being used in the right way at the right time.
    - JBN

  • 3/5 5:06pm   MON - Are you so certain that those aides weren't needed? Just curious.
    - SF

  • 3/5 5:05pm   Time is running out! Only 1 month remains until the Norfolk Community League's 2008 Nearly New Sale!
    No time like the present to clean out your closets, your basement and your attic and donate your gently used children's and baby items to the Norfolk Community League. There are 4 more drop off times scheduled until the sale. We are collecting items at the trailer behind the DPW building at the end of Medway Branch Road on Saturdays from 9:00 am until 11:00 am. March 29 will be our last collection day. We would love to see more clothing, gear and large (Little Tykes - style) toys if you have it to give.
    All proceeds from the sale will go towards NCL's semi-annual disbursements.
    If you have any questions, please contact Keri at 508-528-2558 / khsibley@gmail.com or Tori at 508-440-5199 / vhessler@yahoo.com.
    Thank you!
    - KS

  • 3/5 5:04pm   PL - I was referring to Texas. And you're right... looking back at some of the posts, they were inappropriately personal towards Ms. Scott. I didn't realize that when I posted. My apologies.
    About Ebay... I buy and sell also. I agree with most points... although I have to say that most sellers (me included) charge shipping based on weight of the item plus a small packaging fee. If you ever see an item that's listed at $5 plus $20 shipping, it had better be a lead weight, otherwise the seller is in violation of Ebay terms. Good luck with your slide projector purchase! (And insurance is $1.65 per $50.)
    - SF

  • 3/5 4:07pm   Attention Norfolk taxpayers - we need to express our dissatisfaction with the way our schools hire and increase the wages of their staff. Here's the case: The school and the superintendent and her "team" decided that they needed to increase the aides to 18-25$/hour and hire additional hands--and the Board accepted it carte blanche with no questions asked. This amount and increase is absurd by health care standards, and an example of how our tax dollars are wasted.
    This type of reckless use of our tax dollars by the school board must be stopped. We simply can not afford this anymore.
    And if the superintendent is in transition, she should stop spending our tax dollars and making appointments.
    She and the board are not thinking with the taxpayer in mind. It's time we question the leaders of the school district and make them fiscally accountable.
    I know I will.
    - MON

  • 3/5 4:06pm   Yes!! Thanks for the Freecycle tip. I just got rid of something within one hour of posting.
    - BS

  • 3/5 3:36pm   I second the vote for Freecycle. It is the easiest way to clean your house of unwanted things.
    - SM

  • 3/5 12:48pm   KDR - There is also a Plainville, Norfolk, Wrentham group. You can find it if you go to Freecycle.org and check the town list for Plainville.
    - MJD

  • 3/5 12:10pm   To ML - We are still playing Men's Softball. For more information email kpsoftball@verizon.net or call me, Craig K., at 508-520-0163.
    - CK

  • 3/5 11:12am   Suggestion for unwanted items - I recently used freecycle.com. There is a group in Franklin. You can list your unwanted item and if anyone in the group needs/wants it, they contact you and arrange to come and get. We had an inkjet printer that still worked but we had upgraded to a new laser printer. I felt bad throwing it out but didn't think I could sell and didn't know where to donate it. If no one wants your item, at least you can then throw it away in good conscience. An older disabled gentleman came to get the printer and thanked us profusely. A very positive experience. [yahoo groups: freecycle Franklin]
    - KDR

  • 3/5 10:11am   LR, Thanks for the suggestions. We look forward to many happy trails.
    - LS

  • 3/5 9:47am   EBC: I believe the Public Library has a pretty complete set of Town Reports.
    - HRB

  • 3/5 9:46am   Another great site is "Half.com: The Smartest to Buy and Sell Books, Music, Movies, and Games and more". It is affiliated with E-bay, I think, yet items are already priced at great discounts. Shipping is very reasonable and service is fast. I have bought a lot from both but look at Half.com. Selling is easy also, I have sold books videos etc. with great success. Hope this helps.
    - JW

  • 3/4 9:07pm   For BR#1: There is a newly opened store in Millis affiliated with Bethany House that will accept clothes, etc. in good condition. They are located in Harkey's Plaza right on 109, next to the Millis Post Office.
    - CR

  • 3/4 7:36pm   JHR, I buy and sell on Ebay all the time. Buy only from someone who has 99+% or better [feedback rating] and has more than 50 items bought and sold. You always pay the shipping and handling. Ask lots and lots of questions, buy only if they have a return policy, ask if it is in working condition. Never put in a bid until the last MINUTE. Otherwise, you just drive up the price! You can insure it, if you want, I think it is $1.35 per $50. If they don't answer your questions, don't buy it. Have got some wonderful deals! Best one was a $3000 violin for $60!! Good Luck!
    - GC

    [I second the wonderful deals. Half my computer is eBay parts; yesterday's top-of-the-line equipment can be had very reasonably. You should know the current market prices, though; I've seen things sell for more on Ebay than they cost brand-new from mail-order stores. - Wm.]

  • 3/4 7:35pm   JHR - When buying on Ebay, be sure to read the listing carefully - make sure it stipulates good working condition. If you have any questions use the 'contact seller' feature to send them a message & ask your questions. Check the seller's reputation as this is an indication of how satisfied previous cutomers have been. I only buy from sellers with 99-100% positive ratings. A seller that has been around for years and has a high rating is your best bet.
    I also recommend paying by credit card via PayPal - this way you have the ability to complain to your credit card company if the item doesn't arrive. Buyer generally pays shipping; I'd recommend spending the extra dollar or 2 and paying for insurance (for non-fragile items I'll often just do Delivery Confirmation, but for a projector I'd buy the insurance).
    Let us know how it works out for you!
    - CI

  • 3/4 7:34pm   Reply for LS regarding great dog walking areas: Norfolk airport, Noon Hill, Rocky Narrows in Sherborn, behind the Wheelock School in Medfield, Adams Farm in Walpole. We are very blessed to have so many options in this area... I've also heard of trails in Wrentham behind the fields of the Library that lead up to the power lines... Happy trails!
    - LR

  • 3/4 7:33pm   SF -- What state are you referring to?
    And yes, the attacks are incredibly personal towards Dr. Chris Augusta-Scott. Reread some earlier posts and you will see references to the fact that she is Canadian, and such phrases as "horrific con" and "Happy trails, Ms Scott!" referenced in various posts. Such language is indeed of a personal nature, and if any of these "posters" behaved this way in a professional environment, and reacted this way in disagreements with co-workers, it would be grounds for disciplinary action. They too might be searching for new employment!
    So, instead, why don't we move beyond Dr. Chris Augusta Scott, and instead talk about what needs to be done to improve KP? Why is there so little interest in what happens at that level?
    - PL

  • 3/4 7:32pm   TMS, thank you--I'll be there.
    - BR (BR#1)

  • 3/4 7:31pm   JHR- In most cases, you pay the shipping. You always need to look carefully at the postage cost before you bid. One of the first few times I bid on an item on ebay, I was stunned when I won it and saw the total, I was paying triple the actual cost to ship! What I saved on the item, I paid in shipping cost. I was so excited to bid on the item that I did not realize that the seller can charge you anything he/she wants for shipping even if it is not what the P.O. charges, so be careful. Live and learn. Happy shopping!
    - MJD

    [Think of it as "shipping and handling." Ebay charges sellers based on the selling price without shipping, which explains all those $5 items with $20 shipping. - Wm.]

  • 3/4 7:30pm   New competitor for the Lions Chili-Fest Contest... We now have 5 entries for the Lion Chili-Fest Contest! Tom's Tavern has joined the contest which will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2008 at St. Jude's Church on Main Street. Tickets will be on sale again this Saturday (3/8/08) at the Norfolk Public Library from 10:00am until 2:00pm. The 5 competitors are: Horse & Carriage Restaurant (Norfolk), Eagle Brook Saloon (Norfolk), Outlaw BBQ (Foxboro), Best Deli (Franklin), and Tom's Tavern (Wrentham). The event starts at 6:30pm and voting will end at 8:00pm. The winner will be presented with the People's Choice Award! Your ticket ($12.00 for Adults, $4.00 for 12 & under) includes a sampling of each of the five chilies, two beverages, and our complimentary condiment bar. Please stop by the library and get your tickets or call Cathy W. at 508-520-0072 for more information.
    - GB, Norfolk Lions

  • 3/4 7:29pm   MJD how could they possibly form a search committee when the current super is still in the chair? I agree we do not need a superintendent for two schools, we do not need Vice Principals and all of the staff associated with that either.
    - JT

  • 3/4 7:28pm   You have to be kind of careful when you buy on eBay (according to my husband, I buy all too often!)=AD you will pay the shipping costs. Be sure that the seller has a good rating and has a history of providing what they describe. If you want my help, please get my email from Wm.
    - MH

  • 3/4 4:35pm   OK... Thanks to some help from Norfolknet, I'm about to buy on Ebay. But--who pays the shipping charges? They are mentioned next to the slide projectors I'm looking at, so assume I will pay? And what is the guarantee what I purchase will be in operating condition?? Thanks.
    - JHR

  • 3/4 4:21pm   LS - Really? Ours was one of the highest rated districts in the state. I do need to qualify, though, that the cost of living there was much lower than it is here, hence the salary (which honestly is a little more than 130K a year, but still). My point was, I just don't see the need for a superintendent for only 2 schools. I think the principals of both schools need raises and that they, along with the school committee, should be perfectly capable of doing what needs to be done for their teachers and students.
    PL - I have to say (and this just might be my opinion), that the negativity you speak of isn't necessarily directed at Ms. Scott herself, but at the situation.
    - SF

  • 3/4 4:18pm   Two recent postings caught my eye. The compensation package for our outgoing school superintendent, given the small size of the responsibility, seems too generous. Comparing it to the other candidates for the Lowell superintendent's position also would support that. CEOs of small companies do not get the same compensation package as Fortune 100 companies. Why would this be any different?
    Also, according to HRB's posting,
    "In 1993 (the first full year with the H. Olive Day school open) total enrollment was 1,058. There were 3 full-time administrators, 2 part-time administrators, 2 full-time administrative support staff and 2 part-time administrative support staff. In 2006 total enrollment was 1,084. There were 6 full-time administrators and 7 full-time administrative support staff. I can't find numbers for part-time administrative support staff."
    If the enrollment only increased by 2%, then why did the number of administrators increase by 100% and the number of full-time administrative support staff grow by 350%?
    I see the departure of Dr. Scott as an opportunity for us to wake up and see where the tax dollars are going. We have too much administrative overhead. This is money that could be spent directly on students.
    I believe that we have enough funding to go around if we restructure how we are spending it.
    HRB, where can I get a copy of the town annual report?
    - EBC

  • 3/4 4:17pm   BR: The Norfolk Community League is currently collecting new or gently used children's clothes, toys and equipment for their Nearly New Sale on April 5th. Check their website, but I believe that they have drop off of items every Saturday morning at the DPW yard on Medway Branch. If that doesn't work for your schedule, call the event chairwomen and I'm sure an alternative can be arranged.
    - TMS

  • 3/4 4:13pm   We are new to town and just adopted an adult yellow lab. We love Stony Brook but it isn't dog friendly. Could anyone suggest any trails or great parks for dog walking? Thanks,
    - LS

    [You may want to look at SO's walks; per a reader's suggestion, I appended them to the end of the Outings page. There are nice trails under and around the power lines, for example, behind the transfer station (follow the dirt road) - Wm.]

  • 3/4 2:00pm  
    "In the clearing stands a boxer, and a fighter by his trade
    And he carries the reminders of every glove that laid him down or cut him
    til he cried out in his anger and his shame
    I am leaving, I am leaving, but the fighter still remains
    Yes he still remains."
    Great to hear that Jack Scott is stepping into the ring and running for Selectman.
    - PA

  • 3/4 1:58pm   The School Committee meets tonight at 7 p.m. at the Freeman Centennial School. I hope that all of the people on this board, who would like us to look at options around administrative reorganization, will make it a point to be present and vocal about your wishes. I fear that otherwise a search committee will be formed and a recruiter hired.
    - MJD

  • 3/4 1:11pm   For those looking for limo service to the airport or for other purposes, I recommend not using LZ Limousines out of Norwood. We had a recent experience with them involving rude employees, poor service, rather unclean vehicles, and an additional charge to our credit card without permission. Needless to say, we will look elsewhere next time.
    - SH

  • 3/4 12:12pm   College admissions seminar this Thursday eve at the Norfolk library at 7 pm. Local author Paul Hemphill conducts the seminar.
    - PH, PreCollegePrep.com

  • 3/4 12:10pm   Is there a place in Norfolk where I could bring clothes to be used?? These are good items and some never worn. I would prefer to give to people in this area and I'm sure there are some out there that could use them. A few children's clothes included from our grandchildren.
    - BR (BR#1)

  • 3/4 8:50am   Any word on the budget for Norfolk? I have not seen anything on TV, other than the Selectmen concerned about the KP budget (for which they are requesting a 15%+ increase).
    - AML

  • 3/4 8:49am   Everyone should read JPB post and stop being so cruel towards Dr. Scott. She is just trying to improve herself, something any one of us would do as well if given the opportunity.
    - BH (the other)

  • 3/4 8:42am   DA, did you hear the one about the little boy who was late for school and told the teacher that his dog got hit in the a** by a car; the teacher said, "You mean rectum." Little boy said, "Wreck'd em, darn near killed him."
    - JW

  • 3/4 7:28am   Dr. Augusta-Scott's resume is more than simply a resume. It tells a story of a well-educated educator on the path of what will likely be a very successful career.
    The section of her resume regarding her accomplishments in Norfolk also tell a story of how the citizens of our town demanded fiscal constraint, our elected and appointed leaders responded; and Dr. Augusta-Scott implemented the will of the former. In some ways it is a report card of not only Dr. Scott's performance, but of Democracy at its finest. That said, only time will tell if her choices in reorganizing will benefit the children of her district - let's hope along with her that they will.
    Nonetheless, we should learn from this experience that while we all want the best for our children, we are a small town and in most cases merely a stepping stone in the career paths of many such salaried employees. I suspect there are many talented educators employed in far less desirable locations than Norfolk who will jump at the opportunity to work in Norfolk, with our children. It seems to me that in the future we should insist on contracts that offer compensation based on performance: both educator and student performance; perhaps a base salary and significant bonuses for performance and longevity - even if this is not the industry norm.
    - JPB

  • 3/3 11:04pm   JW - Thanks for the vet referral, but did you have to share the details about the reptile's rear?! I hope everything came out OK in the end!
    - DA

  • 3/3 11:03pm   Norfolk Public Library hosts workshop for job seekers -- On Wednesday evening March 5th at 7:00 PM Dr. Jan Cannon will present a workshop designed to help you find a job, beyond what you may find listed in the want ads. Are you wondering when you'll get your first "real job"? Have you been forced into early retirement? Or perhaps you just want something new? Whether changing careers or just starting out, a job search can be challenging and time consuming. This information packed workshop will help get you started with job finding strategies "7 steps to success." Dr. Cannon is a career counselor with over 10 years of experience & the author of "Now what do I do? : the woman's guide to a new career." She is also the author of a special report entitled "Finding a Job in a Slow Economy". Books will be available for purchase and signing. This workshop is offered free of charge and registration is not required.
    - Robin Glasser, Library Director

  • 3/3 11:02pm   Hate to change the subject, but would anyone out there happen to have some extra page protectors they are not using? The more the better. Needed for a very large project. Please contact me @ dhagman5060@aol.com.
    - DH

  • 3/3 6:45pm   To SF, Amen!! We never needed her in the first place. Her administrative help are the only ones who benefited from her tenure, and boy did they ever!! (Check out their raises last year!) Happy trails, Miss Scott!
    - JEC

  • 3/3 6:44pm   SF - One superintendent making less than $130K responsible for a total of 106 schools? I'll pass, thank you. I'd rather overpay for too much coverage.
    - LS

  • 3/3 6:43pm   Dr. Augusta-Scott improved test scores, found creative ways to save money in these tight times, and was by all accounts widely respected by the teachers and School Committee. Her talent was recogized by many outside of the district and so she was recruited away from us for more prestigious better paying positions.
    What is all the negativity about??
    - PL

  • 3/3 4:28pm   PW - I must agree. Having moved from an area where the superintendent managed a district of 60 elementary schools, 40 middle schools and 6 high schools spanning 5 towns for about the same salary as Ms. Scott, I have to ask... why is it necessary to have a ``superintendent'' for basically 2 schools? Can the principals and the school committee not oversee these schools and see that everything runs as it is supposed to? Just food for thought.
    - SF

  • 3/3 2:32pm   HPK, Thanks for the thought but the John that I was looking for saw the post and called.
    - DV

  • 3/3 2:31pm   I am interesting in learning more about the men's over 30 softball league. I sent an email to the contact listed, but haven't gotten a response. Does anyone know if this league still exists, and if so, who the appropriate person to contact would be?
    - ML

  • 3/3 2:30pm   My kids did Camp Invention. I give the camp a grade of a C-. It was OK. They got to make stuff out of junk and trash and that was about it. A lot of $$ for that if you ask me. We won't be doing it again.
    - JGP

  • 3/3 12:49pm   I happen to agree with LH. I doubt there is an honest [...] and I just hope we can get some of our hard earned money back after this debacle with this particular superintendent. Welcome to America, Miss Chris!
    - JEC

  • 3/3 10:58am   Due to a funeral, some town offices may be closed until noon on Tuesday, March 4th. Please contact the individual office to determine if they will be closed. We apologize for any inconvenience.
    - JWT, Town of Norfolk, Selectmen's office

    [Update 12:13pm: more detail provided - Wm.]

  • 3/3 9:30am   DV, perhaps it was John Walsh at Walsh Engineering on Rte 1A? (508-384-8198)
    - HPK

  • 3/3 9:02am   Medfield Animal Hospital is wonderful with reptiles as well as all other animals; I cannot recommend them highly enough. They are located at 51 Peter Kristof Way, Medfield, Ma. Phone is 508-359-1920. We had a lizard with a protracted rectum and Dr. Crowell was incredible with him.
    - JW

  • 3/2 8:35pm   PW--Hope all is well out there in Colorado. We really miss you here; your shoes are hard to fill. You know the county concept is not unusual. The town and city thing is more particular to the Northeast. Texas, Maryland, and NC are three of the states I'm familiar with and they too have the county set up. It's kind of like how Norfolk was trying to go with regionalization of the 7-12 program. You would think we would get more benefits from the state for reducing costs. It's going to be a long haul for anyone to try to push the county set up in MA but it has many benefits--cost containment with less staff, buildings and being able to buy in bulk not to mention standardization of curriculum. Anyway, unfortunately it is a hard sell as we New Englanders like our autonomy. Enjoy Colorado and remember you are missed.
    - BS

  • 3/2 7:20pm   Hi there - hoping someone can help me... we are looking for a vet who also accepts reptiles. It appears that most of the vets only accept small mammals. We have a dragon who is either brumating or feeling under the weather. If anyone knows of a great vet we would really appreciate it! Thanks,
    - LB

  • 3/2 5:40pm   LS, I agree with you. We should just wish her the best. Some people just do not know the time and the place. It is just a shame how some people just cannot wait for the opportunity to slam other people. This is very embarrasing to our town when our residents behave like this. Fortunately, it is just a handful and they do not speak for everyone.
    - DWL

  • 3/2 5:38pm   The discussion on budgets and "Ms. Chris" leaving makes me write. I moved from Norfolk where I was an active member of the PTA. Now I live in Colorado. The counties here run things as opposed to the towns. Our "county superintendent" oversees approximately 86,000 students in the approximately 150 county schools (about 125 neighborhood schools, 15 charter schools and 10 option or special learning schools). The elementary neighborhood schools host K-5 and are usually run by a principal and an administrative assistant (for schools with about 600 students - there are some variances based on populations). The middle and high schools are more populated as the neighborhood schools combine at that level. Most have a principal, vice principal and a secretary. Some would argue that the funding level is less per student, which it is, but overall I am pleased with the education my students are receiving. I think necessities are met and extravagant spending is avoided.
    My real estate taxes on my 2500 square foot Norfolk home were about $6000. I just paid my real estate taxes here on my 3000 square foot home. They were $2500 (yes for the year!) As I write here at 3pm we have gotten a foot of snow since 7am and my dirt road is completely plowed - roads also maintained by the county...
    I must add, we did like living in Norfolk and enjoyed the people there!
    - PW

  • 3/2 4:07pm   LH - Your post amused me. I picture you sitting in front of your computer with smoke coming out of your ears. Your words "Conned", "Horrific con", "inflicted" are very harsh. Explain yourself. Good Luck to Dr. Scott, even if she stays in Norfolk.
    - LS

  • 3/2 2:47pm   Thanks to JN for the Town Meeting plug. The 2008 Annual TM will be May 13 and 14, so save the dates. This year, we're going to try a few ideas to improve attendance, including awarding a Boston Post-type cane in honor of the Town's oldest resident and possibly organize a community supper on the night of the first session if there's interest. I will be pleased to visit any classroom, town organization or neighborhood to talk about Town Meeting and give pointers on procedure and debate. Just contact me at virtualnorfolk.org/moderator for more information.
    - Dan Winslow, Town Moderator

  • 3/2 11:40am   AL: My child attended the camp at Hale Reservation one summer for about 2 weeks. She enjoyed it. They had a bus that she was able to take that picked up/dropped off in Medfield. It was a well-run camp and was different from many of other camps around here as it was in the woods and they swam in a pond--although she did come home filthy every day (but happy!). I highly recommend it and may be sending her there again this summer.
    To everyone else commenting on the Superintendent issue, attending school committee meetings and so forth--another good way of knowing, debating and voting on what is going on in our town is to attend Town Meeting. It is one of the truest forms of democracy left in this country.
    - JN

  • 3/2 11:29am   Forget hiding behind initials! In my opinion, she conned our excellent, hard working school committee members since day one. Welcome to America on our dime, Chris, I pray you get a job else where. Cannot wait to move on from this horrific con that was inflicted on our community.
    - LH

    [Very commendable to openly speak one's mind! The initials-only rule is there to help the timid, and uniformity avoids anyone sticking out as different. - Wm.]

  • 3/1 8:48pm   If we have to search for a new superintendant, I think we should pick from the lists of Lowell and New Bedford... and save "mega bucks."
    - ER

  • 3/1 6:49pm   Hi everyone :) I may be returning to the Norfolk area, and I'll be looking for a special needs program for my youngest child. Has anyone heard of anything ? Thanks :)
    - KET

  • 3/1 5:55pm   DWL - I think New Bedford and Lowell should be gracious and let her go to Arkansas, if they call and need her services and talents more. After all, it's in the same country.
    PFM - very good points. By puff clauses, do you mean paying her for unused vacation and sick time? That could be thousands... I agree about the contract. Why have a contract if it only protects one side? The Boomerang said that there are no penalties if she gives 180 days notice. We really need to go the the SC meetings.
    - JFO

  • 3/1 4:58pm   I would like to hear from the School Committee. Perhaps they could hold an open discussion of this issue so that we can all get our questions answered? Perhaps we should plan to attend the next SC meeting. Did they know about Dr. Scott's job search? Where is DM? He is usually happy to chime in - speaking on his own behalf of course, not that of the School Committee.
    - MJD

  • 3/1 4:11pm   On the superintendent, perhaps we should be gracious about this and let her go, as these two cities, both with poorly performing school districts, require her services and talents more than we do. At the end of the day she stays in the Commonwealth's school system.
    - DWL

  • 3/1 3:54pm   Looking for feedback on your child's experience at Camp Invention, held at the Freeman every summer. I believe there is an "imagine" program and a "create" program and I am interested in any thoughts on the day to day schedule, level of fun, and what they took from it. Thank you!
    PS... While I am at it, anyone have some experience with the camp at Hale Reservation?
    - AL

  • 3/1 2:31pm   Could it be that there is a consensus emerging--on Norfolk Net yet!--that we may have an opportunity to take a fresh look at the administrative structure of the Norfolk Public Schools? Some basic information:
    In 1993 (the first full year with the H. Olive Day school open) total enrollment was 1,058. There were 3 full-time administrators, 2 part-time administrators, 2 full-time administrative support staff and 2 part-time administrative support staff.
    In 2006 total enrollment was 1,084. There were 6 full-time administrators and 7 full-time administrative support staff. I can't find numbers for part-time administrative support staff.
    The above are my own counts from Town Annual Reports.
    - HRB

  • 3/1 2:24pm   On 2/28 JFO had some very good questions regarding the possible departure of the Norfolk Public School Committee's beloved superintendent. Someone else wrote a question regarding if the Town of Norfolk would be paying the Superintendent while she is out interviewing for these new jobs. I think those are all valid questions that the School Committee owes the taxpayers an answer to. In line with sone of JFO's questions I would also add the following:
    1. Are there any puff clauses where the superintendent will be paid any "golden parachute" types of bonuses?
    2. What other bonus or incentive fees will be paid to the superintendent upon her departure?
    3. Are there any penalty clauses in the Town's favor that the superintendent would owe the town for leaving before the end of her contract? And, if not, why not?
    4. If she does leave, and we go out and hire a new superintendent should we demand there be penalty clauses if the superintendent was to leave in advance of the full term of the contract?
    - PFM

  • 3/1 2:22pm   I am looking for 3 boxes of Caramel Delites Girl Scout Cookies. I ordered 3 boxes of Peanut Butter Patties by mistake for a friend. If anybody has 3 boxes I can buy to correct my mistake, I would appreciate it. Thanks.
    - JL

  • 3/1 10:33am   Some time back I was looking for someone to help make a prototype for me, and a very nice guy named John responded. I have since lost his number and I am ready to start this project. John, if you are out there, call me. 528-7003
    - DV

  • 2/29 5:20pm   To NJD and JD - A belated thank you for your response to my request for a seamstress!
    - CM

  • 2/29 4:41pm   Finally the horse poop issue is getting an appropriate amount of mindshare.
    If our superintendent doesn't return, perhaps the budgeted salary could be used to form a commission to study this problem further.
    - JH

  • 2/29 4:40pm   Registration for Norfolk-Medfield-Millis Vikings Pop Warner Football and Cheerleading 2008 Season on Saturday, March 8 for football (ages 7-15 as of August 1st, maximum weight 160) and cheerleading (ages 7-15 as of August 1st), from 9-11 AM at the H. Olive Day School. Registration fee is $175 for the first player/cheerleader, $150 for each additional family member, with a maximum of $475 per family (due at registration). For more information and an advance copy of the registration packet go to nmmvikings.org or call Frank M. (384-5285).
    - LC

  • 2/29 4:37pm   Going back to the previous discussion on Verizon FiOS, I'm looking for some feedback from those who have switched to FiOS TV, specifically
    1) how is the picture/sound quality, compared to cable, and
    2) do you get the Comcast Sport channel (the channel with the Celtics)??
    What's been the biggest surprise and disappointment with FiOS? Thanks very much,
    - KB

  • 2/29 1:14pm   Well, Wm., I suggest that you begin a password-only accessible page so that we can talk about this huge issue. The only issues we should discuss on the main, public acess page are related to horse droppings in driveways and bird sightings. Think about it!
    - MJD

  • 2/29 12:26pm   CI - Cool!
    - SO

  • 2/29 12:07pm   MJD - I think SF is saying that this is a public access page that anyone from another school district could view. Think about it.
    - SM

  • 2/29 12:06pm   What is the benefit to the town to sign a contract with a school administrator, when they can just break that contract whenever it suits them? Is there any way to hold said administrator responsible for expenses incurred by the town in a search for a replacement?
    - DE

  • 2/29 12:05pm   Article in Boston Globe regarding Stop & Shop lot: [article here]
    - TCC

  • 2/29 8:34am   SF - Will you elaborate? You seem to want people to stop expressing their opinions. What are you getting at?
    - MJD

  • 2/28 8:09pm   DB, Norfolk Food Pantry is in the little building behind the office building of Emmanuel Baptist Church. It is open Saturday mornings from 10-12. Donations, however, may be dropped off any time the church office is open which is usually weekdays from 9-4.
    - KF

  • 2/28 8:08pm   PR - you are right, save the town money and cut the fat at the top of the school system. Hire some of our smart senior citizens, instead.
    - LAW

  • 2/28 7:46pm   I know this has been asked before but, does anyone know the hours of the Food Pantry?? It's at the Baptist Church, right? Thanks.
    - DB

  • 2/28 5:29pm   While I would love to make a comment, I think it is in our best interest to not do so at this time. Think about it please. As the old saying goes, 'there is a time and place for everything.'
    - SF

  • 2/28 5:28pm   PR and TC - I think you are right, there needs to be an administrative audit done and we need to reorg. Stop taking from clasrooms and transportation etc. and start looking at some of the overlapping administrative costs. I think this needs to be done whether or not Dr. Augusta-Scott gets a new job.
    - MJD

  • 2/28 5:27pm   What I would like to know is:
    1. Since we just signed a 5yr contract with the Superintendant one year ago, is there any protection for the Town in the contract?
    2. Are there any penalties on either side for breaking the contract?
    3. How much time and money will it cost the Town to find a replacement?
    4. What recourse do we have if she stays, but does not really want to be here?
    - JFO

  • 2/28 5:26pm   On a lighter note: Heard knocking at my front door a few minutes ago, but when I looked through the window nobody was there, so I didn't even bother opening it and figured it was an echo from someone hammering in the neighborhood. Just happened again - and definitely sounded like the front door; this time I looked down to see if a package was left - and lo and behold it was a pheasant (apparently pecking at his reflection or checking the cracks for seeds)!!
    Only in Norfolk... this is why I love it here!
    - CI

  • 2/28 5:25pm   TC's suggestion of combining the Superintendent/Principal positions, with a Vice-Principal at each school, makes sense to me. Our former town was a K-8 district (with a Regional High School). Our superintendent and one of the principals retired the same year, and the positions were restructured - a single Superintendent/Principal position with a Vice Principal and Lead Teacher supporting them. Worked extremely well from everyone's perspective - parents, teachers, taxpayers. Seems like a K-6 school system should not need a top heavy structure - especially not "the highest compensation package for a superintendent in the regional system" (thanks Wm!).
    - CI

  • 2/28 3:50pm   Good news for Norfolk and our budget hole. Let's keep the positive momentum going. Do both elementary schools need assistant principals?
    - PR

  • 2/28 3:10pm   Did anyone notice that Augusta-Scott was highest paid superintendent in the finalist for Lowell?? She brings in a very nice salary and still wants to leave (it must the potential of another $25,000 that's attractive). There were candidates with school systems 3x's the size of Norfolk, who were paid much less. As the town is discussing 'overrides' we should consider who is eating up all the money. MJD - I don't blame you for feeling used.
    - AML

  • 2/28 3:09pm   Dr. Chris is a young, talented school administrator who clearly wasn't going to make a small K-6 district her last stop. I don't begrudge her an opportunity for growth. That said, I think it's been painfully obvious that Dr. Chris has been polishing up her resume on our nickel, and in a small town struggling with budget contraints, that is hard to take. The jury is still out on whether or not her reorganization last year is serving our children any better. I hope it will prove to be the case. Did she whip our district into shape or did she build a resume at the expense of our kids? Perhaps her leaving is an opportunity for a money-saving administrative reorganization using the talent we currently have? Maybe one superintendent and one principal for both schools? I have a friend who serves as super and principal in a small district in California, with two vice principals. Seems to work quite well. Perhaps we can review the entire structure now and redirect some salary money into actual delivery of education?
    - TC

  • 2/28 2:50pm   Is Dr. Scott going to be paid by the Norfolk School District (with your hard earned tax dollars) on the days when she is actively interviewing for positions with other towns?
    Check out her resume that is posted [here], especially on page three where it notes ``In recognition of my successful tenure, the School Committee unanimously voted in February 2006, to extend my contract through September 2011, resulting in the highest compensation package for a superintendent in the regional system (source: Boston Sunday Globe, Globe West, February 11, 2007, p. W4).''
    Has she really had 14 jobs since 1995? All I can say is good luck to Lowell!
    - MH

    [Update 3:02pm: Tidbits that caught my eye -- ``Throughout the past three years, the system has ended each fiscal year with a net positive operating balance.''
    ``... restructured the special education ... eliminating 19 ineffective instructional aide positions.'' - Wm.]

  • 2/28 2:49pm   Concerning the Superintendent of Schools - Why do we need one?
    2 schools, 2 principals and a school committee. Can someone answer that?
    If she leaves, please no replacement.
    - PJT

  • 2/28 1:27pm   When I read Dr. Augusta-Scott's letter I remembered the lovely interview that the paper did with her when we sponsored her for her American citizenship. She described how much she loved Norfolk and valued the students and the faculty - how much our support meant to her. It brought a tear to my eye. How long ago was that? It was last year wasn't it?
    We are facing a huge crisis with the budget and she's been off interviewing with other towns. What ever happened to loyalty? I, for one, feel used. Do you know how expensive a search for superintendent is and how long it takes? It's going to cost us a forture and we are going to go without leadership for many months. We don't need this right now. If she is passed over for these other two jobs, I think she will have a very hard time regaining the trust of the community.
    - MJD

  • 2/28 1:26pm   The announcements of the "short lists" hit the papers in Lowell and New Bedford yesterday evening although they are dated today. [Lowell Sun article] [South Coast Sun article]
    - MJD

    [So was the letter then prompted by the public release of the info? - Wm.
    Update 1:32pm: Seems so Wm. because I Googled the articles as soon as the announcement popped in my mailbox, right after the KP Super's meeting at the Town Hall. - MJD ]

  • 2/28 12:54pm   Seems like she has found better position for herself and the Norfolk Schools have figured out how to save some money. I am sure it is all in the best interest of the children.
    Is she leaving Norfolk if one of these other positions does not come through? The only thing I don't understand is how she is going to come back into good grace with some of us if she does not get chosen for either position and does stay in Norfolk. Did she seek these positions? Is she unhappy in Norfolk or is it strictly about money? (I gasp at the thought)
    Personally, I find the letter a bit tacky; just my opinion. If I wrote this letter to my employer I would probably be let go the day I handed it in.
    - MH

  • 2/28 12:01pm   It is my pleasure to announce an additional three days (mini camp) of our DARE Summer Day Program for students exiting fourth grade entering grade five. This program will take place on Monday June 30th, Tuesday July 1, and Wednesday July 2. The program will include the towns of Wrentham, Plainville and Norfolk. More details (times, locations and program activities, etc.) to come. In mid to late April I will be visiting fourth grade classrooms to fill students in on what to expect. Expect registration forms to go home with your child soon there after my visit. Welcome aboard grade four!
    We have also set our dates for our grade six entering grade seven summer day program. Tentatively our dates for this program are scheduled for June 23-27th (Monday thru Friday). As of this time the Freeman-Centennial School is scheduled for last day of classes on Thursday June 19th. The program will take place the week following.
    Grade five entering grade six dates have been set for August 11-15 (Monday thru Friday). I will be visiting grade five classrooms in mid to late April to fill students in on what to expect. The registration will be going home with the students in mid to late April.
    If you have have any questions please feel free to call me at (508) 541-3330.
    Sincerely,
    - Officer Steve Plympton, DARE Summer Day Program Coordinator, Norfolk Police Department

  • 2/28 12:00pm   SRA - What would you like to discuss?? Average tenure of a superintendent these days is less than 5 years. That's a discussion in itself. The "short lists" will be public and I assume she wanted to let the town know beforehand. If she is not selected, then public perception (reality) will be she wants out of Norfolk, although I think she is safe as she has a new contract.
    - LS

  • 2/28 11:04am   Re: Chris Augusta-Scott moving on.
    Please discuss.
    - SRA

  • 2/28 9:49am   All right folks, here is a sure sign of spring! Big moving sale - 10 Marshall Street, Saturday, March 22, 2008, 8am till 3pm. Very good items, furniture, piano and lots of other terrific items. Get your spring garage sale started right - be sure to come and see-and buy. Rain or shine!!
    - PLG

  • 2/28 8:44am   On Saturday March 8th, King Philip Regional High school will host the New England Scholastic Band Association Winter Guard and Percussion Competition. Almost 40 High School groups from across Eastern Massachusetts will converge at King Philip Regional High School gymnasium.
    Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students. The public is invited. Audience members will be free to come and go in the intervals between performances.
    Percussion groups will perform from 2pm through 4:30pm. A variety of percussion instruments will be used to present choreographed shows, some with props, scenery and costumes, incorporating a wide range of musical styles.
    Color Guard performances will begin at 5pm through 9pm culminating in an awards ceremony. The color guards perform dance movements with colorful flags and other props to music from classical to rock.
    Hot food, sandwiches, and drinks will be available for sale in the King Philip Cafeteria during the performances.
    MW, King Philip Music Association

  • 2/28 8:42am   JP - do you remember which HP scanner you had? I too, have a lot of Agfa & Ektachrome slides that I'd love to get onto a disc.
    JHR - I Googled "slides to disc" and several services popped up. One quoted 19 cents a slide. They do photos, also. There were also some sites that gave advice on how to do it yourself, without using a scanner.
    - LAW

  • 2/27 11:15pm   We were forwarded this message:
    From: "Freeman-Centennial News & Announcements"
    Date: February 27, 2008 9:24:47 PM EST
    Subject: [Nps_fc_news] Important News

    Dear Staff, Families and Citizens of Norfolk,

    It is with mixed emotion that I am writing to inform you that after having been recruited for the position of Superintendent of Schools in New Bedford, MA I have now been short-listed for this job. In addition, I have also been short-listed for the Superintendent of Schools position in Lowell, MA. As many of you know, I am drawn to the challenges of urban school districts and I am keenly interested in providing all students with the opportunity to reach their full potential.

    Regardless of the above outcome, I would like to take express the gratitude I feel towards the Norfolk Public Schools. The School Committee members I have worked with since 2004 have tirelessly devoted themselves to the betterment of our schools. It is also with great pride that I state that our staff is among the finest in the country. It is a pleasure to be working with a team of professionals who are able to collaboratively work on their practice to ensure that our students rank in the top 15 percentile on the state's MCAS. It is noteworthy that our success as a district has occurred in the context of a caring, nurturing culture and climate. This fact makes this district a great to place to work and a wonderful place to go to school.

    One of the hallmark characteristics of any high performing school district is the support it receives from the families it serves and the community-at-large. The ongoing support we receive at Norfolk Public Schools exceeds all expectations, making it possible for us to successfully reach for the stars! - Thank you.

    Rest assured I remain committed to your child's education and the work in progress at Norfolk Public Schools. I will continue to update you on my status as your Superintendent of Schools.

    My best to you,

    Chris
    Chris Augusta-Scott, PhD
    Superintendent of Schools

    - Wm.

  • 2/27 11:10pm   JHR - Craigslist is more "old school"; pretend you are looking at the want ad, but hit reply to send your message instead of calling. It's a snap!
    - MJD

  • 2/27 11:01pm   MJD, RH and JW... Thanks for your help and suggestions. Now--I need to learn how to use eBay. Always a "hitch". Perhaps Craig's List would be easier. I'll look into both.
    - JHR

  • 2/27 4:05pm   A big thank you to the person who flashed their headlights at me on Myrtle Street this morning. I understood why when, upon turning a corner, I found myself behind a horse-drawn buggy sedately clip-clopping along the street. Your warning turned a potentially startling moment into a pleasant surprise -- thank you!
    - VR

  • 2/27 3:49pm   KMM, I would also recommend Critter Visits. They are very flexible.
    - DMG

  • 2/27 12:55pm   To KMM: I second the recommendation for Critter Visits. They are terrific, flexible, and very dependable. We have used them for 2 years and are extremely satisfied. Good luck and welcome to Norfolk!!
    - SM

  • 2/27 12:54pm   Legos Needed - Is anyone out there willing to loan Legos to the library for an after school program on Tuesday and Thursday, March 18 & 20? Contact Sarina at 508-528-3380 ext. 5.
    - JS

  • 2/27 10:37am   This Saturday, March 1st, is the last day to register for Norfolk Lions Youth Soccer.
    - HK

  • 2/27 8:09am   Re 2/26 7:13pm Suggestions, please; slides: There are some slide projectors on ebay.com under Cameras and Photo slide projectors. The prices seem very reasonable.
    - RH

  • 2/27 8:08am   JHR - There are 14 references to projectors on Craigslist Boston right now. I don't know if there are any that would work for you. Good luck
    - MJD

  • 2/26 10:25pm   HP had a scanner that you could put slides and negatives in a slide holder and it would scan the slides and negatives importing them to your PC. I had one but it stopped working so I got a new one without that feature. I don't know if they still make it but you could check.
    I ordered a pizza from Leo's Pizzeria in Walpole for dinner last night and lo and behold they deliver. The pizza was as good as everyone says it is and finally a pizza place that delivers to my door.
    - JW

  • 2/26 10:23pm   To KMM - I walk dogs, depending on your location. I have references; email me @ S_Lewis_7448@yahoo.com.
    - SML

  • 2/26 7:13pm   Suggestions, please... I have a great number of slides taken by an old Argus. I understand that these can be scanned and put on DVD for a hefty price, or that I can use a projector, as in the "old days". But, projectors are like hen's teeth and can not even be found on Craig's list. Does anyone out there have a suggestion? Thanks.
    - JHR

  • 2/26 4:13pm   KMM - I highly recommend Critter Visits. Not only do they provide excellent care for our dog, they are also a pleasure to do business with. Reliable and responsive. Their website is crittervisits.com.
    - JT

  • 2/26 3:01pm   Hello, we are new to town and need to find a dog walker, can anyone recommend someone? Thank you,
    - KMM

  • 2/26 3:00pm   Dear CM, responding to your ad about a dressmaker/ alterations, get in touch with Edite at Florarbora@AOL.com; she is amazing! She used to work for Yolanda, and worked in NY as a designer. She is wonderful to work with. Good luck!
    - JD

  • 2/26 12:16pm   Thought this was an interesting idea... if I'm reading it right, $595 at the beginning of the growing season entitles you to approximately 22 weeks of fresh veggies straight from the fields of a neighborhood farm (enough to feed a family of four on a mixed diet or two people on a vegetarian diet). And if you have someone who loves flowers, you can pay $50 at the beginning of the season and every week you can go pick freshly cut 20 flowers. Read about this new program at (Tangerini's farm)
    - SD

  • 2/26 12:15pm   Norfolk Lions Chili-Fest Contest: tickets will be on sale at the Norfolk Public Library this Saturday, March 1st, from 10:00am to 12:00pm. Ticket prices are: adults $12.00, children (12 & under) $4.00.
    Your ticket will include a sampling of each chili entry, 2 beverages, and the complimentary condiment bar. Come and sample the recipes of 4 local eating establishments, vote for your favorite Chili, and enjoy the company of your neighbors and friends as we tally the votes and announce the "People's Choice Award" at the close of the event. Looking forward to seeing you there!!
    - GB, Norfolk Lions

  • 2/25 11:06am   There will be a celebration in memory of Meg Ninos to be held on Sunday, March 2 at Papa Gino's in Medfield from 4-9 p.m. All the proceeds will benefit the M. Ninos Trustfund. Thanks!
    - TM

  • 2/25 11:06am   All/any interested in the Bruce Simpson issue in town should watch our local T.V. station 22 this Friday night until next Friday night for a week at straight every night at 6:30. You make up your own mind whether or not the applicant got a fair chance to succeed on his hearing on Toils End Rd. After you watch the deliberation you decide if the hearing was fair or a direct conflict on Mr. Simpson's behalf. The town is now defending the litigation in court as a result of his actions.
    - JS

  • 2/25 10:58am   I enjoyed hearing from one of Norfolk's own on Car Talk and Stump the Chumps the past few Saturdays. You can check out the program at cartalk.com. Great news--the missing Saab key has been found!!
    - AL

  • 2/24 8:15pm   CM - Re seamstress. I have heard wonderful things about Susan Slater. She works out of her house on Main St. in Sharon center, 781 784 2586. Although I have not used her personally, I know many very particular people who will only use her. I don't know for fact if she does beading but I see people carry formal gowns in and out all the time. Good Luck!
    - NJD

  • 2/24 6:14pm   Garden Club of Norfolk - Get Ready for Spring - Speaker: Leslie Lincoln, Master Gardener will talk on ``Pruning.'' Wednesday, March 12, 7:00 PM, Norfolk Public Library Meeting Room, Fee: $5 non-members.
    The Garden Club of Norfolk welcomes all who are interested in gardening - from beginner to expert. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month from September through June.
    - LB, Garden Club of Norfolk

  • 2/24 6:13pm   Is anyone interested in helping Cradles to Crayons (cradlestocrayons.org) as a volunteer for a couple of hours? If you and/or the other members of your family want to help make a difference to the 400,000 under-privileged children who live in low income or poverty just here in Massachusetts, then please email me for details or with questions. Contact: Lisa B. at lisab@moveaheart.org.
    - LB

    [Update 8:16pm: changed to more specific link - Wm.]

  • 2/24 6:11pm   Hello - I'm wondering if anyone would be comfortable recommending a seamstress/dressmaker with a high level of expertise. I don't mind traveling anywhere! I have a very special dress that requires some pretty intricate alterations. (beading etc.) Thank you for any help!
    - CM

  • 2/24 5:24pm   Re: Blue Grotto - Upon a second look, the prices are not as bad as I remember. It must be the cocktails that increase my bill, that and the fact we usually go with a large group. This is one of my favorite "going out" restaurants, extremely attentive staff.
    - JG

  • 2/24 5:22pm   AL, If you don't want high end then the Blue Grotto is not where you wish to go. Very good, very fancy, very pricey. I have some friends who frequent Providence; I will try to get you some suggestions today.
    - JG

  • 2/22 9:18am   I'm away from my keyboard, posts might be delayed a day or two. - Wm.

  • 2/22 9:17am   Due to the snow storm the Saturday morning Nearly New Sale drop off will be canceled. The trailer will be open again next Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. If you have some items that you need to drop off before then, please feel free to contact either Tori H. (vhessler@yahoo.com) or Keri S. (khsibley@gmail.com) to set up a time.
    - VH

  • 2/22 8:07am   The Blue Grotto in Providence is excellent - its up on Federal Hill if you like Italian. bluegrottorestaurant.com
    - BL

  • 2/22 8:04am   I have 2 tickets available to tomorrow night's Boston Symphony Orchestra performance of : Mozart Symphony No. 29, Berg - chamber concerto for piano and violin, and Brahms - Serenade No. 2. Go to BSO.org to see a more detailed description.
    Show starts at 8:00 pm with a pre-concert talk at 6:45.
    Seats are in section OR, row R, seats 23 & 24. That means the seats are on the floor towards the back of the first section a little left of center. Go to [ticketsolutions.com/sc-bostonsymphonyhall] to see the seating chart.
    Each ticket is $114 for a total of $228 or BO.
    We can arrange the hand off of tickets today or tomorrow. Email laura_bot@yahoo.com if you're interested.
    - LM

  • 2/21 8:55pm   Wm, the timing was way off for that. It was 7:30. I was photographing the moon over the Charles; it was beautiful. I also went up to the center and did some night photos; it was fun, I have not done that in a long time. But the shooting star was really something. We used to live in Aspen and would see them a lot, but nothing like this.
    - DV

  • 2/21 5:46pm   Bruce Simpson to Appeal Decision - Topix Here are the Boston Globe Blogs about Bruce Simpson[.] [page off topix.com]
    - MG

  • 2/21 5:22pm   To SM, this is one of my facts on clear title. [...]
    (Re Toils End Road and clear title--from minutes of Selectmen's meeting 1/2/2001)

    KAREN POWERS, 39 MAPLE STREET

    Karen and Timothy Powers, of 39 Maple Street were present to discuss a title problem on their property.

    Karen Powers told the Board that when they purchased their home at 39 Maple Street, they were given a clear title at the closing. They have since discovered that the town abandoned Toils End Road, and it runs directly through their home. Karen Powers said that she feels the Town should rectify their title problem, because the Planning Board and/or Building Inspector allowed this house to be built on the abandoned road.

    Karen Powers said she has had several discussions with Greg Balukonis, as well as members of the Board, and understood that Town Counsel was going to review this problem. She said that it was not put on the Fall Town Meeting, and has not heard anything further from the Town. Karen Powers said that all they are looking for is a clear title. They cannot refinance, or even sell their home because they do not have a clear title.

    Karen Powers said that Town Counsel is also counsel for Wrentham, and supposedly Wrentham had this problem, also, and Toils End Road continues into Wrentham. She would like a ruling from Town Counsel.

    Karen and Tim Powers submitted a petition to the Board of Selectmen asking that an article be put on the Annual Town Meeting in May to see if the Town will abandon Toils End Road as it pertains to 39 Maple Street. This petition will be given to the Town Clerk for certification.

    The Board will forward this information to Town Counsel for his review.

    - MG

    [Also referenced: Subject: September 12, 2005 BOS Minutes TOILS END ROAD [BOS minutes] [court case ref, 2007-P-1584/NOCV2006-01420] ]

  • 2/21 5:20pm   Anyone have a fun suggestion for dinner in Providence? Not Fire and Ice. Will have two college kids with us, who don't want a fancy place, but good eclectic pub food. Thanks.
    - AL

  • 2/21 5:19pm   Hi heard that there are brush fires in Norfolk right now; does anyone know where they are?
    I heard they were near the tracks and since my house is near the tracks, I was concerned. Thanks!
    - TM

  • 2/21 5:18pm   Anyone know what the in-law restrictions are for Norfolk residents?
    - LK

  • 2/21 12:22pm   Hi everyone... this is Steve Ninos, Meg's brother. There seems to be a little confusion over the funds created for Maggie Ninos, so I just want to clarify the intent of both funds.
    Each fund was set up independently by 2 amazing people who just happened to get the same idea at the same time... just out of a strong desire to do something during the crisis. That is why there are two funds, but they are both intended for the long term benefit of Maggie, most especially for her education. Funeral expenses and short terms costs are being met by the family.
    Please be assured that the sole beneficiary of both of these funds is Maggie... who, I might add, is doing well, and coping well. She has a long road ahead of her, but she has great support, great love, and strong guidance. All I can say is Meg certainly picked the right community. You have all been over the top, unbelievably supportive and generous. Even a million thank you's to you all would never be enough. Thank you... thank you... thank you... thank you...
    - SN

  • 2/21 9:17am   JT - JO came up with the person that I was thinking of!
    - LAW

  • 2/21 12:21am   JT, I suggest Sam Petnov, Medway - 508 533 2205 - One of the few old-timers that was weaned on Atwater-Kents!! Has a tremendous display of old time radios, going back to the 1920's.
    - JO

  • 2/21 12:18am   About 7:30 pm tonight i was out photographing the moon and I pulled onto Noon Hill and saw the most unbelievable huge shooting star - did anyone else see it? It was unreal!
    - DV

    [The spy satellite?? I should track down the time... - Wm.
    Update 12:44am:
    "Completing a mission in which an interceptor designed for missile defense was used for the first time to attack a satellite, the Lake Erie, an Aegis-class cruiser, fired a single missile just before 10:30 p.m. Eastern time, and the missile hit the satellite as it traveled at more than 17,000 miles per hour, the Pentagon said in its official announcement."
    So was that 7:30 in the evening or at 10:30 during the eclipse (7:30 PST)? Though, come to think of it, the orbit was too low for it to have been visible from here... - Wm.]

  • 2/20 11:15pm   SD - Thanks for the reminder of the eclipse! We've been checking on the progress every 5 minutes. It was so cool to watch - we were lucky to have a clear crisp night! Anyone get a picture?
    - CI

  • 2/20 5:57pm   Eclipse tonight, if it's not cloudy...
    "On Wednesday evening, February 20th, the full Moon over the Americas will turn a delightful shade of red and possibly turquoise, too. It's a total lunar eclipse-the last one until Dec. 2010... Maximum eclipse, and maximum beauty, occurs at 10:26 pm EST (7:26 pm PST)."
    - NASA Website
    - SD

  • 2/20 3:42pm   Looking for that perfect hair bow to match your little girl's party dress or any other outfit? For custom made bows (you pick colors and clips), contact Stacy at katiesmom@mindspring.com
    I also offer a calligraphy service (weddings, certificates, special occasions), and custom personalization for items such as gift bags and gift boxes (or anything else!).
    Have a great day!
    - SF

  • 2/20 2:17pm   JT - Holliston TV Service, 34 Central St, Holliston MA and Dave's TV Sales & Service, 44 Front St, Ashland MA. If very old, see oldradiodoc.com/. Since there are many BR's, I'll be...
    - BR#3

  • 2/20 12:33pm   For BD - Marland Painting... 508-528-7681.
    - ER

  • 2/20 12:14pm   BD: We had our exterior house painted about four years ago. I can highly recommend Joe Walker, very professional, with a great team of guys. The paintwork still looks as good as when we first had it painted. Joe uses Benjamin Moore paints and he will work with you regarding your colors etc. His number is 508-399-7315. If you have any questions you can email me at Holly231@Comcast.net.
    - SD

  • 2/20 10:28am   JT - there is someone fairly local (Millis/Holliston?) who repairs antique radios. I will try to think where I've seen their ad. Perhaps someone else's memory is better than mine!
    - LAW

  • 2/19 9:46pm   Any recommendations where I can get an antique radio repaired? I ripped the electrical cord out of the back - so maybe even a lamp repair shop could fix it? Thanks.
    - JT

  • 2/19 8:38pm   Hi, I am looking for some recommendations for an exterior house painter. Looking to have the house and trim done this spring. Thank you,
    - BD

  • 2/19 7:07pm   The trust fund "Friends of Maggie Ninos" was not set up as a temporary fund for funeral and therapy expenses. It was set up with the blessing of Meg Ninos' family and is administered as non-profit. Community support has been phenomenal as donations continue to come into this account.
    Maggie's uncle, who is the executor of Meg's estate, will manage this account and see that it's put towards Maggie's best interests. We didn't want there to be any confusion as to the intent of the fund.
    Thank you for your continued support. Checks may be written out to "Friends of Maggie Ninos" and sent in care of Needham Bank, 520 Main Street, Medfield, MA.
    - ID, The Friends of Maggie Ninos

  • 2/19 6:52pm   CS, Derry Hardwood Flooring in Franklin is great, they did my home 10 years ago and all looks good, never had a problem since the install.
    - RS

  • 2/19 3:14pm   Two messages have arrived (not posted, still waiting for replies to my who-are-you) stating that the Friends of Maggie Ninos trust fund (through the Needham Bank, 520 Main St Medfield) is indeed a long-term fund approved by the family, and not just for short-term aid. Will post more as it's available.
    3:25pm: Perhaps one message, sent from two different e-mail addresses.
    7:07pm: It was one post repeated, and it's up.
    - Wm.

  • 2/19 1:59pm   Can someone recommend a good and reasonably priced flooring company? I am looking to install hardwood stairs and floors on my 2nd floor. Thanks,
    - CS

  • 2/18 4:00pm   The Relay For Life of Medfield is welcoming Norfolk residents to join our event... The attached info [attachment here] is in regard to the "Kickoff" event on February 27th. Could you please publicize this event in your newspaper/newsletter/cable station prior to this date?
    Please call me (508-359-5083) or e-mail me with any questions!
    Thanks,
    - Colleen Sullivan, 2008 RFL of Medfield, Co-Chair & Publicity sc3ms@verizon.net

  • 2/18 12:56pm   Thanks to everyone who clued us into free WiFi at the Norfolk public library. Emailing from my iPhone works in a pinch but doesn't really cut it for longer messages or attachments. See you at the library!
    - JMF

  • 2/18 12:51pm   The trust for Meg's daughter [Maggie Ninos] was set up through the Benjamin Franklin Bank in Medfield. The fund running through the Needham Co-op is a short term fund for the family to help with costs such as funeral, therapy, and legal fees. The trust is for Maggies's college education and other long-term needs. They are both great causes. There seems to be some confusion regarding the two funds.
    - TM

  • 2/18 11:39am   MT - Cute Valentine!
    - SO

  • 2/18 11:38am   Does anyone have a Grand Opening banner that i could borrow for a week or two?
    - DV

  • 2/18 11:36am   Starting 3/17/08, ``Reclaiming Our Power: A Women's Leadership Program'' is a personal development program. 6 Mondays: 3/17, 3/24, 3/31, 4/14, 4/28, 5/5; 7:00pm-8:30pm at the Franklin Recreation Department. This 6-week course is for women who are ready to let go of old habits and reclaim their power and sense of well being. Learn how to ask for what you want, handle pressure with more composure and take a stand for your life and what matters most to you. The diverse group of women guarantees to make this an engaging, fun and powerful experience. We will be doing some light movement so please wear comfortable clothing. Fee is $150. Register with a friend and receive $20 off your tuition. The course is designed and led by Lora Cecca Lyons of LyonsLeadershipCoaching.com, a professional coach and martial arts expert. Contact Lora at 508.954.1614 or Lora@LyonsLeadershipCoaching.com.
    - Lora Cecca Lyons

  • 2/18 11:15am   PA: You have us very concerned about your alarming suggestion that the Norfolk Dept of Health check out the sodium level at Mann Pond! What do you know that makes you think that tests should be made at that location?? Should they be testing just for sodium, per se, or is there a specific sodium related compound that you know of?
    - BAM

  • 2/17 8:47pm   I heard that the Norfolk Community Federal Credit Union is going to move to a new building across from the town library - does anyone know when? Just curious.
    - TK

  • 2/17 8:46pm   To JMF: The Norfolk Public Library is a WiFi Hotspot and also has public access computers available, so either way you can access your email.
    - Robin Glasser, Director, Norfolk Public Library

  • 2/17 8:42pm   BH, Remember MON complained about the horse poop - shovel it up if you can as it is so great for gardens. Spring is just around the corner and my garden is waiting.
    - BR (#1)

    [I think it was JH who posted about NOPLOP. MON complained about taxes, I believe - Wm.]

  • 2/17 6:33pm   JMF - I believe that the Public Library has WiFi throughout the building. In any case, they also have public access computers that you can use to do your daily e-mail chores. But they are closed tomorrow for Presidents Day.
    - HRB

  • 2/17 4:04pm   Anyone know of any WiFi hotspots in or around Norfolk? We're weeks away from getting hooked up to the Internet (long story) and are trying to figure out how to get email access until then. Thx,
    - JMF

  • 2/17 4:03pm   We should have our Health Agent, Bill Domey, check out Mann Pond. What if there's a traceable, (yet not harmful,) amount of sodium in that water?
    - PA

  • 2/17 10:43am   The other BH. You are right about sunshine; let's be upbeat. I have to tell you that Mother Nature bet heavily on the Pats hence the bad weather, but now that the Sox are starting she has been pacified, I hope.
    - RC

  • 2/17 10:10am   Can we stop talking about the prison and taxes, etc?? Why doesn't anyone ever talk about lighter subjects on this site?? Isn't not seeing the sun for weeks at a time depressing enough? Are there any gardeners out there? What would be a good choice for acidic soil on the north side of a home other than the beautiful hydrangeas? Also do birch trees come in a dwarf size? Appreciate gardeners' input. Thanks. The other BH.
    - BH

  • 2/16 3:28pm   Ohhhhh, LAW, was your post of 2/15 @ 10:56 PM a trick question? :-) Can you recall the last time that the major users of our town resources and services ever thought that what they were receiving was adequate, or even fair, for them? The same answer applies to the town officials who are hell-bent on satisfying those types. They seem to reflect the same insatiable appetite, as their "special constituents" do. Yes, there are variables (or adjustments) concerning the methods of calculating and disbursing the Prison Mitigation Fund as well as the reimbursement of funds for certain public safety services which are provided by the Town to MCI-Norfolk.
    Rather than eat up any more space here on Norfolknet with further details, I'll answer you more directly off line.
    - MT

  • 2/16 10:38am   Bicycles Plus in Franklin on 140 just south of Shaws plaza is terrific. We would highly recommend them. They are a father/son team and the son is an avid cycler.
    - BS

  • 2/16 10:37am   LH, could you email me at workingparentsnorfolk@hotmail.com? I have some questions.
    - KID

  • 2/15 10:56pm   PB - definitely Crossing Cycles, in Franklin, for any bikes.
    MT & TR - thanks for the input re the prisons/population questions. Next question - is the amount the state pays Norfolk adequate? Is it ever adjusted? What does the town do with it?
    - LAW

  • 2/15 10:55pm   Hi everyone, I am currently looking for a child care assistant to work with 10 children and me in my home. The position could be part time or full time depending upon the applicants. The position would start as soon as possible. Please email me at mgudas99@comcast.net if interested. Thanks so much.
    - MG

  • 2/15 7:39pm   PB - We used Crossing Cycle for a bike overhaul. 508-528-1010. 282 Cottage St in Franklin. They were quick thorough and reasonably priced.
    - MJD

  • 2/15 6:55pm   Any recommendations on where to bring a ten speed bike for a tune up?
    - PB

  • 2/15 6:14pm   Hi! I am trying to get some feed back on a home preschool program that I am opening in September. I have worked with children in daycare, home, and preschool settings for over 15 years and I am ready to fulfill my dream of having my own in-home preschool program. I have remodeled and designated a room in my house specifically for this. I will be licensed to have 6 children in my class. The hours of operation I am planning to have will be Monday thru Friday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM with snacks and lunch included. These hours will allow parents more free time, as compared to traditional preschool, to either work, grocery shop, or do whatever they need to do. It will be up to the individual parents to decide if they want their child to attend 2,3,4, or 5 days a week. I am discouraging a one day a week schedule only because I think it is difficult for the child. The age group that I am focusing on will be children at least 2.6 years old at the start of school in September and they do not need to be potty trained to attend. The program will follow a school year schedule. I am wondering how many people in town (or surrounding towns) would be interested in a program like this. Thank you for your input.
    - LH

  • 2/15 3:28pm   LAW: This is to further clarify my response to you, yesterday.
    Since I thought that your question focused on the topic of how the Commonwealth, or federal government, listed the population of the Town of Norfolk for certain evaluation purposes, those were the figures that I gave you; they are quite correct, as given in the US Census Bureau's Y-2000 (most recent) report for our town. Otherwise, as TR notes, the Town states the same demographics, broken down in a slightly different manner, for specific use, internally, or at a more local government level. In case I misunderstood your question, I'll reword that portion of my original reply. The present general population of Norfolk is about 9,396; prison population is about 1,973. There are about 5,966 registered/active voters, in town... none of them are, presently, inmates @ MCI.
    Kia ora,
    - MT

  • 2/15 12:10pm   Being a former Asst. Town Clerk I can state that we did and do not include the prisoners in our census. They are reported in the state census but not included in ours. They are not allowed to vote (if they were we would be in trouble). The only prisoners allowed are the ones who previously lived in town or have their families living here.
    - TR

  • 2/15 9:56am   Has anyone noticed the increase in the water level in Highland Lake? The Mann Pond lateral feeding Mann Pond via Boardman and Seekonk is over its banks. The Stop River at Campbell St. also shows an increase, as does the junction at Stop River at South St. rapids.
    I believe the Mann Pond Lateral will need a cleaning this year.
    - JO

  • 2/14 5:40pm   LAW: Yes, the prison inmate population is counted as part of our general population and that total count is reflected in the census for the Town of Norfolk. However, there is a more refined breakdown which actually makes up the demographic profile of Norfolk. I have it as a PDF file; it's about 4 pages long, so rather than post it here, I'll send it directly to you. The last US Census Report was in the year 2000. A more current (2007) head count for Norfolk is: Total Norfolk population is 11,369 of which 1973 are prison inmates.
    To clarify my previous post about the MCI Norfolk facilities: The Prison Mitigation Fund is paid annually to the Town as an offset, in the way of compensation, for the presumed loss of property tax revenue that the Town might have received from all the real estate occupied by MCI Norfolk. It's my understanding that Norfolk bills the Commonwealth (DOC) separately for any other (Police, Fire, Ambulance) services the town provides. I think this covers everything that you asked, but if not, let me know.
    - MT

  • 2/14 3:33pm   MON - Thank you for the information on Norfolk Taxpayers Association. I was unable to attend, but support your efforts.
    Look forward to hearing about the next meeting date.
    - AML

  • 2/14 10:53am   The first meeting of the Norfolk Taxpayers Association was well attended--despite the weather--by many patriots who are concerned by the future tax burdens we all face. There was even a surprise guest bringing gifts of donuts and coffee and all three were warmly welcomed.
    The agenda was loose and introductory at first but quickly focused to a point: we all need timely information and are concerned that more needs to be done to reign in future tax increases. The divisions of Norfolk government we hope understand this and will work together to help our taxpayers.
    The next meeting will be announced shortly and will be the first or second week of March. Time is a crucial factor in progress.
    Thanks again, Norfolk.
    - MON

  • 2/14 10:50am   The deadline to register for Norfolk Lions Youth Soccer's spring season is fast approaching... No registrations will be accepted after March 1, 2008 - visit norfolklionssoccer.com to register today!
    - HK

  • 2/14 9:11am   MT, ER - I'm a little unclear as to whether the prison populations are counted as Norfolk residents. I do know that the Town provides emergency services for them. What else? Do we plough, maintain the external areas (parking lots, etc.)? Wouldn't the prisoners count as mental health patients? If they were in their right minds, they wouldn't be there, would they?
    MON - good NTA meeting, I'm glad that I ignored the weather and attended. I see that there are so many issues to address. The only thing that I'm against is the mindset that wants to build new, instead of buiding onto, or upon, to whatever facilities the Town has now.
    - LAW

  • 2/14 9:11am   Happy Valentine's Day, Norfolknetters. After all, this is a special day set aside for love, isn't it? My two most important cohorts have asked me to join them in wishing that y'all have the most fantastic passionate day of your entire lifetime... 'til the next time, that is.
    - MT

  • 2/14 9:07am   ER, Specifically, the Prison Mitigation Funds are calculated on the area of real estate that MCI occupies, which could, therefore, theoretically deprives the Town of the RE tax revenue that might be generated by that land--nothing more, nothing less. The $200,000+/- is anticipated and spent by our overly ambitious "leadership" long before the State even determines the actual amount, so it never really relieves the cost of our existing essential services, but rather merely becomes another "frill in the hair" of our politicians and their elitist supporters.
    - MT

  • 2/14 12:54am   MT - I have always been lead to believe that the Mitigation Funds were for town services rendered to the prisons not for the support of the prisoners...
    I guess we would have to know how many prisoners there are and multiply their weekly allowance to come up with their income - but then again the $200,000 would be being applied to 2 different services... I think they would still come under the low income bracket.
    I think this should be brought to some big table in the State House... Just my opinion.
    - ER

  • 2/14 12:53am   JPB, re your post of 6:48 this evening. Some of us were looking forward to seeing you there, ole pal. So sorry that you all couldn't make it; we were looking for you. No minutes were taken, so regrettably, the essence of discussions of that assembly may be difficult to accurately report. That's just my impression, however; maybe one of the other attendees is more capable of answering your question. Best regards,
    - MT

  • 2/13 11:32pm   ER, re your post of 3:07, today. I take it that you're referring to the "Affordable Housing Mandate", which specifies that 10% of the total housing in a town be set aside for housing people with low incomes. Excellent point except that the proposed amendment to Ch 40B, 3 or 4 years ago, in that regard clearly specified that each unit or bed of a "mental health or mental retardation" would be credited toward the Affordable Housing (low income) quota. I don't think the prisons meet that criterion. As an added thought, I would imagine that the Commonwealth considers the approximate average of $200,000 that it pays the Town of Norfolk, in Prison Mitigation Funds, annually, is more than adequate compensation. What do you think?
    - MT

  • 2/13 11:31pm   Hello Norfolk Residents, My name is Stephanie and I am currently a senior at King Philip and a Norfolk resident. For the past 5 years I have been participating in the annual Walk for Hunger. Last year I raised over $1,000 but this year, however, I have set a much high goal. I have formed a team of over 60 students with a common goal of $15,000. The walk is not until May, so it may seem that were fund raising too early, but we need to with such an ambitious goal.
    We could really use the support from the community!
    If you would be willing to donate, the team would greatly appreciate it. You can do it online by going to: [team 21510 page] and clicking "Support the Team Tri Towners" on the right hand side. If you would feel more comfortable writing a check, feel free to contact me at S_lewis_7448@yahoo.com
    Thanks so much for your time and generosity!
    - SL

    [Update 2/18 11:24am: oops, corrected malapropism! It is my personal ambiguous goal to make all posts look good. Thanks for pointing it out! - Wm.]

  • 2/13 6:48pm   Just curious, does anyone know how the fist meeting of the Norfolk Taxpayers Association went at the library last evening... how many attended?
    - JPB

  • 2/13 6:19pm   MON: Sorry that I missed the Norfolk Taxpayers Association meeting last night. I am interested in an update about how things went. How many folks attended and what initiatives were discussed? Will there be follow-up meetings? Thanks in advance.
    - CS

  • 2/13 6:18pm   Seeing we have the 2 BR's, I will now do BR#1. That was not me asking about the prison population.
    - BR#1

  • 2/13 3:07pm   BR - I also thought the prisons were included in the count, and if so... I don't understand why that doesn't "fill our bucket" for low income housing ...
    - ER

  • 2/13 2:43pm   I believe the population also includes the inmates at Norfolk, Pondville, Bay State and a portion of Cedar Junction :)
    - BR

  • 2/13 12:11pm   Saturday February 23rd 6pm The King Philip music department will be presenting their winter competitive shows for the local community. The performances will commence in the auditorium and will move to the field house of King Philip Regional High School, Wrentham.
    [C o n t i n u e d . . .]
    The Public are invited to attend. Free Admission
    - MW, KPMA

  • 2/13 11:13am   In answer to the population of Norfolk, check with the Town clerk's Office 508-528-1400. It is close to 10,000, I believe.
    - TR

  • 2/13 11:12am   Mass.gov is the best resource for demographic information, as well as other statistics.
     
    County Norfolk
    School Structure K-06
    Form of Government Town Administrator
    Selectmen
    Open Town Meeting
    2006 Population 10,598
    2007 Labor Force 4,701
    2007 Unemployment Rate 3.1
    1999 Per Capita Income 32,454
    2006 Population Per Square Mile 714.2
    2006 Housing Units Per Square Mile 192.8
    2006 Road Miles 70.61
    EQV Per Capita (2006 EQV/2006 Population) 145,880
    Number of Registered Vehicles (January 2006) 10,084
    Average Age of Vehicles (January 2006) 7.71
    2006 Number of Registered Voters 5,956
    - KH

  • 2/13 10:34am   Does anyone know what the current population of Norfolk is? The only reference I can find is to the 2000 census.
    - EBC

  • 2/12 10:43pm   JN - Maggie will not be returning to our school. If you want to send her a gift, I would recommend contacting the Medfield Police Department - They may be able to help you with this. Thank you for sending in a donation.
    - NS

  • 2/12 6:45pm   As we all patiently await Spring and the nice weather it brings, now is a great time to gather all your precious memories and allow me to create for you a wonderful keepsake: a full color coffee table book.
    I can help you create a beautiful hardcover book with a full color dust jacket that you'll be proud to share with your family and friends. Cookbooks, Poetry, Family Photos, Heritage/Geneology, Blog to Book Conversions and much more... I work with you to help create a product that you'll be happy to display on your coffee table... and they make great gifts too!
    Please check out my bookmaking website at JingotheCat.com/publishing and please also review some of the many books I've published for clients at the BlurbNation website. Please feel free to contact me anytime to discuss your project - email: andy@JingotheCat.com or phone: 781-696-9174.
    Also, now is a great time to begin thinking about spring and summer outdoor family portraits - please contact me to discuss package prices and to schedule a session.
    Thanks - Andy, www.JingotheCat.com
    - AG

  • 2/12 6:32pm   Update on the Norfolk Lions Chili-Fest Contest...
    Plans are well under way for the Chili-Fest Contest. Make sure you mark your calendar now for March 15, 2008 and plan on spending some time with Norfolk Lions Members at St. Jude's Church on Main St. So far we have 4 local eating establishments that want to compete. Entries are expected from the Horse & Carriage Restaurant (Norfolk), the Eagle Brook Saloon (Norfolk), the Outlaw BBQ (Foxboro), and Best Deli (Franklin). Additional details will be released soon including where and when you can purchase tickets.
    ...Hope to see you there!
    - GB, Norfolk Lions

  • 2/12 6:32pm   NCL Easter Breakfast on Saturday, March 15, 2008, 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM at Freeman Centennial School, McBride Auditorium. Please join us for a continental breakfast, entertainment and Easter bonnet/hat contest. Bring a donation to benefit The Norfolk Food Pantry (items needed: cereal, pasta sauce, peanut butter, canned vegetables, toothpaste...)
    [M o r e . . .]
    - JC

  • 2/12 6:32pm   NS: Thank you for the information re: Maggie Nino's trust at the Needham Bank. I will be sending in a donation. We also would like to send a small gift to her as well--would the bank collect that for us, the Medfield police Dept. or the school? I think we should all reach out to this little girl. This is so tragic. My heart goes out to her.
    - JN

  • 2/12 4:03pm   Dear Town of Norfolk -- Obviously we have as a community major tax challenges ahead of us.
    Join the Norfolk Taxpayers Association tonight at 7:30 pm at the Library!
    - MON

  • 2/12 4:02pm   Now that S&S appears to be off the table, what is going on with the other significant development areas such as the Caritas owned site and the Rt 115 area? Thanks,
    - BG

  • 2/12 3:13pm   I agree that there is probably not much left to trim in the Norfolk town budget, TRK. Norfolk seems pretty lean to me, but others would know better than I about the town budget. But I have spent quite a bit of time looking at KP's budget and trying to improve our KP system in other ways. I truly believe that KP's budget is very lean and if someone wants to pass judgement on KP's budget, they should at least try to understand it and where the additional costs are coming from and how it compares to other similar school systems. All I am suggesting is that people become informed before they decide. When the police/fire dept. and the DPW and others come in with their budgets, we should take the time to understand what their increases entail. Then each voter can decide what services he/she thinks we can live without and vote accordingly. Because I imagine we will be cutting services across all departments if we aren't willing to pay more than 2-1/2%. Healthcare and fuel cost increases alone are pretty hefty.
    Enough said on that topic. Hey, I like the portable stoplight idea from Europe. May be useful in the USA.
    - MGD

  • 2/12 1:05pm   KDM: I would be very interested in speaking with your daughter. Please contact me through my email address, trish6487@msn.com. Thank you.
    - PRB

  • 2/12 12:37pm   Please consider making a donation for Maggie Ninos. Maggie is a second grader in Medfield, and the daughter of Meg Ninos, who was murdered in her home last week. Maggie has now also lost her father. A trust has been set up for Maggie's longterm care. Thank you.
    Friends of Maggie Ninos
    c/o Needham Bank
    520 Main Street
    Medfield, MA 02052
    - NS

  • 2/12 12:32pm   Norfolk Baseball Association is honored to sponsor the Second Annual Joseph M. DiRienzo, Jr. Memorial Scholarship. Scholarship packets are available at the King Philip Guidance Department and at the guidance offices of all local, private high schools. You may also visit our website at norfolkbaseball.com for further details. All submissions must be postmarked by April 5, 2008.
    Joe was an integral "player" in the success of Norfolk Baseball. He volunteered for eleven years in various roles ranging from coach, manager, league director and president of our organization. His "always about the kids" philosophy continues today in Norfolk's Little League and Babe Ruth programs.
    We welcome all eligible high school seniors to apply.
    - KF

  • 2/12 12:29pm   "So maybe the selectmen can tighten their belts elsewhere and cut some fat in other areas of the budget..."
    OK..., just out of curiosity I'll ask. Throwing out such a statement is so very easy. Coming up with those "other areas" where cuts could be made without hurting something or someone might not be so easy. So, MGD, where would you suggest the Selectmen make these cuts? Where is the 'fat' that you suggest exists? And just how deep do you think the well of public money is around here?
    While it may very well be that additional monies are necessary at KP, the well from which that money is drawn is only so deep, and the increase in the personal expenditures that each and every one of us is faced with daily can almost take one's breath away. There's only so much money to go around, and the public services already rendered in Norfolk aren't exorbitant (read, 'not-a-lot-of-fat'), and I believe it's from that POV that opposition to budget increases and over-rides comes, be they education related or not.
    I doubt that there's anyone participating on this board that objects to having a good school system, especially those who still have children in the system. But even they know that the bank account and the paycheck only go so far. And asking residents to spread the butter even thinner on the bread is going to be a tough one to sell.
    - TRK

  • 2/12 11:47am   Wm.--You need to compare KP to regional school district statistics because KP is regional which includes 3 towns and can't compare to surrounding towns, which in many cases spend even more money on just one HS per town. There are economies of scale in a regional system, so at least we're doing something right. We would do well to look at regionalizing police, fire, etc., but no one wants to give up control.
    The discussion about school funding isn't just about the children. It's for our future as a society. As I mentioned in another post, our parents and grandparents were willing to make huge investments in our roads, railways, parks, school infrasture, etc. But we aren't even willing to maintain these things. As one letter to the editor pointed out in the Globe today--our priorities are backwards. We are willing to cover the cost of Paris Hilton's stay at a swanky hotel but we don't pay for an Iraqi translator's family to join him here in the US. He risked his life for our soldiers. We are willing pay for seasons tickets to watch our favorite team, etc.
    I would like to point out that the 15.9:1 ratio is inclusive of non-teachers; we have asked Dr. Robbat that question. Unfortunately statistics can be presented in many different ways depending on how the data is being compiled. You can also check the Mass DOE website and get even more convoluted numbers. But we do know for a fact that the guidance counselor ratio at KPMS is 400:1. At the HS where it's even more important, the ratio is 350:1. Pretty dismal when we are trying to prepare our kids for college and these guidance counselors are also responsible for dealing with some of our most at risk members of society--the homeless, the drug addicted, etc.
    Then we also know for a fact that some of the textbooks are over 10 years old and there are not even enough textbooks to go around because you can't replace or buy more books that were published more than 10 years ago. Also, we know that for safety, science labs need to have fewer than 24 students, but this is not the case (we won't even get into the discussion that hands-on labs need a better student/teacher ratio). We also know that many of our middle school students sit in two studies [study halls] a day; tell me how this creates a joy of learning when you are just sitting there. To get rid of those studies would only take $250,000. And lastly, we also know that some children's education on an individual basis costs us more that $500,000 a year. These are facts and not statistics, and that is why the district needs more money.
    - BS

  • 2/12 11:46am   To MH, the money that Dr. Robbat is requesting in the KP budget that you claim would be "money we are throwing at the problem" is money to pay increased heating and fuel costs, to pay for increased health care costs, etc. We would be grateful if you could help fix some of these problems (costs). Help be part of a united community in trying to address these serious problems. If KP's budget was fat and happy, I might agree with you. But the data shows otherwise and many of us think quality schools are important. And KP won't remain a quality school if we keep cutting their budget. I am certain of that.
    - MGD

  • 2/12 11:43am   KP Schools - I don't agree by providing more and more money always makes for a better school. Remember, this is only the KP budget, taxpayers still need to see the K-6 school budget.
    How frequently can the schools continue to ask the taxpayers for more money? Why are contracts with teachers and administrators including 3%-6% pay increases? I have seen in the past few years that raises of 3%-6% are not reality, especially when there are no funds to pay them. Maybe there should be a sliding scale for teachers, top performers receive more raises, then the lower performers.
    I am a concerned citizen, with small children who will be attending these schools, but if our tax bill continues to increase the amount it has been, I will be forced to move out of town.
    - AML

  • 2/12 11:42am   Recent headlines confirm that the problems for families in hurricane ravaged Louisiana are getting worse. The federal government confirmed that 600 million dollars earmarked for housing reconstruction will be diverted to fund port improvement projects. [...]
    Members of The Federated Church of Norfolk will be joining members of First Church of Marlboro on a volunteer rebuilding trip to Metorie, Louisiana, from February 23rd through March 1st.
    Local support is greatly needed to help volunteers fund a rebuilding effort.
    [M o r e   i n f o . . .]
    - KR

  • 2/12 11:40am   To answer Wm's question... Why should you compare a 7-12 regional school system to other 7-12 regional school systems and not other neighboring towns who have full K-12 systems? Because you are comparing apples to oranges in many ways. Dr. Robbat explained that Regional school districts have many fixed costs that non-regional systems don't have. For example, the KP budget must carry a lot of insurance costs (worker's comp., liability insurance, etc.) that the K-12 systems do not carry in their budget. Those towns that have their own elementary, middle and high schools carry those costs on the town budgets sheets. Regional schools have multiple towns and thus, must carry those costs on the school books. Also, K-6 curriculums are very different than those in middle schools and high schools, so you are not accurately comparing when you compare a middle/high school regional system to an elementary through high school system.
    It is amazing the things one learns by attending SC meetings and talking to Dr. Robbat and the principals. I would suggest if you want to try to compare KP to similar towns that have similar demographics to Norfolk, I suggest looking at Acton-Boxboro or Masconomet Regional (Boxford, Topsfield, Middleton). Both are 7-12 regional systems. Unfortunately, we still come in behind those districts in how much we invest in our middle and high school.
    - MGD

  • 2/12 10:29am   Norfolk Lions Youth Soccer is looking to fill the position of Registrar. This position may be filled by one person or a "team" of 2 or more volunteers. This board position requires the use of your computer to input each player's information. The Registrar/s will work with other board members to make teams, run reports, etc. If you (and a friend, neighbor, or spouse) would be interested in filling this position, please email norfolklionssoccer@verizon.net for more information. We would like to fill this position as soon as possible to allow time to train so that the new Registrar/s will be prepared to take over this important position for the fall season.
    Registration fees are waived for children of NLYS Board members.
    - HK

  • 2/12 10:28am   DV - My niece and nephews have been out of school for most of the last month because of the flu (different school district in another part of the state). High fevers and vomiting. My sister-in-law is at her wit's end because they can not seem to get rid of it! There seems to be a nasty bug going around this year. My husband told me that they use Purell like they own stock in the company, but it is not helping. After what I have learned about the stuff on Norfolknet, I would be hesitant to say that it makes that much of a difference!
    - MH

  • 2/12 10:26am   TMO -- When we were in Scotland five years ago for our honeymoon, we noticed the same thing with the traffic lights. FYI, the detail officer is only required in Massachusetts, and we have had this discussion a number of times on Norfolknet! Unfortunately, unions are too strong in this state for this policy to ever be changed.
    Regarding the schools (I have to say that I really hate this topic because it is always ``for the children'' and that infuriates me), I would be interested to know where KP ranked in 2001-2002 when we had the higher levels of state funding. Believe it or not, throwing money at a problem does not fix it. In 2006 we were ranked 70 out of 297 in the state (the student to teacher ration was 15.9:1 and the combined MCAS scores averaged 169). Supporting information is here: [schooldigger.com page]
    I could get the info for 2002-2006, but one website ([psk12.com page]) that I found with the information requires a subscription and I refuse to pay the money! If someone could please find information that higher levels of funding will raise the ranking of the school and the overall student performance, I will actually listen to the arguments of why the increases are needed.
    - MH

  • 2/12 9:56am   LK, thank you for clearing that up for me. However, now I really do not get why people are upset that the kids share the space... I am staying out of it! LOL On a different note, all 4 of my kids are home today with a temp range from 101.3-103. This has been one heck of season. are other people finding their kids sick a lot this year?
    - DV

  • 2/12 9:55am   Re: 2/12 9:07am I am looking for a responsible person to care for my dogs next week. Can anyone re commend someone? I am in Cape Cod Estates. - PRB
    PRB - My 14 year old daughter has been taking care of our neighbor's dog for a number of years. She is more then capable and willing, and she has transportation to Cape Cod Estates. Let me know if you need references.
    - KDM

  • 2/12 9:39am   You guys are right on BS, MKL and MJD. We as a community absolutely should invest in our schools, because good schools are better for everyone in a community, not just a few. (And no, it is not a special interest.)
    After looking at the numbers from KP carefully and comparing them to comparable regional 7-12 systems in Mass., KP gets less and spends less per pupil than every single regional school system. Wow. That means we put less money into our middle and high schools than communities like Chesterfield, Sturbridge, Rochester and Orange, to name a few. So what does that say about Norfolk, Wrentham and Plainville? I think we can be assured that if KP does not get a decent boost in its budget this year, class sizes will go up yet again!. And this past year almost 45% of the classes at KP had more than 25 students, any many had more than 30 students.
    Why is a budget increase necessary? Because healthcare costs are way up. Because heating and fuel costs are way up. Because more kids are going to KP. Because the state pays hardly anything for our special education costs and hardly anything for our regular education costs. Dr. Robbat's budget is not a wish list of new programs and a lot of extras. He is trying to maintain class sizes. He is trying to maintain history and math programs to reasonable levels.
    And by the way, last year he restructured the special ed so that more sped students could be taught at KP rather than go out of district at a savings of $1.5 million. So maybe the selectmen can tighten their belts elsewhere and cut some fat in other areas of the budget because we can't afford to keep cutting the budget at KP. And parents of younger children should be wary; cuts now will definitely effect your children because middle school and high school are not far away.
    - MGD

    ["...than every single regional school system" -- why is that meaningful? Rather, how does Norfolk compare to neighboring towns, like Millis, Franklin, Medfield? - Wm. ]

  • 2/12 9:14am   We are living in Europe and there are some things here that are like "Aha" moments! Here is a photo of one. Instead of paying a police officer, or as in some other states, a flag person to redirect traffic, they just put up portable lights! Yup! Imagine that! I had never seen anything like it before- not a bad idea!
    - TMO

  • 2/12 9:12am   DV - the preschoolers and the kindergardeners are not there at the same time, the Pre-K kids go in the AM, and the K class is there in the afternoon. If there were 2 half day K classes, they would share the room in the same way, and in the past they switched times at the half-year mark. Morning kids would go in the afternoon, and vice versa.
    - LK

  • 2/12 9:11am   BS - Please reread my post. I was not referring to you. I was talking about the knee jerk response some people in this town take to the idea of raising taxes for education. You and I are on the same page.
    - MJD

  • 2/12 9:07am   I am looking for a responsible person to care for my dogs next week. Can anyone recommend someone? I am in Cape Cod Estates.
    - PRB

  • 2/11 9:54pm   One more thing; if I understand this right, the half-day kids are sharing a room with the pre-school children. Wouldn't this be very overwhelming for some of the special needs children?
    Depending on the needs, I would think one of the reasons for this law would be to introduce them to a classroom and have help before they start school. These types of classes are usually very organized and well run. To mix the kindergarten with this class seems odd to me. For a special needs three year old to be in the same classroom as a typical 6 year old and for them to both get their needs met seems like a long shot. I must be missing something.
    - DV

  • 2/11 9:54pm   JC, I think that is great. What is the name of that law? Do you know? I know they had that in Needham, but I did not know that it was a special needs law. When was it passed? It must have been within the past 9 years.
    - DV

  • 2/11 9:53pm   MON -- then go question it ("this continued escalation of cost and taxes, due to the schools") at a SC meeting or an advisory board meeting. I will tell you, as I have told you in prior posts, the KP District is working at bare bones and was cut in 2002 and has not been made whole since then. They continue to lose ground in funding. I have spoken with Dr. Robbat, he is a very accessible man, have you? I would think you would need to have these kinds of conversations before your meeting tomorrow night.
    - BS

  • 2/11 8:58pm   DV - As mandated by the special education laws, Norfolk provides a preschool program for those children ages 3-5 who are identified as having special needs requiring such a program. There are "typical" children there as well to be role models. The special needs children are paid for by the town; the others pay a monthly tuition to cover their costs. Hope this answers your questions.
    - JC

  • 2/11 8:57pm   MKL - One thing I am capable of is finding information, even when it is nowhere to be found in the town pages or minutes. And I understand the problems the KP schools face, as all schools face. But where is the taxpayer oversight here? Does everyone think this continued escalation of costs and taxes, due to the schools, can go unquestioned forever?
    This recent announcement sets up the Norfolk taxpayers for a possible 2 million dollar tax burden in FY 2009.
    Norfolk Taxpayers Association -- Tuesday 12th at 7:30 pm at the library
    - MON

  • 2/11 7:52pm   MON - No, I will not be joining you at your meeting. As a parent of a KP student who has serious concerns about the future of the KP system, I believe it is more important and appropriate that I attend the KP meetings and voice my concerns (and support as well) in that forum, and to the BOS as well. I too am concerned about all that BS writes below. And to those who only have students in the Norfolk system, I would urge them to get involved as well, as their sons and daughters will be at KP soon enough.
    And what is it exactly that you mean when you write "... you have no idea what I am capable of?" What are you capable of? What else do we need to know about MON?
    - MKL

  • 2/11 7:51pm   Before you jump all over me, understand that my kids were older when we moved here so I do not know how HOD works, but from an outside view, my question is... Why is there even a pre-K program in the school if we do not have room for the kindergarten children? Is it run by the town? And is there a fee? If there is no fee to attend, then who is paying for it? Taxes? If someone could explain that to me it would be great.
    - DV

  • 2/11 7:48pm   MJD -- I agree there are probably areas we can shave some but I don't believe I am being reactionary when it comes to the KP school district. We've waited 6 years. The KP School District has had nothing but cuts since 2002 when the state of Massachusetts cut back on chapter 70 funds to each school district. Each school district has had to make up for the cuts through property tax increases and as we all know we have not gotten back to the same level of funding as 2002, never mind taking into account inflation, mandated requirements of MCAS, No Child Left Behind Act and the new reporting requirements that have recently been mandated. What does that leave for regular education? Not much.
    Massachusetts spends less as a percentage of personal income on public education than every other state in the Northeast and ranks 38th out 50 states and led the cuts in education funding five years ago. We as a society have to do better. And yes, I could and have sent children to private schools. But I believe in public education and believe that we need to support it in order to give equal education to all. Quality education should be available to the masses not just the elite.
    - BS

  • 2/11 6:31pm   Does anyone have a good condition small animal cage (bird, rat, ferret, rabbit, or guinea pig) that they could donate? There is a mama rat (pregnant!) who needs help and I have volunteered to be her foster mom. The rescue center that I am working with can provide a cage, but that means they have one cage less to save other animals in need. I'm also looking for fleece material for the bedding (it's soft, cozy and washable and no threads for the babies to get caught on) if any one has fleece material they could donate. And if there are rat advocates/owners that would be interested in sharing their expertise with me, I'd love to hear from you... though I've had many other animals, this will be my first rat! Thanks for any help. 508-553-9836
    - SD

  • 2/11 5:58pm   BS - Your concerns are those of a parent with children in our schools. Perhaps MON is a parent of a child who does not attend a Norfolk School or one in the KP system. His pocketbook seems to be his biggest concern, I would guess it is because he pays tuition outside of our system, which of course is his choice and it could be yours.
    Remember, though, good schools are reflected in our property values, (I assume that MON is a property owner) not just in the services to our children. Great schools should be everyone's concern, let's be thoughtful about this problem and not reactionary. Taxes are high, let's sacrifice elsewhere (and do not tell me that there is no waste in this town) and fund our schools appropriately.
    - MJD

  • 2/11 5:05pm   KID, I second Paul Johnson in Wellesley. He is great and so is his staff.
    - DV

  • 2/11 5:04pm   NH - Franklin Country Day Camp is a wonderful experience for kids. Both of my daughters have attended since they were in kindergarten.
    It's become a summer tradition for them, and they eagerly look foward to this summer's session. The camp has a great mix of activites from boating to crafts to archery to swimming, just to name a few. It is well staffed and provides the kind of wholesome fun that I envision an overnight camp in Northern New England provides. Registration started several weeks back - spaces fill up fast. The camp is so popular that if your child does not get in at the age of 5, there's a good chance that they'll be shut out in the future. For the money, I believe it is better than the Adirondack Club, Franklin YMCA, or Boston Sports Club's summer programs.
    - DA

  • 2/11 5:00pm   First, it isn't only the parents of the 1/2 day kindergarten students who have concerns, the parents of the Pre-K students also have concerns. I know some parents have raised their concerns to the school with no avail. After speaking with some of these parents I think it is safe to say they feel defeated, or in the least that their concerns fall on deaf ears, and simply the school just does not care. As for not having a student in the 1/2 day program, you are right, as many of you don't either. However, I have a child that was previously in the 1/2 day program and one going into kindergarten this year. So, I have been doing my best to get information. Unfortunately, I wouldn't expect the school to admit they aren't putting their best foot forward in regards to making the 1/2 day program equal. Why would they? I have spoken with quite a few parents of students in the current 1/2 day program that do have concerns. Could their reluctance to post be based more on the lack of compassion received from the town to embrace their decision to send their child to 1/2 day kindergarten, or maybe just the bashing they might receive from this website? As for the numbers, the 1/2 day program has 22 students. One full day program has 22 students, 1 has 21, 5 have 20 students and one has 18 students. If a student moves into town wanting 1/2 day kindergarten, the town has to accommodate their request, as it is required to provide a free education. Then what -- 23, 24...? I'm not sure I like those odds? Somehow the [notion] that the class size and being shared shouldn't be an issue escapes me. It is definitely a concern when you are faced with sharing space for kindergarten-appropriate items. If 1/2 day students have items in the room that are not all geared toward their program, this should be a concern. If their room is already the smallest and the class is among the highest student count, this further will then add to the concerns. If items are wheeled into the room when the 1/2 day students need them, yet one more concern? This isn't a teacher integrity or ability concern. It's about placing priority for one program instead of another. Unfortunately, having 20 students in a 1/2 day program that wanted full day would be unfortunate too, but much less discriminating. It's a reality that we could argue this all night, but why? Isn't it just sad that people simply chose to argue with the parents who have concerns for the 1/2 day program instead of giving these concerns some merit and responding with compassion? Lastly, if no one supports the 1/2 day program, there will be a lottery at some point. Then, will everyone hear the concerns about the 1/2 day program?
    - DL

  • 2/11 4:53pm   MON -- "and you have no idea of what I am capable of."
    Say what?? You know, MGD has a good point; I haven't seen you at the KP SC meetings, and the NTA knows all?? Pretty strong words you are using.
    So did you know that 40% of our middle school students are in study hall at least one period a day and two periods a day; every other day. Did you know, it would only take $250,000 to get these kids out of at least the one study? Did you know that since 2002 the funding of our school district continues to go down? We have not been able to get the funding. Did you also know of the regional school systems we are at the bottom of the list as far as funding is concerned. We fund at $8700 per pupil in round numbers and the next region up is $1200 more than us. And I am not comparing us to Dover-Sherborn. I am looking at the Lakeville numbers. Did you also know that all of those parents you are always putting down are always putting out despite your continual derogatory remarks -- they are at those meetings and they are the ones working all the fund raisers.
    What I am tired of is everyone just saying no new taxes. It is Proposition 2 1/2 that's broken. Our parents and grandparents made huge investments in this country and prided themselves in sacrificing for the future. What we are doing is sacrificing our children's futures by not investing in their schools as well as the infrastructure( or lack thereof) they will inherit . They say America is going the way of the Romans and I couldn't agree more.
    - BS

    [See also the April 2007 discussion about shool budgets and per-pupil expenditures. There were detailed comparisons posted earlier, too - Wm.]

  • 2/11 4:52pm   KID: I have used Dr. Johnson in Wellesley for 9 years. He is a great pediatric dentist. My daughter is so fearful, yet is amazingly calm there. They are really great -- I would never change. 781-237-2151. It is a small practice in easy driving distance from here. They only see pediatric patients. Good luck.
    - JBN

  • 2/11 4:12pm   KID... I am a pedatric dental assistant. The only place I would feel comfy recommending is Braintree Pediatric Dental Associates in Braintree. They also have an office in Easton. Dr. John Viveiros will not need any videos to get your child to sit still or be fearless. He will work his magic... He's the best! Also Dr. Charlene Pirner or Dr. Fraone. But I always recommend Dr John for the most fearful patients. If he can get great results from Autistic patients, your son will be a piece of cake!!!
    - MW

  • 2/11 4:10pm   KID - Pediatric Dental Healthcare, 16 Washington St, Plainville MA; 508-695-2064; pediatricdentalhealthcare.com
    - ER

  • 2/11 3:09pm   Does anyone have any experience with Franklin Country Day Camp? I have a 5 year old and wanted to know if it is appropriate for him. Thanks.
    - NH

  • 2/11 3:08pm   MGD - Please keep the self-righteousness to a minimum. For those taxpayers out there, be prepared! The operating budget will go up 17.7% for the KP Schools - meaning the Town of Norfolk is responsible for 1.25 million of it!
    So start saving up, Norfolk! Higher taxes are on the horizon! And keep your information, MGD - the Norfolk Taxpayers Association knows all. Besides, you and I have never met, not that I need to meet you, and you have no idea of what I am capable of.
    Now more than ever - NTA, Tuesday at 7:30 pm at the library.
    - MON

  • 2/11 1:24pm   Does anyone know of a local dental pediatric practice that has videos for little patients to watch while they are being worked on? Our little guy needs a cavity filled and we have discovered he is decidedly not a fan of anything that whirrs, so we need to distract him. Thanks for any info!
    - KID

  • 2/11 12:18pm   C'mon MON. What a lame excuse for not attending a very important budget presentation for the public by the KP School District. Several of us very busy parents rearranged our schedules and cancelled commitments so we could attend Sat. morning. For someone who spends an inordinate amount of time on NorfolkNet complaining about transparency and full disclosure, this meeting should have been your first priority on Sat. morning. And "No" none of us will attend your meeting to brief you on what happened just because you didn't think Sat. was a convenient time. Give me a break... Give us all a break...
    - MGD

  • 2/11 12:17pm   MON - Honestly, I can't tell if you understood the attempt at sarcastic humor. Seriously, I can't tell, and I'm being serious now.
    - AB

  • 2/11 12:16pm   Verizon Cable - can anyone who has purchased Verizon cable confirm whether or not NECN is part of their standard/basic cable package?
    - JL

  • 2/11 10:51am   AB - You have it all backwards - the Norfolk Taxpayers Association is the Light Side. We want the town finances to be in the light, the deals made with the unions, vendors and everyone else who lives on our taxes to be transparent, and the Town to hold the Boards and employees accountable to the taxpayer. We also want our town assets maximized so that the override threats go away.
    Come to the Norfolk Taxpayers Association meeting Tuesday at 7:30 pm at the library.
    Saving on your taxes can buy a lot of donuts.
    - MON

  • 2/11 8:47am   JH: I don't think so, but I "hear" that these T-shirts may be available. I don't know about you but I'm gonna wait for the feetsie pajamas with the glow-in-the-dark lettering. Sorry MON, just could not resist. ; )
    - AB

  • 2/11 8:46am   MON -- Not to worry, you still have more chances to get the facts on the KP Schools District budget. The SC will be voting on the budget tomorrow night, Monday, 2/11 at 7:00pm in the library at KPHS. Also, the budget will be presented at the 2/27 Advisory Board meeting which is a Wednesday. Maybe those dates work. I do believe Dr. Robbat was trying to accommodate the many working parents as well as the many folks who have other meetings/commitments during the week.
    - BS

  • 2/10 10:12pm   MON - Will there be any donuts provided for the Norfolk Taxpayers Association meeting?
    - JH

  • 2/10 10:11pm   MW - A cablecard is a PC-style card that plugs into your TV that eliminates the need for a cablebox. More info here: [link]
    The more you read about Verizon, the less you'll be inclined to become a customer - one of the most evil corporations out there, second only to Comcast.
    - JH

  • 2/10 10:09pm   Can anyone recommend someone to perform some in-home piano repairs (some light disassembly to retrieve some "lost items" which fell behind the key cover).
    - JH

  • 2/10 10:59am   I just checked on Franklin's FiOS channel lineup (they say that Norfolk is not a FiOS town), and NECN is channel 90.
    - AL

  • 2/10 10:58am   DV - Sad but true, the kids could have come from any town, even Norfolk. And yes, let's catch these kids because it is not okay to treat anyone like this. So glad this child did all the right things; and at best we should catch these kids so that maybe they wont be able to drive around the minivan and will be taught right from wrong.
    - TD

  • 2/9 7:55pm   MKL - Unfortunately I could not make it. But I do have a call in to one of our liason School Committee members who I hope was there. Still waiting for the answer here! Since you probably attended the Saturday at 10 am meeting I ask you to attend the Norfolk Taxpayers Association meeting and fill us in on what is happening.
    See you Tuesday at 7:30 pm at the library! Bring your notes as well!
    I wonder how many people showed up. Scheduling a major meeting at 10 am on a Saturday seems a bit awkward to me. But bring on the information, MKL!
    - MON

  • 2/9 6:53pm   BD, you are absolutely right. I did mention that in my first post. The only reason I even mentioned the half-day thing is because it gives kids extra free time... more time to get in trouble. I do not know the child that they scared, but from what I heard, he did just the right thing and I am very proud of him. I hope if and when the older kids get caught, that their parents take it very seriously.
    - DV

  • 2/9 6:31pm   MON - Since you ignored me last week, I will ask again: Why didn't you attend the KP School budget meeting hosted by the KP School Committee and the Superintendent of Schools last Saturday? If you really are for quality in schools and for a careful examination of the issues at hand, you would have been there.
    - MKL

  • 2/9 5:49pm   Just to add the conversation about Verizon FiOS, I am sure that it is better technology, but you will lose NECN and Comcast 8, which the Celtics play on.
    - SB

  • 2/9 5:34pm   Hi, just to clear things up about the "incident" on Masconemet - Norfolk elementary schools get out at 3pm - most High Schools get out by 2pm. It could have been any HS student from any town - no one needed a half day to be at someone's bus stop by 3:30 in the afternoon when most Norfolk students are getting off the bus. In any case, it was a scary experience for the student I'm sure. Hopefully the HS kids will be caught soon!
    - BD

  • 2/9 12:56pm   I never realized how painful it is to browse the internet with the browser configuration that (presumably) everyone else is using. Pages don't load for a long time (waiting for all the animated ads to transfer first, I guess), the browser is locked during the interim but remembering and acting on the button clicks once the page is loaded -- including the back button! Which requires the forward button to get to the page, which reloads the page all over again!! Aaaargh!!
    There, I feel a little better.
    I normally use a browser that remains responsive during the page transfer, allows me to disable images and animated content (to speed up the page transfer and omit the ads), and renders content as it arrives instead of waiting until every last piece has arrived before doing anything. I guess I don't want the experiece, I want the content, but having had it, I now really don't want the experience.
    Sigh... the internet age is just dawning, and already I want to opt out. I can foresee, this will be a looong century.
    - Wm.

  • 2/9 9:14am   TD, it is very simple. Millis high school is very close to the area where the incident happened. It was just a thought. I do not believe I labeled the town of Millis.
    - DV

  • 2/9 9:13am   Stop by the library between 10 and noon today to have your children make Valentines at Cupid's Cool Craft Convention - the Jr. Friends supply the materials & the know-how. And don't forget to pick up a sweet Valentine for yourself at the Jr. Friends Bake Sale in the lobby! All proceeds support the Jr. Friends of the Library
    - VR

  • 2/9 9:12am   Has anyone had a kid's birthday party at Little Gym in Medway? I'm looking for a review of the experience. Any other recommendations on a venue to host a small child's (4) birthday party would be most welcome. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
    - KID

  • 2/8 10:43pm   DV, Millis had a 1/2 day on Wedneday, not Monday or Thurday when this minivan was driving around. Not sure why you singled out Millis when the car could have come from anywhere. Don't you think if this is what these kids where doing they probably where skipping school? Which at best we should not label one town to another. As they said, we need to talk with our children and go over the rules of not talking to stangers, from any town.
    - TD

  • 2/8 7:01pm   DD - Come to the meeting and we can discuss what you know, which appears on the surface as ample. The mechanics of the town meeting are obvious. But let's get to the why of taxes. Why can't town budgets be adhered to? Why are town government building projects threatening higher taxes?
    Why are a majority of the taxpayers affected by a minority who are entrenched and enriched by the Town Government.
    Norfolk Taxpayers Association - Tuesday the 12th 7:30 pm at the library.
    - MON

  • 2/8 6:02pm   MON, you sure are a wealth of misinformation. Don't you know how taxes and overrides are done in this town and throughout Massachusetts? Prop. 2-1/2 was imposed so that a few people (like the selectmen) cannot raise your taxes (above 2-1/2%) without a vote of all the citizens! A Prop. 2-1/2 vote allows all the citizens the ability to vote on an issue rather than having our selectmen decide for us. I think that is very fair... unless, of course, you want don't want the citizens to vote on issues that you personally don't agree with!
    - DD

  • 2/8 6:00pm  
    Copy of letter sent home Thursday:
    Dear Parents/Guardians,

    An incident that occurred last week was just brought to our schools attention today. I called the Norfolk Police Department to clarify the details of this incident.

    On Monday, January 28, the police received a complaint that two teenage young men driving a beige/gold mini-van passed a student who was walking home from the bus stop and yelled obscenities and made a threat to the childs safety. On Thursday, January 31, the police received another call that this same vehicle with these teenagers attempted to pick-up the student. The student is safe. The student knew not to talk to strangers, to run home, and to report it to a parent immediately.

    The police informed me that both these incidents occurred on Masconemet Avenue and they have been investigating these reports and patrolling the area during morning bus pick-up times and end of the day drop-off times.

    Please review the safety rules and plans established with your children. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to call the Norfolk Police Department or me.

    Sincerely,
    Lucia M. Godfrey

    - CI

  • 2/8 4:13pm   With all the concern about kindergarten, this BBC article [link] on early education caught my eye, especially for what it says about the merits of starting education early and extended classroom hours. Excerpts:
    But what does it mean for education standards?

    One of the most intriguing statistics from international comparisons is the lack of relationship between hours in the classroom and educational achievement.

    Finland, a global superstar in education terms, is consistently among the top performers. But it is also at the very bottom of the league in terms of the hours spent in the classroom.

    Finnish pupils start formal education at seven and then enjoy 11-week summer holidays - and they end up with the highest educational standards in Europe.
    [ref]

    - AR

  • 2/8 4:12pm   MJD - I went to the link - now I'm starving!! That would be a perfect fit for downtown, and I'm certain that Norfolkians would keep it in business, along with the commuters coming out from Boston. We chould get some kind of petition going, to oust S&S,once and for all. I'm going to MON's meeting on the 12th; any other takers?
    - LAW

  • 2/8 3:47pm   LAW - Sorry for the confusion; The Fruit Center AKA Milton Marketplace is an institution on the South Shore. It is a gourmet grocery store. It has a florist, lovely cheese case, meat market, deli, wine shop, cold items like prepared foods, fine baked good (like Iggy's bread), regular grocery items, frozen foods, excellent produce, an legendary salad and soup bar. They sell great products like Stonewall Kitchens, Boar's Head deli and excellent baked goods too. I believe it started like a Lambert's type of fruit place but it has become so much more. I have never seen another like it int he area that was not a chain of some sort. Here is a link. [fruitcentermarketplace.com]. They have one in Milton in East Milton Square and one in Hingham.
    - MJD

  • 2/8 3:32pm   Attention Norfolk Taxpayers -
    Did you know that a handful of people in this town control how your tax dollars are spent?
    Do you know how and why overrides are born?
    Worried the School Committee will propose a new school when we can barely afford what we have now?
    Do you work too much to attend the meetings when the votes are cast to spend your tax dollars?
    Would you like to level the playing field so that taxes are maintained at the present levels?
    Come to the Norfolk Taxpayers Association meeting - Tuesday Feb 12 at 7:30 pm at the library.
    Learn how the average taxpayer can fight the taxes imposed by the few!
    - MON

  • 2/8 3:31pm   TK, JH, anyone... Can you explain to me what a cable card is? How would I know if my TV supports it? I got my son an HDTV for Christmas, but the other sets are a bit older.
    - MW

  • 2/8 12:03pm   Yes, a nice fresh fruit and veggie store would be great. There used to be one in Framingham - they'd go to the market in Boston to stock up. I'm not sure that either of them exist any more. What about Jane and Paul's, and other local farms, getting together their produce (I know that's a tough one in NE in the winter) perhaps they could switch to hydoponics for this season. I agree, a big box anything will be awful.
    - LAW

  • 2/8 12:02pm   Talked to two different Verizon reps and actually got the same prices quoted. $109 bundle (home phone, 20 Mbsp down / 5 Mbps up internet, 200 channels of TV). Of course then the additions came, $10 for each high def set top box (STB), $5 for each non-high def STB. If your existing TVs/TiVos are CableCard ready, then you can lease CableCards at $3 a pop. Of course with CableCards you lose interactive features (Guide, On-Demand). And this included the 19" TV OR $250 credit at Best Buy. High Def STBs aren't available until March 10th. If I compare apples to apples with Comcast, financially it's close to a wash but in terms of technology, the Fios would be an upgrade (at least faster internet to start and presumably no interference on the TV signal). There are additional little things too if you are a Verizon wireless customer (you can get free calls (that is no Air Time charge) between home phone to your Verizon wireless phones). Switching from Comcast to Verizon would mean changing your email addresses wherever you've registered for anything online, etc. so there's some effort on your part to take care of that as well. I should state here that I haven't gotten a true apples to apples comparison with Comcast because I have yet to get the same answers from any of the sales reps that I've called but like I said above, I think the bundle prices between the two will be a wash. I'm gonna think on this for awhile and see what others have to say.
    - TK

  • 2/8 10:10am   I heard that Trader Joe's is going into a soon to be built plaza in Sharon on Mechanic Street. I know everybody wants to believe that we could get a higher end grocery here in town, but I doubt that anyone is interested in us. Our main street is off the beaten path, and although we have the train traffic I suspect that it's not enough to bring in the number of people required for the profit margin they want. I think a Fruit Center type store, like in Milton, would be a wonderful fit for us. Smaller and higher end than S&S, but not a big chain like TJ's or WF. I don't think that we can attract that kind of chain in this little town
    - MJD

  • 2/8 9:28am   MW - No, I meant that there weren't 20 other people who wanted 1/2 day but had to take full. Of the 160 or so kids registered, only 18-20 actually signed up for 1/2 day. The other 140 all wanted full day. Which is why the school worked hard to accommodate what everyone wanted. If 20 other kids did get signed up for 1/2 day, there would have been two classes and none of these posts would have been made.
    - JM

  • 2/8 9:26am   The only reason I mentioned a half day is because schedules tend to be thrown off on those days, leaving time to get into trouble. I do understand that the high school gets out much earlier than the younger kids on a daily basis.
    - DV

  • 2/8 8:58am   JGP, I only heard of that yesterday. I wish that I had heard earlier, because I live close to where it happened and you can be sure I would have been out there. Is it true that they are driving a gold mini van and can we check the dates to see if maybe Millis had a half day last week? When kids, or adults for that matter, are really being jerks they tend not to do it where people will know who they are and it was very close to the town line.
    - DV

  • 2/8 8:55am   JM, I don't understand. If the 20 people that wanted 1/2 day were forced into full day, did they have to pay tuition? How can the town force people to put their child into an optional program? If there were 20 more people that wanted half day, wouldn't that be enough for a second half day class? This doesn't make any sense to me.
    I have said it over and over again, it's not just about the room. It's about the whole learning experience. People took one thing I said about the size of the room and the fact that they share and have focused on that. I have explained a few times what my real concerns are. It is getting to be way too repetitious. DL's post said it all for me. I am happy with what they wrote. I will let others continue the debate because I am obviously having a hard time conveying my thoughts properly. I feel as though we are having two separate conversations, each not understanding the other. I got a funny email last night ...In it was a quote. I think I will take Einstein's advice and bow out now. LOL!
    Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. -- Albert Einstein
    - MW

  • 2/8 8:30am   LAW, so many people agree with you about S&S, we don't even want them in our town now.
    Can we do anything about keeping them out and welcoming a Trader Joe's? (not like they ever plan on building anyway.) Does anyone have the answer? Maybe one of our town officials could help out.It has been far too long; when is enough enough!?
    - JD

  • 2/7 11:19pm   Yes, MW, and the one class of 1/2 day also got what they wanted. Another 20 people didn't want 1/2 day, but got stuck with full day. Would you be happy if one of the full day classes was in that room? Is that what it's all about? I'm not campaigning for one or the other. If I didn't work, I'd be using the half day too. I'm just expecting that you look at the integrity of the program and the teachers and base your concerns on those areas, not the location, size of the room and who they share the room with. I'm not trying to continue a debate, but the issues you've been bringing up are very accusatory towards all those who wanted full day.
    - JM

  • 2/7 11:03pm   Perhaps we should invite the CEO of S&S to a selectmans meeting ?
    EPA Recognizes Stop and Shop and Giant Food; Only Supermarkets Receiving 2007 ENERGY ST AR Leaders Recognition''

    Based in Quincy, Mass., the supermarket chain is one of 16 organizations across the nation to receive the award this year in recognition of improvements to building energy performance. Notably, Stop & Shop and Giant have a rating of 90 (out of possible 100) across a portfolio of 552 buildings.

    Commercial buildings account for almost 18 percent of our nations greenhouse gas emissions. Building owners earn the Energy Star by scoring in the top 25 percent on EPAs energy performance rating system, which calculates scores based on actual energy use.
    [article]

    - JO

  • 2/7 10:42pm   "The town has always supported the 1/2 day program - it's just not the majority choice right now and that needs to be supported as well. - JM"
    It seems to me that the full day is being "supported" already and actually catered to. Just because one majority group complained the loudest, they got what they wanted. Sorry, but I agree with DL. That post mirrored my feelings exactly. I am really not trying to be nasty... just pointing out that you have accused several of us of making assumptions over a 1/2 day class that we have not experienced. You are doing the exact same thing! Why are you campaigning for and defending a program that you have not experienced? Why is it so important to you? Is there something that I am missing? I am just trying to make sense of it. I may not have a child in the program now, but I will in the next few years. Obviously my child's experience is important to me. Why can't I voice my concerns for my child and get some answers without being belittled or accused of being "angry" ? To be perfectly honest, there are some people on this board that sound just as angry playing the devil's advocate to my posts and posts similar to mine. Here's a thought... Is there a tuition assistance or scholarship program for the full day program? If not, then it certainly is "paying for" a better classroom or better learning experience.
    - MW

  • 2/7 8:57pm   PD - I agree that an S&S in that location will be a disaster, and I hope that it never happens. A Trader Joe's would be more appropriate. A better idea would be a professional building/s. Something like Bristol Square, down 1A, in Walpole. An office park with smaller retail establishments. These would be able to use septic systems, so we can forget about a wastewater treatment plant in Town Pond (or wherever). Offices/MD's would be handy to the train. Oh! perhaps we can persuade S&S to build their corporate headquarters there. Wouldn't that be a hoot?!
    - LAW

  • 2/7 8:34pm   DL - Talk about getting off track. As I recall, there were several people who posted who have children in either the Pre-K or the half day K class, and the response was only positive - that the kids were thoroughly enjoying their experiences. I've yet to hear one complaint from a parent whose child is in this class. Those feeling slighted are the people who do not have their kids in these programs and are only speculating about their quality. When my oldest was in kindergarten, the room was not next to all the other K classes and was smaller than most of them, but the quality of the education was the same. How a full day teacher handles the curriculum will always be different than how a half day teacher handles it. Full day has more breaks in the day (lunch, rest time, two recesses) while half day only breaks for one recess and hence less "free" time for the kids.
    When the numbers came in last year, there were 160 or so kids enrolled for kindergarten and of that number only about 18-20 wanted 1/2 day (one full class). They announced that the lottery would take place and yes, that threw the other 140 people for a loop. After much consideration of how to accomodate the whole population, they came up with what is this year's plan (the emphasis being on this year's plan). Would it have really been better to displace a whole class from full day to half day, just to make sure that two 1/2 day K classes could share a room? Class sizes didn't change - the same number of kids are still being schooled, equally divided among the 8 classes. No one is buying a better class, a smaller class size or a bigger classroom. If the size of the room is your issue, then don't hope for the front two "corner" K rooms - they look smaller than some of the others. Do you honestly believe that the 1/2 day K teacher is doing less of a job and giving her students less of an education than the full day teachers? That's a direct insult to her efforts and capability and to the 1/2 day program itself. The town has always supported the 1/2 day program - it's just not the majority choice right now and that needs to be supported as well. JM
    - JM

  • 2/7 6:20pm   PT, I called and was quoted $111 for all three plus the free TV... but that was before all the added fees and taxes. We crunched the numbers and it was still a bit lower. But I am getting very, very nervous after reading the links that JH provided. There are some serious numbers of people with horror stories out there! I am also unhappy with the sales reps. First they told us we couldn't get Fios at all, then they weren't offering the lower price and television in our town, then they told us that we didn't need to rent boxes per month. Then we were told that we had to rent additional boxes that would bring the cost up considerably. Ugh! Is this a preview of what we'll have to deal with? Also, there are small claims court cases out there and consumer TV reports in NY and NJ against Verizon. It seems that it will actually be a miracle if we ever see out free TV's and if we get them it will take months and months and it will be a cheaper model than promised... I have an installation appt. for the 15th of this month, but I am not sure that I will go through with it.
    - MW

  • 2/7 6:17pm   Great job TEM! Please let us know about the "free cash" issue. I could use some "free cash!"
    - MJD

    [Free cash: if it's unclaimed, it's free. If there is no claimant around, it's unclaimed. If the claimant is not paying attention, they're not around. If they blink, they're not paying attention -- and it's my free cash! Mine, mine, all mine, bwahahahaha!!
    Ahm, sorry, must be the political season. - Wm.]

  • 2/7 6:16pm   TEM, Ms. McTavish is correct. I have a family member that works for Dover. His dept budget has not increased in over 4 years. Dover is very conservative. I will have to thank her for validating my logic that Dover's high assessment really contributes to the low tax rate. A close source says that the sentence that you wanted validated... "utilizing significant amounts of free cash as a funding source," ...really means that they over-tax the homeowners.
    - MW

  • 2/7 5:16pm   The Mass.gov website, specifically the local communities section, has a section called "at-a-glance" for each town which lists vital statistics (i.e population, households, etc) - and information on revenues and categories of expenses. It is interesting to compare what similar size towns spend on education, public safety etc.
    Virtually every town is having the same fiscal challenges that Norfolk is having this year, and I think the numbers from this source show that whether you look at total numbers or per capita expenditures - Norfolk's numbers are consistent with what other communities receive and spend.
    - KH

  • 2/7 4:46pm   With this long, drawn-out Super Stop & Shop subject filling the pages of the Boomerang and Boston Globe with stories of land banking and dragging feet, I have had the feeling that they would never build a store in Norfolk. Quite honestly, after the way they have been proceeding I haven't wanted them in town for years and had always hoped that a better solution would be found.
    I know that my feelings are shared by many in town and now someone is letting everyone know just how most of us feel. I took this picture on my way into the MBTA parking lot this morning.
    - PD

  • 2/7 4:14pm   Due to the encouragement of another poster on the NorfolkNet (see "MJD" 2/4;6:07pm), I wrote to town officials in Dover, MA and simply asked why their tax rate is relatively low in these difficult economic times. Surprisingly, I received a very quick and gracious reply from Dover's Assessor (see below). I followed up by phone to thank her and to ask for elaboration on what is meant by her words, "utilizing significant amounts of free cash as a funding source," but it seems she had just left for vacation.
    The Town of Dover is experiencing the same issues as all other municipalities. Our FY 2008 tax rate increased to $9.75 from the $9.20 you quoted. One of the main reasons for our low rate is the high relative value of the town. We have limited services compared to what the larger municipalities offer, but percentage wise, our valuation exceeds the norm for towns this size. A tax rate is determined by dividing the amount of money to be raised and appropriated by the total valuation of the town. The larger the divisor, the smaller the result (tax rate), will be. We have also enjoyed the luxury of being able to reduce the rate by utilizing significant amounts of free cash as a funding source. We are generally conservative in our estimates, prudent in our approach, and have an excellent bond rating. This isn't something that just happens in a year's time - it has developed as a result of the concerted effort by all departments, boards, committees, and the citizens in general. If you would like to discuss this further, please don't hesitate to telephone me.

    Very truly yours

    Karen MacTavish, Town Assessor
    ...

    - TEM

  • 2/7 4:13pm  
    From Dr. Gilson for your information:
    We had a recent incident at the middle school where a piece of paper was found in a hallway with the words ``hit list''. While this turned out to be a non-threatening situation, the school administration investigates everything, regardless of intent. The issue was brought to resolution very quickly. At no time was the safety of the students in question. Should you have further questions, please contact the school administration.
    - SB

  • 2/7 4:12pm   What about any updates on the details about the teens that were driving around town harassing elementary school children?
    - JGP

  • 2/7 4:11pm   I called Verizon and was offered the free TV, but the total price for cable, phone, and internet was about $151 per month plus a $29.99 activation fee (not to mention the up to 6 hours for installation.) Comcast offered me much less for all 3 services but require I sign a 2-year contract. Verizon insists all providers are going to have to upgrade to this new cable soon so. I'm finding it hard to decide.
    - PT

  • 2/7 4:10pm   From the KPMS daily email (2nd for today)
    From Dr. Gilson for your information:
    We had a recent incident at the middle school where a piece of paper was found in a hallway with the words "hit list". While this turned out to be a non-threatening situation, the school administration investigates everything, regardless of intent. The issue was brought to resolution very quickly. At no time was the safety of the students in question. Should you have further questions, please contact the school administration.
    - KDR

  • 2/7 4:08pm   Dog caper has been solved. Dog will be returning to their owner.
    - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control

  • 2/7 4:07pm   Has anyone received any special from Comcast when informing them you may switch to Verizon?
    - PB

  • 2/7 3:59pm   Half Day vs. Full Day? I think this conversation is getting a bit off track. Let's forget the he said she saids! I have to say I too have some concerns about the kindergarten program. If you don't have any concerns, maybe you should. Maybe you can ask your self this: ``Do each of the kindergarten programs treat students in both of the programs equal in all aspects of their public education? Is one environment more conducive to learning? Did the school act in the best interest of all the kindergarten children when creating an additional full day program? Did the school's consideration of the preschooler program alter the way the room functions as a 1/2 day kindergarten room? Is the room smaller? Is the class size larger in comparison to other kindergarten classes? Is there equal space for all the children in all of the kindergarten programs? If the half day program is not equal in all of these areas then does this mean you can buy an education in Norfolk's public schools?
    Although the differences may be minor to some, are these things that the full day teachers, student and parents have to concern themselves with? I guess you may also want to consider this: Did the school act in the best interest of the children whose families pay tuition? Did the school choose to accommodate 15 (or so) children for the full day program and then offer the 1/2 day program an unequal learning environment? Be truly honest with yourself and try to understand why many parents with students in the 1/2 day program feel slighted, at the very least. How would you truly feel if the school decided to change a program to accommodate 15 children - at the price of your child? How would you like to sign your child up for kindergarten and not know what you are signing up for? The lottery system may not be something you would have liked but it was equal to all. It offered the same chance to everyone. By no means do I feel that school has it easy, but this isn't about easy choices, it isn't about which program is better. It is about a public education that needs to be equal to all? It is about a non-discriminating education. At this time, can you honestly say these two programs are equal? (Please, let's not argue the point about the actual program allowing more time to think or being less rushed... That's not what I'm speaking of.)
    Do you want to live in a town that says you can buy yourself a better class? A smaller amount of classmates? A bigger classroom? If the school makes parents feel that the 1/2 day program isn't equal and parents panic... maybe parents will stop registering their kids for the 1/2 day program. This is what I am willing to do. I will wait to make sure I know exactly what I am registering for and I know exactly what I am signing up for. It may be necessary for me to pay tuition to assure my child isn't discriminated? Wouldn't it be better for everyone to support the 1/2 day program to make it the best it can be? How can our town accommodate every child in a full day kindergarten program? What if only 8 kids register for the 1/2 day program? Then, would there be a lottery? Is this where all the bickering is leading us? If we all support a strong 1/2 day program there will be more parents in favor of the 1/2 day program. It could possibly return to a two 1/2 day kindergarten program. Shouldn't we all support your neighbor's choice to stay home or work? Fight for equality in all programs, not with each other. Next year it could be your child in a lottery? It's in then in the best interest of those wanting a full day program to try to embrace the concerns of parents wanting the 1/2 day program? Isn't it best if both programs are equal and all the students get a fair and equal educational experience, without discriminating? Without those willing to send their child to the 1/2 day program our town has a bigger problem. Let's face it - unless the state votes in full day kindergarten, this is what we have to work with. Let's make it equal for all!
    - DL

  • 2/7 3:57pm   JH, go to the aquarium store and get the "glue" that they use to make fish tanks. Seal all the cracks with it... it may get messy and you may need a lot, but it works like a charm! We did it and my kids were amused going down into the basement to look out at the water level like they were inside a submarine. But it didn't leak in. Also, you may have to dig some trenches to alleviate the water from pooling under your deck... once there is a place for the water to go, it recedes pretty quickly! You may have to alleviate the water first and wait for it to dry out some in order for it to cure... follow the directions on the tube.
    - MW

  • 2/7 3:48pm   If you have large, empty and unattractive wall spaces in your home or office and would like to make them vibrant and interesting, check out Wallflowerphotos.net. Wallflowerphotos.net is a Norfolk based supplier of 20" x 30" colorful and attractive photos of some of New England's most popular flowers. Easy to order through PayPal, you can decorate your walls within two weeks of your order. Wallflowerphotos.net is also an affiliate advertiser for Gurney seeds, Windowbox.com and local favorite outdoor sporting equipment, Bass Pro Outdoor World. Please use the Wallflowerphotos.net links to these great stores.
    - PG, Wallflower Photos

  • 2/7 9:39am   Does anyone have any details about the "hit list" that involved the police and kids at the Middle School this week. I know students were suspended, but nothing has come home from the school.
    - SD

  • 2/7 9:01am   I just read today's Globe West item on Bruce Simpson resigning from the ZBA. I have to take offense with his use of the word "viciousness" in regards to the people who brought about the complaints against him. I have known Greg Kay for over 40 years, and I have never, ever heard the word "vicious" associated with him. That hearing on March 19 will be very interesting.
    - PA

  • 2/7 8:58am   We have a well type window into our basement, this is under our deck and currently leaking water into the basement. Does anyone have any recommendations? Thanks,
    - JH

  • 2/7 8:57am   The Animal Control Department has had a small white dog for 4 days now. He's an intact male, middle aged (guessing around 6-8), has no tags or microchip, and is either a bichon cross or a poodle cross. If anyone is missing him please contact 528-3232.
    - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control

    [Update 2/7 4:08pm: Dog caper has been solved. Dog will be returning to their owner - HC]

  • 2/7 8:55am   Hi! The junior class prom committee at the high school is hosting a Valentine's themed event for 3rd and 4th grade girls from Norfolk, Wrentham, and Plainville. The event will take place in the high school cafeteria from 4-5:30 on Wednesday, February 13th. This super fun soiree will feature crafts: making Valentines and Valentine mailboxes; games: pin Cupid's arrow on the heart, and activities: nail painting by our brilliant team of high school girls and cookie decorating. The fabulous event will, of course, feature the perfect amount of snacks: enough to munch on without ruining dinners. We will also summon as many Hannah Montana and High School Musical tunes as humanly possible. This event is going to be a great opportunity for wholesome fun and socializing. It is a chance for the elementary girls to hang out with each other and some bigger girls too. As it is a fundraiser, we are charging $7 per girl. Please RSVP to Emily at artem@mail2world.com. Parents are welcome to stay to participate in the glorious fun! And please don't forget to spread the word to your friends in the tri-town area.
    - DA

  • 2/6 4:28pm   MW - There's nothing special required from a wiring perspective for FiOS, inside your house. All cable TV is over coax, and all internet is over Cat-5/6 ethernet (or wireless, or over coax with the aforementioned NIM-100's). Not to further confuse anything, but you shouldn't need to touch/change any of your existing wiring to make anything work, but you will need some gear at the a) entrance of the FiOS to the house, to deal with the coax/ethernet or vice-versa, and b) connection from the coax to the TVs (typically via a set-top box, but you do have the other options mentioned).
    I have FiOS internet, but not TV - so I cannot really give you any personal experience on the cable front. Comcast did take 25% off my bill from a simple phone call saying I was thinking of switching, so there's no immediate need to jump.
    I have found that making any changes to the out-of-the-box internet config they provide is not for the faint-of-heart, but my home setup is likely more ridiculous than you'd typically need. Can't say if the same is true for cable or not.
    For anyone looking to make the switch on internet, it may not simply be plug and play. Things you currently have working (such as P2P, xbox live, etc) may simply not work with the Actiontec router Verizon provides. It's all fixable, but not necessarily a fun process.
    - JH

  • 2/6 2:46pm   JH, thank you so much! I actually found the link you provided while searching this morning. I'm still confused, but I will definitely research the adapters. I really don't need the full lineup and on-demand on the smaller TV's that are not used often. It would also save me a ton of money. The Verizon rep did say that if we knew how to do "wiring" that we could do it ourselves rather than have boxes on each TV... But we have no idea what that entails. We are very handy people, but I am totally unfamiliar with the FiOS technology. If you have any other info, I would be appreciative!
    - MW

  • 2/6 12:54pm   MW - for FiOS...
    Every TV does not need a set-top box. Verizon can provide either a digital adapter or a cablecard if your TV supports it. The adapters and cablecards will not support the video on demand or other multimedia features of the STBs, but will allow you to at least watch TV. I don't know about the 3 TV limitation...
    There's no escaping getting boxes installed both on the inside and outside of your house. On the outside, there is an ONT - Optical Network terminator, and inside there is a battery backup and router. The router is required for both the Tv and internet services.
    By default, Vz will install the connection from your ONT to the router over coax cable. The provided router is MOCA, which converts coax signals to ethernet for internet wiring -- it's not an option found on consumer routers. But there are some limitations and other unique "features" to the Vz-provided router. If you've got an internet connection wiring set up already that you don't want to change, it's possible to do, but here's what you need to ask for:
    For the install, ask Vz to provision you on Ethernet, instead of coax. This will give you the option of using either the Vz-provided router, or one of your own. There may be reasons you would prefer to use your own router, even if you don't use ethernet but have everything via wireless. Not the least of which is that Vz leaves ports permanently open so they can come into your network for remote support.
    However, if you're getting FiOS cable as well and using your own router, you'll need to convert from ethernet back to coax for the STBs to work properly. You can do this with some creative networking configuration or using a Motorola NIM-100 ethernet-coax converter, which Vz have provided some people in the past - not sure if they are still doing this.
    I'm sure I've thoroughly confused everyone at this point. Just go here for more info/help: [dslreports vzfiber], [dslreports vzfiostv]
    - JH

  • 2/6 12:41pm   You all are correct. Antibacterial soaps, particularly those containing Triclosan, are useless as far as killing bacteria. Triclosan has been shown to be useless, and the soap companies jack up the prices by preying on your weaknesses--fear of germs. The evil Triclosan can also make the bacteria mutate into forms that can resist antibiotics--so if you go in for a serious infection someday the antibiotics they put you on may not work. So take your chances.
    Then triclosan from antibacterial soaps can damage the fragile bacterial ecosystem of your septic tanks. If anything should be banned it is handsoaps with Triclosan.
    Speaking of banning things, The Norfolk Taxpayers Association will meet next Tuesday in the library at 7:30 pm. If you are a taxpayer with no time to devote to town politics and dislike the way things have gone in the past-- threats of overrides, division of the 3 branches of Norfolk government and their spending ways and their lackluster interaction, and the looming threat of taxes and ill-timed building projects--you need to come to this meeting! There are ways to fight the problems we face and supplement the Old Ways with the New.
    Have a voice in town government! Tuesday Feb 12th 7:30 pm. Pass the word!
    - MON

  • 2/6 12:34pm   Couch for sale, must be sold by Sunday. [See the Notice Board]
    - JC

  • 2/6 11:47am   With all the concern about cleanliness in the schools, shouldn't we have our health agent, Bill Domey, check it out? If the kids are washing their hands, we should make sure that there's not a milliliter too much of sodium in that water.
    - PA

  • 2/6 11:30am   For MJD and the question about cleaning in between pre K and K at HOD, I'm not sure of the answer. I suggest a call to the school to find out. I know that the Pre-K kids are very in tune with hand washing and do it frequently during the day (after certain activities and always before snack). The presentation from Mr. Soapy had a big impact!
    In terms of the use of the Clorox wipes and them still being in the classroom, remember that 20+ kids each sent in a container of wipes. Most teachers open one package at a time and stock pile the rest for the year. I've been in the classroom plenty of times in the past during "cleaning time" and watched the kids do a great job of wiping down desks, chairs, and other shared areas. I have to say that it has worked well, since my kids have missed a minimal amount of school due to illness - something that would be hard to do if the cleaning wasn't being done.
    MW, have you talked to HOD about your concerns? I'd be interested in your answers to your concerns. I believe that a visit can be arranged and know that at registration there was an invitation included in the packet.
    - TMS

  • 2/6 11:28am   DCB, I never said they had to spray the Lysol with the children in the room. They could use it at the end of the day. They could also open up the wipes and maybe wash those dirty desk tops!
    - JGP

  • 2/6 11:27am   DCB, I'm not rolling my eyes, I agree with you! I used to work in a hospital OR, as well as a dentist's office. I have certification in infection control. Soap and water should work just fine! And in fact, the antibacterial soaps may be doing more harm than good as far as effecting immunity and helping to create these super strains of bacteria. The school should at least be washing down the desks at the end of the day with plain soap and water... When I was a kid, it was part of our daily routine to wash our desks and we did wash our hands at the sink before we ate lunch. I understand how busy the school day is, but this is really a necessity to keeping both the students and the staff healthy!
    - MW

  • 2/6 11:12am   JP, I had the same problem! and when I initially called, a representative told me that we were not eligible for the free TV. The second time I called back, the rep thought I was crazy when I wanted her to read me off a list of the available channels. She said "there's over 200!" But I want to know which ones, because I have only certain channels that I watch. I do not view the major networks. We did eventually get the free TV deal.
    But I may call back today and postpone. All of our questions have not been answered. The package only comes with the capability for three TV's in the home. We have 6! They hardly get used, but I am told that they will be useless without a FiOS receiver. We do not get any regular antenna signals in our home, so just watching regular TV on some sets is not an option. You must pay $20 extra for each additional hookup... Do all the TV's in the home need a box? Or is it like cable where you can simply put the coaxial cable right on the TV? And is there an additional fee per month for each additional box? None of the sales people could answer these questions.
    I don't really want big receivers on each TV. For example, in one room, we have a flat panel on the wall because of space issues. I have nowhere to put a box. In another case, the receiver would be bigger than the television that I have in the kitchen! Again, I don't want a big box on my counter top. And... You should see the size of the box that they need to install both inside and outside of our home! As my teen says, "it's a beast!" We have a very small home and not really anywhere to put it. We don't have basement area that is unfinished in our raised ranch. Anyone know more about this? I am so confused!
    - MW

  • 2/6 11:11am   DCB, you are so right! I do not allow my kids to use it. Of course they do sometimes if left no other option. It kills all bacteria, including good bacteria they need to help fight illness.
    - DV

  • 2/6 11:10am   DCB, Many of the children are peanut allergic. After they eat the lunch in the cafeteria it is not feasible for the children who ate peanut butter to go to a sink and wash their hands... so they use wipes. I believe in the classroom they use gel and I am sure your are able to tell them that you prefer that your daughter use soap and water as opposed to gel in the classroom. Good luck.
    - DWL

  • 2/6 11:08am   JT - I don't often take the train, so I hope that a 'regular' will help you. I do know that you can get tickets at the Food Mart (? Official name?) right across from the station. As for parking, I know that you'd need a permit to park in the residents' lot at the Old Town Hall. The T parking isn't too expensive, compared to rates in Boston.
    DCB - I heard an NPR report a while ago about germs in schools. They (the researchers) did bacteria plate counts from all around various places in schools - including the barhrooms/toilets. The germiest items, it turned out, were the food trays!
    - LAW

  • 2/6 11:07am   JT, if you get to town center by 6.50 a.m., you can usually park in the lower parking lot behind Dunkin Donuts, and get your ticket at Norfolk Food Mart. If you get to town center any later than that, stop by Norfolk Food Mart first to get your ticket, then drive to the upper parking lot next to the moonscape. If you are getting out at Back Bay Station and plan to get out at the station end of the platform in Boston, get on the train on the Norfolk platform at the end nearest the upper parking lot (otherwise you'll have a heck of walk). The opposite is true if you plan to get out at South Station -- wait at the end near Norfolk Food Mart. I hope that helps!
    - KID

  • 2/6 11:05am   JC - I agree with you 100% My son went to 1/2 day kindergarten and then attended through Freeman - we move to one of the top districts in CT and he was 1/2 year ahead!!!!
    My daughter is currently in the PM kindergarten too - with Ms Murphy - and loves it. No issues with the PM side of things either. If you go to schooldigger.com - Freeman ranks 131 out of 1011 elementary schools in MA. (They don't rank HOD as their are no MCAS scores)
    We moved back to Norfolk because of the overall town and the schools. We could have gone to Holliston - and really considered it, - by most rankings rate higher than any town around, but we felt Norfolk was a nicer community.
    Something has to be going right.
    - KDL

  • 2/6 12:26am   What's your dream? Join the original and fastest-growing direct seller of sterling silver jewelry in the industry. This stunning collection highlights the finest .925 sterling silver and covers a range of designs from hip to classic to sheer elegance! The company provides its representatives with a full selection of stylish earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, colorful pendants and much more! Even better is, as an independent Representative, you can earn $50-100 per hour on average... plus free jewelry, tropical vacations, national recognition and more. If it is your dream, to have a business that allows you to stay at home with your family, or to make selling the finest sterling silver jewelry your full-time career, then let me show you how! Call 508-507-3424 or e-mail me at MsBrown100@comcast.net for more information.
    - SB

  • 2/5 11:29pm   I know some people are going to roll their eyes with this post but speaking of children washing their hands at school... I really think there should be a ban on antibacterial soaps/gels at the school. My daughter's little hands are so dry and cracked from the antibacterial products used at school. I have spoken to a few dermatologists that all agree regular soap and warm water work perfectly fine. In fact, antibacterial/alcohol based products can potentially cause more damage because they dry out the skin, and cracked skin provides an inlet for germs to enter the body.
    JGP - I'm all for infection control but I think I'm all set with letting my kids breathe in the Lysol you're sending in!
    - DCB

  • 2/5 11:28pm   TPC, do any 9 years old girls play on a team?
    - DV

  • 2/5 11:27pm   Regarding FiOS, can anyone tell me if the base package includes NESN? I can't get the info from Verizon's website because it says FiOSTV isn't available in our zip code! If NESN is included in the basic tier, I think we'll make the switch. Thanks! PS - anyone else interested in that free TV deal, I read online that it ends on 2/16.
    - JP

  • 2/5 11:26pm   I hope everyone can excuse a dumb question and help me out. I've been in town for 2 years and have never taken the commuter rail into Boston, and now I have a need to tomorrow. Where do I buy a ticket? And where do I park -- are all the lots pay lots? Thanks for any pointers.
    - JT

    Presidential Primary Election: The polls will be open on today, February 5, 2008 from 7:00AM until 8:00PM. All precincts vote in the H. Olive Day School Auditorium (rear of building), 232 Main Street, Norfolk, MA.
    - Wm.

  • 2/5 5:02pm   Greetings DF. Regarding Norfolk Baseball, please do go to norfolkbaseball.com for registration.
    - BL

  • 2/5 4:36pm   DF, You do have the correct baseball website. It is www.norfolkbaseball.com. You must be going to something else, because this is very current and updated all the time. When you open it up the fist thing on it is registration information.
    - TPC

  • 2/5 2:58pm   Many thanks to the folks who responded to my FiOS question. I did call back today and was able to get the triple deal. I don't know what the problem was yesterday, but they told us that the free TV was not available in all markets based on our zip code. We are not switching for the TV, but its a nice perk... especially since we have been shopping for a 19" recently.
    KID, When I first started posting, I was not upset. I was just concerned about the half day K class. I got extremely frustrated when I began to feel misunderstood and accused of thinking something that I am not. Someone took one sentence out of my post, turned it into something it was not meant to be and ignored the rest. I wanted to hear from a parent that actually had their child in the class. After all, it's easy to say that something is great if you are not living it. JC answered a lot of my questions. I still have more... I will see how the parents feel about next year's class and go from there.
    JM, No! I am not at all worried about the location of the actual classroom. For me, it's more about the permanence of things, the size of the room and the content. ...When two K classes are sharing a room, it is set up for them to share the same curriculum. For some reason I am coming across as angry... I am not. It may be that I am tired of being told to "just enroll him in full day" (not from people on the board). I cannot afford to do that. The tuition is a lot of money for me whether it's cheaper than daycare or not.
    I guess my main concern, or at least my biggest concern is this... If it is true what people are saying, and the kindergarten, first grade curriculum have been beefed up, then the kids really all need full day. If I had my choice over full vs half day for my child (who has never been in daycare or preschool) I would pick half day. But not if I knew that his education would be lacking. Is the curriculum really geared towards a full day program? After all, the majority of students are full day.
    - MW

  • 2/5 12:39pm   I am interested in signing my son up for Norfolk Little League baseball but I am unable to find out any information regarding it. I did find a website "Norfolkbaseball.com" but it appears that it has not been updated in some time. Can anyone provide info as to how / where I can register? Kind regards,
    - DF

  • 2/5 10:45am   MJD, It is so funny that you mention the bleaching of the tables at the Co-Op. I have seen nothing of the like at the HOD. The lining up at the sink to wash your hands before lunch or snack time is over! This lack of hygiene at HOD bewilders me. I sent in soaps and wipes and Lysol into the school in volumes in September. I was in my son's room last week for a cub scout meeting and all my supplies were still sitting there in the cellophane.
    - JGP

  • 2/5 10:44am   Thanks, JC. Your post was helpful and comforting.
    - KID

  • 2/5 9:36am   To everyone asking about the half day kindergarten class:
    My daughter is in there now and loves school! Isn't that what we all want ultimately? She is learning things like crazy and cries if she cannot come to school because she is sick. Mrs. Murphy, their teacher and Mrs. Jednak, their aid are both fantastic teachers and we are thrilled with the experience she is having.
    The shared classroom does not make a bit of difference. She doesn't care at all about that. And neither do we.
    Maybe the extra time the full day kids get helps out a bit, but if your child does not have "special needs" (and if they do, they get the whole day option automatically). I am sure they will thrive just as much as the full day kids do ultimately. I am lucky to be able to be home with my daughter and the amount of one-on-one learning we do in the morning time more than makes up for the practice time the full day kids get at school. I am sure of that. I have 3 older kids who all did half day and they all are straight A students now. As someone else stated, it all works out in the end.
    She hasn't napped in years so the fact that it is afternoons does not matter to us.
    The bottom line as I see it is that our kids will do fine! We are blessed with a school full of teachers that love what they do and are good at it. If our children are loving to learn (and mine is) and having a positive loving environment to do this in, I believe it makes no difference if it is full time or half. Do what works for you and your child and relax! There is not only one right way to do anything. I think we adults do way too much worrying over things that our kids don't care about because they are busy learning, loving life and living it!
    - JC

  • 2/5 8:49am   MW, I don't know if this is all about kindergarten, but you're obviously very upset and perhaps your anxiety is affecting what you are writing in this forum. I don't know if you've talked to any school representatives yet, but maybe that would be a good first step or perhaps reaching out to the PTA. I don't know the school's policy on visitors, but maybe they would allow you to observe the classroom your child would be in next year, and perhaps you could report your findings back to the rest of us who are interested on norfolknet. It might be more productive than all of us speculating online.
    - KID

  • 2/5 8:47am   Regarding the Lighthouse program at the Norfolk Public Library: It is NOT tonight as reported in error in the Boomerang. It was originally scheduled last Tuesday evening, but was cancelled due to illness of the presenter. It has not yet been rescheduled -- but stay tuned -- we are working to find a new date. My apologies for any inconvenience this has caused.
    - Robin Glasser, Director, Norfolk Public Library

  • 2/5 8:46am   ROFLMAO, Wm. I haven't seen Airplane in years but who could forget that scene.
    - JW

  • 2/5 8:45am   I operate a large family child care in Norfolk and I am seeking 1 full time or 2 part time staff to work with 10 children and me each day. We are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 - 5:30. Staff hours would be different. I am looking for a motivated person with a solid work ethic. Experience with children is definitely a plus but I will train the right person. For more information, please email me at mgudas99@comcast.net. Thanks so much.
    - MG

  • 2/5 8:44am   TEM & MW - I agree that Dover and Sherborn do things smarter. Having lived in both towns, and having three kids go through their school systems, they put their school buildings to another town use. Sherborn Police are in the Sawin Academy building, which, prior to that, housed grades 2&3, while Pine Hill was adding a pod to get the kids back under one roof. I believe Sawin Academy served as a High School, before Dover-Sherborn Junior and High school was built.
    I don't know why Norfolk always wants new buildings, when the old ones are perfectly 'add onable'. Our property taxes are already out in the stratosphere. Why? Why? Why?
    - LAW

  • 2/4 10:41pm   Tomorrow is Super Tuesday. Anyone know voting hours? Place is H Olive Day still? Thanks! Couldn't find it posted on the official Norfolk town web site.
    - SV

    [Yes, voting is at the HOD school, 7am to 8pm. It was posted to the Norfolknet Calendar - Wm.]

  • 2/4 10:39pm   MW, I just signed up for FiOS with Verizon on Saturday and got the triple play bundle deal with the free TV. I would call back and try a different sales person.
    - GN

  • 2/4 10:28pm   TRG, I can't help you with window washing but if you're looking for top-notch house cleaners, call Beth and Dee at Clean Queens, they are the best around -- 508 317 5431.
    - DC

  • 2/4 10:14pm   My children ages 2.5 & 5.5 have attended Little People Daycare (508-528-3235) here in Norfolk since they were 8 weeks old. I can not express how much my children & myself love it there. Elaine Ring, who runs this daycare, is like a second mother to my kids and all the kids she nurtures everyday. I can not even tell you the number of children lives she has positively influenced over the years. We are very fortunate to have her business here in our own town, with the kind of atmosphere I personally feel children should be exposed to in their early lives. She comes more than highly recommended by me.
    - JPM

  • 2/4 10:07pm   MW - Just as an aside (leaving the whole working vs stay at home parent issue out of it), why do you have such an issue with the half day class sharing a room with the Pre-K? You mentioned them having to worry about other kids getting into their stuff. As I think TMS mentions, historically, all of the half day classes shared the room with the other half day class. So now, instead of two K classes sharing it, it's K and Pre-K. Do you have a problem because of the ages? I'm sure some of the Pre-K's are pretty close to the K's. And TMS also says that the class is really setup as a K classroom - is it now just the actual location? Should the parents of the 2nd graders down that hall feel that their kids are second class citizens because they are not located next to all of the 2nd grade classrooms? It's what's happening inside the classroom that makes the difference, not where the classroom is located. And I'll reiterate what I mentioned before - every year is a different situation based upon total class size and enrollment requests. You won't know until about a month after you register your child for kindergarten what the space allocation needs will be, so worrying about it now based upon this year's setup won't make you any more prepared. Your child's year may need three half day classes and still need to find a way to fit everyone in to the space that is available.
    - JM

  • 2/4 10:06pm   MJD, your post put a smile on my face, quickly reminding me of my time in the military many, many moons ago and how the most effective and respected superiors got you to suddenly "volunteer" for a task, no matter how tedious. Research, however, especially when dealing with accounting and finance, is definitely not my strong suit, but I will try--especially after your ingenious nudge.
    - TEM

  • 2/4 10:05pm   MW - I talked to Verizon today too, and they did offer me the free TV deal. I remember the Verizon rep saying at the BOS meeting that something like 89% of the town would be able to get FIOS... maybe you're in a part of town that isn't wired for it yet? Or maybe the person you talked to wasn't up to date on offers in this area? It's a mystery!
    - JT

  • 2/4 6:39pm   I see by his post of 2/4 11:39 that our webmaster continues his battle to bring posters to Norfolknet into the early 21st century, so that our posts will be indistinguishable from those of our culturally hip adolescents. Use emoticons and text message abbreviations. Wm. wants us to use:
    :-) :^) smiley faces (turn head to left, look for eyes, nose, mouth)
    :) ;) smiley face, winking smiley
    IMHO in my humble opinion
    YMMV your mileage may vary
    From a recent New Yorker article, here are some others, perhaps not precisely relevant to Norfolk concerns (but maybe so), to give an idea of what can be done with this digital art form.
    =|:-)= This e-mail is being monitored by Uncle Sam for your protection.
    :-x I'd rather not say in an e-mail that's being monitored for my protection.
    :-w Our current leader speaks with forked tongue.
    :-o Uh-oh, what was that?
    :-@ I hear screaming.
    B) Now donning protective goggles.
    +<:-) Pope to make appeal for peace.
    [:-) I'm listening to my iPod.
    3:-o Bovine encephalitis attack!
    @:-[-- New Osama bin Laden message released
    - HRB

    [ROTFL! Not 2 use but 4 glsry. (Oh stewardess! I speak jive.) LOL :-) - Wm.]

  • 2/4 6:26pm   Free 19" TV from FiOS -- I just called today to find out about switching and getting the free TV. Verizon told me that the "deal" is not available to Norfolk customers in this service area. Very dissapointing... If anyone has conflicting info, please share!
    - MW

  • 2/4 6:24pm   TEM, I do see what you are saying. Of course it is worth looking into if we can save ourselves money. My husband grew up in the area and if he's not mistaken (I have also gotten this impression) Sherborn, while a very nice town, has only recently gotten as upscale as Dover. I know for a fact that Dover has no full-time paid firefighters. It is strictly "call;" would this have a big factor over their budget? I don't know. But I do know that they are housing their police and fire depts in a 1970's building. The town house was built in the 1920's. In Dover, there are also several much older town buildings in use. It seems to me that they tend to renovate rather than build new in that town. I understand that Norfolk has grown at a much faster rate than Dover has, so we quickly outgrew our facilities... but these are just some of the differences that I can think of off hand.
    - MW

  • 2/4 6:15pm   Actually, KID, I have never been accused of bashing working "parents" before. It was only this past post. I did understand that you agreed with some of what I stated. Here's a thought... next time you agree with someone, you might not want to start out with a nasty comment.
    Did you read all the way back to the first post on the subject? All I stated was that I am upset over the half day program sharing a room. I am sorry that I did not have time to list every type of working parent that there is... I figured when I alternately refer to "working moms" and sometimes "working parents" that people would get my meaning. Did you really think that I meant to exclude all working parents? Or are you just finding things to nitpick about my post because it irritated you? I will be more careful next time and only post when I have time to list all the possible combinations. Working moms... working dads, working grandpas, working aunts, etc, etc, etc.
    I don't understand what you found so confusing about my follow-up post. [I was a single working parent. I just want the kindergarten classes to be equal.]
    - MW

  • 2/4 6:07pm   Thanks for volunteering to research this TEM. Will you report back when you uncover the facts?
    - MJD

  • 2/4 6:05pm   MH, do you download full-length movies or lots of MP3 music files? If you don't, you're not likely to notice a 33% higher download speed. At (your current) 6 mbps, a typical 100KB Norfolknet page would load in 0.15 second. At 8 mbps, it would transfer in .11 second. The difference, 1/25th of a second (0.04), is hard to notice.
    In fact, most of the delay during typical web browsing is server and name lookup delays, not data transfer time. Where you see a definite benefit to higher bandwidth is in sustained downloads from a server that can deliver the data; if your current downloads take 1 hour, at 8 mbps they would take only 45 minutes.
    I guess you can add up the time you're waiting for downloads to finish per month with your current 6 mbps; at 8 mbps they would take only 3/4 as long; 1/4 of the time is saved. You can factor in how much your time is worth :-)
    - Wm.

    [Update 2/6 1:02pm: oops, I mis-remembered my own DSL speed, thus got the download timings wrong. My 3 Mb/s DSL (3,360,000 bits per second) transfers peaks around 378 k bytes per second. Presuming a similar data density on cable, that's 675 kbytes and 900 kbytes per second.
    On cable there is an added consideration, contention from other users. I have not tried to estimate what effect faster download speed (and thus a shorter "bus tenure") would have during busy periods; perhaps someone who's upgraded can help us out. - Wm.]

  • 2/4 5:54pm   I am a Comcast customer who has had great service. Our bundle just expired and we have ``signed'' into a new one. This makes us roughly comparable to the Verizon deal minus the free 19" HDTV. My conundrum is the internet speed. Right now we have 6 mbps speed (I don't think ours has ever hit that fast based on the testing done through earlier posts through Norfolknet.) For $10 more per month I can upgrade to 8 mbps speed. For anyone smarter than me (which will be most people!): Is this worth the cost? $10 per month does not sound like much, but I don't want to pay for something I would not even notice. FYI -- My laptop computer was top of the line two years ago and we run both PC and Mac, mostly at the same time.
    Thanks for the help!
    - MH

  • 2/4 5:35pm   I don't think that Norfolk and Dover can be compared fairly. The town of Dover has higher home values.
    I understand what you are trying to say, MW, and you're right to a certain extent, but your logic still does not adequately explain why the town of Sherborn, for example, which probably has million dollar mansions and estates comparative in size and quantity to the abutting town of Dover, yet their tax rate comes in at $15.66 to Dover's $9.20. I would also venture a guess that the current median home prices (as well as assessed values) for both these towns are somewhat similar. Not only that, industry--at least, superficially--does not seem to be a factor as both towns appear to have very little of that. So what are the actual contributing factors for Dover's surprisingly low tax rate? Anyone? I'm only suggesting that it is an area worthy of looking into, is it not?
    - TEM

  • 2/4 4:10pm   To AP, The kiddie camp at the Hockomock YMCA in North Attleboro is wonderful! My daughter was a counselor at both camps (the kiddie camp and the regular camp). She had nothing but amazing things to say about both programs. She loved working with the 4 and 5 year olds!
    - DN

  • 2/4 4:02pm   TMS - This may sound nutty, but do they clean the room between sessions? My child attends the Co-op where they bleach the tables between activities. It would be nice to hear that they wipe things down between classes, otherwise, 40 or so kids share the same germy space. Yuk! Ok, I am a germaphobe, but does anyone know the answer?
    - MJD

  • 2/4 3:49pm   MW, since I wasn't the only one to read your post that way, you may want to reread your own post--your clarification was even more confusing. If you don't think you were singling working parents out, then why not just say "some parents" rather than "working moms" (I notice working dads get a free pass). If you're "tired of getting accused of attacking working parents," it has obviously happened before. You might want to consider the fact that you are coming off as hostile to working parents. If you are, that's your right, just don't be surprised when people call you on it.
    By the way, did you happen to catch the fact that I actually agreed with a large part of what you said?
    - KID

  • 2/4 3:28pm   I don't think that Norfolk and Dover can be compared fairly. The town of Dover has higher home values. You're talking most of the properties there are multi million dollar homes. I happen to know that there are some people in Dover paying the town $30k a year in property taxes. How many of us pay that in Norfolk? The rate may be lower, but the assessments are through the roof. It was the same when I lived in Newton. My tax rate was lower... but I was paying more taxes than I do now on my home because the value was so much greater. I have more square footage now and more land.
    - MW

  • 2/4 2:59pm   We are looking for someone to watch our two boys, ages 2.5 and 5 months (full day, 9-ish to 5:30-ish) on Mondays and Wednesdays in our home (or possibly yours). We are looking for someone ASAP. Please contact us if you are interested jmwhelan1@gmail.com. Thank You.
    - MSW

  • 2/4 2:57pm   Just a comment or two, in the half day vs. full day K realm. I too, stressed over which program to put my children in.
    1.There has been some talk in the past that kids in the full day classes will do better in later years than the kids in half day. In my experience, that is not true. My older two kids went through the half day program and are great students. The foundations laid in K were great and have served them well. One teacher told me that it all equals out at some point - just like the kids that read early, write early. etc. All kids learn those skills, it is just a matter of time before they all click and each kids is on their own schedule. (Reminds me of the potty training and comparing when who did what - they all get on the bus knowing how to do it.)
    2. Any good teacher learns to work with the different abilities within the classroom to challenge each and every student to their abilities. Norfolk has some very good teachers that do this and, in my experience so far, they are quite a few at HOD.
    3. My side of town started the K year in the afternoon and switch to the morning. The nap time issue resolved itself very quickly. We had quiet mornings and off to school they went. By spring, the idea of a nap had to morph into quiet time in the afternoon, but really they had outgrown naps (most kids do).
    4. I currently have a preschooler in the shared room. Most kindergarten rooms these days have all of the elements of a preschool room - areas of choice, etc. While I think that the preschoolers probably benefit most from the "big kid " classroom, it is because the room is the same as the rest of the K rooms. Obviously, they have to take into account that the preschool is there and they do a great job of accommodating that. For example, the artwork on the walls is a great mix of preschool / K work. My daughter is picking up language and sight words from the K class just by having it around all the time. The kids share a cubby with the K class, just like my others did with their half day counterparts. The teachers are extremely hard working and keep the room in great shape. I imagine it is a struggle to have to share a room. Without it though, there would not have been this preschool class - 12 children would have been left out of a very rewarding experience. On the other hand, I think that the K benefits as well. The room has some familiar preschool elements to it - easing the transition to K.
    5. I have always found the staff at HOD easy to talk to. If you have any questions with respect to placement for your child, contact Mrs. Balfour or the SPED office. Your current preschool teacher or day care professional is also a great resource. As someone pointed out, each year is very different based on the needs and requirements and makeup of the class, so it is hard to predict what will happen based on the past.
    Hope my two (or twelve) cents added something to the discussion.
    - TMS

  • 2/4 2:55pm   KID, If you would kindly go back and reread all the posts carefully, you will see that there has been no attack on working parents in general. The argument is not over the pros or cons of working parents vs. stay at home parents... It is about half-day vs. full-day kindergarten and the conditions in which the half day kids have been placed in. I am tired of being accused of attacking working parents. I myself was one... and a single parent to boot with a special needs child. Maybe people are feeling a little defensive? There is no shame in wanting a safe place for a child to be after school. That is not the argument here. Ugh! Do people actually read the posts?
    - MW

  • 2/4 2:50pm   NS, you too misunderstood my post. Frankly, your response was a little insulting. You stated "based upon her own experience, that working parents who opt for full day were simply taking 'the easy way out.'" Based on my own experience? That quote suggests to me that you are accusing me of taking the easy way out. When I was a single mother with a developmentally delayed child, I did not take the easy way out. In fact, my life was extremely difficult. Obviously you did not read my follow up post. Did I appreciate the full day program for my child? Absolutely! Who wouldn't want their child in a "safe, nurturing environment" rather than being shuffled around all day. I am no different from any other parent. Well, maybe there is one difference, I will admit that I appreciated the convenience aspect of the program.
    How did this go from a discussion on the half day classroom to an argument between stay at home parent's and working parents? If anyone took my post as a bash on working parents they are being [mistaken]. I have been both. I would not judge either way. I have never said anything even close to that. All I am suggesting is that all children's needs should be addressed. Not just the paying customers! Whether that be paying working parents or paying stay at home parents. YES... everyone makes a personal choice that is best for their children. I made mine. Please respect that I chose to stay at home. My children shouldn't have to suffer because I cannot afford to pay tuition for kindergarten.
    You did comment that you thought that the curriculum couldn't be covered in a half day. That is why towns are moving towards full day. I completely agree with you... But I still cannot afford to put all of my kids in daycare just so that I can go back to work in order to pay kindergarten tuition. If I have to, I will supplement at home and teach my own children to read and write, just as I did with my oldest.
    I think that people are completely missing my point here. I am not saying that children don't benefit from full day, that working parents are bad, that there shouldn't be safe, reliable and affordable daycare available to all who need it. I am not saying that. My whole point is that the kids that cannot afford full day tuition should not be "left behind" or stuffed in an small, odd classroom at the wrong time of day as if nobody cares about them. JM and others who have not experienced this half day classroom find it perfectly accceptable. How do they know?
    - MW

  • 2/4 2:49pm   Norfolk already has the highest tax base of all surrounding towns.
    Although our tax rate is not low at $12.78, MG, it is still inaccurate to state the above. A quick look at current Massachusetts Department of Revenue numbers reveals that Sherborn (15.66), Sharon (16.79), Medfield (12.80), Medway (14.06), and Hopkinton (14.15) are, in fact, surrounding towns with higher tax rates. The town of Dover, by the way, is at $9.20! Perhaps our latest wave of tax reformers should look into their financial hat tricks.
    - TEM

  • 2/4 2:48pm   Wm, I never noticed the date because I never see it. I scroll down on the screen just enough to get to the first post that I never see what is above. :-))
    - JGP

  • 2/4 2:45pm   This info might be of use in trying to understand what is being told to Norfolk by S&S. Perhaps we should attend the Roslindale meeting for tthe sake of understanding the validity of information? Gas stations/beauty parlor, etc/tax relief?
    - JO

  • 2/4 2:44pm   I am looking for information on full day summer camps in the area for a 5 year old. All suggestions welcome!
    - AP

  • 2/4 2:43pm   On a different topic, does anyone know what time polls open tomorrow? I just looked on the town website and didn't see anything that told me, but perhaps I wasn't looking in the right place.
    - KID

    [From the Calendar, below:
    The polls will be open on Tuesday, February 5, 2008 from 7:00AM until 8:00PM. All precincts vote in the H. Olive Day School Auditorium (rear of building), 232 Main Street, Norfolk, MA.
    - Wm.]

  • 2/4 2:42pm   I have a son who is 4 years old and is looking to get involved in a basketball program. I know that the town runs one but I am not sure when or where it is held. Does anyone know of an in-town program or have any information about sports programs for his age group: T-ball, hockey, basketball, football, etc.
    - JM

  • 2/4 11:39am   So it's what, 35 days into the new year, and no-one tells me I still have 2007 at the top of the page? Oh the shame, the embarrassment!! :-)
    I modified the page to automatically indicate the date of last modification as read from the file last-modified time. This will track changes better, but the intent less so -- I used to try to manually change the date to reflect the day the last post was made, not the last edit (edits can be minor, like fixing a typo or graying out an ad.)
    Apropos the smiley, here are some abbreviations commonly used on-line:
    :-) :^) smiley faces (turn head to left, look for eyes, nose, mouth)
    :) ;) smiley face, winking smiley
    IMHO in my humble opinion
    YMMV your mileage may vary
    - Wm.

  • 2/4 11:24am   MJD, I have twins who did both the part time and full time kindergarten. My twins were premature by 2 months and they weren't off to a flying start with school so we kept them back in Kindergarten. We started with the part time program because we felt my kids weren't ready for a full day of school since they were still napping and whatnot. We also felt the tuition for 2 children was a lot. I investigated with the differences between the two programs and the school even said that there was no difference between the two academically. Well, I have to say the part time program and the full time program are like night and day.
    The part time program in Norfolk is really IMHO a pre-K program. There is no way they can fit all that they need to academically into 2 1/2 hours a day which includes recess.
    MJD, I would look at your child for who they are and make your own judgment. If they are on the younger side of the grade and my have to do another year then the part time program is right for them. Or if your child is already reading and ahead of all the other kids and you don't want to shell out the money for the full time K then the part time program might be for you too. It has to be your own, unique decision.
    - JGP

  • 2/4 11:20am   JM - Well said. I got the feeling from MW's post that she was assuming, based upon her own experience, that working parents who opt for full day were simply taking "the easy way out". I know that I personally want my children in a full day kindergarten program for the safe, nurturing environment that we are so lucky to have at the HOD, but even more so that I simply do not believe it is possible for kindergarten teachers to cover the same curriculum in a half day program. Kindergarten curriculum expectations have changed so much over the past ten years. Check out the Massachusetts curriculum frameworks if you don't believe it. This is why most towns are now moving towards full day kindergarten.
    - NS

  • 2/4 11:10am   Let's stop the wholly unnecessary slams on working parents in general. I highly doubt that all the children in the full day kindergarten sessions have working parents. Instead, as one poster commented, full day kindergarten suits some children and half-day kindergarten works better for others. I totally agree with the comment that half-day kindergarten in the afternoon doesn't make sense for the children, although I understand it may make logistical sense for the school. Does anyone know why half-day was scheduled for the afternoon? My son won't go to kindergarten for another year and a half, so if he fits better in half-day, I want to understand how it gets scheduled in case I need to stop lobbying for a morning half-day class now (afternoon would be a disaster for the same reason the previous poster mentioned...). Thanks for any info!
    - KID

  • 2/4 11:09am   JM, I think that you misunderstood the tone of my post. I did make special mention that my post was not directed at you. Of course not everyone makes 6 figures. But there are a great many in this town who do. I think that they sometimes forget that not everyone is capable of just writing out a check to make their problems go away. Or that there are Norfolk residents that have made decisions that are best for their families. This sometimes involve simplified lifestyles in order to reduce family stress and health related issues caused by this stress.
    I also wrote that I understand how stressful the crazy daycare arrangements are for the half day kids and parents.I agree with you. It is much easier on everyone involved for the child to stay at the same place all day. Having said this, I do think that the full day program is being used as a daycare solution for some. I have no problem with that at all, especially if the parents are paying for this convenience. Several years ago when I was a single parent, I too was desperate for a full day program. However, it seems like the squeaky wheel gets the grease... In this case,the majority of the kindergarten population (that happen to be paying customers) are the squeaky wheels and they are having their needs met and prioritized first, While it seems that the true needs of the half day program are not being addressed.
    For example, another poster mentioned that the half day program was jam-packed with learning. This was due to the fact that the same curriculum must be taught within a shorter amount of time. Many parents choose the half day program because their children are not ready to last the longer day. How do you think that they are going to be able to concentrate and learn that intensely when they are cranky and unable to focus in the afternoon? It will be pointless. I am not saying that I have had any issues with the HOD school. I think that the teachers are wonderful, and my kids have had wonderful experiences there and I don't want that to change. I simply believe that the school program should be about providing the best learning environment for all its students... not just the paying customers.
    To answer your question, how do I feel about the stay at home moms that push their kids into the half day program? Go for it! If they are able to pay for it, why not? I think that most kids do benefit from a full day. Just don't forget about the kids that benefit or need the half day. I am an open minded person and maybe I would change my mind if I heard from someone who actually had their child in the half day, shared classroom. It's very easy for you to say that everything is fair and wonderful when you are utilizing the full day program and your child's needs are being met. Where are all the satisfied half day parents? I would like to hear from them. How does the program work? What is different? Do the kids even notice the difference? Are your kids tired? Do you feel that they are getting the most from the afternoon time frame?... Anyone?
    - MW

  • 2/3 10:10pm   MW - While I read your update, I'd like to clarify that I certainly don't make the 6 figures and work because I have to. Staying home was not an option for me. But feeling that working parents put their kids in full day as a convenient day care option is pretty harsh. If you have to find someone else to watch them for the other half day and transportation to that place, how is that better than letting them stay in an nurturing environment that is constant for the full day? How do you feel about the stay at home parents who also push their kids into full day? What is their reason? Will you judge them in the same biased manner? Everybody has their own life choices and those choices should be respected.
    - JM

  • 2/3 6:51pm   Go Patriots!!
    - JW

  • 2/3 4:14pm   JM, Actually, I am extremely familiar with the HOD school. I have two older children who have attended the Norfolk Public schools. My middle child is a SPED student who attended two years of preschool in the integrated program due to his disabilities. He also qualified for the Full Day Kindergarten program due to his disabilities. I do consider it being "shuffled to the back." Every child deserves to have a space of their own. Why do the full day kids get a classroom set up specifically for them, while the half day kids get to worry about younger children touching or getting into their things? Will the half day kids get cubbies or desks that they can leave supplies in? or does everything have to be moved when their day is over to make room for whatever the preschool kids are doing? Also, I hear that there is only an afternoon option? My child will be exhausted by the time his class starts. How is that fair? It used to be that the class times changed mid year. It just feels as though the full day kids are being catered to because the half day children are the minority now. Maybe they are not... but it will be thinking this way until it is proven otherwise to me.
    Someone has posted that they don't think it unreasonable to have to pay for full day... well, I made a conscious decision to stay home and raise my children. It is a sacrifice in some ways. We do not live in a fancy home or belong to a country club. As a blue collar, middle income, one income home, we simply cannot afford to pay tuition. I think that some folks in town forget that not everyone makes six figures! I am not using kindergarten as a daycare. Therefore, I should not have to pay anything, no matter how "reasonable" it may be. I know that there will be those who post that they are not using full day kindergarten as daycare arrangements... But I was once a working mom and I know differently. Stop kidding yourselves and just admit that it is much easier to have a child at school all day than to find reliable and safe daycare/transportation arrangements for a half day. I have lived it, it is stressful, I do know.
    - MW

    [Update: I just wanted to clarify that my thoughts on working parents and full day kindergarten were not geared towards JM (some kids are older and do need a longer day (my oldest was like this)... My thoughts are based on my own experiences and from other working moms that I have talked to regarding this issue. I also wanted to add that the whole reason some parent's choose the half day program is because their children are not "hardy" enough for the full day and would grow too tired to participate in a constructive way in the afternoon. So having only an afternoon half day class seems pointless to me. - MW]

  • 2/3 3:15pm   TK, I apologize for using the word design for I should have said study. We shouldn't be spending money we don't have to begin with. It doesn't make sense to spend that large amount of money when the town budget, according to this week's Boomerang, is in financial trouble which means we either have to make it up or cut areas of the budget. Norfolk already has the highest tax base of all surrounding towns. So where may I ask are we going to get all this money. Then if the voters don't pass building a new school then all this study money is lost. We have done studies in the past that I believe didn't amount to anything except for the money spent for nothing. We have to live within our budget.
    - MG

  • 2/3 2:33pm   MJD - I wasn't looking for a daycare solution in wanting full day for my child, but the best place. Having gone through a kindergarten program at the previous pre-school and turning 6 early in the year, I didn't think a half day program was the answer. Also, I wasn't implying that the 1/2 day option might be going away, simply that the class size changes from year to year and by the time MW's child enters, more people may want 1/2 day and the two classes (or more) could be back. As to why they made the one 1/2 day class only an afternoon session, that I'm not sure about. Mrs. Balfour has always been great, but I'm not sure she'll be able to give you any answers on classes for next year until the registration process is complete and they know how many children are registered for each session. When my 3 year old is eligible, it will be the same guessing game for me.
    - JM

  • 2/3 11:01am   MG, As it would appear that the figures you posted ($100,000 to $500,000) seem out of line to you for design services rendered in school design, just how much do you think the design efforts are worth?
    - TK

  • 2/3 10:59am   My children were not ever in Olive Day, we moved here when our youngest was in third grade, but I have heard lovely things about the school and I would find it hard to believe that they would shuffle any children to the back. I have also worked with children for 20 years and a common thread with kids is that they are always willing to help a younger child, it makes them feel more "grown up"; having the preschool kids in with the kindergartners may well help the older kids adjust. (Just a thought.)
    - DV

  • 2/3 10:57am   JM - It's great that the admin and school committee were able to help you out with your daycare issue, but I do know that there will always be a half-day session as long as full-day is not mandated by the state. I was told that years ago when my oldest child went to half-day by Linda Balfour. You see that if there is a half-day option, the town can charge all of the full-day students tuition while keeping the half-day option "free." My oldest child began her kindergarten year with a morning session which was great because she did not have the stamina for a full-day of school and still napped. I would like that same option for my youngest, but unfortunately from what I hear, the half-day kids are placed in the afternoon session. I am not sure why that is, except that kindergarten is not mandated by the state and integrated preschool is so preschool gets priority or the earlier time slot? (I am guessing here) I would love that clarified for me. I would not mind the smaller room or any of the other changes but I would like my child to go to school in the morning for at least the first part of the year. Perhaps they can flip the pre-school and the kindergarten halfway through like they used to with the half-day sessions. It seems as though the "working parent" lobby was pretty strong last time and I am hoping that the changes are not in stone. I guess I will speak with Mrs. Balfour tomorrow.
    - MJD

  • 2/2 11:49pm   MW - rest assured. You child would not be "shuffled to the back of the school and forgotten" or "treated as a second class citizen" by having his/her half day Kindergarten classroom shared with that of a Pre-K, unless you feel that the Pre-K is being treated that way right now. Based upon your comments, you must not be familiar with the school's layout or their commitment to the education of all the children. The Pre-K rooms are integrated as part of the regular classroom layout - same hallway as the art room, some 1st grade classes, etc. Having the one half-day class share a room with one of the Pre-K classes was the School Committee's best way of accomodating everyone's needs. And being a working parent, I was very appreciative of their efforts. It allowed all those who wanted or needed full day Kindergarten to get it and still allowed the one half day class as well. Every year, the enrollment numbers change. By the time your child enters Kindergarten, it may not even be an issue.
    - JM

  • 2/2 11:04pm   MJD, Regarding half vs. full day K, I'll give you my opinion. I have a child in full day K right now and have another child who went through full Day K.
    1. My children were in Child Care/ Preschool for years prior to going to Kindergarten, 3 days were full until 3:30, 2 until 12:30. It took my kids a good 6-10 weeks to adjust to a 5 Day Full Day school schedule. What would it take a child not adjusted to attending school? Personnally I would rather them adjust in K where the focus is less on reading and skills and more on adjusting to school and introducing these skills.
    2. Socialization. Lunch and recess. Personally I think socialization is important in kindergarten. For some of these kids (mine included, we went to Pre-K outside of town) it is their first time socializing with the other kids in town. The full day K all eat together and have recess together. Instead of just socializing with the kids in their own class they can play with anybody. I can't tell you how many times my son has corrected me when I ask if he knows a child he just waved to from K and he says "no, from recess." There are 8 Kindergarten classrooms with 20 children average in each and only one is half day.
    3. Payment. I understand why people don't want to have to pay for K. However, if you have paid day care costs or even part time Pre K costs you can see that the cost for Full Day K is not outrageous.
    4. Curriculum. They say they cover the same curriculum in Half Day K as in Full Day K. I don't know how that is possible without losing other valuable components of K. I have a friend from another town whose story summarizes this well. In April of her Kindergarten year a little girl moved from a North Shore town with full day K to Medfield which has a half day K. This is an older K who was pretty savvy. After a few weeks she got off the bus and told her Mom she her head hurt. Her Mom asked why? She replied "because they never stop. All we do is work." No recess, no downtime, they had to fit everything in. This is a 6 year old's respnose to the difference in half vs. full day K.
    5. K operating in Pre K room. This was a response to the School Commitee saying there was going to be a Full Day K lottery for last year because too many people wanted Full Day K. It was stated that there would be no consideration for working parents, age of child, school history, etc; it would be a stcrich lottery. (You can check the archives, there was much talk). The issue really was that since the town had not had a lottery in recent history, the town had gotten rid of town aftercare for K. Therer was no SAC to working parents kids from 12:00-3:00. We were told to make arrangemnets. People were furious. The lottery was postponed and another K room was found, moving the Half Day K to pre K room in the PM.
    There is no right or wrong answers to the questions you asked, only opinions of what other people think. Every family is different and should respond to your questions and my response as so. I just know that I have talked to other families in the same spot and my observations have been helpful. I hope this helps.
    - NJD

  • 2/2 8:27pm   MJD, I am hoping that it is not true about the half-day kindergarten class sharing a room with the preschool. If it is, I am very troubled to think that just becuase someone is not paying tuition for their child to attend kindergarten... that they are being treated as second class citizens! I have a child entering kindergarten in two years. I do not have the option of paying for him to attend school. I guess he will be shuffled to the back of the school and forgotten about. Hopefully, it is a rumour.
    - MW

  • 2/2 8:09pm   Speaking of the Going Green Expo... The Adam Ezra Group is playing that event on Sunday the 3rd at 12pm. It should be a good time! They have opened for Dave Matthews and others. You can check out their music at adamezra.com (Thank you Wm for letting me plug my cousin's band.) I attended the same expo in NH last fall. It was a good event. I learned a lot and found contacts for new products and services very useful.
    - MW

    [Absolutely; I'm all for supporting family businesses! I only ask that if there is a connection between the business and the person recommending it, it be mentioned in the post. Yours was perfect! - Wm.]

  • 2/2 8:07pm   Do we really want to vote at the may town meeting spend between $100,000.00 to $500,000.00 to design a new school? Read what happened to Newton North. Does anyone know how to run anything anymore. A second article will follow on what the real figure is. [link1]
    In this article of the same date they are really asking for 23.9 Mil. Be sure to read the comments at the bottom. [link2]
    - MG

  • 2/2 8:05pm   Monday is kindergarten registration for fall 2008. I am on the fence about which option I should choose, half-day or full. I would like to hear from any parent who has a child in the half-day this year. I have heard that the half-day kids are sharing a classroom with one of the preschool groups and there was only an afternoon option. Please share how this is working out for you, your family and most of all your child. What would you change about the current arrangement and do you wish your child was in full-day? I need some feedback from people who are living it in order to make my decision. Thanks in advance.
    - MJD

  • 2/2 8:01pm   MON -- I think if you were really serious in understanding the challenges facing Norfolk taxpayers, and concerned about education as you claimed in an earlier post, you would have turned out this morning for the KP budget meeting.
    - MKL

  • 2/2 10:24am   If anyone is interested the Going Green Expo [goinggreenexpos.com] is this weekend at the Bay Side Expo Center. Here is a link to a discount coupon. [link]
    - AB

  • 2/1 8:01pm   I highly recommend PC Handyman from Franklin as well. Over the last 2 years he has installed additional RAM in my old computer, later removed dial-up settings and installed DSL service along with a security package and personal firewall, and more recently upgraded my system with a refurbished computer transferring all my files and email address book. For this last job I was able to keep my old monitor, printer and keyboard which helped to keep the cost down. His prices are very reasonable, he makes "house calls", and he answers email/phone call inquiries quickly. 508-346-3502; info@pchman.com
    - JR

  • 2/1 6:46pm   Hi Norfolk families, My name is Rachel and I am looking for a summer babysitting job. Ideally, I would like to have 3-4 days a week with one family maybe from 9-5ish. I am 18 years old and a senior at KPHS. I have been babysitting for about 8 years now and I have a lot of experience with kids of all ages! Also, I have my own transportation. I just applied to the YMCA in Franklin for a summer camp job there, so that's why I am posting this so early. I don't know if this appeals to anyone or not, but if so, please contact me at racheladdison08@yahoo.com Thanks!
    - RA

  • 2/1 4:57pm   Norfolk for Obama is looking for volunteers to campaign in Norfolk and surrounding towns. If you are available for few hours in next few days please let us know at norfolk4obama@comcast.net
    - TS

    [corrected what I believe was a typo in the e-mail address - Wm.]

  • 2/1 3:07pm   Do any train commuters out there have mobile broadband on their laptops, and, if so, does it work on the train? I know the MBTA says they are bringing Wi-Fi on board the trains, but in the meantime, I was wondering how effective mobile broadband is. Thanks in advance for the info!
    - KID

  • 2/1 1:55pm   BW, I called the PC Handyman after seeing your message. I agree completely -- I would recommend him to all that need help with their PC.
    - BR

  • 2/1 1:49pm   To All Norfolk Taxpayers: The first meeting of the Norfolk Taxpayers Association will be held on Tuesday, February 12th at 7:30 pm in the Community Room of the Library.
    It will be good to meet all of the taxpayers who are interested in developing ways to understand our fiscal problems and future tax burdens and ways we can approach managing or lowering them.
    As far as past posts go, we can discuss any of my past arguments after the meeting. I also understand the last post about Nothing to Hide may sound socialist, and in the future I will refrain from such quotes in my ill-attempt at humor.
    I am taking the NTA and its goals seriously. If you would like to contact me or further information the Wm will post an address. [I've set up box100@norfolknet.com - Wm.]
    - MON

  • 2/1 10:38am   I honestly don't profess to be an expert, but, it seems that a lot of people don't understand how our tax system works and why having a larger tax base -- i.e. businesses, is so critical to our town especially at this time with the deficit we face. With all due respect to those who do understand, you can probably skip this message, but, for those who don't understand I think I can pretty clearly explain and I'll try to be very basic: Every town has a tax rate-Norfolk's 2007 tax rate is $12.15. This means that for every $1000. your home is assessed for (another lesson!) you are charged $12.15. So, for example, if your home is assessed for $415,000. you are going to pay: 415 x 12.15 or roughly $5042. Now the reason you need the businesses in a town is because usually, (and this depends on the individual town), depending on the amount of businesses a town has, they charge them a higher tax rate. For example, Wrentham has a residential tax rate of $10.65 but that have a commercial tax rate of $13.05. That means they can charge all businesses (read 'Outlets') in that town the higher tax rate and generate that revenue and charge the residents a lesser rate. Every town assesses differently. But without business tax revenues to offset the fees for services we have in this town the burden falls on the individual home owner-us!
    And yes! Yes! Yes! A thousand times yes! The planning board in this town has made it exceedingly difficult for potential businesses to come to Norfolk and now, after all this time - years and putting our faith in the powers that be to make good business decisions for us - we are getting royally screwed.
    But I have a question maybe someone could answer-when the Stop and Shop rep said that they would 'landscape' did he elaborate on how extensive the landscaping would be?
    - CM

    [Most of us understand the taxation aspect, it's the bottom line that seems uncertain. Wrentham seems to have invested heavily in development, but the taxpayers are not appreciably better off for it. Also, Norfolk doesn't have a split tax rate, does it? - Wm.
    Update 1:47pm: Wm. you are correct--Norfolk doesn't have a split tax rate. And I know Wrentham isn't (tax-wise) in the greatest shape, but it's still less than us and little numbers ($1.50--the difference in our tax rates) do add up. :) It's just the idea of waiting so long for something to happen in the town center and the frustration of now knowing that not only is nothing getting done--we're moving backward as now we have to contend with getting out of the situation we've gotten into with Stop and Shop to be able to try and move forward again. - CM ]

  • 2/1 9:46am   Girl Scout Cookie Booth Sale - Norfolk Girl Scouts' 2nd Grade Brownie Troop 4741 will be outside Linda's Variety in Norfolk Center tomorrow, Saturday, February 2, 2008 from 10:00-2:00. Please, stop by to support the girls and stock up on cookies for your Superbowl party!?? Go Patriots!
    - NG

  • 2/1 9:43am   Re "[T]here was Johnny or Sally in a special room and they did not interact with the regular ed students." - BS
    I need to take that one step more... I find that the SPED kids teach the "normal" kids more than the other way around. There were several children with Down's in my kids' old school and I was very pleased when we moved here last year and there was a little girl with Down's in my daughter's class. She kept talking about how nice this girl was; it was weeks before she mentioned that the little girl had Down syndrome. The SPED kids teach our children compassion and kindness beyond any book or teacher. They are a very special contribution to our children's lives. One we should be grateful for. One of my children is hearing impaired, and not one child in this school, or our last, makes fun of the little box my daughter has to carry around with her at school, or how goofy her hearing aids look when she wears her hair up. I am very grateful for that. What we spend on the SPED program should be considered an investment in all of our children's future. The adults of tomorrow are going to need compassion!
    - DV

  • 1/31 9:31pm   To TC, I didn't mean to imply that socialists have taken over this country.
    [C o n t i n u e d . . .]
    - MG

    [I've moved this post to the Election page, which currently serves as the Politics page. Although also relevant to Norfolk, it touches on too many different political topics to leave on the main page - Wm.
    Update 11:16pm: oops, fixed the broken link - Wm.]

  • 1/31 2:11pm   Does anyone have a recommendation for someone to move some heavy furniture (TVs and an entertainment center) from one room to another within my house?
    - JC

  • 1/31 1:52pm   My only agenda is to have the taxpayers of Norfolk unite and let their collective voices be heard.
    I am not a Socialist, but a Technocrat, that believes that information is all powerful against mysticism.
    If you have Nothing to Hide you have Nothing to Fear.
    - MON

    [Wow. I never thought I'd hear such words again. You can't imagine how frightening a slogan like that can be to someone who's lived it: if you object to government intrusion into your affairs, you must have something to hide, therefore you are guilty. It's a scary world you contemplate, Komrade. - Wm.
    Update 2:04pm: Don't worry Wm, This is all about taxes. And only taxes. - MON]

  • 1/31 12:32pm   MON -- The Wm. is correct. Students were not reclassified as no longer being in need of SPED. My statement was that KP brought the out-of-district placement down from 96 to 45. Out of district placement means schooled outside of this district and accommodated in schools more able to deal with a disability. We have to pay these others schools from our school budget to school the SPED children who leave the district. What KP has done is hired special teachers and arranged classes so that 51 students who were previously outside the district could be schooled at their home school. Not all students can be brought back into the district as they have specialized needs; like I said in my earlier post, think Perkins School for the Blind.
    The student mentors' job is to help in the socialization process. That is, they eat lunch with the SPED students, they have parties with them and help familiarize them with the school. Again, if you remember your years of schooling, there was Johnny or Sally in a special room and they did not interact with the regular ed students. The mentoring program alleviates stigmatization.
    Hope that clarifies the issue for you. Also, just a reminder, Dr. Robbat will be presenting the KP school budget on Saturday, Feb 2 at 10am in the KPHS library. You can get a whole lot more facts at this meeting.
    - BS

  • 1/31 12:31pm   MON: Kudos for organizing a community group and energizing some activism. I'm all for it! But, you'd better be careful what you wish for. I don't always agree with your positions, but you're clearly an intelligent person who thinks critically and digs below the surface of things. MG's post (no personal offense intended here) made me shudder in its sweeping oversimplification of the complexities of modern life. (Socialists have never taken over anything in this country. To suggest a socialist agenda forced women into the workplace, thereby creating our "uncertain" economy is beyond absurd.) People tend to connect the dots in ways that serve their own world view, and that can be a dicey proposition in a volunteer group. I do wish you luck, though. Great to see people stepping up!
    - TC

  • 1/31 11:44am   MG - There's not a moment to lose then. I will set up a meeting time for the Norfolk Taxpayers Association in our Library on a weeknight in February. Then for the weekenders I will set up a meeting in our Library on Sunday at 11 am - since there are two meeting rooms.
    BS - Thank you for your thorough answer. I see you have many facts and figures that are pertinent. The student-mentor program sounds wonderful, helping the other students learn or relearn and conquer their disabilities. There are many levels of disabilities, that is obvious from the scientific literature on the subject, and I find it amazing that 51 of 96 students were reclassified after correction of their disability.
    How are these student-mentors trained? And perhaps its transferable to parents of students with borderline disabilities, so that they too, can participate in their learning disorder rehabilitation.
    - MON

    [I believe the quote was "out of district placement down from 96 to 45." I took that to mean that they're now being taught in the KP facilities, not that they've been reclassified. - Wm.]

  • 1/31 11:43am   Nice info, JO. These Stop & Shop people truly are Royal Aholds.
    - PA

    [You may be referring to the U Conn report [link] on Ahold's land-banking practices, posted about back on 3/23/2006:
    Ahold/Stop & Shop's latest attempt to erect barriers to entry in the northeast United States involves its acquisition of shopping centers and other sites suitable for supermarkets not for the purpose of operating a supermarket, but so that a competing supermarket cannot operate on the site.
    The paper mentioned by JO is about designed-in energy efficiency that saves close to 30% of the supermarket's operating electricity costs, a savings of over $1000 per day. - Wm.]

  • 1/31 11:41am   JO: Did the Stop and Shop rep mention the Foxboro store that is referenced in this article: [1/15 Sun Chron article]
    - TCC

    [From the article:
    FOXBORO - The board of health Monday fined Stop & Shop $500 for selling outdated meats and fish in the local supermarket's third set of "critical" food code violations in less than a year.
    - Wm.]

  • 1/31 11:40am   SEF - you are right in Norfolk needing to bring in some tax revenue. I think if the Board of Selectmen formed a Redevelopment Authority, they would have the right to take the land by eminent domain and hire a private developer. Whether S & S decides to build 5-6 years from now, that is 5-6 years in lost tax revenue. It's disappointing to see a large corporation like S&S do this to a small town struggling with tax dollars. S&S should put the land up for sale and let a private developer purchase it for office or retail.
    - AML

  • 1/31 11:39am   We recently mailed out the Norfolk Little Green Phone Book to every home and business in Norfolk. We would like to hear any comments on the book and what businesses you would like to see in the next issue so we can contact them. You can call us at 508-429-5588 or go on our website littlegreenphonebook.com. You may pick-up an extra copy of The Norfolk Little Green Phone Book at the town clerk's office in Norfolk.
    - SR, Northeastern Publishing

  • 1/31 11:38am   SEF - I think an idea as to how to increase the tax base might be a good agenda item for this NTA or BOSO group that had been discussed. If regular town committees aren't going to do it, let's get it going. I'm in. Let me know when and where to show up. Let's face it, you either reduce taxes or increase revenues - no reason both can't be discussed.
    - KDL

  • 1/31 11:22am   Yeah, I hate it when the socialites are in power... gadding about in their Bentleys, dripping with jewels, going to the opera in their mink wraps... so much worse than those proletarian socialists.
    - HPK

    [My apologies for not having caught the typo. I try to fix and format posts so they will be judged on content, not appearance. When I add comments I correct spelling, diction and word usage. Any remaining errors should be seen as mine. - Wm.]

  • 1/31 11:10am   I don't pretend to understand how it all works... But would more businesses really help our town's budget? I have a child in the North Attleboro School system (yes, it's legal, his father owns a home there). As commercial as that town is, my son feels that school system is in much worse financial shape than KP. He can compare because he has attended both schools. Where would the money collected from these businesses really go to? It just seems to me that the more businesses are added to a town, the more the town has to provide services for them. If someone could explain how it all works... I'd be grateful. Maybe I'm just not getting it. Wrentham has the outlets, but my Wrentham relatives are also paying a fortune in taxes and not getting a lot for their buck - other than trash pick up. ...It's been so long since I have experienced the joys of curbside pick up!... Big sigh...
    - MW

  • 1/30 11:10pm   This is a must read since it involves Foxboro Stop & Shop. Some interesting conceps re electric costs ans effecient methods. Didn't hear one word re this by the rep from S&S Monday night. [link]
    - JO

    [A writeup on the new energy-efficient store architecture, first built in Foxboro, that saves hundreds of thousands of dollars a year in electricity costs - Wm.]

  • 1/30 11:07pm   I just wanted to put a plug in for Hap Tea Bar in Millis. It's a very nice spot for a cup of tea (and they seem to have a zillion types) and a nice dessert. A friend and I met there today and it was nice to go somewhere to sit and talk now that Meldivas in Franklin is gone. Check it out on 20 Exchange Street in Millis.
    - AL

  • 1/30 8:25pm   Right on MON. It has always been Of the People, By The People and For the People. This was taught in the schools through the years, then all of a sudden the socialites [sic] came along and decided it was better if they ran everything and the people began to get taxed for everything so nothing was free anymore. Because of everything now having to be paid for, the women had to go to work and that is when everyone fell asleep at the switch only because they had to do so much after work -- like getting meals, running off in different directions to take the children to all sorts of after-school games -- so that no one was noticing what was really going on. That was the end of the budgets, especially when everyone who knew someone got all the town jobs and became what I call Rubber Stamps in order to keep their jobs. I was on the land fill committee for several years and everyone who knew me knew I was no Rubber Stamp, so I never got elected to any office which would have been run for the people. End of Story. So my answer is yes to joining the NTA with you and other taxpayers, and I already have some very good friends who will be glad to join also. One old saying I remember is "Never give up for you never know how close you are to winning". I think we will get the crowd because the people have had it up to their eyeballs.
    - MG

    [Update 1/31 11:22am: my apologies for not having caught all typos in the post; the responsibility for correct spelling and diction are mine - Wm.]

  • 1/30 7:35pm   SM, Hannafords would be great -- Tuesday is senior day with 5% off the order. I went to Norwood yesterday.
    - BR

  • 1/30 7:24pm   While I think the idea of a landscaped area would be nicer than the moonscape we have now, I would also point out that this town desperately needs the tax base of a major store like S&S. We need to get businesses excited about the possibility of coming into Norfolk. We had contractors here after we moved in and they were constantly talking about how difficult Norfolk is to deal with. I am sure they are not the only ones who feel that way. How do we fix this?
    - SEF

  • 1/30 6:18pm   Comedy Night Planned - Join the Norfolk Aggie Parent Network for the annual Comedy Night fundraiser on March 8, 2008 at the Norwood Elks, 152 Winslow Avenue, Norwood Ma. Doors open at 7:00 with light musical entertainment provided by Dan Chauvin.
    The show starts at 8:00 pm. Comedians for the night include Joe Wong and E.J. Murphy and headliner John Turco. There will also be many great raffles.
    Tickets are $20.00 per person and may be reserved in advance. Please make checks payable to Norfolk Aggie Parent Network and mail to Mary Jane Blaser, 47 Sealund Road, Quincy, MA 02171.
    All proceeds from this event benefit the students of the Norfolk County Agricultural High School.
    For more information, email Sheila C. at shecof@comcast.net
    - HK

  • 1/30 3:40pm   Did anyone else receive a phone survey on Monday night about where they did their grocery shopping? I received one and was asked where I shop. When I said Hannaford and Stop and Shop, they asked if it was the Stop and Shop in Foxboro. I was then asked where I shop the most, and when I responded "Hannaford" they then said thank you very much and ended the survey. Maybe Stop and Shop was fishing for information on Norfolk shoppers?? The timing was a little suspicious.
    - SM

  • 1/30 3:39pm   NTA?? I was thinking something more catchy like BOSO - Board of Spending Oversight... not to be confused with the group of the same acronym Board of Selectmen Oversight. ; )
    - WB

  • 1/30 2:18pm   MON -- Special needs is on the rise due to better diagnosis of learning difficulties. As you may or may not have read, autism is on the rise and no one knows why. You also have more premature babies surviving what they may previously not. In addition, issues that were not diagnosed when we were kids now have a name. Think of poor Johnny who sat next to you and failed everything--probably had severe dyslexia.
    In the KP district (not Norfolk public schools) there are 324 SPED students, of which 48 are placed out of district. Kudos to KP who brought that out of district placement down from 96 to 45 in the past year which reaped a savings of $1.5 million. They were able to do this by revamping the SPED program. In fact, they have a mentor program at the high school where regular ed students are working with the SPED kids. At the KP SC meeting the other night, a young woman from KP spoke about how great an experience it has been for her as a mentor and how the rest of the school is embracing the program.
    Of the students placed out of district, did you know some of them are in facilities that are full care and some are transported everyday to private facilities? I would imagine perhaps we are talking about places like Perkins School for the Blind; expensive. And as CJ pointed out--mandated. Did you know that we are also mandated to prepare SPED students for life? This means life skills. And we must possibly keep them in school until age 22 and we possibly must school them all summer. Expensive, and mandated, and the right thing to do to support our most challenged members in society so they can be as productive as possible in the future.
    As CJ pointed out, teachers, and I'll add school administrators, aren't eating lobster and many of them are using out of pocket funds. I would urge you to attend the open meeting at KPHS at 10am on Saturday, Feb 2 in the library. Dr. Robbat will be reviewing budget numbers.
    - BS

  • 1/30 12:30pm   CJ Your post, ``Unfortunately, due to a number of factors, the special needs population is growing'' Can you tell us what these factors are, or are they not public information?
    JT - What would be a proper solution to the S and S problem?
    - MON

  • 1/30 12:29pm   Sorry, just moved back to Norfolk after a 4 yr stint in CT - talk about taxes!!
    I thought Lorusso owned the property and S&S had an agreement on the lease? Eminent domain would go after the owner, right?
    I wouldn't mind a nicely landscaped lot as a fall-back position to the eminent domain threat.
    What about the rest of the open space? Any takers on that? Also - is there a committee in town that proactively solicits businesses?
    I would think Hannafords could be interested in locating here - they are new to the area and haven't quite made it out this far.
    - KDL - Back in the best town in the area!

  • 1/30 11:52am   As a veteran of a finance/warrant committee in another Massachusetts town, I feel compelled to speak out on possible tax increases. No one, not even the "powers that be", is happy paying more taxes, but the state continues to mandate unfunded programs and in a town like Norfolk the burden falls on the homeowners. Unfortunately, due to a number of factors, the special needs population is growing. I have also served on a school site council and I can tell you that their line item budget is bare bones, often without any new materials and the teachers are not eating lobster in the teacher's room...
    I think it is good to be involved, get the facts, check the numbers, but do not accuse those who were questioning government before they became involved of going to the dark side, when they probably have come to learn true facts.
    - CJ

  • 1/30 11:51am   RE: JM, I would be interested in taking your dog for a week in the summer. I have my own dog who gets along great with other dogs, walking trails behind my house, and a good size home. If interested in learning more, please email me at info@amw-marketing.com.
    - AW

  • 1/30 11:49am   I had trouble with my Comcast internet connection last week, and the rep looked at my account and said there was a new promo for service and my Comcast bill went from $218 to $169. The but was I had to sign on for one year at Comcast, then I was told to make sure I call in December to find out about another promo because the rate would then probably go up a lot. I wonder if Comcast was giving a lower price to keep us from going to Verizon. Ya think?
    - JW

  • 1/30 11:02am   MG - totally agree - no more overrides. The Town needs to get their finances together.
    - AML

  • 1/30 10:47am   JM - I have a good friend here in Norfolk who is a professional dog- sitter. She's insured and bonded and takes dogs into her home at very reasonable rates. She has excellent references and lots of repeat customers. I leave my dogs with her when I can bear to part with them. She does have two children under two years old, a dog and a cat, so if your dog is fine with all that, she would first meet your dog and see how things go. She's very responsible and has a large fenced-in yard. If you want to give the Wm your phone number, I can pass it along.
    - SO

  • 1/30 9:47am   I just want to thank everyone for the huge support on our little store. We got some incredible artists from this site, with more interviewing this week. I want to thank the Wm for stopping by, it was great to meet him in person! What a cool guy. (don't edit that!) We have great gift items and some very collectable pottery. Stop by and introduce yourselves; 14 Dedham St., Dover.
    - DV

    [Update 10:50am: 14 Dedham St. is in the same building as Whistlestop Antiques and the Century 21 agency, right next to the railroad tracks behind the town green. The Century 21 door leads to both offices, though the antique shop also connects - Wm.]

  • 1/30 9:46am   MON -- I guess you haven't been reading about the CEO, John Mackey, at Whole Foods. Didn't you hear he was under investigation for manipulation of share prices as he was looking to purchase Wild Oats? Also, the purchase of Wild Oats pretty much gives Whole Foods a monopoly of the natural food industry. I thought these were behaviors you did not tolerate? I guess the world is not black or white after all.
    - BS

  • 1/30 9:45am   I am requesting recommendations/referrals for window washers and house cleaning services. Thank you.
    - TRG

  • 1/30 9:44am   I called Comcast and said I was switching to Verizon, and they lowered my bill from $143 to $108 plus tax.
    - PB

  • 1/30 9:43am   Regarding eminent domain... while I'm no fan of S&S and have long held that they would never build here, I'd be very concerned about the potential cost to the town ($$$) of taking on S&S in an attempt to take the land by force. While 'public interests' might seem to side with the town, how much would it cost us, and could we afford it?
    - TK

  • 1/29 10:06pm   MG - Now we are talking! Let's form the Norfolk Taxpayers Association - the NTA. The NTA will hold its first meeting in February or March, and Everyone is Welcome! Taxpayers Unite! It doesn't matter who you are, what you do, your voice and input will be a part of a new revolution. We will send a message to the Town that the taxpayer comes first!
    Once we know who all the future candidates for the open positions are we ask them to state their cases. Then we support or deny support to those who we suspect of politics as usual. And what happened to other watchdog groups will not happen to the NTA. I see through the clever ways of the Power Elite - the NTA cannot be bought, influenced by power or silenced.
    One last thing, before I leave cyberspace to organize the NTA. If I were in charge I would cancel all transactions and permits for Town center development, loam and plant grass seed, and let those who manipulate the good people of Norfolk pay on the empty building site for eternity.
    Then shop at Whole Foods.
    - MON

  • 1/29 10:05pm   MG, I could be wrong (someone from the CPA committee could confirm), but nothing has ever been paid out for the down payments on the houses. Each year the voters approve $100,000 from the CPA funds to go towards the down payments, but I do not believe it has ever been used. This is all part of the 10% that is mandated for use on affordable housing. Monies have been used for open space, recreation and historic sites (could argue the Grange and the Federated church again), but I do not believe any money at all has ever been used for affordable housing. Again, I could be wrong, but as of a year or so ago this was the case. Even if the money has been paid out, it is out of the CPA fund and not the town budget.
    - PFD

  • 1/29 10:03pm   Some good background re Stop and Shop. [fundinguniverse.com writeup]
    - JO

  • 1/29 8:12pm   We need another Tea Party. Where does this town think that people, who are not getting raises, are going to pay these increases in house taxes, oil and gas food utilities, etc? But the town employees get raises, more money paid for their insurance, and we also give $20,000.00 down payments on condos for so-called poor who work on the town DPW and other jobs that don't pay much, including jobs at the town hall. I would rather pay them a decent wage than pay large down payments which are free to them after so many years. No wonder our budget is out of control. It is like someone who's buying a summer place but has no money in the budget to pay for it.
    My taxes were $800-plus in the late 80's. They are now over $5200-plus. That is outrageous, especially when there are very little services that go with it. We also have a lot of children who go to private schools but pay taxes plus. I never hear how much money is saved on the children who leave the school system, not to mention those of us who still pay but no longer have children in our schools... Yet if 50+ children leave our school system for private schools, the budget still goes up. It is supposed to be that if you no longer use let's say the gym or other recreation expenses, you have more money in your bank or check book. Am I not seeing something here!!
    Just this month it was announced in the paper that Norfolk was not going to try for a new school, and now, according to the Boomerang, they made the list. No more overrides, enough is enough. [Sun Chron article]
    - MG

  • 1/29 8:11pm   MON: After "raging against the machine" for the last few weeks, it appears you have now drank the Kool-aid. We all want something to happen on the Stop & Shop site (I have a particular interest in seeing whether they will comply with our fabulous new stabilization by-law!) but unless you want to write a check with a lot of zeros (too many to recoup in our lifetimes), I'd suggest more realistic approaches. I can only imagine the hearty laughs that reverberate in the Stop & Shop boardroom after these toothless sessions that they are subjected to periodically in our Town Hall.
    - JT

  • 1/29 7:26pm   Hi! The junior class prom committee at the high school is hosting a Valentine's themed event for 3rd and 4th grade girls from Norfolk, Wrentham, and Plainville. The event will take place in the high school cafeteria from 4-5:30 on Wednesday, February 13th. This super fun soiree will feature crafts: making Valentines and Valentine mailboxes; games: pin Cupid's arrow on the heart, and activities: nail painting by our brilliant team of high school girls and cookie decorating. The fabulous event will, of course, feature the perfect amount of snacks: enough to munch on without ruining dinners. We will also summon as many Hannah Montana and High School Musical tunes as humanly possible. This event is going to be a great opportunity for wholesome fun and socializing. It is a chance for the elementary girls to hang out with each other and some bigger girls too. As it is a fundraiser, we are charging $7 per girl. Please RSVP to Emily at artem@mail2world.com. Parents are welcome to stay to participate in the glorious fun! And please don't forget to spread the word to your friends in the tri-town area.
    - DA

  • 1/29 7:12pm   MON: You are wrong. Didn't you watch the meeting on TV last night? The selectmen do not need a warrant - please do not send in anything. They can move forward and will. It was clear last night that Jim Lehan had enough. [...] They will move forward and fix this. They can now. The citizens do not need to push the selectmen into action, they are already moving forward. That is for sure. [...]
    - JN

  • 1/29 7:04pm   MW - The Verizon rep indicated we would be able to order FiOS TV as early as Friday or this coming Monday.
    - JT

  • 1/29 7:01pm   Thanks MW. I think we need to be looking in all directions on how we can make some extra money for our town and we need to focus on what we have - not what we can't have - which right now seems to be the Stop and Shop etc. shopping center. So what we do have is the Patriots. I'm just wondering if somehow capitalize on that fact and provide parking and generate revenue in that way. We might have to buy insurance but with any business comes costs and that might be the cost of doing that business. We would also have to deal with tailgaters but so what! It might as well be us doing it and making money rather than all the businesses along Rte. 1. If this is feasible our selectmen need to start acting on this now so it can be in place for next season.
    Another idea I have is this: the town of North Attleboro has its own electric company. I'm sure that absolutely generates money for the No. Attleboro. Our selectmen having nothing to lose by making a few phone calls to the town hall in North Attleboro and finding out more about it such as how much it costs to run, how much money it generates for the town and what the drawbacks are. Neither of these ideas may pan out but at least I'm trying to think outside the 'Stop and Shop' box - I'm wondering what other ideas anyone else may have?
    - CM

    [I like the idea of a municipal electric company! Norwood has it, and when we moved here, Norfolk's electric rates were 25% higher than Norwood's. - Wm.]

  • 1/29 6:59pm   FiOS TV should be available by the end of this week or the beginning of next week for about 89% of the town.
    - JS

  • 1/29 6:58pm   JM, give me a call, I can dog sit in your home overnight. That way the dog is in its home and comfortable. I have great references. 508-528-3724 or e-mail me at ZQQKeypurr@aol.com.
    - JW

  • 1/29 6:57pm   FiOS getting a cable license is a wonderful thing.
    1. For any Comcast customers, call 1-800-Comcast, and ask to speak to Customer Retention Dept
    2. Tell them Fios was just granted a cable license, and generally speaking, is 25% less (for cable TV as standalone) than what you're currently paying for Comcast
    3. Ask them what they can do to keep you as a customer
    4. Wait patiently while they give you a song and dance about unparalleled customer service compared to Verizon. While you're waiting, take 25% of your cable bill, and multiply by 12.
    5. Tell Comcast they their customer service benefits aren't worth the additional X dollars per year. Ask again what they can offer to retain you as a customer.
    I was offered a $25 discount for the next 12 months, with no contract/termination clause. YMMV if you have any bundled services from Comcast.
    This way Comcast is paying you to wait until your neighbor gets FiOS cable, and you can judge for yourself if it's worth making the switch.
    - JH

  • 1/29 6:15pm   Feb 5th election is around the corner and Sen. Obama's presidential campaign is looking for supporters and volunteers in the Norfolk area. Please contact us at Norfolk4Obama@comcast.net or my.BarackObama.com
    - TS, Norfolk for Obama

  • 1/29 4:13pm   Thank you for the info on FiOS. Does anyone know how long it will take for the service to actually become available ?
    - MW

  • 1/29 4:12pm   JN, Wow, you should stand proud. It is great to know that the Girl Scouts do not discriminate. Maybe the Boy Scouts could learn a few things from the Girl Scouts.
    - DWL

  • 1/29 4:10pm   The VP from Stop and Shop was [...] nervous, conciliatory, and when confronted by the Selectmen about the townspeople putting together an article that could force action he started defensive posturing - "I will have to talk to our attorneys" and "to look after our interests."
    In other words - [they] are tying this property up, Norfolk, landbanking it's called, so [they] don't lose market share to better supermarkets like Whole Foods. [Their] past business plan [did poorly], and [they] never plan on building here. In the meantime [they] have numerous stores in the area that also [do poorly], and they are failing as well. But you will like [their] prepared foods. They're delicious.
    So it takes 10 signatures on an article/warrant that would force our town to move into action - such as taking over the lease by eminent domain. Then the town can vote on it and it will pass. We are all tired of talk.
    And the loss of 1.2 million a year in revenue.
    - MON

  • 1/29 1:11pm   I am concerned to read about the church that is using the library space free of charge (postings below.) I do agree that they should be granted use of the space if it is available, but it is wrong for them not to be paying a rental fee.
    Am I interpreting this correctly??
    As I believe someone else stated, the issue is not the religious affiliation of the group in question - Christian, Muslim, Wiccan, etc. groups in town should be granted equal access to this town resource, but should pay a rental fee if they are collecting tithings.
    Thoughts??
    Respectfully,
    - SRA

  • 1/29 1:10pm   Does anyone know of local in-home pet sitters for dogs? By in-home, I mean my dog in their home / home kennel. Looking for some type of solution for a week in the summer while we're on vacation in a house that doesn't allow dogs. Any information would be appreciated!
    - JM

  • 1/29 12:38pm   MH: Yes, the rep from Stop and Shop even stated that they would landscape the lot. As I said, well prepared.
    - WB

  • 1/29 12:06pm   So the person that added the 2011 to the Stop and Shop sign was not inaccurate! To me, the delay of S&S is great news because I don't want to see them in town. At town meeting we voted (if I am remembering this correctly) that a new by-law be passed that requires the land owner to stabilize the property if they are delayed in building. Was this discussed at last night's meeting? If nothing is going to be built for the next 5 years, it would be nice to have the land made more presentable.
    I welcome Verizon too! Our basic Comcast bundle is about to jump from $150 per month to well over $200! Don't know if I will switch, but competition is usually good leverage for pricing.
    - MH

  • 1/29 10:45am   SB - While I was not at the meeting last night, I did watch it in its entirety on cable. I have to commend the selectmen on how they handled the Stop & Shop issue. It was difficult for them to hear what was said, but they were prepared and delivered a message of disappointment.
    In short, Stop & Shop does not have plans for Norfolk in their 3 year plan. And as Dr. Lehan commented, this means that we would see a store at best in 5 years. The selectmen put some pressure and proposed a meeting to discuss ways the property could be "released."
    And regarding Verizon FiOS, the video license was granted.
    - SF

  • 1/29 10:44am   In case anyone hasn't seen or heard about the Selectmen's meeting last night, a Stop and Shop grocery store will not be built this year - 2008 and maybe, just maybe there will be some movement in 2009, maybe 2010. I have to admit that the Stop and Shop rep, although he was new to the position (September 2007), was well prepared, in fact extremely well prepared, and defused any potential verbal recourse by the Selectmen. I watched the meeting thinking that this current Board of Selectmen, who touted extensive business and financial experience, have been strung along for three years by Stop and Shop, but something was said last night by Jim Lehan that made me rethink that. It is us, the residents of Norfolk, who have been given false hope by this Board. This board has been taking "credit" for all of these "meetings," all this "communication," and for all this "progress" that has resulted in nothing.
    - WB

  • 1/29 9:31am   The Girl Scouts welcome all regardless of sexual orientation. They have a no sexual encounter policy and a one-camper-to-one-bed policy at all girl scout camps.
    Here is some additional info regarding Girl Scouts :
    So why isn't the Girl Scouts, like the Boy Scouts, being sued and protested against for not allowing lesbian Scout leaders? Because they have them. The Girl Scouts does not have "a discrimination policy," as they like to put it -- Girl Scouts doors are open to all, gay Scout leaders and girls.

    Girl Scout policy forbids sex on Girl Scouts time. But the book On My Honor: Lesbians Reflect on Their Scouting Experience, published in 1997, is filled with coming-of-age stories sparked by gay encounters in the Girl Scouts. Along with an essay entitled "All I Really Need to Know About Being a Lesbian I Learned at Girl Scout Camp," and various stories of "butch" counselors who "wore men's clothes and had slicked back short hair," is testimony to the prevalence of lesbians in Girl Scouting. One writer remembers: "By the time I was a junior counselor, Mic was assistant camp director and her gruff, deep-voiced directives no longer scared me. I didn't know that most of the counselors were lesbians." Others remember how sleepovers and camping trips were opportunities for same-sex sexual experimentation. Girl Scout staffers writing in the book claim that roughly one in three of the Girl Scouts' paid professional staff is lesbian.

    The organization itself is not shy about the issue. One resource book for Scouts informs its young readers: "Some girls have sexual attractions or desires for people of the same sex." Meanwhile, the Patriots' Trail Girl Scout Council in Massachusetts held a volunteer workshop this year (2000) on sexual orientation, working in tandem with the Gay Lesbian Youth Support project "to educate us about overcoming barriers that may exist in our organization and instilling a culture that is inviting to all girls," according to Mary Jo Kane, spokesman for the council. The Girl Scout council developed a mentoring program "for lesbian women and girls dealing with sexual identity." Says Kane, "I can only imagine the energy and leadership that would be unleashed -- in society -- if we spent our time and resources encouraging our girls -- and everyone -- to be visible, authentic, and bring 100 percent of themselves to all their experiences."
    (from the National Review)

    - JN, proud Girl Scout leader. We rock!

  • 1/29 9:19am   Any update from the town meeting last night?
    - SB

  • 1/29 8:51am   Can the girls scouts have a gay leader?
    - DV

  • 1/29 8:49am   A friend sent me this email today:
    One of my co-workers volunteers at the Taunton, MA Animal Shelter, a no-kill shelter. However, one of the dogs has some medical problems. They need to find a temporary foster home while they work out appropriate treatment. If they cannot find a foster home, they will put him down tomorrow because they do not have room. He does not act sick and has ample energy to walk 3 miles/day. Do you know anyone that may be able to foster a 120lb Bernese Mountain Dog? If so, contact the shelter directly:

    Taunton Animal Shelter
    821 W Water St
    Taunton MA 02780
    Phone: 508-822-1463
    Email: paws4blue@aol.com

    - SO

  • 1/28 6:43pm   The person who sent in the Franklin address also located the public filings of the church, which show it being a 501(c)(3) non-profit with a Boardman St. address. Seems the church is local after all.
    - Wm.

  • 1/28 2:03pm   We just received an e-mail with a reply to JGP's question about the Providence Baptist Church, ``... what was the Franklin mailing address to? - JGP''
    From their Website at www.providencebaptistchurchma.org

    Church Office:

    308 West Central Street
    Suite D
    Franklin, MA 02038
    (508) 528-5750

    - Wm.

  • 1/28 1:55pm   PB - We use Accent Limo in Milford... 800-696-5466. Their website is accentlimo.com. They are reliable and we highly recommend them. We use them often. Good luck!
    - SEF

  • 1/28 1:54pm   PA - The Providence Baptist Church were using it for their Sunday Services, oh, about 6 months ago.
    - LAW

  • 1/28 1:53pm   I am a longtime Norfolk resident, not comfortable with computers and technology. I now have a marvelous home computer repairman located in Franklin who makes house calls whenever needed. Sometimes problems are solved over the phone. I recommend him highly: "The PC Handyman", 508-346-3502; info@pchman.com
    - BW

  • 1/28 1:52pm   OK. Now if the Church meets in Norfolk and the pastor lives in Norfolk and they have the library address on their website, what was the Franklin mailing address to?
    What address do they file their taxes to? All very fishy to me.
    - JGP

  • 1/28 1:51pm   CM, I kind of like your idea about the stadium parking. Could we employ local teens as parking attendants? I wonder if we would need insurance? Isn't it the same as chartering a school bus? I would think that the bus company would carry the insurance? How would parking be any different than a commuter leaving their car at the town parking lot? I don't see why the town shouldn't benefit from a local "resource" that is in high demand. I see "no parking" signs as far away from the stadium as the Wrentham outlets. Hmmm.
    - MW

  • 1/28 1:50pm   KID - Thank you for your suggestion! I have forwarded it to my friend. It might also work for her car since it's a 2000, except that the alarm is currently set to on. Yes, she's checked the lost-n'-found every day and the train crew even tracked down the exact train car and searched it. Nothing.
    - SO

  • 1/28 1:49pm   MH, I agree with your "hunch". I have heard many people play the pedophile card in regards to this issue. But I think it is a flimsy excuse, or maybe they are purposely playing on a parent's worst fear in order to mask a hidden agenda. Who knows. I remember reading somewhere that the homosexual population was the lowest risk for pedophilia. People are afraid of what they don't know. I also think as YP stated, that most children have no idea that there is an anti-gay policy in place. In fact, until the post on this board, I had no idea myself. I have never heard any preaching going on. And as far as I know the subject has never been brought up at any Cub Scout meeting or in any literature. I do recall having to read a chapter on molestation and how to protect your child from it. But it was not specific towards homosexuals.
    MJD, thank you for your kind post. It seems that you do understand. Right now, I am just trying to do what is best for my son who has benefited greatly from the scouting organization . Who knows, we may get to the point where our feelings may change. I just wanted to get my point across that not every decision is so clear-cut. There are many, many factors involved.
    - MW

  • 1/28 11:24am   Can anyone recommend a reliable livery service from Norfolk to Logan and their rates. Thanks,
    - PB

  • 1/28 10:34am   CS - Don't put words in my mouth. Boy Scouts are a genuine example of a community group - kids learning valuable lessons. The fact that the organization is homophobic is the problem of the adults that run the organization.
    But adults ruin a lot of things. The adults running the library are setting themselves up for budget cuts and decreased services because they are too naive or too liberally righteous to manage Town assets responsibly. The Franklin church must pay rent for their office space, but their adult leadership found a way to save money - using our library as a church. No one wants you to stop using it, just tell us more about the donations and how we can get more of them.
    Now that budget cuts in Norfolk are looming its the children who suffer - teachers, class sizes increasing, library hours shortened and even the senior center will experience cutbacks. You all can bet the taxpayers will not support a further bleeding of their tax money.
    So give thanks to the "adults" who run our town-and the Trustees who have never looked up the meaning of the word.
    I am still waiting for Mr. Boulay to tell us more about the "donations" the church made without having to request the library to open its books.
    - MON

  • 1/28 10:32am   I get so amused by people's ideas that anything and everything is acceptable and we should not judge other people. Let's be honest -- we judge people every day; that is how we determine right from wrong. Teaching our children not to judge other people or their situations will only be detrimental to their future. We have to remember that bad people are out there and they have/had the same free will to make good choices that the rest of us do. There is a fine line to teaching compassion and teaching blind acceptance of all people, places and things.
    I have a hunch that the anti-gay leadership [policy] of the Boy Scouts was not established to ward off molestation. Gay people do not molest children. Pedophiles molest children and based on my extensive studies of juveniles and criminal justice, a male pedophile that molests male children would probably not consider themselves gay.
    - MH

  • 1/28 9:28am   I just wanted to respond to the people about horses pooping in front of our houses. Just because we live in the "country" does not mean we want or should expect horse poop in front of our houses. I love living in Norfolk. We put a lot of time and money into our house and yards, and the last thing I want to see when I go out to get my mail is a big pile of poop. Just a few weeks ago, there was a big pile in between my house and my neighbor's. He was out there with a big shovel and bucket before I had a chance to get to it. We live in a beautiful residential neighborhood with a lot of children playing and riding their bikes. They shouldn't have to worry about walking into horse poop. I don't think too many people would be happy if we let our dogs run around town and just let them go to the bathroom and not pick anything up.
    - BK

  • 1/28 9:04am   Scouting is a wonderful program for our boys. They learn many things. They make great friendships. They contribute so much. I don't know of any Scout who feels his life is not better because of the program. Many wonderful people work long hard hours to make this program work. I for one am very thankful. My son is a better person for it. Let's not forget that all the Eagle Scout projects benefit this town directly. Our kids don't make the rules, and in fact many are not even be aware of them. They just want to be Scouts. Remember - many Eagle Scouts have gone on to do great things. I believe our Scouts will also be out there doing great things and many already are.
    - YP

  • 1/28 8:04am   Can anyone tell me when the last time the Grange Hall was used?
    - PA

  • 1/27 7:47pm   MW - I was only speaking for myself. Many people choose to stay in social institutions (Boy Scouts, Church etc.) even though they would never join a social group that has the same restrictions on leadership or membership. I am not advocating this but I understand the emotional toll of leaving this kind of long-term relationship on principle. It is very painful and you can take that from me, I have done it. At some times in our lives we just can't look at the it any longer and have speak up. Even then the culture of fear and exclusion may be too ingrained to change and you may find that it is you who is now "on the outs." At that point it is you who must change by learning to live with it or leaving. Tough choice. I am sincerely glad that your son has found a group in which he feels welcome and valued, each of us needs that.
    - MJD

  • 1/27 4:59pm   I am a woman who refused to join a sorority, a country club and an ethnic social group... all becuase I didn't want to be in a group that "excluded." I also happen to be the mother of a Cub Scout. My son suffers from a learning disability, speech delay, etc, etc, etc. As a result, he has been teased and tormented by many of Norfolk's own little darlings. His self esteem was in the toilet, until he joined the Cub Scouts. That organization has done more for him in the past 6 months than any of his therapists and the Norfolk public schools have been able to do in the past six years! If and when my son asks about the Scouts' gay policy, I will tell him the truth. I personally don't believe in it, and that maybe he can grow up to change it, if it bothers him. I will not pull him from the program. It's done way too much good for him. I believe that the Boy Scouts' positives far outweigh the negatives. Hopefully, it will teach him that if he doesn't like something he can petition to change it. I also have many gay friends. They are not offended by his participation at all. Just out of curiosity, do any of you anti-Boy Scout people belong to any groups? If you feel that participation in the Boy Scouts is wrong, then how do you feel about your neighbors that belong to private country clubs and send their children to private schools? Are they bad too? What about those folks that belong to sororities or even Lodges ? It's the same thing. Just becuase my son is a scout does not mean that I am raising him to be a non-tolerant, predjudice person. It's quite the contrary.
    - MW

  • 1/27 4:58pm   CS, Yes, I am politically correct and do feel the same way about the Catholic church or any other group that discriminates. Predjudice is not a good thing and has no place anywhere.
    - DWL

  • 1/27 4:19pm   DWL: I am not going to succumb to the Politically Correct Police telling me that I should not be proud to be an Eagle Scout. If you have a problem with the Scouts decision, then don't support them. Boy Scouts have done far more good for young men in this country than people like you are willing to acknowledge. As I said, it is unfortunate that the Boy Scouts have decided that gay leaders are not well suited to be Scoutmasters, but I respect their right to decide that. If you don't like it, perhaps you should write to the members of the Supreme Court or the National Office for the Boy Scouts.
    To demonize Scouting based on this single stance is your right, but what about all of the other mainstream groups who discriminate? The most widely followed religions still discriminate against women (and gays, agnostics and atheists) every day. Where is the outrage there? DWL, were you ever involved enough in scouting to fully understand the group you are criticizing, or are you just taking moral pot shots? Do you feel the same about the Catholic Church's refusal to allow women to become priests? How do most religions treat gay people and where is the outrage there?
    I am saddened that the Boy Scouts are the latest group to be put under the NorfolkNet microscope. This seems to be a trend lately; one that is truly a shame in a world with so many big problems to face. Next, MON will be screaming to keep all scouts out of the library.
    - CS

  • 1/27 2:53pm   FYI -
    Boston Boy Scouts Allow Gay Leaders
    by The Associated Press
    Wednesday, August 1, 2001

    BOSTON (AP) - One of Massachusetts' largest Boy Scout councils will allow gay scoutmasters under a new "don't ask-don't tell" policy, despite the national organization's ban against homosexuals.

    "Discussions about sexual orientation do not have a place in Scouts," said Brock Bigsby, Scout executive for the Massachusetts Minuteman Council. "The Scouts will not inquire into a person's sexual history, and that person will not expose their sexual orientation one way or the other."

    The Minuteman Council, an umbrella organization of 330 Scout troops and 18,000 Boy Scouts in Greater Boston, approved the bylaw July 19. The policy also prohibits the exclusion of anyone on the basis of race or religion.

    Last year, the Supreme Court ruled the Boy Scouts of America may exclude gays from serving as troop leaders.

    Bigsby maintains the new bylaw is consistent with the national Boy Scouts' policy, since scout leaders would not be permitted to discuss their sexual orientation.

    Greg Shields, national spokesman for the Boy Scouts of America, referred all inquiries to Bigsby.

    A spokesman for the American Civil Liberties Union said the Boston council may be the first in the country to draft an anti-discrimination policy within the framework of the Scouts' national bylaws.

    "To have a policy that takes sexual orientation off the table entirely instead of making homosexuality seem like a dirty little secret is encouraging and significant," Eric Ferrero of the ACLU's Lesbian and Gay Rights Project told The Boston Globe. "And it sounds like what the group has done is going to be difficult for the National Boy Scouts to oppose."

    This is not enough as far as I am concerned because it forces people to deny who they are from birth and creates secrecy around something that is biological. In my opinion, being gay is a normal variation in human sexuality and should be regarded as such by society. However, Boston did go against the National Boy Scouts on this issue. If I had a son, he would not be a Boy Scout because in my house we teach inclusion. That being said, there are many other groups that I would not join for the same reason, including any church that does not allow women to lead, people of color to to have an equal role or gays to marry. Just clarifying the previous post.
    - MJD

  • 1/27 1:14pm   CS, When one allows their child to join then he/she agrees with the court ruling about no gays. What kind of values do you instill in a child when certain people are not allowed in? These scouts are supposed to have morals?? Anyone who prohibits gays, agnostics, atheists or whatever from joining their organization should be ashamed of themselves. There are no ways around this. The predjudice is very clear with this organization.
    - DWL

  • 1/27 11:07am   DWL, I agree with you, I think it's awful that the Boy Scouts have an anti-gay policy. But I believed it was ruled that they were a "private club." Just like some country clubs are exclusive of race, religion or gender. I do think that the Boy scouts were originally founded around "Christian principles"... This may be why gays are excluded. Some people are afraid of the molestation factor... The Roman Catholic church incidents certainly didn't help this argument. It's a shame really.
    - MW

  • 1/27 11:05am   Yesterday a friend and I were discussing alternatives to help offset the $800,000+ deficit that the town now faces. We were wondering if one option to generate revenue would be to provide Patriot game day parking at various remote parking lots in town utilizing town-owned land? Some of the sites might be the library lot, town hall lot, Freeman Centennial School lot, playing fields lot (off 115) and maybe any other town held property we aren't aware of that would be available. We probably couldn't use the MBTA lots as they're owned by the MBTA, or could we? The town would have to provide a shuttle bus that would transport the ticket holders to Gillette and yes, have insurance to operate it but as with any business there are costs. Is there any feasibility to this idea? Don't those parking lots along Rte. 1 get between $50-$65 a car? What does anyone think of this idea?
    - CM

  • 1/27 11:02am   Regarding the Boy Scouts denying gay scout leaders, here is the Supreme Court summary: "Forcing it to accept gays would violate its constitutional right of freedom of association and free speech under the First Amendment, it said." The link to the article on CNN is here... [link] and it has links to the cases that apply. The specific decision can be found here... [link]. As an Eagle Scout back in the day, I support the Boy Scouts' rights as defined by the Constitution and Bill of Rights. It is unfortunate that gay men are not welcome, but it is up to the Boy Scouts to decide how to run their organization. Next, people will complain that the Boy Scouts do not accept atheists and agnostics either. Hope this helps.
    - CS

  • 1/27 10:33am   TB, Thanks.
    - BR

  • 1/27 9:07am   Re: Previous post. Does it still hold true that the Boy Scouts will not allow anyone gay to join or to be leaders? If so, I cannot believe that this is not against the law. It is just wrong. Can someone clarify. Hopefully they have opened their eyes and changed their policies?
    - DWL

  • 1/26 9:54pm   SO, I think you can get a Saab key replaced without a remote. When my son threw my keys out of the stroller during a walk (and down a storm drain), I too thought the cost to replace the remote was nuts, so we just replaced the key itself. This was 3 years ago, so things might changed since then. I assume your friend checked with lost & found at South Station?
    - KID

  • 1/26 8:24pm   There was a burial in Norfolk cemetery Mon. The deceased was a veteren of Vietnam and according to the towns flag policy the flags were lowered the day of the funeral. The flags were raised back up Tues. am. After receiving notification of Mr. Murray's death the flags were lowered again according to the flag policy. I hope this answers your question.
    - TB

  • 1/26 8:22pm   JL - Your comment that "schools charge fees that most community groups cannot afford" has me wondering... are you classifying this church as a "community group"? I have to say I don't agree with that... I consider the Girl Scouts, the Boy Scouts, the Lions, etc. to be community groups and I would expect them to have free use of the space in the library free of charge. They are non-profit groups. I am curious... where do the tithes go that this church collects?
    I have stayed out of this debate for a while, because I thought at first the argument was silly... why worry about the meeting room being used if anyone who wants the chance to use it can? But the problem I see is not that it is being used... it is that it is being taken advantage of. Are there plans by this church to find a permanent space? If so, when? And if not, then I see a definite problem in letting the situation continue indefinitely.
    - SEF (since there now seem to be 2 SF's)

  • 1/26 11:09am   TMS, George Murray died on Sunday. I have 2 relatives in the same nursing home he was in. The flags were lowered before he died.I don't think that it would be done before his death. Does anyone know the answer?
    - BR

  • 1/25 11:34pm   Re: 1/25 6:36pm Does anyone know why the town's flags are at half-mast? They were lowered on Thurs. Thanks! - TMS
    The flags were lowered to honor George J. Murray, a former Selectman of Norfolk, and a former Realtor who lived across from St. Jude's Church. His funeral will be at St. Jude's on Saturday, Jan 26, 2008 at 10 AM, followed by burial in the Norfolk Cemetery.
    Murray, George

    72, of Walpole, formerly of Norfolk, January 20, 2008. Survived by his daughter Joreen Nan White and her husband Tony of Rockport, and son Steven and his wife Marion Murray of Walpole. He was grandfather of Chester, Rachel, and Steven Sam Murray of Walpole. Dear friend of Judy Barsosky of NH, and brother-in-law to Joan Murray of Lancaster, PA. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass on Saturday Jan. 26, 2008, at 10 AM in St. Jude's Church, 86 Main St., Norfolk. Burial will follow in the Norfolk Cemetery. Calling hours are kindly omitted. Donations in his memory may be made to the American Heart Association. Arrangements are in the care of Richard Ross & the RJ Ross Funeral Home, WRENTHAM CENTER.
    [1/23 Globe]

    - RH

  • 1/25 11:33pm   BR - Last thing I want to do is criticize a fellow nature lover. I feel strongly about nature, man's encroachment on it, and the loss of habitat. The other day I was driving on 93 South, on the elevated section near Boston, when I saw a coyote, in the middle of the morning, in the middle of the Bunker Hill College field, in Charlestown. Instead of being gleeful of seeing a wild animal, I was saddened - and still am. A wild animal had to go all the way to Charlestown for food.
    That was sad. And I understand how you feel about nature and Norfolk. But with the right future, I think Norfolk can remain a wild oasis near the city. So all should think about ways to conserve resources in this Town-including assets and taxes-and maybe even more space can be conserved for all. Including wild coyotes.
    - MON

  • 1/25 8:14pm   BR Thanks, I just thought it was part of the Charles, especially after seeing the sign. I still think that they should have made it to allow canoes to go under. It is a beautiful area and I love to see the herons there as I do at Bush Pond. The adult swans returned to Bush Pond without the 2 remaining cignets. They mate usually by the end of March and the eggs hatch the second week of May. MON seems to want to go at me, but I have accepted the changes in the town and I enjoy the nature we still have. I don't think she does. I sometimes wonder if she is a contented person. I'm sure I'll hear something from her or him about this!! Maybe I'll post my hawk pictures so MON can see nature at it's finest.
    - BR (BR #1)

  • 1/25 8:13pm   Just as a warning, if you deny one group from using the town library for free, you will have no choice but to deny other groups. Don't push this, or else you may lose your right to the town library for free. These people are not doing anything wrong, they just want a place where they can praise; let them!
    - SL

  • 1/25 7:57pm   NS - Actually, I like Norfolk. It's much more friendly than the town I moved from and has country charm near the big city. My neighborhood is great and filled with many hard-working families, and that's why I post. I want this town to be progressive, prosper and grow with all of its citizens in mind. That's all, unless you would like the long version.
    - MON

  • 1/25 6:36pm   Does anyone know why the town's flags are at half-mast? They were lowered on Thurs. Thanks!
    - TMS

  • 1/25 6:35pm   MON - I hope you won't take this as my being a wise guy, because I honestly can say I am not trying to do that. It is clear to me that you do not take your opinions on this site lightly and, as everyone on this site who posts, you are entitled to your opinions. I am interested in what it is about the town of Norfolk that makes you want to stay? You have mentioned that Norfolk has changed in the past 7 years. Do you find that our community has more positive traits to outweigh these negative changes?
    - NS

  • 1/25 6:34pm   BR - The river along Miller St is the Mill River. It's called that from the outlet at Bush Pond at Lawrence St. Above Bush Pond to Lake Pearl in Wrentham it's known as Eagle Brook. The sign most likely says Charles River as the Mill River is part of its watershed. See [Mass GIS page]. Let the map load, then select Norfolk on the right. Use the tools to zoom in/around.
    - BR (another BR)

  • 1/25 6:33pm   To anyone who commutes, or knows anyone who commutes - my friend lost her Saab car key and attached remote a week ago last Thurs. on the Franklin commuter rail, which arrives here from Boston at 5:05 pm. She doesn't know if she dropped them on the train or on the walk to the old town hall lot. She says the remote is black and about the size of a computer mouse. She already posted here about this, and gave her email - sandkthomas@comcast.net. Have any of you other Saab owners out there had to replace a remote and key? The dealership is going to charge a fortune. There is no back-up key, so that's out of the question. Anyone have any suggestions?
    - SO

  • 1/25 6:17pm   Regarding the library issue, here is factual information regarding separation of church and state:
    Many community organizations rent public school facilities during after-hours. Public libraries often have meeting rooms which are rented to community groups. The latter are often small religious organizations who do not have a building of their own. However, some school boards and libraries have mistakenly refused to rent to religious groups, citing the principle of separation of church and state. This principle is derived from the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution which states: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion..." Some school and library administrators interpret this principle as requiring their facilities to be religion-free zones. In reality, the principle only requires schools to take a neutral stance on religion: neither supporting nor demeaning religion or secularism.

    Past court decisions have generally supported the right of community religious groups to expect to be able to rent these rooms if they have previously been rented to secular groups. The U.S. Supreme Court decided 9 to 0 that discrimination solely directed against religious organizations by public schools is unconstitutional. A number of courts have ruled that public schools and libraries have only two choices:

    * To rent to both secular and religious community groups.

    * To not rent rooms to any outside organizations.

    Recent court decisions have been less clear. The situation is similar to recent decisions concerning the Boy Scouts (BSA). Courts had split over whether the BSA is a private club or a public accommodation. At stake was whether the BSA had to follow state anti-discrimination laws concerning homosexual staff. The U.S. Supreme Court decided that the BSA is a private club and thus can discriminate against staff and members on the basis of sexual orientation, religion or any other factor. In this conflict over the use of library school facilities, the question is whether a public school is a "traditional public forum," a "non-public forum," or a "designated or limited public forum."
    [from Religious Tolerance .org]

    Notice the reference to renting the space. That is what is at issue here. If the library room being used for free is considered a ``grant'', then the library is in violation of the principle of separation of church and state. It is as simple as that. This is not about having a religious organization in the library. It is about it being used for free. Not only is this a fiscal issue for the town, but a much broader legal one as well. What will happen with this will be for others to decide in legal proceedings, if it gets to that. And, this being a public forum, do not think for a moment that others have not been reading what is going on in our small, but fabulous, town.
    - JN

    [But if the meeting room, presumably a "traditional public forum," is available to groups free of charge, wouldn't it be illegal to charge rent to a church as per the two bullet items above? Also, where could I read more on the rent-vs-grant point? - Wm.]

  • 1/25 11:07am   JL - Of course you are satisfied, your congregation worships for free. Take the address of our library off your Church website and use your pastor's house, while Mr. Boulay figures out how many of his own rules he broke. In the meantime, my Muslim and Jewish friends are hopping mad that this is what their tax dollars pay for. Let's change the subject as we will let time and others figure out the Church vs State problem. I also do not want to get Wm stressed out.
    BR - Common courtesy is operative with horse feces - which can be a source of human pathogens via insect vectors. I live also in NH, and the horse-owners come back to pick up after themselves. So look out the window and realize that Norfolk has changed in the past 7 years.
    You all are not isolated by yourselves in some sleepy Podunk town anymore.
    - MON

  • 1/25 10:43am   Wm, Went over the Miller Street Bridge this morning and there is a sign there saying Charles River. I know the hunters go in that area in the fall as it is state land and shooting is allowed.
    - BR

  • 1/25 10:40am   TEM, Thanks for your posting regarding my router and stereo equipment. I had a cable tech who used to do everything, TV and computer, but he moved. Was hoping I could fing another from Comcast or Verizon. Thanks again for your posting.
    - PB

  • 1/25 10:38am   MT... I don't really have a suggestion. But I have something to add. You stated "Whether one, or several individuals, elect to pray or otherwise express recognition of their deity, even on public (government) property, as long as their conduct is consistent with the accepted lawful practice of any other individual, or group, that is their unalienable right."
    I would like to add that no one is denying the Church the right to practice their religion. They could do it on the front steps of the library, or on the front steps of the town hall... or in the middle of the roundabout! It wouldn't bother me in the least. As long as I don't have to fund it. But what about my rights? Where is it addressed in the constitution that I must pay taxes to support a religion that is not my own? I believe that by allowing the church to use the library meeting room for free, I am in essence having that religion forced upon me. I have the right to practice my own religion... which is not Baptist. As far as I know, it does not say anything in the constitution that the government is to support religions financially... does it?
    - MW

  • 1/25 10:37am   Wm, I was told it was the Charles but I could be wrong. It is the Charles by River Rd. isn't it? I'll have to check a Norfolk map.
    - BR

    [Yes, the Charles is along River Road. We've canoed there, even fell in the water once :-) - Wm.]

  • 1/24 8:10pm   JD, I hope this was meant as a joke. Horse poop is great for the garden. We rotor till it in the garden whenever we can get it. I don't get too involved with these discussions but we did live on a dirt road which is now paved--the deer roamed about as did the turkeys. The big snapping turtles crossed our lawn in the spring to lay their eggs. Most of this is gone now, and if you don't like the country then maybe you should think about moving where the horses are not on the roads pooping. Are you talking about the Miller Street area?? The same place the beavers are to blame for the high water? The bridge that was put in no longer can have the canoes go under it. Not the beavers' fault--who designed it?? This is the Charles River and many people used to follow it for miles. I've seen people get out of their canoes and carry them across Miller Street so they can continue their adventure. Please try to enjoy what is offered here. Even though things have changed, I would not leave here. From what I have been reading on Norfolknet, I don't believe most of you can live in the country.
    - BR

    [I thought the Miller St. bridge used to be a culvert over the Mill River, and the new Charles River bridge is over by the Dean St. skating rink. Or am I mistaken? - Wm.]

  • 1/24 7:55pm   The American Cancer Society's Relay For Life in Millis/Medway is holding it's Relay kick off meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 29th at Mickey Cassidy's in Medway. At this meeting you'll be able to learn about the Relay, how to create a team of friends, family or co-workers or corporate sponsorship opportunities. Make it your resolution this year to join the community fight against cancer. For more information, please contact your local American Cancer Society staff partner, Sarah H. at 508-897-4390 or sarah.hanifan@cancer.org, or Elaine, volunteer relay chair, at lainey1955@verizon.net. We hope you'll join us!
    - SH

  • 1/24 7:48pm   KDR - Prevett Heating and Cooling in Foxboro. The phone number is 543-1198. They have great, honest staff. Good luck!
    - SJH

  • 1/24 6:51pm   In answer to MT's & others' questions: Yes, some members of the Providence Baptist Church live in Norfolk, including the pastor & his family. The library has a second, smaller meeting room that is available for use, so another group wanting to use library meeting space on a Sunday morning is not precluded from doing so. If you look at the library calendar you'll see that the majority of users are Girl Scouts, Pop Warner, soccer and baseball boards, Democratic Town Committee, Lions, Working Parents Playgroup, etc., etc. Memory tells me that NoGo even used the library meeting room! The Library allows groups to use the community room that would otherwise have no place to meet in Norfolk. Town Hall is very restrictive as to who can use their meeting rooms and under what circumstances, and the schools often charge fees that most community groups cannot afford.
    I, for one, have used both rooms on different occasions and appreciate the fact that the Library Trustees had the foresight to design the library such that these rooms can be used before/after regular library hours. Small towns run on meetings and the library fulfills a much needed void in this town.
    Thank you to the library trustees and staff for providing such great resources and programs. America was built on the concept of free public libraries, and it's wonderful to see a vibrant library being used to such an extent here in Norfolk. Keep up the good work you do for our town.
    Sign me a satisfied library & meeting room user!
    - JL

  • 1/24 6:26pm   Norfolk Lions Youth Soccer is hosting a Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association Class G license beginning course for youth soccer coaches. This four hour course will be held on Saturday March 15, 2008 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m at the King Philip Middle School gym at 18 King Street, Norfolk, MA.
    Just picking up a clipboard for the first time this season, or do you spend every weekend coaching? Every coach will benefit from taking the G license course. Becoming a better coach means your players will enjoy the game more and develop more efficiently. This beginning course teaches about coaching organization, theory, and practical exercises. The G course will help you become a more resourceful and confident "activity leader." How to organize practices and game days, how to teach and correct dribbling, passing, and shooting technique, as well as, particular characteristics of under age 6 and under age 8 players will be covered. Each participant will receive a Mass Youth Soccer G Manual, a Coaching program shirt, and certification as a US Soccer Association Class G coach for the $35 course fee. If you are not an affiliated member of Mass Youth Soccer, an additional fee of $100 will be charged. Attendees must be at least 16 years of age in order to attend the course and receive license certification.
    The Class G course is required before taking any higher level Mass Youth Soccer Association coaching courses. While there are no written or performance tests in the Class G course, active participation by the coaches is strongly encouraged in the practical exercises. Each coach should bring a water bottle, paper and pen, and be dressed to do some physical activities in the gym. $30 of the registration fee will be paid online to Mass Youth Soccer Association at the time of registration and $5 will be paid to Norfolk Lions Youth Soccer on the day of the course to cover the administrative costs. For more information, course registration, and payment log onto the Mass Youth Soccer Association website at www.mayouthsoccer.org . Ben McCarty can be contacted at (508) 520-0540 for additional information.
    - HK

  • 1/24 6:22pm   Nomination papers will be available from Monday, January 28, 2008, for the following offices for the May 6, 2008 Annual Town Election. Nomination papers must be picked up by the candidate in person or by a representative for the candidate who must have a notarized statement from the candidate which authorizes that person to pick up nomination papers on the candidate's behalf.
    Moderatorone one-year term
    Town Clerkone three-year term
    Board of Selectmenone three-year term
    Board of Assessorsone three-year term
    Board of Healthone three-year term
    Housing Authorityone five-year term
    Library Trusteeone three-year term
    Planning Boardtwo three-year terms
    Recreation Commissiontwo three-year terms
    Norfolk School Committeetwo three-year term
    King Philip Regional School Committee   one three-year term
    Constbletwo three-year terms
    Candidates must obtain the signatures of 41 registered voters. The last day to take out papers is Thursday, March 13th by 5:00PM. Nomination papers must be returned to the Town Clerk no later than 5:00PM on Tuesday, March 18th.
    For more information call the Town Clerk at 508-528-1400.
    - Gail Bernardo, Acting Town Clerk

  • 1/24 6:19pm   Mr. Boulay: I would like to point out that in your post of 1/22 you stated - "We have approved the reservation for the Providence Baptist Church for 6 months at a time." Yet the meeting room calendar has the room reserved by the Providence Church through December 2008. Obviously more than 6 months. I would also like to point out that the library policy states "Groups are limited to a maximum of 12 meeting room bookings per year." Is there is a method to this madness? I'd like to know if the donations you just mention in your 1/24 post have resulted in a deviation of the established policy.
    - WB

  • 1/24 4:53pm   JD - You aren't serious, are you? You live in a farming community, for crying out loud! How many horses poop in your driveway? A herd? We old-timers get a chuckle out of folks who move to the country, then complain about the roosters crowing at sun-up. Shovel it up and put it under your ornamentals. Then thank the ponies for the free fertilizer.
    - LAW

  • 1/24 4:52pm   ND, re your post on 1/23 @ 6:13PM: Ah feel yo pain, girl, ah really do. All this traffic on a public forum, discussing topics about how the operation of our town, by its officials and their cohorts, might effect the taxpaying residents, can be pretty distressing. Ah also wish they'd kept ma Monica out of the fray, too.
    Just between the two of us, ND, no matter how distasteful it may be to some people, who apparently feel so comfortable in their present environment that they never want to be concerned about the affairs of their government, the inescapable truth is that many of the discussions held here are about critical issues that effect the overall well-being and lifestyle of many of the resident taxpayers of Norfolk. The questioning and expression of opinions on this forum are part of our democratic process that all began with small groups of people gathering around cracker barrels and/or good old pot belly stoves, around 300 years ago in our fledgling country. In the native countries from which they came, most had never been allowed to practice even that most rudimentary form of self government. It was that freedom to speak openly, to debate, and even to haughtily disagree with each other that eventually brought about the most insane idea the world had ever known; once hashed over countless times and finally more clearly defined, those thoughts, which had once annoyed, indeed dismayed, so many, became the cornerstone of that perfect union we now know as Our United States of America.
    Regardless of the inconvenience or consternation that we, who dare to speak openly on Norfolknet and elsewhere, seem to cause a few people, those in opposition should, at least, feel some consolation and actual pride that they're still part of Americana, although sadly, that seems to be becoming an endangered concept, here in Norfolk.
    Even though some ideas and opinions that are expressed on this site may seem more palatable or prove to be more sound or applicable than others, don't you think that those of us who are concerned about our town have a right to exchange our thoughts, even when they disturb others? The thought that you expressed in your post, about restricting certain messages, may have merit, but how would you suggest that that Wm redesign his site? Which topics would you like to have banned from the site and which would you consider acceptable? Where or how would Wm relegate the posts that might be thought to upset some townsfolk? Maybe if more of us work together, on this site, and perhaps even arrange some type of conference, in force, we can lend out town officials much wiser guidance than they have been receiving, in the past.
    - MT

  • 1/24 4:50pm   Need a recommendation for heating/ventilation job - Can someone recommend a company to a) sell and install a new furnace (one that is also capable of providing central air conditioning), and b) upgrade or add ducts for the A/C? Thanks,
    - KDR

  • 1/24 4:49pm   In my posts on the Library Meeting Room I wanted to try to keep the discussion focused on the legal and policy issues that have driven our decision on the matter. I do want to note, however, that the Providence Baptist Church has made several donations to the Library. This has been at the group's own initiative, and in accepting the donations, the Trustees have made it clear that such donations are not in any way a requirement of the group's use of the Meeting Room.
    - Harvey Boulay, Chair, Board of Library Trustees

  • 1/24 4:04pm   ASAP: Afternoon sitter needed / occasional nights and weekends possible.
    We are looking for afternoon and possible evening help for our 2 small children. We need someone who has a car or transportation to/from our house as we are not able to provide transportation. We live in the Noon Hill area. Ideally, need someone who is experienced/mature and has a lot of energy and patience and loves playing with active, young children. For the right person, this could turn into a summer mother's help job (in which case you would be helping a nanny and/or mom home with a newborn). For more information, please call (508) 528-1785 or email whitneyweinberg@gmail.com. Thank you.
    - WW

  • 1/24 3:22pm   To PB: Try Brian Cherry at Computer RX (401-709-4439; email: ricomputer@cox.net). He installed our router as well as solving a number of computer issues over the years. I don't think he'll mess with your stereo equipment, though. Actually, trying to use the same individual to doth both (router & stereo hookup) may be unrealistic as well as ill-advised. For the stereo, try this: Come back on this site and let the world know what kind of stereo receiver you have (and how new) and describe just what you need done. For example, are you replacing an old stereo receiver with a new one as part of an already-existing sound system? Or is it a new receiver that you want to connect and would also need advice regarding the purchase and installation of additional components, speakers, and related equipment? Who knows, maybe someone out here who has the same receiver, a similar system, and a kind heart will come over and hook it up for you. Best of luck.
    - TEM

  • 1/24 3:17pm   Just prior to being called away, over the weekend, I was preparing to address PDS's question of 1/18 about the use of the Norfolk Public Library. However, upon returning I found that Mr. Boulay had responded with a similar reply to what I had in mind. However there were some points where I question his accuracy--at this point, not his intentions, just his accuracy.
    But before getting into that, for the record, you should know that I'm a homegrown staunch constitutionalist. As such, I see no problem in the interpretation of the First Amendment's position on the separation of church and state. It's quite clear when viewed without bias and with pure objectivity. Simply put, our government is forbidden, by law, to establish a national religion and religious practice, or to endorse, encourage, or prohibit any specific religion or religious practice. Nor will the government interfere with the (lawful) practice of any religion. Whether one, or several individuals, elect to pray or otherwise express recognition of their deity, even on public (government) property, as long as their conduct is consistent with the accepted lawful practice of any other individual, or group, that is their unalienable right.
    [C o n t i n u e d . . .]
    - MT

  • 1/24 1:20pm   Check out new blog for frustrated commuter rail passengers, mbcrcommuters.blogspot.com.
    - SB

  • 1/24 12:33pm   I did see the article in the Globe about the $800K deficit and how they were going to make up the difference with such things as extra speeding tickets.
    I did not see anything like this in the Boomerang though.
    - JGP

  • 1/24 11:08am   [Not a post - Wm.]

  • 1/24 11:07am   The Southeastern Massachusetts Community Concert Band is beginning rehersals for it's spring concert, to be held in March. The SMCCB is a true community band, there are no auditions, and all ages, from 14 and up, are invited to attend. Rehersals are held each Monday night at the Community Church, Main Street, Medway, at 7:30 p.m. If you play a brass, woodwind, or percussion instrument and would be interested in attending a rehersal, please visit the band's website: smccb.com, or call (508)-533-5532.
    - CR, SMCCB

  • 1/24 11:06am   Hi - I am starting a support group for people in town who have suffered from horses plopping in front of their driveway... NOPLOP - Norfolk Opposition to Poop Left On Property. I'm putting in for a reservation to hold our meetings at the library. I'm also going to be looking for some publicly funded tax dollars to help affected residents buy extra shovels, toothpicks for cleaning out tire treads, and horse diapers.
    Of course, residents from other towns are welcome to join as well - they'll be able to save money by turning off the heat in their houses and allowing the library and taxpayers pay to heat them for the weekly meeting.
    I would welcome picketers to protest, to help bring some attention to this very important matter.
    - JD

    [Update 1/25 10:35am: Oops, the correct initials for this post were JH. I'm leaving it because all the replies are addressed to it. I must have spaced; I didn't even notice until now - Wm.]

  • 1/24 11:02am   We received an e-mail with the link to a Globe article about the town's upcoming budget shorfall -- [1/20 Globe article]
    Norfolk officials, facing a budget deficit projected at $800,000 next year, are exploring ideas from the practical to the admittedly far-fetched to avoid raising taxes or reducing services.
    - Wm.

  • 1/24 11:02am   I am still looking for someone to hook up a modem [router] and a stereo reciever in my home. Any recommendations would be helpful. Thanks
    - PB

  • 1/24 11:01am   I would love to see MON on Cable! Then we can annoy a larger audience with this topic of discussion!
    Someone asked if this was the same church that held services at the HOD? I am unsure, but I do know that they were at the KPMS for a time. I tend to think the move was due to the better deal at the library meeting room. Once again, I am sure that these folks are lovely people. I can't stress enough that I have no ill wishes for them. I am irritated with the town policy only. The response from me would be the same if it were any other religious group.
    Oh no! I just realized that I have posted three times today! Is that over the limit? and after I said that I was done speaking. I must just like to hear myself talk. It must be my childish ego. After all, I couldn't possibly have anything of importance to say. I must be so annoying. Sorry for the sarcasm... I haven't stooped to that in a long while. But... "When in Rome"... Sometimes it's a good thing to let your inner child out. hee, hee, hee!
    - MW

  • 1/24 10:57am   KL: There is no bias here. It is simply about how the library is utilizing its meeting room. Can the library really afford to have any group meeting there for 4 hours every Sunday for free? That is the question at hand. Let's not read into it, nor dilute it by comparing it to other issues in town. We are talking about fiscal responsibility as it pertains to this particular topic. And legal issues regarding the separation of church and state, as others have mentioned. It shouldn't be ignored or belittled as many have done.
    - JN

  • 1/24 10:56am   Yes!! My comcast service (which has been wonderful for just about a year) has been horrible lately. The digital cable is awful too. This started around Christmas and is still continuing. We have all brand new computers in my home. Not one comcast tech can tell me what the problem is... And we've had the entire house rewired by comcast. We have had at least 5 or 6 different people out to our home. They are all perplexed. So it must be coming from outside the home. My son has a subscription to an xbox game site that he pays for himself. The connection is so slow that he has been unable to use it. It is useless to him at this point. We are so ready to get our free TV from FIOS! Hurry please Norfolk!!
    - MW

  • 1/24 10:55am   ND and others. Just because the subject matter has become tiring or annoying to you, does not mean that there are not others who are still actively involved in a serious discussion of adult matters. Personally, I have pretty much expressed my views and have said all I need to on this topic. But It would be pretty childish and self centered of me to ask others to stop talking because I am tired of hearing it. Why should it be banished to the back pages of the site? Nobody is forced to frequent this website. It has been said before. Simply ignore the posts. Don't respond. Take a break from Norfolknet for a couple of days if the discussion doesn't interest you.
    - MW

  • 1/24 10:54am   GA - re the Comcast 'slow down'- the same problem exists with Verizon. I have an antique computer, and as you say,no problem in the am,but slower to impossible in the evening. I assumed that it was due to much higher volume of use in the evening.
    - LAW

  • 1/23 11:58pm   This post from me is honest and not ironic: MON, I'm still curious about your response to my previous questions (1,2,3,4 - well, not 3), and I need to add another - 5) why, if you have such very strong convictions, do you not run for public office?
    - SO

  • 1/23 11:57pm   OK, I'm back from helping my friend search for car keys. Oh no, there's new stuff. Wait, there's a lot of new stuff. Heck. Thankfully the library director interrupted with positive things about the library. I like lighthouses. Seriously, what happened with the sinkhole? Any solution? We might need it here. Let's see. S&M? Aw jeez. I can only pray that someone... wait - an unknowing genius! The very next post is about unpublished pharmaceutical studies! Finally, a plausible explanation - [NY Times article]
    - SO

  • 1/23 11:49pm   PA - I also looked through lots of boards' minutes, amd most of them are seriously delinquent. Who is responsible for updating them? MON, MT, MW et. al. will be needing them for fire power! Cheers!
    - LAW

  • 1/23 11:48pm   What I find a bit ironic here is that we are quibbling over one church using up tax money for electricity and heat for one room in the library, but yet we paid 200K for a parcel of land to another church in town, without requiring that church to provide multiple appraisals or full disclosure of the concessions the town made with regards to the future restrictions for the use of the land. $200K buys a lot of electricity and heat; in my opinion, if we want to talk about the separation of church and state, and the "secret society" here in town, the use of the library meeting room is small potatoes, to say the least.
    And, I can't help but feel that one church is viewed as a mainstream, established house of worship, while the other is of a less conventional, and therefore, suspect, nature. I don't attend either church, but I do feel that there is perhaps some bias playing a role here as well.
    - KL

  • 1/23 11:43pm   MON, MT and all Norfolknet contributors or readers, NCTV is inviting you to come on TV to express your opinions, thoughts and suggestions as to how the Town is currently run and how you perceive to make it better. Many of these observations are of interest to more than the Net participants. NCTV is flexible as to time and place. We would prefer the studio as our equipment is housed there. NCTV is your local output and this is just another opportunity to use it for this or any other program of interest. There is no charge for the taping and showing and no limitation on time, although experience says that under 45 minutes per program works the best with viewers. If you prefer a call-in show we will do our best to give it a try. You may have a one man show, other participants, or we will provide a host. What could be better. This in no way a substitute for the net as the Webmaster does a fine service, but an addition for those who wish to speak their piece on TV. Email me thru our staion manager Brian at brian@nctvnorfolk.org who will forward your message to me or another member of the NCTV Board. Hope to see you on tv soon.
    - RC, NCTV

    [But then I'd miss all the fun! We gave up television over 10 years ago, canceled cable service, unplugged the set and stuck it in the guest room. It's like living in a different universe - I have never experienced the erudition of Fox News or the pathos and drama of reality shows. Of course, I do channel this ``reality web page,'' which in some ways is even more exhilarating :-) - Wm.]

  • 1/23 11:42pm   Is anyone else experiencing a dramatic slowdown in Comcast internet, especially as the day goes on? It's very fast early in the morning, however. This is a fairly recent problem, just this month. New, fast computer here so that's not the issue.
    - GA

  • 1/23 11:39pm   ND - Well said... Amen!
    - LS

  • 1/23 11:38pm   I tried the Hap Tea Bar in Millis tonight. It just opened and is just great! They are open mornings (6:30-noon) and evenings (5-10 p.m.) during the week and on the weekend (Fri and Sat I think until midnight. Nice to have a place to go in the evening that's not a bar or the library/church (; I had an iced lemondrop green tea and it was delicious. The guy who owns it is really nice and he said that business has been pretty good, standing room only last Saturday night. It is located on Exchange Street in Millis in the same row of stores as the Vietnamese restaurant and Curves. They have hundreds of teas and I understand that they also serve desserts. I really recommend it.
    - MJD

  • 1/23 11:36pm   TC - If what you say is true regarding Girl Scouts having to pay then I will stand behind both you, MON, JN and others, as now we are talking about a complete unfair situation. I thought the logic was if one paid then all paid and vice versa.
    - LS

    [But they don't meet at the same facility! The Church would also have to pay if they met at the school, and the Scouts could meet for free at the library. Apples/oranges! - Wm.]

  • 1/23 6:13pm   Children! Enough already! I feel like sending you all to bed without dinner tonight because of all this bickering. We have heard from everybody and some of you often. You have made your points of views and concerns clear. Now its time to take it off of Norfolknet and to a meeting... Town, Library... somewhere that your thoughts, opinions, and concrens might actually make a difference or a change. It has reached the point where I think people are posting to hear their own voices; trying to get in the last word (or jab). I don't know about the rest of you but I think its time to end this discussion about the library or maybe the WM can make it a seperate thread!
    - ND

  • 1/23 5:11pm   AL - You must be a recipient of our tax dollars. How does it feel to take our money?
    - MON

    [Didn't someone say "let's talk like the aduls we are?" Was that to be a work in progress, or are we already there and this is good as we'll get?
    Strictly speaking, the taking-our-tax-dollars topic should go on the Election 2008 page, but I'm feeling generous this week. (or maybe that should read mentally imbalanced, not all that different, cosidering -- I've never known myself to allow this much ballyhoo on the main page all at once. The page size is way over target, too, but I don't want to clip quite yet the post that started all this) - Wm.]

  • 1/23 4:14pm   I can end this church/library debacle right now with two simple words, and in turn find a way for the Providence Baptist Church to afford to give a little stipend to the NPL: second collection.
    - PA

  • 1/23 3:38pm   JGP: Go to the church website: providencebaptistchurchma.org They list an address in Franklin as the main office, but you can see for yourself.
    TC: Well stated. Amen.
    And to any members of this church, I truly mean you no harm. This is not about you or your beliefs. It is about the use of the library in our town.
    - JN

  • 1/23 3:37pm   TC - I agree, we even pay user fees for our kids to play soccer and soft/baseball on our town fields (to pay for maintenance), and Norfolk town nonprofit groups have to pay to use the facilities at the Middle School and HS for off hours activities... Why shouldn't this church have to do at least the same as any other in town organization to help defray the cost of cleaning, heating, plumbing etc.
    To add more fuel - is this the same church who used to use the HOD cafeteria on Sat afternoons or Sunday mornings for their services, and if so why did they change venues?? Were they being charged for HOD and saw a better deal at the Library? As TC said, I can understand if it were extenuating circumstances and they were an in town organization (or church group) that was temporarily displaced, but giving an out of town organization a long term "lease" free of charge without public input seems a bit suspect. Bottom line - our tax dollars are paying for their church services in our library.
    - PB

  • 1/23 3:05pm   Is this guy for real? Really, MON! If you are such an agent for change, maybe you ought to get your fingertips off the keyboard (they must be raw by now), and meet up with this so-called Secret Society, and tell them what you think. Whatever your gripe is, and you appear to have many, I don't think you're going to get your answers by badgering, instigating and telling us about severed heads on Norfolknet! I understand our elected officials should be held accountable and you have some issues with that, no problem! But wasn't it your post of 1/21 that requested "Let's stop all the name calling here and talk like the adults we are."? Don't be a coward and "ask for others" to join you at your weekend picket at the rotary! Get your coat on and head on down, make your voice heard! I promise to wave on the way back from service, and heck, I'll even stop at Dunkin Donuts for a SoBe drink for you. All in good health!
    - AL

  • 1/23 3:03pm   What is the mailing address of this church, I wonder?
    - JGP

  • 1/23 3:02pm   Re: The church using the library. Perhaps this is fat on the fire... but why is it that the Norfolk Girl Scouts has to pay a fee to HOD, Freeman Centennial, or the KP Schools to use their facilities for Girl Scout activities during non-school hours, even though all the girls are residents of the town whose parents pay taxes here and, in theory, are entitled to use the public, tax-supported facilities? The logic Mr. Boulay uses to defend the church's use of the library should certainly apply to the use of the schools as well.
    It's a slippery slope, Mr. Boulay, and you should respect what your constituents believe. You are aware of the separation of church and state (many seem to have forgotten that little tidbit these days!) A religious organization has no business using tax-supported facilities for free, particularly on an on-going basis. It's one thing to be neighborly in an emergency, or for a short period of time. It's wrong, however, to have agreed to such a policy, and you must know that. Let them pay a fee to HOD for their Sunday morning service.
    - TC

  • 1/23 2:57pm   LS: That Supreme Court decision had nothing to do with charging a fee. If Mr. Boulay wants to stand behind that one court case and say that gives him carte blanch to do whatever he wants, then so be it. That doesn't mean we have to accept his decision nor does it mean that he can push us to the back of the bus. We have a voice and we need to be able to use it. That is what democracy is about. My blood is not boiling, I am not mad; I am simply stating an opinion. Why is it every time anyone states an opinion that may be contrary to others, they are thought to be angry? On the contrary, I am a very happy person:-)
    Mr. Boulay, I know that this is not the proper forum to attempt to have any meaningful dialogue with you in regard to this. I know you are hoping I will simply stop pressing the issue. But this feels wrong to me. And I intend to do more research and address this in a more dignified fashion.
    - JN

  • 1/23 2:54pm   Press release that follows up on the recent news that published pharmaceutical studies strongly under-report cases of new medicines not working as well as hoped:
    Last Monday, drug manufacturers Merck and Schering-Plough revealed that users of the prescription cholesterol medicine Vytorin (a combination of Zetia and a statin drug, Zocor) have not been getting the protection against heart disease they were led to believe. Although the pills lower cholesterol, there is no evidence that they reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes more than statins, which is the ultimate goal of the medication.

    [full text here - Wm.]

    - RH

  • 1/23 2:53pm   You know every cloud has silver lining. And I know many Norfolkians who are interested in using the meeting rooms this winter. So to the members of the Norfolk Chapter of the Massachusetts Cannabis Reform Coalition and the S and M Club of Norfolk, it will be a week or two until I get the proper times for us to use the Library Meeting Rooms - Sundays are out, although I will put in for Sundays at 11 am, as soon as the schedule opens up.
    I know some of the members of the S and M Club are getting impatient, But just Hang In There! - no pun intended.
    See you at the meetings.
    - MON

  • 1/23 2:45pm   Programs of interest at the Norfolk Public Library:
    Lighthouses of New England & the Northeast, January 29 at 7:00 p.m.
    Valentine Making Workshop, February 4th at 7:00 PM
    Cupid's Cool Craft Convention for Children, February 9, from 10:00 to 12:00.
    Mind Body Motherhood: The Ocean Within You, 5-Week Workshop Facilitated by Dr. Kumkum Malik, Sunday, February 3, thru Sunday, March 2.
    [Click here for full details - Wm.]
    The Norfolk Public Library is pleased to be able to offer this series free of charge to all participants. Please call the library at 508-528-3380 to register.
    - Robin Glasser, Director

  • 1/23 2:42pm   To all... I got this email this morning; please attend, more competition to Comcast can only be a good thing! 
    Dear.........,
>
> More cable competition is coming soon to Norfolk!
>
> The Norfolk Board of Selectmen has scheduled a public hearing
> for Monday, Jan. 28 at 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen's meeting room
> at Town Hall, 1 Liberty Lane, to discuss and potentially vote on
> Verizon's petition for a video license to offer residents
> another alternative to cable TV.
>
> If you are interested in more video choice and Verizon's FiOS
> TV, please join us at the public hearing to voice your support.
> Your participation is an important part of the licensing
> process.
>
> We appreciate your interest and are eager to bring FiOS TV to
> Norfolk consumers as soon as possible. Thank you.
>
> Stephanie Lee
> stephanie.s.lee@verizon.com
>
> Richard Colon
> richard.b.colon@verizon.com
    - JD

  • 1/23 10:45am   So there you have it, Taxpayers of Norfolk- A prime example of how the Secret Society in Norfolk works- Instead of using our facilities to make them pay for themselves-or lower the tax burden, someway, somehow- The Old Guard use our facilities to gain brownie points with the local religions-I bet Mr. Boulay gets to cross the gates of Heaven, free of charge. If I were a member of the congregation, I would pray to Mr. Boulay as well. He certainly is their savior. In the meantime, somewhere in Norfolk, because of high taxes, a child is sleeping in a colder room, while a Franklin congregation uses our facilities.
    A beautiful lesson in the stratification and social roles of the indigenous Norfolkians.
    - MON

    [Say what? The meeting room policy seems to me an extension of the general library policy, which allows any non-resident to get a library card, borrow materials, use the computers, place holds, get inter-library loans, and make demands on the time of the staff. I don't see how a small non-local church without even a building to its name is in a position to award brownie points to the local old guard, or why the old guard would be interested.
    However, I do like the suggestion that the child in the cold room be allowed to use the facilities rather than the Franklin church. A very generous thought. Now, others might donate to Norfolk Together to help with heating bills, but this -- this is thinking outside the box, thinking big. - Wm.]

  • 1/23 10:36am   Norfolk Lions Club to sponsor Chili-Fest Contest! How does this sound... nice hot chili, maybe with some cheese melting on top, chopped onions, add some corn bread... are you drooling yet? The Norfolk Lions Club will be holding their first (annual??) Chili-Fest Competition this year, so save the date: March 15, 2008. Details will be forthcoming, but just to continuing whetting your appetite, the event is planned as a competition between local restaurants. Norfolk residents will be able to purchase a ticket and sample the entries, enjoy a beverage, visit with friends, etc. Voting will take place and a 'best chili' winner will be announced at the close of the event. Watch for details... hope to see you there!
    - Gail Bernardo, Norfolk Lions Club

  • 1/23 10:27am   LAW: There's no reason for any of the boards not to have their minutes on-line and accessible. I've suggested in this space before that the use of digital recorders, coupled with audio to text capabilities, during board meetings would be prudent. It would allow faster turn-around time for getting minutes written, but more importantly, it would eliminate forever any questions as to the validity of minutes.
    - PA

  • 1/23 10:12am   Hey, Y'all, It was either at the last May 2007 Town Meeting, or maybe the previous Fall Meeting, that the town officials pressured the voters in Norfolk into voting on an Article that provided for a big $100,000 giveaway, in $20,000 increments out of our town treasury, to assist select individuals with the downpayment toward the purchase their new homes here in town. The finishing touch came when one town official stood to speak; there were virtually tears in his eyes, as he begged (quite insincere, in my opinion)--a paraphrase, but in effect--"Mr. Borelli has written us (the Town of Norfolk) a check for $450,000, but it's contingent on your voting "Yes" on this Article, tonight, or Mr. Borelli can take out his eraser and cancel his check! You have to vote 'Yes', now!" Seriously, had this been a face to face meeting with this person, I probably would have chuckled, offered him another drink, but suggested that he consider withdrawing from any influential substances that he might be using, or to get out of the game! Instead, my only option was to challenge the Article and its proponents on the floor, by addressing the assembly; among other objections, I suggested that chicanery and coercion were being used, but as usual, the Moderator dismissed me without further considering my comments. The vote was overwhelmingly in favor of allowing the "Town Hall" to give away free taxpayers' money.
    That night, as has too often been the case, the voting Norfolk taxpaying resident population (probably including some of you) sold a piece of their souls again. Now, after that, don't any of you want to know where Mr. Borelli's check is? After all, it was contingent on his construction of the 44 condo units on the hill adjacent to the "Taj Mahal" (Town Hall) which houses many of our officials and where we pay our taxes?
    Doesn't anybody care where Mr. Borelli's "promised check" to the Town for almost a half a million dollars is and how it's being used? You should, because the same town officials are looking, drooling very gleefully, on Mr. Borelli's next project of sixteen more condos. Has there been an other agreement made between Mr. Borelli and our town officials providing for an additional remittance to the Town from Mr. Borelli of $10,000 per unit? Oh, gee, that's another $160,000 into our treasury, if we ever see it. That might even be enough to send one or two of our town officials onto Disneyland, as long as the Mickey Mouse ears aren't part of the deal.
    That's not all folks, certain officials are also in the process of "slicing and dicing" other pieces of our town to go to the highest bidders. Can you pronounce "Cosmopolitan", "Metropolis", and "High Density"... and don't forget, "Sellout!?"
    - MT

  • 1/23 10:08am   JN - We all get that your blood boils about this but the Supreme Court has spoken. Be mad at the Supreme Court judges. Mr. Boulay can not change that and I'm sure he doesn't want to end up in court over it either, then you would be really mad at him because you would foot the legal bill. What would you suggest he do? Charge them? Then he would need to charge everyone who uses it, that means girls scouts, boy scouts, art groups, book groups, children's play meetings, mom meetings, Santa pictures, high school study groups, list goes on and on, etc.etc.etc. The fact that Harvey knew the exact court case to reference tells me he has been down this road. Heck, based on that ruling I really wonder why churches own buildings and property any more.
    - LS

  • 1/22 10:22pm   For PA and LAW - Have you checked the other Boards' minutes on-line? Can't seem to find any for the Advisory Board; The Board of Health hasn't posted since 2006, the Planning Board since 2004, and the Capital Outlay since 2006. Can you think of why these other Boards are so delinquent??
    - KL

  • 1/22 10:19pm   All I can say is what a bunch of crazy ideas. We the tax payers pay too much now to live here.
    - MG

  • 1/22 9:58pm   Mr. Boulay, You don't seriously expect me to answer that, do you? I am talking about an issue that I think is relevant and you are treating it as a joke. I am not really angry, simply perplexed by your response to this matter. And yes, I was mistaken. I did say that you were mad. Touché! By the way, I think that the Providence Baptist Church is a, well, church! Not that I have anything against churches; I just do not think they should be in our public library, for free.
    Here is a definition of a church:
    The term church (Anglo-Saxon, cirice, circe; Modern German, Kirche; Sw., Kyrka) is the name employed in the Teutonic languages to render the Greek ekklesia (ecclesia), the term by which the New Testament writers denote the society founded by Our Lord Jesus Christ. The derivation of the word has been much debated. It is now agreed that it is derived from the Greek kyriakon (cyriacon), i.e. the Lord's house, a term which from the third century was used, as well as ekklesia, to signify a Christian place of worship.
    [New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia]
    - JN

  • 1/22 9:58pm   Wm, I apologize, you are correct. Mr Boulay did not use the word "just." I did. But in the posting dated 1/21 4:22pm Mr. Boulay explains that "The Trustees have debated the issue of user fees many times. Our position is that we are already providing quality library services with a small fraction of the Town budget; user fees would not significantly alter that. But they would be an impediment to the ability of all groups in our Town to have a place to come together-for a diversity of reasons and occasions." ...Having read this, I filled in the blanks myself and would take his following statement to mean that it would be illegal to ask the Church to pay a fee when the policy has been to give the public free use of the meeting room.
    So maybe I should amend my statement to say, ``I believe that Mr. Boulay has been misunderstood'' not misquoted. I still do not agree with him... but I did not feel that he was being contradictory.
    - MW

    [Don't worry about it, I make my own share of mistakes. As to your reading of Mr. Boulay's comments, that was my take as well, that charging a church when no other group was asked to pay would be found illegal - Wm.]

  • 1/22 9:51pm   LAW: You raise an interesting point. I can't think of any reason why the Conservation Commission would be a full year late in posting their minutes on line. They are required by law to keep these minutes, so as a convenience to tax-payers, who wouldn't they be posted on the town website?
    - PA

    [How are the minutes taken and transcribed? On what schedule? How up-to-date are the other boards and commissions? One solution might be to buy a small digital dictaphone, record the meetings digitally, and post the compressed audio files for listening. Would keep the current document flow the same (familiarity), but would provide more timely access to "raw" (un-processed) records. - Wm.]

  • 1/22 9:50pm   JN: Re: your comment that, "And by the way, I never said I thought that you were mad, but I sure am." Here's what you wrote: "And didn't I just see that the Library is getting a (much deserved) grant from NCL? So, if you boil it down, we are paying for a beautiful library to be in our community with our property tax dollars and we hold bake sales and such to fund programs there and then you are mad because we question that a group that is not a community group is using the property as a church every Sunday when the library is closed?"
    And why is it that you think the group in question is not a community group? I really would like an answer. The answer you offered is not really an answer. Perhaps your anger is getting in the way.
    - Harvey Boulay, Chair, Board of Library Trustees

  • 1/22 9:07pm   In all fairness, I have to mention that I think Mr Boulay has been misquoted. I do recall him stating that charging a user fee to just the Baptist church would be illegal and that the library would have to charge all users for library meeting room use. He did not contradict himself.
    - MW

    [If that was on this page, perhaps you could locate and date/time the post? When I myself looked, I found a relevant quote, but that one omitted the word "just" - Wm.]

  • 1/22 9:06pm   Mr. Boulay, I did not mean that the particular law you cited was "an outdated law;" I was speaking generally. I do not usually have huge amounts of time to sit at the computer to search for and sort through web pages for laws. But thank you to whoever provided the link in your follow-up posting. I still hold my position that the ruling could be interpreted differently..I don't feel that the case of the Baptist church holding weekly "services" is the same as an after school Christian club for children. This is an ever changing world. Laws are not written in stone. Amen.
    - MW

    [The link was provided by Mr. Boulay himself in his follow-up post - Wm.]

  • 1/22 8:51pm   Mr. Boulay: Thank you for reminding us about the minutes posted on the library website. I did in fact check them. Sounds like you agreed to this arrangement in December 2006. I don't think anyone realized at the time that this was happening, as it appears you do not post agendas for your meetings. If I am mistaken on that, I apologize. Please educate me, as I will be watching from now on. If you had posted on this community website, or anywhere else for that matter, that you were considering having a church meet at the library every Sunday for four hours for free, I am sure that you would have had plenty of input from the town. Posting minutes months after a meeting where a decision has already been made is not very democratic, is it?
    In June of 2007, you received a letter from a town resident citing dissatisfaction with the arrangement with the church. But you went ahead and agreed to this arrangement and approved it anyway through December 2007, when it would be reviewed again. You call this democracy? There have been no further posted minutes since October 2007, so we are at a loss to know what you agreed to beyond the December deadline. Obviously, since the church is listing our library as a site of worship on their website, it appears that you have approved them once again. Democracy is not usually so one-sided.
    Also, since you mentioned that we vote for you and you represent the people of this community, I find it interesting that you are not taking the concerns of outspoken townspeople seriously. I do not believe you are representing our wishes. As a matter of fact, you also go onto say in your post that `` I '' , meaning you, do not support charging fees. Well, shouldn't that be a broader based decision? I read many policy changes that were voted on in your meetings. Shouldn't this be one of them? You do not have to charge everyone across the board. I have queried other libraries and they only charge non-community groups when they want to use the room during off hours when the library is closed. And I do not feel that this church is a community group. It is not like the Girl scouts or NCL. Most of the community groups that meet at the library are meeting there to discuss ways of helping our community! Is the church doing that? What exactly is their community involvement? What in fact makes them a Norfolk community group?
    Mr. Boulay, I and many other hard working townspeople spend many hours volunteering our time to raise money for efforts such as funding the library. It seems to me you could take another look at how the library uses those funds. It costs the library money to have this church meet every Sunday from 9am-12:45 pm. It does. It comes out of the library budget. I could be wrong, but I do not believe that any other group uses the library this much. To make a policy for a fee for this group does not appear to be out of the realm of possibility.
    And by the way, I never said I thought that you were mad, but I sure am.
    - JN

  • 1/22 8:50pm   NS, Good news for a change; the answer is, "Yes!" Most reputable "carpet houses" employ specialists that can professionally cut and bind your carpet. Some may still be willing to do it in your home, if there's room, and if they still hand-stitch. Others may prefer to pick up your carpet and do the work at their facilities or to send it to an outside contractor. However, since situations change with the times, I'm reluctant to recommend a particular firm. Advise: Go to Yellow Pages--look under Carpets--take competitive bids; they usually price by the foot, plus sundry service charges. There were a number of "good guys" within a 20 mile radius of Norfolk; I trust that at least most of them still are. Good luck,
    - MT

  • 1/22 8:06pm   JN, you are correct. Dover does charge a library use fee of $250... but only to "for profit organizations". The Caryl school building in Dover also has meeting rooms open for educational purposes. One-time users are not charged a fee. Habitual or "continuous use" groups are charged a $20 per event fee. This is a minimal fee simply to cover the cost of the electricity used. I think that this policy is more than fair.
    - MW

  • 1/22 8:04pm   Just curious - how often are the minutes of boards/commitee meetings updated? I was checking the Town Site and noticed, for instance, that the Conservation Commission's last minutes were on Feb. 2007. Surely they must have met since then. Are the boards/commissions required to post this information?
    - LAW

  • 1/22 8:02pm   On a topic other than the library debate... I have a question that maybe someone out there can help me with. Over a year ago, I purchased a very nice wool rug to be used in a room we are currently renovating. We now have come to the realization that it is probably too large for the room - but I really love it! Where it is too late to exchange, I was wondering if it possible to have a rug cut to size? Does a service like this exist? Any information would be appreciated.
    - NS

    [Wait, did you say other than the library debate? Are you sure you have the right web page? :-) - Wm.]

  • 1/22 7:49pm   SM: You admitted you left out some transactions, but at least we know whoever purchased a condo at Norfolk Commons won't have a problem. You don't need to state that many of the participants here don't know what facts are. And give the Wm. a break... he's been a very busy guy lately!
    - PA
    [Thank you... blush :-) I linked to an older post mentioned in the e-mail. It was the older post that referred to a Boomerang article, but I don't have that link. - Wm.]

  • 1/22 7:48pm   Can anyone recommend someone local that can install a router on my computer and a stereo reciever in my home. Thanks,
    - PB

  • 1/22 7:45pm   MW: I did give the complete citation to the decision in my post of Jan 18. It's Good News Club V. Milford Central School (99-2036) 533 U.S. 98 (2001) 202 f.3d 502. If you copy that information and paste it into Google or any search engine, you will immediately get 4-6 sites containing the full text of the decision. This decision is not an example of an "oudated law." It was made in 2001. The decision was on a 6-3 vote. I am pretty certain that if the case were argued before the present Supreme Court, with 2 new members sunce 2000, the decision would show the same result, with an 8-1 vote.
    JN: Why do you think that "residents of Norfolk had absolutely no say in the matter." The Library Trustees are elected by the voters to make policy for the Library. All our meetings are public (we meet--are you ready?--in the Meeting Room!). We keep an accurate set of minutes that is on the Town website. This is called democracy. In my post on user fees I clearly said that we cannot charge a user fee to the church group without charging a fee to every group. I do not support doing this. Why do you think the Providence Baptist Church is not a community group? Finally, why do you say that I am "mad." I haven't typed a mad syllable in all these posts. Bemused, perhaps. Frustrated, maybe. But mad?
    MJD: We do restrict the number of times a group can reserve the Meeting Room for what you accurately term the "most popular days and times." To date, no other group has requested a Sunday morning use and if one did, we would try to make an accomodation to all such groups. We have approved the reservation for the Providence Baptist Church for 6 months at a time.
    - Harvey Boulay, Chair, Board of Libarry Trustees

  • 1/22 7:39pm   LJK: After doing the math the cat had been out on his own for 7+ months catching meals in the neighborhood. While he was here he ate/drank minimally and showed no outward signs of affection. When he heard his owner, though, he perked right up and curled up in her arms and started purring. Amazing how they remember. Yes, he was found very close to his old house. The owner had tried very hard to find him back in July by posting signs all up and down North St when Logan he escaped from the house. Without the id tag on Logan there would have been a much reduced chance of finding the right owner. Just so others are aware, I do check microchips on every animal that gets picked up, so that is a great way to ID a cat that won't wear a collar.
    - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk ACO

  • 1/22 3:03pm   OK, going to the far extreme here. Based on what has been said here as well as the regulations posted on the library page, could I reserve the room for every night from 9:00pm to 6:00pm for my family? I mean my group. During these hours we are involved in the recreational activity of counting sheep; some could say we're religious about the counting. Some members are so involved that they fall asleep. We would get free use of the bathroom, heating and cooling systems, wireless internet, and even the kitchenette. We could park our cars and never worry about plowing. Easy access to the commuter rail and schools. All this and I wouldn't have to pay real estate taxes or any fees to support the library. Could this be counted as affordable housing inventory?
    - SF

  • 1/22 2:52pm   MG - You've got to be kidding! I didn't put any facts into my post? That post was nothing but facts. Many of the posters on this website don't actually know what facts are. I just stated all the transactions involved with what was once a single parcel of land. There were other transactions I didn't mention. Everyone who purchased a condo at Norfolk Commons had a title search. No one had a title problem. Another point, Wm linked to a prior incorrect post not to a Boomerang article. The Boomerang article was about a delay in construction, not about a title problem.
    - SM

    [Update 7:49pm: I linked to the old post referred to in the e-mail. It was that old post that mentioned a Boomerang article, but I don't have that page - Wm.]

  • 1/22 2:28pm   I lost a set of keys (key and remote) to a Saab last week on the Franklin commuter rail. If you commute and happen to find them, please email sandkthomas@comcast.net. Thanks!
    - ST

  • 1/22 2:22pm   Not to be a nitpicker when I already said that fees weren't a source of contention, but I did some research and here are a few my findings:
    Many libraries in the area charge fees to outside groups using the library after hours. It is not illegal. Dover Library charges $250.00 per event; Springfield Library charges $40.00/hour; Thayer Library in Braintree charges $35.00/hr; Franklin Library charges $45.00/hr. These are just a few examples. All the libraries that I queried had rules such as not charging an admission fee to theses events, that all events had to be open to the community, etc... Mr. Boulay's post of 1/21 states that ``Finally, we cannot charge a fee to the Providence Baptist Church for using the Meeting Room. This is clearly against the law.'' That doesn't seem to be true. We could indeed charge for the use of the library meeting room when the library is not in session to a group that is not a community group. Mr. Boulay, what say you?
    - JN

  • 1/22 2:15pm   HPK - after rereading your post your hypocritical nature shines brightly. What kind of community spirit do you think exists in a town where the special interests take advantage of the taxpayer? Answer: None
    JN has brought up several valid points. Hours are cut back at the library. Donations are made to the library. Connecticut charges for their room use as do other towns.
    Mr. Boulay, stop this facade - you will soon regret what you said.
    - MON

    [Oh, but I disagree - all sorts of community spirit! I haven't yet been in a place where special interests did not take advantage of the taxpayer. The world is full of special interests. In fact, it's all special interests. Seniors, schools, parents, unions, developers, defense contracators, gun owners, drivers, pedestrians, vegetarians, webmasters - why, the place is crawling with special interests. And I've never met a one who turned down a freebie. - Wm.]

  • 1/22 2:11pm   To those of you aggravated with the town website, I have a more than capable 16 year old that designs and maintains gorgeous websites! He has his own website with examples of his work. He's looking for a P/T job in order to buy his "dream computer"... just a thought.
    - MW

    [I tried that, it's not possible. The most awesome dream computer is at a minimum ordinary, more likely obsolescent, once actually built. I even tried building by hand from components, with the same result.
    On the other hand, part-time work is more than possible -- I tried that, too. Speaking of which, anyone need some C/C++/PHP programming done? - Wm.]

  • 1/22 2:08pm   Mr. Boulay, No disrespect intended. But I would have gladly read the law if you had referred to it in your original post. Looking for something like that is like finding a needle in a haystack in my day of three busy boys and a big dog! I did just read it, in its entirety... Thank you for posting it. The feeling that I got was that this is one of those very gray areas... obviously, there were courts and judges that felt the same way as some Norfolk residents do. Otherwise, there would not have been so many appeals.
    I am not blaming you at all for following the law. I urge others not to make this a personal attack on you. I have no idea what your personal beliefs on the matter are outside of your duties to the town... So let's ease up on Mr. Boulay. Regardless of how this person feels personally, it is his job to run the library within the confines of the law (no matter how asinine it may seem).
    My true frustration lies with the law itself. Just because a law is in place, doesn't make it morally right. That is the real discussion here... or at least for me it is. There are many crazy, outdated laws out there still on the books. They are just not enforced. In many cases, it is my understanding that the meaning of laws can be interpreted in so many different ways. That is why there are so many lawyers in this country! Rulings are overturned everyday. It's all about how one interprets something and how well they can communicate that. Not all laws are so cut and dry.
    In the case of the Good News Club, it sounds to me as though it were really a "club" based on religious activities... not actual "services". I don't really know what goes on at the Providence Baptist Church. I am sure that they are good people and that they are getting together for an admirable reason. However, I still don't believe that it is right to operate a church out of a public building, especially not long term.
    Someone had asked whether or not the space was reserved long term? If another group wanted to use the space at the same time, would it be an issue? Maybe the schedule needs to rotate to allow more groups access to different time slots? Also, there was mention of the storage of items in the library. Can anyone address this? At my son's public school (not KP) his school hockey team must make use of a rental trailer to store equipment in overnight. This is not funded by the town or school, but by the hockey team itself. Why should our town library be any different? If you allow one organization to store equipmen, you cannot discriminate against other organizations... How will this work if it gets to be overloaded with "stuff"? Is there a policy in place? These are just questions. Not an attack.
    For everyone else out there, I know that there has been back and forth about trivial posts and trivial subject matter. I personally don't feel that anyone's concerns (even MON's) are trivial. If I don't want to deal with a post... I have learned to simply ignore it. Let's please give everyone the same courtesy of "freedom of speech" that the Providence Baptist Church is now receiving from our town.
    - MW

  • 1/22 2:07pm   Although I am sure that there has not been much conflict about the 9a.m.-1p.m. Sunday block of time that the church uses the library, it does seem reasonable to me that the calendar should not be booked more than 3 months in advance. What if my group decides to meet in the Community Room every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night from 6 p.m.-9:30 p.m., can I schedule those days from now until year's end as long as the dates are currently open? That means that the room is booked, by the same group, on the most popular meeting nights for an entire year. All I have to do is make my request in January and the meeting room would be completely booked for the year. That means no Girl Scouts, NLYS, special train shows or evening programs on four nights of every week. That does not seem to be a very good way to make sure a precious town resource is shared fairly.
    - MJD

  • 1/22 2:06pm   Wow, Hilary! Great work! Did the cat try to find his way to his old home? The owners must have been so happy to get your call.
    - LJK

  • 1/22 1:06pm   I read the U.S. Supreme Court decision referenced by Harvey Boulay, Chair of the Board of Library Trustees, and he's right. It's worth taking a look at it.
    - SO

    [All right, peer pressure forced me to click through and read the opinion. The case was about a municipal entity (a school) that opened its building for public after-school use. A Bible study group applied for a time slot, and was rejected by the school because the activity was "not a discussion of secular subjects." The court ruled that because the allowed uses included "social, civic and recreational meetings and entertainment events," disallowing Bible study was impermissible "viewpoint discrimination" and not permissible "content discrimination."
    I was taken aback, because on first glance the goings-on in the meeting seemed to me content, but I now think that "viewpoint" and "content" in this context have specific legal meanings that are not the same as in ordinary English usage.
    My reading is that if an organization permits public-access use of its facilities for an allowed list of purposes that include education, it cannot then regulate the subject that is being taught, even if purely religious in nature (in the case of the school, Bible verses - this bothered me, too, but I can see larger logic: if private classes are allowed, they cannot also be regulated based on content. The first rule (education allowed) is the legal "content," the second (type of education) is viewpoint.)
    Applying this locally, if the library permits weekly "recreational meetings," it cannot then control how the attendees choose to recreate, whether that be by meditation, Scrabble, or prayer.
    Of course, this is a long slippery slope without any obvious break between a clear-cut distinction and the absurd opposite, namely that any distinction that exists between any two subjective activities is purely in the viewpoint of the two sides -- ie, if they allow only gym classes, then I get my greatest cardiovascular benefit from belting out hymns at the top of my voice while dressed in sneakers. So I expect we haven't heard the last ruling on this subject. Like the opinion states,
    "There is a conflict among the Courts of Appeals on the question whether speech can be excluded from a limited public forum on the basis of the religious nature of the speech."
    No kidding. - Wm.]

  • 1/22 1:04pm   Interesting discussion regarding church use of the Norfolk Library facilities. And subsequent to reading the opinion, my first question would be, as the discussion has not clearly stated such to date, is the church group using the library facilities as a meeting place in which it can 'instruct', in the same sense as the 'club' in the opinion and as is the basis of the discussion in the opinion, or is it using the facilities as its 'place of worship', which would not appear to be held as within the stated use of facilities guidelines discussed in the opinion? Not to fan the flames here, but there would certainly be a difference.
    - TK

  • 1/22 1:02pm   With all due respect, I don't think Mr. Boulay understands the point of people being upset with a church using the library. It is not that people are upset that it is a church. It is not about religion. It is not even about a user fee. What it is about, as far as I can sense speaking to people in town, is that it seems like the decision was made by the board of the library and the residents of Norfolk had absolutely no say in the matter. And when we try to understand it, we are treated as though we have no right to ask. That is the problem. That is what folks are upset about. They aren't upset that it is a church group. The point is it costs money to heat the building, light the building, etc.during a time when the library is closed to the public. From what I understand, and please correct me if I am wrong, but we had to limit the hours at the library because we couldn't afford to staff it all the time. And didn't I just see that the Library is getting a (much deserved) grant from NCL? So, if you boil it down, we are paying for a beautiful library to be in our community with our property tax dollars and we hold bake sales and such to fund programs there and then you are mad because we question that a group that is not a community group is using the property as a church every Sunday when the library is closed? I think people are concerned that this will add an additional cost to the running of the library. Can't you see why folks might be a little confused? We are trying to understand and by linking us to a Supreme Court decision that frankly has nothing to do with this argument, you are simply feeding the fire. I think that makes people very frustrated. So much so, that they finally say, okay, just let it go, let the church group meet, there is nothing we can do. And maybe there is nothing we really want to do except understand things better. And be heard respectfully.
    On that note, regarding all the references to Dr. King, who fought and gave his life so people could be listened to, here are a few of my favorite quotes from him:
    `` A riot is, at bottom, the language of the unheard''

    ``Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.''

    ``An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.''

    - JN

  • 1/22 1:01pm   JN - I totally agree with you. I continue to look on the website and not much is listed. Several times I have sent questions to 'ask the Town Admin' with no responses. I would think the employees of the town would be more responsive.
    A second note - does anyone know about Verizon Fios and cable (not phone or internet).
    - AML

  • 1/22 11:58am   HPK - Quote this.
    A nation or civilization that continues to produce soft-minded men purchases its own spiritual death on the installment plan.
    - Martin Luther King

    SO - good questions and I'll be right back.
    SM - Sorry, couldn't make the last 2 meetings - besides, Norfolknet has a better and a much, much larger audience. Where should I send a Doctor's note?
    - MON

  • 1/22 11:56am   KS, we received an e-mail pointing out that
    ... if you're on town water you can call the DPW, they will send out the water department and they will see where your water service is. This may help you in knowing if it's related to the water service leaking, causing the depression in your yard. ...
    Good Luck!
    - Wm.

  • 1/22 11:03am   NCL distributes $14,350 back to the community! The board members of the Norfolk Community League (NCL) met this week for its biannual disbursements of funds. A total of $14,350 was distributed back into the community. The organizations that will benefit from this are:
    The H. Olive Day School, The Norfolk Fire Dept., The King Philip Music Dept., Norfolk Cooperative Pre-School, The Norfolk Public Library, Norfolk Recreation and Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary.
    The Norfolk Community League is a non-profit organization that believes in the commitment to the community. The board will be meeting again in late spring to distribute additional funds.
    If you are an individual or an organization that feels they could benefit from NCL's assistance you can find an application at their website norfolkcommuityleague.org
    - JC, NCL

  • 1/22 10:44am   SM: Thank you for enlightening us on why Norfolk Power is now in Wrentham. Thanks for the update on the alleged title problem on the Stall & Stall land, also.
    - PA

  • 1/22 10:04am   I'm sure a march on the library and the roundabout, accusing Norfolk of conflating church and state, is exactly what Dr. King would have had in mind. After all, he was a Baptist minister who used Christian principles to achieve political aims... Hmmm, something doesn't quite fit here. Perhaps when Dr. King went to the mountain, he didn't see a society in which everyone had equal rights and equal voices, regardless of race, color, creed, or economic status. Perhaps, instead, he saw a society in which we so distrust others' beliefs that we will only grant them free and open access to public buildings (funded with their tax dollars) as long as they don't use them "too much." Perhaps he saw that we would confuse architectural and cultural preservation with pandering to religious institutions. Perhaps he saw that we would gladly sacrifice a sense of community because, darn it, the taxes are just too high.
    - HPK, speaking as a private citizen. My views are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of my employer.

  • 1/22 9:57am   I may have dropped my winter hat this a.m. (gray fleece with black lining) on the sidewalk from the old town hall parking lot to the commuter rail. If you find it would you please email me thru norfolknet? Thanks! [You can use box99@norfolknet.com - Wm.]
    - MS

  • 1/22 9:43am   Update on the cat from last night. All the contacts I had for the owner were dead ends. Neither of the phone numbers worked and the house was vacant. After much tracking through different towns, I have found the owner who now lives 5 towns south of here and she will be coming to pick up Logan today.
    - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk ACO

  • 1/22 9:40am   I'm finding it disquieting that since I cited it on 1/18 not one person posting about the Meeting Room appears to have actually read the U.S. Supreme Court Decision that constitutes the operating law in this case. It's written in pretty clear English prose and takes just a few minutes to read. It's just a click away here: [reference]
    As to charging a user fee, I believe that we would have to charge every user a fee to do so legally. Even charging only "frequent" users is legally questionable. Bottom line: either the church group can properly reserve the Library Meeting Room or it cannot. The issue of user fees simply distracts from this question. The Supreme Court decision holds that where municipalities make public spaces available for use by community groups, they may not discriminate against religious organizations. I understand that this makes some people uncomfortable. It is, however, the law of the land.
    - Harvey Boulay, Chair, Board of Library Trustees

  • 1/22 9:32am   I love this forum when everyone is not attacking each other and are asking thoughtful, thought-provoking questions. If we do not push buttons, and hold our elected officials accountable for what they are doing, we should not have the right to vote. We have a very serious lack of communication in this town. Our town government website is not current. I could not find dates for the next town meeting. Maybe someone could help me out on that. I thought I read (in the Boston Globe??) that Stop and Shop was coming to a town meeting on Jan 28th. But I cannot find that info on the town government website. Why not?
    As much as MON gets under people's skin, and he/she does at times, he/she is right to continue searching for answers from our elected officials. We deserve the information. We elected them to represent us! When they keep information from us, we are left on our own to sort things out and eventually, we give up. We cannot afford to give up. We need people to instigate and continue to badger officials for the answer. The person who suggested that our Town Administrator should not respond to a resident's questions is absurd. That is what he is hired and paid to do. Paid by the residents.
    The questions about a church in our library, the real answers to the Stop and Shop debacle among other things need to be addressed and officials in this town need to be pressed for answers. This is our town. We have a right to know. No one is doing this for reasons of simply attempting to get under someone's skin. We are trying to help our town. Help it to grow and prosper. I think all of us have pure intentions and are not simply attempting to ``stir the pot''. What do you think? I know for a fact that town officials read this dialogue, but do not comment. I understand that. But that does not leave them off the hook. We should demand a special town meeting to address issues that are relevant to this town. But how do we do that? I am mo longer content to simply sit by and let things happen to me. How do we make it happen?
    - JN

  • 1/22 8:16am   Sorry MON I was merely restating common knowledge for anyone who actually goes to Town Meeting instead of complaining about how everyone else does their work.
    - SM

  • 1/22 8:15am   Does anyone have recommendations for a chimney cleaner?
    - AP

  • 1/22 8:14am   MON - Before joining in the straw poll, I have questions. I've condensed here - not egregiously, I hope:
    1) Oppose taxes unless for town center development - what defines the town center for you in acreage or landmarks?
    2) Please be specific on your views of environmental-friendliness, progressiveness and the preservation of open spaces.
    3) No questions there.
    4) I'm confused by your points 1 and 4 - doesn't your willingness to accept tax increases for development of the town center (1) constitute acceptance of a new project, which you protest (4)?
    - SO

  • 1/22 8:05am   All of these initials are confusing. I posted before as SM2 so not to be confused with SM, but now there is another SM2. That makes me feel disenfranchised. Perhaps I shall morph into SM2.1, or maybe SM2(a). Maybe Wm should issue everyone an approved ID? In fact, how do we even know when someone posts as "AB" for example, that a subsequent post by "AB" is the same author? In fact, even if real names were allowed, couldn't someone submit a post using another's name?
    We need a forum where people are not afraid to identify themselves and are willing to engage in an open, generally respectful process. People from the entire village could gather and listen to the ideas of democracy and be heard on important issues about their town. We could elect a village elder to oversee the process and make sure everyone has a chance to speak and maintain order for the good of the community. Then, after the good folks had a chance to discuss something, people could vote and not just complain about everything...
    Oh wait, that is called Town Meeting. Never mind.
    - SM.1(a)(i)

  • 1/22 8:04am   JN, Thank you for voicing an opinion that I share, but was having trouble putting into words. I agree, it's the permanence of the church group using the facilities for religious purposes that bothers me, not occasional usage for special events held or sponsored by a church group.
    Although I have not seen the original law that one of the library officials stated, I believe a law such as that was probably put into effect to combat discrimination "between" religious groups... Not discrimination of all religious groups in a public setting... but of course I am no expert and I could be wrong, I haven't even seen the law. If the law is really as they say, Then we must allow all churches/temples/mosques etc... a chance to hold their weekly service free of charge. I really have trouble believing that in this country, where separation of church and state has held such importance to our founding fathers, A law would be passed that not just permits but seems to dictate that taxpayers fund or contribute to religious services is absolutely absurd. Maybe a law such as that needs to be rethought and disputed. I am not a person educated in law... but I do have some common sense. It doesn't take much brainpower to see the contradictions here.
    To me, It's not about the money. It's not about the individual religion being singled out. It's about the principle of the matter. I think that in this case, maybe the town and the library are being taken advantage of.
    - MW

  • 1/22 8:02am   SM2 - Good work. Who wants to participate in a civil protest on Sunday at 10 am? Let's all show up to the church meeting, which is open to the public, by Norfolk Rules, and ask them why they haven't paid a cent to use these facilities. Then we picket at the rotary, carrying signs that say ``Norfolk Government Sponsors Religious Services'' and ``Separate Church and State''. How about ``Paint My Church Too!''
    Martin Luther King would applaud this civil and just disobedience.
    - MON

  • 1/21 10:51pm   MG - Thanks for your kind words as well. I spend a lot of time investigating the town government and its machinations, either above the table or clandestinely, and, coming from you, one who was in the system and left and now vocal, I am duly grateful for your observations and outspoken nature. And I want to hear more.
    To you who think I am complaining, too bad. Rescind the last override, lower my taxes, fix the poor performance of the schools, and stop threatening me and other taxpayers financially with higher taxes. And I will never speak about politics again.
    Until then, you will hear from me. Loudly.
    - MON

  • 1/21 10:50pm   A user fee for library use does not appear to be against the law. A quick Google search came up with Mansfield, CT. user fees. See link below. Even churches have to pay for custodial fee, heat, light and water costs. Free weekly worship services would seem to be taking advantage of the taxpayers of Norfolk, who may already support a church or temple of their own faith. [eg, biblio.org/mansfield]
    - SM2

    [Note: SM explained that they added a "2" to differentiate themselves from the other SM posting at this time - Wm.]

  • 1/21 10:48pm   Re: 1/20 2:18pm RH, the depression is probably about 8 feet long and 4 feet wide at this point. It's probably about 18 inches below grade in the middle. ... - KS
    KS: From the dimensions that you gave, the depressed area which was about 8 cubic feet over the summer is now about 16 cubic feet after the January 2008 thaw. That is a significant change in a short time. A typical septic distribution box holds about 6 cubic feet but if the top gave way you would be having septic system problems. You could check with the Board of Health to see if they have a plan showing your septic system, where the tank is, distribution box, and leaching field. You could make an educated guess, by where the septic pipe exits the cellar, and of course the septic tank cover location locates the septic tank. A 1500 gallon septic tank has a volume of about 225 cubic feet. The top of the septic tank is typically 2 feet below ground level, and the top of the distribution box is about 4 feet below ground level. Usually, neither the concrete tank nor the concrete box is designed to support heavy loads such as auto or truck traffic. You could have the tank pumped out by a licensed septage hauler ( [town approved list] ) to check that the tank is OK. Ask the hauler for his opinion as to the cause of the sinkhole.
    You could look at the Plot Plan for your home and see if there is a "stump dump" noted on the plan. Also you could check with the Planning Board to see if there is a layout of your home either on an older street ("81P" drawing), or a subdivision drawing. Those drawings may detail where stumps are buried, and where grade depressions may develop as the stumps decay.
    If you have Town water, conceivably a sinkhole could develop as the result of a leak in the service line to your home. That location would be in line with where the water pipe enters your home. A leak that large should be audible by listening (ear in contact with the pipe at the meter). There have been leaks in copper service lines apparently due to acidic water. One would think that replacing these lines would be the responsibility of the Town. I hope this helps.
    - RH

  • 1/21 9:42pm   To SM, You don't know what you are talking about and you don't have any facts on this land. The Stop & Shop [was written about] in the Boomerang as the Wm posted on 1/21/08 that there is a problem and most of the Townies know all about the several developers that this land was passed off onto. And MON, keep up the good work on your reporting. The tax payers have a right to know the underhanded ways of some, not all, of our so called leaders.
    - MG

  • 1/21 9:40pm   Tonight the animal control department picked up an obviously owned cat. I actually remember taking this report on the phone a while back but I don't have the information at hand at home. The cat is a torti type angora hair with a collar and a flea collar. The ID on the cat says his name is Logan but the phone number on the tag is no longer in service. If you own this cat, or know who does, please contact our department at (508) 528 3232. Sincerely,
    - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk ACO

    [Update 1/22 9:43am: owner found; see post of 1/22 9:43am - Wm.]

  • 1/21 9:39pm   CS - Does that mean you'll vote for MON? Let's stop all the name calling here and talk like the adults we are. Paranoid-delusions indeed! I'll even put away my night-vision goggles.
    Seriously, read the posts from the Chair of Library Trustees. It's a great concept, a public meeting room open to all. But don't you feel that a small fee - to cover expenses at least - of habitual users is fair? That is all that's expected. For one group to monopolize the space for so long free of charge is wrong.
    So Harvey, you contradict yourself here - "The Trustees have debated the issue of user fees many times", then "we cannot charge a fee to the Providence Baptist Church for using the Meeting Room. This is clearly against the law" - Which is it?
    Charge all chronic users of the room a fee for its use.
    How many of the church goers are Norfolk residents? If the answer is none this is even more disturbing.
    - MON

  • 1/21 9:37pm   To the other BH, I live in the area of King and Union. Several years ago I lived across town in the Holbrook street area... I did have episodes of skin/hair problems there as well. My skin problems seem to escalate around the time that the town has to disenfect as well as when the PH is off...
    Also, I do smell a sulfur smell in my ice cubes off and on. We have still not figured out what could be causing this.
    - MW

  • 1/21 9:36pm   Mr. Boulay, The library is a great asset to the Norfolk community. No question about it, we are lucky to have such a beautiful building in our town. We use it frequently, and we love it.
    I have to add, however, that even I, as open minded as I am, was really surprised to see that we are now housing a church in our library. They are not using the meeting room as a community meeting space; they are using it as their church. If you go to their website, they list their offices as being in Franklin, but worship services are listed at as 139 Main Street, Norfolk MA providencebaptistchurchma.org.
    This, to me, sounds like they have reserved this space forever. What if a local community group, such as the girl scouts, for example, wanted to use the space on a Sunday at 10 am, would they be told that the space is reserved out for the year? That to me seems odd and unusual. I can see holding a few meetings there while they are looking for another space, but a whole year? I think this is what people are upset about. I think this is what needs addressed.
    - JN

  • 1/21 4:23pm   If Jack Hathaway reads this forum, I would like to request that he does not waste his time (which equals our tax dollars) replying to MON's phone inquiry about the library space. The town administrator is not accountable to every resident who suffers from paranoid delusions. Mr. Hathaway undoubtedly has real work to attend to.
    MON, as far as your depiction of me as "weak and complacent", I will chalk that up to your demonstrated ignorance. After all, we have not met, yet. Perhaps someday when you decide to quit complaining and do something constructive I will meet you on the Norfolk campaign trail. For now, I am not holding my breath.
    - CS

  • 1/21 4:22pm   As a Library Trustee, I'd like to put the issue of the meeting room in a larger context. One of the great accomplishments of our country is the system of free public libraries - extending back over 200 years. I have traveled in Europe and in Asia, and in every country I have visited I've looked at its library system. None comes close to what America has built and supported. We can and should take immense pride in this.
    Norfolk has participated in this national effort for over 125 years. Your Library Trustees regard the Meeting Room as part of the basic public library services that everyone should have access to. Our mission statement dedicates the Library to "literacy, civility, and community." A large part of the "community" element is the Meeting Room.
    Now I know that a "free public library" may be free in terms of open access, but not "free" in terms of cost. This is one more example of the epigram, "Freedom isn't free." But our library budget is less than two percent of our Town budget. And with that library budget we serve everyone. The Trustees have debated the issue of user fees many times. Our position is that we are already providing quality library services with a small fraction of the Town budget; user fees would not significantly alter that. But they would be an impediment to the ability of all groups in our Town to have a place to come together-for a diversity of reasons and occasions.
    Finally, we cannot charge a fee to the Providence Baptist Church for using the Meeting Room. This is clearly against the law. I think our Town benefits in many ways from having open access to our excellent Meeting Room. I hope that this can continue.
    - Harvey Boulay, Chair, Board of Library Trustees

  • 1/21 4:20pm   OK - Straw poll time. If I were to run for BOS, how many of you would support me if I:
    1) Opposed any tax increases unless for development of the Town Center.
    2) Town development occurred in an environmentally friendly and progressive way to insure a better tax base, preserving as much open spaces while development occurs in the Town center
    3) The town departments were run smoothly, efficiently within their budgets-which would have minimal increase until they proved they actually needed them.
    4) The nickeling and diming of the taxpayer stops - No new projects implemented until the economy and real estate values stabilize and reverse themselves?
    Cast your straw vote now. And CJ, thanks for link. Here's one for you- spinelessjellyfish.com
    - MON

  • 1/21 3:03pm   There is no Title problem with the Stop and Shop property. The Town Hall, Library extention and the Condos at the top of the hill as well as the rest of the land were all part of the same parcel. Mr. Musto donated the land for the Town Hall and sold the rest to Mr. Borelli. To build his drainage for the Norfolk Commons project he was going to use the entire parcel the Library extention is located on. The Planning Board, knowing the Town had an interest in that parcel, recommended he expand and tie in with the Town Hill drainage system and to speak to the Board of Selectmen. The Town then ended up with the parcel the Library extention is located on, donated to the Town by Mr. Borelli. Mr. Borelli then sold about half of the remaining land to Eastern Development and kept the remainder for himself. Mr. Borelli then developed the Condos at the Top of the Hill under a 40B with additional State, Bank and Town scrutiny. There is an ongoing transfer of land from Mr. Borelli to Eastern Development for the Stop and Shop parcel. All of these transaction are done through Land Court. Do you seriously think that any title problem would be overlooked with all these transactions with all those lawyers? Other than a couple of people on this web site there is no indication anywhere that there is a problem with this land.
    - SM

  • 1/21 3:02pm   MON - Can I assume we will see your name on the ballot for BOS? After all, you are asking for the resignation of the entire board (not to mention you seem have a solution for all the issues the town is facing). I can't wait for your campaign!
    - BC

  • 1/21 3:01pm   MON, how about put all your energy into getting your name on the ballot to change all the things you complain about in your weekly diatribes, huh? While I may or not agree with you, if these things bother you that much how about you work for change rather than pontificating online? Who knows, maybe there's a lot of folks out there who would be on your side... maybe not...
    - TK

  • 1/21 2:58pm   For MON: angermgmt.com
    - CJ

  • 1/21 2:52pm   You bet its MONday AL, I would have assumed that we collected money for a church to routinely use our public facilities. And BH - thanks for the kind words. Forget about the paparazzi - I expect to wake up with a severed Taxpayers' head in my bed some morning.
    - MON

  • 1/21 2:52pm   Mon: What is the difference between charging the Church group a fee and charging any other groups who use the space a fee? This should not be about the separation of Church and State. The real issue should be do all users pay a fee. If a Boy or Girl Scout troop met once a week in the meeting room it would be no different than a religious group. The same is true for youth sports, town meetings, etc. Should they all pay a fee? In my opinion, the space was built to support community meeting needs. That is how it is being used. I don't see the big problem. In proper context, this is not serious.
    - CS

  • 1/21 2:49pm   It was pointed out in an e-mail that the topic of the title was raised last year in the post of 8/24 11:13pm:
    To all those wanting to know the real story about the Stop & Shop, read the July 27th issue on the front page of the Boomerang. "Stop & Shop Plans Delayed, Again."
    Anyone who has lived in this town for years knows that the land has no clear title, for Pamela Fay was a Ware and never changed the deeds after her father died and left the land to her.
    [ . . . ]:
    - Wm.

  • 1/21 1:48pm   Oh my, it looks like just another manic MONday.
    - AL

  • 1/21 1:43pm   SM - Why don't you and the boards ever vocalize how important some of these issues are? How are people supposed to know about these significant issues? Osmosis?
    You all need to find a way to deliver information to the public. The administrator's column, "Ask Jack", is outdated, the boards don't reliably post meeting minutes timely -although we have an IT guy on the public payroll (not Wm), and NCTV is fragmented.
    Norfolknet is suited for this yet I have never seen a report about anything from any board member, other than the recent post about how great it is our tax dollars fund church services.
    But that is how the SS in Norfolk works. You do not know about significant issues until they have already became warrant items or have passed.
    Information is the key, and communication to the taxpayers should be high on your list of goals. The way it works now is pathetic for the 21st century. High school kids have better communication skills via the web. Maybe the town should hire one.
    - MON

  • 1/21 1:40pm   Harvey and the BOS - You have the gall to charge Norfolk residents to park in the town lot for 75$ then give free use of our library meeting rooms to a church? For a year?
    We'll accept your resignations anytime.
    - MON

    [Wait, I'm confused - rather than a contradiction, I always thought that $75 for a year of MBTA parking was on the low side.
    Unrelated to the above, if the library meeting room is available to anyone who asks, then I don't see how being a church is relevant. A church is but a group of individuals, who can collective chat or play Scrabble or pray. If one of the gamers prays for a better scoring combination of tiles, should they have to first step outside? - Wm.]

  • 1/21 1:28pm   CS - The secret society defined. The "Old School" towns people who create warrants that benefit them in particular. Several years ago it was the School Board - they raised taxes after using propaganda to scare all the soccer moms. Then they diss the BOS and others like they are not accountable. The last round we gave the seniors a tax break. The administration that plows church parking lots, then tells us about hypothetical Civil Defense needs. The painting of the church--when all the parishoners rushed in--voted, then left. A free 35K paint-job they didn't have the decency to repay after we paid 200K for their lot. The unions-The Unions - can't touch us! We are sacred cows! Moo! Graze! Moo! Or we won't be able to do our jobs! And in some jobs we are heroes, because it's dangerous!
    Then we want pensions. While the average taxpayer and their savings dies on the vine.
    Then we have all the Boards, who spend our tax money when the economy is tanking and real estate dropping in value. Then they don't show up for meetings, %$@@-off developers, who run screaming from the town, then we build senior housing-for 55 and older.
    Then the Selectmen--they glance at each for approval on topics and dance around the issues.
    Would you like me to go on? I could tell you what I found in my own personal audit of the departments.
    And don't discount the power of this forum either, and if you find it insulting -- go to a neutral website, like "Puppy-Tummy-Makeup-Tips.com" or "snivelingtaxpayer.com" or somewhere equal.
    Your weakness and complacency about who sticks their hands in your pockets bothers me.
    I want financial progress in this town, prudent and wise spending and municipal efficiency. That's what Taxpayers deserve.
    Not this.
    - MON

  • 1/21 1:27pm   As far as schools and libraries being used to host religious and other groups, couldn't these groups use The Grange? Let the groups pay a fee, and at least the building will get some use.
    - PA

  • 1/21 10:58am   To MW: Just curious as to what area of town you live in that you are having this hair problem.
    To MON: I read this site to see what you have to say, I find you very interesting. You are becoming the Norfolknet celebrity! Watch out for the paparazzi...
    - BH (the other BH.)

  • 1/21 10:56am   If the Church group uses the building for its services it should pay a fee for using it. Period. Using taxpayer funds for supporting religious groups is wrong and whether the group is too naive to think about paying, or the town is to naive to collect, as a taxpayer I am offended. This behavior of using our tax dollars to paint churches, plow their lots and now support their services is legally wrong and we will put a stop to this. Just as soon as Mr. Hathaway answers my questions, which is on Day 4 of avoid MON's questions.
    I have never experienced such a distortion of the separation of Church and State. Religious groups beware! Your days of taking the Norfolk Taxpayers for a ride are limited. You are not beyond the confines of the Law. To those "leaders" who think this is acceptable to allow religious groups to use our public facilities free of charge, you should resign immediately.
    This is serious.
    - MON

  • 1/21 10:55am   PA and JW - Norfolk Power was moved to Wrentham because they didn't want to bring their site up to current Zoning not simply because they weren't allowed to "enlarge their site" (increase their building size and parking). The Town of Norfolk has twice tried to pass zoning that would allow "redevelopment" of existing buildings without having to bring the entire site up to existing zoning. The proponents for the Zoning change (including the owners of Norfolk Power) failed to show up at Town Meeting for the vote and it was defeated by one vote. Zoning changes require a 2/3 vote. The all powerful leaders of Norfolk that MON complains about constantly were fully in support of the Zoning change.
    - SM

  • 1/21 10:54am   MG Thank you for Red Skelton. He was the best. I remember when his son died and he never did seem to return to his usual self. Our age enjoyed some of the best and without the language now being used.
    - BR

  • 1/21 10:53am   Superbowl Tickets Needed. My son and I already have flights, hotel, etc. just no tickets. This is a once in a life time trip for me. My son is 18 and will be heading off to college next year and is something I would love to experience with him. If you have any tickets or know of anyone that does please cantact me at Daszsports1@verizon.net. Thanks, a loving Mom.
    - MD

  • 1/21 10:52am   Wm, I also heard that there was a title problem with the land that is slated for Stop and Shop and that is why they are not going forward. Land court and issues can take years and years to clear up! It's not a good thing, if this is really what is going on.
    - MW

  • 1/21 10:50am   What is this "secret society" or "secret governmental organization" that a few frequent posters on Norfolknet refer to? We have only lived in town for 18 months, so I am not aware of the insider politics. My family moved here from Boston (and before that Medfield), which makes me question how valid some of the concerns voiced here really are. MON in particular seems to love "stirring the pot" by questioning every possible change in town. I respect his/her right to do so, but it also gets quite tedious and sometimes insulting.
    - CS

  • 1/20 4:07pm   This is soooooo wild. 1969, how did he know... good old Red.
    Some of you may remember him but he passed away before many of you were born. Red Skelton was a good & funny man. He also ended every show by saying, "Good night and God bless". Listen to the end of this. It is something he said 38 years ago.
    Very important that you listen to the very end!! Eerie! Take a moment and listen to it (from 1969). How would he have known that this is what is happening? Click on the link, and turn your sound on. [patriotfiles.org link]
    - MG

  • 1/20 4:01pm   To MON & MT, I too am ready to join SF and you in the tax revolt. Never give up, for you just don't know how close you are to winning. I emailed all 3 selectmen and told them I would never vote for them again and Mr Advani had the [gall] to call me to inform me that I would not be able to vote for him for he is not going to run again. Let's hear it for Mr Advani and a perfect decision made compared to all the wrong ones made by him and his fellow board members. Also, don't be fooled by Mr Lehan threatening to take the Stop & Shop land by eminent domain, for there is a title problem and all that we would be doing is spending our tax dollars to pay Stop & Shop off, and the town would be able to hide the fact that the Town Hall is under the same title of the 16 acres and Mr Musto passed this land off to Borrelli when he found out. There was a real estate transaction in the Gazzette showing that the town of Norfolk paid Borrelli over a million dollars for their, I believe was 3 acres, and Borrelli then passed it off to New England Depelopment who builds for Stop & Shop. It's N E Development who owns the 16 acres that are not clear in title which they themselves published in the paper as to why S&Shop couldn't build. All of what I am writing is of my opinion as to what I know and what I have read. I am sick and tired of the boards who are trying to cover up their mess and the mess made by selectman before them.
    Thank you MON and MT for your support on my issues for it is good to know that someone is paying attention. I have been on boards and headed the Friends organazion and was on Democratic Town Committee to which I no longer belong. I was also was the Registrar for the town clerk and I can tell you that Marie Chiofolo was tops and I know she didn't like dirty politics. I resigned as registrar because of politics, as the BOS allowed the Assistant Town Clerk to also be a Registrar which meant that no outsider could sign any bills except the clerk's office. All I could sign was hundreds of voting signatures. What an arm breaker that was.
    - MG

    [Title problem? Is this correct? Anyone else have info? - Wm.]

  • 1/20 2:18pm   RH, the depression is probably about 8 feet long and 4 feet wide at this point. It's probably about 18 inches below grade in the middle. Over the summer it was only about half the size it is now. But it did not seem to be growing at all. After the recent snow melt I noticed the dramatic increase in size. It's moving towards my driveway and now actually borders the driveway. In fact, the driveway is cracking in that area, apparently from lack of support.
    - KS

  • 1/20 2:17pm   Re: 1/20 12:18am - MW, why not buy some gallon bottles of distilled water, and wash your hair and face with that? It should have fewer impurities in it, as well as no chlorine, etc. By the way, we have well water from a private well, and it doesn't seem to affect our hair. The water was tested to be hard, but within state limits.
    - RH

  • 1/20 2:16pm   Just a reminder to register for Spring - Norfolk Lions Youth Soccer's early registration "discount" ends February 1.
    For boys and girls ages 3 (players must be 3 years old by September 1, 2007) to high school grade 12.
    - HK

  • 1/20 2:15pm   KS - We too had a sink hole on our property. We had heard that when our neighborhood was developed, the trees were just buried and the yard graded around the house. During our 10 years in the house, we had one large sink hole (that my father actually fell into while doing some yard work for us!) and several smaller indentations. We discovered that there was an underground stream running along our driveway. We filled it in with sand, then loam and finally reseeded the area. After about 6 years, it was still holding. During the ten years that we lived there, we just added loam and seed to areas that looked like they were sinking. If you want someone to take a look at repairing it, I would suggest a landscaper. But trying to find a cause may not be that easy or that cheap! Good luck!
    - TO

  • 1/20 12:18am   SO, I have not yet resolved my hair issue... It's a losing battle. Whatever it is in the water has made my hair dry, brittle and coarse. I must keep the conditioner companies in business! At first I thought that it could be health related. However, when I visit my family in another area, my hair immediately gets soft and youthful again. When I come home... the change is immediate. Several different hair professionals have commented on how "hot"? my hair gets when they are giving me foils (sorry men, I know that this will bore you) ...but I did not mention my problem to any of them and they each commented separately on this and asked me if I had well water at home. I don't, I have town water. Evidently high mineral content will do a number on a person's color. Maybe there is a beauty professional among us who can comment on this? I also know that water being treated (the chlorine/bleach smell) can also damage your hair... as it has damaged my skin. It's the same as swimming in a chlorinated pool.
    Do you think that your hair loss is due to breakage or actual loss from the root? My stepmother lives in another part of the country where the water is even harder than ours. She had a problem with breakage and it made her hair much thinner in appearance. She actually had a "hole" (not a bald spot) in her hair at the back of her head...
    At any rate, I do not blame the town for my hair problems. I blame the geological area in which we live. Although I would be lying if I didn't wish the town could get the water system running a little better ...or I should say, I little more consistently. We seem to still have these harsh fluctuations that occur. If you see someone walking around town with burns on her face... it's me. I am a human gauge to what the water is doing in town at any given time.
    - MW

  • 1/20 12:13am   Re: 1/19 4:15pm MT, thanks so much for your response to my question regarding my sinkhole. I don't think it could be the septic tank D box because it's actually right next to my driveway and maybe ten yards from the sidewalk. It just doesn't seem to me that a distribution box would be in that area, though I really don't know. Can you recommend someone to look at it? Thanks. - KS
    KS: Could you give an approximate diameter, or length and width, of the sinkhole in your yard? I've had a couple of sinkholes which were actually tree stumps rotting away over decades. One was a trunk from an oak tree; the depression in the ground had a diameter of six feet and a depth, at the deepest point (the middle) of about 18 inches. I know it was an oak stump because I dug down after the tree had been cut, and removed wome roots with a chain saw. The main stump remained, although I drilled many holes in it and poured stump-decaying chemicals into the holes. The depression developed over 20 years. Finally, I simply added more soil, compacted it, and re-seeded.
    Another tree stump was that of a large (20 inch diameter) pine tree. I had cut the stump off below grade and added soil, compacted it, and reseeded. A 7 foot diameter depression developed over 10 years, about 12 inches deep, maximum. I added more soil, compacted it, and re-seeded. Neither of those trees had been anywhere near a leaching field or old well, and they were both on sloping land near other trees. Currently, the best way to get rid of a stump is by hiring a guy with a stump grinder, or by renting the grinder yourself. The last tree stumps that I've had ground down have not caused any depressions in the soil in the last 6 or 7 years.
    - RH

  • 1/20 12:11am   SO - Hmmm... Makes me wonder, I do have a bunch of bald friends living here in Norfolk, as opposed to my friends in Medfield, who have such thick, luxurious looking hair, and my wife was just asking me if I had noticed more wrinkles on her face. Our house is going on the market tomorrow.
    - LS

  • 1/20 12:10am   I want to throw out a few questions about the library/religious group issue. What if a 12-step program, such as Alcoholics Anonymous used the meeting room? Some meetings are for specific subgroups, as in women, men, and gays. I don't know how hard and fast that is, considering their goal is to help people, but to some, any implied exclusion might seem like discrimination. I think donations toward local chapters are also welcome. Regarding traditional religious Sunday service donations, are they required, or suggested? Another question - I sheepishly admit that I haven't attended any author presentations, but are they ever held in the library meeting room, and do the authors have copies of their books for sale? Could such purchases not also seem "suggested". How about the excellent local art show last year where most paintings were for sale. What say ye on any of these uses for the library meeting room? Yea, nay, or in the gray? And by the way...
    I think the library is pretty cool. It's clean, organized, and welcoming. I love it! There are boatloads of computers, the layout is nice, people are friendly, and teens hang out there - get out! Anyone who hasn't been should check it out. It's user-friendly and they have videos and dvds for free! Free! And late fees are immensely forgiving! Even me poor ol' Ma and Da, still vhs/dvd/tv-challenged, have been turned onto the library. Anything "free" flies with Dar. Swing by - you won't be sorry.
    - SO

  • 1/19 6:33pm   MW - A while back, during one of the water quality discussions, you mentioned noticing a change in the quality of your hair since moving to Norfolk. It will be four years that I've lived in Norfolk, as of this year. I don't know if it's related, but I have noticed increased hair loss that seems to coincide with my move here. Perhaps it's a vitamin deficiency or genetics. I'm just curious whether you ever resolved the issue?
    - SO

  • 1/19 4:16pm   JM poses an interesting question, although the answer may not be quite what he was looking for. We designed the Library Meeting Room with separate heating, cooling, and lighting zones, so it can be used when the Library is not open without affecting the energy use of the rest of the building. The need for this was clear, since there no other meeting space in town that can function this way--MacBride auditorium, for example, or the Town Offices. So our aim is to provide many times when the Meeting Room can be used--especially nights (the Library is open until 8 p.m.only 4 nights per week) and weekends. Norfolk runs on meetings, all sorts of meetings--they are a key way that we function as a community. Responding to this need, we think, is an important role for our Library.
    - Harvey Boulay, Chair, Board of Library Trustees

  • 1/19 4:15pm   MT, thanks so much for your response to my question regarding my sinkhole. I don't think it could be the septic tank D box because it's actually right next to my driveway and maybe ten yards from the sidewalk. It just doesn't seem to me that a distribution box would be in that area, though I really don't know. Can you recommend someone to look at it? Thanks.
    - KS

  • 1/19 2:34pm   Quick question regarding the use of the Library meeting rooms. Do the groups that reserve the space use it during regular Library hours or during hours that the Library is normally closed? If it's during normal hours, then it can't be compared to opening the schools on the weekends for special events, as this is not part of the normal schedule. PDS, have you looked more closely into the matter to see if some of the other groups are using it more than once? If so, then shouldn't your grievances be directed towards them as well? They would be, in fact, using the same "extra" services that the religious group is being offered. I just want to make sure all of the facts are presented.
    - JM

  • 1/19 10:05am   I applaud the Board of Library Trustees for accommodating a local group and subjecting them to a consistent policy.
    I wonder if we were talking about Democratic or Republican Town Committee instead of a chosen religion there would be such a concern.
    I am certain the Library Trustees meet regularly and as elected officials their meetings are public. Why not attend and voice your concerns? Better yet, pull nomination papers and commit yourself to serving if elected.
    - PC

  • 1/19 10:04am   It seems somewhat discriminatory to single out a church group with the intent of denying them the right to use the library. Mr. Boulay outlined the rules for use and there does not appear to be any violation of these rules. If others are not seeking to use the room at the same time, what is the alternative? Should the library leave the room empty just to deny the church space to gather? I cannot believe that people are portraying this as the latest conspiracy to waste our tax dollars. That is simply absurd. These people are gathering to practice their faith and I am glad that the library has accommodated them. Surely there must be something more egregious that people could complain about with legitimacy.
    - CS

  • 1/18 11:48pm   Regarding the library use, perhaps it is time that rent is collected for habitual users. This could help us with some much needed income for this town. I don't believe there is a Supreme Court Ruling that says towns must let groups use facilities rent free. The school gyms, the athletic fields all cost money; so should the library meeting room, especially if it is on a regular basis for an extended period of time. Anybody know what we charge for the use of a school gym on a weekend?
    - SM

  • 1/18 11:19pm   So... while the Providence Baptist Church is not allowed to charge "admission" to their Sunday service, do they collect any "donations"... There is always a way around things, isn't there? In other local towns, the groups are charged a "user fee" to use the facilities. Does Norfolk do this?
    - MW

  • 1/18 7:24pm   Whoa, KK. Don't you think PDS has as much right to an opinion as anyone else? Wittingly, or not, you appear to be trying to control PDS's freedom to speak openly and ask questions. I don't think that it is your intention to dictate what should or should not be submitted for discussion on Norfolknet, but your post certainly did seem to take on that appearance. The "small-minded" matters to which you allude can sometimes be critical. They should never be ignored without first very carefully evaluating their relationship to the greater scheme of things. The "Law of Relativity" must always be a consideration. Of the scores of truisms that I often call upon which advise us to be aware of the possible importance of the small things in our lives, one of my favorites begins, "For the lack of a nail, the shoe was thrown; for the loss of the shoe . . ." It's an observation of "cause and effect" worth heeding... even by our own town officials.
    It would be very interesting, and perhaps--for a change--of some genuine benefit to the town if more townsfolk expressed their sincere concerns about how so many facets of town government are being manipulated to favor a select group of people at significant cost to the rest of us. There are probably a lot of us who would like to observe a multitude of questions asked here, and, in return, to receive honest answers, without the typical smokescreen.
    - MT

  • 1/18 7:21pm   So the rest of the area churches who are having trouble with their finances are just being foolish. They should sign up to use the library for their Sunday services. They get free heat, bathrooms, electricity and snow plowing, large parking lot. (People had trouble with the idea that St Judes was having their parking lot plowed by the town.)
    I agree they should not be denied the space to have a group meeting, but I think having their weekly Sunday service is another thing. If it was temporary it would be one thing but they had been there for more than a year at least.
    I do not think that is what the Supreme Court was advocating... I will check the law.
    - PDS

  • 1/18 5:32pm   Many community groups use the Library meeting room--that's what it is for. Any community group can apply to reserve this space and we have more than 30 groups per month doing so. We have a few simple rules: groups may not charge an admission fee; meetings cannot be for the sole purpose of selling things; reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis; each group must clean up after every use.
    The Providence Baptist Church qualifies as a community group and has complied with the Library's rules for using the room, and the Library Trustees have approved their doing so on Sunday mornings.
    NorfolkNet readers may also be interested to know that the United States Supreme Court decision in Good News Club V. Milford Central School (99-2036) 533 U.S. 98 (2001) 202 f.3d 502 held that where municipalities make public facilities available to community groups, they may not discriminate against religious organizations. The Trustees' decision is in conformity with this ruling.
    Finally, I am baffled by the comment of PDS that a Town Employee who is involved with the Church was "adamant against having the new Library built." This is simply untrue.
    - Harvey Boulay, Chair, Board of Library Trustees

  • 1/18 5:31pm   Just because someone asks a question doesn't meant that they are small minded. People come to this forum looking for answers. I think it is a shame that some are belittled for voicing their concerns here. Personally, I agree with the question. I noticed a church group using the KPMS for their Sunday services a while back. I had the same thought. Why should taxpayers have to foot the bill for the utilities and manpower required to keep the buildings opened on the weekends? I have no problem with groups using the facilities as long as they pay for what they use. (Maybe they do... I am only asking a question) Yes, I believe that if it truly is the taxpayers that are footing the bill for religious purposes... that there is a serious vioation of keeping the church and state seperated.
    - MW

  • 1/18 4:23pm   With regard to the comments offered on the use of the library: Is it only town employees who were against building the new library that should be denied use of the facility, or should town citizens who voted against it be barred as well? If one votes against a 2 & 1/2 override, are they exempt from paying the resulting property tax increase? Please give the readers of this forum a break from posting such small minded matters.
    - KK

  • 1/18 4:17pm   PDS - Good observations! Knowing how the SS (secret society) works here in Norfolk, they probably get it free and are allowed to destroy any biology text books in the library that mention evolution. Then we will build them a church and maintain it. Seriously, I have a call into Jack Hathaway about this and we will see what he says. Find out about the church and if they practice discrimination of any sort - gays are the main target of religions - and if they do they can not use public facilities.
    We need other good citizen taxpayers to drop dimes on those who would steal our taxes.
    Whistleblowers are also entitled to a portion of tax frauds and monies recovered. You may be able to collect!
    - MON

  • 1/18 12:56pm   I have 2 chairs that need re-upholstering. Does anyone have any recommendations? Thanks.
    - RN

  • 1/18 12:54pm   I have noticed and am a little concerned about the fact that there is a church using the meeting room at the town public library as their Sunday meeting space. They are there every Sunday and store stuff there.
    Is this group paying for the use? Paying for the heat, electric or are the tax payers paying for this church's space?? Is there a problem with church vs. State issues here?
    Are the board of selectmen aware of this??
    My understanding is that there is a town employee who is part of this Church. Interestingly enough it was a town employee who was adamant against having the new library built... and is now using it !
    - PDS

  • 1/18 12:22pm   There was a meeting with the King Philip High School Athletic Director, Steve Schairer, on Wednesday January 16th to discuss the possibility of starting a boys and girls swim team next year at King Philip High School. If there are any boys or girls who would like to participate next year that are either currently enrolled at the high school or in the middle school it would be very beneficial to contact the Athletic Director at schairers@kingphilip.org to express your interest. There were 35 boys and girls who attended the meeting. The hope is that the school committee would budget some money to fund or partially fund the swim team as a winter varsity sport. A possible location to swim that was discussed was the Adirondack Club on the Norfolk/Franklin line.
    - PAN

  • 1/18 10:12am   SF - Thank the heavens someone else noticed! I thought for a moment I was the only one - and the isolation I felt of knowing about the "secret society" here in Norfolk could be made into a made-for-TV movie. A horror flick, like Night of the Living Dead - except the zombies are attacking your tax money. I will announce a meeting once future tax burdens are identified, the culprits or perps publicly admonished, and a course of action needed. There are also others like us out here as well.
    - MON

  • 1/18 8:41am   The Love Frog webkinz just arrived at Something Special.
    - Joan & Nancy, Something Special

  • 1/18 8:39am   JS, I am a local carpenter and I do facias and gutters. Tou can call me (Rob) @ 508-989-7913. My company name is Abramson Carpentry.
    - RA

  • 1/18 12:28am   Hello there, the corn-husking, sledding, ice-skating, snow bunny AL who posted on this site @ 10:17 this morning.
    To pick up on your quote of one of Alice's lines, I'll carry it a step farther with my following adaptation of a quotation originally authored by, I believe, Albert Einstein:
    A definition of madness: An inept government that insists on repeatedly making the same mistakes, by doing exactly the same wrong things, over and over, yet, astoundingly, actually expecting different (and more favorable) results, each time.
    - MT

    [The original: Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. -- Albert Einstein - Wm.]

  • 1/17 7:50pm   Hi, I am looking for a reliable, energetic babysitter for my children from 7 am until noon on Mondays and Tuesdays and from 6:45-8:30 am on Wednesdays. I am a teacher in a nearby town and need help with getting my 3rd and 1st grade boys on the bus in the morning, and watching my 5 year old daughter until preschool pick up at noon. The salary is competitive and I am looking to start as soon as possible as my current sitter is sick and unable to continue. Please contact me at : bdambro@comcast.net.
    Thank you,
    - BD

  • 1/17 5:29pm   Thanks MON and KL for the restaurant suggestions. You have helped!
    And MON... I think I would like to join that little rebellion... I am still fairly new to town but both my SO and I are in awe (and not in a good way) at how the town seems to be run. We call it the secret society.
    - SF

  • 1/17 5:29pm   I am trying to find out how to get in touch with Norfolk Boomerang. I have tried calling, emailing and they never return my calls or emails. They owe me a paper and just do not respond to me?
    - DWL

  • 1/17 3:10pm   I would just like to thank the Norfolk Fire and Police Departments and NStar for helping me with my downed limbs and wires issue this afternoon. Their professionalism and eagerness to help went way beyond expectations. Keep up the great work!
    - KS

  • 1/17 3:04pm   I need to replace my fascias and gutters. Can anyone recommend someone? Thanks,
    - JS

  • 1/17 12:21pm   Let me elaborate further. Our Boards, I am sure, are wonderful citizens. But give them a position to spend other people's money, and rational thinking and fiscal responsibility go out the window. I have been told by board members that there are those on boards who are "spenders" and that they have to contend with their ways.
    In other words, we have Board members who join with the best intentions of fiscal responsibility, then are intimidated in their meetings by the gregarious spenders. Then next thing you know bad fiscal decisions are made followed by higher taxes.
    Any of you on the boards I speak of, listen up. The real estate market is bad. Housing prices are dropping. You can't even sell your house in Norfolk to escape the madness that is Massachusetts. So find ways to use your authority other than spending our tax dollars. We don't need any new tax burdens - so put all the big plans on the shelf until the recession that is starting is over.
    Otherwise there will be a taxpayer revolt. And, above all, spenders beware.
    - MON

  • 1/17 11:59am   We received this e-mail asking for input and story ideas. If I'm not mistaken, this is that annual free booklet that's place in shops and the post office, filled with many ads and a few articles. If you advertise in it, here's your choice to be written about! Actually, if you advertise, you could consider advertising with us on Norfolknet, too -- we're local, we're friendly, and it's great exposure. We're read by half the households in town! (The other half, come on, where are you?)
    Hometown Publications is in the process of putting out its annual Norfolk Community Guide and we need some stories! In previous issues stories have been based on a wide variety of people and places in town, Norfolk Arena has been featured in the past to name one. Any ideas? Please submit them to: news@hometownweekly.net or call Bret Silverberg (me) at 508-359-2200 x.214. Thanks.
    - Wm.

  • 1/17 11:36am   Right On MT! I'm watching. So let's detail some of those future tax increases. Then let's conduct a CA in legal municipal parlance - Citizen's Audit. Ask for the books and the cost projections for the next fiscal periods. I did that several years ago and the individual departments were quite accommodating - although their bookkeeping practices were chaotic and incongruent from department to department.
    Only when we know the facts can we band together then fend of the Tax hounds while the Town isn't communicating as much as it should. Although, since Norfolknetters have been vocal about the running of Norfolk, some of the Selectmen started wearing neckties, a sure sign seriousness and fiscal leadership.
    You know that the citizens of our great country dumped Tea into Boston Harbor because of unfair taxation! Unfortunately now we are "too busy" with the media pacifying us while our government allows its corporations to make us all fat and lazy, so we don't have the strength to rebel against this fiscal terrorism, rampant and uncontrolled taxation.
    Except maybe in Norfolk. NoGo was an attempt to dump tea into the harbor. But that changed, didn't it. So now is the time to unite!
    Any recruits out there? Let's hear the issues and future tax burdens that our "leaders" are saddling us with.
    Then rebel.
    - MON

  • 1/17 10:35am   We just bought a home in town with an older Kenmore washer and dryer we would like to give away. They seem to work ok although the washer may need a tune-up; it seems to hesitate going into the rinse cycle. If you are interested in coming to get them, let me know. [Use box98@norfolknet.com - Wm.]
    - LA

    [Update 1:03pm: added mailbox for contact - Wm.]

  • 1/17 10:17am   There are quite a few AL's out there, MT, this one being the one with seven brothers, who loved Tice's Farm, traveling the GWB, and Jersey corn. But I've been busy sledding and getting the skates ready for a cold weekend, so you're responding to another AL. But count me among many who are deeply concerned about the upcoming budget season. It's going to warm up real quick here in Norfolk! Reminds me of a quote: "But I don't want to go among mad people,' said Alice. 'Oh, you can't help that,' said the cat. 'We're all mad here." -- Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland
    - AL

  • 1/17 10:00am   To the woman in the red Taurus that was behind me this morning going into Millis: I hope you are a Norfolk resident and read this page because I want to apologize for my part of the overly aggressive driving this morning. I went into the Millis police station to report you only to find out that you beat me to the punch. The police seemed to get a kick out of two women acting like children and in reality that is exactly what my part was. I hope your day will get better.
    Thanks!
    - MH

  • 1/17 9:57am   Hi, I am new to town and am desperately seeking a babysitter for a few hours a week, during the day, for my 2 yr old daughter so I can get to the gym! Also, I would love to go out with my hubby every once and a while so on occasion would like an evening babysitter as well. It would be great if anyone could recommend a babysitter. But I would appreciate any ideas on how to find babysitters as well. Any advice is most helpful. Thanks so much. Contact me on laura.sarkar@gmail.com
    - LS

  • 1/17 9:53am   KS - One other possibility to add to MT's insight. We once had a sinkhole in the middle of our yard, and we discovered that it was an old well that had not been properly filled years and years ago.
    - JT

  • 1/17 12:04am   KS, I just noticed your post of 1/13 @ 2:08pm. For obvious reasons I usually avoid getting caught up in inquiries such as yours, but since it appears that no one else has responded, I hope I'm not too late to possibly save you a substantial bundle of money.
    The most likely cause of your sinkholes is simply decomposing tree stumps and other organic debris that was buried there, during the construction of your home. Once the less likely but more critical possibilities are excluded, the simplest solution is to bring in some suitable fill to level off the ground again and forget about it.
    To eliminate the possible presence of any real causes of concern, locate your septic tank, "D" box and the possibility of any drainage pipes (usually easements) in that area. If you don't have that info at hand, the Town Bldg. Dept., Health Dept., or DPW will help you determine their locations. Since it's wintertime, I want to alleviate your concern by emphasizing that unless you've recently had some heavy-duty equipment activity in the area of your septic tank or "D" box it's highly unlikely that either has collapsed.
    Sleep soundly,
    - MT

  • 1/17 12:03am   Hello, again, AL; here's your first installment: Are there any inquiring minds on Norfolknet wondering if the Town ever received the $440,000 that the developer, Mr. Borelli, promised to pay, relative to the construction of the complex of chalets overlooking the Town Hall? If so, where is that money now? If not, why not? Have similar arrangements--$10,000 per unit--been made for the next 16 units he will be building?
    - MT

  • 1/16 10:18pm   AL, the concerns, that you expressed in your 1/13 post @ 2:06pm are well founded. Even if there were no tax overrides or debt exclusions to consider, the 2 1/2 % automatic annually incremental property tax increase represents a $650 plus/year increase in the period of just five years hence, to a home presently paying $5,000/ year. Yet, that's incidental compared to other costs that are in store for us if the present town government continues in its present direction of irresponsible spending. Of course, as you know, another cold fact is that, once enacted, our financial burden of tax overrides stays with us forever, and while the additional taxes levied for debt-exclusions are supposed to be lifted, when that debt has been satisfied, they never really are.
    For several years, a few of us (many too few) have spoken out and tried to draw attention to the political state of affairs in town. Regrettably, most who have displayed dissentient views seem to either have lost interest, become discouraged, or decided that rather than stand by their alleged convictions, they prefer to submit to the acceptance and imagined friendship of their adversaries, instead. I won't presume to speak for anyone else, except myself, but for the past three years or so, here on Norfolknet, I've presented numerous commentaries, containing accurate analyses, of various misconceptions being put into practice by our town government. For many more years, than that I've addressed some of these maladies during the conduct of various forms of town business, as well.
    If you're the same AL from the Garden State, with the 7 brothers who used to try to beat me across the GWB on the way to a celebratory Saturday night on the town in the Big City, then you've been around Norfolknet long enough to have noticed some of the flack that I've received, on this site, for daring to point out that we have some serious problems. Interestingly enough, those who challenged my posts elected to attack me, personally, rather than enter into a discussion on the matter. I suspect the reason is that the majority of those who, usually viciously, oppose my words of warning probably clearly recognize the truth and fear it. In all probability, they're one of the elitist group in town who feel threatened and react emotionally at the very suggestion that their freebees, their perks, their undeserved entitlements and unearned benefits may be at the risk of being taken away. You're right in your assertion, AL; the Town of Norfolk is similar to a runaway passenger train, filled to capacity, heading downhill at top speed toward a certain catastrophic derailment. There are numerous ways for--as you stated--the Town to (very comfortably) live within its means.
    I welcome your initiative in opening--what I hope will be--an ongoing discussion with many more sincere participants to address the issues you've mentioned. I'm game if you really are, but perhaps, before we go any further, it would help if you reviewed my posts for the past year or so and see where we'll go from there. The contentions that you've stated are not only on target, but are absolutely essential for the well-being of our hometown. Note: See attachment for a graphic illustration of the Town's present direction.
    Thanks for caring,
    - MT

  • 1/16 10:17pm   MG, re your post of 1/11 @ 7:26pm: I'm glad to see that you're still with us, vigilant, and looking beneath that thick, sweet, medicated candy coating that's supposed to keep us, the responsible resident taxpayers, from seeing the impossibility of the highly touted "La-La Land". The article to which you referred should be very informative to all truly concerned citizens in Norfolk; I don't think that you'll be surprised when warned that the information in that article is just the tip of a huge and very ominous iceberg.
    - MT

  • 1/16 4:51pm   MW/JSH - The sound is not from the welding shop at North and Union.
    - JHR

  • 1/16 12:47pm   I have been putting my children's snack drinks in stainless containers for years. I found that at the Wrentham Outlets in the kitchen store that is nearest the cafeteria like thing in the back. They had a selection in the rear of the store.
    - JGP

  • 1/16 10:44am   Hello again Norfolknetters. I just wanted to thank all of you who have contacted me for snowplowing and for the wonderful recommendations as well. I really do appreciate it.
    Just one clarification, to contact me please call 508-326-0299. That is my direct number. The other number being posted is my home phone and getting messages with pre-teens at home always on the phone is a job unto itself!
    Thank you again, it has been great meeting new people.
    Paul Robinson - "Reliable Snow Plowing" 508-326-0299
    - PR

  • 1/15 9:11pm   MJD, I just noticed your post of 1/11 @ 8:45: Contrary to what you must have thought, I don't disagree with your choosing stainless steel containers. As far as I'm concerned a good grade stainless steel or glass container is the safest way to proceed. However, for long-term storage I still prefer glass because of its superior resistance to corrosives; yes, ordinary water, in many instances, is also a corrosive, albeit usually quite mild. Since it appears that you are using your new SS containers strictly for the short term storage of filtered water, which has probably also been "neutralized" in the process, I think that you made a good choice.
    - MT

  • 1/15 9:09pm   MJD, re your post of 1/11 @ 7:28pm: Aw shucks, MJD, the reason that I thought that your idea of a showdown, by sword--even though hypothetical--with some of the errant town officials was such a cardinal one was because at least then we could see that they were equally armed with a weapon of substance, instead of their present elusive and unstable weapons of misdirection, incessant counterproductive scheming, and inaccurate rhetoric. In theory, a contest, like the one you proposed, would flush them from their typical hiding place behind well-practiced and worn-out double talk. It would force them to truthfully face the facts and honestly admit to their chronic misguided judgment.
    Listening to the unique qualities of a well-played banjo is treat that many of us can greatly enjoy, but I'm afraid that your proposed banjo duel on Town Hill just won't do it. It seems that, for much too long, some of our elected and appointed officials have already become experts at haphazardly picking, plucking, strumming and fiddling around with the fiscal stability and overall integrity of our town. Consequentially, the conclusion should be obvious that some overwhelming influence is deterring too many of them from playing the appropriate chords, on key, at the right time, and with the necessary discipline with which they were intended to be played.
    Oh, well, MJD, by your declining to be my second, I've been thrown off balance, but here's a hearty "Yeehaw!" right back to ya, anyway; thanks, just the same, for your kind offer and your effort.
    - MT

  • 1/15 2:28pm   I have three beautiful prom dresses for sale, and also two shorter dresses (perfect for the upcoming father/daughter dance). If interested please call 528-2413.
    - DH

  • 1/15 1:23pm   SF - try Jacob Wirths across the street from the Wang on Kneeland St. Good menu and variety with great German fare, brats and sauerkraut, etc etc. Maggiannos is good too, but $$$$, slow and not close to the Wang. Rockbottom at Tremont and Kneeland is also a good choice next to the Wang, if you like pubfare, as is Montien, if you like Thai or sushi.
    - MON

  • 1/15 12:32am   EC--I tutor math. Although I am not taking on any new students, I have someone I can recommend to you. Email me at sbycoff@comcast.net. Good luck!
    - SRB

  • 1/14 8:44pm   To DB - re: reverse osmosis water filter. We used Atlas Water Systems. atlaswatersystems.com They are excellent and the investment is worth every penny for the pure water you receive.
    - JD

  • 1/14 8:19pm   EC - Our engineer may be willing to tutor your son. She's tutored before, but I'm not sure to what level. I'll ask her tomorrow, and will let you know .
    Thank you Paul Robinson ! Thank heavens for our plowboys!
    - LAW

  • 1/14 7:36pm   MW & JSH - I live in the area but don't hear the noise. There is a welding shop at King & Union -- could it be coming from there?
    - BR

  • 1/14 7:31pm   I am available for snowplowing anytime. My name is Sean Webber and I charge $25/driveway. You can reach me at 508-838-8247 anytime of the day or night.
    - SW

  • 1/14 7:23pm   For SF - For solid fare and a middle of the road offering, try Maggiano's. Used to the theater crowds, lengthy menu, can handle large parties, and get you in and out fairly quickly. For a more upscale experience, take a look at Teatro or Via Matta.
    - KL

  • 1/14 6:19pm   Looking for a calculus tutor: For my son, who is a strong math student, but needs some extra help in his advanced calculus class. Our previous tutor does not cover this, so I am wondering what outside resources there might be in the Norfolk area. Thanks in advance.
    - EC

  • 1/14 5:05pm   I'm wondering if anyone can give me some advice. We're going to the Wang Theater for a musical. Any suggestions on a good restaurant close to the theater? Italian, steaks, seafood, anything? Thanks for your help.
    - SF

  • 1/14 2:52pm   Thanks Norfolknet for helping me get out of my driveway! On a recommendation read here I called Paul Robinson for snow plowing. I called this morning and he was at my house within an hour, plowing away. We have a difficult driveway to plow (steep with a fence) and he did a great job and the price was reasonable. He lives in town and said if I knew anyone else who needed plowing to pass along his name. So here it is, Paul Robinson, 508 528 2770. [Call my direct number 508-326-0299 instead - PR]
    - ND

  • 1/14 2:51pm   To BR: We have a reverse osmosis filter and the water is spectacular. Our sodium level was very high and there is not a trace of it in our filtered water. We used Brodeur and he was quick and relatively cheap.
    - JL

  • 1/14 2:43pm   Woodside Montessori Academy will be holding an Open House for grades 1 through 8 tomorrow, January 15, from 9 to 11 am. This will be an opportunity for parents of prospective Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary or Middle School students to observe classes in session at the Franklin and Millis campuses. For details, call 508-376-5320 or visit woodsideacademy.com.
    - VR

  • 1/14 2:41pm   MW, I live in the King St/Union St/middle school area and I too have heard that noise, especially when I'm up early tending to my baby. I have no idea what the source is.
    - JSH

  • 1/14 2:41pm   This may be of interest to many Boston [Globe: No Place But Up]
    - JO

  • 1/13 11:06pm   AL - Don't worry, Governor Patrick pledged property tax relief for towns and cities. Ooops, I forgot - he's currently too busy to address that campaign pledge [... continued]
    - DA

  • 1/13 2:08pm   I have a sinkhole in my yard that seems to be growing. Does anyone have a recommendation for someone who can look at it and tell me what can be done? Thanks.
    - KS

  • 1/13 2:06pm   I was very concerned seeing the budget issues facing the Town again. I moved to Norfolk over 2 years ago and my taxes have risen $1500 (and I live in the 'averaged' priced house). At the rate Norfolk is spending, in 5 years the average priced house will cost $10,000 in annual real estates taxes. There needs to be better cost savings and budget cut performed. I do see the need for a better public safety building, but maybe other areas of Town should be cut back. I am very concerned as a proud resident of Norfolk to see the word 'override' discussed every year. The Town needs to finds ways to live 'within their means', which may mean some areas of Town making sacrifices for others. How long can we continue to overspread the the resident's dollars? I am opening this discussion in hope that all in town give some thought in the ongoing budget issues.
    - AL

  • 1/13 11:40am   MW Contact Paul Robinson for snow plowing, 508 528 2770. Reliable, reasonable - what more can I say. [Call my direct number 508-326-0299 instead - PR]
    - PB

  • 1/13 10:27am   I live in the King St/Union St/middle school area... Does anyone else experience a constant noise outside that sounds like a giant generator or vacuum? It's loud enough for me to hear it inside my home. It goes on for hours! I can hear it sometimes late and night or early in the morning. It is a constant noise, it is not the small airplanes that use the state school land for their club... I hear it right now... it has been going on since before 7am this Sunday morning.
    - MW

  • 1/13 10:26am   My husband is the snow blower in the family, but he's out of town for most of the week. I need someone to plow my kids and me out of tomorrow's storm. Anyone have any recommendations? Please Help!
    - HN

  • 1/12 11:29pm   Does anyone have a "reverse osmosis water filtration system"? I'm considering installing one and wanted to know your experience and who installed it. Thanks
    - DB

  • 1/12 11:28pm   SJP - The junior high also lost power and were using generators. We also lost power as mw mentioned this area loses power quite often. I had to go out, and saw many Verizon trucks in the area. Trees did go down on Main Street per the Sun Chronicle. I thought maybe lightning had hit something but I guess not.
    - BR

  • 1/12 7:48pm   CS, I clean houses, I live here in town, and have many references, and have done many houses for people moving in and out, you can respond to box68@norfolknet.com. Welcome to Norfolk!!!
    - JD

  • 1/12 7:47pm   SJP... We lost power for several hours...It gets cold quick this time of year! We are in the King/Union st. area and we frequently loose power. We have resorted to a back up generator that is small, but just strong enough to power our furnace a few lights and the refridgerator.
    - MW

  • 1/11 11:24pm   MJD--I am serious!! I'm trying to avoid bottled water, nalgene bottles are also made of plastic that leach so I'm looking for alternatives to glass which obviously breaks. Thanks for the tip.
    - BS

  • 1/11 11:22pm   Anybody else lose power this morning?
    - SJP

    [We did -- sever times, for a second or so at a time. West of Rockwood Rd. seems to be more prone to outages. - Wm.]

  • 1/11 11:21pm   BS - They're available several places on-line; I got ours at: [reusablebags.com: Klean Kanteen]
    - VR

  • 1/11 8:54pm   BS - Just in case you are serious, I ordered them from Amazon. I think they are called Enviro bottles, ok, have at me MT. They cost a small fortune but they don't break and you can scald them to get them clean.
    - MJD

  • 1/11 8:35pm   MJD - Where did you find the stainless water bottles? Thanks,
    - BS

  • 1/11 7:28pm   MT - I feel like you know me. I am still crying, I just can't stop! Ironically, my new refrigerator arrives tomorrow with factory-installed water filtration system and I just switched all of our water bottles from Lexan to food-quality stainless. You must read minds! What am I thinking now? Right again, dueling banjos! We could handle this whole recall issue in a completely bloodless manner, and all have a hot diggity night on the town to boot. I'll book the dates on town hill and you start practicing your finger pickin'. Yeehaw!
    - MJD

  • 1/11 7:27pm   Just a reminder for parents of former Norfolk Boy Scouts: Troop 80 is looking for photos of Troop activities for it's archives; such as Squanto, camping trips, Klondike Derby, or any other Troop Events. Scouts will be at the Norfolk Public Library tommorrow (Saturday) from 1-4 to scan your photos and do a brief interview (who/what/where/when). All photos will be returned!
    If you cannot make it (or find your photos in time!) they can also be dropped off at the library circulation desk - just be sure to include your name, address, and phone number.
    Thanks for helping us with our project!
    - DI and MT - Troop 80 Historians

  • 1/11 7:26pm   [1/11 Sun Chronicle: ``Budgets, buildings face Norfolk in '08'']
    - MG

  • 1/11 7:25pm   Kudos to MON! I did see the program about medicated children and was overwhelmed. Having addressed this issue, you have done all parents a great service. Keep up the good work.
    - WC

  • 1/11 4:51pm   MJD, I knew all along that there was something that I liked about you--albeit rumor has it that you wept right along with Hillary Clinton the other night (even though Hillary's were only crocodile tears), and that you still prefer drinking filtered water in lieu of tap water.
    On the subject of drinking, here's a toast to your most excellent suggestion about organizing formal duels on Town Hill. Your idea has much merit. My sword is always hanging, at the ready, on the wall in my war room, waiting for such a noble occasion. You have me so excited at the prospect that I won't sleep tonight, but, instead, will probably spend the time brushing up on the sword manual; I'm a little rusty, and as the energy might tend to become increasingly electrified, while rallying to such a worthwhile cause, I wouldn't want to lop off one of my own ears or the tip of my own nose during any of the tournaments.
    So, that being said, how would you like to be my second, MJD? You can be in charge of arranging the duels with my opponents and directing how to dispose of them once they're done. Since this will be taking place at Town Hill concerts, perhaps you could arrange for some suitable background music to accompany the duels; Suppe's "Light Cavalry Overture and Wagner's "Die Walkure", would set the tempo rather nicely, don't you think? Since, on a level field, the playing time of those exquisite pieces is much longer than the time needed to whittle any of my targets down to size, let's not waste the music; if you also have any choice officials in mind, feel free to feed them into the arena, as well.
    Skoal,
    - MT

  • 1/11 4:49pm   MON, I couldnt agree with you more. As the mom of an ADHD teenager, I have chosen not to medicate. My son is a very, very intelligent young man. The only reason his teachers wanted to medicate him was becuase he was restless in the classroom. I believe this was due to his boredom. I took alot of heat for this... turns out my son went on to become a High Honor roll student... without the aid of drugs. Go figure! For me, all it took was time and energy out of my day to practice a diligent routine with him. I realize that for other, more severe cases medication is a good partial solution, but I firmly believe that it should not be the only solution.
    My thoughts on parents giving their kids caffeine... Are you crazy? NO! Dunkin Donuts markets some of these drinks as desserts and even one drink as a meal replacement. My kids see all the whipped cream and think it looks positively heavenly. I don't allow my kids to drink them. If my oldest wants one, he has to buy it himself. I will not promote it.
    - MW

  • 1/11 4:48pm   MON, good post; can we just throw in diet drinks with it as so many children consume these as well.
    - DWL

  • 1/11 4:47pm   Does anyone know what was happening today on Main Street around noon? Was there an accident?
    - SD

  • 1/11 4:46pm   I've noticed there have been some crafter posts on here so I thought I would post. If anyone has a use for horse hair (mane) in their crafts please email me. I have chestnut and flaxen colors free for the taking. Norfolkk9@aol.com
    - HC

  • 1/11 1:00pm   This is a MON post, so if you are too troubled to read this, please skip.
    For all the Petty Disparagers out there, I am glad others are on to you! I bring up the fact there is an obesity epidemic in America and you would think from the posts we were in Germany during the anti-intellectualism that resulted in World War II and genocide.
    But let's move on to another informative health crisis affecting our great nation.
    For any of you interested, PBS had a great show on the other night, The Medicated Child, about the rampant and overprescription of potent neurological drugs to children and the powers that push pills. Every parent should watch this, which is online at PBS.org. Several of the children in the show, diagnosed with ADHD and/or bipolar disorder were shown eating corndogs and drinking Gatorade, which is the equivalent to letting them eat stimulants.
    Which brings me to a local point. I observe parents buying their grade-school aged children iced coffee and SoBe caffeinated drinks (along with Yellow #5) at the local Dunkin Donuts, and wonder if they have any clue how they are slowly poisoning their children.
    Then I wonder how often children in our state are over diagnosed with behavioral problems and dosed with dangerous drugs and when the outrage will occur.
    - MON

  • 1/11 8:43am   CS, Welcome to Norfolk. Hope you will love it as much as we do. A well known and great cleaner is Maria Campos. You can reach her at 508-879-9302. Very trustworthy and reliable. Feel free to call me for ref's at 508-553-9923.
    - YP

  • 1/11 8:42am   If you are looking for beautiful cabinets or millwork try Island Cabinets at 508-876-8034. They are in Blackstone. Paul worked with us and created a custon pantry for the kitchen. Perfect match. Will be using them again.
    - YP

  • 1/11 8:40am   JS and KB, Galaxy Granite on 1A in Walpole does fireplace surrounds as I am looking into this as well. I will also post my findings.
    - DWL

  • 1/11 12:31am   The Selectmen have November 15 as the date to halt construction on our streets unless it is an exigency or a hardship. Can anyone tell me what the exigency or hardship is with the mess on Seekonk St?
    - GE

  • 1/10 11:42pm   The Norfolk Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is holding Volunteer Kick-Off Event on Saturday, January 26, 2008 @ 1:30 pm in the Norfolk Public Library Community Room - 139 Main Street. Please join us to learn more about the MRC and what you can do to help your community in the event of emergency. Speakers include Cristine McCombs from Beck Disaster Recovery, Inc. and personnel from the Norfolk Fire and Police Departments. For more information, visit the Board of Health web page at: virtualnorfolk.org
    - Betsy Fijol, Administrative Assistant, Norfolk Board of Health

  • 1/10 11:41pm   JS, regarding fireplace tiling, we are looking to do the same, only our fireplace hearth and surround is brick. I have someone coming over tonight, and another this weekend. If you'd like drop me a line and we can share tiling names and compare notes. ugp2002@aol.com Results to be posted on Norfolknet when completed.
    - KB

  • 1/10 11:40pm   We have two vacancies on the Bylaw Committee and welcome new members. The Committee oversees all the town's bylaws, including the structure of town government, public safety, revenues, and town operations. (Many of the topics discussed on this forum.) It is a great chance to make a meaningful contribution to improve the quality of life in Norfolk. If interested and able to attend meetings at least two nights per month, please send me an email stating your interest to winslow@virtualnorfolk.org. Thanks.
    - DBW, Town of Norfolk

  • 1/10 11:39pm   MT - I suggest an amendment to the bylaws which calls for a duel between the unhappy citizen and the elected town official; it's about as likely as recall. Sabers, not pistols, so much more entertaining! We could hold the events on Town Hill and the scouts could sell refreshments. We could make these duels the opening act for the town hill concert series. It's so much more exciting than a performance review ( ;
    - MJD

  • 1/10 9:19am   My wife and I just bought a new construction house in Norfolk and we're preparing to move in. What we'd like to know is if anyone can provide us with someone or a company that provides home cleaning services? We want the house to be fully cleaned before we move in. Any good recommendations would be greatly appreciated
    - CS

  • 1/9 11:56pm   Re the post of 1/7 @ 7:54 pm and those subsequently related: TC, TEM et al., is it possible that you and many of your [siblings] have lost sight of the fact that part of the designated purpose of Norfolknet is as a forum? I have read many of MON's posts and find them to be quite invigorating and thought provoking; that is to say, even if one may disagree with that writer's theses they're worthy of no less than being discussed calmly, pragmatically, and in an intellectual manner.
    In my opinion, the words expressed in the posts referenced above are full of knee-jerk emotion and are meaningless. Aside from, perhaps, some self-gratification that one may obtain by attempting to denigrate another person with a string of senseless insults, nothing worthwhile has been said. It seems to me that personally attacking someone with sarcasm, for that person's opinion, lacks a display of intelligence and good taste. If you don't like what MON has said, why don't you attack the message instead of the messenger; that's where it would be most beneficial to your cause. If you are in disagreement with MON's position, TC, (and if you must) grab your own dictionary and present a valid counter-position to MON's stand. Otherwise, with due respect, your tack of petty disparagement is an embarrassment shared by many of us.
    - MT

  • 1/9 11:52pm   MG, re your post of 1/5 @ 3:04 pm: You're on the right track. I agree, that town employees are paid quite well in exchange for the services that they provide. There should be no question, at all, that as the population density (resident and transient) increases in town, the greater the demand for increased infrastructure, including adding even more town employees. The direct result is a greater burden to us, the resident taxpayers, to provide the required (demanded) revenue to the people spending our money. This is like being forced to try to continually run ahead of a herd of berserk buffalos, without being trampled. Guess what? Ultimately you can't win there and the "Increased Density" concept being touted by so many of our illustrious town officials is just as fatal.
    I'm also in complete agreement with you that the position of Town Clerk should have remained an elected position and not to be appointed by the BOS. There's no doubt that enough of the Town of Norfolk voters can discern between a person with the necessary qualifications for the job, and one without them. In effect, the BOS spokesman was telling us that we've been making bad choices in electing the past Town Clerks, including the last one, Marie Chiofolo. I only knew that person from her work and reputation, but I think she did an exemplary job. Can anyone disagree that she wasn't our best choice? This move, on the part of the BOS, is yet another area where it has, either deliberately or by coincidence, taken from us another safeguard of checks and balances; regardless of how well intentioned they thought they were being, the end result is that more power has been concentrated with the BOS and the relatively small elitist group that they serve. While on the subject, a post subsequent to yours by MJD argues that we're stuck with an elected official, once in office. That's not entirely true; the remedy is the Recall process, a safeguard I believe is, now, missing in our bylaws. If we don't have that right now, I'd like to see it appear as an Article in our next Town Warrant. MJD's position loses a little momentum at the mention of some of the other positions. The town Clerk is an integral part of our government; the other jobs aren't--or at least shouldn't be. The Fire Chief and the Police Chief have their own very clear-cut guidelines of the operation of their respective departments. The Selectmen and their cohorts can do very little meddling in the operation of these essential services ... which is probably why the supervision of both departments remains so outstanding.
    Your observation of how our Town Meetings are conducted is also very astute. The fact is that, as our town meeting process now exists, it no longer serves its intended purpose. The gatherings are part farce, often choreographed, and usually poorly attended by the very people who, apparently forgetting that they are part of the same government, then complain about the outcomes and subsequent "wrongdoings" of our appointed and elected officials. This lends much credence to the expression, "People get the government that they deserve". Unfortunately, that truism often threatens to flush the rest of us down the toilet with them. MG, I could give you several pages accurately explaining how and why and how our Town Government and Town Meeting process have failed, but I have a feeling that you already get the picture.
    Your mention of the present Town Moderator also strikes a chord, but I haven't seen him in action long enough, yet, to make any definite decisions. So far, he's displayed some shortcomings, but there's still a question in my mind if they're contrived, or a result of a too restricted frame of reference and/or preconceived (and erroneous) guidelines about his full responsibility as a truly impartial moderator. I don't know this person, so, he has the full benefit of my doubt, for now. Time will tell... let's give him this next five months.
    Hang in there, MG, and keep sluggin'; remember that as long as you keep getting up, the other guy hasn't won!
    - MT

  • 1/9 11:50pm   Anyone have any recommendations for a good tiler? I want to redo my fireplace hearth which currently has slate slabs.
    - JM

  • 1/9 11:20am   Supporters of public education are invited to Stand for Children's 2008 Statewide Education Summit, Saturday, January 26, 2008, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., at the Reading Memorial High School in Reading, MA. Lunch and childcare provided. Members and nonmembers are welcome.
    * Learn how you can improve education in your district and across the state.

    * Hear from Paul Reville; Chairman of the Massachusetts Board of Education and Dr. Dana Mohler-Faria, Special Advisor to the Governor on Education and other leading policy makers about the changes that could affect every child in Massachusetts.

    * Build skills and share strategies for winning funding and policy changes that improve our schools.

    For registration and directions go to standleadershipcenter.org/ma/summit, email MAinfo.org, or call 617-547-3800. Norfolk residents will be in attendance. See the Norfolk-Plainville-Wrentham chapter stand.org/ma/norfolk for more information.
    - CL

  • 1/9 11:18am   The King Philip Music Department presents two Chamber Recitals; Wednesday January 16th 7pm, and Wednesday January 23rd 7pm in the auditorium of the King Philip Regional High School Wrentham
    The Recitals will feature a variety of performances by high school students, from soloists to quintets. The public is invited; admission is free.
    - MW, KPMA

  • 1/8 7:16pm   JBN, I already have the space in Dover, I am relocating a photo studio from the space. I would love to open a shop here, but there is no retail space around town that would work for it. Also, we have Something Special here, that is a great shop. And no, I cannot do antiques, because I am in the same building that houses the Whistle Stop antique shop, but he takes them on consignment and is very sweet.
    I would love to help out Norfolk people, that is why I posted here. In fact, I have two local women so far who will be part of it.
    - DV

  • 1/8 6:35pm   RM - I see that BS recommended the Friends of the Library, which does hold a fabulous book sale. There's also Treesavers Books (treesaversbooks.com) in Franklin. Check them out as well.
    In addition to Big Brother/Big Sister, I'd like to recommend the Veteran's groups. I can't remember the name of the one I used, but they came and picked up household items. Maybe someone else will know the name.
    - SO

  • 1/8 6:32pm   DV: Where in Dover will you be opening your shop? Would you consider antiques, or does it have to be a hand made craft? One question that popped into my head as I read your post was why you aren't opening the shop here in Norfolk? I am not attempting to be critical, just curious. I wish you the best of luck wherever you go.
    - JBN

  • 1/8 6:31pm   TC - With all on your plate, no pun intended, don't forget to go to TEM's house for the book burning!
    - MON

  • 1/8 2:27pm   TEM - Thank you for your sage advice. I am ashamed of myself for letting the rants of certain posters discourage me from even visiting Norfolknet, where there is indeed lots of great and useful information. I will take your advice and simply skip offensive posts in the future.
    Right now, however, I just saw a commercial about a new sandwich at Taco Bell that is only 1500 calories per serving! That's good, right?? I am going to grab some food stamps, strap on the feedbag, then head to a picket line somewhere to help union members pick the pockets of stupid taxpayers! Any Norfolk Selectmen care to join me? (Just kidding!)
    - TC

  • 1/8 11:59am   TEM - for a person who skips over my posts you sure can quote me well! Keep up the Good Work!
    - MON

  • 1/8 11:28am   Hi all, We are opening a gift store in Dover, the idea of it is a networking resource. It is going to be a retail outlet for home based businesses and crafts. Product is put in the shop on a consignment basis with a card and/or writeup about your home based business. I am not sure if this will take off or be a dud, but what the heck, we have the retail space and as outdoor child photographers we have the time to spend during the winter months to try and get it going. If you are interested in participating please call 508-528-7003.
    - DV

  • 1/8 11:25am   TC - Which of the three categories do you fit in? 1) An obese American - which one out of three Americans are, thanks to bad diet and mass media influence, 2) A Town Selectman or 3) A member of a union that feels entitled to our tax dollars. Given your vitriolic and nebulous rant I can not tell what set you off. Not that it matters to me what you think.
    - MON

  • 1/8 10:17am   To MK, BF, and TC: When reading the NorfolkNet I look forward to getting right to the many contributions of my fellow Norfolk residents who have something serious, useful, informative, controversial, or entertaining to say. In order to do this, I find myself skipping over the posts of MON. You might consider doing the same. After all, and in all fairness to him, he did warn us. In the event you're new to NorfolkNet or may have missed his odd and sometimes baffling remarks, he has stated previously on this very site that he is primarily interested in getting someone's goat, tends "to go over the top sometimes," does not really care what Norfolk does with its Town Center, and is fond of causing "trial anxieties" just to see "who takes the bait." From those comments alone (and there are a lot more to choose from) it becomes obvious that he (she) should never be taken seriously or even read in the first place.
    - TEM

  • 1/7 7:54pm   MON, Your arrogance is astounding. Are you really that self-assured? Is there any subject on which you are not an expert? Your moral superiority about everything is a little hard to take. Since you are so generous with your opinions, let's hope you are the real deal; a supremely brilliant, clear-thinking, unrivaled physical specimen! If not, you might just grab a dictionary and look up the word "humility." I suspect of all the gifts you possess, that isn't one of them.
    - TC

  • 1/7 4:36pm   Hi, I am reaching out to Norfolknet once again in search for daycare. My present daycare provider has some medical issues and is unable to continue with us for the remainder of the school year. I am looking for someone who can work on Mondays and Tuesdays 7am-noon and on Wednesday monings from 6:45-8:30am (just to get the kids on the bus). I have 3 children. If you are interested you can contact me through Norfolknet. [use box96@norfolknet.com - Wm.] Thank you,
    - BD

  • 1/7 3:35pm   RM, I have taken them to the Senior Center, they do accept them and they seem to appreciate the effort.
    - JT

  • 1/7 2:08pm   RM--the transfer station is also know as the dump. It is on Medway Branch just down the street from the Senior Center. Medway Branch is off Boardman St. See the map in your little green phone book. There are actually two sheds--one for the Friends and one for some other book organization. As this week's letter noted, the other organization is a for-profit organization. I've always donated to the Friends so it's not an issue for me.
    Based on your question, you do not seem to be a transfer station user. I'm not sure if you need a permit to enter or not to make book donations. You might be better off taking the books to the library storage room. The transfer station is open on Wed and Sat. Wm has a link to their website for times.
    Glad to help.
    - BS

    [Update 2:58pm: Library hours, among top-left links
    Transfer Station page with hours, also linked from Business Listings - Wm.]

  • 1/7 1:39pm   Thanks BS! One question, you mention "a shed at the transfer station" could you clarify where that is. Is it near the library? Thank you again for the suggestions, much appreciated.
    - RM

  • 1/7 1:21pm   I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank those people who showed such kindness towards my wife and family over the last few months. With all of the other frustrating issues posted here and the stresses on everyone these days, it was refreshing to see all of the well wishing and thoughtfulness displayed by so many people in town.
    - PD

  • 1/7 12:10pm   RM - Regarding your books, you can donate your books to our own Friends of the Norfolk Public Library. Each year they run a book sale that raises significant money. They have a shed at the transfer station or you can take them to the library and there is a closet in which you can place them. In fact, there was a letter to the editor in this past weeks edition of the Boomerang about this topic.
    I donate much of my household stuff to Big Brother/Big Sister. They are actually collecting in Norfolk tomorrow (at least in my neighborhood). You might want to give them a call.
    Happy cleaning.
    - BS

  • 1/7 11:49am   SF - I meant to say that we should have a liposuction clinic in the town center coupled with a business that deprograms people overwhelmed with conscientious consumption and mindless eating, in contrast to having a mediocre (at best) supermarket readily available that will sell us processed and out-of-date food.
    MKL - quite a memory there! The race was between Lehan and Talerman, as I recall, and you may remember me also stating I wished there were a third candidate for Selectman. I wish this now more than ever. But at least Lehan knows when there is a problem, now acting on them or being proactive on issues affecting the town is another matter.
    MG - right on! The BOS and the internal machinery around here seem to favor the sacred cows of government (read unions) then try to silence those who speak up for the taxpayer! You have pointed out a prime example of how government is biased, the moderator and his ability to squash an argument. Can he be removed if he gets too biased?
    Always watching in the New Year,
    - MON

  • 1/7 11:48am   Does anyone have an suggestions as to where old books could be donated? My wife and I have several boxes full of once or twice read books, paperback and hardcover, most in very good condition that we would like to get out of our garage, but we would like to avoid just taking them to the dump. I have contacted some of the local libraries, but they do not take donations. Any suggestion is appreciated.
    We also have several sets of dishes and glass wear that we no longer need, in decent condition, happy to donate them as well, if anyone knows who might take them. Thanks.
    - RM

  • 1/6 10:43pm   To MON: Your tone is arrogant and condescending, and your statement justifying your belief that we do not need a food store in our town because there is an "obesity epidemic raging" is the most ridiculous thing I have ever read. What utter nonsense.
    There also seems to be an insensitivity epidemic raging, not to mention a pure lack of common sense.
    - SF

  • 1/6 10:35pm   Two random thoughts.
    [Continued on the new Election page.]
    - PA

  • 1/6 6:17pm   Fios does not have a license as of yet from the BoS to offer Cable TV in town.
    - JH

  • 1/6 12:25am   To MW... With regard to FIOS TV, click here [Verizon FiOS] and type in your phone number to check availability in your area. FiOS Internet is in my neighborhood but not TV. However, it may be available on your street.
    - RP

  • 1/6 12:23am   MW, Fios is Verizon's fiber optic offering (light over glass fibers, until it gets to your house when it is moved to a coaxial cable - [coax cable is] the same as your Comcast cable going into your house). Right now only internet and phone are available. TV has been "coming" for about 9 months since I asked.
    - BH

  • 1/5 6:49pm   I know that this topic has been visited before, so I ask for your patience. What is the story with Fios TV? and Fios in general? I am so frustrated with my Comcast. We have major issues. We cannot watch digital cable, our phone signal is so weak that we are dropping calls in the middle and the internet is so funky and slow that my son cannot use a game subscription that we paid good money for. We have had technician after technician after techinician. Not one can fix the problem or even find it. I am so fed up, I am tired of paying all this money for a service that we cannot use. Is Fios TV available or not? I see all the ads on TV, now would be a good time for me to switch.
    - MW

  • 1/5 3:43pm   MG - I absolutely disagree with you on the Town Clerk issue. The Town Clerk's (TC) position is a full-time paid position and should be hired, supervised and evaluated as such. With the current system with an elected TC, if the a taxpayer is dissatisfied with the work of the TC, she has no immediate recourse. The TC does not answer to the BOS or the TA. The only recourse the taxpayer has is to challenge the TC in an upcoming election or find a qualified candidate to run against the current TC? Ridiculous in a town of 10,000 people with business to be done. The TC's job is important and complicated and should be treated in a professional manner with professional pay, supervision, support and appropriate review. Why don't we elect the Fire Chief, the Chief of Police, Director of the Library or Recreation Department. For that matter how about the Superintendent of School or the Director of the DPW? That would really improve things in town I am sure!
    - MJD

  • 1/5 3:04pm   MON - Everyone gets a raise except many taxpayers, especially those retired. Every time Social Security gives a raise they take at least half of the money and add it to medicare. The board of selectmen just gave all employees a break on their insurance that the average worker does not get, and we the taxpayers now have that added expense plus trying to pay our own insurance. Not to mention the high salaries that are paid to some of their employees. I know college graduates with a lot of experience and knowledge who don't make the money that some of our employees make. When are we going to get a decent BOS and finance committee that will represent the taxpayers, for that is why we elect them, to work for us and not for their own benefit.
    We also need to make sure that the BOS are not involved with hiring a town clerk, for then that clerk will answer to them and not the taxpayer. The BOS stated recently in the Boomerang that anyone inexperienced could run for the Town Clerk's job which is not true, for we would be checking that person out and they would also have to list what their experience is to qualify as town clerk. So much for the BOS's intellegence, thinking we would vote for anyone who did not have the experience.
    We are losing our voting rights left and right, for now the Town Moderator wants to silence the residents by limiting the time they can talk on anything brought up at Town Meeting. The Moderator could end the conversation of someone who was about to give us some valuable information. I believe we the people can call for an end to anyone who is wasting our time by not giving real facts that would be of interest to the voters. In the back of the Town Report is all the information on what the laws are on town meetings, and states that the voters decide when it is time to vote which automatically ends a voter's right to continue his conversation.
    - MG

  • 1/5 3:03pm   For MON - If you are so dissatisfied with the BOS, and so eager for change, why all the posts to maintain status quo at election time?
    - MKL

  • 1/4 9:44pm   MG and JBN, forget about food stores going into the town center. Besides, look around, there is an obesity epidemic rampaging. Here is what is going on in the Town Center this year, courtesy of our diligent town Boards and Selectmen.
    - MON

  • 1/4 9:38pm   SRB... Regarding piano tuning, I last had David Cutler who works for Avery Piano in Providence. Did a great job. Incidentally, if you are thinking about a new piano, that is a great place to go. They sell used pianos as well as new, and will refund the total cost of the used when and if you ever want to trade up to new.
    - JHR

  • 1/4 9:37pm   Hey Norfolk - things are heating up. I'm not talking about the January thaw - we vote next month in the presidental primary. Any thoughts out there in the wake of Iowa? Are Norfolk voters leaning toward the man from Hope or the guy selling hope Deval Patrick style? Any Hillary stalwarts out there? Anyone on board the Straight Talk Express?
    - DA

    [Note: follow-ups will be posted to the Politics page or equivalent. I will start a new Election 2008 page - Wm.]

  • 1/4 8:54pm   Hi! I am looking for someone to tune my piano...it is not in good shape to begin with so I may really be looking for someone to tell me if it can be saved. I will then be looking for a piano teacher for my 6 year old daughter. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks!
    - SRB

  • 1/4 4:28pm   Coastal Mountain Railroad is coming back! On Saturday, January 12th and Sunday the 13th during regular library hours, there will be a working HO-scale model railroad display in the Norfolk Library's Community Room. Kids of all ages will enjoy the sights and sounds of this once-a-year event. For library hours, see our website at library.virtualnorfolk.org. If you want to see more trains, go to www.my-dads-trains.com/cmr/
    - Heather Pisani-Kristl, Norfolk Library

  • 1/3 2:00pm   Help! I need some really great crafters who make a great product in their home. Because mind never stops, I am opening a new business, if the people are out there. I am looking for people who would like to do a craft show in the next two weeks. The date will be determined by the response I get. I have several people looking for people now, so let me hear from you. The show will be in Dover, MA.
    - DV, 508-528-7003

  • 1/3 1:08pm   To MG: No. We want a Whole Foods or Trader Joes. Or a nice park.
    - JBN

  • 1/3 1:07pm   MG Re: Stop & Shop: Of course we want Stop & Shop to come to town. Every time we find out of date food we can fine them, thereby increasing the amount of money in the town coffers. I think this has been the Selectman's plan all along. (tongue firmly planted in cheek).
    - BR

  • 1/3 12:02pm   The Soccer Club of Norfolk will be accepting registrations for its spring 2008 travel soccer season Friday, January 4, 2008 through Monday, January 14, 2008. Register online by going to the Club's web site at norfolksoccer.com. Eligibility is open to all town children in grades two though six. Children living in other towns are also eligible if one parent currently resides in Norfolk. The cost is $80.00 plus a mandatory $8.00 field user fee. Uniforms are also required at a cost of $60.00 if the player does not currently own a Soccer Club jersey. The registration deadline is Monday, January 14, 2008. Registrations received after that date may subject the registrant to being placed on a waiting list, with no guarantee of placement on a team. Also, registrations will only be accepted provided all outstanding fees to the Club have been paid.
    - DM

  • 1/3 9:30am   Do we really want a Stop & Shop!! [article]
    - MG

    [From the article:
    FOXBORO - Stop & Shop supermarket, which acknowledged last fall its need to earn back the trust of customers after repeated instances of selling outdated meats and other perishables, was cited again Wednesday morning by the town sanitarian for failing to remove outdated meats and other products from the shelves. ...

    The inspection report lists 28 "critical" health code violations, including four packages of salmon out of date by almost a month. It's sell-by date was Dec. 4.

    Most of the other meat or fish items cited in the report went out of date on Jan. 1.

    "They're supposed to be pulling the meat the night before. Guess what. It's not happening"
    [1/3/08 Sun Chronicle]

    - Wm.]

  • 1/2 11:22pm   Norfolk Community League's 2008 Nearly New Sale - Mark your Calendars! Saturday, April 5, 2008, 9:00am-12:00 noon at the H. Olive Day School. NCL will begin accepting donations of gently used children's clothing, equipment, toys and maternity clothes. Please no stuffed animals or books.
    Items may be dropped off beginning Dec. 15th on Saturdays from 9:00am - 11:00am at the trailer behind the Highway Department at the end of Medway Branch Road (across from the Transfer Station).
    Help the community and clean out your closets at the same time! Tax receipts will be available at the trailer.
    Contact Keri S. 508.440-5199 / vhessler@yahoo.com for more information or to volunteer for the sale.
    All monies raised will go towards NCL's semi-annual disbursements.
    - JC

  • 1/2 11:20pm   TM - In the immortal words of President Clinton, "I feel your pain." My street resembles Tampa Bay Busch Gardens - lots of beasts on the loose. Thank you for conscientiously following the leash law. You are correct that it's a bit unnerving to be approached by unfettered dogs. You shouldn't be harassed by owners who are negligent in this area. I am often assuaging the fears of dog walkers, joggers, and deliverymen who are met by aggressive dogs who fortunately are more bark than bite. My other pet peeve (pun intended) is dog walkers who don't pick up after their dogs. At least at this time of year one encounters flash frozen feces! I gotta go - time to remind my daughter not to eat the yellow snow...
    - DA

  • 1/2 11:19pm   TM: Yes there is a by law for animal restraint. It is listed under Article XIII of our bylaws listed on www.Virtualnorfolk.org. There are also other dog laws under MGL Ch. 140. If you are having a problem in your neighborhood you are more than welcome to file a complaint through our department. Feel free to give me a call to get more information. Sincerely,
    - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control // (508) 528 3232

  • 1/2 5:43pm   I'm curious if there a leash law in Norfolk? Dogs roam the streets of my neighborhood. I feel like I'm the only one who actually gets out and walks my dogs. It is not fair to me or my dogs to have to deal with other people's dogs running and growling towards us every morning (or actually anytime of day... it's unpredictable). I wish people would stop being lazy and walk their dogs. They need to respect the other people and dogs in their neighborhood.
    - TM

  • 1/2 4:44pm   My name is David Lannigan and I volunteer in the Norfolk Little League as a manager/coach and as the Publicity Coordinator. If you wish to contact me or any of the Norfolk Baseball board members, you'll see our telephone numbers listed on the Norfolk Baseball web site (www.norfolkbaseball.com). If you would like to speak with any of us in person, we hold open meetings usually on the first Sunday of each month at 7:00 pm, typically at the either library or the Holmes Bus building. Our next meeting is this Sunday at 7:00 pm at the library. If asked, I'm sure the treasurer would be happy to explain how the money from the registration fees is used. Also, to the best of my knowledge, no child with a financial hardship has ever been turned away from participating in Norfolk Baseball.
    - DL

  • 1/2 2:28pm   My husband would also be interested in pick up basketball - he's 30 as well and we moved to Norfolk about a year ago. Email him at box95@norfolknet.com.
    - BL

  • 1/2 2:27pm   MM - I don't know if they have pick-up games or just leagues, but you might try the Mass Premier Courts in Foxboro. It is a big indoor basketball facility.
    - JZ

  • 1/2 12:34pm   I would like to respond on the comments of "Name Withheld" questioning the financial rquirements of playing for the Norfolk LL.
    I was heavily involved with being on the boards of both soccer and hockey youth programs, as well as coached baseball in town for many years and was able to see what the costs were for providing services to the players of these programs. First, these are not for profit organization, and yes they do need to file tax returns with the AG of Mass and Mass Dept of Revenue. Second, it was a struggle every year on setting the price for the costs of running the league, which was mainly registration fees to participate in leagues, (BAYS, Mass Hockey, Little League of America) which included the price of insurance (for the sue-crazy people of the world), referees, umpires, adminstration of the leagues, as well as equipment, port-a-potties, ice time, lining fields, town user fees and list goes on.
    Also, there is only so much money in the sponsors of the town. Folks like the Daley's, Cronin's, Dunkin' Donuts, Prudential Page, the Eaglebrook, the Lions Club and so on are approached by every one of the sports organizations every year and it doesn't become just a few hundred dollars they are contributing, but a few thousand dollars, and they've been doing it for years and years and years, and that sponsorship money is used to lower the costs of running the leagues.
    The boards are aware of rising costs of running a group, and always try to keep the fees as low as possible, and usually offer discounts for families with multiple players. All these programs offer hardship memberships or scholarships for those folks who may not be able to pay the full amount but still want their kids to play. And as a matter of information, if you want your child to play in one of the elite leagues for sports like MAPLES Soccer, or AAU baseball/basketball, or a MASS Hockey Select Team be prepared to pay thousands of dollars per season to play, not a hundred, and some of the coaches get paid, and you will be driving hours to games not 15 minutes to the field or rink.
    I found over the years the people who question things like this are folks who very rarely understand how things are run, rarely volunteer to make things better, and if they finally do, they eventually understand how difficult it is to run a sports program. And if they do volunteer, don't worry, they get the same raise every year, double of what they got the prior year -- $0.
    - BD

  • 1/2 12:32pm   DS - Millis Country Day School is quite near Tucker Road. Also check out this link: [eec.state.ma.us page]. You may also want to check out surrounding towns for daycares if you don't find one you like in Norfolk. If you are working parents, please feel free to check out the Saturday Club on the Organizations page - we always welcome new members. Norfolk is a great town - you'll love it.
    - KID

  • 1/2 12:31pm   MM - my husband would love a pick-up game. He's also in his 30s. I run a working parents playgroup in town and I bet some of the other guys in the group might be interested as well. Maybe if you get enough people together, you could get some time at Fore Kicks or somewhere else around here. Email me at workingparentsnorfolk@hotmail.com if you want to follow-up and welcome to Norfolk!
    - KID

  • 1/2 12:28pm   To DS, the town transfer station is right down there by Tucker Road.
    To JS: My family has been using Cronin since the beginning of time, always excellent with service, always there when you need them.
    - BH

  • 1/2 12:27pm   For KAM... excellent painter... John Marland... 508-528-7681.
    - ER

  • 1/2 12:16pm   Hi - I am selling an excellent condition NordicTrack Elliptical Cross trainer (VGR940 Model #NTEL08991). The machine is approximately 6 years old and has barely been used. We paid about $800 for it and would like to sell it for $150. You will need to pick it up. If you are interested, please give me a call at 508-320-0105. Thanks!
    - LM

  • 1/1 9:07pm   Yes , I agree with RH. There should be a variety of standardized designs that a community could use to build a new school or fire/police building. This would save a lot of money that gets spent on architects and engineers. Norfolk could simply replicate the design of a recently built school (example: King Philip or Olive Day) use that design, with the architects' and engineers' approval. Or use one of these designs as a starting point, and tweek the layout to cater to new needs or site limitations. Instead of a sister ship, it is a sister building. In construction, this process is common. Norfolk could procure a recent design from another town as well. I think the architects and/or engineers really own the design, as they are responsible for its integrity. A good builder will participate in the design, eliminate water and structural problems before structures are built while they are in the design phase. An architect with a big budget usually attempts to make an architectual design statement. Many builders fail to avoid water and structural problems because they do not want to diminsh the architect's design statement. Tax payers need to save money and eliminate waste, build efficient durable buildings that will last for generations.
    - DM

  • 1/1 8:02pm   I moved out to Norfolk about 6 months ago and I'm looking for a place to start playing basketball. Nothing super competitive, just some good old-fashioned adult mens pick up basketball (I'm 30). I've found Fore Kicks, but they don't run basketball very often. And when they do - it's often junior high kids, and teenagers. I've also found the YMCA's in the area - but they seem to focus on running leagues - and I'd need to join as a member.
    Is there anywhere else in the area that I could find a regular pick up basketball game?
    - MM

  • 1/1 7:07pm   KAM - I am a painter with 20 years experience in Norfolk, free estimates. Please give me a call. My name is Laura Fay, 508 541 1230.
    - LF

  • 1/1 7:06pm   I hope I'm wrong, but on the way home this evening I could have sworn I sawa "Coming Soon - TD Banknorth" sign on that mysterious vacant building at the corner of Boardman and Main. *Sigh* There go all of our collective dreams for a coffee shop, books shop, neighborhood gathering spot, etc. I guessit's better than a Quiznos!!
    - JP

  • 1/1 4:03pm   Can anyone recommend an experienced painter for some inside work (ie: bathroom/hallway)? Thanks
    - KAM

  • 1/1 4:01pm   To pay $95.00 for a season of Little League seems reasonable to me. I cannot imagine that the folks volunteering to make this sport available to our kids can possibly be profiting. They are giving their time and talents without any compensation and I have no doubt that the books are "clean". Anyone willing to question the integrity of those running the non-profits in town should at least have the courage to include their initials. I am appalled that the people volunteering should have to "defend" their records to a cowardly resident who does not even volunteer to help. He/She with no name, have you looked at the cost of youth hockey, ballet, tennis, soccer, swimming etc lately? For many legitimate reasons the costs are higher than they used to be. Try some research. It can often answer many questions. Have you queried other towns and the costs to play there? I doubt it. Another case where "no good deed goes unpunished". Keep up the good work Little League!
    - CS

  • 1/1 10:33am   "Name withheld" will spend $5 on a Starbucks coffee, but will complain about a full season of baseball for only $95. That includes excellent fields, unpires, 16 regular season games, KP Cup tournament, free luch at closing day, opening day parade, uniforms, trophies, etc., etc.
    Or maybe "Name Withheld" could take 60 minutes from watching television and attend one of the many open meetings. I am sure the Board would be happy to address any of these accusations in a professional environment.
    By the way, the Board makes all of the finances available at their many open meetings. Check them out, because you might be surprised at the expenses of running this type of league. While your there, you can volunteer for one of the many positions needed to run the league.
    - GS

  • 12/31 8:51pm   Happy New Year!

    Previous Archive, 2007 Q4


    • Home