Q3 2008 Norfolknet Notes, Jul-Sep 2008

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  • 9/30 8:56pm CPL - Based on a recommendation from someone here, we use Foxboro Chimney Sweep 508-543-4751. They came out and did a great job. Inspected both the fireplace chimney and the furnace chimney. Only the furnace chimney needed cleaning. I give them two thumbs up. Best, -
    - BHS

  • 9/30 8:38pm You may think I was joking about the effect of testosterone on neighborhood dogs and waterfowl. But its effects cause all of the ills of our modern society. You can blame yesterday's Big Financial Meltdown on testosterone-poisoned males as well. Read it and weep at [article]. Unless you are too "macho".
    - MON

  • 9/30 8:37pm Lost turkey near woods on North St. on the opposite side from Stony Brook (between Marshall and North). Light grey heritage blue slate male turkey. (You can see a picture of the breed at [this page].) He's slightly visually impaired and that makes him nervous so if you spot him, it would be best to contact me (508-528-7124). He disappeared on Monday, September 29th in the late afternoon.
    - NR

  • 9/30 8:36pm Hi everyone... I would like to see if anyone has any extra Haunted Train Ride tickets. Due to my kids hockey/football schedule etc, I was not able to make the times to acquire tickets. I'm looking for 2 - but will take more if they are available. If anyone has any or knows of anyone that may have some, please let me know. Thank you so much!! 508-641-6483
    - SC

  • 9/30 8:35pm JT2: you can't claim JT2 because I already claimed it on account of the fact I didn't want to be confused with you!
    - JT (JT2)

    [A quick count shows that at least 8 people with initials JT have posted to the page. I may have missed some; there are lots of duplicated initials - Wm.]

  • 9/30 8:34pm Does anyone have a recommendation for a chimney cleaner? Thanks!
    - CPL

  • 9/30 8:25pm Re "The Town of Norfolk says they don't own the water pipe on private property but they want to dictate what type of pipe you use on your private property? Someone please explain to me how someone refuses to take responsibility for something but dictates what you have to do - sound like a Bushism to me."
    Interesting how so many people will continually point their fingers at Bush for whatever ill befalls them. Got a cold? Must be Bush's fault. Toilet stopped up? Must be Bush's fault. Water pipe between the municipally owned main in the street and your house leaks...? Must be Bush's fault.
    Maybe those folks should learn how to look just a little deeper into things and discover that it is, in fact, Massachusetts State Codes that 'dictate' what kind of pipe one can use and not. And those codes are enforced by your very own building and plumbing inspectors. Take a look at 248 CMR - Fuel Gas & Plumbing Code. I'm betting that you'll be chagrined to find that Bush didn't write it, compose it, or edit it.
    - TRK

    [Followups to the "Bushism" sub-topic will go on the election page - Wm.]

  • 9/30 8:18pm SR - We get our Boomerang on Saturday too. We receive it in the mail. We used to get it delivered by a local kid but that did not last long. I too wish I could get the paper on the day it comes out but I understand the delivery issues.
    - MJD

  • 9/30 8:17pm We're pretty sure the gps was stolen a night when we left the car unlocked (which is very unusual for us, we never forget). We also used to live in Boston so we're used to locking up, etc., but didn't think we needed to worry here in Norfolk. Guess we'll be more aware and keep some lights on and watch out for our neighbors too. If everyone can be more aware, it would help out a lot I think.
    - BL

  • 9/30 8:16pm Can anyone recommend an experienced math tutor, specifically for Algebra for a high school freshman? Thank you.
    - SS

  • 9/30 8:45am Did anyone else read Kim Norgren's guest column in the Boomerag this past week? It was hysterical!
    On the topic of the Boomerang, does anyone else not receive their copy on Friday anymore?? I get it on Saturday or even Monday, which is often "too late."
    - SR

  • 9/30 8:31am DH -The Town of Norfolk says they don't own the water pipe on private property but they want to dictate what type of pipe you use on your private property? Someone please explain to me how someone refuses to take responsibility for something but dictates what you have to do - sound like a Bushism to me.
    - JL

  • 9/29 10:39pm BL - We used to live in Boston and participated in neighborhood crime watches. The basic mantra of the crime watch was awareness of your surroundings and calling 911 for any suspicious activity - no suspicious activity too small to call 911. Another technique used was just saying hello to everyone you see. How does a simple 'hello' help deter crime? If there is someone scouting the neighborhood and they have a resident say hello to them, they will be less likely to commit a crime in since they can be ID'd. The best defense is to prevent crime. Neighborhood crime watches are all about crime prevention.
    - BHS

  • 9/29 8:31pm What was the rationale behind the proposed fee structure for using Norfolk's facilities (if any)? Was the cost of operations calculated and used to determine the appropriate fee to charge out of town, for-profit groups? I agree with others that non-profit, Norfolk based organizations should not be charged. They are providing a public service and the tax dollars already invested should support their use of town facilities. Before this is approved or rejected, I hope that the pricing methodology is shared with the taxpayers.
    - CS

  • 9/29 8:29pm No. You're not seeing the same cat in five place! These five young cats (born April) all look absolutely 100% alike minus a whisker or two. These are the young cats from my previous post. They entered the shelter today after going to the vet for a visit. Turns out three are males and two are females. One female is most likely pregnant (of course!). These guys, albeit were living outside and had a rough go at it, are quite lovely in temperament. If they pass their quarantine and they have no medical issues they will be up for adoption. Today they received their combo tests (which were negative), were capstarred on the inside and topical treatment on the outside, and were dewormed.
    I could use some suggestions on names for them all. Email me what you think would fit!
    And of course... Donations are so needed at this time! Thank you to those who have donated, it helps so immensely. I go through roughly a case (24 cans) of wet food in 36 hours and 20 lbs of dry food every few days. Please bring in your old bath/hand towels instead of throwing them out. I can use them to line the cages to provide a soft and cozy spot for the strays while they are here. Please, no fitted sheets or mattress pads. All donations may be dropped at the Norfolk Police Department anytime day or night.
    Thank you so very much
    - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control

  • 9/29 8:25pm EC, get back to me at norfolkwaterleak@yahoo.com and let me know if you have town water and where you live and I will give you more information.
    - GC

  • 9/29 4:59pm Re failing water pipes - What are the symptoms of water pipes that are failing? I keep hearing a sound as though water is running near the water meter in my basement, even with no water running in the house, and all of the outdoor water connections shut off. Everything outdoors appears to be ok.
    - EC

  • 9/29 4:56pm BL: Regarding your car break in... was your car locked? I think I recall that the other recent "break ins" were unlocked cars. Certainly this does not make it ok... but just wondering.
    Also, let me go on the record as JT2... I don't agree much with the other JT!
    - JT (JT2)

  • 9/29 12:22pm In regards to the recent break-ins (I live on Cleveland and our GPS was stolen from our car in our driveway back in August) - is there a Norfolk Neighborhood Watch Association? Any tips or any guidance from the police department? Seems frustrating this keeps happening.
    - BL

  • 9/29 12:18pm JH, Pretty funny! I forgot what the World of Sports has become. A modern-day version of Roman gladiator fights, without the public executions - yet. Next time I'll leave my 10 year old daughter at home and join in.
    Changing gears. All you naysayers on the progress seen recently on Boardman Street, get a grip! Anyone who runs a business and puts money into this town will get my business and we should support them. So go to your Big-Box stores and send the profits overseas. I'll spend my money in America for Americans. So keep building Norfolk!
    P.S.: I know several of you were concerned. My dog came back - seems he was found running around Foxboro stadium, with other many other "lost" dogs. The animal control in Foxboro tell me this happens often - dogs are attracted to the pheromones of testosterone-poisoned males and can track the scent for miles, while the migratory patterns of waterfowl are thrown into chaos around sports stadiums. Who knew?
    - MON

  • 9/29 10:51am King Philip Youth Lacrosse reistration for the 2009 season will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 30 and Wednesday, Oct. 1 from 7:30-9pm at the King Philip North Junior High School Cafeteria.
    Attendance either night is mandatory for all parents of players. These dates will be the only registration nights for the King Philip Youth Lacrosse 2009 Spring season. Visit the web site: www.kplacrosse.com.
    IMPORTANT: If you have uniforms from last year, please return them at registration either Tuesday or Wednesday night. Failure to return uniforms will redult in being excluded from participating in the 2009 season. Include coach's name and team along with the uniform.
    - RG, King Philip Youth Lacrosse

  • 9/28 4:03pm A great cause -- one farm helps another... please pass along to anyone who may want to help.
    On Saturday, September 20th, Verrill Farms Farm Stand was destroyed in a fire. Fortunately, everyone was safe and have already committed to rebuilding their farm stand. ... On Tuesday, September 30th and Friday October 10 from 10:00a.m. to 6p.m. Tangerini' Spring Street Farm will host a fundraiser for Verrill Farm. We will have hayrides, with pumpkin picking, pumpkin decorating and the use of our hay maze for $6.00 per person. All the proceeds will go to the Verrill Farmstand Fund. [Continued]
    - LL

  • 9/28 3:58pm The Southeastern Mass. Community Concert Band is currently seeking new members. The band practices every Monday night at the Community Church in Medway, 193 Main Street. It's a non-audition group, open to high school students and adults. If you play and instrument and think you'd enjoy being part of a community band, you can call me for more information at (508)-520-1572. Tomorrow the band starts rehearsing music for the holiday season, so it's a good time to give it a try!
    - CR

  • 9/27 10:38pm JT, Based on your track the last two years... I would not place my odds with you, I'll stick with the owner.
    - PA

  • 9/27 6:01pm C'mon AL, even if a restaurant never ends up at Boardman and Main (Vegas has taken bets off the board), the Selectmen can take the property and convert the open foundation into the cement pond that we've pining for the last several years.
    - JT

  • 9/27 5:47pm To RD, 9-17-08 regarding sanding or refinish floors contact Denco floors of Wrentham; cell 774-232-0349. Very good job and very nice.
    - GG

  • 9/27 5:46pm Re: fees for use of Municipal building rooms by Norfolk Residents: Hmmmm.... Not cool!
    Well, I just read about the charging of fees for use of the library meeting rooms, etc.,... wait a minute... Didn't taxpayer money pay for some of the costs of building the library, the town hall, etc.? I may be off base but it seems that residents of Norfolk should be able to book and have use of municipal rooms without paying a fee. I can understand an out of town group, church, or otherwise wanting being charged for use to "town" spaces, but not legal taxpaying Norfolk residents... Not right!
    It doesn't quite seem fair! Educate me if I am off base! Thank you.
    - PRR

  • 9/26 3:55pm I forgot to add one very important part to my previous post. We are also looking for a licensed electrician who would either volunteer some of their time/expertise or to bid on a project we are trying to finish up here for the animal shelter room. If anyone out there is interested, please contact me through email or phone. Thank you! NorfolkK9@aol.com
    - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control

  • 9/26 3:49pm Re: the Municipal Building fees. Would the revision mean that when the Friends of the Library have their book sale in the DPW transfer station building, they would have to pay?
    - LJK

  • 9/26 1:35pm TC -- I fully realize that I will probably get pummeled at some point in my life, but to sit and hold your tongue while children are present is shameful. Much to my husband's chagrin, I do not sit idly by, but will say something to the belligerent person (sometimes even politely) or get help from nearby security/police.
    The Revised Town Bylaws are missing a section for Municipal Building Fees During Closed Hours for Non-Profit Out of Town Groups or Organizations. Isn't that what this is trying to target, an out of town (Franklin) Church organization (non-profit) using the Library on Sunday's (closed hours)? Am I missing something?
    Municipal Building Fees during closed hours:

    Non-profit in-town groups or organizations
    $15.00/hr or any portion thereof .

    For-profit in-town group or organization
    $40.00/hr. or any portion thereof.

    For-profit out-of-town group or organization
    $55.00/hr or any portion thereof.

    - MH

  • 9/26 1:34pm Stony Brook's 30th Annual Fall Fair - cancelled due to rain.
    Sadly, the forecast for the coming weekend does not look favorable and we have made the difficult decision to cancel our Fall Fair. For the first time in 30 years, we have had to cancel this fun filled community event. We are packing up our games and crafts right now, and putting them aside for our April 18 Earth Day event. Thank you to all of our visitors, volunteers, sponsors and friends for supporting Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary. Your efforts make our educational and conservation programming possible. If you have any questions, please call or email the Sanctuary. 508-528-3140 or stonybrook@massaudubon.org
    Thank you.
    - Tara Henrichon, Education Coordinator, Community Outreach, Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary

  • 9/26 12:50pm The line from the movie Field of Dreams "If you build it.... They will come" is proving to be more than true for the animal shelter animals. That said, our need for donations is on the rise. We have adopted out 10 homeless cats/kittens and 1 dog this past month. Will things slow down? Not likely. We are soon to receive an unknown number of kittens/cats from a resident in Norfolk who can no longer keep them. We are bringing in more cages and getting them set up over the weekend in anticipation. If anyone wishes to donate these are the items we are in need of:
    clean/used bath and/or hand towels.
    cat beds/fleece throw material.
    dry cat food (preferably cat chow - blue bag - Purina)
    Any type of wet cat food
    Toys. (the last litter of kittens mutilated many of the toy mice and balls w/ bells!), cat nip toys
    Please no dog supplies. We are stacked solid for dogs for the time being. If anyone would like to donate but does not have a way to bring items to the Police Department I can certainly come by and pick up the items.
    Please also check our website if you are interested in adopting a cat, www.norfolkanimalcontrol.net. We still have 5 great cats looking for their perfect new home. Sincerely,
    - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control

  • 9/26 12:47pm Lock your cars!! The rash of car break-ins that has been plaguing this town for almost 4 years is still going on. I live in the vicinity of Massachusetts Avenue, near the Medfield line and our neighborhoods have been "hit" several times in the past 2 weeks. The story is always the same, sometime between the hours of 2:30 and 4:30 a.m. cars are broken into - I believe it's mostly unlocked cars - items taken and the car door left slightly ajar. Victimized neighbors saw 2 men dressed in black running from their driveway. Another neighbor had their car broken into and items taken from their back deck this week. Yesterday there were break-ins reported on Cleveland Street and Barnstable Road. The police always respond quickly but, to my knowledge, still haven't had any luck catching these punks. Just wanted everyone to be aware and remind you to keep your cars and your homes locked up tight.
    - SM

  • 9/26 12:46pm Ahh, RS, you have hit upon one of the great unsolved mysteries of our time. I'd love to see something come of the place, which has been an eyesore for too long. I've heard the owner/developer/restauranteur is seeking to open up Pesto Palace, or something along that line. However, if you have a hankerin' for pesto/garlic, I would suggest shopping the local farmers markets for basil (Franklin and Wrentham have good markets) and making your own. You will be waiting a long, long time for pesto at this junction.
    - AL

  • 9/26 9:45am I think if people stopped responsing to some of the folks that put "baited" comments on this site those folks would find another hobby or a more useful outlet for there energy. Some have taken to using this service as their private soap box but free speech is a wonderful thing.
    - KRL

    [The practice is unfortunately common; it predates the web, actually. The term for writing comments intended to rile the readership is "trolling" - Wm.]

  • 9/26 9:44am Well that bylaw is certainly overreaching. What about the boy and girl scouts, local sports teams and other groups that not only provide a service to the Town but get no compensation for what they do for the Town? Should they charge the Town for what they do? It is clear that the intent of the bylaw was targetted for a certain use, by a certain group, at a certain building... and this is what you get to be fair? Laws are necessary but this is just ill-concieved, and it is very obvious there was no attempt to get any input from these "other" groups who use Town buildings. Might as well put parking meters at the Library, Town Hall, Schools and charge a toll for using the roundabouts.
    - WB

  • 9/25 10:22pm Does anyone know what is going on with the building at the corner of Boardman and Main?
    - RS

  • 9/25 10:02pm Notice is hereby given that the Norfolk Bylaw Committee will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at 7:00pm in Room 124 in the Norfolk Town Hall, One Liberty Lane, Norfolk, MA on the "Use of Municipal Building in the Town of Norfolk" article that will appear of the warrant for the Special Town Meeting scheduled to convene on November 18, 2008. Text of the article submitted is as follows:
    Article Submitted by the Bylaw Committee

    To see if the Town will vote to amend the Town of Norfolk Bylaws, Article II Financial Affairs, by adding a new SECTION 7, as follows, or take any other action related thereto.

    ARTICLE II FINANCIAL AFFAIRS

    SECTION 7. Use of Municipal Buildings in the Town of Norfolk

    A: Purpose

    The purpose of this bylaw is to provide uniform and fair fees and regulations for the use of Municipal Buildings by non-municipal organizations or other entities.
    [. . .]

    [Full text here]
    - GB, Town of Norfolk

  • 9/25 9:54pm I didn't realize everyone here went to Gillette to watch the ballet.
    The drunken louts are the best behaved people in the building. I pay my money to go see Pacman Jones and Michael Vick. Don't forget the hometown favorites, Oxycontin-sniffer Nick Kazcur and pothead Kevin Faulk. Not that there's anything wrong with that of course, as our Dutch friend MON will attest. Austubleef.
    I think having a good buzz on at the stadium enhances the enjoyment of watching cracked out roid heads tear each other limb by limb.
    Plus, I can pretty much guarantee that fans weren't leaving their seats as a result of drunken idiots offending their delicate ears. You weren't watching the game if you think that's the reason people walked out.
    - JH

  • 9/25 9:53pm EAS - If you were unable to attend the Girl Scout registration last night it is not too late. You can contact Kathy B., Norfolk Girl Scout Registrar at: kbbeans@comcast.net. She will be able to get you a registration form.
    - NG

  • 9/25 9:48pm This is the story about the bailout that I told my 9 year old last night; after she heard the President's speech:
    There is a big, huge reservoir; it holds billions of drops of water that people have been placing in there for years. It looks like a beautiful lake of water. The water is precious. Little buckets of it come out to help people start businesses and buy homes and pay for college educations. People pay it back in larger buckets. The water fluctuates, but stays at a high level. When the water level gets too high and spills over, some, who feel that it was their hard work that added to the surplus, they take a lot out as a bonus for themselves. But no one really cares, because there is still plenty and the water level looks good and when you need it, it is always readily available.
    What we don't know is that the people who are overseeing the water, the ones we trust, have not been putting water back in. They steal the water, and then they add rocks, which make it look like there is lots of a water still there. We are fooled. Some see them putting in rocks and say, "Hey, those are rocks, someone should regulate how many rocks are allowed". But no one does anything. So more rocks get added, but people are getting water so they are okay. But then, suddenly, the people cannot afford to put back any more water. The deals that the people made who are supposed to monitor the water, well, those deals are not bringing in any water, either. So, oops, now we see the rocks. We say, "Hey, who put those rocks in there?" The President says, "What rocks?" The bosses of the companies that were supposed to fill it back in with water say, "We need more water, right now, we didn't know that replacing hard-earned water with rocks was a bad idea. Give us more water or else we will be only left with rocks." So the President says, "Folks, you all need to give more water. I know that you don't have healthcare or food, and you need water, but we need it more. You give us water, so that we can give you water and you can pay interest on it again and then we can have even more water. Than we will all be happy again. They bring in big water specialists to tell us why we need to give water to the very same folks who lost all of our water in the first place. They also don't want anyone to watch over what they're doing with the water again. We just scratch our heads and give the water. What else can we do?
    My daughter, who is now wide-awake says, "Mom, that is the dumbest story I have ever heard. No one would do something so silly".
    Sleep tight.
    - JN

  • 9/25 9:37pm The 7th Annual Haunted Train Ride is looking for you! If you are a high schooler in need of community service hours, come join in the fun! Contact Tara S. at 508-384-6354 or email for more information box148@norfolket.com
    - TMS

  • 9/25 9:36pm NG - I too could not attend the girl scout meeting last night but would like to get some information. Who do I contact? Thanks for your help.
    - RC

  • 9/25 9:35pm MON & others: It's not just Patriots fans. We were at a Red Sox game the other night, and a man in front of us was screaming obscenities, homophobic slurs, and sexist rants with a third grader sitting two seats away. It took everything I had to hold my tongue, but I was truly afraid to incur his wrath. It's terrible that these otherwise wonderful sporting events can be hijacked by people whose sole motivation is to drink themsleves blind. Of course not all sports fans are drunken idiots, but you can't deny the alcohol and sports industries have made a bundle selling them together as one great time. It's a terrible message for young people.
    - TC

  • 9/25 9:34pm Thanks, TW, for the explanation and I am sure the true-blue fans are fed up. I was at a game in St. Louis a while back, the only guy from MA there, while the Patriots beat them, and I saw little of the extremes witnessed last Sunday. And St. Louisan's like to drink but have class about it. So MG, the Kraft organization should take note of such problems. The security I saw Sunday looked frightened. I am trading our Patriots season tickets for those of the Boston Pops for our employees enjoyment. They don't even put their names in our raffle anymore.
    I have to go look for my dog now. Somehow he got out of our fenced-in yard.
    Things are getting a little weird.
    - MON

  • 9/25 12:15pm MON - Unfortunately, the behavior of the fans can vary by where you sit and by who is using the tickets from game to game. Our section is primarily season ticket holders who attend and watch each game (no ebay sellers). We have gotten to know these people over the years and we are all fans of the game. We know each other's names, and, in some cases, families, and enjoy sitting together. The man who sits next to us lives in the western part of the state and has 15 season tickets. One of his friends became very drunk at a game last season, and is no longer part of the group. They determined it ruined everyone's experience having to put up with his behavior. I appreciated this response to the problem. In addition, when inappropriate language is heard in the section, someone usually informs the offender to watch his/her mouth just as vocally. We, gratefully, sit in a good section. It comes down to common courtesy for those around you.
    A true fan isn't going to spend a majority of the game standing on beer lines and visiting the restrooms every 10 minutes. A true fan wants to watch the game. I agree there are many attendees at the Patriots games who can't control themselves and I wish they would drink and watch in the confines of their own homes. At a recent game, I saw 5 men standing by the beer line watching the game on one of the TVs in the concourse. I'm not sure, but I think they were there for the whole game. Why bother to come to the game in the first place?
    Just know, there are some fans who go to watch the game not to drink through it. I would support a no alcohol served ban at the games in a heartbeat. In addition, I would support the same for Red Sox games (I had the fan next to me pass out on my shoulder one game last year), Celtics games, Bruins games, concerts, etc. Unruly, drunken behavior should not be allowed at these public venues. Watch the commercials during a sporting event on TV... I would venture to guess that 75% of the ads are promoting alcohol. Too much emphasis is placed on the necessity of alcohol to have a good time.
    - TW

  • 9/25 12:14pm Tickets for the 7th Annual Haunted Train Ride co-sponsored by Norfolk Community League and Norfolk Lions Club are on sale today (9/25) from 3-5 pm and 7-9 pm at the Norfolk Library. See the calendar section for more details. There are a limited number of tickets left - don't miss out on the spooky fun!
    - TMS, Norfolk Community League

  • 9/25 12:13pm We are looking for someone who makes Indian food for families who are time strapped. We had someone local, but she is no longer offering this service. Thanks.
    - AP

  • 9/25 11:58am SO - You shouldn't type after midnight. But I can't answer you now. Since my post about drunken Patriots a car with bobbleheads on its dash has been slowly driving through my neighborhood, with its lights off. I think it has NFL stickers on it, but it was too dark to see. Then I got a couple of late-night phone calls - a giggling female voice and the sound of champagne glasses in the background - the caller ID said GIS+TOM. What does this all mean? My counselor says I may have woken the Kraken. Last thing I need is hundreds of beer-soaked zombies stalking me - but at least I'll recognize them-they will have Brady jerseys on.
    Gotta go... that car is back.
    - MON

  • 9/25 11:57am Dessert Works off of Route 1 in Norwood has the best cakes. [dessertworks.net] Their website may not be the best but their cakes sure are.
    - JGP

  • 9/25 11:56am My two cents regarding drinking at Gillette Stadium.... Do not blame the Patriots or the Stadium for the drunks that leave there, blame the individuals that drink too much and cause problems. I too work at the stadium, and I can tell you that the response to not only drunk patrons but patrons using foul language and poor behavior is swift and forceful. Based on the response by security and police Gillette is a model for the rest of the NFL stadiums. I have no problem taking my wife and daughter to events based on the response I see from the stadium event staff.
    - MG

  • 9/25 9:03am To the person who inquired about Chinese food: Bamboo in Dedham next to the Holiday Inn behind Joe's bar and grill (not related to anything in Franklin or surrounding area) - The food is very tasty and fresh - and not greasy. I have not had anything I have not liked that has been ordered off the menu. The buffet is one of the best I have had as well, and on Sunday nights, (at least in the past), there is lobster in the buffet, as well as shrimp, a good assortment of sushi and great desserts including two flavors of ice cream--the coconut ice cream is the best, but I have only been lucky enough to have it there 2 out of the 6 or 7 times I have been there. The green tea and ginger ice creams are quite good, though. There is fresh fruit in the buffet as well. The food is very, very good. They have daily luncheon buffets, but I think the only evening buffet is on Sunday. This may have changed.
    The closest food I have had to what I experienced in Hong Kong is PF Chang's in the Natick Mall, and for those who need it, they have a gluten-free menu. Reservations are an absolute must there as they always have a full house.
    - EF

  • 9/25 9:02am Two Power Rangers costumes for sale. Purchased 2 years ago directly from Disney -- very high quality material, not a typical thin costume. One red ranger, one blue/black ranger. Would fit a 3-6 year old. Retailed for $50 each - asking $25 each. Just in time for Halloween! I would be happy to email pictures to those interested. They are in great condition.
    - DC

  • 9/25 9:01am APL: I love the Icing on the Cake in Newton. They are the absolute best! 617-969-1830. Looks great and tastes even better! www.theicingonthecake.com
    - JN

  • 9/25 12:35am Thank you to all the runners and walkers who came out Sunday morning for the 4th Annual Norfolk's Dunkin Donuts DARE to Run 5K & Kids' 1K Fun Run.
    Congratulations to Norfolk's Chris Allen, who was the overall winner. Congratulations to other Norfolk winners Leslie Halnen (2nd place women 40-49), Randa Bobroff (2nd place women 30-39), Karen Borst (2nd place women 17-29), Kristen Altmeyer (1st place women 13-16), April Witter (1st place women 12 & under), Nicolette Branson (2nd place women 12 & under), Bruce Tufts (2nd place men 50-59), Colin Tonelli (1st place men 13-16), Alan Branson (2nd place men 13-16), Cameron Koch (1st place men 12 & under), Declan Findlen (2nd place men 12 & under)
    Congratulations to the Top Norfolk School Staff Don LeClerc, Top Law Enforcement Jeff Smith, and Top Norfolk DARE students April Witter and Nicolette Branson!
    Congratulations also to all the raffle prize winners!
    Thank you to our many generous sponsors - the Norfolk Lions & Leos Clubs, Prudential Page Realty, Adirondack Club, Norfolk Post Office, Main Street Hardware, Norfolk Arena, Something Special, Wrentham Massage Therapy, Black Rock Cafe, and Linda Alico-Mary Kay.
    Thank you also to Ellen Rao, Gail Bernardo, Todd Lindmark, Carol Greene, Norfolk Police and Fire Departments, Norfolk DPW, Holmes Transportation, Anne DiCenso, Ken Lawrence, and St. Jude high school religious education class!
    And of course - Thank you to Mr. Frank Barounis of Norfolk's Dunkin Donuts!
    For complete race results go to [coolrunning.com page]
    - HK

  • 9/25 12:29am [Dessertworks.net] Check out this bakery in Norwood. I would highly recommend them and their website has lots of info and pics. The owner was a former baker at the infamous Konditor Meister in Braintree.
    - HC

  • 9/25 12:28am [Criminy] PM, you do talk sense.
    - SO

  • 9/25 12:27am For once I am going to side with MON. My 16 year old son works at the stadium on occasion. He came home with similar horror stories of both the Patriot's games, as well as the concert events.
    I also wanted to add that last month I almost lost him to a drunk driver... His seatbelt saved his life. He was revived, but in a coma on life support. He is doing fine now. It's just a reminder to keep public alcohol consumption in check and to wear your seatbelt every time you get in the car!
    - MW

  • 9/25 12:20am Mmm, mmm, mmm. Tap dancing in wooden shoes - ain't that like "cloggin'"? Hoo-wee Mary, I don't find a certain type o' cloggin' too amusin'.
    Yo James, you got actual figures on "the drunk and belligerent louts that are in (the) majority at Patriots(') Games"? Smells like a pedestrian estimate to yours truly. "...99% chance they will be drunk and will (delete the repeated "will") start spewing obscenities - (comma would have worked here, but it's not like I'm not loosey-goosey myself) especially if young children are around."
    James, you have vexed my grey matter. What is the percentage of drunk and belligerent Patriots' games attendees when young children are not present?

    [I apologize for the typos, I should have caught and corrected them. Spelling and punctuation is routinely fixed as I post comments, and I take responsibility for any typos that remain. Since you're not seeing posts as originally typed, it's not really fair to fault any author for mistakes that I don't catch - Wm.]

  • 9/25 12:19am PM - You are correct to a point, but beware of this definition, appropriate for the times and for the Big Financial Meltdown coming soon to a retirement plan near you!
    Complacency - -a feeling of quiet pleasure or security while unaware of some potential danger, defect: see smug satisfaction with an existing situation
    You can meet many of these posters, with names and faces, including yours truly talking about these topics and more at Town Meetings - if you can pull away from ``Dancing with the Stars''.
    - MON

  • 9/24 11:35pm OK--it is time to bite the bullet and get cable. Yes, we are still dinosaurs here. So, is there a choice. What can you say to help us that will do the job and not rob us. We have computer via phone, and a separate cell phone... help! Verizon has a wire wrapped at a pole across the street from our house, so perhaps they are the most ready to serve us?? Thanks for your help.
    - JHR

  • 9/24 11:34pm PM: To your point: Anonymity opens up split personality zone Between out-of-control customers, vituperative online posters and road-raging drivers, it's hard to find an individual who hasn't succumbed to the siren song of faceless, consequence-free communication. [article]
    - JN

  • 9/24 5:22pm RE: Janet Jackson tickets. Is there any guarantee there can be at least one wardrobe malfunction?
    - PA

    [Don't those have to be carefully planned beforehand? Who knows, perhaps an inadvertent one. - Wm.]

  • 9/24 5:21pm APL, I have bought great birthday cakes at Donna's Cakes in West Roxbury. They are very reasonable and great looking. The do a cook "over the hill" cake. Here's their website: www.donnas-cakes.com. I also have bought more expensive (high end), amazingly delicious and beautiful cakes at "The Icing on the Cake" in Newton theicingonthecake.com. The latter has won a few awards. I believe both websites have some photos and flavor choices. They both have books you can look through if you go into their bakery.
    Oh, and I'll second Guarino's of Norwood as a great bakery but only if you love Italian cakes (especially the rum cake) and pastries. I was not very impressed with the cake I got for my daughter's birthday at Donut Express and Custom Cakes in Medfield. Hope this helps.
    - LLB

  • 9/24 5:14pm I watched Dancing with the Stars last night because I am a loving husband and all I can say is lame! Heroes, now that's show I can get into. And I can't wait for Lost to start up again, not to mention The Office.
    On a serious note, this is a nice town with some real nice people. I just think what happens here (Norfolknet.com) is typical of many pseudo-anonymous communication tools, i.e. internet web-forums. The problem with anonymity is that it allows people to speak without accountability. I would be willing to bet that half of the people's posts would be "watered-down" considerably if they had to include their names and phone numbers! (I believe this is known as "e-mail courage" - see below) . It is fun to read the squabbling back and forth though. I just keep it in the back of my mind; some people just aren't happy unless they're complaining. Remember, "Egotism is the anesthetic that dulls the pain of stupidity" - Frank Leahy.
    Happy complaining!
    email courage

    1. The uncanny ability to act tough and hard nosed while composing an email and then not have the backbone to do anything about the subject matter while in person or in a meeting.

    - PM

  • 9/24 4:40pm I make cakes for special occasions on the side as a hobby of sorts. I make all of my kid's birthday cakes. My most recent was a wedding cake for a friend of mine this summer. For more information please contact me at dgaletta@comcast.net or 508-384-0466.
    - DG

  • 9/24 4:37pm TW - You are right, there were some people not acting up-but how do you enjoy yourself? I was just at the Miami game and it was despicable. Drunken grown men in their Brady jerseys screaming obscenities in front of children, to the point that people were leaving their seats to get away. Then the trash and empty bottles everywhere on the streets.
    My company has season tickets and we give the employees tickets to attend, but they tell the same story, over and over again.
    Drunken belligerence seems to be the norm and it makes for a bad experience at $200 a seat. But I am glad you like such a party and don't drink and drive.
    - MON

    [Update 4:39pm: posted corrected version - Wm.
    Update 4:41pm: posted second revised version - Wm.]

  • 9/24 3:41pm APL: For great-tasting cakes and cupcakes that look homemade, try Marcia's Sweet Pantry in Wrentham Center. If you are looking for children's character cakes, Donut Express and Custom Cakes in Medfield does a great job.
    - MA

  • 9/24 3:40pm APL. If you're looking for a bakery, try Guarino's of Norwood. They are located just up the street from the hospital. They make an assortment of cakes and pies as well as other goodies. If you're really looking for more of a rich higher-end dessert, try Ivy's in Cobb's Corner, Canton. They used to be called Whites. I got a few slices to sample this summer when Guarino's was closed for vacation during my birthday. The checkboard cake was awesome! A few more bucks than Guarino's but I wouldn't snub anything there. Each cake looks like a piece of art and taste just as good as it looks. And p.s. if you like macaroons you'll be in Heaven.
    - SAL

  • 9/24 3:39pm For APL: I would like to recommend Konditor Meister in Braintree. They did my wedding cake and it couldn't have been better. I have attached the link to their website for you. It's been a while since I got married, so I can't speak for prices, but they were very reasonable when I used them. I have also had quite a few friends of mine use them for various occasions. Good Luck! www.konditormeister.com
    - SC

  • 9/24 3:38pm MON, Just curious, how many Patriots games have you attended? How many "drunk and belligerent louts" have you seen at a game? I am a long time "Patriots jersey wearing" season ticket holder who has never driven home from a game drunk (or at any other time for that matter). Once again your sweeping generalizations are off the mark. Attending Patriots games is a family event for us, not a drinkfest. While there are some drunken fans, we can all hope they are driving home with a designated driver.
    Maybe with some of the [rambling] you do on this website, you should get pulled over for a test one of these days.
    - TW

  • 9/24 1:59pm Here's a suggestion on how Norfolk can capitalize on the drunk and belligerent louts that are in majority at Patriot games. Station police on Rt 115 and other major roads and pull over everyone driving with a Patriots Jersey on. There is a 99% chance they will be drunk and will start spewing obscenities - especially if young children are around. From all the DUIs and fines for lewd and lascivious conduct we should be able to fund just about any project in town.
    Including the badly needed alarms at Freeman Centennial. Which, DL, my equal friend, I was really serious about - no jokes there at all. Given the gravity of the omission by the past administration and school board, the letters posted in the Boomerang and the fact we are exposed to potential litigation and catastrophe, all parents should be outraged.
    Not just you.
    - MON

  • 9/24 1:58pm Does anyone have a recommendation for a bakery that makes great cakes for special occasions? Thank you.
    - APL

  • 9/24 1:57pm Re: Chinese food... you should try Szechuan Garden on Route 109 in Medway. I highly recommend it as the best in our area.
    - JC

  • 9/24 1:56pm BK, The student is not playing football. In addition, he is not currently attending KPHS.
    - TW

  • 9/24 1:55pm I would highly recommend Rocky's Autobody in Norfolk. They recently repaired our car, and we found them to be extremely professional, reasonable, and meticulous. The repair job is as good as new! In addition, the owners were also very pleasant to work with.
    - CS

  • 9/24 1:54pm I second Szechuan Gardens, we have been going there for years, wonderful buffet, lots of choices. I don't think they deliver. The owners are terrific, the wait staff is on their toes at all times.
    - JW

  • 9/23 11:09pm I have 2 tickets to see Janet Jackson on 10/1/08 for sale 130.00 each This is the face value of each ticket. If any one is interested, please call me at 528-0555. Also would consider trades to other shows or sporting events. Thanks,
    - KO

  • 9/23 8:17pm Without a doubt, none better in these parts, Quam's Kitchen, Rt. 1 Attleboro. Strip mall setting but fine dining, clean as you'll find anywhere, great service, great hand-prepared sushi done in front of you. More than you could ask for; try the hot & sour soup, best I've had.
    - TB

  • 9/23 8:16pm   I don't understand why this student is allowed to play football. I know that students who were caught drinking (off school property) were suspended from school sports and other school activities for six weeks. This student was charged with a potential felony and he is allowed to play. It doesn't make any sense.
    - BK

  • 9/23 8:14pm   Water problems: We have a new email address: norfolkwaterleak@yahoo.com. Please leave any information about your water problems, leaks, sink or hair discolorations etc. in the past 5 years or so. Your information is confidential and your name will not be used. We need to know the name of the street, age of home and any info you wish to share. If you want information and get an update, leave us your email address. Contact Jack Hathaway at 508-528-1408, to report your problem in the past 5 years or so; only 5 have so far. If you don't report it, it hasn't happened.
    We are here to speak the truth and be open and honest and get to the bottom of the problem. All your help is greatly appreciated. The response has been astounding! And no, I am not a relative of Sara Palin.
    - GC

  • 9/23 8:13pm   Yes, SO. Just like James Carville and Mary Matalin. Glad you are so amused.
    - JN

  • 9/23 8:12pm   Chinese food: Mandarin Cuisine in Walpole is wonderful. Everything is freshly made-to-order.
    - LLB

  • 9/23 8:11pm   To DCL: I am not attacking anyone nor am I ``defending MON''. I could have sworn I was defending Jack Hathaway.
    - JN

  • 9/23 8:10pm   LJK - We enjoy the food at Szechuan House in Medway. They have great spicy broccoli with tofu! They do not deliver but they have a very fresh buffet daily.
    - MJD

  • 9/23 8:09pm   SO - We don't say cahoots in my country - We say bondgenootschap, which in Dutch is essentially the same thing. JN and I go way back to our old country of Belgium, where we met briefly working on the Dikes at Vandersloopenshund. Are you familiar? Without these dikes we cannot ride our bicycles for hot cocoa and tulip pollen. Anyway, we Dutch have to stick together in an odd country like Norfolk. You don't even have real coffee houses yet! And your shoes are made of leather! Ja! That's too funny.
    - MON

  • 9/23 7:58pm   Thank you CG, I don't often drive farther than my home, it's been a while since I noticed. I am very surprised that there is a sign. I can see the intersection from my front yard and I almost never see anyone actually stop. Heck, they don't even slow down!
    - MW

  • 9/23 3:42pm   Hello LJK - Jing's Garden in Medfield on Rt 27 is great.
    - MB

  • 9/23 3:41pm   Hooo-weee! So, JN and MON are in cahoots? Tsk, tsk, & triple tsk. Tag-team-tango, two-step-two-fer - do I hear "Dancing with the..."? No, wrong show.
    - SO

  • 9/23 3:36pm   Re: Chinese Food, we are partial to Blue Orchid (which delivers and has sushi) in Walpole and Lilac House in Millis (I don't think they deliver, but you may want to double-check).
    - KID

  • 9/23 3:35pm   LKJ, Hang Tai in Franklin.
    - DWL

  • 9/23 3:34pm   Family Photo Shoot - The Norfolk Community League is holding a photo shoot on Sunday, October 5, 2008, at Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, 108 North Street, Norfolk, MA. Steve Valencia of Steve Valencia Photography will be available to photograph you, your children or your family, in your choice of color or black & white. The cost is only $40 and includes the sitting and the email images of the photos, which are yours to keep. Slots are still available between 12-3pm. Proceeds go to the NCL Charitable Fund which makes distributions to Norfolk community organizations and schools. Reservations required. Please contact Beth S. at bkmhe@verizon.net or call 508.541.5752 to reserve your spot today.
    - PC, NCL

  • 9/23 3:33pm   TB and others. I have not had any water problems since I do not have town water. I sympathize with you all for what you are going through. I do have a question, though. Should we all be concerned with the quality of water in our schools? Our children eat food that is cooked with town water and fill their water bottles daily. Should we be concerned?
    - LK

  • 9/23 12:30pm   What is everyone's vote for best Chinese food in the area? We are looking for a new place to get take-out. Thanks!
    - LJK

  • 9/23 12:13pm   I have been a resident of Norfolk for over a year now and have been addicted/reading this site almost daily. The ridiculousness that comes out of everyone's mouth is quite comical at times, with the moonscape, dogs pooping (can I say that?) on your neighbor's yard or where you think they shouldn't, town politics, and sidewalks that should be in place, but they're not. Let's get down to some serious matters, did anyone see Dancing with the Stars tonight, can you say awesome?! How about Heroes??? These are my two favorite shows!
    - JSG

  • 9/23 12:12pm   Regarding the 118 acre development called Paddocks and Corrals: A little history about the site. A hundred years ago in the old deeds 20 acres of the area was called " Skunks' Misery ". More recently when KP North was built a plan was filed and approved by the Norfolk County Commssioners that would make King Street a dead end to be renamed King's Terrace and a cut through was laid out from King St to Maple St.
    - BB

  • 9/23 12:11pm   To MW There is a stop sign at the end of Longmeadow. It has been there for some time now. As far as the possible development at the end of Beaverbrook, I bought property here back in 1982. I was informed by my real estate agent back then that this was a possibility.
    - CG

  • 9/22 11:20pm   DL- Thanks for the comments but don't put words in my mouth. I made a comment about the donations to the library and it got out of hand with CS. I just think all of Norfolk and its assets should be better managed. Period. All buildings, transportation devices and human capital. Leave no stone unturned because the Big Financial Meltdown is Coming - and it's going to hit hard.
    So if I offended CS, or anybody sensitized to my words, I am not beyond reproach. There is a lot of fear out there, I can sense it.
    Now get back to building your survival bunkers.
    - MON

  • 9/22 10:35pm   NG, is there a way to register for Girl Scouts without attending the meeting Wednesday night. This is the same night as the KPMS 8th grade open house.
    - EAS

  • 9/22 10:29pm   With regards to our recent very public water main issues. I need to air my thoughts. This has certainly been a double edge sword for me. Initially I thought reason would prevail, when my pipes failed. I'd make a few calls, ask the right questions and politely disagree with our town's position on pipes failing. I'd heard of several failings around me, certainly justice would settle in.
    Well! it didn't. When that didn't work our town fathers were forced to react when myself, Geri & Bill C. stamped our feet & demanded action. Geri & Bill have been an asset to me & I publicly thank them. I won't rehash all the bullet points here, but presently our town is out of the closet & moving on. Some of the media has picked up on this issue and given our town coverage. The coverage I've read is unbias and accurate, facts were presented here and it's alarming. It's a sin to have gotten this far. Should anyone need or want to come by my home and inspect my replaced pipes you're invited, I guarantee one thing, you'll never drink tap water again, at least not in this town! I just informed my dogs it's off limits, Dante' from here on for them!
    Everyone claims and water testings suggest everything is fine now. It's seems to be the past where sights should be aimed. Arrogance, deception, lack of or no inspections, poor water with incorrect CO2 or Ph, where the [heck] does it end. Our home, which I consider modest in today's standards, had taxes of $6500 last year. For $6500, trust me, I want someone watching the farm a little better. I want you all to know neither myself or my family did not sign up or bargain for any of this. I get up each morning, put my shoes on the same way & head off to work. We moved here 19 years ago. Then and now we thought the town to be beautiful. It's a country setting, peaceful but yet close enough to Boston, Providence, Cape Cod and the North country. It has the best our state has to offer. [Heck!] I guess we moved here for the same reason you did. Our town has some broken parts right now, it's my gut that it's been broke for a while. I should have paid attention before. We haven't figured out the whole mess but we're working on it. I've got close to 100 e-mails of horror stories. A serious problem is an under statement. Our town fathers need and want to hear from all of you, they've communicated that to me. Call them, e-mail them do whatever necessary to be heard. Good or bad they need and want to know. We all face a challenge right now, we must figure this mess out, past, present and future. I feel they are sincere as well they should be. Our selectman have agreed to removing several pieces of pipe from the interior of my home. They will be tested for wall thickness and any chemical issues. Intrusive yes, but necessary. They, like myself, need and want to know the remainder of my home is secure and without problems. We want to be able to tell all residents your homes are safe. Let's work together to make Norfolk even better than we thought it was.
    - TB

  • 9/22 10:28pm   CS - One last issue. ``I have also not seen much from our town leadership regarding the state of the moonscape'' You clearly have little to no clue about town affairs, much less than the average Norfolk taxpayer. Some day we will all laugh together, rocking on our front porches, toasting our town! And we laughed!
    - MON

  • 9/22 10:23pm   JN - You [are] attacking CS for a ridiculous post. By defending MON, you are also exposed to charges of hypocrisy. Have you reviewed MON's record here on NorfolkNet? There have been too many baseless accusations of duplicity, obfuscation and even outright lying directed at our town officials for MON, or anyone related to him, to claim the high ground here. If you have to ask for MON's posts to be withdrawn, maybe you should deny him computer access.
    - DCL

  • 9/22 10:22pm   JHR, Emmanuel Baptist Church has several Bible study groups. By calling the church office at 508-528-5862 you could get additional information. I believe the other churches in town also have at least one Bible study.
    - KF

  • 9/22 10:20pm   Oh MON! Hypocrisy?! I am not sure you understand the meaning. Is this the same man who has consistently used this site to post his often very humorous views on many of the very serious issues in Norfolk? But also the same poster that took some fellow citizens to task for trying to deal lightly with another serious issue, the fire alarms at FC. That is HYPOCRISY with a capital everything. I have children at FC and I am concerned about the issue. But I was able to see the humour in the posts and I appreciated the effort. And yet you cannot take any criticism over your posts and lash out over hypocrisy? Take a look in the mirror, my friend.
    I know what motivates you on the library issue. Your history on the site betrays you. Despite being informed of the various legal opinions and decisions that require the library to have an equal access policy for all users, to be open to all users including religious groups, you have decided what is right and wrong for the library. Therefore, Ms. Glasser and the Trustees have failed you and will never meet your standards. Your posts have led me to believe that you think of yourself as the sole arbiter on all issues right and wrong in Norfolk. We already have enough of that with the BOS. When laced with your very fine humour you are a great commentator. When your righteous indignation overwhelms your sense of humour, not so much.
    - DL

  • 9/22 8:46pm   Re: ``Mr. Hathaway and others have not been sharing information... - CS''
    Oh, CS. Your ridiculous rantings about MON retracting his post are getting tired. How about this post of yours attacking Jack Hathaway? He is a decent, hard-working man and all he gets is this kind of grief? Where is the fairness in that? Jack has done more for this town than you ever have. So watch what you say about town employees as well.
    As for MON's post, I requested that he remove it, as I did not think it fair to the library. He agreed, reluctantly. After all, we are related.
    What is your point, anyway? Why do you keep fanning the flames? Let it go.
    - JN

  • 9/22 8:46pm   I had thought that the new season of 90210 was going to provide my needed dose of drama. Wm, if you could you pepper in some "Oh snap!" or "Oh no you didn't!" comments, it would make things more enjoyable.
    - JH

  • 9/22 7:58pm   Norfolk Girl Scouts Registration Event Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at Norfolk Public Library Community Room from 6:00-8:30 PM. [More on the Calendar]
    - NG

  • 9/22 7:54pm   MON: At least I have the courage to let my posts stand. Specifically, you asked the Wm to remove your posting of "9/21 4:18pm [Post critical of the library director and donations to the library removed on request - Wm.]." As to your accusation of being hypocritical, you are wrong. If you read my messages carefully, you may have realized that I was merely proposing that the town maintain an open dialogue with the citizens. That is not at all contrary to my statements about the library. In fact, my statements about the library indicate the same theme. The town leaders should be responsible for library policy and the communication of it. You, sir, are the one who unfairly attacked the library staff and subsequently asked for your post to be retracted. At least I stand behind my assertions and think before I write. You seem to have no problem attacking others from the comfort of your home. Please do us a favor and ask the Wm to reinstate the posting about the library so that we can see you for the cynic that you are.
    - CS

  • 9/22 7:33pm   Wm: Please post this message to the forum as written.
    I would like to point out that MON requested that one of his postings be removed. Specifically, "9/21 4:18pm [Post critical of the library director and donations to the library removed on request - Wm.]".
    Personally, I think that the removal of this posting is censorship and inappropriate. I took the time to defend the library and their staff, only to have MON rethink his posting and subsequently retract his statement. Perhaps MON should think things through before he so quickly attacks the town leadership and anyone else he deems to have violated his principles. I respectfully request that you repost MON's posting regarding the library, so that all subsequent postings can be read in their proper context. If MON has the gumption to post his frequent messages, then he/she should at least have the moral fortitude to stand behind the statements/assertions.
    Please understand that I have the utmost respect for the people that administer this website. I have sent personal messages to the Wm sharing my strong support for the community service that his efforts provide to Norfolk. My request to repost MON's message is in no way a criticism of the Wm, rather it is a request to keep the dialogue here fully accurate and uncensored. If we allow people to attack others only to later retract their statements, we are going down a slippery slope in my opinion. MON, if you don't have the courage of your convictions, then perhaps you should think more prior to posting. Respectfully to the Wm:
    - CS

    [You raise a good point, or rather, cast an old point in in an interesting new light. We've considered a post an on-going statement (not all readers will have seen it yet one or two or even three days after it went up on the page). We have been allowing the poster to edit and/or retract their comments, in effect to stop saying it. However, you make a valid case that doing so after replies arrive affects the flow of the discussion. I don't have a good answer to this.
    I suppose one could quote enough of the post to provide context (not too much, because I often trim overlong quotes), or paraphrase the portion being replied to. When removing MON's post I checked yours because I was curiuos how it would read without the original for reference, and I thought you framed your response in a good context -- the rebuttal is coherent and stands on its own.
    As to censorshipm, there are two ways a posting can get removed: after my own judgement, or by the author's request. If it's the latter, I would call it a retraction. - Wm.]

  • 9/22 7:32pm   Wm: What happened to the posting about Ms Glasser and the library from MON that I responded to? It was critical of the library and my post seems a bit absurd without the proper context (MON's original posting). Please don't tell me that you removed it. Thank you,
    - CS

    [MON retracted it, and I removed it at his request. - Wm.]

  • 9/22 7:31pm   CS - Don't be such a hypocrite. It's OK for you to question the HR position and I can't raise questions?
    - MON

  • 9/22 7:29pm   JHR: Have you visited the Norfolk Senior Center yet? They a have a wonderful variety of programs that would appeal to many people, even very young seniors. They have a walking club, cribbage, scrabble, Tai Chi, yoga and much more. They go on group activities and have supper and game nights. They are also a great source for information regarding political issues as Senator Brown or his representative visit, I believe, twice a month. It is such a wonderful place. I personally have met many members there and they are very warm and welcoming. A real gem in Norfolk for our citizens.
    - JN

  • 9/22 5:38pm   WEW, If you reside in the neighborhood, you can probably figure out from my initials that I live at the "gateway to Ridgefield". That sounds nice doesn't it? :) In other words, anything coming in or out goes by my home. If we are talking safety here... I need to post that the worst danger to the children of this neighborhood are the residents themselves. The speeds that we experience going by our home is shocking. There is no stop sign at the end of the Longmeadow straightaway ending at Ridgefield and you cannot see them coming from over the hill. The residents at "the gateway" also get to listen to the trucks that come in an out in order to provide their services to residents farther back. I knew this when I moved in, therefore I cannot complain. I'm just putting it out there that we are no strangers to noise. A new development would probably not phase me that much. In fact, it may provide some relief for us living close to King St. if there is another entranceway to the development. I also came from a new development across town where I lived in the midst of construction with young children for a few years. It was not that bad and it was perfectly safe. I do not allow my kids to play in the street and I believe that we have ample sidewalks. With the amount of new construction going on in Norfolk, we in the Ridgefield area are very spoiled. Most residents of Cape Cod, Noon Hill, Christina Estates etc all experienced living with construction.
    I am not really sure at this point whether I am for or against the project, It just irks me that the sheet was signed "your neighbors". Which neighbors? It has always been my policy to make informed judgments based on where and who the information is coming from. I am trying to get all the facts before I become hysterical. I do have a question.
    Is there a right of way between the two properties at the end of Beaverbrook? If so, wouldn't the owners have been aware of the possibility of future expansion? Also, If this is to be a cluster zone, would that mean that there would be walking trails like there are in the Christina Estates neighborhood?
    - MW

  • 9/22 5:37pm   Dan Winslow, KF, and LJK: Thanks for all your suggestions.
    KF--Though I do have a church in another town, it does not have a Bible Study. I'd be interested in more info on a Norfolk group, however.
    LJK--the library and food pantry are great suggestions and although a book club sounds interesting, I can't seem to find one in town that is welcoming new people at this time.
    Thanks all. Could this be called email shrink time? :)
    - JHR

  • 9/22 5:36pm   Re: WEW's posting about the new development - I am familiar with the property that WEW is referring to. It is currently October Farm, a horse boarding and training facility. I board my horse there and am very familiar with the land. I don't understand how a development of that magnitude could be planned for that piece of property. As I understand it, a significant portion of what is now open fields were wetlands that were filled in years ago. Whenever there is rain, and through the winter and spring, the land there is very wet and spongy. The land is bordered by swampy wetlands, and parts of the wooded areas are wet year-round. I don't see how this property could support so many houses. Much of it is not suitable to build on. I would check the suitability of this site very carefully before approving such a large project.
    - EC

  • 9/22 5:35pm   JHR--Hi there. There are a number of organizations to get involved with and like Dan Winslow said, Town Meeting and government are a great way to use your skills. Also, as you mentioned, there is the Norfolk Community League (NCL: formerly known as NOVA). I have several friends whose children are grown and they've joined a couple of the NCL book clubs and cooking clubs. There are also the Norfolk Lions, comprised of men and women. Both of these organizations do significant community service work and you don't need to be invited. There's also the Garden Club, library, and schools are always looking for volunteers for their various groups as parents have a hard time fitting it all in. I would also bet the sports leagues could use help with lining fields, organizing the teams, etc. Don't forget the rec dept also offers many classes which are good to get involved in. Enjoy and have fun.
    - BS

  • 9/22 4:00pm   JHR--I think the library would be a great place to volunteer and meet people. Also, my mother belongs to the Red Hatters, and has a blast. She enjoys her bowling club at Ficco's once a week and takes trips with the Wrentham Seniors even though she lives in Walpole. Maybe join the Y or another club? They have a number of interesting classes at the Y, and a senior group called the "Live Y'ers" Or, how about a book or camera club? Other friends have volunteered at one of the local food pantries...
    - LJK

  • 9/22 3:29pm   JHR--One of the best ways to meet people in Norfolk, especially people from all walks of life, is at Town Meeting. :o) We are fortunate to have Open Town Meeting in Norfolk, where any voter is welcome to attend and participate as our town Legislature. This year's Autumn TM will be on Tuesday, November 18 and (if we need a second night) Wednesday, November 19 starting at 7 p.m. at the KP Middle School. Watch this blog for announcements about "how to" seminars to participate in our direct democracy. Some of the strongest friendships in Norfolk have been forged in the heat of debate on Town Meeting floor, both with allies and adversaries on any particular issue. Hope you can join us (and the debate) on November 18.
    - Dan Winslow, Town Moderator

  • 9/22 3:28pm   JHR - do you have a home church? Studying the Bible and praying together opens many new friendships. Or how about volunteering at the senior center or at Stony Brook nature center?
    - KF

  • 9/22 3:27pm   Free furniture located at 27 Village Green, on the curb. 2-seat loveseat, solid wood TV stand, 2 sets headboard/footboard with rails, 2 oval framed mirrors, large blanket chest/hamper. Furniture is in good condition, we just don't have the room for it!
    - JP

  • 9/22 3:22pm   Regarding the new development that MW refers to in her post of 9/18 - the builder's proposal calls for the creation of an 80 home, 118 acre development called Paddocks and Corrals. It would be built on the Norfolk/Wrentham line with 46 of the homes to be built within Norfolk. It would be bounded by Maple Street to the north, Park Street to the west and Beaverbrook Road to the east. When asked about the need for an entrance/exit cutting through to Beaverbrook, the developer responded that the Norfolk Planning Board was forcing him to cut through to the east for safety reasons. Given his druthers, the developer claimed he would not add this road to the development.
    For many of us who live in the Ridgefield Estates neighborhood, the thought of the creation of a roadway connecting Maple/Park to King St. is very disconcerting. It is illogical to think that this should be done for "safety" reasons, given the number of young children that live along these roads, including two straight-aways of close to 1/2 mile each. Clearly one of the appeals of this cul-de-saced neighborhood to many of the families with young children in this area is the fact that traffic, consisting almost exclusively of residents, is light. As it is now planned, the completion of this project would completely change the nature of this quiet neighborhood, providing a cut-through between Park/Maple to King/Union and greatly increasing the level of traffic.
    Beyond the self-interests of residents of the affected neighborhoods, there are reasons why the town of Norfolk should not allow the construction of this development. Firstly, given the current state of the economy and housing market, does it make sense to build a large development? Housing starts recently slid to a 17-year low due in no small part to the fact that there is too much unsold inventory. The town already has one notable moonscape - we don't need another. The increase in homes would further strain demand on the town's limited resources including road repair, water and education. The myth that building more homes improves the financial standing of a town has been soundly debunked in recent years as the cost of education has risen. Given the wide variety of creatures native to the discussed area, there are conservation concerns as well.
    I would like to thank the individual who left the notice on our mailbox informing us of last week's Wrentham and Norfolk meetings to discuss this topic. I, as well as several others I have spoken too, was not aware of town's latest plans concerning the neighborhood until I received the notice. With all that said MW, as a parent of two little ones who ride the bus, I am sorry to hear about your son's treatment on the bus. As you rightly point out, it is incumbent upon us as parents to teach our children to respect the opinions of others.
    - WEW

  • 9/22 1:13pm   CS, Well said!
    - SL

  • 9/22 12:15pm   Attention Haunted Train Ride Riders: Only 2 days until the sale of a limited number of tickets for the 7th Annual Haunted Train Ride co-sponsored by Norfolk Community League (NCL) and Norfolk Lions. See announcement in the calendar section for more details. Don't miss out!
    - TMS

  • 9/22 12:14pm   To ML: We just used B&G Power Equipment in Walpole for our lawnmower repair, they did an amazing job. Their address is 1034 East St., Phone # 508-668-8722. Good Luck!
    - LR

  • 9/22 8:29am   Happy Autumnal Equinox! Fall begins today at 11:44am, when the earth's axis of rotation will be tangential to the cylinder of its orbit.
    - Wm.

  • 9/21 10:21pm   I would like to thank the library and its staff for their support and hospitality to the Norfolk/Franklin Saturday Club Playgroup for Working Parents. I can tell you from personal experience that without a policy like our library, a local support group for parents of young children has a very, very difficult time meeting at all on rainy or wintry days and the places they end up meeting are nowhere near as relaxing or supportive. I encourage our playgroup members to donate all their used books and media to the library to say thank you, and I imagine the other groups using the library do the same. I also believe that the library's support will inspire loyalty, gratitude and future giving by those who will remember when the library helped them.
    - KID

  • 9/21 10:20pm   Hello... We have been in town for 36 years, and find now that we are seniors that we really know very few people. Any thoughts on how to change that? Other than library functions and NOVA (I think that has a newer name now), what else is out there? Thanks.
    - JHR

  • 9/21 8:25pm   The Garden Club of Norfolk October meeting: Please join us on Wednesday, October 8 at 7:00 PM at the Norfolk Public Library -- The Garden Club of Norfolk will host ``Confessions of a Garden Writer'' by speaker Carol Stocker, Gardening Editor at the Boston Globe. This speaker is co-sponsored by the Millis Garden Club. Thank you in advance.
    - Susan Brindley, Corresponding Secretary, The Garden Club of Norfolk

  • 9/21 8:23pm   We should support the library and the request by Robin Glasser. It seems grossly unfair to attack Ms. Glasser for merely asking residents to turn in grocery receipts and extra supplies. It also seems that any decision to charge people or organizations for library use should be made by a governing body, such as the selectmen. Attacking Ms. Glasser is both rude and unnecessary. The entire library staff serves the community very well. My children and I enjoy visiting the library and chatting with the staff about new books and services available.
    MON, you really have some nerve insinuating that Ms. Glasser is "misusing the library" or not treating it as an "asset". There has been some discussion about a church group getting free space, but if this is why you are attacking Ms. Glasser, you are out of line. Take this concern up with the Board of Selectmen or Jack Hathaway. If you could find your way off of your high horse, you should consider apologizing to Ms. Glasser and her staff. I will gladly donate what I can to support the library because it has given so much to my kids. MON, it is really easy to attack those who are trying to serve the public from behind the keyboard. Why not offer some productive advice? It is a shame that our library staff has to read such vindictive feedback.
    - CS

  • 9/21 4:18pm   [Post critical of the library director and donations to the library removed on request - Wm.]

  • 9/21 4:16pm   The following appeared on Boston.com: Headline: [9/21 Sunday Globe West: Series of water pipe breaks may hint at 'serious problems'
    NORFOLK - Geri Coleman could hardly believe the huge spray of water shooting up from her Creek Drive front yard on Aug. 8. When the retired nurse tapped her foot on the spreading sinkhole, she said, it felt like quicksand.

    . . .

    - JN

  • 9/21 4:15pm   Can anyone recommend a lawn mower repair company?
    - ML

  • 9/21 11:48am   Norfolk Public Library Presents: New England's Major Leaguers--The Search for the All-Time New England Nine
    You're invited to join author, historian, lifelong baseball fan, and personality Roger Kolb on Tuesday, Sept. 23rd at 7:00 p.m. at the Norfolk Public Library for a fun-filled hour looking at the greatest baseball players to hail from our region. Examine careers, visit homes, crunch statistics, and discuss performance oddities in this colorful illustrated lecture. Find out what player's performance was never the same after he was shot and nearly killed by a groupie in a Chicago hotel room; who hit back-to-back inside-the-park homers (and almost a third) in the same game; who is the only player to steal home in the All-Star classic; who was blown off the mound by high winds in an All-Star game, resulting in a critical balk; and what New England immortal saw his career end when he was beaned by another New Englander.
    Roger Kolb, author (The Robert J. Lurtsema Musical Quiz Book), columnist (for The Somerville Journal), researcher (for New England Armchair Tours), former radio announcer (for WMBR-- Cambridge ), and ex-factchecker (for Houghton Mifflin), is a lifelong student of our national pastime. A native of Long Island, he holds a Bachelor's in History from the University of Wisconsin . This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
    - Robin Glasser, Library Director

  • 9/21 11:47am   Speaking of creative fundraising, the Library is collecting Shaw's receipts to raise money for supplies! The library expense budget was reduced this year and we're fast running out of essential supplies. You can help and it won't cost you a dime! Here's how --- if you shop at Shaw's Supermarket just save your receipts and deposit them in the collection box at the library. Shaw's ``Receipt Rewards Program'' will return 1% of your purchases to the library. Spread the word and collect receipts from family, friends, and neighbors. It's a great way to help us and all you have to do is remember to bring us your receipts!
    For those that may have a closet full of no longer used suppplies here's where our greatest need is: any kind of craft supplies that can be used for preschool crafts; glue sticks; Avery (or other brand) laser printer labels, all sizes; copier paper, white and colors; wide packing tape, and Scotch tape. Any and all of the above will be gladly accepted.
    And remember those Shaw's receipts!
    - Robin Glasser, Library Director

  • 9/21 11:26am   We received this note from someone familiar with the law:
    Be careful if you find the missing backpack, since possession of "nunchucks" as mentioned in the post is illegal under M.G.L. c. 269, section 10, 6(b). It is especially good to know that the illegal dangerous weapons are being left on school property!
    - Wm.

  • 9/21 11:23am   It's not to late to sign your little one up for preschool! My Little Preschool still has a few openings for children 2 1/2 to 4yrs. old. It is a home preschool located at 21 Pondview Road in Norfolk. Look at the ad at the bottom of this website [Notice Board, 9/6] for more information and pictures. Thanks!
    - Laurie Hayes, My Little Preschool

  • 9/21 11:17am   Thank you to everyone who made a donation to Sweet Binks Rabbit Rescue for the care of Pops (and Lucky). Pops is healed, and his coat is growing in beautifully. We are still working on his litter box training. Lucky is comfortably in a temporary home for socialization because he is so incredibly terrified of people and the shelter manager is going in for major surgery and felt she would not be able to work with him as much as he needs. He was neutered at the end of last week and is getting very good with his litter box. Both buns are warm, safe and comfortable and are finally in the hands of people who will always be gentle and have respect for them. If you have not yet received a written thank you note and a donation receipt you will be receiving one soon from the shelter manager. Again, many thanks. The care of these two bun has already easily surpassed the 600$ mark, and Pops still needs to have the hanging piece of his nose removed which will be another surgery but not a very invasive one. We really appreciate the people who donated to the shelter for their care - especially those donations marked specifically for Pops. The buns thank you too.
    - EF

  • 9/21 11:16am   The King Philip High School Marching Band presents a preview of its 2008 show Sunday, September 21, 2008 at 6pm on the KP High Football Field. Admission is free. A cookout will precede the performance with all proceeds going to the KP Music Association. This year's show takes music from George Gershwin's ``Concerto for Piano in F Major'' as well as some quotes from Disney's , ``Someday My Prince Will Come.'' Built around the various stages of love, the show hopes to portray the passion and travails of courtship and love through some gorgeous music. Bring the family and enjoy a hot dog and see the nationally recognized KP High Band in its first performance of the 2008 show.,
    - LB, KPMA

  • 9/21 11:15am   Re: We need to replace our front walkway, steps, and retaining wall. Can anyone recommend 1. a product that they have had success with (brick, granite, pavers, stamped concrete?) and 2. a mason or landscaper to do installation? Thanks!
    We are just replaced our front steps and walk and built a new retaining wall. Jeff Sherrick of Norfolk completed the work and we are very pleased - 380-5607
    - NS

  • 9/20 9:20pm   Re: We need to replace our front walkway, steps, and retaining wall. Can anyone recommend 1. a product that they have had success with (brick, granite, pavers, stamped concrete?) and 2. a mason or landscaper to do installation? Thanks!
    We just had our railroad tie retaining wall replaced with fieldstone by Frank Deluca Landscaping. We were very happy with the work. If you would like to see the wall or more info, perhaps the webmaster could set up a forward for you.
    - BA

  • 9/20 9:19pm   LB, thanks so much for the info. We will definitely be pitching in (literally) in the future. I hope the elementary school administration takes note of this creative fundraising solution and perhaps thinks of refocusing energies on similar ideas rather than writing unhappy letters to parents...
    - KID

  • 9/20 8:31pm   RO - NCL could use a few of your boxes for our annual candy giveback. Please let me know if any are still available. Thank you.
    - RC

  • 9/20 6:11pm   We need to replace our front walkway, steps, and retaining wall. Can anyone recommend 1. a product that they have had success with (brick, granite, pavers, stamped concrete?) and 2. a mason or landscaper to do installation? Thanks!
    - JT

  • 9/20 6:10pm   Don't forget... after the fun run we will be doing the Lions Soccer photos! Please come 1/2 hour before your game for you team photo. We will be doing teams first then individuals for the children who want them. Should be a great, fun day!
    - DV

  • 9/20 1:08pm   Does anyone know if boxig films, old ones, are worth anything? I have a Robinson Turpin fitee 16 mm from Castle Films, the first one of their fights. Thank you, kcooper202@comcast
    - KC

  • 9/20 10:50am   Update on the Calico. We've named her Freckles for the time being. She is approximately between 1-2 years old and super friendly. She is spayed and has combo tested negative and received a rabies vaccine. She will be available for adoption in 7 days if her prior owner does not come forward.
    - HC, Norfolk ACO

  • 9/20 10:49am   September 21st - the forecast is calling for a gorgeous New England fall day -- be sure to stop by Dunkin Donuts Sunday morning for the 4th Annual DARE to Run 5K Road Race/Walk & Kids' 1K Fun Run. Even if you're not participating in the race, come on out to cheer on the runners & walkers. There will also be some great raffles! The festivities start at 9:00. The Fun Run goes off at 9:30 and the 5K gun goes off at 10:00. This is a great community event for a great cause - all proceeds go to Norfolk's DARE program!
    For more information go to www.norfolkdare2run.com
    - HK

  • 9/20 9:30am   RO, We are currently in the process of moving and would love to take the moving boxes off your hands. Thanks, CR 508-528-8490
    - CR

  • 9/20 12:14am   SB, With all due respect, it seems that there are many decisions that we, the taxpayers, should be questioning these days. While I agree that there may be a valid need for an HR person, the town's track record of late is suspect. Mr. Hathaway and others have not been sharing information about many issues, as I would have hoped. The recent postings about the water pipe problems are a good example of why residents should stay involved in town decision making and communication. I have also not seen much from our town leadership regarding the state of the moonscape (which has been dragging on for years). We may have good administrators, but open dialogue is lacking (and healthy).
    - CS

  • 9/19 9:01pm   AML, Before you start asking questions on Norfolknet about employee postings and the need for them (Human Resources), why don't you ask Jack Hathaway, Town Administror, why the town needs such a position. Get his input, which I am sure is well thought out and report back to us. This is always the best way rather than start a new thread which can be damaging to our town employees.
    - SB

  • 9/19 8:08pm   LB, Thanks for giving the info. People need to wake up here.
    - BR (BR#1)

  • 9/19 5:39pm   Recently moved to Norfolk. Have a large quantity of moving boxes available. All sizes, if you are moving or know someone, they can save a lot of money.
    - RO

    [Update 9/23 10:40pm: The boxes are gone - RO]

  • 9/19 3:28pm   To KID: So glad you asked... the King Philip Music Association collects returnable cans and bottles, year round, to raise money to support the Music Programs at both the Middle School and High School. This includes all band and chorus programs. We have donation bins behind the high school and at Main Street Hardware in Norfolk. This Saturday, September 20th is our Can and Bottle Drive where we make a big push to collect as many "returnables" as possible, so please feel free to stop by any one of the drop off locations between 10am and 2pm. All donations are greatly appreciated.
    - LB

  • 9/19 3:04pm   BR#1 - can you elaborate on your post re: giving bottles to KP High? Is there a donation program that helps fund the school? I'd love to know more about it if there is... could you follow up?
    - KID

  • 9/19 2:59pm   Hi. I am looking for a child's Thomas the Tank Engine costume. If anyone has one big enough for a four to five year-old that is in good condition, I would be interested in buying it from you. You can reach me through Wm. [You can use box150@norfolknet.com] Thanks,
    - MFZ

  • 9/19 2:57pm   I am looking for someone to install an existing wood stove in my house. Can anyone recommend someone? Thanks,
    - JS

  • 9/19 2:56pm   Someone asked if other towns our size had a dedicated HR person. I believe that Dover does not. The town administrator handles this task. Is there really that much squabbling and employee turnover in our town hall that we have to have to add a position for this?
    I would also like to add that we just received a demand notice for our excise tax. It was paid. We have the record in our checkbook. Maybe if the employees weren't so busy running out for their cigarette breaks together (which actually happened when my husband dropped it off) they would have received the check and entered it in the system in a timely manner. I am assuming the check is now lost in that office. On second thought, maybe we do need an HR person so that the public has someone to complain to!
    - MW

  • 9/19 9:50am   Still missing our cat (large black & white, male) named Buddy, near the airport / River Road area since our Post of 9/3. If you think you have seen him please contact us at 508-528-8265 or the ACO. A big Thank You to all the neighbors and friends throughout town who have been keeping a watch for him!
    - JLH (not JH)

    [Update 3:03pm: attached photo - Wm.]

  • 9/19 9:49am   SR As seniors we adjusted a long time ago how to do without. My parents and brothers lived during the depression. I was brought up to use everything--don't waste. I still have a hard time throwing out those 5 peas left in the pan or on the plate. A large pot was always on the stove to "throw" leftovers in for "soup". I do have the recipe for Poor Man's Cake if anyone would like it.
    We have become a very wasteful society. How many times do you see the 5 cent returnables being left at the transfer station "dump". Can't people at least give the bottles to K. P. High?? I've seen beer cans thrown into the tin container. People drop a penny, nickle--they leave it. That's ok, I pick it up. People need to change and not waste. Enough said. Have a good day...
    - BR (#1)

  • 9/19 9:48am   2 Pottery Barn retro rockers - for sale! Light blue color is perfect for either boy or girl. Nice addition to a bedroom, playroom, dorm. Suitable for children and teens - see ad below.
    - KG

  • 9/19 8:48am   I just read in the Sun Chronicle that the Town is looking to hire (new position) a part-time HR employee. This is a time when the budget is tight, and the town is going to be looking for another override next year. Why are we adding positions? Shouldn't the town look at what existing employees could do to fill this position? Does anyone know of other towns our size, that have a dedicated HR person? I would hope the town considers reducing staff not increasing staff especially with the budget concerns.
    - AML

  • 9/19 8:47am   Yard Sale! Saturday Sept. 20. 9 to 4 o'clock. 23 King Street.
    [See post of 9/17 3:38pm]
    - BH

  • 9/19 8:40am   Yard Sale / Salesman's sample sale ... this Saturday, Sept. 20th, 9-1 @ 16 Barnstable Road, Norfolk. Runner's and walker's hydration accessories (water bottles, waist paks, hydration waist and back paks), books, golf clubs, and plenty of knick-knacks. No early birds please. See you there!
    - EN

  • 9/19 8:39am   Yard/moving sale - Saturday 9 a.m. at 11 Park St. Lots of toys, kids' books, home items, etc. Come check it out! Lots of purses, baby clothes, shoes, etc also at yard sale on 11 Park! Join the fun! Come on over!
    - RD

  • 9/19 8:38am   Hello. Does anyone have any information regarding installation of insulation between the floor joists in an unheated basement to help to keep the floors warmer on the first floor. Thanks.
    - JHR

  • 9/19 8:37am   Today the animal control department picked up a stray cat in the Chicatabut neighborhood. She is a female calico with an apricot tortie coat pattern. She is not microchipped but is wearing a green flea collar. I do not have pictures of her yet as she's still in the quarantine area. Once she can join the rest of the other cats in the animal room I will get some pictures of her. If anyone is missing a cat with this description please call 508 528 3232.
    - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control

  • 9/19 8:36am   SM - thank you for appreciating the humor. Sometimes Mrs. JH says it gets old. She won't even marry me again on Facebook.
    - JH

  • 9/18 9:22pm   On a lighter note, all area 7th through 12th Graders are invited to the Emmanuel Baptist Church Gladiators Youth Carnival this Sat., 9/20, from noon 'til 3 PM to celebrate the beginning of a new school year. $2 admission gets you food, inflatable games, dunk tank. Come join the party!
    - DM

  • 9/18 9:22pm   re: 9/18 6:02pm Hello, we are new in town and would like to know if anyone has information regarding the building site at the bottom of the hill, Meetinghouse Road and Liberty Lane. Thank you. - RMA
    For clear and reliable information, call the Norfolk Planning Board, 508-528-2961, or see URL [Planning Board page]
    Note on their website that Town Hall is closed on Fridays. You may also send an e-mail to: quinlan@virtualnorfolk.org
    - RH

  • 9/18 9:19pm   My child is typically harassed on the bus. This has been an ongoing issue for the past few years. Don't even suggest to contact the school. I practically live there. They have been very understanding, but there is not much that can be done without bus monitors, so I have basically given up. The problem that I am now having is that parents seem to be talking neighborhood politics in front of their very young children. This is getting transferred to the Elementary school bus. My child recently found a slip of paper in our mailbox from an anonymous neighbor (Why anonymous?) stating propaganda about the proposed development that would affect the Ridgefield Estates and Park street neighborhoods. Why the anonymous letter? If you would like my vote or support on something, at least state your names. At any rate, my son got excited that he would potentially have a larger neighborhood with the possibility of new friends, as well as streets and sidewalks to connect him to other neighborhoods in town. He finds our little neighborhood limiting, especially since King Street is too dangerous for him to ride his bike alone!! Today my son mentioned casually expressing his excitement and was absolutely lambasted by some children on the bus. There were kids that joined in who were not even close to being affected by this new development. They used very adult phrases. I am sure that they were mimicking what they heard in their homes.
    I just wanted to remind everyone that little ears hear all, but they don't always understand what they are repeating, especially when we talk politics. They hear you when you have a difference of opinion or when you are upset and speaking ill of your neighbors. The big difference is that they blurt things out that are inappropriate or that could be taken the wrong way. This can be very hurtful to another child. So I would like to send a message to all parents out there... especially in this political climate. Please teach your child to respect other's differences. There is a nice way to say something and a not so nice way. Or maybe politics should not be discussed between small children without the guidance of parents, as most of the things they hear are one sided and they are easily influenced.
    - MW

  • 9/18 6:06pm   SR: Hello back! We're here! I think many are just in a state of shock, others in a state of denial, then others ranting and raving on the politics/election page (myself included!). Any real discussion of this crisis, beyond sharing the misery and horror of what has happened to our retirement accounts and investment portfolios, ineveitably leads to politics. I am sure we'll see more evidence of the financial crisis on this page has the year progresses, possibly in the form of more demands on the local food bank, energy conservation tips, save investments (is there such a thing?). But, I agree, the silence on this issue on a local level is peculiar.
    - TC

  • 9/18 6:04pm   Geez, SR, aren't you the ray of sunshine today! Thanks so much for the reminder that we've all lost a good chunk of money.
    - AL

  • 9/18 6:03pm   My financial world has come to an end? When?? Why didn't someone tell me before this? Oh, I guess because I was too busy just trying to get by.
    - JW

  • 9/18 6:02pm   Hello, we are new in town and would like to know if anyone has information regarding the building site at the bottom of the hill, Meetinghouse Road and Liberty Lane. Thank you.
    - RMA

  • 9/18 6:00pm   CR, I have been thinking the same thing about the bus route for the last several years. The bus stops at each house on King Street. There is a major stop at the corner of King and Bridie. However, the bus still stops one or two houses down from Bridie on King street. Then it's stop and go the entire length of King. I find it odd that the street is not safe enough for the kids (some of who are in 6th grade) to walk to a bus stop, but it is considered safe enough for my son to walk to the middle school in 7th grade. Hmmmm.
    - MW

  • 9/18 5:58pm   SR, my financial world ended a long time ago. When you are living paycheck to paycheck, the stock market means nothing. I turned my back on investments in the 1990's. If things get tough I will get another low paying job to stay afloat. No problem. I am so glad that I decided long ago to buy an inexpensive home and not use credit cards. When most cannot pay their mortgages... I will be high and dry with no mortgage hanging over my head. My parents lived through the depression and taught me well to never live on credit. My friends laughed at me when I sold my home a few years ago and used the profits to buy a small house for myself mortgage-free. They just couldn't understand how I could "bear to downsize"... and live in a "regular house" (a raised ranch) oh the shame! a "regular house!" (I used to live in a McMansion). We'll see who stays afloat when it gets even worse.
    - MW

  • 9/18 5:57pm   BC: One place the missing backpack might be is at the Vikings (Pop Warner) shed. I'm sure if you stop by any evening between 5:30 and 6pm, someone could check for you. Hope you locate it.
    CR: In our neighborhood, there are set bus stops. Usually at a corner or a spot mid-way on the street. The kids wait at the stop for the bus. I believe that most of Norfolk is on the same system - the routes are published in the local papers and also on the school's website.
    - TMS

  • 9/18 10:12am   Hmmmnnnn... Let's see missing cat, need plasterer, rant's about unkept property and bad driving... good bread and bad food (oops!)... but not a word about the fact that your financial world has come to an end.
    Hello out there?
    - SR

  • 9/18 9:52am   JH - Next time can you entertain SM with MoonScape follow up. If our School Committee and Selectmen continue to ignore this violation who can close the school now?
    - JG

  • 9/18 9:50am   Yard Sale 131 Union st. Norfolk, 10a-3p on Sat Sept 20. No early birds. Yard sale items / yard sale prices... bedroom set, microwave, bookcase, and misc household items. Also, some antiques, at antique prices. Come take a look...
    - DM

  • 9/18 9:44am   9/19 Has anyone found a backpack, which was left on the Freeman Centennial Football Practice/Babe Ruth field, last Thursday the 11th? The backpack is black and charcoal with an orange outline on the top front pocket, where Dylan Conti is written. The contents were a Kung-Fu outfit, nunchucks weapon, Stride-Rite sneakers, a Nike jacket and running pants, a ledger, [... etc.] We live on Lawrence St. // 508/553-9171.
    - BC

  • 9/18 9:42am   I am a Precinct Captain for Representative Richard Ross' campaign. If anybody would like to volunteer to help in any way by holding a sign, getting a yard sign and/or bumper sticker or in any other capacity, please contact me: Sandy D. 508-541-6360 or sandydibacco@yahoo.com. Thank you.
    - SB

  • 9/17 7:07pm   To JH: Thank you for the laughs! You are very funny and I needed a belly laugh today! More cow bell! What a riot!!
    - SM

  • 9/17 7:06pm   You all are making light of a potentially serious situation... A fire at a school unprotected by fire and smoke alarms. I understand the School Building Committee is trying to hedge their bets on getting a favorable review for a new building but this is ludicrous - and you are exposing our town to potential litigation! All responsible for this tactic better pray nothing happens as your names will be on the criminal charges and civil lawsuits. Perhaps you all should resign now for concocting such an absurd and potentially lethal scheme, starting at the top.
    - MON

  • 9/17 7:04pm   Missing - 1 year old neutered male up to date on all shots , lost near Park /Maple St. - 9/9/08
    - HC

  • 9/17 7:00pm   Hello BHS - for plastering, I recommend Robert Beirne out of Bellingham (508-446-6791) . Over 25 years experience - Thanks
    - MWB

  • 9/17 3:38pm   Yard sale! this Saturday, September 20 at 23 King Street (across from middle school) from 9 to 4. Pictures, country decor items, knick-knacs, wreaths, books, kitchen items, clothes, etc., etc. See you there!
    - BH

  • 9/17 3:37pm   To the driver of the light-colored Maxima that turned from Main onto West St. yesterday evening (plates something like 811MWC): your taillights are out. Your brake lights work, but otherwise your car from behind is spooky, like a ghost in the dark. I wonder if someone could have put single-filament bulbs (turn signal bulbs) into your taillights instead of dual-filament.
    - AR

  • 9/17 3:36pm   To BHS: We recently had a very large dywall/plaster job done by Chris Murphy - Trinity Drywall & Blueboard. He and his crew were absolutely fantastic. Highly recommend. Call Chris @ 508-736-8665.
    - CR

  • 9/17 3:35pm   Last week in the Sun Chronicle, there was an article about towns trying to find ways to conserve on gas/fuel. While driving to work this morning, I followed the local school bus, which stopped at each house to pick-up. My route is not through Norfolk, but I wonder if Norfolk does the same. If so, since the 2-mile rule is in place, perhaps those outside the limit should walk to central pick-up locations. Sidewalks shouldn't be an issue since there are inadequate/no sidewalks for the walkers within the 2-mile radius.
    - CR

  • 9/17 3:34pm   Of course he was kidding; there is a country song "A Different World" sung by Bucky Covington. Listen to it and most of you will get a kick out of it.
    - JW

  • 9/17 3:32pm   Ok, ok... I see the need for protecting our little ones. Here's the plan. All the KP kids are in study halls 50% the day. Bus them over to Freeman (only $90 fee), and place them strategically throughout the building. Instead of simply staring at their desks, they can stare at electrical outlets or anything else that can catch fire. When something goes ablaze, they can run through the halls alerting everyone (More Cowbell!).
    This way we can meet the need at Freeman without raising taxes or disrupting from the time-on-learning at KP. Everyone wins. Now that's change you can believe in.
    - JH

  • 9/17 8:06am   RD, Jeff Pello does a great job, fair price and great to work with. 978-580-7633.
    - DWL

  • 9/17 8:05am   JM - Relax. I think JH was being humorous. (or at least I hope!) ;o)
    - KM

  • 9/17 12:29am   Can anyone recommend someone to sand and/or refinish hardwoood floors?
    - RD

  • 9/17 12:28am   JH - I am sorry, but I have to pipe in on your post which seemed quite unfair toward all those who live in town and would like our schools to meet minimum safety guidelines. Libraries, buses, and smoke detectors seem to make a lot of sense. First of all, I am sure if you ask the fire chief about smoke detectors and CO2 detectors, he will be sure to tell you about their importance, especially in public buildings. In fact, I know when you move, you are required to have a certificate from the fire department stating that your house/building is up to code. Precautions are put in place for a reason. Secondly, there is a reason that asbestos is no longer allowed in building materials. It kills--and my father was one who died from it. Non-smoker who was exposed second-hand as a child. He had mesothelioma. Look it up, it is not pretty. While your relatives may have fared better, we now know better. I agree that frivolous expenditures are not necessary (ie a million street lights in the middle of our tiny town), but safety measures should always be on the agenda.
    - RD

  • 9/16 10:39pm   JH - Your great-great-great-great grandpappy, as you put it, probably went to school in a small school-house, with only a few students and no electricity. So no, he didin't have to worry about an out-dated school with aging air, electrical and heating systems and virtually no life-safety systems in place for the 600+ students and faculty that are housed in the current facility. How many educated officials does it take to get the message across - the school needs to meet the minimum life-safetly measures outlined in the letter by Chief Bushnell. I'm glad you're willing to take the chance with your friends' and neighbors' children, but I know that I'm not willing to take that chance with mine.
    By the way, do you have smoke detectors in your house? Are they providing that first alert you need to get your family out of the house safely before it's engulfed in flames? Now picture the school not knowing the severity of a fire due to its lack of smoke detectors - how would it fare getting everyone out safely?
    - JM

  • 9/16 9:39pm   JN Glad someone else knows about Iggys bread. When I can find it I buy and freeze. I'll be at Gumps early Sat. Can't beat their corn--actually they are such nice people and they are open to suggestions of what people might be looking for. Have you tried the their old fashion root beer?? People forget to look in the cooler.
    - BR (#1)

  • 9/16 9:38pm   JT - You are almost correct. Selectmen have authority to appoint members to the boards and commissions--but that's about it as far as I can tell. And since politics is about controlling your environment, they usually pick people who will agree with their philosophies--regardless of the other applicants' progressive demeanors, intellect and attitudes.
    Selectmen also control what type of board or committee arises. Here's a local example. After studying our town's finances and infrastruture for the last several years I asked them to create a board to study overtime costs--which costs our town hundreds of thousands of dollars per year. The only answer I got was from Mr. Lehan and he said it could not be done or wasn't possible. He even stated the problem has been looked at by other levels of the town politic. But, I seriously do not buy that argument--which is why such a board or committee and its establishment should be a future warrant item. The Selectmen are not the only ones to draft laws--we, the taxpayers, can. And will. If a politician does not bend to the will of the people you go around them then vote them out.
    - MON

  • 9/16 7:07pm   BHS, for plastering, we recommend Dennis Bourne (508-384-0313)--he did a porch ceiling for us last spring--great job, quick, reasonable price, and even cleaned up really well!
    - LK

  • 9/16 5:10pm   GC, Our water pipe burst in the summer of 2007. We have saved the corroded pipe and my address is Beaverbrook Road. I believe that there is another neighbor on my street who also had the same problem. My house was built in 1984. It was expensive, somewhere around $5,000.00. We were fortunate that our homeowners policy did cover some of the cost. Our insurance company stated that after they completed their investigation, the cause of the water damage was due to corrosion of my main water pipe.
    - NF

  • 9/16 5:09pm   We are redoing all the ceilings on our first floor and in need of a plasterer or drywall person. Does anyone have a recommendation for a plasterer or drywall contact? Thanks!
    - BHS

  • 9/16 5:06pm   I spoke with the school today. I have to say, they were great. They appear to be as upset about this kid as we are and no, he is not attending school. And he is not playing football. I feel much better about this now. They were a lot more open than I thought they would be. Let's all hope this girl can get on with her life, it will be very hard for her.
    - DV

  • 9/16 5:05pm   To those interested in the water problem. We met with the Selectmen for about 2 hours last evening. I want to thank them for listening to us. This meeting can be viewed on Channel 22 this week at 7 PM or 8 PM. For any further issues, please contact the Selectmen or the Town Administrator. Thanks
    - GC

  • 9/16 5:04pm   Does anyone have a drum set for beginner band that they are willing to sell? Please contact via Wm. Thanks! [Use box148@norfolknet.com - Wm.]
    - TMS

  • 9/16 5:00pm   Just got back from Gump's Farm. I am so excited--they are selling Iggy's bread on Saturdays and Sundays! I was totally amazed at the selection. You cannot find that selection anywhere around here, not even at Whole Foods. Iggy's bread is by far the healthiest and best tasting bread ever! Thanks, Gump's Farm!!
    Everything else there is great as well. We are so lucky to have this gem in our town.
    - JN

  • 9/16 4:59pm   SM is right - acidic or aggressive water would deteriorate all pipes everywhere. But I would still hit the water dept. for their records for the past 10 years. There are other causes - acid flux on pipes that wasn't wiped off during shoddy construction can corrode, mismatched metals used in joints can electrolyse, pit and burst. Check out a favorite website of mine, Photogallery of Corrosion Types at www.corrview.com, and gander at the beautiful oxidation states of different ferrous and non-ferrous metals! Spectacular!
    I am still asking the question - Why is it the homeowner's liability for piping before a meter?
    - MON

  • 9/16 4:58pm   My great-great-great-great grandpappy went to school without smoke detectors. If it was good enough for him, then it should be good enough for our kids.
    What's more, he ate lead paint, breathed asbestos, and boxed bare knuckle against saber-tooth tigers. None of which had any ill effects. I'm frankly tired of all of you commies trying to raise my taxes with such frivolities as smoke detectors. Or libraries for that matter. Or buses. To this day my dad tells me how he had to walk to school in the snow, uphill both ways. He seemed to turn out ok.
    Am I the only one that respects tradition and heritage around here? Well, maybe not the only one - the DPW just fixed Boardman to the same paving standards in place during the Mesopotamian civilization. Except the part they forgot, between Standish and Seekonk.
    - JH

  • 9/16 4:57pm   TB: I think you are underestimating the selectmen's methods. They have formed dozens of redundant and unaccountable subcommittees throughout their tenure and the results have obviously been quite "remarkable."
    - JT

  • 9/16 9:06am   Our home was built in 1983 but we have well water so no problems with the pipes.
    - BR (#1)

  • 9/16 9:04am   The boy in question regarding rape charges was not in school yesterday. This incident took place on Boardman St. before school started, and the police say alcohol was involved.
    - BR (#1)

  • 9/16 12:01am   On the water pipe failure mystery: Has anyone taken the sample of corroded pipe to a lab to be analyzed and to determine the quality of copper pipe? Impurities (other metals used in manufacturing) may be part of the problem. Residents might want to save a portion of the pipe at the location of the leak and portions with manufacturer's identification information on it in the future. More info from This Old House on this topic at: [page link]. Last paragraph says: "Since your neighbors aren't having the same problem, I'd rule out water chemistry, for now. The only way to determine exactly what's causing the leaks is a laboratory test. Start by contacting the Copper Development Association ( copper.org ). With your bad pipe in hand, their experts may be able to uncover the source of the failures or help you find a forensic engineering firm that specializes in corrosion analysis."
    - SM

  • 9/15 11:06pm   JG - I agree with you 1000%. End the discussion, sign the check to get fire alarms and smoke detectors in the school.
    - LS

  • 9/15 9:55pm   KB. The electrical problem you are having could be a faulty connection somewhere in the utility wiring supplying your home or the wiring on the side of the home at the meter or in the main panel. If the faulty connection is in the overhead wiring to the home, NSTAR will repair it. Call your electrician right away to investigate the situation as the problem could cause a lot of damage.
    - PD

  • 9/15 9:53pm   RE: The water pipe issue, I think that the statement ... "water and pipes are the common denominator" is incorrect. The common denominator seems to be the time period that the homes were built (80's - 90's). As I stated before, my home was the first to be built in our subdivision, but the newer homes are the ones having an issue with leaking service lines. The same water flows through my home on the way to the newer section of the development. If town water was to blame, I too would be having issues as my home was built some 10-20 years before the majority of affected homes. It just doesn't make sense to me. There must be something different with the chemistry of the soil/water combination with these homes.
    - MW

  • 9/15 9:52pm   MH, At first I wondered the same thing, but no, that is not the case. I think the school handled it very poorly. They gave us enough information to be worried, not enough to be informed. The paper says it is 3 counts of rape. Someone needs to make a statement, be it the school or the police dept., because the rumors can be very dangerous.
    - DV

  • 9/15 8:41pm   Whoa GC! Slow down a bit and explain yourself a little better. I am intrigued by point number 10. Why would a home-owner be responsible for a leaking pipe before a meter? Several statements are confusing to government watchdogs and plumbing-catastrophe buffs alike. Especially the last four sentences of the post.
    - MON

  • 9/15 8:12pm   Response to GC regarding leaking water pipes:
    We have well water and we have had the same type of leaking pipes since purchasing our home in 1998. A neighbor recently had her pipes replaced in the house for the same reason. I don't know what the root cause is, but I think it is simply in the chemistry of the local water. We don't connect to the town water system on our end of town.
    - DH

  • 9/15 8:06pm   JT, you have more faith in Mr. Lehan & Mr. Advani than I do; they never gave my e-mails the courtesy of a response. Mr. Garrity, whom you failed to mention, at least responded. I now realize Rob has been in office just a few months, so my comment on his watching this issue without action was inaccurate; I apologize for that. I wonder what Mr. Lehan and Mr. Advani have been watching, they claim no knowledge. I wonder how much faith town folks who have paid for repairs have in them? They'll suggest hiring a consulting firm to look into this mess. What does Whitewater Co. do? Aren't they a consulting firm running around town on water issues, doing soundings etc. We'd like some answers not just burying this in committee.
    - TB

  • 9/15 8:04pm   Forgive my ignorance of this particular case, but does this case of rape involve the rape of a child or was this a 17 year old boy caught having ``consensual'' sex with his 16 year old girlfriend? While the questions will likely be unpopular, to me, this is important and clearly different scenarios.
    - MH

  • 9/15 8:03pm   Something to think about... If a student is found to be at a party where alcohol is found, that student is suspended from playing any sports (MIAA Rules) even if the student was not in possession of the alcohol. The fact that the student is present (does not have to be drinking) will result is suspension from all sport activities. This is far more serious then being at a party where alcohol is present.
    In my opinion, if there is enough evidence to arrest this boy then there is reason for him not to be allowed in the school or participate in any extra curricular activities associated with the school until the investigation is completed. I for one will be calling the school and the MIAA to protest this kid being allowed to attend school and participate in any sports. I do not want this person around my child!!
    - MG

  • 9/15 8:01pm   Should learn to read from the bottom up! Thanks, MW for making the point earlier:
    DN, Remember that this is America and the student is "innocent until proven guilty". The key word here is "alleged" rape. Until the whole story is revealed in court,we just don't know... [...] - MW
    As to the ankle bracelet, is it illegal to grab onto it when tackling? Oy, how things have changes since I was kid...
    - BA

  • 9/15 8:00pm   Forget the fact that [this student] , "charged with Rape" by the Norfolk Police, is allowed to play football. Why is he allowed to continue to attend school in our district?? Do we really want a rapist attending school with our children? Let's get to the basics here, people! - LR
    Umm, "alleged" rapist is appropriate, I believe. Speaking of basics; innocent until proven guilty by a jury of one's peers is still the way for citizens of this country, I believe. I don't know the particulars of this case at all, and I doubt any of us do, so let us all please withhold our judgement until the judgement is made.
    - BA

  • 9/15 7:59pm   Is there a selectmen's meeting tonight? Let's complete 1 task - get fire alarms in the elementary school now.
    - JG

  • 9/15 7:58pm   Regardless of the judge's ruling, if a student athlete attends a party where there is underage drinking, he/she is suspended from the team for 6 weeks (first offense). This is per the KP Student Handbook. It states that the student can practice, but not play in games. I am unsure if this student is currently participating with the team at any level. I think the school should be more open and disclose to the Boomerang, Norfolknet, etc. what the current disciplinary action is (is he practicing, will he be playing in games at the end of the season, is he attending school, etc.). At a minimum, he is in violation of the alcohol policy and has already jeopardized any future regarding HS sports. It should be noted that the student is 18 and is being charged as an adult.
    - TW

  • 9/15 7:56pm   This is a question about power spikes and electronics damage. I lived in Natick for over 20 years and could count on one hand the number of times I lost power. I moved to Norfolk, and it became a common occurrence in my neighborhood. The frequency of outages has lessened, but now spikes or surges have become common.
    On Sept. 10, there was an odd sound (a little like a transformer blowing, and it sounded like it came out of the PC speakers and the PC was off, but plugged in), then the lights quickly flickered on and off twice (TV stayed on). Now Windows in my PC will only open in Safe Mode. And the buttons on my VCR's remote won't work so I can't program. Then last night at 3:45 AM, it happened again. This time everything like TV, VCR, and clocks went flooey. This can't be good for electronics. There was no wind and no storm either time.
    We unplug electronics when a severe lightning storm is expected, but we never have a warning of these episodes, so we can't react in time. Does this happen in any other Norfolk neighborhoods? And aren't surge protectors supposed to protect us? Perhaps I need a surge protector on the whole house? I am writing a letter to management at NSTAR since my e-mail went unanswered.
    - KB

  • 9/15 9:40am   TB: Never fear, I'm sure Mr. Lehan and Mr. Advani are hard at work on the water pipe issue and will appoint a subcommittee to study the question.
    - JT

  • 9/15 9:34am   Forget the fact that [this student] , "charged with Rape" by the Norfolk Police, is allowed to play football. Why is he allowed to continue to attend school in our district?? Do we really want a rapist attending school with our children? Let's get to the basics here, people!
    - LR

  • 9/15 9:30am   Are any of you teachers with experience using both Promethean ACTIVboards and SMART Tech SMART boards? My school is comparing the two prior to purchase. I'm looking for insight regarding the pros/cons of either one for teachers/students in grades 7-12.
    - TS

  • 9/14 9:12pm   DN, Remember that this is America and the student is "innocent until proven guilty". The key word here is "alleged" rape. Until the whole story is revealed in court,we just don't know... Not that I think that a person with an ankle bracelet should be allowed to play HS sports... But It's a very touchy subject. What if he is found innocent and intends to play college FB? Missing this season could seriously affect his career. It's the only fair thing to do until he is proven guilty.
    - MW

  • 9/14 8:57pm   To GC... Look into the problem the town had maybe within the last 10 years with the prison sewers draining into the water system and causing the Campbell St area families to use bottled water for sometime supplied by the State (I think)
    - ER

  • 9/14 8:56pm   I can not believe that a student that allegedely raped someone is allowed to play football for KP!!
    - DN

  • 9/14 6:25pm   It has come to our attention that numerous water mains have ruptured in recent weeks and pipes are leaking in basements.
    Anyone who has had to replace their water line that runs from the street to the house, in the past 5 years, please contact Jack Hathaway, Town Administrator, and also anyone who has had problems with pipes leaking in their cellar. He has not been notified of the issue, 508-528-1408.
    We have found the following over the past few days:
    1. So far, the areas affected are: King's Grant Estate, King St, Noon Hill/Day St., Stop River Estates and Cape Cod Estates.
    2. This area is all east of Medway St. in the center of the town. We have no complaints from the west of Medway St. in the center of the town towards Franklin.
    3. We think the town is supplied by 2 wells, and unsure which well the areas are hooked up to.
    4. All are connected to town water, we have not heard about any problems in pipes from wells.
    5. The homes were built around the 1980-90's.
    6. The soil on the properties varies from sand, to rocky to 'full of tree stumps' to ledge.
    7. The minimum cost to repair is $2000.
    8. The pipes are corroded and thinned.
    9. The common denominator is water and pipes.
    10. Who's at fault hasn't been determined.
    The cost of the permit is around $200, for a total of about $20,000 that the DPW has collected this past year. Maybe this will help lower our new rate or better yet, this money can be used to pay for the BUS FEES to the families that have to pay and any future money can be put toward next years fees!
    There is a closed meeting with the Selectman and Town Administer with the DPW on Monday. Let's hope talks of the water problem is discussed and a study is done PDQ before winter sets in.
    A reporter from the Globe contacted us, she covers the town and has been following Norfolknet and and is writing a story and it will be in the Boston Globe this Thursday or Sunday.
    If you want future information, send me you email address. Thanks [You can use box147@norfolknet.com - Wm.]
    - GC

  • 9/14 5:42pm   BR, will he be allowed back in school?
    - DV

  • 9/14 4:14pm   The "Serve America Act," a broad new bipartisan bill to expand service opportunities for all Americans and encourage a new generation of our people to take part in something larger than themselves is coming. Democrats and Republicans may disagree on many issues, but we all share a common faith in the extraordinary potential of the American people to volunteer their time and energy to help those in need. Millions of Americans are ready, willing and able to serve their communities, but don't know where to start.
    This new legislation will help them tap their extraordinary potential for service, and enable them to make a very real difference for our country.
    In this spirit, the non-profit organization ServiceNation is sponsoring a National Day of Action on September 27th, in which thousands of communities across the country will host service events. People from all walks of life will come together to clean up neighborhoods, mentor children in need, raise funds for medical research, and much, much more. Visit the ServiceNation website and sign up to take part in this important effort: [page link]
    [C o n t i n u e d . . .]
    - JG

  • 9/14 4:09pm   Re: 9/14 10:42am MW (violations of Town bylaws: Heavy equip. noise on Sunday) + 9/12 6:30 PM JBN (citation of bylaw)
    Please report violations of town bylaws to the Norfolk Police, by phone, so that they can investigate the problem right away and take the appropriate action (508) 528-3206 (non-emergency number). Likewise, if there are violations of Town Zoning bylaws or building permits, notify the Building Commissioner, by phone, so that he can investigate and take the appropriate action. (508) 528-5088. A written complaint might be needed for some alleged zoning bylaw violation reports. Then let the good folks on Norfolknet know.
    - RH

  • 9/14 12:30pm   To All: Please read the article on page 8A in today's (Sunday) Sun Cronicle regarding the housing development planned on the Wrentham-Norfolk line. This will be next to conservation land and the builders have spoken about a waste disposal plant to be built. Please attend the meeting next Thursday at Norfolk Town Hall at 7:30 p.m.. This plan was purposed in 2004 and the same paperwork was submitted with the 2004 date and the stamp from the Norfolk Planning Board has March 10, 2008. The previous date was Oct. 13, 2004.
    - BR (#1)

  • 9/14 12:29pm   CMK Page 4 in the Boomerang has an article about the student. Norfolk Police have charged him with rape.He will be released from the Norfolk County jail in Dedham when he is fitted with a global position system on his ankle. He will be allowed to play football with the global position on.
    - BR (#1)

  • 9/14 10:42am   DL, Although I didn't ask the original question, I wanted to thank you for posting the info on heavy/constructions equipment... Because I was just getting on the computer to ask! It is Sunday, before 8am and we are listening to heavy equipment and what sounds like rocks being loaded..at the corner of King and Union. This goes on frequently. It is getting hard to "love thy neighbor" when you are awakened by the sounds of a quarry at 7:30am on Sunday morning. I am not sure who it is...but it is completely obnoxious. This is not the first time.
    Another issue that I have is the wetlands at the corner of Union and North. When the homeowner of the new construction house at that location originally started building their home, there was a meeting because it encroached on wetlands... The big argument to allow the older home to be built was that the older home was being torn down and that the new home would be further away from the stream area. All because the homeowners couldn't find a buyer for their cottage and they needed more space. So the town allowed it. Years later. the home remains unfinished. The lot is basically a gravel pit. OK..money issues? I can understand that....but they just built a garage in the location of the older home. HUH? Wasn't the home supposed to be further away from the wetlands? Now it sits in the same spot where the original house was. Runoff from where the automobiles and boats sit, salt and sand in the winter could potentially run into the stream and flow down towards Stonybrook. We have noticed now that trees have been cut down and are actually lying in the wetlands area. They just seem to do whatever they want.
    My question is this. How on earth are these people getting approval for all this, while my neighbors who want to add on a few feet to their decks are being denied because of the wetlands. Our neighborhood is even further away from it and we can't do anything to our homes... How does this make sense?
    - MW

  • 9/13 1:19pm   Hi NS and JM... I gave a lot of thought as well to how I would discuss 9/11 with my own children (ages 5,6, and 7). I do believe it is important to "never forget" and talk about it, but I also agree that it is a very sensitive discussion that must be handled differently for each child at such young ages. Especially at the HOD level, it is probably better left up to the parents to decide how much information their children can handle. I spoke with my kids about what it means to be an American and took a drive by the fire station to see the fire ladder extended with the American flag hanging from it. We talked about how it honored many people who have lost their lives for America. (They broke into a unison of the Pledge of Allegiance... which they all say at school each day) Later that night, my seven year old asked some questions and we talked in a little more detail about 9/11 - to the extent I felt she could handle. I appreciate your thought put into how you choose to implement the discussion into your classroom, NS, and think the discussion of heroes is a great idea. I am glad my children did not come home from school upset asking questions about such a catastrophic time... I am thankful that I, as the parent, I was allowed to make the decision how much information my children were ready for. I will also be there in years to come (maybe middle school level?) to add to the classroom discussion at home. Parents are their children's first teacher ... nothing wrong with practicing it!
    - KB

  • 9/13 10:32am   Hi JM :0) I had to respond to your post because it was something I gave a lot of thought to this week. I did not discuss 9/11 with my third graders this year, after receiving two comments from former parents who felt it was something one "preferred for their children to not have to think about" when I did discuss the tragedies of September 11th in the past. Both felt that their children were too young to remember it, and that it was a parent decision to discuss or how to discuss it with their children. As an educator and parent, it did make me think. This year I did things a bit differently - I decided to discuss with my class what they felt a "hero" was and who their heroes were.
    - NS

  • 9/13 10:31am   To encourage consumers to recycle electronic devices in an environmentally sound manner, Sony Electronics Inc. and Waste Management Recycle America are asking Boston-area residents to take action and recycle their old electronics for free Saturday, Sept. 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Gillette Stadium. Additionally, the first 2,000 participants to drop off their unwanted electronics will receive a free, environmentally friendly cloth tote. Large household appliances are not accepted (dishwashers, washers, dryers, microwaves).
    - DL

  • 9/13 10:30am   SR - I am sorry to hear about your experience at The Black Rock Cafe. We truely strive for 100% satisfaction and even more. We want to "wow" our customers with our food, service and overall feel of our restaurant. I personally apologize and would love it if you would give us a second chance on me. Please come by any time and ask for TJ or Kendra and we will be sure to take care of you... I promise.
    Again, my apologies for the bad experience, hope to see you again soon.
    - TJ Gianfrancesco, Owner / Chef, Black Rock Cafe

  • 9/13 12:46am   My husband and I were very disappointed to find out from our children that 9-11 was not mentioned in their schools (both F/C and HOD). Children were not encouraged to remember the significance of the day during the moment of silence nor did their teachers talk about the importance of the day. Remember the statement "We shall never forget"?
    [C o n t i n u e d . . .]
    - JM

  • 9/13 12:30am   The Lisa Hull photo session at the H. olive Day school originally scheduled for Sunday, September 14Th has been postponed to Saturday, September 27Th due to poor weather forecast. Sue L. can be contacted at (508) 520-9561 for information. Thank you.
    - JS

  • 9/13 12:29am   In regards to the water problem, we do not know the age of all of the houses affected, we do know no one has reported a well with leaking or burst pipes. The problem has happened both inside and outside of the house and numerous contractors were used to build all these houses.
    We are just trying to gather information to map the town, as someone suggested, to see where the problem areas lie. We can save the residents some money by doing this ourselves. We will then give the information to the Town. All we need is the area, preferably the name of the street and the age of the house or anything one wishes to tell us. Thanks,
    - GC

  • 9/13 12:27am   In regards to our water main issue. It seems our town fathers know plenty but admits to knowing nothing; no wonder I detest politics. They support open speech & Norfolk Talks but haven't heard of a water issue. They hear what they want to hear. Without getting into specifics here and posting my recent e-mail exchange with Mr. Garrity, I will say this! Rob Garrity had the presence and took the time to answer an offer I made to himself and his two counterparts. My offer was to come out to my home, look for themselves and see what one goes through with an 18 year old home with a pending repair in the thousands. I wanted them to hold my estimate, feel it and make believe they had to pay it. They could have stood on my front lawn and eyeball six other homes that just paid such a bill. While Mr. Garrity's response was calculated and had no real surprises, at least he admitted to watching this issue for a "couple" of years. No effort taken but watched. But question selectmen now about a water issue and they respond that no one has come forward. To Mr. Advani & Mr. Lehan, your silence has said volumns, your invite to my hom is now lifted. I will have no more threads to this blog, enough time has been spent here.
    - TB

  • 9/13 12:26am   DL, The Eaglebrook was a wild dance club way back when... not the family restaurant that it is now. It was a full-fledged meat market. My brother and sister-in-law both have fond memories of it back in their bachelor/bachelorette days... Oh, to be young again! :)
    - MW

  • 9/12 6:35pm   SR: Did you approach the management of the Black Rock Cafe to inform them you were not satisfied with your experience? That would seem to be a more reasonable approach, rather than painting such a negative portrait of a new local business so publicly. Maybe they are experiencing some growing lessons. I think we should all support local residents who open local businesses. I for one will give them a fair shake. Posting such harmful feedback on a forum that serves their specific customer base could have a huge impact on their potential success or failure. I am not saying that you do not have a right to your opinion, but perhaps we should be more considerate of local businesses just starting out by giving them a second chance. After all, we need all the new businesses we can attract (in my opinion).
    - CS

  • 9/12 6:28pm   GC: Are you referring to the water pipe from the road up to the house? If so, I had our pipe repaired / replaced last year for a cost of around $6,000. The town said I had a "leak" that was detected by an outside consultin g firm. Their consultant runs around town "listening" for leaks out in fro nt of houses. We live in Cape Cod Estates.
    - RN

  • 9/12 6:24pm   Our male cat Blackie has been missing since Thursday am 9/11. He has no collar; we found that in our back yard. He is all black, green eyes, about 10 pounds (?), and short hair. There might be a few white tips on his nails that remain from softpaws. We live at 25 Medway Branch Rd. I have already called Acorn Hospital and put up signs up and down our street. I have even walked through our woods surounding our home. Please call us at 508-541-1053. I have attaced a picture of him also. Oh, he is all up to date with his shots including rabies. Left message for Animal Control also Thanks,
    - NI

    [Update 9/13 12:34am: added picture - Wm.
    [Update 9/13 11:07pm: Guess who just walked into our sun room! Our Blackie came home! - NI]

  • 9/12 6:21pm   Does anyone know what the circumstances were regarding the arrest of at KP high school student yesterday? Drugs?
    - CMK

  • 9/12 6:20pm   JHR: From the Norfolk Bylaws:
    SECTION 36. Regulation of the Use of Construction Equipment

    No person or persons shall cause, allow or permit the operation of equipment or machinery associated with site work, construction or demolition between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., Monday through Saturday, and all hours on Sunday, and State holidays without the expressed approval of the Board of Selectmen, and the issuance of a work permit by the Chief of Police. Such regulations shall not apply to domestic equipment such as lawnmowers and power saws or activities defined by 310 CMR 7.10. Violations of this Section shall be subject to a fine of three hundred dollars ($300) for each violation.

    . . .

    3) 310 CMR 7.10(1) shall not apply to sounds emitted during and associated with:
    1. parades, public gatherings, or sporting events, for which permits have been issued provided that said parades, public gatherings, or sporting events in one city or town do not cause noise in another city or town;
    2. emergency police, fire, and ambulance vehicles;
    3. police, fire, and civil and national defense activities;
    4. domestic equipment such as lawn mowers and power saws between the hours of 7:00 A.M. and 9:00 P.M.

    Also [airandnoise.com page]
    - JBN

  • 9/12 6:18pm   JHR - Norfolk has a noise ordinance that applies to the operation of equipment involved in sitework, etc. (Section 35 of the town's bylaws). It prohibits the operation or loading and unloading of equipment between 7:00 pm and 7:00 am Monday through Saturday and all day on Sundays and Holidays. There is an exemption for homeowners operating lawn care equipment. Since the exemption specifically names homeowners, it was apparently written to limit the hours that landscapers could operate. At the same time, Section 36 of the Bylaws covers similar territory as section 35 but exempts the operation of lawn care equipment without mentioning homeowners. That would indicate that the landscape lobby must have gotten to town meeting at one point. The bottom line is that it appears that the landscape companies may be exempt from any limitations on their operating hours. The bylaws are on line here [Bylaws PDF]
    On another point, I was perusing the bylaws as part of this research and was startled to discover that we citizens of Norfolk discriminate against cowboys, specifically urban cowboys. Apparently, Town Meeting was so concerned about the rash of mechanical bull riding injuries that they took it upon themselves to ban the operation of mechanical bulls permanently. That mean our budding young John Travoltas and Travis Briscoes are left to seek their fortune elsewhere. Its our loss of course. I can only imagine what the Eaglebrook must have been like on a Friday night before the ban.
    - DL

  • 9/12 6:17pm   AML - Surely you are a mind reader! I share your sentiment about the letter from Ms. Kiewlicz, as do several other parents with whom I have spoken. I too expected a more 'can-do spirit' relative to her additional job responsibilities, particularly in light of the fact that we are all doing our part - especially those of us who are paying a bus fee to ensure the continuation of library programs this school year. I have high expectations for our new Superintendent and School Committee, and this clearly isn't a great first step in setting a new tone.
    - MHC

  • 9/12 6:16pm   Just went to the Blackrock Cafe for lunch today based on the recommendations posted on this web site. Don't bother. Slow service, surly waitress and bad food.
    - SR

  • 9/12 6:15pm   The DPW or Water Department has a record for every water line that has been replaced because they issue the permit. Problem is that they are not communicating this town wide problem to Jack. To make things worse, the DPW knows about the problem and how to prevent it, yet they have made no effort to inform Town residents.
    The leak will first appear as a blue spot on the water pipe. If the blue spot is due to internal corrosion of the pipe, you may actually be able to see water weeping through the spot. Do not scrape the blue spot as you could make it worse.
    - DC

  • 9/12 10:58am   Does anyone know what the time is that landscape companies have to adhere to regarding starting their noisy mowers in the morning? Thanks.
    - JHR

  • 9/12 10:57am   GC... I am curious as to what end of King street there has been an issue. I live off of King. It seems in my neighborhood that it has affected a few homes built during a very specific time frame. My home was built in 1973 and we have not had an issue. It seems that the homes affected seem to be 80's homes? Is this true for most of the complaints that you have gotten?
    - MW

  • 9/12 10:56am   The Norfolk Fire Department would like to announce the fire department's 110th year of service to the community. Please join us at our annual open house on October 4, 2008 between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. Free refreshments will be offered in addition to live demonstrations, equipment demonstrations and activities for the kids.
    - MF, Norfolk Fire Department

  • 9/12 10:55am   GC - I'm confused as to what the definition of "report this" Jack Hathaway refers to. The Town Administrator should make a inter-office call to the DPW director who must have every record of every failed main water line. I would bet he has a large folder on his desk specifically tracking this. If the two do not have a working relationship for him to make a inquiry on this then nothing will ever get done. Good Luck.
    - LS

  • 9/12 10:54am   I have to say I was a little disappointed with the letter sent home yesterday from Katherine Kiewlicz, Assistant Principal. Instead of complaining that 'things will not be the same', grab the bull by the horns and run. We all know it is 'tight' times and the budget was reduced. When one goes to work and is told they have to take on more projects, you don't complain, you do it! I thought a more positive introduction would have been better. We all know they let an assistant principal go, she did not need to mention it again. I hope we see someone who is willing to run with it and not dwell on the circumstances.
    - AML

  • 9/12 10:53am   Kids mountain bike for sale--see details on the notice board below.
    - LK

  • 9/12 10:35am   Re: the post from yesterday: "Hello Norfolk, my name is TJ. My wife Kendra and I just opened The Black Rock Cafe in Wrentham ..."
    I would like to post how wonderful The Black Rock Cafe is. I have been there several times since they have opened. They are nothing but friendly, have great service, and have fantastic food. The ambiance is quite nice too. They have a really good breakfast. They are tucked away on route 140 next to Classic Floor Coverings. TJ thanks for giving us a nice restaurant to go to. I was in there talking to you the other day!
    - NM

  • 9/12 1:04am   The mission of the Norfolk Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is to improve the health and safety of our community by organizing and utilizing public health, medical and other volunteers. Our purpose is to generate community awareness to educate our town how to prepare for an emergency and let the public know what resources are available to them should a casualty event occur. We strive to heighten local awareness of our group by participating in community events.
    As a member, you can become informed by attending our monthly meetings. We have hosted several guest speakers, participated in touring town facilities, and offer numerous training opportunities.
    Becoming an informed citizen and being prepared for an emergency can help save lives! If you would like further information, please call Betsy Fijol from the Norfolk Board of Health at 508 528 7747 or via email: fijol@virtualnorfolk.org.
    - JS

  • 9/12 12:53am   SO, think of how the non-Christians feel! It gets earlier and earlier each year. I am feeling it too. The back to school, Halloween and Thanksgiving seasonal aisles last about a week each... Now they are lumped together. Christmas seems to last from September through January. Last year I felt tired of the season before Christmas even came! We have a tree and a menorah and I usually take down the tree after New Years. I was so tired of it, I took it down the day after Christmas. It's not a novelty or special anymore. I am being desensitized by the retailers.
    - MW

  • 9/12 12:52am   LA, The WWI Memorial Park Zoo is having a yard sale on Sept 21st as a fundraiser. It is located in North Attleboro right up the street from the YMCA. The link below gives available drop off times for items. Also, if you have young children this is a wonderful place to visit. Bring carrots and apples (only) for feeding the animals. [wickedlocal.com link]
    - DL

  • 9/12 12:50am   To the 100+ homes that have had their main water burst in the past year or so, please contact Jack Hathaway, the Town Administer, 508-528-1408 to report this. He told us no one had reported it. I would like to gather any information about where you live, type of break, etc, that has not been sent to TB; I am helping gather information . The breaks are happening on a daily basis. If you do have a break, please save the piece of pipe. The Town needs to address this problem ASAP before the winter sets in. The areas affected that we know of now are King's Grant Estate, Stop River Estate, Noon Hill/Day St., Fox Run and King St. Also, check your water pipes in the basement and look for leaks. Thanks, gericol@verizon.net.
    - GC

  • 9/12 12:49am   Save the Date: Norfolk's Autumn Town Meeting will be held at the KP Middle School on Tuesday, November 18, and Wednesday, November 19 at 7 p.m. Watch this space for announcements about Town Meeting orientation seminars and public hearing information on the issues to be decided. All voters are welcome. Also, I'd like to kick off the meeting the first night by showcasing local artistic talent, so if you know of a school, youth or community group for music, song or dance (we've hosted a 5th grade soloist and the 2nd grade chorus in past meetings) please send me a note at winslow@virtualnorfolk.org. Thanks!
    - Dan Winslow, Moderator

  • 9/11 3:35pm   OK, who's with me - Christmas is in December, right? Please help me out on this one - Lord's in Medfield already has a Christmas aisle and the Bean's catalog arrived today with a holiday pull-out section. It's freakin' Sept. for cryin' out loud! Who wants to be haunted by Santa when the leaves haven't left the trees? If anyone could grasp the lunacy of this, you'd think it would be the folks up there in frigid Freeport, ME. I mean, Santa's cute and generous and all that, but he needs to keep those elves busy while there's still snow on the pole. He doesn't need to be down here messin' with Halloween and the turkey. He's practically riding the tail end of Labor Day, and didn't we just shop for school supplies? I will be surprised if CVS doesn't have some battery-operated, jingling and singing, motion-sensitive Santa doll working its maniacal magic within the week. I'll take free- roamin' chickens and their tasty free-roamin' eggs over Santa's early arrival any day. Send the chickens over here - Easter's comin'.
    - SO

  • 9/11 3:33pm   To TJ: This is going to sound strange, but as a fairly new resident of Norfolk I'm not sure where you are located... could you give us some landmarks so we can pay your business a visit, we're always looking to try new restaurants... Thanks,
    - LR

  • 9/11 1:05pm   Thanks MP. I sent him an e-mail.
    - CB

  • 9/11 12:56pm   Received this letter --
    Hello Norfolk, my name is TJ. My wife Kendra and I just opened The Black Rock Cafe in Wrentham (formerly James' Roadside Cafe). We are currently open for breakfast and lunch offering "creative American cuisine" at reasonable prices. We received approval for a full liquor licence from the town of Wrentham and are awaiting appoval from the state at which time will will be open for dinner. As a K.P. grad we are open to participating in fundraiser s the school and community. Thank you for your time. Hope to see you soon!

    TJ Gianfrancesco,
    Blak Rock Cafe, Wrentham

    - Wm.

  • 9/11 12:55pm   The USATF certified course for Norfolk's DUNKIN DONUTS DARE 5K Road Race is now posted on the website at www.norfolkdare2run.com
    - HK

  • 9/11 12:54pm   For amyone needing a computer expert--we found him. Call My Computer, 1002 Main St. Walpole 508-668-8887 - Joel was great and actually arrived on time.BR (#1)
    - BR (#1)

  • 9/11 12:53pm   I was just wondering what the rules/laws are for having free roaming chickens in one's yard. It seems like a hygienic hazard to me so I am asking.
    - JGP

  • 9/11 8:34am   I wonder if I could get help with finding a community rummage sale or flea market coming up in the next few weekends? I am new to area and have household/home office things that I would like to sell. I would love to buy a space/table knowing that the money goes to a good cause. Thanks.
    - LA

  • 9/11 12:08am   To NJD - Please, if you take one of these rabbits, read up on their care from a reputable site that gets its information from the top rabbit specialists throughout the country. To prevent cancer (nearly an 85% risk in unspayed females by the age of 4) you must spay/ neuter. This is very costly. Even low cost spay/neuter clinics are in the 100-150$ range. If a vet tells you this surgery is not necessary, you should consider fining a vet who works with rabbits routinely. There are a couple locally. I go to Angell in Boston because there are 3 exotics vets there and they have clinic hours that vary every week but include weekend and weeknight hours. In an emergency, you might end up there, so they would know you. If you find someone who can handle most facets of rabbit care, that is good -- find out who they use for emergency care. A rabbit kept outdoors can never fully relax, and raccoons can and do scratch through wood and attack rabbits every day and fisher cats have been known to grab a leg or an arm and rip through the flesh. The mere perception of a predator is enough to cause a fatal heart attack in a rabbit.
    If spayed and neutered and litter box trained (requires about 2 months of diligence on your part), you would have a wonderful indoor pet. I have 2 buns prancing around my family room right now, and they will be until I go to bed tonight. They have lots of toys and love being where the humans are. People don't know how much they are missing by not keeping their buns indoors. Seven years ago I never gave much thought to rabbits in hutches--I learned pretty quickly while researching rabbits to decide if I wanted to adopt one, how terrible the outdoors can be for them. I took part recently in a very long discussion about fly strike (this results in maggots that outdoor buns are highly susceptible to). I am pretty sure that one of the buns set free at the prison succumbed to maggots since she had 2 injuries on her face and I never saw her after the day I began trying to them up. BTW- Pops, the bun with the huge abscess has recovered well. His drain was removed late last week. He is still getting antibiotics. Lucky, the other bun, has a long way to become socialized. He is fearful of people. He is being neutered soon and then we will work on gaining his trust.
    Please feel free to e-mail me through the webmaster if I can help to answer questions about rabbit care for you. [You can use box146@norfolknt.com - Wm.] If I don't have an answer, I will get one for you. Rabbit medicine is still evolving, so I find myslef learning something new almost on a monthly basis.
    - EF

  • 9/10 5:07pm   CB: For your landscaping needs you could try Alex at ajtcrank@aol.com. He may be interested but would need more details.
    - MP

  • 9/10 1:39pm   JP, Thanks for your input regarding Primavera in Millis. We went to the Red Robin at Stadium Place. I can highly recommend it.
    - PRB

  • 9/10 1:38pm   Thanks RL for the recommendation for Priscilla Neale. She sounds lovely. I'll definitely give her a call!
    - TC

  • 9/10 1:37pm   To TC looking for piano lessons, I second the vote for Priscilla Neale! She is right in Norfolk and such a gem! I believe she is the organist for the Baptist Church in town. My 2 children started taking lessons from her 2 years ago. While one has moved on to a different instrument, they both have learned so much from her. She is a great teacher, so patient and passionate about music and she has a great sense of humor. She always seems to be able to fit your schedule despite the large number of students. Definitely give her a call! Best of luck!
    - SM

  • 9/10 1:36pm   TEM... Don't put those thoughts into my head! It's way too tempting! Can I get in trouble for that? Is that considered mail fraud? I don't want to end up in a federal penitentiary! LOL!
    - MW

  • 9/10 1:35pm   I have Macy's "Shop for a Cause" shopping passes to benefit HESSCO. HESSCO is a non-profit agency located in Sharon MA that provides in home and community support for individuals aged 60 and older and their caregivers. Most of you are familiar with the Meals on Wheels Program. This is just one of the many services they provide. For more info about HESSCO, their web address is: www.hessco.org
    The $5. donation to HESSCO gets you an all-day shopping pass which gives an extra 20% off regular and sale merchandise in the general departments and an extra 10% off of regular and sale items in the furniture and mattress departments. Some exclusions apply as listed on the back of the pass. The pass includes a tear off part that when dropped in the collection box at any local Macy's gives you the chance to win a $500. shopping spree! You do not have to be present to win. The date for shopping is Saturday, September 20, 2008. If you would like a shopping pass and a chance to win a shopping spree, please contact me. Checks are made out to HESSCO. They can only be one entry per customer for the shopping spree drawing. Please contact me for passes. They will only be sold until 9/18. ellens126@comcast.net Thanks!
    - EF

  • 9/10 12:08pm   To TC looking for piano lessons for your 9 year old. Our 4 kids have all taken piano lessons from Priscilla Neale at her home in Norfolk 508 528-0927. She is fun-loving, patient and encouraging, and today our 23 year old is playing piano for the sheer enjoyment of it, creating his own music on the fly whenever he finds time to relax. Our 7 and 10 year olds are still having lessons with Priscilla each weekend and loving it. She is retired, her schedule is flexible, and our family love her to bits.
    - RL

  • 9/10 11:55am   You can win this bike for only $100!
    Motorcycle Raffle: Win a new 2008 Victory Kingpin 8-Ball motorcycle! A $14,000 value. Raffle tickets are $100 per chance. Only 200 tickets will be printed!
    Bike Specifications can be viewed at: M.O.M's - Motorcycles of Manchester, Inc., 108 Washington Street, Foxboro, MA www.momsouth.com NOTE: This RAFFLE is by law registered with the State of Massachusetts
    For ticket information send email to ridinfortheblind@verizon.net Tickets can also be purchased at M.O.M's South at 108 Washington Street, Foxboro, MA.
    Drawing will be held at the Ridin for the Blind Motorcycle Ride after-party at the Outlaw B.B.Q. in Foxboro on September 20, 2008 (Ride begins at M.O.M.'s South at 10:00am).
    - GB

  • 9/10 11:55am   SH - I know what you're asking for should be common sense, but in lieu of that, I'd get up, grab the dog and check for a collar. Call the dog owner directly. I probably wouldn't threaten calling the ACO unless they are unresponsive. If I saw someone walking their dog past my house and not picking up, I'd first give them the hairy eyeball and second, ask them to make a change. Because I have dogs, other dogs want to mark the property as they pass, but the human can control this. TEM is onto something.
    DM - I saw that piano going down the road yesterday in the back of a pick-up just before the heavy rains.
    - SO

  • 9/10 11:54am   Norfolk's Dunkin' Donuts DARE to Run 5K Road Race and Walk set for Sunday, September 21, 2008.
    Join runners and walkers of all ages in the 4th Annual Norfolk Dunkin' Donuts DARE to Run 5K Road Race and Walk & Kids' 1K Fun Run on Sunday, September 21, 2008 in Norfolk, Massachusetts. The Fun Run will take place at 9:30 AM and the 5K will start at 10:00 AM. Registrations now being accepted - visit the website at www.norfolkdare2run.com. All proceeds will benefit the Norfolk Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program.
    The 5K course will be USATF Certified and professionally timed. While the race will feature some of the best local runners, runners and walkers of all abilities are encouraged to participate in this fun family event. There will be a post race party with food and music for all.
    Free T-shirts to the first 100 pre-registered entries. Awards to the top three finishers in eight different age categories. There will also be special awards to the top boy and girl Norfolk DARE students and the top Norfolk school staff member. Also a special award to top law enforcement. All Fun Run participants will receive a metal.
    For more information, contact Craig K., Race Director, at 508.520.0163 or email kpsoftball@verizon.net
    - HK

  • 9/10 10:50am   The 7th Annual Haunted Train Ride, co-sponsored by the Norfolk Community League and Norfolk Lions Club, announces their advance ticket sales dates and times. Due to the popularity of this event, a limited number of advance tickets will be sold this year. Without a ticket, you will not be allowed into the parking lot.
    Ticket sale dates and times are Weds. September 24 and Thursday, September 25th from 3 to 5 pm and 7 to 9 pm at the Norfolk Public Library Community Room. Tickets are $5 each , non refundable and entitle the bearer to one ride. The Train Ride is geared towards children ages 5 and up. As it gets darker, the ride gets scarier! The proceeds from this year's Train Ride will go to the upgrade of Kid's Place playground on Boardman Street and for home fuel assistance for needy Norfolk residents (administered by Norfolk Together).
    The 7th Annual Haunted Train Ride will take place on Saturday, October 18th with a rain date of Saturday, October 25th. Through the generosity of the Holmes Family, it will be held at the Holmes Fields on Myrtle Street. Gates will be open from 4pm until 8pm. In order to enter the parking lot, you must have a ticket. No tickets will be available at the gate.
    Since its inception, the Haunted Train Ride has become a fall tradition in Norfolk. In the past, the proceeds have benefited Stony Brook, The Grange, Norfolk Recreation's Summer Concert Series, Norfolk Walkways, Santa Foundation, Norfolk Public Library's Books on CD Collection, Norfolk D.A.R.E. program, Norfolk Food Pantry, and upgrade to Norfolk Athletic Fields.
    Based on the past ridership, we expect this event to sell out. Plan to get your tickets so that you do not miss out on the thrills and chills of the Haunted Train Ride!
    For more information, please contact Tara S. at 508-384-6354 or Tracy H. at 508-541-2388.
    - TMS

  • 9/10 10:48am   To the victims of dog doo, I say stand up and fight! Try diplomacy by writing a courteous note and then deposit it in your neighbor's mailbox. If the unleashed practice continues, make another deposit in your neighbor's mailbox, but this time leave out the courteous note.
    - TEM

  • 9/10 7:53am   BS, Some of the neighbors have been talking for a few years about putting signs out... but then we would have to look at them all over the neighborhood. We were also worried that people would think that we were being jerks. But it's gotten so out of hand that I am getting closer and closer to just doing it. I have tried for over 5 years to be a good neighbor and to not be a complainer. It's gotten me nowhere. Maybe it's time to change my strategy? I am a firm believer of being free to do what one wishes on their own property... You won't see me complaining on this board about an unmowed lawn, or an unpainted home... or even an unsightly clothesline in someone's backyard. But when a noise issue prevents people from enjoying a reasonable amount of peace in their own home, if someone is trespassing and spoiling my property or if there is a health issue, I think that something needs to be said. I worked very hard to landscape my yard and keep it nice. I don't even allow my own dog to poop in the front yard! ...Why should I have to put up with this from others? Has anyone ever tried to mow the grass strip in front of their home and been pelted by the lawn mower with dog feces? Disgusting!
    - MW

  • 9/10 7:37am   JK - We had our driveway done by A-1 this summer. We got quotes from them and Bevilaqua and went with A-1 based on a friend's recommendation (the prices were the same). They did great work in a timely manner.
    TB#2 - We used Foxboro Chimney Sweep and were very happy. Fast, efficient, and friendly.
    - POH

  • 9/10 7:35am   So, who is not picking up after their dog(s) on Diamond Street? There is always a lot of dog excrement there! ...besides beer cartons and Dunkin Donuts bags. Just asking! Thank you,
    - PR

  • 9/9 10:10pm   I would like to say "thanks" to everyone that helped to make the Norfolk Lions Youth Soccer Opening Day a great success. The many volunteers and members of the NLYS board work really hard to make this a fun day for the kids. I think they (and the excellent weather) were successful. If anyone took really good photos of the festivities please forward them to Matt McDonald at the Norfolk Boomerang. He cannot print all of them but I am sure he will review them and choose the best for our paper. Thanks,
    - KL

    [Update 9/10 7:38am: fixed minor typos - Wm.]

  • 9/9 9:56pm   Upright Whitney piano and bench has been claimed and taken away. Thanks for all the interest!
    - DM

  • 9/9 9:47pm   Has anyone attended any of the "Free college dinner seminars" that we have been getting flooded with in the mail? I am curious if anyone has learned valuable info from these, as well as if they are really free with no strings attached.
    - MW

  • 9/9 9:46pm   DWL, thank you very much for the upholstery recommendation. I left a message for Tom at Tomlin Carpet Cleaning this morning. He promptly returned my call and is scheduled to come to my home next Wednesday. He was most pleasant and appreciative of your reference. Thanks again!
    - KF

  • 9/9 9:45pm   NOPLOP - Norfolk Opposition to Poop Left on Property. Of course, those of you with dog poops only qualify for Associate Memberships. Those of us with horses in the neighborhood get voting privileges.
    - JH

  • 9/9 9:44pm   MW--You know I'd be tempted to put up "No Pooping" signs. Gross!!
    - BS

  • 9/9 9:43pm   RP--Last time I filled up it was $15 or $16. Yes, Northland is usually higher. Also, Trackside always donates the propane for the Haunted Train Ride concession so support them if you can.
    - BS

  • 9/9 9:40pm   LH - Could you share the results of your Drivers Ed search (which companies, and what charges)?? Would be great info to have as my 16 year old gets closer to license time! Thanks!
    - CI

  • 9/9 4:58pm   SH, Sorry! I didn't see your post when I responded to DL. I truly sympathize with you. In an effort to be a good neighbor to your bad neighbor... you are being crapped on... Literally! I am in the same position. We can't enjoy our backyard because our neighbor's dog barks at us repeatedly through the fence if we dare to leave our home. Once again... It also barks when we are not out back, and we don't have central air to allow us to tune it out. People... There is a thing called a no bark collar! They are not that expensive and they are not inhumane if you buy the right one. Also, we have several people who come to our cul-de-sac neighborhood to walk their dogs. They allow their animals to poop on our post-and-rail fenced yard. What do we have to do? Install a barbed wire electric fence? Also... Since I maintain the grass strip inbetween our sidewalk and the street (not the town), I am reclaiming it as a Poop Free Zone! I am tired of picking the poops up when we have company so that they don't track it into our house after exiting their vehicles. Thank you for the vent.
    - MW

  • 9/9 4:57pm   Does anyone know what driving school King Philip High School uses? I am trying to get some prices. Any opinion on which driver's ed. course is best? Thanks,
    - LH

  • 9/9 4:55pm   DL, As a responsible dog owner... I couldn't agree with you more. I have a very well trained GSD. We trained her to stay in our yard with us. She doesn't go out unless we are supervising her, ever. She is trained not to bark... ever! (unless I tell her to speak). When I walk her, I always pick up her poops. I wish that I could say the same for my neighbors. We have poop in the middle of the sidewalks here. The kids can't even go to the bus stop without getting it all over their shoes. Also, there is one dog in the neighborhood that barks and howls from roughly 9pm to midnight every night of the summer! It is especially hard when I am trying to put my small children to sleep at night. We don't have AC and I have to have the windows open. Why on earth would someone force their dog to be outside alone if they obviously don't want to be out there! How can they stand the noise if it is so loud for me 4 or 5 houses away? If I could figure out which house it is, I would gladly buy them a no-bark collar if they feel the need to leave the dog out all night. My sister lives in a suburb of NY and they get a ticket if any of their 3 Jack Russells bark longer than 10 minutes at a time. It forced her to spend more time with her dogs training them to be good citizens. Maybe people who don't have the proper time to spend with their animals should rethink their lifestyles... or simply not own a dog?
    - MW

  • 9/9 4:54pm   Looking for a recommendation for somebody local who can do some landscaping. Cleaning out a small patch of land that is overrun with weeds, thorns, etc. Probably not a fun job. Don't want to be charged for a large job. Looking for somebody reasonable and dependable.
    - CB

  • 9/9 4:53pm   We had a Dwarf Rabbit, Garth Bunny, for an astounding 13 yrs. He was an indoor bunny and much loved. They require a lot of work to keep them clean, well groomed and healthy. Their nails have to be clipped frequently and it is recommended that they be spayed or neutured. Males spray urine. Their teeth also need caring for to make sure they don't grow to far. Food was rabbit pellets, timothy grass, alfalfa, very little greens if any as they can cause problems. Grooming is a biggie as they shed or molt at least 2 times a year. Loads of fur shedding. We used to put him in his harness and take him outside for a run. He was litter trained in his cage, outside his cage not so much. We loved him lots but would never get another as they tend to get ignored more than they should. Think about getting one seriously before bringing one home.
    - JW

  • 9/9 4:52pm   Lots of folks are recommending Trackside for propane. What do they charge for a refill? I thought $19.50 was a bit high at Northland Garden.
    - RP

  • 9/9 1:34pm   We also use Trackside... but make sure you have cash or a check with you; they don't take credit/debit cards.
    - SM

  • 9/9 1:31pm   NJD - Bunnies! We've had "Lilly" for about 1 1/2 yrs. (it took a long time for my kids to convince me!) We keep her outside in a bunny hutch. In the winter, we fill the hutch w/hay to keep her warm. The 1st winter we kept her in the garage because she was just a baby. Last winter she stayed outside and was fine - she did have some shelter from the surrounding trees. They require water, pellets to eat, and hay to lay over the shavings (bedding), timothy hay (as a treat). The kids built a play area out of chicken wire for Lilly to hop around in. We probably don't clean the hutch as much as we should; but, that also needs to be done. My 11 yr. old pretty much takes care of her (which was agreed upon beforehand). Overall, pretty low maintenance. We may pick up a larger hutch from a neighbor so you are welcome to take ours (free). If we don't take the larger one, I'm sure my neighbor will let you have theirs. You can get my contact information from the webmaster if you would like.
    - KG

  • 9/9 11:36am   I've done the Tuesday night buffet at Primavera's and have been disappointed. For a whole lot of food they don't have much. They don't have pasta out and prepared, you have to wait in line while they put a tiny blob in a fry pan for you. This irritates me because the kids don't like to go up to them to have them heat and prep it. The chef acts inconvenienced too when you ask. They do have other food like lasagna and chicken and lots of desserts. I find the price for the buffet to be extremely high. And also the service to get drinks and bread is horrible. For one adult and 2 children I end up leaving with a bill of $50! I think you would be better off at Guido's.
    - JP

  • 9/9 11:35am   TB (#2) - We use Barry John Chimney sweep out of Franklin. Good prices and reliable.
    - JPRW

  • 9/9 11:34am   My kids are trying to convince me to get a rabbit, a friend's is having babies. I'm looking for some info on what taking care of a rabbit entails. They have told me it's an outdoor rabbit. I've had lots of pets growing up but never a rabbit. Any info would be helpful.
    - NJD

  • 9/9 11:32am   SH - Sadly, without a geographic point of reference you could be describing almost any street in any neighborhood in Norfolk, I think. Some people seem to think that since we live in the "country", their dogs should be allowed to run free to bark at all hours and to use the entire neighborhood as their toilet. Folks, we are a suburban town, many of us live in fairly close proximity to each other, and your dogs are not always a welcome addition to our yards. Please follow the leash laws that are in place. To look at our town animal control bylaws, go to Section XIII, page 61 after clicking here: [town bylaws PDF]
    If the town is looking for a quick revenue bump maybe Hilary can deputize some residents and they can run around fining people that ignore this law.
    - DL

  • 9/9 8:52am   Hello again, We need to have our chimney cleaned before this winter, can anyone recommend someone local based on recent personal experience? Thanks!
    - TB [#2]

  • 9/9 8:51am   As far as Verizon TV goes, I want to know why it is not available thru out Norfolk?
    - DN

  • 9/9 8:50am   Filling propane tanks, Trackside Gas in Walpole - family business, great folks.
    - JW

  • 9/9 8:26am   MP: Propane refills and sales: Trackside Gas - family run, very friendly, great prices, great hours!
    - KG

  • 9/9 8:25am   To the person who allows his/her dog off the leash in the morning. Stop! Your dog is going to the bathroom in my yard, and barking in front of my windows and doors which is making my dog bark inside the house which then wakes up my entire family.
    Next time I hear your dog barking outsidemy house at 6am, I am calling the dog officer... I've had enough.
    - SH

  • 9/9 8:19am   Hello LH, I have been teaching a music class for the Norfolk Rec department for 3 years and am a certified Musikgarten instructor. I'd love to speak with you. [Use box145@norfolknet.com - Wm.]
    - EMM

  • 9/9 8:18am   JK. Bevelaqua Paving gave us the best price ($4000) around but it was a lot of money for a driveway. Then they didn't get it done before the winter set in and I ended up spending the money on oil for heat and Christmas. They called in the early spring to do the job, but the money was gone. Then they said it would cost more now to do the job because of the increase in oil.
    - PD

  • 9/9 8:17am   GC - Your post indicated "you were told it was a electrical problem". Please advise. I have seen many crazy things happen with water and 316 stainless steel pipes with improperly grounded systems. I wonder if somehow the copper main line is acting as the sacrificial metal due to this. Many of these posts all report houses with the same age span, was the same plumber used by the builder(s)? Water quality points to the Town, electrical / grounding issues point to the builder and to the Building inspector. Someone should map the houses with Google maps to show locations and see if its a cluster problem or more widespread. I wish you the best, trying to think positive here, at least it didn't happen in the middle of January.
    - LS

  • 9/8 10:22pm   Can someone please explain to me why we still don't have local access television on Verizon? Selectmen? NCTV? Any comment? We know you read Norfolknet! I am not trying to point fingers, just trying to figure out why we have been paying for a service for 5 months and getting nadda. So many meetings, so little time. I like staying in the loop but find it difficult. Spring became summer, summer is almost fall, and still, no sign...
    - AL

  • 9/8 10:21pm   To MP: Trackside Gas, Walpole, MA is great for getting your propane tank filled.
    - JK

  • 9/8 10:20pm   Can anyone recommend a good quality and reasonable company for driveway paving? I am desparately in need of a new driveway. Thx!
    - JK

  • 9/8 10:19pm   The fact that many residents are experiencing problems with their water pipes is a problem, but I am not interested in paying for these repairs. Many of us in town have wells because there are no public water or sewers available. While the town administrators may (or may not) have created this problem, it does not seem right to pass the repair expense onto the residents who are not able to take advantage of the town water systems. I hope that the defense against any potential litigation is not paid for by raising my taxes (which are high enough). As it is, we do not have access to sewers, water, natural gas, free school buses, streetlights, or sidewalks because the town does not provide these "luxuries" on our street. I am increasingly more curious about where the thousands of tax dollars we pay annually actually go. I understand that people are rightfully upset, but how much will lawsuits ultimately cost us all?
    - CS

  • 9/8 10:18pm   Has anyone tried Mamma Marias Tuesday Night buffet at Primavera?
    - PRB

  • 9/8 10:12pm   Here's a new twist on an old scam -- just received an irate letter from someone objecting to me spamming them with viruses. They attach what they claim is logs of my internet (IP) address they got from their internet service provider. Except -- get this -- the attachment is not a document, but an executable proram: a virus! Don't open it. (No, I didn't open it, I merely peeked inside.)
    - Wm.

  • 9/8 10:10pm   We go to Agway in Franklin for our gas fill.
    - DN

  • 9/8 10:05pm   To PLG, TB, DH, JB, AMC, NF and any of the 50+ homes that have had their main water pipe burst in the past year: I live on Creek Drive and today in my front yard a large geyser of water came pouring out in a large sunken hole in my front yard. It feels like quick sand when you step on it. The water department stated it was not their problem, homeowners insurance will not pay for it. We were told it was an electrical problem!! One excavator has repaired over 50 broken main water pipes in the past year in Norfolk, and that's just one excavator. He's repaired only one in Wrentham. There have been 2 others on Stop River Rd recently. Our houses are 10-15 years old. He thinks it has something to do with the water. He expects that all of Creek Drive and Stop River Rd will have to have their main water pipe replaced! We are talking thousands of $$$ to repair this.
    If the problem is the water and the pH and quality and if this can cause that kind of damage to pipes, what can it do to our bodies?? We need the truth from the water department.
    If anyone has contacted a lawyer about a class action suit let me know. gericol@verizon.net
    - GC

  • 9/8 10:04pm   I usually get my propane refilled at the Fire Place on 140 near Stop & Shop.
    - LJK

  • 9/8 10:03pm   KF, I have used Tomlin Carpet/Upholestery Cleaning for many years. Tom Richard is the owner and he comes out. Very reasonable in price. 508-966-3330
    - DWL

  • 9/8 5:01pm   Hi, I've been reading over the King Philip School District Budget via the website; however, the information is very general and does not completely break down how the finances are allocated. Is there a source for the complete budget and spending?
    - MA

  • 9/8 4:43pm   MP asks... "Where can I buy propane for my gas grill?" I just got my tank filled at Northland Garden Center. They're in Wrentham on Rt. 1A on the right just before the Wrentham Premium Outlets. Price is $19.50. And there are also several exchange centers where you swap your tank for a full one. They're in places such as Stop & Shop in Foxboro, Cumberland Farms in Foxboro and Rocky's Hardware in Millis among others.
    - RP

  • 9/8 3:57pm   Does anyone know when the Fire House will have their open house for Fire Prevention Week?
    - JP

  • 9/8 3:54pm   Norfolk TPA Fundraiser: Lisa Hull, local photographer is scheduled for Sunday, September 14Th from 9:30AM to 3:00 PM at the H. Olive Day School. Openings are still available. Call Sue L. at 520-9561 to register. Thank you.
    - JS

  • 9/8 3:53pm   I was hoping someone could recommend a good, reasonable, local upholstery cleaner. I am looking to have my couch cleaned. Thanks for any suggestions.
    - KF

  • 9/8 3:51pm   Hi. Our daughter is thinking about joining the band. Does anyone out there have a used flute or know where we could find one? Please reply through the webmaster. [Use box144@norfolknet.com - Wm.] Thanks.
    - KY

  • 9/8 3:50pm   labradorsbypacheco.com This is the breeder we got our current and former Lab from and are extremely happy with them if you decide to go the breeder route.
    - BL

  • 9/8 3:49pm   I am looking for suggestions on where to get a weighted or touch sensitive keyboard for a child who is starting piano lessons. Also, opinions on electronic keyboards versus acoustic welcome! Please contact me at box139@norfolknet.com
    - AP

  • 9/8 3:48pm   SJ: Check out Buddy Dog. They are a no kill shelter in Sudbury that has a couple of lab mixes. Also check out Angell Memorial. We have a lab mix from there and he is the greatest dog ever! P.S. Don't tell our other three dogs that I said that!!
    - JN

  • 9/8 8:27am   To SJ - regarding labrador puppies - you should check out breed specific rescues for a dog or even local shelters for a new companion animal. There are so many dogs just awaiting permanent, loving homes in shelters. Many have come to shelters because people have lost their homes and can no longer provide one for their animal. You would have the opportunity to adopt an already spayed or neutered animal whose personality you would know when you met the dog. You would also be saving a life! Dogs are euthanized day in and day out because they literally go nuts being penned up in shelters. I know people who work in shelters and it is so sad hearing them tell me stories about how dogs are awesome when they come in but if they stay too long in a shelter they change. It is so sad...
    Here is the info for a labrador dog rescue in MA. I don't think they show adoptable dogs on their site--I think you need to call. www.labrescue.com
    - EF

  • 9/8 8:26am   To EM who was looking for art lessons for her son and RH who was interested in watercolor lessons, I would suggest considering Lisa Bailey in Franklin. I have taken lessons with her for more than two years (at first through KP Adult Ed which is no longer available, and now in small group lessons). Her web site is www.lisagbailey.com. I also know there is an art studio in Foxboro that runs lessons, Hunakai Studios -- I've seen their brochure but have no direct experience with them.
    - CA

  • 9/8 8:22am   Where can I buy propane for my gas grill?
    - MP

  • 9/8 8:21am   Thanks so much to all of the volunteers who made Norfolk Lion's Opening Day such a great success. The weather ended up being terrific and everything went smoothly. Special thanks to Helen and Craig Koch for their leadership and to Bill Hawkins and Trish Bechet for all of the running around! We served 700 hot dogs, more than 800 juice boxes and 800 bags of chips! Thanks again for everyone's help, especially the hot dog volunteers, my set-up guy and the Ice Man! Great job everybody.
    - Peg Drisko-Johnson, Opening Day Coordinator

  • 9/8 8:20am   I am looking for piano lessons for my 9-year-old, after school or Saturdays. If anyone has a recommendation, I'd appreciate it.
    - TC

  • 9/8 8:19am   Hello, my 6 year old son is taking karate classes at Villaris in Franklin and is ready for sparring gear. Anyone have some used sparring equipment? If so, please contact me through the webmaster. [Use box143@norfolknet.com - Wm.] Many thanks,
    - AW

  • 9/8 8:06am   PLG, Yes, I expect others in town to have a difference of opinion We're all taxpayers and certainly I feel free speech is healthy. What I don't find healthy is the fact that our town admits to improper pH and improper water quality for a substantial number of years. Where was the town all those years? Where was our inspection process and permit process? Isn't it a process to protect all involved, be it the town, the contractor and us the consumer? For us to have inferior pipes with crude installation, pipes thining from poor water quality is outrageous. Many of my neighbors have been affected in the past two years. I'm now, someone down the road next month, no one should go through this. Such young homes to have such an issue! Take a minute and think about it, weren't all of us raised in homes that were generations old without water main issues. My family's homestead was over 120 years old, without such an issue. I questioned a dear relative who's age I must not mention, and she concurred such a repair was never made! Maybe a question that needs an answer is how many homes have been affected in the past fives years? What is their average age. How do those numbers stack up against state averages? We're proud of our home, we work daily at it's beauty and up keep, drive by any evening or weekend and we're doing something. It's one of our major investments in life and I apologize if it seems I'm overly concerned. Trust me we didn't want to be in this position. I'm sure I'll truly remember I'm involved in the next couple of weeks when I scratch out a check for thousands of dollars. Thanks for your post.
    - TB

  • 9/7 2:58pm   Received: Soccer shorts, thanks so much! Attention, Cub Scout Families: I have the following items, and would like to pass them on: Tiger (1st year) orange neckerchief and slide, Wolf (2nd Year) yellow neckerchief and hat, Bear (3rd Year) neckerchief and slide. Also, blue cub scout shirt, size large, and blue hat (older webelos style). If you can use any of this items, please call (508)-520-1572.
    - CR

  • 9/7 2:57pm   We are wondering if any of you have a Labrador expecting puppies or will some time in the next few months? We are looking to add one to our family. We had one that had a long life but unfortunately passed away. My email address is sbj83@msn.com Thanks,
    - SJ

  • 9/7 2:56pm   To PLG: When the pipes fail on everyone else's homes (and they will) maybe I can go over to their homes, and see the smile on their faces when they have to write out the check because of their failed pipes also. We believe the Water Dept. knew all along about this problem, and by having every home put in the new meters it was their way of catching all of these homes, and therefore making the home owners pay privately for the towns mistake. The town already lost from one law suit because of this problem, and they will lose more.
    - DH

  • 9/7 10:47am   LH, I own a Preschool program in Millis and we have a wonderful music teacher who visits us monthly. I could get you her contact info if you would like. Please contact the Wm to reach me.
    - SG

  • 9/7 10:38am   Does anybody know where I could sign up to take water color lessons this fall? I would like to take a group lesson once a week, not a private one. I know Norfolk Rec does not offer one, but I thought perhaps someone knew of another town that might offer it in their adult continuing ed. Thank you.
    - BH

  • 9/7 9:27am   There was a typo in the e-mail address of the post of 9/6 8:31pm; if you were interested in buying coal, try again.
    - Wm.

  • 9/7 9:26am   I have a home preschool and I am looking for a music person that will come to my house to do a little music class with the kids a few times a year. Does anyone know of any? I am also looking for someone to who'd come to my home to do puppet shows occasionally. Thanks,
    - LH

  • 9/6 11:48pm   RO - Yes, the police department can fingerprint you for official documentation purposes. When I did this, they just asked that I call ahead before coming down to make sure someone was available.
    - JT

  • 9/6 11:42pm   DN: I have a friend who can help you. Call Juanita at 508-259-5832.
    - MP

  • 9/6 8:58pm   KP 10th Grader available weekends for babysitting. Reliable, Responsible, Fun, Flexible. Ask for K. at 508-528-1055.
    - DM

  • 9/6 8:57pm   Congrats to the Kelley Family from Wrentham! They bought the lucky square that was pottied on by Blueberry the cow at Cow Chip Bingo! Thank you all who bought tickets. The proceeds are much appreciated in helping the animals.
    - HNC, Norfolk Animal Control

  • 9/6 8:55pm   Free for the Taking: Whitney upright piano and bench, very good condition, could use a tune-up, perfect for a piano student. Call 508-528-1055, located on Seekonk St.
    - DM

    [Update 9/9 9:56pm: Upright Whitney piano and bench has been claimed and taken away. Thanks for all the interest! - DM]

  • 9/6 8:53pm   To the person or persons who put out two lovely handmade rockers "for the taking" on Union Street ... thank you, thank you, thank you!! I'm thrilled to have them and they are perfect near our picture window overlooking our yard. I am going to call them our Hurricane Chairs as that is where I'll sit to watch Hanna as she approaches. I have a feeling from examining them, that someone's granddad made them for his family. That's what I'll believe anyway as I enjoy them. Many thanks, and I'm glad they arrived in my kitchen before Hanna reached them. :) They will be lovingly cared for!
    - JHR

  • 9/6 8:48pm   Wanted: Adult small size Norfolk SC Soccer shorts, old style ok. Please call (508)-520-1572, thanks.
    - CR

  • 9/6 8:47pm   Can anyone recommend someone to help me set up an Excel work sheet? I need to set up a simple data base and can not figure out to do it. Thanks!
    - DN

  • 9/6 8:46pm   Does anyone know of a place close by that can do fingerprinting (for official documentation)? Can Norfolk police do this? Thanks,
    - RO

  • 9/6 8:42pm   It looks as though the weather will clear for tomorrow afternoon. We are planning to hold Norfolk Lion's Youth Soccer Opening Day events as scheduled. We will however, be cancelling the moonwalks. The weather channel is predicting wind gusts in excess of 30 mph and the moonwalks are not safe with gusts that strong. If you are a parent who is scheduled to work the moonwalk, you do not have to report for your volunteer assignment. We will still have hot dogs, chips and drinks and we will be serving from 11:30 until the hot dogs are gone (usually at about 3:00). Food service, set up and clean up volunteers should report as scheduled. Thanks!
    - Peg Drisko-Johnson, Opening Day Coordinator

  • 9/6 8:31pm   Is anyone interested in purchasing some coal? We have about 300 lbs of coal that we will never use. The previous owners of our house left it for us. Please contact us at bdkoneill@verizon.net if you are interested.
    - KO

    [Update 9/7 9:27am: fixed typo in e-mail address - Wm.]

  • 9/6 12:59am   Cow Chip Bingo is ON for tomorrow! Come visit our booth at Wrentham Day and meet the cow :)
    - HNC, Norfolk Animal Control

  • 9/6 12:58am   JB, I can hardly wait for the outcry from Norfolk taxpayers like yourself when the town has to pay for all the failed pipes that you claim should be the responsibility of the town.
    - PLG

  • 9/6 12:48am   PRB, HPK, et al: Regarding the boarded up house at 115 and Boardman, our building inspector is selectively delivering shades of grey. There are absolute legal processes to rid the town of dilapidated buildings that pose an attractive nuisance or some other public safety concern. While mere aesthetic concerns are inadequate to compel the razing of such structures, public saftey can, and should spur either the building inspector or the Board of Selectmen to assume their statutory authority to expeditiously remove problem structures. Of course, their track record in this regard is spotty at best.
    - JT (JT2)

  • 9/4 10:40pm   PRB, I asked the Building Dept. about the house on the corner of 115 and Boardman, and as long as it's boarded-up so that nobody can enter it, the owner is not violating any laws or bylaws. The rumor is that it was purchased by the man who owns Tootsie's ice cream parlor in Wrentham.
    JH, Charlie Hewitt of Myrtle St. removed our rusty metal handrails and installed white PVC handrails in their place. We've gotten lots of compliments on the project and our front stairs are safer. I wish we had done it sooner.
    - HPK

  • 9/4 10:36pm   LB - I just saw that there is a hip-hop class listed on page 15 of the Norfolk Recreation fall catalog.
    - SO

  • 9/4 10:31pm   AMC, Thanks for the post! As you realize I'm in the process of gathering names & history on others in town that have had this problem with their water mains. Some folks are slow to speak up but now I'm getting a few calls. For homes 10-20 years young to have this ridiculous costly exspence is mind boggling. The town sees nothing wrong in saying "oops there was an issue, but so be it, get it fixed," just isn't right. Are they partly at fault for having years of high pH or shoddy inspection, or allowing improper electrical grounding? If it takes a number of irate taxpayers to put together a class action lawsuit to find this out, then I also say, "so be it."
    - TB

  • 9/4 1:34pm   Just wanted to join the discussion our water pipe was just replaced Aug 27th!! At a cost of $5,200 which does not include the cost of replacing our front lawn!! Homeowners' insurance will only cover the cost of the pipe inside the house. The major expense is the excavating. We have the pipes which were all corroded from the inside out!! We live in the Kings Grant Estates -- we also had to reground our electrical work. We were told they may have caused the problem?! But it was "code" at the time our home was built (1994). We do believe we all must band together and get answers to the major problem!!
    - AMC

  • 9/4 1:31pm   Norfolk Recreation Exercise Classes Start the week of September 8th! Jump back into Fall ...or hike...or briskly walk... with one of Norfolk Recreation's Adult exercise programs. Ladies Light Hiking is offered on both Thursday and Saturday mornings and, if you would like to bring your best friend (with paws) join Happy Dog Hike on Wednesdays from 10:30-11:30 AM. Our Hiking and Walking classes are led by Certified Personal Trainer, Nanci Cahalane and are $25 for 6 weeks. Nanci also teaches a Pilates Based Floor Class, a Strength Training Class and a "Combo" Class. The Combo class is an hour long on Mondays evenings (6:30 PM), combines the use of weights and core strengthening, and runs for 13 weeks for $78. Strength Training and Pilates runs on Monday, Wednesdays and Friday mornings. Your choice of days. For further information, all programs are listed on line at www.virtualnorfolk.org/rec. You may browse programs, check availability, and register on line if you like. Registration may also be done by mail or in the office. We are also available to answer questions at 508-520-1315 or email us at recreation@virtualnorfolk.org
    - Ann Proto, Recreation Director, Town of Norfolk

  • 9/4 8:08am   4 Jimmy Buffet tickets for sale for Saturday. Contact 508-509-0508.
    - KG

  • 9/4 8:04am   Last chance for Cow Chip Bingo tickets. I'll be around today and early evening for those who wish to purchase them. Each square is $10.00 and if the cow potties on your square you win $500! Bingo is hopefully (weather dependent) being played at 2 pm at Wrentham Day on their town common (junction of 140 and 1A). Stop on over and meet the cow, chat with the ACO's, visit all the other booths at Wrentham Day. If Wrentham Day is canceled due to weather, there is a rain date for the following weekend and bingo will be played at that time. Sincerely,
    - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control

  • 9/4 8:03am   I'm looking for someone who can do a small job replacing some vent flashing on a roof. Thanks.
    - KS

  • 9/4 8:02am   Re mosquitoes in standing water on your property - squirt/spray a drop or two of vegatable oil in a squirt/spray bottle. Only a drop is neeed to form a meniscus film. Been using idea read in "Mother Earth" some time ago. Not injurious to garden since it is aerosol quantity. Try for yourself. Do the Panama Canal next!!
    - JO

  • 9/3 11:35pm   For LB... call Janet 508-528-7681 for boys dance class.
    - ER

  • 9/3 11:34pm   LB - Franklin School for the Performing Arts has 2 classes for boys - 1 older and 1 younger. Our son started there last year and loves it. They put on some very professional performances as well.
    - TK

  • 9/3 11:33pm   LB - Try the Hockomock YMCA.
    - MJD

  • 9/3 11:32pm   JD, I am new to town and a very experienced teacher who has taken this year off other than a part time position with the Audubon. I have tutored various ages. If you are interested in chatting about tutoring email me. [Use box142@norfolknet.com - Wm.]
    - LA

  • 9/3 11:31pm   Looking for a piano teacher who either lives close by, or is willing to come to my house, to give lessons to 2 kids (12 and 14 years old) - please reply to cmkearins@verizon.net
    - CMK

  • 9/3 10:03pm   Hi, I make purses out of juice boxes! I am looking for Capri Sun other similar juice pouches. If you or your children drink them could you please save them for me and I will come pick them up when you need me to. If you have them could you please e-mail me at dobritte1@mac.com. Thank you very much.
    - DN

  • 9/3 9:57pm   I was wondering if anyone could recommend a boys dance class. My son would love to know how to do some hip-hop dances. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,
    - LB

  • 9/3 9:56pm   Can anyone suggest where to purchase a cord of wood?
    And can anyone recommend a tutor for children?
    - JD

  • 9/3 9:55pm   Received a photo of Buddy, the cat lost by the River Rd/airport area. Attached to the post of 9/3 9:10am - Wm.

  • 9/3 9:54pm   Free: Large Little Tykes and Fisher Price toys (picnic table, kitchen set, doll house, cash register, etc.) Pick up at end of driveway at 13 Pheasant Hill Road.
    - CMK

  • 9/3 9:53pm   I am looking for a mason.
    - DWL

  • 9/3 9:52pm   I have 2 passes for the Larz Anderson Museum for this Saturday, Sept. 6.They are having a vintage Porche display. Anyone free for the asking. Glass1971@aol.com.
    - PRB

  • 9/3 9:48pm   The Norfolk Public Library is pleased to invite interested residents to join a Great Decisions group. Sponsored by the Foreign Policy Association (FPA), the Great Decisions program supports study groups interested in exploring, discussing and debating important foreign policy issues. The FPA provides background briefings and other multi-media information to frame the issues and options for a select number of topics each year. The materials are prepared by recognized leaders and scholars in regional and international affairs and are purposely non-partisan. Further information on the program is available at the FPA website at [FPA.org page].
    Issues for 2008 include:
    Iraq: Strategies for Dealing with Uncertainty
    European Integration: Looking Ahead
    Blacklisting the Enemy
    Russia & "Putinism"
    U.S. Defense Policy
    Latin America: the next U.S. President's Agenda
    U.S.- China Economic Relations
    Foreign Aid: New Players, New Goals?
    The group will meet at 7pm on the second Thursday of each month in the Lounge of the Norfolk Public Library. The first meeting will be largely organizational and will be held on Thursday, Sept. 11 at 7pm. Pre- registration is preferred so that we may order the appropriate number of briefing books (cost: $18.00). To register, please call the Circulation Desk at 508-528-3380 or stop by at your next visit to the Library.
    - CE

  • 9/3 9:47pm   Talk about blight, what's with that house on the corner of 115 and Boardman Street? Shouldn't that be condemed?
    - PRB

  • 9/3 9:45pm   First day of school, lots of happy faces. It was ironic that the children needed to walk on the street to avoid the cars being parked on the sidewalk. In other towns cars are not permitted to park on sidewalks.
    - CW

  • 9/3 9:43pm   Two Patriots tickets available for this Sunday's home opener & Tom Brady's return to the gridion, September 7th, Pats vs Kansas City. Lower section (100s), great seats. Hard tickets, selling at face value, $165 each. Please contact me through webmaster. [Use box141@norfolknet.com - Wm.] Tx,
    - KB

  • 9/3 9:36pm   This is my first time posting on Norfolknet. My family and I recently moved to Norfolk. I'm looking for recommendations for a babysitter. If you know someone who may be interested, you can e-mail me at s.aghess@gmail.com.
    - SG

  • 9/3 9:30pm   Has anyone used Brian Forsythe (Oakwood Renovations Inc.) for house remodeling? If so, could you please forward your experiences (both good and bad) to me through the Wm? Many thanks! [Use box140@norfolknet.com - Wm.]
    - JS

  • 9/3 9:26pm   Regarding litter at the end of driveways - does anyone know if it's possible to not receive the gazette? We just don't have the time to read it and they always seem to throw it into the brush where it's a real pain to remove. I looked at a copy once and there was no information that I could find on where I should call. Do they just drop one at every house, regardless? By the sheer number of old papers you can see around town, I get the impression that there are others out there who don't want the delivery either.
    - JP

  • 9/3 9:25pm   Hello - I am looking for a computer company referral that can transfer files off of my hard drive onto a CD. Does anyone have any good referrals/experiences? Thank you!
    - JH

  • 9/3 9:24pm   BH - I agree about the Gazette, for heaven's sake, pick it up. It is the same thing with the phone book. When the new ones arrive, people leave them out by their mailbox, especially in the winter. It looks sloppy. You can call the phone company and askto be taken off the delivery list.
    - MJD

  • 9/3 9:23pm   Yard Sale!!! This Sunday, 9/14/08, 8 Stacey Road, 12 noon-4pm. Some available items include but not limited to: treadmill, under bed drawers, dresser, solid wood armoire, stereo stand, pictures, computer desk, bathroom vanity, and much more! No rain date. Hope to see you there.
    - MH

  • 9/3 9:10am   Lost Cat: River Road/Airport Area. Large (17 lb) black American longhaired male (his fur is trimmed from a summer haircut but his tail, mane and legs are bushy) Distinct white markings on face (Hershey kiss) and white paws. White ring around left rear leg. Answers to Buddy. Please, if you see him, call us at 617-592-6474 or 508-528-8265. He has been gone since Tuesday and we miss him and want to bring him home. Thank you.
    - JH

    [Update 9:55pm: received photo - Wm.]

  • 9/3 9:09am   Since we are talking about litter, why don't we all just go to the end of our driveways and pick up the litter there! I see months of Gazzette newspapers accumulating at the end of so many driveways. Why not go pick them up and throw them away along with any other litter that is around. We should all pitch in. Also, the person on King St.[...] you always have your big blue trash barrell at the end of your driveway and some times near the street, why not just move it to the side of your house. You are creating a dangerous situation now that school is starting. Your trash bucket could easily be hit by a bus or a car and cause an accident. You are being inconsiderate of people who travel down King Street.
    - BH

  • 9/2 10:39pm   TMS: Thank you for reminding all of us! Yes, I second the need to remind drivers about school starting and being cautious while driving and really watching out for children on the roads... Especially since Norfolk doesn't have proper sidewalks for the children to walk on!
    - KM

  • 9/2 6:52pm   JT, I didn't call you an elitist, I merely told you what the business was and stated that I do consider Al a good neighbor (although I don't know them). I am in hearing/walking distance of the shop and I drive by constantly. It could be a lot worse. I used to live across the street from the Bubbling Brook in Walpole. I won't go into my rant about that place. Let's just say that it always "looked nice" but they were the worst neighbors in the world. I ended up moving. I have never noticed the tape on the welding shop window... and I drive by several times a day. This morning I made a point to look for the tape that you spoke of... It was green. I could hardly see it from my car, and I made a point to look. I might add that the green tape on the window is in a beautiful star burst pattern and the green also matches the trim on the shop! I have never seen the place look messy. When they are done working, they always put everything away and close up the doors. I guess that everyone has their own definition of shabby or beautiful. Unless it is a danger to the neighborhood, I really don't see how you can tell people how to live. One man's trash is another man's treasure. Maybe the owner of the shop is trying to save the environment and recycle or consume less? Can't fault him for that!
    - MW

  • 9/2 6:51pm   Not sure why this is the case, but I cannot locate the 2008-2009 KP High bus routes. They are not on the KP website - the only one I can dredge up is a three-year old one (2005-2006), which does not include my son's stop from last year.
    Does anyone have these schedules? Thanks,
    - ARD

  • 9/2 5:49pm   TO PRR and MW: No, I'm not "elitist"... I don't live in a McMansion nor are we rich.
    As you are, I am also dissapointed in our town center progress and litterbugs.
    I'm sure the people who own that business are not embarrassed by my post. If they were, they wouldn't keep their property that way. Keeping your yard "un-junky" has nothing to do with income... it has to do with pride of ownership and consideration of others. By your theory, the longer a business/person has lived here the more rights they have? Or they have less civic responsibility and consideration? Give me a break. A broken window and junk in your yard may be a constitutional right, but that doesn't make it neighborly.
    - JT

  • 9/2 5:16pm   PRR - my sentiments exactly - well said!
    - LAW

  • 9/2 5:15pm   All right - that's two votes for MON! Given the closeness of the last race I am almost there! Vote for me, I Kissed your Baby!
    But seriously. How can our government allow toxic waste fields to languish such as Southwood? Tsk, tsk. And Shame! Shame! And the recently illuminated PCBs-in-the-transformers of the Buckley-Mann property? These companies made their money, left toxins, and now no one is held accountable - although the owners sure looked mighty comfortable.
    How about we put together a warrant item that would force people who pollute Norfolk with EPA priority toxins to clean up their sites?
    McDonalds bags I can handle because I can see them. PCBs and chemical toxins are way too small and know no boundaries, except when they bind to your DNA and cause cancerous mutations. Tumors are then obvious to everyone.
    - MON

  • 9/2 5:13pm   In the process of pulling over this morning [Mon 9/1 - Wm.] to allow the Norfolk EMT's get to a call, I aggressively brushed against a curb and ripped a front tire. Along came Chief Bushnell and some of our wonderful firefighters and police. They changed my tire and made sure I was safely on my way. How wonderful to live in a town like Norfolk where people care and watch out for each other. I experienced the "finest of our finest."
    Let's tip our hats and express our appreciation for them this Labor Day, and every day!
    - BD

  • 9/2 3:27pm   Remember that school starts tomorrow morning. Please slow down and be on the watch for the children walking to bus stops and to school. Let's be safe out there!
    - TMS

  • 9/2 3:23pm   EF - Thank you for the recommendation on the chimney sweep. We are signed up for an inspection/cleaning later this month. Best.
    - BHS

  • 9/2 3:22pm   MON: Where's the petition? I will sign as big as John Hancock, and be your campaign manager too!
    I do think the name of the town would proabably be more like Patriotville, or Patsland. He doesn't seem to be as self absorbed as Trump,
    - KDL

  • 9/2 3:21pm   Need recommendation for a local fiddle (bluegrass) teacher. Thanks.
    - JR

  • 9/2 3:20pm   Three Red Sox tickets available. Monday, September 8th, Sox vs/ Tampa Bay. State Street Pavilion Club Section 14, seats 13, 14, 15. Hard tickets, selling at face value, $135 each. Please contact me through webmaster. Tx! [Use box139@norfolknet.com - Wm.]
    - AP

  • 9/2 3:18pm   4 Jimmy Buffet tickets for sale for Thursday. 528-4352.
    - KA

  • 9/2 3:17pm   To: JT and JHR. Re: The corner of Union and North Streets. Come on folks, lighten up... this is Norfolk and this used to be farmland and... what the heck are you fussing about? Next you will be chasing the chickens and horses out of town!!
    Hmmmm... Why did you post this... What have you to gain? I wanted to put my two cents in... this is America and that "business" you so kindly referred to has probably been at the corner of North and Union a whole lot longer than many of the MacMansions that are now cluttering up what used to be fields and woods... And it might have some history!!
    I understand progress... and nicely manicured yards, etc., and I am certainly not one to talk, but let us be kinder to families that are attempting to stay and make a living in a town that has outrageous property taxes because we have encouraged/allowed/developed so few businesses here. The folks who own the "machine shop" as you called it may have been here in Norfolk longer than most of us! That property has probably been like that for 60 years... perhaps you should find out more about things before you publicly embarrass people like that!!
    There are many other things to worry about, like who the [...] keeps throwing Dunkin Donut bags and beer cartons, etc., along Diamond and North Street! Come on folks, not everyone can afford a big fancy house... cut folks some slack and work on getting the big eyesore in the very middle of our town straightened out.
    I think that was really, truly unkind and insensitive of the two of you... "elitist" might be a better word. You could live in Newton!! Personally, I moved here because I like the parts of Norfolk that have links to the past... with real people working hard and living real lives. I don't want to live in MacMansion land... and I will do has much as I can to help maintain what charm and links to our quickly disappearing past remain in this beautiful New England town...
    Thank you,
    - PRR

  • 9/2 3:16pm   Union and North is a welding shop, at least that is what the sign says... It has never really bothered me; I drive by it many, many times a day. I am also within hearing distance. They don't seem to be noisy... Is it just the building that bothers people? The business has been there since my husband was a child, and he is almost 50. Do we really have the right to tell someone to change because we find it ugly? I could see if it were dangerous......
    - MW

  • 9/2 3:15pm   I bought and installed a new kitchen faucet last month, it has 2 water faucet handles and a spray hose and I really miss my dish detergent pump, so I thought, no problem I'll just drill a hole for the pump. I tried my regular hole saw but since the sink is either stainless steel or aluminum I got a metal cutting hole drill. After much effort, I have only managed to create a drill hole and some minor cutting by the hole drill. No amount of pressure on the drill is making a cut through the sink top. Any suggestions out there as to what kind of hole saw I need. Thanks in advance.
    - JW

  • 9/2 3:08pm   Can anyone recommend an installer for tile floors? It's for a small floor area. I know the big stores have a minimum, which I don't think my floor would meet. Thanks,
    - AML

  • 9/2 3:02pm   Free at the curb, Truro Road: Rowing machine, Nordic Track X-Country Ski exerciser, Hitachi color TV-excellent picture-small set-not cable ready, Twin bed metal base, Patio table-glass top-needs TLC.
    - ML

  • 9/2 2:56pm   I believe you are referring to the old building that used to house Al's welding shop. Al was a great old man who would drop whatever he was working on and fix our bikes if it needed a weld, for free. And for as long as I can remeber that building always looked like that and I am sure the building was there long before you moved into Norfolk and hopefully it will be there forever. And who knows why the building is in disrepair but maybe the owners are short on funds and can not afford to bring it up to your standards. Would you prefer the town use tax revenues to repair this place as they did for the Federated Church?
    And as for JHR's comment about the blight is spreading - what a terrible thing to say. I grew up in this town and the changes has been phenomenal - the center looks great. I do not beleive the local goverment has any right to tell a landowner how he/she should maintain their property unless it causes a risk to its citizens. This old shop adds to the charactor of our little town.
    - SB

  • 9/2 2:43pm   If any one has a child who will be playing trumpet this year, I have one you can buy cheap! Student model PL1 Yamaha Trumpet. My daughter played for two years and stopped. (So what else is new?) I have the statement from the music company that it lists for $680 ... it can be yours for $300 cash only. It took us two-plus years of lease payments and ended up costing us over $1000! This is the way to go if your child is just starting out! She never really practiced either so it really doesn't even have all that much playing time on it ... could probably use a cleaning/tune-up but other than that it should be ready to go! No dents or dings, very nice shape. Oh, and the Case comes with a Red Sox 2004 Champions Sticker, a SpongeBob Sticker, and a Norfolk Soccer Sticker!
    Please email me or you can call 508-328-6164. Thanks for your interest! P.S. If Mr. Fouracre is reading this posting, just disregard the part about not practicing!!
    You can email me at erinhughes51@comcast.net if you'd like to see it or have me send you some pics. Thanks!
    - EH

  • 9/2 2:38pm   JH - We recently used Kevin Thomas out of Walpole. He put on a portico with solid mahogany railings for us. It came out great! His number is 508-505-1293. Good luck!
    - CR

  • 9/2 2:36pm   I read yesterday's Boomerang with sadness and dismay - A rash of car break-ins, two cases of grand larceny, vandalism and theft from our non-profit sports organizations. What is becoming of our little town?. Thank God for Bill Crane's "Guest" Column. Although I may not agree with him on everything, he made me laugh. With an editor, Bill could be Dave Barry or Roy Blount, Jr. I'm not sure what to make of the other guest columnist though. His cluttered thoughts seemd a little angry. Mr. Altmeyer's not a Republican, is he? Maybe he shouldn't have watched the Democratic Convention.
    - DCL

  • 8/30 9:13pm   Can anyone recommend someone who can install handrails onto front steps? Thanks,
    - JH

  • 8/30 4:25pm   I'm looking for art lessons for my 13 year old son and photography classes for my 17 year old daughter. Any one have any recommendations?
    - EM

  • 8/30 4:24pm   DH - Thanks for your post. Frankly I'm a little disappointed on the number of hits this topic has received as I know more than 25 homes in town have replaced their costly water mains within the past two years. We live in Kings Grant estates and I've had six neighbors repair theirs in the past two years. These homes are within eyesight of mine, all built during this area's first phase 15-20 years ago. One home adjacent to mine was done this past week. Presently I'm contacting anyone that's had this issue, and your history on your two homes mirrors everything I've found; your story like the rest are a disgrace! I'd like to hear from you and others through this site's web-master. [Use box138@norfolknet.com - Wm.] Home owners that have experienced this and others in these problem areas that will be next. We need to unite and stand together.
    - TB

  • 8/30 10:07am   JT... Glad to see that someone has noticed the corner of Union and North. Perhaps some attention will be generated and a change forthcoming. The blight is seeming to spread.
    - JHR

  • 8/30 8:59am   Does anyone know what the business at the intersection of North and Union does? It is a hideous looking place with taped up windows! It looks like a machine shop or something? Why is this eyesore allowed in a residential area? Any info? Thanks.
    - JT

  • 8/29 9:09pm   No discussion about Sarah Palin? Interesting choice. [Continued . . .]

  • 8/29 9:06pm   I regards to the folks with water pipe issues. I put a post on this forum before when it was last brought up. I have owned 2 homes in Norfolk over the past 25 years. Both water pipes have failed. The average age of the homes was 15 years. The contractor that replaced the water service at the first home, fought with the water department over replacing the pipe with plastic. The town refused and made me replace it with copper because it was the "code" at that time. When the pipe fails again I will be there with the new homeowner to file an action against the town. They knew back in 1998 that the pH was off in the water that was being delivered to the consumer. I learned from that contractor about electrolysis. This is a process that begins with everything being grounded to the cold water pipe. An electric current is present in the pipe and with the corrosive water it pits the copper pipes. I still have that pipe. The second home failed right after we were all notified about the mandatory water meter replacement. If you remember there was a notice in that mailing from the water department about their suggesting that homeowners replace the water line with plastic. How the code changed. The water department takes no responsibility for this at all. Everything is on the town taxpayer.
    - DH

  • 8/29 8:06pm   For TS: We did the Comcast to Verizon switch several months ago. The internet, television, and phone bundle is saving us close to $60/month. We haven't had the internet response issues that I have read about here. I do have one complaint: Verizon customer service is terrible. I had a minor problem a few weeks back and I invested nearly 6 hours on the telephone trying to resolve it (over a few days). It was maddening and if it happens again, we will switch back to Comcast and live with the additional costs. In all of my dealings with Comcast customer service over the years, I must say I thought their reps and the availability of helpful information was outstanding.
    - MHC

  • 8/29 4:46pm   TS - we've had Verizon FIOS for a couple of months, are pleased and have no problems.
    - LP

  • 8/29 3:38pm   MON: Way to go - let's get a copy to Donald Trump before he leaves Norton, just in case Bob says no!
    - JG

  • 8/29 3:37pm   We have had Verizon Fios for 6 weeks no issues. We are happy with the installation and the service we have received.
    - MA

  • 8/29 2:14pm   Is anyone happy with the switch from Comcast to Verizon? We have a FiOS installation scheduled for tomorrow!
    - TS

  • 8/29 1:25pm   To BHS regarding chimney sweep recommendation--Foxboro Chimney Sweep--honest and reasonable. He installed a stainless steel cap on my chimney very reasonably priced in comparison to one other quote we had. We never use our fireplace and he checked it and the flue did not need cleaning, so he did not charge to do so. He charged a nominal fee for the inspection. I had gotten his name from a neighbor, so I wanted to pass it on after having a good experience with him myself.
    - EF

  • 8/29 1:24pm   MON: Surely you must mean ``Kraftfork''.
    - JN

  • 8/29 8:30am   MON: You've outdone yourself this time. I had hoped you had written a serious letter to Mr. Kraft. You are very well spoken and clever... please put it to better use! I know you're very tongue and cheek: I hope you didn't really mail that! ; )
    - JT

  • 8/28 8:07pm   Donations are now being accepted for the White Elephant Sale at Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary (part of the 30th Annual Fall Fair on September 27th) We greatly appreciate donations of household items, furniture in good condition, glassware, silverware, small appliances and children's toys. Due to our disposal costs, we are unable to accept computers, and related equipment, clothing, shoes, books, or vhs tapes, large appliances, or mattresses. Please call ahead to schedule a drop off time. Thank you!
    - TH, Stony Brook

  • 8/28 8:07pm   Attention Norfolk Citizens, Here is a letter I wrote to Bob Kraft of the New England Patriots and Patriot Place regarding our underdeveloped Town,
    Dear Mr. Kraft,

    We met briefly once at Temple services in Brookline, I was attending a Bat Mitzvah and was the one who hit that little girl in the eye with a piece of candy at the end of the service- She's doing OK, thanks to corrective surgery-thank-you. But that's not why I am writing you.

    My town of Norfolk, right behind your new Patriot Place, has been by-passed by developers over the past, for reasons that aren't clear, but I am sure it is due to our own fault. We desperately need a savvy, smart and gregarious developer like yourself to come in, buy up the land, and turn our depressed town center into a gleaming jewel-like you did with the Patriots and the backwoods of Foxborough.

    I am offering you an opportunity of a lifetime! An opportunity to develop a whole town and help our government and its towns people.

    You could even make it a theme-park attraction, similar to Celebration, FL, the Disney enterprise that is quite charming and successful, although it is a little spooky with its picture-perfect homes, businesses and lawns and human robot-citizens. We would even consider changing the name to Kraftfolk, Krafttown, or KraftWorld-whichever you prefer, as long as you develop the Town center. You could even put in Puritan-era buildings, perhaps a blacksmith shop, complete with livestock and period-dressed townspeople, and sell trinkets, plastic junk and Patriots souvenirs to the thousands of visitors and dignitaries it could draw to Kraftfolk. Some of our citizens won't even have to change clothes! There is even room on the old Stop and Shop site for a water-park, casino or helipad for the visiting dignitaries, which I am sure you are aware, bring in big bucks.

    I know this is a cold-call, and you probably have a lot on your plate, given your stature, but some of us in Norfolk are desperate for development, and you are our only hope! Help us now and ensure your legacy while bringing back the New England of old. I can also see about changing our Town motto from what it is now-something about chickens- to "Kraftfolk-Bob's Old New England town behind Foxborough"

    How can you pass this up?

    Sincerely,

    - MON - one of the future Selectmen of Kraftfolk

  • 8/28 8:05pm   Re: 8/28 12:05am How many of you in Norfolk have neighbors who are raising mosquitoes in their own backyards. My neighbors leave their pool like this for most of every summer. People die every year from infected mosquito bites. This is a Board of Health issue. There are frequently young kids there. I am not one who has many things to complain about, but I think we all need to be aware of situations like this in our town. This one is worth sharing! - BF
    People need to see the pic to understand what I'm talking about.
    - BF

  • 8/28 8:04pm   It's the time of the year when parents are considering a purchase or rental of a musical instrument for their child. Here's a good quote from the Clarinet Bulletin Board: "If your child asked for bread, would you given him/her a stone? If s/he asks for a clarinet (flute,sax, trumpet, etc.) don't give him/her a CSO (clarinet-shaped object that looks good but doesn't work.) Buyer beware when it comes to musical instruments: The bright shinny ones available at local discounters may look good, but the quality and durability aren't there. If you purchase an instrument on ebay, it is likely going to need work to put in in good playing condition. This may be an expensive proposition if the instrument requires a complete overhaul, for example.
    For purchase, good advice is to stick with proven manufacturers. For clarinets: this would be Yamaha, Buffet, Leblanc, and Selmer, in that order (my opinion). If you aren't sure that your child is going to stick with band, renting the instrument is a good option. If your child does stick with band, it is beneficial to purchase a quality instrument over the long haul.
    Older instruments that have been well maintained, such as the Bundy line, can be a good value if they have had work done on them. In many cases, the quality of older instruments is better than those made today. A good source for a used flute or clarinet would be Clarinuts.com.
    - CR

  • 8/28 8:03pm   BF wrote: How many of you in Norfolk have neighbors who are raising mosquitoes in their own backyards. People die every year from infected mosquito bites. I am not one who has many things to complain about, but I think we all need to be aware of situations like this in our town. This one is worth sharing!
    BF, I agree - I would also add that that those of you who are using chemical fertilizers and pesticides on your lawns are ultimately affecting everyone's water. My family drinks our well water - as do many other families in Norfolk. If you use a service like ChemLawn, please consider switching to a safer alternative!! Thanks,
    - SA

  • 8/28 8:02pm   EA - We just purchased a cord of wood from Joe's Tree Service, Bellingham, 508-966-0933. Wood was delivered very clean and uniform in size.
    - BHS

  • 8/28 8:01pm   Looking for a chimney sweep recommendation. Would like to get the chimney cleaned before the season gets going. Thanks!
    - BHS

  • 8/28 8:58am   Re: 8/28 12:04am ... My dishwasher stopped working last night, and here's the problem. Everything's running fine, it just doesn't get any water. ... - DH
    That symptom indicates that the hot water solenoid valve is probably defective, either burned out (probable) or stuck. Possibly the timer switch is worn out. You could check the valve with an ohmmeter after shutting off the electricity and removing one wire from the supply. Burned-out: open circuit. Stuck: normal resistance. You could verify that the timer switch is OK by confirming that voltage is present at the valve when the valve should be open.
    If you want to repair it yourself, get a new part from [repairclinic.com] using the brand and washer model number to search. To replace the valve: after shutting off the electricity to the washer, shut off the hot water, and with just a few tools (pliers, screwdriver, and nutdrivers, plus shallow pan to catch drips) remove the old part and insert the new one. If the timer is defective, consider the cost of the new timer in your decision to repair or get a new washer, as timers are expensive.
    Parts are available at Poirer's in Norwood, but the cost is very high, several times that of on-line suppliers. Example: They wanted $26 for a simple screw-on Whirlpool clothes washer knob. On-line price: $6.
    - RH

  • 8/28 8:55am   DH: I would guess that the screen before the fill solenoid is blocked. This is where the water enters the dishwasher. This happened to ours years ago...our dishwasher was smarter than us and gave us an error code that it was not getting water. We just had to figure out where it was blocked. We put a sediment filter on the domestic hot water and no problems since.
    - AB

  • 8/28 8:54am   To DH, whose dishwasher stopped working...Sounds like the electronics that open the valve which lets water into your dishwasher aren't working. You might want to call A&D Appliance in Medfield, and maybe you can troubleshoot it over the phone. Good luck.
    - EC

  • 8/28 12:06am   On 8/26 at 3:04pm, KK opined..."I called Comcast about switching back, but their customer service is so poor, I haven't been able to get through yet waiting as long as ten minutes at a time. "
    Ten minutes?? If you think that's a long time, wait until you have to call the I.R.S. or the Social Security office. I've been dealing with them for the past week and I can suggest you get a comfortable chair, a good book to read and some snacks. For example, I waited 15 minutes to get to an operator just to switch me to the correct department. Once there, I was put on hold for another 20 minutes only to be told that due to the high volume of calls, I should call back on the next business day... click... And listening to the same 2 songs being played repeatedly is mind torture!! This is a common occurrence which happens daily. In my case, a 10-minute wait would be a joy...!!
    - RP

  • 8/28 12:05am   How many of you in Norfolk have neighbors who are raising mosquitoes in their own backyards. My neighbors leave their pool like this for most of every summer. People die every year from infected mosquito bites. This is a Board of Health issue. There are frequently young kids there. I am not one who has many things to complain about, but I think we all need to be aware of situations like this in our town. This one is worth sharing!
    - BF

  • 8/28 12:04am   This is a question for all of the smart guys in Norfolk. My dishwasher stopped working last night, and here's the problem. Everything's running fine, it just doesn't get any water. We checked under the sink to make sure the water was turned on, and it is. It's an 8 year old Maytag, and it does not have a pump. Would anyone know what the problem could be before I set out to buy a new one.
    - DH

  • 8/27 11:53pm   Iggy's Bread - get outta town - unadulterated deliciousness!
    - SO

  • 8/27 11:34pm   We are having a Yard Sale this Saturday (8/30) at 14 Mountain Rock Lane from 9am - 1pm.
    - DD

  • 8/27 10:51am   Firewood - I've bought from Dick Bremlist on 115 for years. Very good wood and price. He has a sign out on the street - 508-528-3296.
    - JC

  • 8/26 9:16pm   I agree with JW. Comcast has been very reliable. We also have all three services with them and have not had any problems.
    - JC

  • 8/26 8:34pm   We have Comcast for TV, phone and internet. We have very few problems with the service, and when I do have to call them they are very polite and very helpful. True, you may have to wait a few minutes, but I have never had to wait more than 10 minutes. One thing I did find is to call them on my cell phone as when they are trying to resolve a problem because I would lose them on my land line. I for one am glad I didn't go for Verizon.
    - JW

  • 8/26 8:32pm   We have always used Comcast for Internet and TV. No problems. We use Verizon for phone--again, no problem. I would hate to lump all the services together, makes me feel like all of my eggs are in one basket.
    Just wanted to thank Gump's farm for such a wonderful farm store. We all need to support all of our local farms; they are Norfolk's treasure. Maybe we can convince Gump's Farm to carry Iggy's bread and milk. Then it would be heaven. Think about that; on your way home from picking up the kids at school or from work, instead of fast food or pizza, how about fresh milk, bread, eggs, salad, veggies, fruit and cheese. Think about what you could create with those fresh ingredients. You have a gourmet delight. And healthy. And no saturated fat. And all local. Between our two working farms, plus Tangerini's in Millis, we have a veritable smorgasbord!
    I am currently reading the Omnivore's Dilemma, by Michael Pollan. He talks about how we eat out of season, because our food is shipped from all over the world to appease us. It is so much healthier to eat in season. He also talks about ``eating from our view'' or eating what is grown locally. Isn't it wonderful to be able to meet the folks that grow the food you eat, instead of wondering what factory it has come from?
    Just food for thought. No pun intended.
    - JN

  • 8/26 8:26pm   DWL -- Because Verizon is considerably cheaper. We have had Comcast for almost 5 years (all three services) and were tempted to switch when Verizon came into town. We are paying upwards of $135-$140 per month vs. the similar Verizon package at only $100 per month. We have never had a problem with Comcast, but were interested in saving money. I am very glad now that we did not switch!
    - MH

    [I wonder whether these are FiOS growing pains... we've had Verizon for over two years and only recently have there been recurring outages. Originally I switched from Comcast because Comcast was too congested to deliver a reasonable upload bandwidth, which I need for my work - Wm.]

  • 8/26 8:25pm   DL - I'm responding to your post a while back about daycare recommendations in Medfield and Dover. Check out findmydaycare.com. This is a site my husband and I created to help parents navigate the difficult task of finding childcare. We are just getting started, but there is a woman in Medfield on our site who has some openings and she seems like she has a lot to offer. If you have any questions, you may contact me directly through the webmaster. Good luck.
    - APL

  • 8/26 8:24pm   JGP & DWL - I feel the same as JGP... My computer and TV are Comcast and my phones are Verizon. Verizon is a phone co. and Comcast is a computer / TV company... In this case I find that 2 bills are better than 1. I haven't had any problems.
    My daughter has all Verizon in Wrentham and has spent hundreds of $$ having her system straightened out.
    - ER

  • 8/26 8:23pm   Free patio/porch furniture! We have a couch, two chairs and a coffee table that has to go. The frames are white metal tubular that probably need a coat of paint. Green and yellow cushions and the table has a glass top. If you are interested, email me at ralight@verizon.net
    - RL

  • 8/26 8:18pm   Does anyone have a recommendation for who to call to get two cords of cut firewood? Thank you in advance.
    - EA

  • 8/26 3:04pm   JGP, I changed from Comcast to Verizon just short of two months ago. I am sorry I made the move. Verizon's FiOS does give a better TV picture than Comcast, but it seems that using the system is more cumbersome. The internet service offered by Comcast is so much better than Verizon (FIOS). It is almost as slow as dial-up in accessing the Verizon Central Website. When reaching the site, it is no faster than Comcast and often much slower. I had already had my phone service with Verizon, so I have not experienced much of change. Be aware though, they do change the phone to (FIOS) as well, and because of that it will not work during a power failure without battery back-up. They do provide you with a unit that will give auxillary power for a limited number of hours. If you do switch, check your statements carefully. they made several mistakes on my first 'bundled package' statement, charging for services that were neither requested or provided. There is a 90 day satisfaction agreement that allows you to drop the service without penalty. I called Comcast about switching back, but their customer service is so poor, I haven't been able to get through yet waiting as long as ten minutes at a time. Good luck with who ever you choose.
    - KK

  • 8/26 3:03pm   Why are people switching from Comcast to Verizon. The reason I want to switch is because we have so many problems with Verizon going down on a weekly basis.
    - DWL

  • 8/26 3:02pm   I have no complaints with Comcast. I have had phone / internet / cable TV service with them for years.
    - BL

  • 8/26 3:01pm   LCL, My daughter dropped her Sony camera last year and was headed out on a vacation a few days later. I used precisioncamera.com
    They have a great on line reporting system so you always know the status of your repair and shipment. I think they only had it in house one day for the repair and it was shipped back to us quickly (and in time for her vacation!). Good luck.
    - MM

  • 8/26 3:00pm   We have used both Verizon and Comcast for the three bundled services they offer (internet, cable, and telephone). I have found Comcast to be much more reliable and responsive. Our service with Comcast has only gone out twice, due to the severe thunderstorms and a lightning strike. Even then, Comcast was easy to reach by phone, they provided accurate information, and the service was restored within a couple of hours. When we had issues with Verizon, I would wait for over an hour on the phone to speak to a "live" person and resolution was much slower. Twice it took them over four days to resolve our internet problems. In Norfolk, the trees also present a problem for many who may need to use the Verizon dish service for the Cable. Finally, when the introductory offer period expired with Comcast, I called and asked them to extend the pricing and they did so immediately.
    - CS

  • 8/26 2:59pm   Re: 8/26 8:24am Anybody know where I could go to have my digital camera fixed? I dropped it today and it's not working. Thanks, - LCL
    Check the manufacturer's website. They probably have a repair service with details of how to ship and the cost to repair on their website. If not, they probably have a list of approved repair stations. I sent my Olympus back to the factory and was happy with the repair.
    - RH

  • 8/26 2:58pm   SCS - Agree "it is what it is" but who is the paid official that checked the box - Installation Complete/Correct - PASS?
    - JG

  • 8/26 11:41am   DWL, It seems like everyone is switching from comcast to verizon. I haven't made the move because I am a skeptic. I still have my computer and TV through Comcast. I never really have any problems with them at all. Comcast does keep trying to get me to switch my phone to Comcast and I don't know if I want to do that either. Would love to hear anyone else's thoughts. I also heard that once you go from Comcast to Verizon they make it nearly impossible to go back because of the wiring configurations or something. I am no expert.
    - JGP

  • 8/26 8:52am   JGP, Can you tell me more about Comcast. I am getting ready to switch from Verizon to Comcast as Verizon is just awful. I haven't heard any problems with people who have Comcast. Maybe you could shed some light.
    - DWL

  • 8/26 8:30am   Just a week and a half until cow chip bingo! Please call me or email me if you want to purchase a square and we'll set a time to get them to you :) They are 10.00 per square and if the cow poops on your square you win $500.00. 528 3232, norfolkk9@aol.com. All moneys raised will be put towards the needs of homeless animals in Norfolk, Wrentham and Plainville. Sincerely,
    - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control

  • 8/26 8:29am   JN. Just have the interested party leave word on my voicemail. There's a few in line already. Sometimes I don't find the "right" person until I go through a slew of people so it wouldn't hurt to have them call. 528 3232
    - HC, Norfolk ACO

  • 8/26 8:28am   To DV--my son graduated this past June from KP, and during his senior year he did an independent study which was an extension of his junior year class in Web Design. His plan was to basically continue on from where is junior year class left off, learning more about the other various programming languages that are used in web design. He had an advisor who was awesome (Mrs. Stankiewicz--the information technology team leader), he developed his own curriculum which was approved by the administration, and was allowed the independence to study a field that interested him. It was a fantastic experience, one which is probably still available to your child, since school has not yet begun. I would encourage you and your daughter to pursue an independent study for the upcoming year.
    - EC

  • 8/26 8:26am   NF, Your post describing your water main leak was just about a complete match to what happened to us a year ago. We also had a water leak and had to have the main line replaced from our house to the street. Cost was about what you said -- $5k. The contractor that dug up our lawn and replaced the pipe commented that this had recently happened to ~20+ homes in Norfolk prior to our incident.
    However, in our case I don't think this has anything to do with the Town. The contractor showed us the corroded water main line that they dug up, and also the area where it had been buried. The copper pipe didn't stand a chance against all the Norfolk rock it was laid against; had more sand been spread around the pipe when the house was built (1992), we might not have run into this issue so soon. But, oh well, it is what it is...
    TB - good luck!
    - SCS

  • 8/26 8:24am   Anybody know where I could go to have my digital camera fixed? I dropped it today and it's not working. Thanks,
    - LCL

  • 8/26 8:21am   So maybe it shouldn't switch from Comcast to Verizon for my services. Sounds like Verizon is worse than Comcast.
    - JGP

  • 8/25 PM   Verizon DSL is down again for the third time in three weeks; no clue when it'll be back. Since this affects my access as well, posts may be delayed.
    - Wm.

  • 8/25 6:57pm   Hilary: What is the status of Ty? I may know someone who is very interested in adopting him.
    Thanks for all of your hard work keeping the animals of Norfolk safe.
    - JN

  • 8/25 6:56pm   TW: You're absolutely right on with making your voice heard on KP programs. There was much discussion on this forum back in the spring about cuts for 2008-2009, and deeper cuts into 2010-2011. There were multiple open meetings with Dr. Robbat and the School Committee; Dr. Robbat also gave a very in-depth presentation at Town Meeting in May. Several newspapers covered the region's budget situation. None of it was fun to hear, and I am sorry for those that are surprised about it all. Please get involved when the budget cycle starts up in Feb./March 2009.
    - AL

  • 8/25 6:55pm   LS, I just bought tickets to that came. Just use StubHub.com - very easy interface and they always seem to have tickets.
    - SR

  • 8/25 3:39pm   CI - As a Freshman at KP, my child took English, US History, Engineering Design Technology, Excel/Powerpoint (1/2 year), Geometry, Science, Physical Education (1/2 year) and Spanish. This was a 35 credit year. He did not have any study halls. For Sophomore year he will be taking Biology, Chemistry, AP History, Algebra 2, English, Spanish, Health (1/2 year) and Physical Education (1/2 year). This will also be a 35 credit year with no study halls. My recommendation to you is to be involved in the course selection for your child. When the 8th grade teachers make their recommendations for 9th, make sure you agree. You know your child better than they do. If they are recommending a level 2 course and you know your child is a level 1 student, then make the change. Also, read the course book. There are many classes to choose from and study halls are not a requirement. I realize that there were many cuts, but there are still many options available.
    As an aside, when the school committee held a meeting last May/June to discuss the potential cuts at the high school, the room was barely half full. Maybe if more people come forward to support the schools and make suggestions, we can make things work for everyone. I realize raising taxes is not always the answer but with rising costs, "something has gotta give". Make your voice heard if you want a change in programs offered.
    - TW

  • 8/25 1:53pm   Anybody have Red Sox tickets for a Chicago White Sox game, either Friday 08/29 or preferably Sunday 08/31? My daughter and friend are visiting from CA, never been to Fenway and we would love to take them. Need 4. Thanks! [Use box137@norfolknet.com - Wm.]
    - LS

  • 8/24 10:58pm   NF, Thanks for your post. I'm not happy to hear others have had costly issues with their water mains, but I feel this is totally wrong and shouldn't be happening, $5000.00 to $10,000.00 is not a small issue. I'd like to know just how many residents have been through this in the past say 5 years; hopefully more posts will come. I understand that once the town realizes you've got a water main problem they're quick to send you a letter threatening to shut your water off. That may be fine as we know our issue needs prompt attention; surely we don't want to come home to a cellar full of water and damage. What I still find troubling is whether any of this problem has been caused at all by our town's water quality. Trust me, I intend on having my pipes tested. Secondly, if there was a issue with sub-par pipe quality or improper installation 18 years ago, where was the town then? Who signed off on this? Isn't the permit/inspection process for the safety and quality assurance of all involved, be it the town, the contractor and the consumer.
    - TB

  • 8/24 9:34pm   Realtively new to the area, interested in finding out if there are any cycling groups around. A few mornings per week, and weekends work best for me. 33 year old male, got into the sport while rehabbing a knee injury. Thanks,
    - ML

  • 8/24 8:33pm   All the posts about KP have me thinking (I have an 8th grader). Would a few people mind posting what their Freshman/Sophmore student's schedule is? Are kids required to take a study? Can they take more than one language? Thanks!
    - CI

  • 8/24 8:32pm   DV, I know from your past posts that you are not one of those that thinks money is no object. I hope that my post did not seem snippy to you. I didn't mean it that way at all. I was probably jumping the gun anticipating a string of the usual posts that I read about overrides, and spending more money that many of us don't have. I too find it hard to understand why we need a fancy building if we can't afford the more important things that go in it ! One of my siblings went to school in a one room school house with no formal science lab and is now a very successful engineer. She's not even 30 yet, so it's not like this was in the old days or anything. Our school is what we decide to make of it. I know that its hard with the way society has gotten so competitive these days, but our kids will find their way among their own generations; things are tough for them now, but maybe it is a good thing. My generation was very spoiled.
    - MW

  • 8/24 8:31pm   TB- We had the same problem about a year ago. I noticed a water leak in our basement right below the water meter. Someone from the Water Department came out immediately and turned off the water shut off located on our front lawn. It was the weekend and we had to go to a hotel and incur that expense. We were able to get help the next day from a local contractor. They had to dig up our lawn and replace the pipe from the street to our house. I believe the cost was in the $5,000.00 range. The water pipe was twisted and corroded and the contractor told us there were many Norfolk residents having the same problem. We were told from the town that it was our problem they were only responsible from the street to the water main which was located at the front of our yard very close to the sidewalk. It was a mess and of course we had to landscape our yard again and the $5000.00 does not represent any of that cost. Our house was built in 1984.
    - NF

  • 8/24 8:04pm   JH, looks like you have an oak gall. Gall wasps lay their eggs on the leaves, and the trees react by growing tissue around the egg -- a wasp develops inside, eating the tissue of the gall until it emerges. Hope this helps!
    - TH

  • 8/24 6:58pm   I have about 7 lbs. or so of Eukanuba Low Residue hard cat food left from a 14 lb. bag. My cat was switched over to a different food by the vet last month, and I hate to just toss this. It is one of the "prescription" diets from the veterinary office. If anyone could use this please let me know.
    - EF

  • 8/24 6:57pm   DV, I know that this is no consolation, but my son is also very much into computers. He learned almost all he needed to know off of the internet for free. He knows several languages and HTML... He is learning Java etc. He has his own web design company and he runs a server out of our home. He is 16. He does not attend KP, he goes to another local school district. Last year he took HTML and the teacher asked him to help with the class because there was nothing that she could teach him; she also gave him a book on Java to learn. I guess the point that I am trying to make is that the most of the knowledge is out there. You just have to look for it. He told me that the tech classes that most HS's offer are very simplistic and limited. The material covered can be learned as an independent study.
    Does KP offer any independent studies for credit as an option? Maybe this can be looked into for the future? All one needs to participate in an independent study is someone who is willing to be an advisor. Listening to a student's presentation is not that much extra work. My HS did this our senior year. We gave presentations at the end of the last semester and were graded on our efforts. I would start by having your daughter speak to an instructor that she has been inspired by and go from there.
    - MW

  • 8/24 6:56pm   MW, am very much one of the people in this town that has little extra. In fact we had very little food or heat last year and won't have much more this year. We are recovering (financially) from a serious family illness and it has not been easy. I was not around here when the school was built but I would much rather an old school with some decent classes and well-paid teachers than a pretty building with a (according to my child) a beautiful tech wing. That can't afford anything. I am not trying to beat up the school, it is just a shame, the choices that have been made.
    - DV

  • 8/24 6:55pm   MW, I have a younger child in the music program and think it is great. It is not that at all.
    - DV

  • 8/24 6:54pm   Can someone help identify this thing I found in my yard?
    - JH

  • 8/24 6:53pm   SO - I believe I live next door to you. ; )
    - SEF

  • 8/24 6:52pm   DV - Tri-County has great continuing/adult ed programs in technology; the fall catalougue should have arrived at your home on Friday. Maybe Tri-County is a better choice for your student. Did you consider it? I am very impressed by Tri's physical plant, the quality of the student body and the course offerings. It seems to me to be a terrific school.
    - MJD

  • 8/24 3:03pm   Hey BF - Go light on CM. I knew what the tar snakes were for, and still found them to be a visual oddity. I was amused, but can understand that a resident might find them less than delightful.
    SEF - I don't know where you live on Boardman, but I live at one of the blind curves and I will tell you that drivers actually accelerate through it! It flippin' beggars belief - 40+ miles per hour. I kid thee not. And this with all the bottomless potholes! All types of vehicles - not just SUVs. How the heck does someone in a Honda Civic survive the theme park ride of Boardman St. at 45 mph? I like your idea for speed trap revenue. It is seriously worth considering. I guarantee that if a police car were stationed at Standish on Mon. am, Norfolk would be rollin' in the dough for the rest of the week.
    - SO

  • 8/24 3:02pm   Just a guess on the Technology Vs. Music issue at KP. Our students have the option of attending Tri-county for technology classes. When my son was looking into his options he went on the tri-county tour and discovered that they have an engineering program. Now... not everyone measures succeess the same way. KP has an outstanding, nationally/internationally acclaimed music dept. These kids go on to get college scholorships in their disciplines and grow up to have very successful careers in music. Maybe the reason for the dropped tech classes and added music is due to student interest? I have friends whose children are in much worse school districts than ours and have been accepted into ivy league colleges.
    As far as the money issue goes (if that is the reason) everyone wants their kids to have a great education, including me! But not everyone has the luxury of deciding what to do with extra money. In fact, some residents don't have anything extra to give right now. Personally, if I had to make a decision over whether we were going to have heating oil and food this winter or put my kid in an advanced class or special interest program, I would have to say food and heat would win out. It has nothing to do with a lack of respect for my children. It is my first priority to see that that they are healthy.
    - MW

  • 8/24 3:01pm   Hi, We're town residents as we built our home here 18+ years ago. Recently we discovered a leak in the water main, in our basement between its point of entry and our in home shut off. I taped it the best I could and called a plumbing contractor to properly repair or replace as needed. Sorry to say they informed us that our water main has no integrity, thinned from the inside out, thus too dangerous to perform a quick fix. It looks like our water main needs replacing probably from our home to the street.
    I realize other town residents and some of our neighbors have had the same issues, I'd like to hear from them! What really gives here? Eighteen years & such a major fix? When we contacted our insurance carrier they asked if our home were 100 years old, as thats usually the time frame for such issues. They have concern and will be sending out an inspection agent. What is the root problem here? Has our waters chemical content been so harmful all these years or was shod materials or poor contractors work to blame? I feel too many residents and myself could be victims here. Depending on the amount of work needed here and whether or not my driveway will need replacing we're looking at anywhere from $4000 to $10,000.
    - TB

  • 8/24 3:05pm   I am upset for her because all the tech courses she wanted have been cut. I feel that the kids need these classes. Maybe I am just upset because it happens to be where she soared. She loves and was looking forward to these classes. It built her confidence and her motivation. With some of what she learned last year she wrote brochures and took the first steps in creating a non-profit for cancer research. She was hoping to lean more this year and create websites for it as well. Now she will be in studies, wasting her time. She is a great kid who went from looking very forward to this school year to a kid who couldn't care less when school starts. It was sad to see. Does anyone know if teens can take night courses over at Dean? And would they count as credits for College? I think seeing the few tech courses that were offered cut is really too bad kids need these courses. And maybe I am wrong, maybe most people do not feel that way, but I do.
    - DV

  • 8/24 3:00pm   SEF - Clever idea you have about generating revenue: bring in revenue to the town while enforcing speed limits for safety. I just spoke with Sgt. Plympton and asked if we could have a police presence, such as speed traps on Boardman, referring to the times you suggested: 6-9am and 4-7pm. He noted those times and will see what he can do. Keeping my fingers crossed.
    - LCL

  • 8/24 2:55pm   DV: I don't understand your displeasure with your child's school schedule. Please elaborate. We too received our child's schedule and are very happy with it. What is it that you find so offensive about the schedule?
    - BH (the other)

  • 8/23 10:03pm   Found: prescription sunglasses on Grove Street on Saturday afternoon. Contact webmaster for my phone number if they are yours.
    - APL

  • 8/23 10:02pm   DV - Please be more specific about KP schedules for those of us who have kids in the lower grades.
    - MJD

  • 8/23 10:01pm   BC - I doubt that if Trader Joe's is in conversations with developers in Millis, that the Manager of the Needham store would necessarily even know about it. I'm sure there are potential locations being discussed/negotiated all the time that are not known to the TJ's staff until contracts are signed. Just because the manager of the Needham store didn't know about Millis, doesn't mean that it won't happen. The sense I got from the owners of the site on route 109 is that the discussions with Trader Joe's are on-going.
    I think route 109 in Millis is a much better location than Norfolk. That road is better equipped to handle the increase in traffic, and in terms of proximity to Norfolk, Medfield, Medway, etc, it's probably a much easier way for folks to access the store. Lets keep our fingers crossed that TJ's decides on Millis.
    - LL

  • 8/23 10:00pm   DV - care to elaborate on the schedule issues you allude to in your post? Are you referring to a hefty dose of studies?
    - DA

  • 8/23 9:59pm   My daughter's schedule for KP high came today too. What did you find so offensive about it? Am I missing something that I should be aware of? It just looked like a normal high school schedule to me. Fill me in!
    - LSH

  • 8/23 9:58pm   Can some one tell me why they are dropping most technology courses and adding singing?? My child had 35 credits last year (grade 9) and works hard for her future. I am very angry and so is she!
    - DV

  • 8/23 9:57pm   BF - Wow, sarcastic much?
    I completely agree that the road "repairs", so to speak, are horrible. I also don't understand why repairs are done and holes are paved over, only to be dug up and paved over again a few weeks later. Boardman, Standish and Old Mill are in desperate need of complete overhauls. A few little drops of tar are not going to correct the overall problem. But since the road budget has been slashed, I guess those of us living on those streets will continue to have their teeth rattled as we drive along. God forbid I put my preschooler in her stroller to walk... her teeth would rattle right out of her head.
    - SEF

  • 8/23 5:35pm   I just got my kids' schedule for KP High and feel like throwing up! Time to move. It is just awful how little we respect our kids. I feel like their school will be a waste of time this year.
    - DV

  • 8/23 5:34pm   LLB, The bus schedule will be in next weeks Gazette. I was confused at first too, but I went back and looked at the first page; where it gave the page numbers for the bus schedules, it listed the town/schools in this weeks, and the towns/schools in next weeks. I agree with you though, it should be on the school web sites also.
    - CJG

  • 8/23 5:33pm   CM, I apologize as I thought you did not understand and I have not seen the repair job. You may consider applying for a position for the highway department as they can always use a good man/woman to ensure high quality workmanship.
    That would be making good use of some apparent stored up energy, help to make the best use of tight DPW monies and, perhaps cause a trickle down effect in encouraging others like yourself to join in on the hands on road repair work campaign.
    I would apply for the same post but I could not claim to be as enlightened on asphalt repair as yourself. I say go for it, I am behind you 100%.
    - BF

  • 8/23 1:00pm   I wish MON had waited a little longer before posting a reward for animals dumped - I could have scooped it up! For the past 14 days we have been investigating a dog that was dumped and we found the person responsible. Now that we have all that is needed to get this dog out of a shelter situation and dealt with the person - this dog is ready to find a new home. Meet "Ty" the Chihuahua. He is one year old and the most mannerly Chihuahua I have ever worked with. He will be getting vaccinated and neutered on Monday and will be ready for adoption mid to late week. Anyone interested please contact me at 528 3232. Sincerely,
    - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk ACO

  • 8/23 12:59pm   Just a quick note to let people know that it's not to late for September enrollment at My Little Preschool, a home preschool for children 2 1/2 to 4 yrs. old. The hours are from 9:00am to 1:00pm, Monday through Friday.You can sign your child up for as few or as many days a week as you like. A nutritious snack and lunch are included. I am energetic, enthusiastic and fully licensed. A preschool curriculum will be followed each day complete with outdoor play time, art and sensory play, music and movement, and circle time as part of our daily routine. The classroom is brand new. If you would like to see pictures of it you can go to my craigslist ad provided below. Thanks! [My Little Preschool]
    - Laurie Hayes, My Little Preschool

  • 8/23 11:50am   Anyone know how I can find out the bus schedule for the Middle School? Or who I should contact? I saw the schedule in the Gazette for H. Olive and Freeman but not the Middle School. It would be great to have it online but I couldn't find it. Have no clue what time to start standing outside to wait for the bus. For that matter, who do I contact to ask why my address isn't listed on the H. Olive and Freeman bus schedule for the past 3 years? Granted they've shown up to pick up my kids but it's tough to know they're actually going to show up on the first day (or what time they'll show up) when we aren't even listed on the bus schedule. Thanks.
    - LLB

  • 8/23 10:43am   SO, exactly the areas I am talking about! That street repair job looks awful!! BF and MG, please take a quick walk or ride down Standish or Old Mill Road and then tell me honestly you think that job was done correctly and then tell me I should be thanking anyone for this mess. I agree and understand preventative maintenance, but no way was this job done as well as it could have been.
    - CM

  • 8/23 10:42am   We received this letter that may be of interest --
    Greetings NorfolkNet,

    I run a small computer repair business in Franklin, and am a regular paid advertiser on NorfolkNet. I want to thank the Norfolk residents that have used my services and those that have passed my name on to others and posted testimonials here in the messages.

    I am planning to expand my business into custom built PCs, and am looking to see if there is any interest here.

    Would you like to have a PC built the way you want it? Would you like to choose your Operating System (Windows XP instead of Vista)? Would you like to have local support for your new PC? Then consider a custom built PC. If you have an interest in one, now or in the near future, please let me know. You can call (508)346-3502 or email to info@pchman.com.

    Thanks for reading.

    Ed Szymanski
    The PC Handyman

    - Wm.

  • 8/23 10:41am   Why is Channel 22 broadcasting without audio ?
    - BB

  • 8/22 11:34pm   I would like to make a suggestion to help the town earn some much needed revenue. Put a few police officers on Boardman Street between the hours of 6 am - 9 am and 4 pm - 7 pm, especially once school starts. I saw countless cars this afternoon zooming past my house while I was outside playing with my daughter. So much for the speed limit signs. I was even told by the police at one point that the average speed on Boardman is 30 mph as posted. Really? The posted speed limit is 20 mph.
    Surely the number of tickets handed out over the course of a month or so would help with the budget crunch. Heck, after a few months we might even have enough to cover the override that sadly failed to pass.
    I'll even volunteer my driveway for the police to park in... it might slow people down, and the town earns money. There ya go.
    - SEF

  • 8/22 11:30pm   The Norfolk Recreation Fall Brochure was mailed today (Friday, August 22)! Registration (on-line, walk-in, mail-in) will begin this Wednesday, August 27 at 10AM. Check out our fall schedule packed with the favorites as well as new classes too! Our website to register and to browse programs (all programs will be up by Wednesday morning - we are inputting now!) is www.virtualnorfolk.org/rec. Thanks for your continued support.
    - Ann Proto, Recreation Director

  • 8/22 11:29pm   DH... (I think)... or whoever is the person I had a phone conversation regarding laser hair removal... a million thanks. I'd love to speak with you, but don't have your number. I think you have mine, however.
    And thanks to the webmaster for this blog. What fun (sometimes). :)
    - JHR

  • 8/22 11:28pm   Big walloping thank you to Andras and Vijay! This site is special and we're very lucky to have it. Rock on!
    CM - What timing - last night my friend and I were walking the "loop" around Standish, Old Mill and Boardman. On the way up Old Mill, the tar dribbles commanded our attention - it was like Jackson Pollock had run amok with a tar bucket. Honestly, it was a marvel of random abstraction. OK - back to the nitty gritty - we returned to Boardman and didn't the lovely dribbles quit cold turkey. No amount of drizzled tar could handle the catastrophic craters of this classic country road. Phew, that's a mouthful. What's quaint about clattering teeth? I think the twisting tar lines are a stop-gap measure, whereas the perennial, perilous, irreparable potholes persist. Holy mackerel.
    - SO

  • 8/22 11:05pm   Quick preview for Norfolknetters of the animal shelter project. Not totally finished yet, but for those who have seen us working long nights around here with the light on... here's what it's all for:
    Empty stall that was to be converted
    Kittens are first to arrive in the new cages
    Little more finish work but we're making great strides
    - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control

  • 8/22 10:53pm   DA - I prefer public humiliation also, although karaoke may be too extreme. There must be some old Puritan stocks in some dusty corner basement somewhere. Here's what happened to a miscreant in my old neighborhood who kicked a dog after we got to him... Abusers beware!
    - MON

  • 8/22 10:42pm   Free ping pong table available on Barnstable Rd, corner of Brewster Rd. One panel has a small crack and there is some slight warping on one side though we think someone handy could fix this. Great for kids just starting to play. Good for basement, garage, or outdoor use. Best to have a pickup truck or larger SUV as it is fully assembled. Yours for the taking!
    - KBC

    [Update 11:21pm: already taken! - KBC]

  • 8/22 10:40pm   CM, You silly... The "snake-like patterns" are the result of preventive care so to help preserve the integrity of your street. This seals the cracks thus seals out any water and this helps especially for the winter time as any water that gets beneath the surface can freeze, expand and cause greater damage like potholes and such. Thanks, Norfolk DPW, for your good work.
    - BF

  • 8/22 10:35pm   Here's to DA's suggestion! I would definitely be there for a "who let the dogs out" stockade substitute on the Common!
    - MM

  • 8/22 10:23pm   Can anyone recommend a tiler--for a small 1/2 bath project. I heard there was someone good in Wrentham.
    - AK

  • 8/22 10:21pm   CM, the reason for the black tar in snake like paterns is to seal the cracks in the pavement to prevent debris and water from getting into the cracks and freezing in the winter and lifting the pavement. If more of that type of maintenance is performed the roads will stay in better shape longer. So why trash the DPW for spending money to maintain the current roads? I hope more of the road repair tax override money goes to repairing and maintaining the roads in town.
    - MG

  • 8/22 10:07am   I haven't posted or be on this page in a while so you all already may have discussed this but, is anyone other than me amazed about the half-[hearted] way the DPW did this bandaid 'repair' on the streets around town? They just drizzled this black tar-based product (I don't know the correct names) in these thick, random, snake-like patterns and then just tossed a ton of a black pebble-type product over the top which I imagine was supposed to stick somehow? I honestly don't know-maybe someone who does can clarify the rationale behind this repair job for me? But bottom line - whatever the rationale is/was - our streets look [awful]! Since all the rain, the black pebbles now are have just formed puddles of their own all over the streets, the kids are bringing them home stuck in the grooves of their sneakers and it looks just awful! Did the DPW supervise this job being done and say - "Wow! this is really a great improvement to the streets of Norfolk, the taxpayers will love walking and driving down the beautiful country roads of town now and seeing their tax dollars at work - great job!" I just don't get it - didn't anyone see this job being done?
    - CM

  • 8/22 10:05am   Well, LAW, be careful what you wish for!
    And EF, I am so saddened by the description you posted regarding the bunnies. How could anyone do that to an innocent animal! We are animal lovers in this home, so we are simply outraged! Keep up the good work; sounds like the bunnies are getting exceptional care.
    As far as the safety issue, discussed by LCL, regarding the Freeman school; long ago, when I lived in Pennsylvania, a group of moms had had enough of traffic issues and decided to start their own ``patrol.'' They wore some type of orange sash and dotted themselves along a road before school and after, directing traffic (like crossing guards) and the kids, themselves. It was quite a spectacle! They did not attempt to be too obvious and were not obnoxious about it, just looking out for their precious kids. In this day and age of reduced spending in towns, and the prospect of further reductions if question 1 wins in November, we may have to look at these types of solutions. Homegrown type solutions to our problems. We cannot expect that leaders of our town (or any town, for that matter) can make and plan all the decisions for our safety. Our town has the ability to legislate for itself at town meeting. It is high time we really captured the essence of this government structure and develop some meaningful bylaws to ensure the safety of our residents and our town in general.
    Just the other day, we rode our bicycles to the library. I cannot believe how fast the cars drive along Main Street! But that is true of all towns. Everyone is in such a hurry all of the time. Anyway, we had a lovely ride, and the view of our town center from the library hill gazebo is quite stunning. Someday, the moonscape will be completed and this town will really shine. Looks like there is also something going on at the Main St. and Boardman St. building as well. That is hopeful! Norfolk really is a very nice place to live.
    One more thought about NorfolkNet. Not only does it make our town unique to have this blog, but also I have to say that it provides an exchange of information--and information is power.
    BTW, Regarding Trader Joe's. Route 109 is a major thoroughfare, so they are unlikely to place a store somewhere with less traffic, like River's Edge. But, hope springs eternal...
    - JN

  • 8/22 6:39am   Way to go Norfolknet!
    JN - we need the 'MONs' to keep us on our toes, when it comes to town affairs.
    I still think that Trader Joe's would fit nicely at Rivers Edge.Can anyone convince them to at least take a look?
    - LAW

  • 8/22 6:38am   DV: the dog proudly wore the paint... So no rolling needed.The dog was treated and released from the vets. Congrats to Andras and his whole family for providing such a wonderful service. Thank you (from someone who often clogs up the posts with furry pictures of animals looking for homes).
    - HC, Norfolk ACO

  • 8/22 6:37am   "To err is human, to wander is canine." I agree that the paint perp mistreated the wayward dog; howver, what sanction awaits the dog owner in question who permitted his peripatetic pooch loose?
    Perhaps the punishment should fit the quaint New England village our town center aspires to be. Perhaps the owner should be forced to sing "Who let the dogs out?" karaoke style on the gazebo at the last concert of the summer! And the paint perp can paint the Grange green...
    - DA

  • 8/22 6:36am   To MON- thanks for offering a reward info about the recent animal abuse cases. Perhaps other people will join in. Too bad that it may have to take money to have someone come forward. I think there are at last 1 or 2 people who may have info about the person who dumped the bunnies. If you could see what one of those buns is going through to survive, you would be totally sick to your stomach. He has to have two open holes in his back flushed and pushed on daily to remove the remaining infection, face a car ride to the vet at least once a week (probably figures he is being dumped all over again), withstand an injection weekly, etc. Thank goodness for flavored pain meds which he practically sucks out of a dropper. He is a real trooper, but anyone who could put him put him in a field to die (which they did)--it's just sick... And 2 of the buns did die--likely from maggots which got into open wounds and burrowed through internal organs, sending the rabbits into shock. I hope that someone out there with info about the person who did this can visualize what these rabbits have gone through and are continuing to go through and have a heart and will make that call to Hilary. And someone must know someone whose cat recently had kittens that are no longer with them. While the kittens did not incur the pain and suffering that the rabbits did, they could have been crushed to death had it not been for a discovery by transfer station workers (I think?) so the abuse is horrid! And let's not forget the painted dog either.
    - EF

  • 8/21 8:22pm   Congratulations to Norfolknet for making it into the big time! I just read the Boston Globe West Section this morning and enjoyed reading about Norfolknet and how it impacts our small town. We are lucky to have our webmaster who keeps this very important and informative website up and running. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
    - AL

  • 8/21 8:21pm   If the dog was painted by someone then released, the first thing it would be is roll over and try to get it off. I would check out the neighbors' lawns. Do we know what area this was in? What color was the paint and is the dog OK?
    - DV

  • 8/21 8:20pm   I am going back to work full time and need a helper after school. Someone to help with homework, lite dinner, maybe driving to after-school events. My kids are really old enough to be home alone for a while but I would really like an adult here for basic needs of the family. Some household things would be needed like laundry but again, most is done by us, it would just be nice to keep it going when I cannot be here. A Mass Cory is required. Please call my office 781-444-9814.
    - DV

  • 8/21 8:19pm   Congrats Andras and Vijay! It is always nice to be appreciated for a job well done. You guys know I am a complete addict to Norfolknet. Maybe we should look into a group intervention with the other addicts?
    - MH

  • 8/21 8:18pm   During a recent trip to Trader Joe's in Needham, I asked the manager if there was a plan to open in Millis. He told me that new stores are opening but not in Millis.
    - BC

  • 8/21 8:17pm   Congrats Wm! Keep up the good work! That's what we love about Norfolk! Now will someone please tell me how a town smaller than Norfolk (Millis) can pursuade Trader Joes to expand there while we are sitting on this lovely lump of rock in the center of town? A neighbor and I actually went to Trader Joes in Framingham and spoke to the manager begging him to open a store in Norfolk. Well, at least they headed in the right direction!
    - TO

  • 8/21 8:16pm   Congrats - Andras and Vijay for getting terrific news coverage!
    Does anyone have any suggestions on how I might be able to partner with the NPD on making the neighborhood near the Freeman School (Boardman St.) safer for the kids in this area? I have called the police in the past about the speeding cars and now that football practice is here and school's starting soon, the traffic is increasing, and frankly, it can be a bit scary. I'm open to speed traps or a way for the police to be more of a constant presence here.
    Thanks,
    - LCL

  • 8/21 3:23pm   I am very excited at the thought of a Trader Joe's nearby. Thanks for the link--I did send them an inquiry. I hope others do as well.
    Saw the article in the Globe--congrats Andras! Well deserved. NorfolkNet is one of my favorite things that is unique about Norfolk.
    (As a disclaimer, I do not agree with all the posters, especially one mentioned in the article :-))
    - JN

  • 8/21 2:53pm   SL: We, too, did not receive any notification of channel changes on Verizon Fios. However, you can get the new channel lineup by going to www.verizonfios.com/tv.
    - CA

  • 8/21 2:52pm   Congratulations Andras and Vijay (and Lee!) for a super article.
    - JGP

  • 8/21 2:51pm   This animal abuse streak in Norfolk prompts an elevated response to the perps and their extreme weakness and cowardice. First the bunnies, abandoned animals, and now a painted dog. People that abuse animals eventually move on to higher primates, particularly their family members, so there is no time to waste.
    I am offering a 100$ reward for information leading to the names, arrests and convictions of the people who committed these acts. You can apply and collect by looking me up in the [Boston Globe]. And of course, congratulations to Andras and Vijay, our local pioneers of the cyberspace age! You should be proud of how Norfolknet has evolved and its role in informing and empowering the citizenry of Norfolk.
    - MON

  • 8/21 1:21pm   I called the town hall in Millis this morning to inquire about whether a Trader Joe's is coming to Millis. They referred me to Quality Dry Cleaners. They own the building that is going up on 109. I called them. They said that Trader Joe's is interested in a second building that will be going up on the route 109 site. They have expressed a serious interest in the location. The second bldg. will not be completed until July of 2009.
    IMO - this is fantastic news! I would love a TJ's right next door to Norfolk. I would urge people to go on TJ's website and express your interest in having them open a store in Millis. Link to the site is below. [TJ's contact page]
    - LL

  • 8/21 10:46am   I am looking for a former resident of my home. I believe that I may have something of great personal value to him. Hopefully, some of the long time residents of Norfolk will have heard of him. I believe that he would most likely be in his late 40's today. He might have lived in my home anywhere from the early 1970's until the late 1990's. His name is Steven Muree and he would have lived on Ridgefield Rd. Anyone remember him? Most of my neighbors have not lived in Norfolk for that long, as the neighborhood has turned over since the 1970's. Please contact me through the webmaster if you have any info on this person. [Use box136@norfolknet.com - Wm.] I really think that it would mean a great deal to him to be contacted by myself.
    - MW

  • 8/21 10:45am   KB - would you happen to have the contact information for the student at UMass Lowell that helped you with your computer? Thank you.
    - KG

    [There is a display ad on the page for Samuel Tomasetti, it has his contact info. There's also an ad from a Franklin PC repair service. I haven't used either, in our house I get to fix our computers myself - Wm.
    Update 8:26pm: Samuel Tomasetti is the student recommeded by KB; sorry if I wasn't clear - Wm.]

  • 8/21 10:42am   NSS - Thanks, I guess I must have thrown that one away.
    - SL

  • 8/21 10:38am   TMS: I contacted the Town Administrator and the BOS yesterday and the Town Administrator did answer me back:
    This is an option under consideration but no decision has been made nor will be made without involving all citizens who may be impacted. Our next step will be to visit with the Walpole BOS. The driving issue for Norfolk is to prevent Everett St from becoming an extension of Washington St., thus becoming a major throughway. This would impact all of the surrounding neighborhoods . We will involve everyone in the process. Please do not hesitate to stay in touch. Please understand that we have no intention of redirecting Everett Street traffic to the surrounding neighborhoods. If the solution to dead end Everett Street is put in place, it will need to coincide with other efforts to avoid sending the traffic on to the other streets. This project started over a year ago, when town officials and some of the residents from your portion of town attended the Foxboro Planning board meetings to try to work with the Foxboro officials and Patriot Place management to mitigate the impact on the traffic to Norfolk. Unfortunately Foxboro was not receptive to our requests and we have been working with the residents for some time now in order to come to a good solution for the entire all of the Norfolk residents.
    So it is not too late to contact the Town Administrator and BOS. And just a note to say Mr. Hathaway has always been very quick to respond to any of my questions and concerns, thanks for doing a good job.
    - KB

  • 8/21 10:37am   Ok, I got caught. This morning, first I check NorfolkNet, then the Boston Globe West section and find this [Globe article] Yes, it has become part of the community (at least in some eyes). Cheers to Andras and Vijay.
    - BR (BR #3)

  • 8/21 8:26am   SL - We recieved notification from Verizon of the channel changes including a list of the new station numbers a few weeks ago.
    - NSS

  • 8/21 8:25am   I heard that Trader Joes was going into Millis - that large new building under construction on 109. Any validity to the rumor?
    - TO

  • 8/20 11:05pm   I woke up this morning to find that most of the FiOS television channels have changed. Hugely aggravating, but not quite worth the additional annoyance of battling the maze of customer support... then I noticed that tonight, some changed again! This time, I did call customer support to see if they are going to tell customers about this and send out some sort of a channel list, but there was a 10 minute wait... so I opted to search through the 800 channels to find what I was looking for. Does anyone have any information about this?
    - SL

  • 8/20 11:05pm   Now that the Stop & Shop Corporation has adopted a new logo, I wonder if they'll update their sign in the center of town. [WBZ TV article]
    - RP

  • 8/20 11:04pm   I feel that making a cul-de-sac on Everett Street is a good idea; and while they're at it, put one on my street as well, and every busy street in town. Nobody gets in and no one gets - out a very fair and reasonable idea.
    - RS

  • 8/20 11:03pm   To all who remember the taste of Old Fashion Root Beer--go to Gumps. It is so good--they have other flavors but I just tried the Root Beer . Tomorrow i will pick up more and try all the flavors.
    - BR (#1)

  • 8/20 11:02pm   KL - I have a couple of bike racks. Call me at 617-407-0338 if still interested.
    - BL

  • 8/20 11:01pm   Two more concerts dates are scheduled for Town Hill!
    Please join us this Thursday, August 21 for Random Play ('60's-80's Classic Rock)
    and next Thursday, August 28 for 8 Misbehavin' (8-Piece local Jazz Band)
    The time is 6:30-8PM--Spread the word! Hope to see you there... any questions please call Norfolk Recreation at 508-520-1315 or email recreation@virtualnorfolk.org
    - Ann Proto, Recreation Director

  • 8/20 11:00pm   Parakeet Found: Green and yellow (guessing a male). Was found out front of Acorn Animal Hospital this morning. If you are missing one please contact Acorn directly at 508 528 1135. Sincerely,
    - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control

  • 8/20 12:58pm   Girl's bedroom set(s) for sale. See the Notice Board below for details...
    - PFD

  • 8/20 12:57pm   KG: Try callig Sunset Carpet Care: (508)-543-8025. Paul is the owner, it's a truck mounted system, and is very effective.
    - CR

  • 8/20 8:34am   Looking for recommendations for a carpet cleaner-one that specializes in removing allergens from the carpets (if they exist).
    Thank you.
    - KG

  • 8/19 10:25pm   Today a dog (who does have a history of not staying at home where he should be) was out running and someone took it upon themselves to paint the dog. For those of you who are involved I would rather you contact my office to file a complaint or have me pick up the dog instead of having this dog be at the vets. Paint can be very toxic to dogs and it's not acceptable to punish a dog for a human error. Please think before reacting. If anyone has more information in regards to this please contact my office.
    - Sincerely, Hilary Cohen, Norfolk ACO

  • 8/19 4:13pm   Tomorrow, August 20th, is your last day to enter the monkey raffle at the Norfolk Library! Purchase a chance to win a whimsical "Wild Reads" monkey from our summer reading displays. Tickets are 50 cents each or three for $1.00, and twelve monkeys, lovingly handcrafted by library volunteers and staff, are available. Tickets may be purchased at the library's circulation desk.
    - Heather Pisani-Kristl, NPL

  • 8/19 2:36pm   PA, ahhh, I can smell the garlic already! Pesto Palace is coming to town! See you at the bar, probably in another year or three.
    - AL

  • 8/19 2:32pm   PA - Outstanding information. Were you able to confirm that Al Czervik is indeed the developer? :-)
    - BC

  • 8/19 12:34pm   To add something to the discussion about closing Everett Street off, some consideration needs to be given to the fact that the closest route to the closest hospital from the homes on Freedom Trail, Lafayette, Old Coach and Valentine (not too mention Everett Street) is down Everett to Summer to Washington Street to Norwood to Caritas Norwood Hospital. Given that minutes can make the difference in emergency medical care, closing off Everett could have some serious consequences.
    Further discussion on this issue is needed. I urge those affected to contact the Board of Selectman, DPW, and Town Administrator before this is finalized - though it might be too late.
    - TMS

  • 8/19 12:33pm   To those of us who abhor the unsightly weeds on the corner of Main and Boardman, rejoice! I saw an excavator on the property today, and it appears there might be some work coming. I stopped and spoke to the foreman, Carl Spackler. He said that those are definitely not weeds on the property, but a hybrid grass, which is a cross of Bluegrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Featherbed Bent, and Northern California Sensemilia.
    - PA

    [Excavator? Isn't that a bit extreme? All people were thinking of was maybe a trimming... :-) - Wm.]

  • 8/18 8:20pm   Hi folks, Before I ask this question, let me state a few things up front:
    1) I am not anti-immunization
    2) I have an understanding of public health, and have worked with public health professionals
    3) I am not concerned that my kids will get autism
    4) I believe I have a right to have a say in how my children are immunized; I have a right to employ my instincts and knowledge regarding what I think is best for them; while weighing this with the public health concerns
    OK having said that... ;-)
    I have chosen, up until now, to somewhat delay some of my childrens' immunizations. I had also decided to split up the MMR components and have these administered separately. I believe that it makes more sense to administer (especially live vaccines) separately whenever possible. I have been able to do this for my kids ages (almost) 8 and 4.
    Now, the pediatrician's office (really it's the "business" that owns the practice) is no longer stocking the separate components. I am still researching whether the individual vaccines are even being manufactured.
    I am concerned about now switching my oldest child to an MMR vaccine when the child is just one component short. What health ramifications might there be to receiving "extra" virus?
    Is anyone else out there currently seeing a doctor/practice where they have been able to continue to split up the MMR?
    I would prefer not to get a religious exclusion from having my children on the recommended schedule, even though I feel strongly about this.
    Thoughts? Recommendations?
    Thanks,
    - SA

  • 8/18 8:19pm   Has anyone out there locked in a heating oil rate? Any good deals out there? Thanks,
    - JN

  • 8/18 5:10pm   I had posted Saturday that we had lost our dog, Benji. Thankfully, he came home on his own... 6 hours later!!
    I want to thank everyone in the town that dropped everything Saturday to help search for him. I was amazed at the concern everyone showed for our little lost guy. This truly is a wonderful community.
    - AB

  • 8/18 5:09pm   Is it true that the Boomerang has started a new feature entitled Angry Guest Column?
    - PA
    [Isn't this something that is best asked of the paper itself? - Wm.]

  • 8/18 2:05pm   We recently noticed cracking in our first floor ceiling and suspect foundation problems. We have a retaining wall in the back that is buckling a bit, which we think may be linked to our foundation problems. Can someone recommend a company that might be able to identify/fix the problem with the foundation? Thanks.
    - CC

  • 8/18 2:03pm   As a resident of Freedom Trail (street off of Everett St.) I am really disturbed by the article that was published in a number of newspapers recently with the suggestion of making a cul-de-sac. What a crazy idea. How could anyone think that is a viable option? Why would you direct a problem from one street onto another neighborhood, never mind spend town money to do it? This is not outward thinking but instead a "knee-jerk" reaction that is so far fetched it is almost incredible someone would suggest it. I know the entire neighborhood of Freedom Trail, Lafeyette Lane, Old Coach, Valentine Drive, and Lantern Lane in Norfolk would be totally against this and will have a very loud voice if this discussion continues. I'm also sure the residents in Walpole on Cobble Knoll will not endorse this proposal. I just did a quick check of the phone book and it shows 32 houses on Everett St. compared to 85 in the neighborhood that there is suggestion to direct traffic through. The 85 does not include the Walpole homes. Lets be pro-active and talk about making the street a one way during the 8 home games that we have a year.
    - TPC

  • 8/18 2:02pm   Reminder! School Supply Kits are in! Pick up times are as follows:
    Wednesday, Aug. 20th, 10am - 12pm
    Thursday, Aug. 21st, 4pm - 6pm
    Pick up is located at Freeman-Centennial School, Door 10, Hallway outside of Cafeteria. If you are unable to pick up your order, please try to make arrangements with a friend or neighbor to have your kit(s) picked up for you. Thank you!
    - Jennifer MacKay, Norfolk TPA

  • 8/18 2:01pm   RH: I do understand your frustration about the traffic, but maybe the town should look into working with Walpole and the owners of Patriots Place for a solution during games and concerts to block the road only to residents during those events, and not make the road a permanent dead end. Not to mention the cost of $50,000 to make it happen at a time when the town is trying to make ends meet and two overrides were just voted down.
    - KB

  • 8/18 2:00pm   AB: can you update on Benji? has he been found yet?
    - HC

  • 8/18 1:59pm   The idea of making Everett St. a dead end is short-sighted at best. Why would anyone want to take traffic off of a main street and direct it through a neighborhood? Freedom Trail, Lafayette, Lantern Lane and Old Coach Rd would now carry all of Everett St traffic - and if you don't think people would not cut through that neighborhood to avoid Rte 1 traffic then I have a grocery store on the moonscape to sell you. The only way the idea of dead ending Everett St would be palatable is if you also block off Old Liberty Lane. My hope is that the State and Walpole will see the folly of this idea.
    - DC

  • 8/18 1:58pm   MW -- We used to live in a town where the student bus fee was $350 per child, per year if you lived within the two mile radius of the school. We did not enjoy this fee, so we moved. Can you imagine the nightmare it would become if Norfolk charged $350 per child if the residents of the neighborhoods close to the school were allowed to vote to waive this fee? When you buy any home ``close to the school'' or not in a development full of cul-de-sacs outside of the 2 mile radius you run the risk of seeing a bus fee over time as the town grows. That's just the way it is. If the school committee is to blame, they should be approached to provide our town with a solution.
    - MH

  • 8/18 1:52pm   Gump's has done it again! Try their heirloom tomatoes. Just great. Love their llamas, too.
    - WC

  • 8/18 1:51pm   I certainly understand the traffic concerns for residents on Everett Street, as I live in the neighborhood adjacent to Everett and Pine. However, closing Everett just creates a new problem in our neighborhood as cars seek alternate routes around the newly created dead-end. I already have cars speeding past my house looking for a short-cut to the stadium and feel like this is not solving one problem but creating a new one. I'll be notifying the selectman of my views and am sure my neighbors will do the same. Perhaps a police detail for game day and concert traffic is a better solution.
    - KE

  • 8/18 1:43pm   Anyone looking for a wood stove in great condition? We have a Regency I3100L to sell. Lightly used. Puts out 75000 BTUs. $1100.00. This stove is still made. Commonwealth Fireplace & Grill Shop in Norwood sells Regency stoves and parts. Here is the link for this stove [click here]. The tools in the photo come with it. [Use box135@norfolknet.com to contact JPRW - Wm.] Thanks,
    - JPRW

  • 8/17 11:58am   I am looking for a dog crate for a medium size dog. Anyone have one to spare? [Use box134@norfolknet.com - Wm.]
    - CW

  • 8/16 11:11pm   In regards to making Everett St. a dead end, I understand residents' frustration. I used to live on a cut-through street in another town that became a major road. We didn't enjoy the noise or the speed, so we moved. There are so many other cut-through streets in town that are in the same position. King street residents have to deal with traffic jams every morning and afternoon that the middle school is in session or if there is an event at the school. Boardman St, Tucker Rd, Medway, Cleveland, Seekonk... they all deal with increased traffic. These are just off the top of my head; I am sure that there are more. Can you imagine what a nightmare it would become to get around town if residents of neighborhoods were allowed to vote to close their roads? When you buy any home that is on a "country road" or not in a development full of cul-de-sacs you run the risk of seeing greater traffic volume over time as the town grows. That's just the way it is. If Patriot place is to blame, they should be approached to provide out town with a solution.
    - MW

  • 8/16 11:07pm   Here's a staycation idea: the Fuller Craft Museum in Brockton (fullercraft.org). I'd never heard of it before this year, but the art and the pondside property are really on a par with MassMOCA. The exhibits included crocheted mandalas, whimsical mechanical sculptures made from found objects, and treelike arches of recycled encyclopedia pages. Well, my description doesn't do it justice, so you'll just have to go (there are a few buy-one-get-one admission passes tacked on the bulletin board at the Norfolk Library's entrance). Younger kids might like the mechanical sculptures, but adults and teens would get more out of the visit. We concluded our trip by driving a short way down Rte. 24 to Ikea for their inexpensive cafeteria. -
    - HPK

  • 8/16 10:58pm   Re: 8/15 9:20pm, I was wondering if everyone saw this article in the Sun Chronicle about making Everett a dead end ... and 8/15 9:18pm I live in Norfolk and found this news article printed in the Sun Chronicle Thursday, August 14, 2008 very interesting, as it will affect my every day life. ...
    Dear KB and BK:
    The traffic on Everett Street has increased tremendously in speed and volume in the last few decades, and it has quadrupled since the Gillette Stadium opened. Now, with the Patriot Place movie theaters and stores open every day, the traffic is such that the residents cannot get in or out of their own driveways, much less park in front of their own homes on this narrow country road. This affects the residents' everyday lives and our health and safety, and something must be done to ensure quiet enjoyment of our property; "quiet enjoyment of our property", as the law says, means the unimpaired use and enjoyment of our property. Some of the Everett Street residents have been residents for forty or fifty years or more, and they deserve some consideration over those who would block off their access to their roadway.
    Shown here are two pictures showing the southbound game-day traffic, traffic caused by Walpole and the State Police shutting down Water Street in Walpole so that the Route 1 traffic would not be impeded by vehicles entering Rt. 1 from Washington St and Water Street, by the McDonalds. Some of these vehicles on Everett St. turned onto Rt 115 eastbound, where they found that they could not turn left onto Rt. 1, as there were state troopers at the lights there, channeling everyone to the south.
    For the football fans before the game, Walpole provided a sign, "No access to Rt. 1" at the Everett St. - Rt. 115 junction, but that sign was ignored by many drivers as they drove up Everett, often at high speed, then turned around again and raced back down to try some other approach.
    Unfortunately, this game-day traffic is becoming the norm, as more and more people go to and come from Patriot Place, at all hours of the day and night. A real problem will be those who visit the Patriot Place restaurants and other establishments with liquor licenses. As we downsize our cars in order to save gasoline, we have less protection against accidents caused by speeders in larger vehicles, and that is becoming a real threat on Everett Street. It is especially scary when residents try to retrieve mail from their mailboxes at the roadside, especially when two cars want to pass; for some reason the drivers think that they have the right of way, and pedestrians have no rights at all.
    Note: When traffic is light, the driving time north on Everett St. to Water St., compared to east on Rt. 115 and north on Rt. 1 to Water Street, is approximately the same. Using Rt. 115 and Rt. 1, the roads are much better, designed for higher speeds and more traffic.
    - RH

    [So why not block off Everett on game days? Make the Walpole traffic turn around and go back to Walpole... Just a thought. There is no reason why Walpole has to dump all their excess traffic onto our back roads. - Wm.]

  • 8/16 10:50pm   We have lost our dog, Benji. He is tannish/brown and weighs about 20 lbs. He is microchipped and tagged (registered in Blackstone, Ma). Please call us at 508-789-9041 or 508-541-8846. Thank you,
    - AB

  • 8/16 10:48pm   I hope they don't dead end Everett Street because that would mean more cars going by my house on Pine St. Everett Street has very few residents living on it, it's not like there are kids playing in the streets. I think they should widen and help ease the burden on Route 1. Also, as far as emergencies like a house fire etc., the more access a road the better for its occupants.
    - DF

  • 8/16 10:47pm   I frankly do not understand why anyone, especially the people who actually live on that portion of the street between Rt. 115 and Walpole, would vote for this since it would mean that they would be forced to drive south and then have to negotiate either Rt 1A or Rt. 1 whenever they need to go north. I also find it hard to believe that the new shopping and cinemas really add that much extra traffic, since it this is a relatively unknown alternate road.
    On the other hand the Patriots have been playing at Schaeffer/Foxboro/CMGI/Gillette Stadium for 3 decades, and only now do these residents have a problem with traffic? Can someone please tell me what the positives would be to making it a dead-end, because I don't see anything that a few well place speed bumps couldn'd fix.
    The Norfolk Gazette newspaper features this story in this week's issue, the article is entire back page.
    Also, here's a suggestion for an alternative: Why not make it a one-way street on game/event days? Town officials could determine which direction works best for preventing non-resident traffic... or it could be one-way in opposite directions, thereby preventing non-resident traffic.
    - TB

  • 8/16 10:00am   All, Anyone have a bike rack that they want to sell? I need one that can be easily removed from trunk or hatch area of a car or SUV. It needs to hold 4 bikes. If you have one please post here and maybe the Wm can help me contact you. Thanks,
    - KL

  • 8/15 9:20pm   I was wondering if everyone saw this article in the Sun Chronicle about making Everett a dead end [8/15 Sun Chron article] The article states the cost at approximately $50,000 and a plan could be under way within 30-60 days after state approval. I understand the frustration of the residents on Everett street but that sounded like a large sum when a lot of our roads need re-paving, the sidewalk issue everyone is concerned about, etc.
    - KB

  • 8/15 9:18pm   I live in Norfolk and found this news article printed in the Sun Chronicle Thursday, August 14, 2008 very interesting, as it will affect my every day life. I thought I would share it with the Norfolk Community web page so others in town can be aware of this change.
    Norfolk wants to block traffic

    NORFOLK - Largely because of the onslaught of traffic for Patriot Place shopping and entertainment complex in nearby Foxboro, Everett Street may be a dead-end within the next year.

    Town officials have suggested putting a cul-de-sac at the Walpole town line to prevent Everett Street from becoming a main roadway. Residents unanimously agreed at a special meeting Wednesday night to proceed investigating that option.

    Selectmen have been considering options to diverge traffic for the past year, since the opening of Patriot Place next to Gillette Stadium in Foxboro. Through traffic has increased on Everett Street, which connects Route 1 in South Walpole, via Summer Street, to routes 115 and 1A in Norfolk.

    [...]

    Sincerely,
    - BK

  • 8/15 2:23pm   Hey, Wm! Today is the 15th!
    - PW

    [And so it is... oops! - Wm.]

  • 8/15 1:29pm   FYI: I contacted the school today regarding the bus fee and learned that the 2 mile rule is the driving distance from your house to the school. I hope that clears up some of the confusion (they are also willing to look your house up and let you know if you fall within the 2 miles).
    - MA

  • 8/15 1:28pm   Is anyone familiar with service from MacFarlane Oil?
    - CG

  • 8/15 1:25pm   I went to Gump's yesterday for corn, tomatoes and cukes. Delicious on all three. He had signs on the produce from his property. Such as "Our Corn", Our Tomatoes. Very friendly and closer to home.
    - JW

  • 8/15 1:24pm   KM, Just out of curiosity I viewed the Transfinder website... Here is a quote that I found. I wonder what the town of Norfolk considers a "hazard area"? Maybe no sidewalks?! As I have posted before. My son was considered a walker to the Middle school and he had several near misses. It's even worse when the snowbanks come into play. We have a neighbor child that walks along King street, which has many blind corners. I know that she is there, I look for her every day and I still have issues with almost hitting her. I am absolutely creeping along. The other drivers behind me get furious that I am so slow, because they do not know what I am anticipating. I worry that one day there will be a serious accident and one of our kids will be killed. I'm sorry, but this should have been voted on again by the residents. Now that we have bus issues come into play, the circumstances have changed. Personally, I live over the 2 mile mark and I would love my kids to be able to walk to school, I would prefer it. But not when their lives are endangered. I wonder what the town will do in the winter? I come from Newton originally and we had many more snow days than the suburban town that had bus service. Will this be a factor when we have a snowstorm? Or is the school system going to allow excused absences for all walkers in the 2 mile radius?
    "Many states and districts apply various distances depending on student grade ranges, and there are exceptions to the rule, such as hazard areas and special needs of some students."

    from the transfinder website

    - MW

  • 8/15 1:23pm   I am posting again about the rabbits because several people asked for pictures. Below is the link to the adoptables page at the shelter where these buns are now. If you scroll down to the bottom of the page, you can see Lucky and Pops and read their "bios" and click on the link within the bio to take you to the cruelty page where you can scroll down and see Pops the day he arrived at the shelter. I hope that some of you with a soft spot for these guys will consider making a small donation to help with their care. It is needed and will be greatly appreciated. Thank you! Pops has a long road to recovery and will not be neutered until he is well healed. I have a real soft spot for these buns, especially Pops :) Here is the link: [rirabbits.org adoption page]
    - EF

  • 8/15 1:22pm   MW, If you are well over the 2 mile limit by the roads using Mapquest, I wouldn't worry about it now, just check off the "register for free pass" option. If they come after you later, then you can worry...
    - LJK

  • 8/15 1:21pm   MW - It is a one time bus fee of $90 for the year. I was at that budget meeting when they made that decision. I share your opinion on sidewalks. I do believe it is criminal to make kids walk to school on roads with no sidewalks. However, I must say, there was zero public turnout at the school board meeting where they discussed the bus fees. Maybe the public in Norfolk should show some interest in these meetings rather than just complain about the outcome after the fact. Maybe if people came and shared their opinions things could potentially turn out different. Just an observation on my part.
    On the bright side, if the school board had decided to let the people of the town cover the entire bussing costs you could have been paying almost $600. I don't think you made out half bad.
    - AE

  • 8/15 1:20pm   I suggest that the way to address this issue is to amend the 2 mile law. If a town does not have the infrastructure to support a safe walking program with sidewalks and crossing guards, it should not be able to charge a bus fee. Norfolk is not alone as there are many towns in The Commonwealth that look like Norfolk, rural farm roads with no sidewalks and major intersections to cross without safety personnel present. Most have resorted to bus fees anyway, due to budget concerns. I would like to see if there is any interest in town to support such an amendment. I have spoken with Rep Ross and he suggested a meeting to discuss language for this amendment. If you are interested in learning more about this meeting, please contact me through the web master. Thanks. [You can use box133@norfolknet.com - Wm.]
    - MJD

  • 8/15 1:19pm   Hi - I was wondering if someone could give me a recommendation for someone to do some flooring projects. I have two small bathrooms that I need the flooring replaced. I have some tile work in one, and some hardwood flooring in the other. They are both fairly small jobs, and most companies have a minimum of square footage to work on, otherwise they won't come out, or charge me. If anyone could recommend someone that could do some small projects such as flooring, and maybe some small carpentry projects I would really appreciate it. Thanks,
    - LB

  • 8/15 1:19pm   I called the superintendent's office yesterday, after receiving my letter, left a message with my address, and received a call back within the hour as to if I needed to pay or not.
    - EAS

  • 8/15 1:18pm   HPK: Thanks for the information... Just a question: Was there a meeting to discuss putting the irrigation system and stone work in at the town center? Just curious. Don't you think that something like "sidewalks" should just be done, and not even discussed? Why wasn't the irrigation system voted on? Or the stone work? I hope everyone understands how expensive stone work is. So thanks for the "heads up" on the past meeting for the sidewalks, but I would really like to have known when the meeting was for the irrigation, stone... and the gazebo too!!
    - KM

  • 8/14 11:41pm   At the spring 2005 town meeting, voters declined to support an override which would have funded sidewalks (see http://www.virtualnorfolk.org/public_documents/NorfolkMA_documents/towndocs/dpwdocs/bpw_minutes/S008B62AC-008B62D1). The Road Safety Committee presented a beautiful plan to prioritize future sidewalk additions, but unfortunately, the citizens attending that meeting decided that they didn't want to spend the money. This continually frustrates me: some residents think of Norfolk as "the country," and therefore we should avoid sidewalks (and streetlights and stores and parking), while other residents have moved from towns similar in size to Norfolk that had all of these features, and they are wondering why Norfolk lacks them (frankly, I would fall under the latter category). We would not have these structural growing pains if we had started out as a manufacturing community with workers who walked - on sidewalks - to their jobs. But, we started out as a farming community, and I think we are still undecided on what we should look like in the future.
    - HPK

  • 8/14 10:31pm   MW: Don't get me started on the sidewalk issue again. I am completely disgusted every time I see a child riding their bike on Main Street, near the school (H. Olive), no less, on the road because the town did not put sidewalks within a 2 mile radius from the schools. Can you beleive that the town will make us parents pay a fee for a bus because the town did not provide adequate sidewalks. So not funny! And I agree 100%... I really don't have a spare $270.00 dollars laying around right now, that I need to come up with because I have three children who live within 2 miles of a school district, of which they could walk to school...but the town did not provide adequate sidewalk!! But we really have a nice irrigation system down at the center of town... And some really nice stone work!! ...Where are this town's priorities?? Come on Norfolk... Get with the program on safety for your residents and its children! I don't feel as parents we should own the "school bus issue". This is one for the town...
    - KM

  • 8/14 9:34pm   Wm, Here is the quote from the letter;
    "determining distance from school; The distance from the school is measured by our transportation management software Transfinder, which utilizes the advanced geographic Information system(GIS) to determine the distance from a student's house to the school that he or she attends"
    So does this mean that we have to access this software or wait to be notified of the distance from our individual homes? The deadline is September 15th. What I meant by "an extra 100 per month" is that I don't have an extra hundred dollars this month to spare. It would have been nice to be given more notice. I assumed that they were basing the distance on radius, as that is the way that they keep referring to it. Anyone have more info on this?
    - MW

  • 8/14 9:32pm   Does anyone have a recommendation for an air duct cleaner? Thanks!
    - KB

  • 8/14 9:30pm   It's a one time $90 fee. Not $100 a month. And it's roads travelled.
    - TH

  • 8/14 9:29pm   I was confused that the letter was not addressed to each child for whom you must pay the fee. I have two kids, one at each school and the letter was addressed only to the child who will attend HOD. We are extremely close to being two miles from Freeman. I called because I was pretty sure that I had to pay for both children. In fact I do but they only sent one letter per family even if your kids attend different schools and the letter was only addressed to one child even if you have three. They sent this e-mail later in the day.
    Dear Families,

    The 2008-2009 Bus Fee Information and Registration letters have been sent home to you. Please contact us if you do not receive this important information.

    Please note: To save postage, one letter was sent home per family - one registration form per family should be returned.

    (A family may have one student required to pay and another who does not depending on the distance to the school he/she attends.)

    We will distribute a bus pass to each child riding the bus - fee or no fee - therefore please register all children who plan to ride the bus.

    There are four registration choices:
    register for the fee-based program ($90 per student)
    register for a free pass (Grades K-6 students who live over 2 miles from school)
    register for a free pass based on free/reduced lunch qualifications do not register for a bus pass

    Please feel free to call with any questions.

    Thank you.

    - MJD

  • 8/14 4:56pm   Hello, does anyone know what the concert is tonight? Thank you,
    - CC

  • 8/14 4:54pm   MG, Our son is a retired Navy Chief and has been trying to keep the Kitty Hawk usable, but that is not going to happen. The air craft carrier is worn out. Japan does not want any nuclear ships in their waters. The George Washington Air Craft Carrier was sent to replace the Kitty Hawk but as you might know the carrier had a major fire. The captain has been fired and more are to follow. This has increased Japan's doubts about having a nuclear ship in their waters. Our son spends a lot of time in Yokosuka and does speak and write the language. His company is made up of retired Navy men and they are sent to where ever needed. He is now working on the George Washington but with $70,000,000. in damage it will be in San Diego for some time... The Kitty Hawk will be decommissioned and sent to Seattle. It will be sunk as a barrier reef once they use all parts that are salvageable. Our son was on the Air Craft Carrier Independence (CV62) for 9 years--that is now on the bottom of the Pacific Ocean as a reef... I wonder if our sons know one another?
    - BR (#1)

  • 8/14 4:51pm   I just received my letter and registration forms for the new bus fee. Needless to say, I am disgusted. It would be a different matter entirely if our town provided sidewalks for the children that live less than 2 miles from school. The letter gave info on "determining your distance". But where can we access this info? How do I know whether or not I need to pay? I live near the middle school. I mapquested it and we are well over the 2 mile mark by the roads. The school is saying that it is measured by radius. How are we supposed to determine whether or not we qualify for the free pass? Another issue I have is that for some families that don't qualify for the free pass due to income, it still a lot of money to come up with in just a few weeks time. I feel that if they were going to implement this, that more notification time would have been appropriate. I already have my budget planned out to the dollar all the way up until Xmas.... We have no extra hundred dollars a month hanging a round to dish out at the last minute. I am very pleased that the school announced the fee for Camp Bourndale the year before so that we were able to plan accordlingly and budget it in. But now I may have to dig into the Bourndale fund in order to pay the bus fee. So how do we access this software that the school is talking about?
    Here's another thought. Is the town going to provide crossing guards in the town center so that my child can walk to school? He would be walking down Union St from King Street on the side of the road. All the way to the town center, across the rotaries, over the train tracks... This is a dangerous walk for a kid... And here I was complaining that my older kids had to walk to the middle school with no sidewalks.
    - MW

    [When this topic was discussed last year, it was shown that the distance is measured by "commonly traveled roads", not radius. This could have changed since then, of course, but not likely. Also, is it $100 a month, not a one-time $100? - Wm.]

  • 8/14 1:35pm   Family yard sale at 58 Park Street, Saturday, August 16 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Used hockey equipment, clothing, household items, etc.
    - TD

  • 8/14 1:34pm   PA - thanks for injecting some levity into the Lions soccer discussion. And just remember, win or lose, every player receives a nice shiny trophy at the end of the season - just like your company always pays you a bonus, the sun always shines (except for this month), and Deval Patrick provides property tax relief for all.
    - DA

  • 8/14 11:23am   Verizon claims there are no problems in the area???
    - DWL

    [And they may be right, at the moment. But our internet was completely down over most of last weekend, which they acknowledged - Wm.]

  • 8/14 11:22am   DB: Even when they lose a game, I still love my kids. (If they beat the spread, that takes the sting out of it a bit, too.)
    - PA

  • 8/13 11:47pm   KB: I am in desperate need of some help with my laptop. I'd love the name of the person you had. Can you contact me, or send it via the Wm? Thanks,
    - TC

  • 8/13 11:46pm   WC, I agree - you can't beat Gumps. Their corn is the greatest. They are nice people and have a lovely assortment of jams and marinades plus gifts... The plants I have bought there are also tops.
    - BR (BR#1)

  • 8/13 11:07pm   PA - How do you feel about your kids if they lose??
    - DB

  • 8/13 11:05pm   I've just dropped off a case of cat food and an animal cage at the Safety Building - it was great to see all the other donations ready for ACO Hilary.
    Another animal cruelty story on the news again tonight.What IS the matter with some people?? I don't get it.
    - LAW

  • 8/13 11:04pm   Does anyone know who owns this dog? Unneutered male, roughly 7 lbs with an unregistered microchip. Picked up in Park St. neighborhood. Please call the ACO at 528-3232.
    - HC

  • 8/13 11:02pm   First and foremost: thank you for those kind hearted folks who donated cat food, treats, litter, toys, kitten supplies, etc. It truly does make a difference. The kittens I over-estimated in age, and are between 3-4 weeks old instead of my previous guess of 4-5. Because they are so young they are being syringe fed formula every 4 hours until they can get a good grip on their health. That said, they are doing amazingly well and feeding like champions. I don't have any updated pictures as it's way too hard to snap one during feeding times but will get one at the end of the weekend when we go through all the kittens and figure out who's a he and who's a she and give them all names.
    Thank you again to everyone who's donated money, food, supplies and well wishes for the animals.
    - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control

  • 8/13 11:01pm   Update on Pops (formerly referred to as Momma) and Lucky, the set free rabbits:
    Pops' infection went from his lower back near his right hind leg clear on up to his shoulder. He is still recovering from anesthesia as I type. He is on a very powerful antibiotic which is administered once every 7 days, and he has a surgical drain in place because the surgery was so extensive. I lost my phone connection while on the phone with the shelter and will be talking them later on today to get more specifics. I will hopefully be making a trip up to see the buns on Saturday. This makes me so angry that this could be allowed to happen to a rabbit and then he is set free with a major infection to die, the victim of a predator attack. I only wish that the people who can do this to animals had to go through this kind of pain themselves. I hope that the adage "What goes around comes around" rings true. This bun has a long recovery ahead of him. Hopefully he has the will to live that I think he does. He is on some heavy duty pain medications as well and hopefully will have an appetite when he fully wakes up.
    Lucky has some abscesses, although smaller and more easily treatable (no major surgery required). He will be on antibiotics for a little while.
    - EF

  • 8/13 3:52pm   Me and my wife live in Norfolk and have been here for almost 20 years. My wife has worked in Norfolk for almost all that time as well. Our children went to Norfolk schools and graduated KP. Our son is an officer in the Navy and currently stationed in Yokuska, Japan although he will be in San Diego with the Kitty Hawk and then in Seattle before returning to Japan.
    Anyway, he very much would like to sell his car which he cannot use in Japan. It is a 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse with less than 20,000 miles in perfect condition. It is silver hard top with a four cylinder automatic which gets very good gas mileage. It has only been in Florida so no rust, salt or nasty winters. It is currently in Norfolk and our son is selling it for $17,000. I have included a picture if that is allowed. Thanks. You may call M or C on our cell phone 508-314-6020.
    - MG

  • 8/13 8:44am   I get so excited when I find someone who does his job well and fast, charges a very fair rate, and goes the extra mile.
    I recently found this kid, a rising Sophomore at UMass/Lowell, who came to my house to fix a big problem with my PC. I'm very adept at technology, and I spent hours on this problem. I finally gave up since the variety of affected components didn't seem to make sense. (Turns out it was probably a lightning strike that jumped the surge protector, along with frying my 7-year-old GE double oven's "controller" to the tune of $541.) He fixed several things, then took my tower home for a day to further tune his repairs. And he found the fried router and put my network back online. He's fully certified as a PC technician and will beat the black-and-white VW beetles any day, both with skill and price.
    - KB

  • 8/12 9:07pm   I noticed land is being cleared on Rt 115 across from ForeKicks. Does anyone know what is being built there? Thanks,
    - CG

  • 8/12 5:47pm   I feel like I have been on the receiving end of a Zidane head butt (the infamous French soccer player in the most recent World Cup). I am a former (some posters would say "retired") coach and division manager with Lion's Soccer. I have coached from U-4 through U-14, and I have been a division manager for U-9 through U14. When I was involved in the capacity of division manager, team parity was always a concern. I tried my best to balance teams according to age, gender, and ability. In addition, I tried to honor requests that siblings and friends play on the same team to ease the logistics for parents trying to juggle their kids' schedules. Were there seasons where the competition was uneven - sure; however, it was not due to any conscious "fixing" on my part. Sometimes out of the blue a kid who quite frankly had the skills to play travel soccer joins Lions soccer. No one ever recruits such a player. If a coach received a gifted player, he/she was instructed to play that kids in goal/on defense, encourage them to set their teammates up with a great pass, or to sit on the sideline as a substitute. Furthermore, as you go up the ranks of Lions soccer, there tends to be less of a pool of players to form teams with. Some kids leave Lions to play travel soccer or try another activity, like baseball or softball. For example, if only 40 kids signed up to play in a given season, I would form 4 teams of 10 players each based on the criteria I listed above. Given the dearth of numbers, it's only natural any inadvertent imbalance would be accentuated. I never consciously set out to "stack" a team. As a coach, I have led "uber" teams and the 2nd coming of the Bad News Bears. However, any child, regardless of ability, learned soccer skills, tactics, and sportsmanship under my tutelage. I am unabashed in my ability to motivate and coach kids the game of soccer (maybe it's the teacher in me.) Lions Soccer is always looking for involved parents. If you feel you can improve the team selection process, get off the sidelines and get into coaching or become a division manager. It's a lot of work, but it's very rewarding.
    - DA

  • 8/12 2:49pm   Regarding al the talk about Lions soccer. First off, before casting disparaging remarks about about men and women who volunteer their time to coach, it would be nice if you had some sort of proof other than "My kid's coach's mother's cousin said...."
    It's not an easy thing to do, to coach these kids. I know because I did it for two years.
    My kids have both been on and played against these coaches, and as far as I can tell, there isn't stacking involved. it's just good coaching and taking the game seriously. Since those who have cast aspersions on these men have all but named them, I can tell you - not from hearsay but from experience - that these guys coach. They know the game, they find out what the kids are good at, and they get the most out of them. I have seen kids with little apparent talent develop into excellent players. Again, it's not stacking if the coach develops the talent.
    I think a number of people on this board owe these volunteers apologies. But then, it's easy to hide behind initials, throw some barbs at your neighbors, and snicker behind their backs, right? Of course, you could always join the Lions or volunteer in Lions soccer yourself to see how it really works.
    I know. I have. And I thank all coaches for their time and efforts. Webmaster, please use my full name. Thanks,
    - BA

    [I'm reluctant to use full names for non-commercial speech because it would make it appear that the less outgoing among us have something to hide. There are many people with legitimate views who would be reluctant to contribute if they had to either sign with their full name or defend their preference for privacy. The exception is for statements by official spokespersons speaking for recognized organizations, which can be signed, as can messages by service providers. - Wm.]

  • 8/12 2:48pm   In reading about the soccer controversy, one must ask them-self, "WWDD?" (What would Ditka do?) Win, of course! As I always tell my children before any athletic contest, "Win or tie, I'm with you all the way."
    - PA

  • 8/12 2:47pm   KF - Carol's in town does a great job and she is really nice!
    - RLC

  • 8/12 9:15am   FYI... for comparison purposes, I just paid $3.599 for oil from Eastern Petroleum. He told me it was over a dollar more just a month ago.
    - LLB

  • 8/12 9:14am   These "rumors" about the league allowing certain coaches to pick their teams based on ability make the league's management, and certain coaches, seem very misguided (if true). I too heard that this went on at the older levels, which is why I decided to stop coaching. It is one thing to pick players in high school or leagues that acknowledge that they are selective and competitive. It is another matter when a league that claims to be set up to introduce children to the sport and to have fun allows certain coaches preferential treatment. I wonder what the Lions Club feels about this. The process for assigning players to teams should be well- defined, random, and clearly communicated if the league truly seeks to maintain fairness and prioritizes fun and fitness as the goals (no pun intended).
    It would be helpful if the people allegedly involved in this "team selection" problem would clarify the selection process for parents and coaches. This explanation should really come from the people overseeing the management of the league or the head of the Lions Club in my opinion. Fortunately, there are other choices out there. For the coaches who may be involved in this, why not simply play for fun? Is winning that important to your players, or to you? Food for thought.
    - CS

  • 8/11 11:05pm   All three of my kids have gone through Lions Soccer, and while they did have fun in the younger grades, it was very discouraging when the U14 teams were stacked by certain coaches. It was very obvious to all, and parents and kids alike were glad when the coach in question "retired" once his own daughter grew too old. But we rejoiced too soon, because [another coach] took over the same position as U14 coach and stacked the teams once again. In fact, the last game of the season a couple of years ago, the other coaches in that division all got together to "augment" the opposing team, because they knew all too well that the teams were uneven; the coach of the "Uber-Team" then didn't allow his team to play, choosing to forfeit rather than actually possibly lose. It's too bad -- the Lions Soccer program has a lot going for it, but the egos of a couple of the parents all too often get in the way of the learning experiences for the kids.
    - JC

  • 8/11 11:04pm   KM - I heard through a coach that the U12 division teams were rearranged by the coach in question, to switch up players, on or off his team. My kids have all had fun in the Lions program too, but "stacking" a team goes beyond what's supposed to be recreational.
    - CM

  • 8/11 8:36pm   KS, US Sealcoat and Paving is the best in the area for new driveways and seal coating.
    - CW

  • 8/11 8:34pm   Never thought I would say that $3.689 was a great price for oil, but that is what I paid today from Oilman in Foxboro. Most other dealers are over $4.
    - PRB

  • 8/11 8:33pm   I am searching for a local resource for clothing alterations - I need to have a bridesmaid's dress altered/shortened. Thank you!
    - KF

  • 8/11 8:32pm   We have been going to Gump's Farm lately, and have been very satisfied with all our purchases. The corn is the best we have ever tasted. We have a jewel in our midst.
    - WC

  • 8/11 5:15pm   From the Vikings Football Program:
    Attention all Golfers -- the Vikings Football program is running a Golf Tournament at The New England Country Club this Saturday August 16th. Registration opens at 11:30 am and T-off is at 1 pm. The fee is $135.00 per player and includes cart with GPS yardage system, 18 holes of golf, lunch, tournament gift and dinner. Please email vikingsfundraising@verizon.net ASAP if you are interested in playing or just joining us for the Country BBQ starting at 5 pm.
    Go Vikings!
    - LM, Viking Football

  • 8/11 5:13pm   Does anyone know of a good, reliable, thorough weekly house cleaning service in the Norfolk area?
    - JL

  • 8/11 5:11pm   On-line registration for the 4th Annual Norfolk's Dunkin Donuts DARE to Run 5K Race & Kid's 1K Fun Run (September 21st ) - go to www.norfolkdare2run.com - or pick-up a mail-in registration form at Dunkin Donuts.
    - HK

  • 8/11 5:09pm   I have to say that the Lions Soccer club has been a very fun thing for 3 of my children for the past two years. The coach in question and his wife were the nicest, most friendly people that we met when we moved to Norfolk. No, my kids were not on his team. They are a very nice family who are always there volunteering.
    I am not going to say his team is not always the best because we all know that it is, but what I will say is that he is a great coach who works hard for all of our children and this town could use more people like him.
    - DV

  • 8/11 5:08pm   DL: A little devil's advocate... Just curious, how do you know that this coach stacks his team? Besides, sounds like you're keeping score; I thought no scores should be kept with the "little kids." It is just recreational.
    - KM

  • 8/11 5:07pm   BF - I was baffled when I read your comments about a coach with the Norfolk Lions that stacks his/her team. I am a coach for U5 and an assistant coach for U7 and have no idea who is on my team yet. I am hoping the division manager looks at my requests for my son's to play with a friend, but all parents can make that request. I think it is a great program made even better by parent volunteers.
    - EHF

  • 8/11 9:20am   Cow Chip Bingo sales are open! Remember this is your chance to gamble at winning $500 and all proceeds from this bingo will go to help Wrentham, Norfolk, and Plainville animal control gift accounts. Buy your tickets early as we are sure they will sell out! Each "deed" purchase is $10.00. The way the game is played for those who don't know: We set up a large pen and mark out squares (areas bought by participants) on the ground (no more than 200 per game) and we let the cow go into the pen. If the cow poops on your square you win! This will be happening at Wrentham Day on 9/6/08. Please call or email the ACO to purchase your "plots" now to ensure you get however many you want.
    - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control norfolkk9@aol.com and 508 528 3232

  • 8/11 9:17am   Update on Lucky and Momma:
    Momma needs a new name :-) The leg problem is being caused by a huge abscess (between the size of a golf ball and a tennis ball) on his back. This appears to be from an old wound which was visible when the fur in the area was clipped. It is definitely affecting his walking and is probably painful. He certainly has a will to live and is a very sweet bun. His nose that is torn may be a minor deterrent for some people, but we advise people to adopt based on personality and not appearance. We were able to pull some infectious material from the abscess and he was so good as if he knew that we were trying to make him feel better, but he will need surgery to lance it and then several weeks to get it totally cleaned and healed with administration of injections of antibiotics as well. It really is quite nasty. He got an injection of antibiotics today as well as dosing with Revolution for fleas (both of them got this). He also received some pain meds which he gladly took from a dropper (banana flavored---yum!).
    Lucky has some minor bites aside from fleas. Both buns will be looked at more closely tomorrow and will see the vet as soon as an appointment can be made.
    [C o n t i n u e d . . .]
    - EF

  • 8/11 9:16am   EF and JW: I agree with you both! How people can do this to innocent animals I don't understand. Let's help out... donations can be dropped off at the public safety building, monetary donations mailed to: Norfolk Animal Control, Norfolk Police Dept, 117 Main Street, Norfolk, Ma. 02056, (508)- 528-3232, email: Norfolkk9@aol.com.
    - CR

  • 8/11 9:15am   Summer Sights and Thoughts: As we approach the beginning of the end... of summer that is, I paddle a little more energetically in our pool, dodging the thunderstorms and lightning. I am making sure I get to the farmstands before they close... and I stay out of doors a little longer in the evening after the bugs have gone to sleep... relishing the clear summer stars and the rise of the last waxing Summer moon. Ohhh... not ready for the cold?
    Not ready for the heating bills, and most certainly, I am not ready for all the heavy scratchy woolen clothes... Ahhh... A few thoughts! Let's push our politicians to apply to the state for some energy producing as well as energy saving town grants as well as residential grants and tax deferments for those of us who get solar panels, etc.
    Also...
    Let's all drive a little slower, save some gas and take in the views... wave to our neighbors and make friends with the ones we don't know as of yet... It is going to be a long, cold winter... and walking over to a neighbor's home to share a meal instead of jumping into one's car to find a friendly face in the dead of winter makes a heck of a lot more sense! Don't you agree? Also, if we all drove a little slower there would be much less road kill... think of that poor Mama Possum...
    Happy Summer... for a few more weeks...
    Peace,
    - PRR

  • 8/11 9:14am   BF: The Lions soccer coach that stacks his team year after year, then runs up the score on these little kids (12-2, 15-3), really needs a lesson in humility. Is this not recreational sports?
    - DL

  • 8/11 9:13am   I have a 7 foot sofa and a 5 foot love seat. They are a light tan with a floral background. They are in excellent shape except for a small place the cat had fun. They are free for the taking. Contact me at Glass1971@aol.com.
    - PRB

  • 8/11 9:12am   EF: kittens are/will be eating science diet kitten wet food and Iams kitten dry food. I have plenty of dry adult cat food but we always welcome wet cat food (usually we use 9 Lives) but we'll take any type we are given. Donations may be dropped off at the police station anytime in the lobby. Sincerely,
    - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control

  • 8/11 9:11am   BF - If you want fair, then Norfolk Lions Soccer is not the place for you. Things get even more "unfair" as the kids get older. It all starts at the top. Try travel soccer. There are tryouts to place kids on teams and there are rules that are actually enforced. Good Luck!
    - SD

  • 8/9 11:54pm   Hi Hillary. I hope to drop off a case of wet cat food to you in the next day or two. Perhaps some other people reading can do the same so that you are able to feed the animals with donated food especially now with the addition of another 3 growing kittens and better use funds to spay and neuter or get medical treatment for the animals. How many cases of canned food and bags of dry food do you generally use each month? What do you need for kitten formula for the babies (if anything)? Dumped bunnies, dumped kittens - it is horrible. Nice thing that these people are teaching their children if they have any.
    The root of the problem is that people don't educate themselves about animals and they do not make a commitment to take care of them. People need to think long and hard about the financial and time commitments of animals before getting them instead of making an impulse purchase at a pet store. There are low cost clinics where they can spay/ neuter to eliminate the possibility of having kittens. And the SNAP program (spay/neuter assistance program) can help as well. Just think how nice it would be to not have feral cats, not have dumps at shelters, and to not find animals that have been dumped by the side of the road and in dumpsters.
    Let me know about the volume of food needed. Maybe we can start a small food drive for the animals when you have a full house there. I know times are really tough right now, but donations are generally tax deductible and it they can mean the difference between the life and death of an animal.
    - EF

  • 8/9 11:52pm   Norfolk Lions Soccer, picking teams should be fair, no one coach should pick his own team. Do the right thing.
    - BF

  • 8/9 11:51pm   Once again, vandalism and theft affected the N.M.M. Vikings Pop Warner and Norfolk Baseball programs yesterday. Our concession stands were vandalized for access and this time candy and Gatorade were stolen. If anyone has any information on these incidents, please contact the Norfolk Police. Thank you.
    - Karen Fruci, Norfolk Baseball

  • 8/9 11:50pm   We have purchased firewood in the past from Southridge Farm on South Street in Walpole. Firewood is well seasoned and competitively priced. They do offer delivery at a charge. Their phone number is: 508-668-9710.
    - KF

  • 8/9 8:59pm   Anyone know of a carpool to General Dynamics in Groton, Conn.? Know of a recent hire who is looking. Thanks,
    - JO

  • 8/9 8:58pm   Update 8:58pm: I need to correct that post... eeeks. The kittens won't be available for adoption until they are 8 weeks old!
    - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk ACO

  • 8/9 8:56pm   BD if you want to give the webmaster your phone number I know someone that could possibly help you out with your daycare.
    - DH

  • 8/9 8:55pm   To BL - my daughter just got a new phone. I believe she has a Razor that she may be willing to part with, but it is mauve colored :-) I will see if she is interested in selling it for a nominal fee.
    To LAW - thanks for the offer of a pen, but I built one in the size I needed. The buns are going on the second leg of their trip to eventual permanent homes tomorrow afternoon hopefully.
    - EF

  • 8/9 8:54pm   I sit reading this in tears. Bunnies dropped by the side of the road, kittens put in the trash at the land fill. How can people be so heartless. The person with the kittens kept them for 4 to 5 weeks then decided they didn't need to live? Damn them.
    Donations are needed and we all must have at least spare change to send to our animal officer or to other animal shelters.
    - JW

  • 8/9 5:20pm   EF - I have a cage that may serve your purpose for the rabbits - it originally housed stoats, then a miniature groundhog, then hamsters. Unless the bunnies are huge, I think it may do. You are welcome to come by and check it out - I'll give Wm my phone and address
    - LAW

  • 8/9 5:19pm   My son jumped into a pool with his cell phone, which, needless to say, is now not working. Does anyone know where I can buy a used or refurbished Razor phone in the area?
    - BL

  • 8/9 5:18pm   Hi, I am looking for some very part-time daycare for my 3 school age children. I teach in a middle school Monday through Wednesday and leave very early in the morning (6:20). My husband's schedule is unpredictable, therefore he can't get the kids onto the 8:30 bus consistently each morning. We are looking to hire someone to be at our house 7am-8:30am on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday during the school year. I realize that this is an unusual time frame, but if someone local was interested, that would be wonderful. We live in the Pheasant Hill area. Thank you,
    - BD

  • 8/9 5:17pm   I wish folks cared this much about people in need. These are very fortunate animals.
    - KL

  • 8/9 5:16pm   One person's trash is another ones treasure. I cannot go into large details about these kittens currently but they were indeed dumped in the bulk waste dumpster this morning at the transfer station. We're not sure if there were more but these three were the lucky ones. We are investigating this dumping and I welcome all calls in regards to this. The kittens are around 4-5 weeks old and will be available (pending the investigation) after after they are 8 weeks old. I know the word donation has come up before recently on this web site. Please consider making a donation to the animal gift account to help defray the costs of these kittens as well as the two 3 month old kittens as well as the mom cat that just gave birth to six kittens. All are up on our website for viewing (pending there still aren't issues with my website!).
    Donations are tax deductible and checks may be made out to Town of Norfolk and in the memo area please write Animal Gift Account. If you'd rather donate supplies we are in great need of wet cat food at this time. Thank You.
    - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control, 508 528 3232

    [Update 8:58pm: I need to correct that post... eeeks. The kittens won't be available for adoption until they are 8 weeks old! - Hilary Cohen]

  • 8/9 8:20am   To CR - in my post I said the same thing :-) - to remember your local shelter (meaning Norfolk Animal Control) when making annual donations. Hilary also has fundraisers up on the webpage for Norfolk Animal Control--the wonderful decorated horseshoes (we can all use a little luck!) and some cute tote bags. She also has a wish list for things like cat food, soft and hard, towels, etc. Donations are always appreciated.
    - EF

  • 8/9 8:19am   I was asked to post the web address for donations to the rabbit shelter for anyone who is interested in helping: www.sweetbinks.org
    Go to the "join us" page and scroll down where there is a Paypal button. This shelter is a 501c3 non-profit and donations are tax deductible. Donors receive a donation receipt. Again, thank you everyone for your concern about the Norfolk Prison buns, and thanks for the kind words, Hilary.
    The buns are looking more relaxed and one has started munching on hay (the more injured of the two). The other one who had been named Lucky by the prison employees has still not slept. I think that by tomorrow he will be more relaxed and feeling better. They were caught just in time. Another day or two in the wild and they would have disappeared from sight. I really wish we could have saved the white one too. At least I can sleep tonight and anyone who offered their help this weekend with trapping is off the hook :-) It was not fun being out at 6:00 am baiting taps and removing traps at night in the dark with no lights on that part of the prison property.
    I made a 42" x 42" x 42" pen for Lucky so he has some room to hop around - he is still sitting in the trap, but did venture out when my back was turned to leave a liquid mess for me to clean. The other bun is continuously using his litter box for that which is wonderful. Sometime within the next 3-4 weeks when they get settled into a routine and are out of quarantine, I will send some before and after pictures. The big brown bun may appear on our cruelty page with a before and after picture.
    - EF

  • 8/8 9:52pm   DL, I second the recommendation for Medfield Children's Center (508 359 4239). Both of my kids went there, the first for preschool, the second from 17 mos-preschool and it was a wonderful program. I referred someone there last year and after her first visit she told me that "it felt like family." What more needs to be said. Tell Robin (the director) that I sent you.
    - NJD

  • 8/8 9:50pm   EF: is there a website for the bunny shelter? If so can people donate through paypal online? Most of the horse rescues that I work with have a guidestar, Wikipedia, and a web site page to give info on their practices and how to donate. If they do can you post it? I know I would like to look and then donate if it's needed :)
    - HNC

  • 8/8 9:44pm   EF: wonderful job in taking an active role in helping the bunnies, you are a very compasionate person. Don't also forget that the Norfolk animals under Hilary's care need our support in the way of donations, financial, food, and supply wise. Weather you are a dog, cat, bunny, horse, or other animal lover, they all need our help and support. Donations can be dropped off at the public safety building.
    - CR

  • 8/8 9:43pm   On 8/8 at 5:43pm, DA asked, "I just bought a nitro RC gas car; does anyone know how to get it started for me? I will pay you. Thanks". Bring your car to any of the local hobby shops that sell RC planes and cars. They'll be glad to welcome a new customer and show you the care and feeding of Nitro RC cars, plus sell you parts and fuel. A new shop just opened in the Foxfield Plaza in Foxboro.
    - RP

  • 8/8 9:42pm   DL - I too highly recommend the Medfield Children's Center. The staff is incredible and Robin, the director, is very nice to work with. My daughter went there and loved every minute!
    - NS

  • 8/8 5:51pm   Breast Cancer Car Wash - All proceeds go directly to the Susan G Komen for the cure organization. Saturday 08/09/08, Norfolk Auto, 38 Main Street, Norfolk, MA, 11:00am-4:00pm. $10:00/cars, $20.00/truck.
    Thank you.
    - CW

  • 8/8 5:49pm   DL, Give Medfield Children's Center a call. Our son was there for 2 years. The staff and owner are wonderful!! Many of the teachers were teachers in local public school systems before going there. Oh, my son really enjoyed himself!
    - KL

  • 8/8 5:48pm   Does anyone have a metal 4' x 4' x 4" high exercise pen they could lend me for 2 days for the buns? I have one but lent my second one to an adopter at the shelter. The makeshift one I put together is too small in which to put the trap that Lucky is still in. I am letting him venture out of the trap on his own and a larger pen would allow this to happen more easily and give him more room in which to hop around. I would throguhly clean and disinfect it before returning it. Someone offered to provide me with a 4' x 2' by 2' but even a 36" pen is too low for buns who can easily clear that hurdle :-)
    Thanks,
    - EF

  • 8/8 5:44pm   Lucky and Mama (who I actually think is a boy) are not very healthy at this point in time and will need medical care, which they will get. I am trying to keep Lucky hydrated right now with wet greens as he is not drinking and it is warm where he is. He is also no doubt very tired, having just arrived here at about 7:30 this morning and has not really slept. Imagine the stress of that storm on him.
    He is missing some fur around his face--could be mites, and one of his eyes looks a tiny bit wet but closer to his cheek. His eyes are pretty bright despite his trauma.
    Mama has about 1/3 of his nose hanging off and has a very awkward gait which I noticed while observing him before catching him. He could have a hip dysplasia problem or a past injury--hard to tell without a full veterinary exam which he will get. His ear has some bites but these are well healed which leads me to believe that he was dumped because he was a problem around other buns. He is so very sweet. These buns need to be cleaned up, have their wounds tended to and get appropriate medications for any conditions that are found and be put on a good diet of mainly hay. They will need a dental check by a vet that does rabbit dentistry because my guess is that they have never been hay eaters, which is critical for rabbits to be. Rabbits have the same dietary needs as horses.
    I am contributing 100$ toward their initial care. If anyone cares to donate, please let me know. Once rehabbed, if they are healthy enough to undergo surgery, they will be neutered, heal, and then be placed for adoption.
    Mama is already taking pretty well to the litter box. Wish that had been the case before she peed a river earlier this morning :-) I have vinyl flooring over the cement, so cleanup was easy. The shelter to which they are going is a 501c3 federal non-profit and relies on donations to do what they do. About 250 rabbits are placed in permanent, loving homes each year and these are very lucky buns indeed that find their way to this shelter. Also remember our local animal control when deciding where to make annual donations.
    There are also local shelters that often advertise spayed/nuetered buns for adoption. Just know all you can about rabbits before making a commitment to one. They are not the best pets for children and they are a lot of work, but the rewards are huge. Once I saw these "Norfolk Prison buns", I had to do something. Now I need to see this through, from their medical care to neutering to adoption. If I had a place for them here they would be staying...
    Thanks again for all the well wishes.
    - EF

  • 8/8 5:43pm   I just bought a nitro RC gas car; does anyone know how to get it started for me? I will pay you. Thanks,
    - DA

  • 8/8 5:42pm   DP: talk to EF directly about the bunnies. I can't take credit for this one. EF did all the hard work and I merely supplied the equipment to facilitate the rescue. EF volunteers at a rabbit rescue in RI and they have decided to take them in. One is quite injured but I have utmost confidence in EF's ability to treat, care and help find these rabbits a great home. From talking with EF, their rescue only adopts out to indoor-only homes and has a strict adoption contract which will ensure that the best homes are found for these guys.
    Hilary Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control

  • 8/8 2:22pm   Hi, We are looking for daycare recommendations for Medfield and Dover. Does anyone have a daycare provider in those areas that they would recommend? Thanks,
    - DL

  • 8/8 2:21pm   I am pricing firewood for heating this coming season. Does anyone have a recommendation for a local supplier and possibly the contact information? Thanks,
    - BF

  • 8/8 11:42am   EF & Hilary- Thank you for helping the buns! Were both rescued this morning? Will they be up for adoption? I am sure there are folks out there who would like to adopt these sweet guys?
    - DP

  • 8/8 8:51am   Bravo EF and Hilary, Norfolk's own patron saints of bunnies!! Well done! If there is a way to take a picture of the rescued buns without frightening them, I'm sure I'm not the only one who would love to see them (but if you think your first little rescuee needs a little more time to heal, we'll all understand).
    EF, kudos to you for taking such initiative for rescuing our little furry friends - I hope they live a long and happy life thanks to you.
    - KID

  • 8/8 8:35am   PT - I have been going there for quite some time and am very, very happy with my stylist - Bridget Todd. Several of my friends go there as well and they too are very happy with the staff.
    - LP

  • 8/8 8:34am   My husbands car was broken into last night (on Cleveland Street) and his navigation system was stolen. Just a heads up to everyone.
    - BL

  • 8/8 8:17am   Update on the buns - First, I would like to thank Hilary (our ACO [Animal Control Officer]) who lent me her "gear" to help catch the buns, also the prison staff who on their own time helped these buns to survive until they could get caught and brought to safety. Second, again thank you for everyone's concern. I went early this morning with traps not knowing what I would find this morning after last night's horrible storm. All I could think of was a frightened bun outside in that horrible weather by itself. I found Lucky under a canopy of trees and I was prepared to pay a fence company to come out and surround the trees while I sucked it up and went into the poison ivy patch to get him. Within minutes of my laying a trail of food, he hopped into the trap while I patiently watched as he stepped on the platform that tripped the door closed. Lucky is indeed a Lucky bun and is safe.
    So, two buns died, but for two there was a very happy ending.
    - EF

  • 8/8 8:16am   PT: I have been a client at Noelle's for years and I highly recommend them. Noelle, herself, cuts, highlights and styles my hair. They do have a wide variety of services available (massage, polarity, nails, skincare, to name a few). Noelle is fantastic and she is very sweet! Good luck!
    - KM

  • 8/8 8:15am   DC I have done work in Norfolk and surrounding towns. I do all finish work and my full time job is cabinets, I take work on the side. Competitive prices, great references as well 978-799-1621
    - TD

  • 8/8 8:14am   EF - I would be happy to help with the rabbits. We have an indoor bunny ourselves and he is so sweet. Let me know how I can help to get these little guys to a safe place!
    - DP

  • 8/8 8:13am   We have spotted a large red fox in our yard (near Cliff's Cycles) once later in the evening on Monday of this week and again this monring. He is the size of a German Shepherd puppy, red with some dark brown on his back. Might want to keep an extra eye on pets and children!
    - DP

  • 8/8 8:11am   Thanks everyone for your concern about the rabbits. It is really unfortunate that someone did this to them, making them food for predators. Until I can get the one I caught to the shelter, he is in my garage (not ideal, but he is safe). He is in a 4' x 4' pen with a piece of textured vinyl beneath it for flooring. He has a litter box, loads of hay, a water bottle and crock, some food pellets and some toys, edible straw mats and a towel. I just checked on him. He is sprawled out in the most relaxed pose I have seen him in in days and is sleeping. He apparently has a healing or healed prior nose bite with about 1/3 of his nose hanging away from the rest of it. He has a few bites on his ears and a back wound that looks like it might have some necrotic tissue on it. That will be cleaned up. He had flies around him several days ago which likely meant he had an open wound which unfortunately in rabbits makes them susceptible to abscesses or other deep infections. Even worse, they are susceptible to something called "fly strike" that results in maggots. Not pretty. I am leaving his care to the medical pros, so I am not handling him a lot for now. He is such a pretty bun despite his rugged appearance. My guess is that he will be dewormed if a fecal test shows he needs to be, he may be put on antibiotics to stave off any infection from his injuries, and he will be cleaned up, neutered if and when he is well enough and then he will find a forever indoor home with someone who will love and care for him.
    I will be out again tomorrow trying to catch the last one dumped who is absolutely beautiful. I did not leave the traps out tonight. A trapped bun cannot escape a predator and could die of a heart attack. It was a tough choice for me since he may lose his life tonight because he cannot outrun a fox or a coyote. I am very upset by this. I know that Hilary posted earlier that if anyone had info about who did this, they should contact her.
    The legacy that these buns will leave behind is that they raised some awareness in our small town. I just want to see this last bun warm and safe and totally out of harm's way.
    Bear in mind that when you see a bun running around outside, if it is not a cottontail or one of our local hares, it does not belong outside running around. It is not a wild rabbit. In a sense, I wish I had never read the original post because I have had some really tough, sleepless nights, and am sick with worry because I know what happens to them when they are set free. Knowing that two were lost when this did not have to happen is an awful feeling. I am thrilled to have saved one and to know that this bun now knows human kindness - something many never get to experience at all.
    If you are interested in helping, please let me know by sending me an e-mail at ellens126@comcast.net. Put "stray buns" in the subject line. Thanks.
    - EF

  • 8/7 10:25pm   Has anyone used the Noelle Day Spa in Franklin and if so could you recommend a stylist or staff member there?
    - PT

  • 8/7 4:01pm   [Duplicate post removed - Wm.]

  • 8/7 4:00pm   Attention teens: the final event of the "Books With Bite" summer reading program will take place tonight at 7 p.m. at the Norfolk Library. Hilary Cohen, Norfolk's Animal Control Officer, will take part in an informal chat about her work and her animals. If you are interested in animal welfare, horses and dogs, or unexpected encounters between humans and the wild animals that live in our town, come to our free discussion. Refreshments will be served and the event is open to teens ages 12-18.
    - Heather Pisani-Kristl, NPL

  • 8/7 3:59pm   Any recommendations who to call for advice on updating a kitchen? Not ready to completely gut the room, but am interested in refacing the cabinets and adding an island.
    - DC

  • 8/7 3:58pm   EF- Regarding the rabbits, what type of help are you looking for?
    - SD

  • 8/7 1:39pm   Where were the bunnies seen last. I probably saw them the very 1st day. I thought they belonged to the prison house. There were three rabbits I saw. One was all white, one was all black and the third was white tan and brown. All three were eating grass. So sorry to hear what has happened to them. I'm constantly looking for them now.
    - MM

  • 8/7 1:38pm   JLT - Thanks for the kind words and your concern. Although with the high cost of fuel I've had to cut back on caffeine - I can only afford decaf coffee now. As far as gender? I'll give you a hint: some say I look like Dr. McDreamy on Grey's Anatomy, without the facial features, hair or physique. And I have taken your advice - I am smiling right now!
    But enough of the politics of the day. The course is plotted and sails raised on the Town's financial ship on a one-way ticket to stormier seas.
    More importantly, EF, what can we do to help you catch the imperiled-elusive rabbits? Can we help round them up? Where are they exactly? My daughter and I can help anytime this weekend or at night.
    - MON

  • 8/7 1:37pm   That is one powerhouse team!! Congratulations U-12 team! You "stormed" right over everyone!!
    - AL

  • 8/7 1:35pm   Free! Boston Interiors sectional couch pictured below in the un-classified section. Must be removed by 8/10. 508 520 9565
    - NJD

  • 8/7 1:34pm   Huge 2 family yard sale. Saturday, August 9th 8 am-1 pm. iMac computer with printer, refrigerator, excellent conditioned toys from infant to 8 yrs old. Tons of excellent conditioned clothing (boys), bar stools, household & kitchen items, dollhouse, fireplace screen, computer chair, video games, and much much more! 33 Pennacook Street, Norfolk
    - DC

  • 8/7 8:38am   Dumped bunny update. The black bun was found dead. Not mauled from what I was told which gives me a tiny bit of solace although he could have had a heart attack from fright. We think the white bun has been caught by a predator. She appeared to have two neck and facial injuries when last seen which could make her more susceptible to a predator attack. I am working with our ACO's help (thank you Hilary) to trap them, and I have found them a place in a no-kill rabbit shelter where they will receive any medical treatment they need, be spayed/neutered when they are well enough and then have permanent homes found for them--indoors!
    I find this to be so disturbing and hope that a little awareness has been raised about rabbits through this incident. If you see a rabbit outside that is not your typical cottontail or hare, it does not belong outside on its own. And if you ever see anyone dumping rabbits by the side of the road that are not wild rabbits, that is a punishable offense and should be punished. If people only educated themselves before buying rabbits, this would not have happened. It also would have been better to humanely euthanize than to do this to these rabbits. They are sitting prey. These buns will not be at risk of euthanasia where they are going.
    Thank you for the concern that one person in particular expressed and for her help :-) If anyone else is interested in giving a little time to help, please let me know. It may be a lowly bunny to many people but if they knew what I know, their minds would be forever changed.
    - EF

  • 8/7 8:37am   From your CO fans!! Congrats to the Norfolk Storm 12 U Girls Softball!! We're so proud of you, Way to Go!!
    - PW & MW

  • 8/7 12:13am   Congrats to the Norfolk Storm 12U Girls Softball Team who defeated N.Attleboro in a thrilling 4-2 game tonight to become the 12U East 2008 Hockomock Summer Softball League Champions. Way to go ladies!!
    - PB

  • 8/7 12:12am   I agree with most of MON's views as well. MON, please try to smile once in a while... I worry about you. By the way, not that it matters, but are you a man or a woman... just idle curiousity!
    - JLT

  • 8/7 12:09am   JC - can I count on your vote? Also, the minute you see some town problem fixed, please let us all know! We are all waiting!
    - MON

  • 8/6 3:23pm   LAW, I too would like to see MON as a selectman -- then he would have to actually deal with some of the town's problems, not just take pot shots at current town officials!
    And, I have a question for you, too -- where do you plan on putting the extra 1000 elementary school students when you house the first 100 at the Town Hall?
    - JC

  • 8/6 3:20pm   TEM - why is bringing up unions and suggesting fees for senior citizens using town facilities crass and boorish and a sign of anger? Its sounds to me like you are subservient and threatened by logic. Which is, simply stated - why just target fees at busing students? Its OK to throw fees at children and their parents only?
    Also, while I have run for boards in the past, I harbor no resentment. I lost to a BOS's son-in law once, a move I can understand. I also acknowledge that I am a blatherscythe that can push buttons, and it's OK with me that you responded. At least some of these posts resonate freely in the minds of our townspeople. And while you claim it's not an Us vs. Them war, it really is - the Massachusetts government system versus the taxpayer.
    So don't take this wrong, and at the risk of sounding angry, but take your Dr. Phil psychoanalysis elsewhere.
    - MON

  • 8/6 3:19pm   Name withheld - I still say they were grading private property front lawn and repaved 1/2 a driveway of private property - go take a drive by right now - but that's not the point I'm making. The work very well may have been needed on private property due to the water main construction. If water mains were installed first, then grade the entire street, up to and including any town owned property, then repave and berm it one time.
    For some reason this was all done in reverse. The funds needed will be much higher than estimated because of this. That's the point I'm making. The asphalt berms on either side have been cut out every 30' feet to make way for the new water lines. Simply delaying the paving of the berm would have saved a ton...
    - LS

  • 8/6 3:18pm   BWA-NCTV. Thanks for the information. Is there any other way to view NCTV other than Comcast or web? For example, a TV converter box. Thanks,
    - RO

  • 8/6 1:15pm   LS - Check your facts. Medway branch is an 80' right of way. The town owns anywhere from 20' to 30' off the edge of the roadway. That means they were probably working on town land.
    - [Name withheld - Wm.]

  • 8/6 1:05pm   MON, once again--as so many of us have wondered about or asked before--why are you so hostile, bitter, and cantankerous just about every time you express yourself regarding this town, its issues, or its elected officials? Could it be that you're harboring resentment over failed previous attempts of your own to be elected or appointed to town boards or committees? Has it ever occurred to you that perhaps your chronic hostility and venomous remarks are the reasons why? Does it ever cross your mind that relevant issues affecting all of us are not automatically a "Them vs. Us" war to be fought with contempt and anger?
    The sad thing is that I and many others probably agree with your positions on many of these issues, but your crass and boorish tactics (in addition to utterly useless exercises such as whining about labor unions or slapping fees on our seniors) continue to get in the way of trying to understand or even consider your views.
    - TEM

  • 8/6 1:03pm   TRK - I defend my right as a taxpayer to point out town government insensitivity, waste and inefficiency. You can even extrapolate into the areas of self-serving patronage, if you wish.
    Also, looking at the recent stats and posts on Norfolknet tells me that others observe the same cavalier behaviors with our tax dollars as I do. [...]
    If you can't take the heat, stay out of my pockets.
    - MON

  • 8/6 9:30am   AP - Bob Sullivan of the Santa Foundation can be reached at 508-528-4715.
    - BS

  • 8/6 9:29am   MON, My attitude is far from defeatist. The fact that I see you as one who likes to shoot arrows at town government without too much substantiation and suggestion doesn't make me defeatist, nor does it make me one who rolls over to be fleeced. [...] OK? Everything you point at and shoot at simply speaks of sour grapes, nothing more. Nothing you point to amounts to a hill of beans in the town budget, it's all either small stuff or misguided accusation.
    LS, Before you go castigating anyone for the Medway Branch project, learn a little about road construction and state law. Maybe then you might understand how projects like that work, and why they might seem to hold out of order events and wasted money. And learn about state law and the bidding process, and what towns are legally obligated to put out for bid and when they're not required to do so. The guidelines are very clear and very strict. A town violating the bidding process could very easily be taken to task for such an action, and usually it would be a losing bidder who would start that ball rolling. If the town was violating any of that, you can be assured that a losing bidder would be on the phone to the State House. As for town DPW employees working on such projects, it's no different that you hiring a painter for your house and making a deal with him that you'd do the trim painting if he did the bulk of the work... it's bargaining for what you can afford.
    Too many arrows being pointed at town hall here. Maybe there are issues, but here, like I said, talk is cheap. Got an issue? Get up to town hall and take action... don't just sit there and complain.
    - TRK

    [Update 8/7 12:10am: zinger elided - Wm.]

  • 8/6 8:49am   How can I get in contact with the gentleman who runs The Santa Project? We have some gifts to donate for his cause.
    - AP

  • 8/6 8:47am   I'd vote for MON - Norfolk needs some sensible people to run this town. I, along with others, have brought this up before, that we should re-think about the use of our existing facilities, or rather re-use. The Town Hall would be a beautiful fit for our elementary grades. One principal, one librarian.
    HOD could easily fit the Town Hall, Fire and Police, at a far cheaper price than the current plans. Use the F-C location for affordable housing. Sell the current Safety property to Shaws, or something.
    - LAW

  • 8/6 8:46am   TRK - Another example for you... Do not completely redesign Medway Branch road, tear up the old pavement, grade it, then professionally repave it, then six months later dig up the brand new perfect road and now have it patched the entire length of the street?? DPW should rethink what they allow road contractors to get away with regarding these patch jobs. I just drove down Park Street. I shudder to think what all these streets will look like come spring time after salt. I also find it strange that Town DPW workers are doing these road construction jobs in conjunction with the Outside Contractors that were awarded these jobs. (I assume these went out to bid.) Weird. Just the other day Town Workers were on Medway Branch jackhammering and fixing a entrance to a private driveway in addition to doing work on the driveway. I assume as a result of the road issues.
    - LS

  • 8/6 8:45am   MON - I agree with you on the land we bought from the church. Town Meeting approved 500K to fund engineering and architectural plans for a new police/fire facility contingent on $15Million being approved by the Town. We know how that turned out. The same logic could have and should have been used when the 200K was spent on the church land. (I do find it odd that a estimated cost of 15million was pulled out of thin air before pencil went to paper on a design).
    - LS

  • 8/5 9:57pm   MON: Maybe you should run for Selectman. You seem to want to help the town, that is probably the best way.
    - JN

  • 8/5 9:56pm   SS: Congratulations! Such an exciting time for you and your family! We have a son who was adopted internationally, and are very pleased with the pediatric medical care provided by his pediatrician and her practice. We were very blessed that he came home at nearly four months old and was healthy and thriving. If you are in a similar situation, please feel free to contact me. Wm can give you my email.
    - MHC

  • 8/5 9:55pm   MON - I often wonder what the Senior Center costs per person served per day. I would like to see those figures, including the transportation cos, staffing, programs, food, etc. How do I find those figures? Is there a public census of how many different seniors utilize the Center each day? It would be interesting to review here on Norfolknet. Do seniors pay a bus fee? Do they pay to participate in activities like our families do through the Rec.? Good questions all. Why don't we use that building for meeting space? It would be a great space for a church to rent for their weekly service. I remember there was a complaint about the lights at night bothering the neighborhood, church services are normally on a Sunday morning, sounds like a fit. One church used to rent the HOD so it has been done.
    - MJD

  • 8/5 8:00pm   Customers who switched their cable service from Comcast to Verizon cannot view NCTV's channels (8) and (22). Plenty of calls have come through wondering about the switch.
    Feel free to watch our LIVE feed of government channel 22 online at www.nctvnorfolk.org until we are connected.
    You can now view LIVE scheduled Selectmen's meetings, School Committee meetings and other board meetings right from our website.
    - BWA, NCTV

  • 8/5 7:59pm   MON - I think the land purchase was $250,000 and the BOS threw in another $35,000 to paint the existing church. I wonder if that would have been approved if the BOS attended St. Jude's? The easiest way out of a budget crunch is to raise taxes and that's what they did again with the bus tax.
    - PR

  • 8/5 7:58pm   I'm not one who normally agrees with MON, but regarding our budget decisions he makes a good point or two. I recall one prescient young man at spring town meeting bringing up the use of prison mitigation funds to help ease our situation. One selectman said that those funds ($384K to my knowledge) could not be used toward our budget, and he was quickly corrected by the town administrator. There is $192K in unexpended prison funds right now. What is happening with that money? Let's make sure the selectmen spend it on our needs. It could certainly go a long way in times like these.
    - AL

  • 8/5 7:57pm   I'm looking for recommendations for someone for asphalt driveway sealcoating. Thanks.
    - KS

  • 8/5 7:56pm   For the person asking about car waxing: Peter Notis, a Norfolk resident (number is in the book) has a new detailing business and did a great job on my car for a very reasonable price.
    - KS

  • 8/5 7:55pm   I think I missed the article on the bus fee. Are all students in town subject to this fee or just those within a 2 mile radius of the schools? A statement by CR stated, "those who actually use the bus system are impacted, while others, ... get a break, so to speak". That statement leads me to believe it's all students using the bus system. If not, then that statement is incorrect since students outside the radius still use the bus system but still get the break.
    - SM

  • 8/5 7:54pm   JW - Whoa! You are very cool. I need to take a page from your book and give everything a second look.
    - SO

  • 8/5 7:53pm   One other thing TRK - your defeatist attitude needs to be adjusted. You can roll over and allow the unions and leaders in this town to fleece you, but I will explore the options and point them out to those who think no one is watching. Because many of us are. I forgot one item that is among the many sacred cows in town - the Senior Center. I would like to see how many people actually use it, its costs per year, and how much the taxpayer can save by charging nominal fees for its services. Spread the pain, not just at the parents and children.
    - MON

  • 8/5 10:47am   TRK - Conversation is inexpensive, and we hear a lot of it from the entities that run our town budget. I have already given you 2 concrete examples - start charging for use of public buildings, like normal towns in our commonwealth do, and decrease overtime for individuals in several of our departments. But how many do you need to be convinced? But wait - there's more! How about competitive bidding for town projects? That too is normal practice in most normal towns. Then there's the recent church land purchase - it's probably too late to back out - for the failed public works building project. What Einstein engineered that purchase? - one of our Selectmen? 200K goes a long way to bus kids on cold, wet, snowy day.
    Meantime parents are forced to pay for services for their children - and others who use other town services get them for free. So pick on the kids, while the adults in charge of our town drain the taxpayer till.
    - MON

  • 8/5 10:46am   Does anyone know of a reputable place to have my new car waxed? I don't need an interior detail, just an exterior. I don't see that guy who was doing it in his driveway on Rt. 115 in Millis anymore near the convenience store and church. Thanks!
    - KB

  • 8/5 8:14am   "There are many ways the town could chip away at the costs of doing business..."
    OK, MON... how about you provide us with a list of all those ways? It's so very easy to sit back and pontificate about 'many ways' that costs can be lowered, but substantiating that claim may prove to be more difficult. Talk is cheap...
    - TRK

  • 8/4 11:28pm   We are new to Norfolk and are looking for a responsible babysitter who can drive, preferably. We have 3 kids. Does anyone have some names they'd like to share? My number is 508-530-3152. Thanks!
    - SC

  • 8/4 11:26pm   To SO - can you send me an e-mail regarding the set free rabbits: ellen.sweetbinks@comcast.net Put stray rabbits in the subject line.
    I know that Hilary has tried to catch these buns. I was within 3 feet of one tonight who was ever so sweet but unfortunately will be food for wildlife and will likely not survive the winter. I am trying to find a place that will take them if caught. The rabbits-only shelter for which I volunteer is full with 50+ rabbits. Norfolk Animal Control is going through remodeling right now, so space is at a premium I am sure and Hillary has her hands full.
    I am really upset by this, having four buns living here with me inside my home. If I find a place for the strays, I will gladly pay for their hay and greens and even cntribute to the cost of their spays/ neuters. Just knowing they will be safe will make me happy. Some public shelters do an awesome job with rabbits and spay/neuter and will only adopt to indoor homes. Others will only take animals when they have room for them so that they do not have to euthanize.
    If you think that puppies from puppy mills are a problem, you should see the problems with rabbits, especially since rabbits are induced ovulators which means that they DO get pregnant when they mate and they can get pregnant within 3 hours of giving birth.
    I could go on and on but won't say more. Hopefully people will have a little more understanding about the plight of rabbits. Wild rabbits only survive 2-3 years in the wild. Imagine a set free domesticated bun's life expectancy :-(
    Thanks for your concern. Nice to know there are other people out there who care what happens to these wonderful animals.
    - EF

  • 8/4 11:25pm   JW... I think each of needs a reminder now and then of our reactions. I will be more careful from now on, also. Don't beat yourself up!! :)
    - JHR

  • 8/4 8:40pm   Is there anyone in town who has adopted internationally and that can recommend a pediatrician in the area that has experience with internationally adopted children? Thanks
    - SS

  • 8/4 8:39pm   What is going on with the bunny rescue? I know nothing about rabbits, but the whole situation is driving me crazy. I've half a mind to head down there with a cat carrier. Any advice from the pros - what does one do?
    - SO

  • 8/4 8:38pm   Let me make a public apology for saying anything about Jane and Paul's and their produce. I didn't think it would cause such an uproar. Maybe I was having a bad day. Consider me flogged.
    - JW

  • 8/4 8:33pm   Its time to put up the lemming nets. All of the Norfolk taxpayers cave in to the bus fee while our town government wastes your money and resources? Why don't you all demand that the overtime costs for all town employees be decreased? How about the library and its own abuse of its rules concerning churches using our public property? Then they have the audacity to shorten the hours of library while churches use the facilities for free.
    There are many ways the town could chip away at the costs of doing business - but our "leadership" chooses not to. Now that the voters have gone against the present leadership, perhaps its time to start thinking about their replacement - one selectman at a time. Followed by those in charge wasting our tax dollars...
    - MON

  • 8/4 11:57am   Looking for a mason to redo my front concrete stairs.
    - DWL

  • 8/4 11:56am   TA - I think Norfolk's bus fee is quite fair. A friend lives in Lexington - their bus fee this year is $550 - with no family cap, and school lunches are up to $3.75!!
    - PB

  • 8/4 11:54am   JW. I am just wondering why you would have to write about Jane & Paul's when you plan on buying your produce elsewhere. Just go somewhere else and not give a great business bad publicity. You say that you have been buying from them for years and you had one bad experience so that justifies the criticism? Maybe they were having an off day; most places do. I think that you should have kept your comments to yourself. We need local businesses like them and I won't buy anywhere else.
    - BK

  • 8/4 11:53am   HF, I believe Franklin started at $180 ($1 per day of the school year).
    - LMM

  • 8/3 10:22pm   SM and AP, Thanks for the suggestions about karate classes. I will check them both out!
    - KT

  • 8/3 9:33pm   In talking with people it has been reported that Comcast cable reception is breaking up . . . Anybody have further data? There seem to be enough customers to make the observation justifiable. Any word from Comcast or does someone have a good number? Thanks,
    - JO

  • 8/3 9:02pm   I'm guessing the Franklin fee did not start at $325. Norfolk may be starting at $90, but I'm sure it will continue to go up as the years go on. I'm actually ok with the fee at this point. It is a reasonable amount to ask of families.
    - HF

  • 8/3 5:23pm   TA: Bus fee in Franklin is $325.00/child with a family cap of $975.00. In comparison, Norfolk is a bargain.
    - LMM

  • 8/3 5:22pm   TA: I think the $90.00 bus fee was a reasonable choice. This way, those who actually use the bus system are impacted, while others, such as those without children and seniors, get a break, so to speak. I live four minutes from the Freeman School, and it will still be cheaper to pay the bus fee, rather than start up the car and drive my son to school. I also like the way the new superintendent, Don LeClerc, has stepped into a challenging situation with the budget, and made it a priority to keep the two school librarians. Since this fee will help keep the library program, it is well worth it.
    - CR

  • 8/3 2:03pm   TA: Extraordinarily fair.
    - JN

  • 8/3 1:52pm   I am curious on other peoples thoughts on the bus fee of $90 recently apporved to bus kids to school.
    - TA

  • 8/3 8:49am   SD: The new kittens need a few weeks before they are visited. It's better to have them health checked/vaccinated before they are handled by those that are not vaccinated for rabies and to make sure that they do not have something that could be transmitted to everyone's pets through general contact.
    On top of that we are working hard to get the animal room finished and open so that everyone has their own area to hang out in. Currently we have the room framed, sheet rocked and plastered. I hope to have the flooring and the painting done within the week if the humidity dies down.
    I believe (not sure all went through on publishing) that our web site is now updated and on the main page at the bottom there should be pictures of the project and how it's coming along, and on the animals for adoption page there are pictures of the new litter along with the three month old kittens that she had and were trapped.
    DWL: Yes, Verizon tried to share/fix remotely our computer as well and that is when they acknowledged there was a bigger problem. They had to send a tech out to fix something on the street. Our DSL has been fine again along with our web publishing.
    LAW: "Freeda" had a total of nine kittens but three were not viable. So far she's been a fantastic mom. If you can hold off on trapping the male cat until the week of August 25th that would be great. The next STOP clinic is on the 27th of August.
    If anyone has a cat that needs to be spay/neutered there is a mobile clinic called STOP (Stop The Overpopulation of Pets). They are coming to the Medfield shelter on the 27th of August. You have to sign up through the Medfield Animal Shelter. The price for vaccination/testing/altering is usually $100.00 or less per cat, making it an affordable alternative for many pet owners in today's tight financial times.
    Sincerely,
    - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control www.norfolkanimalcontrol.net

  • 8/2 10:08pm   ACO Hilary - thank you so much for tending to "Freeda"; how many kittens are there? Looks to be six or seven. I believe that nasty black and white cat is the culprit father, and on rare occasions I spy him down in the swamp. I believe he's been spied on Baltimore, so he probably lives around the power lines. We'll see if we can trap him. We haven't seen any sign of Freeda's third, prior kitten. It looked just like the other two.
    - LAW

  • 8/2 10:07pm   NS, We finally fixed it when we asked the Verizon support tech to share the computer. They literally fix it as they go onto you computer. Next time tell them that you want to share and it will be resolved a lot quicker. Ours is working today as well.
    - DWL

  • 8/2 3:04pm   DWL - I called them as well (that's an adventure unto itself) and got the same response as you. Today seems far better, so let's hope they fixed something. I had same symptoms as you; by the way, we are near the KP Middle School.
    - NS

  • 8/2 3:03pm   Hilary - if we are interested in the kittens, when can they be seen? Thanks,
    - SD

  • 8/2 3:02pm   The Verizon issues are related to contract negotiations and possible strike starting tonight. Some of the geniuses in the unions believe that driving customers away from Verizon will improve their long term job prospects.
    - AL

  • 8/1 10:50pm   I have called verizon and they claim there is no problem in the area yet my internet keeps going on an off and I am having difficulty accessing websites??
    - DWL

  • 8/1 5:02pm   our verizon dsl has been acting very poorly the last few days. I have also found that I cannot publish updates on the animal control website which is hosted by verizon.. In the meantime here's a picture of new arrivals that will be available for adoption in 7 weeks if all goes well.
    - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control

  • 8/1 5:01pm   BK. Can you please have your friend contact me on Monday morning in regards to your comment of the man releasing the rabbits at the prison? Thank you.
    - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control, 508 528 3232

  • 8/1 12:55pm   KMM - Brenden Kierce Roofing he did my roof and one of my neighbors'. Best pricing, very neat and the clean up was outstanding (have yet to find a nail).
    - MG

  • 8/1 12:54pm   Looking for two tickets for Farm Aid on Septmber 20. Want actual seats, not on the lawn. If anyone is looking to sell some tickets, you can reach me at apcpest@comcast.net. Thanks in advance.
    - EMG

  • 8/1 12:53pm   To PRR: Try Premiere Electric out of Millis. Trust me he is wonderful and honest.
    - DH

  • 8/1 9:02am   My Verizon DSL has also been very slow lately as well. I think its their way of getting us to upgrade to FiOS.
    - DC

  • 8/1 9:01am   2 Springsteen tickets for Saturday August 2nd at Gilette Stadium. Great seats, section 128. Will sell for face value, $115 each. Please call 508-367-8086 or email me through Wm. Thanks. [You can use box132@norfolknet.com - Wm.]
    - JL

  • 8/1 8:59am   Couldn't get on a few days ago and very intermittent now.
    - DWL

    [Same here - Wm.]

  • 8/1 8:56am   There are several shelters that do a fine job of ensuring safe indoor homes for rabbits once they are spayed and neutered. I just saw a nice article about 2 rabbits for adoption at the Medfield Animal shelter - 2 strays that were caught and gotten to a safe haven. That person that released the rabbits should be prosecuted for doing so. I will see if I can try to get the white one. Chances are the other was killed by wildlife (foxes/hawks, etc). Very, very sad. I know that our ACO has tried to catch them on numerous occasions. They are very fearful of most anything until they sense otherwise because they are prey animals. Thanks for the info on location.
    To LLB - Did you mean that they are in the cluster of bushes after turning left onto Main Street across from the prison? Love the poison ivy there (to which I am highly allergic)! Thanks for the info.
    - EF

  • 7/31 11:05pm   Just wondering if any others are having trouble with their Verizon DSL connection timing out in and/or connection speeds very slow and intermittent? Thanks in advance!
    - NS

    [DSL at our house was very bad a couple of days ago, but is back to normal. It was so bad that we couldn't get on-line at all - Wm.]

  • 7/31 9:43pm   I saw the white bunny today at 4pm and then again at 5pm in front of the bush. I didn't see any sign of the black one.
    - KR

  • 7/31 9:42pm   Will all the town organizations who are live or being taped please place a sign with the name of the group and the date of the meeting on one of the tables.
    - HM

  • 7/31 9:40pm   PRR: Try Gerry at ADL Electrical Service at 508-528-1726. He is [...] right here in Norfolk!
    - DM

  • 7/31 9:39pm   About the rabbits near the prison. A friend of mine told me her friend saw a man releasing three or four rabbits about two weeks or so ago in the grass near the prison. I don't think they are wild, I think they were pets. How sad that someone would do that instead of taking them to a pet shelter.
    - BK

  • 7/31 2:22pm   Congratulations to Norfolk's 9U Hock champions, you had an amazing season and made our town proud. And thank you to the coaches for all your hard work!
    - AD

  • 7/31 2:21pm   EF - fyi...the white rabbit was spotted again today at about 11:30a right in front of the bushes it lives in. Head South on Main Street, heading toward Walpole and when you see the prison on your right, bear left continuing on Main Street and the rabbit is living right there on the right hand side, right after you bear right. Hope this helps.
    - LLB

  • 7/31 2:20pm   Good Afternoon, We recently moved to Norfolk and are looking for a local roofer to give us an estimate. Can anyone help me? Thank you,
    - KMM

  • 7/31 2:19pm   Thank you JL! It's always best to tell people you are older than you are and then instead of being shocked by how old you look, they say, "My, she looks amazing for her age." Seriously though, my secret is the fabulous water here in town. It's therapeutic really.
    - MJD

  • 7/31 2:18pm   Hello, Can anyone recommend an insured and bonded electrician... we have a few jobs that need doing and want to find someone who is efficient, honest and reputable! Thank you,
    - PRR

  • 7/31 2:17pm   KT - Please check into Craig Lowe's Kenpo Karate Studio right here in the center of our town. I cannot recommend him highly enough. He will do for your son exactly what it sounds like you are looking for - build confidence and skills. My children have been taking karate there since last September and I've watched them grow and gain self confidence in their abilities. I've seen Craig interact with and teach children (and adults too) of various ages, personalities and skills. He is kind, extremely patient, and terrific at building up the confidence level of all his students. Craig teaches all the classes himself. He also has a studio in Norwood, so his Norfolk schedule can be limited, but if you can work with the days and times he offers, you won't be disappointed. We are fortunate to have him in our town. Best of luck in your search!
    - SM

  • 7/31 2:16pm   Can anyone recommend a mobile groomer?
    Anyone have any idea what is going on on Pine Street acroos from Fore Kicks? I see the lot has been cleared.
    - PRB

  • 7/31 8:17am   Happy 70th MJD - if fact, MJD doesn't look a day over 65 years old.
    - JL

  • 7/31 12:54am   We have had a wonderful experience with Personal Best Karate in Foxboro. They have a great program that focuses on physical health and confidence. Our son has been there for over a year and just loves it. www.personalbestkarate.com. (508) 543-1858.
    - AP

  • 7/31 12:38am   Multi-family yard sale on Sat, August 1st. 8am - 2pm at 36 Noon Hill Avenue [see the Notice Board for details]
    - BP

  • 7/30 6:05pm   This past weekend, likely on Saturday night, one or more individuals broke into the concession stands run by the children's athletic leagues at the Freeman Centennial School fields. Money was stolen, and various amounts of damage done to doors, locks, jambs etc.
    It's hard to believe that there are bad people that would break in and steal money benefitting Little Leaguers and other children of Norfolk. While it wasn't a whole lot of money that was stolen, basically proceeds from that day's sale of concessions, various buildings were damaged and will need to repaired by good people donating their time and effort. Reports have been filed with the Norfolk Police Department. They have increased their patrols in the area and are investigating the break-ins. If you happened to see or notice anything unusual at the Freeman or around any of the concession stands last weekend, please contact the Norfolk Police Department at (508) 528-3206. Your help is very much appreciated. Thank you very much.
    - DL

  • 7/30 5:58pm   Can anyone recommend a good place to take karate lessons for a 6 year old boy? My son is interested and I'm looking for a karate school that will build confidence as well as skills. Thanks!
    - KT

    [see also the post of 7/15 3:02pm below and the replies - Wm.]

  • 7/30 1:17pm   We need replacement gutters. Can anyone recommend a local person? I have plants growing in some of the gutter (not good). Thanks,
    - KL

  • 7/30 1:16pm   DB - Barbara Siegel in Medway tunes my piano and I ahve been very happy. Her price was very reasonable and you should hear her play! Her number is 508-533-3873.
    - MJD

  • 7/30 1:15pm   Does anyone have a recommendation for a dentist? The dentists listed in the excel table have either moved or are not covered by my insurance. Thank you.
    - APL

  • 7/30 11:12am   DB... We have had our piano tuned by a young man who works for Avery Piano in Providence. He services this area. Though we haven't had it done in a couple of years, I think last time it was in the range of $200.00.
    - JHR

  • 7/30 11:11am   The Saturday Club Playgroup for working parents of young children will be meeting at Kid's Place Playground this Saturday. For more details, please see www.saturdayclubplaygroups.com. Happy Summer Everyone!
    - KID

  • 7/30 11:10am   JW - I was surprised by your comment on Jane & Paul's Farm. Was that the first time you'd been there, or the first time you'd been disappointed by them? Did you consider returning the unsatisfactory vegetables? I think Jane would have been very fair with you. I really like them, relish their produce and can't imagine slack practices for profit. They are good folks who know their business and work hard - look at their faces, their hands - not those of rubes or thieves. Quality control is not a guarantee of perfection, to my way of thinking, and the supermarket has certainly provided me with its fair share of imperfection. I think local freshness is well worth the risk. Please try them again.
    - SO

  • 7/30 8:40am   MJD -- wherever you choose, think about having Roche Bros. cater. I was astounded how good their food was at a birthday party I went to. They deliver, all you need to do is bring back some of their equipment next day. Very reasonable!
    - LJK

  • 7/30 8:39am   MJD, The knights of columbus hall in Franklin (rte 140) is actually very nice, don't let the outside fool you. It is cheap and you can bring your own food, and they have a bar. You can poke your head in anytime you see cars outside.
    - AD

  • 7/30 8:38am   MJD - you might look into the VFW , Village, St Millis, or the Legion Hall in Medway. I know that they 'rent' out for private functions. You would be able to serve alcohol. You can't at any municipal facility. Years and years ago, we rented the Dover Legion for our wedding reception, with the families providing the food etc.
    - LAW

  • 7/29 11:34pm   EF and JGP. Glad to know I'm not the only one who saw them and who thought they may be pet rabbits. They have been staying in the bushes on Main Street on the right hand side if you are heading toward Walpole. Main Street bears left right as you see the prison on your right (do not continue straight as it becomes Clark St). Once you bear left, the rabbits are on the right side usually either in front of the bushes or hiding in the bushes. These bushes are located right after you bear left on Main Street and right before that little bridge that JGP mentions.
    - LLB

  • 7/29 9:53pm   CR - Thanks for the great idea but I forgot to mention that I would like to serve adult beverages and a town Sr. Center is a public building. I don't think that they can serve alcohol. Any other thoughts?
    - MJD

  • 7/29 9:10pm   JW - If your intention was to ensure Jane and Paul heard of your experience, I would suggest going back to them directly. I am sure they would have remedied the situation for you and would have appreciated that course of action rather than the "bad press".
    - SL

  • 7/29 8:21pm   MJD: The new Medfield Senior Center would be a nice place to rent for a 70th birthday party. It's on Ice House Road in Medfield. A reasonably priced caterer is Primavera. Check out some of their catering deals; I don't know how they can do it for the price (chicken parm, etc). Good luck!
    - CR

  • 7/29 8:19pm   I said I had a bad experience at Jane and Paul's. For whatever reason, I bought at their farm stand 4 cukes that were old. 6 ears of corn that were inedible. If Jane and Paul's sees or hears of my experience, they might take more care to make sure the produce they have out at any given time is of the freshest quality. I have frequented their stand for years, I never peel back the corn to take a look see as that takes away some of the freshness of that ear. I only buy enough corn to use that day.
    I want fresh fruit and vegetables in the summer and buy locally. I did not get it that day. I said also that the green beans were good and should have mentioned that the tomatoes were good.
    - JW

  • 7/29 4:31pm   PFD: You can try Soares Sanitation in Taunton (508) 676-8114. They have a truck that should be able clean out whatever you have. They also have excavation equipment if necessary. It is important to let them know beforehand what you want to do with the material that is removed. I will tell you up front that they are not cheap.
    - AB

  • 7/29 4:30pm   I would like to rent a space for a 70th birthday party in September or October. I will have fewer than 50 people so it does not have to be a huge space. We would like to do the food ourselves but would consider a place that uses a resonably-priced caterer. Would prefer a casual environment. Any suggestions?
    - MJD

  • 7/29 1:34pm   JW... Not only do I hate to read of the griping of people on the Net so often, but I hate to read the badmouthing of businesses in town. People are trying very hard to run a business of one kind or another and we all know that is not easy in this economy. But to criticise Jane and Paul's Farm due to one cuke and a couple ears of corn sounds plain cruel to me. One small remark can do pounds and pounds of trouble to someone trying to make a living. Let's enjoy the lovely place where we live and be thankful for our neighbors. Go elsewhere to shop if you must, but keep it to yourself, please.
    - JHR

  • 7/29 1:33pm   I have a drain (man-hole cover on top) in my driveway that I need to have "cleaned" out and possibly made deeper. Does anyone know who I could call to do that? Thank you.
    - PFD

  • 7/29 1:32pm   Does anyone have any suggestions for a piano tuner? We have an older upright piano and have never had it tuned. Any estimate on what it should cost?
    - DB

  • 7/29 1:31pm   JW - my husband's family are what I call "corn snobs." We had them over for a cookout this week and had Jane and Paul's corn. It was delicious and got favorable reviews from all.
    - LJK

  • 7/29 11:27am   To RC: Main Street Hardware right here in Norfolk has someone who sharpens tools (if he's still around). I'm not certain whether he does mower blades, but he's sharpened my ax a number of times.
    - TEM

  • 7/29 10:57am   Is there a business in the area that sharpens items from knives to Lawnmower blades and edgers?
    - RC

  • 7/29 10:56am   JW - That's strange, I just picked up some great corn at Jane & Paul's. I also got gorgeous, delicious tomatoes, perfect green beans and some lovely beets. I have enjoyed the produce I have bought at Gump's this year as well. Take it easy on our local farms will you, I hope that we will have them here for many years to come, they are part of what makes our town so unique.
    - MJD

  • 7/29 10:55am   I did see those 2 bunnies the other day on my way to work. I thought it was strange that one was so white and the other like coffee. They were located in the grass by the little bridge across the street from the prison.
    - JGP

  • 7/29 10:54am   Can you give a better landmark for the stray rabbits?
    - EF

  • 7/29 8:40am   JMF, the article on carpenter bees was in the July 2008 issue of Country's Best Log Homes. There is a website listed for more info; [page link]. The insecticides that they reccomend are something called pyrethroid... or bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin and permathrin. It states that most exterminators use a brand of chemical called Demand CS and it can be purchased as a concentrate that makes 40 gallons of solution for 6o dollars. It may be a less expensive route. Pesticides with stomach poisons are useless against carpenter bees because they don't actually eat the wood!
    If you would like to read the article and you cant find it online, you can contact me through the webmaster [You can use box131@norfolknet.com - Wm.] and I will be happy to get a copy to you!
    - MW

  • 7/29 8:39am   To LLB - we took a run out to see if we could locate the buns that someone likely set free. No luck--was not even sure we were looking in the right location. What a shame that people don't educate themselves about these domesticated animals and spay/neuter as they would a dog or a cat and keep them inside where they are safe from the threat of predators. Rabbits are awesome pets--loads of fun if kept indoors and cared for properly. I am hoping that they have been safely rounded up by someone. Please let me know if you see them again and give me some landmarks so I know which bushes they might be in. Thanks...
    - EF

  • 7/29 8:38am   I have to write in and say, I went to Jane and Paul's last Tues. or Wed. and got cukes, corn, green beans and tomatoes. When you buy a fresh cuke it should snap open if bent. Not only didn't these cukes snap, I had a hard time cutting through the skin. Talk about tough. Inside the cuke there was a hole straight thru the center. It was about the worst cuke I have had in years. The corn was awful, tender maybe but certainly not flavorful, it was inedible. The green beans were good. I was so surprised that Jane and Paul's would sell such inferior produce. The cukes were $.75 each the corn $.65 an ear. Nearly $7.00 thrown away. I will go elsewhere for my summer produce this year.
    - JW

  • 7/28 2:53pm   JMF - I have a lot of experience with log homes. We are currently building one in NH. I also grew up in one in WA state that my dad built with logs off of our property...
    Welcome to New England! In this climate I would recommend going with a cedar log home. If you already have committed to pine, make sure that you research sealer products and treatments. You will most likely need to install a bait system along your foundation. We use APC out of Medfield. Very good service... and we are pain in the neck customers. They are very willing to stand by their services. Carpenter bees are a nuisance in my brother's log home, he lives in this area. The key is to seal with wood with as many coats as you can of clearcoat; supposedly they like soft wood. I just read a great article in Log Home Living on this very topic. I will try to find it for you.
    - MW

  • 7/28 11:00am   Hi everyone - click on the wildflower photo in the top right corner - you'll find a surprise!
    - SO

  • 7/28 10:50am   Have you always wanted to tell the world about Norfolknet, but were never asked? Well, here's your chance! :-)
    I am a Boston Globe reporter looking to interview people who have posted or regularly post on Norfolknet. Our story focuses on the unique ability of a local list serv like this to bring people together; I'm interested in talking with folks who have logged on either to discuss issues of the day, or sought or offered help with sharing references and services.

    Please email me with a phone number.

    Thanks!

    Michele Morgan Bolton
    mmbolton1@verizon.net

    - Wm.

    [Update 7/29 8:48am: Michele will be interviewing readers who've written her through this week, so it's not too late get in touch - Wm.]

  • 7/28 10:47am   I know this question has been asked before, but does anybody know whats going on with the webcam? It hasn't been up for a couple of weeks now.
    - GLZ

  • 7/27 10:57pm   For the past week we have seen 2 rabbits that look like pet rabbits. One is white and one is black. They have taken up residence on Main Street, heading toward Walpole, right where Main Street bears left, they are on the right hand side in those bushes. I don't know if someone lost them or let them go. Just thought I'd pass it on just in case someone is missing their pet rabbits.
    - LLB

  • 7/27 12:50pm   Norfolk's Dunkin' Donuts DARE to Run 5K Road Race and Walk set for Sunday, September 21, 2008.
    Join runners and walkers of all ages in the 4th Annual Norfolk Dunkin' Donuts DARE to Run 5K Road Race and Walk & Kids' 1K Fun Run on Sunday, September 21, 2008 in Norfolk, Massachusetts. The Fun Run will take place at 9:30 AM and the 5K will start at 10:00 AM. Registrations now being accepted - visit the website at www.norfolkdare2run.com. All proceeds will benefit the Norfolk Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program.
    The 5K course will be USTAF Certified and professionally timed. While the race will feature some of the best local runners, runners and walkers of all abilities are encouraged to participate in this fun family event. There will be a post race party with food and music for all.
    Free T-shirts to the first 100 pre-registered entries. Awards to the top three finishers in eight different age categories. There will also be special awards to the top boy and girl Norfolk DARE students and the top Norfolk school staff member. Also a special award to top law enforcement. All Fun Run participants will receive a metal.
    For more information, contact Craig K., Race Director, at 508.520.0163 or email dare2run@verizon.net
    - HK

  • 7/27 12:49pm   The Southeastern Community Concert Band will be playing in two area towns this coming week: Choate Park, Medway, Monday, July 28th, and Foxboro, Town Common, on Thursday, July 31st. Both concerts start at 7:00 p.m. The band will be playing a nice variety of music, so come and enjoy!
    - CR

  • 7/25 11:57pm   Huge yard sale tomorrow (Saturday) 3 Fox Hill Lane. Toys, candels, picture frames, silk flower arrangements, clothing: Teen, Hollister, Abercrombie, women's, girls' 10 speed bike, men's 10 speed bike, pocketbooks, rollerblades, bedspread n-64 games, playstation games, rack razor. Even something for Grandma and Grandpa. Huge assortment of Depends, plus much more. 9-2 3 Fox Hill Lane.
    - DH

  • 7/25 6:23pm   MA: Try Patriot Appliance at 508.384.2911 to repair your dishwasher. He is an independent service person whom I have used in the past. He is reliable, honest and doesn't have a huge overhead so his costs are more reasonable. Good luck!
    - MHC

  • 7/25 6:22pm   Hi there - We have 2 extra seats to the Kenny Chesney Country Festival for tomorrow ( Keith Urban, Le Ann Rhymes ad someone else? ). Section 136 Row 24 Seats 15 & 16 if anyone is interested. We paid 104.50 per tix plus all those other charges, but will sell for 200.00 for both. Anyone interested please call me @ 774.571.9143. You can pick them up here in Norfolk tonight or first thing in the morning. Concert starts @ 4pm. Thanks,
    - LB

  • 7/25 12:41pm   Grounds for Divorce, featuring Norfolk residents Steve Claypoole, Ed Freedman, Dennis Healy, and Salem resident Gifford Campbell, will be playing a Town Hill Concert on Thursday, July 31, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Great rock 'n roll music (not Oldies, as it says on the Recreation Department flier). Don't miss it!
    - GFD Groupie (TC)

  • 7/25 8:15am   I am missing a wrought iron table and two chairs from my yard. This set was a gift to my mom who passed away last year so it was very sentimental to me. Thanks
    - MM

  • 7/24 9:01pm   NB - That sounds just like what we are looking for. Will give them a call - thanks!
    - JMF

  • 7/24 9:00pm   I have a drain (man-hole cover) in my driveway that I need to have "cleaned" out and possibly made deeper. Does anyone know who I could call to do that? Thank you.
    - PFD

  • 7/24 8:59pm   Can anyone recommend a reliable and cheap dishwasher repair service? Thanx!
    - MA

  • 7/24 8:58pm   Ironically after all that underground water sprinkler chatter... I drove by the library this morning in the middle of a downpour and the water sprinklers were on!!
    - SM

  • 7/24 4:19pm   I have one single ticket available for the Red Sox/Yankee game this Saturday July 26 at 3:55. Loge Box Section 27 Box 152... face value plus the ticket handling $90 +$6 = $96. Please call Nancy 508-528-9787
    - NW

  • 7/24 1:26pm   Last call for chocolate lovers! A chocolate tasting for adults is being held tonight from 6:30-7:35 p.m. at the Norfolk Library. We'll do a blind taste-test of several kinds of milk and dark chocolates and discuss our findings. This event is free and sponsored by the Friends of the Library. To sign up, call the Circulation Desk at 508-528-3380.
    - Heather Pisani-Kristl, Associate Library Director

  • 7/23 5:34pm   JMF, We have had to deal with both carpenter ants and termites here in Norfolk. We used D&T Pest and Termite Control (888-828-4633) in Westwood and have not seen these pests since. D&T does a termite inspection every year since we first had the problem and we haven't had to re-spray. Good luck,
    - NB

  • 7/23 5:33pm   Thank you DWL and MM for the recommendations on local businesses to find trim/moldings!!
    - BHS

  • 7/23 4:04pm   The weather looks great for this Sunday and there are still spaces open so call Tara at Stony brook and book a family portrait or a portrait of just the kids! The phone # is 508-528-3140
    - DV

  • 7/23 4:03pm   The Norfolk American Legion Baseball team lost its game Tuesday night to Weymouth 6 - 5. WDIS in Norfolk sent announcers to the game and it was recorded for play Wednesday beginning at 5:40 PM. People can listen on the radio at 1170-AM or by going to the website www.wdisam.com and click listen live.
    - DC, WDIS AM

  • 7/23 4:01pm   This arrived this morning...
    We have a story running in the Sunday paper about cuts and/or potential new fees the Norfolk School Committee plans to look at next week to make up the $148,000 shortfall. I need to speak with someone today who voted against the override to get an idea of what people are up against financially, with taxes, bills, the economy, fuel and food costs going up etc., or maybe someone who just didn't want to pay more taxes. Can you direct me toward someone, or post my message so someone could contact me?? I need to find someone in the enxt few hours max. THANKS!!

    - Morgan Bolton, mmbolton1@verizon.net

  • 7/23 4:00pm   We needed to have our garage doors replaced and after doing some initial product and price comparisons at the local home improvement stores and calling several local installers recommended on Norfolknet we went with Pioneer Garage Doors, Walpole, MA (TEL: 508-668-8136). We are very happy with our choice. Steve (owner) is very knowledgeable, does great work at a fair price and makes sure everything is completed to his high standards and your satisfaction. Therefore, if you need garage doors installed or repaired, and/or have garage door openers installed or repaired I would highly recommend you give him a call.
    - MO

  • 7/22 11:10pm   Two precious Black kittens need homes! Two young male unneutered kitties have taken up residence on Stop River Rd. We are certain they were raised indoors and then were dumped by someone last week because a) they both appeared one day out of the blue b) there are two of them, c) they keep tring to get indoors d) when brought into the garage overnight during the thunderstorms the other day they used a litter box that was provided for them! These kitties are very very people friendly and lovey-dovey - love to be petted, etc. They are not aloof in any way and need a family. Great with kids and seem mostly indifferent to the resident collie. Beautiful shiny black coats, not a mark on them.
    Please consider adopting them. The household that is caring for them outdoors has an adult member of the household who is very allergic to cats. We just lost a feline family member a few months ago and simply cannot make a committment to another pet(s) just now. Call me at home for more informaiton.
    Beth V, 508-528-7893
    - BV

  • 7/22 9:14pm   Hi JN, Try Crystal Pump in Norfolk on Myrtle Street; very reasonable.
    - RS

  • 7/22 9:12pm   On 7/22 at 10:32am, KDL asked, "...anyone know what happened at the Southwood campus auction??".
    According to the news articles, it didn't go too well. Click here... [Sun Chronicle article]
    - RP

  • 7/22 9:11pm   KDL - Caritas Southwood Auction was a bust. No offer came in over $2 million. Result, still unsold and will most likely stay that way for a long time. [Daily News Transcript article]
    - LS

  • 7/22 9:10pm   To DN: I would recommend October Farm in Wrentham. www.octfarm.com. It's a beautiful facility and the instructors are very good.
    - EC

  • 7/22 8:53pm   Folks, we're building a log home in Norfolk and have started to notice insects on the construction site that resemble the carpenter ants I grew up with in the Pacific Northwest. Would anyone be able to tell us A) what wood-eating insects inhabit this area, and B) has anyone had success with any local pest control companies that target wood-eating insects?
    Appreciate your help in advance,
    - JMF

    [From having observed them in the back yard, I know of carpenter ants, carpenter bees, and termites. I thought termites wouldn't over-winter this far north, but these must be the hardy New England variety. - Wm.]

  • 7/22 8:52pm   KDL, you asked....
    Hmmmm - CVS in Wrentham, Walgreens in Foxboro, another in Franklin, a major life sciences complex going up in Burlington - anyone know what happened at the Southwood campus auction??
    The auction was held, with little participation, last week. The property owners were looking for $3.5M, but the high bid was only $2M. They now need to decide whether to take the money and run, or set another auction date to see if they can do better. As parts of the land have environmental issues, it's unlikely that they'll do any better.
    How does a town find out about these decisions or get involved in them? We have the space, we have the need. What committee looks at this stuff. I would like to learn and get involved.
    As land planning and development are controlled by zoning bylaws, at the least, towns will be in receipt of notification of intent from developers seeking to do their thing on a piece of land. Towns sometimes have Master Planning Committees ort Long Range Planning Committees that attend to the view years down the line. They make suggestions to town officials and residents on how zoning and land planning might work best together in a community to achieve whatever goals the town have. For development and land use. Zoning Boards of Appeals and Planning Boards attend to proposals for development received by a town from developers seeking to build. Their job is to insure that development adheres to current Zoning Bylaws and Master Plans. The Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Boards in town are said to have openings for interested residents.
    Ideas - approach Eaton's Apothecary to come into town, approach at Dave's Marketplace (small markets in RI). Someone call Patriot Development and tell them about the Southwood campus - they haven't bought land yet.
    Development of privately owned land will be accomplished by developers. The town doesn't get involved in that other than to administer town bylaws. Ideas for development that town residents might have can always be expressed to the Selectmen and other boards, but those town officials will have little to do with deciding what to build... only does it conform to town bylaws. Private developers will do the actual planning and marketing, but the good ones will have their ears open to hear what town needs are.
    Who does this stuff??
    Hope that offers up some explanation of how things happen.
    - TRK

  • 7/22 8:51pm   Anyone interested in climate change and what kind of local actions may be taken to reduce our reliance on foreign energy sources, encourage more use of renewable resources and live more sustainably, are welcome to the July meeting of the Franklin Area Climate Team (F.A.C.T) on Wednesday night (7/23) at 7:00pm at the First Universalist Society of Franklin (FUSF - fusf.org) at 262 Chestnut Street in Franklin. The group is new and is beginning to develop programs for the coming year. All are welcome!
    - RG

  • 7/22 8:50pm   Story:
    Norfolk hospital property unsold
    $2 million bid at auction not enough

    When auctioneer Justin Manning tried to start the bidding for the former Caritas Southwood Hospital in Norfolk at $10 million, a chuckle went through the audience.

    When he asked for $5 million, there was just silence.

    For more of this story, click on or type the URL below: [Sun Chronicle article]

    - JM

  • 7/22 10:35am   PRR - Jaime at Acorn grooms our cat BuddyO. He gets a lion cut once a year. She does fantastic work and as you can imagine, a long-haired 17 pound cat must be harder to groom than dogs. Come by and see him - he looks as handsome as ever!
    - JLH

  • 7/22 10:32am   Hmmmm - CVS in Wrentham, Walgreens in Foxboro, another in Franklin, a major life sciences complex going up in Burlington - anyone know what happened at the Southwood campus auction??
    How does a town find out about these decisions or get involved in them? We have the space, we have the need. What committee looks at this stuff. I would like to learn and get involved.
    Ideas - approach Eaton's Apothecary to come into town, approach at Dave's Marketplace (small markets in RI). Someone call Patriot Development and tell them about the Southwood campus - they haven't bought land yet.
    Who does this stuff??
    - KDL

  • 7/22 8:21am   Looks like we may need a new pump for our well. Does anyone have a good recommendation?
    - JN

  • 7/21 9:39pm   Regarding in-ground sprinklers - There are 2 reasons why they were prohibited a few years back. As their price went down and they became more popular the demand on our undersized town water supply just could not keep up. I recall times that my own town water pressure would be noticeably lower on hot dry days. At that time the town only had one storage tank in the center of town and officials worried, rightly so, that if there were a fire in town there would not be enough pressure for the hydrants. There have been big fires. In the 80's a freight train came thru town spitting out hot fuel which ignited from Walpole to Franklin on both sides of the track. Quite a busy time for the NFD and scary for people that lived near the tracks
    The second reason is if the sprinkler backflow preventer were to fail or even worse not be installed, water that is in the sprinkler lines could be sucked back into the public water pipes. These lines, of course, are underground and if there were any flaws in the system lawn chemicals (bug killers, weed killers, fertilizers) could be drawn back into your household water and that of other water takers.
    I would love to have a nice green lawn but it is too expensive to water. In this hot weather just let it go dormant. Toward the middle of August it gets cooler and they come right back provided you've fertilized and put down grub control. Over the years I have reduced my lawn area with planting beds. We've planted drought resistant plants and shrubs and it looks fine. I just figure my lawn looks ok in the spring and fall and I can handle having it a little brown in July. Plus I don't have to mow it as much.
    - RJP

  • 7/21 9:33pm   Vans Millwork is where we got all our decorative molding/trim for our house.
    - DWL

  • 7/21 2:47pm   Since we were talking about burners and such - here is a picture of wall mounted Buderus propane fired condensing boiler. It is 94-96% efficient. It is a direct vent with exterior make up air intake (the two plastic pipes). The boiler uses a modulating flame setup where the flame output will vary from 65,000 BTUs up to 144,000 BTU output. My boiler at home is 122,000 BTU and this unit is about one quarter of the size.
    - AB

  • 7/21 2:45pm   BHS - Van Lumber in Bellingham. I think they are on S. Maple. They have all kinds of trim and moldings. Hope that helps.
    - MM

  • 7/21 2:45pm   PRR - Radishman!! I love it. Here's one for you - from Jane & Paul's last summer. I will definitely come to your show.
    - SO

  • 7/21 2:43pm   LS, You state that your father-in-law has an Energy Kenetics System 2000. I am researching replacing my 21 year old oil-fired FHW system with 5 zones with a System 2000 system and had a few questions. Do you know what his fuel savings and current usage are, his house size in sq ft, maintenance costs or frequency or repairs, how long he has had the system and would he recommend it.
    Thanks in advance for you help in researching the System 2000.
    - DXJ

  • 7/21 8:56am   RH - Chapter 101 of the Acts of 2004 which created the DPW vests all powers of the Board of Water Commissioners in the Board of Selectmen. ([mass.gov link])
    - RG

  • 7/21 8:50am   Twilight Beach: Summer's midpoint!
    - PRR

  • 7/20 11:26pm   Hello - We are new to town and in search of a store that sells nice door and window moldings. We have purchased many moldings at Anderson McQuaid in Cambridge. Looking for similar store in the area. Thanks.
    - BHS

  • 7/20 6:32pm   To All: It seems that most people's rain sensors don't work. This is easy to see when you drive around town during a storm or just after it has just rained. You will see many of the irrigations systems watering away. Some people even have it water every day, and some multiple times a day. This is a waste of electricity, and water from our precious aquifer that we all (as there is no such thing as a "private aquifer," just "private wells") use. Though their lawns look great; so there is some benefit for the rest of the town. Happy summer!
    - JPRW

  • 7/20 6:31pm   SM: The bylaw is not clear about what constitutes an ``automatic'' sprinkler system, but it would seem to me that most ``automatic'' systems are underground, professionally installed irrigation systems. The town would not be able to tell if you are manually turning on and off the system or if a timer is doing it. If you are so concerned about your water usage from your hose, perhaps you could set a timer that goes off after a certain time to remind yourself to shut it off.
    Thanks for bringing this particular bylaw to my attention; we will review it at our next Bylaws Review committee meeting.
    Regards,
    - Janice Nelson, Bylaws Review Committee, Chair

  • 7/20 6:30pm   My son just got back from camp and was bitten by the horseback riding bug! Any suggestions on stables in the area?
    - DN

  • 7/20 6:29pm   Can anyone recommend a good, local piano teacher for adults? Thank you.
    - DD

  • 7/20 11:44am   JN, Thank you... my mistake, I should have mentioned that we don't have a well and we weren't planning on getting one. I don't know what the cost is to put a well in, but I'm sure it is a lot of money. I wanted to see if we could get a sprinkler installed using the town water if we manually turned it on and off... but is sounds like it is not allowed for whatever reason. I probably use more town water using our hose and sprinklers than if we had a sprinkler system. That by-law makes absolutely no sense to me.
    But thank you for everyone who replied!
    - SM

  • 7/20 11:43am   RH... Thanks for the information on the DVD on Peter Tileston and his career at KP. Our daughter and son went through his program, beginning about the time your son ended, I think. Peter has been a great gift to our school system. Unfortunately, we do not have cable so will not be able to see it tomorrow. Perhaps the DVD will be available at the library.
    - JHR

  • 7/19 9:41pm   SM: We have an automatic sprinkler system. It is allowed in Norfolk; ours utilizes a private well especially for that purpose. You do not have to manually turn it on and off. The irrigation company shows you how to set it up. We also have a rain sensor so that if it raining it will not turn on automatically.
    That particular bylaw states it should not be hooked up to the Town of Norfolk water supply. You can have your own private well dug for that purpose. There are many homes with automatic irrigation systems in Norfolk.
    - JN

  • 7/19 8:23pm   AL - Thank you for posting the by-laws re: the sprinkler system. I'm still wondering though, because this is where I have been hearing different things - it says "automatic" sprinkler systems aren't allowed. Automatic to me is when they go on and off on timers.
    What if you had a sprinkler system installed, but we manually turned them on and off... just like we do now with all of our hoses running all over the lawn and sprinklers??
    Any idea?
    We just find ourselves either forgetting the sprinkler is on - and using more water than we probably would if we did have an "automatic" sprinkler - or we just would love to eliminate the pain of dragging the hoses all over the lawn 10 times trying to get it all watered.
    Thanks!
    - SM

  • 7/19 8:17pm   Re: 7/19 1:20pm Does anyone know what the "rules" are for putting in an underground water sprinkling system for their yard?
    The following paragraph is somewhat self-explanatory, as it precedes and modifies Art 7, Sec 3.E.e) ; i.e. the restrictions pertain only when a Declaration of a State of Water Supply Conservation has been issued, and when one or more of the restrictions below are specified in the State of Water Supply Conservation.
    "E. Restricted Water Uses A declaration of a State of Water Supply

    Conservation shall include one or more of the following restrictions, conditions, or requirements limiting the use of water as per necessary to protect the water supply. The application of restrictions, conditions or requirements shall be included in the public notice required under Section F:

    a) Odd/Even Day Outdoor Watering: Outdoor watering by water users with odd numbered addresses is restricted to off numbered days. Outdoor watering by water users with even numbered addresses is restricted to even numbered days;

    b) Outdoor Watering Ban: Outdoor watering is prohibited;

    c) Outdoor Watering Hours: Outdoor watering is permitted only during daily periods of low demand to be specified in the declaration of a State of Water Conservation and public notice thereof;

    d) Filling Swimming Pools: Filling of swimming pools is prohibited;

    e) Automatic Sprinkler Use: The use of automatic sprinkler systems is not allowed at any time when the watering system is connected to the Town of Norfolk system or water supply.

    (N.B.: Obviously this does not apply to private wells or to at least two small Town wells, that for the sprinklers on Town Hill and also the recent well at the Pond Street Ball Fields.)
    (Note: Two more paragraphs are pertainent and necessary )
    D. Declaration of State of Water Supply Conservation

    The Town, through its Board of Water Commissioners, may declare a State of Water Supply Conservation upon a determination by a majority vote of the Board that a shortage of water exists and conservation measures are appropriate to ensure an adequate supply of water to all water consumers. Public notice of a State of Water Conservation shall be given under Section F of this bylaw before it may be enforced.

    F. Public Notification of a State of Water Supply Conservation

    Notification of any Provision, restriction, requirement or condition imposed by the Town as part of a State of Water Supply Conservation shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation within the Town, or by such other means responsibly calculated to reach and inform users of the State of Water Supply Conservation. Any restriction imposed under Section E shall not be effective until such notification is provided. Notification of the State of Water Supply Conservation shall also be simultaneously provided to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.

    (I think I recall seeing a State of Water Conservation Notification only once on the last 45 years or so. )
    (Norfolk no longer has a Board of Water Commissioners, and no bylaw change assigns their duties elsewhere, so no State of Water Conservation Notification can be issued under this bylaw. )
    - RH

  • 7/19 8:14pm   On 7/19 at 12:48am, JFO inquired, "What even happened to our Walgreens that was supposed to break ground in Mar./April according to the Stop and Shop executive?"
    It just opened in Foxboro on Route 140 instead. Another Walgreens opened recently on 140 in Bellingham and now the Walgreens on 140 in Franklin. '140' seems to be the magic number. Maybe if we put up some cardboard '140' signs along Main Street, we'd get some of those deals.
    - RP

  • 7/19 3:20pm   From the town bylaws (p26):
    The use of automatic sprinkler systems is not allowed at any time when the watering system is connected to the Town of Norfolk system or water supply.
    - AL

  • 7/19 1:20pm   Does anyone know what the "rules" are for putting in an underground water sprinkling system for their yard? I have heard many different things. Thanks,
    - SM

  • 7/19 1:16pm   APL: I don't know any retina specialists but I'd recommend that you call Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary in Boston and ask for a referral. They're the best, and I don't believe in taking any chances when it comes to your eyes. Good luck.
    - MP

  • 7/19 1:15pm   Just put a couch for sale in the un-classifieds section. Please take a peek. Movers come on July 29th. We will be rolling the windows of the car down as we pull out of Creek Drive just to let the tears out... We are going to miss our Norfolk friends!
    - TB

  • 7/19 12:56am   Can anyone recommend a very good retina specialist? I am looking for a second opinion. Thank you,
    - APL

  • 7/19 12:52am   Bruce Springsteen @ Gillette Stadium on Saturday, August 2nd. Section 205- Row 12. I have four tickets to sell at $107 each. Please call Mark at 508-528-3972 if interested.
    - MG

  • 7/19 12:50am   We do still have Whale Watch tickets available! - Tickets, which normally sell for $42, will be sold for $25 and are good anytime during the 2008 season.
    Cape Ann Whale Watch, Rose's Wharf, Gloucester, has been voted "Best Bet for Whale Watching" by Boston Magazine's New England Travel Guide. With Cape Ann Whale Watch, sightings are guaranteed or you will receive a free return pass.
    Their vessel, the "Hurricane II" is the fastest boat north of Boston so you'll be spending less time traveling and more time watching nature's gently giants in their natural habitat. The "Hurricane II" has over 400 feet of rail viewing space and an extra large heated indoor cabin and offers a variety of food and beverages in their galley.
    For more information about Cape Ann Whale Watches, visit their website at SeeTheWhales.com
    To purchase tickets, send a self-addressed stamped envelope and check, payable to Norfolk Lions Youth Soccer, to Helen K., 27 Barnstable Rd, Norfolk, MA 02056
    - HK

  • 7/19 12:48am   I just read in the Gazette that Franklin is getting a Walgreens pharmacy (in addition to 2 CVS's they already have). Walgreens will pay 40K in taxes each year to the town. What even happened to our Walgreens that was supposed to break ground in Mar./April according to the Stop and Shop executive? Does this mean we lost out again ?
    - JFO

    [Two CVS's and the Rite Aid that used to be Brooks... - Wm.]

  • 7/19 12:48am   A word from Radish Man, "Life is like a swimming pool, you have to jump in!!"
    - PRR

  • 7/19 12:46am   To SO: Thank you so much for your kind remark re: my photos!! Photography is something I have come back to... I was a photographer in my early twenties... many lifetimes ago, it seems. I am also a songwriter/performer but since I moved here three years ago and subsequently broke my ankle and sprained the other one... that part of my life slowed down a bit - or perhaps it is the fact that I am getting too hung up on getting older... darn... I just wanna, I just wanna have fu-hun... Hopefully I will be out performing again soon... You can hear some of my songs at: www.cdbaby.com/rubytunes and www.nextcat.com/rubytunes by the way.
    Life is short! And it is the Big Adventure!! SO, if you are interested, I will be having a photo exhibition at the Norfolk Library in October with three other artists. I am looking forward to it... hope you all come and see my work!
    Stay cool! And thank you again! Have a great weekend!
    - PRR

  • 7/19 12:35am   It appears that the Norfolknet server was restored from backups to last night's version, losing the changes made today. I will try to restore the page; my apologies for this inconvenience.
    - Wm.

  • 7/19 12:31am   Sunday, July 27th Hughes Photography invites you to participate in a family photo day at Stony Brook bird Sanctuary. You do not need to be a member to participate; please go the office and sign up for your time slot. We will photograph your family or just your kids. The price of the sitting is $49.95 due at the time you sign up. Prints will be sold by the sheet for $40.00 each. This is a huge savings. If you have not had your photos done by Don And Diane, it is time. We are a husband and wife team with four kids of our own, going to celebrate 20 years in business next year. Come take advantage of these great prices and help Stony Brook all at the same time. check out hughesphotography.com for samples of the work. Please e mail from the link, any questions you may have, or call the studio at 781-444-9814.
    - DV

  • 7/17 11:46pm   For PRR - Jim Flannery [Weatherproof Construction]... 413-203-1474
    - ER

  • 7/17 8:07pm   [Announcement]
    - DV

  • 7/17 6:30pm   Thank you all so much!! [C o n t i n u e d . . .]
    - DV

  • 7/17 4:52pm   PRR - You're none too shabby in the camera department, eh? Nice photos!
    - SO

  • 7/17 1:40pm   Someone was looking for a good interior painter -
    Sebastian Lemos - Lemos Painting Service, Work (401) 769-2508, Cell (401) 309-2313. Good price, great with wall repairs, great with wood staining in the room too Does not speak much English. Out of Woonsocket.
    I have also had a handyman come, John Zawislak. You can reach him at jzjazz@comcast.net Good price, great with taking down wallpaper and fixing up the walls, Very meticulous, trustworthy and sweet.
    - JGP

  • 7/17 9:23am   I recommend Flying Fur in Medway for dog grooming. they are reasonably priced and do a great job.
    - KR

  • 7/17 9:22am  
    The Board of Selectmen announces openings on the following elected committees:

    BOARD OF ASSESSORS - one (1) member
    HOUSING AUTHORITY - one (1) member
    PLANNING BOARD - one (1) member

    Terms of these positions will be until the next annual election in May, 2009. We would hope that any resident interested in filling the unexpired term of these positions will also consider running for office in the May 2009 election.

    Any resident interested in any of these positions may file a letter of interest with the Board of Selectmen, One Liberty Lane, Norfolk, MA 02056, or email Marian Harrington, Executive Assistant at harrington@virtualnorfolk.org.

    Letters of Interest must be filed as soon as possible. The Board will fill these vacancies at a future Board of Selectmen's meeting. This will be a joint appointment of the Board of Selectmen and Board members of the Board with the vacancy.

    If you have any questions, please contact Marian Harrington, Executive Assistant at 508-528-1408.

    - RH

  • 7/17 7:24am   Hello all; thanks for the tip re: groomers. Now... does anyone know where I can find Jim Flannery, of Weatherproof Construction? His number in Norfolk seems to be disconnected. We have to put in a large screened skylight that opens and Jim had done good work for us in the past. If we can't find him, can anyone recommend a professional and financially reasonable company/contractor? ...Someone you have had experience with? Thank you!
    - PRR

  • 7/16 11:58pm   Tangerini's is where we will be at 10 am. If you have a baby that would fit into 12 mos clothes come on down! We only need a few and have some coming but would love to see more!
    - DV

  • 7/16 11:52pm   Does anyone know where I could purchase log length fire wood? Seems most of the local suppliers are either out or are selling the firewood already processed. Thxs,
    - SB

  • 7/16 11:48pm   AL - I used Cronin and Sons in Norfolk MA to install my new oil burner with an indirect hot water tank I went with a Burnham MPO 147 and a Superstor 40 gallon tank - not only did Cronin have the best price, but the work was top notch.
    I used less than 1/2 the oil that I did the previous year, but I did add a bunch of insulation and added a wood stove as well.
    - SB

  • 7/16 11:48pm   To PRR: I have been using Jaime for grooming at the Acorn Animal Hospital in Franklin for our dogs' grooming (just over the Norfolk border - very close). We go every week and have three of our dogs groomed there, including our Lhasa Apso. I am picky about how he is groomed and have been very pleased with how he looks each time. I have been using her for about 4 years, I think.
    - JN

  • 7/16 11:47pm   MF: What type of treadmill is it? Just wondering the year and brand? Thanks,
    - LL

  • 7/16 11:46pm   PRR - We take our dog to Acorn Animal Hospital in Franklin. They are very reasonable and they do a great job. Call ahead though, they book up way in advance. Good luck!
    - SEF

  • 7/16 11:45pm   DH - So sorry you didn't have any luck with an electrologist. I, however, am a client who has had a very successful outcome. I went years ago. Currently I go maybe twice, possibly three times a year for a short treatment and would love to find someone local. Thank you for the laser suggestion, but I am not interested, as laser is not a permanent hair removal option.
    - KM

  • 7/16 11:42pm   Hi - I was wondering if anyone knew of a place in MA or RI that buys Lladros. I know I can do this online, but would rather bring this to a store that deals with the secondary market. Thank you
    - BD

  • 7/16 11:26pm   Might be of interest -
    COMMITTEE VACANCIES

    The Board of Selectmen is still looking for individuals to serve on the following committees:

    ADA COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE 2 members
    ARTS COUNCIL 3 members
    CABLE ADVISORY 1 member
    CORRECTIONS ADVISORY 1 member
    CONSERVATION 1 member
    COUNCIL ON AGING 3 members
    INSURANCE ADVISORY 1 member
    NORFOLK COUNTY ADVISORY BD 1 member
    ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS 1 full member
      1 associate member
    ZONING BYLAW STUDY COMM. 1 to 2 members
    EARTH REMOVAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE is in need of a citizen who is an engineer.
    Please contact Marian Harrington, Executive Assistant, Town Administrator/Board of Selectmen's Office by email harrington@virtualnorfolk.org to indicate interest in any of the above committees.

    - RH

  • 7/16 11:41am   LAW - That is a good idea - the River's Edge location for Trader Joe's! No "downtown" congestion.
    SEF and NW - I surely hope this lack of vehicular courtesy is not on the increase in Norfolkstan. When I first moved here, I was shocked - shocked! - drivers actually waited while people pulled out of their driveways. They took turns at stop signs - astounding - absolutely unheard of inside Rte. 128, where "no eye contact", "snooze-you-lose" are lingua franca. Oh yes, Boardman St. - please, it is a miracle (knock wood) that no one has died. These speeders must be masochists, as most of Boardman St. is a minefield of mind-numbing, bone-rattling potholes. We're in a pickle down here - fill the potholes (not like that's on the horizon) and feed the speeders, or let 'em grow and lose our marbles.
    JHR - Which house on Boardman St. did the town purchase? Is it down near the school? Or, could it be the Warelands?
    PRR - So interesting - looks like a crawfish with wings. I can't see the rest of your photos though.
    - SO

    [My mistake, I screwed up and didn't notice - the photos should all be visible now - Wm.]

  • 7/16 11:40am   AL - We, too, put in a Buderus boiler with a Superstor indirect water heater. Before doing anything, call NSTAR and have an energy audit done on your home, especially if they are still offering up to 800$ in rebates for the water system and boiler system. This audit has to be done on-site to be eligible for these rebates (I am fairly certain of that unless something has changed). You might be surprised how you can cut back on bills with their suggestions. We actually lived without hot water for a week while we researched all of the heating system options before deciding on the Buderus and Superstor. Even keeping the temp in our home at 69 degrees, we used far less oil this winter than a neighbor keeping their home at 60 with an older system. Of course with oil prices the way they are, we will be wearing more layers and lowering the thermostat by at least several degrees. We also just lowered our water temperature by 15 degrees to save a little there as well.
    The Buderus system is very compact looking and very quiet which was important to us since the system sits under the room in which we spend the most time.
    - EF

  • 7/16 11:39am   Although the list of eleven useful "rules" you did not learn in school is typically attributed to Bill Gates, it is actually from educator Charles Sykes, the author of the book "Dumbing Down our Kids". The list appeared in newspapers beginning in 1996, but not necessarily in the book. There are an additional three rules which are often omitted.
    See [Snopes.com page] for more info.
    - JS

  • 7/16 11:38am   Does anyone know of a good dog groomer, reasonably priced, close to Norfolk? Thanks... I have two small dogs and had been traveling to our old groomer in Boston... gas prices...!! Ohh... Thanks.
    - PRR

  • 7/16 11:37am   AL - Take a look at the following: energykinetics.com , watch the video. They compare their system to outdated tankless hot water systems as well as what they say are inefficient Buderus boilers. Father-in-law has a System 2000. Another technology that is slow to market are Condensing Oil Boilers. Condensing Gas Boilers have been around but just recently oil units are coming on the market. Oilheatamerica.com and click on new developments. Lastly take a read on Wikipedia on the definition of a condensing boiler.. [wikipedia page]. Good luck and let us know what you decide.
    - LS

  • 7/16 11:36am   SD, A printable copy can be found http://www.snopes.com/language/document/liferule.asp, I'd be curious to hear what a 16 year old thinks of these rules.
    - KS

  • 7/16 8:23am   AL, I replaced my boiler with a Buderus Boiler; it's from Germany and supposed to be the most efficient one on the market. Found Oilman in Foxboro to the most competetive by several thousand dollars after shopping four dealers.
    - PRB

  • 7/16 8:22am   Moving Sale! Saturday July 19th 8:00am - 1:00pm. Location: 2 Barrell Pl Norfolk. Some items for sale include: tons of furniture, treadmill, gardening tools, lots of books, lamps, games, much much more! There's something for everyone here.
    - MF

  • 7/16 8:21am   KS - Where can I get a printable copy of the alleged [*** ****] quote? Regardless of where it came from, I want to have a hard copy for my 16 year old. It is very true! Thank you!
    - SD

  • 7/15 11:10pm   I am in need of a new boiler. Does anyone have any recommendations for installers? I would also be interested in hearing if anyone has a particular boiler brand that they would recommend. Thanks!
    - AL

  • 7/15 11:09pm   NH - My son recently started karate at Villari's in Franklin. We've been really happy with the instructors and how well he has done. I'd highly recommend it. If you'd like more details, the webmaster is free to give you my email. Thanks!
    - KE

  • 7/15 11:08pm   KM - Don't waste your time with an electrologist. I did that for years with no luck. I then switched to laser, and after four treatments I am clear. It may be more expensive in the beginning but in the long run it all comes out the same. You go once, and then again in 6 weeks for about 4 treatments. If you want to e-mail me your phone number I would bemore than happy to phone you with more information. [You can reach DH at box130@norfolknet.com - Wm.]
    - DH

  • 7/15 11:06pm   We take karate right here in Norfolk at Craig Lowe's and we love it. We are lucky to have him in our town and he is really good with kids.
    - AM

  • 7/15 11:05pm   Has anyone seen the condition of Park Street? We just had a truck come at us on our side of the road as the road conditions are so bad they didn't want to drive on the correct side. This happened to me two days ago when a car came at me. The town has to do something soon before we have a bad accident. It is not safe!!
    - BR (BR#1)

  • 7/15 11:04pm   We were e-mailed the schedule, thanks!
    - Wm.

  • 7/15 3:04pm   Anyone know where I can find the summer concerts on the hill schedule? Thanks,
    - RD

  • 7/15 3:02pm   I'm interested in signing my 5 year old son up for karate in the Fall. Does anyone have any experience with places nearby? Any that you'd recommend over any others? Thanks!
    - NH

  • 7/15 11:57am   Does anyone have any recommendations or experience with an electrologist in the area? Currently I travel to Wilmington, and with the gas these days... Thanks in advance for your comments.
    - KM

  • 7/15 11:56am   This was shared to all employees from upper management today, I thought it interesting enough to share...
    Love him or hate him, he sure hits the nail on the head with this! ??? ???? recently gave a speech at a High School about 11 things they did not and will not learn in school. He talks about how feel-good, politically correct teachings created a generation of kids with no concept of reality and how this concept set them up for failure in the real world.

    Rule 1: Life is not fair - get used to it!

    Rule 2 : The world won't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.

    Rule 3 : You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.

    Rule 4 : If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.

    Rule 5 : Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping: they called it opportunity..

    Rule 6: If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.

    Rule 7: Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.

    Rule 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.

    Rule 9: Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. Do that on your own time..

    Rule 10: Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.

    Rule 11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.

    - KS

    [Update: I recently sent to you a list attributed to Bill Gates, apparently this is untrue. [snopes.com link] The list is worth viewing but Gates should not get the creds. - KS]

  • 7/15 11:54am   The schools encourage parents and children to "Go Green". Riding bikes is one way of doing so, also with the rising gas prices... I would much prefer to walk, when I can, than drive. Just a thought.
    Again, I can talk alot about this issue, as we all can. The reality is what I had said before. When someone is killed... that is when we will see the much needed sidewalks.
    I guess I will just give a call out to all drivers. Please be aware of children and families who are out walking since the weather is nice. Please drive slower... Thanks!
    - KM

  • 7/15 7:54am   DA, KM - As stated in the past, the Sidewalk Committee drafted a viable plan for the community. At Town Meeting is was voted down. I'm guessing about 5-7 years ago. The rest is history. The Committee disbanded; I don't blame them. Sidewalk issue came up on this board in response to a potential busing fee. It would be cheaper to pay a bus fee then to construct sidewalks plus school starts in less than 6 weeks. Times have changed anyway. I'm paranoid letting my 9 year old drive a bike down the road out of sight. Do you really think a bunch of elementary school students will be walking to school on their own? I doubt it. I really think the discussion of a potential busing fee and lack of sidewalks have nothing to do with each other. - LS
    - LS

  • 7/15 7:28am   KM, While there's probably few who would deny that sidewalks everywhere would be a wonderful thing, given the recent 'no' vote on override requests in town (including schools and a new Police & Fire Station...), sidewalks are probably pretty low on the 'can do' list, unless there's a wealthy benefactor out there somewhere who will pay for them.
    - TRK

  • 7/15 7:27am   Some cities and towns have what they call a Sidewalk Program or a Sidewalk Betterment Program where if you desire to put a sidewalk in front of your home or business you can either pay the town the full cost, or in some instances they split the cost of installing it; or they allow you to hire a contractor to put it in at your cost. Due to rising costs a few of these other communities who have these programs are now unfunded and the cost is solely on the homeowner or business owner who desire to have a sidewalk.
    - DA

  • 7/14 10:23pm   Thanks fellow Norfolks for all your comments regarding the sidwalks. It appears we are most in agreement, regardless of whether we have school age children or not, that our town simply does not have enough sidewalks.
    It seems like such a simple request. I actually met up with a fellow Norfolk resident who is a runner. She said a few years back she even joined the "Sidewalk Committee", to try to bring some of her desires to the table from a "runners' perspective. ...thus to no avail...
    Young, Old, Fit, Not Fit, Parents, Non Parents, Dog owners, Non Dog Owners, commuter rail riders, non riders, kids, elderly, young, old... it appears most of us, regardless of personal reasons for wanting them, desire more sidewalks. How must one go about getting the "towns people" of a "higher caliber" than just the ordinary folk to think so? I have written letters, attended meetings, but sadly, I do believe, the only way we will see sidewalks added, are when a child, runner, commuter, speed walker, dog walker, elderly couple, mom, dad, ect gets hit by a car on a road that should have had sidewalks.
    - KM

  • 7/14 8:55pm   We need baby models for a photo shoot on Thursday morning. It is a non-paying job, but if the baby is used in the ads you will get a hard copy for his or her portfolio. This is for a non profit co that is raising money for childhood cancer research. We need babies that can sit or stand and will fit into 12mos size clothing. If you can make it please call our studio @ 781-444-9814 Thanks,
    - DV

  • 7/14 8:53pm   To DWL: We had our deck power washed, and painted last year from someone who did a fantastic job. If interested put your phone number down or have the web master get it touch with me with your phone number, and I would be more than happy to put you in contact with that person. [DWL, you can reach DH at box130@norfolknet.com - Wm.]
    - DH

  • 7/14 10:00am   There are new decorated horse shoes available on the animal control web site along with some hand decorated (purse sized) tote bags. All money raised goes towards animals in need, supplies, and equipment that our annual budget cannot support. Sincerely,
    - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control, www.norfolkanimalcontrol.net

  • 7/13 8:17pm   Hi everyone... can anyone recommend a good, affordable person or company to replace wallpaper? Thanks!
    - SEF

  • 7/13 8:16pm   Looking for someone to possibly powerwash, sand and stain our deck. Any recommendations?
    - DWL

  • 7/13 8:15pm   I have a large delivery of mulch that I would like to hire a student (high school or college) to spread for me this week. We can discuss the payment arrangements, and I will pay a competitive rate for this service. I would gladly do it myself, or help, but my work schedule does not permit it this week and I would like it done by Friday the 18th if possible. I have all of the tools necessary at my home. If you are interested, please reply to me through the webmaster by e-mailing box129@norfolknet.com. Thank you in advance for your interest.
    - CS

  • 7/13 7:34pm   Summer's ecstasy. Ahhhh! Life is good!
    [C o n t i n u e d . . .]
    - PRR

  • 7/13 7:33pm   Hummingbird bug
    - PRR

  • 7/12 8:22pm   JG: Scott Brown has a bridge to sell you too.
    - JT

  • 7/12 8:21pm   Wm - Given the occasional posts we see on the issue of /"insane, over-caffeinated, on-their-cell-phones SUV drivers and truckers...."/ etc., I thought this CNN article was kind of interesting: [CNN article]
    I know I definitely feel challenged to keep up with the demands of every day life (being a habitual Starbucks devotee) and don't even have kids! I was cured of any predilection to speed when we lived in Boston after having to pay $100s of extra dollars in car insurance (the point system does work!) But for those that drink and drive (coffee that is) a little self-awareness may be in order, as I understand that is generally the first necessary step to addressing any problem. Hope this article might be of help to some.
    - JMF

  • 7/12 8:40am   For AL regarding central vac replacement parts. Try Granite City Electric in Bellingham. Very nice people and good prices. Very accommodating with regards to ordering what you need. I discovered them last year.
    - EF

  • 7/12 8:38am   Friends of the King Philip Music program might want to watch a program on Channel 12: Peter Tileston: Celebrating 25 years of Teaching [info]
    This is an hour program celebrating the twenty five years of Music Director Peter Tileston's service to King Philip. It is excellent. The schedule is available at URL [here], although the program appears on Comcast Channel 12, Wrentham, rather than NCTV. (DVD copies are available at $20. from e-mail address: wrenthamcableaccess@comcast.net
    My son started Band when Ray Hill was the Director, then continued when Steve Elman was the Director, then had his senior year at KP with Peter. That was undoubtedly the best, as Peter taught not only music, but all of the elements of good musicianship.
    "Never settle for your present level of achievement" Peter said, and that applies to everything the students learn.
    Thank you, Peter, from all of us.
    Peter has music in his genes, I think. His uncle, Whit Tileston, was the Music Director of the Chatham Schools, and also was the director of the Chatham Band. Whit also gave organ concerts at "The Swinging Basket" in Chatham, and played the organ in church on Sunday. What a joyous sound that was.
    - RH

  • 7/11 9:32pm   Does anyone know anything about the house on Boardman St. that was bought by the Town of Norfolk??
    - JHR

  • 7/11 9:31pm   PNT, we have had two sliding doors replaced within the last year. We used Newpro for the upstairs and a basic Home Depot brand for the downstairs. The Newpro is nice, but I doubt it's worth the money. The one we got from Home Depot was the lowest priced one they carry and we couldn't be happier. We had Home Depot install it and the total price was roughly $1300.
    - POH

  • 7/11 9:30pm   Thanks JG for writing that. Well said.
    - DWL

  • 7/11 9:29pm   Why stop at just charging busing students? Let's charge everyone who uses Town services. I've compiled a list so we can start to think about how to recoup our tax dollars at the expense of those who need/use or require Town Services.
    Fire Dept. Bill the occupants for the Time and materials $500.00 minimum - If the cause is due to owner negligence-5000$
    Cat Stuck in Tree-50$
    Police Calls-25$ per visit by the police
    Barking Dog -25$
    Domestic Abuse/ Dispute-200$ first call, 500$ each follow-up visit until incarcerated
    Loud Music 25$
    Littering 25$ per item littered.
    Library - Church Services 50$/hr;
    Skateboarding on the Premises 10$/hr/skater
    Boards and Selectmen-25$ charged to individuals for each missed meeting.
    Senior Center-Charge a 200$/year membership, seeing how it is an exclusive elders club that shuns the rest of the community, at the Taxpayers expense.
    Most of the above departments asked for extra money from the Taxpayer recently and were vigorously rejected, so there is a God and Justice. Think of the money that could be raised if people knew they were going to be charged for services. I bet a number of crimes and issues would go away and the Taxpayer wins-Again!
    So why just single out the kids? Let's recoup money from all people using Town services. Pick on the grown-ups, not just the children.
    - MON

  • 7/11 9:28pm   Hello, I need to have replaced several bricks at the top of an outside house chimney. Can anyone recommend someone they have used in the past to do this?
    - MO

  • 7/11 12:56pm   Webmaster - I thought this response from Senator Brown was worth sending to you to post. Sincerely,
    From: Brown, Scott (SEN) (mailto:Scott.P.Brown@state.ma.us)
    Sent: Friday, July 11, 2008 10:32 AM
    To: Jonathan Garven
    Subject: RE: Request amendment to Law Chapter 71 Section 68 regarding School Bus service......

    Hi Jonathan.

    We are going to look into filing this as a bill for the new session.

    Regards,

    Scott

    [included the email replied to, see post of 7/3 3:47pm]

    - JG

  • 7/11 12:56pm   And then, regarding sidewalks, we have the issue of insane, over-caffeinated, on-their-cell-phones SUV drivers and truckers and hormonially challenged youngsters on North Street, (not all suv drivers, but too many of them)... I don't walk my dogs much in the evening because of the way people drive at night and at rush hours on North St., especially near Diamond and North...
    Sidewalks... a brilliant use of our tax money... and I mean it!
    - PRR

  • 7/11 12:55pm   VR - We were very happy with Franklin Tile and Carpet on Grove Street in Franklin.
    - KL

  • 7/11 12:54pm   Regarding sidewalks, it seems to me that in light of the energy situation and the efforts to go "green", that this would be an ideal time to rethink the sidewalk issue. As a senior, I would be thrilled to have them on Union Street. Walking, for any age person, is not an option on most streets in town. And riding a bike, even worse!! How great would it be to be able to safely ride a bike to, say, the library, train station.
    - JHR

  • 7/11 12:53pm   Free moving boxes available for pickup immediately in Norfolk. Call (617)733-3510.
    - NM

  • 7/11 9:42am   Dear MJD - Thank you for continuing to direct Norfolknet posters to submit their comments regarding the possible bus fee and school budgets to the School Committee. We are very pleased at the number of people who have taken the time to contact us and want to thank them for their comments. Input from the community is important as we weigh the issues before us and make our decisions. You are right, MJD, sending comments to the School Committee directly at schoolcommittee@norfolk.k12.ma.us is the best way to make sure we hear what people have to say.
    While we requested that people submit their comments to us by July 7 so that we could have time to compile the feedback, we would welcome comments at anytime. If you still have thoughts on the bus fee please send us an e-mail.
    There will be a School Committee meeting on July 14 in the Freeman Centennial Library. While the meeting starts at 7:00 PM, the first item on the agenda will be discussed in Executive Session. The School Committee will go back into Public Session around 8:00 PM. At that time, the agenda will move on to Public Input and Discussion of the FY09 Budget including discussion of input on possible bus fees. All from the community are welcome to attend.
    Kind regards,
    - Marie Zullo, Vice Chair, Norfolk School Committee

  • 7/11 9:41am   If we put in sidewalks, how will we need know when we have crossed from Medfield into Norfolk? Seriously, I have a 12 year old who is extremely independent and has been dying to ride his bike from our house to school. He finally is going to the middle school and will be able to ride his bike to school. I still feel very nervous about this due to him having to ride down Union street.
    - DN

  • 7/11 9:40am   JN, I agree with you on the sidewalk issue. The override was also voted down for library, Spanish, etc. The majority of people in Norfolk voted that down too. We only have to ourselves to blame. The people who voted it down cannot complain now that programs are being cut in the school. We asked for it and we got it. Now we have to live with it.
    - DWL

  • 7/11 9:39am   Regarding the intersection of Fruit & Cleveland... the town could go a long way to providing increased sight distance at the intersection by simply pruning and clearing the brush and branches within the right of way. That wouldn't cost much at all... (of course I don't have the hourly rates for DPW employees in front of me).
    Signs on Cleveland Street warning of a dangerous intersection might help, but the safest solution would be to make it a 4-way Stop. There are already Stop signs on Fruit Street, so the investment would be..., let's see now.., 2 more Stop signs and posts..., and the time for the DPW folks to install them.
    - TRK

  • 7/11 9:38am   JN - I am guessing, since there is a new development in that area that many of the residents who take their lives in their hands to walk that route and whose K-2nd graders will be expected to walk the HOD, did not live there when we voted on sidewalks. So they do have someone to blame, those of us who were too shortsighted to vote yes for sidewalks.
    - MJD

  • 7/11 9:37am   We're planning to replace some carpeting in our house ... does anyone have any recommendations or horror stories about local places to share? Thanks,
    - VR

  • 7/11 7:56am   SM: I am pretty sure the voters of Norfolk voted no on the sidewalk program a couple of years ago. We had our say on that and we said no. There is no one to blame but ourselves. (I voted yes, as I am sure many others did, but we lost)
    To Dan Winslow: Great idea to start TM at 7pm, thanks!
    - JN

  • 7/11 7:54am   RN, I actually live near that intersection and have seen countless accidents. As far as I am aware there is no plan to address the problem, and I have asked. A few years back we requested a speed trap and observed a huge improvement in drivers slowing down in that area for about a week or so after. From what we can tell the majority of accidents seem to be caused by people flying down the hill on Cleveland possibly oblivious to the fact that there is an intersection coming up. The stop sign on Fruit St.seems to be in the wrong place. It is impossible to view oncoming traffic from the stop line. It is also covered in leaves as you mentioned. I think that a 4 way stop sign or even a flashing light would help. I wonder if a petition or many calls from concerned residents would help.
    - SG

  • 7/11 7:37am   SM - Did you send your concerns to the School Committee? They asked for your feedback on busing and the whole fee/walker issue. Maybe your concerns can still be heard. At this late date, e-mail them to Mr. Gilleland directly at gilleland@norfolk.k12.ma.us
    - MJD

  • 7/10 11:07pm   AL; For central vacuum cleaner parts, try Daddario in Franklin. 508.528.0006. They carry Nutone,
    - JC

  • 7/10 11:06pm   Will the town of Norfolk ever put in sidewalks in near the section of Main Street between Cantebury Road and Medway Street near H. Olive Day?? I find it amazing that all this talk of eliminating buses is going on, while there is not enough sidewalk near the schools for children to even walk to the school.
    My three children and I nearly got killed trying to walk down to the center of town to the common. We live near Cantebury Road and the sidewalks do not begin until after Medway Street, on Main Street. Is the town going to wait until a child gets killed? There was some talk of this happening. Why is this not a priority?
    I would love to hear from anyone who knows anything about this. This safety issue is very unsettling.
    - SM

  • 7/10 11:05pm   To AL: two places to try for vacuum parts: Janitor's Supply on the N. Attleboro/Plainville line on Rt. 152, almost directly accross from the RMV. Or, Marion's Sew and Vac in Bellingham on 126. Good luck.
    - JT

  • 7/10 11:03pm   Re: 7/10 5:06pm I have a central vacuum system -- Why not check the manufacturer's website? They may have a list of approved retailers. Also, they may sell parts themselves, with no sales tax since it would be an internet sale.
    - RH

  • 7/10 5:06pm   I have a central vacuum system in my home and the attachments (hose, rug beater attachment) need to be replaced. Can anyone recommend anyplace that carries this sort of stuff? Thanks.
    - AL

  • 7/10 4:26pm   Free household treasures at the curb on Truro Road! Come and take a look and take something away! Thank you!
    - ML

  • 7/10 4:25pm   Hi everyone, On the issues of cars and driving in Norfolk - the intersection of Fruit St and Cleveland St is very dangerous. Specifically, driving up Fruit St heading North and coming up to the Cleveland St intersection. Yikes. Does anyone know if the town has addressed this? I am new to town and it seems there needs to be some sort of sign or warning of a stop ahead. Also, the stop sign is partially covered by leaves and on the far right of the road. Thanks!!
    - RN

  • 7/10 4:24pm   TH - We've used D & S Appliance Repair in Franklin a few times, and were always satisfied.
    - GA

  • 7/10 4:23pm   TH - For appliance repair, I have used A&D in Medfield. They were very helpful in fixing my dryer and even gave me good advice on some new appliances (that I had not purchased from them) while they were at my house. Good Luck
    - SL

  • 7/10 4:22pm   Re: 7/10 8:51am Our microwave and dishwasher have both stopped working (within 24 hours of each other!)
    Could it be that both of these appliances are both on the same circuit-breaker or fuse? Both of these draw fairly large current, and they might trip a breaker or blow a fuse. Also, check for a tripped GFCI, a ground-fault circuit interrupter.
    - RH

  • 7/10 4:21pm   To JT - the snake could be a northern water snake--I find it hard to tell the difference between it and a milk snake on some of the sites I found several weeks ago while researching the snake I discovered in my back yard. Here is one site: [umass page]
    - EF

  • 7/10 4:20pm   We are having a yard sale Sat & Sun at 154 North St, 8-3.
    - RW

  • 7/10 4:19pm   CJG - We heard wonderful reports about the Whale Watch last summer but never got around to going ourselves. This summer we made sure we got our tickets early. It was a fantastic family trip! We saw many Humpbacks and Minkes! The board ride was enjoyable and the crew was excellent! I would highly recommend it.. and, as a matter of fact, I will be purchasing more tickets for family who will be visiting in September.
    - CSK

  • 7/10 4:18pm   TH: We have used D&S Appliance in Franklin and were happy with their work.
    - MP

  • 7/10 4:17pm   We are looking to replace a sliding glass door set. Does anyone have a recommendation for which type (Harvey, Pella, Anderson, etc) we should buy or which brand you've been happy with? We want a nice look and one that offers security and insulation. Harvey will not sell to a private homeowner so we also need a contractor or professional that can do this.
    TH - We have been very happy with A & D Appliance in Medfield. we've lived here for 17 years and have purchased all our appliances from them and never had a problem.
    - PNT

  • 7/10 4:16pm   For the last 10 days or so we have had hawk-like creatures up in the trees throughout the area calling and answering each other (at times it sounds like more than two of them). The calling back and forth is prolonged (sometimes for an entire morning). At first we thought it was pileated woodpeckers, but after a quick and partially blocked view of one it appears they are some type of hawk. I'm familiar with the sound of red-tailed hawks, and these cries are definitely not their whistling calls. The call is loud and screechlike (speeeeer). Anyone know what they might be from this little bit of information.
    - TEM

  • 7/10 8:52am   MT - I appreciate all the effort you put into your post but what's your point? Your passionate post was riddled with vague political statements, and I still could not glean enough of what you were advocating to figure out if I agreed with you or not. Oh well...
    - DA

  • 7/10 8:51am   Our microwave and dishwasher have both stopped working (within 24 hours of each other!) Does anyone have experience with a local appliance repair person that they would recommend? I'd like to try someone local before calling up Sears.
    - TH

  • 7/10 8:45am   JT, sure looks like a Milk Snake to me...t either that or an Anaconda...
    NW, nice to hear that tailgaters do get caught. Did the police just happen to be in the area, or were you able to call on a cell phone and report?
    - TRK

  • 7/10 8:44am   JHR - Female singers are invited to join a Barbershop Chorus in Taunton. Rehearsals are on Wednesday nights. Performances can be on any day of the week. More information is at Noteableblend.org or 508-528-8620
    - DLJ

  • 7/9 11:51pm   AL, thank you very much! I'll contact Lions Soccer, and secure my tickets.
    - CJG

  • 7/9 6:02pm   More wildlife in Norfolk. Here is a picture of a Milk Snake (I believe). It is around 36" long... we think it lives in the rhodedendron in front of our house. Not the clearest picture - but I didn't want to get too close!
    - JT

  • 7/9 5:52pm   NW - I am glad the police stepped up and stopped the person harassing you. I am glad also that you claim to be a careful driver. Good for you!
    I do take exception to you singling out drivers of large SUV's, however. I drive a large SUV, and I do not consider myself an aggressive driver. I have been tailgated many times by very small cars and SUV's alike. Try actually driving the speed limit down Boardman Street and see what happens.
    In my opinion, aggressive drivers will be aggressive drivers, no matter what kind of car they drive. Unfortunately, it seems to be a growing problem.
    Just wanted to add my two cents. Have a great day!
    - SEF

  • 7/9 5:51pm   NW -- I too have had several encounters with overly aggressive drivers in Norfolk. We live on a fairly busy street with a 35 mile per hour speed limit and get buzzed almost every time we slow down to pull into the driveway. Last week a guy kept flashing his lights at me because apparently I was going too slow he blew his horn at me when I turned. My husband had a couple of women shout obscenities (and some hand gestures) at him. I would just warn people (especially those with vanity plates that are very easy to remember) that Rockwood Road is very much a residential area with young children.
    - MH

  • 7/9 5:50pm   NW, I drive a SUV and I hope I would get pulled over if I did that. Driving a SUV (or a minivan, etc) does not mean one will tailgate. Tailgating is the issue, and the person behind the wheel, not the SUV.
    - PD

  • 7/9 11:00am   CJG: We used our Lions Whale Watch tickets last August and it was fantastic!! It was a very busy day out on the sea and we saw tons of activity! The captain and his crew shared lots of interesting whale facts, and helped us spot wherever we went. The parking up in Gloucester was easy (right at the boat) and the cold beer and clams back on shore were not bad either! All in all, it was a steal!
    - AL

  • 7/9 10:59am   Check out the recommendations on the left-hand column of the page; there are several airport transportation options listed there.
    - VR

  • 7/9 10:58am   SO: We have used Dominic's limousine in Franklin, both to Logan and TF Green. They are very reliable and their number is listed in the phone book.
    - MP

  • 7/9 8:39am   Re: 7/8 7:47am Who is the 'caretaker' of the WebCam? It's been down for a few days. - RP
    Jack Hathaway, Town Administrator, has been notified and will coordinate getting the WebCam back on line.
    - RH

  • 7/9 8:38am   Hi All. I'm looking for some feedback. I saw a post a while back, about Cape Ann whale watch tickets being sold by Norfolk Lions Soccer and was wondering if anyone has been on this whale watch, and how it was. 25.00 each seems like such a great price. Thank you in advance, I'm looking for some fairly close day trip activities, and this looked like a nice possibility.
    - CJG

    [See also the post of 7/16 10:46pm [archived here] about the whale watch - Wm.]

  • 7/8 9:12pm   I wanted to write a thank you to the police officer (whoever he may be) who pulled over the SUV that was tailgating and harassing me for miles as I drove down Main Street from Franklin into Norfolk. I live, and have lived, in Norfolk my entire life. Since the past decade or so I have noticed that people have become extremely aggressive in their large vehicles (trucks, SUVs, minivans). For no good reason, yet another large vehicle driver decides to drive up on my behind while driving through town. I drive at a normal to average speed and do not go under the speed limit. I am a young adult with a great driving history and would to keep it that way. Which makes it almost impossible when people like that driver keep harassing us small commuter cars! Anyway, it was awesome when the officer pulled the gray SUV over. I could have been in a very serious accident if they hit me from behind due to me having to stop short. I hope the police continue to pull over more drivers who are tailgating.
    Yeah police!
    - NW

  • 7/8 9:11pm   Just wanted to give a little FYI for anyone interested in firewood for the upcoming season, The Firewood Shop out of Bellingham has some... I called D&D and they stated they would not have any until October? I got 2 cords delivered in June and just recently called the Firewood Shop back to get another cord and they had already raised the price by $25.00 - now $280 a cord)
    I would hate to see what the price will be if you wait until the fall. I figured out that I would throw that out there to anyone who, like me, is already squirreling away for the upcoming season :).
    In case you are interested also, I have started to give to my clients the phone number for information regarding fuel assistance for the upcoming season. To find out if you qualify for any assistance, or anyone you know you can call the "heatline" at 1.800.632.8175.
    The last little tidbit is Target has started to sell thermal curtain panels online ($22.00) - which I am about to order now.
    I hope my madness assists someone. Have a great night!
    - LB

  • 7/8 9:10pm   SB--I love the pictures of the kitchen set and the curio cabinet. The picture on the front of the cabinet is terrific. Is that a permanent picture, or when the piece of furniture gets moved will the picture disappear?? Very funny and cute.
    - JHR

  • 7/8 9:09pm   Hi, I know this has been posted before and I've searched back through the archives, but does anyone have any updated information/ experiences with limousine/transport services to and from TF Green Airport and Norfolk. The flight times would be early morning and after 12 midnight. Thanks,
    - SO

  • 7/8 9:08pm   I thought the reverse 911 system was supposed to be used only for an emergency? Why are we getting calls from the town hall on how to pay our taxes?
    - JFO

  • 7/8 7:47am   Who is the 'caretaker' of the WebCam? It's been down for a few days.
    - RP

  • 7/8 12:15am   Mr. Moderator - 7 p.m. sounds fine with me but people who take the later train might miss the beginning of the meeting. I do suggest that we add several microphones in the aisles for the next meeting. It takes time for people to walk down to the front and for some reason, those who like to talk most, seem to sit in the back of the room.
    - MJD

  • 7/7 10:53pm   Re: Town Meeting start time, change to 7PM
    Dan: That sounds OK to this senior guy, but I don't work out of town or have kids in after-school activities such as the Band and sports. Perhaps you could omit such preliminaries as the Town Meeting supper, and expedite bringing the meeting to order promptly at 7 PM. Also, if the cafeteria has a TV and audio hookup, please have it checked out beforehand. I left the cafeteria at the second of the last group of meetings because there were no seats available in the auditorium, and the video and audio signals to the TV projector in the cafeteria were such that the picture and sound were often unintelligible.
    You might make a little money for the elementary schools, as well as getting some folks to stay later, by having a "50/50" raffle, say at 10:30 PM, just before adjourning. The prize would be 50% of the receipts, rather than some particular item. People would have to be present to win. Standard double tickets, numbered, would be used.
    - BH

  • 7/7 8:48pm   Greetings NorfolkNetters. Town Meeting traditionally starts at 7:30 p.m. in Norfolk. If we moved the start time to 7:00 p.m., we'd get more done in a single night and possibly be able to head home a bit earlier on any given night's session. Other than "it's the way we've always done it", is there any reason why Norfolk should not move TM start times to 7:00 p.m.? I'd be very interested in your thoughts on this topic before making a formal proposal to the Selectmen.
    - Dan Winslow, Town Moderator

  • 7/7 6:10pm   I was just trying to suggest the Rivers Edge location for a Trader Joe's, as Roche Bros. may be too close for comfort, when the TJ's site closed down on me! We'll never see a S&S, but a Trader Joe's at Rivers Edge would be rather nice.
    - LAW

  • 7/7 6:09pm   To JHR: The Charles River Chorale is a local vocal group. Perhaps they have a website. I pulled out their Christmas program from 2006, and couldn't find a number to call.
    If anyone is interested in joining a local concert band, please give me a call. We have three people in Norfolk in the band, and would love to have more: (508)-520-1572.
    - CR

    [This is their website: www.charlesriverchorale.org - VR]

  • 7/7 6:08pm   LSH... That sounds interesting to me. It would certainly be different than church music! :) What I would like is a rehearsal once a week... nothing more demanding than that. Keep me in mind should you do more.
    - JHR

  • 7/7 2:05pm   We received the following email about Trader Joe's considering opening a store in Millis --
    Trader Joes is considering a location in Millis in the new building being built across the street from the Mobil Station on 109. They are currently studying the traffic and if it would be a good fit. I know there were suggestions before for it to take Stop and Shop's location, but it does not appear that could be an option. Millis would be a convenient location. Let your opinion be heard for a new location in Millis by filling in their New Location Suggestion form, beats driving to Natick. Below is the link for the form [traderjoes.com location request page, click here]
    - Wm.

  • 7/7 2:03pm   JHR - I would like to join some sort of chorus as well. What I'd like even better would be a jazz choir. I was in one way back in high school and it was so much fun. We sang all kinds of jazz music such as The Manhattan Transfer and Kool and the Gang. We sang a few Broadway tunes as well. I don't know if this would be of interest to you, but I just thought I'd throw it out there!
    - LSH

  • 7/7 11:59am   I am replacing our kitchen set with a set from my aunt and would like to sell our table, 6 chairs and curio cabinet. I am asking $300 for the kitchen set and small curio cabinet (has glass shelves & light).
    The kitchen set has 6 chairs that are all in good condition and are not loose. The table is ash (it is very heavy) and it has 2 leaf inserts that are stored inside the table.
    We have had the table & chairs for 15 years and have taken good care of it. The top/chairs have some wear and tear but there is nothing major wrong with the set.
    If you are interested in the set please call me at the number below.it is available immediately for pick up. 508-528-0324
    - SB

  • 7/7 11:55am   Does anyone out there know of a chorus that might be open to new voices. I have been singing in a church choir for many years, but now am looking for something else. Thanks.
    - JHR

  • 7/7 11:54am   Just wanted to know if anyone had any suggestions for poured concrete stairs that are looking very rundown. Has anyone had any experience using a mason to redo them??
    - DWL

  • 7/7 11:52am   Good News - the prodigal cat has returned. Benjie the orange tiger sauntered back into our lives looking fat and well-rested from his travels. Thanks to all.
    - SO

  • 7/7 11:46am   Summer... a moment in space and time. Photo: Pamela Ruby Russell
    - PRR

  • 7/7 11:45am   Dean Manning, I agree with much of your post on July 2nd. I do not envy the School Committee's position right now. I am sorry that our town has chosen to make this an even more difficult time too. Unfortunately, complaining isn't going to take it all away. I agree that it is my responsibility to get my children safely to school. I'm not thrilled with the idea of a busing fee, but what other options are there now? Are there any other real alternatives? If given the option to discontinue library services or charge a bussing fee, what would you vote? Does anyone know how other towns handled busing fees? Are we fortunate in Norfolk to even have a busing option, if you live within 2 miles of the school? Do they even have to continue to offer bussing if you live this close?
    - DL

  • 7/7 11:44am   MT - Your post implies that those interested in funding school services (for sake of argument, let's leave it at those interested in funding level services such has library, Spanish, health, bus ... rather than increased services) are lacking personal responsibility, need to pay their own way, and not leach off of less demanding neighbors (ostensibly town residents without children in public schools).
    Using 2006 figures - the average property tax in town is $4,570; the average expenditure per pupil is $11,210. From your definition, everyone with a single child in school are robbing their childless neighbors blind. Parents with 2+ children in school... could be considered a capital offense. Even assuming some percentage of that $11k is state funded/reimbursed, the cost of educating a child far exceeds the average household's contribution, without even factoring all other town services.
    One of the fundamental principles of the Prussian education system was that it introduced the notion of a community-funded education, acknowledging this disparity and allowing for all members of the community to obtain an education. Mann embraced this principle, the benefits to the community as a whole are outlined in the quote.
    Keep in mind, none of what we're talking about is "more" - the school services issues at hand have been about protecting current offerings, bus included. People's "claims" about not being able to afford funding school services on their backs entirely may very well be substantiated, as illustrated above - funding schools takes the entire community.
    I suspect that most people with the "I've got no kids in school, I'm not going to pay for it" viewpoints at some point were either in public school themselves, or did have children in school, or both - and made very good use of their neighbors' contributions at that point in time.
    - JH

  • 7/6 10:21pm   This is a great article with a lot of info. [wikipedia article on the school bus] Would think it would enhance the discussion now going on...
    - JO

  • 7/5 8:55pm   SH, I have a Tmobile phone you can have. Call me 508-520-0822
    - PM

  • 7/5 8:50pm   We received an email with this question --
    Good morning. My husband and I are thinking about moving to Norfolk; we have 3 kids. We'd love to hear from other families about your experience living in Norfolk, good and bad. We are especially interested in the school system. Thank you!
    - Wm.

  • 7/5 8:49pm   Re the post on Independence Day @ 11:30pm: It sounds very enlightening, JH, but please, before I give you my response, pray tell us what you know about the Prussian Educational System that has any bearing on the economically disproportionate educational system as it exists here in Norfolk today. While you're at it, please clarify exactly what part of your Horace Mann quote applies to my article. Thanx,
    - MT

  • 7/4   Happy 4th of July!

  • 7/4 11:32pm   One Boot
    - PRR

  • 7/4 11:30pm   MT - One of those renegades, who insidiously embedded political ideas from other nations was Horace Mann - a neighbor of ours... born in Franklin, educated in Wrentham. Mann helped introduce the Prussian education system into Massachusetts, and the rest of America followed.
    Quoth Horace:
    "If one class possesses all the wealth and the education, while the residue of society is ignorant and poor, it matters not by what name the relation between them may be called: the latter, in fact and in truth, will be the servile dependents and subjects of the former. But, if education be equally diffused, it will draw property after it by the strongest of all attractions; for such a thing never did happen, and never can happen, as that an intelligent and practical body of men should be permanently poor. Property and labor in different classes are essentially antagonistic; but property and labor in the same class are essentially fraternal. The people of Massachusetts have, in some degree, appreciated the truth that the unexampled prosperity of the State -- its comfort, its competence, its general intelligence and virtue -- is attributable to the education, more or less perfect, which all its people have received; but are they sensible of a fact equally important,- namely, that it is to this same education that two-thirds of the people are indebted for not being to-day the vassals of as severe a tyranny, in the form of capital, as the lower classes of Europe are bound to in any form of brute force?

    Education then, beyond all other devices of human origin, is a great equalizer of the conditions of men,-the balance wheel of the social machinery."

    A quality, community-funded public education is, thankfully, a right in this country. I am sorry that you view parents and other community members who have this view to be a scourge on society.
    - JH

  • 7/4 8:44pm   Happy Birthday, USA
    "Land of Song!" said the warrior bard,
    "Tho' all the world betrays thee,
    One sword, at least, thy rights shall guard,
    One faithful harp shall praise thee!"
    July 4th, Independence day is, above all else, a holiday to celebrate of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, in 1776, thereby establishing the 13 original American colonies (later to become the United States of America) as a free self governing nation. The freedom and liberty that was earned with the blood, sweat, and toil of true American patriots was unlike anything else in the world. How can you not admire men who willingly stand up and sacrifice their lives, liberty, and belongings for beliefs as pure and as simple as those written into our original Constitution and the Amendments? From then to now, there have been countless brave and faithful guardians of our land who placed themselves in harms way to protect and maintain the principles that made our country so great and so unique compared to other nations. Yet, almost 250 years later many of us find our freedoms being eroded and our God given rights being bastardized under the same hypocritical guise of "government knows best" from which we revolted. Our nation is gradually reverting to many of the same pitfalls we experienced and found so repulsive, in colonial times.
    People who don't understand, or are opposed to our American Principles, are increasingly causing an overwhelming number of our problems and actual internal conflicts. Some of those renegades are constantly attempting to insidiously embed political ideas from their native, or other nations, into our own America ideals. Others, being thoroughly self-serving parasites, undeservedly gorge themselves with the fruits from the labor of their less demanding neighbors; they have grown to feel entitled to the unearned benefits that they now demand. Too many complacent citizens, claiming to love their country, this United States of America, sit idly by, while the very essence of what our country is all about is being shredded into no longer recognizable pieces, which primarily serve only the privileged self-indulgent special interest groups home and abroad.
    Oh, sure, I hear the complaints from people who claim to be "like-minded" and are also concerned about our present state of affairs, but where are they; where are their voices when they're given the opportunity to speak up? Are they the notorious "Sunshine Patriots" who are so reluctant to stand up and be counted? How can they turn a blind eye as the very foundation, on which the United States of America was so carefully built, is being dismantled?
    Norfolknet, a local E-forum, in my town, often features complaints and demands of "the other side", that is comprised of an apparently large representation of the Norfolk citizenry, who constantly want more--and the very best of it, at that--yet they don't seem to understand the meaning of being accountable and responsible for themselves; they don't want to pay for the benefits that they insist upon, but instead [...] insist that the entire community pay to support them and the lifestyle they profess is their right even though they also claim to be unable to afford. The most recent examples of subjects dealing with the lacking of personal responsibility is their inability to understand that everyone must pay their own way instead of one segment expecting to be allowed to feed off the general community. One matter has to do with free bus and other school services. Another is the insistence of transforming Norfolk into an imaginary life-sized Norman Rockwell or Thomas Kinkade postcard a clutter with dandy little shops and an endless list of every other whimsical artificial accouterment imaginable.
    Of all the patriotic writings, I've read, on true love of country, concern for its future, and on addressing national crisis, the words of clear thinkers like Thomas Paine deliver a resounding message that is as true today as when original put to pen. On December 23rd 1776, Thomas Paine wrote his first paper addressing the American Crisis. His articles are meant to address our nation, as a whole. My hometown of Norfolk Massachusetts is simply a microcosm of the dangers facing the entire United States, but if diligent Americans cannot stand together, in their own respective communities to repel the scourge that has fallen upon us, the United States of America collectively cannot survive as it was intended to be.
    I've placed an excerpt from that above-mentioned American Crisis article below. Of course, feel free to use your own imagination to substitute other words or expressions to replace words like Britain or Tory-after all, the spirit of the cursed threat from both is still with us.
    "THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as freedom should not be highly rated. Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to tax) but "to bind us in all cases whatsoever," and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth. Even the expression is impious; for so unlimited a power can belong only to God. . . .I have been tender in raising the cry against these men, and used numberless arguments to show them their danger, but it will not do to sacrifice a world either to their folly or their baseness. The period is now arrived, in which either they or we must change our sentiments, or one or both must fall. And what is a Tory? Good God! what is he? I should not be afraid to go with a hundred Whigs against a thousand Tories, were they to attempt to get into arms. Every Tory is a coward; for servile, slavish, self-interested fear is the foundation of Toryism; and a man under such influence, though he may be cruel, never can be brave."
    Sleep on this. God Bless America,
    - MT

  • 7/4 8:41pm   CS - Not so fast; I also serve, I also support the School Committee by attending meetings, attending Selectman and AC budget hearings for the schools and by voting. I will continue to be vocal about balancing the budget on the backs of a few. It is unfair and a burden and I, for one, resent it. I was not BTW, criticizing our SC, I was answering Mr. Manning's post and I do believe it is easy to advocate for a tax that you will never pay. Also, several of our SC members have spoken out against the parity of bus fees so I am not alone in my opposition. Happy 4th to you!
    - MJD

  • 7/4 1:09pm   MJD: I doubt that the School Committee members decided where in town they would live based on a potential tax for bus service. We should be thanking these people for volunteering their time, not unfairly criticizing them for trying to deal with a tough fiscal situation.
    Many people who post here regularly seem to view the Norfolk "glass as half empty" when criticizing our fellow citizens who are serving the town. We should give them the benefit of the doubt unless they demonstrate that they are not acting in the town's best interest. Putting up with the constant petty criticism would certainly dissuade me from considering a run for office in Norfolk.
    For now, I am going to leave the tea in my kitchen cabinet where it belongs... Happy Independence Day.
    - CS

  • 7/4 10:47am   Since there has been much discussion regarding the legality of the bus fee, I thought it might be helpful to clarify this point based upon my understanding of the current law here.
    It has been fairly well established that this type of bus fee does not run afoul of the Constitution. While it may make it more inconvenient to attend school, it does not effectively prevent children from being afforded the benefit. If, however, the lines were drawn on the basis of race or gender the analysis could be different, but that is never the case. In fact, even if it were shown that the law impacted only those with less economic means, this likely too would be ok since economic status is generally not a protected class under the Constitution. This 2-mile rule has been instituted throughout the US and has been rarely challenged. I'm sure town counsel has assured the School Committee that the fee is legal so long as it complies with the Mass law as written.
    While I think it's fair to discuss the fairness of a disproportionate bus fee, I think we all had our chance to weigh in on the issue when we voted on the override. The increased tax would have been spread among all Norfolk residents and would have been tax deductible as well (a bus fee obviously is not).
    The proposal of a bus fee is hardly a surprise. It was discussed last year and the School Committee made absolutely clear at town meeting that they would consider bus fees and even proposed it in lieu of an override along with earmarking certain prison mitigation funds for education. Logic only follows that they would consider it if the override failed. As Dean Manning points out, next year we are really in for a challenge as the state budget issues begin to weigh into the equation further.
    I don't want to begrudge anyone the opportunity to make their voice heard but I think it's clear that the fee is legal. You can probably guess that I am not opposed to paying a fee (as I was increased taxes) if some important services can be maintained. The discussion again comes down to paying a fee or sacraficing services and as I mentioned above, the discussion around proportional payment has already passed (with the override). At this point, accepting the reality of a bus fee, I am interested in discussing some of the mechanics around the busing issue/fees such as:
    1. If the School Committee did away with busing for those within 2-miles, what about families with one child at HOD and one at FC? One could imagine a situation where one child would be afforded busing while another could not.
    2. Has there been a discussion of a family cap for bus fees?
    3. For those who are concerned about ability to pay, perhaps the SC will consider a need waiver much like as is done with full day kindergarten.
    - LD

  • 7/3 11:12pm   Mr. Manning, that means that there is not a single member of the School Committee who would pay this bus tax. Does that sound like taxation without representation? In honor of Independence Day I say, bring on the tea!
    - MJD

  • 7/3 3:53pm   MJD, As discussed during our meeting last night the cuts currently stand as follows: 2 Spanish teachers 1 Health teacher 1 Assistant Principal 2 Classroom teachers At this time, in addition to the above, we still must cover approximately $148K of shortfall (after the cuts above and other adjustments made during the closing out of FY08). We have not voted to reduce or eliminate library at this time although it is at the top of our lists of consideration. If we were to cut bussing, again per state law, it would only be for children living within 2 miles of the school. We would still have to pay (and get reimbursed from the state) for children living outside the 2 mile radius. This would save approximately $307K but is still not equitable. Regarding your question about where I live, I think I'm outside the 2 mile radius (but am not sure). However, due to work schedules my children don't ride the bus either way.
    Regards,
    - Dean Manning, Norfolk School Committee Budget Sub-Committee Chair writing on my own behalf and not necessarily representing the views of other School Committee members or the board as a whole.

  • 7/3 3:52pm   Our friends at Comcast sent out a message that seven analog channels are changing to digital as of July 15, 2008. Apparently to receive them, we will need a Digital Converter Box, at the additional cost of $3.95 a month.
    * In order to continue to view the programming listed, you will need to subscribe to the digital package stated. Digital converter box and remote necessary to receive digital programming (current monthly service charge of $3.95) are not included. Not all programming and services available in all areas. Other restrictions apply. Call 1-800-COMCAST complete details. &copr;2008 Comcast. All rights reserved.
    That box is for standard definition; a high-definition box apparently costs more. Both phone lines to the Foxboro office were "not in service" when I called today.
    No live person was available on-line at www.comcastdigitalworld.com They will mail something to me to arrive in 5 to 7 business days.
    Has anyone been through the exercise of subscribing to the "digital starter" service, and getting a high-definition box, etc.?
    Incidently, Verizon FIOS TV is not available in the -384 area and Verizon could not say when it would be, as of today. (Ref FIOS office, 1-800-870-9999)
    - RH

  • 7/3 3:51pm   As a disclaimer, my children are no longer in elementary school and thus I would not be affected by the bus fee, however I am opposed to this fee.
    Not a lawyer but to add to the discussion on who would be effected by a bus fee, from the Mass DOE web site, it appear that theoretically anyone who lives over 2 miles from the school, but has a bus stop that is less than 1 mile from their house would not be entitled to "free bus" service. I could therefore live 2.9 miles from the school, have a bus stop which is .9 miles from my house, and would therefore not be entitled to "free bus" service.
    Additionally, one could argue that anyone could also be exempted within the 2 mile radius with the clause "Exceptions to this policy may be made when road conditions do not provide for the physical safety of the children".
    One could certainly argue that with no sidewalks the "road conditions do not provide for the physical safety of the children"
    The administrative cost of figuring out who is covered by not only the 2 miles, but taking into account all bus stops for each house in and of itself seems may be prohibitive. As written, a bus fee seams certainly ripe for challenge in a lawsuit, which would drain needed resources and $$.
    Just my 2 cents.
    [doe.mass.edu info]

    Eligibility

    All children in grades kindergarten through six who reside more than two miles from the school they are entitled to attend and the nearest school bus stop is more than one mile from their residence and all children residing in regional school districts in grades kindergarten through twelve. Exceptions to this policy may be made when road conditions do not provide for the physical safety of the children and when the health of students make this service essential.

    - DTJ

  • 7/3 3:50pm   Can anyone recommend a good interior house painter? We have a few rooms that need painting and we'd like to go with someone that is recommended. Thanks.
    - LL

  • 7/3 3:47pm   BA, Thank you very much for posting the law having to do with the town's responsibility regarding school transportation. I took your suggestion and I sent a letter Scott Brown and Richard Ross. I modified a few words but basically took the language that you wrote and used it. I have attached it below. [attachment here]
    I strongly urge all parents who have the same concerns to contact Mr. Ross and Mr. Brown and request ammending this law for the protection of our children. Please send your emails to Rep.RichardRoss@Hou.State.MA.US and Scott.P.Brown@state.ma.us
    - JG

  • 7/3 8:21am   Dear MJD: You are correct... I found online an exact duplicate of the spider that I almost bathed with the other day... thank you so much for taking the time to check it out; true neighborly fashion!!
    These spider are rather unsettling; quite large really... especially when one is au natural in a tub with one!! Cheerio, and a great 4th to you and yours!
    - PRR

  • 7/3 8:19am   Can someone tell me if they have had experience, good or bad, with Dewey Pest Control out of Hopedale for termites/carpenter ants? Thanks.
    - KB

  • 7/3 8:18am   Can we find out the amount the town pays the bus co. for the olive day and freeman kids?
    - DV

    [It was mentioned below as $410K - Wm.]

  • 7/3 8:17am   PR, if the 27% of voters who went to the polls had no knowledge that a bus fee could be imposed (a fact that is not provable or evident), it wan't due to lack of notice as the School Committee made it quite clear before the election, as noted on this page, that a fee could be imposed. And I'd hesitate to call it circumvention. The town elected this school committee which is in favor of the services that may be paid for with a bus fee that is within their legal authority to impose, just as the Town elected a Board of Selectmen, which annually treats the school committee budget as if it is the ugly stepchild of the family.
    - JT

  • 7/3 8:14am   As someone said - "Thanks, Google." Here, I think, is the relative law:
    CHAPTER 71. PUBLIC SCHOOLS

    SCHOOLHOUSES

    Chapter 71: Section 68. Duties of towns to maintain schools; transportation of children; school building committee representation

    Section 68. Every town shall provide and maintain a sufficient number of schoolhouses, properly furnished and conveniently situated for the accommodation of all children therein entitled to attend the public schools. If the distance between a child's residence and the school he is entitled to attend exceeds two miles and the nearest school bus stop is more than one mile from such residence, and the school committee declines to furnish transportation, the department, upon appeal of the parent or guardian of the child, may require the town to furnish transportation for children in grades kindergarten through six for a part or for all of the distance between said child's residence and the school...

    ... No school committee shall be compelled to furnish transportation on a private way. In the case of transportation provided to students that is not required by this section or by any other general or special law, a school committee may assess fees to the transported student up to an amount sufficient to cover the costs incurred by the district; provided, however, that no student eligible for free or reduced lunch, under the federal school lunch program, shall be required to pay the fee; and provided further, that a school committee may choose to exempt families at other income levels as it may determine...

    I, for one, love the fact that our legislature has ensured a method for the school committee to grab money by decree. Typical. Oh, and any of you living on a "Private Way" better watch out regardless of mileage.
    Anyway, as it is lawful for the School Committee to do exactly what is proposed, I guess we have to suck it up. However, I am going to contact Senator Brown and Representative Ross to see if they will help amend this law so that it reads "If the distance between a child's residence and the school he is entitled to attend exceeds two miles, or there are not sufficient walkways present in the municipality to safely allow students to walk" or something similar. I will keep everyone advised as to what responses I receive.
    <soapbox>And for full disclosure, my children would only have to walk about 1/4 of a mile without sidewalks, and that on a fairly calm road. Those whose routes would include Union, Rockwood, Cleveland, or North (to just name a few) would be crazy to let their kids walk to school. But again, it's not about the fee, it's about the patent unfairness of it and the method in which it will be installed. </soapbox>
    - BA

  • 7/3 8:11am   Mr. Manning, So you are saying that if we do not institute a bus fee that there will be further cuts? What else will be cut besides the library programs? Please be specific. How much money will be saved if you cut busing all together? Other towns have done it. It is a much more fair approach to solving the financial issue. No buses at all, we can share the sacrifice equally. Do you live within 2 miles, Mr. Manning?
    - MJD

    [The total cost was mentioned in the post as $410K, with $100K reimbursed by the state. - Wm.]

  • 7/2 2:07pm   Missing Cat! Orange and white tiger named Benjie (Benjamin) missing Sun, June 29 vicinity of Boardman / Old Mill / Standish. Very, very friendly. Blue collar with tag and bell. Please, if anyone has seen him - call 508-553-3977. Thank you for your help.
    - SO

    [Update 7/7 11:52am: Good News - the prodigal cat has returned. Benjie the orange tiger sauntered back into our lives looking fat and well-rested from his travels. Thanks to all. - SO]

  • 7/2 2:06pm   AL - The people have spoken loud and clear, in a landslide, for the town officials to make some tough decisions. I am sure no one went to the polls thinking the school committee would attempt to circumvent the system and invent a bus tax.
    - PR

  • 7/2 2:05pm   Today the animal control department euthanized a raccoon showing signs of rabies on Holbrook Street. Please take this time to make sure all your pets vaccinations are up to date.
    - HNC

  • 7/2 12:10pm   Spiders - Does anyone know what kind of household spiders are likely to bite humans? And what are the effects of a spider bite? I was bitten by something while sleeping - a rash of bites on the inside of one knee, resulting in painful and very itchy, red marks, swelling and bruises, which lasted for over a week. Around the same time, while working on the computer, I was bitten by something behind my ear with the same result, minus the bruising. They were not mosquito bites. Do these sound like spider bites? We don't have any mice, fleas or bedbugs, but we do have spiders. Thanks.
    - SO

  • 7/2 12:08pm   TO: PRB: It struck me as odd that you are more concerned with a lawsuit than a child getting injured.
    - SD

  • 7/2 12:07pm   Much of the discussion about bus fees is missing the point. There is no expectation that kids will walk to school. The expectation is that you will pay the fee. The fact that it isn't safe to walk to the schools is just another lever to increase the revenue from the fee. State law does not allow the town to charge a bus fee for grades K-6 that are more than 2 miles, nor does it allow regional districts to charge at all. You were unwilling to pay for an override, so now you have to pay the fee. Get over it.
    - AL

  • 7/2 12:04pm   Mr. Garven and the Norfolknet community, the issue of charging bus fees or eliminating buses is something that the Norfolk School Committee is currently considering and struggling with. We have been contemplating and actively discussing it at our meetings and with the public at several special meetings for the past 18 months. It is not a decision we take lightly.
    First of all, an update on the current situation: a decision has not been made at this time. We are hoping to bring our new Superintendent on board as quickly as possible so they can be a part of the discussion of how we close the funding gap created by a lack of adequate funding from the town and the subsequent failed override. The Norfolk Elementary Schools have been funded at an average of 1.9 percent for the past three years while most other departments have been funded at an average exceeding 5 percent. In addition, as has been pointed out on this board, we need your input and honestly want to understand the parents perspective that such a fee or bussing elimination will impose. The issues facing us now are do we charge fees for transportation (within 2 miles), eliminate it altogether (within 2 miles), or cut further programs? At the moment we have already cut the Spanish program (2 teachers), the Health program (1 teacher), 1 Assistant Principal, and 2 classroom teachers. At this time the cost of such a fee has also not been set. We have discussed fees ranging from $200 to $600 per child ($600 represents the actual full cost to bus a student for the year). The cost of such a fee is dependent on how much of the $307K we currently pay to transport students within two miles we need to recover and our expectation of how many students will pay the fee and ride the bus versus find other means to get to school. In addition details such as discounts for additional children, payment plans, one way plans, etc. have not been worked out.
    Next, the issue of the 2 mile radius needs some clarity. This is a state law; we have zero control over it. I sincerely wish we could change the situation so any transportation impact would be spread equally over all parties, but we cannot legally do so. I have suggested in the past and will continue to do so that if a fee is chosen as an option that we request families that live outside the 2 mile radius to voluntarily donate the same amount to the Norfolk Elementary Education Fund. Of course this is still not equitable since a family that lives within 2 miles would have to pay the fee to use the bus and those outside it would not and any donation is purely voluntary. Again this is a state law that dictates the distance and governs the funding the state provides to Norfolk for this expense. We currently pay over $410K for bussing and the state reimburses us for approximately $100K, which is the proportion of children that live more than 2 miles away from the school they attend by the most commonly travelled route.
    Lastly, the issue of lack of sidewalks and potentially putting children at risk needs to be discussed. The town of Norfolk decided several times at town meetings in the past 3-4 years that it does not want sidewalks by voting down funding for them. We all wish we had them as it would make our decision easier. The Norfolk School Committee is very concerned about the safety of all children in town. The bottom line, however, in my opinion is that the decisions made affecting getting a child to school safely is ultimately the parents' responsibility. The schools (or transportation companies) liability starts when they step onto the bus or when they step onto school grounds during school hours. If we could afford to pay for bussing without further impacts to instruction we would and the decision parents face would continue to be easy since putting a child on a bus is the least risky way to get them to school (but this is still a choice the parents make).
    Looking ahead, the next budget year starting in July 2009 will be worse and I fully anticipate that if we are able to avoid imposing transportation fees or eliminating busses (again only within 2 miles) this year, such a move will be required next year. There are no easy answers, we hope to make decisions by the middle of July and continue to welcome your input.
    Regards,
    - Dean Manning, Chair of the Budget Sub-Committee for the Norfolk School Committee and writing on my own behalf, statements made do not necessarily reflect those of other Committee members or the Committee as a whole.

  • 7/2 10:03am   We need your help!! NLYS is looking for a volunteer to fill the U4 (under 4 years old) Division Manager's position on the board. The person filling this position would be responsible for putting the teams together and would be the main contact person for the coaches/assistants in that division. If interested, please call 508-520-0163 or email norfolklionssoccer@verizon.net for more information.
    Registration fees for all children of board members are waived!
    - HK

  • 7/2 10:01am   Mr. Garven, MW and TRK - You all have great points. Please send your e-mails to the School Committee. It's great to post here but I think that they need you to send them directly to them consideration. Just cut and paste, add the address below and hit send. Thanks! schoolcommittee@norfolk.k12.ma.us
    - MJD

  • 7/2 10:00am   I've got it! The kids who live within two miles of schools but don't have access to safe sidewalks can walk in front of the street sweeper, therefore making it impossible for any cars to go over 10 mph, and ultimately, safe for the kids to walk. Come on! It is absolutely ridiculous to expect kids to walk to school where there are no sidewalks. Remember a couple years ago in Boston when a child was hit because the sidewalks were cleared of snow? We are just tempting fate if this is required.
    To address some other points that have been raised on this issue, I teach in a town where there are bus fees for students living within the 2 mile range, but there are also sidewalks. When the bus fees were introduced, many parents started using the car pick-up line because they did not feel safe having their kids walk to school, and we now have headaches with that (it can take up to 35 minutes to wait in line to get your child). Of course, those are usually the parents whose (non) work schedules allow them to be available in the morning for 1/2 hour or afternoon for 1/2 hour to save the hundreds of dollars in bus fees. Other parents are either paying the bus fees, a babysitter to wait in that line, or after-care. So in the end, everyone is sacrificing-either it's a one income family with a stay-at-home parent, or they have to pay someone else to transport their kids. I wonder if the layout at either HOD or Freeman would accommodate the number of parents who would choose to drop off/pick up rather than pay.
    Also, as far ``paying tuition'' to attend a public school, my school system did just that: we have a full day kindergarten option for $4000 per child (imagine having twins or triplets), or, the option of 1/2 day K with many parents still needing 1/2 day childcare. I am amazed at how many parents pay the $4000 after doing all the calculations of 1/2 day + childcare. We can't even offer 1/2 day in our building this year because not enough parents wanted it, so we're paying to bus those 6 kids to another school to complete a class. Talk about segregating the haves from the have-nots (though I'm sure some parents choose philosophically to do 1/2 day).
    My point is, people end up paying one way or another: through an override, a fee, childcare, the loss of an income to have a parent available or the services that will be lost at the schools if no revenue is found. It is impossible to have a one income family these days and it is impossible to have two working parents. It is impossible to feel safe having your kids walk to school not knowing what creeps might be out there. It is impossible to feel safe having them on a bus with bullies. It is a much different world today.
    One final thought: so if I decide to pay for the bus to pick up my kids within the 2 mile range, but several of my neighbors do not (they walk or drive) does it cost less for the bus to drive to only my house and not pick up their kids? No, the cost to run the is the same regardless of how many kids get on it.
    - RD

  • 7/2 9:49am   If I recall the Police Chief was quoted as saying children walking to school without sidewalks would be dangerous. Imagine the lawsuit that would result if a child was injured.
    - PRB

  • 7/2 7:59am   HC: Yes, our water was brown yesterday during the late afternoon and evening. Seems ok this morning.
    - MP

  • 7/2 7:41am   Two concerns I have with the current 'bus fee' issue in town.
    One; safety is an issue. Neighborhoods or streets where sidewalks do not exist should not be considered for no bus service. It's ludicrous to put children on the sides of streets as they walk to school. They may walk there anyway, but without sidewalks they have no choice. That's not safe.
    Two; those faced with bus fees and do have sidewalks their children can walk on need to get off the soapbox and lower the threat threshold. I get the feeling there are some in this category out there who are complaining because of the fee. Sorry, but you'll need to get over it. If lawsuits threatened so far are based solely on a desire not to pay the fee, there is sufficient precedent out there in the land of Massachusetts school systems to show that things may not go your way. A quick search this morning (good 'ol Google) brought up an article from 2003 that stated the following:
    "Almost a third of the 290 Massachusetts school districts are charging bus fees, from a low of $50 per child in Rockport to as much as $325 per student in Belmont. Just in the last three years, Barnstable, Belchertown, Natick, Northampton, Carlisle, Haverhill, Saugus, and Stoughton all imposed bus fees."
    That's a third of all the systems 5 years ago. And things have probably changed since then. A big-time change is the economy, insecurity felt on the part of town residents that their jobs will be there tomorrow, the inability of town residents (any town) to pay increased taxes to support town services, and cut-backs in those same town services due to..., well.., less money to work with. Norfolk is not alone in seeking fees for services that used to be considered part of what we paid taxes to get. There are a lot of towns struggling with this dilemma.
    Unless there is a proven absence of a safe walking route for children living in a certain area, I don't think a lawsuit will gain anything. If there is no safe route for these same children, town and school administrators should be engaged in some serious rethinking.
    In determining where bus service can affordably be provided, a line has to be drawn somewhere, and somebody ain't gonna be happy. That's life. In determining where bus service can be cancelled, safe walking routes should trump the money thing.
    - TRK

  • 7/2 7:40am   Does anyone have a Thule rooftop cargo box that I could rent for a week? We're going to the beach and have just realized that if we pack everything, we have to leave the children behind. Please email me at workingparentsnorfolk@hotmail.com. Thanks!
    - KID

  • 7/2 7:37am   I am glad that some residents had the choice to decide to move to Norfolk and pay the high taxes. Some of us moved here before the taxes were considered out of this world. So what do we do? It wasn't a choice for us. If we are going to make children walk, then the town needs to put sidewalks in. I have no problem getting rid of the bus as long as there are safe sidewalks for our children to walk on. Which will be more expensive? Installing sidewalks all over town? or providing the bus for all students? I cannot afford the bus fee for all my children on top of everything else that has gone up in such a short period of time. Wait until we all have to heat our homes this winter and get those fuel bills! I will not be paying a bus fee regardless of the town's decision. My children will just have to stay home... I will choose to home school. Will I then get a tax credit for not using the school system?? After all, it's only fair. If those taxpayers that don't use the bus don't have to pay for it, Why should I pay towards the school system if I don't use it? (just proving a point... I don't really feel that way) I am a big school supporter. I just believe that we need to make smarter, more sensible choices for our schools.
    I was under the impression that public school was for all, regardless of income. If the town is going to charge students to ride the bus, and it seriously effects a child's ability to get to school each day, you might as well just start charging tuition to attend public school. Is that legal? Those who can afford it will get a Norfolk education, those who can't get there will just fend for themselves. My children have a right to attend school regardless of my ability to pay the bus fee. My children will not be walking down Union street to the town center. It's much too dangerous for an adult, how could anyone think that it would be safe for elementary school children? The same is true for other main roads around town. I also feel that the 2 mile radius is ridiculous. I grew up in a city where we all walked to school. The keyword here is "city". Walking even one block on a winding, narrow road could be considered more dangerous than walking over 2 miles on lesser traveled roads or roads with sidewalks. My oldest did just that when he attended the middle school. I cannot count the number of close calls that he had walking to school each day. There is no bus stop for the kids who live along King street from Chickadee to Union Street. While it's true that other towns have eliminated their buses, I am willing to bet that those towns have a denser population and are heavily sidewalked. For those of you who have raised children in Norfolk, or in any other public school system... I 'll tell you what I tell my children's own grandparents. "When your children attended school, somebody else in town (without children) paid taxes and helped to fund your children's education... Now it's your turn to help the younger generation."
    I know how hard times are right now for those on a fixed income, but we are talking about a very basic thing here... not a fancy school that we don't need or sprucing up the town center. I would never ask those in need to pay for something like that. But this is about providing ALL children with a chance for an education. Not just those that can pay for it. I really believe that buses are a necessity.
    - MW

  • 7/1 10:26pm  
    Dear Norfolk School Committee members:

    I believe that the school bus fee proposal should apply equally to all students who ride the bus system, regardless of where they live. This, in my opinion, is the only fair and equitable way to handle this situation.

    Children living within the two mile radius of a school are considered living within walking distance to the schools. In Norfolk this is not the case. Because there are a lack of sidewalks, safe roads and no crossing guards, it is irresponsible and in fact dangerous for this school committe to suggest that students within this "zone" have the option to walk to school. I am concerned for the safety of all students living within the two mile radius. I am also concerned that the town could potentially open itself up to tort liability should a student be injured or killed while walking to school.

    All students need to be treated equally in this town and not be discriminated against based soley on where they live. I strongly urge you to reconsider your position on the bus fee issue.

    Sincerely,

    Jonathan Garven
    [...]
    Norfolk

  • 7/1 10:23pm   Is anyone else having "brown" water issues this afternoon?
    - HC

  • 7/1 10:22pm   Looking for someone who does dogsitting. I know it is last minute, but possiblly for the night of the Fourth. Please call Keri at (508)847-6191 or email me at romanokeri@netscape.net. Thanks,
    - KR

  • 7/1 8:42pm   MJ - I'm into my second year of commuting via motor scooter. I will use it through the winter as long as there are no snow banks, ice or threat of snow. Fun, fun fun! My commute is 4 miles from home, to Medway. I have ridden it to the Guild Building in Norwood, for appointments, up to HD in Bellingham, and often swing over to 109 for groceries, etc. after work.
    It's easy to maintain, park, and ride. I register it at RMV for 2 years ($40.00). A regular driver's license and a DOT helmet is required. It can go on any road, except major highways. Mine gets about 99 miles to the gallon, and I think most of them are close to that. I purchased mine from Red Streak, on Rte 1, near the Walpole/Norwood line(N bound).
    Oh! dare I say it - I'm 65 years old, and my kids think I'm a nut case, but they aren't paying for the gas in my guzzler!
    - LAW

  • 7/1 8:40pm   JG - the fee suggested at the hearing was $209 per rider. That would cost you $418 extra this coming school year, but only if you live within two miles of school. I do not know if it would be a one-time fee or if it could be paid in installments.
    Please send your suggestion about the daily use to the School Committee members. Right now I think it's an all-or-nothing proposal. The School Committee really does want to hear your creative solutions to our budget shortfall problems so e-mail them at schoolcommittee@norfolk.k12.ma.us and tell them what you think about the bus fee idea.
    - MJD

  • 7/1 8:40pm   MJ: My husband has a chiropractic office on Exchange St. in Millis and every time I drive there I notice the used car place/mechanic shop is one scooter (brand new ones) less on the lot. I forget the name of the company but they are located directly on the corner of Rt 109 and Exchange St. I remember seeing 9 new scooters and now there seem to be one or two.
    - HC

  • 7/1 5:49pm   Does anyone know if Swett Beach is open again this year? It used to be a public beach for Wrentham and Norfolk and Plainville residents could buy a pass. I looked on the Wrentham Town website and the last reference to it is from 2006. There also used to be a policy that it was free to residents from the three towns after 4 p.m. Any idea?
    [And, in a follow-up:]
    The answer to the question is as follows: The beach is open to Norfolk residents for $4 per person for a day pass or $100.00 per season for a family. It is open Mon-Sun 10am-7pm. It closes for the season at the end of August.
    - MJD

  • 7/1 5:48pm   Scooter Advice? I'm seriously considering a scooter for back-road commute to work in Norwood every day. It's looking like it will save about a gallon of gas a day (1.5 gal by car vs. 0.5 gal by scooter). I am looking at the Yamaha Vino 125cc (which lists about $2600 new), or something like it. I think anything smaller will be dangerously too slow. I also want to look at used. Can anybody point me to a reputable dealer or other resource and/or advice about the pros and cons of scooting? Thanks.
    - MJ

  • 7/1 5:47pm   Does anyone have a T-Mobile cell phone that they are looking to get rid of? I can't get an upgrade with T-Mobile until September and my phone is about to die.
    Anything that rings would work just fine.
    Thanks!
    - SH

  • 7/1 5:45pm   To those of you upset about the possibility of bus fees, there is a feedback form available at the SC page of Virtual Norfolk or you can e-mail the SC directly in any form at schoolcommittee@norfolk.k12.ma.us If the SC does not know how you feel, they will not be able to properly represent your interests. I was one of three parents who attended the bus fee hearing a month ago (BTW, it was poorly advertised in my opinion). I think, however, that it is great that the feedback period was extended. Please e-mail Ross, Marie, John, Dean and Beth directly. Explain why it is a hardship for you to pay the fee or that you won't let your kids walk with no sidewalks or that you already paid and should not have to pay twice, whatever you issue is with this potential fee. If you love the idea of bus fees, tell them that instead. They can not accept your feedback from Norfolknet so although it's great to share our thoughts here it is only official if you e-mail the SC directly or fill out the form and return it. Thanks.
    - MJD

  • 7/1 5:40pm   Re: In-ground pump problems - You might want to shop around, asking what a new pump would cost. Dave of Dave's Pump Co. replaced a pressure tank for us last year. Cost of a similar tank at Home Depot: $140., approximately. Cost of his job, total, $850. Thus the cost of soldering a few copper pipes, etc., was about $710, and the soldering workmanship was marginal. I would go to a regular plumber the next time I needed anything done.
    - [Name withheld - Wm.]

  • 7/1 5:39pm   PRR- Look up Nursery Web spider. Here is a picture I pulled from the web. She looks like the spider you dispatched. There are several types an they do not all look like the one on your bathtub. Here is what the description said...
    Nursery Web Spiders

    These spiders attract much attention due to their large size as they can have a leg span of 3 inches. Many are earth tone colored.

    Nursery web spiders typically live near lakes and streams, but occasionally are found indoors in moist areas. Many can run over the surface of water and, if chased, dive and stay submerged for some time. They hunt day and night for aquatic insects and even small fish. They are sometimes commonly called fishing spiders.

    The sole use of their silk webbing is for the egg sac. The female uses her mouthparts to carry the egg sac under her body until the spiderlings are ready to emerge. She then fastens the egg sac to some leaves and encloses it within a "nursery" web, where the spiderlings remain until they are ready to disperse. The female stands guard near the nursery web to protect her young.

    - MJD

  • 7/1 5:37pm   I live within 2 miles of both elementary schools and I have a child that will be going to each of those schools this fall.
    I am not clear about how much this will end up costing me. Does anyone know the proposed fee per child?
    Is there a break if you have two or more kids in the schools? Would the fee be paid in lump sum or can it be spread out throughout the year?
    Also, if we decide not to use the bus service and save the money, is there a program where you pay to ride for only the days you use the bus? For instance if I cannot pick up my kids one day, can they take the bus and pay a fee for daily usage? Kind of like the lunch program. You pay $2 per lunch. Just wondering. That option may be better for us.
    - JG

  • 7/1 5:35pm   To: LMM... thanks, but... from what I could see... this spider looked nothing like a wolf spider. Any other suggestions?
    To: LMM. On second thought, perhaps I will do some more research re: wolf spiders... Thanks.
    To: LMM Okay, did my research... not a wolf spider... next, but thanks all the same... PRR
    - PRR

  • 7/1 5:34pm   1. Did you vote for Gov? BA: Yes, I did.
    2. Did you vote in the two recent town elections? BA: Yes, because of my work schedule (I often travel Monday through Friday), I voted by absentee ballot. And as someone asked - I voted for both overrides.
    3. Did you attend ANY days of the town meeting? BA: I am doing my best to make our ends meet, so my work schedule did not allow me to attend Town Meeting.
    4. Do you attend school committee meeting (or any town meeting)? BA: See the above, please.
    5. Did you complete and return the bus fee survey from the school committee(its not too late)? BA: To my knowledge, I did not receive such a survey. Now if the brains of the outfit (my wife) received such a thing, I am sure she completed it.
    I doubt you are the first to consider legal action against a town for charging a bus fee so do your homework first. Hey, here is a better idea, eliminate the school bus altogether. Oh, that's been done too. Yep, Randolph did that a year or two ago. BA: I am all for that, too! At least it would apply equally to all.
    I have always been very politically active in local, state, and national politics. While I consider Town Meeting an antiquated way of running a town (given the nature of employment these days and that so many travel), I respect the institution and abide by its rulings. But as I understand the bus fee, it is a fiat, not a vote.
    Thanks for your interest in my civics life!
    - BA

  • 7/1 9:40am   PRR: I think you have a wolf spider. We have found many in our house over the years. There is lots of information on the web but this site may give you a brief introduction to your former tub-mate. [okstate.edu wolfspider page]
    - LMM

  • 7/1 8:31am   The Animal Control department has joined the Country Supply charitable donation program. If you purchase your dog, horse and farm supplies from their web site, 5% of the total purchase is donated to the Animal Control Gift Account. I realize there are some horse and dog people who read Norfolknet and I'm sure there are plenty out there who may see something in their gifts, farm supplies, and apparel sections that they would like to purchase. Doing so through Country Supply can help us give the extra care to the strays that come in. Our code at check out is NorfolkAC . Country Supply website is countrysupply.com as well as horse.com. Thank You
    - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control

  • 7/1 8:30am   Just for the record, BA, did you vote for or against (or not at all) regarding the the recent override?
    - TEM

  • 7/1 8:29am   To RP: Your problem has a familiar ring to it. You might need a new pump. Call Dave's Pump Company in Wrentham (508-883-7959). We have used him for years. He's trustworthy and experienced.
    - TEM

  • 7/1 8:28am   BA, Well said and thank you for clarifying what I tried to say.
    - DWL

  • 7/1 8:27am   Re: 6/30 9:11pm RP - In-ground pump problem. You might have the underground cable going out to the well head inspected or replaced. The ambient temperature at the pump probably stays fairly constant, as it is down the well and immersed in water. The rising ambient air temp of 85 degrees might affect the power cable where it rises to the well head and then turns and heads down to the pump. It could be shorting to the well casing at the point where it turns. Be sure that there is a lightning arrestor for the pump circuit, as that might protect your pump from a lightning strike at a nearby power pole. It might be necessary to pull up your pump and replace the power wires, as there normally is some rotational motion transmitted to the plastic water pipe when the motor kicks on, and the wires can rub against the well casing, abrading the wire insulation and shorting. That would not be related to the air temperature, though.
    - RH

  • 7/1 8:26am   Bus fee discussants, have a few questions that are somewhat off topic.
    1. Did you vote for Gov?
    2. Did you vote in the two recent town elections?
    3. Did you attend ANY days of the town meeting?
    4. Do you attend school committee meeting (or any town meeting)?
    5. Did you complete and return the bus fee survey from the school committee(its not too late)?
    I doubt you are the first to consider legal action against a town for charging a bus fee so do your homework first. Hey, here is a better idea, eliminate the school bus altogether. Oh, that's been done too. Yep, Randolph did that a year or two ago.
    - KL

  • 7/1 8:23am   Can anyone tell me what kind of spider this is? I found it in my bathtub as I was about to get in... It was a very large spider, not one that you would want to bathe with... hence why it is now missing a leg... It has gone on to the spider heaven... I took lots of photos of it to memorialize it.
    I was thinking it might be a brown recluse and after googling I discovered that there are actually 11 different native species of the brown spider in the US. They are usually found farther south, but they have been known to be brought into this state. There are many myths about the brown recluse spider. One cannot always identify it by the assumed violin design on top. They are sometimes called "Violin or Fiddleback Spiders because SOME species have a violin-like mark on the top of the cephalothorax." But the key point is that colored markings are not a definitive identifier. The eyes, the six eyes, that is usually the give-away feature. I also read that, "Although there are suspected variations in virulence among the species, all Loxosceles spiders should be considered potentially capable of producing dermonecrosis to some extent. (Arachnids Submitted as Suspected Brown Recluse Spiders (Araneae: Sicariidae): Loxosceles Spiders Are Virtually Restricted to Their Known Distributions but Are Perceived to Exist Throughout the United States)..."
    I studied my photos, of which I took many... and saw that there were actually, four eyes on top and then two on the bottom, but the body confused me... also, I don't know... What is this spider... I didn't want to murder it... but, hey, my bath tub is off limits... especially when I am in it! Thanks!
    - PRR

  • 7/1 8:20am   Calm down CS and the soon to be followers sharing the sentiment. There is some humor sprinkled in there.
    Assuming you heard the one about the Norfolk townie who made it out of town for the first time when he enrolled at KP High? He gets to campus and asks "Where's the library at?" The Principal tells him "Here at KP we don't end our sentences with prepositions." And you know how the rest goes.
    So about the tricked out ambulance lights... Consider the following possible reality. There are 2 ambulance manufacturers, Acme and AAA. Acme builds ambulances only for Massachusetts towns, and every nut and bolt is built exactly to state specs. Acme builds 1,000 ambulances a year, and sells them for $50,000. AAA builds ambulances for 50 states. Using a single production model, they built to the highest specification, from all 50 states, for every single component. AAA builds 100,000 ambulances per year, and sells them for $40,000.
    With these possibilities, Norfolk could have purchased an ambulance which exceeds the state specifications in every single category for less money than buying one which only met state specifications.
    What's my point? I know absolutely nothing about what the town did or did not pay for the ambulance. I know absolutely nothing about the specifications. I would venture to guess that not a single reader, save for the fire chief, knows any of these details either. Yet these examples/observations/premises, however you'd like to term them, are constantly used here to "document" the waste and mismanagement of tax dollars, and therefore used as fodder for the let's-teach-them-a-lesson-crowd.
    Substitute tricked-out-ambulance-lights for any issue we have faced lately and we've got similar examples posted here. And, I am extremely disappointed and disheartened that we will not be able to adequately fund basic school curriculums or improve the public safety infrastructure for our own benefit, in large part (my opinion) to this sentiment. Not just on this site, but at town meeting, at DD, and everywhere else you go. What's worse is that it's progressed to the next step of let's cut EMS/ALS, let's cut street sweeping, let's cut the town from defending itself against lawsuits, let's cut the road repair, and on and on.
    I would personally prefer to have less money in my pocket and live in a nicer community than the opposite. This will ultimately pay you a dividend in the form of increased home values, and you'll come out ahead financially. But I am obviously in the minority here with these beliefs.
    - JH

  • 7/1 8:17am   Norfolk Lions Youth Soccer Opening Day - Sunday, September 7th Mark your calendars - this is a free event for all Lions Soccer players and their families!
    - HK

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